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have_v travel_v into_o those_o part_n put_v the_o truth_n of_o this_o beyond_o the_o necessity_n of_o any_o particular_a authority_n though_o many_o such_o may_v be_v produce_v be_v it_o not_o foreign_a to_o the_o present_a design_n but_o the_o devil_n be_v a_o artist_n more_o subtle_a even_o than_o these_o he_o can_v convey_v a_o spiritual_a venom_n and_o contagion_n to_o the_o soul_n and_o poison_v all_o the_o thought_n and_o power_n of_o it_o his_o injection_n be_v as_o quick_a and_o as_o keen_a as_o lightning_n and_o he_o have_v undiscernible_a way_n of_o defile_v and_o corrupt_v our_o mind_n that_o satan_n can_v throw_v wicked_a thought_n into_o our_o mind_n be_v i_o suppose_v a_o matter_n not_o question_v but_o whether_o he_o do_v this_o by_o work_v on_o the_o humour_n of_o the_o body_n or_o stir_v up_o the_o animal_n spirit_n or_o by_o a_o immediate_a apply_v his_o suggestion_n to_o the_o soul_n be_v not_o so_o easy_a to_o be_v determine_v there_o be_v a_o necessary_a dependence_n of_o the_o operation_n of_o the_o soul_n upon_o the_o texture_n of_o the_o body_n and_o spirit_n it_o be_v not_o improbable_a that_o he_o frequent_o inject_n wicked_a thought_n that_o way_n but_o why_o may_v he_o not_o also_o cast_v in_o wicked_a thought_n into_o our_o heart_n by_o a_o immediate_a communication_n the_o truth_n be_v we_o can_v well_o find_v out_o which_o method_n he_o take_v in_o his_o temptation_n we_o be_v not_o able_a to_o tell_v how_o hâ—_n câ—sts_v in_o wicked_a thought_n we_o know_v little_a or_o nothing_o of_o the_o intercourse_n between_o being_n pure_o spiritual_a but_o too_o plain_a and_o true_a it_o be_v that_o we_o be_v infest_a with_o a_o multitude_n of_o evil_a thought_n and_o that_o they_o do_v proceed_v out_o of_o the_o heart_n however_o they_o come_v there_o and_o therefore_o it_o will_v be_v a_o more_o material_a enquiry_n how_o we_o shall_v be_v able_a effectual_o to_o resist_v or_o prevent_v they_o and_o this_o can_v be_v full_o do_v neither_o in_o a_o treatise_n of_o this_o nature_n because_o their_o kind_n be_v infinite_a and_o their_o number_n endless_a i_o shall_v therefore_o according_a to_o my_o propose_a method_n consider_v in_o this_o chapter_n some_o special_a kind_n of_o evil_a thought_n and_o endeavour_v to_o apply_v remedy_n against_o they_o to_o the_o satisfaction_n and_o benefit_n i_o hope_v of_o the_o serious_a reader_n first_o then_o the_o first_o kind_n of_o they_o which_o i_o shall_v consider_v be_v profane_a and_o blasphemous_a thought_n and_o of_o this_o sort_n there_o be_v a_o dismal_a variety_n i_o have_v know_v some_o and_o these_o i_o be_o persuade_v very_o religious_a people_n who_o have_v be_v extreme_o disturb_v with_o such_o thought_n concern_v god_n as_o have_v be_v most_o unaccountable_a and_o as_o absurd_a as_o they_o be_v profane_a if_o i_o think_v fit_a i_o can_v mention_v some_o of_o they_o which_o have_v be_v so_o extravagant_a that_o i_o shall_v think_v to_o be_v rid_v of_o they_o it_o be_v better_a to_o contemn_v and_o despise_v they_o than_o anxious_o to_o be_v concern_v about_o they_o though_o with_o other_o of_o they_o we_o ought_v to_o deal_v after_o a_o different_a manner_n to_o think_v aright_o of_o almighty_a god_n and_o to_o have_v such_o idea_n of_o he_o in_o our_o mind_n as_o be_v worthy_a and_o become_v so_o great_a and_o so_o pure_a a_o majesty_n be_v not_o only_o a_o very_a considerable_a part_n of_o religion_n but_o a_o very_a comfortable_a thing_n and_o i_o can_v but_o pity_v such_o christian_n as_o be_v much_o afflict_v with_o profane_a thought_n of_o this_o kind_n of_o evil_a thought_n there_o be_v some_o more_o hideous_a than_o other_o but_o yet_o every_o thought_n of_o he_o which_o be_v contrary_a or_o unsuitable_a to_o that_o representation_n which_o by_o such_o and_o such_o glorious_a attribute_n he_o have_v make_v to_o we_o of_o himself_o in_o his_o holy_a word_n that_o i_o