proceed_v to_o the_o fruit_n or_o advantage_n of_o it_o and_o in_o the_o last_o place_n prescribe_v the_o method_n by_o which_o it_o may_v be_v attain_v sect_n i._o of_o perfection_n in_o general_n the_o fruit_n of_o it_o and_o the_o way_n to_o obtain_v it_o chap._n i._n the_o nature_n of_o perfection_n explain_v and_o assert_v from_o reason_n and_o scripture_n most_o dispute_n and_o controversy_n arise_v from_o false_a and_o mistake_v notion_n of_o the_o matter_n under_o debate_n and_o so_o i_o can_v show_v it_o have_v happen_v here_o therefore_o to_o prevent_v mistake_v and_o cut_v off_o all_o occasion_n of_o contention_n which_o serve_v only_o to_o defeat_v the_o influence_n and_o success_n of_o practical_a discourse_n i_o think_v it_o necessary_a to_o begin_v here_o with_o a_o plain_a account_n what_o it_o be_v i_o mean_v by_o religious_a perfection_n religion_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o the_o purify_n and_o refine_n nature_n by_o grace_n the_o raise_n and_o exalt_v our_o faculty_n and_o capacity_n by_o wisdom_n and_o virtue_n religious_a perfection_n therefore_o be_v nothing_o else_o but_o the_o moral_a accomplishment_n of_o human_a nature_n such_o a_o maturity_n of_o virtue_n as_o man_n in_o this_o life_n be_v capable_a of_o conversion_n begin_v perfection_n consumate_v the_o habit_n of_o righteousness_n in_o the_o one_o religion_n be_v as_o it_o be_v in_o its_o infancy_n in_o the_o other_o in_o its_o strength_n and_o manhood_n so_o that_o perfection_n in_o short_a be_v nothing_o else_o but_o a_o ripe_a and_o settle_a habit_n of_o true_a holiness_n according_a to_o this_o notion_n of_o religious_a perfection_n he_o be_v a_o perfect_a man_n who_o mind_n be_v pure_a and_o vigorous_a and_o his_o body_n tame_a and_o obsequious_a who_o faith_n be_v firm_a and_o steady_a his_o love_n ardent_a and_o exalt_a and_o his_o hope_n full_a of_o assurance_n who_o religion_n have_v in_o it_o that_o ardour_n and_o constancy_n and_o his_o soul_n that_o tranquillity_n and_o pleasure_n which_o bespeak_v he_o a_o child_n of_o the_o light_n and_o of_o the_o day_n a_o partaker_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n and_o raise_v above_o the_o corruption_n which_o be_v in_o the_o world_n through_o lust_n this_o account_n of_o religious_a perfection_n be_v so_o natural_a and_o easy_a that_o i_o fancy_v no_o man_n will_v demand_v a_o proof_n of_o it_o nor_o shall_v i_o go_v about_o one_o be_v it_o not_o to_o serve_v some_o further_a end_v then_o the_o mere_a confirmation_n of_o it_o it_o have_v manifest_o the_o countenance_n both_o of_o reason_n and_o scripture_n and_o how_o contradictory_n soever_o some_o ancient_n and_o latter_a scheme_n of_o perfection_n seem_v to_o be_v or_o real_o be_v to_o one_o another_o yet_o do_v they_o all_o agree_v in_o effect_n in_o what_o i_o have_v lay_v down_o if_o we_o appeal_v to_o reason_n no_o man_n can_v doubt_v but_o that_o a_o habit_n of_o virtue_n have_v much_o more_o of_o excellence_n and_o merit_n in_o it_o then_o single_a accidental_a act_n or_o uncertain_a fit_n and_o passion_n since_o a_o habit_n be_v not_o only_o the_o source_n and_o spring_n of_o the_o noble_a action_n and_o the_o most_o elevate_a passion_n but_o it_o render_v we_o more_o regular_a and_o steady_a more_o uniform_a and_o constant_a in_o every_o thing_n that_o be_v good_a as_o to_o good_a natural_a disposition_n they_o have_v little_a of_o strength_n little_a of_o perfection_n in_o they_o till_o they_o be_v raise_v and_o improve_v into_o habit_n and_o for_o our_o natural_a faculty_n they_o be_v nothing_o else_o but_o the_o capacity_n of_o good_a or_o evil_a they_o be_v undetermined_a to_o the_o one_o or_o other_o till_o they_o be_v fix_v and_o influence_v by_o moral_a principle_n it_o remain_v then_o that_o religious_a perfection_n must_v consist_v in_o a_o habit_n of_o righteousness_n and_o to_o prevent_v all_o impertinent_a scruple_n and_o cavil_n i_o add_v a_o confirm_a and_o well_o establish_v one._n that_o this_o be_v the_o scripture_n notion_n of_o perfection_n be_v manifest_a first_o from_o the_o use_n of_o this_o word_n in_o scripture_n second_o from_o the_o character_n and_o description_n of_o the_o best_a and_o high_a state_n which_o any_o ever_o actual_o attain_v or_o to_o which_o we_o be_v invite_v and_o exhort_v 1._o from_o the_o use_n of_o the_o word_n wherever_o we_o find_v any_o mention_n of_o perfection_n in_o scripture_n if_o we_o examine_v the_o place_n well_o we_o shall_v find_v nothing_o more_o intend_v than_o uprightness_n and_o integrity_n a_o unblameable_a and_o unreprovable_a life_n a_o state_n well_o advance_v in_o knowledge_n and_o virtue_n thus_o upright_o and_o perfect_a be_v use_v as_o term_n equivalent_a job_n 1._o and_o that_o man_n be_v perfect_a and_o upright_o fear_v god_n and_o eschew_v evil_n and_o psalm_n 37.37_o mark_v the_o perfect_a man_n and_o behold_v the_o upright_a man_n for_o the_o end_n of_o that_o man_n be_v peace_n thus_o again_o when_o god_n exhort_v abraham_n to_o perfection_n gen._n 17.1_o i_o be_o the_o almighty_a god_n walk_v before_o i_o and_o be_v thou_o perfect_a all_o that_o he_o exhort_v he_o to_o be_v a_o steady_a obedience_n to_o all_o his_o commandment_n proceed_v from_o a_o lively_a fear_n of_o and_o faith_n in_o he_o and_o this_o be_v the_o general_a use_n of_o this_o word_n perfect_a throughout_o the_o old_a testament_n namely_o to_o signify_v a_o sincere_a and_o just_a man_n that_o fear_v god_n and_o eschew_v evil_a and_o be_v well_o fix_a and_o establish_v in_o his_o duty_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n perfection_n signify_v the_o same_o thing_n which_o it_o do_v in_o the_o old_a that_o be_v universal_a righteousness_n and_o strength_n and_o growth_n in_o it_o thus_o the_o perfect_a man_n 2_o tim._n 3.17_o be_v one_o who_o be_v thorough_o furnish_v to_o every_o good_a work_n thus_o st._n paul_n tell_v we_o coll._n 4.12_o that_o epaphras_n labour_v fervent_o in_o prayer_n for_o the_o collossian_o that_o they_o may_v stand_v perfect_a and_o complete_a in_o all_o the_o will_n of_o god_n in_o jam._n 1.4_o the_o perfect_a man_n be_v one_o who_o be_v entire_a lack_v nothing_o i._n e._n one_o who_o have_v advance_v to_o a_o maturity_n of_o virtue_n through_o patience_n and_o experience_n and_o be_v fortify_v and_o establish_v in_o faith_n love_n and_o hope_n in_o this_o sense_n of_o the_o word_n perfect_a st._n peter_n pray_v for_o those_o to_o who_o he_o write_v his_o epistle_n 1_o pet._n 5.10_o but_o the_o god_n of_o all_o grace_n who_o call_v we_o into_o his_o eternal_a glory_n by_o christ_n jesus_n after_o that_o you_o have_v suffer_v awhile_o make_v you_o perfect_a establish_v strengthen_v settle_v you_o when_o st._n paul_n exhort_v the_o hebrew_n to_o go_v on_o to_o perfection_n heb._n 6._o he_o mean_v nothing_o by_o it_o but_o that_o state_n of_o manhood_n which_o consist_v in_o a_o well_o settle_a habit_n of_o wisdom_n and_o goodness_n this_o be_v plain_a first_o from_o ver_fw-la 11_o 12._o of_o this_o chapter_n where_o he_o himself_z more_o full_o explain_v his_o own_o meaning_n and_o we_o desire_v that_o every_o one_o of_o you_o do_v show_v the_o same_o diligence_n to_o the_o full_a assurance_n of_o hope_n unto_o the_o end_n that_o you_o be_v not_o slothful_a but_o follower_n of_o they_o who_o through_o faith_n and_o patience_n inherit_v the_o promise_n next_o from_o the_o latter_a end_n of_o the_o 5_o chapter_n where_o we_o discern_v what_o give_v occasion_n to_o his_o exhortation_n there_o distinguish_v christian_n into_o two_o class_n babe_n and_o strong_a man_n i._n e._n perfect_a and_o imperfect_a he_o describe_v both_o at_o large_a thus_o for_o when_o for_o the_o time_n you_o ought_v to_o be_v teacher_n you_o