most_o sanctify_a nature_n and_o some_o venial_a defect_n and_o imperfection_n or_o other_o may_v still_o leave_v room_n for_o the_o great_a of_o saint_n to_o extend_v his_o conquest_n beside_o it_o be_v hard_a to_o determine_v or_o fix_v the_o bound_n of_o knowledge_n and_o every_o new_a degree_n of_o light_n seem_v to_o make_v way_n for_o more_o so_o that_o after_o all_o nothing_o hinder_v but_o that_o the_o path_n of_o the_o perfect_a man_n may_v as_o well_o with_o respect_n to_o his_o righteousness_n as_o his_o fortune_n be_v like_o the_o shine_a light_n which_o shine_v more_o and_o more_o unto_o the_o perfect_a day_n i_o mean_v the_o day_n of_o a_o bless_a eternity_n the_o motive_n to_o perfection_n the_o fruit_n of_o it_o the_o mean_n and_o method_n of_o attain_v it_o lay_v down_o in_o the_o first_o section_n will_v all_o serve_v here_o therefore_o i_o have_v nothing_o to_o offer_v of_o this_o sort_n only_o if_o i_o forget_v to_o pay_v that_o deference_n to_o the_o institution_n of_o our_o church_n which_o they_o just_o deserve_v i_o do_v it_o now_o and_o do_v earnest_o persuade_v my_o reader_n to_o a_o strict_a observance_n of_o they_o i_o do_v not_o only_o think_v this_o necessary_a to_o maintain_v a_o face_n of_o religion_n among_o we_o but_o also_o high_o conducive_a to_o true_a perfection_n i_o be_o full_o satisfy_v that_o there_o be_v a_o peculiar_a presence_n of_o god_n in_o his_o public_a ordinance_n that_o the_o devotion_n of_o good_a man_n do_v mutual_o inflame_v and_o enkindle_v one_o another_o that_o there_o be_v a_o holy_a awe_n and_o reverence_n seize_v the_o mind_n of_o good_a man_n when_o they_o draw_v near_o to_o god_n in_o public_a worship_n and_o final_o that_o if_o the_o office_n of_o our_o liturgy_n do_v not_o affect_v our_o heart_n it_o be_v because_o they_o be_v very_o much_o indispose_v and_o very_o poor_o qualify_v for_o the_o true_a and_o spiritual_a worship_n of_o god_n chap._n x._o of_o zeal_n as_o it_o consist_v in_o good_a work_n and_o now_o let_v not_o any_o one_o think_v that_o i_o have_v take_v pain_n to_o advance_v the_o illumination_n of_o a_o sinner_n to_o knock_v off_o his_o chain_n and_o fetter_n to_o raise_v he_o as_o far_o as_o may_v be_v above_o the_o corruption_n of_o nature_n and_o the_o defect_n and_o infirmity_n of_o life_n to_o scatter_v those_o lazy_a fog_n and_o mist_n which_o hang_v upon_o his_o spirit_n and_o to_o enrich_v he_o with_o heroic_a virtue_n let_v no_o man_n i_o say_v fancy_n that_o i_o have_v labour_v to_o do_v all_o this_o that_o after_o all_o my_o perfect_a man_n may_v sit_v down_o like_o a_o epicurean_a god_n and_o enjoy_v himself_o may_v talk_v fine_o of_o solitary_a shade_n and_o garden_n and_o spend_v a_o precious_a life_n fit_v for_o the_o noble_a design_n in_o a_o sluggish_a retirement_n no_o no_o as_o virtue_n be_v the_o perfection_n of_o human_a life_n so_o be_v action_n the_o perfection_n of_o virtue_n and_o zeal_n be_v that_o principle_n of_o action_n which_o i_o require_v in_o a_o saint_n of_o god_n according_o the_o scripture_n describe_v this_o great_a this_o happy_a man_n as_o full_a of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n fervent_a in_o spirit_n zealous_a of_o good_a work_n such_o a_o one_o be_v moses_n mighty_a in_o word_n and_o deed_n as_o well_o as_o learned_a in_o all_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o egyptian_n such_o a_o one_o be_v st._n stephen_n as_o full_a of_o a_o divine_a ardour_n and_o irresistible_a fervency_n of_o spirit_n as_o of_o a_o irresistible_a wisdom_n and_o such_o a_o one_o be_v the_o excellent_a cornelius_n a_o devout_a man_n one_o that_o have_v transfuse_v and_o derive_v the_o fear_n of_o god_n from_o his_o own_o bosom_n throughout_o his_o family_n and_o relation_n and_o friend_n too_o one_o that_o give_v much_o alm_n and_o pray_v to_o god_n always_o what_o need_v i_o multiply_v instance_n this_o be_v that_o which_o distinguish_v the_o perfect_a man_n from_o all_o other_o the_o victory_n of_o faith_n the_o labour_n of_o charity_n the_o constancy_n and_o patience_n of_o hope_n and_o the_o ardour_n of_o devotion_n need_v i_o here_o distinguish_v a_o zeal_n of_o god_n from_o the_o fierceness_n of_o faction_n the_o cruelty_n of_o superstition_n from_o the_o wakeful_a and_o indefatigable_a activity_n of_o avarice_n and_o ambition_n from_o the_o unruly_a heat_n of_o pride_n and_o passion_n and_o from_o the_o implacable_a fury_n of_o revenge_n it_o need_v not_o no_o foolish_a no_o false_a fantastic_a earthly_a or_o devilish_a principle_n can_v counterfeit_v a_o divine_a zeal_n it_o be_v a_o perfection_n that_o shine_v with_o such_o a_o peculiar_a lustre_n with_o such_o a_o heavenly_a majesty_n and_o sweetness_n that_o nothing_o else_o can_v imitate_v it_o it_o be_v always_o pursue_v good_a the_o honour_n of_o god_n and_o the_o happiness_n of_o man_n it_o contend_v earnest_o for_o the_o faith_n once_o deliver_v to_o the_o saint_n but_o it_o contend_v as_o earnest_o too_o to_o root_v out_o wickedness_n and_o implant_v the_o righteousness_n of_o the_o gospel_n in_o the_o world_n it_o be_v not_o eager_a for_o the_o article_n of_o a_o sect_n or_o party_n and_o unconcern_v for_o catholic_n once_o when_o it_o press_v for_o reformation_n it_o begin_v at_o home_n and_o set_v a_o bright_a example_n of_o what_o it_o will_v recommend_v to_o other_o it_o be_v meek_a and_o gentle_a under_o its_o own_o affront_v but_o warm_a and_o bold_a against_o those_o which_o be_v offer_v to_o god_n in_o a_o word_n though_o love_n fill_v its_o sail_n divine_a wisdom_n and_o prudence_n give_v it_o ballast_n and_o it_o have_v no_o heat_n but_o what_o be_v temper_v and_o refract_v by_o charity_n and_o humility_n need_v i_o in_o the_o next_o place_n fix_v or_o state_n the_o various_a degree_n of_o zeal_n alas_o it_o be_v not_o requisite_a zeal_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o a_o ardent_a thirst_n of_o promote_a the_o divine_a glory_n by_o the_o best_a work_n it_o be_v plain_a the_o more_o excellent_a the_o work_n and_o the_o more_o it_o cost_v the_o more_o perfect_a the_o more_o exalt_v the_o zeal_n that_o perform_v it_o when_o like_o mary_n we_o quit_v the_o cumber_n and_o distraction_n of_o this_o world_n and_o choose_v religion_n for_o our_o portion_n then_o do_v we_o love_v it_o in_o good_a earnest_n when_o with_o the_o disciple_n we_o can_v say_v lord_n we_o have_v forsake_v all_o and_o follow_v thou_o or_o be_v ready_a to_o do_v so_o when_o we_o be_v continual_o blessing_n and_o praise_v god_n when_o if_o the_o necessity_n of_o christ_n church_n require_v it_o we_o be_v ready_a to_o call_v nothing_o our_o own_o when_o we_o be_v prepare_v if_o the_o will_n of_o god_n be_v so_o to_o resist_v even_o unto_o blood_n when_o nothing_o be_v dear_a nothing_o delightful_a to_o we_o but_o god_n and_o holiness_n then_o have_v we_o reach_v the_o height_n of_o zeal_n in_o a_o word_n zeal_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o the_o love_n of_o god_n make_v perfect_a in_o we_o and_o if_o we_o will_v see_v it_o draw_v to_o the_o life_n we_o must_v contemplate_v it_o in_o the_o bless_a jesus_n who_o be_v the_o perfect_a pattern_n of_o heroick_n love_n how_o boundless_a be_v his_o love_n when_o the_o whole_a world_n and_o how_o transcendent_a when_o a_o world_n of_o enemy_n be_v the_o object_n of_o it_o how_o indefatigable_a be_v his_o zeal_n how_o wakeful_a how_o meek_a how_o humble_a how_o firm_a and_o resolve_v his_o labour_n and_o travel_n his_o self-denial_n prayer_n and_o tear_n his_o silence_n and_o patience_n his_o agony_n and_o blood_n and_o charitable_a prayer_n pour_v out_o with_o it_o for_o his_o persecutor_n instruct_v we_o full_o what_o divine_a love_n what_o divine_a zeal_n be_v and_o now_o even_o at_o this_o time_n love_n reign_v in_o he_o as_o he_o reign_v in_o heaven_n love_n be_v still_o the_o predominant_a the_o darling_n passion_n of_o his_o soul_n worthy_a be_v thou_o o_o jesus_n to_o receive_v honour_n and_o glory_n and_o dominion_n worthy_a be_v thou_o to_o sit_v down_o with_o thy_o father_n on_o his_o throne_n worthy_a be_v thou_o to_o judge_v the_o world_n because_o thou_o have_v love_v because_o thou_o have_v be_v zealous_a unto_o death_n because_o thou_o have_v overcome_v some_o there_o be_v indeed_o who_o have_v follow_v thy_o bright_a example_n though_o at_o a_o great_a distance_n first_o martyr_n and_o confessor_n next_o those_o belove_v and_o admire_v prince_n who_o have_v govern_v their_o kingdom_n in_o righteousness_n to_o who_o the_o honour_n of_o god_n and_o the_o good_a of_o the_o world_n have_v be_v far_o dear_a than_o pleasure_n than_o empire_n than_o absolute_a power_n or_o that_o ominous_a blaze_n that_o be_v now_o call_v glory_n and_o next_o follow_v hold_v this_o be_v the_o work_n of_o angel_n they_o must_v marshal_v the_o field_n of_o glory_n in_o the_o end_n
anchorite_n or_o hermit_n be_v at_o first_o little_o better_o than_o a_o pious_a extravagant_a i_o will_v not_o say_v how_o much_o worse_o he_o be_v now_o meditation_n and_o prayer_n be_v excellent_a duty_n but_o meekness_n and_o charity_n mercy_n and_o zeal_n be_v not_o one_o jot_n inferior_a to_o they_o the_o world_n be_v a_o excellent_a school_n to_o a_o good_a christian_a the_o folly_n and_o the_o misery_n the_o trial_n and_o temptation_n of_o it_o do_v not_o only_o exercise_v and_o employ_v our_o virtue_n but_o cultivate_v and_o improve_v it_o they_o afford_v we_o both_o instruction_n and_o discipline_n and_o natural_o advance_v we_o on_o towards_o a_o solid_a wisdom_n and_o a_o well-setled_n power_n over_o ourselves_o it_o be_v our_o own_o fault_n if_o every_o accident_n that_o befall_v we_o and_o every_o one_o who_o we_o converse_v with_o do_v not_o teach_v we_o somewhat_o occasion_n some_o wise_a reflection_n or_o enkindle_v some_o pious_a affection_n in_o we_o we_o do_v not_o reflect_v on_o our_o word_n and_o action_n we_o do_v not_o observe_v the_o motion_n of_o our_o own_o heart_n as_o diligent_o as_o we_o ought_v we_o make_v little_a or_o no_o application_n of_o what_o we_o see_v or_o hear_v nor_o learn_v any_o thing_n from_o the_o wisdom_n and_o the_o virtue_n the_o folly_n and_o the_o madness_n of_o man_n and_o the_o consequence_n of_o both_o and_o so_o we_o neither_o improve_v our_o knowledge_n nor_o our_o virtue_n but_o be_v the_o same_o to_o day_n we_o be_v yesterday_o and_o life_n waste_v away_o in_o common_a accident_n and_o customary_a action_n with_o as_o little_a alteration_n in_o we_o as_o in_o our_o affair_n whereas_o be_v we_o mindful_a as_o we_o ought_v of_o our_o true_a interest_n and_o desirous_a to_o reap_v some_o spiritual_a benefit_n from_o every_o thing_n the_o virtue_n of_o good_a man_n will_v enkindle_v our_o emulation_n and_o the_o folly_n and_o madness_n of_o sinner_n will_v confirm_v our_o abhorrence_n for_o sin_n from_o one_o we_o shall_v learn_v content_a from_o another_o industry_n here_o we_o shall_v see_v a_o charm_n in_o meekness_n and_o charity_n there_o in_o humility_n in_o this_o man_n we_o shall_v see_v reason_n to_o admire_v discretion_n and_o command_v of_o himself_o in_o that_o courage_n and_o constancy_n assiduity_n and_o perseverance_n nor_o will_v it_o be_v less_o useful_a to_o we_o to_o observe_v how_o vanity_n expose_v one_o and_o peevishness_n torment_v another_o how_o pride_n and_o ambition_n embroil_v a_o three_o and_o how_o hateful_a and_o contemptible_a avarice_n render_v a_o four_o and_o to_o trace_v all_o that_o variety_n of_o ruin_n which_o lust_n and_o prodigality_n disorder_n and_o sloth_n leave_v behind_o they_o and_o as_o this_o kind_n of_o observation_n will_v fill_v we_o with_o solid_a and_o useful_a knowledge_n so_o will_v a_o diligent_a attention_n to_o the_o rule_n of_o righteousness_n and_o discretion_n in_o all_o the_o common_a and_o daily_a action_n of_o life_n enrich_v we_o with_o true_a virtue_n religion_n be_v not_o to_o be_v confine_v to_o the_o church_n and_o to_o the_o closet_n nor_o to_o be_v exercise_v only_o in_o prayer_n and_o sacrament_n meditation_n and_o alm_n but_o every_o where_n we_o be_v in_o the_o presence_n of_o god_n and_o every_o word_n every_o action_n be_v capable_a of_o morality_n our_o defect_n and_o infirmity_n betray_v themselves_o in_o the_o daily_a accident_n and_o the_o common_a conversation_n of_o life_n and_o here_o they_o draw_v after_o they_o very_o important_a consequence_n and_o therefore_o here_o they_o be_v to_o be_v watch_v over_o regulate_v and_o govern_v as_o well_o as_o in_o our_o more_o solemn_a action_n it_o be_v to_o the_o virtue_n or_o the_o error_n of_o our_o common_a conversation_n and_o ordinary_a deportment_n that_o we_o owe_v both_o our_o friend_n and_o enemy_n our_o good_a or_o bad_a character_n abroad_o our_o domestic_a peace_n or_o trouble_n and_o in_o a_o high_a degree_n the_o improvement_n or_o depravation_n of_o our_o mind_n let_v no_o man_n then_o that_o will_v be_v perfect_a or_o happy_a abandon_v himself_o to_o his_o humour_n or_o inclination_n in_o his_o carriage_n towards_o his_o acquaintance_n his_o child_n his_o servant_n let_v no_o man_n that_o will_v be_v perfect_a or_o happy_a follow_v prejudice_n or_o fashion_n in_o the_o common_a and_o customary_a action_n of_o life_n but_o let_v he_o assure_v himself_o that_o by_o a_o daily_a endeavour_n to_o conform_v these_o more_o and_o more_o to_o the_o excellent_a rule_n of_o the_o gospel_n he_o be_v to_o train_v up_o himself_o by_o degree_n to_o the_o most_o absolute_a wisdom_n and_o the_o most_o perfect_a virtue_n he_o be_v capable_a of_o and_o to_o this_o end_n he_o must_v first_o know_v himself_o and_o those_o he_o have_v to_o do_v with_o he_o must_v discern_v the_o proper_a season_n and_o the_o just_a occasion_n of_o every_o virtue_n and_o then_o he_o must_v apply_v himself_o to_o the_o acquire_v the_o perfection_n of_o it_o by_o the_o daily_a exercise_n of_o it_o even_o in_o those_o thing_n which_o for_o want_v of_o due_a reflection_n do_v not_o common_o seem_v of_o any_o great_a importance_n to_o one_o that_o be_v thus_o dispose_v the_o dulness_n or_o the_o carelessness_n of_o a_o servant_n the_o stubbornness_n of_o a_o child_n the_o soureness_n of_o a_o parent_n the_o inconstancy_n of_o friend_n the_o coldness_n of_o relation_n the_o neglect_n or_o ingratitude_n of_o the_o world_n will_v all_o prove_v extreme_o useful_a and_o beneficial_a every_o thing_n will_v instruct_v he_o every_o thing_n will_v afford_v a_o opportunity_n of_o exercise_v some_o virtue_n or_o another_o so_o that_o such_o a_o one_o shall_v be_v daily_a learning_n daily_o grow_v better_a and_o wise_a §_o 2._o the_o two_o great_a instrument_n not_o of_o regeneration_n only_o but_o also_o of_o perseverance_n and_o perfection_n be_v the_o word_n and_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n this_o no_o man_n doubt_n that_o be_v a_o christian_a and_o therefore_o i_o will_v not_o go_v about_o to_o prove_v it_o nor_o will_v i_o at_o present_a discourse_n of_o the_o energy_n and_o operation_n of_o the_o one_o and_o the_o other_o or_o examine_v what_o each_o be_v in_o its_o self_n or_o wherein_o the_o one_o differ_v from_o the_o other_o it_o be_v abundant_o enough_o if_o we_o be_v assure_v that_o the_o gospel_n and_o the_o spirit_n be_v proper_a and_o sufficient_a mean_n to_o attain_v the_o great_a end_n i_o have_v mention_v namely_o our_o converversion_n and_o perfection_n and_o that_o they_o be_v so_o be_v very_o plain_a from_o those_o text_n which_o do_v express_o assert_v that_o the_o gospel_n contain_v all_o those_o truth_n that_o be_v necessary_a to_o the_o clear_a exposition_n of_o our_o duty_n or_o to_o the_o move_a and_o oblige_v we_o to_o the_o practice_n of_o it_o and_o that_o the_o spirit_n imply_v a_o supply_n of_o all_o that_o supernatural_a strength_n be_v it_o what_o it_o will_v that_o be_v necessary_a to_o enable_v we_o not_o only_o to_o will_n but_o to_o do_v that_o which_o the_o gospel_n convince_v we_o to_o be_v our_o duty_n such_o be_v rom._n 8.2_o for_o the_o law_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o life_n in_o christ_n jesus_n have_v make_v i_o free_a from_o the_o law_n of_o sin_n and_o death_n 2_o tim._n 3.16_o 17._o all_o scripture_n be_v give_v by_o inspiration_n of_o god_n and_o be_v profitable_a for_o doctrine_n for_o reproof_n for_o correction_n for_o instruction_n in_o righteousness_n that_o the_o man_n of_o god_n may_v be_v perfect_a thorough_o furnish_v unto_o all_o good_a work_n 2_o cor._n 12.9_o and_o he_o say_v unto_o i_o my_o grace_n be_v sufficient_a for_o thou_o for_o my_o strength_n be_v make_v perfect_a in_o weakness_n most_o glad_o therefore_o will_v i_o rather_o glory_n in_o my_o infirmity_n that_o the_o power_n of_o christ_n may_v rest_v upon_o i_o 1_o pet._n 1.5_o who_o be_v keep_v by_o the_o power_n of_o god_n through_o faith_n unto_o salvation_n ready_a to_o be_v reveal_v in_o the_o last_o time_n it_o be_v needless_a to_o multiply_v text_n on_o this_o occasion_n otherwise_o it_o be_v very_o easy_a to_o show_v that_o all_o thing_n necessary_a to_o life_n and_o godliness_n be_v contain_v in_o the_o word_n and_o spirit_n that_o what_o ever_o be_v necessary_o to_o be_v wrought_v in_o we_o to_o prepare_v we_o for_o or_o entitle_v we_o to_o eternal_a salvation_n be_v ascribe_v to_o the_o gospel_n and_o the_o spirit_n this_o truth_n then_o be_v unquestionable_a that_o the_o gospel_n and_o the_o spirit_n be_v the_o two_o great_a instrument_n of_o perfection_n we_o may_v from_o hence_o infer_v two_o rule_n which_o be_v of_o the_o most_o universal_a use_n and_o of_o the_o most_o powerful_a efficacy_n in_o the_o pursuit_n of_o perfection_n 1._o we_o can_v have_v too_o great_a a_o value_n too_o great_a a_o passion_n for_o the_o book_n of_o god_n nor_o fix_v
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