call_v a_o profane_a thought_n or_o when_o we_o conceive_v 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can_v but_o wonder_v at_o the_o imprudence_n and_o luciferian_a pride_n of_o such_o man_n who_o deny_v all_o mystery_n and_o pretend_v to_o know_v god_n so_o as_o perfect_o to_o comprehend_v he_o by_o the_o dim_a light_n of_o natural_a reason_n alone_o thus_o be_v god_n represent_v to_o we_o sometime_o as_o have_v hand_n foot_n eye_n and_o such_o like_a organical_a part_n not_o that_o he_o have_v true_o such_o as_o the_o old_a heretic_n the_o anthropomorphites_n hold_v and_o the_o romanist_n now_o depict_v he_o but_o we_o be_v to_o understand_v they_o in_o a_o figurative_a sense_n his_o hand_n and_o his_o foot_n betoken_v his_o power_n his_o eye_n his_o knowledge_n and_o favour_n etc._n etc._n and_o therefore_o to_o think_v of_o he_o under_o any_o material_a figure_n be_v a_o profane_a thought_n
the_o best_a of_o man_n be_v not_o above_o that_o advice_n 1_o cor._n 10._o 12._o wherefore_o let_v he_o that_o think_v he_o stand_v take_v heed_n lest_o he_o fall_v if_o we_o do_v not_o keep_v a_o strict_a watch_n and_o a_o careful_a hand_n over_o our_o thought_n they_o will_v inevitable_o betray_v we_o when_o a_o opportunity_n serve_v and_o make_v most_o furious_a assault_n upon_o we_o when_o we_o be_v least_o aware_a of_o it_o we_o can_v no_o more_o restrain_v they_o when_o we_o please_v whatever_o we_o think_v we_o can_v no_o more_o stop_v they_o from_o break_v out_o than_o we_o can_v smother_v a_o rage_a flame_n or_o chain_v a_o foam_a billow_n and_o therefore_o whosoever_o he_o be_v that_o allow_v his_o thought_n a_o extravagant_a liberty_n he_o be_v much_o mistake_v if_o he_o think_v that_o he_o be_v sure_a to_o stop_v there_o but_o admit_v that_o he_o can_v can_v it_o be_v think_v by_o any_o rational_a creature_n that_o god_n do_v not_o take_v any_o notice_n of_o his_o thought_n themselves_o suppose_v it_o be_v in_o the_o power_n of_o any_o person_n to_o act_v contrary_a to_o his_o habit_n of_o think_v and_o to_o avoid_v the_o practice_n of_o these_o sin_n which_o he_o indulge_v himself_o in_o the_o speculation_n of_o have_v a_o omniscient_a and_o a_o holy_a god_n think_v you_o no_o regard_n to_o the_o thought_n and_o the_o inward_a temper_n and_o disposition_n of_o the_o soul_n if_o we_o think_v so_o than_o we_o have_v mean_a thought_n of_o he_o indeed_o and_o make_v religion_n degenerate_a into_o the_o service_n of_o brute_n beast_n for_o wherein_o do_v man_n differ_v from_o they_o but_o in_o his_o reason_n and_o thought_n and_o that_o he_o be_v capable_a of_o know_v god_n of_o be_v ravish_v with_o his_o excellency_n and_o perfection_n and_o encourage_v by_o his_o suitable_a reward_n and_o take_v delight_n in_o the_o glorious_a communication_n of_o himself_o to_o his_o soul_n and_o serve_v he_o with_o his_o whole_a heart_n and_o be_v unite_v to_o he_o by_o a_o life_n of_o thought_n upon_o which_o consideration_n it_o must_v needs_o follow_v that_o the_o great_a god_n be_v so_o far_o from_o disregard_v our_o thought_n that_o he_o have_v a_o principal_a respect_n to_o they_o and_o though_o it_o shall_v chance_v that_o they_o shall_v never_o break_v out_o into_o action_n and_o gross_a practice_n yet_o god_n look_v to_o the_o inward_a part_n be_v a_o narrow_a observer_n and_o searcher_n of_o the_o thought_n be_v please_v when_o his_o throne_n be_v establish_v in_o the_o soul_n and_o his_o dominion_n and_o empire_n over_o all_o its_o thought_n and_o imagination_n and_o abhor_v and_o abandon_v a_o unclean_a wicked_a or_o rebellious_a heart_n to_o he_o all_o the_o pomp_n of_o religion_n and_o splendour_n of_o outward_a performance_n be_v without_o it_o detestable_a 11._o the_o soul_n be_v the_o seat_n of_o religion_n as_o for_o the_o part_n and_o member_n of_o our_o body_n they_o be_v entire_o at_o the_o command_n of_o the_o mind_n the_o understanding_n and_o will_n be_v their_o despotic_a ruler_n