have_v need_v that_o one_o teach_v you_o again_o which_o be_v the_o first_o principle_n of_o the_o oracle_n of_o god_n and_o be_v become_v such_o as_o have_v need_n of_o milk_n and_o not_o of_o strong_a meat_n for_o every_o one_o that_o use_v milk_n be_v unskilful_a in_o the_o word_n of_o righteousness_n for_o he_o be_v a_o babe_n but_o strong_a meat_n belong_v to_o they_o that_o be_v of_o full_a age_n even_o those_o who_o by_o reason_n of_o use_n have_v their_o sense_n exercise_v to_o discern_v both_o good_a and_o evil_n and_o though_o here_o the_o apostle_n seem_v more_o immediate_o to_o regard_v the_o perfection_n of_o knowledge_n yet_o the_o perfection_n of_o righteousness_n must_v never_o in_o the_o language_n of_o the_o scripture_n be_v separate_v from_o it_o much_o the_o same_o remark_n must_v i_o add_v concern_v the_o integrity_n of_o righteousness_n and_o the_o christian_n progress_n or_o advance_v in_o it_o though_o the_o scripture_n when_o it_o speak_v of_o perfection_n do_v sometime_o more_o direct_o refer_v to_o the_o one_o and_o sometime_o to_o the_o other_o yet_o we_o must_v ever_o suppose_v that_o they_o do_v mutual_o imply_v and_o include_v one_o
several_a particular_a deduction_n to_o lay_v every_o man_n state_n as_o plain_o open_a to_o his_o view_n as_o i_o can_v one_a then_o from_o the_o notion_n i_o have_v give_v of_o perfection_n it_o appear_v that_o if_o a_o man_n life_n be_v very_o vneven_a unconstant_a and_o contradictory_n to_o itself_o if_o he_o be_v to_o day_n a_o saint_n and_o to_o morrow_n a_o sinner_n if_o he_o yield_v to_o day_n to_o the_o motive_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o impulse_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o to_o morrow_n to_o the_o solicitation_n of_o the_o flesh_n and_o temptation_n of_o the_o world_n he_o be_v far_o from_o be_v perfect_a so_o far_o that_o there_o be_v not_o ground_n enough_o to_o conclude_v he_o sincere_a or_o real_a though_o imperfect_a convert_n the_o only_a certain_a proof_n of_o regeneration_n be_v victory_n he_o that_o be_v bear_v of_o god_n over-cometh_a the_o world_n 1_o joh._n 5.4_o i'faith_o though_o it_o be_v true_a be_v not_o present_o save_v and_o justify_v till_o it_o have_v subdue_v the_o will_n and_o captivate_v the_o heart_n i._n e._n till_o we_o begin_v to_o live_v by_o faith_n which_o be_v evident_a from_o that_o corn_n in_o the_o parable_n which_o though_o it_o shoot_v up_o yet_o have_v it_o not_o depth_n of_o earth_n nor_o root_n enough_o and_o therefore_o be_v wither_v up_o and_o bring_v forth_o no_o fruit_n regret_n and_o sorrow_n for_o sin_n be_v a_o excellent_a passion_n but_o till_o it_o have_v subdue_v our_o corruption_n change_v our_o affection_n and_o purify_v our_o heart_n it_o be_v not_o that_o save_v repentance_n in_o the_o apostle_n 2_o cor._n 7.10_o godly_a sorrow_n work_v repentance_n not_o to_o be_v repent_v of_o we_o may_v have_v some_o sudden_a heat_n and_o passion_n for_o virtue_n but_o if_o they_o be_v too_o short_a live_v to_o implant_v it_o in_o we_o this_o be_v not_o that_o charity_n or_o love_n which_o animate_v and_o impregnate_v the_o new_a creature_n mention_v gal._n 5.6_o faith_n work_v by_o love_n last_o we_o may_v have_v good_a purpose_n intention_n nay_o resolution_n but_o if_o these_o prove_v too_o weak_a to_o obtain_v a_o conquest_n over_o our_o corruption_n if_o they_o prove_v too_o weak_a to_o resist_v the_o temptation_n we_o be_v wont_a to_o fall_v by_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o they_o be_v not_o such_o as_o can_v demonstrate_v we_o righteous_a or_o entitle_v we_o to_o a_o crown_n which_o be_v promise_v to_o he_o that_o overcome_v and_o here_o i_o can_v but_o remark_n to_o how_o little_a purpose_n controversy_n have_v be_v multiply_v about_o the_o justification_n of_o man._n it_o be_v one_o thing_n for_o god_n to_o justify_v we_o i_o e._n to_o pardon_v our_o sin_n and_o account_v we_o righteous_a and_o his_o child_n and_o another_o for_o we_o to_o know_v or_o be_v assure_v that_o he_o do_v so_o if_o we_o inquire_v after_o the_o former_a it_o be_v plain_a to_o i_o that_o no_o man_n can_v be_v account_v righteous_a by_o god_n till_o he_o real_o be_v so_o and_o when_o the_o man_n be_v sanctify_v throughout_o in_o spirit_n soul_n and_o body_n then_o be_v he_o certain_o justify_v and_o not_o till_o then_o and_o this_o i_o think_v be_v confess_v by_o all_o except_o antinomian_o and_o whatever_o difference_n there_o be_v among_o christian_n in_o this_o matter_n it_o lie_v in_o the_o form_n and_o variety_n of_o expression_n they_o that_o contend_v earnest_o for_o the_o necessity_n of_o good_a work_n do_v not_o i_o suppose_v imagine_v that_o the_o work_n be_v holy_a before_o the_o heart_n be_v so_o for_o as_o be_v the_o fountain_n such_o will_v be_v its_o stream_n as_o be_v the_o tree_n such_o will_v be_v its_o fruit_n what_o absurdity_n then_o be_v there_o in_o admit_v that_o man_n be_v justify_v before_o they_o bring_v forth_o good_a work_n if_o they_o can_v bring_v forth_o good_a work_n till_o they_o be_v sanctify_v and_o change_v on_o the_o other_o hand_n they_o who_o contend_v so_o earnest_o for_o justification_n by_o faith_n without_o work_n do_v not_o only_o suppose_v that_o the_o man_n be_v thorough_o change_v by_o the_o infusion_n of_o habitual_a grace_n but_o also_o that_o this_o grace_n as_o soon_o as_o it_o have_v opportunity_n will_v exert_v and_o express_v itself_o in_o good_a work_n and_o they_o do_v ready_o acknowledge_v that_o the_o faith_n which_o do_v not_o work_v by_o love_n be_v a_o historical_a unanimate_v faith_n and_o if_o so_o how_o natural_a be_v it_o to_o comprise_v in_o that_o holiness_n which_o justify_v not_o only_o the_o change_n of_o the_o heart_n but_o of_o the_o action_n but_o here_o i_o think_v it_o be_v well_o worth_a the_o consider_v whether_o that_o thorough_a change_n in_o the_o nature_n of_o a_o sinner_n which_o be_v call_v holiness_n be_v now_o effect_v at_o once_o and_o in_o a_o moment_n and_o not_o rather_o gradual_o and_o in_o time_n for_o this_o may_v give_v some_o light_n to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o justification_n and_o draw_v off_o from_o speculation_n and_o theory_n to_o more_o useful_a and_o practical_a thought_n and_o discourse_n about_o it_o it_o be_v true_a in_o the_o primitive_a time_n when_o the_o conviction_n of_o a_o sinner_n be_v wrought_v by_o a_o dazzle_a light_n by_o surprise_v miracle_n by_o exuberant_a influx_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o the_o concurrence_n of_o many_o extraordinary_a thing_n sanctification_n as_o in_o the_o gaoler_n and_o his_o family_n act._n 16._o may_v be_v begin_v and_o finish_v in_o the_o same_o hour_n but_o i_o doubt_v it_o be_v rare_o so_o with_o we_o at_o this_o day_n our_o vice_n be_v not_o so_o sudden_o subdue_v nor_o our_o virtue_n so_o sudden_o implant_v our_o conviction_n in_o the_o beginning_n of_o conversion_n be_v seldom_o so_o full_a and_o clear_a as_o they_o and_o if_o we_o may_v judge_v by_o the_o effect_n it_o be_v but_o seldom_o that_o the_o principle_n of_o a_o new_a life_n be_v infuse_v in_o the_o same_o plenty_n and_o power_n it_o appear_v to_o have_v be_v in_o them_o and_o if_o so_o than_o these_o thing_n will_v follow_v 1._o though_o in_o the_o first_o plantation_n of_o the_o gospel_n man_n be_v convert_v as_o it_o be_v in_o a_o moment_n ingraft_v by_o baptism_n into_o christ_n and_o receive_v the_o holy_a ghost_n the_o earnest_a of_o their_o justification_n or_o acceptance_n with_o god_n and_o their_o future_a glory_n we_o may_v very_o well_o say_v of_o they_o that_o they_o be_v not_o only_o justify_v but_o also_o know_v themselves_o to_o be_v so_o before_o they_o have_v bring_v forth_o any_o other_o fruit_n