of_o all_o thing_n o_o my_o god_n may_v i_o at_o least_o be_v one_o to_o fill_v the_o train_n of_o this_o triumphant_a procession_n in_o that_o bless_a day_n when_o thou_o shall_v crown_v the_o zeal_n and_o patience_n of_o thy_o saint_n thus_o have_v i_o give_v a_o short_a account_n of_o zeal_n i_o will_v now_o endeavour_v to_o kindle_v it_o in_o every_o breast_n by_o some_o few_o consideration_n which_o will_v at_o once_o evince_n the_o necessity_n and_o declare_v the_o fruit_n of_o it_o 1._o our_o own_o security_n and_o happiness_n demand_v of_o we_o a_o zeal_n fruitful_a in_o good_a work_n 2._o it_o be_v indispensable_a to_o the_o welfare_n and_o good_a of_o our_o neighbour_n 3._o it_o minister_v most_o effectual_o to_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n 1._o our_o own_o salvation_n and_o happiness_n depend_v upon_o it_o for_o without_o this_o we_o reject_v on_o at_o least_o frustrate_v the_o counsel_n of_o god_n against_o our_o own_o soul_n it_o be_v for_o this_o christ_n die_v that_o he_o may_v purify_v to_o himself_o a_o peculiar_a people_n zealous_a of_o good_a work_n this_o be_v the_o great_a end_n of_o our_o election_n god_n have_v choose_v we_o in_o christ_n before_o the_o foundation_n of_o the_o world_n that_o we_o shall_v be_v holy_a and_o without_o blame_n before_o he_o in_o love_n eph._n 1.4_o which_o be_v to_o be_v explain_v by_o eph._n 2.10_o where_o god_n be_v say_v to_o have_v before_o ordain_v that_o we_o shall_v walk_v in_o good_a work_n and_o the_o beginning_n of_o the_o ver_fw-la mind_v we_o that_o it_o be_v for_o this_o end_n god_n impart_v the_o light_n of_o his_o word_n and_o the_o vigour_n of_o his_o spirit_n that_o for_o this_o end_n he_o sanctify_v and_o renew_v our_o nature_n we_o be_v his_o workmanship_n create_v in_o christ_n jesus_n unto_o good_a work_n st._n peter_n tell_v we_o that_o this_o be_v that_o which_o all_o the_o great_a and_o precious_a promise_n of_o god_n immediate_o aim_v at_o first_o godliness_n then_o life_n first_o virtue_n then_o glory_n what_o shall_v i_o say_v more_o our_o lord_n in_o his_o narrative_a of_o the_o last_o judgement_n and_o elsewhere_o and_o his_o apostle_n in_o almost_o innumerable_a place_n have_v with_o great_a power_n and_o great_a earnestness_n inculcate_v this_o doctrine_n that_o we_o shall_v be_v judge_v according_a to_o our_o work_n that_o immortality_n and_o glory_n be_v the_o portion_n not_o of_o knowledge_n but_o patience_n and_o charity_n not_o of_o a_o orthodox_n belief_n and_o specious_a pretention_n but_o of_o righteousness_n and_o zeal_n for_o the_o incorruptible_a the_o never-fading_a crown_n be_v a_o crown_n of_o righteousness_n or_o if_o man_n will_v be_v judge_v by_o their_o faith_n which_o be_v not_o the_o language_n of_o the_o gospel_n this_o do_v not_o alter_v the_o matter_n at_o all_o since_o faith_n itself_o will_v be_v judge_v by_o its_o work_n and_o as_o a_o happy_a eternity_n depend_v upon_o our_o zeal_n so_o nothing_o else_o can_v give_v we_o any_o comfortable_a any_o rational_a assurance_n of_o it_o in_o this_o life_n the_o reason_n be_v plain_a because_o it_o be_v zeal_n that_o be_v the_o only_a unquestionable_a proof_n of_o our_o integrity_n and_o good_a work_n be_v the_o fruit_n which_o alone_o can_v evidence_n the_o life_n and_o truth_n of_o our_o faith_n and_o love_n hereby_o we_o know_v that_o we_o know_v he_o if_o we_o keep_v his_o commandment_n 1_o joh._n 2.3_o yea_o a_o man_n may_v say_v thou_o have_v faith_n and_o i_o have_v work_n show_v i_o thy_o faith_n without_o thy_o work_n and_o i_o will_v show_v thou_o my_o faith_n by_o my_o work_n jam._n 2.18_o do_v thou_o believe_v in_o god_n why_o be_v thou_o not_o holy_a as_o he_o be_v holy_a do_v thou_o believe_v in_o jesus_n why_o do_v thou_o not_o deny_v thyself_o take_v up_o thy_o cross_n and_o follow_v he_o why_o do_v thou_o not_o walk_v as_o he_o walk_v do_v thou_o believe_v a_o judgement_n to_o come_v why_o do_v thou_o not_o work_v out_o thy_o salvation_n with_o fear_n and_o tremble_a why_o do_v thou_o not_o prepare_v to_o meet_v thy_o god_n why_o be_v thou_o not_o rich_a in_o good_a work_n that_o thou_o may_v lay_v up_o a_o good_a foundation_n against_o the_o time_n to_o come_v and_o lie_v hold_v on_o eternal_a life_n nor_o be_v good_a work_v less_o necessary_a to_o prove_v our_o love_n than_o faith_n certain_o if_o we_o love_v holiness_n if_o we_o hunger_n and_o thirst_n after_o righteousness_n we_o shall_v never_o live_v in_o a_o direct_a contradiction_n to_o the_o strong_a passion_n of_o our_o soul_n we_o shall_v never_o refuse_v to_o gratify_v a_o inclination_n which_o be_v not_o only_o fervent_a in_o we_o but_o its_o gratification_n will_v procure_v we_o eternal_a reward_n too_o certain_o if_o we_o love_v god_n we_o can_v but_o seek_v his_o glory_n we_o can_v but_o be_v desirous_a to_o maintain_v communion_n with_o he_o and_o if_o so_o do_v we_o know_v any_o sacrifice_n that_o be_v more_o acceptable_a to_o god_n than_o good_a work_n do_v we_o know_v any_o that_o he_o delight_v in_o more_o than_o zeal_n do_v we_o love_v the_o b._n jesus_n be_v not_o good_a work_v the_o very_a test_n of_o this_o love_n which_o himself_o have_v appoint_v if_o a_o man_n love_v i_o he_o will_v keep_v my_o commandment_n joh._n 14.15_o you_o be_v my_o friend_n if_o you_o do_v whatsoever_o i_o command_v you_o joh._n 15.14_o the_o love_n of_o christ_n say_v the_o apostle_n constrain_v we_o what_o to_o do_v to_o live_v not_o to_o ourselves_o but_o to_o he_o that_o die_v for_o we_o and_o rise_v again_o 2_o cor._n 5.15_o what_o other_o return_v can_v we_o make_v to_o jesus_n what_o other_o way_n can_v we_o express_v our_o gratitude_n to_o he_o he_o sit_v on_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o god_n all_o power_n be_v give_v he_o in_o heaven_n and_o in_o earth_n he_o do_v not_o himself_o need_v our_o ministry_n nor_o want_v our_o service_n and_o charity_n but_o hear_v what_o he_o say_v in_o as_o much_o as_o you_o do_v it_o to_o one_o of_o these_o my_o little_a one_o you_o have_v do_v it_o to_o i_o matt._n 25.40_o 2._o our_o zeal_n be_v indispensable_o necessary_a to_o the_o welfare_n and_o happiness_n of_o other_o do_v we_o regard_v our_o neighbour_n eternal_a interest_n it_o be_v zeal_n repress_n sin_n and_o propagate_v righteousness_n it_o be_v zeal_n defend_v the_o faith_n and_o suppress_v heresy_n and_o error_n it_o be_v zeal_n convert_v the_o unbeliever_n and_o build_v up_o the_o believer_n it_o be_v zeal_n that_o awaken_v the_o drowsy_a quicken_v the_o lukewarm_a strengthen_v the_o weak_a and_o inflame_v the_o good_a with_o a_o holy_a emulation_n it_o be_v zeal_n that_o baffle_v all_o objection_n refute_v all_o calumny_n and_o vanquish_v all_o opposition_n raise_v against_o religion_n and_o oppress_v its_o enemy_n with_o shame_n and_o confusion_n it_o be_v in_o a_o word_n zeal_n and_o zeal_n alone_o that_o can_v make_v religion_n appear_v lovely_a and_o delightful_a and_o reconcile_v the_o world_n to_o it_o for_o this_o alone_a can_v adorn_v the_o gospel_n for_o it_o render_v virtue_n more_o conspicuous_a more_o take_v in_o life_n and_o example_n than_o it_o can_v be_v in_o the_o precept_n and_o description_n of_o word_n nor_o be_v zeal_n less_o serviceable_a to_o the_o temporal_a that_o eternal_a interest_n of_o mankind_n when_o god_n lay_v the_o foundation_n of_o the_o world_n he_o lay_v the_o foundation_n of_o virtue_n too_o and_o when_o he_o form_v man_n he_o weave_v the_o necessity_n of_o good_a work_n into_o his_o very_a nature_n how_o necessary_a be_v justice_n to_o poor_a creature_n who_o lie_v so_o open_a to_o wrong_n and_o injury_n how_o indispensable_a be_v charity_n or_o generosity_n to_o these_o who_o be_v expose_v to_o so_o many_o accident_n to_o so_o many_o want_v to_o such_o a_o viscissitude_n of_o fortune_n and_o be_v all_o subject_a to_o so_o many_o folly_n and_o infirmity_n to_o so_o many_o mistake_v and_o fancy_n how_o strong_a must_v be_v our_o obligation_n to_o mutual_a forbearance_n patience_n and_o gentleness_n in_o a_o word_n sin_n and_o misery_n abound_v in_o the_o world_n and_o if_o there_o be_v not_o virtue_n and_o good_a work_n to_o balance_v the_o one_o and_o â—o_o relieve_v and_o support_v we_o under_o the_o other_o life_n will_v be_v intolerable_a so_o that_o reveal_v and_o natural_a religion_n do_v necessary_o terminate_v and_o centre_n in_o a_o zeal_n for_o good_a work_n as_o their_o ultimate_a end_n and_o utmost_a perfection_n in_o this_o life_n and_o that_o rule_v of_o our_o saviour_n whatsoever_o you_o will_v that_o man_n shall_v do_v to_o you_o do_v you_o even_o so_o unto_o they_o be_v a_o abstract_n not_o only_o of_o the_o law_n and_o the_o prophet_n but_o of_o the_o code_n of_o nature_n too_o and_o this_o single_a principle_n if_o sincere_o pursue_v
more_o frequent_o require_v of_o or_o attribute_v to_o the_o perfect_a man_n in_o scripture_n than_o zeal_n and_o fervency_n of_o spirit_n in_o the_o way_n of_o god_n and_o no_o wonder_n for_o when_o action_n flow_v at_o once_o from_o principle_n and_o custom_n when_o they_o spring_v from_o love_n and_o be_v attend_v by_o pleasure_n and_o be_v incite_v and_o quicken_v by_o faith_n and_o hope_v too_o how_o can_v it_o be_v but_o that_o we_o shall_v repeat_v they_o with_o some_o eagerness_n and_o feel_v a_o holy_a impatience_n as_o often_o as_o we_o be_v hinder_v or_o disappoint_v and_o as_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n show_v that_o thus_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v so_o be_v there_o innumerable_a instance_n in_o the_o old_a testament_n and_o the_o new_a which_o make_v it_o evident_a that_o thus_o it_o be_v shall_v i_o mention_v the_o example_n of_o our_o lord_n who_o go_v about_o do_v good_a act._n 10.38_o shall_v i_o propose_v the_o labour_n and_o travil_n of_o st._n paul_n these_o pattern_n it_o may_v be_v will_v be_v judge_v by_o some_o too_o bright_a and_o dazzle_a a_o light_n for_o we_o to_o look_v on_o or_o at_o least_o too_o perfect_a for_o we_o to_o copy_n after_o and_o yet_o st._n john_n tell_v we_o that_o he_o who_o say_v he_o abide_v in_o he_o ought_v himself_o also_o so_o to_o walk_v even_o as_o he_o walk_v 1_o joh._n 2.6_o and_o we_o be_v exhort_v to_o be_v follower_n of_o the_o apostle_n as_o they_o be_v of_o christ_n but_o if_o the_o fervency_n of_o christ_n and_o st._n paul_n seem_v to_o have_v soar_v out_o of_o the_o reach_n of_o our_o imitation_n we_o have_v inferior_a instance_n enough_o to_o prove_v the_o zeal_n and_o fruitfulness_n of_o habitual_a goodness_n thus_o david_n say_v of_o himself_o psal_n 119.10_o with_o my_o whole_a heart_n have_v i_o seek_v thou_o and_o josiah_n 2_o king_n 23.25_o be_v say_v to_o have_v turn_v to_o the_o lord_n with_o all_o his_o soul_n and_o with_o all_o his_o may_v how_o fervent_a be_v anna_n woe_n depart_v not_o from_o the_o temple_n but_o serve_v god_n with_o fast_n and_o prayer_n night_n and_o day_n luk._n 2.37_o how_o charitable_a tabytha_n who_o be_v full_a of_o good_a work_n and_o alms-deed_n which_o she_o do_v act._n 9.36_o where_o shall_v i_o place_v cornelius_n with_o what_o word_n shall_v i_o set_v out_o his_o virtue_n with_o what_o but_o those_o of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n act._n 10.2_o he_o be_v a_o devout_a man_n and_o one_o that_o fear_v god_n with_o all_o his_o house_n which_o give_v much_o alm_n to_o the_o people_n and_o pray_v to_o god_n always_o but_o peradventure_o some_o may_v imagine_v that_o there_o be_v something_o singular_a and_o extraordinary_a in_o these_o eminent_a person_n which_o we_o must_v never_o hope_v to_o equal_v but_o must_v be_v content_a to_o follow_v they_o at_o a_o vast_a distance_n well_o let_v this_o be_v so_o what_o have_v we_o to_o say_v to_o whole_a church_n animate_v by_o the_o same_o spirit_n of_o zeal_n what_o be_v we_o to_o think_v of_o the_o church_n of_o macedonia_n who_o charity_n st._n paul_n thus_o magnify_v 2_o cor._n 8.2_o 3._o in_o a_o great_a trial_n of_o affliction_n the_o abundance_n of_o their_o joy_n and_o their_o deep_a poverty_n abound_v to_o the_o riches_n of_o their_o liberality_n for_o to_o their_o power_n i_o bear_v record_n yea_o and_o beyond_o their_o power_n they_o be_v willing_a of_o themselves_o and_o st._n paul_n declare_v himself_o persuade_v of_o the_o roman_n that_o they_o be_v full_a of_o goodness_n fill_v with_o all_o knowledge_n rom._n 15.14_o and_o of_o the_o corinthian_n he_o testify_v that_o they_o be_v enrich_v in_o every_o thing_n and_o come_v behind_o in_o no_o gift_n 1_o cor._n 1.5_o 6._o that_o they_o do_v abound_v in_o all_o thing_n in_o faith_n in_o diligence_n etc._n etc._n 2_o cor._n 8.7_o i_o will_v stop_v here_o it_o be_v in_o vain_a to_o heap_v up_o more_o instance_n i_o have_v say_v enough_o to_o show_v that_o vigour_n and_o fervency_n in_o the_o service_n of_o god_n be_v no_o miraculous_a gift_n no_o extraordinary_a prerogative_n of_o some_o peculiar_a favourite_n of_o heaven_n but_o the_o natural_a and_o inseparable_a property_n of_o a_o well_o confirm_v habit_n of_o holiness_n last_o be_v constancy_n and_o steadiness_n the_o property_n of_o a_o habit_n it_o be_v a_o undoubted_a property_n of_o perfection_n too_o in_o scripture_n good_a man_n be_v every_o where_o represent_v as_o stand_v fast_o in_o the_o faith_n steadfast_a and_o unmovable_a in_o the_o work_n of_o god_n hold_v fast_o their_o integrity_n in_o one_o word_n as_o constant_o follow_v after_o righteousness_n and_o maintain_v a_o good_a conscience_n towards_o god_n and_o man._n and_o so_o natural_a be_v this_o to_o one_o habitual_o good_a that_o st._n john_n affirm_v of_o such_o a_o one_o that_o he_o can_v sin_v 1_o joh._n 3.9_o whosoever_o be_v bear_v of_o god_n do_v not_o commit_v sin_n for_o his_o seed_n remain_v in_o he_o and_o he_o can_v sin_v because_o he_o be_v bear_v of_o god_n according_o job_n be_v say_v to_o have_v fear_v god_n and_o eschew_v evil_a which_o must_v be_v understand_v of_o the_o constant_a course_n of_o his_o life_n zachary_n and_o elizabeth_n be_v say_v to_o be_v righteous_a walk_v in_o all_o the_o commandment_n of_o god_n blameless_a luk._n 1.6_o enoch_n noah_n david_n and_o other_o excellent_a person_n who_o be_v pronounce_v by_o god_n righteous_a and_o just_a and_o perfect_a be_v say_v in_o scripture_n to_o walk_v with_o god_n to_o serve_v he_o with_o a_o perfect_a heart_n with_o a_o full_a purpose_n of_o heart_n to_o cleave_v to_o he_o and_o the_o like_a and_o this_o be_v that_o constancy_n which_o christian_n be_v often_o exhort_v to_o watch_v you_o stand_v fast_o in_o the_o faith_n quit_v you_o like_o man_n be_v strong_a 1_o cor._n 16.13_o and_o of_o which_o the_o first_o follower_n of_o our_o lord_n leave_v we_o such_o remarkable_a example_n the_o disciple_n be_v say_v to_o have_v be_v continual_o in_o the_o temple_n blessing_n and_o praise_v god_n luk._n 24._o and_o the_o first_o christian_n be_v say_v to_o have_v continue_v steadfast_o in_o the_o apostle_n doctrine_n and_o fellowship_n and_o in_o break_v of_o bread_n and_o in_o prayer_n act_n 2.42_o thus_o i_o think_v i_o have_v sufficient_o clear_v my_o notion_n of_o perfection_n from_o scripture_n nor_o need_v i_o multiply_v more_o text_n to_o prove_v what_o i_o think_v no_o man_n can_v doubt_v of_o unless_o he_o mistake_v the_o main_a design_n and_o end_v of_o the_o gospel_n which_o be_v to_o raise_v and_o exalt_v we_o to_o a_o steady_a habit_n of_o holiness_n the_o end_n of_o the_o commandment_n say_v st._n paul_n 1_o tim._n 1.5_o be_v charity_n out_o of_o a_o pure_a heart_n and_o of_o a_o good_a conscience_n and_o of_o faith_n unfeigned_a this_o be_v the_o utmost_a perfection_n man_n be_v capable_a of_o to_o have_v his_o mind_n enlighten_v and_o his_o heart_n purify_v and_o to_o be_v inform_v act_v and_o influence_v by_o faith_n and_o love_n as_o by_o a_o vital_a principle_n and_o all_o this_o be_v essential_a to_o habitual_a goodness_n if_o any_o one_o desire_n further_o light_n or_o satisfaction_n in_o this_o matter_n let_v he_o read_v the_o eight_o chapter_n to_o the_o roman_n and_o he_o will_v soon_o acknowledge_v that_o he_o there_o find_v the_o substance_n of_o what_o i_o have_v hiterto_fw-mi advance_v there_o though_o the_o word_n itself_o be_v not_o find_v the_o thing_n call_v perfection_n be_v describe_v in_o all_o the_o strength_n and_o beauty_n in_o all_o the_o pleasure_n and_o advantage_n of_o it_o there_o the_o disciple_n of_o jesus_n be_v represent_v as_o one_o who_o walk_v not_o after_o the_o flesh_n but_o after_o the_o spirit_n as_o one_o who_o the_o law_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o life_n in_o christ_n jesus_n have_v set_v free_a from_o the_o law_n of_o sin_n and_o death_n one_o who_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d do_v not_o mind_n or_o relish_v the_o thing_n of_o the_o flesh_n but_o the_o thing_n of_o the_o spirit_n one_o in_o who_o the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n dwell_v he_o do_v not_o stand_v at_o the_o door_n and_o knock_n he_o do_v not_o make_v a_o transient_a visit_n but_o here_o he_o reign_v and_o rule_n and_o inhabit_v one_o final_o in_o who_o the_o body_n be_v dead_a because_o of_o sin_n but_o the_o spirit_n be_v life_n because_o of_o righteousness_n and_o the_o result_n of_o all_o this_o be_v the_o joy_n and_o confidence_n the_o security_n and_o transport_v that_o become_v the_o child_n of_o god_n you_o have_v not_o receive_v the_o spirit_n of_o bondage_n again_o to_o fear_n but_o you_o have_v receive_v the_o spirit_n of_o adoption_n whereby_o we_o cry_v abba_n father_n the_o spirit_n itself_o bear_v witness_v with_o our_o spirit_n that_o we_o be_v
the_o child_n of_o god_n and_o if_o child_n than_o heir_n heir_n of_o god_n and_o joynt-heir_n with_o christ_n and_o now_o it_o be_v no_o wonder_n if_o the_o perfect_a man_n long_o for_o the_o revelation_n of_o the_o glory_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n if_o he_o cry_v out_o in_o rapture_n if_o god_n be_v for_o i_o who_o can_v be_v against_o i_o who_o shall_v lay_v any_o thing_n to_o the_o charge_n of_o god_n elect_n who_o shall_v separate_v i_o from_o the_o love_n of_o christ_n and_o so_o on_o if_o any_o one_o will_v see_v the_o perfect_a man_n describe_v in_o few_o word_n he_o need_v but_o cast_v his_o eye_n on_o rom._n 6.22_o but_o now_o be_v make_v free_a from_o sin_n and_o become_v servant_n to_o god_n you_o have_v your_o fruit_n unto_o holiness_n and_o the_o end_n everlasting_a life_n chap._n ii_o this_o notion_n of_o perfection_n countenance_v by_o all_o side_n after_o i_o have_v show_v that_o this_o notion_n of_o perfection_n be_v warrant_v by_o reason_n and_o scripture_n i_o see_v not_o why_o i_o shall_v be_v very_o solicitous_a whether_o it_o do_v or_o do_v not_o clash_v with_o the_o opinion_n of_o men._n but_o the_o truth_n be_v if_o we_o examine_v not_o so_o much_o the_o expression_n and_o word_n as_o the_o sense_n and_o mean_v of_o all_o party_n about_o this_o matter_n we_o shall_v find_v they_o well_o enough_o agree_v in_o it_o at_o the_o bottom_n and_o it_o be_v no_o wonder_n if_o notwithstanding_o several_a incidental_a dispute_n they_o shall_v yet_o agree_v in_o the_o main_a since_o the_o experience_n of_o mankind_n do_v easy_o teach_v we_o what_o sort_n of_o perfection_n human_a nature_n be_v capable_a of_o and_o what_o can_v or_o can_v not_o actual_o be_v attain_v by_o man._n the_o pelagian_o do_v not_o contend_v for_o a_o angelical_a perfection_n nor_o st._n austin_n deny_v such_o a_o one_o as_o be_v true_o suitable_a to_o man_n the_o one_o can_v not_o be_v so_o far_o a_o stranger_n to_o human_a nature_n as_o to_o exempt_v it_o in_o reality_n from_o those_o error_n and_o defect_n which_o the_o best_a of_o man_n complain_v of_o and_o labour_n against_o nor_o be_v st._n austin_n so_o little_o acquaint_v with_o the_o power_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o of_o the_o spirit_n as_o not_o to_o be_v well_o enough_o assure_v that_o man_n may_v be_v habitual_o good_a and_o that_o such_o be_v influence_v and_o act_v by_o a_o firm_a faith_n and_o a_o fervent_a love_n and_o well_o ground_a hope_n the_o dispute_n between_o they_o then_o concern_v perfection_n do_v not_o consist_v in_o this_o whether_o man_n may_v be_v habitual_o good_a this_o be_v in_o reality_n acknowledge_v on_o both_o side_n nor_o whether_o the_o best_a man_n be_v subject_a to_o defect_n for_o this_o too_o both_o side_n can_v not_o but_o be_v sensible_a of_o but_o in_o these_o two_o thing_n especial_o first_o what_o be_v to_o be_v attribute_v to_o grace_n what_o to_o nature_n and_o this_o relate_v not_o to_o the_o definition_n or_o essence_n of_o perfection_n but_o to_o the_o source_n and_o origine_fw-la of_o it_o second_o whether_o those_o irregular_a motion_n defect_n and_o error_n to_o which_o the_o best_a man_n be_v subject_a be_v to_o be_v account_v sin_n or_o not_o neither_o the_o one_o side_n nor_o the_o other_o then_o as_o far_o as_o i_o can_v discern_v do_v in_o truth_n mistake_v the_o nature_n of_o human_a perfection_n each_o place_v it_o in_o habitual_a righteousness_n the_o one_o contend_v for_o no_o more_o nor_o do_v the_o other_o contend_v for_o less_o in_o the_o perfect_a man._n and_o when_o the_o one_o assert_v he_o free_a from_o sin_n he_o do_v not_o assert_v he_o free_a from_o defect_n and_o while_o the_o other_o will_v not_o allow_v the_o best_a man_n to_o be_v without_o sin_n they_o do_v not_o by_o sin_n understand_v any_o thing_n else_o but_o such_o disorder_n opposition_n to_o or_o deviation_n from_o the_o law_n of_o god_n as_o the_o pelagian_a himself_n must_v needs_o own_o to_o be_v in_o the_o perfect_a man._n the_o dispute_v then_o be_v not_o what_o man_n may_v or_o may_v not_o attain_v to_o for_o both_o side_n agree_v he_o capable_a of_o the_o same_o habitual_a righteousness_n both_o side_n allow_v he_o subject_a to_o the_o same_o frailty_n but_o one_o side_n will_v have_v these_o frailty_n account_v sin_n and_o the_o other_o will_v not_o numerous_n indeed_o have_v be_v the_o controversy_n between_o the_o popish_a and_o reform_a church_n about_o precept_n and_o counsel_n mortal_a and_o venial_a sin_n the_o possibility_n of_o fulfil_v the_o law_n of_o god_n the_o merit_n of_o good_a work_n and_o suchlike_a but_o