and_o instrument_n of_o building_n i._o one_o sort_n of_o mean_n necessary_a to_o the_o obtain_n of_o heaven_n and_o that_o which_o more_o direct_o and_o immediate_o respect_v it_o be_v the_o practice_n of_o those_o virtue_n in_o the_o perfection_n whereof_o the_o heavenly_a life_n consist_v for_o we_o find_v by_o experience_n that_o all_o heavenly_a virtue_n be_v to_o be_v acquire_v and_o perfect_v only_o by_o practice_n that_o as_o all_o bad_a disposition_n be_v acquire_v and_o improve_v into_o habit_n by_o bad_a practice_n and_o custom_n so_o be_v all_o the_o contrary_a virtuous_a one_o by_o the_o contrary_a practice_n for_o religion_n proceed_v in_o the_o method_n of_o nature_n and_o carry_v we_o on_o from_o the_o act_n to_o the_o disposition_n and_o from_o the_o disposition_n to_o the_o habit_n of_o virtue_n and_o by_o the_o same_o method_n the_o divine_a grace_n which_o accompany_v religion_n do_v ordinary_o work_v its_o effect_n upon_o the_o spirit_n of_o man_n not_o by_o a_o instantaneous_a infusion_n of_o virtuous_a habit_n into_o the_o will_n but_o by_o persuade_v they_o to_o the_o practice_n of_o those_o virtue_n that_o be_v contrary_a to_o their_o vicious_a habit_n and_o to_o persist_v in_o the_o practice_n of_o they_o till_o they_o have_v mortify_v those_o habit_n and_o thorough_o habituate_v and_o enure_v themselves_o to_o these_o so_o that_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n be_v like_o a_o graff_n which_o though_o it_o be_v put_v into_o a_o stock_n which_o be_v quite_o of_o another_o kind_n do_v yet_o make_v use_n of_o the_o faculty_n and_o juice_n of_o the_o stock_n and_o so_o by_o cooperate_n with_o they_o convert_v it_o by_o degree_n into_o its_o own_o nature_n and_o this_o be_v exact_o agreeable_a to_o the_o common_a experience_n of_o man_n who_o in_o the_o begin_n of_o their_o reformation_n be_v so_o far_o from_o act_v virtuous_o from_o habit_n and_o inclination_n that_o it_o go_v against_o the_o very_a grain_n of_o their_o nature_n and_o they_o will_v much_o rather_o return_v to_o their_o vicious_a course_n if_o they_o be_v not_o chase_v and_o pursue_v by_o the_o terror_n of_o a_o awaken_v conscience_n and_o when_o afterward_o they_o come_v to_o act_v upon_o a_o more_o ingenuous_a principle_n yet_o still_o they_o find_v in_o themselves_o a_o great_a averseness_n and_o reluctancy_n to_o it_o and_o it_o be_v a_o great_a while_n usual_o ere_o they_o arrive_v to_o a_o habit_n or_o facility_n of_o act_v virtuous_o but_o then_o by_o perseverance_n in_o the_o practice_n of_o virtue_n they_o be_v more_o and_o more_o incline_v and_o dispose_v to_o it_o and_o so_o by_o degree_n it_o become_v easy_a and_o natural_a to_o they_o if_o therefore_o we_o will_v ever_o arrive_v to_o that_o perfection_n of_o virtue_n which_o the_o heavenly_a state_n imply_v it_o must_v be_v by_o the_o practice_n of_o virtue_n by_o a_o continual_a train_n and_o exercise_v ourselves_o in_o all_o the_o part_n of_o the_o heavenly_a life_n which_o by_o degree_n will_v wear_v off_o the_o difficulty_n of_o it_o and_o adapt_v and_o familiarize_v our_o nature_n to_o it_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d those_o thing_n which_o they_o that_o learn_v aught_o to_o do_v they_o learn_v by_o do_v they_o thus_o we_o learn_v devotion_n by_o prayer_n submission_n to_o god_n by_o deny_v ourselves_o charity_n by_o give_v alm_n and_o meekness_n by_o forgive_a injury_n and_o we_o may_v as_o reasonable_o expect_v to_o commence_v learn_v without_o study_n as_o virtuous_a without_o the_o practice_n of_o virtue_n since_o therefore_o the_o formal_a happiness_n of_o our_o reasonable_a nature_n consist_v in_o the_o perfection_n of_o all_o the_o heavenly_a virtue_n and_o it_o be_v by_o these_o alone_a that_o we_o can_v relish_v and_o enjoy_v the_o blissful_a object_n of_o heaven_n it_o hence_o follow_v that_o the_o practice_n of_o those_o virtue_n be_v the_o most_o direct_a and_o immediate_a mean_n to_o obtain_v the_o bless_a end_n of_o our_o religion_n but_o then_o ii_o another_o sort_n of_o mean_n necessary_a to_o our_o obtain_n of_o heaven_n consist_v of_o certain_a instrumental_a duty_n by_o which_o we_o be_v to_o acquire_v improve_v and_o perfect_a these_o heavenly_a virtue_n what_o these_o mean_n be_v will_v be_v hereafter_o large_o show_v all_o that_o i_o shall_v say_v of_o they_o at_o present_a be_v that_o they_o be_v such_o as_o be_v no_o far_o good_a and_o useful_a than_o as_o they_o be_v the_o mean_n of_o heavenly_a virtue_n and_o do_v tend_v towards_o the_o acquire_n improve_n and_o perfect_v it_o for_o the_o whole_a duty_n of_o man_n may_v be_v distribute_v into_o these_o two_o general_n viz._n the_o religion_n of_o the_o end_n and_o religion_n of_o the_o mean_n the_o religion_n of_o the_o end_n contain_v all_o that_o heavenly_a virtue_n wherein_o the_o perfection_n and_o happiness_n of_o humane_a nature_n consist_v and_o this_o the_o apostle_n distribute_v into_o three_o particular_n viz._n sobriety_n righteousness_n and_o godliness_n the_o religion_n of_o the_o mean_n comprehend_v all_o that_o duty_n which_o do_v either_o natural_o or_o by_o institution_n respect_n and_o drive_v at_o this_o religion_n of_o the_o end_n and_o that_o all_o other_o duty_n that_o be_v not_o itself_o a_o natural_a branch_n and_o part_n of_o it_o do_v respect_n and_o drive_v at_o it_o the_o apostle_n assure_v we_o when_o he_o tell_v we_o that_o the_o gospel_n or_o grace_n of_o god_n be_v reveal_v from_o heaven_n for_o this_o very_a purpose_n to_o teach_v we_o to_o deny_v all_o ungodliness_n and_o worldly_a lust_n and_o to_o live_v sober_o and_o righteous_o and_o godly_a in_o this_o present_a world_n and_o if_o we_o do_v not_o use_v the_o religion_n of_o the_o mean_n to_o this_o purpose_n it_o be_v altogether_o useless_a and_o insignificant_a for_o the_o purpose_n of_o all_o religious_a duty_n be_v either_o 1._o to_o reconcile_v man_n to_o god_n and_o god_n to_o they_o or_o 2._o to_o perfect_v the_o humane_a nature_n or_o 3._o to_o entitle_v man_n to_o heaven_n or_o 4._o to_o qualify_v and_o dispose_v they_o for_o the_o heavenly_a life_n to_o neither_o of_o which_o the_o religion_n of_o the_o mean_n be_v any_o far_a useful_a than_o as_o it_o produce_v and_o promote_v in_o we_o those_o heavenly_a virtue_n which_o be_v imply_v in_o the_o religion_n of_o the_o end_n for_o i._o it_o be_v no_o further_a useful_a towards_o the_o reconcile_a we_o to_o god_n and_o god_n to_o us._n for_o there_o can_v be_v no_o hearty_a reconciliation_n between_o adverse_a party_n without_o there_o be_v a_o mutual_a likeness_n and_o agreement_n of_o nature_n now_o the_o carnal_a mind_n which_o include_v all_o that_o be_v repugnant_a to_o the_o heavenly_a virtue_n the_o apostle_n tell_v we_o be_v enmity_n against_o god_n rom._n seven_o 17_o that_o be_v have_v a_o natural_a antipathy_n to_o the_o purity_n and_o goodness_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n and_o this_o antipathy_n the_o same_o apostle_n tell_v we_o be_v found_v in_o our_o wicked_a work_n coloss._n i_o 21_o so_o that_o though_o we_o shall_v practice_v never_o so_o diligent_o all_o that_o be_v contain_v in_o the_o religion_n of_o the_o mean_n though_o we_o shall_v pray_v and_o hear_v and_o receive_v sacrament_n etc._n etc._n with_o never_o so_o much_o zeal_n and_o constancy_n yet_o all_o this_o will_v be_v insignificant_a as_o to_o the_o reconcile_a our_o nature_n to_o god_n unless_o it_o destroy_v in_o we_o that_o carnal_a mind_n and_o those_o wicked_a work_n which_o render_v we_o so_o averse_a to_o his_o goodness_n and_o though_o god_n bear_v a_o hearty_a good_a will_n to_o all_o that_o be_v capable_a of_o good_a and_o embrace_n his_o whole_a creation_n with_o the_o outstretch_v arm_n of_o his_o benevolence_n yet_o he_o can_v be_v suppose_v to_o be_v please_v with_o or_o delight_v in_o any_o but_o such_o as_o resemble_v he_o in_o those_o amiable_a grace_n of_o purity_n and_o goodness_n for_o which_o he_o love_v himself_o for_o he_o love_v not_o himself_o mere_o because_o he_o be_v himself_o which_o will_v be_v a_o blind_a instinct_n rather_o than_o a_o reasonable_a love_n but_o because_o he_o be_v good_a and_o he_o love_v himself_o above_o all_o other_o thing_n because_o he_o know_v himself_o to_o be_v the_o high_a and_o most_o perfect_a good_a and_o consequent_o he_o love_v all_o other_o thing_n proportionable_o as_o they_o approach_v and_o resemble_v he_o in_o goodness_n and_o indeed_o if_o he_o love_v we_o for_o any_o other_o reason_n beside_o that_o for_o which_o he_o love_v himself_o he_o will_v not_o have_v infinite_a reason_n to_o love_v himself_o because_o he_o will_v not_o have_v that_o reason_n to_o love_v himself_o for_o which_o he_o love_v and_o take_v delight_n in_o vs._n since_o therefore_o there_o be_v nothing_o but_o our_o resemblance_n of_o god_n can_v reconcile_v he_o to_o we_o and_o since_o our_o resemblance_n of_o he_o