of_o righteousness_n than_o what_o be_v imply_v in_o the_o dedication_n of_o themselves_o to_o christ_n by_o that_o solemn_a rite_n of_o baptism_n but_o at_o this_o day_n when_o conversion_n be_v not_o effect_v in_o the_o same_o manner_n when_o faith_n and_o good_a work_n do_v mutual_o cherish_v one_o another_o when_o righteousness_n be_v not_o bring_v forth_o into_o victory_n but_o by_o long_a labour_n and_o travel_v i_o see_v not_o why_o faith_n and_o good_a work_n may_v not_o be_v pronounce_v joint_o and_o antecedent_o necessary_a to_o our_o justification_n 2._o the_o doctrine_n of_o infuse_v habit_n have_v be_v much_o ridicule_v and_o expose_v as_o absurd_a by_o some_o man_n and_o i_o must_v confess_v if_o it_o be_v essential_a to_o a_o habit_n to_o be_v acquire_v by_o length_n of_o time_n and_o repetition_n of_o the_o same_o act_n than_o a_o infuse_v habit_n be_v a_o very_a odd_a expression_n but_o why_o god_n can_v produce_v in_o we_o those_o strong_a disposition_n to_o virtue_n in_o a_o moment_n which_o be_v natural_o produce_v by_o time_n or_o why_o we_o may_v not_o ascribe_v as_o much_o efficacy_n to_o infuse_v grace_n as_o philosopher_n be_v wont_a to_o do_v to_o repeat_v act_n i_o can_v see_v nor_o can_v i_o see_v why_o such_o disposition_n when_o infuse_v may_v not_o be_v call_v habit_n if_o they_o have_v all_o the_o property_n and_o effect_n of_o a_o habit._n and_o that_o such_o excellent_a disposition_n be_v on_o a_o sudden_a wrought_v in_o the_o mind_n of_o christian_n in_o the_o begin_n of_o christianity_n be_v too_o plain_a from_o the_o history_n of_o those_o time_n to_o need_v a_o proof_n but_o whether_o such_o change_n be_v ordinary_o effect_v so_o sudden_o at_o this_o day_n we_o have_v much_o reason_n to_o doubt_v nay_o i_o think_v it_o appear_v from_o what_o i_o have_v say_v there_o be_v sufficient_a reason_n to_o deny_v it_o and_o if_o so_o the_o infusion_n of_o habit_n can_v be_v so_o proper_o insist_v on_o now_o as_o then_o and_o we_o may_v be_v more_o subject_a to_o make_v unwarrantable_a inference_n from_o the_o doctrine_n of_o infuse_v habit_n than_o they_o be_v in_o those_o bright_a and_o miraculous_a day_n 3._o as_o our_o progress_n to_o sanctification_n must_v be_v slow_a than_o former_o as_o it_o must_v be_v long_o before_o
desire_n and_o passion_n that_o it_o work_v in_o we_o we_o must_v shun_v every_o appearance_n of_o evil_n we_o must_v press_v on_o towards_o perfection_n we_o must_v watch_v unto_o prayer_n we_o must_v spend_v the_o time_n of_o our_o sojourn_v here_o in_o fear_n we_o must_v rejoice_v and_o glory_n in_o the_o lord_n and_o we_o must_v wait_v for_o the_o bless_a hope_n and_o the_o glorious_a appearance_n of_o the_o great_a god_n and_o our_o saviour_n christ_n jesus_n and_o now_o i_o have_v finish_v what_o i_o have_v to_o say_v on_o this_o subject_a of_o the_o perfect_a man_n liberty_n as_o it_o relate_v to_o mortal_a or_o wilful_a sin_n i_o have_v show_v what_o this_o sin_n be_v how_o far_o man_n may_v be_v free_v from_o it_o and_o refer_v the_o reader_n to_o chap._n 4._o for_o the_o fruit_n of_o this_o freedom_n i_o have_v here_o last_o give_v that_o advice_n which_o i_o think_v most_o serviceable_a to_o the_o attainment_n of_o it_o and_o through_o this_o whole_a chapter_n i_o have_v have_v regard_n not_o only_o to_o perfection_n but_o sincerity_n it_o be_v indeed_o improper_a to_o do_v otherwise_o since_o we_o can_v arrive_v at_o the_o one_o but_o through_o the_o other_o for_o sincerity_n be_v perfection_n in_o its_o infancy_n or_o nonage_n and_o perfection_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o sincerity_n cultivate_v by_o meditation_n and_o discipline_n and_o cherish_v by_o the_o influence_n of_o heaven_n and_o now_o let_v no_o man_n heart_n fail_v he_o while_o he_o contemplate_v the_o difficulty_n which_o block_n up_o the_o way_n to_o his_o liberty_n the_o way_n indeed_o be_v steep_a and_o the_o top_n be_v high_a but_o serenity_n and_o happiness_n security_n and_o glory_n dwell_v there_o many_o indeed_o be_v the_o temptation_n which_o will_v forbid_v our_o assent_n and_o thrust_v we_o down_o but_o we_o be_v arm_v all_o over_o they_o can_v hurt_v we_o the_o spirit_n support_v and_o encourage_v we_o and_o nothing_o but_o our_o cowardice_n and_o inconstancy_n can_v prevent_v our_o success_n watch_v you_o stand_v fast_o quit_v you_o like_o man_n be_v strong_a and_o then_o you_o shall_v be_v sure_a to_o conquer_v and_o enter_v into_o rest_n chap._n vii_o of_o unfruitfulness_n as_o it_o consist_v in_o idleness_n unfruitfulness_n be_v a_o fit_a subject_a to_o conclude_v a_o discourse_n of_o liberty_n with_o or_o begin_v one_o of_o zeal_n for_o lie_v like_o a_o tract_n of_o ground_n between_o two_o border_a kingdom_n it_o may_v indifferent_o be_v lay_v to_o either_o as_o it_o imply_v a_o direct_a opposition_n to_o spiritual_a life_n and_o sincerity_n it_o natural_o fall_v in_o under_o the_o consideration_n of_o zeal_n as_o it_o imply_v a_o servile_a subjection_n to_o some_o vile_a lust_n or_o or_o other_o it_o natural_o fall_v in_o under_o the_o consideration_n of_o liberty_n so_o that_o by_o allot_v it_o this_o place_n i_o shall_v at_o once_o complete_a my_o reflection_n on_o the_o argument_n of_o liberty_n and_o make_v a_o good_a progress_n into_o that_o of_o zeal_n barrenness_n or_o unfruitfulness_n may_v in_o general_n best_o be_v understand_v by_o compare_v it_o with_o a_o state_n of_o wickedness_n from_o which_o as_o it_o be_v usual_o distinguish_v in_o the_o notion_n of_o the_o vulgar_a so_o do_v it_o real_o differ_v on_o many_o account_n the_o one_o have_v in_o it_o a_o air_n of_o defiance_n the_o other_o of_o vnconcernment_n for_o religion_n the_o one_o forget_v god_n the_o other_o contemn_v he_o the_o one_o have_v no_o relish_n nor_o savour_n of_o that_o which_o be_v good_a the_o other_o find_v too_o much_o gust_n and_o pleasure_n in_o that_o which_o be_v evil_a the_o one_o make_v we_o by_o degree_n enemy_n the_o other_o stranger_n to_o god_n in_o short_a there_o be_v little_a doubt_n to_o be_v make_v but_o that_o the_o omission_n of_o a_o duty_n and_o the_o commission_n of_o a_o crime_n lukewarmness_n in_o that_o which_o be_v good_a and_o eagerness_n and_o confidence_n in_o that_o which_o be_v evil_a may_v and_o general_o do_v differ_v very_o wide_o in_o the_o degree_n of_o gild_n from_o hence_o it_o be_v the_o sinner_n be_v always_o a_o partial_a and_o indulgent_a judge_n of_o himself_o that_o it_o be_v not_o unusual_a for_o many_o who_o seem_v to_o have_v some_o abhorrence_n of_o wickedness_n to_o be_v far_o enough_o from_o apprehend_v much_o evil_a or_o much_o danger_n in_o unfruitfulness_n this_o be_v a_o fatal_a error_n it_o frustrate_v the_o great_a design_n of_o religion_n and_o rob_v it_o of_o its_o true_a honour_n good_a work_n for_o what_o can_v religion_n effect_v by_o that_o man_n who_o retain_v nothing_o of_o it_o but_o the_o bare_a form_n and_o profession_n and_o dare_v promise_v himself_o not_o only_a impunity_n but_o a_o heaven_n in_o a_o useless_a and_o unprofitable_a life_n unfruitfulness_n if_o more_o particular_o inquire_v into_o consist_v in_o two_o thing_n a_o neglect_n of_o duty_n or_o a_o lifeless_a and_o unprofitable_a performance_n of_o it_o the_o former_a i_o will_v call_v idleness_n the_o latter_a lukewarmness_n coldness_n formality_n and_o treat_v of_o each_o in_o order_n of_o the_o former_a in_o this_o and_o of_o the_o latter_a in_o the_o follow_a chapter_n and_o because_o each_o of_o they_o be_v encumber_v with_o mistake_v and_o error_n which_o arise_v not_o only_o from_o self-love_n and_o partiality_n but_o also_o from_o shallowness_n of_o judgement_n join_v with_o tenderness_n of_o conscience_n i_o shall_v endeavour_v so_o to_o manage_v