mankind_n be_v general_o wed_v to_o their_o own_o opinion_n and_o practice_n and_o be_v more_o influence_v by_o education_n and_o custom_n than_o reason_n so_o that_o though_o they_o be_v convince_v they_o be_v in_o the_o wrong_n yet_o it_o go_v against_o the_o grain_n to_o confess_v and_o acknowledge_v their_o error_n for_o wisdom_n and_o knowledge_n be_v the_o distinguish_a character_n of_o mankind_n that_o which_o render_v one_o man_n more_o excellent_a than_o another_o and_o by_o consequence_n give_v the_o superiority_n for_o whoever_o be_v mistake_v must_v acknowledge_v his_o defect_n in_o wisdom_n or_o prudence_n at_o least_o as_o to_o that_o particular_a and_o that_o he_o be_v in_o some_o measure_n a_o fool_n which_o be_v the_o great_a reproach_n and_o imputation_n can_v be_v cast_v upon_o a_o man._n for_o though_o it_o be_v the_o necessary_a consequence_n of_o the_o fall_n of_o our_o first_o parent_n and_o the_o weakness_n and_o corruption_n of_o our_o nature_n that_o amid_o the_o hurry_n of_o worldly_a business_n and_o the_o many_o emergency_n of_o humane_a life_n the_o best_a and_o wise_a man_n in_o the_o world_n be_v frequent_o guilty_a of_o folly_n and_o oversight_n yet_o we_o shall_v find_v few_o man_n willing_a to_o acknowledge_v it_o and_o it_o be_v grace_n alone_o which_o by_o render_v we_o true_o humble_a can_v make_v we_o sensible_a of_o our_o miserable_a and_o indigent_a condition_n 3.17_o rev._n 3.17_o and_o how_o poor_a and_o blind_a and_o naked_a we_o be_v these_o be_v the_o difficulty_n which_o must_v be_v encounter_v withal_o by_o that_o man_n who_o undertake_v to_o reprove_v his_o neighbour_n which_o will_v be_v sufficient_a to_o discourage_v any_o wise_a man_n from_o venture_v upon_o this_o province_n be_v he_o influence_v only_o by_o prudential_a principle_n and_o temporal_a inducement_n but_o since_o god_n have_v make_v it_o the_o duty_n of_o every_o good_a man_n we_o may_v be_v assure_v iii_o that_o he_o have_v give_v we_o sufficient_a motive_n to_o go_v through_o with_o it_o and_o encouragement_n to_o perform_v it_o which_o be_v such_o as_o these_o consider_v 1._o that_o much_o glory_n will_v accrue_v to_o god_n by_o a_o faithful_a discharge_n of_o this_o duty_n 2._o much_o goodwill_n redound_v to_o our_o neighbour_n 3._o we_o ourselves_o shall_v reap_v much_o benefit_n thereby_o 4._o we_o shall_v avoid_v those_o mischief_n which_o the_o neglect_n of_o this_o duty_n will_v certain_o bring_v upon_o we_o 1._o by_o a_o faithful_a discharge_n of_o this_o duty_n we_o shall_v bring_v much_o glory_n to_o god_n by_o encourage_v virtue_n and_o goodness_n and_o prevent_v a_o multitude_n of_o sin_n for_o the_o best_a way_n to_o keep_v out_o that_o deluge_n of_o atheism_n and_o profaneness_n looseness_n and_o debauchery_n which_o of_o late_a year_n be_v break_v in_o upon_o we_o and_o be_v like_a to_o be_v our_o ruin_n be_v vigorous_o and_o courageous_o to_o oppose_v ourselves_o against_o the_o stream_n and_o by_o show_v our_o open_a detestation_n and_o abhorrence_n of_o it_o if_o possible_a to_o stem_v the_o tide_n of_o prevail_a vice_n at_o such_o a_o time_n as_o this_o when_o the_o calamity_n be_v grow_v public_a there_o be_v no_o stand_a neuter_n he_o that_o be_v not_o active_a and_o zealous_a in_o this_o matter_n and_o do_v not_o use_v his_o utmost_a endeavour_n to_o discourage_v vice_n and_o profaneness_n be_v to_o be_v deem_v a_o rebel_n and_o traitor_n against_o virtue_n and_o religion_n for_o when_o man_n who_o profess_v that_o they_o believe_v the_o gospel_n of_o our_o saviour_n christ_n and_o expect_v salvation_n through_o his_o merit_n shall_v sit_v still_o and_o hear_v the_o holy_a scripture_n make_v the_o subject_a of_o the_o jest_n and_o drollery_n of_o profane_a man_n his_o gospel_n ridicule_v his_o holy_a name_n dishonour_v and_o not_o be_v move_v and_o transport_v against_o such_o blasphemous_a discourse_n when_o they_o shall_v show_v no_o open_a abhorrence_n and_o detestation_n at_o unjust_a unrighteous_a or_o wicked_a action_n they_o give_v these_o impious_a wretch_n too_o much_o reason_n to_o believe_v that_o though_o they_o make_v profession_n of_o religion_n with_o their_o mouth_n yet_o they_o be_v such_o fool_n 10.1_o psal_n 10.1_o as_o to_o say_v in_o their_o heart_n there_o be_v no_o god_n and_o that_o they_o have_v as_o little_a true_a sense_n and_o reverence_n for_o a_o supreme_a be_v as_o themselves_o for_o what_o generous_a man_n can_v be_v content_v to_o sit_v still_o and_o hear_v his_o best_a friend_n reproach_v and_o speak_v ill_o off_o what_o dutiful_a son_n can_v endure_v that_o any_o aspersion_n shall_v be_v cast_v upon_o his_o father_n that_o his_o word_n and_o action_n shall_v be_v ridicule_v without_o take_v notice_n of_o and_o resent_v the_o affront_n much_o more_o reason_n have_v we_o to_o be_v zealous_a when_o we_o hear_v profane_a