employment_n of_o ourselves_o for_o the_o advantage_n of_o other_o be_v of_o more_o absolute_a necessity_n the_o world_n be_v one_o entire_a body_n and_o each_o member_n must_v be_v serviceable_a in_o its_o place_n nor_o can_v any_o part_n withdraw_v itself_o from_o the_o whole_a at_o its_o pleasure_n hence_o it_o be_v that_o the_o great_a part_n of_o the_o law_n of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n be_v rule_n of_o society_n of_o justice_n charity_n etc._n etc._n and_o he_o himself_o the_o best_a example_n make_v his_o retirement_n by_o night_n but_o by_o day_n he_o go_v about_o do_v good_a nature_n have_v found_v a_o cognation_n among_o we_o as_o we_o partake_v of_o the_o same_o form_n shape_n reason_n but_o the_o christian_a religion_n have_v cement_v we_o in_o close_a union_n make_v we_o the_o member_n of_o the_o same_o body_n tie_v we_o together_o by_o faith_n and_o love_n by_o the_o same_o sacrament_n the_o same_o promise_n and_o the_o same_o hope_n and_o therefore_o we_o can_v in_o reason_n think_v we_o do_v one_o another_o all_o the_o good_a we_o be_v bind_v to_o by_o a_o mere_a abstinence_n from_o do_v wrong_n and_o by_o sequester_v ourselves_o from_o the_o service_n and_o concern_v of_o our_o brethren_n 2._o because_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n be_v more_o concern_v in_o the_o deportment_n of_o whole_a society_n than_o a_o few_o private_a person_n as_o much_o as_o the_o safety_n of_o a_o multitude_n be_v more_o valuable_a than_o that_o of_o a_o very_a few_o and_o goodness_n redound_v more_o to_o his_o honour_n when_o public_a and_o almost_o universal_a than_o when_o cloister_v up_o in_o the_o bosom_n of_o a_o few_o therefore_o all_o good_a man_n must_v needs_o be_v oblige_v to_o promote_v the_o interest_n of_o holiness_n and_o goodness_n in_o the_o public_a because_o the_o divine_a glory_n be_v so_o deep_o concern_v in_o it_o 3._o which_o ought_v well_o to_o be_v consider_v the_o nature_n of_o goodness_n be_v such_o that_o it_o can_v well_o be_v conceive_v how_o the_o be_v good_a be_v separable_a from_o do_v good_a god_n though_o his_o own_o heaven_n and_o happiness_n do_v yet_o find_v a_o world_n to_o which_o he_o may_v be_v a_o universal_a benefactor_n his_o goodness_n be_v certain_o the_o most_o powerful_a motive_n to_o his_o creation_n not_o any_o considerable_a accession_n that_o his_o happiness_n be_v to_o receive_v from_o it_o this_o goodness_n therefore_o in_o man_n ought_v to_o be_v a_o vigorous_a and_o active_a principle_n and_o render_v they_o the_o benefactor_n of_o mankind_n it_o be_v indeed_o hardly_o conceivable_a how_o man_n shall_v be_v zealous_a patron_n of_o virtue_n and_o goodness_n and_o yet_o not_o concern_v to_o protect_v and_o own_v they_o to_o promote_v and_o encourage_v they_o in_o the_o world_n or_o how_o man_n can_v be_v inflame_v with_o a_o very_a strong_a love_n of_o god_n and_o yet_o not_o endeavour_v to_o establish_v a_o true_a sense_n of_o his_o beauty_n and_o excellency_n in_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n or_o how_o last_o any_o can_v be_v possess_v with_o a_o passionate_a kindness_n for_o a_o brother_n and_o yet_o never_o mingle_v with_o the_o concern_v of_o his_o soul_n or_o body_n last_o the_o great_a motive_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v the_o example_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o saviour_n who_o disciple_n we_o profess_v ourselves_o who_o we_o be_v bind_v to_o imitate_v and_o he_o go_v about_o do_v good_a the_o glorious_a reward_n annex_v to_o all_o those_o who_o any_o way_n benefit_n mankind_n either_o by_o instruct_v the_o mind_n or_o relieve_v the_o body_n the_o character_n of_o the_o child_n of_o god_n at_o the_o last_o judgement_n be_v compose_v whole_o of_o act_n of_o charity_n all_o which_o suppose_v a_o active_a life_n conformable_a to_o this_o doctrine_n be_v that_o of_o heb._n 13.15_o 16._o by_o he_o therefore_o let_v we_o offer_v the_o sacrifice_n of_o praise_n to_o god_n continual_o that_o be_v the_o fruit_n of_o our_o lip_n give_v thanks_o to_o his_o name_n but_o to_o do_v good_a and_o to_o communicate_v forget_v not_o for_o with_o such_o sacrifice_n god_n be_v well_o please_v we_o must_v pray_v but_o prayer_n without_o do_v good_a be_v a_o unpleasing_a sacrifice_n without_o charity_n our_o very_a devotion_n be_v unchristian_a and_o our_o religion_n unnatural_a this_o let_v those_o mind_n who_o be_v long_o in_o their_o prayer_n severe_a in_o their_o outward_a deportment_n frequent_a hearer_n of_o the_o word_n and_o yet_o we_o can_v discern_v in_o they_o no_o fruit_n of_o meekness_n or_o charity_n let_v they_o consider_v whether_o they_o do_v not_o mistake_v the_o nature_n of_o religion_n whether_o they_o do_v not_o choose_v the_o more_o easy_a sacrifice_n because_o it_o cost_v they_o nothing_o whether_o they_o have_v not_o a_o secret_a reserve_n of_o covetousness_n or_o frowardness_n etc._n etc._n have_v speak_v this_o much_o of_o the_o necessity_n of_o do_v good_a and_o the_o motive_n to_o it_o i_o will_v propose_v three_o or_o four_o rule_n and_o submit_v they_o to_o your_o consideration_n 1._o that_o we_o must_v judge_v of_o our_o call_n to_o do_v good_a by_o the_o capacity_n and_o fitness_n with_o which_o god_n have_v endow_v we_o and_o here_o i_o can_v but_o proclaim_v our_o own_o glorious_a privilege_n that_o though_o to_o do_v good_a be_v so_o great_a and_o glorious_a a_o thing_n that_o it_o be_v a_o kind_n of_o imitation_n of_o god_n himself_o a_o thing_n our_o bless_a saviour_n come_v down_o on_o earth_n for_o yet_o it_o have_v please_v god_n so_o to_o multiply_v the_o instance_n and_o opportunity_n of_o goodness_n that_o there_o be_v none_o so_o unfortunate_a as_o to_o be_v uncapable_a of_o do_v good_a the_o happy_a by_o their_o wealth_n the_o wise_a by_o their_o knowledge_n even_o the_o miserable_a themselves_o may_v by_o their_o patience_n and_o courage_n and_o prayer_n comfort_n and_o relieve_v the_o world_n and_o we_o be_v to_o judge_v by_o our_o part_n and_o fortune_n the_o way_n that_o god_n have_v mark_v out_o for_o our_o charity_n and_o be_v content_a to_o obey_v he_o in_o his_o own_o method_n 2._o let_v meditation_n and_o prayer_n administer_v to_o our_o good_a action_n and_o like_o oil_n to_o a_o lamp_n give_v our_o charity_n fresh_a spirit_n and_o flame_n for_o as_o private_a religion_n be_v deficient_a without_o public_a charity_n so_o charity_n unless_o often_o refresh_v by_o retirement_n devotion_n and_o heavenly_a reflection_n will_v cool_v and_o languish_v our_o heart_n will_v be_v tough_a and_o insensible_a and_o our_o do_v good_a will_v be_v only_o the_o effect_n of_o custom_n or_o prudence_n or_o activity_n of_o spirit_n not_o of_o religion_n or_o charity_n and_o if_o which_o be_v the_o best_a can_v be_v suppose_v the_o man_n consecrate_v the_o whole_a mass_n of_o his_o action_n by_o purity_n of_o intention_n and_o continue_v a_o obstinate_a observer_n of_o prayer_n as_o far_o as_o he_o think_v strict_a duty_n oblige_v he_o to_o yet_o for_o want_v of_o more_o leisurely_o meditation_n and_o more_o serious_a reflection_n his_o address_n will_v lose_v their_o warmth_n his_o soul_n will_v abate_v much_o of_o its_o love_n and_o whilst_o his_o religion_n lose_v so_o much_o of_o its_o pleasure_n and_o sweetness_n what_o wonder_v if_o his_o charity_n relish_v more_o of_o drudgery_n than_o delight_n 3_o that_o we_o may_v not_o be_v discourage_v from_o do_v good_a by_o any_o difficulty_n or_o misfortune_n which_o may_v attend_v we_o in_o it_o in_o our_o nightly_a reflection_n let_v we_o judge_v not_o the_o happiness_n of_o our_o success_n but_o the_o integrity_n of_o our_o endeavour_n and_o let_v we_o think_v it_o sufficient_a reward_n that_o we_o have_v obey_v god_n or_o if_o we_o will_v measure_v our_o success_n let_v we_o examine_v how_o much_o our_o experience_n have_v improve_v our_o meekness_n our_o patience_n our_o reliance_n or_o charity_n for_o scarce_o any_o action_n but_o will_v exercise_v some_o of_o these_o grace_n 4._o look_v upon_o do_v good_a as_o true_o your_o business_n as_o prayer_n or_o hear_v the_o word_n or_o meditation_n etc._n etc._n and_o therefore_o never_o think_v your_o time_n misspend_v which_o be_v lay_v out_o in_o visit_v the_o imprison_a or_o sick_a relieve_v the_o necessitous_a comfort_v the_o afflict_a and_o reduce_v those_o that_o err_v into_o the_o path_n of_o sobriety_n and_o truth_n though_o this_o time_n be_v pare_v off_o from_o our_o meditation_n prayer_n and_o sacrament_n he_o be_v a_o good_a man_n indeed_o who_o prefer_v meek_a attendance_n and_o ministry_n and_o importunate_a address_n to_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n before_o much_o knowledge_n passionate_a dispute_n and_o high_a pretence_n o_o charity_n how_o lovely_a must_v thou_o needs_o be_v in_o the_o eye_n of_o heaven_n for_o be_v thou_o plant_v in_o all_o our_o heart_n earth_n will_v resemble_v that_o place_n above_o i_o will_v be_v please_v therefore_o with_o
