void_a of_o understanding_n and_o lo_o it_o be_v all_o grow_v over_o with_o thorn_n and_o nettle_n have_v cover_v the_o face_n thereof_o and_o the_o stone_n wall_n thereof_o be_v break_v down_o this_o be_v one_o plain_a cause_n and_o common_o the_o first_o of_o our_o halt_n between_o god_n and_o baal_n namely_o our_o idleness_n and_o sloth_n in_o religion_n join_v with_o pusillanimity_n and_o cowardice_n which_o move_v we_o to_o decline_v all_o difficulty_n and_o disable_v we_o to_o make_v a_o bold_a resistance_n against_o temptation_n how_o criminal_a and_o guilty_a this_o must_v render_v we_o in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n it_o be_v no_o difficulty_n to_o guess_v be_v this_o the_o zeal_n the_o revenge_n of_o a_o humble_a and_o active_a penitent_n be_v this_o to_o redeem_v the_o time_n and_o efface_v the_o memory_n of_o our_o past_a sin_n and_o provocation_n be_v this_o the_o conversation_n that_o become_v the_o child_n of_o the_o light_n and_o of_o the_o day_n be_v this_o our_o hunger_n and_o thirst_n after_o righteousness_n be_v this_o our_o ambition_n our_o passion_n for_o a_o heaven_n final_o be_v it_o thus_o we_o requite_v the_o mercy_n and_o obligation_n of_o god_n and_o the_o love_n of_o jesus_n that_o pass_v knowledge_n shall_v such_o halt_a trim_v christian_n as_o these_o think_v you_o ever_o be_v judge_v endue_v with_o a_o true_a and_o live_a faith_n who_o express_v it_o the_o whole_a tenor_n of_o their_o life_n so_o much_o coldness_n and_o indifference_n for_o that_o salvation_n which_o the_o son_n of_o god_n think_v worth_a the_o purchase_n by_o so_o much_o travel_n and_o so_o much_o sorrow_n so_o much_o shame_n and_o so_o much_o blood_n 3._o a_o three_o cause_n of_o our_o halt_a between_o god_n and_o baal_n be_v some_o degree_n of_o infidelity_n this_o be_v the_o case_n of_o israel_n too_o they_o be_v ever_o prone_a to_o idolatry_n partly_o train_v up_o to_o it_o in_o egypt_n and_o elsewhere_o partly_o be_v more_o capable_a of_o form_v a_o idea_n of_o a_o finite_a and_o topical_a god_n than_o of_o a_o infinite_a and_o universal_a one_o jer._n 23.23_o partly_o be_v fond_a of_o follow_v the_o fashion_n of_o other_o nation_n and_o last_o move_v partly_o by_o that_o great_a and_o long_a prosperity_n which_o egypt_n and_o other_o idolatrous_a nation_n enjoy_v and_o no_o doubt_n compare_v it_o too_o with_o the_o variety_n and_o uncertainty_n of_o their_o own_o fortune_n and_o the_o frequent_a disappointment_n of_o their_o expectation_n hose_n 2._o never_o lay_v it_o to_o heart_n all_o the_o while_n that_o the_o way_n to_o secure_v their_o prosperity_n be_v to_o change_v not_o their_o god_n but_o their_o manner_n i_o will_v to_o god_n this_o be_v not_o too_o lively_a a_o description_n of_o the_o state_n of_o too_o many_o christian_n and_o that_o we_o can_v not_o trace_v our_o lukewarmness_n and_o fickleness_n in_o religion_n too_o plain_o back_o to_o the_o same_o source_n or_o origine_fw-la namely_o some_o degree_n of_o infidelity_n i_o wish_v the_o prosperity_n of_o the_o wicked_a do_v not_o somewhat_o undermine_v the_o belief_n of_o a_o providence_n i_o wish_v whatever_o we_o talk_v of_o a_o treasure_n in_o another_o world_n we_o do_v not_o now_o and_o then_o think_v it_o wise_a to_o have_v our_o portion_n in_o this_o i_o be_o afraid_a that_o the_o decay_n and_o dissolution_n of_o our_o nature_n in_o death_n the_o rottenness_n and_o corruption_n of_o the_o grave_a and_o the_o variety_n of_o change_n and_o fortune_n our_o very_a dust_n undergo_v may_v tempt_v we_o to_o some_o scruple_n and_o jealousy_n about_o a_o post-humous_a life_n but_o however_o it_o be_v in_o these_o point_n i_o be_o too_o too_o well_o assure_v that_o we_o do_v often_o doubt_v whether_o virtue_n be_v the_o true_a blessedness_n of_o life_n whether_o there_o be_v that_o pleasure_n in_o righteousness_n the_o scripture_n affirm_v there_o be_v i_o be_o confident_a the_o notion_n of_o righteousness_n and_o holiness_n with_o which_o the_o scripture_n furnish_v we_o be_v often_o blur_v and_o blot_v by_o the_o maxim_n and_o custom_n of_o the_o world_n and_o persuade_v myself_o that_o there_o be_v scarce_o one_o of_o those_o that_o be_v laodicean_n and_o trimmer_n in_o religion_n that_o do_v not_o flatter_v themselves_o that_o god_n will_v not_o be_v as_o severe_a as_o his_o threat_n and_o that_o he_o will_v receive_v they_o into_o heaven_n upon_o mild_a and_o soft_a term_n than_o the_o gospel_n propose_v some_o such_o kind_n of_o infidelity_n as_o this_o must_v possess_v the_o heart_n wherever_o the_o life_n be_v so_o infinite_o below_o our_o profession_n when_o the_o word_n preach_v do_v not_o profit_n it_o be_v because_o it_o be_v not_o mingle_v with_o a_o due_a measure_n of_o faith_n in_o those_o that_o hear_v it_o if_o we_o do_v true_o believe_v the_o revelation_n of_o god_n if_o we_o do_v see_v the_o promise_n of_o god_n as_o evident_a and_o present_a by_o faith_n though_o distant_a in_o themselves_o it_o be_v impossible_a but_o they_o must_v move_v but_o they_o must_v take_v we_o it_o be_v impossible_a but_o they_o must_v enkindle_v in_o we_o another_o sort_n of_o desire_n and_o this_o desire_n will_v soon_o produce_v another_o sort_n of_o endeavour_n another_o sort_n of_o life_n when_o moses_n behold_v canaan_n from_o pisga_n how_o passionate_o do_v he_o desire_v to_o enter_v into_o that_o good_a land_n when_o the_o disciple_n have_v see_v jesus_n ascend_v up_o into_o heaven_n how_o be_v they_o transport_v with_o a_o desire_n of_o follow_v he_o how_o unspeakable_a be_v their_o joy_n how_o fervent_a their_o prayer_n how_o last_a and_o enlarge_v their_o gratitude_n they_o return_v to_o jerusalem_n with_o great_a joy_n and_o be_v continual_o in_o the_o temple_n praise_v and_o bless_v god_n how_o do_v a_o prospect_n of_o gain_n captivate_v the_o covetous_a how_o do_v the_o fancy_n or_o expectation_n of_o pleasure_n inflame_v the_o voluptuary_n how_o do_v the_o sight_n of_o vanity_n and_o grandeur_n infect_v the_o proud_a and_o the_o hope_n of_o glory_n fire_n the_o ambitious_a what_o have_v the_o beauty_n and_o pleasure_n of_o holiness_n no_o attraction_n have_v heaven_n no_o charm_n in_o it_o have_v the_o favour_n and_o love_n of_o god_n and_o of_o jesus_n no_o force_n no_o power_n in_o they_o sure_o we_o have_v not_o the_o face_n to_o deny_v but_o that_o the_o promise_n of_o god_n be_v great_a and_o precious_a one_o and_o if_o they_o raise_v no_o passion_n in_o we_o it_o must_v not_o be_v through_o want_n of_o excellent_a and_o loveliness_n in_o they_o but_o want_v of_o faith_n in_o we_o and_o then_o judge_v you_o how_o acceptable_a this_o kind_n