wretch_n set_v their_o mouth_n against_o heaven_n and_o blaspheme_v the_o god_n that_o make_v they_o and_o with_o one_o breath_n of_o his_o displeasure_n can_v reduce_v they_o into_o nothing_o or_o into_o a_o condition_n worse_o than_o nothing_o if_o good_a man_n will_v resent_v this_o dishonour_n do_v to_o god_n and_o reprove_v those_o who_o be_v guilty_a of_o it_o man_n may_v be_v private_o wicked_a but_o they_o dare_v not_o be_v so_o public_o profane_a there_o may_v be_v many_o ill_a man_n but_o there_o will_v be_v very_o few_o ill_a example_n vice_n will_v be_v out_o of_o countenance_n and_o be_v deprive_v of_o its_o keen_a weapon_n and_o most_o prevail_a argument_n fashionableness_n and_o imitation_n 12.3_o dan._n 12.3_o and_o if_o those_o who_o turn_v many_o to_o righteousness_n shall_v shine_v as_o the_o star_n of_o the_o firmament_n certain_o those_o who_o hinder_v and_o prevent_v other_o from_o be_v wicked_a shall_v not_o miss_v of_o a_o due_a reward_n 2._o our_o neighbour_n will_v receive_v much_o benefit_n by_o a_o friendly_a admonition_n for_o though_o at_o first_o reproof_n will_v be_v unwelcome_a and_o troublesome_a and_o he_o may_v be_v rather_o enrage_v than_o amend_v by_o it_o yet_o by_o degree_n a_o gentle_a reproof_n will_v make_v its_o way_n and_o gain_n upon_o he_o and_o if_o ever_o he_o come_v to_o be_v reform_v he_o will_v reap_v the_o benefit_n of_o it_o peace_n of_o conscience_n and_o quiet_v of_o mind_n in_o this_o life_n and_o everlasting_a happiness_n in_o the_o life_n to_o come_v and_o who_o can_v be_v just_o sensible_a what_o inestimable_a benefit_n he_o confer_v upon_o his_o neighbour_n and_o what_o apparent_a danger_n he_o deliver_v he_o from_o by_o be_v instrumental_a in_o his_o reformation_n and_o yet_o think_v any_o pain_n too_o great_a to_o bring_v about_o this_o excellent_a work_n for_o shall_v wicked_a man_n take_v more_o pain_n to_o pervert_v and_o ruin_v the_o soul_n of_o man_n then_o good_a man_n shall_v to_o save_v they_o alive_a shall_v the_o drunkard_n and_o lascivious_a person_n be_v more_o diligent_a to_o draw_v other_o into_o the_o same_o excess_n of_o riot_n than_o the_o chaste_a and_o temperate_a be_v to_o reclaim_v they_o from_o those_o vice_n this_o will_v be_v to_o dishonour_v our_o christian_a profession_n and_o public_o to_o own_o that_o the_o devil_n have_v more_o faithful_a servant_n than_o our_o great_a lord_n and_o master_n let_v we_o therefore_o follow_v the_o example_n of_o the_o bless_a jesus_n who_o make_v it_o his_o chief_a business_n to_o reprove_v the_o world_n of_o sin_n of_o righteousness_n and_o judgement_n 16.8_o john_n 16.8_o he_o come_v upon_o this_o errand_n live_v a_o laborious_a life_n and_o die_v a_o painful_a and_o ignominious_a death_n for_o this_o very_a end_n that_o he_o may_v turn_v sinner_n from_o the_o evil_n of_o their_o way_n and_o promote_v virtue_n and_o piety_n in_o the_o world_n to_o reprove_v our_o neighbour_n be_v therefore_o the_o high_a instance_n of_o charity_n since_o hereby_o we_o design_v he_o the_o great_a good_a imaginable_a the_o happiness_n both_o of_o body_n and_o soul_n and_o this_o we_o shall_v be_v the_o rather_o prevail_v upon_o to_o attempt_v since_o 3._o by_o reprove_v other_o we_o may_v reap_v much_o benefit_n and_o advantage_n by_o it_o ourselves_o first_o hereby_o we_o shall_v provide_v ourselves_o a_o friend_n to_o do_v the_o samekind_a office_n for_o we_o for_o most_o man_n be_v apt_a to_o recriminate_a and_o when_o they_o be_v touch_v to_o the_o quick_a themselves_o they_o think_v to_o extenuate_v their_o crime_n by_o find_v fault_n with_o those_o who_o reprove_v they_o and_o since_o we_o be_v all_o weak_a and_o infirm_a creature_n and_o subject_a to_o the_o like_a passion_n with_o other_o man_n a_o most_o excellent_a use_n may_v be_v make_v of_o such_o recrimination_n we_o may_v hence_o discover_v our_o most_o secret_a fault_n and_o form_v a_o effectual_a motive_n to_o amend_v they_o for_o 2._o it_o will_v make_v we_o ashamed_a to_o be_v guilty_a of_o those_o sin_n which_o
near_o we_o resemble_v he_o the_o more_o we_o shall_v enjoy_v of_o he_o in_o which_o the_o happiness_n of_o our_o future_a state_n do_v consist_v it_o be_v a_o state_n of_o perfect_a purity_n and_o holiness_n and_o consist_v in_o repeat_v act_n of_o love_n and_o zeal_n and_o devotion_n and_o therefore_o the_o better_a fit_v and_o prepare_v we_o be_v in_o this_o world_n by_o furnish_v our_o soul_n with_o virtuous_a habit_n and_o those_o divine_a quality_n of_o humility_n meekness_n charity_n etc._n etc._n the_o more_o capable_a we_o shall_v be_v of_o partake_v of_o those_o heavenly_a pleasure_n 16.11_o psal_n 16.11_o which_o be_v at_o god_n right_a hand_n for_o evermore_o our_o time_n in_o this_o world_n be_v give_v we_o for_o this_o very_a purpose_n that_o we_o may_v furnish_v ourselves_o with_o such_o virtue_n