practical_a christianity_n or_o a_o account_n of_o the_o holiness_n which_o the_o gospel_n enjoin_v with_o the_o motive_n to_o it_o and_o the_o remedy_n it_o propose_v against_o temptation_n with_o a_o prayer_n conclude_v each_o distinct_a head_n imprimatur_fw-la exit_fw-la aedib_n lambethanis_n 23._o decemb._n 1676._o geo._n hooper_n london_n print_v by_o s._n and_o b._n g._n for_o r._n pawlet_n at_o the_o sign_n of_o the_o bible_n in_o chancery-lane_n 1677._o to_o the_o reader_n reader_n i_o have_v endeavour_v in_o this_o follow_a discourse_n to_o endear_v holiness_n to_o the_o love_n and_o practice_n of_o mankind_n which_o be_v a_o design_n neither_o so_o trifle_a nor_o criminal_a as_o to_o stand_v in_o need_n of_o a_o excuse_n but_o because_o a_o very_a worthy_a design_n may_v miscarry_v in_o the_o contrivance_n and_o method_n of_o its_o prosecution_n therefore_o i_o think_v myself_o oblige_v to_o give_v you_o some_o account_n of_o that_o which_o be_v thus_o i_o have_v endeavour_v to_o represent_v religion_n in_o its_o true_a and_o natural_a character_n purify_v from_o the_o sensual_a freedom_n which_o some_o and_o the_o frantic_a and_o conceit_a whimsy_n which_o other_o deform_v it_o by_o i_o have_v propose_v the_o glorious_a motive_n to_o holiness_n and_o the_o powerful_a remedy_n against_o temptation_n which_o it_o contain_v i_o have_v perform_v this_o as_o near_o as_o i_o can_v in_o a_o easy_a method_n and_o familiar_a style_n i_o have_v not_o intermix_v either_o fancy_n or_o passion_n which_o seem_v to_o i_o too_o light_a and_o garish_a a_o dress_n for_o divine_a thought_n but_o write_v they_o in_o as_o natural_a a_o plainness_n and_o majesty_n as_o i_o can_v give_v they_o hope_v all_o from_o the_o conquer_a power_n and_o influence_n of_o clear_a truth_n and_o therefore_o it_o will_v be_v necessary_a to_o he_o who_o shall_v design_v any_o advantage_n to_o himself_o from_o this_o treatise_n to_o read_v it_o deliberate_o and_o allow_v each_o sentence_n a_o proper_a consideration_n for_o be_v force_v to_o crowd_v many_o truth_n into_o a_o narrow_a compass_n i_o have_v weave_v the_o matter_n a_o little_o close_a and_o choose_v a_o conciser_n stile_n than_o otherwise_o i_o shall_v have_v do_v and_o therefore_o do_v not_o expect_v to_o be_v betray_v by_o i_o into_o a_o wise_a love_n of_o religion_n at_o unaware_o or_o to_o be_v heat_v into_o a_o romantic_a passion_n for_o virtue_n the_o former_a be_v impossible_a and_o the_o latter_a of_o little_a use_n but_o if_o you_o bring_v a_o honest_a and_o attentive_a mind_n i_o hope_v you_o may_v find_v something_o in_o this_o discourse_n which_o may_v be_v of_o very_o important_a service_n to_o your_o soul_n and_o beside_o this_o i_o have_v one_o inducement_n more_o to_o the_o publication_n of_o this_o treatise_n that_o be_v i_o be_o sufficient_o assure_v that_o no_o kind_n of_o discourse_n contribute_v more_o to_o the_o peace_n and_o welfare_n of_o church_n and_o state_n than_o those_o practical_a one_o which_o aim_v at_o implant_n a_o real_a goodness_n in_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n for_o the_o want_n of_o this_o goodness_n be_v it_o which_o have_v betray_v we_o into_o error_n so_o numerous_a and_o so_o fatal_a to_o the_o public_a peace_n and_o charity_n and_o to_o the_o very_a vital_n of_o religion_n for_o if_o our_o mind_n be_v possess_v with_o that_o charity_n and_o meekness_n and_o true_a zeal_n for_o the_o divine_a glory_n which_o become_v christian_n we_o shall_v consider_v more_o calm_o and_o see_v more_o clear_o and_o act_v more_o sincere_o we_o shall_v discern_v a_o more_o manifest_a contradiction_n to_o religion_n in_o those_o unnatural_a feud_n which_o be_v carry_v on_o by_o so_o much_o passion_n in_o such_o irreligious_a method_n and_o make_v use_v of_o to_o such_o unchristian_a purpose_n than_o in_o any_o thing_n which_o be_v the_o subject_n of_o our_o contest_v and_o we_o shall_v follow_v after_o peace_n by_o a_o compliance_n if_o not_o to_o all_o yet_o to_o all_o we_o can_v and_o then_o i_o be_o confident_a we_o shall_v soon_o put_v a_o end_n if_o not_o to_o our_o mistake_v yet_o to_o our_o division_n if_o i_o have_v contribute_v my_o endeavour_n to_o this_o in_o my_o degree_n and_o capacity_n i_o hope_v for_o pardon_n at_o least_o here_o and_o be_o assure_v of_o a_o reward_n hereafter_o farewell_n errata_fw-la page_n 15._o l._n 26._o after_o all_o which_o add_v give_v we_o a_o excellent_a notion_n of_o god_n and._n p._n 48._o l._n 11._o r._n they_z or_o four_o l._n 13._o r._n faith_n love_n temperance_n and_o humility_n p._n 98._o l._n 2._o r._n his_o happiness_n or_o glory_n p_o 102._o l._n 14._o r._n unkind_a p._n 123._o before_o the_o prayer_n add_v sect._n 3_o as_o to_o the_o mean_n of_o attain_v temperance_n i_o refer_v my_o reader_n to_o the_o section_n of_o fast_v p._n 138._o l._n 14._o for_o better_a r._n lesser_a p._n 164._o l._n 11._o for_o word_n r._n world_n p._n 223._o l._n 9_o for_o be_v of_o r._n use_n p._n 249._o l._n 23._o r._n or_o universal_a yet_o the_o content_n part_n i._o chap._n 1._o the_o great_a motive_n to_o religion_n 1._o the_o salvation_n of_o the_o soul_n chap._n 2._o of_o the_o nature_n of_o christianity_n in_o general_n in_o relation_n to_o faith_n pag._n 13_o chap._n 3._o of_o christianity_n with_o respect_n to_o practice_n in_o general_n p._n 29_o chap._n 4._o of_o christianity_n with_o respect_n to_o practice_n in_o particular_a of_o faith_n 65_o of_o the_o love_n of_o god_n 82_o of_o the_o love_n of_o our_o neighbour_n 91_o of_o temperance_n 112_o of_o humility_n 124_o of_o perfection_n 133_o part_n ii_o of_o the_o motive_n to_o holiness_n contain_v in_o the_o gospel_n of_o the_o reward_n and_o punishment_n in_o another_o life_n 152_o the_o second_o motive_n the_o consideration_n of_o divine_a nature_n 172_o the_o three_o the_o consideration_n of_o jesus_n christ_n 179_o the_o four_o the_o vanity_n of_o temptation_n 193_o the_o five_o the_o nature_n of_o virtue_n and_o vice_n 195_o the_o six_o the_o assistance_n of_o the_o divine_a spirit_n 206_o the_o seven_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o gospel_n covenant_n 207_o part_n iii_o of_o temptation_n to_o sin_n of_o pleasure_n 220_o of_o pain_n 241_o of_o some_o particular_a method_n by_o which_o we_o be_v betray_v into_o sin_n 265_o of_o the_o instrument_n of_o holiness_n the_o sacrament_n prayer_n and_o fast_v 280_o the_o conclusion_n 296_o practical_a christianity_n chap._n i._o show_v the_o necessity_n of_o be_v religious_a because_o the_o salvation_n of_o our_o soul_n depend_v on_o it_o sect._n 1_o 1._o what_o be_v a_o man_n profit_v say_v our_o bless_a saviour_n mat._n 16.26_o if_o he_o shall_v gain_v the_o whole_a world_n and_o lose_v his_o own_o soul_n that_o i_o have_v in_o this_o state_n i_o be_o now_o in_o a_o soul_n as_o well_o as_o a_o body_n who_o interest_n concern_v i_o be_v a_o truth_n my_o own_o sense_n sufficient_o discover_v for_o i_o feel_v joy_n and_o sorrow_n which_o do_v not_o make_v their_o abode_n in_o the_o organ_n of_o the_o body_n but_o in_o the_o inmost_a recess_n of_o the_o mind_n pain_n and_o pleasure_n which_o sense_n be_v too_o gross_a and_o heavy_a to_o partake_v of_o as_o the_o peace_n or_o trouble_n of_o conscience_n in_o the_o reflection_n upon_o