the_o law_n of_o nature_n which_o seem_v to_o have_v be_v nothing_o else_o but_o only_o right_a reason_n dictate_v to_o we_o what_o be_v necessary_a to_o be_v do_v in_o order_n to_o a_o earthly_a happiness_n and_o according_o the_o duty_n of_o this_o law_n be_v of_o a_o much_o low_a strain_n than_o the_o duty_n of_o christianity_n they_o be_v intend_v for_o the_o mean_n and_o instrument_n of_o a_o much_o low_a happiness_n for_o in_o this_o our_o earthly_a and_o animal_n state_n right_a reason_n can_v require_v nothing_o of_o we_o but_o what_o be_v subservient_fw-fr to_o our_o earthly_a and_o animal_n felicity_n and_o nothing_o can_v be_v good_a for_o we_o but_o what_o tend_v thereunto_o nothing_o evil_a but_o what_o do_v obstruct_v and_o oppose_v it_o but_o now_o that_o our_o happiness_n be_v place_v in_o another_o world_n and_o in_o such_o vast_o different_a enjoyment_n from_o those_o of_o a_o terrestrial_a paradise_n we_o must_v proceed_v upon_o other_o principle_n for_o now_o every_o action_n be_v good_a or_o bad_a wise_a or_o foolish_a as_o it_o serve_v or_o hinder_v our_o happiness_n in_o the_o world_n to_o come_v and_o therefore_o it_o be_v high_o reasonable_a that_o now_o we_o shall_v live_v at_o a_o different_a rate_n than_o what_o we_o be_v oblige_v to_o in_o that_o animal_n state_n wherein_o we_o be_v first_o create_v that_o we_o shall_v submit_v our_o earthly_a to_o our_o heavenly_a interest_n and_o renounce_v the_o joy_n and_o pleasure_n of_o this_o life_n whensoever_o they_o stand_v in_o competition_n with_o the_o spiritual_a felicity_n of_o the_o life_n to_o come_v now_o we_o be_v no_o long_o to_o look_v upon_o this_o world_n as_o our_o native_a country_n but_o as_o a_o foreign_a land_n and_o so_o we_o be_v to_o reckon_v our_o self_n stranger_n and_o pilgrim_n upon_o earth_n and_o according_o to_o use_v the_o conveniency_n of_o this_o life_n as_o stranger_n do_v their_o inn_n not_o to_o abide_v or_o take_v up_o our_o habitation_n in_o they_o but_o only_o to_o bait_v and_o away_o and_o refresh_v ourselves_o that_o so_o we_o may_v be_v the_o better_o enable_v to_o perform_v our_o journey_n to_o the_o eternal_a world_n for_o the_o scene_n of_o our_o happiness_n be_v shift_v from_o a_o earthly_a immortality_n to_o a_o heavenly_a and_o consequent_o the_o happiness_n itself_o be_v now_o much_o more_o sublime_a and_o pure_a and_o spiritual_a than_o it_o will_v have_v be_v have_v it_o continue_v earthly_a it_o be_v necessary_a that_o our_o nature_n shall_v be_v exalt_v with_o it_o and_o that_o we_o shall_v be_v raise_v as_o high_a above_o the_o condion_fw-la of_o mere_a earthly_a creature_n as_o that_o be_v above_o the_o rank_n and_o quality_n of_o a_o earthly_a happiness_n otherwise_o it_o will_v be_v impossible_a for_o we_o to_o relish_v and_o enjoy_v it_o now_o every_o agent_n have_v need_n of_o more_o or_o few_o mean_n proportionable_o as_o he_o be_v far_o off_o or_o near_o to_o the_o end_v he_o drive_v at_o as_o for_o instance_n the_o husbandman_n that_o have_v a_o fat_a and_o fruitful_a soil_n to_o sow_v his_o seed_n in_o be_v near_a to_o the_o attain_n of_o a_o good_a harvest_n than_o he_o that_o have_v a_o barren_a or_o stony_a ground_n to_o work_v upon_o and_o therefore_o have_v much_o less_o to_o do_v for_o whereas_o the_o latter_a before_o he_o can_v plough_v and_o sow_v must_v manure_v his_o ground_n and_o gather_v out_o the_o stone_n of_o it_o the_o former_a needs_o only_o plough_v up_o the_o fertile_a earth_n and_o cast_v his_o seed_n into_o it_o or_o to_o come_v close_o to_o the_o case_n in_o hand_n a_o man_n that_o be_v mere_o ignorant_a be_v in_o a_o much_o near_a capacity_n of_o true_a knowledge_n than_o he_o who_o mind_n be_v altogether_o prejudice_v with_o erroneous_a principle_n and_o therefore_o needs_o much_o few_o help_n and_o mean_n to_o attain_v it_o for_o his_o mind_n be_v perfect_o disengage_v be_v like_o a_o fair_a paper_n on_o which_o as_o there_o be_v nothing_o write_v so_o there_o be_v nothing_o to_o be_v blot_v out_o so_o that_o all_o that_o he_o have_v to_o do_v be_v to_o inquire_v after_o and_o receive_v the_o truth_n when_o it_o be_v fair_o propose_v to_o he_o but_o as_o for_o the_o prejudice_v man_n he_o have_v a_o great_a deal_n to_o unlearn_v before_o he_o can_v be_v capable_a of_o learning_n a_o great_a many_o false_a principle_n to_o be_v expunge_v before_o ever_o the_o true_a notion_n of_o thing_n can_v be_v imprint_v on_o his_o understanding_n if_o therefore_o we_o will_v take_v a_o true_a account_n of_o all_o those_o mean_n that_o be_v necessary_a to_o our_o attain_n of_o heaven_n we_o must_v consider_v what_o a_o vast_a distance_n we_o be_v from_o it_o in_o this_o corrupt_a and_o degenerate_a state_n of_o our_o nature_n if_o we_o be_v in_o a_o state_n of_o indifference_n between_o virtue_n and_o vice_n we_o shall_v be_v much_o near_a heaven_n than_o we_o be_v for_o then_o as_o we_o shall_v be_v without_o those_o heavenly_a virtue_n in_o the_o free_a exercise_n whereof_o the_o state_n of_o heaven_n consist_v so_o we_o shall_v be_v without_o all_o that_o repugnance_n and_o aversation_n to_o they_o which_o render_v they_o so_o difficult_o attainable_a and_o our_o nature_n be_v already_o in_o a_o aequilibrium_fw-la will_v by_o the_o least_o over-weight_n of_o motive_n be_v present_o incline_v to_o virtue_n and_o goodness_n but_o alas_o in_o this_o corrupt_a state_n whereinto_o we_o be_v sink_v our_o nature_n run_v evil-ward_n with_o a_o very_a strong_a and_o prevail_a bias_n and_o be_v not_o only_o void_a of_o virtue_n but_o averse_a to_o it_o and_o this_o set_v we_o at_o a_o far_o great_a distance_n from_o the_o bless_a end_n of_o our_o religion_n than_o otherwise_o we_o shall_v be_v for_o every_o degree_n of_o vicious_a inclination_n that_o be_v in_o we_o be_v a_o remove_n from_o heaven_n a_o descent_n from_o that_o perfection_n of_o virtue_n wherein_o the_o heavenly_a blessedness_n consist_v and_o if_o so_o how_o remote_a from_o heaven_n be_v the_o generality_n of_o man_n in_o the_o beginning_n of_o their_o progress_n thither_o when_o to_o their_o natural_a corruption_n they_o have_v superad_v by_o their_o sinful_a course_n so_o many_o inordinate_a inclination_n and_o inveterate_a sinful_a habit_n when_o by_o a_o long_a series_n of_o wicked_a action_n they_o have_v raise_v and_o blow_v up_o their_o concupiscence_n into_o such_o rage_a flame_n of_o lust_n as_o general_o they_o do_v and_o be_v thus_o far_o go_v back_o from_o our_o end_n there_o be_v sundry_a mean_n which_o otherwise_o will_v have_v be_v perfect_o needless_a and_o superfluous_a that_o be_v now_o become_v absolute_o necessary_a thereunto_o for_o have_v we_o begin_v our_o progress_n towards_o heaven_n from_o a_o state_n of_o indifferency_n between_o virtue_n and_o vice_n we_o have_v have_v no_o more_o to_o do_v but_o to_o practice_v those_o several_a virtue_n of_o religion_n of_o which_o the_o heavenly_a life_n and_o state_n consist_v to_o love_v and_o to_o contemplate_v to_o adore_v and_o to_o obey_v god_n and_o behave_v ourselves_o just_o and_o charitable_o towards_o one_o another_o all_o which_o will_v have_v be_v so_o easy_a that_o we_o shall_v have_v have_v no_o occasion_n of_o any_o instrumental_a duty_n to_o facilitate_v they_o to_o we_o whereas_o now_o start_v heavenward_n as_o we_o general_o do_v from_o a_o most_o corrupt_a and_o degenerate_a state_n there_o be_v sundry_a other_o mean_n which_o we_o must_v use_v as_o instrument_n that_o be_v necessary_a to_o our_o acquire_v and_o persevere_v in_o the_o virtue_n of_o the_o heavenly_a life_n to_o our_o conquer_a the_o difficulty_n of_o and_o kill_v the_o vicious_a aversation_n of_o our_o nature_n against_o they_o all_o which_o will_v have_v be_v needless_a at_o least_o in_o a_o great_a measure_n have_v not_o our_o nature_n be_v so_o deprave_v and_o corrupt_a as_o it_o be_v so_o that_o as_o the_o case_n now_o stand_v with_o we_o there_o be_v two_o sort_n of_o mean_n that_o be_v necessary_a to_o our_o obtain_n of_o heaven_n the_o first_o be_v the_o practice_n of_o those_o heavenly_a virtue_n in_o the_o perfection_n whereof_o consist_v the_o state_n of_o heaven_n the_o second_o be_v the_o practice_n of_o certain_a instrumental_a duty_n which_o be_v necessary_a to_o our_o acquire_v those_o heavenly_a virtue_n and_o overcome_v the_o difficulty_n of_o they_o the_o first_o sort_n of_o these_o be_v the_o proximate_a mean_n those_o which_o direct_o and_o immediate_o respect_v the_o great_a and_o ultimate_a end_n the_o second_o the_o more_o remote_a mean_n which_o immediate_o respect_v those_o mean_n that_o immediate_o respect_v the_o end_n the_o first_o be_v like_o the_o art_n of_o the_o builder_n which_o immediate_o respect_v the_o house_n the_o second_o like_o the_o art_n of_o the_o smith_n which_o immediate_o respect_v the_o mean_n
