our_o thought_n and_o heart_n too_o earnest_o upon_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o we_o must_v imitate_v the_o thessalonian_o in_o behalf_n of_o who_o st._n paul_n thank_v god_n because_o when_o they_o receive_v the_o word_n of_o god_n which_o they_o hear_v of_o he_o they_o receive_v it_o not_o as_o the_o word_n of_o man_n but_o as_o it_o be_v in_o truth_n the_o word_n of_o god_n 1_o thes_n 2.13_o that_o be_v we_o must_v entertain_v the_o gospel_n as_o that_o which_o have_v infallible_a truth_n in_o all_o its_o doctrine_n uncontrollable_a authority_n in_o all_o its_o precept_n a_o divine_a certainty_n in_o all_o its_o promise_n and_o threat_n and_o a_o divine_a wisdom_n in_o all_o its_o counsel_n and_o direction_n and_o he_o that_o thus_o believe_v will_v certain_o find_v the_o gospel_n to_o work_v effectual_o in_o he_o as_o it_o do_v in_o the_o thessalonian_o what_o light_n and_o beauty_n will_v he_o discern_v in_o all_o its_o description_n of_o our_o duty_n what_o force_n in_o all_o its_o persuasion_n what_o majesty_n what_o dignity_n what_o life_n what_o power_n what_o consolation_n what_o support_n in_o one_o word_n what_o heavenly_a virtue_n will_v he_o discern_v in_o each_o part_n of_o it_o and_o what_o vast_a and_o unfathomable_a wisdom_n in_o the_o whole_a composure_n and_o contrivance_n of_o it_o how_o will_v he_o then_o admire_v it_o how_o will_v he_o love_v it_o how_o will_v he_o study_v it_o how_o will_v he_o delight_v in_o it_o how_o will_v he_o be_v transport_v by_o the_o promise_n and_o awe_v by_o the_o threat_n of_o it_o how_o will_v he_o be_v pierce_v and_o strike_v through_o by_o those_o exaggeration_n of_o sin_n and_o captive_v and_o enamour_v by_o those_o lively_a and_o divine_a description_n of_o virtue_n he_o meet_v in_o it_o how_o will_v he_o adore_v the_o goodness_n of_o god_n conspicuous_a in_o our_o redemption_n how_o will_v he_o be_v inflame_v with_o the_o love_n of_o jesus_n and_o be_v amaze_v at_o his_o condescension_n and_o humility_n this_o and_o much_o more_o be_v the_o natural_a effect_n of_o our_o receive_v the_o gospel_n as_o we_o ought_v and_o ponder_v the_o truth_n of_o it_o with_o devout_a and_o incessant_a meditation_n this_o the_o royal_a psalmist_n be_v abundant_o sensible_a of_o thy_o word_n have_v i_o hide_v in_o my_o heart_n that_o i_o may_v not_o sin_v against_o thou_o psal_n 119.11_o thou_o through_o thy_o commandment_n have_v make_v i_o wise_a than_o my_o enemy_n for_o they_o be_v ever_o with_o i_o i_o have_v more_o understanding_n than_o all_o my_o teacher_n for_o thy_o testimony_n be_v my_o meditation_n ver_fw-la 98._o to_o which_o i_o may_v add_v many_o other_o verse_n out_o of_o that_o psalm_n contain_v the_o various_a and_o mighty_a effect_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n nor_o will_v any_o one_o think_v that_o i_o attribute_v too_o much_o to_o the_o study_n of_o this_o word_n of_o life_n who_o shall_v consider_v that_o it_o be_v one_o of_o the_o great_a work_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n to_o incline_v our_o heart_n to_o the_o testimony_n of_o god_n to_o write_v his_o law_n in_o our_o heart_n to_o dispose_v we_o to_o attend_v to_o reveal_v truth_n and_o in_o one_o word_n to_o fix_v our_o mind_n and_o thought_n upon_o they_o 2._o since_o the_o spirit_n together_o with_o the_o gospel_n be_v a_o joint_a principle_n of_o regeneration_n and_o perfection_n it_o be_v manifest_a that_o we_o ought_v to_o live_v in_o a_o continual_a dependence_n upon_o god_n he_o must_v be_v our_o hope_n and_o confidence_n in_o the_o day_n of_o trial_n he_o must_v be_v our_o praise_n and_o boast_v in_o the_o day_n of_o victory_n and_o in_o the_o day_n of_o peace_n when_o we_o lie_v down_o and_o when_o we_o rise_v up_o we_o must_v say_v with_o the_o psalmist_n it_o be_v thou_o lord_n that_o make_v i_o dwell_v in_o safety_n psal_n 1.4_o we_o must_v look_v upon_o ourselves_o as_o surround_v by_o enemy_n and_o besiege_v by_o spiritual_a danger_n as_o david_n be_v by_o temporal_a and_o as_o he_o in_o the_o one_o so_o must_v we_o in_o the_o other_o expect_v strength_n and_o salvation_n from_o he_o through_o god_n we_o shall_v do_v valiant_o for_o he_o it_o be_v that_o shall_v tread_v down_o our_o enemy_n psal_n 60.12_o many_o nation_n compass_v i_o round_o about_o but_o in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n i_o will_v destroy_v they_o and_o when_o we_o have_v conquer_v temptation_n and_o rout_v the_o power_n of_o darkness_n we_o must_v ascribe_v all_o not_o to_o our_o own_o strength_n nor_o to_o our_o own_o watchfulness_n but_o to_o the_o grace_n and_o the_o power_n of_o god_n if_o the_o lord_n himself_o have_v not_o be_v on_o our_o side_n now_o may_v israel_n say_v if_o the_o lord_n himself_o have_v not_o be_v on_o our_o side_n when_o the_o legion_n of_o hell_n combine_v with_o the_o world_n and_o flesh_n against_o we_o they_o have_v swallow_v we_o up_o alive_a psal_n 124.1_o 2_o 3._o now_o many_o will_v be_v the_o happy_a effect_n of_o this_o dependence_n upon_o god_n we_o shall_v be_v passionate_o desirous_a of_o his_o presence_n of_o his_o grace_n and_o favour_n we_o shall_v dress_v and_o prepare_v our_o soul_n we_o shall_v awaken_v and_o dispose_v all_o our_o faculty_n to_o receive_v he_o we_o shall_v ever_o do_v the_o thing_n that_o may_v invite_v and_o prevail_v with_o he_o to_o abide_v with_o we_o we_o shall_v be_v apprehensive_a of_o his_o forsake_v we_o as_o the_o great_a evil_n that_o can_v befall_v we_o lift_v up_o your_o head_n o_o you_o gate_n and_o be_v you_o lift_v up_o you_o everlasting_a door_n and_o the_o king_n of_o glory_n shall_v come_v in_o awake_v o_o my_o soul_n raise_v thyself_o above_o this_o world_n and_o flesh_n that_o thou_o may_v be_v fit_a for_o the_o king_n of_o glory_n to_o dwell_v in_o thou_o who_o be_v the_o king_n of_o glory_n the_o lord_n strong_a and_o mighty_a the_o lord_n mighty_a in_o battle_n that_o holy_a spirit_n that_o subdue_v our_o enemy_n that_o strengthen_v we_o with_o might_n and_o fill_v we_o with_o courage_n and_o holy_a alacrity_n psal_n 24.7_o 8._o nor_o do_v the_o psalmist_n prepare_v his_o soul_n for_o god_n by_o meditation_n only_o and_o spiritual_a recollection_n and_o soliloquy_n but_o by_o a_o careful_a and_o circumspect_a regulation_n of_o all_o his_o action_n psal_n 101.2_o 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 earnest_o do_v he_o pray_v against_o god_n forsake_v he_o psal_n 51.11_o cast_v i_o not_o away_o from_o thy_o presence_n and_o take_v not_o thy_o holy_a spirit_n from_o i_o the_o result_n of_o all_o this_o must_v needs_o be_v steadfastness_n and_o growth_n in_o holiness_n and_o goodness_n for_o first_o this_o be_v the_o natural_a influence_n of_o such_o a_o dependence_n upon_o god_n it_o place_v we_o as_o always_o before_o he_o and_o make_v we_o walk_v humble_o and_o circumspect_o as_o become_v those_o that_o be_v awe_v by_o the_o presence_n of_o so_o holy_a a_o majesty_n i_o have_v set_v the_o lord_n always_o before_o i_o because_o he_o be_v at_o my_o right-hand_a i_o shall_v not_o be_v move_v psal_n 16.1_o second_o we_o can_v doubt_v but_o that_o god_n will_v plentiful_o bestow_v his_o grace_n on_o those_o who_o thus_o rely_v upon_o he_o for_o where_o can_v he_o bestow_v it_o with_o more_o advantage_n to_o his_o glory_n or_o to_o the_o propagation_n of_o holiness_n both_o which_o be_v so_o dear_a to_o he_o who_o be_v a_o subject_n more_o capable_a of_o it_o or_o who_o can_v be_v better_o entitle_v to_o it_o than_o he_o who_o thus_o depend_v upon_o god_n as_o he_o beg_v it_o humble_o and_o receive_v it_o thankful_o so_o he_o will_v husband_n it_o careful_o and_o employ_v it_o zealous_o §_o 3._o in_o prayer_n meditation_n and_o other_o instrumental_a duty_n of_o religion_n we_o be_v to_o aim_v at_o one_o or_o all_o of_o these_o three_o thing_n 1._o the_o quicken_a and_o enliven_a the_o conscience_n 2._o the_o confirm_v and_o strengthen_v our_o resolution_n of_o obedience_n 3._o the_o raise_v and_o keep_v up_o holy_a and_o devout_a affection_n great_a be_v the_o benefit_n of_o each_o of_o these_o tenderness_n of_o conscience_n will_v keep_v we_o not_o only_o from_o evil_n but_o every_o appearance_n of_o it_o increase_v of_o spiritual_a strength_n will_v render_v we_o steadfast_a and_o unmoveable_a in_o all_o the_o work_n of_o god_n and_o holy_a passion_n will_v make_v we_o abound_v in_o they_o to_o spiritual_a passion_n we_o owe_v the_o zeal_n and_o pleasure_n to_o spiritual_a strength_n or_o
all_o our_o sinful_a or_o vain_a desire_n devote_v ourselves_o to_o the_o service_n of_o jesus_n and_o learn_v to_o expect_v happiness_n from_o nothing_o else_o but_o the_o merit_n and_o the_o imitation_n of_o his_o cross_n so_o profound_a be_v the_o wisdom_n of_o this_o institution_n that_o it_o evident_o speak_v god_n the_o author_n of_o it_o and_o proclaim_v the_o too_o common_a neglect_n of_o it_o in_o most_o part_n of_o this_o nation_n a_o in-excusable_a sin_n and_o folly_n 3._o a_o three_o end_n of_o instrumental_a duty_n of_o religion_n be_v the_o raise_n and_o keep_v up_o holy_a and_o devout_a affection_n i_o know_v not_o why_o passion_n be_v so_o common_o undervalue_v and_o disparage_v in_o religion_n unless_o they_o who_o thus_o treat_v it_o mean_v nothing_o by_o it_o but_o a_o short-lived_a and_o superficial_a commotion_n of_o the_o mind_n which_o leave_v no_o print_n or_o relish_v behind_o it_o and_o be_v present_o succeed_v by_o sin_n and_o folly_n holy_a passion_n be_v the_o vigour_n and_o strength_n of_o the_o soul_n it_o be_v the_o state_n and_o frame_n of_o the_o mind_n when_o it_o be_v thorough_o move_v and_o affect_v and_o therefore_o to_o form_n to_o one_o self_a religion_n destitute_a of_o passion_n be_v little_o better_a than_o to_o content_v one_o self_n with_o one_o that_o be_v lazy_a lukewarm_a and_o lifeless_a and_o though_o there_o be_v some_o temper_n very_o unapt_a to_o be_v move_v yet_o it_o be_v hard_a to_o imagine_v how_o even_o these_o can_v be_v wrought_v up_o to_o a_o resolution_n or_o that_o resolution_n be_v support_v and_o continue_v without_o their_o be_v affect_v so_o thorough_o as_o to_o feel_v either_o a_o real_a passion_n or_o something_o very_o near_o approach_v one_o it_o be_v a_o excellent_a frame_n of_o spirit_n when_o the_o soul_n be_v easy_o elevate_v and_o transport_v into_o holy_a passion_n and_o i_o find_v that_o all_o those_o virtue_n or_o rather_o act_n of_o virtue_n which_o be_v describe_v to_o the_o life_n and_o which_o be_v by_o all_o judge_v most_o perfect_a and_o lovely_a have_v most_o of_o passion_n in_o they_o how_o warm_a and_o passionate_a be_v the_o love_n of_o david_n for_o his_o god_n what_o flame_n what_o vehemence_n of_o desire_n be_v he_o move_v by_o when_o he_o cry_v out_o psal_n 42.1_o 2._o as_o the_o heart_n pant_v after_o the_o water-brook_n so_o pant_v my_o soul_n after_o thou_o o_o god_n my_o soul_n thirst_v for_o god_n for_o the_o live_a god_n what_o awful_a concussion_n and_o agitation_n of_o spirit_n do_v he_o feel_v when_o he_o thus_o describe_v his_o fear_n my_o flesh_n tremble_v for_o fear_n of_o thou_o and_o i_o be_o afraid_a of_o thy_o judgement_n psal_n 119.120_o what_o affliction_n of_o soul_n what_o tenderness_n of_o heart_n do_v we_o meet_v with_o in_o the_o repentance_n of_o st._n peter_n when_o he_o go_v forth_o and_o weep_v bitter_o of_o mary_n magdalen_n or_o whoever_o that_o woman_n in_o luk._n 7._o be_v when_o she_o wash_v the_o foot_n of_o our_o saviour_n with_o her_o tear_n and_o wipe_v they_o with_o the_o hair_n of_o her_o head_n and_o of_o the_o royal_a psalmist_n when_o he_o water_v his_o couch_n with_o his_o tear_n psal_n 6.6_o nor_o be_v the_o pleasure_n of_o assurance_n less_o sensible_a and_o vehement_a than_o the_o sorrow_n of_o repentance_n when_o the_o first_o christian_n rejoice_v with_o joy_n unspeakable_a and_o hope_n full_a of_o glory_n shall_v i_o here_o add_v that_o holy_a indignation_n against_o sin_n that_o vehement_a desire_n of_o make_v some_o reparation_n for_o it_o which_o be_v the_o effect_n of_o godly_a sorrow_n that_o zeal_n and_o fervency_n of_o spirit_n in_o the_o service_n of_o god_n which_o be_v the_o high_a character_n of_o perfection_n itself_o shall_v i_o call_v these_o passion_n i_o must_v not_o for_o though_o they_o have_v the_o heat_n and_o agitation_n of_o passion_n they_o have_v in_o they_o the_o firmness_n and_o steadiness_n of_o a_o habit._n and_o i_o wish_v with_o all_o my_o heart_n that_o all_o those_o other_o excellent_a affection_n of_o soul_n which_o i_o before_o name_v can_v be_v render_v natural_a and_o habitual_a the_o near_a we_o come_v to_o this_o undoubted_o the_o perfect_a i_o doubt_v mortality_n be_v incapable_a of_o any_o such_o height_n but_o the_o more_o frequent_a as_o well_o as_o the_o more_o vehement_a and_o fervent_a the_o better_a certain_o for_o great_a be_v the_o force_n and_o virtue_n of_o holy_a passion_n the_o flame_n of_o love_n refine_v our_o nature_n and_o purify_v it_o from_o all_o its_o dross_n the_o tear_n of_o a_o godly_a sorrow_n extinguish_v all_o our_o carnal_a and_o worldly_a lust_n and_o the_o agitation_n of_o fear_n preserve_v the_o chastity_n and_o purity_n of_o the_o soul_n it_o be_v plain_a then_o that_o our_o religion_n ought_v to_o be_v animate_v by_o holy_a passion_n that_o the_o more_o frequent_a and_o natural_a these_o grow_v the_o more_o perfect_a we_o be_v that_o be_v the_o most_o excellent_a frame_n of_o spirit_n when_o we_o be_v most_o apt_a to_o be_v sensible_o and_o thorough_o affect_v by_o divine_a truth_n by_o what_o mean_v we_o may_v attain_v to_o this_o be_v now_o brief_o to_o be_v consider_v it_o be_v certain_a that_o great_a and_o important_a wonderful_a and_o glorious_a truth_n will_v not_o fail_v to_o affect_v we_o and_o that_o thorough_o unless_o lust_n or_o infidelity_n have_v render_v we_o stupid_a and_o impenetrable_a and_o that_o gospel_n truth_n be_v such_o be_v no_o doubt_n at_o all_o let_v the_o conviction_n be_v full_a the_o representation_n lively_a and_o the_o truth_n will_v do_v its_o work_n it_o be_v for_o want_n of_o such_o circumstance_n and_o such_o sensible_a notion_n of_o a_o object_n as_o may_v strike_v the_o imagination_n for_o want_v of_o close_a and_o particular_a application_n when_o divine_a truth_n do_v not_o move_v we_o this_o now_o do_v not_o only_o call_v we_o to_o the_o frequent_a meditation_n of_o the_o most_o affect_v subject_n the_o majesty_n and_o omnipresence_n of_o god_n the_o suffering_n of_o christ_n death_n and_o judgement_n heaven_n and_o hell_n but_o it_o show_v also_o how_o to_o model_n and_o form_n our_o meditation_n that_o they_o prove_v not_o cold_a and_o sluggish_a let_v the_o object_n of_o our_o thought_n be_v describe_v by_o the_o most_o sensible_a image_n or_o resemblance_n let_v it_o be_v clad_v with_o the_o most_o natural_a circumstance_n let_v it_o be_v make_v as_o particular_a as_o it_o can_v by_o fix_v its_o eye_n upon_o we_o and_o point_v its_o motion_n towards_o we_o but_o above_o all_o and_o in_o the_o first_o place_n let_v the_o proof_n of_o it_o be_v clear_a and_o strong_a prayer_n be_v a_o exercise_n very_o apt_a to_o move_v the_o passion_n the_o mind_n have_v disengage_v itself_o from_o all_o earthly_a and_o bodily_a affection_n be_v prepare_v for_o the_o impression_n of_o truth_n and_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n it_o draw_v near_o into_o the_o presence_n of_o god_n and_o the_o sense_n of_o this_o shed_v a_o awful_a reverence_n upon_o it_o it_o have_v a_o clear_a calm_a and_o more_o serious_a view_n of_o divine_a thing_n then_o when_o it_o be_v obscure_v and_o disturb_v by_o worldly_a object_n in_o a_o word_n meditation_n be_v in_o this_o exercise_n render_v more_o solemn_a and_o more_o particular_a and_o when_o the_o holy_a fire_n be_v kindle_v in_o the_o soul_n it_o dilate_v and_o diffuse_v itself_o more_o and_o more_o till_o the_o strength_n of_o desire_n the_o vehemence_n of_o holy_a love_n transcend_v the_o weakness_n of_o this_o mortal_a nature_n we_o faint_v under_o the_o passion_n that_o we_o can_v bear_v the_o lord_n supper_n be_v a_o holy_a rite_n wonderful_o adapt_v to_o raise_v excellent_a passion_n here_o christ_n be_v as_o it_o be_v set_v forth_o crucify_a among_o we_o we_o see_v his_o body_n break_v and_o his_o blood_n pour_v forth_o here_o with_o a_o devout_a joy_n we_o receive_v and_o embrace_v he_o by_o faith_n and_o love_n in_o those_o symbol_n of_o his_o body_n and_o blood_n and_o pledge_n of_o his_o love_n the_o soul_n must_v be_v very_o ill_o prepare_v it_o must_v have_v very_o imperfect_a notion_n of_o sin_n and_o damnation_n the_o cross_n of_o christ_n grace_n and_o salvation_n which_o be_v not_o sensible_a of_o a_o crow_v of_o holy_a passion_n spring_v up_o in_o it_o at_o this_o sacrament_n hymn_n and_o psalm_n have_v by_o i_o know_v not_o what_o natural_a magic_n a_o peculiar_a force_n and_o operation_n upon_o a_o pious_a mind_n divine_a poetry_n have_v a_o noble_a elevation_n of_o thought_n it_o do_v not_o devise_v and_o counterfeit_v passion_n but_o only_o vent_v those_o which_o it_o feel_v and_o these_o be_v pure_a and_o lovely_a kindle_v from_o above_o therefore_o be_v all_o its_o character_n natural_a its_o description_n lively_a its_o language_n move_v and_o powerful_a and_o all_o be_v