and_o grace_n those_o wedding_n garment_n which_o will_v render_v we_o fit_a guest_n for_o the_o marriage_n of_o the_o lamb._n it_o be_v easy_a for_o i_o to_o demonstrate_v that_o every_o virtue_n have_v a_o influence_n upon_o our_o future_a happiness_n and_o be_v a_o necessary_a qualification_n which_o we_o must_v obtain_v before_o we_o be_v capable_a of_o enjoy_v it_o but_o this_o will_v take_v up_o too_o much_o time_n at_o present_a 1._o dr._n scot_n in_o his_o christian_a life_n part._n 1._o and_o have_v be_v already_o large_o treat_v on_o by_o a_o excellent_a hand_n i_o shall_v therefore_o only_a remark_n that_o nothing_o can_v be_v more_o absurd_a than_o to_o frame_v a_o notion_n of_o our_o future_a state_n from_o the_o pleasure_n and_o delight_n of_o our_o present_a condition_n or_o to_o take_v those_o figurative_a description_n of_o it_o which_o we_o meet_v with_o in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n in_o a_o literal_a sense_n our_o saviour_n christ_n have_v plain_o tell_v we_o that_o in_o heaven_n we_o shall_v neither_o eat_v nor_o drink_v 12.25_o mark_v 12.25_o nor_o marry_v nor_o be_v give_v in_o marriage_n a_o sensual_a paradise_n may_v reasonable_o be_v expect_v by_o a_o turk_n or_o pagan_a but_o not_o by_o a_o christian_a who_o religion_n teach_v he_o to_o crucify_v the_o flesh_n with_o the_o sinful_a lust_n and_o desire_v of_o the_o same_o it_o permit_v he_o indeed_o the_o moderate_a use_n of_o the_o good_a thing_n of_o this_o world_n to_o render_v his_o pilgrimage_n more_o easy_a and_o his_o journey_n to_o heaven_n more_o comfortable_a but_o yet_o it_o teach_v he_o that_o his_o chief_a happiness_n ought_v not_o to_o be_v place_v in_o transitory_a delight_n that_o they_o be_v joy_n of_o a_o more_o sublime_a nature_n such_o as_o neither_o eye_n have_v see_v 2.9_o 1_o cor._n 2.9_o nor_o ear_n hear_v neither_o have_v it_o enter_v into_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n to_o understand_v which_o god_n have_v prepare_v for_o those_o who_o love_n and_o serve_v he_o such_o blessing_n as_o be_v agreeable_a to_o our_o immortal_a part_n such_o as_o the_o bless_a society_n of_o saint_n and_o angel_n and_o the_o spirit_n of_o just_a man_n make_v perfect_a the_o vision_n of_o god_n in_o which_o our_o soul_n be_v transform_v into_o his_o image_n will_v be_v continual_o delight_v and_o transport_v in_o admire_v and_o adore_v the_o perfection_n of_o their_o creator_n if_o therefore_o we_o hope_v to_o be_v happy_a hereafter_o 12.14_o heb._n 12.14_o we_o must_v practice_v holiness_n in_o this_o life_n for_o without_o holiness_n no_o man_n can_v see_v god_n we_o must_v make_v it_o the_o business_n of_o our_o life_n to_o keep_v our_o passion_n within_o their_o due_a bound_n and_o under_o the_o government_n of_o our_o reason_n to_o mortify_v our_o immoderate_a appetite_n and_o exercise_v our_o grace_n such_o as_o faith_n hope_n patience_n and_o charity_n this_o be_v that_o godliness_n which_o have_v the_o promise_n of_o the_o life_n that_o now_o be_v and_o that_o which_o be_v to_o come_v and_o now_o what_o remain_v but_o that_o every_o one_o who_o hear_v i_o this_o day_n be_v persuade_v to_o embrace_v this_o pleasant_a course_n of_o life_n and_o methinks_v there_o shall_v need_v no_o more_o argument_n to_o prevail_v with_o you_o present_o to_o enter_v upon_o it_o since_o i_o have_v already_o prove_v that_o it_o be_v unquestionable_o both_o for_o your_o temporal_a and_o eternal_a interest_n for_o what_o do_v god_n require_v of_o you_o which_o be_v not_o high_o just_a and_o reasonable_a what_o do_v he_o command_v you_o but_o to_o do_v justice_n to_o love_v mercy_n 6.8_o micah_n 6.8_o and_o to_o walk_v humble_o with_o your_o god_n i._n e._n to_o live_v up_o to_o the_o dignity_n of_o your_o nature_n and_o to_o act_n as_o become_v reasonable_a and_o dependent_a being_n consider_v what_o can_v you_o wish_v for_o which_o be_v not_o to_o be_v obtain_v by_o observe_v the_o precept_n of_o religion_n length_n of_o day_n be_v in_o her_o right_a hand_n and_o in_o her_o left_a hand_n riches_n and_o honour_n she_o shall_v give_v thy_o head_n a_o ornament_n of_o grace_n 3.16_o pror_n 3.16_o and_o a_o crown_n of_o glory_n exalt_v she_o and_o she_o shall_v promote_v thou_o and_o bring_v thou_o to_o honour_n it_o shall_v be_v a_o ornament_n of_o grace_n to_o thy_o head_n and_o as_o a_o chain_n about_o thy_o neck_n what_o allurement_n can_v there_o be_v in_o the_o pleasure_n of_o sin_n which_o be_v but_o for_o a_o season_n and_o perish_v even_o in_o the_o enjoyment_n that_o you_o shall_v prefer_v they_o before_o those_o which_o flow_v from_o a_o virtuous_a and_o religious_a life_n and_o now_o may_v not_o god_n just_o expostulate_v with_o we_o as_o he_o do_v with_o the_o people_n of_o israel_n and_o judah_n 5.4_o isa_n 5.4_o what_o can_v i_o have_v do_v to_o my_o vineyard_n which_o