several_a particular_a deduction_n to_o lay_v every_o man_n state_n as_o plain_o open_a to_o his_o view_n as_o i_o can_v one_a then_o from_o the_o notion_n i_o have_v give_v of_o perfection_n it_o appear_v that_o if_o a_o man_n life_n be_v very_o vneven_a unconstant_a and_o contradictory_n to_o itself_o if_o he_o be_v to_o day_n a_o saint_n and_o to_o morrow_n a_o sinner_n if_o he_o yield_v to_o day_n to_o the_o motive_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o impulse_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o to_o morrow_n to_o the_o solicitation_n of_o the_o flesh_n and_o temptation_n of_o the_o world_n he_o be_v far_o from_o be_v perfect_a so_o far_o that_o there_o be_v not_o ground_n enough_o to_o conclude_v he_o sincere_a or_o real_a though_o imperfect_a convert_n the_o only_a certain_a proof_n of_o regeneration_n be_v victory_n he_o that_o be_v bear_v of_o god_n over-cometh_a the_o world_n 1_o joh._n 5.4_o i'faith_o though_o it_o be_v true_a be_v not_o present_o save_v and_o justify_v till_o it_o have_v subdue_v the_o will_n and_o captivate_v the_o heart_n i._n e._n till_o we_o begin_v to_o live_v by_o faith_n which_o be_v evident_a from_o that_o corn_n in_o the_o parable_n which_o though_o it_o shoot_v up_o yet_o have_v it_o not_o depth_n of_o earth_n nor_o root_n enough_o and_o therefore_o be_v wither_v up_o and_o bring_v forth_o no_o fruit_n regret_n and_o sorrow_n for_o sin_n be_v a_o excellent_a passion_n but_o till_o it_o have_v subdue_v our_o corruption_n change_v our_o affection_n and_o purify_v our_o heart_n it_o be_v not_o that_o save_v repentance_n in_o the_o apostle_n 2_o cor._n 7.10_o godly_a sorrow_n work_v repentance_n not_o to_o be_v repent_v of_o we_o may_v have_v some_o sudden_a heat_n and_o passion_n for_o virtue_n but_o if_o they_o be_v too_o short_a live_v to_o implant_v it_o in_o we_o this_o be_v not_o that_o charity_n or_o love_n which_o animate_v and_o impregnate_v the_o new_a creature_n mention_v gal._n 5.6_o faith_n work_v by_o love_n last_o we_o may_v have_v good_a purpose_n intention_n nay_o resolution_n but_o if_o these_o prove_v too_o weak_a to_o obtain_v a_o conquest_n over_o our_o corruption_n if_o they_o prove_v too_o weak_a to_o resist_v the_o temptation_n we_o be_v wont_a to_o fall_v by_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o they_o be_v not_o such_o as_o can_v demonstrate_v we_o righteous_a or_o entitle_v we_o to_o a_o crown_n which_o be_v promise_v to_o he_o that_o overcome_v and_o here_o i_o can_v but_o remark_n to_o how_o little_a purpose_n controversy_n have_v be_v multiply_v about_o the_o justification_n of_o man._n it_o be_v one_o thing_n for_o god_n to_o justify_v we_o i_o e._n to_o pardon_v our_o sin_n and_o account_v we_o righteous_a and_o his_o child_n and_o another_o for_o we_o to_o know_v or_o be_v assure_v that_o he_o do_v so_o if_o we_o inquire_v after_o the_o former_a it_o be_v plain_a to_o i_o that_o no_o man_n can_v be_v account_v righteous_a by_o god_n till_o he_o real_o be_v so_o and_o when_o the_o man_n be_v sanctify_v throughout_o in_o spirit_n soul_n and_o body_n then_o be_v he_o certain_o justify_v and_o not_o till_o then_o and_o this_o i_o think_v be_v confess_v by_o all_o except_o antinomian_o and_o whatever_o difference_n there_o be_v among_o christian_n in_o this_o matter_n it_o lie_v in_o the_o form_n and_o variety_n of_o expression_n they_o that_o contend_v earnest_o for_o the_o necessity_n of_o good_a work_n do_v not_o i_o suppose_v imagine_v that_o the_o work_n be_v holy_a before_o the_o heart_n be_v so_o for_o as_o be_v the_o fountain_n such_o will_v be_v its_o stream_n as_o be_v the_o tree_n such_o will_v be_v its_o fruit_n what_o absurdity_n then_o be_v there_o in_o admit_v that_o man_n be_v justify_v before_o they_o bring_v forth_o good_a work_n if_o they_o can_v bring_v forth_o good_a work_n till_o they_o be_v sanctify_v and_o change_v on_o the_o other_o hand_n they_o who_o contend_v so_o earnest_o for_o justification_n by_o faith_n without_o work_n do_v not_o only_o suppose_v that_o the_o man_n be_v thorough_o change_v by_o the_o infusion_n of_o habitual_a grace_n but_o also_o that_o this_o grace_n as_o soon_o as_o it_o have_v opportunity_n will_v exert_v and_o express_v itself_o in_o good_a work_n and_o they_o do_v ready_o acknowledge_v that_o the_o faith_n which_o do_v not_o work_v by_o love_n be_v a_o historical_a unanimate_v faith_n and_o if_o so_o how_o natural_a be_v it_o to_o comprise_v in_o that_o holiness_n which_o justify_v not_o only_o the_o change_n of_o the_o heart_n but_o of_o the_o action_n but_o here_o i_o think_v it_o be_v well_o worth_a the_o consider_v whether_o that_o thorough_a change_n in_o the_o nature_n of_o a_o sinner_n which_o be_v call_v holiness_n be_v now_o effect_v at_o once_o and_o in_o a_o moment_n and_o not_o rather_o gradual_o and_o in_o time_n for_o this_o may_v give_v some_o light_n to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o justification_n and_o draw_v off_o from_o speculation_n and_o theory_n to_o more_o useful_a and_o practical_a thought_n and_o discourse_n about_o it_o it_o be_v true_a in_o the_o primitive_a time_n when_o the_o conviction_n of_o a_o sinner_n be_v wrought_v by_o a_o dazzle_a light_n by_o surprise_v miracle_n by_o exuberant_a influx_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o the_o concurrence_n of_o many_o extraordinary_a thing_n sanctification_n as_o in_o the_o gaoler_n and_o his_o family_n act._n 16._o may_v be_v begin_v and_o finish_v in_o the_o same_o hour_n but_o i_o doubt_v it_o be_v rare_o so_o with_o we_o at_o this_o day_n our_o vice_n be_v not_o so_o sudden_o subdue_v nor_o our_o virtue_n so_o sudden_o implant_v our_o conviction_n in_o the_o beginning_n of_o conversion_n be_v seldom_o so_o full_a and_o clear_a as_o they_o and_o if_o we_o may_v judge_v by_o the_o effect_n it_o be_v but_o seldom_o that_o the_o principle_n of_o a_o new_a life_n be_v infuse_v in_o the_o same_o plenty_n and_o power_n it_o appear_v to_o have_v be_v in_o them_o and_o if_o so_o than_o these_o thing_n will_v follow_v 1._o though_o in_o the_o first_o plantation_n of_o the_o gospel_n man_n be_v convert_v as_o it_o be_v in_o a_o moment_n ingraft_v by_o baptism_n into_o christ_n and_o receive_v the_o holy_a ghost_n the_o earnest_a of_o their_o justification_n or_o acceptance_n with_o god_n and_o their_o future_a glory_n we_o may_v very_o well_o say_v of_o they_o that_o they_o be_v not_o only_o justify_v but_o also_o know_v themselves_o to_o be_v so_o before_o they_o have_v bring_v forth_o any_o other_o fruit_n of_o righteousness_n than_o what_o be_v imply_v in_o the_o dedication_n of_o themselves_o to_o christ_n by_o that_o solemn_a rite_n of_o baptism_n but_o at_o this_o day_n when_o conversion_n be_v not_o effect_v in_o the_o same_o manner_n when_o faith_n and_o good_a work_n do_v mutual_o cherish_v one_o another_o when_o righteousness_n be_v not_o bring_v forth_o into_o victory_n but_o by_o long_a labour_n and_o travel_v i_o see_v not_o why_o faith_n and_o good_a work_n may_v not_o be_v pronounce_v joint_o and_o antecedent_o necessary_a to_o our_o justification_n 2._o the_o doctrine_n of_o infuse_v habit_n have_v be_v much_o ridicule_v and_o expose_v as_o absurd_a by_o some_o man_n and_o i_o must_v confess_v if_o it_o be_v essential_a to_o a_o habit_n to_o be_v acquire_v by_o length_n of_o time_n and_o repetition_n of_o the_o same_o act_n than_o a_o infuse_v habit_n be_v a_o very_a odd_a expression_n but_o why_o god_n can_v produce_v in_o we_o those_o strong_a disposition_n to_o virtue_n in_o a_o moment_n which_o be_v natural_o produce_v by_o time_n or_o why_o we_o may_v not_o ascribe_v as_o much_o efficacy_n to_o infuse_v grace_n as_o philosopher_n be_v wont_a to_o do_v to_o repeat_v act_n i_o can_v see_v nor_o can_v i_o see_v why_o such_o disposition_n when_o infuse_v may_v not_o be_v call_v habit_n if_o they_o have_v all_o the_o property_n and_o effect_n of_o a_o habit._n and_o that_o such_o excellent_a disposition_n be_v on_o a_o sudden_a wrought_v in_o the_o mind_n of_o christian_n in_o the_o begin_n of_o christianity_n be_v too_o plain_a from_o the_o history_n of_o those_o time_n to_o need_v a_o proof_n but_o whether_o such_o change_n be_v ordinary_o effect_v so_o sudden_o at_o this_o day_n we_o have_v much_o reason_n to_o doubt_v nay_o i_o think_v it_o appear_v from_o what_o i_o have_v say_v there_o be_v sufficient_a reason_n to_o deny_v it_o and_o if_o so_o the_o infusion_n of_o habit_n can_v be_v so_o proper_o insist_v on_o now_o as_o then_o and_o we_o may_v be_v more_o subject_a to_o make_v unwarrantable_a inference_n from_o the_o doctrine_n of_o infuse_v habit_n than_o they_o be_v in_o those_o bright_a and_o miraculous_a day_n 3._o as_o our_o progress_n to_o sanctification_n must_v be_v slow_a than_o former_o as_o it_o must_v be_v long_o before_o