mind_n but_o never_o benefit_n it_o but_o there_o be_v other_o which_z be_v in_o the_o language_n of_o solomon_n like_o health_n to_o the_o navel_n and_o marrow_n to_o the_o bone_n wisdom_n and_o virtue_n life_n and_o honour_n the_o favour_n of_o god_n and_o man_n attend_v they_o where_o ever_o they_o dwell_v and_o these_o be_v the_o truth_n which_o illuminate_v truth_n that_o be_v active_a and_o fruitful_a that_o make_v we_o wise_a and_o good_a perfect_a and_o happy_a such_o as_o we_o have_v a_o mighty_a interest_n in_o such_o as_o have_v a_o strong_a influence_n upon_o we_o such_o as_o give_v a_o new_a day_n to_o the_o understanding_n and_o new_a strength_n and_o liberty_n to_o the_o will_n such_o as_o raise_v and_o exalt_v our_o affection_n and_o render_v the_o whole_a man_n more_o rational_a more_o steady_a more_o constant_a more_o uniform_a these_o be_v the_o truth_n which_o make_v man_n great_a and_o modest_a in_o prosperity_n erect_v and_o courageous_a in_o adversity_n always_o content_a with_o this_o world_n yet_o always_o full_a of_o the_o hope_n of_o a_o better_a serene_a calm_a and_o well_o assure_v in_o the_o present_a state_n of_o their_o soul_n and_o yet_o thirst_v after_o perfection_n maturity_n and_o the_o absolute_a consummation_n of_o righteousness_n in_o the_o world_n to_o come_v now_o the_o truth_n that_o effect_v all_o this_o be_v all_o reducible_a to_o those_o which_o i_o have_v mention_v under_o the_o former_a head_n for_o in_o those_o we_o find_v all_o that_o be_v necessary_a to_o life_n and_o godliness_n to_o virtue_n and_o glory_n in_o those_o we_o find_v all_o that_o be_v necessary_a to_o raise_v and_o support_v true_a magnanimity_n to_o enlarge_v and_o free_v the_o mind_n and_o to_o add_v strength_n and_o courage_n to_o it_o for_o what_o can_v more_o certain_o promote_v all_o this_o than_o immortality_n and_o glory_n what_o can_v be_v a_o sure_a foundation_n for_o the_o hope_n of_o both_o to_o rest_v on_o than_o the_o favour_n of_o god_n himself_o and_o what_o can_v more_o effectual_o reconcile_v and_o ingratiate_v we_o with_o god_n than_o sincere_a universal_a righteousness_n and_o the_o mediation_n of_o his_o dear_o belove_a son_n 3._o the_o three_o character_n of_o illuminate_a truth_n be_v that_o they_o be_v pleasant_a and_o agreeable_a to_o the_o soul_n hence_o it_o be_v that_o the_o royal_a psalmist_n pronounce_v the_o word_n of_o god_n sweet_a than_o the_o honey_n and_o the_o honey_n comb_n that_o he_o ascribe_v to_o it_o delight_n and_o joy_n for_o he_o tell_v we_o that_o it_o rejoice_v the_o heart_n that_o it_o enlighten_v the_o eye_n and_o according_o we_o find_v the_o true_a servant_n of_o god_n not_o only_o continual_o blessing_n and_o praise_v god_n in_o the_o temple_n but_o magnify_v he_o by_o psalm_n and_o hymn_n in_o their_o prison_n and_o rejoice_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o tribulation_n but_o when_o i_o reckon_v pleasure_n and_o delight_n among_o the_o fruit_n of_o illumition_n i_o must_v add_v that_o there_o be_v a_o vast_a difference_n between_o the_o fit_v and_o flash_n of_o mirth_n and_o the_o serenity_n of_o a_o fix_a and_o habitual_a delight_n between_o the_o titillation_n of_o sense_n and_o the_o solid_a joy_n of_o the_o mind_n and_o last_o between_o the_o pleasure_n of_o fancy_n and_o of_o reason_n and_o when_o i_o say_v illumination_n consist_v in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o pleasant_a and_o agreeable_a truth_n i_o mean_v it_o of_o rational_a pleasure_n a_o habitual_a tranquillity_n of_o the_o mind_n and_o then_o the_o matter_n be_v beyond_o question_n whatever_o truth_n do_v contribute_v to_o promote_v this_o the_o study_n and_o contemplation_n of_o they_o must_v be_v our_o true_a wisdom_n joy_n when_o it_o be_v solid_a and_o rational_a do_v enlarge_v and_o exalt_v the_o mind_n of_o man_n it_o be_v as_o it_o be_v health_n to_o the_o navel_n and_o marrow_n to_o the_o bone_n it_o render_v we_o more_o thankful_a to_o god_n more_o kind_a and_o courteous_a to_o man._n it_o be_v a_o excellent_a preparation_n to_o invite_v more_o plentiful_o influx_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n hence_o do_v elijah_n call_v for_o a_o musical_a instrument_n when_o he_o desire_v to_o prophesy_v and_o we_o find_v the_o company_n of_o prophet_n rejoice_v with_o hymn_n music_n and_o dance_n all_o outward_a testimony_n of_o the_o inward_a transport_v and_o ravishment_n of_o their_o mind_n and_o as_o i_o be_o persuade_v that_o that_o which_o distinguish_v a_o godly_a sorrow_n from_o a_o worldly_a or_o impious_a one_o repentance_n and_o contrition_n from_o the_o agony_n and_o perplexity_n of_o dispair_n be_v the_o peace_n and_o tranquillity_n which_o attend_v it_o so_o be_o i_o persuade_v that_o god_n do_v press_v and_o invite_v we_o to_o mourn_v and_o sorrow_n for_o sin_n for_o this_o reason_n not_o exclude_v other_o because_o it_o natural_o lead_v on_o to_o peace_n and_o joy_n a_o soft_a and_o tender_a sorrow_n dissipate_v the_o fear_n and_o distress_n of_o gild_n like_o mild_a and_o fruitful_a shower_n that_o do_v lay_v storm_n in_o a_o word_n there_o be_v no_o such_o powerful_a antidote_n against_o sin_n nor_o spur_n to_o holy_a industry_n as_o holy_a pleasure_n pious_a joy_n or_o spiritual_a peace_n and_o tranquillity_n this_o be_v a_o partake_v or_o anticipate_v the_o power_n of_o the_o world_n to_o come_v and_o the_o mighty_a corroboration_n of_o every_o thing_n that_o be_v good_a in_o we_o the_o study_n then_o of_o such_o truth_n be_v true_a wisdom_n and_o illumination_n thus_o far_o will_v consist_v in_o quit_v those_o error_n which_o beget_v melancholy_a superstition_n desperation_n and_o in_o such_o truth_n as_o enlarge_v our_o view_n of_o the_o divine_a perfection_n and_o exhibit_v to_o we_o a_o near_a presence_n of_o his_o goodness_n and_o glory_n such_o again_o as_o unfold_v the_o dignity_n of_o human_a nature_n and_o the_o wise_a and_o gracious_a end_n of_o our_o creation_n such_o last_o as_o extend_v our_o prospect_n and_o enlarge_v our_o hope_n support_v our_o frailty_n and_o excite_v our_o vigour_n 4._o the_o last_o property_n of_o those_o truth_n in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o which_o illumination_n consist_v be_v that_o they_o be_v such_o as_o procure_v we_o a_o reward_n if_o we_o reflect_v upon_o those_o three_o head_n under_o which_o i_o range_v those_o truth_n which_o illuminate_v the_o gentile_a and_o jewish_a world_n we_o shall_v easy_o discern_v how_o well_o they_o fit_v this_o character_n they_o fill_v the_o mind_n with_o joy_n and_o peace_n and_o make_v it_o abound_v in_o hope_n they_o purge_v the_o man_n from_o his_o natural_a corruption_n and_o fortify_v the_o mind_n against_o such_o impression_n from_o outward_a good_a or_o evil_a in_o this_o world_n as_o disquiet_v and_o torment_v the_o sinner_n they_o procure_v he_o the_o protection_n of_o god_n providence_n and_o the_o assistance_n of_o his_o spirit_n in_o this_o life_n and_o they_o invite_v he_o to_o hope_v for_o glory_n and_o pleasure_n in_o another_o far_o above_o any_o thing_n that_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n can_v conceive_v god_n be_v the_o god_n of_o hope_n he_o have_v all_o fullness_n and_o sufficiency_n in_o himself_o and_o therefore_o bless_a must_v all_o they_o be_v who_o have_v the_o lord_n for_o their_o god_n jesus_n be_v the_o fountain_n of_o all_o consolation_n he_o be_v make_v unto_o we_o of_o god_n wisdom_n and_o righteousness_n and_o sanctification_n and_o redemption_n happy_a be_v he_o that_o do_v rejoice_v always_o and_o glory_n in_o he_o righteousness_n be_v a_o state_n of_o health_n and_o strength_n of_o perfection_n and_o beauty_n of_o peace_n and_o tranquillity_n of_o rest_n and_o hope_n bless_v be_v they_o who_o be_v possess_v of_o it_o who_o be_v make_v free_a from_o sin_n and_o become_v servant_n of_o god_n who_o have_v their_o fruit_n unto_o holiness_n and_o the_o end_n everlasting_a life_n such_o be_v already_o past_a from_o death_n to_o life_n for_o the_o spirit_n of_o life_n and_o holiness_n of_o god_n and_o glory_n rest_v upon_o they_o this_o be_v the_o character_n that_o distinguish_v gospel_n knowledge_n from_o all_o other_o sort_n of_o knowledge_n no_o knowledge_n of_o art_n or_o science_n and_o much_o less_o the_o most_o exquisite_a knowledge_n of_o all_o the_o mystery_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o darkness_n can_v pretend_v to_o a_o eternal_a reward_n a_o short_a and_o impure_a pleasure_n and_o a_o transcient_a interest_n be_v all_o that_o this_o sort_n of_o knowledge_n can_v bestow_v and_o very_o often_o instead_o of_o pleasure_n and_o profit_n it_o requite_v its_o disciple_n with_o pain_n and_o trouble_n the_o gospel_n only_o contain_v those_o truth_n which_o confer_v life_n and_o immortality_n on_o those_o that_o believe_v and_o obey_v they_o it_o be_v the_o gospel_n alone_o that_o teach_v we_o how_o we_o be_v to_o gain_v the_o love_n and_o favour_n of_o god_n and_o it_o be_v god_n alone_o who_o rule_n and_o govern_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
but_o such_o a_o digestion_n of_o they_o by_o serious_a and_o devout_a meditation_n as_o may_v in_o a_o manner_n incorporate_v they_o with_o we_o and_o this_o the_o scripture_n plain_o teach_v when_o to_o signify_v the_o force_n and_o virtue_n of_o the_o gospel_n above_o that_o of_o the_o law_n it_o use_v these_o word_n for_o this_o be_v the_o covenant_n that_o i_o will_v make_v with_o the_o house_n of_o israel_n after_o those_o day_n say_v the_o lord_n i_o will_v put_v my_o law_n into_o their_o mind_n and_o write_v they_o in_o their_o heart_n heb._n 8.10_o intimate_v that_o no_o law_n no_o principle_n can_v ever_o influence_n we_o till_o they_o be_v deep_o imprint_v in_o our_o heart_n to_o wind_v up_o all_o there_o be_v several_a kind_n of_o knowledge_n of_o the_o same_o truth_n there_o be_v a_o knowledge_n which_o serve_v we_o only_o as_o pisga_n top_n do_v moses_n to_o show_v we_o canaan_n but_o not_o to_o bring_v we_o into_o it_o there_o be_v again_z a_o knowledge_n which_o serve_v we_o only_o as_o the_o talon_n do_v the_o wicked_a servant_n not_o to_o procure_v reward_n but_o punishment_n and_o final_o there_o be_v a_o knowledge_n which_o like_o the_o talent_n in_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o faithful_a and_o good_a steward_n enrich_v we_o first_o and_o recommend_v we_o afterward_o to_o high_a trust_n and_o dignity_n which_o improve_v and_o perfect_v our_o nature_n first_o and_o then_o put_v we_o into_o possession_n of_o such_o blessing_n as_o only_a nature_n thus_o improve_v and_o perfect_v be_v capable_a of_o and_o this_o knowledge_n must_v not_o be_v a_o slight_a superficial_a and_o undigested_a one_o it_o must_v not_o be_v a_o confuse_a and_o obscure_a a_o weak_a and_o imperfect_a one_o this_o be_v not_o the_o knowledge_n which_o will_v bring_v forth_o those_o excellent_a fruit_n which_o we_o have_v reason_n to_o expect_v from_o true_a illumination_n but_o it_o must_v be_v a_o knowledge_n that_o have_v all_o the_o quite_o contrary_a character_n even_o such_o as_o i_o have_v before_o describe_v at_o large_a that_o this_o be_v a_o observation_n of_o the_o great_a weight_n and_o moment_n be_v evident_a to_o any_o one_o who_o will_v give_v himself_o leave_v to_o make_v any_o reflection_n on_o the_o present_a state_n of_o christianity_n for_o how_o do_v the_o power_n of_o darkness_n prevail_v amid_o the_o light_n of_o the_o gospel_n how_o have_v the_o devil_n erect_v his_o throne_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o that_o church_n which_o shall_v be_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o sin_n and_o death_n reign_v where_o life_n and_o immortality_n be_v preach_v whence_o be_v this_o be_v man_n ignorant_a of_o those_o truth_n which_o make_v up_o the_o systeme_n of_o true_a wisdom_n this_o be_v not_o easy_a to_o be_v imagine_v scarce_o of_o the_o dark_a corner_n of_o the_o popish_a church_n much_o less_o of_o we_o and_o therefore_o we_o must_v conclude_v that_o this_o be_v because_o our_o knowledge_n be_v not_o such_o as_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v with_o respect_n to_o its_o clearness_n certainty_n and_o digestion_n chap._n ii_o of_o the_o fruit_n and_o attainment_n of_o illumination_n have_v dispatch_v the_o notion_n of_o illumination_n in_o the_o forego_n chapter_n and_o show_v both_o what_o truth_n and_o what_o sort_n of_o knowledge_n of_o they_o be_v requisite_a to_o it_o i_o be_o next_o to_o treat_v 1._o of_o the_o fruit_n and_o 2._o of_o the_o attainment_n of_o it_o s._n 1._o as_o to_o the_o fruit_n of_o illumination_n i_o have_v the_o less_o need_n to_o insist_v upon_o they_o because_o whatever_o can_v be_v say_v on_o this_o head_n have_v be_v in_o a_o manner_n anticipate_v all_o the_o character_n of_o illuminate_a truth_n and_o illuminate_a knowledge_n be_v such_o as_o sufficient_o declare_v the_o bless_a effect_n of_o true_a illumination_n i_o will_v therefore_o be_v very_o short_a on_o this_o head_n and_o only_o just_a mention_n two_o advantage_n of_o illumination_n as_o the_o use_n of_o light_n be_v especial_o twofold_a to_o delight_n and_o guide_v we_o so_o do_v we_o reap_v two_o benefit_n from_o illumination_n 1._o the_o first_o and_o most_o immediate_a one_o be_v that_o it_o set_v the_o whole_a man_n and_o the_o whole_a life_n right_a that_o it_o fix_v our_o affection_n on_o their_o proper_a and_o natural_a object_n and_o direct_v all_o our_o action_n to_o their_o true_a end_n i_o do_v not_o mean_v that_o the_o understanding_n constant_o and_o necessary_o influence_n and_o determine_v the_o will._n expeperience_n tell_v we_o that_o we_o have_v a_o fatal_a liberty_n that_o our_o affection_n be_v too_o often_o independent_a of_o our_o reason_n that_o we_o sin_n against_o the_o dictate_v of_o conscience_n that_o we_o pursue_v false_a pleasure_n and_o a_o false_a interest_n in_o opposition_n to_o the_o true_a and_o in_o plain_a opposition_n to_o our_o judgement_n too_o at_o least_o to_o a_o sedate_n and_o calm_a one_o and_o the_o reason_n of_o