i_o have_v not_o do_v unto_o it_o what_o more_o probable_a and_o more_o rational_a method_n can_v god_n have_v take_v to_o persuade_v we_o to_o be_v good_a and_o by_o consequence_n happy_a than_o he_o have_v make_v use_n of_o he_o have_v address_v himself_o both_o to_o our_o hope_n and_o fear_n he_o have_v place_v eternal_a happiness_n on_o one_o hand_n and_o eternal_a misery_n on_o the_o other_o and_o moreover_o have_v strew_v our_o way_n to_o heaven_n with_o the_o good_a thing_n of_o this_o life_n and_o now_o if_o notwithstanding_o all_o that_o god_n have_v do_v for_o we_o we_o resolve_v to_o be_v miserable_a and_o to_o take_v even_o hell_n by_o force_n we_o have_v nothing_o to_o blame_v but_o our_o own_o stupendous_a folly_n we_o can_v sure_o be_v so_o silly_a as_o to_o imagine_v that_o god_n reap_v any_o benefit_n by_o our_o service_n or_o that_o our_o praise_n make_v any_o addition_n to_o his_o glory_n 35.6_o job_n 35.6_o for_o as_o elihu_n very_o well_o argue_v if_o thou_o sin_v what_o do_v thou_o against_o he_o or_o if_o thy_o transgression_n be_v multiply_v what_o do_v thou_o unto_o he_o if_o thou_o be_v righteous_a what_o give_v thou_o he_o or_o what_o receive_v he_o at_o thy_o hand_n thy_o wickedness_n may_v hurt_v a_o man_n as_o thou_o be_v and_o thy_o righteousness_n may_v profit_v the_o son_n of_o man_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o it_o be_v only_o our_o welfare_n god_n seek_v it_o be_v our_o good_a he_o be_v so_o solicitous_a for_o and_o as_o he_o make_v we_o at_o first_o with_o a_o design_n to_o communicate_v happiness_n unto_o we_o so_o he_o still_o retain_v the_o same_o gracious_a intention_n towards_o we_o and_o shall_v not_o we_o be_v wise_a for_o ourselves_o shall_v we_o wilful_o and_o obstinate_o go_v on_o to_o defeat_v all_o the_o gracious_a purpose_n of_o his_o mercy_n and_o goodness_n to_o trample_v under_o foot_n the_o blood_n of_o his_o dear_a son_n and_o grieve_v his_o holy_a spirit_n shall_v not_o these_o cord_n of_o a_o man_n be_v able_a to_o move_v we_o shall_v neither_o our_o eternal_a nor_o our_o temporal_a interest_n have_v any_o influence_n upon_o we_o this_o will_v certain_o be_v such_o unaccountable_a folly_n and_o monstrous_a ingratitude_n as_o no_o consider_v person_n can_v be_v guilty_a of_o let_v i_o therefore_o beseech_v you_o by_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n 12.1_o rom._n 12.1_o that_o you_o present_v your_o body_n a_o live_a sacrifice_n holy_a acceptable_a unto_o god_n which_o be_v but_o your_o reasonable_a service_n let_v i_o beg_v and_o entreat_v of_o you_o in_o the_o name_n and_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o your_o bless_a lord_n and_o redeemer_n that_o you_o will_v so_o far_o consult_v your_o own_o interest_n as_o to_o lead_v a_o pure_a holy_a and_o devout_a life_n which_o be_v the_o only_a way_n to_o pass_v your_o time_n cheerful_o and_o comfortable_o in_o this_o world_n and_o to_o make_v sure_a of_o everlasting_a happiness_n in_o the_o world_n to_o come_v sermon_n ii_o psalm_n cxix_o 59_o i_o think_v on_o my_o way_n and_o turn_v my_o foot_n unto_o thy_o testimony_n there_o be_v nothing_o which_o with_o great_a reason_n have_v
circumspect_o and_o that_o by_o the_o assistance_n of_o god_n grace_n they_o will_v yield_v a_o more_o exact_a obedience_n to_o his_o command_n this_o aught_o to_o be_v the_o business_n of_o every_o lord_n day_n and_o every_o day_n hallow_v and_o set_v apart_o for_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n but_o more_o particular_o of_o those_o time_n when_o we_o intend_v to_o prepare_v ourselves_o for_o the_o receive_v the_o sacrament_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n then_o it_o behoove_v we_o to_o make_v a_o more_o diligent_a search_n into_o our_o life_n and_o conversation_n that_o we_o retain_v no_o leaven_n of_o malice_n and_o hypocrisy_n no_o evil_a thing_n unrepented_a of_o which_o may_v deprive_v we_o of_o the_o benefit_n of_o this_o bless_a ordinance_n next_o to_o the_o time_n let_v we_o consider_v 2._o the_o subject_a of_o our_o examination_n and_o here_o let_v we_o make_v a_o exact_a scrutiny_n into_o all_o the_o thought_n and_o intent_n of_o our_o heart_n the_o word_n of_o our_o lip_n and_o the_o action_n of_o our_o life_n concern_v our_o thought_n let_v we_o ask_v ourselves_o such_o question_n as_o these_o what_o be_v it_o that_o i_o most_o think_v upon_o be_v my_o thought_n serious_a seasonable_a and_o pure_a be_v my_o inclination_n compliant_a with_o god_n law_n what_o do_v most_o easy_o stir_v i_o and_o how_o be_v my_o heart_n move_v be_v my_o affection_n calm_a and_o orderly_o and_o well_o place_v what_o plot_n do_v i_o contrive_v what_o project_n be_o i_o drive_v on_o be_v my_o design_n good_a be_v my_o intention_n upright_o and_o sincere_a concern_v our_o word_n let_v we_o demand_v thus_o 39.1_o