it_o be_v the_o gospel_n mean_v by_o temperance_n by_o inquire_v 1._o what_o be_v the_o end_n it_o aim_v at_o in_o enjoin_v this_o duty_n 2._o by_o what_o word_n it_o describe_v and_o express_v it_o 3._o the_o example_n of_o our_o saviour_n and_o his_o follower_n in_o this_o point_n likewise_o the_o motive_n it_o add_v and_o the_o method_n it_o prescribe_v will_v serve_v to_o clear_v up_o its_o intention_n to_o we_o the_o great_a end_n st_n paul_n suggest_v to_o i_o 1_o cor._n 9.25_o every_o man_n who_o strive_v for_o the_o mastery_n be_v temperate_a in_o all_o thing_n intimate_v that_o the_o mean_n be_v then_o proper_a when_o they_o be_v suit_v and_o fit_v for_o the_o attainment_n of_o their_o end_n and_o by_o the_o allusion_n imply_v that_o the_o end_n of_o our_o temperance_n be_v a_o strive_v for_o the_o mastery_n that_o be_v a_o conquest_n over_o the_o world_n and_o the_o body_n for_o the_o gospel_n represent_v the_o world_n and_o the_o flesh_n as_o those_o enemy_n against_o which_o the_o christian_a be_v to_o be_v engage_v in_o a_o continual_a warfare_n and_o tell_v we_o that_o the_o lust_n and_o pleasure_n of_o they_o do_v war_n against_o the_o soul_n religion_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o the_o love_n of_o god_n and_o heavenly_a thing_n the_o gospel_n endeavour_v all_o that_o it_o can_v to_o wean_v we_o from_o all_o fondness_n for_o or_o delight_n in_o the_o world_n and_o the_o flesh_n it_o be_v impossible_a to_o serve_v two_o such_o contrary_a interest_n by_o a_o clear_a consequence_n from_o all_o this_o i_o conclude_v that_o we_o be_v to_o endure_v hardship_n as_o good_a soldier_n of_o jesus_n christ_n that_o we_o be_v to_o abstain_v from_o fleshly_a lust_n as_o stranger_n and_o pilgrim_n in_o plain_a word_n that_o that_o abstinence_n from_o sensual_a pleasure_n which_o render_v the_o body_n tame_a and_o governable_a serviceable_a to_o the_o soul_n and_o cheerful_a in_o the_o exercise_n of_o religion_n which_o do_v enfranchise_v the_o mind_n of_o man_n from_o its_o captivity_n to_o sense_n which_o do_v establish_v its_o dominion_n over_o the_o brutish_a part_n so_o that_o the_o man_n live_v the_o life_n of_o faith_n and_o not_o of_o sense_n be_v disengage_v from_o the_o world_n and_o so_o ready_a to_o depart_v be_v that_o temperance_n which_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n require_v and_o by_o consequence_n on_o the_o other_o hand_n that_o that_o indulgence_n to_o worldly_a pleasure_n which_o tend_v to_o pamper_v and_o enrage_v the_o body_n to_o awaken_v our_o passion_n for_o this_o present_a state_n to_o endear_v and_o recommend_v the_o world_n to_o we_o to_o make_v the_o mind_n of_o man_n soft_a and_o feeble_a heavy_a and_o sensual_a to_o make_v our_o temper_n delicate_a and_o wanton_a unable_a to_o suffer_v and_o froward_a if_o our_o appetite_n be_v not_o satisfy_v be_v flat_o contradictory_n to_o the_o temperance_n of_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n this_o be_v a_o rule_n which_o if_o well_o consider_v and_o conscientious_o apply_v to_o every_o particular_a will_v sufficient_o conduct_v man_n in_o the_o path_n of_o this_o great_a duty_n and_o answer_v all_o scruple_n concern_v the_o enjoyment_n of_o pleasure_n whether_o they_o be_v real_a or_o fantastic_a one_o for_o be_v any_o man_n such_o a_o stranger_n to_o himself_o that_o he_o do_v not_o understand_v the_o work_n of_o his_o own_o soul_n that_o he_o can_v give_v a_o account_n of_o the_o passion_n which_o he_o feel_v nor_o know_v by_o what_o method_n he_o be_v betray_v into_o the_o love_n of_o the_o world_n and_o a_o decay_n of_o his_o religion_n do_v not_o every_o man_n feel_v what_o kind_n of_o eat_v and_o drink_v clog_v the_o soul_n and_o embolden_v the_o body_n what_o kind_n of_o sight_n or_o dalliance_n do_v dart_v the_o poison_n of_o lust_n and_o ambition_n into_o our_o very_a soul_n or_o what_o do_v thaw_v and_o melt_v we_o and_o make_v we_o love_n and_o hate_n delight_n or_o grieve_v hope_v and_o fear_n like_o the_o child_n not_o of_o light_n but_o of_o the_o world_n certain_o unless_o a_o man_n will_v impose_v upon_o himself_o he_o must_v needs_o discern_v the_o birth_n and_o growth_n of_o his_o own_o passion_n and_o discover_v the_o method_n by_o which_o he_o do_v insensible_o degenerate_a into_o a_o loose_a or_o cold_a or_o senseless_a spirit_n 2._o this_o temperance_n be_v in_o general_n express_v in_o holy_a writ_n by_o mortification_n and_o holiness_n the_o former_a import_v such_o a_o change_n in_o the_o body_n as_o flatten_n and_o dead_v its_o appetite_n for_o the_o world_n i_o be_o crucify_v to_o the_o world_n and_o the_o world_n be_v crucify_v to_o i_o the_o latter_a import_v a_o excellent_a and_o godlike_a nature_n a_o transformation_n of_o man_n into_o a_o spiritual_a a_o frame_n as_o man_n in_o this_o imperfect_a state_n be_v capable_a of_o arrive_v at_o and_o certain_o man_n thus_o qualify_v can_v not_o place_v their_o delight_n in_o the_o sensual_a enjoyment_n of_o this_o life_n how_o innocent_a soever_o they_o may_v be_v the_o world_n have_v nothing_o agreeable_a to_o soul_n of_o this_o heavenly_a nature_n nor_o nothing_o worthy_a of_o they_o temperance_n in_o the_o particular_a branch_n of_o it_o be_v call_v purity_n sobriety_n abstinence_n modesty_n etc._n etc._n all_o which_o be_v to_o be_v interpret_v according_a to_o the_o method_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o a_o sense_n which_o do_v not_o only_o restrain_v the_o outward_a act_n but_o also_o the_o inward_a passion_n of_o man_n in_o a_o sense_n which_o do_v not_o only_o forbid_v the_o commission_n of_o gross_a sin_n but_o also_o all_o tendency_n towards_o they_o in_o the_o body_n and_o in_o the_o soul_n conformable_a to_o this_o doctrine_n be_v 3._o the_o life_n and_o example_n of_o the_o holy_a jesus_n and_o his_o follower_n though_o peradventure_o it_o will_v not_o be_v altogether_o errational_a to_o suppose_v that_o the_o extraordinary_a measure_n of_o the_o divine_a spirit_n in_o his_o immediate_a disciple_n and_o their_o conversation_n with_o the_o bless_a jesus_n and_o afterward_o the_o fresh_a memory_n of_o all_o his_o power_n and_o glory_n may_v render_v a_o corporal_a discipline_n the_o less_o necessary_a i_o will_v not_o deny_v but_o that_o our_o bless_a master_n do_v often_o accept_v of_o entertainment_n nor_o do_v i_o ever_o design_n to_o forbid_v any_o such_o thing_n on_o particular_a occasion_n which_o may_v warrant_v they_o but_o it_o be_v easy_a to_o observe_v how_o course_n and_o plain_a and_o spare_v his_o constant_a diet_n with_o his_o disciple_n be_v how_o frequent_a in_o his_o fasting_n and_o his_o watch_n he_o be_v as_o for_o his_o disciple_n after_o his_o departure_n their_o life_n be_v but_o a_o constant_a warfare_n and_o the_o world_n and_o the_o flesh_n their_o enemy_n they_o live_v like_o stranger_n and_o pilgrim_n upon_o earth_n and_o their_o pleasure_n be_v altogether_o spiritual_a and_o holy_a these_o be_v the_o path_n that_o they_o tread_v towards_o conquest_n and_o a_o glorious_a crown_n and_o i_o can_v easy_o conceive_v how_o their_o life_n be_v fill_v with_o such_o spiritual_a ravishment_n how_o they_o long_v for_o the_o appearance_n of_o christ_n and_o how_o they_o leave_v the_o world_n with_o such_o glorious_a assurance_n as_o that_o i_o have_v fight_v a_o good_a fight_n i_o have_v finish_v my_o course_n i_o have_v keep_v the_o faith_n all_o which_o may_v have_v regard_n not_o only_o to_o his_o suffering_n but_o also_o to_o his_o conflict_n with_o the_o flesh_n too_o henceforth_o there_o be_v lay_v up_o for_o i_o a_o crown_n of_o righteousness_n which_o the_o lord_n the_o righteous_a judge_n shall_v give_v i_o at_o that_o day_n and_o not_o to_o i_o only_o but_o unto_o they_o also_o that_o love_n his_o appearance_n but_o how_o that_o softeness_n of_o conversation_n that_o full_a and_o luxurious_a feed_n and_o drink_v that_o garishness_n and_o wantonness_n of_o dress_n that_o sloth_n and_o lazyness_n of_o spirit_n which_o be_v so_o universal_a in_o the_o world_n can_v become_v the_o life_n of_o a_o soldier_n of_o christ_n i_o be_o not_o wise_a nor_o lucky_a enough_o to_o comprehend_v but_o i_o can_v now_o easy_o discern_v from_o whence_o it_o proceed_v that_o religion_n seem_v so_o unpleasant_a a_o thing_n and_o that_o man_n be_v so_o unwilling_a to_o depart_v hence_o into_o another_o life_n it_o be_v because_o we_o be_v such_o imperfect_a christian_n and_o we_o live_v sensual_o it_o will_v therefore_o behoove_v we_o to_o lay_v to_o heart_n the_o great_a motive_n by_o which_o the_o gospel_n engage_v we_o to_o this_o duty_n as_o 1._o the_o nature_n of_o our_o present_a state_n in_o this_o world_n the_o poor_a soul_n live_v in_o a_o treacherous_a body_n and_o a_o tempt_a world_n both_o which_o conspire_v its_o ruin_n and_o therefore_o it_o must_v be_v upon_o its_o watch_n upon_o its_o guard_n it_o be_v not_o a_o time_n