good_a or_o evil_a action_n the_o delight_n or_o vexation_n of_o the_o mind_n in_o the_o contemplation_n of_o or_o a_o fruitless_a inquiry_n after_o excellent_a and_o important_a truth_n 2._o and_o since_o i_o have_v such_o a_o soul_n capable_a of_o happiness_n or_o misery_n it_o natural_o follow_v that_o it_o be_v sottish_a and_o unreasonable_a to_o lose_v this_o soul_n for_o the_o gain_n of_o the_o whole_a world_n for_o my_o soul_n be_v i_o myself_o and_o if_o that_o be_v miserable_a i_o must_v needs_o be_v so_o outward_a circumstance_n of_o fortune_n may_v give_v the_o world_n occasion_n to_o think_v i_o happy_a but_o they_o can_v never_o make_v i_o so_o shall_v i_o call_v myself_o happy_a if_o discontent_n and_o sorrow_n eat_v out_o the_o life_n and_o spirit_n of_o my_o soul_n if_o lust_n and_o passion_n riot_n and_o mutiny_n in_o my_o bosom_n if_o my_o sin_n scatter_v a_o uneasy_a shame_n all_o over_o i_o and_o my_o guilt_n apale_v and_o fright_v i_o what_o avail_v it_o i_o that_o my_o room_n be_v stately_a my_o table_n full_a my_o attender_n numerous_a and_o my_o attire_n gawdy_a if_o all_o this_o while_n my_o very_a be_v pine_n and_o languish_v away_o these_o indeed_o be_v rich_a and_o pleasant_a thing_n but_o i_o nevertheless_o be_o poor_a and_o miserable_a man_n therefore_o i_o conclude_v that_o whatever_o this_o thing_n be_v i_o call_v a_o soul_n though_o it_o be_v a_o perish_a die_a thing_n and_o will_v not_o outlive_v the_o body_n yet_o it_o be_v my_o wisdom_n and_o interest_n to_o prefer_v its_o content_n and_o
satisfaction_n before_o all_o the_o world_n unless_o i_o can_v choose_v to_o be_v miserable_a and_o delight_n to_o be_v unhappy_a 3._o this_o very_a consideration_n suppose_v the_o uncertainty_n of_o another_o world_n will_v yet_o strong_o engage_v i_o to_o the_o service_n of_o religion_n for_o all_o it_o aim_v at_o be_v to_o banish_v sin_n out_o of_o the_o world_n which_o be_v the_o source_n and_o original_a of_o all_o the_o trouble_n that_o disquiet_v the_o mind_n for_o 1._o sin_n in_o its_o very_a essence_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o disorder_v distemper_a passion_n affection_n foolish_a and_o preposterous_a in_o their_o choice_n or_o wild_a and_o extravagant_a in_o their_o proportion_n which_o our_o own_o experience_n sufficient_o convince_v we_o to_o be_v painful_a and_o uneasy_a 2._o it_o engage_v we_o in_o desperate_a hazard_n weary_v we_o with_o daily_a toil_n and_o often_o bury_v we_o in_o the_o ruin_n we_o bring_v upon_o ourselves_o and_o last_o it_o fill_v our_o heart_n with_o distrust_n and_o fear_v and_o shame_n for_o we_o shall_v never_o be_v able_a to_o persuade_v ourselves_o full_o that_o there_o be_v no_o difference_n between_o good_a and_o evil_n that_o there_o be_v no_o god_n or_o none_o that_o concern_v himself_o at_o the_o action_n of_o this_o life_n and_o if_o we_o can_v we_o can_v never_o rid_v our_o self_n of_o the_o pang_n and_o sting_n of_o a_o tremble_a soul_n we_o shall_v never_o be_v able_a to_o establish_v a_o peace_n and_o calm_a in_o our_o bosom_n and_o so_o enjoy_v our_o pleasure_n with_o a_o clear_a and_o uninterrupted_a freedom_n but_o if_o we_o can_v persuade_v ourselves_o into_o the_o utmost_a height_n of_o atheism_n yet_o still_o we_o shall_v be_v under_o these_o two_o strange_a inconvenience_n 1._o that_o a_o life_n of_o sin_n will_v be_v still_o irregular_a and_o disorderly_a and_o therefore_o troublesome_a 2._o that_o we_o shall_v have_v dismantle_v our_o soul_n of_o their_o great_a strength_n disarm_v they_o of_o that_o faith_n which_o only_o can_v support_v they_o under_o the_o affliction_n of_o this_o present_a life_n not_o to_o mention_v that_o after_o all_o the_o sad_a story_n of_o another_o life_n will_v not_o be_v strait_a way_n nonsense_n because_o we_o think_v they_o so_o they_o will_v continue_v at_o leastwise_o disputable_a and_o who_o will_v but_o a_o desperate-sot_n commit_v his_o soul_n to_o such_o a_o venture_n sect._n 2._o 4._o but_o when_o i_o consider_v that_o the_o immortality_n of_o the_o soul_n be_v a_o persuasion_n which_o general_o obtain_v in_o the_o heathen_a world_n that_o the_o more_o wise_a and_o virtuous_a any_o of_o they_o be_v the_o more_o deep_o be_v they_o possess_v by_o the_o belief_n and_o hope_n of_o it_o that_o the_o reason_n plato_n cicero_n etc._n etc._n found_v this_o assertion_n in_o derive_v from_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o soul_n its_o operation_n its_o little_a affinity_n to_o any_o visible_a matter_n its_o resemblance_n of_o the_o deity_n etc._n etc._n have_v render_v it_o so_o high_o probable_a that_o it_o have_v shed_v a_o very_a powerful_a influence_n upon_o the_o live_v of_o many_o 5._o but_o especial_o and_o above_o all_o when_o i_o consider_v that_o the_o holy_a scripture_n who_o divine_a authority_n be_v clear_v by_o as_o strong_a evidence_n as_o any_o matter_n of_o that_o nature_n be_v capable_a of_o assure_v i_o that_o this_o soul_n whether_o in_o its_o own_o nature_n immortal_a or_o no_o i_o will_v not_o now_o examine_v shall_v not_o perish_v in_o the_o dissolution_n of_o this_o earthly_a tabernacle_n as_o eccles_n 12.7_o then_o shall_v the_o dust_n return_v to_o the_o earth_n as_o it_o be_v and_o the_o spirit_n shall_v return_v to_o god_n who_o give_v it_o and_o mat._n 10.28_o fear_v not_o they_o which_o kill_v the_o body_n but_o be_v not_o able_a to_o kill_v the_o soul_n the_o soul_n it_o seem_v be_v not_o liable_a to_o the_o injury_n of_o a_o disease_n or_o the_o violence_n commit_v on_o the_o body_n but_o do_v subsist_v when_o the_o body_n be_v dissolve_v into_o its_o dust_n when_o i_o consider_v all_o this_o i_o can_v never_o so_o far_o renounce_v my_o reason_n and_o harden_v myself_o against_o all_o the_o tenderness_n and_o passion_n i_o have_v for_o myself_o as_o to_o be_v content_a that_o this_o soul_n shall_v be_v lose_v in_o that_o other_o state_n provide_v i_o be_v fortunate_a and_o successful_a in_o this_o for_o what_o satisfaction_n can_v i_o then_o reap_v from_o a_o patrimony_n or_o purchase_v wide_a as_o the_o world_n itself_o in_o a_o state_n wherein_o i_o shall_v be_v deprive_v of_o all_o mean_n and_o opportunity_n of_o enjoyment_n what_o can_v the_o wealth_n or_o power_n or_o beauty_n of_o the_o world_n signify_v to_o i_o when_o the_o body_n which_o be_v the_o proper_a instrument_n of_o earthly_a pleasure_n shall_v lie_v stark_o dead_a and_o cold_a in_o the_o grave_a shall_v have_v no_o passion_n no_o appetite_n nor_o can_v all_o the_o rhetoric_n or_o wanton_a charm_n on_o earth_n awaken_v in_o it_o one_o languish_a desire_n or_o one_o imperfect_a act_n of_o life_n and_o as_o to_o the_o soul_n it_o must_v dwell_v in_o the_o mansion_n of_o a_o new_a world_n far_o far_o remote_a from_o this_o wherein_o every_o thing_n will_v be_v strange_a wonderful_a unalterable_a and_o eternal_a but_o i_o must_v pursue_v this_o thought_n a_o little_a further_o and_o not_o stop_v in_o the_o contemplation_n of_o the_o uselessness_n of_o the_o world_n after_o the_o soul_n departure_n from_o it_o go_v on_o to_o consider_v the_o soul_n in_o its_o intermediate_v state_n between_o death_n and_o the_o resurrection_n that_o i_o may_v know_v the_o utmost_a if_o i_o can_v that_o the_o loss_n of_o a_o soul_n import_v and_o