after_o all_o if_o we_o inquire_v what_o that_o height_n of_o virtue_n be_v to_o which_o the_o best_a of_o man_n may_v arrive_v what_o those_o frailty_n and_o infirmity_n be_v to_o which_o they_o be_v subject_a it_o be_v i_o think_v easy_a to_o show_v that_o the_o wise_a and_o good_a be_v on_o all_o hand_n agree_v about_o this_o nor_o do_v it_o much_o concern_v my_o present_a purpose_n in_o what_o sense_n or_o on_o what_o account_n papist_n think_v some_o sin_n venial_a and_o protestant_n deny_v they_o to_o be_v so_o since_o neither_o the_o one_o nor_o the_o other_o exempt_v the_o perfect_a man_n from_o infirmity_n nor_o assert_v any_o other_o height_n or_o perfection_n then_o what_o consist_v in_o a_o consummate_a and_o well_o establish_a habit_n of_o virtue_n some_o man_n may_v and_o do_v talk_v very_o extravagant_o but_o it_o be_v very_o hard_a to_o imagine_v that_o sober_a and_o pious_a man_n shall_v run_v in_o with_o they_o such_o when_o they_o talk_v of_o fulfil_v the_o law_n of_o god_n and_o keep_v his_o commandment_n must_v sure_o understand_v this_o of_o the_o law_n of_o god_n in_o a_o gracious_a and_o equitable_a sense_n and_o this_o be_v no_o more_o than_o what_o the_o scripture_n assert_n of_o every_o sincere_a christian_a when_o they_o talk_v of_o i_o know_v not_o what_o transcendent_a perfection_n in_o monkery_n they_o must_v sure_o mean_v nothing_o more_o than_o that_o poverty_n chastity_n and_o obedience_n be_v heroic_a instance_n of_o faith_n and_o love_n of_o poverty_n of_o spirit_n and_o purity_n of_o heart_n and_o that_o a_o ascetic_a discipline_n be_v the_o most_o compendious_a and_o effectual_a way_n to_o a_o consummate_v habit_n of_o righteousness_n final_o by_o the_o distinction_n of_o precept_n and_o counsel_n such_o can_v never_o intend_v sure_o more_o than_o this_o that_o we_o be_v oblige_v to_o some_o thing_n under_o pain_n of_o damnation_n too_o other_o by_o the_o hope_n of_o great_a degree_n of_o glory_n for_o it_o be_v not_o easy_a for_o i_o to_o comprehend_v that_o any_o man_n who_o judgement_n be_v not_o enslave_v to_o the_o dictate_v of_o his_o party_n shall_v deny_v either_o of_o these_o two_o truth_n 1._o that_o whatever_o be_v neither_o forbid_v nor_o command_v by_o any_o law_n of_o god_n be_v indifferent_a 2._o that_o no_o man_n can_v do_v more_o than_o love_v the_o lord_n his_o god_n with_o all_o his_o heart_n with_o all_o his_o soul_n and_o with_o all_o his_o may_v and_o his_o neighbour_n as_o himself_o i_o say_v there_o be_v no_o degree_n or_o instance_n of_o obedience_n that_o be_v not_o comprise_v within_o the_o latitude_n and_o perfection_n of_o these_o word_n but_o whatever_o some_o of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n or_o it_o may_v be_v the_o great_a part_n of_o it_o may_v think_v this_o it_o be_v plain_a be_v the_o sense_n of_o the_o ancient_n st._n austin_n 121._o austin_n quaecunque_fw-la non_fw-la jubentur_fw-la sed_fw-la speciali_fw-la consilio_fw-la monentur_fw-la tum_fw-la recté_fw-fr fiunt_fw-la cum_fw-la referuntur_fw-la ad_fw-la deligendum_fw-la deum_fw-la &_o proximum_fw-la propter_fw-la deum_fw-la aug._n euch._n cap._n 121._o can_v never_o understand_v any_o merit_n or_o excellence_n in_o those_o thing_n that_o be_v matter_n of_o counsel_n not_o precept_n unless_o they_o flow_v from_o and_o have_v regard_n to_o the_o love_n of_o god_n and_o our_o neighbour_n and_o cassian_n ibid._n cassian_n ac_fw-la proinde_fw-la ea_fw-la quibus_fw-la qualitates_fw-la statutas_fw-la videmus_fw-la &_o tempora_fw-la &_o quae_fw-la sic_fw-la observata_fw-la sanctificant_fw-la ut_fw-la omissa_fw-la non_fw-la polluant_fw-la media_fw-la esse_fw-la manifestum_fw-la est_fw-la ut_fw-la puta_fw-la naptias_fw-la agriculturam_fw-la divitias_fw-la solitudinis_fw-la remotionem_fw-la etc._n etc._n cassian_n colla._n patr._n talem_fw-la igitur_fw-la definitionem_fw-la supra_fw-la jejunii_fw-la etc._n etc._n nec_fw-la in_o ipso_fw-la spei_fw-la nostrae_fw-la terminum_fw-la defigamus_fw-la sed_fw-la ut_fw-la per_fw-la ipsum_fw-la ad_fw-la puritatem_fw-la cordis_n &_o apostolicam_fw-la charitatem_fw-la pervenire_fw-la possimus_fw-la ibid._n excellent_a monk_n resolve_v all_o the_o value_n of_o such_o thing_n to_o consist_v in_o their_o tendency_n to_o promote_v apostolical_a purity_n and_o charity_n and_o gregory_n nazianzen_n nazian_n nazianzen_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d greg._n
all_o perfection_n lord_n what_o rest_v what_o confidence_n what_o joy_n what_o extacy_n do_v these_o thought_n breed_v how_o sublime_a how_o lofty_a how_o delightful_a and_o ravish_a be_v those_o expression_n of_o st._n john_n 1_o epist_n 3.1_o 2._o behold_v what_o manner_n of_o love_n the_o father_n have_v bestow_v upon_o we_o that_o we_o shall_v be_v call_v the_o son_n of_o god_n therefore_o the_o world_n know_v we_o not_o because_o it_o know_v he_o not_o belove_a now_o be_v we_o the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o it_o do_v not_o yet_o appear_v what_o we_o shall_v be_v but_o we_o know_v that_o when_o he_o shall_v appear_v we_o shall_v be_v like_o he_o for_o we_o shall_v see_v he_o as_o he_o be_v and_o those_o again_o of_o the_o psalmist_n i_o be_o continual_o with_o thou_o thou_o do_v hold_v i_o by_o my_o right_a hand_n thou_o shall_v guide_v i_o with_o thy_o counsel_n and_o afterward_o receive_v i_o into_o glory_n psal_n 73.23_o 24._o but_o i_o will_v descend_v to_o cool_a and_o humble_a pleasure_n it_o be_v no_o small_a happiness_n to_o the_o perfect_a man_n that_o he_o be_v himself_o a_o proper_a object_n of_o his_o own_o complacency_n he_o can_v reflect_v on_o the_o truth_n and_o justice_n the_o courage_n and_o constancy_n the_o meekness_n and_o charity_n of_o his_o soul_n with_o much_o gratitude_n towards_o god_n and_o contentment_n in_o himself_o and_o this_o sure_o he_o may_v do_v with_o good_a reason_n for_o the_o perfection_n of_o the_o mind_n be_v as_o just_o to_o be_v prefer_v before_o those_o of_o the_o body_n as_o those_o of_o the_o body_n before_o the_o gift_n of_o fortune_n nor_o be_v it_o a_o matter_n of_o small_a importance_n to_o be_v please_v with_o one_o self_n for_o grant_v any_o one_o but_o this_o and_o he_o can_v never_o be_v very_o uneasy_a or_o very_a miserable_a but_o without_o this_o there_o be_v very_o few_o thing_n which_o will_v not_o disturb_v and_o discompose_v and_o the_o most_o oblige_a accident_n of_o life_n will_v have_v no_o relish_n in_o they_o it_o be_v true_a folly_n and_o vanity_n do_v sometime_o create_v a_o self-complacency_n in_o the_o sinner_n why_o even_o then_o it_o be_v a_o please_a error_n but_o there_o be_v as_o much_o difference_n between_o the_o just_a and_o rational_a complacency_n of_o a_o wise_a man_n in_o himself_o and_o the_o mistake_a one_o of_o a_o fool_n as_o there_o be_v between_o the_o false_a and_o fleet_a fancy_n of_o a_o dream_n and_o the_o solid_a satisfaction_n of_o the_o day_n this_o will_v be_v very_o manifest_a upon_o the_o slight_a view_n we_o can_v take_v of_o those_o action_n which_o be_v the_o true_a reason_n of_o the_o good_a man_n satisfaction_n in_o himself_o and_o render_v his_o conscience_n a_o continual_a feast_n to_o he_o it_o be_v common_o say_v that_o virtue_n be_v its_o own_o reward_n and_o though_o it_o must_v be_v acknowledge_v this_o be_v a_o reward_n which_o be_v not_o sufficient_a in_o all_o case_n nor_o great_a enough_o to_o vanquish_v some_o sort_n of_o temptation_n yet_o there_o be_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o truth_n and_o weight_n in_o this_o say_n for_o a_o state_n of_o virtue_n be_v like_o a_o state_n of_o health_n or_o peace_n of_o strength_n and_o beauty_n and_o therefore_o desirable_a on_o its_o own_o account_n and_o if_o pleasure_n proper_o speak_v be_v nothing_o else_o but_o the_o agreeable_a exercise_n of_o the_o power_n of_o nature_n about_o their_o proper_a object_n and_o if_o it_o be_v then_o absolute_a and_o complete_a when_o these_o power_n be_v raise_v and_o the_o exercise_n of_o they_o be_v free_a and_o undisturbed_a then_o certain_o virtue_n which_o be_v nothing_o else_o but_o the_o perfect_a action_n of_o a_o perfect_a nature_n as_o far_o as_o the_o one_o and_o the_o other_o may_v be_v admit_v in_o this_o state_n of_o mortality_n must_v be_v a_o very_a considerable_a pleasure_n act_n of_o wisdom_n and_o charity_n the_o contemplation_n of_o truth_n and_o the_o love_n of_o goodness_n must_v be_v most_o natural_a and_o delightful_a exercise_n of_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n and_o because_o truth_n and_o goodness_n be_v infinite_a and_o omnipresent_v and_o nothing_o can_v hinder_v the_o perfect_a man_n from_o contemplate_v the_o one_o and_o love_v the_o other_o therefore_o do_v he_o in_o his_o degree_n and_o measure_n participate_v of_o his_o selfsufficiency_n as_o he_o do_v of_o other_o perfection_n of_o god_n and_o enjoy_v within_o himself_o a_o inexhaustible_a spring_n of_o delight_n how_o many_o how_o various_a be_v the_o exercise_n and_o employment_n of_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n and_o when_o it_o be_v once_o polish_a and_o cultivate_v how_o agreeable_a be_v they_o all_o to_o invent_v and_o find_v out_o to_o illustrate_v and_o adorn_v to_o prove_v and_o demonstrate_v to_o weigh_v discriminate_a and_o distinguish_v to_o deliberate_v calm_o and_o impartial_o to_o act_v with_o a_o absolute_a liberty_n to_o despise_v little_a thing_n and_o look_v bold_o on_o danger_n to_o do_v all_o thing_n dextrous_o to_o converse_v with_o a_o sweet_a and_o yet_o a_o manly_a air_n in_o honest_a and_o open_a yet_o take_v oblige_a language_n how_o delightful_a be_v these_o thing_n in_o themselves_o how_o much_o do_v they_o conduce_v to_o the_o service_n the_o beauty_n and_o dignity_n of_o human_a life_n to_o these_o accomplish_a mind_n we_o owe_v history_n science_n art_n trade_n law_n from_o all_o which_o if_o other_o reap_v a_o unspeakable_a pleasure_n how_o much_o more_o the_o author_n the_o parent_n of_o they_o and_o all_o this_o put_v i_o in_o mind_n of_o one_o great_a advantage_n which_o the_o perfect_a man_n enjoy_v above_o the_o most_o fortunate_a sensualist_n which_o be_v that_o he_o can_v never_o want_v a_o opportunity_n to_o employ_v all_o the_o vigour_n of_o his_o mind_n useful_o and_o delightful_o whence_o it_o be_v that_o retirement_n which_o be_v the_o prison_n and_o the_o punishment_n of_o the_o fool_n be_v the_o paradise_n of_o the_o wise_a and_o good_n but_o let_v we_o come_v at_o length_n to_o that_o pleasure_n which_o depend_v upon_o external_n object_n where_o if_o any_o where_o the_o fool_n and_o sinner_n must_v dispute_v his_o title_n to_o pleasure_n with_o the_o wise_a and_o good_n how_o many_o thing_n be_v there_o here_o which_o force_n we_o to_o give_v the_o preference_n to_o the_o wise_a man_n i_o will_v not_o urge_v that_o a_o narrow_a a_o private_a fortune_n can_v furnish_v store_n enough_o for_o all_o the_o appetite_n of_o virtue_n that_o a_o wise_a man_n need_v not_o at_o any_o time_n purchase_v his_o pleasure_n at_o too_o dear_a a_o rate_n he_o need_v not_o lie_v nor_o cheat_v nor_o crouch_v nor_o fawn_v this_o be_v the_o price_n of_o sinful_a pleasure_n i_o will_v not_o i_o say_v urge_v these_o and_o the_o like_a advantage_n since_o the_o world_n think_v it_o want_v of_o spirit_n to_o be_v content_a with_o a_o little_a and_o want_v of_o wit_n not_o to_o practice_v those_o act_n let_v they_o be_v never_o so_o base_a by_o which_o we_o may_v compass_v more_o i_o will_v only_o remark_n these_o few_o thing_n first_o the_o wise_a man_n prospect_n be_v enlarge_v he_o be_v like_o a_o artist_n or_o philosopher_n which_o discover_v a_o thousand_o pleasure_n and_o beauty_n in_o a_o piece_n wherein_o the_o idiot_n can_v see_v none_o he_o see_v in_o all_o the_o work_n in_o all_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n those_o depth_n those_o contrivance_n which_o the_o fool_n can_v fathom_n that_o order_n that_o harmony_n which_o the_o sinner_n be_v insensible_a of_o next_o the_o pleasure_n of_o sense_n that_o be_v not_o refine_v by_o virtue_n leave_v a_o stain_n upon_o the_o mind_n it_o be_v course_n and_o turbulent_a empty_a and_o vexatious_a the_o pleasure_n of_o virtue_n be_v like_o a_o stream_n which_o run_v indeed_o within_o its_o bank_n but_o it_o run_v smooth_a and_o clear_a and_o have_v a_o spring_n that_o always_o feed_v the_o current_n but_o the_o pleasure_n of_o sin_n be_v like_o a_o land_n flood_n impetuous_a muddy_a and_o irregular_a and_o as_o soon_o as_o it_o forsake_v the_o ground_n it_o overflowed_a it_o leave_v nothing_o behind_o it_o but_o slime_n and_o filth_n last_o the_o wise_a man_n form_v a_o true_a estimate_n of_o the_o object_n of_o sense_n and_o not_o look_v upon_o they_o as_o his_o vltimate_a end_n enjoy_v all_o that_o be_v in_o they_o and_o be_v not_o fool_v by_o a_o expectation_n of_o more_o thus_o have_v consider_v the_o object_n of_o human_a pleasure_n two_o thing_n be_v plain_a first_o that_o the_o perfect_a man_n have_v many_o source_n or_o fountain_n of_o pleasure_n which_o the_o sinner_n never_o taste_v of_o which_o he_o can_v relish_v which_o he_o be_v a_o stranger_n to_o next_o as_o to_o outward_a thing_n that_o he_o have_v even_o here_o many_o advantage_n above_o the_o other_o but_o what_o be_v more_o considerable_a yet_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
the_o tender_a sorrow_n of_o contrition_n the_o delight_n of_o praise_n and_o thanksgiving_n the_o adoration_n and_o self-depressions_a of_o a_o profound_a humility_n and_o the_o resolution_n and_o vow_n of_o a_o perfect_a abhorrence_n of_o and_o holy_a zeal_n and_o indignation_n against_o sin_n how_o do_v these_o thing_n mellow_a and_o enrich_v the_o soul_n how_o do_v they_o raise_v it_o high_o and_o high_o above_o the_o corruption_n which_o be_v in_o the_o world_n through_o lust_n how_o do_v they_o renew_v it_o daily_o and_o make_v it_o a_o partaker_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n the_o repetition_n of_o the_o same_o act_n natural_o beget_v a_o habit_n and_o habit_n be_v the_o strength_n and_o perfection_n of_o the_o soul_n for_o it_o be_v a_o disposition_n ripen_v and_o confirm_v by_o custom_n how_o natural_o then_o must_v prayer_n fortify_v the_o mind_n ripen_v good_a disposition_n or_o add_v strength_n and_o perfection_n to_o good_a habit_n since_o it_o be_v nothing_o else_o but_o a_o repeat_v exercise_n of_o almost_o all_o the_o grace_n of_o the_o gospel_n repentance_n faith_n hope_n charity_n and_o the_o like_a and_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v observe_v that_o prayer_n give_v we_o a_o frequent_a opportunity_n of_o exercise_v those_o virtue_n which_o we_o shall_v not_o otherwise_o be_v so_o often_o oblige_v to_o do_v if_o second_o we_o inquire_v into_o the_o prevalence_n of_o prayer_n with_o god_n we_o shall_v have_v further_a reason_n yet_o to_o resolve_v that_o it_o be_v a_o most_o effectual_a mean_n of_o increase_v our_o spiritual_a strength_n what_o will_v god_n deny_v to_o the_o prayer_n of_o a_o righteous_a man_n he_o may_v deny_v he_o temporal_a thing_n because_o they_o be_v not_o good_a for_o he_o he_o may_v refuse_v to_o remove_v a_o temptation_n because_o this_o be_v often_o a_o occasion_n of_o his_o own_o glory_n and_o his_o servant_n reward_v but_o he_o will_v never_o refuse_v he_o grace_n to_o conquer_v it_o he_o will_v no_o more_o deny_v his_o spirit_n to_o one_o that_o earnest_o and_o sincere_o beg_v it_o than_o the_o natural_a parent_n will_v bread_n to_o his_o hungry_a and_o crave_v child_n and_o no_o wonder_n since_o grace_n be_v as_o necessary_a to_o the_o spiritual_a life_n as_o bread_n to_o the_o natural_a the_o goodness_n of_o god_n be_v more_o tender_a and_o compassionate_a than_o any_o instinct_n in_o human_a nature_n and_o the_o purity_n and_o perfection_n of_o god_n more_o zealous_o solicitous_a for_o the_o holiness_n and_o immortality_n of_o his_o child_n then_o earthly_a parent_n can_v be_v for_o a_o sickly_a perish_v life_n of_o they_o thus_o then_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o prayer_n contribute_v wonderful_o to_o the_o strengthen_v and_o establish_v the_o mind_n of_o man_n in_o goodness_n but_o then_o we_o must_v remember_v that_o it_o must_v have_v these_o two_o qualification_n it_o must_v be_v frequent_a and_o incessant_o importunate_n 1._o it_o must_v be_v frequent_a i_o will_v have_v this_o rule_n comply_v with_o as_o far_o as_o it_o may_v even_o in_o our_o state_v regular_a and_o solemn_a address_n to_o god_n but_o because_o business_n and_o several_a obligation_n we_o lie_v under_o to_o the_o world_n do_v often_o press_v hard_a upon_o we_o therefore_o must_v i_o give_v the_o same_o counsel_n here_o which_o i_o do_v before_o under_o the_o head_n of_o meditation_n that_o be_v to_o have_v always_o ready_a and_o imprint_v in_o our_o memory_n several_a text_n of_o scripture_n contain_v the_o most_o weighty_a and_o important_a truth_n in_o the_o most_o pierce_a and_o move_a language_n that_o we_o may_v be_v able_a to_o form_v these_o on_o a_o sudden_a into_o ejaculation_n in_o which_o our_o soul_n may_v mount_v up_o into_o heaven_n amid_o the_o ardour_n and_o transport_v of_o desire_n and_o praise_n as_o the_o angel_n do_v in_o the_o flame_n of_o manoah_n sacrifice_n 2._o prayer_n must_v be_v incessant_o importunate_a importunate_n it_o will_v be_v if_o the_o soul_n be_v prepare_v and_o dispose_v as_o it_o ought_v that_o be_v if_o it_o be_v disengage_v from_o this_o world_n and_o possess_v entire_o with_o the_o belief_n and_o earnest_a expectation_n of_o a_o better_a if_o it_o be_v humble_v in_o itself_o disclaim_v all_o strength_n and_o merit_n of_o its_o own_o and_o rest_v whole_o on_o the_o goodness_n and_o all-sufficiency_n of_o god_n i_o add_v incessant_o in_o conformity_n to_o the_o parable_n of_o our_o lord_n luke_n 11.8_o and_o 18.5_o and_o the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d of_o the_o apostle_n 1_o thess_n 5.17_o and_o whoever_o consider_v human_a nature_n well_o and_o remember_v how_o soon_o pious_a motion_n vanish_v and_o how_o little_a they_o effect_v will_v discern_v a_o plain_a reason_n both_o for_o vehemence_n and_o perseverance_n in_o prayer_n for_o vehemence_n that_o the_o soul_n may_v be_v deep_o impress_v by_o pious_a passion_n for_o perseverance_n that_o such_o impression_n may_v not_o be_v effaced_a and_o obliterated_a nor_o let_v any_o one_o fancy_n that_o prayer_n thus_o qualify_v have_v not_o a_o better_a influence_n upon_o god_n as_o well_o as_o upon_o ourselves_o it_o be_v true_a god_n be_v void_a of_o the_o painfulness_n and_o defect_n of_o human_a passion_n but_o not_o of_o the_o perfection_n of_o divine_a one_o woe_n be_v to_o we_o if_o god_n be_v a_o inflexible_a inexorable_a deity_n and_o incapable_a of_o be_v wrought_v upon_o by_o the_o incessant_a importunity_n of_o his_o poor_a creature_n woe_n be_v to_o we_o if_o the_o softness_n and_o the_o tenderness_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n do_v not_o infinite_o exceed_v the_o little_a resemblance_n of_o it_o in_o man._n if_o in_o a_o word_n god_n do_v not_o abound_v in_o goodness_n mercy_n and_o compassion_n more_o easy_o to_o be_v move_v and_o excite_v than_o those_o human_a passion_n that_o bear_v some_o analogy_n to_o they_o next_o to_o conversation_n with_o god_n by_o prayer_n the_o conversation_n of_o good_a man_n do_v wonderful_o contribute_v to_o the_o build_v we_o up_o in_o faith_n and_o virtue_n how_o do_v the_o sense_n and_o experience_n of_o such_o as_o deserve_v our_o esteem_n and_o affection_n settle_v and_o establish_v our_o judgement_n when_o they_o concur_v with_o we_o how_o do_v their_o knowledge_n enlighten_v we_o their_o reason_n strengthen_v our_o faith_n and_o their_o example_n inflame_v we_o with_o emulation_n a_o pious_a friendship_n render_v religion_n itself_o more_o engage_v it_o sanctify_v our_o very_a diversion_n and_o recreation_n and_o make_v they_o minister_v to_o virtue_n it_o mind_v we_o when_o we_o be_v forgetful_a support_v and_o encourage_v we_o when_o we_o faint_v and_o tire_v reprove_v and_o correct_v we_o when_o we_o give_v back_o and_o recall_v we_o into_o the_o right_a path_n when_o we_o go_v out_o of_o it_o this_o be_v or_o this_o shall_v be_v the_o business_n of_o conversation_n the_o end_n and_o advantage_n of_o friendship_n we_o shall_v be_v often_o talk_v together_o of_o the_o thing_n of_o god_n communicate_v and_o lay_v open_a the_o state_n of_o our_o soul_n our_o fear_n our_o hope_n our_o improvement_n and_o defect_n we_o shall_v watch_v over_o one_o another_o comfort_n and_o support_v one_o another_o our_o discourse_n shall_v always_o minister_v new_a warmth_n or_o new_a strength_n to_o our_o holy_a faith_n and_o love_n but_o among_o all_o the_o mean_n of_o grace_n there_o be_v no_o one_o do_v so_o much_o corroborate_v and_o nourish_v the_o soul_n of_o man_n as_o the_o holy_a eucharist_n how_o many_o wise_a and_o impartial_a reflection_n do_v the_o preparation_n for_o it_o occasion_n what_o unfeigned_a humility_n and_o what_o a_o profound_a awe_n of_o the_o divine_a majesty_n do_v a_o previous_a self-examination_n beget_v in_o we_o what_o a_o tender_a sense_n of_o the_o divine_a love_n do_v the_o contemplation_n of_o the_o whole_a mystery_n enkindle_v what_o firmness_n and_o resolution_n do_v we_o derive_v from_o fresh_a vow_n and_o repeat_v engagement_n and_o these_o offer_v up_o with_o so_o much_o solemnity_n and_o how_o much_o final_o be_v the_o habit_n of_o holiness_n improve_v by_o that_o spiritual_a pleasure_n which_o the_o sensible_a assurance_n of_o grace_n and_o salvation_n work_v in_o we_o by_o that_o awe_n and_o holy_a fear_n which_o the_o whole_a action_n leave_v behind_o on_o our_o mind_n and_o the_o zeal_n vigilance_n and_o circumspection_n it_o oblige_v we_o to_o for_o the_o time_n follow_v not_o to_o mention_v here_o how_o the_o participation_n of_o this_o holy_a sacrament_n oblige_v we_o to_o a_o most_o solemn_a exercise_n of_o repentance_n towards_o god_n and_o faith_n in_o our_o lord_n jesus_n of_o brotherly_a love_n and_o charity_n and_o the_o hope_n of_o immortality_n and_o glory_n here_o in_o a_o word_n we_o prepare_v to_o meet_v god_n as_o we_o will_v do_v in_o death_n and_o judgement_n here_o we_o make_v a_o open_a profession_n of_o our_o holy_a faith_n renounce_v the_o world_n and_o flesh_n