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
bear_v ourselves_o in_o hand_n that_o we_o do_v nevertheless_o love_n god_n because_o we_o do_v prefer_v he_o in_o our_o thought_n above_o all_o thing_n and_o because_o we_o will_v not_o do_v what_o will_v displease_v he_o for_o the_o former_a of_o these_o may_v be_v a_o unavoidable_a consequence_n of_o a_o clear_a understanding_n and_o the_o latter_a of_o a_o innate_a self-love_n which_o may_v be_v able_a to_o restrain_v we_o from_o the_o commission_n of_o those_o sin_n which_o we_o believe_v will_v do_v we_o a_o unspeakable_a mischief_n these_o do_v well_o in_o their_o place_n and_o be_v presuppose_v to_o the_o love_n of_o god_n for_o no_o man_n can_v love_v god_n unless_o he_o know_v he_o nor_o will_v any_o man_n make_v any_o distinction_n of_o good_a and_o evil_a i._n e._n lovely_a or_o hateful_a by_o consequence_n unless_o he_o love_v himself_o but_o yet_o these_o be_v apparent_o distinguishable_a from_o and_o can_v stand_v separately_z and_o alone_o without_o the_o love_n of_o god_n and_o therefore_o let_v none_o deceive_v themselves_o for_o to_o love_v the_o lord_n our_o god_n with_o all_o our_o heart_n and_o with_o all_o our_o soul_n and_o with_o all_o our_o strength_n and_o with_o all_o our_o mind_n be_v something_o more_o than_o to_o entertain_v a_o honourable_a opinion_n of_o he_o or_o to_o avoid_v affront_a he_o because_o he_o be_v able_a to_o punish_v we_o the_o scripture_n express_v this_o love_n by_o delight_n and_o joy_n by_o desire_n and_o long_v hunger_a thirst_v seek_v and_o the_o like_a and_o more_o full_o if_o we_o love_v god_n above_o all_o thing_n our_o heart_n will_v be_v where_o our_o treasure_n be_v our_o affection_n will_v be_v fasten_v on_o thing_n above_o and_o our_o conversation_n will_v be_v in_o heaven_n because_o our_o god_n be_v there_o now_o we_o can_v converse_v with_o heaven_n but_o by_o faith_n and_o hope_n meditation_n and_o prayer_n etc._n etc._n and_o therefore_o it_o must_v follow_v that_o they_o who_o love_n god_n must_v be_v industrious_a to_o improve_v these_o grace_n and_o be_v frequent_a in_o the_o exercise_n of_o these_o duty_n as_o the_o mean_n and_o instrument_n of_o enjoyment_n and_o 2_o if_o we_o love_v god_n we_o shall_v hunger_n and_o thirst_n after_o righteousness_n and_o holiness_n which_o beautify_v the_o soul_n and_o render_v we_o like_o god_n and_o therefore_o amiable_a in_o his_o eye_n and_o we_o shall_v delight_v in_o all_o those_o good_a and_o virtuous_a action_n which_o be_v the_o proof_n of_o a_o inflame_a affection_n and_o endear_v we_o to_o god_n he_o that_o love_v he_o keep_v his_o commandment_n and_o we_o shall_v hate_v nothing_o so_o mortal_o as_o sin_n because_o it_o stain_v and_o sully_n the_o beauty_n of_o our_o soul_n distaste_v the_o god_n we_o love_v and_o interrupt_v our_o peace_n and_o joy_n and_o extinguish_v our_o hope_n and_o if_o this_o be_v the_o frame_n and_o habit_n of_o our_o soul_n towards_o god_n then_o because_o we_o can_v love_v or_o serve_v two_o such_o contrary_a master_n as_o god_n and_o the_o world_n therefore_o 3._o these_o temporal_a thing_n which_o be_v see_v will_v appear_v very_o cheap_a and_o inconsiderable_a to_o we_o and_o our_o concern_n for_o they_o will_v be_v so_o cold_a and_o indifferent_a that_o no_o change_n which_o betide_v they_o no_o imaginary_a excellency_n that_o be_v in_o they_o will_v be_v able_a to_o raise_v our_o passion_n to_o distract_v our_o thought_n to_o abate_v our_o diligence_n to_o divide_v our_o affection_n and_o overthrow_v our_o faith_n for_o the_o love_n of_o god_n the_o prospect_n of_o a_o more_o glorious_a life_n will_v have_v disarm_v the_o glory_n beauty_n and_o wealth_n of_o this_o world_n of_o all_o their_o charm_n and_o temptation_n and_o if_o so_o how_o can_v we_o then_o be_v lead_v captive_a by_o what_o we_o do_v not_o in_o the_o least_o admire_v how_o can_v we_o be_v afflict_v at_o the_o loss_n of_o what_o we_o do_v not_o value_v or_o why_o can_v we_o not_o be_v calm_o divide_v from_o what_o our_o affection_n have_v renounce_v already_o vain_a world_n adieu_o i_o be_o above_o either_o thy_o menace_n or_o flattery_n i_o fear_v nothing_o because_o i_o be_o at_o peace_n with_o the_o god_n i_o love_v and_o i_o despise_v thy_o guild_a dream_n because_o the_o love_n of_o my_o god_n swallow_v up_o all_o my_o desire_n and_o i_o be_o content_a to_o have_v no_o portion_n but_o he_o alone_o how_o my_o heart_n pant_v after_o thy_o court_n o_o god_n the_o holy_a of_o holies_n the_o heaven_n of_o heaven_n where_o i_o shall_v for_o ever_o behold_v thy_o face_n and_o reign_v in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o my_o bless_a saviour_n for_o ever_o and_o ever_o now_o with_o st._n paul_n i_o long_o to_o be_v set_v at_o liberty_n to_o be_v dissolve_v from_o this_o body_n and_o to_o be_v with_o christ_n nor_o shall_v i_o willing_o stay_v long_o here_o on_o earth_n but_o in_o obedience_n to_o thy_o holy_a will_n and_o a_o design_n of_o spend_v this_o life_n in_o do_v service_n to_o thy_o glory_n and_o in_o expression_n of_o my_o love_n in_o long_n and_o watch_n and_o suffering_n etc._n etc._n and_o when_o i_o consider_v this_o merhink_v my_o life_n be_v too_o short_a and_o i_o shall_v go_v to_o heaven_n too_o soon_o and_o i_o can_v wish_v my_o sun_n will_v stand_v still_o a_o little_a that_o i_o may_v do_v and_o suffer_v something_o for_o my_o lord_n before_o i_o go_v to_o enter_v into_o his_o joy_n and_o to_o receive_v a_o crown_n it_o be_v true_a these_o be_v height_n of_o love_n which_o all_o do_v not_o though_o it_o be_v to_o be_v wish_v all_o can_v attain_v to_o for_o we_o have_v need_n of_o sanctify_a passion_n to_o enable_v we_o to_o do_v our_o duty_n with_o delight_n and_o vigour_n but_o none_o be_v from_o the_o want_n of_o such_o degree_n of_o ardour_n to_o conclude_v themselves_o either_o whole_o void_a of_o the_o love_n of_o god_n or_o desert_v by_o he_o for_o god_n be_v a_o be_v infinite_o above_o our_o conception_n and_o that_o of_o he_o which_o we_o do_v conceive_v as_o power_n wisdom_n and_o goodness_n though_o amiable_a yet_o be_v spiritual_a and_o not_o the_o object_n of_o sense_n and_o therefore_o do_v not_o move_v we_o with_o the_o same_o violence_n that_o sensible_a thing_n do_v whence_o it_o be_v easy_a to_o conclude_v that_o our_o love_n of_o god_n be_v of_o a_o different_a nature_n from_o that_o we_o pay_v the_o creature_n it_o be_v a_o more_o spiritual_a affection_n mix_v with_o adoration_n it_o be_v a_o awful_a desire_n of_o please_v and_o enjoy_v he_o not_o always_o terminate_a in_o so_o vehement_a and_o sensible_a a_o passion_n as_o visible_a object_n beget_v in_o we_o and_o therefore_o the_o safe_a way_n be_v to_o judge_v of_o our_o state_n not_o by_o transport_n but_o by_o the_o firmness_n of_o our_o resolution_n and_o by_o the_o constancy_n and_o cheerfulness_n of_o our_o obedience_n but_o because_o as_o there_o be_v a_o more_o peculiar_a presence_n of_o god_n as_o i_o humble_o conceive_v evident_a by_o scripture_n so_o by_o consequence_n there_o may_v be_v a_o withdraw_a and_o retirement_n of_o that_o presence_n therefore_o when_o i_o find_v my_o understanding_n dim_a and_o cloud_v or_o distract_v and_o shake_v with_o suggestion_n to_o unbelief_n my_o desire_n lukewarm_a and_o grovel_a my_o devotion_n faint_a and_o drowsy_a and_o my_o communion_n without_o gust_n and_o relish_v i_o be_o weary_a of_o myself_o and_o i_o have_v no_o rest_n by_o reason_n of_o thy_o absence_n o_o bless_a lord_n then_o first_o i_o lie_v before_o i_o my_o life_n and_o review_v my_o action_n which_o be_v late_a and_o fresh_a in_o memory_n since_o this_o ill_a temper_n have_v seize_v i_o and_o examine_v what_o it_o be_v have_v displease_v my_o god_n and_o if_o i_o find_v the_o accurse_a thing_n that_o drive_v away_o a_o holy_a god_n i_o cast_v myself_o down_o before_o he_o and_o abhor_v and_o renounce_v it_o but_o second_o if_o sin_n do_v not_o appear_v to_o i_o to_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o this_o indisposition_n and_o listlessness_n than_o perhaps_o i_o have_v not_o be_v as_o watchful_a and_o industrious_a to_o improve_v my_o grace_n as_o i_o shall_v or_o if_o this_o be_v not_o it_o perhaps_o it_o be_v but_o a_o alteration_n in_o my_o body_n that_o clog_v and_o benight_n this_o soul_n and_o then_o i_o groan_v at_o the_o misery_n of_o my_o pilgrimage_n and_o bemoan_v the_o infelicity_n of_o my_o nature_n but_o if_o none_o of_o these_o appear_v the_o cause_n than_o three_o i_o rest_v humble_o patient_a wait_v till_o god_n please_v to_o return_v to_o his_o rest_a place_n it_o be_v pride_n and_o sauciness_n in_o i_o to_o expect_v my_o heaven_n here_o to_o be_v impatient_a unless_o i_o live_v always_o in_o ecstasy_n cause_v by_o the_o divine_a pretence_n i_o will_v meek_o