here_o i_o will_v suppose_v myself_o surprise_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o gavety_n and_o pleasure_n of_o love_n and_o honour_n by_o a_o violent_a inexorable_a disease_n i_o resign_v up_o my_o dear_a object_n and_o my_o dotage_n together_o i_o be_o tear_v from_o my_o possession_n and_o my_o hope_n and_o when_o the_o storm_n have_v burst_v the_o cable_n and_o shatter_v the_o hulk_n of_o this_o frail_a bark_n the_o body_n it_o cast_v my_o soul_n that_o be_v all_o that_o remain_v of_o i_o upon_o a_o unknown_a strand_n naked_a and_o poor_a and_o desolate_a without_o interest_n or_o friend_n or_o hope_n it_o must_v dwell_v in_o the_o dismal_a blackness_n of_o eternal_a night_n and_o melancholy_a rack_v by_o despair_n and_o guilt_n scourge_v by_o shame_n and_o rage_n torture_v with_o envy_n and_o vexation_n stab_v by_o regret_n and_o repentance_n not_o a_o calm_a and_o soft_a but_o a_o tempestuous_a and_o painful_a one_o then_o like_o some_o sick_a body_n which_o roll_v and_o tumble_v for_o a_o easy_a posture_n rather_o out_o of_o a_o inability_n to_o suffer_v pain_n than_o any_o hope_n of_o find_v rest_n it_o sometime_o languish_v and_o look_v back_o upon_o the_o world_n vanish_v like_o a_o dream_n and_o repeat_v ineffective_a wish_n for_o the_o body_n but_o it_o shall_v return_v to_o its_o dear_a wealth_n and_o beauty_n no_o more_o for_o ever_o sometime_o like_o dives_n in_o the_o flame_n it_o look_v towards_o that_o region_n where_o light_a and_o holy_a soul_n do_v dwell_v but_o the_o unpassable_a gulf_n of_o the_o almighty_n decree_n cut_v off_o all_o hope_n of_o that_o so_o that_o that_o light_v only_o augment_v its_o envy_n and_o despair_n and_o heaven_n itself_o add_v misery_n to_o the_o wretched_a soul_n hell_n this_o be_v the_o natural_a and_o unavoidable_a state_n of_o a_o wretched_a soul_n dislodge_v from_o the_o body_n despair_n and_o rage_n and_o shame_n and_o guilt_n and_o fear_v and_o grief_n and_o anguish_n gnaw_v and_o devour_v the_o miserable_a creature_n and_o for_o ever_o must_v increase_v bless_a god_n need_v there_o any_o chain_n to_o sink_v it_o low_o than_o its_o own_o weight_n have_v do_v need_v there_o any_o other_o darkness_n cover_v that_o soul_n which_o such_o a_o cloud_n of_o sorrow_n have_v benight_a tell_v i_o no_o more_o of_o pleasure_n these_o thought_n be_v enough_o to_o make_v i_o tremble_v and_o grow_v pale_a at_o the_o approach_n of_o a_o temptation_n rather_o than_o my_o soul_n shall_v dwell_v in_o such_o a_o state_n a_o thousand_o year_n may_v shame_v and_o poverty_n be_v my_o portion_n in_o this_o life_n may_v the_o hatred_n of_o powerful_a enemy_n or_o what_o be_v worse_o the_o scorn_n of_o my_o dear_a friend_n pursue_v i_o may_v my_o body_n be_v but_o a_o scene_n of_o disease_n and_o so_o incapable_a of_o the_o least_o gust_n of_o pleasure_n and_o more_o than_o this_o may_v a_o awaken_v tender_a conscience_n every_o moment_n flash_n death_n and_o hell_n into_o my_o face_n or_o if_o there_o be_v any_o thing_n worse_o let_v i_o suffer_v it_o so_o it_o but_o preserve_v my_o soul_n from_o sin_n here_o and_o from_o that_o inexpressible_a
state_n of_o torment_n afterward_o and_o yet_o all_o this_o while_n i_o have_v take_v no_o notice_n of_o those_o additional_a suffering_n which_o divine_a vengeance_n will_v no_o doubt_n inflict_v upon_o the_o soul_n nor_o of_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o soul_n the_o exaltedness_n of_o who_o essence_n heighten_v and_o sharpen_v the_o pain_n for_o the_o more_o delicate_a the_o be_v the_o more_o subtle_a its_o perception_n and_o the_o more_o exquisite_a the_o torment_n sect._n 3_o there_o be_v a_o three_o state_n wherein_o misery_n swell_v to_o the_o high_a mark_n it_o can_v possible_o when_o the_o body_n be_v raise_v again_o shall_v follow_v the_o fate_n of_o the_o soul_n and_o both_o shall_v be_v condemn_v to_o inextinguishable_a flame_n o_o hell_n where_o only_o the_o enemy_n of_o god_n and_o goodness_n dwell_v where_o wretched_a man_n undergo_v all_o that_o sully_v the_o divine_a glory_n and_o trample_v on_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n can_v merit_v but_o i_o have_v reserve_v a_o place_n for_o a_o further_a survey_n of_o this_o state_n i_o be_o sufficient_o convince_v that_o the_o gain_n of_o the_o whole_a world_n can_v recompense_v the_o loss_n of_o my_o soul_n since_o its_o loss_n imply_v all_o this_o and_o more_o for_o what_o will_v i_o take_v to_o be_v miserable_a or_o rather_o what_o will_v i_o take_v to_o be_v eternal_o so_o be_v it_o a_o rational_a question_n if_o i_o lose_v myself_o what_o can_v be_v gain_n to_o i_o the_o world_n peradventure_o will_v continue_v amiable_a many_o age_n after_o i_o be_o go_v but_o what_o be_v that_o to_o i_o and_o if_o to_o gain_v the_o whole_a world_n at_o so_o dear_a a_o price_n be_v so_o ill_a a_o bargain_n how_o fatal_a a_o purchase_n shall_v i_o make_v who_o be_o like_o to_o gain_v so_o little_a be_v none_o of_o the_o world_n great_a favourite_n my_o soul_n be_v not_o so_o cheap_a yet_o that_o i_o can_v set_v it_o at_o so_o low_a a_o rate_n as_o a_o few_o hundred_o a_o year_n i_o be_o as_o immortal_a as_o any_o monarch_n in_o christendom_n and_o my_o pretension_n to_o the_o almighty_n favour_n may_v grow_v equal_a to_o that_o of_o any_o of_o the_o son_n of_o man_n and_o i_o shall_v be_v a_o profligate_n and_o reprobate_n a_o brute_n indeed_o if_o i_o shall_v abandon_v my_o poor_a soul_n to_o misery_n and_o renounce_v the_o interest_n i_o have_v in_o the_o god_n of_o heaven_n and_o earth_n for_o i_o know_v not_o what_o let_v who_o will_v therefore_o sweat_v and_o toil_n for_o wealth_n and_o greatness_n i_o have_v but_o this_o one_o business_n to_o do_v to_o insure_v this_o dear_a dear_a soul_n of_o i_o in_o its_o voyage_n to_o eternity_n let_v who_o will_v gain_v the_o reputation_n of_o a_o wise_a man_n by_o a_o clear_a foresight_n and_o thrifty_a management_n of_o affair_n by_o a_o unwearied_a attendance_n and_o insinuate_a application_n i_o shall_v think_v myself_o wise_a enough_o if_o i_o can_v but_o be_v save_v and_o great_a enough_o if_o i_o enjoy_v but_o the_o smile_v of_o heaven_n let_v who_o will_v applaud_v themselves_o for_o the_o contempt_n of_o intrigue_n and_o sullen_a business_n whilst_o they_o thaw_v and_o dissolve_v in_o soft_a and_o delicate_a pleasure_n or_o waste_v and_o spend_v themselves_o in_o course_n and_o toilsome_a lust_n if_o i_o may_v enjoy_v the_o pleasure_n of_o a_o manly_a rational_a life_n spend_v in_o a_o constant_a course_n of_o religion_n and_o virtue_n without_o superstition_n or_o frowardness_n of_o a_o mind_n unharass_v by_o desire_n and_o fear_n of_o a_o peaceful_a assure_a conscience_n of_o the_o contemplation_n of_o glorious_a truth_n and_o the_o hope_n of_o a_o bless_a immortality_n i_o shall_v envy_v none_o the_o happiness_n of_o the_o most_o luscious_a pleasure_n or_o kind_a fortune_n the_o world_n afford_v a_o prayer_n reflect_v on_o the_o precedent_a discourse_n bless_a god_n give_v i_o grace_n to_o prefer_v the_o interest_n of_o my_o soul_n to_o the_o world_n and_o flesh_n the_o thing_n eternal_a to_o the_o thing_n temporal_a that_o amid_o the_o pleasure_n of_o prosperity_n and_o peace_n and_o the_o flattery_n of_o reputation_n i_o may_v not_o forget_v