and_o the_o experience_n of_o the_o best_a man_n that_o we_o must_v watch_v and_o pray_v and_o contend_v labour_n and_o persevere_v and_o that_o long_a too_o ere_o we_o can_v attain_v it_o and_o whoever_o fancy_n himself_o rapt_v up_o into_o the_o three_o heaven_n on_o a_o sudden_a will_v find_v himself_o as_o sudden_o lead_v down_o to_o the_o earth_n again_o if_o he_o do_v not_o use_v his_o utmost_a diligence_n to_o fortify_v his_o resolution_n to_o cherish_v the_o newborn_a flame_n and_o to_o guard_v and_o improve_v his_o virtue_n 3_o it_o may_v be_v object_v against_o the_o account_n i_o have_v give_v of_o the_o growth_n of_o virtue_n that_o when_o i_o come_v to_o the_o maturity_n of_o it_o my_o colour_n be_v too_o bright_a my_o stroke_n too_o bold_a and_o the_o form_n i_o have_v give_v it_o too_o divine_a for_o you_o describe_v it_o will_v one_o say_v as_o if_o man_n now_o grow_v perfect_a have_v nothing_o to_o do_v but_o to_o enjoy_v god_n and_o himself_o as_o if_o he_o be_v already_o enter_v into_o rest_n and_o do_v actual_o sit_v down_o with_o christ_n in_o heavenly_a place_n as_o if_o in_o a_o word_n virtue_n be_v no_o long_o his_o task_n but_o pleasure_n as_o if_o he_o have_v nothing_o to_o do_v but_o to_o rejoice_v continual_o nothing_o further_a to_o press_v after_o nothing_o to_o combat_n nothing_o to_o contend_v with_o whereas_o the_o father_n general_o and_o all_o judicious_a modern_a writer_n seem_v to_o place_n perfection_n in_o nothing_o high_a then_o in_o a_o perpetual_a progress_n towards_o it_o they_o look_v upon_o life_n as_o a_o perpetual_a warfare_n and_o utter_o deny_v any_o such_o height_n or_o eminence_n as_o be_v raise_v above_o cloud_n and_o storm_n above_o trouble_n and_o temptation_n but_o to_o this_o i_o have_v several_a thing_n to_o say_v which_o will_v clear_v my_o sense_n about_o this_o matter_n and_o dispel_v all_o objection_n first_o i_o have_v describe_v the_o last_o stage_n of_o the_o christian_n spiritual_a progress_n which_o i_o call_v a_o state_n of_o zeal_n and_o in_o which_o i_o suppose_v the_o christian_n to_o commence_v perfect_a this_o i_o say_v i_o have_v describe_v in_o the_o same_o manner_n and_o as_o near_o as_o i_o can_v in_o the_o same_o word_n which_o the_o scripture_n do_v second_o i_o do_v not_o pretend_v any_o where_n to_o assert_v that_o there_o be_v any_o state_n in_o this_o life_n raise_v above_o trial_n and_o temptation_n alas_o the_o most_o perfect_a man_n will_v find_v it_o work_v enough_o to_o make_v good_a the_o ground_n he_o have_v gain_v and_o maintain_v the_o conquest_n he_o have_v win_v much_o watchfulness_n and_o labour_n much_o humility_n and_o fear_n and_o many_o other_o virtue_n be_v necessary_a to_o perseverance_n in_o a_o state_n of_o perfection_n three_o as_o the_o world_n go_v now_o and_o indeed_o ever_o do_v perfection_n be_v a_o state_n we_o arrive_v at_o very_o late_a and_o all_o the_o way_n to_o it_o full_a of_o labour_n and_o travel_v full_a of_o danger_n and_o difficulty_n so_o that_o upon_o this_o account_n the_o life_n of_o man_n may_v well_o enough_o be_v say_v to_o be_v a_o perpetual_a warfare_n but_o four_o i_o do_v by_o no_o mean_n affirm_v that_o the_o perfect_a man_n be_v incapable_a of_o growth_n and_o improvement_n of_o this_o i_o shall_v have_v occasion_n to_o unfold_v my_o sense_n more_o full_o afterward_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n i_o can_v forbear_v observe_v here_o that_o there_o be_v a_o great_a difference_n between_o the_o growth_n of_o a_o imperfect_a and_o a_o perfect_a christian_a for_o suppose_v grace_n to_o be_v always_o increase_v and_o the_o very_a maturity_n of_o virtue_n to_o admit_v of_o degree_n yet_o the_o mark_n and_o distinction_n of_o such_o different_a degree_n be_v so_o nice_a and_o delicate_a that_o the_o advances_n of_o the_o perfect_a man_n be_v scarce_o perceptible_a to_o himself_o without_o the_o close_a and_o strict_a enquiry_n much_o less_o can_v they_o fall_v under_o the_o observation_n of_o other_o the_o first_o change_n of_o a_o sinner_n from_o darkness_n to_o light_n from_o vice_n to_o virtue_n from_o a_o aversion_n for_o god_n and_o goodness_n to_o a_o sincere_a though_o not_o a_o perfect_a love_n of_o both_o be_v very_o palpable_a so_o again_o the_o change_n from_o a_o state_n of_o weakness_n and_o inconstancy_n to_o one_o of_o strength_n of_o conflict_n and_o difficulty_n to_o one_o of_o ease_n and_o liberty_n of_o fear_n and_o doubt_n to_o one_o of_o confidence_n and_o pleasure_n be_v little_o less_o evident_a and_o sensible_a but_o the_o several_a degree_n of_o growth_n afterward_o the_o improvement_n whatever_o they_o be_v of_o a_o mature_a state_n be_v of_o another_o nature_n not_o consist_v in_o a_o change_n but_o addition_n and_o that_o make_v insensible_o here_o therefore_o the_o perfect_a man_n in_o order_n to_o maintain_v the_o peace_n and_o pleasure_n of_o his_o mind_n need_v not_o enter_v into_o a_o nice_a and_o scrupulous_a examination_n of_o the_o degree_n and_o measure_n of_o his_o virtue_n it_o be_v sufficient_a that_o he_o make_v good_a his_o post_n it_o be_v enough_o if_o he_o follow_v the_o advice_n of_o st._n paul_n 1_o cor._n 15.58_o if_o he_o be_v steadfast_a and_o unmoveable_a and_o always_o abound_v in_o the_o work_v of_o the_o lord_n chap._n vi_o of_o the_o mean_n of_o perfection_n shall_v i_o insist_v particular_o on_o every_o one_o of_o the_o mean_n or_o instrument_n of_o perfection_n it_o will_v lead_v i_o through_o the_o whole_a systeme_n of_o religion_n it_o will_v oblige_v i_o to_o treat_v of_o all_o the_o article_n of_o our_o faith_n and_o all_o the_o part_n of_o moral_a righteousness_n for_o the_o virtue_n of_o the_o gospel_n do_v all_o afford_v mutual_a support_n and_o nourishment_n to_o one_o another_o and_o mutual_o minister_v to_o their_o own_o growth_n and_o strength_n and_o prayer_n and_o the_o lord_n supper_n not_o to_o mention_v meditation_n psalmody_n conversation_n discipline_n be_v found_v upon_o the_o belief_n of_o all_o the_o mystery_n of_o our_o religion_n and_o consist_v in_o the_o exercise_n of_o almost_o all_o christian_a grace_n as_o repentance_n faith_n hope_n charity_n but_o this_o will_v be_v a_o endless_a task_n i_o purpose_v therefore_o here_o only_o to_o lay_v down_o some_o few_o general_n observation_n which_o may_v serve_v for_o direction_n in_o the_o use_n of_o gospel_n means_n point_v out_o the_o end_n we_o be_v to_o aim_v at_o and_o enable_v we_o to_o reap_v the_o utmost_a benefit_n from_o they_o these_o observation_n be_v 1._o the_o practice_n of_o wisdom_n and_o virtue_n be_v the_o best_a way_n to_o improve_v and_o strengthen_v both_o 2._o the_o two_o general_a and_o immediate_a instrument_n as_o of_o conversion_n so_o of_o perfection_n too_o be_v the_o gospel_n and_o the_o spirit_n 3._o the_o natural_a and_o immediate_a fruit_n of_o meditation_n prayer_n eucharist_n psalmody_n and_o good_a conversation_n be_v the_o quicken_a and_o enliven_a the_o conscience_n the_o fortify_v and_o confirm_v our_o resolution_n and_o the_o raise_n and_o keep_v up_o a_o heavenly_a frame_n of_o spirit_n 4._o the_o immediate_a end_n of_o discipline_n be_v the_o subdue_a the_o pride_n of_o the_o heart_n and_o reduce_v the_o appetite_n of_o the_o body_n 5._o last_o some_o kind_n of_o life_n be_v better_o suit_v and_o accommodate_v to_o the_o great_a end_n of_o religion_n and_o virtue_n than_o other_o i_o will_v very_o brief_o illustrate_v each_o of_o these_o observation_n and_o suggest_v from_o they_o such_o rule_n as_o i_o shall_v judge_v most_o serviceable_a to_o promote_v perfection_n §_o 1._o the_o practice_n of_o wisdom_n and_o virtue_n be_v the_o best_a way_n to_o improve_v and_o strengthen_v both_o this_o be_v a_o proposition_n almost_o self-evident_a for_o beside_o that_o it_o be_v acknowledge_v on_o all_o hand_n that_o the_o frequent_a repetition_n of_o single_a act_n of_o virtue_n be_v the_o natural_a way_n to_o arrive_v at_o a_o habit_n of_o it_o the_o practice_n of_o virtue_n give_v a_o man_n great_a boldness_n towards_o god_n mingle_v joy_n and_o pleasure_n in_o all_o his_o address_n to_o he_o purify_v and_o enlighten_v the_o mind_n and_o entitle_v he_o to_o more_o plentiful_a measure_n of_o grace_n and_o high_a degree_n of_o favour_n if_o you_o continue_v in_o my_o word_n then_o be_v you_o my_o disciple_n indeed_o and_o you_o shall_v know_v the_o truth_n and_o the_o truth_n shall_v make_v you_o free_a joh._n 8.31.3_o to_o he_o that_o have_v shall_v be_v give_v and_o he_o shall_v have_v more_o abundance_n mat._n 13.12_o if_o this_o be_v so_o as_o undoubted_o it_o be_v it_o be_v plain_a that_o we_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v fond_a of_o such_o a_o solitude_n or_o retirement_n as_o cut_v off_o the_o opportunity_n of_o many_o virtue_n which_o may_v be_v daily_o practise_v in_o a_o more_o public_a and_o active_a life_n the_o true_a