of_o infidelity_n must_v render_v we_o to_o god_n what_o value_n can_v god_n have_v for_o a_o people_n who_o no_o kindness_n can_v oblige_v no_o argument_n convince_v with_o who_o no_o miracle_n can_v gain_v belief_n no_o assurance_n or_o promise_n find_v credit_n hell_n be_v the_o portion_n of_o the_o fearful_a and_o unbeliever_n rev._n 21.8_o and_o what_o dreadful_a judgement_n do_v overwhelm_v israel_n as_o often_o as_o they_o thus_o halt_v between_o god_n and_o idol_n it_o do_v not_o excuse_v they_o that_o they_o have_v some_o sort_n of_o veneration_n for_o the_o memory_n of_o moses_n and_o his_o miracle_n since_o this_o be_v not_o able_a to_o over-rule_v their_o prejudice_n and_o superstition_n that_o they_o retain_v some_o honour_n for_o abraham_n isaac_n and_o jacob_n and_o that_o god_n which_o be_v the_o fear_n of_o their_o father_n since_o they_o have_v as_o much_o or_o more_o for_o the_o nation_n round_o about_o they_o and_o their_o god_n too_o and_o whatever_o power_n they_o do_v acknowledge_v in_o the_o god_n of_o heaven_n or_o whatever_o benefit_n they_o do_v own_v themselves_o to_o have_v derive_v from_o he_o as_o i_o can_v hardly_o think_v the_o memory_n of_o either_o be_v utter_o extinguish_v among_o they_o all_o this_o avail_v they_o nothing_o while_o they_o make_v their_o court_n to_o other_o god_n too_o and_o put_v their_o trust_n in_o their_o patronage_n and_o protection_n though_o this_o be_v sufficient_a to_o make_v we_o sensible_a of_o the_o gild_n of_o a_o laodicean_n virtue_n and_o a_o uncertain_a halt_a faith_n yet_o i_o must_v advance_v on_o and_o observe_v unto_o you_o a_o worse_a principle_n if_o worse_a can_v be_v of_o this_o deportment_n yet_o which_o be_v 4._o the_o four_o fountain_n of_o this_o unsteadiness_n and_o remissness_n in_o religion_n be_v some_o remain_v of_o corruption_n the_o prevalency_n of_o some_o vicious_a passion_n or_o other_o man_n action_n be_v the_o plain_a indication_n of_o their_o affection_n if_o the_o life_n look_v two_o way_n we_o need_v not_o doubt_n but_o that_o the_o heart_n do_v so_o too_o this_o be_v that_o make_v the_o young_a man_n in_o the_o gospel_n fluctuate_v so_o between_o christ_n and_o mammon_n this_o be_v the_o
the_o grace_n that_o be_v infuse_v so_o far_o master_v our_o corruption_n and_o dilate_v and_o diffuse_v itself_o through_o our_o whole_a nature_n as_o that_o we_o may_v just_o be_v denominate_v holy_a and_o righteous_a from_o the_o prevalence_n of_o this_o holy_a principle_n so_o by_o a_o necessary_a consequence_n our_o justification_n must_v commence_v late_a but_o after_o all_o i_o know_v not_o why_o we_o shall_v be_v so_o inquisitive_a after_o the_o time_n of_o our_o justification_n by_o god_n the_o comfort_n of_o a_o christian_a do_v not_o result_v immediate_o from_o god_n justify_v he_o but_o from_o his_o know_v that_o he_o do_v so_o and_o if_o this_o be_v the_o thing_n we_o be_v now_o search_v after_o namely_o what_o rational_a assurance_n we_o can_v have_v of_o our_o justification_n and_o when_o as_o indeed_o it_o be_v then_o though_o i_o do_v not_o pretend_v to_o determine_v that_o man_n be_v not_o or_o may_v not_o be_v justify_v or_o account_v righteous_a by_o god_n upon_o a_o thorough_a change_n of_o mind_n or_o soul_n before_o this_o change_n discover_v itself_o in_o a_o series_n of_o victory_n over_o those_o temptation_n by_o which_o he_o be_v lead_v captive_a before_o yet_o i_o assert_v first_o that_o the_o true_a and_o solid_a proof_n of_o the_o sanctification_n of_o the_o heart_n be_v sanctity_n of_o life_n next_o when_o i_o talk_v of_o victory_n i_o suppose_v man_n engage_v i_o suppose_v he_o encounter_v by_o temptation_n and_o enemy_n and_o then_o i_o affirm_v that_o the_o faith_n which_o be_v not_o strong_a enough_o to_o conquer_v be_v not_o strong_a enough_o to_o justify_v if_o any_o man_n demand_n may_v not_o that_o faith_n which_o be_v foil_v to_o day_n conquer_v to_o morrow_n i_o answer_v i_o must_v leave_v this_o to_o god_n i_o can_v pronounce_v nothing_o of_o the_o sincerity_n of_o the_o heart_n but_o by_o the_o outward_a deportment_n and_o success_n and_o if_o this_o be_v the_o proper_a way_n of_o judge_v of_o a_o man_n sincerity_n i_o be_o sure_a i_o may_v with_o much_o more_o confidence_n affirm_v that_o nothing_o less_o than_o victory_n can_v be_v a_o clear_a argument_n of_o perfection_n my_o business_n therefore_o shall_v ever_o be_v to_o be_v holy_a and_o then_o i_o be_o sure_a i_o shall_v be_v justify_v if_o i_o be_v holy_a god_n who_o can_v err_v will_n certain_o account_v i_o so_o and_o if_o i_o cease_v to_o be_v so_o god_n must_v cease_v to_o account_v i_o so_o and_o this_o be_v all_o which_o i_o design_v by_o this_o long_a paragraph_n that_o be_v to_o render_v man_n more_o careful_a and_o diligent_a in_o make_v their_o call_v and_o election_n sure_a and_o to_o prevent_v presumption_n and_o groundless_a confidence_n and_o that_o nothing_o that_o i_o have_v here_o say_v may_v be_v pervert_v to_o a_o contrary_a purpose_n that_o no_o man_n from_o some_o passionate_a resolution_n or_o sudden_a change_n of_o his_o own_o mind_n may_v be_v tempt_v to_o conclude_v too_o hasty_o of_o his_o be_v justify_v as_o if_o the_o change_n wrought_v in_o he_o be_v equal_a to_o that_o common_o effect_v in_o the_o first_o convert_v of_o christianity_n i_o think_v it_o not_o amiss_o to_o put_v such_o a_o one_o in_o mind_n that_o even_o these_o be_v not_o justify_v unless_o they_o do_v profess_v christ_n with_o the_o mouth_n as_o well_o as_o believe_v in_o he_o with_o the_o heart_n and_o that_o this_o public_a profession_n of_o christianity_n in_o those_o day_n be_v equivalent_a to_o many_o good_a work_n in_o these_o two_o he_o that_o feel_v in_o himself_o little_a or_o no_o fervency_n of_o spirit_n little_a or_o no_o hunger_n and_o thirst_n after_o righteousness_n have_v reason_n to_o suspect_v that_o his_o regularity_n be_v little_o more_o than_o common_a decency_n and_o civility_n and_o to_o doubt_v lest_o his_o religion_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o custom_n or_o common_a prudence_n i_o see_v not_o how_o so_o much_o indifference_n and_o sluggishness_n can_v consist_v with_o a_o firm_a belief_n and_o expectation_n of_o a_o crown_n with_o a_o sincere_a love_n of_o god_n and_o righteousness_n but_o if_o we_o may_v suppose_v such_o a_o one_o restrain_v from_o evil_a and_o preserve_v in_o the_o way_n of_o duty_n after_o a_o sort_n by_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n and_o a_o desire_n of_o heaven_n yet_o certain_o this_o can_v be_v but_o the_o infancy_n of_o the_o new_a creature_n at_o most_o and_o the_o best_a