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for_o if_o the_o doctrine_n i_o have_v now_o be_v insist_v on_o to_o you_o be_v true_a doctrine_n then_o we_o of_o this_o nation_n can_v but_o entertain_v very_o small_a hope_n of_o be_v happy_a and_o prosperous_a nay_o we_o can_v but_o apprehend_v misery_n and_o ruin_n and_o desolation_n to_o ourselves_o unless_o god_n be_v abundant_o more_o merciful_a to_o we_o than_o we_o deserve_v and_o there_o can_v be_v no_o way_n to_o prevail_v with_o he_o to_o be_v so_o but_o a_o universal_a humiliation_n and_o repentance_n and_o this_o be_v the_o application_n i_o desire_v to_o make_v of_o the_o point_n i_o have_v be_v now_o treat_v of_o if_o the_o measure_n of_o god_n deal_n with_o nation_n be_v always_o according_a to_o the_o moral_a state_n of_o they_o if_o their_o good_a fortune_n be_v deal_v out_o to_o they_o according_a to_o their_o virtue_n and_o judgement_n be_v inflict_v upon_o they_o according_a to_o their_o provoke_a god_n by_o their_o sin_n as_o we_o have_v say_v good_a lord_n 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devastation_n and_o consider_v the_o great_a privilege_n and_o advantage_n we_o have_v for_o many_o year_n enjoy_v of_o all_o the_o outward_a mean_n of_o grace_n that_o can_v be_v desire_v for_o the_o eternal_a salvation_n of_o our_o soul_n and_o that_o above_o any_o other_o nation_n under_o heaven_n and_o withal_o how_o unprofitable_a we_o have_v be_v under_o these_o mean_n how_o unthankful_a to_o god_n for_o they_o and_o what_o little_a effect_n they_o have_v have_v upon_o we_o for_o the_o better_n our_o manner_n and_o last_o consider_v how_o very_o wicked_a we_o general_o be_v what_o a_o world_n of_o open_a gross_a sin_n and_o impiety_n do_v reign_v among_o we_o and_o what_o a_o lewd_a profane_a hypocritical_a atheistical_a spirit_n seem_v to_o have_v go_v out_o into_o the_o nation_n and_o to_o prevail_v upon_o it_o i_o say_v these_o thing_n consider_v we_o can_v make_v any_o very_a comfortable_a reflection_n on_o our_o own_o condition_n so_o far_o from_o that_o that_o if_o as_o i_o say_v the_o measure_n of_o god_n deal_n with_o nation_n be_v take_v from_o their_o behaviour_n and_o moral_a quality_n and_o be_v suit_v to_o their_o merit_n and_o desert_n we_o have_v as_o little_a to_o hope_v for_o as_o most_o nation_n under_o heaven_n i_o take_v no_o delight_n in_o say_v these_o thing_n on_o the_o contrary_a it_o be_v very_o grievous_a but_o if_o ever_o one_o may_v be_v allow_v to_o run_v out_o into_o a_o declamation_n against_o the_o vice_n of_o the_o time_n it_o be_v upon_o such_o a_o occasion_n as_o this_o and_o before_o such_o a_o audience_n as_o this_o that_o the_o liberty_n may_v be_v challenge_v for_o god_n sake_n let_v we_o not_o deceive_v ourselves_o nor_o think_v that_o we_o be_v favourite_n of_o heaven_n mere_o because_o we_o profess_v the_o best_a religion_n and_o be_v member_n of_o the_o best_a church_n in_o the_o world_n for_o as_o good_a as_o our_o church_n and_o religion_n be_v and_o as_o zealous_a as_o we_o seem_v to_o be_v for_o they_o yet_o never_o do_v vice_n and_o iniquity_n of_o all_o sort_n and_o indeed_o every_o thing_n that_o be_v contrary_a to_o our_o holy_a religion_n more_o abound_v in_o this_o nation_n than_o at_o this_o day_n give_v i_o leave_v to_o speak_v out_o upon_o this_o occasion_n and_o to_o tell_v you_o of_o some_o of_o the_o cry_v sin_n that_o reign_v among_o we_o and_o that_o deserve_v your_o care_n to_o put_v a_o stop_n to_o and_o which_o if_o if_o they_o be_v continue_v in_o will_v certain_o bring_v down_o the_o vengeance_n of_o god_n upon_o we_o where_o be_v there_o ever_o more_o atheism_n and_o insidelity_n to_o be_v see_v in_o a_o country_n that_o profess_v the_o religion_n of_o jesus_n christ_n than_o be_v among_o we_o at_o this_o day_n we_o do_v not_o perhaps_o meet_v with_o very_a many_o that_o do_v open_o affirm_v there_o be_v no_o god_n for_o as_o bad_a as_o we_o be_v god_n be_v thank_v we_o be_v not_o yet_o arrive_v to_o such_o impudence_n that_o be_v such_o a_o affront_n to_o the_o law_n and_o good_a manner_n that_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v bear_v with_o but_o we_o may_v meet_v with_o several_a every_o day_n that_o do_v affirm_v the_o same_o thing_n by_o consequence_n assert_v such_o principle_n from_o whence_o it_o may_v be_v necessary_o conclude_v for_o my_o part_n i_o account_v it_o much_o the_o same_o thing_n as_o to_o the_o ill_a effect_n of_o the_o opinion_n to_o deny_v the_o be_v of_o god_n as_o to_o deny_v the_o be_v of_o angel_n and_o spirit_n and_o immaterial_a soul_n to_o deny_v the_o be_v of_o particular_a providence_n to_o deny_v the_o natural_a difference_n between_o good_a and_o evil_a to_o deny_v another_o life_n after_o this_o wherein_o good_a man_n shall_v be_v
ardent_a love_n and_o charity_n set_v ourselves_o not_o to_o seek_v his_o own_o but_o every_o man_n another_o good_a as_o the_o apostle_n exhort_v 10.24_o 1_o cor._n 10.24_o second_o if_o the_o do_v good_a be_v so_o necessary_a a_o duty_n as_o have_v be_v represent_v what_o must_v we_o say_v of_o those_o man_n that_o frame_v to_o themselves_o model_n of_o christianity_n without_o put_v this_o duty_n into_o its_o notion_n there_o be_v a_o sort_n of_o christianity_n which_o have_v obtain_v in_o the_o world_n that_o be_v make_v up_o of_o faith_n and_o knowledge_n of_o the_o gospel_n mystery_n without_o any_o respect_n to_o charity_n and_o good_a work_n nay_o have_v we_o not_o hear_v of_o a_o sort_n of_o christianity_n the_o very_a perfection_n of_o which_o seem_v to_o consist_v in_o the_o disparage_v this_o duty_n of_o do_v good_a as_o much_o as_o be_v possible_a cry_v it_o down_o as_o a_o heathen_a virtue_n a_o poor_a blind_a piece_n of_o morality_n a_o thing_n that_o will_v no_o way_n further_o our_o salvation_n nay_o so_o far_o from_o that_o that_o it_o often_o prove_v a_o hindrance_n to_o it_o by_o take_v we_o