as_o well_o as_o they_o engage_v we_o to_o charity_n for_o we_o be_v become_v both_o criminal_n and_o judge_n at_o once_o and_o whilst_o we_o forgive_v other_o we_o be_v merciful_a to_o ourselves_o and_o whilst_o we_o revenge_v and_o hate_v other_o we_o be_v cruel_a and_o barbarous_a to_o ourselves_o 3._o the_o gospel_n establish_v a_o close_a relation_n between_o mankind_n than_o that_o of_o nature_n by_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o same_o faith_n the_o same_o spirit_n the_o same_o sacrament_n whereof_o one_o be_v but_o a_o holy_a league_n of_o charity_n and_o so_o in_o one_o word_n we_o be_v incorporate_v and_o become_v all_o but_o member_n of_o the_o same_o body_n and_o therefore_o as_o in_o joseph_n nature_n prevail_v above_o the_o sense_n of_o wrong_n and_o remember_v not_o that_o they_o be_v his_o enemy_n but_o that_o they_o be_v his_o brethren_n he_o fall_v upon_o their_o neck_n and_o kiss_v they_o and_o weep_v through_o joy_n and_o tenderness_n towards_o those_o brethren_n who_o without_o the_o least_o softness_n or_o relent_a have_v expose_v he_o if_o not_o to_o a_o certain_a death_n to_o banishment_n and_o slavery_n so_o must_v we_o christian_n remember_v by_o what_o tie_v we_o be_v fasten_v and_o unite_v no_o more_o harm_n or_o hate_v one_o another_o than_o we_o will_v our_o own_o limb_n our_o own_o body_n 4._o the_o gospel_n convince_v we_o of_o the_o meanness_n and_o worthlesseness_n of_o all_o thing_n here_o below_o not_o only_o of_o wealth_n but_o even_o of_o reputation_n and_o life_n too_o of_o the_o body_n the_o soul_n be_v secure_v beyond_o the_o reach_n of_o man_n and_o so_o make_v it_o both_o the_o easy_a task_n to_o part_v with_o they_o in_o the_o service_n of_o religion_n and_o not_o so_o easy_a to_o ground_v the_o subject_n of_o a_o quarrel_n on_o they_o 5._o it_o annex_v precious_a promise_n to_o the_o performance_n of_o this_o duty_n i_o e._n a_o assurance_n of_o reward_n in_o this_o life_n and_o in_o the_o other_o of_o happiness_n in_o overflow_a measure_n by_o this_o time_n it_o be_v easy_a to_o discern_v 1._o what_o kind_n of_o thing_n true_a charity_n be_v how_o sweet_a and_o gentle_a how_o kind_a and_o meek_a a_o temper_n it_o be_v how_o beneficial_a to_o mankind_n how_o delightsome_a to_o ourselves_o and_o how_o like_a god_n and_o acceptable_a to_o he_o it_o make_v we_o 2._o what_o a_o stress_n god_n lay_v upon_o this_o duty_n how_o dear_a a_o value_n he_o have_v for_o it_o that_o charity_n be_v the_o very_a life_n and_o soul_n of_o religion_n and_o that_o to_o be_v a_o christian_n without_o charity_n be_v a_o unnatural_a contradiction_n and_o therefore_o it_o can_v choose_v but_o raise_v my_o wonder_n to_o observe_v thar_z there_o be_v a_o sort_n of_o people_n who_o though_o they_o do_v no_o harm_n do_v no_o good_a neither_o who_o study_v nothing_o but_o their_o proper_a interest_n and_o pleasure_n and_o so_o if_o just_o which_o be_v the_o most_o be_v far_o from_o charitable_a and_o yet_o they_o hope_v to_o be_v save_v much_o more_o be_o i_o amaze_v to_o observe_v that_o there_o be_v another_o sort_n who_o be_v mere_a lion_n in_o their_o family_n bear_n and_o wolf_n in_o the_o neighbourhood_n and_o it_o may_v be_v worst_a in_o the_o state_n who_o be_v bad_a neighbour_n worse_a husband_n and_o master_n worse_a subject_n and_o yet_o they_o call_v themselves_o christian_n which_o be_v for_o man_n who_o be_v not_o fit_a to_o live_v on_o earth_n to_o hope_v for_o heaven_n and_o yet_o i_o still_o wonder_v more_o when_o i_o observe_v that_o there_o be_v another_o sort_n of_o man_n who_o be_v great_a devotionists_n long_a and_o sometime_o passionate_a too_o in_o their_o prayer_n unless_o the_o passion_n be_v mere_o threatical_a which_o be_v not_o a_o settle_a affection_n but_o the_o mere_a sally_n of_o a_o sudden_a heat_n severe_a and_o grave_a in_o their_o outward_a deportment_n and_o huge_a zealot_n for_o this_o or_o that_o cause_n or_o particular_a doctrine_n and_o yet_o they_o be_v froward_a and_o peevish_a sour_a and_o sullen_a and_o censorious_a and_o covetous_a and_o proud_a and_o insosolent_a and_o disobedient_a and_o yet_o these_o man_n be_v so_o far_o from_o call_v into_o question_n their_o salvation_n that_o they_o count_v themselves_o spiritual_a and_o the_o especial_a favourit_n of_o god_n despise_v the_o rest_n of_o mandkind_a as_o carnal_a moral_a blind_a thing_n by_o what_o mean_v they_o arrive_v at_o this_o dangerous_a state_n i_o will_v not_o now_o examine_v but_o i_o will_v beseech_v all_o such_o to_o lay_v to_o heart_n these_o general_a truth_n that_o he_o who_o love_v his_o god_n must_v love_v his_o neighbour_n too_o he_o that_o pray_v must_v do_v good_a and_o communicate_v too_o he_o that_o be_v devout_a and_o zealous_a must_v be_v meek_a and_o humble_a and_o charitable_a and_o obedient_a too_o or_o else_o their_o religion_n be_v unnatural_a their_o devotion_n a_o mere_a humour_n or_o melancholy_n or_o any_o thing_n but_o holiness_n they_o be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v christian_n that_o they_o want_v some_o degree_n of_o humanity_n to_o perfect_v they_o into_o men._n the_o prayer_n o_o most_o gracious_a and_o merciful_a god_n enlighten_v my_o understanding_n that_o i_o may_v know_v thou_o and_o discern_v the_o loveliness_n and_o beauty_n of_o all_o thy_o attribute_n especial_o thy_o goodness_n towards_o the_o son_n of_o man_n and_o shed_v forth_o thy_o spirit_n of_o love_n in_o my_o heart_n that_o i_o may_v seek_v thou_o and_o delight_n in_o thou_o and_o make_v it_o my_o business_n to_o contemplate_v and_o to_o serve_v thou_o and_o may_v the_o example_n of_o thy_o mercy_n towards_o mankind_n and_o i_o in_o particular_a and_o the_o example_n of_o my_o bless_a saviour_n lay_v down_o his_o life_n for_o his_o enemy_n enkindle_v in_o i_o such_o a_o true_a affection_n towards_o my_o neighbour_n that_o i_o may_v love_v he_o as_o myself_o or_o as_o christ_n love_v i_o that_o i_o may_v walk_v as_o the_o bless_a jesas_n do_v in_o abundance_n of_o kindness_n and_o meekness_n and_o patience_n and_o in_o all_o instance_n of_o a_o heavenly_a charity_n and_o so_o may_v at_o last_o enter_v into_o that_o heaven_n which_o be_v the_o eternal_a abode_n of_o peace_n and_o love_n amen_o amen_n bless_a lord_n sect._n 3_o of_o temperance_n by_o temperance_n be_v mean_v such_o a_o abstinence_n from_o the_o pleasure_n of_o the_o body_n as_o the_o gospel_n require_v and_o therefore_o i_o will_v inquire_v 1._o what_o rule_v of_o temperance_n it_o prescribe_v we_o 2._o what_o motive_n to_o the_o duty_n it_o make_v use_v of_o and_o 3._o what_o method_n it_o enjoin_v for_o the_o attainment_n of_o this_o grace_n 1._o of_o the_o rule_n of_o temperance_n the_o common_a rule_n and_o standard_n which_o most_o have_v make_v use_n of_o to_o conduct_v man_n in_o eat_v and_o drink_v etc._n etc._n be_v the_o end_n of_o those_o act_n that_o be_v the_o health_n and_o strength_n the_o welfare_n of_o the_o body_n but_o i_o have_v great_a reason_n to_o dislike_v of_o this_o rule_n for_o if_o extend_v any_o further_a than_o to_o eat_v and_o drink_v it_o be_v apparent_o false_a and_o i_o hope_v none_o will_v affirm_v that_o all_o those_o pleasure_n which_o be_v not_o inconsistent_a with_o the_o welfare_n of_o the_o body_n be_v therefore_o not_o inconsistent_a with_o religion_n be_v apply_v to_o eat_v and_o drink_v etc._n etc._n in_o a_o strict_a and_o close_a sense_n it_o lay_v a_o snare_n for_o man_n conscience_n and_o must_v reduce_v all_o to_o the_o mere_a necessity_n of_o nature_n and_o so_o many_o enjoyment_n which_o be_v innocent_a enough_o nay_o sometime_o upon_o some_o emergence_n necessary_a will_v be_v utter_o sinful_a and_o religion_n will_v be_v make_v a_o mere_a burden_n and_o man_n mind_n be_v fill_v with_o endless_a scruple_n if_o take_v in_o as_o wide_a a_o sense_n as_o some_o man_n i_o see_v understand_v it_o it_o open_v a_o gap_n to_o sensuality_n and_o unchristian_a freedom_n for_o i_o do_v not_o question_v but_o that_o any_o man_n without_o prejudice_n to_o the_o happiness_n of_o his_o body_n may_v be_v guilty_a of_o intemperance_n in_o that_o notion_n that_o i_o have_v of_o it_o that_o be_v any_o man_n may_v eat_v or_o drink_v to_o the_o enrage_v of_o his_o lust_n to_o the_o soften_a and_o sensualize_v of_o his_o mind_n etc._n etc._n without_o the_o hazard_n of_o a_o fever_n or_o a_o head_n ache_n on_o these_o account_n i_o can_v but_o look_v upon_o this_o rule_n as_o very_o useless_a and_o improper_a if_o not_o dangerous_a for_o a_o christian_a and_o a_o proper_a rule_n of_o nature_n only_o in_o such_o a_o state_n which_o have_v no_o prospect_n of_o another_o life_n and_o therefore_o i_o think_v myself_o oblige_v to_o inquire_v in_o the_o gospel_n for_o better_a i_o think_v than_o we_o shall_v easy_o find_v what_o