and_o allure_v we_o and_o it_o be_v our_o consent_n to_o its_o enticement_n that_o give_v be_v to_o sin_n and_o defile_v we_o with_o gild_n from_o all_o this_o now_o put_v together_o it_o be_v easy_a to_o conclude_v what_o sort_n of_o a_o description_n we_o be_v to_o form_v of_o mortal_a sin_n it_o be_v such_o a_o transgression_n of_o the_o law_n of_o god_n as_o be_v vicious_a in_o its_o original_a deliberate_a in_o its_o commission_n and_o mischievous_a in_o its_o tendency_n or_o effect_n the_o heart_n be_v corrupt_v and_o mislead_v by_o some_o lust_n or_o other_o and_o so_o consent_v to_o the_o breach_n of_o the_o moral_a law_n of_o god_n a_o law_n of_o eternal_a and_o immutable_a goodness_n or_o if_o the_o sin_n consist_v in_o the_o breach_n of_o any_o positive_a law_n it_o must_v yet_o imply_v in_o it_o some_o moral_a obliquity_n in_o the_o will_n or_o in_o the_o tendency_n of_o the_o action_n or_o both_o so_o that_o presumptuous_a or_o mortal_a sin_n call_v it_o by_o what_o name_n we_o will_v be_v a_o deliberate_a transgression_n of_o a_o know_a law_n of_o god_n tend_v to_o the_o dishonour_n of_o god_n the_o injury_n of_o our_o neighbour_n or_o the_o depravation_n of_o our_o nature_n such_o be_v those_o sin_n which_o the_o prophet_n isaiah_n exhort_v those_o who_o will_v repent_v to_o cease_v from_o and_o such_o be_v those_o we_o have_v a_o catalogue_n of_o eph._n 5._o gal._n 5._o and_o elsewhere_o now_o the_o work_n of_o the_o flesh_n be_v manifest_a which_o be_v these_o adultery_n fornication_n uncleanness_n lasciviousness_n idolatry_n witchcraft_n hatred_n variance_n emulation_n wrath_n strife_n sedition_n heresy_n envy_n murder_n drunkenness_n revel_v and_o suchlike_a these_o be_v the_o sin_n of_o which_o as_o of_o so_o many_o member_n the_o body_n of_o sin_n consist_v these_o constitute_v the_o old_a man_n these_o be_v sometime_o call_v the_o filthiness_n of_o the_o flesh_n and_o spirit_n ungodliness_n wickedness_n iniquity_n the_o lust_n of_o the_o flesh_n worldly_a lust_n and_o suchlike_a these_o and_o the_o like_a sin_n have_v as_o i_o say_v in_o they_o very_o apparent_a symptom_n of_o malignity_n and_o mortality_n they_o be_v always_o the_o effect_n of_o some_o carnal_a and_o worldly_a lust_n prevail_v over_o the_o law_n of_o the_o mind_n and_o they_o imply_v a_o contempt_n of_o god_n injustice_n to_o our_o neighbour_n and_o some_o kind_n of_o defilement_n and_o pollution_n of_o our_o nature_n and_o that_o these_o be_v the_o plain_a indication_n of_o such_o a_o gild_n as_o exclude_v a_o man_n from_o heaven_n and_o the_o favour_n of_o god_n be_v very_o plain_a from_o the_o account_n which_o the_o scripture_n give_v we_o both_o of_o the_o origine_fw-la and_o influence_n of_o sin_n from_o the_o care_n it_o take_v to_o fortify_v the_o heart_n against_o all_o infection_n from_o the_o constant_a representation_n it_o make_v we_o of_o the_o shamefulness_n and_o the_o mischief_n of_o sin_n even_o in_o reference_n to_o this_o world_n as_o well_o as_o the_o other_o i_o can_v see_v any_o thing_n further_o necessary_a to_o the_o explication_n of_o deliberate_a or_o presumptuous_a sin_n unless_o it_o be_v here_o fit_a to_o add_v that_o it_o be_v mortal_a though_o it_o proceed_v no_o further_o than_o the_o heart_n there_o be_v no_o need_n at_o all_o that_o it_o shall_v be_v bring_v forth_o into_o action_n to_o render_v it_o fatal_a and_o damnable_a this_o be_v evident_a not_o only_o from_o the_o nature_n of_o divine_a worship_n which_o must_v be_v entire_a sincere_a and_o spiritual_a and_o therefore_o can_v no_o more_o be_v reconcile_v to_o the_o wickedness_n of_o our_o heart_n than_o of_o our_o action_n but_o also_o from_o the_o express_a word_n of_o our_o saviour_n out_o of_o the_o heart_n proceed_v fornication_n adultery_n theft_n etc._n etc._n and_o elsewhere_o he_o pronounce_v the_o adultery_n of_o the_o heart_n damnable_a as_o well_o as_o that_o of_o the_o body_n mat._n 5.28_o but_o i_o say_v unto_o you_o that_o whosoever_o look_v upon_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 s._n 2._o i_o be_o next_o to_o give_v some_o account_n of_o the_o liberty_n of_o perfect_a man_n in_o reference_n to_o the_o sin_n i_o have_v be_v discourse_v of_o i_o shall_v not_o need_v to_o stop_v at_o any_o general_n or_o preliminary_a observation_n as_o that_o abstinence_n from_o sin_n regard_v all_o the_o commandment_n of_o god_n alike_o and_o to_o do_v otherwise_o be_v to_o mutilate_v and_o maim_v religion_n and_o to_o dishonour_n god_n while_o we_o pretend_v to_o worship_n and_o obey_v he_o for_o the_o breach_n of_o any_o single_a commandment_n be_v a_o manifest_a violation_n of_o the_o majesty_n and_o authority_n of_o god_n whatever_o observance_n we_o may_v pay_v all_o the_o rest_n for_o he_o that_o say_v do_v not_o commit_v adultery_n say_v also_o do_v not_o kill_v now_o if_o thou_o commit_v no_o adultery_n yet_o if_o thou_o kill_v thou_o be_v become_v a_o transgressor_n of_o the_o law_n jam._n 2.11_o that_o the_o restraint_n man_n be_v to_o lay_v upon_o himself_o relate_v no_o less_o to_o the_o lust_n of_o the_o soul_n than_o the_o action_n of_o the_o body_n except_o your_o righteousness_n exceed_v the_o righteousness_n of_o the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n you_o shall_v by_o no_o mean_n enter_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n mat._n 5.10_o that_o to_o begin_v well_o will_v avail_v we_o little_a unless_o we_o finish_v well_o too_o universality_n sincerity_n and_o perseverance_n be_v general_o acknowledge_v to_o be_v essential_a and_o indispensable_a property_n of_o save_v justify_v faith_n these_o thing_n therefore_o be_v but_o just_a mention_v i_o proceed_v to_o the_o point_n to_o be_v inquire_v into_o and_o resolve_v 1._o to_o be_v free_a from_o the_o dominion_n and_o power_n of_o mortal_a sin_n be_v the_o first_o and_o low_a step_n this_o be_v indispensable_a to_o sincerity_n and_o absolute_o necessary_a to_o salvation_n let_v not_o sin_n reign_v in_o your_o mortal_a body_n to_o fulfil_v the_o lust_n thereof_o rom._n 6.12_o and_o the_o advance_v thus_o far_o do_v i_o acknowledge_v constitute_v man_n in_o a_o state_n of_o grace_n for_o in_o scripture_n man_n be_v denominate_v righteous_a or_o wicked_a not_o from_o single_a act_n of_o vice_n or_o virtue_n but_o from_o the_o prevalence_n and_o dominion_n from_o the_o habit_n or_o custom_n of_o the_o one_o or_o the_o other_o know_v you_o not_o that_o to_o who_o you_o yield_v yourselves_o servant_n to_o obey_v his_o servant_n you_o be_v to_o who_o you_o obey_v whether_o of_o sin_n unto_o death_n or_o of_o obedience_n unto_o righteousness_n rom._n 6.16_o but_o then_o i_o must_v here_o add_v two_o remark_n by_o way_n of_o caution_n one_a we_o must_v not_o presume_v too_o soon_o of_o victory_n over_o a_o habitual_a sin_n a_o evil_a habit_n be_v not_o soon_o break_v off_o nor_o be_v it_o a_o easy_a matter_n to_o resolve_v when_o we_o have_v set_v ourselves_o free_a from_o the_o power_n of_o it_o sometime_o the_o temptation_n do_v not_o present_v itself_o as_o often_o as_o it_o be_v wont_a or_o not_o with_o the_o same_o advantage_n sometime_o one_o vice_n restrain_v we_o from_o another_o sometime_o worldly_a consideration_n or_o some_o little_a change_n in_o our_o temper_n without_o any_o thorough_a change_n in_o our_o mind_n put_v we_o out_o of_o humour_n for_o a_o little_a while_n with_o a_o darling_n sin_n and_o sometime_o the_o force_n and_o clearness_n of_o conviction_n produce_v some_o pious_a fit_n which_o though_o they_o do_v not_o utter_o vanquish_v a_o lust_n do_v yet_o force_v it_o to_o give_v way_n and_o retreat_n for_o a_o while_n and_o interrupt_v that_o love_n which_o they_o do_v not_o extinguish_v all_o this_o may_v be_v and_o the_o work_v not_o yet_o be_v do_v nor_o our_o liberty_n yet_o gain_v if_o therefore_o we_o fall_v though_o but_o now_o and_o then_o and_o though_o at_o some_o distance_n of_o time_n into_o the_o same_o sin_n we_o have_v great_a reason_n to_o be_v jealous_a of_o its_o power_n and_o our_o safety_n nay_o though_o we_o restrain_v ourselves_o from_o the_o outward_a commission_n of_o it_o if_o yet_o we_o feel_v a_o strong_a propension_n to_o it_o if_o we_o discern_v ourselves_o ready_a to_o take_v fire_n on_o the_o appearance_n of_o a_o temptation_n if_o we_o be_v fond_a of_o approach_v as_o near_o it_o as_o we_o can_v and_o be_v please_v with_o those_o indulgency_n which_o be_v very_o near_o a_o kin_n to_o it_o we_o have_v reason_n to_o doubt_v that_o our_o conquest_n be_v not_o yet_o entire_a nay_o the_o truth_n be_v we_o can_v be_v on_o good_a ground_n assure_v that_o we_o be_v master_n of_o ourselves_o till_o we_o have_v a_o settle_a aversion_n for_o the_o sin_n which_o before_o we_o dote_v on_o and_o shun_v the_o occasion_n which_o before_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