off_o from_o that_o full_a reliance_n and_o recumbency_n that_o we_o ought_v to_o have_v on_o the_o righteousness_n of_o jesus_n christ_n only_o in_o order_n to_o our_o salvation_n but_o o_o how_o contrary_a be_v these_o doctrine_n to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n how_o wide_o different_a a_o thing_n do_v they_o make_v christianity_n to_o be_v from_o what_o it_o will_v appear_v if_o we_o take_v our_o notion_n of_o it_o from_o their_o sermon_n and_o practice_n be_v it_o possible_a that_o he_o that_o go_v about_o do_v good_a himself_o make_v it_o his_o meat_n and_o drink_n the_o business_n and_o employment_n of_o his_o life_n shall_v set_v so_o light_a by_o it_o in_o we_o that_o be_v his_o follower_n be_v it_o possible_a that_o they_o that_o so_o often_o call_v upon_o we_o to_o do_v good_a 13.2.13_o 1_o tim._n 6.18_o 1_o pet._n 4.8_o 1_o cor._n 13.2.13_o to_o be_v rich_a in_o good_a work_n above_o all_o thing_n to_o have_v fervent_a charity_n among_o ourselves_o tell_v we_o that_o all_o faith_n be_v nothing_o all_o knowledge_n of_o mystery_n be_v nothing_o all_o gift_n of_o prophecy_n and_o miracle_n be_v nothing_o but_o that_o charity_n be_v all_o in_o all_o i_o say_v be_v it_o possible_a that_o they_o shall_v think_v do_v good_a so_o insignificant_a so_o unprofitable_a nay_o so_o dangerous_a a_o thing_n as_o these_o i_o speak_v of_o do_v represent_v it_o but_o i_o need_v not_o far_o reprove_v these_o opinion_n because_o i_o hope_v they_o find_v but_o few_o patron_n but_o this_o serious_o aught_o to_o be_v reprove_v among_o we_o viz._n that_o we_o do_v not_o general_o lay_v that_o stress_n upon_o this_o duty_n we_o be_v speak_v of_o that_o we_o ought_v to_o do_v many_o be_v ready_a enough_o to_o acknowledge_v their_o obligation_n to_o do_v good_a and_o count_v it_o a_o very_a commendable_a thing_n and_o a_o work_n that_o god_n will_v bless_v they_o the_o better_a for_o yet_o they_o be_v loath_a to_o make_v it_o a_o essential_a ingredient_n of_o their_o religion_n they_o think_v they_o may_v be_v religious_a and_o serve_v god_n without_o it_o if_o they_o be_v but_o sober_a in_o their_o life_n and_o just_a in_o their_o deal_n and_o come_v to_o church_n at_o the_o usual_a time_n they_o have_v religion_n enough_o to_o carry_v they_o to_o heaven_n though_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n they_o continue_v covetous_a and_o hard_a and_o uncharitable_a without_o bowel_n of_o pity_n and_o compassion_n and_o make_v no_o use_n of_o their_o wealth_n or_o their_o power_n and_o interest_n or_o their_o part_n and_o industry_n or_o their_o other_o talent_n commit_v to_o they_o for_o the_o do_v good_a in_o the_o world_n far_o be_v it_o from_o any_o man_n to_o pretend_v to_o determine_v what_o virtue_n or_o degree_n of_o they_o be_v precise_o necessary_a to_o salvation_n and_o what_o virtue_n or_o degree_n of_o they_o a_o man_n may_v safe_o be_v without_o but_o this_o be_v certain_a that_o charity_n and_o do_v good_a be_v none_o of_o those_o that_o can_v be_v spare_v the_o scripture_n have_v every_o where_o declare_v these_o quality_n to_o be_v as_o necessary_a in_o order_n to_o our_o salvation_n as_o any_o condition_n of_o the_o gospel_n nay_o if_o we_o will_v consult_v st._n matth._n 25._o where_o the_o process_n of_o the_o general_n judgement_n be_v describe_v we_o shall_v find_v these_o to_o be_v the_o great_a point_n that_o at_o the_o last_o day_n man_n shall_v be_v examine_v upon_o and_o upon_o which_o the_o whole_a case_n of_o their_o eternal_a state_n will_v turn_v so_o that_o if_o we_o take_v the_o scripture_n for_o our_o guide_n these_o man_n at_o last_o will_v be_v find_v to_o be_v much_o mistake_v and_o to_o have_v make_v a_o very_a false_a judgement_n both_o of_o religion_n and_o of_o their_o own_o condition_n three_o from_o what_o have_v be_v say_v about_o do_v good_a we_o may_v gather_v wherein_o that_o perfection_n of_o christianity_n which_o we_o be_v to_o aspire_v after_o do_v consist_v it_o have_v be_v much_o dispute_v which_o be_v the_o most_o perfect_a life_n to_o live_v in_o the_o world_n as_o other_o man_n do_v and_o to_o serve_v god_n in_o follow_v our_o employment_n and_o take_v care_n of_o our_o family_n and_o do_v good_a office_n to_o our_o neighbour_n and_o discharge_v all_o other_o duty_n that_o our_o relation_n to_o the_o public_a require_v of_o we_o or_o to_o retire_v from_o the_o world_n and_o to_o quit_v all_o our_o secular_a concernment_n and_o whole_o to_o give_v up_o ourselves_o to_o prayer_n and_o meditation_n and_o those_o other_o exercise_n of_o religion_n proper_o so_o call_v this_o latter_a kind_n of_o life_n be_v so_o magnify_v by_o the_o romanist_n in_o comparison_n of_o the_o other_o that_o it_o have_v engross_v to_o itself_o the_o name_n of_o religious_a none_o among_o they_o be_v think_v worthy_a to_o be_v style_v religious_a person_n but_o those_o that_o cloister_n up_o themselves_o in_o a_o monastery_n but_o whatever_o excellence_n may_v be_v pretend_v in_o this_o course_n of_o life_n it_o certain_o fall_v much_o short_a of_o that_o which_o be_v lead_v in_o a_o public_a way_n he_o serve_v god_n best_o that_o be_v most_o serviceable_a to_o his_o generation_n and_o no_o prayer_n or_o fast_n or_o mortification_n be_v near_o so_o acceptable_a a_o sacrifice_n to_o our_o heavenly_a father_n as_o to_o do_v good_a in_o our_o life_n it_o be_v true_a to_o keep_v within_o door_n and_o to_o attend_v our_o devotion_n though_o those_o that_o be_v in_o appearance_n most_o abstract_v from_o the_o world_n be_v not_o always_o the_o most_o devout_a person_n i_o say_v this_o kind_n of_o life_n be_v the_o most_o easy_a and_o the_o safe_a a_o man_n be_v not_o then_o expose_v so_o much_o to_o temptation_n he_o may_v with_o less_o difficulty_n preserve_v his_o innocence_n but_o where_o be_v the_o praise_n of_o such_o a_o virtue_n virtue_n be_v then_o most_o glorious_a and_o shall_v be_v most_o reward_v