and_o as_o the_o heart_n and_o the_o thought_n be_v dispose_v so_o be_v the_o practice_n and_o conversation_n and_o therefore_o they_o the_o almighty_a principal_o regard_v as_o a_o man_n can_v never_o testify_v the_o truth_n of_o his_o love_n to_o god_n or_o evidence_n the_o sincerity_n of_o his_o soul_n without_o have_v a_o special_a regard_n to_o the_o well_o govern_v of_o his_o thought_n so_o without_o it_o damnation_n may_v just_o be_v his_o portion_n though_o the_o plague_n break_v not_o out_o in_o the_o botch_n and_o ulcer_n of_o a_o profligate_n conversation_n though_o the_o pollution_n be_v conceal_v and_o hide_a indeed_o if_o we_o be_v so_o profane_a as_o to_o think_v of_o god_n as_o a_o man_n and_o esteem_v he_o to_o be_v such_o a_o one_o as_o ourselves_o if_o his_o eye_n can_v not_o penetrate_v any_o deep_a than_o we_o but_o be_v fallible_a and_o weak_a if_o he_o can_v not_o see_v into_o our_o breast_n and_o discover_v the_o secret_n of_o our_o heart_n then_o there_o may_v be_v some_o reason_n for_o we_o to_o imagine_v that_o he_o do_v not_o regard_v our_o thought_n so_o our_o visible_a behaviour_n be_v smooth_a and_o untainted_a but_o since_o he_o be_v a_o all-seeing_a and_o a_o all-knowing_a god_n and_o profess_o declare_v himself_o such_o in_o the_o sacred_a scripture_n 139._o the_o reason_n of_o man_n can_v submit_v to_o such_o a_o idle_a fancy_n as_o this_o viz._n that_o he_o have_v no_o respect_n to_o a_o man_n thought_n but_o on_o the_o contrary_a must_v believe_v that_o he_o have_v a_o especial_a eye_n to_o they_o and_o will_v assure_o call_v we_o to_o a_o account_n for_o they_o at_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n for_o though_o our_o saviour_n discourse_n mat._n 12._o 36._o extend_v only_o to_o every_o idle_a word_n yet_o in_o the_o very_a verse_n before_o he_o show_v that_o the_o heart_n be_v principal_o regard_v and_o therefore_o to_o be_v observe_v by_o ourselves_o and_o more_o full_o and_o clear_o in_o his_o divine_a sermon_n on_o the_o mount_n mat._n 5._o 20._o for_o i_o say_v unto_o you_o that_o except_o your_o righteousness_n shall_v exceed_v the_o righteousness_n of_o the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n you_o shall_v in_o no_o case_n enter_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n you_o have_v hear_v that_o it_o be_v say_v by_o they_o of_o old_a time_n thou_o shall_v not_o kill_v and_o whosoever_o shall_v kill_v shall_v be_v in_o danger_n of_o the_o judgement_n but_o i_o say_v unto_o you_o that_o whosoever_o be_v angry_a with_o his_o brother_n without_o a_o cause_n shall_v be_v in_o danger_n of_o the_o judgement_n and_o v_o 27._o you_o have_v hear_v that_o it_o be_v say_v by_o they_o of_o old_a time_n thou_o shall_v not_o commit_v adultery_n but_o i_o say_v unto_o you_o that_o whosoever_o look_v on_o a_o woman_n to_o lust_n after_o she_o have_v commit_v adultery_n already_o with_o she_o in_o his_o heart_n from_o all_o which_o it_o plain_o appear_v that_o if_o a_o man_n can_v indulge_v himself_o in_o all_o manner_n of_o licentious_a thought_n without_o any_o further_a danger_n yet_o that_o god_n know_v be_v evil_a sufficient_a because_o the_o thought_n of_o the_o heart_n be_v principal_o regard_v by_o almighty_a god_n but_o indeed_o it_o be_v hardly_o possible_a to_o imagine_v how_o any_o person_n that_o be_v careless_a of_o his_o heart_n shall_v be_v otherwise_o of_o his_o life_n or_o how_o he_o that_o be_v vain_a filthy_a or_o any_o way_n vicious_a in_o his_o imagination_n can_v be_v pure_a and_o holy_a sober_a and_o religious_a in_o his_o conversation_n and_o practice_n upon_o both_o which_o account_n we_o see_v the_o vast_a advantage_n that_o we_o shall_v iufallible_o reap_v by_o be_v diligent_a and_o careful_a in_o the_o well-governing_a of_o our_o thought_n but_o three_o that_o which_o will_v serve_v to_o make_v we_o further_o sensible_a of_o the_o great_a advantage_n of_o well-governing_a our_o thought_n be_v