consist_v in_o virtue_n and_o true_a goodness_n it_o hence_o follow_v that_o all_o the_o religion_n of_o the_o mean_n be_v insignificant_a to_o our_o reconciliation_n with_o god_n if_o it_o do_v not_o render_v we_o true_o virtuous_a so_o that_o till_o this_o be_v effect_v there_o be_v so_o vast_a a_o gulf_n between_o god_n and_o we_o that_o neither_o we_o can_v go_v to_o he_o nor_o he_o come_v to_o we_o and_o unless_o he_o alter_v his_o nature_n by_o become_v impure_a as_o we_o be_v impure_a or_o we_o alter_v we_o by_o become_v pure_a as_o he_o be_v pure_a there_o will_v be_v so_o immense_a a_o distance_n between_o he_o and_o we_o as_o that_o it_o be_v impossible_a we_o shall_v ever_o meet_v and_o agree_v so_o that_o what_o the_o prophet_n say_v of_o sacrifice_n may_v be_v true_o affirm_v of_o all_o religion_n of_o the_o mean_n will_v the_o lord_n be_v please_v with_o thousand_o of_o ram_n or_o with_o ten_o thousand_o of_o river_n of_o oil_n will_v he_o be_v reconcile_v upon_o our_o bare_a believe_v pray_v or_o receive_v sacrament_n etc._n etc._n no_o no_o he_o have_v show_v thou_o o_o man_n what_o be_v good_a and_o what_o do_v the_o lord_n require_v of_o thou_o but_o to_o do_v just_o and_o to_o love_v mercy_n and_o to_o walk_v humble_o with_o thy_o god_n mich._n vi_fw-la 7_o 8._o ii_o this_o religion_n of_o the_o mean_n be_v of_o no_o far_o use_v as_o to_o the_o perfect_a our_o nature_n than_o as_o it_o be_v instrumental_a to_o produce_v and_o promote_v in_o we_o those_o heavenly_a virtue_n which_o be_v imply_v in_o the_o religion_n of_o the_o end_n for_o doubtless_o to_o be_v a_o perfect_a man_n be_v to_o live_v up_o to_o the_o high_a principle_n of_o humane_a nature_n which_o be_v reason_n and_o till_o we_o be_v once_o release_v from_o the_o slavery_n of_o sense_n and_o passion_n and_o all_o our_o power_n of_o action_n be_v so_o subdue_v to_o this_o superior_a principle_n as_o to_o be_v whole_o regulate_v by_o it_o and_o we_o choose_v and_o refuse_v and_o love_n and_o hate_n and_o hope_v and_o fear_n and_o desire_n and_o delight_n according_a as_o right_a reason_n direct_v we_o be_v in_o a_o maim_a and_o imperfect_a condition_n now_o what_o else_o be_v virtue_n but_o a_o habit_n of_o live_v according_a to_o the_o law_n of_o reason_n or_o of_o demeaning_n ourselves_o towards_o god_n ourselves_o and_o all_o the_o world_n as_o best_o become_v rational_a being_n place_v in_o our_o condition_n and_o circumstance_n and_o till_o we_o be_v in_o some_o measure_n arrive_v to_o this_o our_o nature_n be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v perfect_a that_o it_o be_v the_o most_o wretched_a and_o confuse_a thing_n in_o the_o whole_a world_n a_o more_o undistinguished_a chaos_n where_o frigida_fw-la cum_fw-la calidis_fw-la sense_n and_o reason_n brute_n and_o man_n be_v shuffle_v together_o without_o any_o order_n like_o a_o confound_a heap_n of_o ruin_n and_o therefore_o as_o for_o this_o religion_n of_o the_o mean_n it_o will_v be_v altogether_o 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immediate_o result_v from_o our_o performance_n of_o those_o condition_n upon_o which_o he_o have_v promise_v it_o which_o till_o we_o have_v do_v we_o can_v have_v no_o more_o claim_n or_o title_n to_o it_o than_o if_o he_o have_v never_o promise_v it_o at_o all_o but_o the_o sole_a condition_n upon_o which_o he_o have_v promise_v it_o be_v universal_a righteousness_n and_o goodness_n for_o so_o without_o holiness_n we_o be_v assure_v that_o no_o man_n shall_v see_v god_n and_o mat._n v._n our_o saviour_n intail_v all_o the_o beatitude_n of_o heaven_n upon_o those_o heavenly_a virtue_n of_o purity_n of_o heart_n benignity_n of_o temper_n etc._n etc._n so_o also_o rom._n two_o 7_o the_o promise_n of_o eternal_a life_n be_v limit_v to_o our_o patient_a continuance_n in_o well_o do_v and_o that_o we_o may_v know_v before_o hand_n what_o to_o trust_v to_o our_o saviour_n plain_o tell_v we_o that_o not_o every_o one_o that_o cry_v lord_n lord_n that_o make_v solemn_a prayer_n and_o address_n to_o i_o shall_v enter_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n but_o he_o that_o do_v the_o will_n of_o my_o father_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n and_o this_o be_v the_o will_n of_o god_n say_v the_o apostle_n even_o our_o sanctification_n that_o be_v our_o be_v purge_v from_o all_o impurity_n of_o flesh_n and_o spirit_n and_o inspire_v with_o all_o heavenly_a virtue_n and_o the_o apostle_n express_o enumerate_v those_o virtue_n upon_o which_o our_o entrance_n into_o eternal_a life_n be_v promise_v 2_o pet._n i_o 5_o 6_o 7_o 8._o add_v to_o your_o faith_n virtue_n and_o to_o virtue_n knowledge_n and_o to_o knowledge_n temperance_n and_o to_o temperance_n patience_n and_o to_o patience_n godliness_n and_o to_o godliness_n brotherly_n kindness_n and_o to_o brotherly_a kindness_n charity_n for_o if_o these_o thing_n be_v in_o you_o and_o abound_v say_v he_o they_o make_v you_o that_o you_o shall_v neither_o be_v barren_a nor_o unfruitful_a in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n that_o be_v that_o you_o shall_v receive_v the_o proper_a fruit_n of_o that_o knowledge_n which_o be_v eternal_a life_n for_o thus_o v._n xi_o he_o go_v on_o for_o so_o or_o upon_o this_o condition_n a_o entrance_n shall_v be_v minister_v unto_o you_o abundant_o into_o the_o everlasting_a kingdom_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o saviour_n jesus_n christ._n so_o that_o unless_o our_o faith_n purify_v our_o heart_n and_o work_n by_o love_n unless_o our_o sorrow_n for_o sin_n work_v in_o we_o repentance_n or_o a_o change_n of_o mind_n unless_o our_o prayer_n raise_v in_o we_o divine_a and_o heavenly_a affection_n that_o be_v unless_o we_o so_o practice_v the_o duty_n of_o the_o religion_n of_o the_o mean_n as_o thereby_o to_o acquire_v the_o virtue_n of_o the_o religion_n of_o the_o end_n it_o will_v be_v all_o as_o insignificant_a to_o our_o title_n to_o heaven_n as_o the_o most_o indifferent_a action_n in_o the_o world_n iv._o this_o religion_n of_o the_o mean_n be_v of_o no_o far_o use_v to_o the_o dispose_n and_o qualify_a we_o for_o heaven_n than_o as_o it_o be_v a_o effectual_a mean_n of_o the_o religion_n of_o the_o end_n which_o be_v a_o perfect_o distinct_a consideration_n from_o the_o former_a for_o it_o will_v be_v no_o advantage_n to_o we_o to_o have_v a_o right_n to_o heaven_n unless_o we_o be_v antecedent_o qualify_v and_o dispose_v for_o it_o because_o pleasure_v which_o be_v a_o relative_n thing_n imply_v a_o correspondence_n and_o agreement_n between_o the_o object_n and_o the_o faculty_n that_o taste_v and_o enjoy_v it_o but_o in_o the_o temper_n of_o every_o wicked_a mind_n there_o be_v a_o strong_a antipathy_n to_o the_o pleasure_n of_o heaven_n which_o be_v all_o chaste_a and_o pure_a and_o spiritual_a can_v never_o agree_v with_o the_o vitiate_a palate_n of_o a_o base_a and_o degenerate_a soul_n for_o what_o concord_n can_v there_o be_v between_o a_o spiteful_a and_o devilish_a spirit_n and_o the_o fountain_n of_o all_o love_n and_o goodness_n between_o a_o sensual_a and_o carnalize_v one_o that_o understand_v no_o other_o pleasure_n but_o only_o those_o of_o the_o flesh_n and_o those_o pure_a and_o virgin_n spirit_n that_o neither_o eat_v nor_o drink_v but_o live_v for_o ever_o upon_o wisdom_n and_o holiness_n and_o love_n and_o contemplation_n certain_o till_o our_o mind_n be_v contemper_v to_o the_o heavenly_a state_n and_o we_o be_v of_o the_o same_o disposition_n with_o god_n and_o angel_n and_o saint_n there_o be_v no_o pleasure_n in_o heaven_n that_o can_v be_v agreeable_a to_o we_o for_o as_o for_o the_o main_a we_o shall_v be_v of_o the_o same_o temper_n and_o disposition_n when_o we_o come_v into_o the_o other_o world_n as_o we_o be_v when_o we_o leave_v this_o it_o be_v unimaginable_a how_o a_o total_a change_n shall_v be_v wrought_v in_o we_o mere_o