when_o it_o meet_v with_o most_o trial_n and_o opposition_n and_o as_o for_o the_o bravery_n of_o contemn_v the_o world_n and_o all_o the_o pomp_n of_o it_o which_o they_o so_o magnify_v in_o this_o kind_n of_o life_n alas_o it_o be_v rather_o a_o effect_n of_o pusillanimity_n and_o love_n of_o our_o ease_n and_o a_o desire_n to_o be_v free_a from_o care_n and_o burden_n than_o of_o any_o true_a nobleness_n of_o mind_n if_o we_o will_v live_v to_o excellent_a purpose_n indeed_o if_o we_o will_v show_v true_a bravery_n of_o spirit_n and_o true_a piety_n towards_o god_n let_v we_o live_v as_o our_o bless_a lord_n and_o his_o apostle_n do_v let_v we_o not_o fly_v temptation_n but_o overcome_v they_o let_v we_o not_o sit_v at_o home_n amuse_v ourselves_o with_o our_o please_a contemplation_n when_o we_o may_v be_v useful_a and_o beneficial_a abroad_o let_v we_o so_o order_v our_o devotion_n towards_o god_n that_o they_o may_v be_v a_o mean_n of_o promote_a our_o worldly_a business_n and_o affair_n and_o do_v good_a among_o man_n let_v we_o take_v our_o fit_a time_n of_o retirement_n and_o abstraction_n that_o we_o may_v the_o more_o free_o converse_v with_o god_n and_o pour_v out_o our_o soul_n before_o he_o but_o let_v this_o be_v only_o to_o the_o end_n that_o we_o may_v appear_v abroad_o again_o more_o brisk_a and_o lively_a in_o vanquish_a the_o temptation_n that_o come_v in_o our_o way_n and_o more_o prompt_a and_o ready_o dispose_v to_o every_o good_a work_n this_o be_v to_o imitate_v our_o lord_n jesus_n to_o walk_v as_o we_o have_v he_o for_o a_o example_n this_o be_v a_o life_n more_o suitable_a to_o the_o contrivance_n and_o the_o genius_n of_o his_o religion_n
their_o judgement_n or_o immoral_a in_o their_o life_n what_o will_v these_o man_n be_v able_a to_o say_v for_o themselves_o when_o they_o come_v to_o appear_v before_o the_o judge_n of_o the_o world_n at_o the_o great_a day_n of_o account_n will_v they_o pretend_v there_o be_v not_o force_n enough_o in_o the_o gospel-evidence_n to_o convince_v they_o or_o weight_n enough_o in_o its_o motive_n to_o reclaim_v they_o ah_o their_o own_o heart_n will_v give_v they_o the_o lye_n they_o can_v no_o long_o be_v able_a to_o deceive_v themselves_o there_o will_v be_v no_o unbeliever_n no_o sear_a conscience_n in_o the_o other_o state_n they_o will_v then_o be_v clear_o convince_v that_o god_n for_o his_o part_n do_v all_o that_o be_v necessary_a nay_o all_o that_o be_v fit_a to_o be_v do_v in_o order_n to_o their_o salvation_n but_o they_o be_v resolve_v to_o shut_v their_o eye_n and_o harden_v their_o heart_n against_o the_o gracious_a mean_n that_o be_v tender_v they_o oh_o how_o will_v the_o rich_a man_n and_o his_o five_o brethren_n in_o hell_n rise_v up_o in_o judgement_n against_o these_o man_n for_o they_o only_o refuse_v to_o hear_v moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n but_o these_o beside_o they_o have_v obstinate_o refuse_v to_o hear_v christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n who_o bring_v abundant_o great_a light_n into_o the_o world_n than_o the_o former_a do_v much_o more_o how_o will_v the_o poor_a ignorant_a heathen_n rise_v up_o in_o judgement_n against_o they_o who_o be_v destitute_a both_o of_o moses_n and_o christ_n and_o yet_o to_o the_o shame_n of_o christian_n it_o may_v be_v speak_v have_v several_a of_o they_o live_v better_a life_n than_o many_o of_o we_o do_v may_v not_o we_o just_o and_o sad_o apply_v that_o woe_n which_o our_o saviour_n pronounce_v of_o chorazin_n and_o bethsaida_n to_o thousand_o among_o we_o woe_n unto_o you_o unbeliever_n woe_n unto_o you_o o_o obstinate_a and_o irreclaimable_a sinner_n for_o if_o the_o mighty_a mean_n of_o grace_n the_o mighty_a evidence_n of_o truth_n have_v be_v afford_v to_o tyre_n and_o sidon_n to_o sodom_n and_o gomorrha_n to_o mahometan_n and_o pagan_n that_o have_v be_v afford_v unto_o you_o they_o will_v long_o ago_o have_v repent_v in_o sackcloth_n and_o ash_n but_o i_o say_v unto_o you_o it_o shall_v be_v more_o tolerable_a for_o all_o these_o in_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n than_o for_o you_o god_n almighty_n give_v we_o all_o grace_n serious_o to_o consider_v these_o thing_n that_o we_o may_v by_o a_o timely_a and_o hearty_a close_n with_o his_o method_n and_o design_n for_o our_o salvation_n prevent_v the_o dismal_a consequence_n of_o infidelity_n and_o a_o vicious_a life_n that_o so_o it_o may_v not_o be_v our_o condemnation_n at_o the_o last_o day_n that_o light_n be_v come_v into_o the_o world_n and_o we_o have_v love_v darkness_n rather_o than_o light_n sermon_n vii_o preach_v at_o whitehall_n on_o the_o 11_o of_o april_n 1690._o gal._n v._n 13._o use_v not_o liberty_n for_o a_o occasion_n to_o the_o flesh_n any_o one_o that_o use_v to_o make_v reflection_n upon_o his_o own_o action_n can_v but_o observe_v that_o one_o of_o the_o great_a occasion_n of_o the_o sin_n he_o be_v guilty_a of_o in_o the_o course_n of_o his_o life_n be_v the_o too_o free_a use_n of_o his_o lawful_a liberty_n i_o do_v not_o say_v that_o any_o man_n do_v commit_v sin_n by_o use_v his_o lawful_a liberty_n for_o that_o will_v be_v a_o kind_n of_o contradiction_n but_o i_o say_v the_o use_v our_o liberty_n to_o the_o utmost_a pitch_n and_o extent_n of_o that_o which_o we_o call_v lawful_a be_v the_o occasion_n of_o a_o great_a many_o sin_n that_o will_v otherwise_o not_o have_v be_v commit_v if_o one_o shall_v offer_v to_o tempt_v a_o man_n that_o have_v any_o sense_n of_o virtue_n or_o religion_n to_o do_v a_o thing_n that_o at_o the_o first_o sight_n appear_v sinful_a or_o wicked_a it_o will_v certain_o be_v reject_v every_o one_o that_o have_v any_o regard_n to_o god_n or_o goodness_n will_v start_v at_o such_o a_o proposal_n but_o here_o be_v our_o infelicity_n a_o temptation_n come_v on_o by_o degree_n and_o at_o the_o first_o we_o be_v engage_v in_o nothing_o but_o