this_o viz._n that_o we_o shall_v ever_o be_v in_o a_o preparation_n for_o the_o best_a and_o most_o weighty_a duty_n by_o this_o mean_n we_o shall_v not_o only_o be_v able_a to_o resist_v and_o repel_v the_o fury_n of_o temptation_n but_o be_v ready_a for_o the_o performance_n of_o every_o duty_n these_o man_n that_o have_v not_o inure_v themselves_o to_o a_o habit_n of_o thought_n and_o constant_o exercise_v a_o strict_a regimen_n over_o the_o motion_n of_o their_o own_o heart_n will_v require_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o time_n to_o recollect_v and_o order_v their_o thought_n and_o reduce_v they_o into_o a_o proper_a frame_n and_o posture_n these_o that_o careless_o give_v their_o mind_n a_o loose_a as_o soon_o as_o any_o solemn_a and_o weighty_a duty_n be_v over_o and_o suffer_v their_o thought_n to_o return_v to_o the_o old_a subject_n of_o the_o world_n or_o any_o other_o of_o their_o vanity_n the_o same_o difficulty_n will_v attend_v they_o to_o bring_v their_o thought_n into_o a_o due_a frame_n again_o which_o do_v at_o first_o so_o that_o they_o will_v thereby_o be_v mighty_o hinder_v in_o their_o advance_n in_o religion_n their_o progress_n in_o holiness_n will_v be_v much_o retard_v they_o labour_v in_o a_o circle_n or_o at_o best_o they_o will_v move_v but_o slow_o on_o in_o the_o way_n to_o heaven_n in_o comparison_n of_o these_o that_o keep_v a_o constant_a and_o strict_a government_n over_o their_o thought_n these_o latter_a will_v be_v able_a always_o to_o say_v with_o the_o psalmist_n o_o god_n my_o heart_n be_v ready_a 1._o my_o heart_n be_v ready_a and_o what_o a_o happy_a and_o desirable_a temper_n of_o soul_n be_v this_o what_o spiritual_a comfort_n and_o benefit_n do_v these_o enjoy_v which_o other_o for_o want_n of_o a_o due_a care_n and_o watchfulness_n deprive_v themselves_o of_o these_o only_a want_n
purge_v and_o refine_v the_o drossy_a mass_n 3._o the_o divine_a grace_n alone_o can_v restore_v health_n and_o vigour_n to_o the_o corrupt_a deprave_a degenerous_a heart_n of_o man._n and_o that_o will_v never_o be_v want_v to_o our_o sincere_a endeavour_n it_o will_v operate_v with_o our_o endeavour_n but_o not_o without_o they_o something_o be_v in_o our_o power_n in_o order_n to_o it_o and_o let_v we_o do_v that_o and_o the_o rest_n the_o grace_n of_o god_n will_v supply_v and_o one_o of_o the_o great_a incentives_n to_o make_v we_o use_v our_o utmost_a endeavour_n be_v the_o serious_a consideration_n of_o the_o sinfulness_n and_o corruption_n of_o our_o own_o heart_n it_o be_v necessary_a therefore_o that_o we_o do_v not_o take_v a_o slight_a and_o transient_a view_n only_o but_o be_v engage_v in_o a_o deep_a and_o accurate_a investigation_n of_o ourselves_o search_v every_o corner_n of_o that_o cell_n every_o recess_n of_o that_o labyrinth_n with_o as_o much_o earnestness_n as_o the_o jew_n do_v for_o leven_a 12._o and_o upon_o a_o impartial_a view_n we_o shall_v find_v our_o lord_n word_n verify_v out_o of_o the_o heart_n proceed_v all_o evil_a thought_n no_o good_a proper_o so_o call_v proceed_v from_o thence_o but_o what_o be_v the_o effect_n of_o the_o operation_n of_o the_o bless_a spirit_n of_o god_n it_o be_v not_o the_o natural_a issue_n of_o the_o soul_n but_o the_o product_n of_o his_o heavenly_a inspiration_n who_o be_v continual_o strive_v with_o man_n and_o endeavour_v to_o consecrate_v and_o hallow_v all_o his_o thought_n and_o affection_n that_o so_o he_o may_v be_v acceptable_a to_o god_n every_o good_a thought_n every_o religious_a flight_n or_o sacred_a desire_n be_v stir_v up_o by_o he_o be_v his_o immediate_a suggestion_n who_o be_v wrestle_a with_o the_o stubborn_a and_o rebellious_a power_n of_o our_o soul_n and_o with_o our_o impure_a imagination_n to_o reduce_v they_o into_o their_o proper_a order_n and_o condition_n or_o else_o it_o be_v the_o whisper_n of_o some_o good_a angel_n commission_v by_o he_o who_o be_v willing_a