this_o subject_a as_o neither_o to_o discourage_v the_o weak_a nor_o embolden_v the_o careless_a §_o 1._o of_o idleness_n the_o omission_n of_o a_o duty_n may_v be_v either_o habitual_a or_o occasional_a and_o accidental_a and_o according_o the_o case_n of_o omission_n may_v be_v very_o different_a 1._o a_o habitual_a omission_n of_o duty_n can_v consist_v with_o sincerity_n a_o general_n neglect_v of_o duty_n defeat_v the_o main_a end_n of_o religion_n which_o be_v to_o honour_n god_n adorn_v our_o holy_a profession_n and_o promote_v the_o good_a of_o human_a society_n all_o which_o can_v never_o be_v attain_v but_o by_o follow_v after_o righteousness_n and_o abound_v in_o the_o fruit_n of_o it_o by_o this_o rule_n a_o idle_a though_o innocent_a life_n must_v necessary_o be_v account_v irreligious_a and_o vicious_a be_v a_o flat_a contradiction_n to_o our_o excellent_a profession_n he_o who_o do_v not_o pray_v nor_o meditate_v nor_o pursue_v any_o end_n of_o charity_n though_o he_o be_v otherwise_o civil_a and_o regular_a in_o his_o life_n yet_o because_o be_v do_v not_o work_v righteousness_n because_o he_o be_v so_o far_o from_o imitate_v the_o zeal_n or_o charity_n of_o the_o bless_a jesus_n that_o he_o act_v direct_o repugnant_a to_o both_o therefore_o must_v he_o not_o be_v look_v upon_o as_o a_o disciple_n of_o jesus_n but_o as_o a_o alien_n and_o a_o stranger_n he_o who_o life_n be_v spend_v in_o vanity_n or_o drudgery_n in_o pleasure_n or_o business_n though_o his_o pleasure_n be_v not_o impure_a nor_o his_o business_n unjust_a yet_o be_v he_o before_o god_n a_o criminal_a because_o unprofitable_a he_o have_v receive_v the_o grace_n of_o god_n in_o vain_a the_o light_n of_o the_o gospel_n have_v rise_v upon_o he_o in_o vain_a and_o he_o have_v serve_v no_o interest_n of_o virtue_n or_o religion_n in_o his_o generation_n and_o therefore_o he_o will_v be_v exclude_v heaven_n with_o the_o slothful_a servant_n who_o hide_v his_o master_n talon_n in_o a_o napkin_n luke_n 19.20_o 2._o the_o case_n of_o a_o accidental_a or_o occasional_a omission_n of_o duty_n be_v very_o different_a from_o that_o of_o habitual_a neglect_n of_o it_o a_o occasional_a omission_n may_v be_v not_o only_o lawful_a but_o necessary_a but_o the_o neglect_v of_o duty_n never_o can_v be_v either_o the_o circumstance_n of_o positive_a duty_n and_o the_o measure_n or_o degree_n of_o moral_a good_a be_v not_o strict_o fix_v and_o settle_v and_o therefore_o a_o single_a omission_n either_o in_o the_o one_o or_o the_o other_o wherever_o there_o be_v a_o sufficient_a reason_n for_o it_o can_v neither_o grieve_v the_o spirit_n nor_o frustrate_v the_o design_n of_o religion_n nor_o consequent_o imply_v any_o corruption_n in_o the_o heart_n but_o then_o we_o must_v take_v care_n 1._o that_o our_o omission_n be_v not_o too_o frequent_a we_o must_v always_o have_v regard_n in_o this_o matter_n of_o duty_n to_o the_o great_a end_n and_o design_n of_o its_o injunction_n we_o must_v take_v care_n that_o our_o omission_n in_o moral_a duty_n be_v not_o so_o often_o that_o either_o the_o honour_n of_o our_o religion_n or_o the_o welfare_n of_o our_o neighbour_n suffer_v by_o it_o nor_o must_v we_o so_o often_o omit_v instrumental_a duty_n prayer_n read_v the_o sacrament_n and_o the_o like_a as_o thereby_o to_o abate_v or_o much_o less_o extinguish_v our_o spiritual_a gust_n and_o fervour_n omission_n of_o duty_n too_o
sin_n through_o his_o name_n among_o all_o nation_n and_o this_o be_v one_o bless_a advantage_n which_o reveal_v religion_n have_v above_o natural_a that_o it_o contain_v a_o express_a declaration_n of_o the_o divine_a will_n concern_v the_o pardon_n of_o all_o sin_n whatsoever_o upon_o these_o term_n natural_a religion_n indeed_o teach_v we_o that_o god_n be_v merciful_a but_o it_o teach_v we_o that_o he_o be_v just_o too_o and_o it_o can_v never_o assure_v we_o what_o bound_n god_n will_v set_v to_o the_o exercise_n of_o the_o one_o or_o the_o other_o and_o when_o justice_n and_o when_o mercy_n shall_v take_v place_n what_o sin_n be_v and_o what_o be_v not_o capable_a of_o the_o benefit_n of_o sacrifice_n and_o repentance_n and_o this_o uncertainty_n consider_v the_o sin_n of_o the_o best_a life_n be_v ever_o natural_o apt_a to_o beget_v despondency_n melancholy_a and_o sometime_o a_o superstitious_a dread_n of_o god_n the_o second_o ground_n of_o assurance_n as_o it_o relate_v to_o our_o present_a state_n be_v a_o application_n of_o the_o condition_n of_o life_n lay_v down_o in_o the_o gospel_n to_o a_o man_n be_v own_o particular_a case_n thus_o they_o that_o believe_v and_o repent_v shall_v be_v save_v i_o believe_v and_o repent_v therefore_o i_o shall_v be_v save_v now_o that_o a_o man_n upon_o a_o examination_n of_o himself_o may_v be_v thorough_o assure_v that_o he_o do_v believe_v and_o repent_v be_v evident_a from_o scripture_n which_o do_v not_o only_o exhort_v we_o to_o enter_v upon_o this_o examination_n but_o also_o assert_v that_o assurance_n joy_n and_o peace_n be_v the_o natural_a fruit_n of_o it_o but_o let_v a_o man_n examine_v himself_o and_o so_o let_v he_o eat_v of_o that_o bread_n and_o drink_n of_o that_o cup_n 1_o cor._n 11.28_o examine_v yourselves_o whether_o you_o be_v in_o the_o faith_n prove_v your_o own_o self_n know_v you_o not_o your_o own_o self_n how_o that_o jesus_n christ_n be_v in_o you_o except_o you_o be_v reprobate_n 2_o cor._n 13.5_o but_o sanctify_v the_o lord_n god_n in_o your_o heart_n and_o be_v ready_a always_o to_o give_v a_o answer_n to_o every_o man_n that_o ask_v you_o a_o reason_n of_o the_o hope_n that_o be_v in_o you_o with_o meekness_n and_o fear_n 1_o pet._n 3.15_o and_o hereby_o we_o do_v 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 belove_a if_o our_o heart_n condemn_v we_o not_o then_o have_v we_o confidence_n towards_o god_n 1_o joh._n 3.2_o it_o be_v true_a man_n do_v often_o deceive_v themselves_o and_o entertain_v a_o more_o favourable_a opinion_n of_o their_o state_n then_o they_o ought_v but_o whence_o proceed_v this_o even_o from_o too_o partial_a or_o superficial_a reflection_n on_o themselves_o or_o none_o at_o all_o and_o therefore_o the_o apostle_n teach_v we_o plain_o that_o the_o only_a way_n to_o correct_v this_o error_n be_v a_o sincere_a and_o diligent_a search_n into_o ourselves_o for_o if_o a_o man_n think_v himself_o to_o be_v something_o when_o he_o be_v nothing_o he_o deceive_v himself_o but_o let_v every_o man_n prove_v his_o own_o work_n and_o then_o shall_v he_o have_v rejoice_v in_o himself_o alone_o and_o not_o in_o another_o gal._n 6.3_o 4._o but_o it_o be_v object_v against_o all_o this_o that_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n be_v so_o deceitful_a that_o it_o be_v a_o very_a difficult_a matter_n to_o make_v a_o thorough_a discovery_n of_o it_o we_o often_o think_v ourselves_o sincere_a when_o the_o success_n of_o the_o next_o temptation_n give_v we_o just_a reason_n to_o call_v this_o sincerity_n into_o question_n such_o be_v the_o contradiction_n composition_n of_o our_o nature_n that_o we_o often_o act_v contrary_a to_o our_o inward_a conviction_n and_o frequent_o fail_v in_o the_o execution_n of_o those_o design_n in_o the_o performance_n of_o those_o resolution_n which_o we_o have_v think_v very_o well_o ground_v and_o this_o be_v not_o to_o be_v charge_v upon_o the_o insufficiency_n of_o god_n grace_n but_o the_o levity_n or_o insincerity_n of_o our_o own_o heart_n how_o can_v we_o safe_o frame_v any_o right_a opinion_n of_o our_o self_n from_o those_o affection_n and_o purpose_n which_o be_v so_o little_a to_o be_v rely_v upon_o to_o this_o i_o answer_v first_o we_o be_v not_o to_o conclude_v any_o thing_n concern_v our_o progress_n or_o perfection_n