be_v in_o a_o word_n so_o far_o shall_v we_o be_v from_o repine_v and_o murmur_v at_o god_n for_o not_o reward_v we_o as_o liberal_o as_o other_o that_o we_o shall_v be_v thorough_o sensible_a that_o he_o have_v be_v bountiful_a to_o we_o infinite_o beyond_o our_o desert_n or_o expectation_n that_o it_o be_v not_o out_o of_o a_o fond_a partiality_n ot_fw-mi blind_a respect_n of_o person_n that_o he_o raise_v other_o to_o high_a degree_n of_o glory_n than_o ourselves_o but_o out_o of_o a_o principle_n of_o strict_a justice_n that_o exact_o balance_n and_o adjust_n its_o reward_n according_a to_o the_o degree_n of_o our_o desert_n and_o improvement_n the_o sense_n of_o which_o will_v not_o only_o compose_v our_o mind_n into_o a_o perfect_a satisfaction_n but_o also_o continual_o excite_v we_o to_o those_o beatifical_a act_n of_o love_n and_o praise_n thanksgiving_n and_o adoration_n thus_o humility_n you_o see_v tune_n and_o compose_v we_o for_o heaven_n and_o only_o cast_v we_o down_o like_o ball_n that_o we_o may_v rebound_v the_o high_a in_o glory_n and_o happiness_n thus_o you_o see_v how_o all_o those_o virtue_n which_o appertain_v to_o a_o man_n consider_v as_o a_o reasonable_a animal_n conduce_v to_o the_o great_a christian_a end_n viz._n the_o happiness_n of_o heaven_n it_o be_v true_a indeed_o the_o immediate_a product_n of_o this_o sort_n of_o virtue_n be_v only_o at_o least_o chief_o privative_a happiness_n or_o the_o happiness_n of_o rest_n and_o indolence_n which_o consist_v in_o not_o be_v miserable_a or_o in_o a_o perfect_a cessation_n from_o all_o such_o act_n and_o motion_n as_o be_v hurtful_a and_o injurious_a to_o a_o rational_a spirit_n for_o as_o i_o have_v show_v you_o in_o the_o beginning_n of_o this_o section_n the_o proper_a office_n of_o humane_a virtue_n consist_v in_o so_o regulate_v all_o our_o power_n of_o action_n as_o that_o we_o do_v nothing_o that_o be_v hurtful_a or_o injurious_a to_o our_o rational_a nature_n and_o thus_o you_o plain_o see_v these_o five_o aforenamed_a virtue_n do_v most_o effectual_o perform_v but_o beside_o this_o privative_a there_o be_v as_o i_o show_v you_o a_o positive_a part_n of_o happiness_n which_o consist_v not_o in_o rest_n but_o in_o motion_n in_o the_o vigorous_a exercise_n of_o our_o rational_a faculty_n upon_o such_o object_n as_o be_v most_o suitable_a to_o they_o and_o to_o the_o obtain_n of_o this_o part_n of_o our_o happiness_n there_o be_v other_o kind_n of_o virtue_n necessary_a to_o be_v practise_v by_o we_o of_o which_o i_o shall_v discourse_v in_o the_o two_o follow_a section_n but_o though_o the_o immediate_a effect_n of_o these_o humane_a virtue_n we_o have_v be_v discourse_v of_o be_v only_o the_o happiness_n of_o rest_n yet_o do_v they_o tend_v a_o great_a deal_n far_o even_o to_o the_o happiness_n of_o motion_n and_o exercise_n for_o it_o be_v impossible_a so_o to_o suppress_v that_o active_a principle_n within_o we_o as_o to_o make_v it_o total_o surcease_v from_o motion_n and_o therefore_o as_o every_o intermission_n of_o its_o sober_a and_o regular_a act_n do_v but_o make_v way_n for_o wild_a and_o extravagant_a one_o so_o every_o abatement_n of_o its_o hurtful_a and_o injurious_a motion_n make_v way_n for_o beatifical_a one_o and_o so_o the_o humane_a virtue_n by_o give_v we_o rest_n from_o those_o motion_n that_o be_v afflictive_a to_o our_o nature_n incline_v and_o dispose_v we_o to_o such_o motion_n and_o exercise_n as_o be_v most_o pleasant_a and_o grateful_a to_o it_o sect_n ii_o concern_v those_o divine_a virtue_n which_o belong_v to_o a_o man_n consider_v as_o a_o reasonable_a creature_n relate_v to_o god_n show_v that_o these_o also_o be_v comprehend_v in_o the_o heavenly_a part_n of_o the_o christian_a life_n and_o that_o the_o practice_n of_o they_o effectual_o conduce_v to_o our_o future_a happiness_n i_o proceed_v now_o to_o the_o second_o kind_n of_o virtue_n viz._n divine_a to_o which_o i_o tell_v you_o we_o be_v oblige_v in_o the_o capacity_n of_o reasonable_a creature_n relate_v to_o god_n who_o be_v not_o only_o endow_v with_o all_o possible_a perfection_n with_o infinite_a truth_n and_o justice_n wisdom_n and_o goodness_n and_o power_n with_o all_o that_o can_v render_v any_o being_n most_o high_o reverence_v admire_a love_a and_o adore_v who_o be_v not_o only_o the_o author_n of_o our_o be_v and_o wellbeing_a as_o he_o be_v creator_n and_o preserver_n of_o all_o thing_n but_o also_o our_o sovereign_a lord_n and_o king_n as_o he_o be_v god_n almighty_a the_o supreme_a and_o overrule_a power_n of_o heaven_n and_o earth_n have_v upon_o all_o these_o account_v a_o just_a and_o unalienable_a claim_n to_o sundry_a duty_n and_o homage_v from_o his_o creature_n all_o which_o i_o shall_v reduce_v to_o these_o six_o particular_n 1._o that_o we_o shall_v frequent_o think_v of_o and_o contemplate_v the_o beauty_n and_o perfection_n of_o his_o nature_n 2._o that_o upon_o the_o account_n of_o these_o perfection_n we_o shall_v humble_o worship_v and_o adore_v he_o 3._o that_o we_o shall_v ardent_o love_v and_o take_v complacency_n in_o he_o 4._o that_o we_o shall_v attentive_o and_o unwearied_o imitate_v he_o in_o all_o his_o imitable_a perfection_n and_o action_n 5._o that_o we_o shall_v entire_o resign_v up_o ourselves_o to_o his_o conduct_n and_o disposal_n 6._o that_o we_o shall_v cheerful_o rely_v and_o depend_v upon_o he_o all_o which_o as_o i_o shall_v show_v be_v include_v in_o the_o heavenly_a part_n of_o the_o christian_a life_n and_o do_v most_o effectual_o contribute_v to_o our_o future_a happiness_n i._o as_o we_o be_v rational_a creature_n relate_v to_o god_n we_o be_v oblige_v to_o be_v often_o contemplate_v and_o think_v upon_o he_o for_o the_o natural_a use_n of_o our_o understanding_n be_v to_o contemplate_v truth_n and_o therefore_o the_o more_o of_o truth_n and_o reality_n there_o be_v in_o any_o knowable_a object_n and_o the_o far_o it_o be_v remove_v from_o falshood_n and_o nonentity_n the_o more_o the_o understanding_n be_v concern_v to_o contemplate_v and_o think_v upon_o it_o god_n therefore_o be_v the_o most_o true_a and_o real_a object_n as_o he_o stand_v remove_v by_o the_o necessity_n of_o his_o existence_n from_o all_o possibility_n of_o not-being_a must_v needs_o be_v the_o most_o perfect_a theme_n of_o our_o understanding_n the_o best_a and_o great_a subject_n on_o which_o it_o can_v employ_v its_o meditation_n and_o beside_o that_o he_o be_v the_o most_o true_a and_o real_a of_o all_o being_n he_o be_v also_o the_o source_n and_o spring_n of_o all_o truth_n and_o reality_n his_o power_n conduct_v by_o his_o wisdom_n and_o goodness_n be_v the_o cause_n not_o only_o of_o all_o that_o be_v but_o of_o all_o that_o either_o shall_v be_v or_o can_v be_v and_o be_v it_o fit_a that_o our_o understanding_n which_o be_v make_v to_o contemplate_v shall_v whole_o overlook_v the_o fountain_n of_o it_o but_o beside_o this_o too_o that_o he_o be_v the_o great_a truth_n himself_o and_o the_o cause_n of_o every_o thing_n else_o that_o be_v true_a and_o real_a he_o be_v the_o sovereign_n of_o being_n and_o the_o most_o amiable_a and_o perfect_a as_o he_o include_v in_o his_o infinite_a essence_n all_o possible_a perfection_n both_o in_o kind_n and_o degree_n and_o what_o a_o monstrous_a irreverence_n be_v it_o for_o mind_n that_o be_v frame_v to_o the_o contemplation_n of_o truth_n to_o pass_v by_o such_o a_o great_a and_o glorious_a one_o without_o any_o regard_n or_o observance_n as_o if_o he_o stand_v for_o a_o cypher_n in_o the_o world_n and_o be_v not_o worthy_a to_o be_v think_v upon_o nay_o and_o beside_o all_o this_o which_o one_o will_v think_v be_v enough_o to_o oblige_v our_o understanding_n to_o the_o strict_a attendance_n to_o he_o he_o be_v a_o truth_n in_o which_o above_o all_o other_o we_o be_v most_o near_o concern_v as_o he_o be_v not_o only_o the_o father_n and_o prop_n of_o our_o being_n and_o the_o consolation_n of_o our_o life_n but_o the_o sole_a arbiter_n of_o our_o fate_n too_o upon_o who_o our_o everlasting_a well_o or_o ill_o be_v depend_v and_o what_o can_v we_o be_v more_o concern_v to_o think_v and_o meditate_v upon_o than_o this_o great_a be_v from_o who_o we_o spring_v in_o who_o we_o live_v and_o breath_n and_o of_o who_o we_o be_v to_o expect_v all_o that_o evil_a or_o good_a that_o we_o can_v fear_v or_o hope_n for_o all_o which_o consider_v there_o be_v no_o doubt_n to_o be_v make_v but_o that_o our_o understanding_n be_v chief_o make_v for_o god_n to_o look_v up_o to_o he_o and_o contemplate_v his_o be_v and_o perfection_n and_o though_o in_o this_o imperfect_a state_n it_o be_v too_o often_o avert_v from_o he_o by_o this_o vast_a variety_n of_o sensual_a thing_n that_o surround_v it_o and_o intercept_v its_o prospect_n yet_o as_o our_o soul_n