circumstance_n and_o be_v fear_v only_o by_o the_o vain_a and_o gay_a and_o scorn_v by_o fool_n for_o to_o be_v true_o humble_a be_v to_o be_v true_o honourable_a and_o to_o suffer_v christianly_o be_v the_o infallible_a character_n of_o a_o great_a mind_n lord_n i_o know_v that_o i_o be_o here_o but_o a_o stranger_n and_o pilgrim_n and_o i_o will_v not_o propose_v to_o myself_o rest_n and_o luscious_a pleasure_n i_o be_o now_o in_o a_o state_n of_o warfare_n and_o i_o expect_v not_o my_o ease_n and_o a_o kingdom_n till_o i_o have_v vanquish_v i_o be_o the_o servant_n of_o the_o holy_a jesus_n and_o i_o will_v take_v up_o my_o cross_n and_o follow_v he_o and_o if_o he_o call_v i_o to_o walk_v upon_o the_o water_n i_o can_v believe_v that_o he_o will_v let_v i_o perish_v i_o have_v in_o this_o discourse_n of_o pleasure_n and_o pain_n have_v a_o eye_n to_o two_o thing_n not_o only_o to_o show_v that_o there_o can_v be_v no_o reasonable_a ground_n for_o a_o temptation_n to_o sin_n in_o either_o but_o also_o to_o demonstrate_v the_o excellency_n of_o the_o christian_a principle_n by_o show_v how_o they_o serve_v to_o all_o the_o end_n and_o necessity_n of_o this_o mortal_a life_n to_o regulate_v our_o pleasure_n and_o alleviate_v our_o pain_n for_o else_o it_o have_v be_v enough_o for_o i_o to_o have_v say_v that_o there_o be_v no_o reason_n to_o quit_v a_o eternity_n of_o pleasure_n for_o a_o moment_n and_o that_o no_o pain_n can_v be_v equal_a to_o that_o of_o hell_n and_o therefore_o that_o no_o man_n can_v be_v seduce_v from_o his_o duty_n by_o either_o pleasure_n or_o pain_n if_o he_o do_v real_o believe_v the_o gospel_n the_o evil_n which_o disquiet_v the_o mind_n of_o man_n as_o far_o as_o concern_v this_o head_n of_o pain_n may_v be_v reduce_v to_o two_o 1._o doubt_v or_o uncertainty_n when_o we_o have_v no_o sure_a knowledge_n of_o matter_n of_o the_o great_a moment_n 2._o amazement_n and_o fear_n proceed_v from_o guilt_n and_o the_o apprehension_n of_o future_a vengeance_n the_o first_o of_o these_o be_v now_o sufficient_o remove_v by_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n which_o have_v bring_v life_n and_o immortality_n to_o light_n and_o discover_v all_o those_o glorious_a and_o important_a truth_n which_o relate_v to_o our_o eternal_a welfare_n and_o our_o belief_n be_v herein_o found_v upon_o divine_a revelation_n for_o god_n bear_v witness_v to_o the_o author_n of_o this_o gospel_n by_o miracle_n and_o by_o his_o holy_a spirit_n by_o the_o resurrection_n of_o christ_n from_o the_o dead_a etc._n etc._n and_o such_o be_v the_o purity_n and_o excellency_n of_o this_o holy_a doctrine_n that_o no_o man_n who_o believe_v a_o god_n can_v choose_v but_o see_v that_o a_o obedience_n to_o such_o holy_a precept_n must_v be_v acceptable_a to_o he_o the_o second_o proceed_v from_o the_o conscience_n of_o our_o sin_n and_o a_o dread_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n either_o of_o which_o if_o they_o drive_v man_n into_o despair_n must_v necessary_o plunge_v he_o into_o profaneness_n and_o immorality_n or_o into_o melancholy_n and_o madness_n the_o gospel_n have_v remove_v both_o these_o evil_n 1._o by_o the_o glad_a tiding_n of_o reconciliation_n through_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n who_o he_o have_v set_v forth_o to_o be_v a_o propitiation_n for_o the_o sin_n of_o all_o who_o will_v believe_v and_o repent_v 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 2._o by_o a_o clear_a revelation_n of_o the_o goodness_n and_o mercifulness_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n which_o court_v our_o return_n beseech_v we_o to_o be_v reconcile_v to_o he_o and_o wait_v for_o a_o opportunity_n to_o show_v mercy_n whence_o the_o gospel_n character_n of_o he_o now_o be_v that_o of_o a_o father_n the_o god_n of_o hope_n the_o god_n of_o comfort_n and_o consolation_n and_o mercy_n and_o love_n so_o that_o the_o mind_n of_o christian_n be_v fill_v with_o joy_n and_o peace_n in_o believe_v and_o abound_v in_o hope_n through_o the_o power_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n from_o all_o which_o it_o follow_v that_o no_o man_n can_v have_v any_o temptation_n to_o sin_n from_o any_o rational_a suggestion_n from_o any_o rational_a fear_n or_o doubt_n for_o this_o discovery_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n and_o this_o death_n of_o christ_n invite_v man_n to_o holiness_n by_o the_o obligation_n of_o divine_a love_n and_o their_o own_o interest_n but_o of_o this_o i_o have_v treat_v before_o the_o prayer_n o_o thou_o god_n of_o hope_n of_o love_n and_o mercy_n thou_o be_v become_v exceed_o gracious_a to_o thy_o people_n thou_o have_v turn_v away_o our_o captivity_n and_o refresh_v we_o by_o a_o eternal_a redemption_n though_o this_o world_n be_v a_o wilderness_n compare_v to_o the_o other_o yet_o thou_o here_o feed_v we_o with_o manna_n those_o bright_a truth_n and_o that_o glorious_a assistance_n which_o be_v able_a to_o scatter_v all_o the_o melancholy_a cloud_n of_o affliction_n and_o sorrow_n which_o gather_v upon_o the_o face_n of_o this_o present_a life_n lord_n grant_v that_o i_o may_v make_v this_o use_n of_o they_o to_o raise_v myself_o above_o the_o weakness_n and_o passion_n of_o this_o present_a life_n that_o the_o trial_n of_o my_o faith_n may_v be_v to_o praise_n and_o glory_n and_o to_o my_o everlasting_a felicity_n in_o the_o day_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n amen_n amen_n bless_a jesus_n chap._n iii_o of_o some_o other_o particular_a sort_n of_o temptation_n though_o these_o pain_n and_o pleasure_n be_v the_o great_a magazine_n from_o whence_o the_o devil_n bring_v forth_o all_o his_o arm_n and_o temptation_n yet_o there_o be_v some_o peculiar_a way_n whereby_o he_o do_v ensnare_v and_o entangle_v we_o for_o he_o do_v not_o assault_v we_o open_o unless_o he_o have_v before_o corrupt_v the_o guard_n he_o deal_v with_o we_o as_o with_o eve_n you_o shall_v not_o sure_o die_v for_o if_o he_o have_v tell_v she_o plain_o the_o fruit_n be_v fair_a and_o pleasant_a it_o be_v worth_a your_o while_n to_o die_v for_o it_o certain_o she_o will_v have_v bid_v open_a defiance_n to_o he_o and_o scorn_v the_o temptation_n thus_o he_o deal_v with_o we_o he_o cheat_v and_o delude_v we_o into_o vain_a hope_n and_o false_a presumption_n we_o wound_v ourselves_o to_o death_n and_o yet_o flatter_v ourselves_o with_o life_n we_o forfeit_v our_o innocence_n and_o yet_o impudent_o promise_v ourselves_o a_o heaven_n i_o will_v therefore_o conclude_v this_o part_n with_o a_o particular_a chapter_n concern_v temptation_n which_o be_v most_o 1._o infidelity_n this_o be_v the_o general_a way_n the_o devil_n take_v to_o destroy_v the_o soul_n of_o man_n and_o to_o seduce_v they_o from_o their_o duty_n for_o it_o will_v necessary_o follow_v that_o it_o be_v the_o most_o notorious_a folly_n imaginable_a to_o oppose_v our_o inclination_n or_o to_o deny_v ourselves_o any_o thing_n if_o there_o be_v no_o reward_n for_o holy_a soul_n and_o therefore_o against_o this_o we_o be_v exhort_v to_o take_v up_o the_o shield_n of_o faith_n eph._n 6.16_o to_o possess_v our_o heart_n with_o a_o firm_a belief_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n for_o this_o reason_n the_o evangelist_n and_o apostle_n be_v so_o full_a and_o frequent_a in_o the_o proof_n of_o the_o fundamental_o of_o christianity_n as_o the_o resurrection_n etc._n etc._n and_o of_o this_o one_o proposition_n that_o jesus_n be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n prove_v it_o from_o his_o power_n and_o holiness_n and_o wisdom_n and_o his_o resurrection_n and_o ascension_n into_o heaven_n and_o from_o the_o descent_n of_o his_o spirit_n upon_o his_o follower_n in_o such_o a_o public_a manner_n and_o i_o hearty_o wish_v that_o all_o that_o profess_v the_o name_n of_o christ_n will_v 1._o lay_v serious_o to_o heart_n the_o clearness_n and_o evidence_n of_o these_o proof_n and_o not_o perfunctory_o pass_v over_o all_o the_o passage_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o be_v write_v on_o purpose_n that_o we_o may_v believe_v without_o weigh_v they_o 2._o that_o they_o will_v examine_v themselves_o what_o be_v the_o first_o motive_n which_o prompt_v they_o to_o infidelity_n do_v they_o not_o love_v darkness_n because_o their_o deed_n be_v evil_a and_o do_v they_o not_o rather_o wish_v the_o gospel_n false_a than_o believe_v it_o so_o 3._o that_o they_o will_v not_o stifle_v their_o reason_n and_o refuse_v audience_n to_o those_o plea_n the_o gospel_n offer_v in_o its_o own_o defence_n when_o they_o can_v answer_v they_o do_v not_o think_v its_o enough_o to_o divert_v your_o conscience_n awhile_o from_o its_o clamour_n and_o importunity_n but_o satisfy_v it_o and_o do_v not_o rest_v till_o you_o bring_v strong_a proof_n against_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n than_o those_o be_v which_o patronize_v it_o for_o