advice_n that_o can_v be_v give_v such_o a_o one_o be_v sure_o that_o of_o st._n peter_n that_o by_o add_v one_o degree_n of_o virtue_n to_o another_o he_o will_v use_v all_o diligence_n to_o make_v his_o call_v and_o election_n sure_a 2_o pet._n 1.10_o three_o if_o a_o man_n religion_n produce_v very_o few_o good_a work_n or_o such_o only_a as_o put_v he_o to_o little_a travel_n or_o expense_n we_o may_v conclude_v that_o this_o man_n be_v not_o perfect_a his_o charity_n be_v too_o weak_a too_o narrow_a to_o be_v that_o of_o a_o exalt_a christian_n the_o best_a that_o we_o can_v think_v of_o such_o a_o one_o be_v that_o he_o be_v yet_o take_v up_o in_o the_o discipline_n of_o mortification_n that_o he_o be_v contend_v with_o his_o lust_n and_o passion_n which_o be_v not_o yet_o so_o far_o reduce_v so_o far_o subdue_v and_o bring_v under_o as_o to_o leave_v he_o in_o a_o state_n of_o liberty_n and_o peace_n and_o in_o a_o capacity_n of_o extend_v and_o enlarge_n his_o charity_n this_o remark_n that_o the_o inconsiderableness_n of_o our_o good_a work_n be_v reason_n enough_o to_o question_v not_o only_o one_o be_v perfection_n but_o sincerity_n hold_v good_a in_o such_o case_n only_o where_o neither_o the_o opportunity_n nor_o capacity_n of_o high_a and_o noble_a performance_n be_v want_v i_o dare_v not_o pronounce_v that_o no_o man_n can_v be_v a_o christian_n unless_o he_o be_v fit_a to_o be_v a_o martyr_n it_o be_v true_a the_o low_a degree_n of_o sincerity_n must_v imply_v a_o purpose_n and_o resolution_n of_o universal_a obedience_n in_o defiance_n of_o all_o temptation_n but_o yet_o that_o grace_n for_o aught_o i_o can_v prove_v to_o the_o contrary_a may_v be_v sufficient_a to_o save_o a_o man_n that_o be_v sufficient_a to_o master_v the_o difficulty_n he_o be_v to_o encounter_v with_o although_o he_o shall_v not_o be_v to_o grapple_v with_o the_o distemper_n and_o trial_n to_o which_o the_o body_n and_o the_o state_n of_o another_o man_n may_v be_v subject_a sure_o the_o wisdom_n and_o the_o faithfulness_n of_o god_n can_v be_v no_o further_o concern_v then_o to_o qualify_v any_o one_o for_o the_o discharge_n of_o those_o duty_n which_o he_o think_v fit_a to_o call_v he_o to_o and_o if_o the_o discharge_n of_o such_o duty_n be_v not_o a_o sufficient_a proof_n of_o our_o sincerity_n we_o can_v never_o have_v any_o but_o must_v be_v always_o hold_v in_o suspense_n and_o torture_n about_o our_o future_a state_n i_o see_v no_o reason_n to_o question_n but_o that_o the_o disciple_n of_o our_o lord_n be_v in_o a_o state_n of_o grace_n before_o the_o resurrection_n and_o the_o follow_a pentecost_n and_o yet_o i_o think_v i_o have_v plain_a reason_n to_o believe_v that_o they_o be_v not_o fit_a to_o be_v martyr_n and_o confessor_n till_o then_o the_o grace_n they_o have_v before_o might_n i_o doubt_v it_o not_o have_v enable_v they_o to_o live_v virtuous_o amid_o common_a and_o ordinary_a temptation_n but_o it_o be_v necessary_a that_o they_o shall_v be_v endow_v with_o power_n from_o on_o high_a before_o they_o can_v be_v fit_a to_o encounter_v those_o fiery_a trial_n to_o which_o the_o preach_a of_o the_o gospel_n be_v to_o expose_v they_o to_o this_o sure_o our_o master_n refer_v when_o he_o tell_v the_o pharisee_n that_o the_o child_n of_o the_o bride-chamber_n be_v not_o to_o fast_v while_o the_o bridegroom_n be_v with_o they_o when_o he_o tell_v his_o disciple_n i_o have_v many_o thing_n to_o say_v but_o you_o can_v bear_v they_o yet_o when_o he_o ask_v the_o son_n of_o zebedee_n be_v you_o able_a to_o drink_v of_o the_o cup_n that_o i_o shall_v drink_v of_o and_o to_o be_v baptize_v with_o the_o baptism_n that_o i_o be_o baptize_v with_o matth._n 20.21_o if_o this_o be_v true_a divinity_n as_o i_o be_o i_o have_v almost_o say_v confident_a it_o be_v than_o i_o be_o confident_a that_o which_o require_v very_o unaccountable_a test_n of_o a_o man_n sincerity_n be_v very_o extravagant_a for_o example_n when_o man_n talk_v at_o this_o rate_n that_o a_o sincere_a christian_n shall_v have_v such_o a_o abhorrence_n for_o sin_n as_o to_o fear_v gild_n more_o than_o its_o punishment_n such_o a_o love_n of_o god_n as_o rather_o than_o offend_v he_o to_o be_v content_a to_o precipitate_v and_o plunge_v himself_o into_o the_o jaw_n not_o of_o death_n like_o the_o martyr_n but_o of_o hell_n itself_o
anchorite_n or_o hermit_n be_v at_o first_o little_o better_o than_o a_o pious_a extravagant_a i_o will_v not_o say_v how_o much_o worse_o he_o be_v now_o meditation_n and_o prayer_n be_v excellent_a duty_n but_o meekness_n and_o charity_n mercy_n and_o zeal_n be_v not_o one_o jot_n inferior_a to_o they_o the_o world_n be_v a_o excellent_a school_n to_o a_o good_a christian_a the_o folly_n and_o the_o misery_n the_o trial_n and_o temptation_n of_o it_o do_v not_o only_o exercise_v and_o employ_v our_o virtue_n but_o cultivate_v and_o improve_v it_o they_o afford_v we_o both_o instruction_n and_o discipline_n and_o natural_o advance_v we_o on_o towards_o a_o solid_a wisdom_n and_o a_o well-setled_n power_n over_o ourselves_o it_o be_v our_o own_o fault_n if_o every_o accident_n that_o befall_v we_o and_o every_o one_o who_o we_o converse_v with_o do_v not_o teach_v we_o somewhat_o occasion_n some_o wise_a reflection_n or_o enkindle_v some_o pious_a affection_n in_o we_o we_o do_v not_o reflect_v on_o our_o word_n and_o action_n we_o do_v not_o observe_v the_o motion_n of_o our_o own_o heart_n as_o diligent_o as_o we_o ought_v we_o make_v little_a or_o no_o application_n of_o what_o we_o see_v or_o hear_v nor_o learn_v any_o thing_n from_o the_o wisdom_n and_o the_o virtue_n the_o folly_n and_o the_o madness_n of_o man_n and_o the_o consequence_n of_o both_o and_o so_o we_o neither_o improve_v our_o knowledge_n nor_o our_o virtue_n but_o be_v the_o same_o to_o day_n we_o be_v yesterday_o and_o life_n waste_v away_o in_o common_a accident_n and_o customary_a action_n with_o as_o little_a alteration_n in_o we_o as_o in_o our_o affair_n whereas_o be_v we_o mindful_a as_o we_o ought_v of_o our_o true_a interest_n and_o desirous_a to_o reap_v some_o spiritual_a benefit_n from_o every_o thing_n the_o virtue_n of_o good_a man_n will_v enkindle_v our_o emulation_n and_o the_o folly_n and_o madness_n of_o sinner_n will_v confirm_v our_o abhorrence_n for_o sin_n from_o one_o we_o shall_v learn_v content_a from_o another_o industry_n here_o we_o shall_v see_v a_o charm_n in_o meekness_n and_o charity_n there_o in_o humility_n in_o this_o man_n we_o shall_v see_v reason_n to_o admire_v discretion_n and_o command_v of_o himself_o in_o that_o courage_n and_o constancy_n assiduity_n