what_o be_v lawful_a and_o honest_a and_o according_o we_o use_v that_o liberty_n which_o nature_n and_o religion_n allow_v we_o and_o so_o we_o proceed_v on_o insensible_o in_o the_o use_n of_o that_o liberty_n till_o at_o last_o we_o become_v uncertain_a whether_o we_o have_v not_o exceed_v the_o bound_n of_o what_o be_v lawful_a and_o by_o this_o mean_v we_o be_v often_o catch_v nay_o indeed_o nothing_o but_o this_o can_v betray_v well-meaning_a person_n and_o such_o as_o be_v virtuous_o dispose_v into_o sin_n licitis_fw-la perimus_fw-la oume_n say_v a_o devout_a man_n it_o be_v by_o lawful_a thing_n that_o we_o common_o miscarry_v with_o great_a reason_n therefore_o do_v st._n paul_n give_v this_o advice_n in_o the_o text_n brethren_n say_v he_o you_o have_v be_v call_v unto_o liberty_n only_o use_v not_o liberty_n for_o a_o occasion_n to_o to_o the_o flesh_n there_o be_v no_o doubt_n but_o the_o apostle_n write_v these_o word_n upon_o occasion_n of_o and_o with_o reference_n to_o the_o great_a controversy_n that_o be_v then_o on_o foot_n among_o christian_n touch_v the_o obligation_n of_o the_o jewish_a law_n some_o than_o think_v themselves_o bind_v in_o conscience_n to_o observe_v all_o the_o precept_n of_o moses_n his_o law_n other_o christian_n think_v they_o be_v free_v by_o the_o come_n of_o christ_n from_o all_o legal_a observance_n the_o apostle_n determine_v the_o case_n in_o favour_n of_o these_o latter_a and_o declare_v that_o by_o the_o gospel_n they_o be_v call_v unto_o liberty_n and_o be_v free_a from_o all_o the_o moysaicall_a imposition_n but_o yet_o nevertheless_o he_o tell_v they_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v careful_a in_o the_o exercise_n of_o that_o liberty_n that_o they_o do_v not_o use_v it_o for_o a_o occasion_n to_o the_o flesh_n that_o be_v to_o say_v that_o this_o liberty_n to_o which_o they_o be_v call_v shall_v not_o minister_v to_o any_o sin_n that_o they_o shall_v not_o so_o use_v it_o as_o to_o be_v a_o snare_n either_o to_o themselves_o or_o other_o to_o themselves_o by_o run_v into_o licentiousness_n and_o take_v unlawful_a liberty_n to_o other_o either_o by_o affright_v the_o unbelieving_a jew_n from_o the_o embrace_a christianity_n or_o discourage_v those_o that_o already_o believe_v the_o gospel_n in_o the_o profession_n of_o it_o this_o be_v the_o strict_a sense_n of_o the_o apostle_n word_n as_o they_o come_v in_o here_o in_o the_o text_n and_o as_o they_o do_v relate_v to_o that_o occasion_n upon_o which_o he_o write_v they_o but_o that_o sense_n with_o reference_n to_o that_o occasion_n be_v now_o out_o of_o door_n among_o we_o though_o the_o general_a advice_n that_o be_v here_o give_v will_v eternal_o be_v good_a and_o useful_a nay_o and_o always_o needful_a to_o be_v insist_v on_o in_o all_o age_n of_o the_o world_n we_o have_v none_o now_o that_o use_v their_o liberty_n for_o a_o occasion_n to_o the_o flesh_n as_o to_o the_o point_n of_o the_o judaical_a ceremony_n but_o we_o have_v abundance_n that_o do_v use_v it_o so_o as_o to_o other_o matter_n nay_o as_o i_o say_v before_o this_o too_o free_a use_n of_o our_o liberty_n in_o lawful_a thing_n be_v one_o of_o the_o great_a source_n and_o fountain_n from_o whence_o most_o of_o our_o irregularity_n do_v proceed_v and_o therefore_o i_o do_v not_o know_v how_o i_o can_v entertain_v you_o more_o useful_o upon_o this_o text_n than_o by_o endeavour_v to_o give_v you_o the_o best_a rule_n i_o can_v for_o the_o reduce_v the_o apostle_n exhortation_n into_o practice_n as_o it_o do_v concern_v we_o at_o this_o day_n but_o that_o you_o may_v see_v plain_o what_o i_o drive_v at_o i_o will_v yet_o state_n the_o matter_n a_o little_a more_o particular_o our_o case_n in_o this_o world_n be_v this_o the_o law_n of_o virtue_n and_o religion_n do_v allow_v man_n all_o reasonable_a liberty_n in_o the_o gratification_n of_o their_o natural_a passion_n and_o appetite_n and_o in_o the_o use_n and_o enjoyment_n of_o all_o the_o good_a thing_n of_o this_o life_n but_o all_o unreasonable_a gratification_n all_o excess_n and_o immoderate_a liberty_n be_v forbid_v by_o religion_n and_o therefore_o be_v sinful_a and_o criminal_a if_o now_o in_o all_o case_n a_o man_n can_v ready_o and_o certain_o fix_v the_o precise_a bound_n and_o landmark_n of_o what_o be_v reasonable_a and_o moderate_a and_o what_o be_v unreasonable_a and_o excessive_a in_o the_o use_n of_o his_o liberty_n so_o as_o that_o upon_o all_o occasion_n and_o in_o all_o emergency_n he_o can_v say_v within_o his_o own_o mind_n thus_o far_o i_o may_v lawful_o and_o innocent_o go_v in_o the_o
relish_v of_o pride_n or_o vanity_n or_o affectation_n it_o be_v high_a time_n rather_o to_o abate_v something_o of_o our_o sumptuousness_n in_o these_o thing_n than_o to_o proceed_v any_o far_a and_o thus_o last_o in_o matter_n of_o equity_n and_o justice_n when_o we_o first_o begin_v to_o have_v a_o suspicion_n that_o such_o a_o practice_n be_v a_o indirect_a or_o knavish_a trick_n or_o that_o we_o be_v too_o severe_a and_o hard_a upon_o a_o man_n upon_o who_o we_o have_v get_v a_o advantage_n why_o this_o suspicion_n alone_o be_v enough_o in_o reason_n to_o check_v we_o in_o our_o career_n and_o to_o put_v we_o upon_o more_o fair_a and_o moderate_a course_n this_o be_v a_o rule_n that_o will_v for_o ever_o be_v fit_a for_o we_o to_o practice_n for_o it_o be_v ground_v upon_o eternal_a reason_n indeed_o it_o be_v as_o old_a as_o morality_n quod_fw-la dubitas_fw-la ne_fw-la feceris_fw-la do_v nothing_o that_o you_o doubt_v of_o be_v a_o maxim_n that_o obtain_v among_o the_o heathen_n as_o well_o as_o among_o we_o christian_n i_o dare_v not_o indeed_o say_v that_o this_o rule_n hold_v universal_o in_o all_o case_n for_o case_n do_v sometime_o happen_v wherein_o it_o will_v be_v advisable_a for_o a_o man_n to_o act_v even_o against_o his_o doubt_n but_o in_o such_o matter_n as_o i_o be_o now_o speak_v