the_o mischief_n of_o they_o may_v abundant_o outweigh_v the_o benefit_n of_o this_o and_o this_o be_v so_o how_o extreme_o unfit_a be_v we_o to_o make_v choice_n for_o ourselves_o since_o in_o most_o particular_n it_o be_v almost_o a_o equal_a lay_n whether_o what_o we_o choose_v will_v prove_v our_o food_n or_o our_o poison_n but_o now_o god_n be_v the_o supreme_a orderer_n and_o disposer_n of_o thing_n and_o have_v the_o first_o link_n of_o every_o chain_n of_o cause_n in_o his_o own_o hand_n must_v needs_o have_v a_o entire_a comprehension_n of_o all_o the_o intermediate_v one_o from_o the_o begin_n to_o the_o end_n and_o his_o power_n be_v not_o only_o the_o cause_n of_o all_o actual_a event_n but_o also_o of_o the_o possibility_n of_o those_o that_o shall_v never_o be_v actual_a he_o must_v needs_o discern_v the_o utmost_a issue_n and_o concomitant_n of_o every_o possible_a as_o well_o as_o of_o every_o future_a event_n and_o perfect_o understand_v not_o only_o what_o will_v be_v 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as_o know_v that_o howsoever_o thing_n may_v happen_v to_o we_o they_o can_v be_v otherwise_o than_o as_o the_o wise_a and_o good_a god_n be_v please_v either_o to_o permit_v or_o to_o order_n and_o determine_v they_o this_o i_o say_v be_v so_o fit_a in_o itself_o and_o so_o much_o for_o our_o interest_n it_o be_v impossible_a that_o without_o it_o we_o can_v be_v happy_a either_o here_o or_o hereafter_o for_o since_o both_o our_o be_v and_o wellbeing_a be_v whole_o dependent_a on_o the_o will_n of_o god_n and_o we_o can_v neither_o be_v nor_o be_v happy_a one_o moment_n long_o than_o he_o please_v how_o be_v it_o possible_a we_o shall_v ever_o be_v quiet_a and_o satisfy_v in_o our_o own_o mind_n without_o a_o great_a assurance_n of_o and_o confidence_n in_o he_o when_o we_o consider_v what_o a_o mighty_a stake_n we_o have_v in_o his_o hand_n how_o all_o our_o fortune_n lie_v at_o his_o foot_n and_o how_o easy_o he_o can_v frown_v we_o into_o nothing_o or_o spurn_v we_o into_o a_o condition_n ten_o thousand_o time_n worse_o than_o nothing_o when_o ever_o he_o please_v how_o can_v we_o be_v otherwise_o secure_a in_o our_o own_o mind_n or_o avoid_v be_v eternal_o anxious_a and_o solicitous_a but_o by_o firm_o rely_v on_o his_o truth_n and_o goodness_n to_o the_o want_n of_o which_o be_v to_o be_v attribute_v all_o that_o cark_n care_n torment_v fear_n and_o disquiet_v thoughtfulness_n which_o perpetual_o haunt_v the_o mind_n of_o man_n they_o be_v sensible_a that_o their_o condition_n be_v dependent_a and_o that_o it_o be_v not_o in_o their_o own_o power_n either_o to_o make_v it_o what_o they_o will_v have_v it_o or_o to_o secure_v and_o continue_v it_o when_o it_o be_v make_v so_o they_o know_v that_o by_o a_o thousand_o chance_n which_o in_o despite_n of_o their_o foresight_n or_o power_n may_v happen_v the_o next_o moment_n either_o themselves_o may_v be_v snatch_v from_o what_o they_o possess_v or_o what_o they_o possess_v may_v be_v snatch_v from_o they_o they_o find_v that_o their_o most_o probable_a design_n be_v liable_a to_o innumerable_a miscarriage_n and_o that_o when_o they_o have_v form_v their_o project_n never_o so_o wise_o there_o be_v infinite_a cross_a accident_n may_v intercurr_v and_o dash_v they_o in_o piece_n and_o in_o this_o uncertain_a state_n of_o their_o affair_n they_o either_o think_v not_o of_o god_n at_o all_o but_o live_v at_o the_o courtesy_n of_o a_o fickle_a chance_n and_o leave_v themselves_o to_o be_v toss_v and_o bandy_v to_o and_o fro_o at_o the_o pleasure_n of_o a_o blind_a and_o undesigning_a fortune_n upon_o who_o ever-moving_a wheel_n their_o weary_a thought_n can_v never_o rest_v or_o if_o they_o think_v of_o god_n it_o be_v with_o great_a mistrust_n and_o despondency_n they_o fear_v he_o will_v not_o be_v regardful_a enough_o of_o they_o nor_o prove_v so_o kind_a to_o they_o as_o they_o can_v wish_v and_o be_v possess_v with_o a_o obstinate_a opinion_n that_o it_o will_v be_v much_o better_a for_o they_o to_o be_v their_o own_o carver_n than_o to_o live_v at_o his_o disposal_n and_o allowance_n and_o hence_o proceed_v all_o those_o anxiety_n and_o discontent_n those_o fret_a care_n dismay_v fear_n perplex_v and_o misgive_a thought_n which_o do_v continual_o gall_v and_o disquiet_v they_o and_o from_o these_o their_o thorny_a disquietude_n it_o be_v impossible_a they_o shall_v ever_o be_v whole_o free_a no_o not_o in_o heaven_n itself_o till_o they_o have_v wrought_v their_o mind_n to_o a_o perfect_a trust_n and_o confidence_n in_o god_n for_o we_o shall_v be_v altogether_o as_o dependent_a upon_o god_n for_o our_o heavenly_a as_o we_o be_v for_o our_o earthly_a happiness_n because_o though_o all_o those_o act_n of_o heavenly_a virtue_n in_o which_o our_o heavenly_a happiness_n consist_v will_v be_v much_o more_o in_o our_o own_o power_n than_o any_o of_o these_o worldly_a good_n be_v yet_o they_o will_v be_v no_o long_o in_o our_o power_n than_o god_n shall_v think_v fit_a to_o enable_v we_o to_o choose_v and_o act_n and_o to_o support_v we_o in_o our_o be_v and_o existence_n which_o then_o we_o shall_v sensible_o perceive_v entire_o depend_v upon_o the_o all-enlivening_a vigour_n of_o his_o vital_a breath_n and_o therefore_o though_o he_o have_v promise_v to_o continue_v our_o be_v in_o that_o most_o bless_a state_n for_o ever_o yet_o unless_o we_o perfect_o trust_v in_o his_o veracity_n our_o mind_n will_v be_v continual_o disturb_v with_o anxious_a and_o misgive_a thought_n we_o shall_v be_v afraid_a lest_o one_o time_n or_o other_o he_o shall_v forget_v his_o promise_n and_o upon_o some_o unknown_a reason_n or_o emergency_n withdraw_v from_o we_o that_o influence_n of_o his_o all-upholding_a power_n upon_o which_o our_o be_v and_o wellbeing_a depend_v and_o let_v we_o drop_v into_o nothing_o and_o the_o great_a our_o happiness_n be_v the_o more_o we_o shall_v be_v afraid_a of_o lose_v it_o because_o we_o shall_v be_v always_o sensible_a that_o it_o entire_o depend_v upon_o the_o pleasure_n of_o god_n who_o truth_n and_o goodness_n we_o can_v not_o perfect_o confide_v in_o so_o that_o be_v we_o place_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o heaven_n with_o a_o misgive_n distrustful_a mind_n of_o god_n that_o will_v embitter_v all_o the_o joy_n of_o it_o and_o give_v they_o a_o harsh_a and_o ungrateful_a farewell_n for_o the_o fearful_a apprehension_n we_o shall_v continual_o have_v of_o be_v thrust_v out_o of_o heaven_n again_o and_o tumble_v headlong_o from_o all_o our_o glory_n will_v be_v such_o a_o continual_a affliction_n to_o we_o that_o we_o shall_v even_o pine_v away_o our_o happy_a eternity_n for_o fear_v of_o be_v eternal_o deprive_v of_o it_o so_o impossible_a it_o be_v for_o any_o dependent_a be_v to_o be_v happy_a without_o a_o entire_a trust_n
shame_n and_o fear_n and_o when_o we_o endeavour_v the_o former_a our_o appetite_n bridle_v we_o with_o dislike_n and_o aversation_n in_o this_o extremity_n therefore_o what_o be_v to_o be_v do_v that_o we_o may_v be_v free_a why_o the_o case_n be_v plain_a we_o must_v resolve_v to_o conquer_v either_o our_o reason_n or_o our_o lust_n if_o we_o conquer_v our_o reason_n which_o we_o shall_v find_v by_o far_o the_o hard_a task_n of_o the_o two_o we_o shall_v acquire_v the_o freedom_n of_o devil_n and_o brute_n the_o freedom_n to_o do_v mischief_n and_o wallow_v in_o the_o mire_n without_o shame_n or_o remorse_n but_o if_o we_o conquer_v our_o lust_n we_o acquire_v the_o freedom_n of_o man_n yea_o of_o saint_n and_o of_o angel_n the_o freedom_n to_o act_v reasonable_o without_o reluctance_n or_o aversation_n and_o this_o be_v much_o more_o easy_o to_o be_v acquire_v than_o the_o former_a i_o dare_v appeal_n to_o any_o man_n reason_n which_o of_o the_o two_o be_v in_o itself_o most_o eligible_a if_o therefore_o we_o will_v vindicate_v our_o rational_a freedom_n we_o must_v resolve_v to_o shake_v off_o those_o slavish_a fetter_n our_o brutish_a and_o our_o devilish_a appetite_n that_o do_v so_o perpetual_o turmoil_v and_o encumber_v we_o in_o all_o our_o virtuous_a attempt_n and_o rational_a operation_n we_o must_v tie_v up_o ourselves_o from_o execute_v their_o command_n and_o serve_v their_o wicked_a will_n and_o pleasure_n and_o hearty_o resolve_v to_o act_v as_o it_o become_v we_o in_o the_o capacity_n of_o rational_a creature_n relate_v to_o god_n and_o one_o another_o and_o then_o though_o at_o first_o we_o must_v expect_v to_o find_v ourselves_o confine_v and_o straighten_a by_o our_o vicious_a aversation_n we_o shall_v be_v immediate_o release_v from_o all_o that_o shame_n and_o fear_v which_o do_v so_o continual_o curb_v we_o in_o the_o career_n of_o our_o wickedness_n and_o even_o our_o vicious_a aversation_n if_o we_o courageous_o persist_v in_o our_o good_a resolution_n will_v grow_v weak_a and_o weak_a and_o be_v every_o day_n less_o and_o less_o cumbersome_a to_o we_o till_o it_o be_v total_o extinguish_v and_o then_o we_o shall_v feel_v ourselves_o entire_o restore_v into_o our_o own_o power_n and_o be_v able_a without_o check_n or_o control_v to_o dispose_v of_o ourselves_o and_o all_o our_o motion_n according_a as_o it_o shall_v seem_v to_o we_o most_o fit_a and_o reasonable_a then_o we_o shall_v act_v with_o the_o great_a vigour_n and_o freedom_n have_v no_o