to_o think_v what_o will_v be_v the_o condition_n of_o my_o future_a state_n and_o that_o amid_o the_o trouble_n which_o besiege_v this_o mortal_a life_n i_o may_v be_v support_v by_o the_o bless_a hope_n of_o a_o better_a world_n that_o the_o confident_a belief_n of_o the_o soul_n immortality_n may_v render_v i_o industrious_a to_o lay_v up_o a_o good_a foundation_n for_o the_o time_n to_o come_v so_o that_o when_o i_o shall_v have_v put_v off_o this_o tabernacle_n of_o clay_n i_o may_v be_v clothe_v with_o a_o build_n of_o god_n not_o make_v with_o hand_n eternal_a in_o the_o heaven_n all_o this_o i_o beg_v through_o jesus_n christ_n our_o lord_n chap._n ii_o of_o the_o nature_n of_o christianity_n sect._n 1_o christianity_n may_v be_v consider_v either_o in_o relation_n to_o faith_n or_o practice_n i_o will_v first_o consider_v the_o christian_a faith_n and_o that_o in_o the_o most_o practical_a manner_n i_o can_v in_o my_o creed_n i_o have_v regard_n to_o three_o thing_n especial_o 1._o to_o the_o use_n and_o end_n of_o faith_n which_o be_v certain_o to_o guide_v and_o influence_n our_o life_n 2._o to_o the_o peace_n of_o my_o own_o breast_n and_o 3._o to_o the_o preservation_n of_o charity_n my_o reason_n for_o the_o first_o be_v evident_a of_o itself_o for_o the_o two_o late_a be_v this_o though_o i_o may_v doubt_v whether_o i_o believe_v aright_o all_o that_o be_v necessary_a to_o my_o eternal_a salvation_n and_o yet_o that_o doubt_n not_o prove_v injurious_a to_o my_o happiness_n at_o the_o last_o day_n because_o i_o do_v both_o believe_v aright_o and_o live_v conformable_o to_o it_o and_o the_o scruple_n arise_v only_o from_o the_o dispute_n and_o contest_v of_o man_n and_o the_o weakness_n of_o my_o own_o understanding_n not_o from_o any_o iniquity_n of_o my_o will_n yet_o this_o doubt_n will_v disquiet_v and_o disturb_v my_o repose_n damp_n my_o cheerfulness_n and_o vigour_n and_o may_v peradventure_o unsettle_v my_o faith_n and_o end_n if_o not_o in_o atheism_n in_o coldness_n and_o indifferency_n and_o though_o 2._o i_o may_v believe_v another_o in_o a_o damnable_a error_n when_o he_o be_v not_o without_o prejudice_n to_o my_o own_o soul_n because_o i_o may_v make_v this_o judgement_n in_o the_o simplicity_n of_o my_o heart_n by_o the_o best_a light_n and_o rule_n i_o have_v yet_o peradventure_o this_o opinion_n may_v improve_v itself_o insensible_o upon_o my_o affection_n to_o a_o very_a ill_a consequence_n and_o invite_v i_o to_o a_o uncharitable_a and_o unfriendly_a deportment_n 1._o if_o i_o consider_v the_o christian_a faith_n with_o regard_n to_o the_o great_a end_n of_o it_o holiness_n i_o observe_v that_o the_o gospel_n contain_v two_o great_a thing_n the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n and_o of_o jesus_n christ_n this_o be_v life_n eternal_a joh._n 17.3_o to_o know_v thou_o the_o only_a true_a god_n and_o jesus_n christ_n who_o thou_o have_v send_v this_o knowledge_n contain_v in_o it_o all_o the_o obligation_n imaginable_a to_o a_o holy_a life_n and_o secure_v the_o hope_n and_o comfort_n of_o christian_n upon_o a_o unmovable_a foundation_n and_o this_o knowledge_n agree_v perfect_o with_o the_o nature_n and_o end_n of_o religion_n 1._o first_o with_o the_o nature_n of_o religion_n religion_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o the_o true_a and_o spiritual_a worship_n of_o the_o only_a true_a god_n who_o be_v a_o spirit_n now_o all_o the_o worship_n we_o be_v capable_a of_o pay_v he_o consist_v either_o in_o the_o affection_n of_o the_o soul_n or_o action_n of_o the_o body_n so_o that_o that_o belief_n or_o knowledge_n which_o tend_v to_o render_v these_o proper_a and_o acceptable_a to_o god_n be_v direct_o conformable_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o religion_n the_o gospel_n therefore_o have_v discover_v god_n to_o we_o 1._o one_o infinite_a in_o wisdom_n power_n holiness_n goodness_n etc._n etc._n and_o second_o as_o he_o stand_v more_o particular_o relate_v to_o we_o in_o the_o work_n of_o creation_n providence_n redemption_n all_o this_o put_v together_o prove_v he_o to_o be_v god_n and_o to_o be_v we_o it_o evince_v his_o excellency_n and_o his_o supremacy_n it_o represent_v he_o infinite_o lovely_a and_o adorable_a in_o himself_o and_o entitle_v he_o to_o all_o the_o service_n and_o affection_n which_o dominion_n love_n and_o munificence_n can_v lay_v a_o just_a claim_n to_o all_o which_o be_v enforcement_n enough_o which_o be_v the_o use_n of_o faith_n to_o our_o duty_n when_o we_o be_v acquaint_v with_o it_o which_o that_o we_o may_v be_v and_o that_o we_o may_v have_v assistance_n to_o enable_v we_o to_o perform_v it_o and_o that_o there_o may_v be_v a_o provision_n make_v for_o the_o pardon_n of_o our_o error_n god_n in_o
as_o such_o and_o as_o insignificant_a will_v this_o opinion_n render_v it_o to_o the_o happiness_n of_o man_n for_o of_o what_o use_n will_v all_o the_o excellent_a rule_n of_o justice_n charity_n meekness_n temperance_n etc._n etc._n prove_v if_o we_o continue_v peevish_a and_o revengeful_a intemperate_a and_o lustful_a etc._n etc._n to_o what_o purpose_n be_v the_o full_a discovery_n of_o another_o world_n life_n and_o immortality_n and_o the_o belief_n of_o jesus_n be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n if_o they_o do_v not_o enable_v we_o to_o conquer_v the_o world_n and_o mortify_v the_o flesh_n and_o if_o i_o walk_v according_a to_o the_o law_n of_o the_o flesh_n i._n e._n violate_v the_o law_n of_o the_o spirit_n can_v i_o choose_v but_o dread_a a_o god_n who_o i_o have_v wrong_v and_o will_v not_o unruly_a passion_n and_o a_o trouble_a conscience_n make_v a_o christian_a as_o miserable_a as_o a_o jew_n or_o heathen_a if_o goodness_n now_o be_v the_o end_n and_o drift_n of_o the_o holy_a belief_n of_o christian_n than_o i_o infer_v 1._o that_o the_o best_a man_n be_v the_o best_a son_n of_o the_o church_n and_o he_o who_o affection_n be_v more_o raise_v and_o heavenly_a and_o have_v least_o of_o the_o mixture_n of_o sensuality_n be_v of_o the_o high_a form_n in_o the_o school_n of_o christ_n because_o he_o do_v best_o answer_v the_o design_n of_o his_o lord_n and_o walk_v in_o some_o measure_n as_o he_o walk_v 2._o that_o the_o most_o infallible_a character_n of_o a_o true_a faith_n be_v to_o be_v take_v from_o the_o government_n of_o our_o passion_n our_o conquest_n over_o the_o world_n and_o the_o increase_n of_o our_o inward_a joy_n and_o peace_n and_o hope_n good_a lord_n how_o apt_a be_v we_o to_o put_v a_o a_o cheat_n upon_o the_o world_n and_o ourselves_o to_o persuade_v it_o and_o ourselves_o that_o we_o believe_v though_o there_o be_v no_o change_n in_o our_o soul_n and_o conversation_n and_o therefore_o consequent_o we_o do_v nothing_o less_o i_o shall_v hereafter_o never_o think_v that_o i_o believe_v aright_o till_o i_o have_v a_o love_n for_o all_o his_o commandment_n till_o i_o can_v meditate_v delightful_o pray_v vigorous_o rely_v constant_o obey_v ready_o suffer_v patient_o rejoice_v humble_o expect_v reverent_o and_o happy_a be_v i_o if_o i_o attain_v that_o height_n earnest_o too_o the_o hour_n of_o my_o death_n or_o the_o appearance_n of_o my_o lord_n i_o shall_v never_o hereafter_o think_v that_o i_o have_v study_v or_o