all_o this_o be_v because_o we_o consist_v of_o two_o different_a and_o repugnant_a principle_n a_o body_n and_o a_o soul_n and_o be_v solicit_v by_o two_o different_a world_n a_o temporal_a and_o a_o eternal_a one_o but_o all_o this_o notwithstanding_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o illumination_n in_o the_o mind_n have_v a_o mighty_a influence_n upon_o we_o for_o it_o be_v continual_o exciting_a in_o we_o wise_a desire_n and_o excellent_a purpose_n it_o be_v always_o allure_a and_o invite_v we_o towards_o our_o sovereign_a good_a and_o restrain_v and_o deter_v we_o from_o sin_n and_o death_n it_o alarm_n disquiet_n disturb_v and_o persecute_v we_o as_o often_o as_o we_o err_v and_o wander_v from_o the_o path_n of_o life_n in_o one_o word_n the_o great_a work_n of_o illumination_n be_v to_o be_v always_o represent_v the_o beauty_n and_o pleasure_n and_o the_o beatitude_n and_o glory_n of_o virtue_n and_o remonstrate_v the_o evil_n and_o dishonour_v the_o deformity_n and_o danger_n of_o vice_n so_o that_o a_o man_n will_v never_o be_v at_o rest_n who_o have_v this_o light_n within_o he_o till_o it_o be_v either_o extinguish_v or_o obey_v 2._o this_o light_n within_o we_o if_o it_o be_v follow_v and_o comply_v with_o not_o mud-died_n and_o disturb_v if_o it_o be_v not_o quench_v and_o extinguish_v by_o wilful_a sin_n or_o unpardonable_a oscitancy_n and_o remissness_n if_o in_o a_o word_n its_o influence_n be_v not_o interrupt_v disperse_v all_o our_o fear_n as_o well_o as_o error_n create_v a_o unspeakable_a tranquillity_n in_o the_o soul_n spread_v over_o we_o a_o calm_a and_o glorious_a sky_n and_o make_v every_o thing_n in_o we_o and_o about_o we_o look_v gay_a and_o verdant_a and_o beautiful_a the_o dissipation_n of_o pagan_a darkness_n and_o all_o participation_n or_o resemblance_n of_o it_o deliverance_n from_o a_o state_n of_o bondage_n and_o wrath_n the_o peace_n of_o god_n the_o love_n of_o jesus_n the_o fellowship_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n the_o immortality_n of_o the_o soul_n the_o resurrection_n of_o the_o body_n the_o perfection_n and_o blessedness_n of_o eternity_n good_a god_n what_o surprise_v what_o ravish_v theme_n be_v these_o for_o the_o thought_n of_o a_o enlighten_v soul_n to_o dwell_v upon_o bless_a and_o happy_a be_v he_o who_o enjoy_v this_o pleasure_n upon_o earth_n and_o that_o we_o may_v i_o be_o now_o to_o discourse_n s._n 2._o of_o the_o attainment_n of_o illumination_n now_o whatever_o advice_n can_v relate_v to_o this_o may_v be_v reduce_v under_o two_o head_n 1._o what_o qualification_n do_v render_v man_n capable_a of_o illumination_n 2._o what_o it_o be_v that_o one_o due_o qualify_v be_v to_o do_v in_o pursuit_n of_o it_o §_o 1._o to_o begin_v with_o the_o qualification_n requisite_a to_o illumination_n one_o man_n be_v distinguish_v from_o another_o several_a way_n by_o his_o estate_n or_o fortune_n by_o natural_a or_o acquire_v endowment_n and_o by_o moral_a disposition_n and_o each_o of_o these_o may_v have_v some_o though_o a_o very_a different_a influence_n upon_o human_a perfection_n for_o if_o we_o inquire_v after_o only_o the_o essence_n and_o integrity_n of_o perfection_n then_o be_v there_o two_o or_o three_o moral_a qualification_n which_o be_v all_o that_o be_v require_v in_o order_n to_o this_o but_o if_o we_o inquire_v after_o the_o largeness_n of_o its_o stature_n the_o symmetry_n of_o its_o feature_n the_o lustre_n of_o its_o complexion_n and_o the_o elegance_n of_o its_o dress_n then_o may_v we_o allow_v something_o to_o be_v ascribe_v to_o fortune_n to_o nature_n and_o a_o liberal_a education_n this_o be_v a_o observation_n very_o necessary_a to_o be_v make_v for_o though_o every_o man_n may_v be_v capable_a of_o perfection_n that_o be_v habitual_a holiness_n if_o it_o be_v not_o his_o own_o fault_n yet_o be_v not_o every_o man_n capable_a of_o be_v equal_o perfect_a because_o of_o that_o accidental_a variety_n which_o i_o have_v suggest_v and_o
which_o flow_v from_o different_a gift_n of_o god_n which_o depend_v not_o on_o ourselves_o this_o be_v premise_v in_o order_n to_o prevent_v my_o be_v mistake_v i_o proceed_v and_o determine_v 1._o that_o illumination_n depend_v not_o upon_o a_o man_n outward_a fortune_n there_o be_v indeed_o several_a sort_n of_o knowledge_n which_o we_o can_v never_o arrive_v at_o without_o much_o leisure_n and_o much_o expense_n and_o in_o order_n to_o support_v the_o one_o and_o enjoy_v the_o other_o it_o be_v requisite_a that_o we_o be_v master_n of_o a_o good_a fortune_n hence_o be_v that_o observation_n of_o the_o author_n of_o ecclesiasticus_fw-la chap._n 38.24_o the_o wisdom_n of_o a_o learned_a man_n come_v by_o opportunity_n of_o leisure_n and_o he_o that_o have_v little_a business_n shall_v become_v wise_a and_o therefore_o in_o the_o follow_a verse_n he_o exclude_v the_o husbandman_n the_o statuary_n the_o engraver_n the_o smith_n the_o potter_n and_o all_o consequent_o who_o time_n and_o mind_n be_v take_v up_o in_o the_o labour_n of_o their_o profession_n and_o in_o make_v the_o necessary_a provision_n for_o life_n these_o i_o say_v he_o exclude_v from_o all_o pretension_n to_o wisdom_n how_o can_v he_o get_v wisdom_n that_o hold_v the_o plough_n and_o that_o glori_v in_o the_o goad_n who_o talk_n be_v of_o bullock_n etc._n etc._n but_o this_o be_v not_o the_o wisdom_n that_o i_o be_o inquire_v after_o and_o which_o constitute_v illumination_n that_o consist_v not_o in_o the_o law_n of_o our_o earthly_a but_o heavenly_a country_n not_o in_o art_n and_o science_n which_o relate_v to_o the_o body_n and_o minister_n to_o a_o temporal_a life_n but_o in_o those_o divine_a truth_n which_o purify_v the_o soul_n and_o minister_v to_o a_o eternal_a one_o no_o not_o in_o notional_a improvement_n of_o the_o mind_n but_o in_o spiritual_a and_o vital_a one_o and_o therefore_o the_o husbandman_n and_o the_o artist_n the_o mechanic_n and_o the_o trader_n be_v as_o capable_a of_o this_o sort_n of_o wisdom_n as_o the_o man_n of_o office_n money_n or_o quality_n there_o need_v no_o wealth_n to_o render_v one_o the_o child_n of_o light_n and_o of_o the_o day_n there_o be_v the_o book_n of_o nature_n the_o book_n of_o revelation_n both_o the_o book_n of_o god_n both_o write_v throughout_o with_o glorious_a illuminate_a truth_n these_o lie_v wide_o open_a to_o every_o honest_a christian_a the_o be_v and_o nature_n of_o god_n the_o mediation_n of_o jesus_n and_o a_o judgement_n to_o come_v the_o nature_n and_o necessity_n of_o holiness_n be_v full_o reveal_v and_o unanswerable_o prove_v and_o though_o every_o honest_a man_n be_v not_o able_a to_o discover_v all_o the_o argument_n on_o which_o they_o stand_v yet_o may_v he_o discover_v enough_o and_o what_o be_v more_o he_o may_v have_v a_o inward_a vital_a sensible_a proof_n of_o they_o he_o may_v feel_v the_o power_n the_o charm_n of_o holiness_n experiment_n its_o congruity_n and_o loveliness_n to_o the_o human_a soul_n and_o observe_v a_o thousand_o demonstration_n of_o its_o serviceableness_n to_o the_o honour_n of_o god_n and_o the_o good_a of_o mankind_n he_o may_v have_v a_o a_o full_a convictive_a sense_n of_o the_o manifestation_n of_o the_o divine_a perfection_n in_o the_o great_a work_n of_o our_o redemption_n and_o the_o excellent_a tendency_n of_o it_o may_v be_v so_o palpable_a and_o conspicuous_a to_o he_o as_o to_o leave_v no_o room_n for_o doubt_n or_o scruple_n but_o beside_o all_o this_o there_o be_v a_o voice_n within_o there_o be_v a_o divine_a teacher_n and_o instructor_n which_o will_v ever_o abide_v with_o he_o and_o lead_v he_o into_o all_o necessary_a truth_n all_o which_o be_v imply_v in_o those_o word_n of_o our_o lord_n if_o any_o man_n will_v do_v his_o will_n he_o shall_v know_v of_o the_o doctrine_n whether_o it_o be_v of_o god_n or_o whether_o i_o speak_v of_o myself_o joh._n 7.17_o 2._o extraordinary_a natural_a part_n such_o as_o sagacity_n or_o acuteness_n of_o judgement_n strength_n of_o memory_n the_o liveliness_n of_o imagination_n be_v not_o necessary_a to_o illumination_n the_o gospel_n as_o i_o remember_v take_v no_o notice_n of_o these_o such_o be_v the_o beauty_n of_o holiness_n that_o it_o require_v rather_o purity_n of_o heart_n than_o quickness_n of_o apprehension_n to_o render_v we_o enamour_v of_o it_o and_o the_o very_a same_o thing_n may_v be_v say_v of_o the_o power_n and_o energy_n of_o all_o gospel_n motive_n and_o of_o the_o proof_n and_o evidence_n too_o of_o divine_a truth_n to_o convince_v and_o affect_v we_o there_o be_v no_o need_n of_o sagacity_n and_o penetration_n but_o probity_n and_o sincerity_n however_o i_o have_v two_o or_o three_o reflection_n to_o make_v here_o which_o may_v not_o be_v unuseful_a for_o though_o acuteness_n and_o retention_n by_o which_o i_o mean_v quickness_n in_o discern_v and_o firmness_n in_o preserve_a truth_n be_v common_o account_v natural_a part_n and_o general_o be_v so_o yet_o i_o think_v where_o the_o one_o or_o the_o other_o be_v most_o defective_a they_o may_v be_v much_o help_v and_o wonderful_o improve_v to_o which_o end_n i_o remark_n first_o that_o those_o defect_n of_o understanding_n or_o memory_n which_o some_o be_v wont_a to_o accuse_v themselves_o of_o in_o spiritual_a thing_n be_v with_o more_o justice_n to_o be_v impute_v to_o want_v of_o concern_v and_o affection_n for_o such_o thing_n than_o to_o any_o incapacity_n of_o nature_n it_o be_v plain_a we_o easy_o understand_v and_o easy_o remember_v what_o we_o desire_v and_o love_n and_o wherever_o we_o follow_v the_o impulse_n or_o conduct_v of_o strong_a inclination_n we_o seldom_o fail_v of_o excel_v let_v we_o therefore_o take_v care_n that_o our_o heart_n be_v set_v upon_o the_o thing_n of_o god_n and_o we_o shall_v soon_o see_v that_o our_o judgement_n and_o memory_n will_v no_o more_o fail_v we_o here_o then_o in_o those_o worldly_a interest_n and_o pleasure_n which_o we_o be_v most_o intent_n upon_o second_o as_o to_o memory_n it_o depend_v very_o much_o upon_o the_o perspicuity_n regularity_n and_o order_n of_o our_o notion_n many_o complain_v of_o want_n of_o memory_n when_o the_o defect_n be_v in_o their_o judgement_n and_o other_o while_o they_o grasp_v at_o all_o retain_v nothing_o in_o order_n then_o to_o relieve_v this_o infirmity_n of_o memory_n it_o be_v a_o excellent_a way_n to_o confine_v our_o search_n and_o meditation_n to_o a_o few_o object_n and_o to_o have_v these_o clear_o and_o methodical_o handle_v a_o catechetical_a way_n of_o expound_v and_o assert_v the_o rudiment_n of_o our_o faith_n if_o do_v as_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v be_v of_o great_a service_n to_o person_n of_o all_o capacity_n but_o especial_o to_o those_o of_o mean_a for_o thus_o they_o may_v not_o only_o be_v enrich_v with_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o most_o useful_a thing_n and_o of_o the_o ground_n on_o which_o our_o obligation_n either_o to_o belief_n or_o practice_n be_v bottom_v but_o also_o may_v be_v furnish_v with_o general_a principle_n of_o reason_n by_o which_o they_o may_v steer_v their_o judgement_n in_o all_o case_n and_o with_o certain_a head_n of_o faith_n and_o moral_n to_o which_o they_o may_v be_v able_a to_o reduce_v most_o of_o what_o they_o read_v or_o hear_v three_o it_o be_v with_o the_o understanding_n as_o with_o the_o eye_n of_o the_o body_n one_o see_v further_o off_o and_o in_o a_o faint_a light_n but_o another_o see_v as_o well_o with_o regard_n to_o all_o the_o use_n of_o life_n who_o yet_o require_v that_o the_o object_n shall_v be_v near_o and_o the_o light_n better_o man_n of_o slow_a capacity_n must_v not_o be_v dare_v or_o precipitate_v in_o pass_v their_o sentence_n and_o form_v their_o notion_n they_o must_v examine_v whether_o the_o matter_n they_o inquire_v after_o be_v not_o too_o remote_a and_o obscure_a whether_o the_o object_n may_v be_v bring_v near_o and_o place_v in_o a_o better_a light_n or_o whether_o they_o may_v be_v furnish_v with_o telescope_n or_o microscope_n fit_a for_o they_o if_o not_o they_o must_v quit_v the_o search_n of_o such_o truth_n as_o improper_a and_o unnecessary_a for_o they_o by_o which_o mean_n they_o will_v at_o least_o avoid_v be_v deceive_v or_o perplex_v which_o be_v no_o small_a advantage_n to_o be_v enrich_v with_o a_o kind_n of_o universal_a knowledge_n be_v a_o great_a thing_n but_o i_o doubt_v too_o great_a for_o man._n next_o to_o this_o be_v to_o be_v endow_v with_o a_o knowledge_n of_o necessary_a and_o important_a truth_n and_o to_o be_v free_v from_o error_n and_o perplexity_n in_o matter_n of_o any_o moment_n and_o methinks_v it_o be_v no_o great_a excess_n of_o modesty_n or_o humility_n for_o man_n to_o be_v content_a with_o this_o 3._o there_o be_v no_o great_a need_n of_o acquire_v learning_n in_o order_n to_o true_a illumination_n our_o saviour_n
the_o child_n of_o god_n and_o if_o child_n than_o heir_n heir_n of_o god_n and_o joynt-heir_n with_o christ_n and_o now_o it_o be_v no_o wonder_n if_o the_o perfect_a man_n long_o for_o the_o revelation_n of_o the_o glory_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n if_o he_o cry_v out_o in_o rapture_n if_o god_n be_v for_o i_o who_o can_v be_v against_o i_o who_o shall_v lay_v any_o thing_n to_o the_o charge_n of_o god_n elect_n who_o shall_v separate_v i_o from_o the_o love_n of_o christ_n and_o so_o on_o if_o any_o one_o will_v see_v the_o perfect_a man_n describe_v in_o few_o word_n he_o need_v but_o cast_v his_o eye_n on_o rom._n 6.22_o but_o now_o be_v make_v free_a from_o sin_n and_o become_v servant_n to_o god_n you_o have_v your_o fruit_n unto_o holiness_n and_o the_o end_n everlasting_a life_n chap._n ii_o this_o notion_n of_o perfection_n countenance_v by_o all_o side_n after_o i_o have_v show_v that_o this_o notion_n of_o perfection_n be_v warrant_v by_o reason_n and_o scripture_n i_o see_v not_o why_o i_o shall_v be_v very_o solicitous_a whether_o it_o do_v or_o do_v not_o clash_v with_o the_o opinion_n of_o men._n but_o the_o truth_n be_v if_o we_o examine_v not_o so_o much_o the_o expression_n and_o word_n as_o the_o sense_n and_o mean_v of_o all_o party_n about_o this_o matter_n we_o shall_v find_v they_o well_o enough_o agree_v in_o it_o at_o the_o bottom_n and_o it_o be_v no_o wonder_n if_o notwithstanding_o several_a incidental_a dispute_n they_o shall_v yet_o agree_v in_o the_o main_a since_o the_o experience_n of_o mankind_n do_v easy_o teach_v we_o what_o sort_n of_o perfection_n human_a nature_n be_v capable_a of_o and_o what_o can_v or_o can_v not_o actual_o be_v attain_v by_o man._n the_o pelagian_o do_v not_o contend_v for_o a_o angelical_a perfection_n nor_o st._n austin_n deny_v such_o a_o one_o as_o be_v true_o suitable_a to_o man_n the_o one_o can_v not_o be_v so_o far_o a_o stranger_n to_o human_a nature_n as_o to_o exempt_v it_o in_o reality_n from_o those_o error_n and_o defect_n which_o the_o best_a of_o man_n complain_v of_o and_o labour_n against_o nor_o be_v st._n austin_n so_o little_o acquaint_v with_o the_o power_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o of_o the_o spirit_n as_o not_o to_o be_v well_o enough_o assure_v that_o man_n may_v be_v habitual_o good_a and_o that_o such_o be_v influence_v and_o act_v by_o a_o firm_a faith_n and_o a_o fervent_a love_n and_o well_o ground_a hope_n the_o dispute_n between_o they_o then_o concern_v perfection_n do_v not_o consist_v in_o this_o whether_o man_n may_v be_v habitual_o good_a this_o be_v in_o reality_n acknowledge_v on_o both_o side_n nor_o whether_o the_o best_a man_n be_v subject_a to_o defect_n for_o this_o too_o both_o side_n can_v not_o but_o be_v sensible_a of_o but_o in_o