of_o matter_n wherein_o a_o man_n be_v at_o perfect_a liberty_n to_o act_n or_o not_o to_o act_v in_o all_o such_o case_n it_o will_v always_o without_o exception_n be_v a_o true_a and_o a_o safe_a and_o a_o wise_a rule_n and_o i_o be_o sure_a if_o man_n will_v serious_o charge_v themselves_o with_o the_o practice_n of_o it_o they_o will_v hereby_o prevent_v a_o multitude_n of_o sin_n and_o transgression_n with_o which_o they_o usual_o inflame_v their_o account_n against_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n and_o thus_o much_o of_o the_o rule_n i_o have_v to_o propose_v as_o to_o the_o use_n of_o our_o liberty_n in_o such_o case_n where_o a_o man_n be_v at_o a_o loss_n in_o find_v out_o the_o measure_n and_o bound_n of_o duty_n and_o sin_n and_o upon_o that_o account_n be_v in_o danger_n of_o transgress_v i_o have_v only_o two_o thing_n more_o to_o add_v upon_o this_o argument_n by_o way_n of_o application_n and_o i_o have_v do_v the_o one_o as_o a_o caution_n to_o prevent_v the_o misapply_v these_o rule_n the_o other_o as_o a_o encouragement_n to_o put_v they_o in_o practice_n that_o which_o i_o have_v to_o say_v by_o way_n of_o caution_n be_v this_o that_o what_o i_o have_v be_v now_o recommend_v especial_o under_o the_o two_o last_o head_n be_v not_o intend_v to_o be_v a_o rule_n or_o direction_n to_o any_o hypochondriack_a or_o melancholy_a person_n or_o such_o as_o be_v apt_a to_o be_v over-scrupulous_a about_o their_o action_n for_o indeed_o to_o such_o person_n it_o be_v the_o worst_a advice_n that_o can_v be_v give_v for_o they_o be_v apt_a to_o doubt_v and_o boggle_v at_o every_o thing_n be_v it_o never_o so_o innocent_a and_o free_a from_o blame_n they_o dare_v not_o eat_v a_o hearty_a meal_n for_o fear_n of_o be_v intemperate_a and_o for_o fear_n of_o not_o be_v devout_a enough_o they_o exhaust_v their_o spirit_n and_o spoil_v their_o health_n through_o the_o continual_a intention_n of_o their_o mind_n to_o serious_a thing_n now_o person_n that_o be_v of_o this_o temper_n be_v rather_o to_o be_v encourage_v to_o take_v more_o liberty_n than_o they_o do_v than_o to_o abate_v any_o that_o they_o make_v use_v of_o but_o their_o case_n be_v of_o another_o consideration_n and_o foreign_a to_o my_o present_a purpose_n and_o therefore_o i_o here_o say_v no_o more_o about_o it_o it_o be_v sufficient_a to_o have_v give_v this_o intimation_n to_o such_o people_n that_o they_o do_v not_o make_v a_o ill_a use_n of_o any_o thing_n that_o i_o have_v now_o represent_v for_o assure_o what_o have_v be_v now_o say_v do_v not_o much_o concern_v they_o 2._o the_o other_o thing_n i_o have_v to_o say_v and_o that_o by_o way_n of_o encouragement_n be_v this_o i_o doubt_v not_o but_o some_o will_v be_v apt_a to_o think_v that_o the_o rule_n i_o have_v now_o give_v about_o the_o exercise_n of_o our_o liberty_n be_v much_o too_o strict_a and_o severe_a and_o that_o if_o they_o must_v be_v tie_v up_o to_o such_o measure_n then_o farewell_n all_o the_o joy_n and_o pleasure_n and_o comfort_n of_o their_o life_n but_o to_o such_o people_n i_o will_v crave_v leave_n to_o say_v that_o they_o have_v very_o wrong_a notion_n of_o this_o matter_n the_o use_v of_o their_o liberty_n in_o such_o a_o manner_n as_o i_o have_v be_v recommend_v will_v not_o rob_v they_o of_o one_o true_a pleasure_n or_o comfort_n that_o this_o world_n afford_v so_o far_o from_o that_o that_o i_o be_o very_o sure_a whoever_o frame_v his_o life_n according_a to_o these_o measure_n shall_v live_v a_o hundred_o time_n a_o happy_a life_n and_o shall_v enjoy_v the_o world_n and_o all_o the_o pleasure_n and_o advantage_n of_o it_o much_o more_o to_o his_o own_o content_n and_o satisfaction_n than_o if_o he_o put_v no_o check_n to_o the_o crave_v of_o his_o appetite_n but_o always_o indulge_v and_o gratify_v they_o in_o every_o thing_n and_o as_o much_o as_o they_o desire_v assure_v yourselves_o virtue_n and_o religion_n will_v never_o hinder_v you_o from_o enjoy_v any_o pleasure_n or_o satisfaction_n that_o be_v natural_a on_o the_o contrary_a there_o be_v great_a reason_n to_o believe_v that_o the_o practice_n thereof_o will_v extreme_o heighten_v and_o advance_v the_o satisfaction_n you_o can_v receive_v from_o your_o worldly_a enjoyment_n i_o doubt_v not_o in_o the_o least_o but_o to_o a_o sincere_o pious_a and_o virtuous_a man_n and_o that_o have_v a_o regard_n to_o god_n in_o all_o his_o action_n even_o the_o very_a pleasure_n and_o comfort_n of_o this_o life_n be_v more_o gratify_v and_o affect_v than_o to_o any_o sensual_a or_o wicked_a man._n for_o such_o a_o one_o as_o he_o be_v more_o capable_a of_o enjoy_v they_o so_o do_v they_o come_v to_o he_o likewise_o without_o the_o mixture_n of_o those_o uneasy_a troublesome_a bitter_a reflection_n that_o other_o man_n feel_v in_o the_o very_o best_a of_o their_o enjoyment_n let_v no_o man_n therefore_o apprehend_v any_o loss_n of_o his_o pleasure_n by_o entire_o devote_v himself_o to_o god_n service_n and_o use_v his_o liberty_n in_o that_o careful_a way_n i_o have_v be_v recommend_v let_v he_o not_o think_v that_o he_o shall_v hereby_o be_v too_o much_o straighten_a and_o confine_v for_o certain_o this_o be_v the_o true_a mean_n not_o only_o to_o keep_v he_o for_o ever_o from_o be_v a_o slave_n to_o any_o thing_n but_o also_o mighty_o to_o improve_v and_o increase_v his_o liberty_n for_o by_o thus_o exercise_v himself_o all_o the_o power_n of_o his_o soul_n will_v be_v vast_o enlarge_v and_o he_o will_v hereby_o attain_v both_o leisure_n and_o will_n to_o employ_v all_o his_o rational_a faculty_n about_o the_o best_a and_o the_o noble_a object_n in_o the_o world_n which_o will_v yield_v he_o the_o great_a pleasure_n that_o be_v to_o be_v have_v on_o this_o side_n heaven_n whereas_o if_o he_o have_v give_v up_o himself_o to_o be_v govern_v by_o any_o of_o his_o sensual_a appetite_n he_o have_v be_v a_o poor_a narrow_a confine_v creature_n