know_v divine_a truth_n to_o any_o purpose_n till_o the_o truth_n have_v make_v i_o free_a rescue_v i_o from_o the_o bondage_n of_o sin_n and_o fear_n of_o death_n the_o prayer_n thou_o holy_a pure_a and_o eternal_a spirit_n who_o can_v not_o endure_v iniquity_n who_o do_v so_o love_v goodness_n that_o thou_o have_v send_v thy_o son_n into_o the_o world_n to_o promote_v it_o his_o life_n and_o his_o death_n his_o pain_n and_o his_o blood_n be_v spend_v in_o this_o cause_n o_o enable_v thy_o poor_a servant_n who_o name_v the_o name_n of_o christ_n to_o hunger_n and_o thirst_n after_o righteousness_n and_o to_o depart_v from_o iniquity_n lord_n let_v thy_o truth_n and_o thy_o spirit_n be_v powerful_a in_o i_o to_o the_o subdue_a all_o of_o evil_a inclination_n i_o believe_v that_o all_o thing_n be_v naked_a and_o bare_a before_o thou_o and_o therefore_o that_o thou_o can_v not_o be_v mock_v or_o impose_v upon_o by_o specious_a pretence_n or_o formality_n that_o i_o be_o not_o to_o expect_v to_o appear_v any_o other_o in_o thy_o eye_n than_o such_o as_o i_o be_o in_o myself_o enable_v i_o therefore_o to_o confess_v thou_o in_o my_o practice_n as_o well_o as_o word_n to_o live_v like_o one_o who_o believe_v thy_o holy_a truth_n let_v my_o heart_n be_v fix_v in_o honesty_n and_o uprightness_n to_o obey_v all_o thy_o commandment_n let_v the_o belief_n of_o thing_n not_o see_v have_v the_o same_o influence_n upon_o i_o they_o have_v upon_o all_o thy_o holy_a saint_n martyr_n and_o confessor_n i._n e._n persuade_v i_o to_o deny_v all_o ungodliness_n and_o worldly_a lust_n and_o to_o live_v sober_o righteous_o and_o holy_o in_o this_o present_a world_n through_o jesus_n christ_n sect._n 2._o of_o do_v good_n there_o be_v a_o sort_n of_o people_n who_o endeavour_v all_o they_o can_v to_o withdraw_v from_o the_o world_n and_o rid_v their_o hand_n of_o business_n and_o think_v it_o abundant_o sufficient_a if_o they_o can_v discharge_v their_o duty_n towards_o god_n in_o their_o retirement_n this_o be_v lawful_a nay_o commendable_a only_o upon_o two_o account_n 1._o if_o my_o temper_n or_o circumstance_n be_v such_o that_o my_o conversation_n can_v be_v public_a and_o safe_a too_o for_o then_o the_o salvation_n of_o my_o own_o soul_n be_v natural_o the_o most_o near_o and_o dear_o concern_v or_o 2._o if_o my_o qualification_n be_v such_o that_o my_o retirement_n be_v likely_a to_o prove_v more_o advantageous_a to_o the_o public_a than_o my_o fill_v any_o other_o post_n for_o than_o i_o act_n according_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o charity_n there_o be_v two_o other_o inducement_n to_o a_o retire_a private_a life_n the_o one_o found_v in_o a_o vice_n the_o other_o in_o a_o mistake_n 1._o the_o first_o be_v when_o man_n withdraw_v from_o the_o business_n as_o from_o the_o trouble_n of_o the_o world_n and_o their_o pleasure_n not_o religion_n be_v their_o first_o and_o chief_a motive_n they_o meet_v with_o many_o rub_n and_o opposition_n in_o a_o busy_a active_a life_n and_o then_o they_o grow_v soft_a and_o weak_a and_o lazy_a and_o they_o want_v courage_n and_o industry_n and_o the_o frequent_a interruption_n of_o their_o private_a peace_n and_o enjoyment_n be_v uneasy_a and_o they_o will_v withdraw_v to_o enjoy_v themselves_o and_o this_o be_v unchristian_a and_o unmanly_a it_o be_v epicurism_n not_o contempt_n of_o the_o world_n 2._o the_o mistake_n be_v when_o we_o look_v upon_o a_o monastical_a kind_n of_o life_n as_o the_o whole_a of_o christianity_n and_o the_o mere_a perfection_n of_o the_o regenerate_v state_n and_o place_n piety_n so_o whole_o in_o act_n of_o solitary_a devotion_n as_o to_o seclude_v the_o do_v good_a and_o communicate_v etc._n etc._n it_o will_v behoove_v such_o to_o consider_v 1._o that_o true_a and_o apparent_a motive_n pretence_n and_o religion_n be_v sometime_o so_o twist_v together_o that_o it_o be_v hard_o for_o a_o man_n to_o distinguish_v they_o and_o therefore_o some_o secret_a weakness_n or_o reserve_n may_v be_v the_o real_a whilst_o zeal_n be_v make_v the_o pretend_a cause_n of_o this_o choice_n 2._o that_o the_o busy_a and_o active_a life_n be_v the_o more_o excellent_a and_o the_o more_o necessary_a 1._o the_o more_o excellent_a as_o be_v full_a of_o hazard_n and_o trouble_n and_o temptation_n there_o be_v a_o large_a field_n for_o virtue_n for_o patience_n courage_n meekness_n reliance_n etc._n etc._n in_o a_o active_a than_o speculative_a life_n and_o such_o will_v receive_v more_o crown_n and_o when_o i_o consider_v the_o nature_n of_o god_n and_o necessity_n of_o mankind_n i_o can_v but_o think_v act_n of_o charity_n as_o prevalent_a to_o the_o wipe_v off_o our_o guilt_n as_o the_o severe_a penance_n a_o vigorous_a and_o active_a life_n spend_v in_o promote_a the_o welfare_n of_o other_o be_v a_o more_o perfect_a instance_n of_o self_n denial_n speak_v a_o great_a contradiction_n to_o our_o ease_n and_o pleasure_n commit_v more_o violence_n upon_o our_o inclination_n than_o any_o act_n of_o private_a austerity_n can_v pretend_v to_o do_v for_o beside_o the_o pain_n the_o watch_v and_o the_o fast_a incident_a to_o both_o a_o like_a the_o trouble_n of_o contrivance_n the_o industry_n of_o address_n the_o uneasiness_n of_o refusal_n etc._n etc._n sufficient_o weigh_v down_o the_o one_o side_n beside_o this_o confinement_n imprison_v our_o light_n under_o a_o bushel_n it_o be_v a_o cover_n a_o napkin_n for_o our_o talent_n to_o conceal_v they_o and_o render_v they_o useless_a to_o other_o and_o therefore_o our_o reward_n will_v be_v less_o in_o another_o world_n and_o our_o grace_n the_o faint_a in_o this_o for_o to_o he_o what_o have_v i._n e._n use_v shall_v be_v give_v grace_n like_o the_o widow_n oil_n increase_v by_o be_v charitable_o impart_v that_o flame_n which_o warm_v my_o neighbour_n reflect_v back_o with_o a_o double_a heat_n upon_o myself_o and_o that_o goodness_n which_o cherish_v his_o heart_n soften_v and_o sanctify_v my_o own_o and_o over_o and_o above_o all_o this_o i_o enjoy_v a_o strange_a delight_n in_o do_v good_a and_o in_o behold_v the_o fruit_n which_o my_o own_o hand_n have_v plant_v and_o my_o assurance_n and_o the_o confidence_n of_o my_o hope_n increase_v by_o the_o conscience_n of_o that_o love_n which_o my_o work_n convince_v i_o i_o have_v for_o my_o brethren_n 2._o that_o a_o busy_a