too_o hasty_o we_o be_v not_o to_o determine_v of_o the_o final_a issue_n of_o a_o war_n by_o the_o success_n of_o one_o or_o two_o engagement_n but_o our_o hope_n and_o assurance_n be_v to_o advance_v slow_o and_o gradual_o in_o proportion_n to_o the_o abatement_n of_o the_o enemy_n force_n and_o the_o increase_n of_o our_o own_o so_o that_o we_o may_v have_v time_n enough_o to_o examine_v and_o prove_v our_o own_o heart_n second_o a_o sincere_a christian_a but_o especial_o one_o of_o a_o mature_a virtue_n may_v easy_o discern_v his_o spiritual_a state_n by_o the_o inward_a moving_n and_o act_n of_o the_o soul_n if_o he_o attend_v to_o they_o for_o be_v it_o possible_a that_o such_o a_o one_o shall_v be_v ignorant_a what_o impression_n divine_a truth_n make_v upon_o he_o be_v it_o possible_a he_o shall_v be_v ignorant_a whether_o his_o faith_n stand_v firm_a against_o the_o shock_n of_o all_o carnal_a objection_n whether_o he_o earnest_o desire_v to_o please_v god_n as_o love_v he_o above_o all_o thing_n whether_o he_o thirst_v after_o the_o consolation_n and_o joy_n of_o the_o spirit_n more_o than_o after_o that_o of_o sensible_a thing_n be_v it_o possible_a the_o soul_n shall_v bewail_v its_o heaviness_n and_o dryness_n which_o the_o best_a be_v liable_a to_o at_o some_o season_n or_o other_o be_v it_o possible_a that_o the_o soul_n shall_v be_v carry_v upward_o frequent_o on_o the_o wing_n of_o faith_n and_o love_n that_o it_o shall_v maintain_v a_o familiar_a and_o constant_a conversation_n with_o heaven_n that_o it_o shall_v long_o to_o be_v deliver_v from_o this_o world_n of_o trouble_n and_o this_o body_n of_o death_n and_o to_o enter_v into_o the_o region_n of_o peace_n of_o life_n and_o righteousness_n be_v it_o possible_a i_o say_v that_o these_o shall_v be_v the_o affection_n the_o long_n and_o earning_n of_o the_o soul_n and_o yet_o that_o the_o good_a man_n the_o perfect_a man_n who_o often_o enter_v into_o his_o closet_n and_o commune_v with_o his_o own_o heart_n shall_v be_v ignorant_a of_o they_o it_o can_v be_v in_o a_o word_n can_v the_o reluctance_n of_o the_o body_n and_o the_o allurement_n of_o the_o world_n be_v disarm_v weaken_a and_o reduce_v can_v the_o hunger_n and_o thirst_n after_o righteousness_n be_v very_o eager_a the_o relish_n of_o spiritual_a pleasure_n brisk_a and_o delightful_a and_o the_o contempt_n of_o worldly_a thing_n be_v real_a and_o thorough_o settle_v and_o yet_o the_o man_n be_v insensible_a of_o all_o this_o it_o can_v be_v but_o if_o we_o fall_v these_o affection_n in_o we_o we_o may_v safe_o conclude_v that_o we_o be_v partaker_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n that_o we_o have_v escape_v the_o corruption_n that_o be_v in_o the_o world_n through_o lust_n and_o that_o the_o new_a creature_n be_v at_o least_o grow_v up_o into_o a_o perfect_a man_n to_o the_o measure_n of_o the_o stature_n of_o the_o fullness_n of_o christ_n three_o the_o sure_a test_n of_o a_o state_n of_o grace_n be_v our_o abound_v in_o good_a work_n you_o shall_v know_v the_o tree_n by_o its_o fruit_n be_v our_o master_n own_o rule_n and_o it_o can_v never_o deceive_v we_o he_o that_o do_v righteousness_n be_v bear_v of_o god_n if_o then_o we_o be_v frequent_a and_o fervent_a in_o our_o devotion_n towards_o god_n if_o we_o be_v modest_a and_o grateful_a in_o the_o success_n patient_n and_o resigned_n calm_a and_o serene_a under_o the_o cross_n and_o trouble_v of_o life_n if_o we_o be_v not_o only_o punctual_a but_o honourable_a in_o our_o deal_n if_o we_o be_v vigorous_a and_o generous_a in_o the_o exercise_n of_o charity_n if_o we_o be_v not_o only_o just_a and_o true_a but_o meek_a gentle_a and_o oblige_v in_o our_o word_n if_o we_o retrench_v not_o only_o the_o sinful_a but_o something_o from_o the_o innocent_a liberty_n and_o gratification_n of_o sense_n to_o give_v ourselves_o more_o entire_o up_o to_o the_o duty_n and_o pleasure_n of_o faith_n if_o final_o we_o never_o be_v ashamed_a of_o virtue_n nor_o flatter_v compliment_n nor_o wink_v at_o vice_n if_o we_o be_v ready_a to_o meet_v with_o death_n with_o comfort_n and_o retain_v life_n with_o some_o degree_n of_o indifference_n if_o these_o thing_n i_o say_v be_v in_o we_o we_o have_v little_a reason_n to_o doubt_v of_o the_o goodness_n of_o our_o state_n for_o good_a work_n be_v the_o natural_a fruit_n of_o grace_n it_o be_v impossible_a we_o shall_v abound_v in_o the_o one_o without_o be_v possess_v
on_o the_o soul_n in_o its_o creation_n but_o also_o scatter_v and_o diffuse_v i_o know_v not_o what_o venom_n and_o infection_n through_o it_o that_o make_v it_o eager_o pursue_v its_o own_o misery_n it_o be_v a_o disease_n that_o produce_v more_o intolerable_a effect_n in_o the_o soul_n than_o any_o whatever_o can_v in_o the_o body_n the_o predominancy_n of_o any_o noxious_a humour_n can_v breed_v no_o pain_n no_o disturbance_n equal_a to_o that_o of_o a_o predominant_a â—_z not_o scar_n or_o ruin_n which_o the_o worst_a disease_n leave_v behind_o it_o be_v half_a so_o deform_v and_o loathsome_a as_o those_o of_o vice_n nay_o that_o last_o change_n which_o death_n itself_o produce_v when_o it_o convert_v a_o beautiful_a body_n into_o dust_n and_o rottenness_n be_v not_o half_a so_o contemptible_a or_o hateful_a as_o that_o of_o sin_n when_o it_o transform_v man_n into_o a_o beast_n or_o devil_n if_o we_o do_v not_o yet_o sufficient_o comprehend_v the_o nature_n of_o sin_n by_o view_v it_o as_o it_o exist_v in_o our_o mind_n and_o heart_n we_o may_v contemplate_v it_o in_o our_o action_n and_o here_o it_o be_v blindness_n and_o folly_n rashness_n and_o madness_n incogitance_n levity_n falsehood_n and_o cowardice_n it_o be_v every_o thing_n that_o be_v mean_a and_o base_a and_o all_o this_o aggravate_v by_o the_o most_o accurse_a ingratitude_n that_o human_a nature_n be_v capable_a of_o these_o and_o the_o like_a reflection_n on_o the_o nature_n of_o sin_n can_v choose_v but_o render_v it_o hateful_a and_o if_o second_o we_o make_v any_o serious_a one_o on_o the_o effect_n of_o it_o they_o can_v fail_v of_o render_v it_o frightful_a and_o dreadful_a to_o we_o these_o effect_n may_v be_v especial_o reduce_v to_o three_o 1._o the_o ill_a influence_n sin_n have_v upon_o our_o temporal_a concern_v 2._o gild_n and_o 3._o fear_n as_o to_o the_o first_o of_o these_o i_o shall_v only_o say_v that_o we_o suffer_v very_o few_o evil_n but_o what_o be_v owe_v to_o our_o own_o sin_n that_o it_o be_v very_o rare_o any_o calamity_n befall_v we_o but_o we_o may_v put_v our_o finger_n on_o the_o fountain_n the_o sin_n i_o mean_v from_o whence_o the_o mischief_n flow_v whence_o come_v war_n and_o fight_v among_o you_o say_v st._n james_n come_v they_o not_o from_o your_o lust_n which_o war_n in_o your_o member_n this_o be_v every_o jot_n as_o applicable_a to_o private_a as_o public_a contention_n and_o where_o envy_n strife_n and_o contention_n be_v no_o evil_a work_n no_o disaster_n will_v be_v long_o absent_a i_o may_v run_v through_o all_o the_o different_a kind_n of_o evil_n that_o infest_v the_o body_n or_o embroil_v the_o fortune_n that_o blast_n our_o hope_n or_o stain_v our_o desire_n and_o easy_o show_v that_o they_o all_o general_o spring_n from_o our_o vice_n nay_o what_o be_v worse_o yet_o i_o can_v show_v that_o sin_n convert_v our_o good_a thing_n into_o evil_n and_o our_o enjoyment_n into_o punishment_n that_o it_o render_v the_o slight_a evil_n intolerable_a turn_v scratch_n into_o wound_n and_o wound_n into_o gangrene_n but_o this_o be_v too_o copious_a a_o subject_n and_o will_v insensible_o render_v i_o voluminous_a when_o i_o will_v be_v as_o short_a as_o possible_o i_o can_v a_o second_o effect_v of_o sin_n be_v gild_n which_o be_v nothing_o else_o