these_o two_o thing_n especial_o first_o what_o be_v to_o be_v attribute_v to_o grace_n what_o to_o nature_n and_o this_o relate_v not_o to_o the_o definition_n or_o essence_n of_o perfection_n but_o to_o the_o source_n and_o origine_fw-la of_o it_o second_o whether_o those_o irregular_a motion_n defect_n and_o error_n to_o which_o the_o best_a man_n be_v subject_a be_v to_o be_v account_v sin_n or_o not_o neither_o the_o one_o side_n nor_o the_o other_o then_o as_o far_o as_o i_o can_v discern_v do_v in_o truth_n mistake_v the_o nature_n of_o human_a perfection_n each_o place_v it_o in_o habitual_a righteousness_n the_o one_o contend_v for_o no_o more_o nor_o do_v the_o other_o contend_v for_o less_o in_o the_o perfect_a man._n and_o when_o the_o one_o assert_v he_o free_a from_o sin_n he_o do_v not_o assert_v he_o free_a from_o defect_n and_o while_o the_o other_o will_v not_o allow_v the_o best_a man_n to_o be_v without_o sin_n they_o do_v not_o by_o sin_n understand_v any_o thing_n else_o but_o such_o disorder_n opposition_n to_o or_o deviation_n from_o the_o law_n of_o god_n as_o the_o pelagian_a himself_n must_v needs_o own_o to_o be_v in_o the_o perfect_a man._n the_o dispute_v then_o be_v not_o what_o man_n may_v or_o may_v not_o attain_v to_o for_o both_o side_n agree_v he_o capable_a of_o the_o same_o habitual_a righteousness_n both_o side_n allow_v he_o subject_a to_o the_o same_o frailty_n but_o one_o side_n will_v have_v these_o frailty_n account_v sin_n and_o the_o other_o will_v not_o numerous_n indeed_o have_v be_v the_o controversy_n between_o the_o popish_a and_o reform_a church_n about_o precept_n and_o counsel_n mortal_a and_o venial_a sin_n the_o possibility_n of_o fulfil_v the_o law_n of_o god_n the_o merit_n of_o good_a work_n and_o suchlike_a but_o after_o all_o if_o we_o inquire_v what_o that_o height_n of_o virtue_n be_v to_o which_o the_o best_a of_o man_n may_v arrive_v what_o those_o frailty_n and_o infirmity_n be_v to_o which_o they_o be_v subject_a it_o be_v i_o think_v easy_a to_o show_v that_o the_o wise_a and_o good_a be_v on_o all_o hand_n agree_v about_o this_o nor_o do_v it_o much_o concern_v my_o present_a purpose_n in_o what_o sense_n or_o on_o what_o account_n papist_n think_v some_o sin_n venial_a and_o protestant_n deny_v they_o to_o be_v so_o since_o neither_o the_o one_o nor_o the_o other_o exempt_v the_o perfect_a man_n from_o infirmity_n nor_o assert_v any_o other_o height_n or_o perfection_n then_o what_o consist_v in_o a_o consummate_a and_o well_o establish_a habit_n of_o virtue_n some_o man_n may_v and_o do_v talk_v very_o extravagant_o but_o it_o be_v very_o hard_a to_o imagine_v that_o sober_a and_o pious_a man_n shall_v run_v in_o with_o they_o such_o when_o they_o talk_v of_o fulfil_v the_o law_n of_o god_n and_o keep_v his_o commandment_n must_v sure_o understand_v this_o of_o the_o law_n of_o god_n in_o a_o gracious_a and_o equitable_a sense_n and_o this_o be_v no_o more_o than_o what_o the_o scripture_n assert_n of_o every_o sincere_a christian_a when_o they_o talk_v of_o i_o know_v not_o what_o transcendent_a perfection_n in_o monkery_n they_o must_v sure_o mean_v nothing_o more_o than_o that_o poverty_n chastity_n and_o obedience_n be_v heroic_a instance_n of_o faith_n and_o love_n of_o poverty_n of_o spirit_n and_o purity_n of_o heart_n and_o that_o a_o ascetic_a discipline_n be_v the_o most_o compendious_a and_o effectual_a way_n to_o a_o consummate_v habit_n of_o righteousness_n final_o by_o the_o distinction_n of_o precept_n and_o counsel_n such_o can_v never_o intend_v sure_o more_o than_o this_o that_o we_o be_v oblige_v to_o some_o thing_n under_o pain_n of_o damnation_n too_o other_o by_o the_o hope_n of_o great_a degree_n of_o glory_n for_o it_o be_v not_o easy_a for_o i_o to_o comprehend_v that_o any_o man_n who_o judgement_n be_v not_o enslave_v to_o the_o dictate_v of_o his_o party_n shall_v deny_v either_o of_o these_o two_o truth_n 1._o that_o whatever_o be_v neither_o forbid_v nor_o command_v by_o any_o law_n of_o god_n be_v indifferent_a 2._o that_o no_o man_n can_v do_v more_o than_o love_v the_o lord_n his_o god_n with_o all_o his_o heart_n with_o all_o his_o soul_n and_o with_o all_o his_o may_v and_o his_o neighbour_n as_o himself_o i_o say_v there_o be_v no_o degree_n or_o instance_n of_o obedience_n that_o be_v not_o comprise_v within_o the_o latitude_n and_o perfection_n of_o these_o word_n but_o whatever_o some_o of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n or_o it_o may_v be_v the_o great_a part_n of_o it_o may_v think_v this_o it_o be_v plain_a be_v the_o sense_n of_o the_o ancient_n st._n austin_n 121._o austin_n quaecunque_fw-la non_fw-la jubentur_fw-la sed_fw-la speciali_fw-la consilio_fw-la monentur_fw-la tum_fw-la recté_fw-fr fiunt_fw-la cum_fw-la referuntur_fw-la ad_fw-la deligendum_fw-la deum_fw-la &_o proximum_fw-la propter_fw-la deum_fw-la aug._n euch._n cap._n 121._o can_v never_o understand_v any_o merit_n or_o excellence_n in_o those_o thing_n that_o be_v matter_n of_o counsel_n not_o precept_n unless_o they_o flow_v from_o and_o have_v regard_n to_o the_o love_n of_o god_n and_o our_o neighbour_n and_o cassian_n ibid._n cassian_n ac_fw-la proinde_fw-la ea_fw-la quibus_fw-la qualitates_fw-la statutas_fw-la videmus_fw-la &_o tempora_fw-la &_o quae_fw-la sic_fw-la observata_fw-la sanctificant_fw-la ut_fw-la omissa_fw-la non_fw-la polluant_fw-la media_fw-la esse_fw-la manifestum_fw-la est_fw-la ut_fw-la puta_fw-la naptias_fw-la agriculturam_fw-la divitias_fw-la solitudinis_fw-la remotionem_fw-la etc._n etc._n cassian_n colla._n patr._n talem_fw-la igitur_fw-la definitionem_fw-la supra_fw-la jejunii_fw-la etc._n etc._n nec_fw-la in_o ipso_fw-la spei_fw-la nostrae_fw-la terminum_fw-la defigamus_fw-la sed_fw-la ut_fw-la per_fw-la ipsum_fw-la ad_fw-la puritatem_fw-la cordis_n &_o apostolicam_fw-la charitatem_fw-la pervenire_fw-la possimus_fw-la ibid._n excellent_a monk_n resolve_v all_o the_o value_n of_o such_o thing_n to_o consist_v in_o their_o tendency_n to_o promote_v apostolical_a purity_n and_o charity_n and_o gregory_n nazianzen_n nazian_n nazianzen_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d greg._n
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 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doctrine_n of_o assurance_n in_o a_o clear_a light_n because_o it_o be_v the_o great_a spring_n of_o the_o perfect_a man_n comfort_n and_o pleasure_n the_o source_n of_o his_o strength_n and_o joy_n and_o this_o put_v i_o in_o mind_n of_o that_o other_o fruit_n of_o perfection_n which_o in_o the_o begin_n of_o this_o chapter_n i_o promise_v to_o insist_v on_o which_o be_v its_o subserviency_n to_o our_o happiness_n in_o this_o life_n that_o happiness_n increase_v in_o proportion_n with_o perfection_n can_v be_v deny_v unless_o we_o will_v at_o the_o same_o time_n deny_v the_o happiness_n of_o a_o man_n to_o exceed_v that_o of_o a_o infant_n or_o the_o happiness_n of_o a_o angel_n that_o of_o man._n now_o this_o truth_n be_v of_o a_o very_a great_a importance_n and_o serve_v single_o instead_o of_o a_o thousand_o motive_n to_o perfection_n i_o will_v consider_v it_o impartial_o and_o as_o close_o as_o i_o can_v happiness_n and_o pleasure_n be_v general_o think_v to_o be_v only_o two_o 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be_v all_z the_o claim_v the_o sinner_n lay_v to_o pleasure_n be_v confine_v to_o the_o present_a moment_n which_o be_v extreme_o short_a and_o extreme_o uncertain_a the_o time_n that_o be_v past_a and_o to_o come_v he_o quit_v all_o pretention_n to_o or_o aught_o to_o do_v so_o as_o to_o the_o time_n past_a the_o thing_n be_v self_n evident_a for_o the_o sinner_n look_v back_o see_v his_o pleasure_n and_o satisfaction_n the_o good_a man_n his_o trial_n and_o temptation_n past_a and_o go_v the_o sinner_n see_v a_o end_n of_o his_o beauty_n and_o his_o strength_n the_o good_a man_n of_o his_o weakness_n and_o folly_n the_o one_o when_o he_o look_v back_o be_v encounter_v with_o sin_n and_o folly_n wickedness_n and_o shame_n the_o other_o with_o repentance_n and_o good_a work_n gild_n and_o fear_n haunt_v the_o reflection_n of_o the_o one_o peace_n and_o hope_n attend_v those_o of_o the_o other_o as_o to_o the_o time_n to_o come_v the_o atheist_n have_v no_o prospect_n at_o all_o beyond_o the_o grave_a the_o wicked_a christian_a a_o very_a dismal_a one_o the_o weak_a and_o imperfect_a a_o doubtful_a one_o only_o the_o wise_a and_o perfect_a a_o assure_a joyful_a and_o delightful_a one_o and_o this_o put_v i_o in_o mind_n of_o that_o which_o be_v the_o proper_a fruit_n of_o perfection_n and_o the_o true_a and_o great_a pleasure_n of_o human_a life_n that_o be_v assurance_n assurance_n of_o the_o pardon_n of_o sin_n assurance_n of_o the_o divine_a favour_n assurance_n of_o immortality_n and_o glory_n need_v i_o prove_v that_o assurance_n be_v a_o unspeakable_a pleasure_n one_o will_v think_v that_o to_o man_n who_o be_v daily_o engage_v in_o a_o conflict_n with_o some_o evil_a or_o other_o it_o be_v superfluous_a to_o prove_v that_o it_o be_v a_o mighty_a pleasure_n to_o be_v raise_v though_o not_o above_o the_o assault_n though_o not_o above_o the_o reach_n yet_o above_o the_o venom_n and_o malignity_n of_o evil_n to_o be_v fill_v with_o joy_n and_o strength_n and_o confidence_n to_o ride_v triumphant_a under_o the_o protection_n of_o the_o divine_a favour_n and_o see_v the_o sea_n of_o life_n swell_v and_o toss_v itself_o in_o vain_a in_o vain_a threaten_v the_o bark_n it_o can_v sink_v in_o vain_a invade_v the_o cable_n it_o can_v burst_v one_o will_v think_v that_o to_o man_n who_o live_v all_o his_o life_n long_o in_o bondage_n for_o fear_n of_o death_n it_o shall_v be_v a_o surprise_v delight_n to_o see_v death_n lie_v gasp_v at_o his_o foot_n naked_a and_o impotent_a without_o sting_n without_o terror_n one_o will_v final_o think_v that_o to_o man_n who_o live_v rather_o by_o hope_n then_o enjoyment_n it_o shall_v not_o be_v necessary_a to_o prove_v that_o the_o christian_n hope_n who_o confidence_n be_v great_a its_o object_n more_o glorious_a and_o its_o success_n more_o certain_a than_o that_o of_o any_o worldly_a fancy_n or_o project_n be_v full_a of_o pleasure_n and_o that_o it_o be_v a_o delightful_a prospect_n to_o see_v the_o heaven_n open_v and_o jesus_n our_o jesus_n our_o prince_n and_o saviour_n sit_v at_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o god_n thus_o i_o have_v i_o think_v sufficient_o make_v out_o the_o subserviency_n of_o perfection_n to_o the_o happiness_n of_o this_o present_a life_n which_o be_v the_o thing_n propose_v to_o be_v do_v in_o this_o chapter_n nor_o can_v i_o imagine_v what_o objection_n can_v be_v spring_v to_o invalidate_v what_o i_o have_v say_v unless_o there_o be_v any_o thing_n of_o colour_n in_o these_o two_o 1._o to_o reap_v the_o pleasure_n will_v some_o one_o say_v which_o you_o have_v describe_v here_o it_o require_v something_o of_o a_o exalt_a genius_n some_o compass_n of_o understanding_n some_o sagacity_n and_o penetration_n to_o this_o i_o answer_v i_o grant_v indeed_o that_o some_o of_o those_o pleasure_n which_o i_o have_v reckon_v up_o as_o belong_v to_o the_o perfect_a man_n demand_v a_o spirit_n raise_v a_o little_a above_o the_o vulgar_a but_o the_o rich_a pleasure_n not_o the_o most_o polish_v and_o elevate_v spirit_n but_o the_o most_o devout_a and_o charitable_a soul_n be_v best_a capable_a of_o such_o be_v the_o peace_n and_o tranquillity_n which_o arise_v from_o the_o conquest_n and_o reduction_n of_o all_o inordinate_a affection_n the_o satisfaction_n which_o accompany_v a_o sincere_a and_o vigorous_a discharge_n of_o duty_n and_o our_o reflection_n upon_o it_o the_o security_n and_o rest_n which_o flow_v from_o self-resignation_n and_o confidence_n in_o the_o divine_a protection_n and_o last_o the_o joy_n that_o spring_v from_o the_o full_a assurance_n of_o hope_n but_o 2_o it_o may_v be_v object_v it_o be_v true_a all_o these_o thing_n seem_v to_o hang_v together_o well_o enough_o in_o speculation_n but_o when_o we_o come_v to_o examine_v the_o matter_n of_o fact_n we_o be_v almost_o tempt_v to_o think_v that_o all_o which_o you_o have_v say_v to_o prove_v the_o way_n of_o wisdom_n way_n of_o pleasantness_n and_o all_o her_o path_n peace_n amount_v to_o no_o more_o than_o a_o pretty_a amusement_n of_o the_o mind_n and_o a_o visionary_a scheme_n of_o happiness_n for_o how_o few_o be_v there_o if_o any_o who_o feel_v all_o this_o to_o be_v truth_n and_o experiment_n the_o pleasure_n you_o talk_v of_o how_o few_o be_v they_o in_o who_o we_o can_v discover_v any_o sign_n of_o this_o spiritual_a joy_n or_o fruit_n of_o a_o divine_a tranquillity_n or_o security_n i_o answer_v in_o a_o word_n the_o example_n of_o a_o perfect_a and_o mature_a virtue_n be_v very_o few_o religion_n run_v very_o low_a and_o the_o love_n of_o god_n and_o goodness_n in_o the_o bosom_n of_o most_o christian_n suffer_v such_o a_o allay_n and_o mixture_n that_o it_o be_v no_o wonder_n at_o all_o if_o so_o imperfect_a a_o state_n breed_v but_o very_o weak_a and_o imperfect_a hope_n very_o faint_a and_o doubtful_a joy_n but_o i_o shall_v have_v occasion_n to_o examine_v the_o force_n of_o this_o objection_n more_o full_o when_o i_o come_v to_o the_o obstacle_n of_o perfection_n chap._n v._o of_o the_o attainment_n of_o perfection_n particular_o a_o account_n of_o the_o manner_n by_o which_o man_n advances_n or_o grow_v up_o to_o it_o i_o have_v in_o the_o first_o second_o and_o three_o chapter_n explain_v the_o notion_n of_o religious_a perfection_n in_o the_o four_o chapter_n i_o have_v insist_v on_o two_o effect_n of_o it_o assurance_n and_o pleasure_n my_o method_n therefore_o now_o lead_v i_o to_o the_o attainment_n of_o perfection_n here_o i_o will_v do_v too_o thing_n one_a i_o will_v trace_v out_o the_o several_a step_n and_o advances_n of_o the_o christian_a towards_o it_o and_o draw_v up_o as_o it_o be_v a_o short_a history_n of_o his_o spiritual_a progress_n from_o the_o very_a infancy_n of_o virtue_n to_o its_o maturity_n and_o manhood_n 2_o i_o will_v discourse_v brief_o of_o the_o motive_n and_o mean_n of_o perfection_n of_o the_o christian_n progress_n towards_o perfection_n many_o be_v the_o figure_n and_o metaphor_n by_o which_o the_o scripture_n describe_v this_o allude_v one_o while_n to_o the_o formation_n nourishment_n and_o growth_n of_o the_o natural_a man_n another_o while_n to_o that_o of_o plant_n and_o vegetable_n one_o while_n to_o the_o dawn_n and_o increase_a light_n that_o shine_v more_o and_o more_o to_o the_o perfect_a day_n another_o while_n to_o that_o succession_n of_o labour_n and_o expectation_n which_o the_o husbandman_n run_v through_o from_o plough_v to_o the_o harvest_n but_o of_o all_o the_o simile_n which_o the_o spirit_n make_v use_v of_o to_o this_o end_n there_o be_v one_o especial_o that_o seem_v to_o i_o to_o give_v we_o the_o true_a and_o the_o lively_a image_n of_o the_o change_n of_o a_o sinner_n into_o a_o saint_n the_o scripture_n represent_v sin_n as_o a_o state_n of_o bondage_n and_o righteousness_n as_o a_o state_n of_o liberty_n and_o teach_v we_o that_o by_o the_o same_o step_n by_o which_o a_o enslave_v and_o oppress_v people_n arrive_v at_o their_o secular_a by_o the_o very_a same_o do_v the_o christian_n at_o his_o spiritual_a liberty_n and_o happiness_n first_o then_o as_o soon_o as_o any_o judgement_n or_o mercy_n or_o any_o other_o sort_n of_o call_v awaken_v and_o penetrate_v the_o sinner_n as_o soon_o as_o a_o clear_a light_n break_v in_o upon_o he_o and_o make_v he_o see_v and_o consider_v his_o own_o state_n he_o be_v present_o agitate_a by_o various_a passion_n according_a to_o his_o different_a gild_n and_o temper_n or_o the_o different_a call_n and_o motive_n by_o which_o he_o be_v wrought_v upon_o one_o while_o fear_v another_o while_n shame_n one_o while_o indignation_n another_o while_o hope_v fill_v his_o soul_n he_o resent_v the_o tyranny_n and_o complain_v of_o the_o persecution_n of_o his_o lust_n he_o upbraid_v himself_o with_o his_o folly_n and_o discover_v a_o meanness_n and_o shamefulness_n in_o