and_o perseverance_n nor_o will_v it_o be_v less_o useful_a to_o we_o to_o observe_v how_o vanity_n expose_v one_o and_o peevishness_n torment_v another_o how_o pride_n and_o ambition_n embroil_v a_o three_o and_o how_o hateful_a and_o contemptible_a avarice_n render_v a_o four_o and_o to_o trace_v all_o that_o variety_n of_o ruin_n which_o lust_n and_o prodigality_n disorder_n and_o sloth_n leave_v behind_o they_o and_o as_o this_o kind_n of_o observation_n will_v fill_v we_o with_o solid_a and_o useful_a knowledge_n so_o will_v a_o diligent_a attention_n to_o the_o rule_n of_o righteousness_n and_o discretion_n in_o all_o the_o common_a and_o daily_a action_n of_o life_n enrich_v we_o with_o true_a virtue_n religion_n be_v not_o to_o be_v confine_v to_o the_o church_n and_o to_o the_o closet_n nor_o to_o be_v exercise_v only_o in_o prayer_n and_o sacrament_n meditation_n and_o alm_n but_o every_o where_n we_o be_v in_o the_o presence_n of_o god_n and_o every_o word_n every_o action_n be_v capable_a of_o morality_n our_o defect_n and_o infirmity_n betray_v themselves_o in_o the_o daily_a accident_n and_o the_o common_a conversation_n of_o life_n and_o here_o they_o draw_v after_o they_o very_o important_a consequence_n and_o therefore_o here_o they_o be_v to_o be_v watch_v over_o regulate_v and_o govern_v as_o well_o as_o in_o our_o more_o solemn_a action_n it_o be_v to_o the_o virtue_n or_o the_o error_n of_o our_o common_a conversation_n and_o ordinary_a deportment_n that_o we_o owe_v both_o our_o friend_n and_o enemy_n our_o good_a or_o bad_a character_n abroad_o our_o domestic_a peace_n or_o trouble_n and_o in_o a_o high_a degree_n the_o improvement_n or_o depravation_n of_o our_o mind_n let_v no_o man_n then_o that_o will_v be_v perfect_a or_o happy_a abandon_v himself_o to_o his_o humour_n or_o inclination_n in_o his_o carriage_n towards_o his_o acquaintance_n his_o child_n his_o servant_n let_v no_o man_n that_o will_v be_v perfect_a or_o happy_a follow_v prejudice_n or_o fashion_n in_o the_o common_a and_o customary_a action_n of_o life_n but_o let_v he_o assure_v himself_o that_o by_o a_o daily_a endeavour_n to_o conform_v these_o more_o and_o more_o to_o the_o excellent_a rule_n of_o the_o gospel_n he_o be_v to_o train_v up_o himself_o by_o degree_n to_o the_o most_o absolute_a wisdom_n and_o the_o most_o perfect_a virtue_n he_o be_v capable_a of_o and_o to_o this_o end_n he_o must_v first_o know_v himself_o and_o those_o he_o have_v to_o do_v with_o he_o must_v discern_v the_o proper_a season_n and_o the_o just_a occasion_n of_o every_o virtue_n and_o then_o he_o must_v apply_v himself_o to_o the_o acquire_v the_o perfection_n of_o it_o by_o the_o daily_a exercise_n of_o it_o even_o in_o those_o thing_n which_o for_o want_v of_o due_a reflection_n do_v not_o common_o seem_v of_o any_o great_a importance_n to_o one_o that_o be_v thus_o dispose_v the_o dulness_n or_o the_o carelessness_n of_o a_o servant_n the_o stubbornness_n of_o a_o child_n the_o soureness_n of_o a_o parent_n the_o inconstancy_n of_o friend_n the_o coldness_n of_o relation_n the_o neglect_n or_o ingratitude_n of_o the_o world_n will_v all_o prove_v extreme_o useful_a and_o beneficial_a every_o thing_n will_v instruct_v he_o every_o thing_n will_v afford_v a_o opportunity_n of_o exercise_v some_o virtue_n or_o another_o so_o that_o such_o a_o one_o shall_v be_v daily_a learning_n daily_o grow_v better_a and_o wise_a §_o 2._o the_o two_o great_a instrument_n not_o of_o regeneration_n only_o but_o also_o of_o perseverance_n and_o perfection_n be_v the_o word_n and_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n this_o no_o man_n doubt_n that_o be_v a_o christian_a and_o therefore_o i_o will_v not_o go_v about_o to_o prove_v it_o nor_o will_v i_o at_o present_a discourse_n of_o the_o energy_n and_o operation_n of_o the_o one_o and_o the_o other_o or_o examine_v what_o each_o be_v in_o its_o self_n or_o wherein_o the_o one_o differ_v from_o the_o other_o it_o be_v abundant_o enough_o if_o we_o be_v assure_v that_o the_o gospel_n and_o the_o spirit_n be_v proper_a and_o sufficient_a mean_n to_o attain_v the_o great_a end_n i_o have_v mention_v namely_o our_o converversion_n and_o perfection_n and_o that_o they_o be_v so_o be_v very_o plain_a from_o those_o text_n which_o do_v express_o assert_v that_o the_o gospel_n contain_v all_o those_o truth_n that_o be_v necessary_a to_o the_o clear_a exposition_n of_o our_o duty_n or_o to_o the_o move_a and_o oblige_v we_o to_o the_o practice_n of_o it_o and_o that_o the_o spirit_n imply_v a_o supply_n of_o all_o that_o supernatural_a strength_n be_v it_o what_o it_o will_v that_o be_v necessary_a to_o enable_v we_o not_o only_o to_o will_n but_o to_o do_v that_o which_o the_o gospel_n convince_v we_o to_o be_v our_o duty_n such_o be_v rom._n 8.2_o for_o the_o law_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o life_n in_o christ_n jesus_n have_v make_v i_o free_a from_o the_o law_n of_o sin_n and_o death_n 2_o tim._n 3.16_o 17._o all_o scripture_n be_v give_v by_o inspiration_n of_o god_n and_o be_v profitable_a for_o doctrine_n for_o reproof_n for_o correction_n for_o instruction_n in_o righteousness_n that_o the_o man_n of_o god_n may_v be_v perfect_a thorough_o furnish_v unto_o all_o good_a work_n 2_o cor._n 12.9_o and_o he_o say_v unto_o i_o my_o grace_n be_v sufficient_a for_o thou_o for_o my_o strength_n be_v make_v perfect_a in_o weakness_n most_o glad_o therefore_o will_v i_o rather_o glory_n in_o my_o infirmity_n that_o the_o power_n of_o christ_n may_v rest_v upon_o i_o 1_o pet._n 1.5_o who_o be_v keep_v by_o the_o power_n of_o god_n through_o faith_n unto_o salvation_n ready_a to_o be_v reveal_v in_o the_o last_o time_n it_o be_v needless_a to_o multiply_v text_n on_o this_o occasion_n otherwise_o it_o be_v very_o easy_a to_o show_v that_o all_o thing_n necessary_a to_o life_n and_o godliness_n be_v contain_v in_o the_o word_n and_o spirit_n that_o what_o ever_o be_v necessary_o to_o be_v wrought_v in_o we_o to_o prepare_v we_o for_o or_o entitle_v we_o to_o eternal_a salvation_n be_v ascribe_v to_o the_o gospel_n and_o the_o spirit_n this_o truth_n then_o be_v unquestionable_a that_o the_o gospel_n and_o the_o spirit_n be_v the_o two_o great_a instrument_n of_o perfection_n we_o may_v from_o hence_o infer_v two_o rule_n which_o be_v of_o the_o most_o universal_a use_n and_o of_o the_o most_o powerful_a efficacy_n in_o the_o pursuit_n of_o perfection_n 1._o we_o can_v have_v too_o great_a a_o value_n too_o great_a a_o passion_n for_o the_o book_n of_o god_n nor_o fix_v