psal_n 39.1_o have_v i_o learn_v to_o keep_v my_o tongue_n as_o it_o be_v with_o a_o bridle_n to_o refrain_v from_o all_o manner_n of_o evil_a speech_n and_o to_o employ_v it_o to_o that_o use_n for_o which_o it_o be_v design_v viz._n to_o glorify_v god_n and_o to_o communicate_v the_o thought_n of_o our_o heart_n one_o to_o another_o as_o to_o our_o action_n let_v we_o first_o inquire_v whether_o they_o be_v good_a and_o agreeable_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o god_n word_n and_o then_o let_v we_o reason_n thus_o with_o ourselves_o this_o action_n be_v indeed_o well_o do_v but_o may_v i_o not_o have_v do_v better_a may_v i_o not_o have_v bring_v more_o glory_n to_o god_n and_o procure_v more_o good_a for_o my_o neighbour_n be_v not_o this_o good_a action_n imperfect_a as_o to_o some_o particular_n be_v i_o not_o too_o blame_v as_o to_o some_o circumstance_n and_o if_o so_o let_v we_o resolve_v that_o if_o ever_o god_n put_v another_o opportunity_n into_o our_o hand_n of_o perform_v the_o same_o action_n again_o we_o will_v mend_v these_o defect_n and_o be_v wise_a and_o better_a for_o the_o future_a but_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n if_o upon_o compare_v our_o action_n with_o the_o rule_n of_o god_n word_n we_o find_v they_o have_v be_v evil_a and_o disagreeable_a to_o it_o then_o let_v we_o say_v thus_o to_o ourselves_o i_o have_v do_v this_o wicked_a act_n and_o hereby_o offend_v my_o good_a god_n but_o what_o benefit_n or_o advantage_n have_v i_o get_v for_o myself_o do_v not_o that_o trouble_n and_o remorse_n of_o conscience_n which_o i_o feel_v for_o the_o commission_n of_o this_o sin_n much_o exceed_v the_o pleasure_n i_o take_v in_o it_o be_v it_o not_o a_o very_a foolish_a thing_n to_o purchase_v so_o little_a so_o momentary_a a_o pleasure_n at_o the_o expense_n of_o the_o quiet_a and_o repose_v of_o my_o mind_n a_o good_a conscience_n here_o and_o eternal_a happiness_n hereafter_o and_o that_o we_o may_v have_v a_o true_a and_o last_a sense_n of_o the_o evil_a nature_n of_o our_o sin_n let_v we_o consider_v the_o several_a aggravate_v circumstance_n which_o attend_v they_o perhaps_o the_o crime_n which_o we_o commit_v be_v do_v with_o deliberation_n perhaps_o in_o despite_n to_o the_o check_n of_o our_o conscience_n and_o the_o bless_a motion_n of_o god_n holy_a spirit_n perhaps_o it_o have_v be_v frequent_o repeat_v and_o we_o still_o continue_v to_o go_v on_o in_o it_o notwithstanding_o the_o many_o call_v to_o repentance_n and_o the_o many_o vow_n and_o resolution_n we_o have_v make_v of_o leave_v and_o forsake_v it_o these_o and_o many_o more_o be_v the_o aggravate_v circumstance_n whereby_o our_o sin_n be_v render_v more_o heinous_a and_o more_o exceed_o sinful_a thus_o the_o treason_n of_o judas_n be_v a_o sin_n of_o the_o deep_o die_v because_o he_o be_v one_o of_o christ_n familiar_a friend_n and_o disciple_n who_o converse_v with_o he_o and_o do_v eat_v of_o his_o bread_n and_o solomon_n idolatry_n do_v offend_v god_n the_o more_o because_o his_o heart_n be_v turn_v from_o the_o lord_n 11.9_o 1_o kin._n 11.9_o who_o appear_v unto_o he_o twice_o and_o have_v command_v he_o concern_v this_o very_a thing_n that_o he_o shall_v not_o go_v astray_o after_o other_o go_n these_o be_v the_o step_n by_o which_o we_o ought_v to_o proceed_v in_o the_o examination_n of_o ourselves_o which_o when_o we_o have_v perform_v that_o we_o may_v make_v a_o right_a judgement_n of_o the_o state_n of_o our_o soul_n let_v we_o take_v a_o review_n of_o what_o we_o have_v do_v and_o compare_v our_o present_a condition_n with_o our_o former_a course_n of_o life_n and_o then_o let_v we_o consider_v with_o ourselves_o whether_o we_o grow_v in_o grace_n whether_o our_o virtuous_a habit_n and_o resolution_n be_v more_o root_v and_o confirm_v 1.8_o 2_o pet_n 1.8_o or_o else_o whether_o we_o lose_v ground_n and_o become_v barren_a and_o unfruitful_a in_o every_o good_a work_n and_o here_o that_o we_o may_v not_o be_v mistake_v i_o shall_v interpose_v one_o caution_n that_o the_o standard_n of_o our_o improvement_n in_o holy_a live_n and_o growth_n in_o grace_n be_v not_o to_o be_v take_v from_o the_o affection_n these_o for_o the_o most_o part_n be_v most_o vigorous_a and_o lively_a when_o we_o first_o enter_v upon_o a_o religious_a course_n of_o life_n we_o be_v then_o soon_o warm_v and_o raise_v up_o into_o ecstasy_n and_o rapture_n of_o devotion_n especial_o in_o our_o tender_a year_n when_o our_o passion_n bear_v the_o great_a sway_n in_o we_o and_o captivate_v our_o reason_n but_o as_o we_o grow_v in_o year_n these_o heat_n languish_v and_o decay_n and_o as_o our_o reason_n and_o judgement_n improve_v we_o be_v less_o subject_a to_o these_o transport_v of_o our_o assection_n and_o proceed_v in_o a_o steady_a and_o regular_a course_n of_o piety_n and_o virtue_n