a_o new_a and_o repeat_v engagement_n of_o ourselves_o to_o the_o service_n of_o christ_n to_o a_o obedience_n to_o his_o law_n and_o a_o renunciation_n of_o those_o enemy_n of_o the_o christian_a the_o world_n the_o flesh_n and_o the_o devil_n from_o all_o this_o it_o be_v easy_a to_o infer_v 3._o that_o it_o be_v a_o strong_a fence_n and_o antidote_n against_o temptation_n for_o these_o fresh_a impression_n of_o our_o saviour_n love_n the_o new_a strength_n of_o divine_a grace_n the_o vigour_n of_o a_o new_a and_o solemn_a engagement_n to_o obedience_n fill_v the_o soul_n with_o a_o holy_a zeal_n against_o sin_n and_o with_o a_o glorious_a contempt_n of_o sensual_a pleasure_n the_o prayer_n and_o now_o o_o my_o god_n what_o shall_v make_v i_o so_o prodigal_o venturous_a of_o my_o own_o safety_n as_o to_o neglect_v the_o frequent_a use_n of_o this_o holy_a sacrament_n have_v i_o not_o need_v frequent_o to_o examine_v myself_o be_v not_o thy_o grace_n apt_a to_o wither_v and_o decay_v unless_o thus_o water_v and_o refresh_v do_v not_o my_o converse_n with_o the_o world_n and_o my_o communication_n with_o flesh_n and_o blood_n render_v it_o necessary_a for_o i_o to_o renew_v my_o resolution_n against_o they_o as_o often_o as_o i_o can_v or_o be_v there_o not_o a_o holy_a delight_n in_o the_o exercise_n of_o all_o this_o that_o surpass_v all_o the_o pleasure_n of_o a_o sensual_a life_n and_o be_v it_o not_o a_o sacrifice_n that_o my_o lord_n and_o saviour_n be_v high_o please_v with_o and_o be_v it_o not_o reasonable_a that_o i_o shall_v oblige_v he_o who_o die_v for_o i_o with_o this_o frequent_a acknowledgement_n of_o his_o infinite_a love_n evidence_v in_o his_o death_n pardon_v i_o o_o my_o god_n that_o i_o have_v be_v so_o ungrateful_a to_o thou_o so_o senseless_a of_o my_o own_o welfare_n and_o advantage_n for_o the_o time_n to_o come_v i_o will_v delight_v in_o this_o holy_a communion_n i_o will_v often_o offer_v up_o myself_o a_o sacrifice_n to_o thou_o and_o profess_v my_o faith_n in_o a_o crucify_a saviour_n and_o there_o beg_v thy_o assistance_n and_o conduct_n through_o the_o difficult_a path_n of_o this_o present_a life_n and_o o_o my_o god_n accept_v thou_o of_o my_o address_n and_o praise_n through_o thy_o infinite_a mercy_n and_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n amen_n of_o prayer_n prayer_n may_v be_v consider_v under_o those_o three_o head_n i_o before_o mention_v and_o 1._o as_o a_o part_n of_o holiness_n it_o be_v a_o acknowledgement_n of_o god_n be_v our_o god_n a_o confession_n of_o his_o majesty_n and_o our_o meanness_n be_v a_o solemn_a adoration_n and_o worship_n of_o he_o it_o be_v a_o sacrifice_n of_o praise_n to_o he_o it_o be_v a_o act_n of_o humiliation_n and_o of_o repentance_n and_o of_o faith_n and_o reliance_n upon_o he_o and_o from_o hence_o we_o may_v infer_v what_o preparation_n of_o the_o soul_n be_v necessary_a to_o a_o right_a discharge_n of_o this_o duty_n that_o extempore_o address_n be_v the_o most_o improper_a and_o the_o most_o unwelcome_a to_o god_n for_o these_o be_v at_o best_a but_o imagine_v to_o raise_v those_o passion_n or_o disposition_n in_o the_o soul_n which_o ought_v to_o be_v presuppose_v in_o it_o beforehand_o to_o the_o render_n of_o our_o prayer_n acceptable_a for_o we_o draw_v near_o in_o prayer_n to_o offer_v up_o a_o sacrifice_n which_o we_o have_v prepare_v before_o and_o we_o may_v second_o conclude_v that_o what_o ever_o the_o gift_n of_o prayer_n be_v the_o spirit_n of_o prayer_n be_v that_o which_o do_v dispose_v and_o prepare_v the_o mind_n by_o such_o quality_n as_o be_v fit_a to_o exert_v the_o act_n i_o name_v before_o and_o i_o be_o apt_a to_o think_v that_o a_o soul_n which_o thus_o prepare_v and_o fix_v itself_o in_o the_o immediate_a presence_n of_o god_n dwell_v with_o a_o inward_a devotion_n upon_o those_o act_n of_o adoration_n and_o praise_n humiliation_n and_o faith_n without_o express_v these_o act_n of_o the_o mind_n in_o word_n i_o speak_v of_o private_a prayer_n do_v in_o s._n paul_n sense_n rom._n 8.26_o pray_v by_o the_o spirit_n and_o consequent_o in_o public_a those_o prayer_n be_v most_o spiritual_a which_o share_v most_o of_o this_o preparation_n 2._o as_o a_o instrument_n of_o holiness_n it_o do_v exercise_v all_o our_o grace_n and_o refresh_v and_o improve_v they_o by_o exercise_v the_o breathe_n of_o the_o divine_a spirit_n which_o be_v in_o a_o extraordinary_a manner_n assistant_n in_o this_o holy_a exercise_n fill_v the_o mind_n of_o man_n with_o joy_n and_o peace_n and_o hope_v which_o confirm_v they_o in_o their_o christian_a warfare_n and_o make_v they_o disrelish_v all_o the_o pleasure_n of_o a_o sinful_a life_n last_o prayer_n have_v extraordinary_a promise_n annex_v to_o it_o of_o receive_v whatsoever_o we_o ask_v with_o faith_n mat._n 7.7_o ask_v and_o it_o shall_v be_v give_v to_o you_o 3._o it_o be_v a_o antidote_n against_o temptation_n for_o it_o possess_v the_o soul_n with_o a_o awe_n of_o the_o divine_a majesty_n with_o a_o sense_n of_o his_o unspeakable_a love_n and_o with_o a_o horror_n against_o sin_n whilst_o we_o enumerate_v his_o benefit_n and_o our_o sin_n with_o all_o their_o aggravate_v circumstance_n and_o certain_o no_o man_n can_v be_v so_o senseless_a as_o to_o repeat_v those_o sin_n which_o he_o do_v just_a now_o bemoan_v and_o abhor_v renounce_v and_o resolve_v against_o before_o god_n nor_o will_v it_o be_v easy_a for_o he_o to_o fall_v who_o come_v forth_o forewarn_v and_o arm_v to_o encounter_v a_o temptation_n last_o prayer_n convince_v a_o man_n of_o the_o loveliness_n and_o happiness_n of_o a_o holy_a life_n for_o he_o find_v that_o his_o peace_n and_o reliance_n grow_v up_o or_o decay_v together_o with_o his_o virtue_n if_o i_o do_v pray_v earnest_o and_o often_o how_o humble_a how_o holy_a how_o heavenly_a and_o exalt_v will_v my_o soul_n be_v with_o what_o glorious_a notion_n of_o the_o divine_a majesty_n what_o dreadful_a apprehension_n of_o sin_n what_o a_o unquenchable_a thirst_n of_o holiness_n what_o fear_n and_o jealousy_n of_o the_o world_n and_o flesh_n will_v my_o spirit_n be_v possess_v by_o and_o what_o a_o mighty_a influence_n will_v all_o this_o have_v upon_o my_o conversation_n how_o humble_o how_o wary_o how_o fervent_o shall_v i_o walk_v but_o when_o i_o do_v not_o pray_v often_o or_o with_o this_o care_n and_o preparation_n how_o lazy_a and_o careless_a be_v my_o life_n how_o dim_a and_o imperfect_a my_o conception_n how_o stat_fw-la and_o tasteless_a my_o relish_n of_o spiritual_a thing_n how_o do_v a_o worldly_a sensual_a temper_n grow_v and_o increase_v upon_o i_o and_o the_o divine_a life_n within_o droop_n and_o languish_v the_o prayer_n o_o therefore_o my_o god_n give_v i_o grace_n to_o be_v frequent_a and_o fervent_a in_o prayer_n assist_v i_o by_o thy_o spirit_n to_o dress_v and_o prepare_v my_o soul_n for_o this_o more_o solemn_a approach_n to_o thou_o and_o than_o i_o shall_v experience_n this_o to_o be_v the_o high_a way_n of_o commerce_n with_o heaven_n i_o shall_v feel_v the_o wind_n blow_v upon_o the_o garden_n of_o my_o heart_n and_o the_o spice_n flow_v forth_o i_o shall_v feel_v the_o spirit_n fan_v that_o spark_n of_o holy_a life_n it_o kindle_v into_o a_o flame_n and_o i_o shall_v feel_v myself_o transport_v and_o ascend_a up_o above_o this_o vain_a world_n and_o all_o the_o allurement_n of_o it_o o_o therefore_o grant_v i_o o_o my_o god_n thy_o holy_a spirit_n that_o i_o may_v pray_v with_o understanding_n and_o fervency_n with_o a_o prepare_v and_o a_o devout_a soul_n that_o my_o prayer_n may_v not_o be_v the_o sacrifice_n of_o fool_n and_o turn_v into_o sin_n but_o a_o acceptable_a sacrifice_n to_o thou_o a_o instrument_n of_o holiness_n and_o a_o guard_n against_o sin_n enable_v we_o to_o fight_v the_o good_a fight_n of_o faith_n that_o i_o may_v receive_v a_o everlasting_a crown_n and_o all_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o jesus_n christ_n our_o lord_n amen_o i_o shall_v now_o add_v something_o concern_v fast_v which_o the_o universal_a practice_n of_o the_o church_n beside_o our_o saviour_n rule_n prescribe_v to_o it_o do_v plain_o suppose_v to_o be_v a_o duty_n of_o christianity_n but_o yet_o such_o a_o one_o as_o be_v a_o freewill_n offering_n and_o so_o dependent_a of_o various_a circumstance_n that_o the_o practice_n of_o it_o can_v be_v fix_v by_o particular_a rule_n and_o therefore_o as_o i_o do_v on_o purpose_n omit_v speak_v to_o it_o when_o i_o have_v a_o fair_a offer_n under_o that_o head_n the_o mean_n to_o obtain_v temperance_n consider_v as_o a_o habit_n in_o the_o mind_n so_o now_o i_o will_v only_o consider_v it_o very_o brief_o 1._o who_o ever_o shall_v consider_v the_o constant_a practice_n of_o the_o devout_a man_n the_o nature_n of_o this_o body_n we_o be_v clothe_v