to_o perform_v a_o godlike_a act_n of_o charity_n to_o we_o that_o we_o may_v raise_v up_o our_o mind_n to_o their_o proper_a object_n and_o lend_v we_o wing_n to_o mount_v up_o to_o the_o high_a heaven_n withal_o for_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n natural_o be_v full_a of_o evil_n and_o out_o of_o it_o proceed_v all_o kind_n of_o wicked_a thought_n and_o vain_a imagination_n it_o disembogue_v such_o impure_a steam_n and_o contagious_a exhalation_n as_o blast_v and_o infect_v the_o whole_a world_n it_o be_v a_o asphalites_n a_o dead_a sea_n which_o send_v up_o most_o noxious_a vapour_n it_o be_v from_o the_o heart_n that_o all_o the_o evil_a in_o the_o world_n original_o proceed_v and_o therefore_o it_o be_v a_o most_o natural_a piece_n of_o advice_n that_o whenever_o we_o behold_v any_o evil_n in_o any_o part_n or_o instance_n of_o the_o whole_a creation_n we_o present_o lay_v our_o hand_n upon_o our_o breast_n look_v into_o ourselves_o and_o examine_v our_o own_o heart_n it_o be_v folly_n to_o lay_v the_o blame_n upon_o this_o and_o that_o and_o other_o thing_n when_o we_o shall_v trace_v the_o evil_n to_o its_o fountainhead_n it_o be_v most_o true_a that_o all_o the_o vile_a and_o sinful_a thought_n the_o base_a and_o most_o abominable_a lust_n proceed_v from_o the_o heart_n but_o when_o they_o be_v breed_v out_o of_o the_o corruption_n and_o putrefaction_n of_o the_o heart_n itself_o and_o when_o cast_v into_o it_o by_o the_o devil_n it_o be_v not_o so_o easy_a to_o determine_v the_o accurse_a enemy_n of_o our_o soul_n do_v no_o doubt_n lie_v hold_v on_o all_o opportunity_n to_o cast_v into_o our_o mind_n wicked_a thought_n and_o be_v very_o watchful_a of_o the_o time_n and_o season_n when_o to_o corrupt_v and_o debauch_v our_o soul_n and_o make_v they_o yet_o more_o vile_a than_o natural_o they_o be_v and_o therefore_o these_o wicked_a thought_n which_o many_o timorous_a soul_n imagine_v to_o be_v their_o own_o may_v be_v rational_o presume_v to_o be_v he_o there_o be_v indeed_o some_o mark_n which_o probable_o may_v serve_v to_o distinguish_v the_o devil_n injection_n from_o our_o own_o cogitation_n as_o when_o they_o be_v monstrous_o profane_a and_o blasphemous_a when_o they_o assault_v we_o all_o of_o a_o sudden_a with_o a_o tempestuous_a vehemence_n fill_v we_o with_o terror_n and_o amazement_n or_o else_o when_o they_o be_v such_o thought_n as_o contradict_v all_o the_o interest_n of_o humane_a nature_n as_o when_o a_o man_n think_v of_o murder_v and_o destroy_v himself_o such_o a_o thought_n can_v well_o be_v suppose_v to_o be_v the_o issue_n of_o the_o heart_n itself_o though_o very_o corrupt_a but_o rather_o throw_v in_o by_o the_o devil_n who_o be_v a_o murderer_n from_o the_o beginning_n but_o i_o say_v as_o to_o the_o great_a part_n of_o evil_a thought_n it_o be_v no_o easy_a matter_n to_o know_v which_o be_v our_o own_o or_o which_o be_v the_o devil_n be_v as_o for_o those_o that_o be_v the_o immediate_a result_n of_o the_o heart_n the_o devil_n be_v very_o quick_a and_o ready_a to_o improve_v they_o and_o for_o these_o which_o be_v the_o devil_n injection_n our_o corrupt_a heart_n be_v too_o willing_a to_o comply_v with_o they_o so_o that_o we_o must_v think_v ourselves_o equal_o oblige_v to_o guard_v ourselves_o against_o the_o one_o and_o the_o other_o and_o there_o be_v something_o unquestionable_o in_o our_o power_n in_o order_n to_o it_o we_o can_v do_v something_o towards_o it_o unless_o we_o will_v look_v upon_o ourselves_o as_o machine_n and_o so_o destroy_v both_o reason_n and_o religion_n at_o once_o i_o will_v agree_v that_o by_o a_o hypochondriack_a or_o some_o other_o disease_n or_o by_o a_o long_a series_n and_o habit_n of_o sin_v which_o be_v a_o disease_n more_o inveterate_a and_o hard_a to_o be_v cure_v that_o the_o oeconomy_n of_o the_o soul_n and_o spirit_n may_v be_v so_o break_v and_o shatter_a that_o the_o power_n of_o think_v be_v become_v