and_o therefore_o the_o best_a way_n to_o make_v a_o right_a judgement_n of_o our_o spiritual_a improvement_n be_v to_o consider_v whether_o we_o live_v up_o more_o exact_o to_o the_o rule_n of_o our_o duty_n whether_o we_o yield_v a_o more_o ready_a obedience_n to_o the_o law_n of_o the_o gospel_n than_o we_o have_v former_o do_v whether_o we_o have_v leave_v off_o any_o of_o our_o evil_a practice_n and_o bid_v adieu_o to_o our_o belove_a sin_n whether_o we_o have_v bring_v ourselves_o to_o suffer_v affliction_n patient_o to_o resign_v up_o our_o will_n to_o the_o divine_a will_n more_o content_o these_o be_v the_o most_o certain_a sign_n by_o which_o we_o may_v best_o judge_v of_o our_o improvement_n in_o grace_n and_o if_o we_o find_v that_o we_o do_v indeed_o grow_v better_a and_o better_o then_o in_o the_o next_o place_n let_v we_o endeavour_v to_o call_v to_o mind_n by_o what_o mean_v we_o have_v make_v these_o improvement_n what_o motive_n and_o inducement_n most_o wrought_v upon_o we_o what_o rule_n and_o direction_n be_v most_o useful_a what_o company_n and_o example_n be_v most_o allure_a 3.16_o phil._n 3.16_o and_o then_o let_v we_o walk_v by_o the_o same_o rule_n let_v we_o mind_n the_o same_o thing_n but_o if_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n we_o find_v that_o we_o decline_v in_o virtue_n and_o piety_n that_o our_o sin_n those_o son_n of_o anak_n have_v be_v too_o hard_o for_o we_o and_o that_o we_o have_v be_v guilty_a of_o many_o heinous_a and_o presumptuous_a crime_n then_o let_v we_o careful_o weigh_v and_o consider_v what_o it_o be_v which_o betray_v we_o into_o these_o sin_n how_o we_o come_v to_o be_v prevail_v with_o to_o do_v such_o foolish_a and_o unreasonable_a action_n action_n which_o be_v both_o displease_v to_o god_n and_o unbecoming_a the_o dignity_n of_o our_o nature_n and_o that_o rank_a of_o be_v which_o we_o hold_v in_o the_o world_n by_o what_o mean_n and_o method_n do_v the_o devil_n that_o old_a serpent_n wind_v himself_o into_o our_o soul_n with_o what_o bait_n do_v he_o allure_v we_o under_o what_o specious_a show_n do_v he_o represent_v his_o temptation_n which_o be_v our_o weak_a side_n that_o first_o yield_v to_o the_o assault_n what_o be_v the_o occasion_n and_o inducement_n of_o our_o fall_n into_o sin_n and_o when_o we_o have_v find_v out_o
9.27_o 1_o cor._n 9.27_o so_o as_o to_o save_v other_o and_o yet_o he_o himself_o number_v among_o the_o cast_n aways_o i_o shall_v add_v no_o more_o instance_n because_o this_o proposition_n be_v plain_o affirm_v in_o the_o text_n not_o only_o that_o there_o be_v some_o that_o have_v the_o form_n but_o not_o the_o the_o power_n of_o godliness_n but_o that_o many_o shall_v deny_v the_o power_n of_o godliness_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d i._n e._n they_o do_v not_o only_o fail_v in_o observe_v it_o through_o frailty_n and_o infirmity_n but_o they_o wilful_o and_o presumptuous_o in_o despite_n of_o god_n word_n and_o their_o own_o conscience_n act_n quite_o contrary_a and_o go_v direct_o against_o it_o like_o herod_n they_o be_v convince_v of_o the_o evil_a of_o their_o way_n and_o perhaps_o in_o part_n reform_v their_o life_n and_o do_v many_o good_a deed_n but_o still_o they_o be_v resolve_v to_o keep_v their_o herodias_n their_o belove_a sin_n and_o darling_n vice_n and_o this_o they_o will_v by_o no_o mean_n forego_v even_o for_o heaven_n itself_o they_o say_v with_o naaman_n the_o syrian_a 5.18_o 2_o kin._n 5.18_o in_o this_o one_o thing_n pardon_v thy_o servant_n and_o if_o there_o be_v so_o many_o who_o have_v a_o form_n but_o not_o the_o power_n of_o godliness_n then_o certain_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v our_o great_a care_n in_o the_o 3._o place_n to_o make_v a_o diligent_a search_n and_o serious_o to_o consider_v with_o ourselves_o whether_o we_o have_v the_o power_n of_o godliness_n or_o no._n and_o this_o may_v be_v discover_v by_o the_o follow_a mark_n and_o character_n set_v down_o by_o st._n paul_n in_o this_o chapter_n immediate_o before_o the_o text_n verse_n 2_o 3_o 4._o they_o be_v say_v he_o lover_n of_o themselves_o covetous_a proud_a boaster_n blasphemer_n disobedient_a to_o parent_n unthankful_a unholy_a without_o natural_a affection_n truce-breaker_n false_a accuser_n incontinent_a fierce_a despiser_n of_o those_o who_o be_v good_a traitor_n heady_a high-minded_a lover_n of_o pleasure_n more_o than_o lover_n of_o god_n on_o the_o other_o hand_n if_o we_o will_v know_v who_o they_o be_v that_o have_v not_o only_o the_o form_n of_o godliness_n but_o also_o the_o power_n and_o spirit_n of_o it_o we_o be_v tell_v that_o the_o fruit_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v love_n joy_n peace_n 23._o gal._n 5.22_o 23._o long-suffering_a gentleness_n goodness_n faith_n meekness_n temperance_n but_o because_o