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
anchorite_n or_o hermit_n be_v at_o first_o little_o better_o than_o a_o pious_a extravagant_a i_o will_v not_o say_v how_o much_o worse_o he_o be_v now_o meditation_n and_o prayer_n be_v excellent_a duty_n but_o meekness_n and_o charity_n mercy_n and_o zeal_n be_v not_o one_o jot_n inferior_a to_o they_o the_o world_n be_v a_o excellent_a school_n to_o a_o good_a christian_a the_o folly_n and_o the_o misery_n the_o trial_n and_o temptation_n of_o it_o do_v not_o only_o exercise_v and_o employ_v our_o virtue_n but_o cultivate_v and_o improve_v it_o they_o afford_v we_o both_o instruction_n and_o discipline_n and_o natural_o advance_v we_o on_o towards_o a_o solid_a wisdom_n and_o a_o well-setled_n power_n over_o ourselves_o it_o be_v our_o own_o fault_n if_o every_o accident_n that_o befall_v we_o and_o every_o one_o who_o we_o converse_v with_o do_v not_o teach_v we_o somewhat_o occasion_n some_o wise_a reflection_n or_o enkindle_v some_o pious_a affection_n in_o we_o we_o do_v not_o reflect_v on_o our_o word_n and_o action_n we_o do_v not_o observe_v the_o motion_n of_o our_o own_o heart_n as_o diligent_o as_o we_o ought_v we_o make_v little_a or_o no_o application_n of_o what_o we_o see_v or_o hear_v nor_o learn_v any_o thing_n from_o the_o wisdom_n and_o the_o virtue_n the_o folly_n and_o the_o madness_n of_o man_n and_o the_o consequence_n of_o both_o and_o so_o we_o neither_o improve_v our_o knowledge_n nor_o our_o virtue_n but_o be_v the_o same_o to_o day_n we_o be_v yesterday_o and_o life_n waste_v away_o in_o common_a accident_n and_o customary_a action_n with_o as_o little_a alteration_n in_o we_o as_o in_o our_o affair_n whereas_o be_v we_o mindful_a as_o we_o ought_v of_o our_o true_a interest_n and_o desirous_a to_o reap_v some_o spiritual_a benefit_n from_o every_o thing_n the_o virtue_n of_o good_a man_n will_v enkindle_v our_o emulation_n and_o the_o folly_n and_o madness_n of_o sinner_n will_v confirm_v our_o abhorrence_n for_o sin_n from_o one_o we_o shall_v learn_v content_a from_o another_o industry_n here_o we_o shall_v see_v a_o charm_n in_o meekness_n and_o charity_n there_o in_o humility_n in_o this_o man_n we_o shall_v see_v reason_n to_o admire_v discretion_n and_o command_v of_o himself_o in_o that_o courage_n and_o constancy_n assiduity_n and_o perseverance_n nor_o will_v it_o be_v less_o useful_a to_o we_o to_o observe_v how_o vanity_n expose_v one_o and_o peevishness_n torment_v another_o how_o pride_n and_o ambition_n embroil_v a_o three_o and_o how_o hateful_a and_o contemptible_a avarice_n render_v a_o four_o and_o to_o trace_v all_o that_o variety_n of_o ruin_n which_o lust_n and_o prodigality_n disorder_n and_o sloth_n leave_v behind_o they_o and_o as_o this_o kind_n of_o observation_n will_v fill_v we_o with_o solid_a and_o useful_a knowledge_n so_o will_v a_o diligent_a attention_n to_o the_o rule_n of_o righteousness_n and_o discretion_n in_o all_o the_o common_a and_o daily_a action_n of_o life_n enrich_v we_o with_o true_a virtue_n religion_n be_v not_o to_o be_v confine_v to_o the_o church_n and_o to_o the_o closet_n nor_o to_o be_v exercise_v only_o in_o prayer_n and_o sacrament_n meditation_n and_o alm_n but_o every_o where_n we_o be_v in_o the_o presence_n of_o god_n and_o every_o word_n every_o action_n be_v capable_a of_o morality_n our_o defect_n and_o infirmity_n betray_v themselves_o in_o the_o daily_a accident_n and_o the_o common_a conversation_n of_o life_n and_o here_o they_o draw_v after_o they_o very_o important_a consequence_n and_o therefore_o here_o they_o be_v to_o be_v watch_v over_o regulate_v and_o govern_v as_o well_o as_o in_o our_o more_o solemn_a action_n it_o be_v to_o the_o virtue_n or_o the_o error_n of_o our_o common_a conversation_n and_o ordinary_a deportment_n that_o we_o owe_v both_o our_o friend_n and_o enemy_n our_o good_a or_o bad_a character_n abroad_o our_o domestic_a peace_n or_o trouble_n and_o in_o a_o high_a degree_n the_o improvement_n or_o depravation_n of_o our_o mind_n let_v no_o man_n then_o that_o will_v be_v perfect_a or_o happy_a abandon_v himself_o to_o his_o humour_n or_o inclination_n in_o his_o carriage_n towards_o his_o acquaintance_n his_o child_n his_o servant_n let_v no_o man_n that_o will_v be_v perfect_a or_o happy_a follow_v prejudice_n or_o fashion_n in_o the_o common_a and_o customary_a action_n of_o life_n but_o let_v he_o assure_v himself_o that_o by_o a_o daily_a endeavour_n to_o conform_v these_o more_o and_o more_o to_o the_o excellent_a rule_n of_o the_o gospel_n he_o be_v to_o train_v up_o himself_o by_o degree_n to_o the_o most_o absolute_a wisdom_n and_o the_o most_o perfect_a virtue_n he_o be_v capable_a of_o and_o to_o this_o end_n he_o must_v first_o know_v himself_o and_o those_o he_o have_v to_o do_v with_o he_o must_v discern_v the_o proper_a season_n and_o the_o just_a occasion_n of_o every_o virtue_n and_o then_o he_o must_v apply_v himself_o to_o the_o acquire_v the_o perfection_n of_o it_o by_o the_o daily_a exercise_n of_o it_o even_o in_o those_o thing_n which_o for_o want_v of_o due_a reflection_n do_v not_o common_o seem_v of_o any_o great_a importance_n to_o one_o that_o be_v thus_o dispose_v the_o dulness_n or_o the_o carelessness_n of_o a_o servant_n the_o stubbornness_n of_o a_o child_n the_o soureness_n of_o a_o parent_n the_o inconstancy_n of_o friend_n the_o coldness_n of_o relation_n the_o neglect_n or_o ingratitude_n of_o the_o world_n will_v all_o prove_v extreme_o useful_a and_o beneficial_a every_o thing_n will_v instruct_v he_o every_o thing_n will_v afford_v a_o opportunity_n of_o exercise_v some_o virtue_n or_o another_o so_o that_o such_o a_o one_o shall_v be_v daily_a learning_n daily_o grow_v better_a and_o wise_a §_o 2._o the_o two_o great_a instrument_n not_o of_o regeneration_n only_o but_o also_o of_o perseverance_n and_o perfection_n be_v the_o word_n and_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n this_o no_o man_n doubt_n that_o be_v a_o christian_a and_o therefore_o i_o will_v not_o go_v about_o to_o prove_v it_o nor_o will_v i_o at_o present_a discourse_n of_o the_o energy_n and_o operation_n of_o the_o one_o and_o the_o other_o or_o examine_v what_o each_o be_v in_o its_o self_n or_o wherein_o the_o one_o differ_v from_o the_o other_o it_o be_v abundant_o enough_o if_o we_o be_v assure_v that_o the_o gospel_n and_o the_o spirit_n be_v proper_a and_o sufficient_a mean_n to_o attain_v the_o great_a end_n i_o have_v mention_v namely_o our_o converversion_n and_o perfection_n and_o that_o they_o be_v so_o be_v very_o plain_a from_o those_o text_n which_o do_v express_o assert_v that_o the_o gospel_n contain_v all_o those_o truth_n that_o be_v necessary_a to_o the_o clear_a exposition_n of_o our_o duty_n or_o to_o the_o move_a and_o oblige_v we_o to_o the_o practice_n of_o it_o and_o that_o the_o spirit_n imply_v a_o supply_n of_o all_o that_o supernatural_a strength_n be_v it_o what_o it_o will_v that_o be_v necessary_a to_o enable_v we_o not_o only_o to_o will_n but_o to_o do_v that_o which_o the_o gospel_n convince_v we_o to_o be_v our_o duty_n such_o be_v rom._n 8.2_o for_o the_o law_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o life_n in_o christ_n jesus_n have_v make_v i_o free_a from_o the_o law_n of_o sin_n and_o death_n 2_o tim._n 3.16_o 17._o all_o scripture_n be_v give_v by_o inspiration_n of_o god_n and_o be_v profitable_a for_o doctrine_n for_o reproof_n for_o correction_n for_o instruction_n in_o righteousness_n that_o the_o man_n of_o god_n may_v be_v perfect_a thorough_o furnish_v unto_o all_o good_a work_n 2_o cor._n 12.9_o and_o he_o say_v unto_o i_o my_o grace_n be_v sufficient_a for_o thou_o for_o my_o strength_n be_v make_v perfect_a in_o weakness_n most_o glad_o therefore_o will_v i_o rather_o glory_n in_o my_o infirmity_n that_o the_o power_n of_o christ_n may_v rest_v upon_o i_o 1_o pet._n 1.5_o who_o be_v keep_v by_o the_o power_n of_o god_n through_o faith_n unto_o salvation_n ready_a to_o be_v reveal_v in_o the_o last_o time_n it_o be_v needless_a to_o multiply_v text_n on_o this_o occasion_n otherwise_o it_o be_v very_o easy_a to_o show_v that_o all_o thing_n necessary_a to_o life_n and_o godliness_n be_v contain_v in_o the_o word_n and_o spirit_n that_o what_o ever_o be_v necessary_o to_o be_v wrought_v in_o we_o to_o prepare_v we_o for_o or_o entitle_v we_o to_o eternal_a salvation_n be_v ascribe_v to_o the_o gospel_n and_o the_o spirit_n this_o truth_n then_o be_v unquestionable_a that_o the_o gospel_n and_o the_o spirit_n be_v the_o two_o great_a instrument_n of_o perfection_n we_o may_v from_o hence_o infer_v two_o rule_n which_o be_v of_o the_o most_o universal_a use_n and_o of_o the_o most_o powerful_a efficacy_n in_o the_o pursuit_n of_o perfection_n 1._o we_o can_v have_v too_o great_a a_o value_n too_o great_a a_o passion_n for_o the_o book_n of_o god_n nor_o fix_v
liberty_n the_o constancy_n and_o uniformity_n of_o a_o holy_a life_n and_o both_o strength_n and_o passion_n be_v general_o owe_v to_o a_o tender_a and_o enlighten_v conscience_n for_o while_o the_o conscience_n preserve_v a_o quick_a and_o nice_a sense_n of_o good_a and_o evil_a all_o the_o great_a truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n will_v have_v their_o proper_a force_n and_o natural_a efficacy_n upon_o we_o these_o than_o be_v the_o genuine_a fruit_n of_o meditation_n the_o eucharist_n psalmody_n and_o suchlike_a if_o they_o do_v not_o add_v life_n and_o light_n to_o the_o conscience_n if_o they_o do_v not_o augment_v our_o strength_n nor_o exalt_v our_o passion_n if_o they_o do_v not_o increase_v our_o detestation_n of_o sin_n and_o our_o love_n to_o god_n and_o goodness_n if_o they_o do_v not_o quicken_v and_o excite_v devout_a purpose_n if_o they_o do_v not_o engage_v and_o refresh_v the_o soul_n by_o holy_a joy_n and_o heavenly_a pleasure_n if_o i_o say_v they_o do_v not_o in_o some_o degree_n or_o other_o promote_v these_o thing_n we_o reap_v no_o benefit_n at_o all_o from_o they_o or_o we_o can_v never_o be_v certain_a that_o we_o do_v but_o though_o the_o end_v i_o have_v mention_v be_v of_o this_o great_a use_n to_o all_o and_o consequent_o all_o be_v oblige_v to_o aim_v at_o they_o yet_o may_v the_o different_a defect_n and_o imperfection_n of_o different_a christian_n render_v one_o of_o these_o end_v more_o necessary_a than_o another_o and_o by_o consequence_n it_o will_v be_v wisdom_n more_o immediate_o and_o direct_o to_o intend_v and_o pursue_v that_o for_o example_n if_o a_o man_n temper_n be_v such_o that_o his_o passion_n do_v soon_o kindle_v and_o soon_o die_v again_o that_o he_o be_v apt_a to_o form_n wise_a and_o great_a project_n and_o as_o unapt_a to_o accomplish_v any_o thing_n in_o this_o case_n it_o will_v be_v his_o duty_n to_o aim_v especial_o at_o the_o increase_n of_o strength_n but_o if_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n a_o man_n temper_n be_v cold_a and_o phlegmatic_a slow_a and_o heavy_a it_o be_v but_o fit_a that_o he_o shall_v particular_o apply_v himself_o to_o the_o awaken_n and_o exciting_a devout_a affection_n in_o his_o soul_n for_o as_o excellent_a purpose_n do_v often_o miscarry_v for_o want_v of_o constancy_n and_o firmness_n of_o mind_n so_o steadiness_n and_o firmness_n of_o mind_n do_v seldom_o effect_v any_o great_a matter_n when_o it_o want_v life_n and_o passion_n to_o put_v it_o into_o motion_n again_o if_o one_o past_a life_n have_v be_v very_o sinful_a or_o the_o present_n be_v not_o very_o fruitful_a it_o will_v behoove_v such_o a_o one_o to_o increase_v the_o tenderness_n of_o conscience_n to_o add_v more_o light_a and_o life_n to_o its_o conviction_n that_o by_o a_o daily_a repetition_n of_o contrition_n and_o compunction_n he_o may_v wash_v off_o the_o stain_n or_o by_o the_o fruitfulness_n of_o his_o follow_a life_n repair_v the_o barrenness_n of_o that_o past_a have_v thus_o in_o few_o word_n both_o make_v out_o the_o usefulness_n of_o those_o three_o end_n i_o propose_v to_o a_o christian_a in_o the_o performance_n of_o instrumental_a duty_n of_o religion_n and_o show_v in_o what_o case_n he_o may_v be_v oblige_v to_o aim_v more_o immediate_o at_o one_o than_o another_o i_o will_v now_o inquire_v and_o that_o as_o brief_o as_o i_o can_v how_o these_o three_o end_n may_v be_v scure_v and_o promote_v one_a of_o tenderness_n of_o conscience_n or_o the_o full_a and_o lively_a conviction_n of_o it_o to_o promote_v this_o the_o first_o thing_n necessary_a be_v meditation_n no_o man_n who_o diligent_o search_v and_o study_v the_o book_n of_o god_n can_v be_v a_o stranger_n to_o himself_o or_o to_o his_o duty_n not_o to_o his_o duty_n for_o this_o book_n reveal_v the_o whole_a will_n of_o god_n in_o clear_a and_o full_a term_n it_o give_v we_o such_o infallible_a character_n of_o good_a and_o evil_a right_a and_o wrong_n as_o render_v our_o ignorance_n or_o error_n inexcusable_a it_o point_v out_o the_o great_a end_n of_o life_n so_o plain_o and_o conduct_n we_o to_o they_o by_o such_o general_a and_o unerring_a rule_n that_o there_o be_v no_o variety_n of_o circumstance_n can_v so_o perplex_v and_o ravel_v our_o duty_n but_o that_o a_o honest_a man_n by_o the_o help_n of_o this_o may_v easy_o discover_v it_o for_o this_o reason_n it_o be_v that_o the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v call_v light_n because_o it_o do_v distinguish_v between_o good_a and_o evil_a right_a and_o wrong_n and_o like_o a_o lamp_n do_v manifest_v the_o path_n which_o we_o be_v to_o choose_v and_o disperse_v that_o mist_n and_o darkness_n with_o which_o the_o lust_n of_o man_n and_o the_o subtlety_n of_o hell_n have_v cover_v it_o and_o for_o this_o reason_n it_o be_v that_o the_o good_a have_v such_o a_o value_n and_o the_o wicked_a such_o a_o aversion_n for_o the_o book_n of_o god_n for_o every_o one_o that_o do_v evil_a hate_v the_o light_n neither_o come_v to_o the_o light_n lest_o his_o deed_n shall_v be_v reprove_v but_o he_o that_o do_v truth_n come_v to_o the_o light_n that_o his_o deed_n may_v be_v make_v manifest_a that_o they_o be_v wrought_v in_o god_n joh._n 3.20_o 21._o nor_o can_v he_o that_o study_v the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v a_o stranger_n to_o himself_o any_o more_o than_o to_o his_o duty_n for_o this_o light_n ransack_v all_o the_o recess_n of_o the_o soul_n it_o trace_n all_o its_o affection_n back_o to_o their_o first_o spring_n and_o source_n it_o lay_v open_v all_o its_o desire_n and_o project_n and_o strip_v its_o most_o secret_a purpose_n of_o all_o their_o disguise_n for_o the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v quick_a and_o powerful_a and_o sharp_a than_o any_o two_o edge_v sword_n pierce_v even_o to_o the_o divide_v asunder_o of_o soul_n and_o spirit_n and_o of_o the_o joint_n and_o marrow_n and_o be_v a_o discerner_n of_o the_o thought_n and_o intent_n of_o the_o heart_n heb._n 4.12_o in_o a_o word_n if_o we_o will_v preserve_v the_o conscience_n quick_a and_o sensible_a we_o must_v be_v daily_o conversant_a in_o the_o book_n of_o god_n for_o this_o command_n with_o that_o authority_n instruct_v with_o that_o