well_o prepare_v for_o it_o how_o shall_v these_o man_n form_v any_o notion_n of_o a_o perfect_a and_o exalt_a virtue_n of_o devout_a and_o heavenly_a passion_n what_o conception_n can_v they_o have_v of_o the_o power_n and_o joy_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n of_o poverty_n of_o spirit_n or_o purity_n of_o heart_n or_o the_o diffusion_n of_o the_o love_n of_o god_n in_o our_o soul_n what_o idea_n can_v they_o entertain_v of_o a_o heaven_n or_o of_o angelical_a pleasure_n and_o beatitude_n in_o a_o word_n the_o religion_n of_o man_n intent_n upon_o this_o world_n when_o they_o pretend_v to_o any_o which_o too_o often_o they_o do_v not_o consist_v especial_o in_o two_o thing_n in_o abstain_v from_o wickedness_n and_o do_v the_o work_n of_o their_o civil_a cal_n and_o how_o far_o they_o may_v be_v sensible_a of_o high_a obligation_n i_o determine_v not_o good_a god_n what_o a_o mercy_n it_o be_v to_o these_o poor_a creature_n that_o it_o be_v the_o fashion_n of_o their_o country_n as_o well_o as_o a_o precept_n of_o our_o religion_n to_o dedicate_v one_o day_n in_o seven_o to_o the_o service_n of_o god_n and_o their_o soul_n but_o have_v i_o not_o often_o teach_v that_o purity_n of_o intention_n convert_v the_o work_n of_o a_o secular_a call_v into_o the_o work_n of_o god_n i_o have_v so_o it_o be_v universal_o teach_v it_o be_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o therefore_o i_o shall_v never_o retract_v it_o but_o ah_o how_o hard_o a_o thing_n be_v it_o for_o a_o worldly_a man_n to_o maintain_v this_o purity_n of_o intention_n how_o hard_o a_o thing_n be_v it_o for_o a_o mind_n eat_v up_o by_o the_o love_n and_o care_n of_o this_o world_n to_o do_v all_o to_o the_o honour_n of_o god_n though_o therefore_o i_o can_v retract_v this_o doctrine_n yet_o the_o long_o i_o live_v the_o more_o reason_n do_v i_o see_v for_o qualify_a and_o guard_v it_o with_o this_o caution_n let_v no_o man_n that_o desire_v to_o be_v save_v much_o less_o that_o desire_v to_o be_v perfect_a take_v sanctuary_n in_o purity_n of_o intention_n while_o he_o suffer_v the_o work_n of_o his_o secular_a call_v to_o engross_v his_o soul_n and_o entire_o usurp_v his_o time_n if_o secular_a work_n exclude_v and_o thrust_v out_o of_o door_n such_o as_o be_v proper_o religious_a it_o will_v not_o be_v easy_a to_o conceive_v how_o the_o power_n of_o godliness_n shall_v be_v maintain_v how_o any_o wise_a thought_n or_o heavenly_a desire_n shall_v be_v preserve_v in_o such_o man_n or_o how_o final_o those_o who_o have_v utter_o give_v up_o themselves_o to_o the_o wisdom_n of_o this_o world_n shall_v retain_v any_o true_a value_n for_o those_o maxim_n of_o the_o gospel_n wherein_o consist_v the_o true_a wisdom_n that_o be_v from_o above_o all_o that_o i_o have_v say_v against_o a_o life_n of_o business_n may_v with_o equal_a or_o great_a force_n be_v urge_v against_o a_o life_n of_o pleasure_n i_o mean_v that_o which_o they_o call_v innocent_a pleasure_n the_o one_o and_o the_o other_o entangle_v and_o ensnare_v the_o mind_n the_o one_o and_o the_o other_o leave_n in_o it_o a_o peculiar_a relish_n which_o continue_v long_o after_o the_o hurry_n both_o of_o pleasure_n and_o business_n be_v over_o but_o all_o this_o while_n i_o will_v not_o have_v what_o i_o have_v say_v be_v extend_v further_o than_o i_o design_v it_o to_o raise_v scruple_n in_o virtuous_a and_o good_a man_n instead_o of_o reform_v the_o too_o eager_a application_n of_o the_o earthy_a to_o the_o thing_n of_o this_o world_n chap._n vii_o of_o motive_n to_o perfection_n innumerable_a be_v the_o motive_n to_o perfection_n which_o offer_v themselves_o to_o any_o one_o that_o reflect_v serious_o on_o this_o argument_n a_o hearty_a endeavour_n after_o perfection_n be_v the_o best_a proof_n of_o sincerity_n the_o near_a approach_n to_o perfection_n be_v the_o near_a approach_n to_o the_o utmost_a security_n this_o life_n be_v capable_a of_o great_a be_v the_o beauty_n and_o loveliness_n of_o a_o exalt_a virtue_n great_a the_o honour_n and_o authority_n of_o it_o and_o a_o very_a happy_a influence_n it_o have_v even_o upon_o our_o temporal_a affair_n and_o to_o this_o may_v be_v add_v the_o peace_n and_o tranquillity_n of_o a_o wise_a mind_n sanctify_a affection_n and_o a_o regular_a life_n beside_o the_o love_n of_o god_n be_v boundless_a and_o the_o love_n of_o jesus_n be_v so_o too_o and_o therefore_o i_o demand_v not_o a_o lazy_a feeble_a or_o unsteady_a virtue_n but_o a_o strong_a and_o vigorous_a one_o a_o warm_a and_o active_a such_o as_o a_o true_a faith_n great_a hope_n and_o a_o passionate_a love_n do_v natural_o excite_v we_o to_o to_o all_o this_o i_o may_v add_v that_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n be_v always_o press_v on_o and_o advance_v desirous_a to_o communicate_v himself_o to_o we_o more_o and_o more_o plentiful_o if_o we_o be_v not_o backward_o or_o negligent_a ourselves_o but_o these_o and_o many_o other_o enforcement_n to_o the_o duty_n of_o perfection_n shall_v i_o enlarge_v on_o they_o will_v swell_v this_o treatise_n to_o a_o intolerable_a bulk_n nor_o indeed_o be_v it_o necessary_a for_o the_o four_o chapter_n where_o i_o treat_v of_o the_o fruit_n of_o perfection_n do_v contain_v such_o motive_n to_o it_o as_o be_v sufficient_a to_o excite_v in_o any_o one_o that_o read_v they_o a_o most_o vehement_a desire_n and_o thirst_n after_o it_o here_o therefore_o all_o that_o i_o think_v fit_a to_o do_v be_v to_o put_v my_o reader_n in_o mind_n of_o another_o life_n in_o the_o glory_n and_o pleasure_n of_o which_o i_o need_v not_o prove_v that_o the_o perfect_a man_n will_v have_v the_o great_a share_n this_o be_v a_o motive_n that_o must_v never_o be_v out_o of_o the_o thought_n of_o the_o man_n that_o will_v be_v perfect_a and_o that_o for_o three_o reason_n which_o i_o will_v but_o just_a mention_n 1._o without_o another_o life_n we_o can_v never_o form_v any_o true_a notion_n of_o a_o perfect_a virtue_n sociable_a and_o civil_a virtue_n may_v be_v support_v by_o temporal_a motive_n and_o frame_v and_o model_v by_o worldly_a conveniency_n but_o a_o divine_a virtue_n must_v be_v build_v upon_o a_o divine_a life_n upon_o a_o heavenly_a kingdom_n the_o reason_n of_o this_o assertion_n be_v plain_a the_o mean_n must_v always_o bear_v proportion_n to_o the_o end_n where_o therefore_o the_o end_n be_v a_o imperfect_a temporal_a good_a there_o need_v no_o more_o than_o imperfect_a unfinished_a virtue_n to_o attain_v it_o but_o where_o the_o the_o end_n be_v heavenly_a and_o immortal_a the_o virtue_n ought_v to_o be_v so_o too_o be_v there_o no_o other_o life_n the_o standard_n and_o measure_n of_o the_o good_a or_o evil_a to_o be_v find_v in_o action_n will_v be_v their_o subserviency_n to_o the_o temporal_a good_a or_o evil_a of_o this_o world_n and_o by_o a_o necessary_a consequence_n it_o will_v be_v impossible_a to_o prove_v any_o high_a degree_n of_o poverty_n of_o spirit_n purity_n of_o heart_n charity_n and_o the_o like_a to_o be_v true_o virtue_n than_o what_o we_o can_v prove_v true_o necessary_a to_o procure_v the_o good_a or_o guard_v we_o against_o the_o evil_a of_o this_o life_n and_o if_o so_o it_o be_v easy_a to_o conclude_v what_o mean_a and_o beggarly_a kind_n of_o virtue_n will_v be_v produce_v from_o this_o ground_n 2._o without_o another_o life_n all_o other_o motive_n to_o perfection_n will_v be_v insufficient_a for_o though_o general_o speak_v such_o be_v the_o contrivance_n of_o human_a nature_n that_o neither_o the_o common_a good_a of_o civil_a society_n nor_o the_o more_o particular_a good_a of_o private_a man_n can_v be_v provide_v for_o or_o secure_v without_o the_o practice_n of_o sociable_a and_o political_a virtue_n yet_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o not_o only_o in_o many_o extraordinary_a case_n there_o will_v be_v no_o reward_n at_o all_o for_o virtue_n if_o there_o be_v not_o one_o reserve_v for_o it_o in_o another_o world_n but_o also_o in_o most_o case_n if_o there_o be_v not_o a_o future_a pleasure_n that_o do_v infinite_o outweigh_v the_o enjoyment_n of_o this_o life_n man_n will_v see_v no_o obligation_n to_o perfection_n for_o what_o shall_v raise_v they_o above_o the_o love_n of_o this_o world_n if_o there_o be_v no_o other_o or_o above_o the_o love_n of_o the_o body_n if_o when_o they_o die_v they_o shall_v be_v no_o more_o for_o ever_o and_o certain_o our_o mind_n will_v never_o be_v able_a to_o soar_v very_o high_a nor_o shall_v we_o ever_o arrive_v at_o any_o excellence_n or_o perfection_n in_o any_o action_n if_o we_o be_v always_o under_o the_o influence_n of_o the_o love_n of_o the_o world_n and_o the_o body_n 3._o a_o life_n to_o come_v be_v alone_o a_o sufficient_a motive_n to_o perfection_n who_o will_v refuse_v to_o endure_v hardship_n as_o a_o
good_a soldier_n of_o christ_n jesus_n who_o firm_o believe_v that_o he_o be_v now_o a_o spectator_n and_o will_v very_o sudden_o come_v to_o be_v a_o judge_n and_o rewarder_n of_o his_o suffering_n how_o natural_a be_v it_o to_o run_v with_o patience_n the_o race_n that_o be_v set_v before_o we_o to_o he_o who_o have_v a_o eternal_a joy_n a_o eternal_a crown_n always_o in_o his_o eye_n and_o if_o a_o life_n to_o come_v can_v make_v a_o man_n rejoice_v even_o in_o suffer_v evil_a how_o much_o more_o in_o do_v good_a if_o it_o enable_v he_o to_o conquer_v in_o the_o day_n of_o the_o church_n trial_n and_o affliction_n how_o much_o more_o will_v it_o enable_v he_o to_o abound_v in_o all_o virtue_n in_o the_o day_n of_o its_o peace_n and_o prosperity_n how_o free_o will_v a_o man_n give_v to_o the_o distress_a member_n of_o christ_n who_o believe_v that_o he_o see_v christ_n himself_o stand_v by_o and_o receive_v it_o as_o it_o be_v by_o their_o hand_n and_o place_v it_o to_o his_o own_o account_n to_o be_v repay_v a_o thousand-fold_n in_o the_o great_a day_n of_o the_o lord_n how_o easy_o will_v a_o man_n allay_v the_o storm_n of_o passion_n and_o cast_v away_o the_o weapon_n of_o revenge_n and_o anger_n with_o indignation_n against_o himself_o if_o his_o faith_n do_v but_o present_v he_o often_o with_o a_o view_n of_o that_o canaan_n which_o the_o meek_a in_o heart_n shall_v inherit_v for_o ever_o how_o importunate_o will_v a_o man_n pray_v for_o the_o pardon_n of_o sin_n who_o sense_n who_o soul_n who_o imagination_n be_v strike_v with_o a_o dread_n of_o be_v for_o ever_o divide_v from_o god_n and_o exclude_v from_o the_o joy_n and_o virtue_n of_o the_o bless_a how_o fervent_o will_v a_o man_n pray_v for_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n for_o the_o increase_n of_o grace_n who_o thought_n be_v daily_o swallow_v up_o with_o the_o contemplation_n of_o a_o eternity_n and_o who_o mind_n be_v as_o full_o possess_v of_o the_o certainty_n and_o the_o glory_n of_o another_o world_n as_o of_o the_o emptiness_n and_o vanity_n of_o this_o how_o natural_a final_o will_v it_o be_v to_o be_v poor_a in_o spirit_n and_o to_o delight_v in_o all_o the_o office_n of_o a_o unfeigned_a humility_n to_o that_o man_n who_o have_v the_o image_n of_o jesus_n wash_v the_o foot_n of_o his_o disciple_n and_o a_o little_a after_o ascend_v up_o into_o heaven_n always_o before_o he_o but_o i_o know_v it_o will_v be_v here_o object_v we_o discern_v not_o this_o efficacy_n you_o attribute_v to_o this_o motive_n the_o doctrine_n of_o another_o life_n be_v the_o great_a article_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n and_o it_o be_v every_o where_o preach_v throughout_o christendom_n and_o yet_o man_n general_o seem_v to_o have_v as_o much_o fondness_n for_o this_o world_n as_o they_o can_v be_v there_o no_o other_o they_o practise_v no_o virtue_n but_o such_o as_o be_v profitable_a and_o fashionable_a or_o none_o any_o further_a than_o they_o be_v so_o to_o this_o i_o answer_v though_o most_o act_n thus_o there_o be_v many_o i_o hope_v very_o many_o who_o do_v otherwise_o and_o that_o all_o in_o general_n do_v not_o proceed_v from_o want_n either_o of_o due_a consideration_n or_o firm_a belief_n of_o this_o doctrine_n of_o another_o life_n first_o from_o not_o considerate_v it_o as_o we_o shall_v it_o be_v the_o great_a disadvantage_n of_o the_o object_n of_o faith_n compare_v with_o those_o of_o sense_n that_o they_o be_v distant_a and_o invisible_a he_o therefore_o that_o will_v be_v perfect_a that_o will_v derive_v any_o strength_n and_o virtue_n from_o this_o motive_n must_v supply_v this_o distance_n by_o devout_a and_o daily_a contemplation_n he_o must_v fetch_v the_o remore_n object_n of_o faith_n home_o to_o he_o he_o must_v render_v they_o as_o it_o be_v present_a he_o must_v see_v and_o feel_v they_o by_o the_o strength_n of_o faith_n and_o the_o force_n of_o meditation_n which_o if_o he_o do_v then_o will_v his_o faith_n certain_o prove_v a_o vital_a and_o victorious_a principle_n then_o will_v no_o pleasure_n in_o this_o world_n be_v able_a to_o combat_v the_o assure_a hope_n of_o a_o heaven_n nor_o any_o worldly_a evil_n or_o difficulty_n sustain_v for_o virtue_n be_v able_a to_o confront_v the_o terror_n of_o a_o hell_n a_o second_o reason_n why_o this_o motive_n do_v not_o operate_v as_o it_o shall_v be_v want_n of_o faith_n we_o doubt_v we_o waver_v we_o stagger_v or_o take_v thing_n upon_o trust_n assent_v very_o slight_o and_o superficial_o to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o another_o life_n and_o look_v upon_o good_a work_n rather_o as_o not_o injurious_a to_o this_o world_n then_o serviceable_a to_o a_o better_a and_o then_o it_o be_v no_o more_o wonder_n that_o the_o unbelieving_a christian_n do_v not_o enter_v into_o perfection_n and_o rest_n than_o that_o the_o unbelieving_a jew_n do_v not_o it_o be_v no_o more_o wonder_n if_o the_o word_n of_o life_n do_v not_o profit_v the_o christian_n when_o not_o believe_v by_o he_o then_o if_o it_o do_v not_o profit_v a_o pagan_a who_o have_v never_o hear_v of_o it_o and_o what_o be_v here_o say_v of_o infidelity_n be_v in_o its_o measure_n and_o proportion_n true_a when_o apply_v to_o a_o weak_a and_o imperfect_a faith_n he_o therefore_o that_o will_v be_v perfect_a must_v daily_o pray_v lord_n i_o believe_v help_v thou_o my_o unbelief_n he_o must_v daily_o consider_v the_o ground_n on_o which_o the_o faith_n and_o hope_n of_o a_o christian_a stand_n the_o express_a declaration_n of_o the_o divine_a will_n concern_v the_o future_a immortality_n and_o glory_n of_o the_o child_n of_o god_n the_o demonstrastration_n of_o this_o contain_v in_o the_o resurrection_n of_o jesus_n from_o the_o dead_a and_o his_o ascension_n and_o session_n at_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o god_n and_o to_o this_o he_o may_v add_v the_o love_n of_o god_n the_o merit_n of_o jesus_n and_o the_o state_n and_o fortune_n of_o virtue_n in_o this_o world_n from_o all_o which_o one_o may_v be_v able_a to_o infer_v the_o undoubted_a certainty_n of_o another_o world_n the_o sum_n of_o all_o amount_n to_o this_o whoever_o will_v be_v perfect_a must_v daily_o i_o shall_v i_o think_v have_v say_v almost_o hourly_o ponder_v the_o blessedness_n that_o attend_v perfection_n in_o another_o life_n he_o must_v ponder_v it_o serious_o that_o he_o may_v be_v thorough_o persuade_v of_o it_o he_o must_v ponder_v it_o often_o that_o the_o notion_n of_o it_o may_v be_v fresh_a and_o lively_a in_o his_o soul_n sect_n ii_o of_o the_o several_a part_n of_o perfection_n what_o the_o several_a part_n of_o religious_a perfection_n be_v will_v be_v easy_o discern_v by_o a_o very_a slight_a reflection_n either_o on_o the_o nature_n of_o man_n or_o the_o general_a notion_n of_o perfection_n already_o lay_v down_o if_o we_o consider_v man_n who_o perfection_n i_o be_o treat_v of_o as_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o he_o be_v make_v up_o of_o soul_n and_o body_n so_o it_o be_v as_o plain_a that_o moral_a perfection_n relate_v to_o the_o soul_n as_o the_o chief_a subject_n of_o it_o and_o to_o the_o body_n no_o otherwise_o then_o as_o the_o instrument_n of_o that_o righteousness_n which_o be_v plant_v in_o the_o soul_n now_o in_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n we_o find_v these_o three_o thing_n understanding_n will_n and_o affection_n in_o the_o improvement_n and_o accomplishment_n of_o which_o human_a perfection_n must_v consequent_o consist_v and_o if_o we_o inquire_v wherein_o this_o improvement_n or_o accomplishment_n lie_v it_o be_v a_o truth_n so_o obvious_a that_o it_o will_v not_o need_v any_o proof_n that_o illumination_n be_v the_o perfection_n of_o the_o understanding_n liberty_n of_o the_o will_n and_o zeal_n of_o the_o affection_n if_o in_o the_o next_o place_n we_o reflect_v upon_o the_o description_n i_o have_v before_o give_v of_o perfection_n nothing_o be_v more_o evident_a than_o that_o to_o constitute_v a_o firm_a habit_n of_o righteousness_n three_o thing_n be_v necessary_a 1._o the_o knowledge_n of_o our_o duty_n and_o our_o obligation_n to_o it_o 2._o the_o subdue_a our_o lust_n and_o passion_n that_o we_o may_v be_v enable_v to_o perform_v it_o last_o not_o only_o a_o free_a but_o warm_a and_o vigorous_a prosecution_n of_o it_o in_o the_o first_o of_o these_o consist_v illumination_n in_o the_o second_o liberty_n and_o in_o the_o three_o zeal_n upon_o the_o whole_a then_o it_o be_v evident_a both_o from_o the_o nature_n of_o perfection_n and_o of_o man_n that_o i_o be_o now_o to_o treat_v in_o order_n of_o these_o three_o thing_n illumination_n liberty_n and_o zeal_n as_o so_o many_o essential_a part_n of_o religious_a perfection_n nor_o must_v i_o stop_v here_o but_o must_v to_o those_o three_o avoidable_a add_v humility_n for_o whether_o we_o consider_v the_o sin_n of_o the_o