proceed_v to_o the_o fruit_n or_o advantage_n of_o it_o and_o in_o the_o last_o place_n prescribe_v the_o method_n by_o which_o it_o may_v be_v attain_v sect_n i._o of_o perfection_n in_o general_n the_o fruit_n of_o it_o and_o the_o way_n to_o obtain_v it_o chap._n i._n the_o nature_n of_o perfection_n explain_v and_o assert_v from_o reason_n and_o scripture_n most_o dispute_n and_o controversy_n arise_v from_o false_a and_o mistake_v notion_n of_o the_o matter_n under_o debate_n and_o so_o i_o can_v show_v it_o have_v happen_v here_o therefore_o to_o prevent_v mistake_v and_o cut_v off_o all_o occasion_n of_o contention_n which_o serve_v only_o to_o defeat_v the_o influence_n and_o success_n of_o practical_a discourse_n i_o think_v it_o necessary_a to_o begin_v here_o with_o a_o plain_a account_n what_o it_o be_v i_o mean_v by_o religious_a perfection_n religion_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o the_o purify_n and_o refine_n nature_n by_o grace_n the_o raise_n and_o exalt_v our_o faculty_n and_o capacity_n by_o wisdom_n and_o virtue_n religious_a perfection_n therefore_o be_v nothing_o else_o but_o the_o moral_a accomplishment_n of_o human_a nature_n such_o a_o maturity_n of_o virtue_n as_o man_n in_o this_o life_n be_v capable_a of_o conversion_n begin_v perfection_n consumate_v the_o habit_n of_o righteousness_n in_o the_o one_o religion_n be_v as_o it_o be_v in_o its_o infancy_n in_o the_o other_o in_o its_o strength_n and_o manhood_n so_o that_o perfection_n in_o short_a be_v nothing_o else_o but_o a_o ripe_a and_o settle_a habit_n of_o true_a holiness_n according_a to_o this_o notion_n of_o religious_a perfection_n he_o be_v a_o perfect_a man_n who_o mind_n be_v pure_a and_o vigorous_a and_o his_o body_n tame_a and_o obsequious_a who_o faith_n be_v firm_a and_o steady_a his_o love_n ardent_a and_o exalt_a and_o his_o hope_n full_a of_o assurance_n who_o religion_n have_v in_o it_o that_o ardour_n and_o constancy_n and_o his_o soul_n that_o tranquillity_n and_o pleasure_n which_o bespeak_v he_o a_o child_n of_o the_o light_n and_o of_o the_o day_n a_o partaker_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n and_o raise_v above_o the_o corruption_n which_o be_v in_o the_o world_n through_o lust_n this_o account_n of_o religious_a perfection_n be_v so_o natural_a and_o easy_a that_o i_o fancy_v no_o man_n will_v demand_v a_o proof_n of_o it_o nor_o shall_v i_o go_v about_o one_o be_v it_o not_o to_o serve_v some_o further_a end_v then_o the_o mere_a confirmation_n of_o it_o it_o have_v manifest_o the_o countenance_n both_o of_o reason_n and_o scripture_n and_o how_o contradictory_n soever_o some_o ancient_n and_o latter_a scheme_n of_o perfection_n seem_v to_o be_v or_o real_o be_v to_o one_o another_o yet_o do_v they_o all_o agree_v in_o effect_n in_o what_o i_o have_v lay_v down_o if_o we_o appeal_v to_o reason_n no_o man_n can_v doubt_v but_o that_o a_o habit_n of_o virtue_n have_v much_o more_o of_o excellence_n and_o merit_n in_o it_o then_o single_a accidental_a act_n or_o uncertain_a fit_n and_o passion_n since_o a_o habit_n be_v not_o only_o the_o source_n and_o spring_n of_o the_o noble_a action_n and_o the_o most_o elevate_a passion_n but_o it_o render_v we_o more_o regular_a and_o steady_a more_o uniform_a and_o constant_a in_o every_o thing_n that_o be_v good_a as_o to_o good_a natural_a disposition_n they_o have_v little_a of_o strength_n little_a of_o perfection_n in_o they_o till_o they_o be_v raise_v and_o improve_v into_o habit_n and_o for_o our_o natural_a faculty_n they_o be_v nothing_o else_o but_o the_o capacity_n of_o good_a or_o evil_a they_o be_v undetermined_a to_o the_o one_o or_o other_o till_o they_o be_v fix_v and_o influence_v by_o moral_a principle_n it_o remain_v then_o that_o religious_a perfection_n must_v consist_v in_o a_o habit_n of_o righteousness_n and_o to_o prevent_v all_o impertinent_a scruple_n and_o cavil_n i_o add_v a_o confirm_a and_o well_o establish_v one._n that_o this_o be_v the_o scripture_n notion_n of_o perfection_n be_v manifest_a first_o from_o the_o use_n of_o this_o word_n in_o scripture_n second_o from_o the_o character_n and_o description_n of_o the_o best_a and_o high_a state_n which_o any_o ever_o actual_o attain_v or_o to_o which_o we_o be_v invite_v and_o exhort_v 1._o from_o the_o use_n of_o the_o word_n wherever_o we_o find_v any_o mention_n of_o perfection_n in_o scripture_n if_o we_o examine_v the_o place_n well_o we_o shall_v find_v nothing_o more_o intend_v than_o uprightness_n and_o integrity_n a_o unblameable_a and_o unreprovable_a life_n a_o state_n well_o advance_v in_o knowledge_n and_o virtue_n thus_o upright_o and_o perfect_a be_v use_v as_o term_n equivalent_a job_n 1._o and_o that_o man_n be_v perfect_a and_o upright_o fear_v god_n and_o eschew_v evil_n and_o psalm_n 37.37_o mark_v the_o perfect_a man_n and_o behold_v the_o upright_a man_n for_o the_o end_n of_o that_o man_n be_v peace_n thus_o again_o when_o god_n exhort_v abraham_n to_o perfection_n gen._n 17.1_o i_o be_o the_o almighty_a god_n walk_v before_o i_o and_o be_v thou_o perfect_a all_o that_o he_o exhort_v he_o to_o be_v a_o steady_a obedience_n to_o all_o his_o commandment_n proceed_v from_o a_o lively_a fear_n of_o and_o faith_n in_o he_o and_o this_o be_v the_o general_a use_n of_o this_o word_n perfect_a throughout_o the_o old_a testament_n namely_o to_o signify_v a_o sincere_a and_o just_a man_n that_o fear_v god_n and_o eschew_v evil_a and_o be_v well_o fix_a and_o establish_v in_o his_o duty_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n perfection_n signify_v the_o same_o thing_n which_o it_o do_v in_o the_o old_a that_o be_v universal_a righteousness_n and_o strength_n and_o growth_n in_o it_o thus_o the_o perfect_a man_n 2_o tim._n 3.17_o be_v one_o who_o be_v thorough_o furnish_v to_o every_o good_a work_n thus_o st._n paul_n tell_v we_o coll._n 4.12_o that_o epaphras_n labour_v fervent_o in_o prayer_n for_o the_o collossian_o that_o they_o may_v stand_v perfect_a and_o complete_a in_o all_o the_o will_n of_o god_n in_o jam._n 1.4_o the_o perfect_a man_n be_v one_o who_o be_v entire_a lack_v nothing_o i._n e._n one_o who_o have_v advance_v to_o a_o maturity_n of_o virtue_n through_o patience_n and_o experience_n and_o be_v fortify_v and_o establish_v in_o faith_n love_n and_o hope_n in_o this_o sense_n of_o the_o word_n perfect_a st._n peter_n pray_v for_o those_o to_o who_o he_o write_v his_o epistle_n 1_o pet._n 5.10_o but_o the_o god_n of_o all_o grace_n who_o call_v we_o into_o his_o eternal_a glory_n by_o christ_n jesus_n after_o that_o you_o have_v suffer_v awhile_o make_v you_o perfect_a establish_v strengthen_v settle_v you_o when_o st._n paul_n exhort_v the_o hebrew_n to_o go_v on_o to_o perfection_n heb._n 6._o he_o mean_v nothing_o by_o it_o but_o that_o state_n of_o manhood_n which_o consist_v in_o a_o well_o settle_a habit_n of_o wisdom_n and_o goodness_n this_o be_v plain_a first_o from_o ver_fw-la 11_o 12._o of_o this_o chapter_n where_o he_o himself_z more_o full_o explain_v his_o own_o meaning_n and_o we_o desire_v that_o every_o one_o of_o you_o do_v show_v the_o same_o diligence_n to_o the_o full_a assurance_n of_o hope_n unto_o the_o end_n that_o you_o be_v not_o slothful_a but_o follower_n of_o they_o who_o through_o faith_n and_o patience_n inherit_v the_o promise_n next_o from_o the_o latter_a end_n of_o the_o 5_o chapter_n where_o we_o discern_v what_o give_v occasion_n to_o his_o exhortation_n there_o distinguish_v christian_n into_o two_o class_n babe_n and_o strong_a man_n i._n e._n perfect_a and_o imperfect_a he_o describe_v both_o at_o large_a thus_o for_o when_o for_o the_o time_n you_o ought_v to_o be_v teacher_n you_o have_v need_v that_o one_o teach_v you_o again_o which_o be_v the_o first_o principle_n of_o the_o oracle_n of_o god_n and_o be_v become_v such_o as_o have_v need_n of_o milk_n and_o not_o of_o strong_a meat_n for_o every_o one_o that_o use_v milk_n be_v unskilful_a in_o the_o word_n of_o righteousness_n for_o he_o be_v a_o babe_n but_o strong_a meat_n belong_v to_o they_o that_o be_v of_o full_a age_n even_o those_o who_o by_o reason_n of_o use_n have_v their_o sense_n exercise_v to_o discern_v both_o good_a and_o evil_n and_o though_o here_o the_o apostle_n seem_v more_o immediate_o to_o regard_v the_o perfection_n of_o knowledge_n yet_o the_o perfection_n of_o righteousness_n must_v never_o in_o the_o language_n of_o the_o scripture_n be_v separate_v from_o it_o much_o the_o same_o remark_n must_v i_o add_v concern_v the_o integrity_n of_o righteousness_n and_o the_o christian_n progress_n or_o advance_v in_o it_o though_o the_o scripture_n when_o it_o speak_v of_o perfection_n do_v sometime_o more_o direct_o refer_v to_o the_o one_o and_o sometime_o to_o the_o other_o yet_o we_o must_v ever_o suppose_v that_o they_o do_v mutual_o imply_v and_o include_v one_o