he_o that_o will_v eject_v a_o receive_a truth_n out_o of_o its_o possession_n must_v do_v it_o by_o a_o great_a force_n and_o clearness_n of_o argument_n than_o those_o be_v which_o establish_v it_o and_o be_v firm_o persuade_v of_o this_o that_o jesus_n be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n etc._n etc._n it_o will_v be_v hard_a for_o any_o temptation_n to_o get_v much_o ground_n upon_o your_o mind_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v well_o and_o wise_o do_v every_o morning_n to_o repeat_v our_o creed_n sober_o muse_o and_o thoughtful_o and_o confirm_v ourselves_o in_o the_o belief_n of_o it_o sect._n 2._o late_o repentance_n but_o why_o shall_v i_o resolve_v to_o amend_v after_o this_o sin_n rather_o than_o before_o it_o be_v my_o account_n too_o little_a that_o i_o will_v add_v this_o to_o the_o score_n before_o i_o state_n they_o or_o have_v my_o god_n and_o saviour_n deserve_v so_o little_a of_o i_o that_o i_o think_v a_o short_a life_n too_o much_o to_o be_v spend_v in_o his_o service_n though_o he_o shall_v give_v i_o a_o heaven_n or_o be_o i_o sure_a that_o i_o shall_v have_v a_o keen_a appetite_n to_o holiness_n after_o i_o have_v taste_v the_o lusciousness_n of_o sin_n or_o will_v sin_n be_v the_o more_o easy_o put_v off_o the_o more_o habitual_a it_o be_v grow_v or_o do_v i_o hope_v to_o find_v god_n the_o more_o merciful_a the_o more_o i_o provoke_v he_o or_o if_o the_o sin_n be_v now_o too_o sweet_a too_o take_v to_o be_v reject_v which_o be_v in_o truth_n the_o reason_n how_o do_v i_o know_v it_o will_v not_o be_v so_o always_o or_o if_o my_o body_n decay_n how_o shall_v i_o know_v when_o it_o be_v weakness_n or_o repentance_n whether_o a_o change_n in_o my_o temper_n or_o my_o mind_n or_o how_o do_v i_o know_v that_o some_o other_o sin_n will_v not_o grow_v up_o in_o its_o stead_n not_o only_a youth_n but_o every_o quarter_n of_o our_o life_n have_v some_o bait_n or_o other_o ripe_a and_o in_o season_n and_o how_o know_v i_o what_o limit_n the_o almighty_a have_v prefix_v to_o his_o patience_n he_o cut_v off_o some_o soon_o than_o some_o and_o the_o measure_n of_o one_o man_n iniquity_n be_v finish_v before_o another_o or_o how_o know_v i_o that_o god_n will_v allow_v i_o more_o strength_n who_o make_v so_o ill_a a_o use_n of_o this_o o_o let_v we_o remember_v ourselves_o and_o sin_n no_o more_o we_o be_v blind_a and_o do_v not_o see_v our_o danger_n the_o hazard_n we_o run_v of_o harden_v our_o heart_n and_o forfeit_v god_n grace_n and_o provoke_v his_o wrath_n and_o be_v cut_v off_o in_o a_o moment_n when_o we_o think_v not_o of_o it_o sect._n 3_o it_o be_v a_o little_a sin_n he_o be_v a_o very_a ill_a casuist_n who_o deliberate_v upon_o a_o temptation_n form_n that_o foolish_a distinction_n of_o mortal_a and_o venial_a sin_n for_o he_o proceed_v upon_o a_o supposition_n which_o be_v whole_o false_a i._n e._n that_o there_o be_v some_o sin_n which_o do_v not_o interrupt_v the_o love_n of_o god_n god_n can_v approve_v of_o sin_n in_o the_o least_o degree_n however_o but_o if_o as_o some_o think_v this_o veniality_n or_o pardonableness_n be_v not_o found_v in_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o sin_n themselves_o but_o in_o the_o good_a will_n and_o kindness_n of_o god_n it_o will_v behoove_v he_o who_o will_v act_v secure_o to_o prove_v that_o god_n have_v any_o where_o declare_v that_o he_o will_v not_o be_v displease_v with_o he_o for_o those_o sin_n which_o he_o have_v nevertheless_o forbid_v upon_o pain_n of_o eternal_a wrath_n or_o if_o this_o be_v nonsense_n let_v he_o prove_v that_o god_n will_v not_o be_v angry_a with_o he_o for_o that_o very_a sin_n he_o be_v about_o to_o commit_v in_o few_o word_n the_o true_a use_n of_o distinguish_a sin_n by_o the_o several_a degree_n of_o mortality_n or_o pardonableness_n be_v not_o to_o direct_v man_n how_o to_o sin_v safe_o or_o how_o to_o choose_v what_o sin_n they_o may_v commit_v but_o to_o direct_v the_o man_n who_o have_v commit_v they_o concern_v the_o nature_n and_o degree_n of_o his_o repentance_n for_o in_o plain_a term_n no_o sin_n can_v be_v just_o call_v little_a which_o we_o deliberate_a and_o consult_v about_o sin_n receive_v its_o aggravation_n not_o so_o much_o from_o the_o matter_n of_o the_o sin_n itself_o as_o from_o the_o strength_n of_o our_o passion_n and_o the_o excellency_n of_o that_o god_n who_o law_n it_o be_v a_o violation_n of_o for_o though_o the_o instance_n of_o the_o sin_n may_v be_v a_o little_a one_o yet_o if_o we_o sin_v as_o far_o as_o we_o think_v we_o safe_o may_v it_o be_v a_o foul_a argument_n of_o the_o baseness_n of_o our_o temper_n and_o the_o imperfection_n of_o our_o love_n like_o judas_n we_o betray_v our_o saviour_n for_o a_o contemptible_a piece_n a_o smile_n a_o word_n prevail_v more_o than_o the_o love_n and_o bounty_n of_o my_o creator_n and_o do_v we_o not_o then_o deserve_v to_o perish_v if_o we_o will_v be_v so_o foolish_a to_o choose_v thus_o why_o may_v not_o god_n be_v so_o just_a as_o to_o punish_v we_o 2._o that_o sin_n be_v general_o most_o fatal_a which_o look_v most_o innocent_a for_o the_o devil_n be_v never_o more_o apt_a to_o insinuate_v himself_o than_o when_o transform_v he_o appear_v in_o a_o shape_n of_o innocence_n let_v but_o a_o man_n allow_v himself_o the_o utmost_a liberty_n he_o think_v lawful_a and_o he_o shall_v be_v soon_o betray_v into_o what_o be_v unlawful_a and_o he_o that_o shall_v indulge_v himself_o in_o any_o little_a vanity_n shall_v be_v shrewd_o tempt_v into_o great_a beside_o the_o strange_a danger_n of_o grow_v sensual_a and_o undiscerning_a and_o beside_o that_o the_o least_o sin_n even_o in_o the_o sense_n of_o those_o who_o most_o favour_n the_o distinction_n grow_v mortal_a by_o frequent_a commission_n therefore_o in_o opposition_n to_o this_o temptation_n we_o be_v teach_v 1._o to_o grow_v in_o grace_n and_o to_o go_v on_o to_o perfection_n as_o be_v a_o state_n of_o the_o great_a security_n and_o this_o require_v the_o most_o careful_a and_o circumspect_a walk_n the_o most_o entire_a denial_n of_o our_o own_o will_n and_o affection_n all_o which_o be_v inconsistent_a with_o the_o admission_n of_o the_o most_o venial_a sin_n for_o how_o can_v it_o consist_v with_o a_o ardent_a love_n of_o god_n to_o choose_v to_o displease_v he_o a_o little_a what_o ever_o a_o little_a trifle_a injury_n may_v seem_v to_o a_o unconcern_v spectator_n yet_o if_o it_o pass_v between_o two_o who_o mutual_o love_v it_o will_v seem_v great_a to_o both_o 2._o we_o be_v exhort_v to_o shun_v not_o only_o every_o sin_n but_o every_o appearance_n of_o it_o not_o to_o dwell_v within_o the_o confine_n or_o suburb_n of_o temptation_n not_o to_o act_v the_o least_o thing_n which_o we_o but_o doubt_n may_v be_v unlawful_a and_o therefore_o sure_o nothing_o that_o we_o know_v be_v not_o to_o dispute_v nice_o what_o we_o may_v without_o danger_n do_v but_o to_o do_v all_o that_o be_v noble_a and_o praiseworthy_a 3._o when_o we_o have_v do_v all_o we_o be_v but_o unprofitable_a servant_n and_o therefore_o let_v we_o who_o i_o be_o confident_a shall_v never_o do_v all_o we_o ought_v endeavour_v to_o do_v all_o we_o can_v when_o we_o have_v watch_v and_o when_o we_o have_v pray_v when_o we_o have_v contend_v and_o when_o we_o have_v fight_v when_o we_o have_v do_v all_o we_o can_v there_o will_v be_v still_o sin_n enough_o to_o exercise_v the_o mercy_n and_o goodness_n of_o god_n sin_n secret_a which_o we_o know_v not_o of_o sin_n of_o sudden_a surreption_n imperfection_n mix_v with_o our_o holy_a duty_n and_o innumerable_a evil_a motion_n which_o unless_o the_o blood_n of_o jesus_n our_o own_o repentance_n and_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n intervene_v will_v unavoidable_o damn_v we_o sect._n 4._o when_o these_o way_n fail_v he_o set_v upon_o we_o by_o other_o engine_n by_o our_o friend_n by_o some_o or_o other_o who_o have_v a_o ascendant_n over_o we_o and_o it_o be_v not_o seldom_o see_v that_o the_o friend_n of_o our_o bosom_n be_v the_o great_a enemy_n of_o our_o soul_n for_o the_o truth_n be_v friendship_n be_v the_o dear_a and_o most_o pleasant_a thing_n in_o the_o world_n whence_o it_o often_o happen_v that_o man_n of_o the_o most_o excellent_a temper_n and_o the_o most_o generous_a principle_n have_v be_v often_o induce_v by_o friendship_n to_o do_v or_o suffer_v what_o neither_o their_o proper_a pleasure_n nor_o pain_n can_v ever_o have_v engage_v they_o to_o and_o in_o all_o honest_a and_o allowable_a instance_n to_o prefer_v a_o friend_n before_o ourselves_o be_v if_o not_o a_o duty_n yet_o certain_o a_o heroic_a and_o commendable_a action_n but_o here_o as_o to_o our_o purpose_n in_o hand_n the_o case_n be_v thus_o