but_o such_o a_o digestion_n of_o they_o by_o serious_a and_o devout_a meditation_n as_o may_v in_o a_o manner_n incorporate_v they_o with_o we_o and_o this_o the_o scripture_n plain_o teach_v when_o to_o signify_v the_o force_n and_o virtue_n of_o the_o gospel_n above_o that_o of_o the_o law_n it_o use_v these_o word_n for_o this_o be_v the_o covenant_n that_o i_o will_v make_v with_o the_o house_n of_o israel_n after_o those_o day_n say_v the_o lord_n i_o will_v put_v my_o law_n into_o their_o mind_n and_o write_v they_o in_o their_o heart_n heb._n 8.10_o intimate_v that_o no_o law_n no_o principle_n can_v ever_o influence_n we_o till_o they_o be_v deep_o imprint_v in_o our_o heart_n to_o wind_v up_o all_o there_o be_v several_a kind_n of_o knowledge_n of_o the_o same_o truth_n there_o be_v a_o knowledge_n which_o serve_v we_o only_o as_o pisga_n top_n do_v moses_n to_o show_v we_o canaan_n but_o not_o to_o bring_v we_o into_o it_o there_o be_v again_z a_o knowledge_n which_o serve_v we_o only_o as_o the_o talon_n do_v the_o wicked_a servant_n not_o to_o procure_v reward_n but_o punishment_n and_o final_o there_o be_v a_o knowledge_n which_o like_o the_o talent_n in_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o faithful_a and_o good_a steward_n enrich_v we_o first_o and_o recommend_v we_o afterward_o to_o high_a trust_n and_o dignity_n which_o improve_v and_o perfect_v our_o nature_n first_o and_o then_o put_v we_o into_o possession_n of_o such_o blessing_n as_o only_a nature_n thus_o improve_v and_o perfect_v be_v capable_a of_o and_o this_o knowledge_n must_v not_o be_v a_o slight_a superficial_a and_o undigested_a one_o it_o must_v not_o be_v a_o confuse_a and_o obscure_a a_o weak_a and_o imperfect_a one_o this_o be_v not_o the_o knowledge_n which_o will_v bring_v forth_o those_o excellent_a fruit_n which_o we_o have_v reason_n to_o expect_v from_o true_a illumination_n but_o it_o must_v be_v a_o knowledge_n that_o have_v all_o the_o quite_o contrary_a character_n even_o such_o as_o i_o have_v before_o describe_v at_o large_a that_o this_o be_v a_o observation_n of_o the_o great_a weight_n and_o moment_n be_v evident_a to_o any_o one_o who_o will_v give_v himself_o leave_v to_o make_v any_o reflection_n on_o the_o present_a state_n of_o christianity_n for_o how_o do_v the_o power_n of_o darkness_n prevail_v amid_o the_o light_n of_o the_o gospel_n how_o have_v the_o devil_n erect_v his_o throne_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o that_o church_n which_o shall_v be_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o sin_n and_o death_n reign_v where_o life_n and_o immortality_n be_v preach_v whence_o be_v this_o be_v man_n ignorant_a of_o those_o truth_n which_o make_v up_o the_o systeme_n of_o true_a wisdom_n this_o be_v not_o easy_a to_o be_v imagine_v scarce_o of_o the_o dark_a corner_n of_o the_o popish_a church_n much_o less_o of_o we_o and_o therefore_o we_o must_v conclude_v that_o this_o be_v because_o our_o knowledge_n be_v not_o such_o as_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v with_o respect_n to_o its_o clearness_n certainty_n and_o digestion_n chap._n ii_o of_o the_o fruit_n and_o attainment_n of_o illumination_n have_v dispatch_v the_o notion_n of_o illumination_n in_o the_o forego_n chapter_n and_o show_v both_o what_o truth_n and_o what_o sort_n of_o knowledge_n of_o they_o be_v requisite_a to_o it_o i_o be_o next_o to_o treat_v 1._o of_o the_o fruit_n and_o 2._o of_o the_o attainment_n of_o it_o s._n 1._o as_o to_o the_o fruit_n of_o illumination_n i_o have_v the_o less_o need_n to_o insist_v upon_o they_o because_o whatever_o can_v be_v say_v on_o this_o head_n have_v be_v in_o a_o manner_n anticipate_v all_o the_o character_n of_o illuminate_a truth_n and_o illuminate_a knowledge_n be_v such_o as_o sufficient_o declare_v the_o bless_a effect_n of_o true_a illumination_n i_o will_v therefore_o be_v very_o short_a on_o this_o head_n and_o only_o just_a mention_n two_o advantage_n of_o illumination_n as_o the_o use_n of_o light_n be_v especial_o twofold_a to_o delight_n and_o guide_v we_o so_o do_v we_o reap_v two_o benefit_n from_o illumination_n 1._o the_o first_o and_o most_o immediate_a one_o be_v that_o it_o set_v the_o whole_a man_n and_o the_o whole_a life_n right_a that_o it_o fix_v our_o affection_n on_o their_o proper_a and_o natural_a object_n and_o direct_v all_o our_o action_n to_o their_o true_a end_n i_o do_v not_o mean_v that_o the_o understanding_n constant_o and_o necessary_o influence_n and_o determine_v the_o will._n expeperience_n tell_v we_o that_o we_o have_v a_o fatal_a liberty_n that_o our_o affection_n be_v too_o often_o independent_a of_o our_o reason_n that_o we_o sin_n against_o the_o dictate_v of_o conscience_n that_o we_o pursue_v false_a pleasure_n and_o a_o false_a interest_n in_o opposition_n to_o the_o true_a and_o in_o plain_a opposition_n to_o our_o judgement_n too_o at_o least_o to_o a_o sedate_n and_o calm_a one_o and_o the_o reason_n of_o all_o this_o be_v because_o we_o consist_v of_o two_o different_a and_o repugnant_a principle_n a_o body_n and_o a_o soul_n and_o be_v solicit_v by_o two_o different_a world_n a_o temporal_a and_o a_o eternal_a one_o but_o all_o this_o notwithstanding_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o illumination_n in_o the_o mind_n have_v a_o mighty_a influence_n upon_o we_o for_o it_o be_v continual_o exciting_a in_o we_o wise_a desire_n and_o excellent_a purpose_n it_o be_v always_o allure_a and_o invite_v we_o towards_o our_o sovereign_a good_a and_o restrain_v and_o deter_v we_o from_o sin_n and_o death_n it_o alarm_n disquiet_n disturb_v and_o persecute_v we_o as_o often_o as_o we_o err_v and_o wander_v from_o the_o path_n of_o life_n in_o one_o word_n the_o great_a work_n of_o illumination_n be_v to_o be_v always_o represent_v the_o beauty_n and_o pleasure_n and_o the_o beatitude_n and_o glory_n of_o virtue_n and_o remonstrate_v the_o evil_n and_o dishonour_v the_o deformity_n and_o danger_n of_o vice_n so_o that_o a_o man_n will_v never_o be_v at_o rest_n who_o have_v this_o light_n within_o he_o till_o it_o be_v either_o extinguish_v or_o obey_v 2._o this_o light_n within_o we_o if_o it_o be_v follow_v and_o comply_v with_o not_o mud-died_n and_o disturb_v if_o it_o be_v not_o quench_v and_o extinguish_v by_o wilful_a sin_n or_o unpardonable_a oscitancy_n and_o remissness_n if_o in_o a_o word_n its_o influence_n be_v not_o interrupt_v disperse_v all_o our_o fear_n as_o well_o as_o error_n create_v a_o unspeakable_a tranquillity_n in_o the_o soul_n spread_v over_o we_o a_o calm_a and_o glorious_a sky_n and_o make_v every_o thing_n in_o we_o and_o about_o we_o look_v gay_a and_o verdant_a and_o beautiful_a the_o dissipation_n of_o pagan_a darkness_n and_o all_o participation_n or_o resemblance_n of_o it_o deliverance_n from_o a_o state_n of_o bondage_n and_o wrath_n the_o peace_n of_o god_n the_o love_n of_o jesus_n the_o fellowship_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n the_o immortality_n of_o the_o soul_n the_o resurrection_n of_o the_o body_n the_o perfection_n and_o blessedness_n of_o eternity_n good_a god_n what_o surprise_v what_o ravish_v theme_n be_v these_o for_o the_o thought_n of_o a_o enlighten_v soul_n to_o dwell_v upon_o bless_a and_o happy_a be_v he_o who_o enjoy_v this_o pleasure_n upon_o earth_n and_o that_o we_o may_v i_o be_o now_o to_o discourse_n s._n 2._o of_o the_o attainment_n of_o illumination_n now_o whatever_o advice_n can_v relate_v to_o this_o may_v be_v reduce_v under_o two_o head_n 1._o what_o qualification_n do_v render_v man_n capable_a of_o illumination_n 2._o what_o it_o be_v that_o one_o due_o qualify_v be_v to_o do_v in_o pursuit_n of_o it_o §_o 1._o to_o begin_v with_o the_o qualification_n requisite_a to_o illumination_n one_o man_n be_v distinguish_v from_o another_o several_a way_n by_o his_o estate_n or_o fortune_n by_o natural_a or_o acquire_v endowment_n and_o by_o moral_a disposition_n and_o each_o of_o these_o may_v have_v some_o though_o a_o very_a different_a influence_n upon_o human_a perfection_n for_o if_o we_o inquire_v after_o only_o the_o essence_n and_o integrity_n of_o perfection_n then_o be_v there_o two_o or_o three_o moral_a qualification_n which_o be_v all_o that_o be_v require_v in_o order_n to_o this_o but_o if_o we_o inquire_v after_o the_o largeness_n of_o its_o stature_n the_o symmetry_n of_o its_o feature_n the_o lustre_n of_o its_o complexion_n and_o the_o elegance_n of_o its_o dress_n then_o may_v we_o allow_v something_o to_o be_v ascribe_v to_o fortune_n to_o nature_n and_o a_o liberal_a education_n this_o be_v a_o observation_n very_o necessary_a to_o be_v make_v for_o though_o every_o man_n may_v be_v capable_a of_o perfection_n that_o be_v habitual_a holiness_n if_o it_o be_v not_o his_o own_o fault_n yet_o be_v not_o every_o man_n capable_a of_o be_v equal_o perfect_a because_o of_o that_o accidental_a variety_n which_o i_o have_v suggest_v and_o
the_o child_n of_o god_n and_o the_o bless_a fruit_n of_o it_o peace_n and_o joy_n in_o the_o holy_a ghost_n will_v easy_o furnish_v i_o with_o invincible_a argument_n nor_o will_v the_o contrary_a opinion_n ever_o have_v be_v able_a to_o have_v keep_v the_o field_n so_o long_o as_o it_o have_v do_v have_v it_o not_o be_v favour_v by_o a_o weak_a and_o decay_a piety_n by_o the_o fondness_n of_o man_n for_o themselves_o in_o spite_n of_o their_o sin_n and_o frailty_n and_o by_o many_o mistake_a text_n but_o that_o this_o matter_n may_v if_o possible_a be_v free_v from_o all_o objection_n 1._o i_o here_o distinguish_v between_o inordinate_a and_o natural_a affection_n by_o inordinate_a affection_n i_o mean_v the_o tendency_n of_o the_o soul_n towards_o that_o which_o be_v unlawful_a by_o natural_a its_o propension_n to_o the_o body_n with_o which_o it_o be_v invest_v the_o desire_n of_o its_o health_n and_o ease_n and_o the_o conveniency_n and_o necessary_n of_o life_n for_o this_o end_n now_o when_o religion_n enjoin_v repugnance_n to_o the_o former_a appetite_n the_o obedience_n of_o the_o perfect_a man_n have_v no_o reluctancy_n in_o it_o but_o when_o it_o enjoin_v thing_n as_o sometime_o occasional_o it_o do_v which_o thwart_a and_o cross_v the_o latter_a here_o the_o obedience_n even_o of_o christ_n himself_o can_v not_o be_v exempt_a from_o conflict_n for_o our_o natural_a appetite_n in_o this_o sense_n of_o they_o will_v never_o be_v put_v off_o till_o our_o body_n be_v i_o think_v this_o be_v so_o clear_a it_o need_v not_o be_v illustrate_v by_o instance_n or_o else_o it_o be_v easy_a to_o show_v that_o though_o good_a man_n have_v practise_v temperance_n chastity_n charity_n and_o other_o virtue_n of_o this_o kind_n with_o ease_n and_o pleasure_n too_o yet_o have_v nature_n shrink_v and_o startle_v at_o persecution_n and_o martyrdom_n though_o even_o here_o too_o the_o courage_n and_o resolution_n of_o some_o have_v appear_v to_o be_v much_o above_o what_o human_a nature_n ever_o seem_v capable_a of_o 2._o i_o do_v not_o in_o the_o least_o suppose_v that_o nature_n be_v so_o change_v but_o that_o the_o inclination_n to_o sinful_a pleasure_n or_o profit_n or_o any_o other_o forbid_a object_n will_v soon_o revive_v again_o even_o in_o the_o perfect_a man_n unless_o he_o keep_v a_o watch_n and_o guard_n upon_o himself_o and_o pass_v the_o time_n of_o his_o sojourn_v here_o in_o fear_n not_o to_o be_v subject_a to_o disorderly_a desire_n not_o to_o be_v liable_a to_o irregular_a motion_n be_v the_o privilege_n of_o soul_n when_o strip_v of_o a_o mortal_a body_n or_o clothe_v with_o a_o immortal_a one_o till_o then_o the_o conjunction_n of_o flesh_n and_o blood_n will_v ever_o render_v the_o poor_a soul_n obnoxious_a to_o carnal_a and_o worldly_a appetite_n and_o the_o natural_a appetite_n of_o the_o body_n do_v so_o easy_o pass_v those_o bound_n that_o divide_v they_o from_o sinful_a one_o that_o the_o best_a of_o man_n can_v never_o be_v secure_a but_o when_o the_o mind_n be_v take_v up_o in_o contemplation_n devotion_n good_a work_n or_o engage_v in_o the_o prosecution_n of_o some_o just_a and_o honest_a design_n or_o amuse_v by_o some_o innocent_a recreation_n for_o in_o these_o case_n the_o body_n be_v either_o make_v the_o instrument_n of_o righteousness_n or_o at_o least_o wise_a it_o be_v innocent_o busy_v and_o divert_v from_o those_o object_n to_o which_o it_o have_v too_o too_o impetuous_a a_o tendency_n i_o have_v now_o i_o think_v sufficient_o state_v the_o notion_n of_o true_a liberty_n and_o i_o hope_v sufficient_o guard_v it_o and_o have_v nothing_o to_o do_v but_o to_o proceed_v to_o the_o fruit_n of_o it_o which_o will_v serve_v for_o so_o many_o motive_n or_o inducement_n to_o its_o attainment_n §_o 2._o of_o the_o fruit_n of_o liberty_n these_o may_v be_v reduce_v under_o four_o head_n 1._o sin_n be_v a_o great_a evil_n deliverance_n from_o it_o be_v great_a happiness_n 2._o a_o second_o fruit_n of_o this_o liberty_n be_v good_a work_n 3._o it_o give_v we_o a_o near_a relation_n to_o god_n 4._o the_o great_a and_o last_o fruit_n of_o it_o be_v eternal_a life_n these_o be_v all_o comprise_v by_o the_o apostle_n in_o rom._n 6.2.1_o 22_o 23._o what_o fruit_n have_v you_o then_o in_o those_o thing_n whereof_o you_o be_v now_o ashamed_a for_o the_o end_n of_o those_o thing_n be_v death_n but_o now_o be_v make_v free_a from_o sin_n and_o become_v servant_n to_o god_n you_o have_v your_o fruit_n unto_o holiness_n and_o the_o end_n everlasting_a life_n for_o the_o wage_n of_o sin_n be_v death_n but_o the_o gift_n of_o god_n be_v eternal_a life_n through_o jesus_n christ_n our_o lord_n and_o these_o be_v the_o great_a end_n which_o the_o gospel_n that_o perfect_a law_n of_o liberty_n aim_v at_o and_o for_o which_o it_o be_v preach_v to_o the_o world_n as_o appear_v from_o those_o word_n of_o our_o lord_n to_o st._n paul_n act_v 26.17_o 18._o unto_o who_o now_o i_o send_v thou_o to_o open_v their_o eye_n and_o to_o turn_v they_o from_o darkness_n to_o light_n and_o from_o the_o power_n of_o satan_n unto_o god_n that_o they_o may_v receive_v forgiveness_n of_o sin_n and_o inheritance_n among_o they_o which_o be_v sanctify_v by_o faith_n that_o be_v in_o i_o i_o will_v here_o insist_v on_o these_o bless_a effect_n of_o christian_a liberty_n not_o only_o because_o the_o design_n of_o the_o chapter_n demand_v it_o but_o also_o to_o prevent_v the_o be_v oblige_v to_o any_o tedious_a repetition_n of_o they_o hereafter_o under_o every_o distinct_a branch_n of_o christian_a liberty_n §_o 1._o sin_n be_v a_o great_a evil_n and_o therefore_o deliverance_n from_o the_o dominion_n of_o it_o be_v a_o great_a good_n to_o make_v this_o evident_a we_o need_v but_o reflect_v a_o little_a on_o the_o nature_n and_o effect_n of_o sin_n if_o we_o inquire_v into_o the_o nature_n of_o sin_n we_o shall_v find_v that_o it_o be_v found_v in_o the_o subversion_n of_o the_o dignity_n and_o deface_v the_o beauty_n of_o human_a nature_n and_o that_o it_o consist_v in_o the_o darkness_n of_o our_o understanding_n the_o depravity_n of_o our_o affection_n and_o the_o feebleness_n and_o impotence_n of_o the_o will._n the_o understanding_n of_o a_o sinner_n be_v incapable_a of_o discern_v the_o certainty_n and_o force_n of_o divine_a truth_n the_o loveliness_n of_o virtue_n the_o unspeakable_a pleasure_n which_o now_o flow_v from_o the_o great_a and_o precious_a promise_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o the_o incomparable_o great_a which_o will_v one_o day_n flow_v from_o the_o accomplishment_n and_o fruition_n of_o they_o his_o affection_n which_o if_o fix_v and_o bend_v on_o virtue_n have_v be_v incentives_n as_o they_o be_v design_v by_o god_n to_o noble_a and_o worthy_a action_n be_v biased_a and_o pervert_v do_v now_o hurry_v he_o on_o to_o lewd_a and_o wicked_a one_o and_o by_o these_o the_o mind_n if_o at_o any_o time_n it_o chance_v to_o be_v awaken_v and_o render_v sensible_a of_o its_o happiness_n and_o duty_n be_v overpower_a and_o oppress_v if_o this_o be_v not_o the_o true_a state_n of_o a_o sinner_n if_o the_o strength_n of_o sin_n do_v not_o thus_o consist_v in_o the_o disorder_n and_o impotence_n of_o all_o the_o faculty_n of_o the_o soul_n whence_o be_v it_o that_o the_o sinner_n act_v as_o he_o do_v be_v it_o not_o evident_a that_o his_o understanding_n be_v infatuate_v when_o he_o live_v as_o if_o he_o be_v mere_o whole_o body_n as_o if_o he_o have_v no_o soul_n or_o none_o but_o one_o result_v from_o and_o dissolve_v with_o its_o temperament_n and_o contexture_n one_o design_v to_o no_o high_a purpose_n than_o to_o contrive_v minister_v to_o and_o partake_v in_o its_o sensuality_n be_v it_o not_o evident_a that_o he_o have_v little_a expectation_n of_o another_o world_n who_o lay_v up_o his_o treasure_n only_o in_o this_o and_o live_v as_o if_o he_o be_v bear_v only_o to_o make_v provision_n for_o the_o flesh_n to_o fulfil_v the_o lust_n thereof_o it_o be_v true_a all_o sinner_n be_v not_o equal_o stupid_a or_o obdurate_a but_o even_o in_o those_o in_o who_o some_o spark_n of_o understanding_n and_o conscience_n remain_v unextinguished_a how_o be_v the_o weak_a desire_n of_o virtue_n baffle_v and_o overpower_a by_o the_o much_o strong_a passion_n which_o they_o have_v for_o the_o body_n and_o the_o world_n do_v they_o not_o find_v themselves_o reduce_v to_o that_o wretched_a state_n of_o bondage_n wherein_o the_o good_a that_o they_o will_v do_v that_o they_o do_v not_o but_o the_o evil_a that_o they_o will_v not_o do_v that_o be_v present_a with_o they_o it_o be_v plain_a then_o that_o sin_n be_v a_o disease_n in_o our_o nature_n that_o it_o not_o only_o extinguish_v the_o grace_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o obliterate_v the_o image_n of_o god_n stamp_v