that_o thou_o have_v secure_v our_o happiness_n by_o the_o revelation_n of_o glorious_a truth_n by_o the_o encouragement_n of_o precious_a promise_n and_o by_o the_o sanction_n of_o wise_a law_n grant_v most_o gracious_a god_n that_o i_o may_v be_v daily_o conversant_a in_o thy_o most_o glorious_a gospel_n to_o this_o end_n that_o the_o pleasure_n of_o the_o world_n and_o the_o flesh_n may_v not_o ensnare_v and_o entangle_v i_o but_o that_o i_o may_v be_v enable_v through_o thy_o word_n and_o spirit_n to_o live_v above_o the_o corruption_n of_o lust_n to_o possess_v my_o vessel_n in_o purity_n and_o honour_n and_o to_o enjoy_v thy_o blessing_n moderate_o and_o thankful_o that_o i_o may_v at_o last_o be_v receive_v into_o a_o eternity_n of_o rest_n and_o peace_n and_o joy_n through_o jesus_n christ_n my_o lord_n chap._n ii_o of_o pain_n consider_v as_o a_o temptation_n to_o sin_n by_o pain_n i_o mean_v every_o thing_n which_o be_v troublesome_a all_o trouble_n may_v be_v reduce_v under_o two_o head_n imaginary_a and_o real_a one_o by_o real_a i_o mean_v such_o as_o do_v actual_o injure_v the_o mind_n or_o body_n of_o man_n by_o imaginary_a i_o mean_v such_o as_o can_v have_v no_o influence_n at_o all_o upon_o man_n but_o through_o the_o assistance_n of_o prejudice_n or_o fancy_n i_o will_v begin_v with_o the_o latter_a and_o in_o speak_v to_o both_o i_o must_v premise_v this_o that_o i_o will_v not_o bring_v home_o every_o argument_n by_o a_o close_a application_n for_o then_o this_o very_a head_n will_v swell_v into_o a_o vast_a proportion_n but_o content_v myself_o with_o prove_v that_o there_o be_v no_o pain_n which_o can_v be_v a_o just_a warrant_n for_o sin_n because_o the_o gospel_n have_v provide_v such_o remedy_n as_o may_v render_v it_o supportable_a and_o such_o reward_n as_o may_v countervail_v all_o our_o suffering_n there_o be_v no_o temptation_n which_o befall_v we_o but_o what_o be_v common_a to_o man_n and_o god_n be_v faithful_a and_o will_v not_o suffer_v we_o to_o be_v tempt_v above_o what_o we_o be_v able_a the_o strength_n he_o allow_v we_o but_o will_v with_o the_o temptation_n make_v a_o way_n to_o escape_v that_o we_o may_v be_v able_a to_o bear_v it_o there_o be_v many_o thing_n which_o be_v not_o real_o harsh_a and_o unsufferable_a in_o themselves_o but_o they_o become_v such_o because_o it_o be_v the_o custom_n of_o the_o world_n to_o think_v they_o so_o for_o example_n a_o shallow_a fortune_n but_o sufficient_a for_o the_o necessary_a comfort_n of_o life_n a_o inglorious_a solitude_n or_o privacy_n the_o opinion_n of_o other_o concern_v we_o these_o thing_n have_v no_o real_a influence_n either_o upon_o mind_n or_o body_n they_o can_v make_v the_o soul_n less_o rational_a nor_o the_o body_n less_o healthy_a a_o man_n may_v be_v happy_a here_o and_o go_v to_o heaven_n afterward_o without_o much_o fame_n or_o wealth_n that_o all_o the_o misery_n that_o be_v derive_v from_o these_o thing_n depend_v upon_o opinion_n be_v plain_a because_o some_o have_v make_v that_o poverty_n retirement_n and_o contempt_n their_o choice_n which_o be_v such_o a_o bugbear_n to_o other_o and_o so_o the_o same_o thing_n which_o be_v once_o affliction_n become_v another_o pleasure_n so_o that_o it_o be_v plain_a fancy_n give_v we_o the_o wound_n not_o the_o thing_n themselves_o or_o else_o if_o misery_n be_v a_o inseparable_a companion_n to_o the_o thing_n themselves_o it_o be_v impossible_a that_o content_a shall_v ever_o sojourn_v in_o cell_n or_o cottage_n or_o ever_o be_v a_o stranger_n to_o wealth_n and_o honour_n of_o this_o sort_n of_o trouble_n be_v all_o those_o other_o passion_n which_o be_v enkindle_v in_o we_o by_o the_o impression_n of_o thing_n from_o without_o for_o even_o beauty_n grandeur_n gaity_n etc._n etc._n though_o in_o their_o own_o nature_n innocent_a thing_n be_v sharpen_v and_o arm_v by_o our_o fancy_n with_o trouble_n and_o danger_n to_o our_o repose_n now_o though_o it_o be_v true_a that_o as_o the_o cold_a or_o heat_n of_o climate_n be_v thing_n innocent_a enough_o to_o body_n inure_v to_o they_o and_o yet_o be_v fatal_a to_o other_o so_o here_o though_o all_o temptation_n of_o the_o world_n be_v in_o themselves_o harmless_a thing_n yet_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o upon_o being_n so_o dispose_v and_o temper_v as_o we_o be_v they_o make_v dangerous_a impression_n therefore_o in_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n the_o remedy_n prescribe_v by_o he_o do_v all_o tend_v to_o the_o removal_n of_o these_o ill_a disposition_n and_o the_o reform_v our_o false_a opinion_n and_o the_o suppress_v our_o inclination_n as_o 1._o our_o first_o care_n must_v be_v to_o frame_v our_o opinion_n of_o thing_n by_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n and_o to_o root_v out_o all_o false_a notion_n of_o thing_n to_o this_o end_n the_o holy_a gospel_n do_v every_o where_o insinuate_v the_o emptiness_n the_o transitoriness_n the_o uncertainty_n of_o all_o thing_n here_o below_o the_o excellency_n of_o holiness_n and_o righteousness_n and_o the_o little_a tendency_n which_o the_o thing_n of_o the_o world_n have_v to_o promote_v it_o and_o last_o the_o weight_n and_o eternity_n of_o happiness_n in_o another_o world_n all_o which_o contribute_v to_o our_o happiness_n as_o they_o arm_v we_o against_o the_o impression_n of_o outward_a object_n by_o possess_v we_o with_o a_o contempt_n of_o they_o and_o with_o desire_n far_o great_a and_o noble_a and_o contradictory_n to_o those_o other_o 2._o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n enjoin_v we_o to_o shun_v and_o fly_v temptation_n all_o that_o we_o can_v we_o be_v to_o block_n up_o all_o the_o avenue_n by_o which_o the_o world_n may_v make_v its_o approach_n the_o lustful_a must_v not_o gaze_v upon_o beauty_n nor_o the_o ambitious_a on_o greatness_n etc._n etc._n and_o because_o sin_v usual_o gain_v by_o parley_n we_o be_v careful_o to_o shun_v the_o least_o appearance_n of_o evil_n not_o to_o entertain_v thought_n etc._n etc._n 3._o we_o be_v to_o labour_v earnest_o to_o mortify_v all_o the_o lust_n of_o the_o body_n by_o fast_v and_o watch_v and_o prayer_n and_o a_o constant_a temperance_n encourage_v to_o it_o by_o the_o example_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o a_o whole_a cloud_n of_o witness_n go_v to_o heaven_n before_o we_o and_o the_o promise_n of_o reward_n annex_v to_o the_o careful_a performance_n of_o and_o unwearied_a perseverance_n in_o these_o duty_n and_o 4._o the_o assistance_n of_o the_o mighty_a spirit_n of_o god_n and_o a_o certain_a victory_n be_v promise_v to_o he_o who_o thus_o contend_v and_o unless_o man_n will_v willing_o deprive_v themselves_o of_o such_o a_o auxiliary_a by_o not_o contend_v or_o not_o beg_v he_o of_o christ_n or_o grieve_v he_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v doubt_v but_o we_o shall_v obtain_v he_o and_o together_o with_o he_o sufficient_a strength_n and_o glory_n honour_n and_o immortality_n will_v be_v the_o end_n of_o our_o warfare_n these_o be_v the_o mean_n these_o be_v the_o motive_n this_o be_v the_o assistance_n which_o our_o bless_a jesus_n have_v prescribe_v and_o offer_v we_o by_o which_o we_o may_v be_v enable_v to_o live_v above_o those_o misery_n which_o they_o be_v entangle_v in_o who_o obey_v not_o his_o gospel_n and_o defeat_v those_o airy_a apparition_n which_o will_v fright_v we_o into_o sin_n therefore_o in_o whatever_o condition_n i_o be_o i_o will_v still_o ask_v what_o will_v my_o bless_a saviour_n have_v do_v or_o say_v or_o think_v in_o this_o case_n what_o opinion_n of_o or_o value_n for_o this_o or_o that_o thing_n or_o condition_n have_v god_n and_o i_o shall_v soon_o find_v that_o no_o condition_n can_v make_v i_o true_o miserable_a but_o that_o wherein_o i_o can_v love_v god_n i_o can_v pray_v or_o can_v do_v good_a for_o if_o i_o can_v i_o be_o both_o great_a and_o happy_a if_o a_o man_n love_v i_o joh._n 14.23_o my_o father_n will_v love_v he_o and_o we_o will_v come_v unto_o he_o and_o make_v our_o abode_n with_o he_o happy_a abode_n what_o can_v my_o soul_n desire_v more_o i_o can_v think_v myself_o mean_a who_o be_o his_o favourite_n nor_o can_v i_o be_v poor_a who_o possess_v that_o god_n who_o presence_n make_v up_o heaven_n my_o god_n how_o happy_a shall_v i_o be_v can_v i_o be_v content_a to_o make_v thou_o alone_o my_o portion_n but_o because_o i_o can_v be_v content_a to_o be_v poor_a and_o contemptible_a because_o i_o seek_v my_o comfort_n from_o without_o because_o i_o be_o not_o at_o leisure_n to_o entertain_v thou_o only_o therefore_o thou_o do_v not_o dwell_v so_o ravish_o with_o i_o but_o i_o will_v seek_v thou_o more_o diligent_o hereafter_o vain_a world_n adieu_o i_o have_v noble_a hope_n than_o thou_o can_v feed_v and_o i_o shall_v have_v comfort_n thou_o can_v not_o rob_v i_o of_o how_o can_v i_o be_v miserable_a if_o i_o be_v