a_o wicked_a and_o bad_a man_n may_v counterfeit_v these_o grace_n so_o exact_o as_o to_o deceive_v not_o only_o other_o man_n but_o himself_o also_o i_o shall_v therefore_o lay_v down_o four_o rule_n by_o which_o any_o man_n who_o will_v but_o honest_o and_o conscientious_o examine_v his_o own_o heart_n may_v certain_o know_v whether_o he_o have_v the_o power_n of_o godliness_n or_o the_o form_n only_o and_o they_o be_v these_o 1._o such_o who_o have_v the_o power_n of_o godliness_n will_v act_n out_o of_o religious_a motive_n and_o principle_n i._n e._n they_o will_v be_v religious_a because_o god_n have_v make_v religion_n their_o duty_n and_o have_v annex_v the_o reward_n of_o eternal_a happiness_n to_o the_o due_a obedience_n of_o his_o law_n their_o religion_n be_v not_o take_v up_o from_o the_o mode_n and_o custom_n of_o the_o place_n in_o which_o they_o live_v and_o only_o for_o this_o reason_n because_o they_o think_v it_o will_v suit_v best_a with_o their_o interest_n nor_o do_v they_o make_v it_o a_o engine_n to_o carry_v on_o their_o worldly_a project_n and_o design_n but_o they_o search_v the_o scripture_n to_o find_v out_o what_o be_v the_o will_n of_o god_n and_o then_o they_o ready_o comport_v their_o obedience_n to_o his_o command_n they_o look_v upon_o serve_v god_n as_o the_o great_a business_n of_o their_o life_n and_o make_v all_o other_o thing_n truckle_n and_o subservient_fw-fr to_o it_o their_o first_o and_o principal_a care_n be_v to_o make_v sure_a of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n and_o its_o righteousness_n 6.33_o matth._n 6.33_o and_o then_o they_o be_v not_o very_o solicitous_a for_o those_o other_o thing_n which_o will_v be_v add_v thereunto_o they_o prefer_v a_o good_a conscience_n before_o all_o other_o comfort_n this_o world_n can_v afford_v they_o and_o have_v rather_o part_v with_o father_n mother_n wife_n and_o child_n 10.29_o mark_v 10.29_o nay_o their_o own_o life_n than_o deny_v their_o great_a lord_n and_o master_n 2._o such_o as_o have_v the_o power_n of_o godliness_n be_v religious_a in_o private_a as_o well_o as_o in_o public_a they_o who_o have_v the_o true_a fear_n of_o god_n and_o retain_v awful_a apprehension_n of_o his_o majesty_n consider_v that_o his_o all-seeing_a eye_n be_v every_o where_o and_o behold_v the_o very_a intent_n and_o purpose_n of_o the_o heart_n he_o therefore_o who_o be_v true_o religious_a be_v as_o devout_a in_o his_o closet_n as_o he_o be_v in_o the_o church_n as_o conscientious_a in_o perform_v his_o private_a devotion_n as_o in_o frequent_v the_o public_a worship_n of_o god_n he_o be_v as_o careful_a to_o avoid_v all_o unjust_a action_n though_o he_o be_v assure_v they_o will_v never_o be_v discover_v as_o he_o be_v to_o prevent_v open_a violence_n he_o will_v not_o defame_v backbite_v or_o so_o much_o as_o speak_v a_o evil_a word_n against_o his_o neighbour_n though_o he_o be_v moral_o assure_v it_o will_v never_o come_v to_o his_o ear_n nay_o he_o will_v not_o harbour_v the_o least_o wicked_a thought_n against_o god_n or_o injurious_a intent_n against_o his_o brother_n because_o he_o believe_v that_o god_n who_o take_v notice_n of_o all_o his_o thought_n word_n and_o action_n will_v one_o day_n call_v he_o to_o a_o account_n for_o they_o 16.27_o matth._n 16.27_o and_o either_o reward_n or_o punish_v he_o according_a to_o his_o deed_n 3._o that_o man_n who_o have_v the_o power_n of_o godliness_n yield_v a_o uniform_a and_o universal_a obedience_n to_o all_o god_n law_n he_o have_v the_o same_o reason_n for_o obey_v one_o precept_n which_o he_o have_v for_o observe_v the_o rest_n and_o therefore_o do_v not_o think_v that_o his_o performance_n of_o any_o one_o part_n of_o his_o duty_n will_v atone_v for_o the_o neglect_n of_o the_o other_o he_o do_v not_o take_v up_o with_o the_o more_o easy_a duty_n of_o religion_n or_o avoid_v only_o such_o vice_n as_o be_v burdensome_a and_o unacceptable_a to_o he_o but_o he_o perform_v whatsoever_o god_n have_v command_v he_o how_o contrary_a soever_o to_o his_o temporal_a interest_n and_o corrupt_a inclination_n 12.1_o heb._n 12.1_o he_o forsake_v every_o evil_a way_n and_z lays_z aside_o every_o weight_n and_o have_v respect_n unto_o all_o god_n commandment_n 1.6_o luk._n 1.6_o he_o do_v not_o endeavour_v to_o reconcile_v god_n with_o mammon_n or_o by_o be_v nice_a and_o exact_a in_o perform_v some_o of_o god_n command_n to_o make_v amends_o for_o the_o breach_n of_o the_o rest_n but_o he_o give_v himself_o up_o to_o obey_v god_n without_o any_o manner_n of_o exception_n or_o reserve_v and_o endeavour_n to_o serve_v he_o with_o all_o his_o soul_n with_o all_o his_o heart_n and_o with_o all_o his_o strength_n it_o be_v true_a a_o good_a man_n may_v be_v guilty_a of_o some_o sin_n the_o weakness_n of_o our_o nature_n be_v such_o 24.16_o prov._n 24.16_o that_o