indeed_o not_o capable_a of_o any_o great_a satisfaction_n or_o pleasure_n than_o what_o the_o brute_n do_v enjoy_v as_o well_o as_o himself_o but_o with_o less_o uneasiness_n and_o few_o disturbance_n it_o be_v true_a indeed_o a_o sensual_a man_n have_v no_o notion_n of_o this_o kind_n of_o pleasure_n no_o more_o than_o a_o beast_n have_v of_o the_o pleasure_n of_o a_o man._n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v no_o wonder_n that_o such_o man_n entertain_v all_o talk_n about_o they_o as_o little_o better_a than_o mere_a cant_n and_o jargon_n but_o i_o serious_o appeal_v to_o all_o man_n that_o have_v ever_o make_v any_o trial_n in_o the_o way_n of_o religion_n and_o virtue_n whether_o the_o contentment_n and_o 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worst_a of_o our_o case_n our_o gross_a immorality_n that_o horrid_a lewdness_n and_o debauchery_n that_o be_v every_o where_o to_o be_v observe_v in_o our_o day_n do_v still_o increase_v our_o gild_n and_o cry_v to_o heaven_n for_o judgement_n upon_o our_o nation_n it_o will_v make_v a_o man_n heart_n ache_v that_o have_v any_o sense_n of_o god_n or_o religion_n to_o think_v of_o the_o riot_n the_o drunkenness_n the_o continue_a course_n of_o spend_v our_o time_n and_o our_o part_n and_o our_o substance_n in_o revel_v and_o game_n and_o all_o manner_n of_o such_o excess_n that_o be_v daily_o practise_v among_o we_o and_o yet_o at_o the_o same_o time_n the_o man_n that_o thus_o live_v think_v themselves_o very_o honest_a man_n all_o the_o while_n it_o will_v real_o amaze_v a_o man_n and_o put_v he_o upon_o admire_v god_n patience_n that_o he_o do_v not_o present_o confound_v the_o world_n if_o he_o do_v serious_o reflect_v on_o the_o many_o filthy_a lewd_a speech_n and_o action_n the_o 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custom_n and_o last_o to_o fill_v up_o the_o measure_n of_o our_o iniquity_n to_o our_o other_o reign_v vice_n we_o have_v add_v that_o of_o hypocrisy_n too_o which_o one_o will_v think_v shall_v not_o often_o be_v find_v among_o so_o much_o profaneness_n how_o many_o of_o we_o make_v a_o mighty_a noise_n with_o religion_n and_o be_v zealous_a even_o to_o bigotry_n in_o the_o defence_n of_o it_o and_o yet_o have_v not_o one_o grain_n of_o inward_a sense_n of_o what_o it_o oblige_v they_o to_o nay_o so_o far_o from_o that_o that_o if_o religion_n be_v but_o in_o their_o mouth_n if_o they_o do_v but_o appear_v zealous_a enough_o for_o the_o protestant_a cause_n if_o they_o can_v but_o cry_v love_n enough_o the_o temple_n of_o the_o lord_n the_o temple_n of_o the_o lord_n as_o the_o jew_n do_v in_o the_o prophet_n they_o matter_n not_o how_o coutradictory_n their_o action_n be_v to_o the_o precept_n of_o that_o religion_n they_o do_v profess_v their_o zeal_n for_o so_o good_a a_o cause_n 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god_n shall_v let_v loose_a our_o enemy_n upon_o we_o the_o enemy_n of_o our_o nation_n and_o of_o our_o religion_n and_o shall_v give_v we_o over_o as_o a_o prey_n unto_o they_o what_o have_v we_o to_o reply_v true_o nothing_o that_o i_o know_v of_o except_o that_o of_o the_o psalmist_n righteous_a art_n thou_o o_o lord_n and_o just_o be_v thy_o judgement_n but_o we_o trust_v god_n lenity_n and_o forbearance_n and_o mercy_n be_v as_o great_a to_o public_a society_n and_o kingdom_n as_o it_o be_v to_o private_a person_n and_o that_o we_o may_v apply_v those_o expression_n to_o our_o nation_n which_o david_n utter_v with_o reference_n to_o himself_o o_o lord_n if_o thou_o shall_v be_v extreme_a to_o mark_v what_o be_v do_v amiss_o o_o lord_n who_o may_v abide_v it_o but_o there_o be_v mercy_n with_o thou_o that_o thou_o may_v be_v fear_v when_o the_o iniquity_n of_o a_o people_n be_v at_o the_o full_a god_n will_v not_o fail_v to_o punish_v they_o but_o whether_o we_o be_v so_o or_o 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providence_n have_v so_o often_o and_o so_o wonderful_o appear_v if_o we_o have_v any_o concernment_n for_o many_o thousand_o of_o innocent_a soul_n who_o without_o their_o own_o fault_n may_v deep_o suffer_v for_o the_o nation_n sin_n last_o if_o we_o have_v any_o bowel_n of_o compassion_n to_o those_o dear_a child_n of_o we_o that_o god_n have_v give_v we_o that_o we_o may_v transmit_v to_o they_o and_o their_o child_n after_o they_o that_o birthright_a and_o those_o privilege_n and_o that_o excellent_a religion_n we_o receive_v from_o our_o father_n i_o say_v if_o we_o have_v any_o sense_n of_o these_o thing_n let_v every_o one_o of_o we_o this_o day_n most_o sincere_o apply_v ourselves_o to_o the_o service_n of_o god_n in_o all_o the_o way_n of_o a_o serious_a virtue_n and_o piety_n or_o if_o we_o have_v be_v careless_a of_o this_o matter_n heretofore_o or_o which_o be_v worse_o have_v be_v lewd_a or_o wicked_a in_o our_o life_n yet_o let_v we_o now_o at_o last_o hearty_o repent_v 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when_o as_o he_o tell_v we_o he_o have_v set_v himself_o to_o seek_v god_n for_o his_o people_n by_o prayer_n and_o supplication_n with_o fast_v and_o sackcloth_n and_o ash_n the_o prayer_n be_v in_o the_o 9_o chapter_n of_o his_o prophecy_n and_o i_o shall_v conclude_v with_o it_o and_o i_o earnest_o beg_v of_o you_o all_o to_o join_v with_o i_o in_o it_o o_o lord_n the_o great_a and_o dreadful_a god_n that_o keep_v the_o covenant_n and_o show_v mercy_n to_o they_o that_o love_v thou_o and_o to_o they_o that_o keep_v thy_o commandment_n we_o have_v sin_v and_o do_v wicked_o and_o have_v commit_v iniquity_n and_o have_v rebel_v even_o by_o depart_v from_o thy_o precept_n and_o from_o thy_o judgement_n o_o lord_n righteousness_n belong_v unto_o thou_o but_o unto_o we_o confusion_n of_o face_n as_o at_o this_o day_n to_o the_o man_n of_o judah_n and_o to_o the_o inhabitant_n of_o jerusalem_n because_o we_o have_v sâ—â—â—red_v against_o thou_o