another_o since_o otherwise_o the_o notion_n of_o perfection_n will_v be_v extreme_o maim_v and_o incomplete_a i_o will_v insist_v therefore_o no_o long_o on_o the_o use_n of_o the_o word_n perfect_a and_o perfection_n in_o scripture_n but_o as_o a_o further_a proof_n that_o my_o notion_n of_o perfection_n be_v true_o scriptural_a i_o will_v show_v 2._o that_o the_o utmost_a height_n to_o which_o the_o scripture_n exhort_v we_o be_v nothing_o more_o than_o a_o steady_a habit_n of_o holiness_n that_o the_o bright_a character_n it_o give_v of_o the_o perfect_a man_n the_o lovely_a description_n it_o make_v we_o of_o the_o perfect_a state_n be_v all_o make_v up_o of_o the_o natural_a and_o confess_v property_n of_o a_o ripe_a habit._n there_o be_v no_o controversy_n that_o i_o know_v of_o about_o the_o nature_n of_o a_o habit_n every_o man_n experience_n instruct_v he_o in_o the_o whole_a philosophy_n of_o it_o we_o be_v all_o agree_v that_o it_o be_v a_o kind_n of_o second_o nature_n that_o it_o make_v we_o exert_v ourselves_o with_o desire_n and_o earnestness_n with_o satisfaction_n and_o pleasure_n that_o it_o render_v we_o fix_v in_o our_o choice_n and_o constant_a in_o our_o action_n and_o almost_o as_o averse_a to_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v repugnant_a to_o it_o as_o we_o be_v to_o those_o which_o be_v distasteful_a and_o disagreeable_a to_o our_o nature_n and_o that_o in_o a_o word_n it_o so_o entire_o and_o absolute_o possess_v the_o man_n that_o the_o power_n of_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v resist_v nor_o the_o empire_n of_o it_o to_o be_v shake_v off_o nor_o can_v it_o be_v remove_v and_o extirpate_v without_o the_o great_a labour_n and_o difficulty_n imaginable_a all_o this_o be_v a_o confess_v and_o almost_o palpable_a truth_n in_o habit_n of_o sin_n and_o there_o be_v no_o reason_n why_o we_o shall_v not_o ascribe_v the_o same_o force_n and_o efficacy_n to_o habit_n of_o virtue_n especial_o if_o we_o consider_v that_o the_o strength_n easiness_n and_o pleasure_n which_o belong_v natural_o to_o these_o habit_n receive_v no_o small_a accession_n from_o the_o supernatural_a energy_n and_o vigour_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n i_o will_v therefore_o in_o few_o word_n show_v how_o that_o state_n of_o righteousness_n which_o the_o scripture_n invite_v we_o to_o as_o our_o perfection_n direct_o answer_v this_o account_n i_o have_v give_v of_o a_o habit._n be_v habit_n in_o general_n a_o second_o nature_n this_o state_n of_o righteousness_n be_v in_o scripture_n call_v the_o new_a man_n eph._n 4.24_o the_o new_a creature_n 2_o cor._n 5.17_o the_o divine_a nature_n 2_o pet._n 1.4_o do_v it_o consequent_o rule_n and_o govern_v man_n hear_v how_o st._n paul_n express_v this_o power_n of_o the_o habit_n of_o holiness_n in_o himself_o gal._n 2.20_o i_o be_o crucify_a with_o christ_n nevertheless_o i_o live_v yet_o not_o i_o but_o christ_n live_v in_o i_o and_o the_o life_n which_o i_o now_o live_v in_o the_o flesh_n i_o live_v by_o the_o faith_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n who_o love_v i_o and_o give_v himself_o for_o i_o this_o be_v a_o constant_a effect_n of_o habit_n and_o be_v equal_o discernible_a in_o those_o of_o vice_n and_o virtue_n that_o they_o sway_v and_o govern_v the_o man_n they_o possess_v rom._n 6.16_o know_v you_o not_o that_o to_o who_o you_o yield_v yourselves_o servant_n to_o obey_v his_o servant_n you_o be_v to_o who_o you_o obey_v whether_o of_o sin_n unto_o death_n or_o of_o obedience_n unto_o righteousness_n shall_v i_o go_v on_o to_o a_o more_o distinct_a and_o particular_a consideration_n of_o the_o property_n of_o a_o habit_n the_o first_o be_v a_o great_a aversion_n for_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v contrary_a to_o it_o or_o obstruct_v we_o in_o the_o exercise_n of_o it_o and_o this_o be_v direct_o the_o disposition_n of_o the_o perfect_a man_n towards_o temptation_n and_o sin_n he_o be_v now_o ashamed_a of_o those_o thing_n which_o before_o he_o glory_v in_o he_o be_v fill_v with_o a_o holy_a indignation_n against_o those_o thing_n which_o before_o he_o take_v pleasure_n in_o and_o what_o before_o he_o court_v with_o fondness_n and_o passion_n he_o now_o shun_v with_o fear_n and_o vigilance_n in_o brief_a the_o scripture_n describe_v such_o a_o one_o as_o possess_v with_o a_o utter_a hatred_n and_o abhorrence_n of_o every_o evil_a way_n and_o as_o a_o irreconcilable_a enemy_n to_o every_o thing_n that_o be_v a_o enemy_n to_o his_o virtue_n and_o his_o god_n thus_o psal_n 119.163_o i_o hate_v and_o abhor_v lie_v but_o thy_o law_n do_v i_o love_v and_o verse_n 128._o therefore_o i_o esteem_v all_o thy_o precept_n concern_v all_o thing_n to_o be_v right_a and_o i_o hate_v every_o false_a way_n and_o this_o be_v a_o genuine_a and_o natural_a effect_n of_o integrity_n or_o uprightness_n of_o heart_n whence_o it_o be_v the_o observation_n of_o our_o saviour_n math._n 6.24_o no_o man_n can_v serve_v two_o master_n for_o either_o he_o will_v hate_v the_o one_o and_o love_n the_o other_o or_o else_o he_o will_v hold_v to_o the_o one_o and_o despise_v the_o other_o and_o indeed_o every_o where_o a_o hatred_n a_o perfect_a hatred_n of_o evil_n be_v account_v as_o a_o necessary_a consequence_n of_o the_o love_n of_o god_n psal_n 37.10_o you_o that_o love_v the_o lord_n hate_v evil_a and_o therefore_o the_o psalmist_n resolve_v to_o practise_v himself_o what_o he_o prescribe_v to_o other_o psal_n 101.2.3_o i_o will_v behave_v myself_o wise_o in_o a_o perfect_a way_n o_o when_o will_v thou_o come_v unto_o i_o i_o will_v walk_v within_o my_o house_n with_o a_o perfect_a heart_n i_o will_v set_v no_o wicked_a thing_n before_o my_o eye_n i_o hate_v the_o work_n of_o they_o that_o turn_v aside_o it_o shall_v not_o cleave_v to_o i_o and_o how_o can_v this_o be_v otherwise_o the_o love_n of_o god_n must_v necessary_o imply_v a_o abhorrence_n of_o evil_a and_o that_o habit_n which_o confirm_v and_o increase_v the_o one_o must_v confirm_v and_o increase_v the_o other_o too_o 2._o the_o next_o property_n of_o a_o habit_n be_v that_o the_o action_n which_o flow_v from_o it_o be_v if_o we_o meet_v not_o with_o violent_a opposition_n perform_v with_o ease_n and_o pleasure_n what_o be_v natural_a be_v pleasant_a and_o easy_a and_o habit_n be_v a_o second_o nature_n when_o the_o love_n of_o virtue_n and_o the_o hatred_n of_o vice_n have_v once_o root_v themselves_o in_o the_o soul_n what_o can_v be_v more_o natural_a then_o to_o follow_v after_o the_o one_o and_o shun_v the_o other_o since_o this_o be_v no_o more_o than_o embrace_v and_o enjoy_v what_o we_o love_v and_o turn_v our_o back_n on_o what_o we_o detest_v this_o therefore_o be_v one_o constant_a character_n of_o perfection_n in_o scripture_n delight_n and_o pleasure_n be_v every_o where_o say_v to_o accompany_v the_o practice_n of_o virtue_n when_o it_o be_v once_o grow_v up_o to_o strength_n and_o maturity_n the_o way_n of_o wisdom_n be_v way_n of_o pleasantness_n and_o all_o her_o path_n be_v peace_n prov._n 3.17_o perfect_a love_n cast_v out_o fear_n 1_o joh._n 4.18_o and_o to_o he_o that_o love_v the_o commandment_n of_o god_n be_v not_o grievous_a 1_o joh._n 5.3_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o the_o good_a man_n delight_n be_v in_o the_o law_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o that_o he_o meditate_v therein_o day_n and_o night_n psal_n 1.2_o nor_o do_v he_o delight_v less_o in_o action_n then_o meditation_n but_o grow_v in_o grace_n as_o much_o as_o knowledge_n and_o abound_v daily_o more_o and_o more_o in_o good_a work_n as_o he_o increase_v in_o the_o comfort_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n consonant_a to_o this_o property_n of_o perfection_n it_o be_v that_o in_o psalm_n 19_o and_o 119._o and_o elsewhere_o frequent_o we_o hear_v the_o psalmist_n express_v a_o kind_n of_o inconceiveable_a joy_n and_o transport_v in_o the_o meditation_n and_o practice_n of_o the_o command_v of_o god_n so_o the_o first_o christian_n who_o spend_v their_o life_n in_o devotion_n faith_n and_o charity_n be_v say_v act._n 2.46_o to_o have_v eat_v their_o meat_n with_o gladness_n and_o singleness_n of_o heart_n and_o it_o be_v a_o delightful_a description_n we_o have_v of_o the_o apostle_n 2_o cor._n 6.10_o as_o sorrowful_a yet_o always_o rejoice_v as_o poor_a yet_o make_v many_o rich_a as_o have_v nothing_o yet_o possess_v all_o thing_n 3._o vigour_n and_o activity_n or_o much_o earnestness_n and_o application_n of_o mind_n be_v a_o three_o property_n of_o a_o habit._n it_o be_v impossible_a not_o to_o be_v intent_n upon_o those_o thing_n for_o which_o we_o have_v even_o a_o habitual_a passion_n if_o this_o expression_n may_v be_v allow_v i_o a_o inclination_n which_o have_v gather_v strength_n and_o authority_n from_o custom_n will_v exert_v itself_o with_o some_o warmth_n and_o briskness_n now_o certain_o there_o be_v nothing_o