our_o thought_n and_o heart_n too_o earnest_o upon_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o we_o must_v imitate_v the_o thessalonian_o in_o behalf_n of_o who_o st._n paul_n thank_v god_n because_o when_o they_o receive_v the_o word_n of_o god_n which_o they_o hear_v of_o he_o they_o receive_v it_o not_o as_o the_o word_n of_o man_n but_o as_o it_o be_v in_o truth_n the_o word_n of_o god_n 1_o thes_n 2.13_o that_o be_v we_o must_v entertain_v the_o gospel_n as_o that_o which_o have_v infallible_a truth_n in_o all_o its_o doctrine_n uncontrollable_a authority_n in_o all_o its_o precept_n a_o divine_a certainty_n in_o all_o its_o promise_n and_o threat_n and_o a_o divine_a wisdom_n in_o all_o its_o counsel_n and_o direction_n and_o he_o that_o thus_o believe_v will_v certain_o find_v the_o gospel_n to_o work_v effectual_o in_o he_o as_o it_o do_v in_o the_o thessalonian_o what_o light_n and_o beauty_n will_v he_o discern_v in_o all_o its_o description_n of_o our_o duty_n what_o force_n in_o all_o its_o persuasion_n what_o majesty_n what_o dignity_n what_o life_n what_o power_n what_o consolation_n what_o support_n in_o one_o word_n what_o heavenly_a virtue_n will_v he_o discern_v in_o each_o part_n of_o it_o and_o what_o vast_a and_o unfathomable_a wisdom_n in_o the_o whole_a composure_n and_o contrivance_n of_o it_o how_o will_v he_o then_o admire_v it_o how_o will_v he_o love_v it_o how_o will_v he_o study_v it_o how_o will_v he_o delight_v in_o it_o how_o will_v he_o be_v transport_v by_o the_o promise_n and_o awe_v by_o the_o threat_n of_o it_o how_o will_v he_o be_v pierce_v and_o strike_v through_o by_o those_o exaggeration_n of_o sin_n and_o captive_v and_o enamour_v by_o those_o lively_a and_o divine_a description_n of_o virtue_n he_o meet_v in_o it_o how_o will_v he_o adore_v the_o goodness_n of_o god_n conspicuous_a in_o our_o redemption_n how_o will_v he_o be_v inflame_v with_o the_o love_n of_o jesus_n and_o be_v amaze_v at_o his_o condescension_n and_o humility_n this_o and_o much_o more_o be_v the_o natural_a effect_n of_o our_o receive_v the_o gospel_n as_o we_o ought_v and_o ponder_v the_o truth_n of_o it_o with_o devout_a and_o incessant_a meditation_n this_o the_o royal_a psalmist_n be_v abundant_o sensible_a of_o thy_o word_n have_v i_o hide_v in_o my_o heart_n that_o i_o may_v not_o sin_v against_o thou_o psal_n 119.11_o thou_o through_o thy_o commandment_n have_v make_v i_o wise_a than_o my_o enemy_n for_o they_o be_v ever_o with_o i_o i_o have_v more_o understanding_n than_o all_o my_o teacher_n for_o thy_o testimony_n be_v my_o meditation_n ver_fw-la 98._o to_o which_o i_o may_v add_v many_o other_o verse_n out_o of_o that_o psalm_n contain_v the_o various_a and_o mighty_a effect_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n nor_o will_v any_o one_o think_v that_o i_o attribute_v too_o much_o to_o the_o study_n of_o this_o word_n of_o life_n who_o shall_v consider_v that_o it_o be_v one_o of_o the_o great_a work_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n to_o incline_v our_o heart_n to_o the_o testimony_n of_o god_n to_o write_v his_o law_n in_o our_o heart_n to_o dispose_v we_o to_o attend_v to_o reveal_v truth_n and_o in_o one_o word_n to_o fix_v our_o mind_n and_o thought_n upon_o they_o 2._o since_o the_o spirit_n together_o with_o the_o gospel_n be_v a_o joint_a principle_n of_o regeneration_n and_o perfection_n it_o be_v manifest_a that_o we_o ought_v to_o live_v in_o a_o continual_a dependence_n upon_o god_n he_o must_v be_v our_o hope_n and_o confidence_n in_o the_o day_n of_o trial_n he_o must_v be_v our_o praise_n and_o boast_v in_o the_o day_n of_o victory_n and_o in_o the_o day_n of_o peace_n when_o we_o lie_v down_o and_o when_o we_o rise_v up_o we_o must_v say_v with_o the_o psalmist_n it_o be_v thou_o lord_n that_o make_v i_o dwell_v in_o safety_n psal_n 1.4_o we_o must_v look_v upon_o ourselves_o as_o surround_v by_o enemy_n and_o besiege_v by_o spiritual_a danger_n as_o david_n be_v by_o temporal_a and_o as_o he_o in_o the_o one_o so_o must_v we_o in_o the_o other_o expect_v strength_n and_o salvation_n from_o he_o through_o god_n we_o shall_v do_v valiant_o for_o he_o it_o be_v that_o shall_v tread_v down_o our_o enemy_n psal_n 60.12_o many_o nation_n compass_v i_o round_o about_o but_o in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n i_o will_v destroy_v they_o and_o when_o we_o have_v conquer_v temptation_n and_o rout_v the_o power_n of_o darkness_n we_o must_v ascribe_v all_o not_o to_o our_o own_o strength_n nor_o to_o our_o own_o watchfulness_n but_o to_o the_o grace_n and_o the_o power_n of_o god_n if_o the_o lord_n himself_o have_v not_o be_v on_o our_o side_n now_o may_v israel_n say_v if_o the_o lord_n himself_o have_v not_o be_v on_o our_o side_n when_o the_o legion_n of_o hell_n combine_v with_o the_o world_n and_o flesh_n against_o we_o they_o have_v swallow_v we_o up_o alive_a psal_n 124.1_o 2_o 3._o now_o many_o will_v be_v the_o happy_a effect_n of_o this_o dependence_n upon_o god_n we_o shall_v be_v passionate_o desirous_a of_o his_o presence_n of_o his_o grace_n and_o favour_n we_o shall_v dress_v and_o prepare_v our_o soul_n we_o shall_v awaken_v and_o dispose_v all_o our_o faculty_n to_o receive_v he_o we_o shall_v ever_o do_v the_o thing_n that_o may_v invite_v and_o prevail_v with_o he_o to_o abide_v with_o we_o we_o shall_v be_v apprehensive_a of_o his_o forsake_v we_o as_o the_o great_a evil_n that_o can_v befall_v we_o lift_v up_o your_o head_n o_o you_o gate_n and_o be_v you_o lift_v up_o you_o everlasting_a door_n and_o the_o king_n of_o glory_n shall_v come_v in_o awake_v o_o my_o soul_n raise_v thyself_o above_o this_o world_n and_o flesh_n that_o thou_o may_v be_v fit_a for_o the_o king_n of_o glory_n to_o dwell_v in_o thou_o who_o be_v the_o king_n of_o glory_n the_o lord_n strong_a and_o mighty_a the_o lord_n mighty_a in_o battle_n that_o holy_a spirit_n that_o subdue_v our_o enemy_n that_o strengthen_v we_o with_o might_n and_o fill_v we_o with_o courage_n and_o holy_a alacrity_n psal_n 24.7_o 8._o nor_o do_v the_o psalmist_n prepare_v his_o soul_n for_o god_n by_o meditation_n only_o and_o spiritual_a recollection_n and_o soliloquy_n but_o by_o a_o careful_a and_o circumspect_a regulation_n of_o all_o his_o action_n psal_n 101.2_o 3._o i_o will_v behave_v myself_o wise_o in_o a_o perfect_a way_n o_o when_o will_v thou_o come_v unto_o i_o i_o will_v walk_v within_o my_o house_n with_o a_o perfect_a heart_n i_o will_v set_v no_o wicked_a thing_n before_o my_o eye_n i_o hate_v the_o work_n of_o they_o that_o turn_v aside_o it_o shall_v not_o cleave_v to_o i_o and_o how_o