but_o unto_o the_o lord_n our_o god_n belong_v mercy_n and_o forgiveness_n though_o we_o have_v rebel_v against_o he_o â—â—ither_o have_v we_o 〈…〉_o of_o the_o lord_n our_o god_n to_o walk_v in_o his_o law_n which_o he_o set_v before_o we_o o_o lord_n according_a to_o all_o thy_o righteousness_n we_o beseech_v thou_o let_v thy_o anger_n and_o thy_o fury_n be_v turn_v away_o from_o thy_o city_n jerusalem_n thy_o holy_a mountain_n because_o for_o our_o sin_n and_o the_o iniquity_n of_o our_o father_n jerusalem_n and_o thy_o people_n be_v become_v a_o reproach_n to_o all_o that_o be_v about_o we_o now_o therefore_o o_o god_n hear_v the_o prayer_n of_o thy_o servant_n and_o cause_v thy_o face_n to_o shine_v upon_o thy_o sanctuary_n o_o god_n incline_v thy_o ear_n and_o hear_v open_v thy_o eye_n and_o behold_v the_o city_n which_o be_v call_v by_o thy_o name_n o_o lord_n hear_v o_o lord_n forgive_v o_o lord_n harken_v and_o do_v defer_v not_o for_o thy_o own_o sake_n o_o our_o god_n for_o thy_o city_n and_o thy_o people_n be_v call_v by_o thy_o name_n and_o whilst_o daniel_n be_v thus_o pray_v and_o confess_v his_o sin_n and_o the_o sin_n of_o his_o people_n unto_o the_o lord_n and_o supplicate_v for_o his_o city_n jerusalem_n behold_v the_o angel_n gabriel_n be_v send_v unto_o he_o from_o the_o lord_n with_o the_o glad_a tiding_n that_o god_n have_v hear_v his_o prayer_n for_o jerusalem_n and_o that_o it_o shall_v be_v build_v and_o the_o lord_n will_v dwell_v in_o it_o o_o may_v we_o all_o thus_o fast_a and_o pray_v as_o daniel_n do_v and_o may_v god_n almighty_n give_v we_o such_o a_o return_n of_o our_o prayer_n amen_o o_o god_n for_o jesus_n christ_n his_o sake_n to_o who_o etc._n etc._n sermon_n x._o preach_v at_o st._n giles_n in_o the_o field_n on_o the_o 28_o of_o june_n 1691._o philip._n four_o 8._o final_o brethren_n whatsoever_o thing_n be_v true_a whatsoever_o thing_n be_v honest_a whatsoever_o thing_n be_v just_a whatsoever_o thing_n be_v pure_a whatsoever_o thing_n be_v lovely_a whatsoever_o thing_n be_v of_o good_a report_n if_o there_o be_v any_o virtue_n and_o if_o there_o be_v any_o praise_n think_v on_o these_o thing_n i_o have_v the_o two_o last_o lord_n day_n make_v it_o my_o business_n to_o treat_v of_o this_o text_n in_o a_o way_n that_o i_o think_v do_v most_o tend_v to_o the_o inform_v your_o judgement_n and_o to_o that_o purpose_n i_o have_v raise_v several_a observation_n and_o draw_v several_a inference_n from_o it_o i_o mean_v now_o to_o treat_v of_o it_o in_o another_o way_n and_o apply_v myself_o whole_o to_o the_o press_v you_o to_o the_o practice_n of_o it_o and_o indeed_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o sermon_n i_o be_o to_o make_v do_v call_v for_o this_o from_o i_o for_o i_o be_o now_o to_o take_v my_o leave_n of_o you_o this_o be_v the_o last_o time_n in_o all_o probability_n that_o i_o shall_v preach_v among_o you_o as_o your_o minister_n and_o therefore_o i_o suppose_v good_a advice_n and_o exhortation_n will_v more_o become_v i_o at_o this_o time_n than_o a_o close_a discourse_n upon_o a_o text._n and_o yet_o my_o text_n do_v afford_v matter_n enough_o without_o strain_v it_o for_o such_o a_o purpose_n nor_o indeed_o do_v i_o know_v a_o text_n in_o the_o bible_n that_o i_o can_v more_o willing_o pitch_v upon_o to_o leave_v with_o you_o as_o the_o last_o advice_n i_o will_v give_v you_o and_o as_o the_o sum_n and_o conclusion_n of_o my_o preach_v among_o you_o than_o these_o word_n of_o st._n paul_n i_o have_v now_o read_v to_o you_o let_v i_o therefore_o at_o this_o time_n address_v myself_o to_o you_o all_o as_o the_o apostle_n here_o do_v at_o the_o conclusion_n of_o his_o epistle_n to_o the_o philippian_n final_o brethren_n whatsoever_o thing_n
be_v thereby_o make_v a_o blessing_n of_o god_n which_o without_o it_o perhaps_o may_v have_v be_v a_o cross_n and_o a_o affliction_n it_o be_v prayer_n by_o which_o every_o thing_n and_o every_o action_n be_v sanctify_v to_o believer_n i_o may_v name_v several_a other_o benefit_n and_o advantage_n to_o be_v reap_v from_o the_o conscientious_a practice_n of_o this_o duty_n but_o those_o that_o i_o have_v mention_v may_v i_o think_v if_o they_o be_v consider_v be_v sufficient_a to_o recommend_v it_o to_o any_o man_n whatsoever_o that_o have_v the_o least_o kindness_n for_o himself_o and_o therefore_o i_o will_v not_o burden_n your_o memory_n with_o heap_v up_o more_o motive_n only_o one_o thing_n i_o desire_v leave_n to_o press_v a_o little_a more_o earnest_o and_o particular_o than_o i_o have_v yet_o do_v and_o that_o be_v the_o absolute_a necessity_n of_o constant_a prayer_n in_o order_n to_o a_o holy_a and_o virtuous_a life_n do_v any_o of_o you_o here_o present_a in_o good_a earnest_n mean_v to_o live_v as_o you_o shall_v do_v do_v you_o real_o intend_v or_o desire_v to_o endeavour_v after_o such_o a_o pitch_n of_o virtue_n and_o holiness_n as_o will_v be_v available_a for_o the_o save_v your_o soul_n everlasting_o if_o you_o do_v not_o it_o be_v in_o vain_a to_o attempt_v the_o persuade_v you_o to_o any_o thing_n of_o this_o nature_n if_o you_o do_v then_o give_v i_o leave_v to_o tell_v you_o that_o it_o be_v absolute_o necessary_a that_o you_o shall_v live_v in_o the_o constant_a exercise_n of_o prayer_n otherwise_o you_o will_v never_o do_v your_o business_n and_o on_o the_o other_o side_n i_o dare_v assure_v you_o if_o you_o do_v thus_o practice_v you_o will_v not_o fail_v of_o attain_v the_o end_n you_o aim_v at_o these_o three_o thing_n i_o dare_v lay_v down_o for_o truth_n in_o this_o matter_n first_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o any_o man_n to_o be_v good_a that_o live_v without_o constant_a pray_v second_o whoever_o be_v good_a at_o the_o present_a yet_o if_o he_o disuse_n himself_o in_o this_o point_n he_o will_v not_o continue_v good_a long_o and_o last_o whoever_o make_v a_o conscience_n of_o pray_v frequent_o