fill_v with_o joy_n and_o peace_n through_o believe_v or_o if_o i_o abound_v with_o hope_n through_o the_o power_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n i_o can_v think_v of_o that_o shine_n of_o glory_n with_o which_o i_o shall_v be_v once_o invest_v and_o then_o suffer_v these_o rag_n with_o patience_n till_o my_o nuptial_n come_v and_o my_o new_a suit_n be_v make_v i_o can_v love_v this_o contempt_n and_o poverty_n because_o it_o shall_v make_v my_o crown_n more_o weighty_a and_o my_o being_n more_o glorious_a what_o be_v it_o o_o my_o soul_n for_o which_o i_o complain_v what_o be_v it_o that_o i_o have_v lose_v estate_n reputation_n it_o be_v affirm_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n concern_v all_o sensual_a pleasure_n in_o general_a that_o they_o war_n against_o the_o soul_n 1_o pet._n 2.11_o in_o particular_a concern_v wealth_n how_o hardly_o shall_v a_o rich_a man_n enter_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n mat._n 19.23_o concern_v vainglory_n and_o how_o can_v they_o believe_v who_o receive_v the_o praise_n of_o man_n etc._n etc._n be_o i_o then_o so_o much_o trouble_v because_o my_o difficulty_n in_o the_o way_n to_o heaven_n be_v diminish_v my_o chain_n grow_v light_a and_o my_o enemy_n few_o because_o my_o tie_n to_o or_o dependence_n on_o the_o world_n be_v few_o and_o consequent_o my_o distraction_n in_o and_o diversion_n from_o holy_a duty_n be_v the_o few_o i_o have_v no_o fear_n no_o care_n no_o contrivance_n no_o jealousy_n because_o i_o have_v not_o concern_v in_o it_o how_o near_a heaven_n be_o i_o grow_v who_o be_o thus_o remove_v from_o earth_n and_o be_v in_o this_o condition_n i_o be_o not_o expose_v to_o the_o change_n of_o the_o world_n i_o have_v nothing_o wherein_o ill_a fortune_n can_v attack_v or_o wound_v i_o this_o state_n be_v not_o so_o contemptible_a which_o be_v thus_o full_a of_o peace_n wherein_o i_o may_v possess_v myself_o and_o need_v not_o spend_v the_o great_a portion_n of_o my_o life_n in_o thing_n which_o fame_n or_o greatness_n require_v of_o i_o not_o inclination_n or_o choice_n the_o prayer_n lord_n teach_v i_o to_o form_v my_o opinion_n according_a to_o the_o light_n of_o thy_o gospel_n to_o guard_v my_o soul_n against_o all_o the_o impression_n of_o the_o world_n and_o flesh_n to_o mortify_v the_o inbred_a inclination_n of_o my_o body_n to_o lust_n and_o to_o fix_v my_o mind_n so_o upon_o the_o thing_n that_o be_v not_o see_v that_o when_o ever_o vain_a fear_n assault_v i_o from_o without_o they_o may_v find_v the_o house_n guard_v by_o the_o strong_a man_n amen_n amen_n sect_n ii_o of_o real_a evil_n whereof_o some_o be_v unavoidable_a other_o only_o common_a to_o this_o life_n there_o be_v some_o evil_n so_o natural_a and_o constant_a appendage_n to_o this_o state_n of_o mortality_n and_o imperfection_n that_o unless_o man_n can_v cease_v to_o think_v they_o evil_n they_o can_v be_v happy_a for_o example_n a_o friend_n die_v or_o prove_v false_a etc._n etc._n or_o i_o be_o to_o die_v myself_o i._n e._n thing_n happen_v in_o their_o natural_a course_n and_o as_o i_o ought_v to_o expect_v they_o i_o may_v as_o well_o quarrel_n with_o god_n that_o he_o do_v not_o create_v i_o a_o angel_n and_o that_o my_o first_o station_n be_v not_o in_o the_o court_n of_o heaven_n now_o though_o it_o be_v true_a that_o a_o evil_n be_v not_o the_o less_o a_o evil_a because_o it_o be_v incurable_a or_o unavoidable_a or_o yet_o universal_a i_o must_v from_o hence_o infer_v that_o the_o wise_a man_n ought_v to_o be_v better_o provide_v and_o confirm_v against_o such_o and_o that_o he_o gain_v no_o small_a step_n towards_o happiness_n who_o can_v divest_v these_o evil_n of_o their_o affright_a shape_n which_o the_o man_n shall_v in_o a_o great_a measure_n do_v who_o shall_v expect_v nothing_o more_o in_o this_o state_n than_o what_o be_v proper_a to_o it_o and_o then_o can_v no_o more_o be_v aggrieve_v at_o death_n chance_n folly_n etc._n etc._n than_o at_o the_o imperfection_n of_o our_o intellectual_a capacity_n the_o meanness_n of_o our_o natural_a inclination_n and_o the_o frailty_n of_o our_o body_n for_o those_o other_o be_v the_o effect_n of_o these_o and_o yet_o no_o man_n think_v himself_o miserable_a because_o he_o do_v not_o understand_v as_o much_o as_o god_n do_v because_o be_v flesh_n and_o blood_n he_o do_v not_o will_n as_o noble_o as_o angel_n and_o why_o shall_v he_o think_v it_o amiss_o or_o hard_o that_o be_v mortal_a any_o thing_n shall_v die_v or_o be_v imprudent_a or_o passionate_a any_o thing_n shall_v act_v so_o it_o be_v high_o reasonable_a that_o he_o who_o create_v we_o out_o of_o nothing_o shall_v create_v we_o as_o he_o please_v for_o he_o who_o be_v not_o bind_v to_o do_v any_o thing_n can_v be_v blame_v for_o do_v so_o much_o but_o christianity_n rest_v not_o here_o it_o provide_v a_o remedy_n for_o all_o these_o evil_n 1._o by_o the_o discovery_n of_o the_o soul_n immortality_n of_o the_o body_n resurrection_n and_o of_o glorious_a reward_n which_o shall_v crown_v those_o who_o suffer_v content_o and_o patient_o 2._o by_o the_o discovery_n of_o object_n fit_v for_o the_o affection_n of_o a_o immortal_a soul_n noble_a and_o great_a enough_o to_o fill_v the_o big_a capacity_n and_o most_o enlarge_v desire_n such_o be_v god_n and_o jesus_n christ_n and_o the_o glory_n of_o another_o life_n which_o be_v unalterable_a and_o unchangeable_a so_o that_o the_o happiness_n and_o pleasure_n of_o a_o christian_a soul_n depend_v not_o upon_o these_o uncertain_a thing_n below_o but_o upon_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v above_o 3._o since_o these_o misfortune_n be_v such_o as_o be_v unavoidable_a in_o this_o life_n they_o can_v be_v no_o temptation_n to_o sin_n because_o we_o can_v avoid_v they_o by_o sin_v and_o they_o who_o endeavour_v to_o drown_v their_o sense_n of_o worldly_a affliction_n by_o a_o indulgence_n in_o any_o sin_n do_v worse_o than_o those_o who_o kill_v themselves_o to_o get_v rid_v of_o some_o uneasy_a passion_n the_o very_a remedy_n be_v the_o worst_a of_o mischief_n but_o to_o proceed_v as_o to_o pain_n which_o be_v common_a to_o though_o not_o unavoidable_a in_o this_o life_n i_o can_v choose_v but_o see_v there_o be_v a_o sort_n of_o man_n who_o suffer_v brave_o and_o yet_o i_o must_v confess_v they_o suffer_v and_o though_o they_o be_v patient_a cease_v not_o to_o be_v miserable_a these_o be_v the_o only_a thing_n which_o i_o can_v ever_o think_v so_o unhappy_a as_o to_o deserve_v my_o pity_n and_o yet_o it_o will_v not_o be_v reasonable_a