to_o be_v state_v whether_o i_o be_o to_o obey_v god_n or_o my_o friend_n whether_o i_o be_o to_o serve_v the_o interest_n of_o my_o own_o soul_n or_o comply_v with_o a_o friend_n peccant_a humour_n to_o the_o manifest_a hazard_n of_o my_o own_o soul_n and_o he_o the_o case_n thus_o state_v be_v i_o think_v too_o plain_a to_o contain_v in_o it_o any_o doubt_n or_o controversy_n at_o all_o for_o our_o obligation_n to_o god_n who_o have_v more_o powerful_o endear_v himself_o to_o we_o supercede_v all_o obligation_n in_o this_o case_n to_o our_o friend_n nay_o friendship_n itself_o oblige_v we_o rather_o to_o advice_n and_o reproof_n than_o compliance_n it_o be_v the_o true_a duty_n of_o affection_n to_o do_v not_o what_o be_v most_o pleasant_a but_o most_o useful_a for_o our_o friend_n and_o i_o must_v say_v further_o that_o friendship_n be_v or_o aught_o to_o be_v found_v in_o virtue_n and_o therefore_o without_o the_o guilt_n of_o lightness_n or_o inconstancy_n i_o may_v lawful_o as_o far_o renounce_v my_o friend_n as_o he_o do_v his_o innocence_n for_o he_o be_v become_v quite_o another_o thing_n and_o have_v nothing_o of_o that_o charm_n and_o grace_n which_o make_v i_o love_v he_o in_o this_o case_n it_o be_v enough_o to_o answer_v as_o our_o saviour_n do_v to_o the_o devil_n thus_o and_o thus_o it_o be_v write_v it_o be_v not_o lawful_a for_o i_o to_o do_v so_o and_o therefore_o i_o will_v not_o for_o virtue_n need_v no_o excuse_n if_o they_o can_v act_v a_o crime_n without_o blush_v i_o see_v no_o reason_n why_o i_o shall_v be_v ashamed_a to_o own_o a_o virtue_n and_o if_o they_o think_v it_o unreasonable_a that_o we_o shall_v deny_v they_o the_o liberty_n of_o enjoy_v themselves_o i_o think_v it_o much_o more_o so_o that_o they_o shall_v refuse_v we_o the_o liberty_n of_o deny_v ourselves_o and_o this_o way_n of_o plain_a deal_n will_v be_v every_o way_n more_o useful_a to_o yourself_o and_o brother_n than_o disguize_n and_o excuse_n for_o he_o that_o shift_v off_o his_o friend_n importunity_n to_o sin_n not_o by_o a_o flat_a denial_n but_o a_o pretence_n seem_v to_o confess_v that_o he_o deny_v compliance_n not_o out_o of_o conscience_n but_o convenience_n and_o so_o expose_v himself_o to_o a_o fresh_a assault_n because_o his_o friend_n look_v upon_o he_o as_o conquerable_a and_o only_o wait_v for_o a_o opportunity_n wherein_o he_o may_v attack_v he_o in_o better_a circumstance_n and_o a_o better_a temper_n all_o which_o will_v be_v avoid_v by_o a_o plain_a and_o hearty_a refusal_n 2._o this_o way_n in_o common_a reason_n must_v prove_v most_o useful_a to_o our_o brother_n for_o how_o do_v we_o know_v but_o the_o influence_n of_o our_o friendship_n by_o the_o assistance_n of_o god_n grace_n may_v gain_v upon_o he_o or_o open_a disallowance_n may_v at_o least_o startle_v he_o into_o a_o serious_a consideration_n which_o will_v be_v enough_o to_o defeat_v he_o of_o his_o folly_n and_o the_o example_n of_o our_o virtue_n may_v encourage_v his_o imitation_n by_o let_v he_o see_v that_o virtue_n be_v easy_a as_o well_o as_o lovely_a against_o all_o device_n of_o satan_n and_o temptation_n in_o general_a i_o lay_v down_o these_o three_o or_o four_o consideration_n 1._o that_o be_v the_o excuse_n or_o imposture_n as_o cunning_o weave_v as_o it_o can_v it_o matter_n not_o be_v the_o excuse_n what_o it_o will_v i_o be_o to_o consider_v this_o that_o by_o harken_v to_o such_o device_n of_o satan_n that_o crowd_n which_o now_o throng_n hell_n descend_v into_o those_o horrible_a region_n never_o any_o man_n yet_o sin_v with_o a_o design_n or_o persuasion_n to_o be_v damn_v for_o it_o but_o he_o contrive_v his_o excuse_n as_o subtle_o and_o provide_v a_o reserve_n as_o safe_a as_o possible_o he_o can_v and_o yet_o they_o miscarry_v god_n cut_v they_o off_o sudden_o or_o sin_n grow_v too_o strong_a and_o they_o too_o weak_a 2._o it_o be_v easy_a to_o conquer_v a_o lust_n than_o to_o satisfy_v it_o the_o ambitious_a may_v grow_v content_a soon_o than_o great_a the_o covetous_a may_n soon_o moderate_v their_o desire_n than_o satisfy_v they_o the_o unclean_a may_n more_o easy_o gain_v a_o chaste_a spirit_n than_o satisfy_v the_o rave_n of_o a_o wander_a lust_n for_o a_o man_n frame_n grow_v tractable_a and_o governable_a by_o wholesome_a reason_n and_o sound_a advice_n heavenly_a by_o prayer_n and_o meditation_n but_o if_o you_o listen_v to_o a_o wanton_a suggestion_n it_o will_v kindle_v into_o lust_n and_o lust_n if_o encourage_v will_v flame_v into_o a_o passion_n and_o our_o passion_n will_v grow_v savage_a and_o imperious_a if_o feed_v and_o pamper_a and_o then_o no_o greatness_n can_v glut_v ambition_n no_o enjoyment_n eat_v a_o lust_n and_o shall_v we_o choose_v a_o hard_a way_n which_o lead_v to_o a_o eternal_a ruin_n before_o a_o easy_a way_n which_o guide_v we_o to_o happiness_n 3._o it_o ought_v heedful_o to_o be_v consider_v that_o temptation_n do_v not_o gain_v upon_o any_o by_o strength_n of_o argument_n but_o by_o importunity_n and_o prepossession_n no_o man_n that_o weigh_v the_o thing_n temporal_a and_o eternal_a can_v prefer_v in_o his_o judgement_n those_o to_o these_o but_o those_o be_v see_v and_o these_o be_v not_o those_o be_v continual_o with_o we_o and_o they_o carry_v their_o argument_n and_o rhetoric_n in_o their_o look_n and_o every_o sense_n of_o we_o be_v constant_o beset_v and_o apply_v and_o so_o by_o insensible_a degree_n they_o insinuate_v and_o then_o possess_v we_o and_o captive_a we_o the_o best_a way_n therefore_o to_o secure_v ourselves_o be_v either_o first_o to_o cut_v off_o all_o opportunity_n of_o be_v tempt_v by_o retirement_n and_o retreat_n from_o the_o world_n or_o second_o to_o countermine_v the_o world_n by_o a_o equal_a diligence_n make_v our_o meditation_n and_o prayer_n more_o frequent_a than_o our_o entertainment_n of_o sense_n that_o so_o the_o soul_n may_v be_v call_v off_o from_o the_o thing_n without_o to_o meditate_v upon_o the_o thing_n above_o as_o often_o at_o least_o as_o gaity_n and_o luxury_n invite_v it_o out_o 4._o as_o there_o be_v object_n of_o vanity_n so_o there_o be_v too_o in_o the_o world_n object_n that_o advise_v and_o reprove_v we_o such_o as_o distress_n and_o sickness_n that_o raise_v our_o thought_n such_o as_o the_o work_n of_o god_n hand_n and_o all_o other_o be_v capable_a of_o a_o good_a observation_n as_o for_o example_n what_o be_v a_o evident_a vanity_n may_v be_v the_o matter_n of_o our_o pity_n rather_o than_o love_v feast_n and_o music_n may_v suggest_v the_o almighty_n goodness_n and_o lead_v we_o to_o the_o consideration_n of_o a_o better_a state_n and_o if_o we_o use_v this_o method_n we_o shall_v reap_v a_o double_a benefit_n first_o we_o shall_v avoid_v the_o insinuation_n to_o sin_n visible_a in_o outward_a object_n and_o second_o we_o shall_v have_v our_o soul_n store_v with_o excellent_a thought_n 4._o never_o slacken_v nor_o abate_v thy_o diligence_n though_o thou_o have_v arrive_v at_o a_o great_a degree_n of_o piety_n and_o have_v mortify_v the_o flesh_n and_o subdue_v the_o world_n there_o be_v no_o security_n on_o this_o side_n heaven_n many_o good_a man_n fall_v the_o best_a may_v and_o therefore_o let_v he_o that_o stand_v take_v heed_n lest_o he_o fall_v for_o what_o will_v be_v the_o issue_n god_n only_o know_v the_o night_n be_v far_o spend_v the_o day_n be_v at_o hand_n and_o will_v thou_o let_v go_v the_o victory_n when_o thou_o have_v break_v the_o main_a strength_n of_o the_o battle_n thou_o be_v almost_o above_o fear_n and_o above_o struggle_n thy_o life_n hasten_v away_o and_o thy_o task_n diminish_v and_o will_v thou_o shipwreck_n in_o the_o port_n thou_o be_v just_a go_v into_o the_o arm_n of_o thy_o lord_n and_o will_v thou_o now_o suffer_v thy_o beauty_n to_o fade_v and_o thy_o glory_n to_o languish_v the_o bridegroom_n be_v just_a at_o the_o door_n and_o will_v thou_o now_o suffer_v thy_o lamp_n to_o go_v out_o the_o prayer_n eternal_a god_n who_o see_v that_o i_o walk_v upon_o snare_n and_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o enemy_n give_v i_o the_o spirit_n of_o fear_n humility_n and_o watchfulness_n that_o i_o may_v walk_v circumspect_o pass_v the_o time_n of_o my_o sojourn_v here_o in_o fear_n encompass_v i_o with_o the_o whole_a armour_n of_o faith_n that_o i_o may_v be_v able_a to_o fight_v a_o good_a fight_n to_o finish_v my_o course_n with_o joy_n and_o to_o have_v confidence_n at_o the_o appearance_n of_o my_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n amen_n amen_n blessed_a god_n there_o be_v three_o thing_n for_o which_o because_o they_o can_v not_o proper_o be_v reduce_v to_o any_o one_o single_a head_n of_o those_o three_o which_o i_o have_v divide_v this_o whole_a discourse_n into_o i_o have_v therefore_o reserve_v this_o last_o