a_o heavenly_a influence_n they_o natural_o shoot_v up_o into_o good_a work_n virtue_n have_v a_o celestial_a original_a and_o a_o celestial_a tendency_n from_o god_n it_o come_v and_o towards_o god_n it_o move_v and_o can_v it_o be_v otherwise_o than_o amiable_a and_o pleasant_a virtue_n be_v all_o beauty_n all_o harmony_n and_o order_n and_o therefore_o we_o may_v view_v and_o review_v consider_v and_o reflect_v upon_o it_o with_o delight_n it_o procure_v we_o the_o favour_n of_o god_n and_o man_n it_o make_v our_o affair_n natural_o run_v smooth_o and_o calm_o on_o and_o fill_v our_o mind_n with_o courage_n cheerfulness_n and_o good_a hope_n in_o one_o word_n diversion_n and_o amusement_n give_v we_o a_o fanciful_a pleasure_n a_o animal_n sensitive_a life_n a_o short_a and_o mean_a one_o sin_n a_o deceitful_a false_a and_o fatal_a one_o only_a virtue_n a_o pure_a a_o rational_a a_o glorious_a and_o last_a one_o and_o this_o be_v enough_o to_o be_v say_v here_o the_o loveliness_n of_o holiness_n be_v a_o subject_n which_o ever_o and_o anon_o i_o have_v occasion_n to_o engage_v in_o 2._o i_o be_o next_o to_o show_v that_o deliverance_n from_o sin_n remove_v the_o impediment_n of_o virtue_n this_o will_v easy_o be_v make_v out_o by_o examine_v what_o influence_n selfishness_n sensuality_n and_o the_o love_n of_o this_o world_n which_o be_v the_o three_o great_a principle_n or_o source_n of_o wickedness_n have_v upon_o the_o several_a part_n of_o evangelical_n righteousness_n 1._o the_o first_o part_n be_v that_o which_o contain_v those_o duty_n that_o more_o immediate_o relate_v to_o ourselves_o these_o be_v especial_o two_o sobriety_n and_o temperance_n by_o sobriety_n i_o mean_v a_o serious_a and_o impartial_a examination_n of_o thing_n or_o such_o a_o state_n of_o mind_n as_o qualify_v we_o for_o it_o by_o temperance_n i_o mean_v the_o moderation_n of_o our_o affection_n and_o enjoyment_n even_o in_o lawful_a and_o allow_v instance_n from_o these_o proceed_v vigilance_n industry_n prudence_n fortitude_n or_o patience_n and_o steadiness_n of_o mind_n in_o the_o prosecution_n of_o what_o be_v best_a without_o these_o it_o be_v in_o vain_a to_o expect_v either_o devotion_n towards_o god_n or_o justice_n and_o charity_n towards_o man._n nay_o nothing_o good_a or_o great_a can_v be_v accomplish_v without_o they_o since_o without_o they_o we_o have_v no_o ground_n to_o hope_v for_o either_o the_o assistance_n of_o divine_a grace_n or_o the_o protection_n and_o concurrence_n of_o divine_a providence_n only_o the_o pure_a and_o chaste_a soul_n be_v a_o fit_a temple_n for_o the_o residence_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n watch_v over_o none_o or_o at_o lest_o none_o have_v reason_n to_o expect_v it_o shall_v but_o such_o as_o be_v themselves_o vigilant_a and_o industrious_a but_o now_o how_o repugnant_a to_o how_o inconsistent_a with_o those_o virtue_n be_v that_o infatuation_n of_o mind_n and_o that_o debauchery_n of_o affection_n wherein_o sin_n consist_v how_o incapable_a either_o of_o sobriety_n or_o temperance_n do_v selfishness_n sensuality_n and_o the_o love_n of_o this_o world_n render_v we_o what_o a_o false_a estimate_n of_o thing_n do_v they_o cause_v we_o to_o form_n how_o insatiable_a do_v they_o render_v we_o in_o our_o desire_n of_o such_o thing_n as_o have_v but_o false_a and_o empty_a appearance_n of_o good_a and_o how_o imperious_o do_v they_o precipitate_v we_o into_o those_o sin_n which_o be_v the_o pollution_n and_o dishonour_n of_o our_o nature_n on_o the_o contrary_a let_v man_n be_v but_o once_o enlighten_v by_o faith_n let_v he_o but_o once_o come_v to_o believe_v that_o his_o soul_n be_v himself_o that_o he_o be_v a_o stranger_n and_o pilgrim_n upon_o earth_n that_o heaven_n be_v his_o country_n and_o that_o to_o do_v good_a work_n be_v to_o lay_v up_o his_o treasure_n in_o it_o let_v he_o i_o say_v but_o once_o believe_v this_o and_o then_o how_o sober_a how_o temperate_a how_o wise_a how_o vigilant_a and_o industrious_a will_v he_o grow_v and_o this_o he_o will_v soon_o be_v induce_v to_o believe_v if_o he_o be_v not_o actual_o under_o the_o influence_n of_o vicious_a principle_n and_o vicious_a custom_n when_o the_o mind_n be_v undeceive_v and_o disabused_a and_o the_o affection_n disengage_v it_o be_v natural_a to_o man_n to_o think_v calm_o and_o to_o desire_v and_o enjoy_v with_o a_o moderation_n suit_v to_o just_a and_o sober_a notion_n of_o worldly_a thing_n for_o this_o be_v to_o think_v and_o act_v as_o a_o man._n a_o second_o part_n of_o holiness_n regard_v god_n as_o its_o immediate_a object_n and_o consist_v in_o the_o fear_n and_o love_n of_o he_o in_o dependence_n and_o self-resignation_n in_o contemplation_n and_o devotion_n as_o to_o this_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o whoever_o be_v under_o the_o dominion_n of_o any_o sin_n must_v be_v a_o enemy_n or_o at_o least_o a_o stranger_n to_o it_o the_o infidel_n know_v no_o god_n and_o the_o wicked_a will_v not_o or_o dare_v not_o approach_z one_o their_o gild_n or_o their_o aversion_n keep_v they_o from_o it_o selfishness_n sensuality_n and_o the_o love_n of_o the_o world_n be_v inconsistent_a with_o the_o love_n of_o the_o father_n and_o all_o the_o several_a duty_n we_o owe_v he_o they_o alienate_v the_o mind_n of_o man_n from_o he_o and_o set_v up_o other_o god_n in_o his_o room_n hence_o the_o covetous_a be_v pronounce_v guilty_a of_o idolatry_n col._n 3.5_o and_o the_o luxurious_a and_o unclean_a be_v say_v to_o make_v their_o belly_n their_o god_n and_o to_o glory_n in_o their_o shame_n phil._n 3.19_o but_o as_o soon_o as_o a_o poor_a man_n discern_v that_o he_o have_v set_v his_o heart_n upon_o false_a good_n as_o soon_o as_o he_o find_v himself_o cheat_v and_o deceive_v in_o all_o his_o expectation_n by_o the_o world_n and_o be_v convince_v that_o god_n be_v his_o proper_a and_o his_o sovereign_a good_a how_o natural_a be_v it_o to_o turn_v his_o desire_n and_o hope_n from_o the_o creature_n upon_o the_o creator_n how_o natural_a be_v it_o to_o contemplate_v his_o greatness_n and_o goodness_n to_o thirst_v impatient_o for_o his_o favour_n and_o dread_v his_o displeasure_n and_o such_o a_o man_n will_v certain_o make_v the_o worship_n of_o god_n a_o great_a part_n at_o least_o of_o the_o business_n and_o employment_n of_o life_n with_o this_o he_o will_v begin_v and_o with_o this_o he_o will_v end_v the_o day_n nor_o will_v he_o rest_v here_o his_o soul_n will_v be_v ever_o and_o anon_o mount_v towards_o heaven_n in_o ejaculation_n and_o there_o will_v be_v scarce_o any_o action_n any_o event_n that_o will_v not_o excite_v he_o to_o praise_n and_o adore_v god_n or_o engage_v he_o in_o some_o wise_a reflection_n on_o his_o attribute_n but_o all_o this_o will_v the_o loose_a and_o atheistical_a say_v may_v be_v well_o spare_v it_o be_v only_o a_o vain_a and_o idle_a amusement_n war_n and_o peace_n business_n and_o trade_n have_v no_o dependence_n upon_o it_o kingdom_n and_o commonwealth_n may_v stand_v and_o flourish_v and_o sensible_a man_n may_v be_v rich_a and_o happy_a without_o it_o but_o to_o this_o i_o answer_v religion_n towards_o god_n be_v the_o foundation_n of_o all_o true_a virtue_n towards_o our_o neighbour_n law_n will_v want_v the_o better_a part_n of_o their_o authority_n if_o they_o be_v not_o enforce_v by_o a_o awe_n of_o god_n the_o wise_a counsel_n will_v have_v no_o effect_n do_v not_o virtue_n and_o religion_n help_v to_o execute_v they_o kingdom_n and_o commonwealth_n will_v be_v dissolve_v and_o burst_v to_o piece_n if_o they_o be_v not_o unite_v and_o hold_v in_o by_o these_o bond_n and_o wickedness_n will_v reduce_v the_o world_n to_o one_o great_a solitude_n and_o ruin_n be_v it_o not_o temper_v and_o restrain_v not_o only_o by_o the_o virtue_n and_o example_n but_o by_o the_o supplication_n and_o intercession_n too_o of_o devout_a men._n final_o this_o be_v a_o objection_n fit_a for_o none_o to_o make_v but_o the_o sottish_a and_o the_o ignorant_a man_n of_o desperate_a confidence_n and_o little_a knowledge_n for_o who_o ever_o be_v able_a to_o consider_v by_o what_o motive_n mankind_n have_v ever_o be_v wont_a to_o be_v most_o strong_o affect_v by_o what_o principle_n the_o world_n have_v ever_o be_v lead_v and_o govern_v how_o great_a a_o interest_n even_o superstition_n have_v have_v either_o in_o the_o civilise_n and_o reform_v barbarous_a nation_n or_o the_o martial_a success_n of_o the_o first_o founder_n of_o monarchy_n and_o the_o like_a whoever_o i_o say_v be_v able_a to_o reflect_v though_o but_o slight_o on_o these_o thing_n can_v never_o be_v so_o silly_a as_o to_o demand_v what_o the_o use_n of_o religion_n be_v or_o to_o imagine_v it_o possible_a to_o root_v up_o its_o authority_n in_o the_o world_n the_o three_o part_n of_o holiness_n regard_v our_o neighbour_n and_o consist_v
in_o the_o exercise_n of_o truth_n justice_n and_o charity_n and_o no_o where_o be_v the_o ill_a influence_n of_o selfishness_n sensuality_n and_o the_o love_n of_o the_o world_n more_o notorious_a than_o here_o for_o these_o render_v we_o impatient_a and_o insatiable_a in_o our_o desire_n violent_a in_o the_o prosecution_n of_o they_o extravagant_a and_o excessive_a in_o our_o enjoyment_n and_o the_o thing_n of_o this_o world_n be_v few_o and_o finite_a and_o unable_a to_o satisfy_v such_o inordinate_a appetite_n we_o stand_v in_o one_o another_o light_n in_o one_o another_o way_n to_o profit_v and_o pleasure_n or_o too_o often_o at_o least_o seem_v to_o do_v so_o and_o this_o must_v unavoidable_o produce_v a_o thousand_o miserable_a consequence_n according_o we_o daily_o see_v that_o these_o passion_n selfishness_n sensuality_n and_o the_o love_n of_o the_o world_n be_v the_o parent_n of_o envy_n and_o emulation_n avarice_n ambition_n strife_n and_o contention_n hypocrisy_n and_o corruption_n lewdness_n luxury_n and_o prodigality_n but_o be_v utter_a enemy_n to_o honour_n truth_n and_o integrity_n to_o generosity_n and_o charity_n to_o obviate_v therefore_o the_o mischievous_a effect_n of_o these_o vicious_a principle_n religion_n aim_v at_o implant_n in_o the_o world_n other_o of_o a_o benign_a and_o beneficent_a nature_n oppose_v against_o the_o love_n of_o the_o world_n hope_n against_o selfishness_n charity_n and_o against_o sensuality_n faith_n and_o to_o the_o end_n the_o different_a tendency_n of_o these_o different_a principle_n may_v be_v the_o more_o conspicuous_a i_o will_v brief_o compare_v the_o effect_n they_o have_v in_o reference_n to_o our_o neighbour_n selfishness_n make_v man_n look_v upon_o the_o world_n as_o make_v for_o he_o alone_o and_o upon_o all_o as_o his_o enemy_n who_o do_v any_o way_n interfere_v with_o or_o obstruct_v his_o design_n it_o seal_v up_o all_o our_o treasure_n confine_n all_o our_o care_n and_o thought_n to_o our_o private_a interest_n honour_n or_o pleasure_n employ_v all_o our_o part_n power_n and_o wealth_n and_o all_o our_o time_n too_o in_o pursuit_n of_o our_o particular_a advantage_n sensuality_n tempt_v a_o man_n to_o abandon_v the_o care_n and_o concern_v for_o his_o country_n his_o friend_n and_o relation_n and_o neglect_v the_o duty_n of_o his_o station_n that_o he_o may_v give_v himself_o up_o to_o some_o sottish_a and_o dishonourable_a vice_n it_o prevail_v with_o he_o to_o refuse_v alm_n to_o the_o poor_a assistance_n to_o any_o public_a or_o neighbourly_a good_a work_n and_o even_o a_o decent_a nay_o sometime_o a_o necessary_a allowance_n to_o his_o family_n that_o he_o may_v waste_v and_o lavish_a out_o his_o fortune_n upon_o some_o vile_a and_o expensive_a lust_n in_o a_o word_n it_o make_v he_o incapable_a of_o the_o fatigue_n of_o civil_a business_n and_o much_o more_o of_o the_o hardship_n and_o hazard_n of_o war_n so_o that_o instead_o of_o imitate_v the_o glorious_a example_n of_o vriah_n who_o will_v not_o suffer_v himself_o to_o be_v court_v into_o the_o enjoyment_n even_o of_o allow_a pleasure_n nor_o indulge_v himself_o in_o the_o tenderness_n and_o caress_n of_o a_o wife_n and_o child_n while_o joab_n and_o the_o army_n of_o israel_n be_v in_o the_o field_n he_o on_o the_o contrary_a dissolve_v and_o melt_v down_o his_o life_n and_o fortune_n in_o uncleanness_n and_o luxury_n the_o shame_n and_o burden_n of_o his_o country_n and_o his_o family_n at_o a_o time_n when_o not_o only_o the_o honour_n but_o the_o safety_n of_o his_o country_n lie_v at_o stake_n and_o prince_n and_o people_n defend_v it_o by_o their_o toil_n and_o blood_n what_o shall_v i_o mention_v the_o love_n of_o the_o world_n be_v not_o the_o effect_n of_o it_o as_o visible_a among_o we_o as_o deplorable_a do_v not_o this_o wherever_o it_o reign_v fill_v all_o place_n with_o bribery_n and_o corruption_n falshood_n treachery_n and_o cowardice_n worse_o can_v be_v say_v on_o it_o and_o more_o need_v not_o for_o what_o society_n can_v thrive_v or_o which_o way_n can_v credit_v and_o reputation_n be_v support_v what_o treasure_n what_o counsel_n what_o army_n what_o conduct_v can_v save_v a_o people_n where_o these_o vice_n prevail_v let_v we_o now_o on_o the_o other_o side_n suppose_v selfishness_n sensuality_n and_o the_o love_n of_o the_o world_n cashier_v and_o faith_n hope_n and_o charity_n entertain_v in_o their_o room_n what_o a_o bless_a change_n will_v this_o effect_n in_o the_o world_n how_o soon_o will_v honour_v and_o integrity_n truth_n and_o justice_n and_o a_o public_a spirit_n revive_v how_o serviceable_a and_o eminent_a will_v these_o render_v every_o man_n in_o his_o charge_n these_o be_v the_o true_a principle_n of_o great_a and_o brave_a action_n these_o these_o alone_a can_v render_v our_o duty_n dear_a to_o we_o than_o any_o temporal_a consideration_n these_o will_v enable_v we_o to_o do_v good_a work_n without_o a_o eye_n to_o the_o return_v they_o will_v make_v we_o these_o will_v make_v it_o appear_v to_o we_o very_o reasonable_a to_o sacrifice_v fortune_n life_n every_o thing_n when_o the_o honour_n of_o god_n and_o public_a good_a demand_v it_o of_o we_o the_o belief_n and_o hope_v of_o heaven_n be_v a_o sufficient_a encouragement_n to_o virtue_n when_o all_o other_o fail_v the_o love_n of_o god_n as_o our_o supreme_a good_a will_v make_v we_o easy_o surmount_v the_o consideration_n of_o expense_n difficulty_n or_o hazard_n in_o such_o attempt_v as_o we_o be_v sure_o will_v please_v he_o and_o the_o love_n of_o our_o neighbour_n as_o ourselves_o will_v make_v we_o compassionate_a to_o his_o evil_n and_o want_n tender_a to_o his_o infirmity_n and_o zealous_a of_o his_o good_a as_o of_o our_o own_o how_o happy_a then_o will_v these_o principle_n make_v the_o world_n and_o how_o much_o be_v it_o the_o interest_n of_o every_o one_o to_o encourage_v and_o propagate_v these_o and_o to_o discountenance_v and_o suppress_v the_o contrary_a one_o i_o have_v do_v with_o the_o second_o effect_n of_o christian_a liberty_n and_o will_v pass_v on_o to_o the_o three_o as_o soon_o as_o i_o have_v make_v two_o remark_n on_o this_o last_o paragraph_n first_o it_o be_v very_o evident_a from_o what_o have_v be_v say_v in_o it_o that_o solid_a virtue_n can_v be_v graff_v on_o no_o stock_n but_o that_o of_o religion_n that_o universal_a righteousness_n can_v be_v raise_v on_o none_o but_o gospel_n principles_n who_o be_v he_o that_o overcome_v the_o world_n but_o he_o that_o believe_v that_o jesus_n be_v the_o christ_n 1_o joh._n 5._o i_o do_v not_o oppose_v this_o proposition_n against_o jew_n or_o gentile_n god_n vouchsafe_v in_o sundry_a time_n and_o in_o divers_a manner_n such_o revelation_n of_o his_o truth_n and_o such_o communication_n of_o his_o grace_n as_o he_o see_v fit_a and_o to_o these_o be_v the_o righteousness_n hereof_o whatever_o it_o be_v to_o be_v attribute_v not_o to_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n or_o moses_n but_o suppose_v it_o against_o the_o bold_a pretension_n of_o libertin_n and_o atheist_n at_o this_o day_n honour_n and_o justice_n in_o their_o mouth_n be_v a_o vain_a beast_n and_o the_o natural_a power_n they_o pretend_v to_o over_o their_o own_o action_n to_o square_v and_o govern_v they_o according_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o right_a reason_n be_v only_o a_o malicious_a design_n to_o supplant_v the_o honour_n of_o divine_a grace_n and_o be_v as_o false_a and_o groundless_a as_o arrogant_a alas_o they_o talk_v of_o a_o liberty_n which_o they_o do_v not_o understand_v for_o do_v they_o but_o once_o admit_v purity_n of_o heart_n into_o their_o notion_n of_o it_o they_o will_v soon_o discern_v what_o stranger_n they_o be_v to_o it_o how_o be_v it_o possible_a but_o that_o they_o shall_v be_v the_o servant_n of_o the_o body_n who_o reject_v and_o disbelieve_v the_o dignity_n and_o pre-eminence_n of_o the_o soul_n how_o be_v it_o possible_a they_o shall_v not_o be_v lover_n of_o pleasure_n more_o than_o lover_n of_o god_n who_o either_o believe_v no_o god_n or_o none_o that_o concern_v himself_o much_o about_o we_o and_o how_o can_v they_o choose_v but_o be_v selfish_a and_o sensual_a and_o dote_v upon_o this_o world_n who_o expect_v no_o better_o who_o believe_v no_o other_o take_v away_o providence_n and_o a_o life_n to_o come_v and_o what_o can_v oblige_v a_o man_n to_o any_o action_n that_o shall_v cross_v his_o temporal_a interest_n or_o his_o pleasure_n what_o shall_v reward_v his_o espouse_v virtue_n when_o it_o have_v no_o dowry_n but_o loss_n reproach_n and_o persecution_n what_o shall_v curb_v he_o in_o the_o career_n of_o a_o lust_n when_o he_o may_v commit_v it_o not_o only_o with_o impunity_n but_o as_o the_o world_n sometime_o go_v with_o honour_n and_o preferment_n too_o though_o therefore_o such_o man_n as_o these_o may_v possible_o restrain_v their_o outward_a action_n yet_o be_v they_o all_o the_o
this_o chapter_n be_v grow_v much_o too_o big_a already_o and_o to_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o fruit_n of_o this_o liberty_n which_o i_o have_v so_o long_o insist_v on_o nothing_o more_o need_v to_o be_v add_v but_o the_o observation_n of_o those_o rule_n which_o i_o shall_v lay_v down_o in_o the_o follow_a chapter_n for_o whatever_o advice_n will_v secure_v the_o several_a part_n of_o our_o liberty_n will_v consequent_o secure_v the_o whole_a i_o will_v therefore_o close_v this_o chapter_n here_o with_o a_o brief_a exhortation_n to_o endeavour_v after_o deliverance_n from_o sin_n how_o many_o and_o powerful_a motive_n have_v we_o to_o it_o will_v we_o free_v ourselves_o from_o the_o evil_n of_o this_o life_n let_v we_o dam_v up_o the_o source_n of_o they_o which_o be_v sin_n will_v we_o surmount_v the_o fear_n of_o death_n let_v we_o disarm_v it_o of_o its_o sting_n and_o this_o be_v sin_n will_v we_o perfect_v and_o accomplish_v our_o nature_n with_o all_o excellent_a quality_n it_o be_v righteousness_n wherein_o consist_v the_o image_n of_o god_n and_o participation_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n it_o be_v the_o cleanse_n ourselves_o from_o all_o filthiness_n of_o the_o flesh_n and_o spirit_n and_o the_o perfect_a holiness_n in_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n that_o must_v transform_v we_o from_o glory_n to_o glory_n will_v we_o be_v master_n of_o the_o most_o glorious_a fortune_n it_o be_v righteousness_n that_o will_v make_v we_o heir_n of_o god_n and_o joynt-heir_n with_o christ_n it_o be_v the_o conquest_n of_o our_o sin_n and_o the_o abound_a in_o good_a work_n that_o will_v make_v we_o rich_a towards_o god_n and_o lay_v up_o for_o we_o a_o good_a foundation_n for_o the_o life_n to_o come_v be_v we_o ambitious_a of_o honour_n let_v we_o free_v ourselves_o from_o the_o servitude_n of_o sin_n it_o be_v virtue_n only_o that_o be_v true_o honourable_a and_o praiseworthy_a and_o nothing_o sure_o can_v entitle_v we_o to_o so_o noble_a a_o relation_n for_o this_o ally_n we_o to_o god_n for_o as_o our_o saviour_n speak_v they_o only_o be_v the_o child_n of_o abraham_n who_o do_v the_o work_n of_o abraham_n the_o child_n of_o god_n who_o do_v the_o work_n of_o god_n these_o be_v they_o who_o be_v bear_v again_o not_o of_o the_o will_n of_o the_o flesh_n or_o of_o the_o will_n of_o man_n but_o of_o god_n these_o be_v they_o who_o be_v incorporate_v into_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n and_o be_v rule_v and_o animate_v by_o his_o spirit_n be_v entitle_v to_o all_o the_o bless_a effect_n of_o his_o merit_n and_o intercession_n these_o be_v they_o in_o a_o word_n who_o have_v overcome_v and_o will_v one_o day_n sit_v down_o with_o christ_n in_o his_o throne_n even_o as_o he_o also_o overcome_v and_o be_v set_v down_o with_o his_o father_n in_o his_o throne_n rev._n 3.21_o good_a god_n how_o absurd_a and_o perverse_a all_o our_o desire_n and_o project_n be_v we_o complain_v of_o the_o evil_n of_o the_o world_n and_o yet_o we_o hug_v the_o cause_n of_o they_o and_o cherish_v those_o vice_n who_o fatal_a wound_n be_v ever_o big_a with_o numerous_a and_o intolerable_a plague_n we_o fear_v death_n and_o will_v get_v rid_v of_o this_o fear_n not_o by_o disarm_v but_o sharpen_v its_o sting_n not_o by_o subdue_a but_o forget_v it_o we_o love_v wealth_n and_o treasure_n but_o it_o be_v that_o which_o be_v temporal_a not_o eternal_a we_o receive_v honour_n one_o of_o another_o but_o we_o seek_v not_o that_o which_o come_v from_o god_n only_o we_o be_v fond_a of_o ease_n and_o pleasure_n and_o at_o the_o same_o time_n we_o wander_v from_o those_o path_n of_o wisdom_n which_o alone_o can_v bring_v we_o to_o it_o for_o in_o a_o word_n it_o be_v this_o christian_a liberty_n that_o make_v man_n true_o free_a not_o the_o be_v in_o bondage_n to_o no_o man_n but_o to_o no_o sin_n not_o the_o do_v what_o we_o listen_v but_o what_o we_o ought_v it_o be_v christian_a liberty_n that_o make_v we_o true_o great_a and_o true_o glorious_a for_o this_o alone_a render_v we_o serviceable_a to_o other_o and_o easie_n to_o our_o self_n benefactor_n to_o the_o world_n and_o delightsome_a at_o home_n it_o be_v christian_n liberty_n make_v we_o true_o prosperous_a true_o fortunate_a because_o it_o make_v we_o