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
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
inadvertency_n in_o complete_a act_n of_o cry_a sin_n second_o there_o be_v no_o pretence_n for_o inadvertency_n if_o we_o have_v any_o misgiving_n within_o or_o warning_n without_o concern_v that_o particular_a sin_n into_o which_o we_o fall_v afterward_o much_o less_o if_o we_o cherish_v ill_a motion_n till_o they_o grow_v too_o strong_a for_o we_o and_o last_o of_o all_o if_o we_o repeat_v the_o same_o sin_n frequent_o and_o contemptuous_o and_o to_o this_o i_o may_v add_v he_o can_v be_v say_v to_o sin_n through_o surprise_n who_o throw_v himself_o into_o the_o way_n of_o temptation_n even_o though_o he_o be_v conscious_a of_o his_o own_o infirmity_n 3_o as_o to_o those_o moral_a defect_n which_o flow_v from_o natural_a infirmity_n they_o will_v not_o destroy_v we_o if_o the_o infirmity_n itself_o be_v pardonable_a there_o be_v infirmity_n which_o we_o acquire_v infirmity_n which_o grow_v strong_a by_o indulgence_n infirmity_n which_o continue_v mere_o because_o we_o do_v not_o take_v pain_n to_o subdue_v they_o our_o moral_a defect_n must_v not_o flow_v from_o these_o kind_n of_o infirmity_n but_o from_o such_o as_o consider_v human_a nature_n and_o the_o state_n of_o this_o world_n it_o be_v impossible_a utter_o to_o root_v out_o these_o moral_a defect_n will_v do_v we_o no_o harm_n if_o first_o we_o take_v care_n to_o settle_v in_o our_o mind_n the_o habit_n of_o those_o virtue_n that_o be_v direct_o opposite_a to_o they_o second_o if_o we_o watch_v and_o fight_v against_o our_o natural_a infirmity_n and_o endeavour_v to_o reduce_v our_o appetite_n even_o our_o natural_a appetite_n within_o strict_a and_o narrow_a bound_n three_o if_o we_o wash_v off_o the_o stain_n of_o our_o slip_v and_o defect_n by_o a_o general_a repentance_n for_o upon_o the_o notion_n i_o have_v here_o give_v of_o venial_a sin_n repentance_n appear_v to_o be_v very_o necessary_a for_o i_o require_v in_o they_o something_o of_o voluntary_a something_o of_o freedom_n enough_o to_o make_v a_o action_n sinful_a though_o not_o to_o prove_v the_o heart_n corrupt_v or_o wicked_a and_o because_o the_o degree_n of_o voluntary_a and_o involuntary_a be_v not_o so_o easy_o distinguishable_a from_o one_o another_o it_o be_v plain_a our_o best_a security_n against_o any_o ill_a consequence_n of_o our_o defect_n and_o frailty_n be_v a_o godly_a sorrow_n and_o therefore_o i_o wonder_v not_o if_o david_n charge_v himself_o more_o severe_o than_o god_n do_v my_o sin_n be_v more_o in_o number_n than_o the_o hair_n of_o my_o head_n this_o be_v a_o confession_n that_o become_v the_o humility_n and_o solicitude_n of_o a_o penitent_a that_o become_v the_o reflection_n of_o a_o wise_a and_o perfect_a man_n and_o the_o corruption_n of_o human_a nature_n the_o alloy_n of_o human_a performance_n the_o slip_n and_o defect_n the_o interruption_n neglect_v and_o deviation_n of_o the_o best_a life_n chap._n vi_o of_o liberty_n as_o it_o import_v freedom_n or_o deliverance_n from_o mortal_a sin_n here_o i_o will_v enquiry_n into_o three_o thing_n 1._o what_o mortal_a sin_n be_v or_o what_o kind_n of_o sin_n they_o be_v which_o be_v on_o all_o hand_n acknowledge_v to_o be_v inconsistent_a with_o a_o state_n of_o grace_n and_o favour_n 2._o how_o far_o the_o perfect_a man_n must_v be_v set_v free_a or_o deliver_v from_o this_o kind_n of_o sin_n or_o how_o remote_a he_o be_v from_o the_o gild_n of_o they_o 3._o which_o way_n this_o liberty_n may_v be_v best_a attain_v s._n 1._o the_o first_o thing_n necessary_a be_v to_z state_z the_o notion_n of_o that_o sin_n which_o pass_v under_o the_o name_n of_o mortal_a wilful_a presumptuous_a or_o deliberate_a sin_n for_o these_o in_o writer_n be_v equivalent_a term_n and_o promiscuous_o use_v to_o signify_v one_o and_o the_o same_o thing_n sin_n say_v st._n john_n 1_o ep._n 3.4_o be_v the_o transgression_n of_o the_o law_n this_o be_v a_o plain_a and_o full_a definition_n too_o of_o sin_n for_o the_o law_n of_o god_n be_v the_o rule_n of_o moral_a action_n it_o be_v the_o standard_n and_o measure_n of_o right_n and_o wrong_n of_o moral_a good_a and_o evil_a whatever_o be_v not_o within_o the_o compass_n of_o the_o law_n be_v not_o within_o the_o compass_n of_o morality_n neither_o whatever_o can_v be_v comprehend_v within_o this_o definition_n can_v have_v in_o it_o the_o entire_a and_o complete_a notion_n of_o sin_n or_o which_o be_v all_o one_o it_o can_v be_v sin_n in_o a_o strict_a proper_a and_o adequate_a sense_n of_o the_o word_n hence_o st._n john_n in_o the_o same_o verse_n tell_v we_o that_o whosoer_n sin_v transgress_v a_o law_n and_o st._n paul_n rom._n 4.15_o where_o there_o be_v no_o law_n there_o be_v no_o transgression_n sin_n then_o must_v always_o suppose_v a_o law_n without_o which_o there_o can_v be_v neither_o vice_n nor_o virtue_n righteousness_n nor_o wickedness_n for_o these_o be_v nothing_o else_o but_o the_o violation_n or_o observation_n of_o the_o law_n of_o god_n or_o habit_n and_o state_n result_v from_o the_o one_o or_o the_o other_o but_o this_o be_v not_o all_o two_o thing_n more_o must_v be_v remark_v to_o render_v this_o definition_n which_o the_o apostle_n give_v we_o of_o sin_n clear_a and_o full_a first_o the_o law_n must_v be_v sufficient_o reveal_v second_o the_o transgression_n of_o it_o must_v be_v true_o voluntary_a 1._o by_o sufficient_a revelation_n of_o a_o divine_a law_n every_o one_o understand_v that_o the_o law_n must_v be_v so_o publish_v to_o the_o man_n who_o be_v to_o be_v govern_v by_o it_o that_o the_o authority_n and_o sense_n of_o it_o may_v be_v if_o it_o be_v not_o his_o own_o fault_n render_v evident_a to_o he_o if_o the_o divine_a authority_n of_o any_o rule_n or_o precept_n be_v doubtful_a and_o uncertain_a the_o obligation_n of_o it_o will_v be_v so_o too_o and_o it_o be_v as_o necessary_a that_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o law_n shall_v be_v evident_a as_o its_o authority_n the_o law_n that_o be_v pen_v in_o dark_a and_o ambiguous_a term_n be_v proper_o speak_v no_o law_n at_o all_o since_o the_o mind_n of_o the_o lawgiver_n be_v not_o sufficient_o make_v know_v by_o it_o whatever_o be_v necessary_o to_o be_v forbear_v or_o do_v by_o we_o must_v be_v full_o and_o clear_o prescribe_v in_o the_o law_n of_o god_n and_o if_o it_o be_v not_o it_o can_v never_o be_v necessary_a man_n through_o weakness_n or_o design_n may_v enact_v law_n that_o be_v but_o a_o heap_n of_o letter_n a_o crowd_n of_o dubious_a delphic_a sentence_n but_o god_n can_v never_o do_v so_o because_o this_o be_v repugnant_a both_o to_o his_o wisdom_n and_o goodness_n and_o to_o the_o very_a end_n of_o a_o law_n too_o which_o be_v to_o be_v a_o rule_n not_o a_o snare_n it_o be_v to_o give_v understanding_n to_o the_o simple_a to_o be_v a_o light_n to_o our_o foot_n and_o a_o lamp_n to_o our_o path_n not_o like_o a_o ignis_fw-la fatuus_fw-la to_o betray_v we_o into_o brake_n and_o precipice_n and_o ruin_n and_o death_n 2._o transgression_n must_v be_v a_o voluntary_a one_o and_o this_o import_v two_o thing_n 1._o a_o knowledge_n of_o law_n 2._o a_o consent_n to_o the_o breach_n of_o it_o first_o as_o to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o law_n all_o that_o i_o have_v to_o say_v here_o in_o few_o word_n be_v that_o ignorance_n of_o the_o law_n excuse_v a_o transgression_n when_o it_o be_v itself_o excusable_a but_o if_o the_o ignorance_n itself_o be_v criminal_a the_o effect_n of_o it_o must_v be_v so_o too_o we_o must_v never_o think_v of_o excuse_v our_o sin_n by_o allege_v a_o ignorance_n into_o which_o not_o our_o own_o incapacity_n or_o any_o other_o reasonable_a cause_n but_o neglect_v or_o contempt_n of_o the_o truth_n or_o some_o other_o vicious_a lust_n or_o passion_n have_v betray_v we_o second_o as_o to_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o will._n this_o be_v necessary_a to_o demonstrate_v any_o action_n sinful_a or_o virtuous_a without_o this_o the_o mind_n will_v be_v no_o partner_n in_o the_o sin_n and_o by_o consequence_n can_v be_v involve_v in_o the_o gild_n of_o it_o whatever_o we_o can_v help_v be_v our_o misfortune_n not_o our_o fault_n action_n mere_o natural_a or_o mere_o force_v can_v neither_o be_v good_a nor_o evil_a the_o concurrence_n of_o reason_n and_o choice_n be_v indispensable_o necessary_a to_o the_o morality_n of_o a_o action_n all_o this_o be_v plain_o teach_v we_o by_o st._n james_n 1.14_o 15._o but_o every_o man_n be_v tempt_v when_o he_o be_v draw_v away_o of_o his_o own_o lust_n and_o entice_v then_o when_o lust_n have_v conceive_v it_o bring_v forth_o sin_n and_o sin_n when_o it_o be_v finish_v bring_v forth_o death_n which_o word_n do_v certain_o imply_v that_o the_o spring_n and_o principle_n of_o sin_n be_v within_o ourselves_o that_o it_o be_v our_o natural_a corruption_n that_o entice_v