counter-striving_a principle_n to_o restrain_v or_o retard_v we_o no_o vicious_a aversation_n on_o the_o one_o side_n or_o guilty_a shame_n or_o fear_v on_o the_o other_o to_o counterpoise_v we_o in_o our_o rational_a motion_n then_o we_o shall_v move_v without_o check_n or_o confinement_n in_o a_o large_a and_o noble_a sphere_n for_o we_o shall_v be_v please_v with_o what_o be_v fit_a and_o wise_a and_o good_a without_o any_o reserve_v or_o exception_n and_o we_o shall_v do_v what_o we_o please_v without_o any_o let_v or_o hindrance_n so_o that_o by_o engage_v ourselves_o in_o the_o heavenly_a life_n we_o enter_v into_o a_o state_n of_o glorious_a liberty_n and_o if_o we_o constant_o persist_v in_o it_o and_o do_v still_o prevalent_o list_v to_o live_v as_o become_v we_o we_o shall_v be_v more_o and_o more_o free_a to_o live_v as_o we_o list_v till_o at_o last_o we_o be_v arrive_v into_o a_o perfect_a liberty_n wherein_o we_o shall_v live_v without_o restraint_n or_o control_v without_o check_n of_o conscience_n or_o reluctance_n of_o inclination_n which_o be_v the_o two_o main_a bar_n that_o confine_v and_o straiten_v man_n in_o their_o operation_n if_o therefore_o we_o will_v ever_o be_v free_a let_v we_o immediate_o come_v off_o from_o our_o vicious_a course_n to_o the_o practice_n of_o this_o divine_a and_o heavenly_a life_n wherein_o by_o degree_n if_o we_o courageous_o hold_v on_o we_o shall_v wear_v off_o those_o shackle_n that_o do_v so_o miserable_o hamper_v and_o entangle_v we_o and_o then_o we_o shall_v be_v entire_o free_a to_o do_v whatsoever_o our_o reason_n dictate_v to_o we_o then_o we_o shall_v run_v the_o way_n of_o god_n commandment_n and_o like_o our_o bless_a brethren_n above_o be_v all_o life_n and_o spirit_n and_o wing_n in_o the_o discharge_n of_o our_o duty_n to_o he_o iv._o consider_v the_o pleasure_n of_o this_o heavenly_a life_n it_o be_v true_a there_o be_v a_o sort_n of_o pleasure_n that_o result_v from_o all_o the_o act_n of_o a_o sensual_a and_o earthly_a conversation_n but_o we_o find_v by_o experience_n that_o though_o in_o the_o pursuit_n it_o strange_o allure_v and_o enchant_v we_o yet_o in_o the_o fruition_n it_o always_o disappoint_v our_o expectation_n and_o scarce_o perform_v in_o the_o enjoyment_n one_o half_a of_o what_o it_o promise_v to_o our_o hope_n and_o at_o the_o best_o it_o be_v but_o a_o present_a and_o transient_a satisfaction_n of_o our_o brutish_a sense_n a_o satisfaction_n that_o dim_v the_o light_n sully_n the_o beauty_n impair_v the_o vigour_n and_o restrain_v the_o activity_n of_o the_o mind_n divert_v it_o from_o better_a operation_n and_o indispose_v it_o to_o the_o fruition_n of_o pure_a delight_n leave_v no_o comfortable_a relish_n or_o gladsome_a memory_n behind_o it_o but_o oftentimes_o go_v out_o in_o a_o stink_n and_o determine_v in_o bitterness_n regret_n and_o disgrace_n but_o in_o each_o act_n of_o this_o divine_a and_o celestial_a life_n there_o be_v something_o of_o the_o pleasure_n of_o heaven_n something_o of_o those_o divine_a refreshment_n and_o consolation_n upon_o which_o the_o good_a people_n of_o heaven_n do_v live_v for_o the_o great_a part_n of_o their_o heaven_n spring_v from_o within_o their_o own_o bosom_n even_o from_o the_o conformity_n of_o their_o soul_n to_o the_o heavenly_a state_n and_o the_o sprightful_a out-going_n of_o their_o mind_n and_o affection_n towards_o the_o heavenly_a object_n from_o their_o contemplate_v and_o love_v their_o praise_n and_o adore_v the_o most_o high_a god_n from_o their_o imitation_n of_o his_o perfection_n their_o subjection_n to_o his_o will_n and_o dependence_n on_o his_o veracity_n all_o which_o act_n as_o i_o have_v already_o show_v have_v the_o most_o ravish_a pleasure_n appendant_a to_o they_o and_o be_v so_o necessary_a to_o the_o felicity_n of_o rational_a creature_n that_o the_o wit_n of_o man_n can_v fancy_v a_o rational_a heaven_n without_o they_o for_o the_o heaven_n of_o a_o rational_a creature_n consist_v in_o the_o most_o intense_a and_o vigorous_a exercise_n of_o its_o rational_a faculty_n about_o the_o most_o suitable_a and_o convenient_a object_n what_o object_n can_v be_v more_o convenient_a to_o such_o faculty_n than_o that_o almighty_a sovereign_n of_o being_n who_o power_n be_v the_o spring_n of_o all_o truth_n and_o who_o nature_n be_v the_o pattern_n of_o all_o goodness_n so_o that_o without_o a_o perfect_a union_n of_o our_o mind_n and_o will_n 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not_o only_o easy_a but_o delectable_a to_o he_o and_o even_o so_o it_o be_v with_o these_o spiritual_a exercise_n of_o religion_n which_o to_o unexperienced_a person_n that_o be_v yet_o but_o new_o enter_v upon_o they_o will_v be_v very_o painful_a and_o troublesome_a but_o if_o they_o have_v but_o patience_n and_o courage_n to_o hold_v on_o custom_n will_v quick_o render_v they_o more_o tolerable_a and_o when_o they_o have_v practise_v they_o so_o long_o as_o to_o find_v and_o perceive_v the_o bless_a effect_n of_o they_o how_o much_o they_o have_v contribute_v to_o the_o reform_v their_o temper_n reduce_v their_o inclination_n file_v and_o polish_n their_o rough_a and_o misshape_a nature_n with_o what_o amiable_a grace_n divine_a and_o godlike_a disposition_n they_o have_v adorn_v and_o beautify_v they_o their_o sense_n and_o feel_v of_o this_o will_v convert_v they_o all_o into_o delightful_a recreation_n thus_o as_o the_o custom_n of_o they_o will_v render_v they_o easy_a so_o the_o bless_a fruit_n of_o they_o will_v make_v they_o delectable_a the_o former_a will_v render_v they_o facile_a as_o nature_n the_o late_a eligible_a as_o reward_v and_o if_o so_o why_o shall_v we_o be_v discourage_v fainthearted_a creature_n that_o we_o be_v at_o those_o little_a present_a difficulty_n which_o our_o diligence_n will_v soon_o wear_v off_o and_o convert_v into_o ease_n and_o pleasure_n vii_o consider_v that_o with_o the_o difficulty_n of_o they_o there_o be_v a_o world_n of_o present_a peace_n and_o satisfaction_n intermingle_v if_o you_o fall_v back_o again_o to_o your_o old_a lust_n instead_o of_o these_o present_a difficulty_n you_o start_v at_o you_o must_v expect_v to_o have_v the_o trouble_v of_o a_o guilty_a soul_n to_o contend_v with_o which_o if_o you_o have_v any_o sense_n of_o god_n and_o of_o good_a and_o evil_a will_v be_v much_o more_o grievous_a to_o you_o than_o they_o but_o if_o you_o go_v on_o you_o will_v carry_v with_o you_o a_o quiet_a and_o a_o 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peace_n and_o concord_n towards_o all_o man_n when_o i_o say_v he_o have_v so_o far_o surmount_v the_o difficulty_n of_o his_o warfare_n as_o that_o with_o any_o measure_n of_o freedom_n and_o vigour_n he_o can_v put_v forth_o all_o these_o heavenly_a virtue_n he_o will_v find_v himself_o not_o only_o in_o a_o quiet_a but_o in_o a_o heavenly_a condition_n for_o these_o heavenly_a grace_n be_v the_o palate_n by_o which_o the_o immortal_a mind_n taste_v and_o relish_v its_o heaven_n the_o bless_a organ_n and_o sensory_n by_o which_o it_o feel_v and_o perceive_v the_o joy_n of_o the_o world_n to_o come_v and_o without_o which_o it_o can_v no_o more_o relish_n and_o enjoy_v they_o than_o the_o senseless_a hive_n can_v the_o sweetness_n of_o the_o honey_n that_o be_v in_o it_o and_o consequent_o the_o more_o quick_a and_o vivacious_a these_o heavenly_a organ_n of_o the_o mind_n be_v and_o the_o more_o they_o be_v disburden_v of_o those_o carnal_a and_o devilish_a lust_n that_o blunt_a their_o sense_n and_o perception_n the_o more_o accurate_o they_o will_v taste_v the_o joy_n and_o pleasure_n of_o heaven_n so_o that_o when_o by_o the_o constant_a practice_n of_o the_o warfaring_a duty_n of_o religion_n we_o have_v conquer_v those_o bad_a inclination_n of_o our_o nature_n which_o render_v the_o heavenly_a virtue_n so_o difficult_a to_o we_o and_o do_v so_o clog_v and_o encumber_v we_o in_o the_o exercise_n of_o they_o we_o shall_v find_v ourselves_o in_o a_o heaven_n upon_o earth_n and_o each_o act_n of_o virtue_n will_v be_v presention_n and_o foretaste_n of_o the_o joy_n of_o a_o celestial_a life_n and_o be_v arrive_v at_o this_o bless_a state_n in_o which_o all_o heavenly_a virtue_n be_v so_o connaturalize_v to_o we_o the_o sweet_a experience_n we_o shall_v have_v of_o the_o unspeakable_a joy_n and_o pleasure_n it_o abound_v with_o will_v cause_v we_o to_o look_v back_o with_o wondrous_a content_a and_o satisfaction_n upon_o all_o those_o difficulty_n we_o 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of_o union_n and_o a_o open_a rebellion_n against_o christ_n authority_n in_o his_o church_n and_o be_v so_o it_o be_v no_o wonder_n that_o in_o the_o pure_a age_n of_o christianity_n it_o be_v