but_o a_o consciousness_n of_o have_v do_v ill_o and_o a_o obligation_n to_o punishment_n result_v from_o it_o and_o though_o man_n often_o sin_n with_o hope_n of_o impunity_n yet_o it_o be_v hard_o to_o imagine_v even_o on_o this_o supposal_n that_o they_o shall_v sin_v without_o suffer_v the_o reproach_n of_o their_o own_o mind_n which_o sure_o must_v be_v very_o uneasy_a to_o they_o to_o be_v perpetual_o vex_v at_o one_o own_o folly_n to_o commit_v those_o thing_n which_o we_o inward_o condemn_v and_o be_v in_o continual_a pain_n lest_o they_o shall_v come_v to_o light_n to_o be_v always_o displease_v at_o one_o self_n and_o afraid_a not_o only_o of_o the_o reflection_n of_o other_o but_o our_o own_o this_o be_v methinks_v a_o great_a evil_n do_v no_o other_o attend_v our_o sin_n but_o three_o fear_n be_v almost_o inseparable_o join_v with_o gild_n for_o gild_n do_v not_o only_a damp_n the_o cheerfulness_n and_o enfeeble_v the_o vigour_n of_o the_o mind_n it_o do_v not_o only_o destroy_v that_o confidence_n man_n will_v otherwise_o natural_o have_v in_o god_n and_o render_v he_o cowardly_a and_o pusillanimous_a but_o it_o terrify_v his_o soul_n with_o melancholy_a apprehension_n and_o make_v he_o live_v continual_o in_o fear_n of_o death_n and_o punishment_n and_o thus_o the_o scripture_n represent_v the_o state_n of_o a_o sinner_n the_o wicked_a flee_v when_o none_o pursue_v but_o the_o righteous_a be_v bold_a as_o a_o lion_n prov._n 28.1_o if_o our_o heart_n condemn_v we_o god_n be_v great_a than_o our_o heart_n and_o know_v all_o thing_n 1_o john_n 3.2_o there_o be_v no_o peace_n to_o the_o wicked_a say_v the_o lord_n isa_n 48.22_o to_o deliver_v they_o who_o through_o fear_n of_o death_n be_v all_o their_o life_n time_n subject_a to_o bondage_n heb._n 2.15_o the_o sinner_n in_o zion_n be_v afraid_a fearfulness_n have_v surpise_v the_o hypocrite_n who_o among_o we_o shall_v dwell_v with_o the_o devour_a fire_n who_o among_o we_o shall_v dwell_v with_o everlasting_a burn_n isa_n 23.14_o nor_o let_v any_o one_o wonder_n that_o notwithstanding_o the_o outward_a gaiety_n of_o the_o sinner_n the_o spirit_n thus_o describe_v the_o inward_a condition_n of_o his_o soul_n as_o long_o as_o man_n retain_v the_o belief_n of_o a_o god_n it_o be_v impossible_a they_o shall_v whole_o free_v themselves_o from_o the_o fear_n of_o he_o they_o may_v indeed_o forget_v he_o in_o the_o fit_v of_o lust_n or_o passion_n but_o in_o their_o intermission_n his_o terror_n will_v return_v upon_o they_o with_o more_o violence_n again_o as_o long_o as_o man_n retain_v the_o common_a principle_n of_o truth_n and_o justice_n if_o they_o acknowledge_v but_o the_o obligation_n of_o that_o universal_a law_n thou_o shall_v do_v to_o other_o as_o thou_o will_v they_o shall_v do_v unto_o thou_o it_o be_v impossible_a they_o shall_v reflect_v on_o their_o sin_n without_o regret_n and_o uneasiness_n for_o there_o be_v no_o sin_n but_o have_v more_o or_o less_o repugnancy_n in_o it_o to_o truth_n justice_n and_o goodness_n final_o as_o long_o as_o man_n be_v persuade_v that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o faculty_n as_o conscience_n that_o god_n have_v prescribe_v they_o a_o law_n and_o that_o they_o be_v accountable_a to_o he_o the_o natural_a conscience_n can_v choose_v but_o by_o fit_n and_o upon_o occasion_n scourge_n and_o torture_n lance_n and_o gash_n they_o and_o it_o be_v a_o hard_a matter_n to_o wear_v out_o these_o notion_n they_o be_v so_o natural_a and_o obvious_a the_o proof_n of_o they_o be_v so_o clear_a their_o reputation_n and_o authority_n in_o the_o world_n be_v so_o well_o establish_v and_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n so_o frequent_o inculcate_n they_o man_n may_v easy_o wear_v out_o all_o sense_n of_o the_o beauty_n and_o of_o their_o obligation_n to_o the_o height_n and_o perfection_n of_o virtue_n but_o they_o can_v so_o easy_o do_v this_o in_o reference_n to_o virtue_n in_o general_a because_o it_o be_v temper_v and_o accommodate_v to_o human_a nature_n and_o society_n and_o necessary_a to_o the_o tolerable_a well-being_n of_o the_o world_n man_n may_v soon_o i_o confess_v extinguish_v their_o christianity_n but_o not_o humanity_n and_o while_o this_o remain_v sin_n will_v leave_v a_o stain_n and_o gild_n behind_o it_o and_o gild_n will_v be_v attend_v by_o uneasiness_n and_o fear_v the_o very_a pagan_n who_o have_v advance_v so_o far_o in_o wickedness_n as_o to_o be_v give_v up_o to_o all_o dishonourable_a passion_n and_o to_o commit_v all_o uncleanness_n with_o greediness_n have_v not_o yet_o so_o mortify_v and_o stupefy_v their_o conscience_n but_o that_o it_o give_v they_o much_o disturbance_n rom._n 1._o ver_fw-la 32._o it_o be_v say_v of_o they_o that_o they_o know_v the_o judgement_n of_o god_n that_o they_o which_o commit_v such_o thing_n be_v worthy_a of_o death_n and_o rom._n 2.15_o their_o conscience_n be_v say_v to_o accuse_v and_o condemn_v they_o and_o it_o be_v of_o very_o wicked_a man_n that_o the_o author_n to_o the_o hebrew_n affirm_v that_o through_o fear_n of_o death_n they_o be_v all_o their_o life_n time_n subject_a to_o bondage_n but_o be_v there_o not_o will_v some_o say_v many_o ingenious_a and_o brave_a spirit_n who_o have_v disperse_v these_o vain_a spectres_n and_o burst_v those_o superstitious_a fetter_n by_o which_o you_o labour_v to_o scare_v and_o enslave_v the_o world_n i_o do_v not_o doubt_v indeed_o but_o that_o there_o be_v too_o many_o who_o have_v vigorous_o endeavour_v to_o cashier_v all_o principle_n of_o natural_a
through_o with_o many_o sorrow_n ver_fw-la 17_o 18_o 19_o charge_v they_o that_o be_v rich_a in_o this_o world_n that_o they_o be_v not_o high_a mind_v nor_o trust_v in_o uncertain_a riches_n but_o in_o the_o live_a god_n who_o give_v we_o all_o thing_n rich_o to_o enjoy_v that_o they_o do_v good_a that_o they_o be_v rich_a in_o good_a work_n ready_a to_o distribute_v willing_a to_o communicate_v lay_v up_o in_o store_n for_o themselves_o a_o good_a foundation_n against_o the_o time_n to_o come_v that_o they_o may_v lay_v hold_n on_o eternal_a life_n and_o to_o multiply_v no_o more_o instance_n of_o restraint_n of_o this_o or_o the_o like_a nature_n thus_o we_o ought_v to_o stand_v affect_v towards_o praise_n and_o reputation_n interest_n and_o power_n beauty_n strength_n etc._n etc._n we_o must_v neither_o be_v too_o intent_n upon_o they_o nor_o enjoy_v they_o with_o too_o much_o gust_n and_o satisfaction_n for_o this_o be_v that_o disposition_n which_o appear_v to_o i_o to_o suit_n best_o with_o the_o spirit_n and_o design_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o with_o the_o nature_n of_o such_o thing_n as_o be_v of_o a_o middle_a sort_n be_v equal_o capable_a of_o be_v either_o temptation_n or_o blessing_n instrument_n of_o good_a or_o evil._n 3_o the_o scripture_n regulate_v and_o bound_v our_o natural_a and_o necessary_a appetite_n not_o so_o much_o by_o nice_o define_v the_o exact_a degree_n and_o measure_n within_o which_o nature_n must_v be_v strict_o contain_v as_o by_o exalt_a example_n of_o and_o exhortation_n to_o a_o spiritual_a pure_a and_o heavenly_a disposition_n thus_o our_o lord_n and_o master_n seem_v to_o i_o to_o give_v some_o check_n to_o the_o stream_n of_o natural_a affection_n and_o to_o call_v off_o his_o disciple_n from_o it_o to_o the_o consideration_n of_o a_o spiritual_a relation_n mark_v 3.34_o 35._o and_o he_o look_v round_o about_o on_o they_o which_o sit_v about_o he_o and_o say_v behold_v my_o mother_n and_o my_o brethren_n for_o whosoever_o shall_v do_v the_o will_n of_o god_n the_o same_o be_v my_o brother_n and_o my_o sister_n and_o mother_n to_o which_o word_n of_o our_o lord_n i_o may_v join_v those_o