true_o happy_a fill_v we_o with_o joy_n and_o peace_n and_o make_v we_o abound_v in_o hope_n through_o the_o power_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n chap._n iu._n of_o liberty_n as_o it_o relate_v to_o original_a sin_n whatever_o difficulty_n the_o doctrine_n of_o original_a sin_n real_o be_v involve_v in_o or_o seem_v at_o least_o to_o some_o to_o be_v so_o they_o will_v not_o concern_v i_o who_o be_o no_o further_o oblige_v to_o consider_v it_o than_o as_o it_o be_v a_o impediment_n of_o perfection_n for_o though_o there_o be_v much_o dispute_n about_o original_a sin_n there_o be_v little_a or_o none_o about_o original_a corruption_n the_o reality_n of_o this_o be_v general_o acknowledge_v though_o the_o gild_n the_o sinfulness_n or_o immorality_n of_o it_o be_v controvert_v and_o though_o there_o be_v diversity_n of_o opinion_n concern_v the_o effect_n of_o original_a corruption_n in_o eternity_n yet_o there_o be_v no_o doubt_n at_o all_o make_v but_o that_o it_o incite_v and_o instigate_v we_o to_o actual_a sin_n and_o be_v the_o seed-plot_n of_o human_a folly_n and_o wickedness_n all_o man_n i_o think_v be_v agree_v that_o there_o be_v a_o bias_n and_o strong_a propension_n in_o our_o nature_n towards_o the_o thing_n of_o the_o world_n and_o the_o body_n that_o the_o subordination_n of_o the_o body_n to_o the_o soul_n and_o of_o the_o soul_n to_o god_n wherein_o consist_v righteousness_n be_v subvert_v and_o overthrow_v that_o we_o have_v appetite_n which_o clash_n with_o and_o oppose_v the_o command_n of_o god_n not_o only_a when_o they_o threaten_v violence_n to_o our_o nature_n as_o in_o the_o case_n of_o confession_n and_o martyrdom_n but_o also_o when_o they_o only_o prune_v its_o luxuriancy_n and_o extravagance_n that_o we_o do_v not_o only_o desire_v sensitive_a pleasure_n but_o even_o to_o that_o degree_n that_o it_o hurry_v and_o transport_v we_o beyond_o the_o bound_n that_o reason_n and_o religion_n set_v we_o we_o have_v not_o only_o a_o aversion_n for_o pain_n and_o toil_n and_o death_n but_o to_o that_o excess_n that_o it_o tempt_v we_o to_o renounce_v god_n and_o our_o duty_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o carnal_a ease_n and_o temporal_a safety_n and_o final_o that_o we_o be_v so_o backward_o to_o entertain_v the_o belief_n of_o reveal_v truth_n so_o prone_a to_o terminate_v our_o thought_n on_o and_o confine_v our_o desire_n within_o this_o visible_a world_n as_o our_o portion_n and_o to_o look_v upon_o ourselves_o no_o other_o than_o the_o mortal_a and_o corruptible_a inhabitant_n of_o it_o that_o this_o make_v we_o selfish_a and_o sordid_a proud_a and_o ambitious_a false_a subtle_a and_o contentious_a to_o the_o endless_a disturbance_n of_o mankind_n and_o ourselves_o that_o this_o i_o say_v be_v the_o state_n of_o nature_n that_o this_o be_v the_o corruption_n we_o labour_v under_o all_o man_n i_o think_v be_v agree_v and_o no_o wonder_n for_o do_v a_o controversy_n arise_v about_o this_o there_o will_v be_v no_o need_n to_o appeal_v any_o further_a for_o the_o decision_n of_o it_o than_o to_o one_o own_o experience_n this_o will_v tell_v every_o one_o that_o thus_o it_o be_v in_o fact_n and_o reason_n if_o we_o will_v consult_v it_o will_v tell_v we_o why_o it_o be_v so_o for_o what_o other_o than_o this_o can_v be_v the_o condition_n of_o man_n who_o enter_v the_o world_n with_o a_o soul_n so_o dark_a and_o destitute_a of_o divine_a light_n so_o deep_o immerce_v and_o plunge_v into_o flesh_n and_o blood_n so_o tender_o and_o intimate_o affect_v by_o bodily_a sensation_n and_o with_o a_o body_n so_o adapt_v and_o suit_v to_o the_o thing_n of_o this_o world_n and_o fasten_v to_o it_o by_o the_o charm_n of_o pleasure_n and_o the_o bond_n of_o interest_n convenience_n and_o necessity_n this_o account_n of_o original_a corruption_n agree_v very_o well_o with_o that_o st._n paul_n give_v we_o of_o it_o rom._n 7._o and_o elsewhere_o and_o with_o that_o assertion_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o master_n on_o which_o he_o build_v the_o necessity_n of_o regeneration_n by_o water_n and_o the_o holy_a spirit_n joh._n 3.6_o that_o which_o be_v bear_v of_o the_o flesh_n be_v flesh_n and_o that_o which_o be_v bear_v of_o the_o spirit_n be_v spirit_n have_v thus_o brief_o explain_v what_o i_o mean_v in_o this_o chapter_n by_o original_a sin_n i_o be_o next_o to_o consider_v these_o two_o thing_n 1._o how_o far_o this_o distemper_n of_o nature_n be_v curable_a 2._o which_o way_n this_o cure_n be_v to_o be_v effect_v as_o to_o the_o first_o enquiry_n i_o will_v
case_n of_o herod_n he_o have_v yield_v no_o doubt_n to_o the_o power_n and_o force_n of_o the_o baptist_n reason_n if_o he_o have_v not_o be_v draw_v back_o by_o the_o charm_n of_o his_o herodias_n and_o this_o be_v the_o case_n of_o every_o man_n who_o be_v but_o almost_o a_o christian_n he_o be_v under_o the_o ascendant_n of_o some_o silly_a or_o vile_a lust_n or_o other_o this_o be_v that_o which_o spoil_v the_o taste_n of_o the_o hide_a manna_n and_o diminish_v the_o price_n of_o canaan_n without_o doubt_n man_n will_v apply_v themselves_o more_o vigorous_o to_o spiritual_a thing_n be_v they_o not_o too_o fond_a of_o the_o body_n and_o the_o pleasure_n of_o it_o they_o will_v certain_o seek_v the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n more_o earnest_o and_o make_v a_o better_a provision_n than_o they_o do_v for_o the_o other_o world_n be_v they_o not_o too_o much_o take_v with_o this_o and_o therefore_o too_o apt_a to_o set_v up_o their_o rest_n on_o this_o side_n jordan_n now_o if_o this_o be_v so_o what_o can_v we_o expect_v they_o only_a who_o conquer_v be_v crown_v they_o that_o sow_v to_o the_o flesh_n and_o to_o the_o world_n can_v reap_v nothing_o from_o these_o but_o corruption_n these_o kind_n of_o christian_n though_o peradventure_o they_o be_v not_o slave_n to_o any_o infamous_a and_o scandalous_a lust_n be_v yet_o entangle_v by_o some_o other_o not_o muchless_a injurious_a though_o not_o to_o reputation_n yet_o to_o purity_n of_o heart_n they_o be_v captive_v to_o the_o world_n and_o flesh_n though_o their_o chain_n seem_v better_o polish_v and_o of_o a_o fine_a metal_n they_o can_v mount_v upward_o they_o can_v conquer_v be_v retard_v and_o keep_v under_o if_o not_o by_o the_o strength_n of_o temptation_n yet_o by_o their_o own_o softness_n and_o weakness_n and_o yet_o why_o shall_v i_o doubt_v but_o these_o be_v conquer_v by_o temptation_n the_o more_o innocent_a the_o object_n of_o any_o one_o passion_n be_v general_o the_o more_o fatal_a because_o we_o be_v the_o more_o apt_a to_o indulge_v ourselves_o in_o it_o the_o cause_n of_o lukewarmness_n be_v thus_o point_v out_o it_o be_v evident_a what_o the_o cure_n of_o it_o consist_v in_o namely_o in_o form_v just_a and_o correct_v notion_n of_o virtue_n and_o vice_n in_o strengthen_v and_o confirm_v our_o faith_n and_o in_o perfect_v and_o complete_n our_o reformation_n i_o will_v now_o endeavour_v to_o possess_v the_o mind_n of_o man_n with_o a_o aversion_n and_o dread_a of_o this_o state_n of_o lukewarmness_n by_o show_v 1._o the_o folly_n 2._o the_o gild_n and_o 3._o the_o danger_n of_o it_o 1._o the_o folly_n how_o reasonable_o may_v i_o here_o address_v myself_o to_o the_o lukewarm_a in_o the_o word_n of_o elijah_n to_o the_o israelite_n how_o long_o halt_v you_o between_o two_o opinion_n if_o the_o lord_n be_v god_n follow_v he_o but_o if_o baal_n then_o follow_v he_o 1_o king_n 18.21_o if_o you_o do_v indeed_o believe_v that_o your_o safety_n and_o happiness_n depend_v upon_o god_n then_o serve_v he_o in_o good_a earnest_n but_o if_o you_o think_v this_o depend_v upon_o the_o world_n the_o flesh_n and_o the_o devil_n then_o serve_v these_o if_o you_o real_o think_v that_o virtue_n and_o religion_n be_v the_o most_o solid_a and_o stable_a treasure_n then_o strive_v sincere_o and_o vigorous_o to_o possess_v yourselves_o of_o they_o but_o if_o you_o real_o think_v that_o the_o ease_n and_o pleasure_n of_o the_o body_n respect_n and_o pomp_n and_o state_n be_v the_o proper_a portion_n and_o sovereign_a good_a of_o man_n then_o devote_v and_o offer_v up_o yourselves_o to_o these_o for_o what_o a_o folly_n be_v that_o life_n which_o will_v neither_o procure_v we_o the_o happiness_n of_o this_o world_n nor_o of_o another_o to_o what_o purpose_n be_v it_o to_o listen_v only_o so_o much_o to_o conscience_n as_o to_o damp_n and_o chill_a our_o pleasure_n and_o so_o much_o to_o pleasure_n as_o to_o disturb_v the_o peace_n and_o repose_n of_o conscience_n but_o indeed_o as_o the_o word_n of_o elijah_n be_v rather_o a_o irony_n than_o any_o real_a doubt_n whether_o baal_n or_o the_o lord_n be_v god_n rather_o a_o scornful_a derision_n of_o their_o folly_n and_o stupidity_n than_o a_o serious_a exhortation_n to_o deliberate_v whether_o idolatry_n or_o the_o worship_n of_o the_o true_a god_n be_v to_o be_v choose_v i_o doubt_v not_o but_o i_o will_v seem_v to_o you_o to_o carry_v no_o other_o sound_n in_o they_o the_o disparity_n be_v so_o vast_a between_o god_n and_o the_o world_n between_o religion_n and_o sensuality_n covetousness_n or_o ambition_n between_o those_o hope_n and_o enjoyment_n we_o may_v reap_v from_o the_o one_o and_o those_o we_o can_v fancy_v in_o the_o other_o that_o there_o be_v no_o place_n for_o doubt_v what_o choice_n we_o be_v to_o make_v or_o to_o which_o side_n we_o be_v to_o adhere_v nay_o in_o this_o we_o be_v more_o criminal_a than_o the_o israelite_n be_v self-condemned_a the_o israelite_n indeed_o seem_v to_o be_v at_o a_o loss_n whether_o the_o lord_n or_o baal_n be_v god_n they_o doubt_v under_o who_o protection_n they_o may_v thrive_v best_a but_o at_o this_o day_n whoever_o believe_v a_o god_n know_v very_o well_o there_o be_v none_o beside_o he_o whatever_o passion_n we_o have_v for_o the_o world_n and_o the_o thing_n of_o it_o whatever_o spiritual_a idolatry_n we_o be_v guilty_a of_o our_o opinion_n be_v not_o yet_o so_o far_o corrupt_v as_o to_o attribute_v to_o they_o in_o reality_n any_o thing_n like_o divinity_n whilst_o we_o dote_v on_o wealth_n we_o at_o the_o same_o time_n know_v that_o it_o make_v its_o self_n wing_n and_o fly_v away_o whilst_o on_o greatness_n and_o power_n we_o know_v that_o it_o be_v but_o a_o piece_n of_o empty_a and_o toilsome_a pageantry_n and_o often_o the_o subject_a of_o misery_n and_o dismal_a tragedy_n not_o incident_a to_o a_o low_a state_n whilst_o we_o dote_v on_o pleasure_n we_o be_v well_o assure_v that_o it_o be_v dishonourable_a and_o short_a and_o intermix_v with_o fear_n and_o shame_n and_o torment_n we_o know_v that_o nothing_o here_o below_o be_v able_a to_o free_v our_o state_n and_o fortune_n from_o calamity_n our_o mind_n from_o gild_n the_o body_n from_o death_n much_o less_o the_o whole_a man_n from_o a_o miserable_a eternity_n in_o one_o word_n we_o know_v that_o what_o we_o admire_v be_v vanity_n and_o what_o we_o worship_v be_v indeed_o a_o idol_n this_o be_v so_o i_o will_v insist_v no_o long_o on_o this_o topick_n for_o since_o the_o world_n bear_v no_o competition_n with_o god_n in_o our_o opinion_n though_o it_o often_o rival_n he_o in_o our_o affection_n we_o be_v not_o to_o impute_v the_o halt_n of_o a_o laodicean_n christian_n to_o any_o persuasion_n of_o omnipotence_n or_o alsufficiency_n or_o any_o thing_n like_o divinity_n in_o the_o thing_n he_o dote_v on_o serve_v and_o worship_n but_o we_o must_v find_v out_o some_o other_o reason_n of_o it_o and_o that_o be_v general_o this_o we_o be_v willing_a to_o believe_v that_o our_o fondness_n for_o the_o world_n and_o our_o indulgence_n to_o the_o body_n be_v consistent_a enough_o with_o religion_n that_o it_o be_v no_o violation_n of_o our_o faith_n nor_o provocation_n to_o god_n nor_o conserquent_o prejudice_n to_o our_o eternal_a interest_n and_o then_o it_o be_v no_o wonder_n if_o we_o blend_v and_o compound_v religion_n and_o sensuality_n and_o stand_v divide_v in_o our_o affection_n and_o consequent_o halt_v in_o our_o service_n between_o god_n and_o the_o world_n to_o prevent_v this_o i_o will_v show_v 2._o that_o this_o be_v a_o great_a sin_n which_o be_v sufficient_o evident_a from_o this_o single_a consideration_n that_o it_o frustrate_v the_o efficacy_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o the_o spirit_n and_o entire_o defeat_v the_o great_a design_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n for_o 1._o religion_n have_v no_o effectual_a influence_n upon_o the_o lukewarm_a himself_o the_o gospel_n work_v no_o thorough_a change_n in_o he_o the_o sinner_n be_v not_o convert_v into_o a_o saint_n nor_o human_a nature_n perfect_v by_o participation_n of_o a_o divine_a one_o 2._o the_o laodicean_n can_v never_o offer_v up_o to_o god_n any_o gift_n any_o sacrifice_n worthy_a of_o he_o nor_o render_v he_o any_o service_n acceptable_a to_o he_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n be_v righteousness_n and_o peace_n and_o joy_n in_o the_o holy_a ghost_n rom._n 14._o he_o that_o in_o these_o thing_n serve_v christ_n be_v acceptable_a to_o god_n and_o approve_v of_o men._n but_o alas_o these_o man_n be_v almost_o utter_a stranger_n to_o these_o thing_n a_o few_o faint_a and_o irresolute_a wish_n formal_a and_o customary_a prayer_n niggardly_a and_o grumble_a alm_n and_o a_o attendance_n upon_o god_n word_n rather_o out_o of_o spiritual_a wantonness_n than_o devotion_n these_o be_v the_o offering_n
they_o can_v make_v god_n and_o will_v god_n be_v better_a please_v with_o these_o than_o he_o be_v with_o those_o of_o israel_n that_o be_v deform_v with_o maim_n and_o blemish_n mal._n 1.8_o offer_v now_o these_o to_o thy_o governor_n will_v he_o he_o please_v with_o thou_o or_o accept_v of_o thy_o person_n say_v the_o lord_n of_o host_n the_o magi_n indeed_o leave_v their_o country_n and_o offer_v gold_n frankincense_n and_o myrrh_n to_o our_o saviour_n mat._n 2._o david_n will_v not_o sacrifice_v to_o god_n of_o that_o which_o cost_v he_o nothing_o 2_o sam._n 24._o 24._o the_o primitive_a christian_n offer_v up_o to_o god_n prayer_n and_o tear_n labour_n and_o travel_n nay_o their_o honour_n their_o fortune_n their_o life_n their_o blood_n but_o alas_o what_o have_v these_o man_n to_o offer_v they_o have_v not_o love_n enough_o to_o put_v they_o upon_o any_o expense_n nor_o faith_n enough_o to_o put_v they_o upon_o any_o hardship_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o god_n and_o virtue_n for_o though_o they_o think_v themselves_o rich_a and_o increse_v in_o good_n and_o to_o have_v need_n of_o nothing_o yet_o be_v they_o poor_a wretched_a and_o miserable_a and_o blind_a and_o naked_a rev._n 3.17_o and_o shall_v these_o receive_v a_o crown_n of_o righteousness_n shall_v these_o share_n in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o jesus_n shall_v these_o partake_v in_o the_o triumph_n of_o the_o last_o day_n it_o can_v never_o be_v they_o do_v nothing_o worthy_a of_o the_o gospel_n nothing_o that_o can_v entitle_v they_o to_o the_o benefit_n of_o the_o cross_n of_o christ_n 3._o the_o life_n of_o the_o laodicean_n christian_n will_v never_o do_v any_o do_v any_o credit_n to_o religion_n or_o reflect_v any_o honour_n on_o the_o gospel_n no_o man_n will_v be_v ever_o able_a to_o discern_v the_o beauty_n of_o holiness_n or_o the_o power_n and_o efficacy_n of_o divine_a truth_n from_o the_o practice_n and_o conversation_n of_o such_o a_o one_o ah_o have_v the_o carriage_n of_o the_o primitive_a time_n be_v such_o as_o he_o i_o know_v not_o what_o miracle_n may_v have_v do_v i_o be_o sure_a example_n will_v never_o have_v make_v many_o proselyte_n but_o the_o christian_n then_o act_v those_o virtue_n which_o the_o pagan_a only_o pretend_v to_o and_o faith_n in_o jesus_n achieve_v those_o victory_n over_o the_o world_n which_o the_o jew_n so_o debauch_v and_o stupid_a be_v they_o grow_v do_v in_o the_o declension_n of_o that_o state_n neither_o understand_v nor_o pretend_v to_o this_o be_v that_o which_o make_v the_o world_n admire_v and_o love_n christianity_n after_o thus_o much_o say_v of_o the_o effect_n of_o this_o sort_n of_o carriage_n i_o need_v scarce_o put_v any_o one_o in_o mind_n what_o will_v be_v the_o last_o and_o sad_a effect_n of_o it_o for_o if_o our_o christianity_n be_v such_o that_o it_o neither_o true_o set_v we_o free_a from_o our_o bondage_n to_o the_o world_n and_o flesh_n nor_o enrich_v our_o soul_n with_o true_a and_o solid_a virtue_n if_o it_o neither_o promote_v the_o honour_n of_o god_n nor_o the_o good_a of_o man_n it_o must_v unavoidable_o follow_v that_o have_v no_o true_a title_n to_o god_n favour_n nor_o any_o rational_a ground_n on_o which_o to_o build_v a_o assurance_n of_o it_o we_o can_v reap_v no_o true_a comfort_n or_o pleasure_n from_o religion_n here_o nor_o any_o reward_n from_o it_o hereafter_o alas_o what_o talk_v i_o of_o comfort_n and_o reward_n distress_n and_o anguish_n must_v take_v hold_v of_o the_o sinner_n in_o zion_n and_o fearfulness_n must_v suprize_v the_o hypocrite_n and_o from_o the_o trouble_n and_o misery_n of_o thu_fw-mi life_n they_o must_v go_v down_o into_o the_o everlasting_a torment_n of_o another_o the_o scripture_n be_v plain_a god_n will_v spew_v they_o out_o of_o his_o mouth_n as_o he_o do_v the_o laodicean_n he_o will_v shut_v the_o gate_n of_o heaven_n against_o they_o as_o against_o the_o foolish_a virgin_n that_o have_v no_o oil_n in_o their_o lamp_n and_o their_o hell_n will_v have_v one_o torment_n in_o it_o which_o be_v incident_a to_o no_o other_o that_o they_o have_v once_o the_o hope_n of_o heaven_n and_o it_o be_v no_o small_a aggravation_n of_o misery_n to_o fall_v into_o it_o even_o from_o the_o expectation_n of_o happiness_n this_o be_v not_o as_o i_o observe_v above_o to_o be_v apply_v to_o accidental_a dulness_n or_o deadness_n in_o duty_n nor_o be_v the_o decay_n or_o abatement_n of_o love_n which_o good_a man_n sometime_o suffer_v immediate_o to_o be_v pronounce_v damnable_a but_o yet_o these_o be_v to_o be_v put_v in_o mind_n of_o the_o danger_n they_o be_v in_o and_o recall_v to_o their_o former_a zeal_n in_o the_o word_n of_o the_o spirit_n to_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n nevertheless_o i_o have_v somewhat_o against_o thou_o because_o thou_o have_v leave_v thy_o first_o love_n remember_v therefore_o from_o whence_o thou_o be_v fall_v and_o repent_v and_o do_v the_o first_o work_n or_o else_o i_o will_v come_v unto_o thou_o quick_o and_o will_v remote_a thy_o candlestick_n out_o of_o his_o place_n except_o thou_o repent_v rev._n 2.4_o 5._o chap._n ix_o of_o zeal_n or_o the_o first_o thing_n to_o be_v consider_v in_o a_o state_n of_o zeal_n namely_o what_o holiness_n or_o righteousness_n he_o may_v be_v suppose_v to_o have_v arrive_v at_o i_o be_o arrive_v at_o the_o last_o stage_n of_o perfection_n which_o i_o choose_v to_o call_v a_o state_n of_o zeal_n not_o only_o because_o the_o scripture_n seem_v to_o direct_v i_o to_o this_o expression_n but_o also_o because_o it_o seem_v to_o i_o more_o full_a and_o proper_a than_o other_o that_o may_v be_v or_o be_v make_v use_n of_o for_o the_o same_o end_n a_o state_n of_o union_n be_v a_o expression_n that_o better_a suit_n another_o life_n that_o this_o for_o the_o lesson_n the_o perfect_a man_n be_v ever_o and_o anon_o to_o revolve_v in_o his_o mind_n be_v that_o the_o present_a life_n be_v a_o life_n of_o labour_n and_o travel_v and_o suffering_n the_o future_a one_o of_o reward_n and_o crown_n and_o enjoyment_n then_o as_o to_o that_o other_o expression_n the_o state_n of_o love_n it_o suit_v my_o purpose_n well_o enough_o but_o do_v not_o come_v up_o so_o just_o and_o exact_o to_o it_o as_o the_o state_n of_o zeal_n for_o i_o take_v zeal_n to_o be_v love_n in_o the_o utmost_a elevation_n and_o vivacity_n that_o it_o be_v capable_a of_o and_o now_o what_o a_o noble_a what_o a_o fruitful_a argument_n be_o i_o enter_v upon_o methinks_v i_o feel_v my_o soul_n grow_v warm_a and_o enkindle_v upon_o my_o approach_v it_o and_o my_o first_o view_n or_o contemplation_n of_o it_o inspire_v i_o with_o desire_n of_o the_o same_o nature_n with_o itself_o i_o be_o concern_v to_o see_v myself_o confine_v and_o limit_v by_o the_o law_n of_o method_n and_o find_v myself_o incline_v to_o wish_v that_o i_o be_v now_o to_o write_v rather_o a_o just_a volume_n than_o a_o few_o page_n here_o the_o heroic_a act_n or_o what_o be_v more_o the_o heroic_a life_n of_o saint_n martyr_n and_o confessor_n present_v themselves_o to_o my_o thought_n here_o human_a nature_n enrich_v adorn_v and_o elevate_v to_o the_o utmost_a degree_n by_o a_o participation_n of_o the_o divine_a one_o here_o the_o power_n of_o god_n word_n the_o energy_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n the_o triumph_n of_o faith_n and_o the_o exstasy_n of_o love_n will_v be_v describe_v here_o the_o different_a excellency_n of_o different_a virtue_n and_o the_o different_a value_n of_o good_a work_n shall_v be_v state_v and_o settle_v and_o the_o various_a path_n in_o which_o man_n pursue_v the_o height_n of_o virtue_n and_o the_o noble_a design_n be_v examine_v and_o solid_a piety_n and_o true_a wisdom_n be_v refine_v from_o the_o alloy_v and_o mixture_n of_o enthusiasm_n superstition_n fancy_n or_o whatever_o else_o they_o be_v disfigure_v and_o debase_v by_o but_o this_o can_v now_o be_v do_v and_o it_o may_v be_v it_o can_v not_o at_o all_o be_v do_v by_o i_o no_o measure_n of_o the_o spirit_n peradventure_o below_o that_o with_o which_o the_o apostle_n be_v inspire_v be_v sufficient_a to_o treat_v this_o argument_n as_o it_o require_v beside_o according_a to_o my_o capacity_n i_o have_v be_v all_o along_o make_v this_o point_n when_o in_o the_o first_o section_n i_o state_v the_o notion_n of_o perfection_n show_v by_o what_o step_v we_o advance_v to_o it_o what_o mean_v we_o be_v to_o make_v use_n of_o and_o what_o will_v be_v the_o fruit_n of_o it_o i_o do_v in_o effect_n describe_v to_o my_o reader_n the_o state_n of_o zeal_n and_o mark_v out_o the_o path_n that_o lead_v to_o it_o when_o in_o the_o second_o i_o labour_v to_o establish_v the_o true_a liberty_n of_o man_n upon_o the_o overthrow_n and_o extirpation_n not_o only_o of_o mortal_a sin_n and_o