clearness_n persuade_v with_o that_o force_n reprove_v with_o that_o purity_n prudence_n and_o charity_n that_o we_o shall_v not_o easy_o be_v able_a to_o resist_v it_o it_o describe_v righteousness_n and_o sin_n in_o such_o true_a and_o lively_a colour_n proclaim_v reward_n and_o punishment_n in_o such_o powerful_a and_o move_a language_n that_o it_o rouse_v even_o the_o dead_a in_o sin_n penetrate_v and_o wound_v the_o stupid_a and_o obdurate_a to_o meditation_n we_o must_v add_v prayer_n for_o this_o be_v a_o very_a proper_a and_o essential_a mean_n to_o refresh_v and_o renew_v in_o the_o soul_n the_o hatred_n of_o sin_n and_o love_n of_o goodness_n and_o to_o improve_v those_o impression_n which_o meditation_n have_v make_v upon_o it_o we_o can_v easy_o put_v up_o petition_n to_o god_n with_o confidence_n unless_o we_o do_v the_o thing_n that_o please_v he_o for_o our_o heart_n will_v misgive_v we_o and_o our_o very_a petition_n will_v reproach_v we_o and_o the_o mere_a thought_n of_o enter_v more_o immediate_o into_o the_o presence_n of_o god_n do_v oblige_v we_o to_o a_o more_o careful_a trial_n and_o examination_n of_o our_o action_n for_o god_n be_v not_o only_o omniscient_a but_o just_a and_o holy_a too_o we_o can_v no_o more_o flatter_v ourselves_o with_o the_o hope_n of_o pardon_n for_o any_o sin_n into_o which_o we_o be_v betray_v by_o fondness_n or_o negligence_n than_o we_o can_v imagine_v he_o ignorant_a of_o it_o but_o this_o be_v not_o all_o we_o be_v to_o pray_v that_o god_n will_v enable_v we_o to_o search_v out_o and_o discover_v our_o own_o heart_n psal_n 139.23_o 24._o search_v i_o o_o god_n and_o know_v my_o heart_n try_v i_o and_o know_v my_o thought_n and_o see_v if_o there_o be_v any_o wicked_a way_n in_o i_o and_o lead_v i_o in_o the_o way_n everlasting_a and_o if_o we_o do_v this_o sincere_o god_n will_v undoubted_o grant_v our_o request_n and_o will_v lay_v open_a to_o we_o all_o our_o present_a defect_n and_o infirmity_n and_o show_v we_o how_o far_o short_a we_o come_v of_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n that_o perfection_n of_o holiness_n and_o happiness_n which_o many_o eminent_a saint_n actual_o arrive_v at_o upon_o earth_n and_o we_o way_n be_v sure_a that_o light_n which_o break_v in_o upon_o our_o mind_n with_o this_o brightness_n will_v not_o suffer_v any_o latent_fw-la corruption_n to_o continue_v undiscovered_a nor_o permit_v we_o to_o forget_v the_o stain_n and_o ruin_n which_o the_o sin_n of_o our_o past_a life_n have_v leave_v behind_o they_o conversation_n be_v another_o way_n by_o which_o we_o learn_v to_o know_v ourselves_o and_o by_o which_o conscience_n
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
inferior_a nature_n all_o which_o be_v i_o think_v comprise_v by_o solomon_n in_o very_a few_o word_n prov._n 24.13_o 14._o my_o son_n say_v he_o eat_v thou_o honey_n because_o it_o be_v good_a and_o the_o honey_n comb_n which_o be_v sweet_a to_o thy_o taste_n so_o shall_v the_o knowledge_n of_o wisdom_n be_v unto_o thy_o soul_n when_o thou_o have_v find_v it_o then_o there_o shall_v be_v a_o reward_n and_o thy_o expectation_n shall_v not_o be_v cut_v off_o solomon_n here_o as_o be_v very_o usual_a with_o inspire_a writer_n do_v compare_v spiritual_a with_o corporeal_a thing_n or_o illustrates_n the_o one_o by_o the_o other_o he_o tell_v we_o that_o what_o honey_n be_v to_o the_o body_n that_o wisdom_n be_v to_o the_o soul_n and_o recommend_v the_o former_a from_o two_o incomparable_a property_n its_o minister_a to_o health_n and_o pleasure_n he_o recommend_v the_o latter_a from_o advantage_n which_o bear_v indeed_o some_o resemblance_n but_o be_v as_o much_o superior_a to_o these_o as_o the_o soul_n be_v to_o the_o body_n my_o son_n eat_v thou_o honey_n because_o it_o be_v good_a i._n e._n because_o it_o both_o cleanse_v and_o purge_v all_o noxious_a humour_n and_o nourish_v and_o strengthen_v the_o body_n and_o the_o honey_n comb_v because_o it_o be_v sweet_a to_o the_o taste_n which_o be_v the_o second_o excellence_n of_o this_o sort_n of_o food_n namely_o its_o pleasantness_n and_o proper_o urge_v to_o invite_v the_o eater_n then_o proceed_v to_o complete_a the_o comparison_n he_o add_v so_o shall_v the_o knowledge_n of_o wisdom_n be_v to_o thy_o soul_n when_o thou_o have_v find_v it_o i._n e._n it_o shall_v minister_v to_o the_o purification_n strength_n and_o delight_n of_o thy_o soul_n but_o this_o be_v not_o all_o though_o the_o parallel_n can_v be_v extend_v no_o further_o between_o honey_n and_o wisdom_n yet_o he_o do_v not_o think_v fit_a for_o that_o reason_n to_o omit_v one_o of_o the_o great_a excellency_n of_o wisdom_n and_o therefore_o he_o add_v than_o there_o shall_v be_v a_o reward_n and_o thy_o expectation_n shall_v not_o be_v cut_v off_o wisdom_n do_v not_o only_o perfect_a and_o entertain_v our_o mind_n but_o also_o it_o give_v we_o a_o title_n to_o those_o reward_n for_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o which_o it_o prepare_v and_o fit_v we_o here_o than_o we_o have_v from_o solomon_n the_o true_a property_n of_o true_a wisdom_n by_o these_o we_o may_v pronounce_v safe_o of_o all_o the_o different_a kind_n of_o knowledge_n distinguish_v the_o precious_a from_o the_o vile_a and_o fix_v the_o true_a estimate_n of_o each_o if_o there_o be_v any_o sort_n of_o truth_n who_o knowledge_n do_v not_o promote_v but_o obstruct_v these_o great_a end_n these_o we_o be_v to_o despise_v and_o slight_v to_o shun_v and_o hate_v but_o if_o there_o be_v any_o knowledge_n that_o do_v neither_o oppose_v or_o hinder_v nor_o yet_o contribute_v to_o these_o end_n unless_o accidental_o and_o very_o remote_o for_o this_o we_o may_v have_v some_o but_o no_o very_o great_a regard_n or_o esteem_v but_o whatever_o knowledge_n that_o be_v which_o be_v attend_v by_o these_o fruit_n this_o be_v that_o which_o we_o be_v to_o search_v for_o as_o for_o hide_a treasure_n this_o be_v that_o which_o when_o we_o have_v find_v it_o we_o be_v to_o value_v above_o the_o gold_n of_o ophir_n the_o topaz_n and_o the_o carbuncle_n and_o all_o precious_a stone_n the_o distinguish_a character_n then_o of_o illuminate_v truth_n be_v four_o 1._o they_o purify_v we_o 2._o they_o nourish_v and_o strengthen_v we_o 3._o they_o entertain_v and_o delight_n we_o 4._o they_o procure_v we_o a_o glorious_a reward_n 1._o they_o purify_v we_o this_o be_v a_o property_n which_o the_o royal_a psalmist_n frequent_o attribute_n to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n that_o it_o be_v pure_a and_o clean_a psal_n 119._o and_o elsewhere_o and_o the_o new_a testament_n frequent_o ascribe_v to_o faith_n and_o hope_v that_o they_o purify_v the_o heart_n 1_o joh._n 3.3_o act_n 15._o and_o this_o sure_a be_v the_o first_o thing_n necessary_a to_o the_o perfect_a the_o soul_n of_o man._n it_o be_v with_o the_o soul_n as_o with_o the_o body_n it_o must_v be_v first_o cleanse_v from_o hurtful_a humour_n before_o it_o can_v be_v feed_v and_o nourish_v purge_v of_o its_o error_n and_o vice_n ere_o it_o can_v be_v enrich_v with_o divine_a virtue_n and_o attain_v that_o liberty_n and_o strength_n wherein_o consist_v the_o true_a greatness_n and_o excellence_n of_o the_o mind_n of_o man._n the_o first_o step_n towards_o the_o perfection_n of_o virtue_n be_v the_o relinquish_a our_o vice_n for_o we_o must_v cease_v to_o do_v evil_a ere_o we_o can_v learn_v to_o do_v good_a and_o the_o first_o step_v towards_o the_o perfection_n of_o wisdom_n be_v the_o dispel_v those_o error_n which_o deceive_v and_o mislead_v the_o mind_n and_o pervert_v life_n what_o these_o be_v in_o the_o jew_n and_o gentile_a and_o what_o they_o be_v at_o this_o day_n in_o we_o it_o be_v easy_a enough_o to_o discern_v the_o mind_n of_o man_n as_o far_o as_o i_o can_v observe_v be_v natural_o prone_a to_o religious_a worship_n not_o only_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o wonderful_a mechanism_n and_o contrivance_n of_o the_o world_n and_o of_o event_n strange_a sudden_a and_o unaccountable_a but_o also_o the_o conscience_n of_o his_o own_o impotence_n and_o obnoxiousness_n incline_v he_o to_o the_o belief_n and_o prompt_v he_o to_o seek_v the_o patronage_n of_o a_o invisible_a all-sufficient_a power_n in_o the_o next_o place_n the_o mind_n of_o man_n be_v ever_o prone_a to_o propose_v to_o he_o some_o great_a some_o sovereign_a good_a in_o which_o he_o may_v acquiesce_v and_o by_o which_o he_o may_v secure_v himself_o as_o well_o as_o he_o can_v against_o the_o indigence_n and_o poverty_n of_o his_o nature_n and_o the_o change_n and_o revolution_n the_o disaster_n and_o the_o misery_n to_o which_o this_o mortal_a state_n be_v expose_v these_o be_v two_o thing_n of_o that_o importance_n that_o no_o man_n can_v err_v in_o they_o but_o the_o error_n must_v prove_v fatal_a to_o his_o repose_n he_o that_o set_v up_o to_o himself_o for_o his_o ultimate_a end_n a_o empty_a and_o uncertain_a good_a instead_o of_o a_o solid_a and_o eternal_a one_o must_v needs_o be_v as_o miserable_o delude_v and_o disappoint_v as_o he_o must_v who_o set_v up_o to_o himself_o a_o false_a god_n instead_o of_o the_o true_a or_o go_v about_o to_o endear_v and_o recommend_v himself_o to_o the_o true_a by_o a_o false_a and_o superstitious_a worship_n now_o in_o these_o point_n the_o jew_z and_o gentile_n be_v miserable_o though_o not_o equal_o mistake_v the_o gentile_a worship_v devil_n instead_o of_o god_n their_o mystery_n be_v either_o sensual_a or_o cruel_a their_o religion_n do_v often_o encourage_v sin_n than_o virtue_n and_o as_o to_o their_o sovereign_a good_a their_o heart_n be_v set_v upon_o this_o world_n upon_o the_o pomp_n and_o pleasure_n upon_o the_o ease_n and_o honour_n of_o it_o and_o they_o have_v either_o none_o or_o very_o dark_a and_o uncertain_a prospect_n beyond_o the_o grave_a all_o beyond_o it_o be_v a_o unknown_a region_n full_a of_o fable_n and_o idle_a phantom_n the_o jew_n though_o they_o enjoy_v the_o oracle_n of_o god_n and_o general_o preserve_v the_o worship_n of_o one_o true_a and_o live_a god_n yet_o be_v they_o not_o free_a from_o very_o deplorable_a error_n relate_v to_o these_o point_n they_o seem_v to_o have_v turn_v the_o true_a god_n into_o a_o idol_n and_o to_o have_v entertain_v some_o notion_n of_o he_o very_o repugnant_a to_o his_o nature_n they_o look_v upon_o he_o as_o the_o god_n of_o the_o jew_n not_o of_o the_o gentile_n as_o a_o respecter_n of_o person_n as_o fond_a and_o partial_a to_o their_o nation_n and_o as_o delight_v with_o a_o religion_n make_v up_o of_o numerous_a rite_n and_o ceremony_n and_o external_a observance_n and_o this_o can_v not_o but_o have_v a_o very_a sad_a influence_n upon_o their_o religion_n as_o it_o real_o have_v the_o holiness_n which_o be_v true_o acceptable_a to_o god_n be_v neglect_v and_o abolish_v and_o sadducism_n or_o pharisaism_n i._n e._n sensuality_n or_o hypocrisy_n introduce_v in_o the_o room_n of_o it_o and_o as_o to_o their_o ultimate_a end_n or_o supreme_a good_a the_o sadducee_n deny_v the_o resurrection_n angel_n and_o spirit_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v expect_v they_o shall_v entertain_v any_o design_n above_o the_o pleasure_n of_o the_o body_n and_o though_o the_o pharisee_n acknowledge_v angel_n and_o a_o resurrection_n yet_o can_v we_o not_o discern_v that_o they_o have_v a_o real_a value_n for_o any_o thing_n beside_o the_o honour_n power_n and_o wealth_n of_o this_o world_n and_o no_o wonder_n since_o they_o can_v upon_o their_o principle_n satisfy_v themselves_o in_o a_o religion_n which_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
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
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
which_o affirm_v concern_v original_a sin_n thus_o and_o this_o infection_n of_o nature_n do_v remain_v yea_o in_o they_o that_o be_v regenerate_v whereby_o the_o lust_n of_o the_o flesh_n call_v in_o greek_a 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o some_o do_v expound_v the_o wisdom_n some_o sensuality_n some_o the_o affection_n some_o the_o desire_n of_o the_o flesh_n be_v not_o subject_a to_o the_o law_n of_o god_n for_o this_o must_v not_o be_v understand_v sure_o as_o if_o the_o flesh_n do_v always_o lust_n against_o the_o spirit_n in_o the_o regenerate_v but_o only_o that_o the_o regenerate_v themselves_o be_v liable_a and_o obnoxious_a to_o these_o lusting_n which_o on_o supposal_n that_o the_o perfect_a man_n be_v here_o think_v upon_o by_o the_o compiler_n of_o this_o article_n import_v no_o contradiction_n to_o any_o thing_n i_o have_v deliver_v the_o truth_n be_v i_o have_v assert_v no_o more_o concern_v the_o cureableness_n of_o original_a corruption_n than_o what_o be_v necessary_a to_o secure_v the_o interest_n of_o holiness_n as_o well_o as_o the_o honour_n of_o the_o word_n and_o spirit_n i_o have_v too_o often_o have_v occasion_n to_o observe_v that_o the_o state_v our_o obligation_n to_o reduce_v original_a corruption_n too_o lax_o minister_v not_o a_o little_a to_o the_o carnal_a confidence_n of_o supine_n and_o careless_a person_n how_o greedy_o do_v some_o imbibe_n and_o how_o fond_a be_v they_o of_o this_o notion_n that_o the_o flesh_n even_o in_o the_o regenerate_v do_v always_o lust_n against_o the_o spirit_n and_o the_o next_o thing_n be_v to_o look_v upon_o their_o darling_n error_n as_o unavoidable_a infirmity_n flow_v from_o the_o uncurable_a distemper_n of_o original_a sin_n to_o the_o end_n therefore_o that_o under_o colour_n and_o pretence_n of_o the_o impossibility_n of_o a_o perfect_a cure_n and_o restitution_n of_o our_o nature_n to_o perfect_a innocence_n and_o unspotted_a purity_n we_o may_v not_o sit_v down_o content_v in_o a_o impure_a state_n and_o never_o advance_v to_o those_o degree_n of_o health_n and_o innocence_n which_o we_o may_v and_o ought_v actual_o arrive_v at_o i_o think_v fit_a here_o to_o guard_v the_o doctrine_n of_o original_a sin_n with_o this_o one_o general_a caution_n that_o we_o be_v very_o careful_a not_o to_o mistake_v contract_v for_o natural_a corruption_n not_o to_o mistake_v a_o super-induced_n nature_n deface_v by_o all_o the_o slime_n and_o mud_n which_o popular_a error_n and_o fashion_n leave_v upon_o it_o for_o original_a nature_n or_o nature_n in_o that_o state_n in_o which_o it_o enter_v the_o world_n it_o be_v i_o doubt_n a_o very_a hard_a thing_n to_o find_v but_o one_o arrive_v at_o any_o maturity_n of_o year_n in_o who_o nature_n be_v the_o same_o thing_n now_o that_o it_o be_v in_o the_o womb_n or_o the_o cradle_n in_o who_o these_o be_v no_o worse_a propension_n than_o what_o necessary_o flow_v from_o the_o frame_n and_o composition_n of_o his_o be_v alas_o our_o original_a depravation_n be_v it_o what_o it_o will_v be_v very_o betimes_o improve_v by_o false_a principle_n and_o foolish_a custom_n by_o a_o careless_a education_n and_o by_o the_o blandishment_n and_o insinuation_n of_o the_o world_n and_o every_o man_n be_v so_o partial_a to_o himself_o that_o he_o be_v very_o willing_a to_o have_v his_o defect_n and_o error_n pass_v under_o the_o name_n of_o natural_a and_o unavoidable_a one_o because_o this_o seem_v to_o carry_v in_o it_o its_o own_o apology_n this_o be_v a_o fatal_a error_n and_o continue_v man_n in_o their_o vice_n nay_o give_v they_o peace_n in_o they_o too_o to_o their_o life_n end_v for_o why_o shall_v not_o a_o man_n forbear_v attempt_v what_o he_o despair_v of_o effect_v to_o prevent_v which_o i_o earnest_o desire_v my_o reader_n to_o consider_v that_o all_o who_o have_v treat_v this_o doctrine_n of_o original_a sin_n with_o any_o solidity_n or_o prudence_n do_v carry_v the_o matter_n as_o far_o at_o