of_o st._n paul_n henceforth_o know_v we_o no_o man_n after_o the_o flesh_n yet_o now_o henceforth_o know_v we_o he_o no_o more_o 2_o cor._n 5.16_o the_o answer_n of_o our_o lord_n to_o a_o disciple_n who_o will_v have_v defer_v his_o follow_v he_o till_o he_o have_v bury_v his_o father_n matt._n 8._o â—1_n and_o to_o he_o who_o beg_v leave_v to_o go_v and_o bid_v farewell_n first_o to_o his_o relation_n and_o domestic_n luke_n 9.61_o do_v plain_o countenance_v the_o doctrine_n i_o here_o advance_v and_o so_o do_v st._n paul_n 1_o cor._n 7.29_o so_o often_o cite_v by_o i_o not_o that_o our_o saviour_n or_o his_o apostle_n do_v ever_o account_v our_o natural_a affection_n vicious_a and_o impure_a for_o it_o be_v a_o vice_n to_o be_v without_o they_o rom._n 1.31_o not_o that_o they_o go_v about_o to_o diminish_v or_o abate_v much_o less_o to_o cancel_v the_o duty_n flow_v from_o they_o no_o they_o only_o prune_v the_o luxuriancy_n of_o untaught_a nature_n and_o correct_v the_o fondness_n and_o infirmity_n of_o animal_n inclination_n our_o natural_a affection_n may_v entangle_v and_o enslave_v we_o as_o well_o as_o unlawful_a and_o irregular_a one_o if_o we_o lay_v no_o restraint_n upon_o they_o religion_n indeed_o make_v they_o the_o seed_n of_o virtue_n but_o without_o it_o they_o easy_o betray_v we_o into_o sin_n and_o folly_n for_o this_o reason_n i_o doubt_v not_o lest_z under_o pretence_n of_o satisfy_v our_o most_o natural_a and_o importunate_a appetite_n we_o shall_v be_v ensnare_v into_o the_o love_n of_o this_o world_n and_o entangle_v in_o the_o care_n of_o it_o our_o saviour_n forbid_v we_o to_o take_v think_v for_o to_o morrow_n even_o for_o the_o necessary_n of_o to_o morrow_n what_o we_o shall_v eat_v and_o what_o we_o shall_v drink_v and_o where-withal_a we_o shall_v be_v clothe_v matt._n 6._o these_o be_v the_o restraint_n lay_v upon_o the_o body_n in_o scripture_n which_o if_o any_o man_n observe_v he_o will_v soon_o discern_v himself_o as_o far_o purify_v and_o free_v from_o original_a corruption_n as_o human_a nature_n in_o this_o life_n be_v capable_a of_o and_o that_o he_o may_v §_o 2_o he_o must_v fortify_v and_o invigorate_v the_o mind_n and_o this_o must_v be_v do_v two_o way_n first_o by_o possess_v it_o with_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o the_o grace_n of_o the_o spirit_n second_o by_o withdraw_v it_o often_o from_o the_o body_n as_o to_o the_o former_a branch_n of_o this_o rule_n the_o necessity_n of_o it_o be_v apparent_a since_o the_o state_n of_o nature_n be_v such_o as_o have_v before_o be_v describe_v we_o stand_v in_o need_n not_o only_o of_o revelation_n to_o enlighten_v we_o but_o also_o of_o grace_n to_o strengthen_v we_o of_o the_o former_a to_o excite_v we_o to_o exert_v all_o the_o force_n and_o power_n we_o have_v of_o the_o latter_a to_o enable_v we_o to_o do_v that_o which_o our_o natural_a force_n never_o can_v effect_v it_o can_v be_v here_o expect_v that_o i_o shall_v treat_v of_o the_o operation_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o the_o way_n of_o obtain_v it_o grieve_v and_o quench_v it_o this_o will_v demand_v a_o peculiar_a treatise_n i_o will_v here_o only_o observe_v that_o it_o be_v the_o work_n of_o the_o spirit_n to_o repair_v in_o some_o degree_n at_o least_o the_o ruin_n of_o the_o fall_n to_o rectify_v nature_n to_o improve_v our_o faculty_n and_o to_o imprint_v in_o we_o the_o divine_a image_n that_o meditation_n and_o prayer_n and_o a_o careful_a conformity_n to_o the_o divine_a will_n obtain_v and_o increase_v the_o grace_n of_o the_o spirit_n that_o negligence_n and_o presumptuous_a wickedness_n grieve_v and_o extinguish_v it_o as_o to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o gospel_n i_o shall_v not_o need_v to_o say_v much_o here_o i_o have_v consider_v this_o matter_n in_o the_o chapter_n of_o illumination_n and_o will_v only_o observe_v that_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v such_o as_o if_o they_o be_v thorough_o imbibe_v do_v effectual_o raise_v we_o above_o a_o state_n of_o nature_n and_o set_v we_o free_a from_o the_o power_n and_o prevalence_n of_o our_o original_a corruption_n be_v we_o but_o once_o persuade_v that_o we_o be_v stranger_n and_o pilgrim_n upon_o earth_n that_o all_o carnal_a gratification_n do_v war_n against_o the_o soul_n that_o our_o soul_n be_v proper_o ourselves_o and_o that_o our_o first_o care_n be_v to_o be_v for_o they_o that_o god_n be_v himself_o our_o sovereign_n good_a and_o the_o fountain_n of_o all_o inferior_a good_a that_o our_o perfection_n and_o happiness_n consist_v in_o the_o love_n and_o service_n of_o he_o that_o we_o have_v a_o mighty_a mediator_n who_o once_o die_v for_o we_o and_o ever_o live_v to_o make_v intercession_n for_o we_o that_o a_o kingdom_n incorruptible_a and_o undefiled_a and_o that_o fade_v not_o away_o be_v reserve_v in_o heaven_n for_o all_o meek_a faithful_a and_o holy_a soul_n be_v we_o i_o say_v but_o once_o thorough_o persuade_v of_o these_o truth_n with_o what_o vigour_n will_v they_o impregnate_n our_o mind_n how_o clear_a will_v be_v the_o conviction_n of_o conscience_n how_o uncontrollable_a the_o authority_n of_o reason_n how_o strong_a the_o instinct_n and_o propension_n of_o the_o mind_n towards_o righteousness_n and_o virtue_n these_o will_v alienate_v the_o mind_n from_o the_o world_n and_o the_o body_n and_o turn_v the_o bend_v of_o it_o another_o way_n these_o will_v inspire_v it_o with_o other_o desire_n and_o hope_n and_o make_v it_o form_n different_a project_n from_o what_o it_o have_v before_o old_a thing_n be_v do_v away_o and_o all_o thing_n be_v become_v new_a the_o second_o branch_n of_o this_o second_o particular_a rule_n be_v that_o we_o must_v accustom_v ourselves_o to_o retire_v frequent_o from_o the_o commerce_n and_o conversation_n of_o the_o body_n whether_o the_o eat_v the_o forbid_a fruit_n do_v open_a to_o the_o mind_n new_a scene_n of_o sensuality_n which_o it_o think_v not_o of_o and_o so_o call_v it_o down_o from_o the_o serenity_n and_o height_n of_o a_o more_o pure_a and_o contemplative_a life_n to_o participate_v the_o turbulent_a pleasure_n of_o sense_n immerse_v it_o as_o it_o be_v by_o this_o mean_v deep_a into_o the_o body_n i_o pretend_v not_o to_o judge_v but_o it_o be_v certain_a a_o too_o too_o intimate_a conjunction_n of_o the_o mind_n with_o the_o body_n and_o the_o satisfaction_n of_o it_o do_v very_o much_o debase_v it_o it_o be_v our_o great_a unhappiness_n that_o the_o soul_n be_v always_o in_o the_o sense_n and_o the_o sense_n be_v always_o upon_o the_o world_n we_o converse_v with_o the_o world_n we_o talk_v of_o the_o world_n we_o think_v of_o the_o