brand_v with_o such_o a_o infamous_a character_n for_o thus_o in_o the_o 31_o canon_n of_o the_o apostle_n it_o be_v call_v ambition_n and_o tyranny_n and_o condemn_v by_o ignatius_n the_o disciple_n of_o st._n john_n as_o the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d or_o original_a of_o evil_n ep._n ad_fw-la smyrn_n as_o a_o sin_n that_o shut_v man_n out_o of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n ep._n ad_fw-la philad_n and_o by_o the_o african_a code_n it_o be_v style_v a_o destructive_a sacrilegious_a sin_n con._n carth_n etc._n etc._n can._n 100_o and_o st._n cyprian_n make_v it_o to_o be_v more_o heinous_a than_o the_o sin_n of_o the_o lapsi_fw-la that_o offer_v sacrifice_n to_o idol_n to_o avoid_v persecution_n and_o to_o be_v such_o a_o sin_n as_o martyrdom_n itself_o will_v not_o expiate_v de_fw-la vnit._fw-la eccles._n and_o dionysius_n alexandrinus_n affirm_v that_o to_o suffer_v martyrdom_n rather_o than_o make_v a_o schism_n in_o the_o church_n be_v as_o glorious_a a_o act_n as_o to_o die_v refuse_v to_o offer_v sacrifice_n to_o idol_n euseb._n eccl._n hist._n lib._n 6._o and_o as_o they_o thus_o decry_v schism_n so_o on_o the_o contrary_n they_o extol_v union_n as_o the_o nurse_n of_o piety_n the_o fence_n of_o religion_n the_o quintessence_n and_o extract_v of_o all_o christian_a virtue_n and_o indeed_o it_o be_v to_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n among_o themselves_o that_o the_o scripture_n attribute_n their_o growth_n and_o improvement_n in_o piety_n and_o virtue_n for_o thus_o the_o apostle_n tell_v we_o not_o only_o that_o charity_n or_o a_o mutual_a agreement_n among_o church-member_n edify_v 1_o cor._n viij_o 1_o but_o also_o assure_v we_o that_o the_o whole_a church_n or_o collection_n of_o member_n become_v a_o holy_a temple_n and_o a_o habitation_n of_o god_n by_o be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d compact_a and_o close_o unite_v together_o in_o all_o its_o part_n eph._n two_o 21_o 22._o and_o eph._n four_o 16_o he_o tell_v we_o that_o the_o church_n increase_v or_o improve_v unto_o the_o edify_a itself_o in_o love_n by_o be_v close_o compact_v and_o unite_v in_o all_o its_o part_n and_o member_n and_o col._n two_o 19_o he_o tell_v we_o that_o it_o be_v not_o only_a from_o its_o union_n with_o christ_n and_o those_o nourish_a influence_n that_o be_v thereby_o convey_v from_o he_o that_o the_o church_n increase_v with_o the_o increase_n of_o god_n but_o also_o from_o its_o be_v knit_v together_o or_o firm_o unite_v in_o all_o its_o part_n and_o if_o union_n be_v so_o necessary_a to_o the_o growth_n and_o perfection_n of_o the_o church_n it_o can_v be_v no_o less_o necessary_a to_o the_o improvement_n of_o each_o particular_a member_n of_o it_o for_o 1._o schism_n and_o unnecessary_a breach_n of_o church_n communion_n do_v natural_o sour_v the_o temper_n of_o man_n and_o render_v they_o peevish_a and_o uncharitable_a towards_o one_o another_o for_o the_o separate_a party_n must_v in_o their_o own_o vindication_n be_v force_v to_o accuse_v those_o they_o separate_v from_o of_o something_o that_o may_v be_v foul_a enough_o to_o justify_v their_o separation_n and_o what_o they_o want_v in_o reality_n they_o must_v make_v up_o in_o pretence_n otherwise_o they_o will_v be_v look_v upon_o as_o peevish_a and_o obstinate_a schismatic_n and_o then_o the_o party_n they_o separate_v from_o will_v be_v sure_a to_o deem_v itself_o injure_v and_o in_o its_o own_o defence_n be_v force_v to_o recriminate_a and_o this_o will_v alarm_n the_o separatist_n into_o great_a heat_n and_o animosity_n and_o so_o like_o two_o flint_n dash_v together_o they_o will_v be_v continual_o sparkle_v and_o spit_v fire_n at_o one_o another_o till_o they_o have_v kindle_v the_o quarrel_n into_o a_o inquenchable_a flame_n whereas_o have_v the_o divider_n but_o continue_v their_o communion_n all_o this_o may_v have_v be_v prevent_v and_o they_o may_v have_v easy_o continue_v their_o charity_n though_o they_o have_v retain_v the_o opinion_n upon_o which_o they_o separate_v for_o have_v they_o but_o exercise_v that_o modesty_n and_o goodness_n as_o not_o to_o prefer_v their_o own_o private_a sentiment_n before_o the_o reason_n and_o peace_n of_o the_o whole_a church_n they_o will_v either_o have_v keep_v their_o opinion_n to_o themselves_o or_o at_o least_o not_o have_v advance_v they_o into_o principle_n of_o separation_n and_o so_o by_o continue_v in_o communion_n with_o that_o party_n of_o the_o church_n from_o who_o they_o dissent_v in_o opinion_n they_o will_v have_v declare_v that_o they_o judge_v their_o error_n to_o be_v tolerable_a for_o by_o not_o separate_v from_o they_o they_o will_v have_v plain_o manifest_v that_o they_o see_v reason_n enough_o to_o unite_v upon_o the_o score_n of_o those_o point_n in_o which_o they_o be_v agree_v but_o none_o to_o disunite_v upon_o the_o score_n of_o these_o in_o which_o they_o differ_v and_o consequent_o that_o they_o have_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o reason_n to_o love_n but_o none_o to_o hate_n and_o persecute_v one_o another_o and_o whilst_o they_o mutual_o retain_v this_o good_a opinion_n of_o one_o another_o it_o be_v very_o unlikely_a that_o their_o little_a difference_n shall_v cause_v any_o great_a breach_n in_o their_o charity_n schism_n therefore_o be_v so_o destructive_a to_o our_o charity_n which_o be_v one_o of_o the_o lead_a virtue_n of_o our_o religion_n must_v needs_o have_v a_o very_a malevolent_a aspect_n upon_o our_o perseverance_n for_o he_o that_o from_o a_o charitable_a temper_n relapse_n into_o a_o spiteful_a and_o rancorous_a one_o be_v apostatise_v from_o one_o half_a of_o the_o religion_n of_o a_o christian_a and_o have_v exchange_v one_o of_o the_o fair_a grace_n of_o a_o saint_n for_o one_o of_o the_o black_a character_n of_o a_o devil_n but_o then_o 2._o schism_n or_o unnecessary_a breach_n of_o church_n communion_n do_v natural_o lead_v to_o the_o foul_a hypocrisy_n for_o he_o that_o separate_v from_o a_o church_n be_v a_o very_a bad_a man_n if_o he_o have_v not_o a_o great_a opinion_n of_o and_o zeal_n for_o those_o thing_n upon_o which_o he_o separate_v which_o zeal_n of_o he_o when_o once_o he_o be_v actual_o separate_v will_v be_v much_o more_o inflame_v and_o that_o both_o by_o the_o opposition_n of_o the_o church_n he_o be_v separate_v from_o and_o the_o instigation_n of_o the_o sect_n he_o be_v separate_v to_o and_o so_o by_o degree_n that_o holy_a fervour_n which_o shall_v animate_v he_o in_o the_o plain_a and_o unquestionable_a duty_n of_o religion_n will_v blaze_v into_o a_o fierce_a contention_n for_o those_o little_a opinion_n that_o constitute_v the_o sect_n he_o be_v engage_v in_o for_o our_o nature_n be_v finite_a and_o limit_v in_o all_o its_o operation_n it_o be_v impossible_a we_o shall_v operate_v diverse_a way_n at_o once_o with_o equal_a force_n and_o vigour_n but_o whatsoever_o time_n and_o attention_n we_o bestow_v upon_o one_o thing_n we_o must_v necessary_o subtract_v from_o another_o now_o whilst_o we_o continue_v in_o a_o peaceable_a communion_n with_o the_o church_n we_o have_v no_o other_o use_n for_o our_o zeal_n but_o to_o inspire_v our_o devotion_n to_o quicken_v our_o virtue_n and_o to_o fight_v against_o our_o sin_n with_o it_o and_o this_o all_o man_n agree_v be_v the_o best_a use_v it_o can_v be_v put_v to_o but_o when_o once_o we_o be_v enter_v into_o a_o schismatical_a separation_n we_o shall_v find_v other_o employment_n for_o it_o namely_o to_o quarrel_v at_o ecclesiastical_a constitution_n to_o wrangle_v about_o modes_n and_o circumstance_n of_o worship_n and_o contend_v for_o our_o trifle_a speculation_n and_o opinion_n which_o must_v necessary_o weaken_v it_o in_o its_o noble_a operation_n and_o render_v it_o more_o remiss_a and_o indifferent_a in_o the_o great_a and_o indispensible_a duty_n of_o religion_n and_o whilst_o it_o be_v thus_o impertinent_o busy_v in_o pick_v straw_n and_o contend_v about_o mint_n and_o cummin_n to_o be_v sure_a it_o must_v more_o or_o less_o neglect_v the_o great_a and_o weighty_a thing_n of_o the_o law_n and_o so_o proportionable_o as_o it_o grow_v warm_a and_o warm_a about_o little_a opinion_n and_o circumstance_n of_o religion_n it_o will_v be_v continual_o wax_a cool_a and_o cool_a in_o the_o necessary_a and_o essential_a duty_n of_o it_o till_o at_o last_o it_o be_v whole_o degenerate_v into_o peevishness_n and_o faction_n and_o dwindle_v away_o into_o a_o fierce_a contention_n about_o trifle_n that_o this_o be_v the_o natural_a effect_n of_o schism_n appear_v by_o too_o many_o woeful_a experiment_n for_o how_o many_o instance_n of_o man_n be_v there_o among_o ourselves_o who_o have_v once_o a_o honest_a zeal_n for_o the_o