least_o as_o i_o have_v do_v they_o teach_v not_o only_o that_o original_a corruption_n may_v be_v prune_v and_o lop_v but_o that_o it_o may_v be_v cut_v down_o mortify_v and_o dry_v up_o that_o since_o no_o man_n can_v assure_v himself_o how_o far_o he_o may_v advance_v his_o conquest_n over_o his_o natural_a corruption_n and_o the_o interest_n of_o every_o man_n safety_n and_o glory_n oblige_v he_o to_o advance_v it_o as_o far_o as_o he_o can_v he_o must_v never_o cease_v fight_v against_o it_o while_o it_o fight_v against_o he_o that_o since_o every_o sin_n be_v so_o far_o mortal_a as_o it_o be_v voluntary_a and_o have_v as_o much_o gild_n in_o it_o as_o freedom_n every_o man_n ought_v to_o be_v extreme_o jealous_a lest_o he_o be_v subject_a to_o any_o vicious_a inclination_n that_o be_v in_o reality_n the_o pruduct_v not_o of_o nature_n but_o of_o choice_n and_o last_o since_o though_o much_o less_o than_o habitual_a goodness_n may_v constitute_v a_o man_n in_o a_o state_n of_o grace_n yet_o nothing_o less_o can_v produce_v perfection_n or_o a_o constant_a assurance_n of_o eternal_a happiness_n therefore_o no_o man_n ought_v to_o acquiesce_v while_o he_o see_v himself_o short_a of_o this_o and_o every_o man_n shall_v remember_v that_o his_o goodness_n ought_v to_o consist_v in_o a_o habit_n of_o those_o virtue_n to_o which_o he_o be_v by_o nature_n the_o most_o averse_a i_o have_v now_o dispatch_v my_o first_o enquiry_n and_o resolve_v how_o far_o original_a sin_n be_v curable_a the_o next_o be_v §_o 2._o how_o this_o cure_n may_v be_v effect_v and_o here_o it_o be_v plain_a what_o we_o be_v to_o aim_v at_o in_o general_a for_o if_o original_a righteousness_n consist_v as_o i_o think_v it_o can_v be_v doubt_v in_o the_o subordination_n of_o the_o body_n to_o the_o soul_n and_o the_o soul_n to_o god_n and_o original_a corruption_n in_o the_o subversion_n of_o this_o order_n than_o the_o cure_n must_v consist_v in_o restore_v this_o subordination_n by_o the_o weaken_n and_o reduce_v the_o power_n of_o the_o body_n and_o by_o quicken_a and_o strengthen_v the_o mind_n and_o so_o re-establish_a its_o sovereignty_n and_o authority_n the_o scripture_n according_o let_v we_o know_v that_o this_o be_v the_o great_a design_n of_o religion_n and_o the_o great_a business_n of_o man_n 1_o cor._n 9_o 25._o and_o every_o man_n that_o strive_v for_o the_o mastery_n be_v temperate_a in_o all_o thing_n now_o they_o do_v it_o to_o obtain_v a_o corruptible_a crown_n but_o we_o a_o incorruptible_a and_o this_o st._n paul_n illustrate_v and_o explain_v by_o his_o own_o example_n in_o the_o follow_a word_n i_o therefore_o so_o run_v not_o as_o uncertain_o so_o fight_v i_o not_o as_o one_o that_o beat_v the_o air_n but_o i_o keep_v under_o my_o body_n and_o bring_v it_o into_o subjection_n the_o preference_n give_v to_o the_o care_n and_o appetite_n of_o the_o body_n or_o of_o the_o mind_n be_v the_o distinguish_a character_n which_o constitute_v and_o demonstrate_v man_n either_o holy_a or_o wicked_a they_o that_o be_v of_o the_o flesh_n do_v mind_n the_o thing_n of_o the_o flesh_n and_o they_o that_o be_v of_o the_o spirit_n the_o thing_n of_o the_o spirit_n rom._n 8.5_o and_o the_o threat_n of_o the_o gospel_n belong_v to_o the_o servant_n of_o the_o flesh_n its_o promise_n to_o the_o servant_n of_o the_o spirit_n for_o if_o you_o live_v after_o the_o flesh_n you_o shall_v die_v but_o if_o you_o through_o the_o spirit_n do_v mortify_v the_o deed_n of_o the_o body_n you_o shall_v live_v rom._n 8.13_o he_o that_o sow_v to_o his_o flesh_n shall_v of_o the_o flesh_n reap_v corruption_n but_o he_o that_o sow_v to_o the_o spirit_n shall_v of_o the_o spirit_n reap_v life_n everlasting_a gal._n 6.8_o i_o grant_v that_o in_o these_o place_n and_o elsewhere_o very_o common_o as_o by_o the_o spirit_n be_v mean_v the_o mind_n enlighten_v and_o aid_v by_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n so_o by_o the_o body_n or_o flesh_n be_v mean_v our_o inferior_a nature_n not_o just_a such_o as_o it_o proceed_v out_o of_o the_o womb_n but_o as_o it_o be_v further_o deprave_v by_o a_o carnal_a and_o worldly_a conversation_n however_o since_o original_a be_v the_o seed_n or_o root_n of_o voluntary_a or_o customary_a corruption_n these_o text_n do_v proper_o and_o direct_o enough_o serve_v to_o the_o confirmation_n of_o the_o doctrine_n for_o which_o they_o be_v allege_v this_o then_o be_v the_o great_a duty_n of_o man_n this_o be_v the_o great_a end_n which_o he_o be_v always_o to_o have_v in_o his_o eye_n the_o mortify_v the_o body_n and_o entire_o subjugate_a it_o to_o the_o reason_n of_o the_o mind_n here_o the_o christian_a warfare_n must_v begin_v and_o here_o end_n for_o he_o who_o have_v crucify_v the_o body_n with_o the_o lust_n and_o affection_n thereof_o have_v enter_v into_o rest_n as_o far_o as_o this_o life_n
slight_v the_o blood_n of_o the_o covenant_n and_o grieve_v the_o holy_a spirit_n all_o which_o we_o do_v by_o wilful_a sin_n be_v a_o gild_n that_o will_v sink_v down_o the_o obstinate_a sinner_n into_o the_o low_a hell_n and_o render_v his_o condition_n more_o intolerable_a that_o that_o of_o tyre_n and_o sidon_n sodom_n and_o gomorrah_n 2._o the_o second_o effect_n of_o the_o firm_a belief_n of_o these_o gospel_n truth_n be_v that_o it_o beget_v in_o we_o a_o contempt_n of_o this_o world_n and_o all_o the_o thing_n of_o it_o to_o he_o that_o beelieve_v how_o short_a be_v time_n compare_v to_o eternity_n how_o false_a how_o empty_a be_v the_o pleasure_n of_o sin_n compare_v with_o those_o of_o heaven_n how_o insignificant_a the_o esteem_n or_o love_n of_o man_n to_o that_o of_o god_n how_o worthless_a be_v all_o our_o worldly_a hope_n and_o pretension_n in_o respect_n of_o a_o interest_n in_o jesus_n now_o the_o soul_n that_o be_v once_o possess_v thorough_o with_o these_o notion_n what_o will_v it_o not_o do_v what_o will_v it_o not_o suffer_v rather_o than_o fall_v short_a of_o or_o forfeit_v its_o crown_n in_o what_o state_n will_v it_o not_o be_v content_v nay_o in_o what_o state_n will_v it_o not_o abound_v in_o joy_n whilst_o it_o hold_v fast_o the_o steadfastness_n of_o its_o hope_n and_o be_v secure_a of_o the_o love_n of_o jesus_n here_o begin_v that_o purity_n of_o heart_n which_o be_v the_o fountain_n of_o true_a epicureism_n that_o greatness_n of_o mind_n which_o alone_o be_v true_a honour_n and_o fortitude_n but_o that_o faith_n may_v have_v these_o effect_n upon_o we_o it_o must_v not_o be_v only_o a_o true_a but_o a_o lively_a faith_n therefore_o my_o 2._o second_o rule_n or_o if_o you_o please_v another_o branch_n of_o the_o former_a rule_n shall_v be_v this_o they_o that_o will_v be_v free_a indeed_o must_v not_o only_o believe_v the_o great_a truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n but_o must_v frequent_o and_o serious_o ponder_v they_o till_o they_o have_v imprint_v in_o themselves_o as_o clear_v distinct_a and_o perfect_a idea_n of_o they_o as_o we_o be_v capable_a of_o this_o will_v soon_o mortify_v the_o appetite_n of_o the_o body_n corrrect_v our_o false_a opinion_n of_o worldly_a thing_n and_o baffle_v all_o the_o sophistry_n and_o confidence_n of_o lust_n a_o lively_a faith_n be_v a_o faith_n that_o import_v the_o most_o clear_a and_o natural_a the_o most_o full_a and_o enlarge_v notion_n of_o its_o object_n a_o faith_n that_o not_o only_a look_n upon_o the_o article_n of_o our_o creed_n as_o true_a but_o behold_v they_o in_o a_o manner_n as_o present_v and_o so_o represent_v and_o draw_v to_o the_o life_n that_o they_o fill_v the_o soul_n with_o great_a and_o move_a consideration_n this_o faith_n do_v not_o only_o believe_v that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n but_o it_o behold_v he_o and_o walk_n before_o he_o as_o present_v it_o see_v he_o array_v in_o all_o his_o glory_n and_o in_o all_o his_o majesty_n in_o all_o the_o power_n and_o all_o the_o terror_n in_o all_o the_o beauty_n and_o all_o the_o grace_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n it_o do_v not_o only_o believe_v that_o there_o be_v reward_n and_o punishment_n but_o be_v extreme_o sensible_a of_o the_o terror_n of_o the_o one_o and_o attraction_n of_o the_o other_o and_o look_v upon_o both_o as_o at_o the_o door_n it_o do_v not_o only_o acknowledge_v a_o mediator_n but_o take_v a_o full_a view_n of_o the_o misery_n of_o that_o state_n wherein_o we_o lie_v through_o sin_n and_o of_o the_o blessedness_n of_o that_o into_o which_o we_o be_v translate_v by_o the_o redemption_n which_o be_v in_o jesus_n it_o contemplate_v this_o mediator_n in_o all_o the_o several_a step_n of_o condescension_n and_o humiliation_n in_o all_o the_o tenderness_n and_o transport_v of_o his_o passion_n in_o all_o the_o melancholy_a scene_n of_o his_o suffering_n and_o the_o bright_a and_o cheerful_a one_o of_o his_o glory_n this_o be_v the_o faith_n that_o set_v we_o free_a 3._o we_o must_v not_o stop_v in_o faith_n till_o it_o be_v make_v perfect_a in_o love_n we_o must_v meditate_v divine_a truth_n till_o they_o have_v fire_v our_o soul_n till_o they_o have_v enkindle_v our_o affection_n till_o we_o be_v possess_v by_o a_o ardent_a love_n of_o god_n of_o jesus_n of_o righteousness_n and_o of_o heaven_n till_o all_o our_o other_o desire_n and_o passion_n be_v convert_v into_o and_o swallow_v up_o of_o love_n till_o god_n become_v the_o centre_n of_o our_o soul_n and_o in_o he_o we_o rest_v in_o he_o we_o glory_n and_o in_o he_o we_o rejoice_v o_o love_n how_o great_a and_o glorious_a be_v the_o thing_n that_o be_v say_v of_o thou_o it_o be_v thou_o who_o do_v impregnate_n and_o animate_v faith_n itself_o it_o be_v thou_o who_o do_v surmount_v the_o difficulty_n of_o duty_n and_o make_v the_o yoke_n of_o christ_n easy_a and_o his_o burden_n light_n it_o be_v thou_o who_o do_v cast_v out_o fear_v and_o make_v religion_n full_a of_o pleasure_n it_o be_v thou_o that_o do_v make_v we_o watchful_a against_o temptation_n and_o impatient_a under_o the_o interruption_n of_o duty_n it_o be_v thou_o that_o make_v we_o dis-relish_a the_o pleasure_n of_o this_o world_n and_o long_o to_o be_v dissolve_v and_o to_o be_v with_o christ_n here_o be_v the_o liberty_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n bless_a be_v they_o even_o in_o this_o world_n who_o attain_v it_o but_o one_o caution_n i_o must_v here_o add_v that_o our_o love_n must_v not_o be_v a_o flesh_n a_o bit_n but_o a_o steady_a and_o well_o settle_a affection_n a_o affection_n that_o have_v the_o warmth_n of_o passion_n and_o the_o firmness_n of_o habit._n we_o must_v therefore_o by_o repeat_v meditation_n and_o prayer_n daily_o nourish_v this_o flame_n of_o the_o altar_n and_o not_o suffer_v it_o to_o go_v out_o 4._o we_o must_v never_o be_v at_o rest_n till_o we_o have_v possess_v our_o mind_n with_o a_o perfect_a hatred_n of_o the_o sin_n which_o we_o be_v most_o subject_a to_o the_o love_n of_o god_n his_o long-suffering_a and_o forbearance_n the_o suffering_n of_o jesus_n the_o struggle_n of_o the_o spirit_n the_o peace_n and_o pleasure_n of_o holiness_n the_o gild_n and_o vexation_n the_o shame_n and_o punishment_n of_o sin_n its_o ill_a influence_n on_o our_o present_a perfection_n and_o happiness_n on_o our_o peace_n and_o hope_n be_v proper_a topic_n to_o effect_v this_o a_o thorough_a hatred_n of_o sin_n once_o settle_v and_o root_v in_o we_o will_v produce_v that_o sorrow_n that_o indignation_n that_o watchfulness_n that_o zeal_n which_o will_v remove_v we_o far_o enough_o not_o only_o from_o the_o sin_n but_o also_o from_o the_o ordinary_a temptation_n to_o it_o and_o place_v we_o almost_o without_o the_o danger_n of_o a_o relapse_n to_o this_o former_a rule_n i_o shall_v add_v this_o other_o that_o when_o once_o a_o man_n have_v resolve_v upon_o a_o new_a course_n of_o life_n whatever_o difficulty_n he_o find_v in_o his_o way_n whatever_o baffle_v he_o meet_v with_o he_o must_v never_o quit_v the_o desgn_n of_o virtue_n and_o life_n he_o must_v never_o give_v over_o fight_v till_o he_o conquer_v the_o reason_n be_v plain_a for_o he_o must_v either_o conquer_v or_o die_v but_o this_o belong_v rather_o to_o perseverance_n in_o virtue_n than_o the_o beginning_n of_o it_o therefore_o i_o but_o just_a mention_n it_o 5._o it_o will_v not_o be_v imprudent_a in_o this_o moral_a as_o in_o physical_a cure_n to_o observe_v diligent_o and_o follow_v the_o motion_n and_o tendency_n of_o nature_n where_o there_o be_v seed_n of_o generosity_n and_o honour_n the_o turpitude_n and_o shame_n of_o sin_n the_o baseness_n and_o ingratitude_n of_o it_o the_o love_n of_o god_n and_o of_o jesus_n and_o such_o like_a be_v fit_a topic_n to_o dwell_v upon_o where_o fear_n be_v more_o apt_a to_o prevail_v there_o the_o terror_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v the_o most_o powerful_a motive_n and_o so_o whatever_o the_o frame_n and_o constitution_n of_o nature_n be_v it_o will_v not_o be_v difficult_a to_o find_v argument_n in_o the_o gospel_n adapt_v to_o it_o which_o will_v be_v so_o much_o the_o more_o prevalent_a as_o they_o be_v the_o more_o natural_a 6._o last_o we_o must_v use_v all_o mean_n to_o obtain_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n and_o to_o increase_v and_o cherish_v his_o influence_n we_o must_v ask_v and_o seek_v and_o knock_v i._n e._n we_o must_v pray_v and_o meditate_v and_o travel_v with_o patience_n and_o with_o importunity_n that_o our_o heavenly_a father_n may_v give_v we_o his_o holy_a spirit_n and_o when_o we_o have_v it_o we_o must_v not_o grieve_v it_o by_o any_o deliberate_a sin_n nor_o quench_v it_o by_o security_n or_o negligence_n by_o sensual_a freedom_n and_o presumption_n but_o we_o must_v cherish_v every_o motion_n improve_v every_o