earnest_o do_v he_o pray_v against_o god_n forsake_v he_o psal_n 51.11_o cast_v i_o not_o away_o from_o thy_o presence_n and_o take_v not_o thy_o holy_a spirit_n from_o i_o the_o result_n of_o all_o this_o must_v needs_o be_v steadfastness_n and_o growth_n in_o holiness_n and_o goodness_n for_o first_o this_o be_v the_o natural_a influence_n of_o such_o a_o dependence_n upon_o god_n it_o place_v we_o as_o always_o before_o he_o and_o make_v we_o walk_v humble_o and_o circumspect_o as_o become_v those_o that_o be_v awe_v by_o the_o presence_n of_o so_o holy_a a_o majesty_n i_o have_v set_v the_o lord_n always_o before_o i_o because_o he_o be_v at_o my_o right-hand_a i_o shall_v not_o be_v move_v psal_n 16.1_o second_o we_o can_v doubt_v but_o that_o god_n will_v plentiful_o bestow_v his_o grace_n on_o those_o who_o thus_o rely_v upon_o he_o for_o where_o can_v he_o bestow_v it_o with_o more_o advantage_n to_o his_o glory_n or_o to_o the_o propagation_n of_o holiness_n both_o which_o be_v so_o dear_a to_o he_o who_o be_v a_o subject_n more_o capable_a of_o it_o or_o who_o can_v be_v better_o entitle_v to_o it_o than_o he_o who_o thus_o depend_v upon_o god_n as_o he_o beg_v it_o humble_o and_o receive_v it_o thankful_o so_o he_o will_v husband_n it_o careful_o and_o employ_v it_o zealous_o §_o 3._o in_o prayer_n meditation_n and_o other_o instrumental_a duty_n of_o religion_n we_o be_v to_o aim_v at_o one_o or_o all_o of_o these_o three_o thing_n 1._o the_o quicken_a and_o enliven_a the_o conscience_n 2._o the_o confirm_v and_o strengthen_v our_o resolution_n of_o obedience_n 3._o the_o raise_v and_o keep_v up_o holy_a and_o devout_a affection_n great_a be_v the_o benefit_n of_o each_o of_o these_o tenderness_n of_o conscience_n will_v keep_v we_o not_o only_o from_o evil_n but_o every_o appearance_n of_o it_o increase_v of_o spiritual_a strength_n will_v render_v we_o steadfast_a and_o unmoveable_a in_o all_o the_o work_n of_o god_n and_o holy_a passion_n will_v make_v we_o abound_v in_o they_o to_o spiritual_a passion_n we_o owe_v the_o zeal_n and_o pleasure_n to_o spiritual_a strength_n or_o
so_o direct_o suit_v to_o a_o devout_a mind_n that_o it_o present_o enter_v it_o moves_z and_o actuate_v it_o inspire_v and_o inform_v it_o with_o the_o very_a passion_n it_o describe_v and_o though_o all_o good_a man_n be_v not_o equal_o move_v in_o this_o duty_n yet_o all_o i_o believe_v be_v more_o or_o less_o move_v it_o be_v very_o much_o the_o business_n of_o the_o prophet_n and_o all_o of_o prophetic_a education_n our_o lord_n and_o his_o disciple_n practise_v it_o frequent_o it_o be_v ever_o a_o great_a part_n of_o religious_a joy_n and_o one_o of_o the_o great_a pleasure_n of_o pious_a retirement_n and_o i_o wish_v from_o my_o heart_n the_o esteem_n of_o it_o be_v revive_v in_o our_o day_n i_o persuade_v myself_o it_o will_v add_v much_o to_o the_o warmth_n and_o pleasure_n of_o devotion_n it_o will_v contribute_v to_o introduce_v religion_n into_o our_o family_n and_o for_o aught_o i_o know_v into_o our_o very_a recreation_n and_o friendship_n and_o this_o mind_n i_o that_o as_o i_o have_v under_o every_o forego_n head_n take_v notice_n of_o the_o advantage_n of_o conversation_n so_o i_o shall_v not_o forget_v it_o here_o this_o have_v a_o lively_a influence_n upon_o our_o mind_n and_o always_o kindle_v in_o the_o soul_n a_o gentle_a heat_n and_o do_v we_o but_o accustom_v ourselves_o to_o entertain_v one_o another_o with_o discourse_n about_o another_o world_n do_v we_o mingle_v the_o praise_n of_o god_n with_o the_o feast_n and_o joy_n of_o life_n do_v we_o retire_v to_o our_o country-house_n to_o contemplate_v the_o variety_n and_o riches_n of_o divine_a wisdom_n and_o bounty_n in_o those_o natural_a scene_n of_o pleasure_n which_o the_o country_n afford_v and_o do_v we_o now_o and_o then_o invite_v our_o friend_n to_o join_v with_o we_o in_o offer_v up_o halelujah_n to_o god_n on_o this_o account_n what_o brightness_n and_o serenity_n what_o calm_a and_o pleasure_n will_v this_o diffuse_v through_o all_o our_o soul_n through_o all_o our_o day_n to_o this_o that_o i_o have_v say_v touch_v the_o exciting_a holy_a passion_n i_o will_v only_o add_v one_o observation_n form_v upon_o those_o word_n of_o the_o apostle_n jam._n 5.13_o be_v any_o among_o you_o afflict_v let_v he_o pray_v be_v any_o merry_a let_v he_o sing_v psalm_n that_o religion_n must_v be_v accommodate_v to_o nature_n and_o that_o devout_a passion_n will_v soon_o shoot_v up_o when_o they_o be_v engraft_v upon_o a_o natural_a stock_n with_o which_o i_o will_v join_v this_o other_o that_o since_o we_o be_v most_o affect_v by_o such_o truth_n as_o be_v most_o particular_a circumstantiate_v and_o sensible_a and_o therefore_o imprint_v themselves_o more_o easy_o and_o deep_o on_o our_o imagination_n for_o this_o reason_n i_o shall_v recommend_v the_o read_n the_o life_n of_o saint_n and_o excellent_a person_n be_v they_o not_o general_o write_v so_o that_o we_o have_v reason_n to_o desire_v somewhat_o more_o of_o the_o spirit_n of_o piety_n in_o the_o learned_a and_o more_o of_o judgement_n in_o the_o pious_a who_o have_v employ_v their_o pen_n on_o this_o argument_n §_o 4._o the_o immediate_a end_n of_o discipline_n be_v the_o subdue_a the_o pride_n of_o the_o heart_n and_o the_o reduce_v the_o appetite_n of_o the_o body_n by_o discipline_n i_o here_o understand_v whatever_o voluntary_a rigour_n we_o impose_v on_o our_o self_n or_o whatever_o voluntary_a restraint_n we_o lie_v upon_o our_o allow_a enjoyment_n and_o when_o i_o say_v that_o the_o humiliation_n of_o the_o heart_n and_o subjection_n of_o the_o body_n be_v the_o immediate_a end_n of_o both_o i_o do_v not_o exclude_v any_o other_o which_o may_v be_v involve_v in_o these_o or_o result_v from_o they_o now_o of_o what_o importance_n these_o two_o thing_n be_v i_o need_v not_o show_v for_o since_o all_o sin_n be_v distinguish_v in_o scripture_n into_o the_o filthiness_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o the_o flesh_n it_o be_v plain_a that_o the_o pride_n of_o the_o heart_n and_o the_o lust_n of_o the_o body_n be_v the_o two_o great_a cause_n of_o all_o immorality_n and_o uncleanness_n and_o therefore_o these_o be_v the_o two_o great_a end_n which_o the_o wise_a and_o good_a have_v ever_o have_v in_o their_o eye_n in_o all_o their_o act_n of_o self-denial_n and_o mortification_n this_o be_v sufficient_o attest_v by_o the_o example_n of_o david_n psal_n 131._o lord_n i_o be_o not_o high_a mind_v i_o have_v no_o proud_a look_n i_o do_v not_o exercise_v myself_o in_o great_a matter_n which_o be_v too_o high_a for_o i_o