and_o for_o evermore_o amen_n after_o this_o thanksgiving_n consider_v brief_o with_o yourself_o the_o indispensible_a necessity_n of_o your_o perseverance_n to_o the_o end_n and_o how_o not_o only_o vain_a and_o fruitless_a but_o also_o hurtful_a and_o mischievous_a to_o you_o all_o your_o past_a labour_n in_o religion_n will_v be_v without_o it_o and_o then_o conclude_v your_o morning_n devotion_n with_o this_o prayer_n for_o perseverance_n o_o god_n who_o art_n unchangeable_o holy_a and_o bless_a who_o be_v the_o same_o yesterday_o to_o day_n and_o for_o ever_o and_o do_v never_o swerve_v or_o vary_v from_o the_o essential_a goodness_n and_o purity_n of_o thy_o own_o nature_n look_v down_o i_o beseech_v thou_o upon_o i_o a_o fickle_a weak_a and_o mutable_a creature_n who_o thou_o have_v redeem_v to_o thyself_o and_o hitherto_o conduct_v by_o thy_o grace_n and_o spirit_n thou_o know_v o_o lord_n the_o weakness_n of_o my_o nature_n and_o how_o unable_a i_o be_o without_o thy_o strength_n and_o assistance_n to_o finish_v the_o race_n which_o thou_o have_v set_v before_o i_o thou_o know_v what_o temptation_n i_o must_v struggle_v with_o and_o what_o difficulty_n i_o must_v yet_o overcome_v before_o i_o be_o seize_v of_o the_o bless_a prize_n i_o be_o contend_v for_o wherefore_o since_o thou_o have_v hitherto_o be_v my_o constant_a support_n and_o defence_n forsake_v i_o not_o now_o for_o thy_o name_n sake_n but_o as_o thou_o have_v begin_v a_o good_a work_n in_o i_o so_o i_o beseech_v thou_o to_o finish_v and_o complete_a it_o to_o uphold_v my_o feeble_a soul_n by_o thy_o free_a spirit_n under_o all_o temptation_n and_o difficulty_n that_o so_o by_o patient_a continuance_n in_o well-doing_n i_o may_v seek_v for_o and_o at_o last_o obtain_v honour_n and_o glory_n immortality_n and_o eternal_a life_n for_o which_o end_n o_o lord_n preserve_v i_o from_o be_v over-confident_a of_o my_o own_o ability_n and_o inspire_v i_o with_o a_o holy_a jealousy_n of_o myself_o that_o whilst_o i_o stand_v i_o may_v take_v heed_n lest_o i_o fall_v and_o if_o at_o any_o time_n i_o shall_v be_v so_o base_a and_o so_o unhappy_a as_o to_o offend_v thou_o wilful_o which_o i_o beseech_v thou_o to_o prevent_v for_o thy_o mercy_n and_o compassion_n sake_n o_o suffer_v i_o not_o to_o sleep_v in_o my_o sin_n but_o recall_v i_o instant_o by_o the_o check_n of_o my_o conscience_n and_o the_o conviction_n of_o thy_o spirit_n lest_o while_o i_o add_v sin_n to_o sin_n and_o one_o degree_n of_o wickedness_n to_o another_o my_o lust_n shall_v regain_v their_o dominion_n over_o i_o and_o thou_o shall_v be_v angry_a with_o i_o and_o reject_v i_o from_o thy_o covenant_n for_o ever_o and_o that_o i_o may_v every_o day_n serve_v thou_o more_o free_o and_o steadfast_o wean_v i_o i_o beseech_v thou_o more_o and_o more_o from_o those_o temptation_n to_o sin_n that_o be_v round_o about_o i_o and_o give_v i_o such_o a_o true_a understanding_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o all_o the_o good_n and_o evil_n of_o this_o world_n as_o that_o neither_o the_o flattery_n of_o the_o one_o nor_o the_o terror_n of_o the_o other_o may_v ever_o be_v able_a to_o withdraw_v i_o from_o my_o duty_n and_o lest_o while_o i_o be_o mortify_v my_o old_a sin_n i_o shall_v careless_o permit_v new_a one_o to_o spring_n up_o in_o my_o nature_n good_a god_n do_v thou_o mind_v i_o to_o search_v and_o try_v my_o own_o heart_n and_o take_v a_o severe_a account_n even_o of_o the_o small_a defect_n and_o imperfection_n within_o i_o that_o so_o i_o may_v correct_v and_o reform_v they_o in_o time_n before_o they_o be_v improve_v into_o inveterate_a habit_n and_o grant_v that_o i_o may_v be_v always_o so_o sensible_a of_o my_o own_o imperfection_n as_o that_o i_o may_v never_o rest_v in_o any_o present_a attainment_n but_o may_v still_o be_v press_v forward_o to_o the_o mark_n of_o my_o high_a call_n in_o jesus_n christ._n suggest_v to_o i_o i_o beseech_v thou_o frequent_a thought_n of_o my_o mortality_n that_o so_o while_o i_o have_v time_n and_o opportunity_n i_o may_v be_v prepare_v for_o my_o departure_n hence_o and_o make_v provision_n for_o a_o die_a hour_n in_o order_n whereunto_o assist_v i_o o_o lord_n i_o beseech_v thou_o strict_o to_o examine_v and_o review_v my_o past_a sinful_a course_n that_o so_o if_o there_o be_v any_o remain_v of_o gild_n abide_v upon_o my_o conscience_n i_o may_v purge_v they_o away_o by_o proper_a act_n of_o repentance_n before_o i_o go_v hence_o and_o be_v no_o more_o see_v and_o grant_v that_o as_o i_o have_v former_o abound_v in_o sin_n so_o i_o may_v now_o redeem_v that_o precious_a time_n i_o have_v lose_v by_o abound_v in_o the_o contrary_a virtue_n that_o so_o as_o far_o as_o in_o i_o lie_v i_o may_v revoke_v and_o undo_v the_o multitude_n of_o my_o past_a sin_n by_o do_v all_o the_o good_a i_o be_o able_a for_o the_o future_a and_o that_o i_o may_v hold_v out_o and_o persevere_v to_o the_o end_n preserve_v and_o continue_v i_o in_o the_o communion_n of_o thy_o church_n and_o suffer_v i_o not_o to_o be_v lead_v away_o by_o the_o error_n of_o the_o wicked_a and_o to_o fall_v from_o my_o own_o steadfastness_n and_o final_o i_o beseech_v thou_o to_o grant_v that_o in_o the_o use_n of_o these_o bless_a mean_n i_o may_v so_o far_o prevail_v over_o the_o infirmity_n and_o corruption_n of_o my_o nature_n as_o that_o at_o last_o i_o may_v have_v a_o clear_a and_o certain_a feel_v of_o my_o own_o integrity_n and_o uprightness_n towards_o thou_o that_o so_o be_v from_o thence_o assure_v of_o thy_o love_n and_o of_o my_o title_n to_o eternal_a happiness_n i_o may_v run_v the_o way_n of_o thy_o commandment_n more_o cheerful_o and_o at_o last_o finish_v my_o course_n with_o unspeakable_a joy_n and_o now_o o_o lord_n i_o resign_v myself_o to_o thou_o take_v i_o i_o beseech_v thou_o into_o thy_o care_n and_o protection_n this_o day_n preserve_v i_o from_o all_o evil_a but_o especial_o from_o sin_n and_o quicken_v i_o by_o thy_o spirit_n unto_o every_o good_a work_n that_o so_o i_o may_v serve_v thou_o with_o a_o free_a and_o cheerful_a mind_n and_o make_v it_o my_o meat_n and_o drink_n to_o do_v thy_o blessed_a will_n all_o which_o i_o humble_o beg_v for_o jesus_n christ_n his_o sake_n in_o who_o name_n and_o mediation_n i_o further_o pray_v our_o father_n etc._n etc._n in_o the_o evening_n when_o you_o enter_v into_o your_o closet_n consider_v what_o be_v the_o present_a frame_n and_o temper_v of_o your_o mind_n and_o upon_o enquiry_n you_o will_v perceive_v either_o that_o through_o the_o present_a prevalency_n of_o your_o corrupt_a nature_n you_o be_v averse_a to_o divine_a office_n or_o that_o through_o bodily_a infirmity_n you_o be_v indispose_v to_o they_o or_o that_o through_o worldly-mindedness_a and_o vanity_n of_o spirit_n you_o be_v cold_a and_o apt_a to_o be_v distract_v in_o they_o or_o last_o that_o your_o heart_n be_v very_o much_o enlarge_v and_o your_o mind_n and_o affection_n vigorous_o dispose_v towards_o divine_a and_o heavenly_a thing_n if_o upon_o enquiry_n you_o find_v that_o through_o the_o present_a prevalency_n of_o your_o corrupt_a nature_n you_o be_v averse_a to_o divine_a office_n endeavour_v to_o affect_v yourself_o with_o shame_n and_o sorrow_n for_o it_o by_o represent_v to_o your_o mind_n the_o great_a impiety_n and_o baseness_n the_o monstrous_a folly_n and_o ingratitude_n of_o this_o your_o present_a temper_n and_o then_o offer_v up_o this_o follow_a prayer_n o_o my_o most_o gracious_a god_n and_o most_o kind_a and_o merciful_a father_n thou_o be_v the_o best_a friend_n i_o have_v in_o all_o the_o world_n and_o have_v show_v a_o thousand_o time_n more_o love_n to_o i_o than_o ever_o i_o show_v to_o myself_o but_o after_o all_o the_o vast_a and_o most_o indear_v obligation_n thou_o have_v lay_v upon_o i_o this_o vile_a and_o ungrateful_a heart_n of_o i_o still_o retain_v some_o dregs_o of_o its_o ancient_a enmity_n against_o thou_o have_v i_o but_o the_o common_a sense_n and_o ingenuity_n of_o a_o man_n in_o i_o how_o can_v i_o think_v of_o thou_o without_o rapture_n of_o love_n how_o can_v i_o draw_v near_o unto_o thou_o without_o transport_v of_o delight_n and_o complacency_n but_o vile_a and_o ungrateful_a that_o i_o be_o i_o can_v think_v of_o all_o thy_o goodness_n with_o cold_a and_o freeze_a affection_n and_o can_v come_v into_o thy_o presence_n not_o only_o with_o indifference_n but_o reluctancy_n good_a god_n what_o be_o i_o make_v of_o what_o a_o insensible_a soul_n do_v i_o carry_v about_o i_o o_o i_o be_o ashamed_a of_o myself_o i_o be_o confound_v with_o the_o sense_n of_o my_o own_o baseness_n and_o yet_o woe_n be_v i_o i_o can_v help_v it_o i_o strive_v to_o shake_v off_o this_o clog_n of_o my_o corrupt_a