very_o weak_a and_o impair_v and_o that_o the_o lassitude_n of_o the_o soul_n be_v as_o great_a almost_o as_o those_o of_o the_o body_n but_o yet_o i_o think_v there_o be_v few_o case_n but_o a_o man_n can_v do_v something_o in_o order_n to_o a_o regular_a think_n few_o man_n be_v arrive_v to_o so_o great_a a_o degree_n of_o either_o as_o to_o be_v able_a to_o do_v nothing_o towards_o it_o though_o it_o must_v be_v grant_v some_o can_v do_v much_o more_o than_o other_o our_o bless_a lord_n when_o he_o be_v upon_o earth_n do_v not_o give_v useless_a description_n of_o thing_n and_o deal_v with_o man_n otherwise_o than_o rational_a creature_n and_o therefore_o i_o can_v but_o suppose_v that_o when_o he_o show_v they_o that_o out_o of_o the_o heart_n proceed_v evil_a thought_n it_o be_v to_o this_o end_n that_o they_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o govern_v and_o subdue_v they_o now_o we_o may_v lay_v down_o this_o as_o a_o certain_a truth_n viz._n that_o evil_a thought_n whatsoever_o they_o be_v do_v not_o endanger_v our_o eternal_a salvation_n further_o than_o we_o comply_v with_o they_o they_o be_v not_o our_o sin_n further_o than_o we_o indulge_v they_o but_o total_o to_o hinder_v they_o i_o think_v be_v a_o thing_n impracticable_a it_o be_v impossible_a but_o that_o such_o offence_n will_v come_v and_o i_o believe_v the_o holy_a man_n find_v it_o so_o so_o long_o as_o they_o be_v in_o a_o world_n where_o there_o be_v so_o many_o object_n and_o in_o a_o state_n where_o there_o be_v so_o many_o imperfection_n but_o yet_o when_o wicked_a thought_n arise_v in_o our_o mind_n we_o may_v certain_o choose_v whether_o we_o will_v harbour_v and_o embrace_v they_o or_o not_o this_o we_o may_v do_v as_o long_o as_o we_o have_v any_o liberty_n of_o will_n leave_v so_o much_o be_v unquestionable_o in_o our_o power_n though_o it_o be_v confess_v they_o will_v make_v frequent_a return_n upon_o we_o and_o every_o now_o and_o then_o with_o great_a importunity_n present_v themselves_o to_o we_o though_o but_o the_o last_o moment_n we_o thrust_v they_o out_o like_o a_o importunate_a creditor_n or_o a_o impertinent_a guest_n they_o will_v obtrude_v themselves_o upon_o we_o do_v what_o we_o can_v and_o if_o we_o tell_v they_o we_o have_v never_o so_o great_a and_o weighty_a business_n they_o will_v still_o be_v troublesome_a and_o haunt_v we_o while_o we_o be_v actual_o engage_v in_o it_o nay_o will_v pursue_v we_o even_o to_o the_o sanctuary_n and_o assault_v we_o at_o the_o altar_n of_o god_n yet_o if_o we_o as_o often_o trust_v they_o out_o as_o they_o return_v they_o will_v never_o be_v charge_v upon_o we_o for_o it_o be_v a_o give_a they_o encouragement_n and_o a_o compliance_n with_o they_o that_o make_v we_o criminal_a then_o alone_a thought_n
forgive_v unto_o the_o son_n of_o man_n and_o blasphemy_n wherewith_o soever_o they_o shall_v blaspheme_v but_o he_o that_o blaspheme_v against_o the_o holy-ghost_n have_v never_o forgiveness_n but_o be_v in_o danger_n of_o eternal_a damnation_n and_o in_o luke_n 12._o 10_o there_o be_v but_o little_a variation_n whosoever_o shall_v speak_v a_o word_n against_o the_o son_n of_o man_n it_o shall_v be_v forgive_v he_o but_o unto_o he_o that_o blaspheme_v against_o the_o holy-ghost_n it_o shall_v not_o be_v forgive_v now_o for_o the_o clear_a understanding_n of_o these_o place_n which_o speak_v of_o the_o great_a sin_n you_o be_v to_o observe_v that_o the_o two_o former_a of_o these_o evangelist_n st._n matthew_n and_o st._n mark_n in_o the_o context_n give_v we_o a_o account_n of_o our_o saviour_n have_v heal_v a_o demoniak_a and_o when_o he_o have_v expel_v the_o devil_n by_o the_o power_n of_o the_o holy-ghost_n which_o he_o have_v without_o measure_n to_o the_o great_a amazement_n of_o all_o the_o people_n the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n who_o heart_n be_v sour_v with_o the_o leven_a of_o pride_n and_o envy_n notwithstanding_o