but_o i_o refrain_v my_o soul_n and_o keep_v it_o low_o like_a as_o a_o child_n that_o be_v wean_v from_o his_o mother_n yea_o my_o soul_n be_v even_o as_o a_o wean_a child_n and_o from_o that_o other_o of_o st._n paul_n 1_o cor._n 9.25_o 26_o 27._o and_o every_o one_o that_o strive_v for_o the_o mastery_n be_v temperate_a in_o all_o thing_n now_o they_o do_v it_o to_o obtain_v a_o corruptible_a crown_n but_o we_o a_o incorruptible_a i_o therefore_o so_o run_v not_o as_o uncertain_o so_o fight_v i_o not_o as_o one_o that_o beat_v the_o air_n but_o i_o keep_v under_o my_o body_n and_o bring_v it_o into_o subjection_n lest_o that_o by_o any_o mean_n when_o i_o have_v preach_v to_o other_o i_o myself_o shall_v be_v a_o castaway_n whoever_o thus_o mortify_v the_o pride_n of_o the_o heart_n whoever_o thus_o bring_v under_o the_o body_n will_v soon_o find_v himself_o true_o set_v free_a and_o master_n of_o himself_o and_o fortune_n he_o will_v be_v able_a to_o run_v the_o way_n of_o god_n commandment_n and_o to_o advance_v on_o swift_o towards_o perfection_n and_o the_o pleasure_n and_o happiness_n that_o attend_v it_o and_o to_o attain_v these_o bless_a end_n i_o do_v not_o think_v that_o we_o need_v ensnare_v our_o soul_n in_o the_o perpetual_a bond_n of_o monastic_a vow_n i_o do_v not_o think_v that_o we_o be_v to_o expose_v ourselves_o by_o any_o ridiculous_a or_o fantastic_a observance_n there_o be_v i_o say_v no_o need_n of_o this_o for_o we_o may_v as_o oft_o as_o we_o shall_v see_v fit_a retrench_v our_o pleasure_n abate_v of_o the_o show_n and_o figure_n of_o life_n we_o may_v renounce_v our_o own_o will_n to_o comply_v with_o they_o who_o can_v so_o well_o pretend_v either_o to_o authority_n or_o discretion_n and_o if_o these_o thing_n can_v be_v do_v in_o some_o circumstance_n without_o become_a fool_n for_o christ_n that_o be_v without_o that_o tameness_n that_o condescension_n that_o diminution_n of_o ourselves_o which_o will_n never_o comport_v with_o the_o humour_n and_o the_o fashion_n of_o the_o world_n here_o be_v still_o the_o more_o room_n for_o mortification_n and_o for_o a_o near_o and_o more_o eminent_a imitation_n of_o the_o bless_a jesus_n provide_v still_o we_o decline_v all_o affectation_n of_o singularity_n and_o when_o we_o practice_v any_o extraordinary_a instance_n of_o self-denial_n we_o be_v ever_o able_a to_o justify_v it_o to_o religious_a and_o judicious_a person_n by_o the_o proposal_n of_o some_o excellent_a end_n fast_v indeed_o be_v plain_o prescribe_v in_o scripture_n and_o though_o the_o obligation_n to_o it_o with_o respect_n to_o its_o frequency_n and_o measure_n be_v not_o the_o same_o on_o all_o yet_o all_o shall_v some_o time_n or_o other_o practice_v it_o as_o far_o as_o the_o rule_n of_o christian_a prudence_n will_v permit_v and_o i_o have_v often_o think_v that_o fast_v shall_v general_o consist_v rather_o in_o abstinence_n from_o please_a meat_n than_o from_o all_o not_o the_o food_n which_o nourish_v our_o strength_n but_o that_o which_o gratify_v the_o palate_n minister_a most_o direct_o to_o wantonness_n and_o luxury_n for_o the_o better_a regulation_n of_o voluntary_a discipline_n i_o propose_v by_o way_n of_o advice_n three_o thing_n 1._o i_o do_v not_o think_v it_o best_o to_o bring_v ourselves_o under_o any_o perpetual_a and_o unalterable_a tie_n in_o any_o instance_n of_o self-denial_n there_o be_v a_o virtue_n in_o enjoy_v the_o world_n as_o well_o as_o in_o renounce_v it_o and_o it_o be_v as_o great_a a_o excellence_n of_o religion_n to_o know_v how_o to_o abound_v as_o how_o to_o suffer_v want_n nay_o what_o be_v more_o all_o voluntary_a austerity_n be_v in_o order_n to_o give_v we_o a_o power_n and_o dominion_n over_o ourselves_o in_o the_o general_a course_n of_o a_o prosperous_a life_n and_o last_o i_o very_o much_o doubt_n when_o once_o a_o man_n have_v long_a and_o constant_o accustom_v himself_o to_o any_o rigour_n whether_o it_o continue_v to_o have_v much_o of_o mortification_n in_o it_o or_o whether_o it_o so_o effectual_o tend_v to_o promote_v our_o spiritual_a liberty_n as_o it_o will_v if_o we_o do_v return_v to_o it_o but_o now_o and_o then_o as_o we_o see_v occasion_n 2._o we_o must_v not_o multiply_v unnecessary_a severity_n and_o that_o no_o man_n may_v think_v
of_o man_n who_o at_o the_o last_o day_n will_v fall_v under_o the_o same_o character_n and_o condemnation_n not_o because_o they_o perform_v no_o duty_n but_o because_o their_o performance_n of_o they_o be_v depretiate_v by_o coldness_n and_o formality_n man_n who_o make_v a_o fair_a appearance_n of_o religion_n and_o yet_o have_v no_o inward_a spiritual_a life_n man_n who_o do_v general_o observe_v the_o external_a duty_n of_o religion_n but_o with_o so_o little_a gust_n with_o such_o indifference_n and_o lukewarmness_n that_o they_o be_v neither_o acceptable_a to_o god_n nor_o useful_a to_o themselves_o this_o state_n of_o deadness_n may_v be_v consider_v either_o more_o general_o as_o it_o run_v through_o the_o whole_a course_n of_o our_o life_n and_o action_n or_o more_o particular_o in_o this_o or_o that_o instance_n of_o religion_n 1._o when_o it_o be_v so_o general_a that_o the_o bend_v and_o course_n of_o our_o life_n be_v for_o want_v of_o relish_n of_o the_o thing_n of_o god_n pervert_v and_o deprave_v when_o we_o have_v no_o design_n drive_v on_o no_o end_n that_o be_v suitable_a to_o the_o excellency_n and_o dignity_n of_o our_o nature_n to_o the_o holiness_n of_o our_o profession_n and_o to_o the_o great_a and_o manifest_a obligation_n of_o god_n when_o we_o have_v no_o joy_n or_o pleasure_n no_o thirst_v or_o appetite_n that_o do_v true_o become_v a_o christian_a when_o we_o make_v no_o progress_n no_o advance_n towards_o our_o great_a end_n when_o our_o discourse_n and_o employment_n have_v no_o tincture_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o no_o tendency_n to_o edification_n i_o think_v we_o may_v then_o bold_o conclude_v that_o this_o be_v a_o state_n of_o carnality_n and_o death_n and_o that_o this_o want_n of_o relish_n in_o the_o general_a course_n of_o our_o life_n proceed_v from_o a_o real_a want_n of_o a_o sincere_a faith_n and_o true_a illumination_n for_o be_v the_o mind_n once_o true_o enlighten_v be_v it_o once_o clear_o convince_v firm_o and_o habitual_o persuade_v of_o the_o beauty_n and_o excellence_n of_o the_o thing_n of_o god_n as_o we_o shall_v have_v notion_n different_a from_o those_o of_o worldly_a carnal_a man_n so_o will_v there_o consequent_o be_v a_o difference_n in_o the_o nature_n of_o our_o hope_n and_o fear_n of_o our_o desire_n and_o design_n of_o our_o