to_o sin_n for_o the_o avoid_v such_o suffering_n as_o these_o for_o though_o religion_n can_v remove_v all_o sense_n and_o pain_n and_o passion_n for_o then_o this_o world_n will_v be_v a_o heaven_n and_o the_o scripture_n be_v plain_a that_o no_o affliction_n for_o the_o present_a be_v joyous_a and_o if_o they_o be_v not_o fiery_a trial_n they_o will_v be_v no_o temptation_n yet_o it_o supply_v all_o the_o ease_n and_o comfort_n which_o such_o a_o state_n be_v capable_a of_o and_o such_o as_o be_v enough_o to_o make_v it_o supportable_a therefore_o i_o first_o premise_v these_o two_o proposition_n 1._o that_o no_o temptation_n befall_v we_o but_o what_o be_v common_a to_o man_n that_o a_o whole_a cloud_n of_o witness_n be_v go_v before_o we_o in_o the_o severe_a and_o bloody_a path_n and_o therefore_o that_o there_o be_v no_o state_n which_o be_v not_o supportable_a by_o divine_a assistance_n and_o may_v not_o be_v pass_v through_o without_o such_o a_o ill_a demeanour_n as_o may_v forfeit_v our_o everlasting_a happiness_n 2._o that_o there_o be_v no_o condition_n so_o miserable_a but_o it_o be_v capable_a of_o some_o mixture_n of_o comfort_n let_v we_o for_o a_o example_n in_o matter_n of_o fact_n regard_v the_o apostle_n of_o our_o lord_n 2_o cor._n 6._o in_o affliction_n in_o necessity_n in_o distress_n in_o stripe_n in_o imprisonment_n in_o tumult_n in_o labour_n in_o watch_n in_o fasting_n and_o yet_o the_o cloud_n have_v a_o bright_a as_o well_o as_o dark_a side_n for_o v._o 10._o though_o die_v yet_o behold_v we_o live_v though_o chastened_a yet_o not_o kill_v though_o sorrowful_a yet_o always_o rejoice_v though_o have_v nothing_o yet_o possess_v all_o thing_n now_o it_o matter_n not_o i_o confess_v as_o to_o entire_a happiness_n whether_o scale_n of_o sorrow_n or_o comfort_n outweigh_v because_o to_o entire_a happiness_n it_o be_v require_v that_o both_o part_n of_o we_o as_o well_o body_n as_o soul_n enjoy_v good_a yet_o it_o will_v become_v a_o wise_a man_n to_o get_v as_o much_o ease_n as_o he_o can_v and_o when_o the_o sun_n be_v set_v not_o to_o despise_v a_o candle_n and_o this_o prove_v thus_o much_o that_o no_o man_n can_v be_v necessitate_v to_o sin_n since_o a_o man_n can_v
stupid_a and_o senseless_a not_o only_o of_o their_o secular_a but_o eternal_a interest_n the_o former_a be_v utter_o false_a and_o the_o latter_a absurd_a therefore_o it_o be_v more_o than_o probable_a no_o such_o confutation_n can_v beform_v that_o the_o wisdom_n and_o majesty_n the_o purity_n and_o holiness_n the_o mystery_n and_o prophecy_n of_o it_o be_v so_o many_o track_n of_o divine_a glory_n which_o bespeak_v god_n its_o author_n it_o be_v very_o improbable_a that_o ever_o the_o devil_n shall_v be_v so_o set_v against_o himself_o as_o to_o promote_v that_o holiness_n which_o be_v so_o contradictory_n to_o his_o nature_n and_o though_o he_o shall_v have_v blend_v it_o with_o speculative_a error_n that_o can_v be_v think_v a_o mischief_n able_a to_o satisfy_v he_o for_o all_o the_o good_a it_o have_v do_v in_o the_o world_n nor_o will_v such_o a_o design_n savour_n enough_o of_o the_o malice_n of_o hell_n for_o sure_o god_n will_v never_o make_v a_o good_a man_n eternal_o 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the_o taste_n of_o such_o luscious_a meal_n be_v sure_o to_o be_v prefer_v before_o a_o few_o fortunate_a minute_n of_o a_o life_n in_o the_o general_a disorder_a and_o trouble_v or_o whether_o account_n be_v state_v right_o we_o may_v not_o safe_o conclude_v that_o there_o be_v no_o such_o thing_n as_o such_o a_o enjoyment_n much_o less_o any_o permanent_a state_n of_o it_o and_o then_o i_o may_v easy_o defend_v religion_n as_o to_o this_o point_n for_o than_o it_o be_v but_o reasonable_a that_o our_o desire_n shall_v be_v calm_a and_o temperate_a and_o that_o we_o shall_v sit_v down_o content_a with_o such_o easy_a and_o obvious_a pleasure_n as_o suit_v this_o state_n of_o imperfection_n and_o childhood_n and_o if_o so_o what_o harm_n can_v christianity_n do_v man_n as_o god_n expostulate_v with_o his_o people_n testify_z against_o i_o wherein_o have_v i_o wrong_v thou_o it_o do_v not_o forbid_v we_o to_o like_v but_o dote_v it_o do_v not_o forbid_v we_o to_o enjoy_v the_o world_n 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the_o less_o glorious_a because_o its_o basis_n be_v virtue_n be_v a_o beauty_n the_o less_o take_v because_o innocent_a and_o virtuous_a of_o all_o the_o pleasure_n of_o humane_a life_n i_o have_v always_o think_v friendship_n the_o dear_a and_o certain_o sense_n as_o well_o as_o wit_n true_a courage_n and_o honour_n and_o constancy_n the_o product_n of_o religion_n as_o well_o as_o the_o accomplishment_n of_o nature_n and_o gentile_a education_n must_v go_v to_o make_v it_o perfect_a and_o delightful_a when_o any_o be_v endear_v by_o a_o generous_a goodness_n by_o a_o innocent_a and_o undefign_a passion_n by_o a_o combination_n of_o virtue_n and_o a_o confederacy_n of_o rational_a delight_n and_o glorious_a hope_n i_o be_o confident_a no_o debauch_a mind_n can_v ever_o fancy_v any_o thing_n so_o charm_v and_o romantic_a and_o if_o this_o be_v the_o case_n if_o this_o be_v all_o that_o religion_n do_v that_o be_v if_o it_o be_v only_o a_o wise_a method_n to_o happiness_n fetch_v on_o 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cheat_v will_v all_o the_o gay_a and_o jolly_a sinner_n find_v themselves_o but_o glory_n honour_n and_o peace_n will_v be_v the_o portion_n of_o every_o one_o who_o work_v righteousness_n the_o prayer_n o_o thou_o holy_a spirit_n of_o god_n thou_o divine_a principle_n of_o a_o divine_a life_n remove_v all_o blindness_n hardness_n and_o impenitence_n from_o off_o the_o heart_n of_o all_o those_o who_o read_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n and_o grant_v that_o they_o may_v receive_v the_o word_n of_o christ_n with_o a_o entire_a humility_n and_o pure_a affection_n and_o bring_v forth_o the_o fruit_n of_o it_o in_o their_o conversation_n that_o when_o the_o wind_n blow_v and_o the_o rain_n descend_v and_o the_o flood_n beat_v they_o may_v be_v like_o house_n build_v upon_o a_o rock_n and_o stand_v unshaken_a in_o the_o great_a day_n of_o judgement_n amen_n amen_n finis_fw-la a_o catalogue_n of_o book_n print_v for_o and_o sell_v by_o robert_n pawlet_n at_o the_o sign_n of_o the_o bible_n in_o chancery_n lane_n near_o fleetstreet_n villare_v anglicanum_n or_o a_o view_n of_o all_o town_n village_n etc._n etc._n in_o england_n and_o wales_n alphabetical_o compose_v so_o that_o name_v any_o town_n or_o place_n you_o may_v ready_o find_v in_o what_o shire_n hundred_o rape_n wapenstake_v it_o be_v in_o also_o the_o number_n of_o bishopwrick_n county_n under_o their_o several_a jurisdiction_n and_o the_o shire_n town_n borough_n and_o parish_n in_o each_o county_n by_o the_o appointment_n of_o the_o eminent_a sir_n henry_n spelman_n kt._n the_o nun_n complaint_n against_o the_o friar_n be_v the_o charge_n give_v in_o the_o court_n of_o france_n by_o the_o nun_n of_o st._n katherine_n near_a province_n against_o the_o father_n friar_n their_o confessor_n show_v their_o abuse_n in_o their_o allowance_n of_o undecent_a book_n and_o love-letter_n and_o marriage_n of_o the_o friar_n and_o