we_o court_v till_o we_o be_v possess_v of_o a_o habit_n of_o that_o virtue_n which_o be_v a_o direct_a contradiction_n to_o it_o and_o take_v as_o much_o pleasure_n in_o the_o obedience_n as_o ever_o we_o do_v in_o the_o transgression_n of_o a_o divine_a command_n 2_o there_o be_v some_o sin_n of_o that_o provoke_a nature_n so_o criminal_a in_o their_o birth_n and_o mischievous_a in_o their_o consequence_n that_o one_o single_a act_n or_o commission_n of_o one_o of_o these_o be_v equivalent_a to_o a_o habit_n of_o other_o such_o be_v murder_n idolatry_n perjury_n adultery_n these_o can_v be_v commit_v without_o renounce_v humanity_n as_o well_o as_o christianity_n without_o resist_v the_o instinct_n and_o impulse_n of_o nature_n as_o well_o as_o the_o eight_o of_o the_o gospel_n and_o the_o grace_n of_o the_o spirit_n we_o must_v break_v through_o a_o great_a many_o difficulty_n and_o terror_n ere_o we_o can_v come_v at_o these_o sin_n we_o must_v commit_v many_o other_o in_o order_n to_o commit_v one_o of_o these_o we_o must_v deliberate_v long_o resolve_v desperate_o and_o in_o defiance_n of_o god_n and_o conscience_n and_o what_o be_v the_o effect_n of_o habit_n in_o other_o instance_n be_v a_o necessary_a preparative_a in_o these_o that_o be_v obduration_n in_o this_o case_n therefore_o the_o unhappy_a man_n that_o have_v be_v guilty_a of_o any_o one_o of_o these_o must_v not_o look_v upon_o himself_o as_o set_v free_a when_o he_o be_v come_v to_o a_o resolution_n of_o never_o repeat_v it_o again_o but_o then_o when_o he_o loathe_v and_o abhor_v himself_o in_o dust_n and_o ash_n when_o he_o have_v make_v the_o utmost_a reparation_n of_o the_o wrong_n he_o be_v capable_a of_o when_o if_o the_o interest_n of_o virtue_n require_v it_o he_o be_v content_a to_o be_v oppress_v with_o shame_n and_o suffering_n when_o in_o one_o word_n a_o long_a and_o constant_a course_n of_o mortification_n prayer_n tear_n and_o good_a work_n have_v wash_v off_o the_o stain_n and_o gild_n 2._o we_o must_v be_v free_a not_o only_o from_o a_o habit_n but_o from_o single_a act_n of_o deliberate_a presumptuous_a sin_n the_o reason_n be_v plain_a mortal_a sin_n can_v be_v commit_v without_o wound_v the_o conscience_n grieve_v the_o spirit_n and_o renounce_v our_o hope_n in_o god_n through_o christ_n for_o the_o time_n at_o least_o the_o wage_n of_o sin_n be_v death_n be_v true_a not_o only_o of_o habit_n but_o single_a act_n of_o deliberate_a sin_n death_n be_v the_o penalty_n the_o sanction_n of_o every_o commandment_n and_o the_o commandment_n do_v not_o prohibit_v habit_n only_o but_o single_a act_n too_o nor_o be_v there_o indeed_o any_o room_n for_o doubt_n or_o dispute_v here_o but_o in_o one_o case_n which_o be_v if_o a_o righteous_a man_n shall_v be_v take_v off_o in_o the_o very_a commission_n of_o a_o sin_n which_o he_o be_v fall_v into_o here_o indeed_o much_o may_v be_v say_v and_o with_o much_o uncertainty_n but_o the_o resolution_n of_o this_o point_n do_v not_o as_o far_o as_o i_o can_v see_v minister_v to_o any_o good_a or_o necessary_a end_n and_o therefore_o i_o will_v leave_v it_o to_o god_n in_o all_o other_o case_n every_o thing_n be_v clear_a and_o plain_a for_o if_o the_o servant_n of_o god_n fall_v into_o a_o presumptuous_a sin_n it_o be_v universal_o acknowledge_v that_o he_o can_v recover_v his_o station_n but_o by_o repentance_n if_o he_o repent_v present_o he_o be_v safe_a but_o if_o he_o continue_v in_o his_o sin_n if_o he_o repeat_v it_o he_o pass_v into_o a_o state_n of_o wickedness_n widen_v the_o breach_n between_o god_n and_o his_o soul_n decline_v insensible_o into_o a_o habit_n of_o sin_n and_o render_v his_o wound_n more_o and_o more_o incurable_a it_o be_v to_o little_a purpose_n i_o think_v here_o to_o consider_v the_o vast_a difference_n there_o be_v in_o the_o commission_n even_o of_o the_o same_o sin_n between_o a_o child_n of_o god_n and_o a_o child_n of_o wrath_n because_o a_o child_n of_o god_n must_v not_o commit_v it_o at_o all_o if_o he_o do_v though_o it_o be_v with_o reluctancy_n though_o it_o be_v as_o it_o be_v with_o a_o imperfect_a consent_n and_o with_o a_o divide_a soul_n though_o the_o awe_n of_o religion_n and_o conscience_n seem_v not_o utter_o to_o have_v forsake_v he_o even_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o his_o sin_n though_o his_o heart_n smite_v he_o the_o very_a minute_n it_o be_v finish_v and_o repentance_n and_o remorse_n take_v off_o the_o relish_n of_o the_o unhappy_a draught_n yet_o still_o it_o be_v sin_n it_o be_v in_o its_o nature_n damnable_a and_o nothing_o but_o the_o blood_n of_o jesus_n can_v purge_v the_o gild_n 3._o the_o perfect_a man_n may_v be_v suppose_v not_o only_o actual_o to_o abstain_v from_o mortal_a sin_n but_o to_o be_v advance_v so_o far_o in_o the_o mortification_n of_o all_o his_o inordinate_a affection_n as_o to_o do_v it_o with_o ease_n and_o pleasure_n with_o constancy_n and_o delight_n for_o it_o must_v reasonable_o be_v presume_v that_o his_o victory_n over_o ungodly_a and_o worldly_a lust_n be_v more_o confirm_v and_o absolute_a his_o abhorrence_n of_o they_o more_o deep_a and_o sensible_a more_o fix_v and_o last_a than_o that_o of_o a_o beginner_n or_o babe_n in_o christ_n the_o regenerate_v at_o first_o fear_v the_o consequence_n of_o sin_n but_o by_o degree_n he_o hate_v the_o sin_n itself_o the_o purity_n of_o his_o soul_n render_v he_o now_o incapable_a of_o find_v any_o pleasure_n in_o what_o he_o dote_v on_o before_o and_o the_o love_n of_o god_n and_o virtue_n raise_v he_o above_o the_o temptation_n which_o he_o be_v wont_a to_o fall_v by_o old_a thing_n be_v pass_v away_o and_o all_o thing_n be_v become_v new_a 4._o last_o the_o perfect_a man_n abstinence_n be_v not_o only_o more_o easy_a and_o steady_a but_o more_o entire_a and_o complete_a also_o than_o that_o of_o other_o he_o have_v a_o regard_n to_o the_o end_n and_o design_n of_o the_o law_n to_o the_o perfection_n of_o his_o nature_n to_o the_o purity_n and_o elevation_n of_o his_o soul_n and_o therefore_o he_o expound_v the_o prohibition_n of_o the_o law_n in_o the_o most_o enlarge_v sense_n and_o interpret_v they_o by_o a_o spirit_n of_o faith_n and_o love_n he_o be_v not_o content_a to_o refrain_v from_o action_n direct_o criminal_a but_o shun_v every_o appearance_n of_o evil_a and_o labour_n to_o mortify_v all_o the_o disposition_n and_o tendency_n of_o his_o nature_n towards_o it_o and_o to_o decline_v whatever_o circumstance_n of_o life_n be_v apt_a to_o betray_v the_o soul_n into_o a_o love_n of_o this_o world_n or_o the_o body_n he_o have_v crucify_v the_o world_n and_o the_o body_n too_o that_o pleasure_n that_o honour_n that_o power_n that_o profit_n which_o captives_z the_o sinner_n tempt_v and_o try_v and_o disquiet_v the_o novice_n be_v but_o a_o burden_n a_o trouble_n to_o he_o he_o find_v no_o gust_n no_o relish_n in_o these_o thing_n he_o be_v so_o far_o from_o intemperance_n so_o far_o from_o wantonness_n so_o far_o from_o pride_n and_o vanity_n that_o can_v he_o without_o any_o disadvantage_n to_o the_o interest_n of_o religion_n he_o will_v imitate_v the_o meanness_n the_o plainness_n the_o laboriousness_n the_o self-denial_n of_o our_o saviour_n life_n not_o only_o in_o disposition_n and_o affection_n of_o his_o soul_n but_o even_o in_o his_o outward_a state_n and_o deportment_n and_o will_v prefer_v it_o far_o above_o the_o pomp_n and_o show_n of_o life_n in_o one_o word_n he_o inquire_v not_o how_o far_o he_o may_v enjoy_v and_o be_v safe_a but_o how_o far_o he_o may_v deny_v himself_o and_o be_v wise_a he_o be_v so_o far_o from_o desire_v forbid_a satisfaction_n that_o he_o be_v unwilling_a and_o afraid_a to_o find_v too_o much_o satisfaction_n in_o the_o natural_a and_o necessary_a action_n of_o a_o animal_n life_n i_o need_v not_o prove_v this_o to_o any_o one_o who_o have_v read_v the_o forego_n chapter_n for_o it_o be_v what_o i_o have_v be_v do_v throughout_o this_o treatise_n it_o be_v nothing_o but_o what_o be_v consonant_n to_o the_o whole_a tenor_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o to_o the_o example_n of_o the_o best_a time_n and_o it_o be_v conformable_a to_o what_o the_o best_a author_n have_v write_v who_o have_v any_o thing_n of_o life_n and_o spirit_n in_o their_o work_n or_o have_v any_o true_a notion_n of_o the_o great_a design_n of_o christian_a religion_n which_o be_v a_o heavenly_a conversation_n let_v any_o one_o but_o cast_v his_o eye_n on_o st._n basil_n or_o any_o other_o after_o he_o who_o aim_v at_o the_o same_o thing_n i_o now_o do_v the_o promote_a holiness_n in_o the_o world_n in_o the_o beauty_n and_o perfection_n of_o it_o and_o he_o will_v acknowledge_v that_o i_o be_o far_o from_o have_v carry_v this_o matter_n too_o high_a i_o