joy_n and_o sorrow_n and_o as_o necessary_o in_o the_o main_a scope_n and_o tendency_n of_o of_o our_o conversation_n whoever_o therefore_o find_v this_o general_a stupidity_n in_o the_o course_n of_o his_o life_n let_v he_o not_o flatter_v himself_o in_o the_o performance_n of_o any_o of_o the_o duty_n of_o religion_n he_o have_v a_o corrupt_a carnal_a and_o blind_a heart_n his_o performance_n proceed_v not_o from_o true_a principle_n and_o have_v not_o that_o life_n and_o vigour_n in_o they_o that_o they_o ought_v they_o be_v as_o different_a from_o the_o performance_n of_o a_o man_n true_o regenerate_v and_o sanctify_a as_o the_o civility_n and_o compliment_n of_o a_o well-bred_a acquaintance_n from_o the_o substantial_a office_n of_o a_o sincere_a and_o affectionate_a friend_n nor_o can_v any_o man_n who_o will_v take_v the_o least_o pain_n to_o examine_v himself_o be_v ignorant_a of_o or_o mistake_v in_o the_o condition_n of_o his_o soul_n if_o this_o be_v it_o for_o whoever_o will_v act_v honest_o and_o impartial_o ought_v not_o to_o pass_v a_o sentence_n of_o absolution_n on_o himself_o upon_o the_o bare_a performance_n of_o some_o relative_a or_o instrumental_a duty_n of_o religion_n but_o he_o ought_v to_o inquire_v first_o what_o virtue_n he_o practice_n which_o put_v he_o upon_o expense_n hazard_n or_o travel_v what_o work_v of_o piety_n or_o charity_n he_o perform_v and_o what_o proportion_n they_o bear_v to_o his_o ability_n next_o he_o ought_v to_o consider_v the_o design_n and_o end_v he_o propose_v to_o himself_o in_o all_o his_o religious_a performance_n whether_o he_o seek_v the_o honour_n of_o god_n the_o welfare_n of_o man_n and_o his_o own_o improvement_n and_o growth_n in_o goodness_n or_o whether_o he_o do_v this_o mere_o to_o acquit_v himself_o of_o a_o task_n and_o discharge_v himself_o of_o what_o he_o take_v for_o grant_v as_o a_o duty_n though_o he_o find_v no_o pleasure_n no_o advantage_n in_o it_o three_o he_o must_v reflect_v upon_o the_o frame_n and_o temper_v of_o his_o mind_n in_o reference_n to_o these_o duty_n what_o hunger_n and_o thirst_n he_o have_v for_o righteousness_n what_o warmth_n ardour_n elevation_n or_o earnestness_n of_o mind_n accompany_v his_o performance_n what_o peace_n and_o pleasure_n his_o reflection_n on_o they_o or_o whether_o religion_n be_v not_o a_o burden_n to_o he_o or_o something_o to_o which_o custom_n only_o reconcile_v he_o last_o he_o ought_v to_o examine_v what_o operation_n what_o influence_n his_o religious_a performance_n have_v upon_o he_o prayer_n hear_v read_v and_o suchlike_a duty_n do_v natural_o tend_v to_o enlighten_v the_o mind_n purify_v the_o heart_n increase_v our_o love_n strengthen_v our_o faith_n and_o confirm_v our_o hope_n and_o therefore_o where_o this_o be_v not_o the_o effect_n of_o they_o we_o may_v conclude_v that_o they_o be_v not_o discharge_v in_o that_o manner_n and_o with_o that_o sincerity_n they_o ought_v he_o therefore_o that_o will_v examine_v himself_o aright_o must_v not_o ask_v himself_o how_o often_o he_o read_v how_o often_o he_o hear_v etc._n etc._n and_o then_o rest_v there_o but_o must_v ask_v himself_o what_o effect_v these_o performance_n have_v have_v upon_o his_o mind_n which_o he_o will_v soon_o discern_v if_o he_o demand_v of_o himself_o what_o the_o bent_n and_o scope_n of_o his_o life_n be_v how_o much_o he_o advance_v and_o improve_v in_o the_o conquest_n of_o any_o vice_n and_o the_o attainment_n of_o any_o virtue_n what_o he_o love_v or_o what_o he_o hate_v what_o esteem_v he_o have_v for_o the_o thing_n of_o god_n and_o what_o for_o the_o thing_n of_o men._n and_o in_o a_o word_n how_o he_o follow_v after_o universal_a righteousness_n and_o how_o he_o increase_v in_o purity_n of_o heart_n and_o poverty_n of_o spirit_n 2._o lukewarmness_n or_o coldness_n may_v be_v consider_v more_o particular_o as_o it_o discover_v itself_o in_o the_o performance_n of_o this_o or_o that_o duty_n in_o hear_v read_v prayer_n and_o participation_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n now_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o there_o be_v a_o deadness_n in_o these_o duty_n which_o proceed_v from_o a_o carnal_a and_o unsanctified_a heart_n and_o be_v a_o plain_a symptom_n of_o a_o state_n of_o sin_n and_o yet_o it_o be_v too_o common_a that_o they_o who_o be_v subject_a to_o it_o make_v little_a reflection_n upon_o it_o and_o be_v little_o concern_v for_o it_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n many_o complain_n of_o lifelessness_n in_o duty_n where_o there_o be_v no_o just_a ground_n for_o this_o complaint_n and_o this_o be_v no_o small_a evil_n to_o such_o for_o it_o disturb_v the_o peace_n of_o their_o mind_n damp_n the_o cheerfulness_n and_o alacrity_n of_o their_o service_n and_o clog_n and_o encumber_n their_o religion_n with_o needless_a doubt_n and_o scruple_n some_o have_v go_v about_o to_o set_v this_o matter_n right_o very_o unskilful_o and_o whilst_o they_o have_v as_o they_o think_v shun_v enthusiastic_a rapture_n and_o irregular_a heat_n have_v real_o betray_v the_o cause_n of_o true_a and_o solid_a fervency_n of_o spirit_n and_o talk_v of_o prayer_n and_o such_o other_o duty_n in_o such_o a_o manner_n as_o can_v but_o reflect_v disadvantagious_o on_o themselves_o among_o such_o as_o be_v moderate_o verse_v in_o the_o scripture_n and_o have_v any_o experience_n of_o the_o power_n of_o god_n word_n and_o spirit_n upon_o their_o soul_n but_o what_o surprise_v i_o most_o be_v that_o some_o of_o very_a deserve_a repute_n have_v teach_v that_o the_o seek_v spiritual_a pleasure_n in_o prayer_n be_v a_o enemy_n to_o perfection_n that_o heat_n and_o ardour_n of_o spirit_n in_o prayer_n do_v often_o happen_v to_o the_o weak_a christian_n and_o very_o seldom_o to_o the_o perfect_a but_o my_o business_n not_o be_v to_o combat_v the_o opinion_n of_o man_n but_o to_o advance_v truth_n in_o the_o most_o charitable_a and_o in_o the_o most_o effectual_a manner_n that_o i_o can_v therefore_o without_o take_v notice_n of_o the_o motive_n or_o reason_n which_o have_v bias_v any_o on_o this_o subject_a i_o will_v lay_v down_o two_o or_o three_o proposition_n which_o will_v i_o hope_v clear_v this_o matter_n and_o promote_v the_o design_n i_o be_o now_o carry_v on_o 1._o then_o lifelessness_n or_o lukewarmness_n in_o these_o duty_n must_v never_o be_v constant_a there_o be_v a_o vast_a difference_n between_o habitual_a and_o accidental_a coldness_n in_o duty_n the_o former_a be_v the_o symptom_n of_o worldly_a carnal_a and_o unregenerate_a mind_n but_o not_o the_o latter_a many_o be_v the_o accident_n which_o