of_o idleness_n and_o lukewarmness_n but_o also_o as_o far_o as_o it_o may_v be_v even_o of_o sin_n of_o infirmity_n and_o original_a corruption_n what_o else_o be_v i_o do_v but_o prosecute_a this_o one_o design_n namely_o the_o implant_n and_o propagate_a in_o the_o world_n the_o state_n of_o zeal_n however_o something_o there_o seem_v to_o i_o yet_o want_v to_o complete_a my_o undertake_n and_o that_o i_o be_o to_o endeavour_v now_o to_o which_o end_n i_o will_v here_o discourse_v of_o three_o thing_n 1._o what_o it_o be_v in_o general_n i_o mean_v by_o zeal_n 2._o what_o be_v that_o perfection_n of_o holiness_n or_o righteousness_n wherein_o it_o consist_v and_o 3._o of_o the_o efficacy_n or_o force_n of_o this_o holiness_n as_o it_o exert_v itself_o in_o good_a work_n of_o these_o the_o two_o former_a shall_v be_v the_o argument_n of_o this_o the_o three_o of_o the_o follow_a chapter_n §_o 1._o of_o zeal_n in_o general_n what_o it_o be_v i_o do_v not_o exclude_v some_o degree_n of_o zeal_n from_o every_o period_n of_o the_o christian_n life_n sincerity_n can_v subsist_v whole_o without_o it_o the_o hunger_n and_o thirst_n after_o righteousness_n which_o be_v the_o subject_n of_o one_o of_o our_o saviour_n beatitude_n must_v be_v more_o or_o less_o in_o every_o child_n of_o god_n but_o it_o may_v signify_v one_o thing_n in_o the_o infant_n another_o in_o the_o adult_n christian_n in_o the_o one_o the_o conquest_n of_o sin_n or_o rather_o of_o the_o relic_n and_o remain_n of_o former_a sinful_a habit_n and_o the_o attainment_n of_o habitual_a goodness_n be_v the_o object_n of_o this_o hunger_n and_o thirst_n in_o the_o other_o it_o import_v a_o vehement_a desire_n of_o whatever_o be_v yet_o want_v to_o a_o further_a accomplishment_n and_o consummation_n of_o righteousness_n already_o fix_v and_o establish_v the_o entire_a and_o ultimate_a perfection_n of_o it_o in_o heaven_n and_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n the_o promote_a the_o divine_a glory_n upon_o earth_n whatever_o it_o cost_v he_o to_o do_v so_o by_o a_o state_n of_o zeal_n then_o i_o here_o mean_a virtue_n or_o holiness_n not_o in_o the_o bud_n or_o in_o the_o blossom_n but_o in_o its_o full_a strength_n and_o stature_n grow_v up_o and_o ripe_a and_o load_v with_o bless_a fruit_n i_o mean_v that_o holiness_n that_o be_v the_o result_n of_o illumination_n or_o clearness_n of_o judgement_n of_o the_o strength_n and_o force_n of_o holy_a resolution_n and_o the_o vigour_n and_o energy_n of_o holy_a passion_n in_o a_o word_n i_o mean_v that_o folly_n spiritual_a and_o operative_a religion_n which_o may_v be_v feel_v and_o enjoy_v by_o we_o ourselves_o in_o the_o serenity_n and_o tranquillity_n of_o conscience_n the_o long_n and_o breathe_n of_o pious_a desire_n the_o joy_n and_o pleasure_n of_o a_o rational_a assurance_n discern_v by_o the_o world_n in_o our_o life_n and_o action_n in_o the_o modesty_n of_o our_o garb_n in_o the_o plainness_n and_o humility_n of_o all_o thing_n else_o that_o pertain_v to_o the_o port_n of_o life_n in_o the_o temperance_n of_o our_o meal_n the_o purity_n and_o heavenliness_n of_o conversation_n the_o moderation_n of_o our_o design_n and_o enjoyment_n the_o instruction_n of_o our_o family_n with_o a_o tender_a and_o undefatigable_a watchfulness_n over_o they_o the_o constancy_n of_o our_o attendance_n upon_o and_o the_o devoutness_n of_o our_o deportment_n in_o the_o public_a worship_n of_o god_n and_o final_o in_o the_o activity_n and_o generosity_n of_o our_o charity_n or_o to_o speak_v my_o thought_n in_o the_o language_n of_o st._n paul_n a_o state_n of_o zeal_n be_v that_o perfection_n or_o maturity_n of_o holiness_n which_o abound_v in_o the_o work_n of_o faith_n the_o labour_n of_o love_n and_o the_o patience_n of_o hope_n in_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n and_o our_o father_n 1_o thess_n 1.3_o now_o the_o end_n of_o all_o this_o be_v the_o advancing_z the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o therefore_o zeal_n be_v well_o enough_o describe_v or_o define_v by_o a_o ardent_a or_o vehement_a desire_n of_o do_v so_o now_o this_o be_v advance_v two_o way_n first_o by_o our_o personal_a and_o inherent_a holiness_n and_o second_o by_o the_o fruit_n of_o it_o good_a work_n of_o both_o which_o i_o will_v now_o speak_v a_o little_a more_o particular_o §_o 2._o of_o that_o perfection_n of_o holiness_n which_o constitute_v the_o state_n of_o zeal_n here_o i_o will_v inquire_v into_o two_o thing_n 1._o whether_o the_o perfect_a man_n must_v be_v possess_v of_o all_o the_o treasure_n of_o goodness_n whether_o he_o must_v be_v adorn_v by_o a_o confluence_n and_o a_o accumulation_n of_o all_o virtue_n 2._o what_o height_n of_o virtue_n what_o degree_n of_o holiness_n he_o may_v be_v suppose_v to_o arrive_v at_o 1._o of_o the_o extent_n of_o righteousness_n it_o be_v general_o think_v that_o universality_n be_v as_o essential_a and_o necessary_a a_o property_n of_o gospel_n righteousness_n as_o sincerity_n and_o perseverance_n that_o there_o be_v a_o inseparable_a connexion_n and_o union_n between_o all_o christian_a virtue_n so_o that_o he_o who_o want_v any_o must_v be_v conclude_v to_o have_v none_o this_o want_n be_v not_o like_o a_o blemish_n that_o diminish_v the_o beauty_n or_o a_o maim_v that_o weaken_v the_o strength_n but_o like_o a_o wound_n that_o dissolve_v the_o frame_n and_o contexture_n of_o the_o natural_a body_n this_o opinion_n be_v partly_o build_v upon_o reason_n which_o tell_v we_o that_o there_o be_v a_o native_a lustre_n and_o beauty_n in_o all_o virtue_n and_o therefore_o there_o be_v no_o one_o in_o the_o whole_a systeme_n of_o morality_n but_o must_v be_v lovely_a and_o amiable_a to_o a_o good_a man._n partly_o upon_o scripture_n in_o which_o we_o find_v the_o christian_a represent_v as_o holy_a in_o all_o manner_n of_o conversation_n 1_o pet._n 1.15_o perfect_a in_o every_o good_a work_n heb._n 13.21_o as_o fill_v with_o all_o the_o fullness_n of_o god_n eph._n 3.19_o as_o fruitful_a in_o every_o good_a work_n col._n 1.10_o and_o exhort_v in_o the_o most_o comprehensive_a term_n imaginable_a to_o the_o practice_n of_o every_o virtue_n final_o brethren_n whatsoever_o thing_n be_v true_a whatsoever_o thing_n be_v honest_a whatsoever_o thing_n be_v just_a whatsoever_o thing_n be_v pure_a whatsoever_o thing_n be_v lovely_a whatsoever_o thing_n be_v of_o good_a report_n if_o there_o be_v any_o virtue_n and_o if_o there_o be_v any_o praise_n think_v 〈◊〉_d these_o thing_n to_o which_o may_v be_v add_v numerous_a text_n import_v that_o faith_n be_v a_o principle_n of_o universal_a righteousness_n and_o that_o the_o fear_n and_o love_n of_o god_n do_v equal_o oblige_v we_o to_o all_o his_o commandment_n and_o that_o the_o violation_n of_o one_o involve_v we_o in_o the_o gild_n of_o all_o and_o the_o result_n of_o all_o this_o seem_v to_o be_v plain_o this_o that_o the_o whole_a chain_n of_o grace_n be_v dissolve_v and_o lose_v if_o there_o be_v but_o one_o link_n want_v but_o at_o this_o rate_n as_o the_o sincere_a man_n must_v be_v endow_v with_o all_o manner_n of_o virtue_n so_o must_v the_o perfect_a excel_v in_o all_o but_o the_o one_o and_o the_o other_o assertion_n if_o we_o consider_v thing_n close_o seem_v to_o have_v in_o they_o insuperable_a difficulty_n there_o be_v a_o vast_a variety_n in_o the_o nature_n of_o man_n in_o the_o state_n and_o condition_n of_o life_n and_o in_o the_o kind_n and_o degree_n as_o well_o of_o the_o sanctify_a as_o of_o the_o miraculous_a gift_n of_o god_n st._n paul_n tell_v we_o every_o man_n have_v his_o proper_a gift_n of_o god_n 1_o cor._n 7.7_o from_o whence_o it_o seem_v natural_o to_o be_v infer_v that_o every_o man_n be_v not_o capable_a of_o attain_v to_o a_o excellence_n and_o eminence_n in_o every_o virtue_n experience_n tell_v we_o that_o there_o be_v different_a kind_n of_o nature_n as_o well_o as_o soil_n and_o that_o some_o kind_n of_o virtue_n like_o some_o kind_n of_o seed_n will_v thrive_v better_o in_o one_o than_o in_o another_o nor_o do_v grace_n alter_v the_o matter_n much_o since_o it_o general_o accommodate_v itself_o to_o nature_n last_o it_o seem_v very_o hard_a that_o every_o man_n shall_v have_v the_o virtue_n of_o all_o man_n of_o all_o state_n of_o all_o capacity_n every_o particular_a member_n the_o virtue_n of_o the_o whole_a church_n the_o beauty_n and_o strength_n of_o the_o church_n as_o well_o as_o of_o the_o natural_a body_n or_o commonwealth_n consist_v not_o in_o the_o all-sufficieney_a of_o every_o member_n but_o in_o that_o variety_n of_o gift_n and_o grace_n that_o cement_v and_o unite_v enrich_v and_o support_v the_o whole_a to_o come_v up_o to_o matter_n of_o fact_n i_o read_v of_o the_o faith_n of_o abraham_n the_o meekness_n of_o moses_n the_o patience_n of_o job_n the_o love_n of_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
aside_o the_o natural_a right_n which_o he_o have_v over_o he_o as_o his_o creature_n and_o to_o transact_v with_o he_o as_o free_v and_o master_n of_o himself_o but_o this_o be_v all_o infinite_a condescension_n second_o it_o seem_v unsuitable_a to_o the_o infinite_a goodness_n of_o god_n to_o bereave_v man_n of_o the_o life_n and_o happiness_n he_o have_v once_o confer_v upon_o he_o unless_o he_o forfeit_v it_o by_o some_o demerit_n the_o gift_n and_o call_n of_o god_n be_v without_o repentance_n nor_o can_v i_o think_v how_o death_n which_o have_v so_o much_o evil_n in_o it_o can_v have_v enter_v the_o world_n if_o sin_n have_v not_o enter_v it_o first_o in_o this_o sense_n unsinning_a obedience_n give_v a_o kind_n of_o right_a to_o the_o continuance_n of_o those_o good_a thing_n which_o be_v at_o first_o the_o mere_a effect_n of_o divine_a grace_n and_o bounty_n last_o a_o covenant_n of_o work_n be_v once_o establish_v it_o be_v plain_a that_o as_o sin_n forfeit_v life_n so_o obedience_n must_v give_v a_o right_a to_o it_o and_o as_o the_o penitent_n can_v not_o be_v restore_v but_o by_o a_o act_n of_o grace_n so_o he_o that_o commit_v no_o sin_n will_v need_v no_o pardon_n but_o then_o life_n itself_o and_o a_o ability_n to_o work_v righteousness_n must_v be_v owe_v to_o grace_n antecedent_n to_o the_o covenant_n and_o so_o such_o a_o one_o will_v have_v whereof_o to_o boast_v comparative_o with_o respect_n to_o other_o who_o fall_v but_o not_o before_o god_n the_o sum_n of_o all_o be_v man_n have_v nothing_o to_o render_v to_o god_n but_o what_o he_o have_v receive_v from_o he_o and_o therefore_o can_v offer_v he_o nothing_o but_o his_o own_o which_o be_v no_o very_o good_a foundation_n for_o merit_n but_o suppose_v he_o absolute_a master_n of_o himself_o suppose_v he_o hold_v all_o thing_n independent_a of_o god_n can_v the_o service_n of_o a_o few_o day_n merit_v immortality_n and_o glory_n angelical_a perfection_n and_o a_o crown_n he_o must_v be_v make_v up_o of_o vanity_n and_o presumption_n that_o dare_v affirm_v this_o 3._o god_n stand_v in_o no_o need_n of_o our_o service_n and_o it_o be_v our_o own_n not_o his_o interest_n we_o promote_v by_o it_o the_o foundation_n of_o merit_n among_o man_n be_v impotence_n and_o want_n the_o prince_n want_v the_o service_n and_o tribute_n of_o the_o subject_a the_o subject_a the_o protection_n of_o the_o prince_n the_o rich_a need_v the_o ministry_n and_o the_o labour_n of_o the_o poor_a the_o poor_a support_n and_o maintenance_n from_o the_o rich._n and_o it_o be_v thus_o in_o imaginary_a as_o well_o as_o real_a want_v the_o luxury_n and_o pleasure_n of_o one_o must_v be_v provide_v for_o and_o support_v by_o the_o care_n and_o vigilance_n of_o other_o and_o the_o pomp_n and_o the_o pride_n of_o one_o part_n of_o the_o world_n can_v subsist_v but_o on_o the_o servitude_n of_o the_o other_o in_o these_o case_n therefore_o mutual_a want_n create_v mutual_a right_n and_o mutual_a merit_n but_o this_o be_v not_o the_o case_n between_o god_n and_o man._n god_n be_v not_o subject_a to_o any_o want_v or_o necessity_n nor_o be_v his_o glory_n or_o happiness_n capable_a of_o diminution_n or_o increase_n he_o be_v a_o monarch_n that_o need_v no_o tribute_n to_o support_v his_o grandeur_n nor_o any_o strength_n or_o power_n beside_o his_o own_o to_o guard_v his_o throne_n if_o we_o revolt_v or_o rebel_n we_o can_v injure_v he_o if_o we_o be_v loyal_a and_o obedient_a we_o can_v profit_v he_o he_o have_v all_o fullness_n all_o perfection_n in_o himself_o he_o be_v a_o almighty_a and_o all-sufficient_a god_n but_o on_o the_o quite_o contrary_a though_o god_n have_v no_o want_n we_o have_v many_o and_o though_o his_o majesty_n and_o felicity_n be_v subject_a to_o no_o vicissitude_n we_o be_v subject_a to_o many_o our_o service_n to_o god_n therefore_o be_v our_o own_o interest_n and_o our_o obedience_n be_v design_v to_o procure_v our_o own_o advantage_n we_o need_v we_o daily_o need_v his_o support_n and_o protection_n we_o depend_v entire_o on_o his_o favour_n and_o patronage_n in_o he_o we_o live_v and_o move_v and_o have_v our_o be_v and_o from_o he_o as_o from_o a_o inexhaustible_a fountain_n we_o derive_v all_o the_o stream_n of_o good_a by_o which_o we_o be_v refresh_v and_o improve_v to_o know_v and_o love_v he_o be_v our_o wisdom_n to_o depend_v upon_o he_o our_o happiness_n and_o security_n to_o serve_v and_o worship_v he_o our_o perfection_n and_o liberty_n to_o enjoy_v he_o will_v be_v our_o heaven_n and_o those_o glimpse_n of_o his_o presence_n which_o we_o be_v vouchsafe_v through_o the_o spirit_n in_o this_o life_n be_v the_o pledge_n and_o foretaste_n of_o it_o this_o be_v the_o constant_a voice_n of_o scripture_n every_o good_a gift_n and_o every_o perfect_a gift_n be_v from_o above_o and_o come_v from_o the_o father_n of_o light_n jam._n 1.17_o if_o i_o be_v hungry_a i_o will_v not_o tell_v thou_o for_o the_o world_n be_v i_o and_o the_o fullness_n thereof_o will_v i_o eat_v the_o flesh_n of_o bull_n or_o drink_v the_o blood_n of_o goat_n offer_v unto_o god_n thanksgiving_n and_o pay_v thy_o vow_n unto_o the_o most_o high_a and_o call_v upon_o i_o in_o the_o day_n of_o trouble_n i_o will_v deliver_v thou_o and_o thou_o shall_v glorify_v i_o psal_n 50.12_o 13._o etc._n etc._n if_o thou_o be_v righteous_a what_o give_v thou_o unto_o he_o thy_o wickedness_n may_v hurt_v a_o man_n etc._n etc._n job_n 35.7_o 8._o sect_n iii_o of_o the_o impediment_n of_o perfection_n though_o i_o have_v be_v all_o along_o carry_v on_o the_o design_n of_o this_o section_n that_o be_v the_o remove_n the_o obstacle_n of_o perfection_n yet_o i_o easy_o foresee_v there_o may_v be_v some_o which_o will_v not_o be_v reduce_v within_o the_o compass_n of_o the_o forego_n head_n for_o these_o therefore_o i_o reserve_v this_o place_n these_o be_v five_o 1._o too_o easy_a and_o loose_a a_o notion_n of_o religion_n 2._o a_o opinion_n that_o perfection_n be_v not_o attainable_a 3._o that_o religion_n be_v a_o enemy_n to_o pleasure_n 4._o the_o love_n of_o the_o world_n in_o a_o high_a degree_n at_o least_o than_o will_v consist_v with_o perfection_n 5._o the_o infirmity_n of_o the_o flesh_n §_o 1._o some_o seem_v to_o have_v entertain_v such_o a_o notion_n of_o religion_n as_o if_o moderation_n here_o be_v as_o necessary_a as_o any_o where_o else_o they_o look_v upon_o zeal_n as_o as_o a_o excess_n of_o righteousness_n and_o can_v be_v well_o enough_o content_a to_o want_v degree_n of_o glory_n if_o they_o can_v but_o save_v their_o soul_n to_o which_o end_n they_o can_v see_v no_o necessity_n of_o perfection_n now_o i_o will_v beseech_v such_o serious_o to_o lay_v to_o heart_n that_o salvation_n and_o damnation_n be_v thing_n of_o no_o common_a importance_n and_o therefore_o it_o high_o concern_v they_o not_o to_o be_v mistake_v in_o the_o notion_n they_o form_n to_o themselves_o of_o religion_n for_o the_o nature_n of_o thing_n will_v not_o be_v alter_v by_o their_o fancy_n nor_o will_v god_n be_v mock_v or_o impose_v on_o if_o we_o will_v deal_v sincere_o with_o ourselves_o as_o in_o this_o case_n it_o certain_o behoove_v we_o to_o do_v we_o must_v frame_v our_o idea_n of_o religion_n not_o from_o the_o opinion_n the_o manner_n or_o the_o fashion_n of_o the_o world_n but_o from_o the_o scripture_n and_o we_o must_v not_o interpret_v these_o by_o our_o own_o inclination_n but_o we_o must_v judge_v of_o the_o duty_n they_o prescribe_v by_o those_o description_n of_o they_o by_o those_o property_n and_o effect_n which_o we_o find_v there_o we_o must_v weigh_v the_o design_n and_o end_v of_o religion_n which_o be_v to_o promote_v the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o the_o good_a of_o man_n and_o to_o raise_v we_o above_o the_o world_n and_o the_o body_n and_o see_v how_o our_o platform_n or_o model_n of_o religion_n suit_n with_o it_o and_o if_o after_o we_o have_v do_v this_o we_o be_v not_o full_o satisfy_v in_o the_o true_a bound_n and_o limit_n which_o part_n vice_n and_o virtue_n it_o can_v but_o be_v safe_a for_o we_o to_o err_v on_o the_o right_a hand_n we_o ought_v always_o to_o remember_v too_o that_o the_o repeat_v exhortation_n in_o scripture_n to_o diligence_n and_o that_o the_o most_o earnest_a and_o indefatigable_a to_o vigilance_n to_o fear_n and_o tremble_v to_o patience_n to_o steadfastness_n and_o suchlike_a be_v utter_o inconsistent_a with_o a_o easy_a lazy_a gentile_a religion_n that_o the_o life_n of_o jesus_n be_v the_o fair_a and_o full_a comment_n on_o his_o doctrine_n and_o that_o we_o never_o be_v to_o follow_v the_o example_n of_o a_o corrupt_a world_n but_o of_o the_o best_a man_n and_o the_o best_a age_n this_o this_o one_o thing_n alone_o will_v convince_v
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
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