and_o hearty_o and_o continue_v so_o to_o do_v though_o he_o can_v at_o present_v be_v say_v to_o be_v a_o good_a man_n yet_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o he_o long_o to_o continue_v bad_a he_o will_v certain_o at_o last_o get_v the_o victory_n over_o his_o lust_n and_o evil_a habit_n so_o that_o prayer_n be_v both_o the_o mean_n without_o which_o virtue_n can_v be_v attain_v and_o the_o mean_n that_o never_o fail_v of_o attain_v it_o and_o the_o security_n of_o it_o when_o it_o be_v attain_v of_o these_o three_o thing_n very_o brief_o and_o i_o have_v do_v first_o i_o say_v no_o man_n can_v be_v a_o virtuous_a man_n that_o live_v without_o pray_v i_o do_v not_o deny_v that_o some_o who_o make_v no_o great_a conscience_n of_o this_o duty_n but_o live_v in_o a_o habitual_a neglect_n of_o it_o may_v so_o far_o retain_v the_o notion_n of_o good_a and_o evil_n and_o those_o notion_n may_v to_o far_o influence_n their_o action_n as_o that_o they_o shall_v not_o be_v notorious_o and_o scandalous_o vicious_a it_o may_v be_v they_o will_v not_o lie_v nor_o cheat_v nor_o oppress_v any_o one_o it_o may_v be_v they_o do_v not_o live_v in_o a_o course_n of_o lewdness_n and_o debauchery_n nor_o will_v be_v engage_v in_o any_o design_n or_o action_n that_o be_v apparent_o base_a or_o dishonourable_a but_o all_o this_o while_n these_o man_n be_v far_o from_o be_v virtuous_a in_o the_o sense_n we_o now_o speak_v of_o for_o we_o speak_v of_o such_o a_o virtue_n as_o recommend_v we_o to_o god_n such_o a_o virtue_n as_o will_v be_v effectual_a for_o our_o salvation_n in_o the_o other_o world_n now_o to_o such_o a_o virtue_n as_o this_o there_o go_v nothing_o less_o than_o a_o universal_a care_n over_o all_o our_o action_n a_o serious_a endeavour_n to_o frame_v all_o our_o conversation_n suitable_o and_o conformable_o to_o the_o law_n of_o our_o saviour_n but_o how_o can_v any_o man_n think_v he_o take_v care_n of_o this_o that_o know_o and_o willing_o live_v in_o a_o constant_a contradiction_n to_o one_o of_o the_o principal_a duty_n of_o our_o saviour_n religion_n our_o whole_a duty_n be_v make_v up_o but_o of_o three_o thing_n that_o a_o man_n live_v sober_o with_o respect_n to_o himself_o righteous_o with_o respect_n to_o his_o neighbour_n and_o pious_o with_o respect_n to_o god_n suppose_v now_o that_o a_o man_n take_v care_n of_o the_o two_o former_a that_o be_v of_o do_v his_o duty_n to_o himself_o and_o his_o neighbour_n which_o yet_o i_o believe_v never_o any_o man_n do_v that_o make_v no_o conscience_n of_o neglect_v his_o prayer_n but_o suppose_v a_o man_n can_v satisfy_v himself_o as_o to_o these_o two_o point_n of_o his_o duty_n yet_o if_o he_o make_v no_o conscience_n of_o the_o three_o that_o be_v of_o piety_n towards_o god_n as_o no_o man_n can_v make_v conscience_n of_o that_o who_o make_v it_o no_o matter_n of_o conscience_n whether_o he_o say_v his_o prayer_n or_o no_o in_o what_o sense_n or_o notion_n can_v this_o man_n be_v say_v to_o have_v do_v his_o duty_n or_o to_o lead_v a_o virtuous_a life_n certain_o in_o no_o sense_n at_o all_o for_o as_o to_o one_o three_o part_n of_o his_o duty_n which_o be_v indeed_o as_o considerable_a at_o least_o if_o not_o more_o than_o either_o of_o the_o other_o he_o be_v a_o notorious_a transgressor_n and_o though_o he_o be_v not_o unjust_a though_o he_o be_v not_o debauch_v yet_o want_v piety_n towards_o god_n he_o be_v impious_a and_o that_o will_v as_o certain_o damn_v he_o as_o either_o of_o the_o other_o either_o therefore_o one_o of_o these_o two_o thing_n must_v be_v make_v appear_v that_o be_v to_o say_v that_o there_o may_v be_v virtue_n such_o virtue_n as_o will_v recommend_v we_o to_o god_n without_o piety_n or_o that_o there_o may_v be_v piety_n without_o ever_o pray_v or_o worship_v god_n neither_o of_o which_o i_o believe_v will_v be_v easy_o affirm_v or_o it_o will_v follow_v that_o where_o there_o be_v no_o pray_v there_o be_v no_o virtue_n and_o consequent_o no_o salvation_n but_o beside_o we_o all_o know_v there_o be_v no_o possibility_n of_o live_v a_o holy_a and_o virtuous_a life_n such_o a_o life_n as_o our_o religion_n require_v of_o we_o and_o which_o alone_o will_v stand_v we_o in_o stead_n in_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n without_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n and_o the_o assistance_n of_o his_o holy_a spirit_n and_o we_o all_o know_v likewise_o that_o these_o be_v no_o way_n to_o be_v come_v by_o but_o by_o earnest_n and_o affectionate_a and_o constant_a prayer_n how_o therefore_o be_v it_o possible_a that_o any_o man_n who_o be_v not_o very_o serious_a and_o frequent_a in_o the_o exercise_n of_o devotion_n shall_v ever_o be_v able_a to_o live_v a_o holy_a life_n he_o may_v indeed_o by_o his_o own_o study_n and_o for_o his_o own_o interest_n possess_v himself_o of_o such_o good_a quality_n as_o may_v make_v a_o fair_a show_n in_o the_o world_n and_o recommend_v he_o to_o all_o about_o he_o but_o the_o inward_a principle_n of_o goodness_n and_o holiness_n he_o can_v have_v because_o he_o do_v not_o practice_v the_o mean_n of_o obtain_v the_o grace_n and_o spirit_n of_o god_n by_o which_o alone_o that_o principle_n be_v to_o be_v wrought_v in_o he_o but_o second_o let_v a_o man_n at_o present_a be_v in_o a_o good_a state_n of_o soul_n yet_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o preserve_v himself_o in_o that_o state_n without_o the_o constant_a exercise_n of_o devotion_n if_o a_o man_n once_o begin_v to_o neglect_v his_o prayer_n or_o to_o grow_v more_o dull_a and_o remiss_a in_o they_o or_o more_o averse_a to_o they_o it_o be_v a_o certain_a argument_n that_o he_o be_v in_o a_o decline_a condition_n as_o to_o virtue_n and_o goodness_n and_o as_o that_o neglect_v or_o that_o dulness_n or_o that_o aversion_n increase_v in_o the_o same_o degree_n 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