their_o own_o conviction_n and_o in_o spite_n of_o the_o irresistible_a evidence_n of_o that_o and_o other_o miracle_n which_o our_o saviour_n do_v they_o blasphemous_o ascribe_v the_o do_v of_o they_o to_o the_o devil_n represent_v our_o lord_n as_o a_o wizard_n or_o a_o conjurer_n and_o as_o absurd_o as_o impious_o say_v he_o cast_v out_o devil_n by_o beelzebub_n the_o prince_n of_o the_o devil_n the_o obstinacy_n and_o malice_n of_o this_o imputation_n our_o saviour_n severe_o reflect_v upon_o and_o public_o declare_v that_o these_o that_o out_o of_o a_o invenomed_a spirit_n and_o wilful_a spite_n and_o against_o the_o strong_a conviction_n thus_o blaspheme_v the_o holy_a and_o eternal_a spirit_n by_o the_o oeconomy_n of_o who_o almighty_a power_n these_o thing_n be_v do_v and_o thus_o endeavour_v to_o subvert_v the_o whole_a structure_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o wilful_o disow_v christ_n the_o saviour_n these_o have_v no_o other_o mean_n of_o salvation_n leave_v they_o no_o other_o name_n under_o heaven_n by_o which_o they_o can_v be_v save_v there_o be_v no_o other_o christ_n no_o other_o gospel_n and_o therefore_o nothing_o shall_v be_v the_o portion_n of_o such_o man_n but_o eternal_a damnation_n from_o all_o which_o it_o be_v sufficient_o plain_a that_o the_o sin_n against_o the_o holy-ghost_n consist_v in_o word_n it_o be_v blasphemy_n and_o not_o every_o blasphemy_n against_o the_o holy-ghost_n neither_o not_o every_o one_o that_o speak_v against_o the_o holy-ghost_n as_o some_o heretic_n have_v do_v and_o now_o do_v be_v guilty_a of_o this_o unpardonable_a sin_n which_o be_v a_o blasphemy_n against_o the_o visible_a glorious_a operation_n the_o immediate_a effect_n and_o office_n of_o the_o holy-ghost_n and_o such_o too_o as_o be_v utter_v not_o out_o of_o fear_n infirmity_n or_o cowardice_n but_o out_o of_o a_o hateful_a and_o malicious_a heart_n not_o of_o rashness_n but_o of_o set-purpose_n to_o do_v despite_n unto_o christ_n his_o know_a doctrine_n and_o work_n be_v accompany_v with_o a_o universal_a defection_n or_o fall_v away_o from_o the_o whole_a truth_n of_o god_n so_o that_o if_o this_o sin_n in_o its_o formality_n can_v be_v commit_v now_o from_o this_o short_a explanation_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o it_o i_o hope_v it_o do_v appear_v that_o none_o of_o these_o who_o be_v scare_v and_o terrify_v with_o the_o apprehension_n of_o it_o can_v have_v commit_v it_o and_o that_o therefore_o their_o fear_n and_o dismal_a thought_n about_o it_o be_v groundless_a and_o unreasonable_a and_o stir_v up_o by_o the_o common_a enemy_n of_o our_o peace_n in_o order_n to_o disquiet_v and_o hinder_v they_o from_o do_v their_o duty_n or_o to_o bring_v they_o into_o melancholy_n or_o despair_n it_o be_v most_o certain_a that_o all_o person_n that_o wilful_o run_v on_o in_o sin_n and_o persist_v in_o impenitency_n shall_v final_o perish_v for_o ever_o as_o sure_o as_o if_o they_o have_v commit_v the_o the_o great_a sin_n we_o be_v speak_v of_o but_o it_o be_v also_o certain_a that_o thousand_o do_v out_o of_o ignorance_n or_o inadvertence_n mistake_v the_o nature_n of_o this_o unpardonable_a sin_n and_o be_v horrible_o afraid_a that_o they_o have_v commit_v it_o though_o they_o know_v not_o what_o it_o be_v the_o vile_a action_n the_o great_a sin_n of_o practice_n that_o can_v be_v commit_v do_v not_o extend_v to_o the_o sin_n against_o the_o holy-ghost_n and_o therefore_o such_o a_o sin_n call_v indeed_o for_o the_o deep_a sorrow_n and_o humiliation_n and_o most_o unfeigned_a repentance_n but_o the_o sin_n against_o the_o holy-ghost_n and_o repentance_n be_v thing_n very_o inconsisistent_a and_o this_o arise_v not_o from_o any_o defect_n of_o mercy_n in_o god_n or_o want_v of_o merit_n in_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n but_o from_o a_o incapacity_n in_o the_o offender_n upon_o the_o whole_a than_o you_o see_v what_o this_o