they_o can_v make_v god_n and_o will_v god_n be_v better_a please_v with_o these_o than_o he_o be_v with_o those_o of_o israel_n that_o be_v deform_v with_o maim_n and_o blemish_n mal._n 1.8_o offer_v now_o these_o to_o thy_o governor_n will_v he_o he_o please_v with_o thou_o or_o accept_v of_o thy_o person_n say_v the_o lord_n of_o host_n the_o magi_n indeed_o leave_v their_o country_n and_o offer_v gold_n frankincense_n and_o myrrh_n to_o our_o saviour_n mat._n 2._o david_n will_v not_o sacrifice_v to_o god_n of_o that_o which_o cost_v he_o nothing_o 2_o sam._n 24._o 24._o the_o primitive_a christian_n offer_v up_o to_o god_n prayer_n and_o tear_n labour_n and_o travel_n nay_o their_o honour_n their_o fortune_n their_o life_n their_o blood_n but_o alas_o what_o have_v these_o man_n to_o offer_v they_o have_v not_o love_n enough_o to_o put_v they_o upon_o any_o expense_n nor_o faith_n enough_o to_o put_v they_o upon_o any_o hardship_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o god_n and_o virtue_n for_o though_o they_o think_v themselves_o rich_a and_o increse_v in_o good_n and_o to_o have_v need_n of_o nothing_o yet_o be_v they_o poor_a wretched_a and_o miserable_a and_o blind_a and_o naked_a rev._n 3.17_o and_o shall_v these_o receive_v a_o crown_n of_o righteousness_n shall_v these_o share_n in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o jesus_n shall_v these_o partake_v in_o the_o triumph_n of_o the_o last_o day_n it_o can_v never_o be_v they_o do_v nothing_o worthy_a of_o the_o gospel_n nothing_o that_o can_v entitle_v they_o to_o the_o benefit_n of_o the_o cross_n of_o christ_n 3._o the_o life_n of_o the_o laodicean_n christian_n will_v never_o do_v any_o do_v any_o credit_n to_o religion_n or_o reflect_v any_o honour_n on_o the_o gospel_n no_o man_n will_v be_v ever_o able_a to_o discern_v the_o beauty_n of_o holiness_n or_o the_o power_n and_o efficacy_n of_o divine_a truth_n from_o the_o practice_n and_o conversation_n of_o such_o a_o one_o ah_o have_v the_o carriage_n of_o the_o primitive_a time_n be_v such_o as_o he_o i_o know_v not_o what_o miracle_n may_v have_v do_v i_o be_o sure_a example_n will_v never_o have_v make_v many_o proselyte_n but_o the_o christian_n then_o act_v those_o virtue_n which_o the_o pagan_a only_o pretend_v to_o and_o faith_n in_o jesus_n achieve_v those_o victory_n over_o the_o world_n which_o the_o jew_n so_o debauch_v and_o stupid_a be_v they_o grow_v do_v in_o the_o declension_n of_o that_o state_n neither_o understand_v nor_o pretend_v to_o this_o be_v that_o which_o make_v the_o world_n admire_v and_o love_n christianity_n after_o thus_o much_o say_v of_o the_o effect_n of_o this_o sort_n of_o carriage_n i_o need_v scarce_o put_v any_o one_o in_o mind_n what_o will_v be_v the_o last_o and_o sad_a effect_n of_o it_o for_o if_o our_o christianity_n be_v such_o that_o it_o neither_o true_o set_v we_o free_a from_o our_o bondage_n to_o the_o world_n and_o flesh_n nor_o enrich_v our_o soul_n with_o true_a and_o solid_a virtue_n if_o it_o neither_o promote_v the_o honour_n of_o god_n nor_o the_o good_a of_o man_n it_o must_v unavoidable_o follow_v that_o have_v no_o true_a title_n to_o god_n favour_n nor_o any_o rational_a ground_n on_o which_o to_o build_v a_o assurance_n of_o it_o we_o can_v reap_v no_o true_a comfort_n or_o pleasure_n from_o religion_n here_o nor_o any_o reward_n from_o it_o hereafter_o alas_o what_o talk_v i_o of_o comfort_n and_o reward_n distress_n and_o anguish_n must_v take_v hold_v of_o the_o sinner_n in_o zion_n and_o fearfulness_n must_v suprize_v the_o hypocrite_n and_o from_o the_o trouble_n and_o misery_n of_o thu_fw-mi life_n they_o must_v go_v down_o into_o the_o everlasting_a torment_n of_o another_o the_o scripture_n be_v plain_a god_n will_v spew_v they_o out_o of_o his_o mouth_n as_o he_o do_v the_o laodicean_n he_o will_v shut_v the_o gate_n of_o heaven_n against_o they_o as_o against_o the_o foolish_a virgin_n that_o have_v no_o oil_n in_o their_o lamp_n and_o their_o hell_n will_v have_v one_o torment_n in_o it_o which_o be_v incident_a to_o no_o other_o that_o they_o have_v once_o the_o hope_n of_o heaven_n and_o it_o be_v no_o small_a aggravation_n of_o misery_n to_o fall_v into_o it_o even_o from_o the_o expectation_n of_o happiness_n this_o be_v not_o as_o i_o observe_v above_o to_o be_v apply_v to_o accidental_a dulness_n or_o deadness_n in_o duty_n nor_o be_v the_o decay_n or_o abatement_n of_o love_n which_o good_a man_n sometime_o suffer_v immediate_o to_o be_v pronounce_v damnable_a but_o yet_o these_o be_v to_o be_v put_v in_o mind_n of_o the_o danger_n they_o be_v in_o and_o recall_v to_o their_o former_a zeal_n in_o the_o word_n of_o the_o spirit_n to_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n nevertheless_o i_o have_v somewhat_o against_o thou_o because_o thou_o have_v leave_v thy_o first_o love_n remember_v therefore_o from_o whence_o thou_o be_v fall_v and_o repent_v and_o do_v the_o first_o work_n or_o else_o i_o will_v come_v unto_o thou_o quick_o and_o will_v remote_a thy_o candlestick_n out_o of_o his_o place_n except_o thou_o repent_v rev._n 2.4_o 5._o chap._n ix_o of_o zeal_n or_o the_o first_o thing_n to_o be_v consider_v in_o a_o state_n of_o zeal_n namely_o what_o holiness_n or_o righteousness_n he_o may_v be_v suppose_v to_o have_v arrive_v at_o i_o be_o arrive_v at_o the_o last_o stage_n of_o perfection_n which_o i_o choose_v to_o call_v a_o state_n of_o zeal_n not_o only_o because_o the_o scripture_n seem_v to_o direct_v i_o to_o this_o expression_n but_o also_o because_o it_o seem_v to_o i_o more_o full_a and_o proper_a than_o other_o that_o may_v be_v or_o be_v make_v use_n of_o for_o the_o same_o end_n a_o state_n of_o union_n be_v a_o expression_n that_o better_a suit_n another_o life_n that_o this_o for_o the_o lesson_n the_o perfect_a man_n be_v ever_o and_o anon_o to_o revolve_v in_o his_o mind_n be_v that_o the_o present_a life_n be_v a_o life_n of_o labour_n and_o travel_v and_o suffering_n the_o future_a one_o of_o reward_n and_o crown_n and_o enjoyment_n then_o as_o to_o that_o other_o expression_n the_o state_n of_o love_n it_o suit_v my_o purpose_n well_o enough_o but_o do_v not_o come_v up_o so_o just_o and_o exact_o to_o it_o as_o the_o state_n of_o zeal_n for_o i_o take_v zeal_n to_o be_v love_n in_o the_o utmost_a elevation_n and_o vivacity_n that_o it_o be_v capable_a of_o and_o now_o what_o a_o noble_a what_o a_o fruitful_a argument_n be_o i_o enter_v upon_o methinks_v i_o feel_v my_o soul_n grow_v warm_a and_o enkindle_v upon_o my_o approach_v it_o and_o my_o first_o view_n or_o contemplation_n of_o it_o inspire_v i_o with_o desire_n of_o the_o same_o nature_n with_o itself_o i_o be_o concern_v to_o see_v myself_o confine_v and_o limit_v by_o the_o law_n of_o method_n and_o find_v myself_o incline_v to_o wish_v that_o i_o be_v now_o to_o write_v rather_o a_o just_a volume_n than_o a_o few_o page_n here_o the_o heroic_a act_n or_o what_o be_v more_o the_o heroic_a life_n of_o saint_n martyr_n and_o confessor_n present_v themselves_o to_o my_o thought_n here_o human_a nature_n enrich_v adorn_v and_o elevate_v to_o the_o utmost_a degree_n by_o a_o participation_n of_o the_o divine_a one_o here_o the_o power_n of_o god_n word_n the_o energy_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n the_o triumph_n of_o faith_n and_o the_o exstasy_n of_o love_n will_v be_v describe_v here_o the_o different_a excellency_n of_o different_a virtue_n and_o the_o different_a value_n of_o good_a work_n shall_v be_v state_v and_o settle_v and_o the_o various_a path_n in_o which_o man_n pursue_v the_o height_n of_o virtue_n and_o the_o noble_a design_n be_v examine_v and_o solid_a piety_n and_o true_a wisdom_n be_v refine_v from_o the_o alloy_v and_o mixture_n of_o enthusiasm_n superstition_n fancy_n or_o whatever_o else_o they_o be_v disfigure_v and_o debase_v by_o but_o this_o can_v now_o be_v do_v and_o it_o may_v be_v it_o can_v not_o at_o all_o be_v do_v by_o i_o no_o measure_n of_o the_o spirit_n peradventure_o below_o that_o with_o which_o the_o apostle_n be_v inspire_v be_v sufficient_a to_o treat_v this_o argument_n as_o it_o require_v beside_o according_a to_o my_o capacity_n i_o have_v be_v all_o along_o make_v this_o point_n when_o in_o the_o first_o section_n i_o state_v the_o notion_n of_o perfection_n show_v by_o what_o step_v we_o advance_v to_o it_o what_o mean_v we_o be_v to_o make_v use_n of_o and_o what_o will_v be_v the_o fruit_n of_o it_o i_o do_v in_o effect_n describe_v to_o my_o reader_n the_o state_n of_o zeal_n and_o mark_v out_o the_o path_n that_o lead_v to_o it_o when_o in_o the_o second_o i_o labour_v to_o establish_v the_o true_a liberty_n of_o man_n upon_o the_o overthrow_n and_o extirpation_n not_o only_o of_o mortal_a sin_n and_o
dismiss_v from_o the_o pilgrimage_n of_o this_o world_n and_o from_o the_o corruptible_a tabernacle_n of_o the_o body_n nor_o do_v i_o last_o doubt_n but_o that_o this_o love_n be_v often_o sensible_o transport_v it_o be_v a_o fire_n within_o that_o strive_v to_o break_v out_o and_o exert_v itself_o in_o the_o fruition_n of_o heaven_n it_o be_v a_o rich_a and_o mighty_a cordial_n that_o raise_v nature_n above_o itself_o and_o make_v it_o all_o purity_n all_o glory_n thus_o have_v i_o consider_v the_o extent_n or_o compass_n of_o the_o perfect_a man_n virtue_n and_o the_o sum_n total_a be_v in_o some_o he_o must_v excel_v because_o natural_a and_o easy_a in_o other_o because_o necessary_a universal_a one_o he_o can_v want_v they_o be_v essential_a to_o christianity_n other_o of_o a_o peculiar_a nature_n he_o may_v unless_o his_o circumstance_n exact_v they_o nor_o be_v this_o any_o diminutton_n of_o his_o perfection_n patience_n fortitude_n moderation_n vigilance_n etc._n etc._n be_v the_o virtue_n of_o earth_n not_o heaven_n and_o yet_o none_o think_v the_o bless_a inhabitant_n of_o that_o place_n imperfect_a because_o not_o endow_v with_o habit_n which_o they_o do_v not_o want_v above_o all_o he_o that_o will_v be_v perfect_a must_v abound_v in_o those_o grace_n which_o be_v of_o the_o most_o heroic_a nature_n faith_n love_n and_o humility_n for_o these_o be_v they_o which_o most_o effectual_o exalt_v man_n above_o himself_o and_o above_o the_o world_n which_o inflame_v he_o with_o a_o zeal_n for_o the_o honour_n of_o god_n and_o the_o good_a of_o man_n and_o enable_v he_o to_o surmount_v the_o difficulty_n which_o he_o meet_v with_o in_o prosecute_a this_o glorious_a design_n i_o be_o next_o to_o inquire_v §_o 2._o to_o what_o height_n to_o what_o degree_n of_o virtue_n the_o perfect_a man_n may_v advance_v i_o have_v in_o part_n anticipate_v this_o enquiry_n already_o yet_o can_v forbear_v add_v here_o two_o observation_n first_o that_o reason_n and_o scripture_n seem_v to_o press_v we_o on_o towards_o a_o endless_a progress_n in_o virtue_n and_o yet_o second_o that_o both_o seem_v to_o propose_v to_o we_o such_o a_o state_n of_o perfection_n as_o attainable_a beyond_o which_o we_o can_v go_v that_o so_o the_o beginner_n may_v not_o despair_v of_o perfection_n nor_o the_o perfect_a abate_v any_o thing_n of_o their_o vigilance_n and_o their_o industry_n such_o a_o degree_n of_o excellence_n to_o which_o nothing_o can_v be_v add_v such_o a_o height_n above_o which_o there_o be_v no_o room_n to_o soar_v if_o apply_v to_o man_n and_o this_o world_n be_v sure_o but_o a_o imaginary_a notion_n to_o dream_v of_o such_o a_o perfection_n be_v to_o forget_v our_o nature_n and_o our_o state_n no_o sagacity_n of_o judgement_n no_o strength_n of_o resolution_n no_o felicity_n of_o circumstance_n can_v ever_o advance_v we_o to_o this_o height_n such_o a_o perfection_n as_o this_o that_o be_v incapable_a of_o any_o increase_n belong_v i_o believe_v to_o god_n alone_o or_o if_o we_o may_v allow_v it_o to_o angel_n we_o must_v certain_o deny_v it_o to_o man_n in_o who_o one_o will_v think_v the_o appetite_n of_o the_o body_n can_v never_o be_v so_o entre_o subdue_v that_o there_o shall_v be_v no_o place_n to_o extend_v his_o conquest_n or_o render_v his_o victory_n more_o entire_a and_o complete_a and_o in_o who_o one_o will_v think_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n shall_v never_o reside_v in_o that_o measure_n that_o there_o shall_v be_v nothing_o to_o be_v add_v to_o his_o fullness_n it_o be_v hard_a to_o conceive_v how_o we_o shall_v study_v the_o systeme_n of_o divine_a faith_n how_o we_o shall_v daily_o reflect_v upon_o our_o life_n and_o action_n without_o grow_v in_o spiritual_a wisdom_n and_o understanding_n it_o be_v hard_a to_o conceive_v how_o we_o shall_v give_v god_n the_o world_n and_o ourselves_o repeat_v proof_n of_o our_o integrity_n in_o the_o day_n of_o trial_n without_o increase_v our_o strength_n and_o assurance_n and_o love_n must_v natural_o increase_v with_o these_o whence_o it_o be_v that_o st._n paul_n acknowledge_v himself_o not_o yet_o perfect_a resolve_n that_o forget_v those_o thing_n that_o be_v behind_o and_o reach_v forward_o to_o those_o thing_n that_o be_v before_o he_o will_v press_v on_o towards_o the_o mark_n for_o the_o prize_n of_o the_o high_a call_v of_o god_n in_o christ_n jesus_n phil._n 3.13_o 14._o and_o st._n austin_n resolve_v plenissima_fw-la charitas_fw-la quam_fw-la diu_fw-la hîc_fw-la homo_fw-la vivit_fw-la est_fw-la in_o nemine_fw-la a_o absolute_a plenitude_n of_o charity_n be_v in_o no_o mortal_a upon_o earth_n and_o yet_o if_o we_o come_v to_o fact_n and_o practice_n one_o will_v be_v tempt_v to_o think_v that_o the_o disciple_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o master_n have_v arrive_v at_o that_o state_n wherein_o their_o business_n be_v not_o to_o climb_v high_a but_o rather_o to_o make_v good_a the_o ground_n they_o have_v gain_v what_o can_v render_v st._n paul_n victory_n over_o the_o body_n more_o complete_a who_o assure_v we_o i_o be_o crucify_v with_o christ_n and_o again_o i_o be_o crucify_v to_o the_o world_n and_o the_o world_n be_v crucify_v to_o i_o what_o can_v render_v the_o authority_n and_o dominion_n of_o his_o mind_n more_o absolute_a or_o its_o grace_n more_o consummate_a and_o entire_a who_o can_v say_v with_o truth_n it_o be_v not_o i_o who_o live_v but_o christ_n who_o live_v in_o i_o what_o will_v you_o have_v add_v to_o that_o faith_n and_o love_n which_o make_v he_o ready_a not_o only_o to_o be_v bind_v but_o to_o die_v at_o jerusalem_n which_o make_v he_o long_o to_o be_v dissolve_v and_o to_o be_v with_o christ_n as_o to_o those_o word_n of_o he_o phil._n 3.13_o forget_v those_o thing_n that_o be_v behind_o and_o reach_v forward_o etc._n etc._n they_o relate_v to_o his_o trial_n and_o performance_n to_o his_o peril_n and_o conflict_n not_o to_o his_o attainment_n he_o do_v not_o here_o deny_v himself_o to_o be_v perfect_a though_o that_o may_v well_o enough_o have_v become_v his_o modesty_n and_o humility_n but_o only_o that_o he_o be_v not_o to_o look_v upon_o himself_o as_o already_o at_o his_o goal_n a_o conqueror_n and_o crown_v there_o be_v much_o yet_o behind_o to_o do_v and_o suffer_v notwithstanding_o all_o that_o he_o have_v pass_v through_o this_o be_v the_o sense_n of_o his_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o we_o render_v not_o as_o though_o i_o be_v already_o perfect_a as_o to_o st._n austin_n i_o be_o of_o his_o mind_n for_o he_o speak_v comparative_o and_o do_v in_o effect_n no_o more_o than_o affirm_v that_o no_o man_n live_v be_v as_o perfect_a in_o this_o world_n as_o he_o will_v be_v in_o another_o which_o no_o man_n sure_o can_v ever_o doubt_v if_o we_o consult_v reason_n will_v it_o not_o be_v apt_a to_o tell_v we_o that_o as_o every_o be_v have_v its_o bound_n set_v it_o so_o have_v every_o perfection_n too_o that_o there_o be_v a_o stature_n as_o of_o the_o natural_a so_o of_o the_o spiritual_a man_n beyond_o which_o it_o can_v grow_v that_o as_o to_o grace_n no_o more_o can_v be_v infuse_v than_o our_o nature_n be_v capable_a of_o otherwise_o like_v too_o rich_a a_o cordial_n it_o will_v not_o strengthen_v but_o fire_n our_o nature_n or_o like_o too_o dazzle_v a_o light_n it_o will_v not_o assist_v but_o oppress_v our_o faculty_n and_o do_v not_o the_o parable_n of_o our_o master_n countenance_v this_o matth._n 25.2_o wherein_o he_o tell_v we_o that_o god_n give_v to_o one_o five_o talent_n to_o another_o two_o to_o another_o one_o to_o every_o man_n according_a to_o his_o ability_n by_o which_o one_o will_v think_v our_o lord_n insinuate_v that_o the_o measure_n of_o grace_n be_v usual_o distribute_v in_o proportion_n to_o the_o capacity_n of_o nature_n and_o that_o he_o who_o improve_v his_o two_o talent_n into_o four_o arrive_v at_o his_o proper_a perfection_n as_o well_o as_o he_o who_o improve_v his_o five_o into_o ten_o it_o be_v as_o absurd_a to_o expect_v that_o the_o perfection_n of_o every_o man_n shall_v be_v the_o same_o as_o to_o expect_v that_o all_o man_n body_n shall_v be_v of_o the_o same_o height_n or_o their_o mind_n of_o the_o same_o capacity_n reflect_v on_o all_o this_o together_o i_o can_v but_o be_v of_o opinion_n that_o some_o have_v actual_o arrive_v at_o that_o strength_n of_o faith_n at_o that_o ardour_n of_o love_n that_o they_o seem_v to_o have_v be_v uncapable_a of_o any_o considerable_a accession_n in_o this_o life_n but_o yet_o new_a occasion_n may_v still_o demand_v new_a virtue_n which_o be_v indeed_o before_o contain_v and_o include_v in_o faith_n and_o love_n but_o not_o otherwise_o than_o as_o fruit_n and_o tree_n be_v in_o their_o seed_n and_o some_o degree_n of_o original_a corruption_n may_v still_o be_v lurk_v in_o the_o