mary_n magdalen_n the_o zeal_n of_o st._n peter_n and_o the_o labour_n and_o travel_n of_o st._n paul_n which_o firmness_n and_o constancy_n be_v too_o mean_v a_o name_n for_o these_o virtue_n seem_v therefore_o to_o have_v be_v the_o peculiar_a excellency_n of_o these_o person_n and_o to_o have_v shine_v in_o they_o with_o more_o transcendent_a lustre_n than_o any_o other_o these_o seem_v to_o have_v be_v the_o virtue_n for_o which_o grace_n and_o nature_n eminent_o qualify_v they_o and_o to_o which_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n more_o immediate_o and_o direct_o call_v they_o all_o this_o consider_v seem_v it_o not_o enough_o to_o come_v up_o to_o the_o perfection_n of_o these_o great_a man_n may_v it_o not_o suffice_v to_o excel_v in_o these_o virtue_n which_o nature_n grace_n and_o providence_n prescribe_v may_v not_o the_o perfect_a be_v allow_v to_o want_v what_o he_o do_v not_o need_n will_v one_o not_o think_v that_o in_o many_o respect_n it_o be_v enough_o for_o he_o to_o be_v free_a from_o this_o or_o that_o vice_n rather_o than_o to_o expect_v that_o he_o shall_v be_v adorn_v with_o this_o or_o that_o virtue_n which_o he_o have_v no_o use_n for_o especial_o if_o by_o virtue_n we_o understand_v strict_o such_o a_o habit_n as_o enable_v we_o to_o act_v easy_o and_o delightful_o to_o adjust_a this_o matter_n 1._o the_o perfect_a man_n must_v as_o i_o have_v prove_v before_o not_o only_o be_v set_v free_a from_o the_o dominion_n of_o sin_n but_o also_o abstain_v even_o from_o a_o single_a act_n of_o presumptuous_a wickedness_n he_o must_v neither_o criminal_o omit_v a_o duty_n nor_o deliberate_o commit_v any_o thing_n repugnant_a to_o it_o 2_o he_o must_v be_v endow_v with_o spiritual_a wisdom_n and_o understanding_n with_o faith_n hope_n charity_n with_o the_o grace_n which_o i_o will_v call_v universal_a because_o necessary_a and_o indispensable_a to_o all_o as_o christian_n abstract_v from_o their_o particular_a capacity_n and_o relation_n and_o that_o too_o in_o a_o eminent_a degree_n so_o as_o to_o be_v strong_a in_o the_o grace_n which_o be_v in_o christ_n jesus_n 2_o tim._n 2.1_o this_o will_v render_v he_o holy_a in_o all_o manner_n of_o conversation_n and_o thorough_o furnish_v to_o all_o good_a work_n these_o two_o thing_n constitute_v universal_a righteousness_n complete_a the_o perfect_a man_n and_o full_o satisfy_v the_o text_n allege_v or_o if_o not_o what_o follow_v will_n 3_o he_o must_v excel_v in_o those_o virtue_n which_o be_v most_o natural_a i_o call_v those_o virtue_n natural_a to_o which_o grace_n and_o nature_n most_o powerful_o dispose_v and_o incline_v he_o for_o these_o he_o seem_v to_o be_v design_v by_o god_n these_o will_v soon_o grow_v up_o to_o maturity_n and_o much_o will_v be_v their_o fruit_n and_o great_a their_o beauty_n i_o do_v not_o all_o this_o while_o suppose_v that_o the_o perfect_a man_n ought_v not_o so_o far_o to_o subdue_v and_o rectify_v his_o temper_n as_o not_o only_o to_o overcome_v the_o sin_n of_o this_o constitution_n but_o in_o some_o degree_n possess_v the_o virtue_n that_o be_v most_o repugnant_a to_o it_o but_o to_o expect_v he_o to_o be_v eminent_a here_o be_v i_o doubt_v too_o hard_a and_o unreasonable_a for_o here_o when_o he_o have_v bestow_v much_o pain_n and_o travel_n much_o care_n and_o cost_n his_o progress_n may_v not_o be_v so_o much_o as_o where_o he_o bestow_v least_o but_o here_o i_o must_v add_v two_o caution_n the_o one_o be_v that_o no_o man_n mistake_v contract_v habit_n for_o nature_n and_o then_o conclude_v that_o it_o will_v be_v impossible_a for_o he_o to_o attain_v the_o perfection_n of_o this_o or_o that_o virtue_n through_o a_o natural_a incapacity_n in_o the_o next_o place_n let_v no_o man_n satisfy_v and_o content_v himself_o in_o a_o weak_a and_o imperfect_a state_n of_o that_o virtue_n which_o be_v direct_o oppose_v to_o the_o sin_n of_o his_o constitution_n but_o let_v he_o think_v that_o here_o if_o any_o where_o his_o virtue_n must_v be_v always_o grow_v and_o let_v he_o not_o doubt_v but_o that_o our_o saviour_n promise_n as_o far_o as_o it_o can_v be_v accomplish_v on_o earth_n belong_v to_o his_o sincere_a endeavour_n here_o bless_v be_v they_o that_o hunger_n and_o thirst_n after_o righteousness_n for_o they_o shall_v be_v fill_v matth._n 5.6_o 4._o the_o perfect_a man_n must_v be_v eminent_a in_o those_o virtue_n which_o be_v most_o necessary_a such_o be_v those_o which_o his_o particular_a station_n and_o call_v or_o any_o other_o dispensation_n of_o providence_n he_o be_v under_o require_v of_o he_o whatever_o virtue_n may_v be_v more_o delightful_a these_o be_v more_o important_a other_o may_v be_v more_o natural_a these_o have_v more_o or_o use_v and_o more_o of_o merit_n a_o man_n may_v fall_v short_a of_o perfection_n in_o other_o without_o either_o disparagement_n or_o gild_n but_o deficiency_n in_o these_o can_v hardly_o escape_v both_o beside_o every_o thing_n be_v lovely_a it_o its_o place_n and_o in_o its_o time_n there_o be_v a_o peculiar_a grace_n and_o lustre_n that_o attend_v the_o virtue_n of_o a_o man_n station_n that_o be_v scarce_o to_o be_v find_v in_o any_o other_o i_o will_v therefore_o have_v my_o perfect_a man_n true_o great_a in_o his_o own_o business_n and_o shine_v with_o a_o dazzle_a lustre_n in_o his_o own_o sphere_n to_o this_o purpose_n sure_o speak_v the_o advice_n of_o st._n paul_n rom._n 12.6_o 7_o 8._o have_v then_o gift_n differ_v according_a to_o the_o grace_n that_o be_v give_v to_o we_o whether_o prophecy_n let_v we_o prophecy_n according_a to_o the_o proportion_n of_o faith_n or_o ministry_n let_v we_o wait_v on_o our_o minister_a or_o he_o that_o teach_v on_o teach_v or_o he_o that_o exhort_v on_o exhortation_n he_o that_o give_v let_v he_o do_v it_o with_o simplicity_n he_o that_o rule_v with_o diligence_n he_o that_o show_v mercy_n with_o cheerfulness_n 5._o last_o as_o there_o be_v a_o different_a gild_n in_o sin_n so_o there_o be_v different_a merit_n in_o virtue_n as_o among_o miraculous_a so_o among_o sanctify_a gift_n some_o be_v more_o excellent_a than_o other_o and_o he_o be_v the_o most_o perfect_a man_n who_o be_v enrich_v with_o the_o most_o perfect_a gift_n the_o three_o heroic_a virtue_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v faith_n love_n humility_n nor_o do_v i_o presumptuous_o contrary_a to_o the_o apostle_n exclude_v hope_n but_o comprehend_v it_o under_o faith_n of_o faith_n i_o have_v often_o have_v occasion_n to_o speak_v humility_n will_v make_v the_o last_o chapter_n of_o this_o section_n and_o therefore_o i_o will_v only_o exhort_v to_o love_n love_n be_v the_o noble_a fruit_n of_o illumination_n and_o faith_n the_o true_a source_n and_o parent_n of_o joy_n and_o peace_n love_n be_v the_o most_o pregnant_a seed_n of_o a_o divine_a life_n it_o be_v the_o principle_n that_o animate_v move_v and_o form_n the_o whole_a body_n of_o righteousness_n love_n be_v the_o bond_n of_o union_n and_o communion_n with_o the_o father_n and_o his_o son_n jesus_n through_o the_o spirit_n and_o it_o be_v but_o fit_a that_o what_o render_v as_o most_o like_a god_n shall_v render_v we_o most_o dear_a to_o he_o too_o and_o this_o love_n do_v for_o god_n be_v love_n in_o short_a love_n be_v the_o fulfil_n of_o the_o law_n it_o be_v the_o beauty_n and_o perfection_n of_o a_o disciple_n of_o jesus_n and_o the_o great_a subject_n of_o praise_n and_o glory_n in_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n love_n be_v the_o last_o round_n in_o the_o scale_n of_o perfection_n and_o therefore_o my_o perfect_a man_n must_v abound_v in_o this_o what_o degree_n of_o love_n of_o desire_n or_o complacency_n for_o the_o thing_n of_o this_o present_a life_n may_v consist_v with_o sincerity_n what_o with_o perfection_n may_v be_v easy_o learn_v from_o several_a part_n of_o this_o work_n there_o be_v no_o doubt_n but_o the_o perfect_a man_n must_v love_v god_n to_o that_o degree_n that_o he_o must_v always_o cleave_v to_o he_o walk_z as_o always_o before_o he_o ever_o meditate_v and_o contemplate_v on_o he_o and_o his_o work_n contrive_v and_o study_v labour_n and_o contend_v to_o please_v he_o it_o must_v be_v a_o affliction_n to_o he_o to_o be_v divide_v from_o he_o but_o for_o a_o little_a while_n and_o he_o must_v ever_o and_o anon_o by_o day_n and_o night_n break_v out_o into_o his_o praise_n and_o rejoice_v and_o glory_n in_o he_o 2._o he_o must_v love_v god_n to_o that_o degree_n as_o that_o all_o thing_n in_o comparison_n of_o he_o must_v appear_v blast_v and_o wither_v empty_a and_o contemptible_a without_o pleasure_n without_o beauty_n and_o consequent_o he_o must_v so_o thirst_v after_o the_o beatific_a vision_n after_o the_o presence_n and_o fruition_n of_o god_n that_o he_o must_v earnest_o desire_v to_o be_v dissolve_v and_o pant_v and_o long_o to_o be_v