be_v capable_a of_o it_o he_o that_o lay_v the_o foundation_n of_o moral_n here_o do_v build_v upon_o a_o rock_n and_o he_o that_o here_o push_v his_o success_n to_o the_o utmost_a point_n have_v reach_v the_o high_a round_n in_o the_o scale_n of_o perfection_n and_o give_v the_o finish_n stroke_n to_o holiness_n and_o virtue_n this_o i_o say_v then_o he_o that_o will_v be_v free_a must_v lay_v down_o as_o a_o general_a rule_n to_o himself_o from_o which_o he_o must_v resolve_v never_o to_o swerve_v that_o he_o be_v by_o all_o rational_a and_o possible_a method_n to_o diminish_v the_o strength_n and_o authority_n of_o the_o body_n and_o increase_v that_o of_o the_o mind_n by_o this_o we_o ought_v to_o judge_v of_o the_o convenience_n or_o inconvenience_n of_o our_o worldly_a fortune_n by_o this_o we_o be_v to_o determine_v of_o the_o innocence_n or_o malignity_n of_o action_n by_o this_o we_o be_v to_o form_n and_o estimate_v our_o acquaintance_n and_o conversation_n and_o by_o this_o we_o be_v to_o judge_v of_o the_o bend_a and_o tendency_n of_o our_o life_n by_o this_o we_o be_v to_o regulate_v our_o diversion_n by_o this_o we_o may_v resolve_v of_o the_o nature_n and_o degree_n of_o our_o pleasure_n whether_o lawful_a whether_o expedient_a or_o not_o and_o in_o one_o word_n by_o this_o we_o may_v pass_v a_o true_a sentence_n upon_o the_o degree_n and_o measure_n of_o our_o natural_a affection_n there_o be_v many_o thing_n that_o be_v in_o their_o own_o nature_n indifferent_a enough_o that_o prove_v not_o so_o to_o i_o and_o there_o be_v such_o a_o latitude_n in_o the_o degree_n and_o measure_n of_o duty_n and_o deviation_n from_o it_o that_o it_o be_v a_o very_a hard_a matter_n in_o several_a case_n to_o define_v nice_o and_o strict_o what_o be_v lawful_a or_o unlawful_a but_o i_o be_o sure_a in_o all_o case_n this_o be_v a_o wise_a and_o safe_a rule_n that_o we_o be_v to_o aim_v at_o the_o strengthen_v the_o authority_n of_o our_o mind_n and_o the_o weaken_v the_o force_n and_o power_n of_o our_o carnal_a appetite_n by_o consequence_n every_o man_n ought_v to_o examine_v himself_o by_o what_o art_n by_o what_o practice_n the_o light_n of_o his_o understanding_n come_v to_o be_v obscure_v the_o authority_n of_o his_o reason_n weaken_a and_o the_o tenderness_n of_o his_o conscience_n to_o be_v so_o much_o blunt_v and_o wear_v off_o and_o when_o he_o have_v discover_v this_o he_o must_v avoid_v these_o thing_n as_o temptation_n and_o snare_n he_o must_v shun_v these_o path_n as_o those_o that_o lead_v to_o danger_n and_o death_n and_o whatever_o he_o find_v to_o have_v a_o contrary_a tendency_n these_o be_v the_o thing_n that_o he_o must_v do_v these_o be_v the_o thing_n that_o he_o must_v study_v contrive_v and_o follow_v how_o happy_a will_v a_o man_n be_v how_o perfect_a will_v he_o soon_o grow_v if_o he_o do_v conduct_v himself_o by_o this_o rule_n how_o little_a need_n will_v he_o have_v of_o outward_a comfort_n how_o little_a value_n will_v he_o have_v for_o power_n and_o honour_n for_o the_o state_n and_o pride_n of_o life_n how_o little_o will_v he_o hunt_v after_o the_o pleasure_n of_o sense_n what_o peace_n shall_v he_o maintain_v within_o when_o he_o shall_v do_v nothing_o that_o be_v repugnant_a to_o the_o reason_n of_o his_o mind_n what_o joy_n and_o hope_n will_v he_o abound_v with_o when_o he_o shall_v have_v so_o many_o daily_a proof_n of_o his_o integrity_n as_o the_o live_n above_o the_o body_n will_v give_v he_o and_o how_o will_v all_o this_o strengthen_v and_o exalt_v the_o mind_n what_o flight_n will_v it_o take_v towards_o heaven_n and_o how_o invincible_a will_v it_o prove_v to_o all_o temptation_n happy_a and_o perfect_a that_o man_n who_o have_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n thus_o within_o he_o who_o life_n be_v hide_v with_o christ_n in_o god_n when_o christ_n who_o be_v his_o life_n shall_v appear_v he_o also_o shall_v appear_v with_o he_o in_o glory_n this_o be_v a_o comprehensive_a rule_n and_o if_o well_o pursue_v sufficient_a of_o its_o self_n to_o do_v the_o work_n i_o be_o here_o aim_v at_o but_o that_o it_o may_v be_v more_o easy_o reduce_v to_o practice_n i_o think_v it_o not_o amiss_o to_o take_v a_o more_o particular_a view_n of_o it_o and_o than_o it_o may_v be_v resolve_v into_o these_o two_o 1._o we_o must_v lay_v due_a restraint_n upon_o the_o body_n 2._o we_o must_v invigorate_v and_o fortify_v the_o mind_n partly_o by_o the_o light_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o the_o grace_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n and_o partly_o by_o accustom_v it_o to_o retire_v and_o with_o draw_v itself_o from_o the_o body_n §_o 1._o as_o to_o the_o restraint_n we_o be_v to_o lay_v upon_o the_o body_n what_o they_o be_v we_o easy_o learn_v from_o the_o scripture_n for_o first_o these_o express_o forbid_v we_o to_o gratify_v the_o lust_n and_o affection_n of_o the_o flesh_n and_o that_o not_o only_o because_o they_o be_v injurious_a to_o our_o neighbour_n and_o a_o dishonour_n to_o our_o holy_a profession_n but_o also_o because_o they_o have_v a_o ill_a influence_n upon_o the_o strength_n and_o liberty_n the_o power_n and_o authority_n of_o the_o mind_n dear_o belove_v i_o beseech_v you_o as_o stranger_n and_o pilgrim_n abstain_v from_o fleshly_a lust_n which_o war_n against_o the_o soul_n 1_o pet._n 2.11_o and_o whoever_o enter_v into_o the_o account_n of_o thing_n will_v easy_o discern_v this_o to_o be_v true_a there_o be_v a_o deceitfulness_n in_o sin_n a_o sensuality_n in_o lust_n who_o see_v not_o that_o there_o be_v more_o attraction_n in_o the_o pride_n and_o ostentation_n of_o life_n than_o in_o the_o simplicity_n and_o plainness_n of_o it_o that_o there_o be_v more_o temptation_n and_o allurement_n in_o riot_n and_o luxury_n than_o in_o frugality_n and_o a_o competency_n that_o the_o imagination_n of_o a_o solomon_n himself_o can_v but_o be_v wretched_o abuse_v if_o he_o give_v it_o leave_v to_o wander_v and_o wanton_a in_o variety_n in_o a_o word_n if_o the_o mind_n follow_v a_o carnal_a or_o worldly_a appetite_n and_o fancy_n in_o all_o its_o excess_n and_o debauch_n it_o will_v soon_o find_v itself_o miserable_o enslave_v and_o intoxicate_v it_o will_v be_v whole_o in_o the_o interest_n of_o the_o body_n and_o whole_o give_v up_o to_o to_o the_o pleasure_n of_o it_o second_o though_o the_o scripture_n do_v not_o prohibit_v some_o state_n or_o condition_n of_o this_o life_n which_o seem_v as_o it_o be_v more_o near_o ally_v to_o or_o at_o leastwise_o at_o less_o distance_n from_o the_o lust_n of_o the_o flesh_n than_o other_o be_v yet_o it_o forbid_v we_o to_o covet_v and_o pursue_v they_o thus_o st._n paul_n rom._n 12.16_o mind_v not_o high_a thing_n the_o apostle_n do_v not_o here_o oblige_v any_o man_n to_o degrade_v himself_o beneath_o his_o birth_n or_o to_o fly_v from_o those_o advantage_n which_o god_n providence_n and_o his_o own_o merit_n give_v he_o a_o just_a title_n to_o but_o certain_o he_o do_v oblige_v the_o christian_n not_o to_o aspire_v ambitious_o to_o great_a thing_n nor_o fond_o to_o pride_n himself_o in_o success_n of_o this_o kind_n so_o when_o a_o little_a after_o he_o command_v we_o in_o honour_n to_o prefer_v one_o another_o certain_o he_o do_v not_o teach_v how_o to_o talk_v but_o how_o to_o act_v not_o how_o to_o court_v and_o compliment_n but_o how_o to_o deport_v ourselves_o consonant_a to_o those_o notion_n with_o which_o charity_n towards_o our_o neighbour_n and_o humility_n towards_o ourselves_o ought_v to_o inspire_v we_o thus_o again_o we_o be_v not_o forbid_v to_o be_v rich_a no_o man_n be_v bind_v to_o strip_v himself_o of_o those_o possession_n which_o he_o be_v bear_v to_o or_o to_o shut_v out_o that_o increase_n which_o god_n blessing_n and_o his_o own_o diligence_n natural_o bring_v in_o but_o we_o be_v forbid_v to_o thirst_n after_o riches_n or_o to_o value_v ourselves_o upon_o they_o and_o command_v to_o be_v content_a with_o those_o thing_n that_o we_o have_v and_o if_o god_n bless_v we_o with_o wealth_n to_o enjoy_v it_o with_o modesty_n and_o thankfulness_n and_o dispense_v it_o with_o liberality_n 1_o tim._n 6.6_o 7_o 8_o 9_o 10._o godliness_n with_o contentment_n be_v great_a gain_n for_o we_o bring_v nothing_o into_o this_o world_n and_o it_o be_v certain_a we_o can_v carry_v nothing_o out_o and_o have_v food_n and_o raiment_n let_v we_o be_v therewith_o content_a but_o they_o that_o will_v be_v rich_a fall_v into_o temptation_n and_o a_o snare_n and_o into_o many_o foolish_a and_o hurtful_a lust_n which_o drown_v man_n in_o destruction_n and_o perdition_n for_o the_o love_n of_o money_n be_v the_o root_n of_o all_o evil_a which_o while_o some_o covet_v after_o they_o have_v err_v from_o the_o faith_n and_o pierce_v themselves_o