conclude_v sin_n be_v and_o consequent_o how_o little_a reason_n many_o poor_a deject_a soul_n have_v to_o be_v affright_v with_o the_o thought_n of_o have_v commit_v it_o and_o to_o sink_v and_o despond_v upon_o mere_a doubt_n conjecture_n and_o suspicion_n chap._n x._o no_o man_n can_v be_v a_o good_a christian_a indeed_o that_o have_v not_o a_o special_a regard_n to_o his_o thought_n and_o do_v not_o endeavour_v to_o have_v they_o pure_a holy_a and_o conformable_a to_o the_o law_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o the_o government_n of_o the_o thought_n be_v a_o happiness_n never_o to_o be_v attain_v without_o the_o most_o deep_a and_o serious_a consideration_n and_o a_o ready_a and_o willing_a application_n of_o ourselves_o to_o proper_a mean_n the_o which_o i_o have_v in_o the_o precede_a chapter_n endeavour_v to_o lay_v before_o you_o and_o we_o may_v not_o think_v that_o it_o be_v altogether_o impossible_a to_o put_v they_o in_o practice_n there_o be_v unquestionable_o a_o great_a deal_n in_o our_o own_o power_n in_o order_n to_o it_o as_o plain_o appear_v from_o the_o whole_a series_n of_o this_o treatise_n and_o it_o be_v no_o more_o than_o what_o be_v the_o evident_a design_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n by_o which_o the_o great_a excellency_n of_o it_o not_o only_o above_o all_o other_o art_n and_o science_n which_o in_o their_o perfection_n be_v only_o the_o riches_n and_o ornament_n of_o the_o outward_a man_n but_o beyond_o all_o other_o religion_n whatsoever_o be_v manifest_a christianity_n soar_v above_o all_o the_o tempt_a gaiety_n and_o little_a noisy_a vanity_n of_o this_o world_n it_o be_v not_o its_o business_n to_o seek_v after_o the_o silly_a applause_n of_o the_o age_n or_o popular_a admiration_n it_o be_v not_o be_v see_v of_o man_n or_o to_o inherit_v this_o bubble_n it_o be_v not_o only_a to_o appear_v outward_o great_a or_o good_a but_o the_o design_n of_o it_o be_v a_o internal_a purity_n and_o holiness_n a_o conformity_n of_o our_o thought_n to_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o gospel_n the_o philosophy_n of_o the_o gentile_a world_n though_o it_o go_v far_o yet_o come_v vast_o short_a of_o it_o and_o all_o the_o excellent_a rule_n deliver_v by_o the_o ancient_a moralist_n for_o the_o government_n of_o life_n be_v much_o below_o the_o divine_a oracle_n as_o for_o the_o jewish_a religion_n it_o consist_v of_o mere_a element_n 9_o and_o first_o rudiment_n the_o law_n be_v as_o the_o apostle_n tell_v we_o but_o as_o the_o schoolmaster_n to_o bring_v we_o unto_o christ_n 24._o the_o law_n be_v deliver_v in_o blackness_n and_o thick_a darkness_n on_o mount_n sinai_n 11._o and_o indeed_o it_o be_v but_o darkness_n in_o comparison_n of_o the_o more_o bright_a discovery_n of_o the_o evangelical_n state_n which_o consist_v not_o in_o type_n figure_n and_o shadow_n and_o parabolical_a and_o mystical_a rite_n but_o in_o plain_a and_o perfective_a precept_n in_o such_o admirable_a rule_n and_o direction_n as_o due_o observe_v will_v wonderful_o enrich_v and_o beautify_v the_o soul_n and_o bring_v it_o near_o to_o perfection_n by_o a_o resemblance_n of_o god_n himself_o and_o dispose_v and_o prepare_v it_o for_o the_o blissful_a enjoyment_n of_o heaven_n and_o the_o beatific_a vision_n the_o rite_n of_o the_o pagan_a religion_n do_v consist_v in_o the_o vile_a impurity_n and_o as_o for_o mahomet_n as_o ambition_n and_o lust_n be_v the_o first_o motive_n to_o his_o imposture_n so_o lewdness_n and_o obscenity_n be_v his_o heaven_n too_o and_o indeed_o other_o religion_n too_o have_v take_v care_n to_o propagate_v uncleanness_n under_o the_o specious_a pretence_n of_o a_o recluse_n life_n and_o the_o severe_a purity_n but_o true_a religion_n indeed_o such_o as_o our_o lord_n jesus_n always_o preach_v and_o urge_v upon_o man_n and_o be_v build_v upon_o the_o genuine_a design_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n