the_o most_o just_a man_n fall_v seven_o time_n a_o day_n but_o though_o he_o fall_v yet_o he_o quick_o rise_v again_o by_o a_o sincere_a and_o hearty_a repentance_n he_o set_v a_o watch_n over_o himself_o and_o resolve_n to_o be_v more_o careful_a for_o the_o future_a he_o do_v not_o wilful_o and_o obstinate_o go_v on_o in_o his_o sin_n but_o he_o be_v sorry_a for_o they_o he_o pray_v and_o strive_v against_o they_o and_o by_o degree_n he_o get_v the_o victory_n over_o they_o 4._o he_o who_o have_v the_o power_n of_o godliness_n be_v religious_a through_o the_o whole_a course_n of_o his_o life_n he_o do_v not_o only_o repent_v of_o his_o sin_n and_o obey_v the_o law_n of_o god_n at_o some_o certain_a time_n and_o season_n but_o his_o whole_a life_n be_v regular_a and_o uniform_a and_o he_o maintain_v the_o same_o steady_a course_n of_o piety_n and_o devotion_n many_o there_o be_v who_o be_v very_o religious_a and_o devout_a at_o some_o time_n but_o then_o they_o let_v the_o reins_o lose_v at_o other_o and_o think_v by_o a_o strict_a observation_n of_o some_o duty_n to_o make_v amends_o for_o those_o gross_a miscarriage_n they_o allow_v themselves_o in_o all_o the_o rest_n of_o their_o life_n but_o the_o true_o religious_a man_n persevere_fw-la to_o the_o end_n in_o practice_n of_o piety_n and_o holiness_n he_o be_v not_o indeed_o always_o equal_o zealous_a and_o fervent_a he_o do_v not_o always_o worship_n god_n with_o the_o same_o ardency_n of_o affection_n nor_o be_v he_o always_o wrought_v up_o to_o the_o
of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o pray_v incessant_o for_o the_o continuance_n of_o god_n favour_n and_o assistance_n without_o be_v puff_v up_o with_o a_o overween_a opinion_n of_o your_o own_o ability_n or_o cast_v a_o envious_a eye_n or_o a_o disdainful_a look_v on_o the_o attainment_n of_o other_o men._n these_o be_v the_o chief_a and_o principal_a fruit_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n and_o be_v the_o necessary_a effect_n of_o save_a grace_n 5.22_o gal._n 5.22_o and_o if_o after_o a_o diligent_a search_n and_o serious_a enquiry_n it_o plain_o appear_v that_o you_o be_v possess_v of_o these_o qualification_n you_o may_v then_o and_o not_o otherwise_o be_v secure_a that_o you_o have_v true_o god_n grace_n even_o the_o grace_n of_o life_n 2._o if_o you_o find_v you_o have_v true_a grace_n endeavour_v to_o cherish_v and_o increase_v it_o for_o though_o god_n have_v promise_v that_o his_o grace_n shall_v be_v sufficient_a for_o we_o yet_o this_o be_v a_o promise_n make_v good_a only_o to_o such_o person_n who_o perform_v the_o condition_n annex_v to_o it_o that_o be_v who_o join_v their_o own_o endeavour_n with_o it_o this_o be_v the_o duty_n on_o our_o part_n to_o be_v perform_v which_o if_o neglect_v will_v intercept_v the_o emanation_n of_o god_n grace_n grieve_v the_o holy_a spirit_n and_o provoke_v he_o to_o depart_v from_o we_o and_o forsake_v we_o if_o therefore_o we_o will_v keep_v that_o grace_n which_o god_n have_v give_v we_o we_o must_v cherish_v and_o improve_v it_o we_o must_v hearken_v to_o its_o motion_n obey_v its_o command_n comply_v with_o its_o counsel_n and_o pray_v that_o god_n will_v continue_v and_o increase_v it_o to_o we_o let_v we_o pray_v for_o all_o such_o mercy_n both_o temporal_a and_o spiritual_a as_o we_o stand_v in_o need_n of_o but_o let_v we_o make_v our_o most_o fervent_a and_o frequent_a address_n at_o the_o throne_n of_o grace_n for_o the_o bless_a influence_n and_o assistance_n of_o god_n holy_a spirit_n and_o beg_v of_o god_n instant_o that_o he_o will_v be_v please_v to_o give_v we_o his_o grace_n to_o enlighten_v assist_v and_o comfort_v we_o in_o all_o our_o exigence_n and_o to_o teach_v and_o enable_v we_o to_o make_v a_o due_a use_n and_o right_a improvement_n of_o all_o other_o mercy_n thus_o much_o in_o the_o general_n but_o more_o particular_o 3._o let_v we_o learn_v to_o be_v thankful_a for_o that_o measure_n of_o grace_n which_o god_n have_v bestow_v upon_o every_o one_o of_o we_o since_o it_o be_v such_o as_o god_n see_v sufficient_a for_o we_o and_o as_o much_o as_o will_v enable_v we_o to_o work_v out_o our_o salvation_n if_o david_n can_v slay_v the_o philistine_n with_o a_o sling_n and_o a_o stone_n what_o need_n have_v he_o of_o saul_n armour_n if_o god_n enable_v we_o to_o perform_v what_o he_o require_v of_o we_o what_o occasion_n have_v we_o for_o any_o irresistible_a impulse_n or_o any_o force_n upon_o our_o will_n when_o we_o may_v be_v save_v like_o rational_a creature_n by_o god_n grace_n in_o conjunction_n with_o our_o own_o endeavour_n why_o shall_v we_o expect_v to_o be_v drive_v on_o by_o a_o blind_a instinct_n or_o fatality_n if_o our_o gift_n be_v sufficient_a to_o subdue_v our_o spiritual_a enemy_n and_o obtain_v heaven_n we_o ought_v to_o be_v content_a and_o thankful_o acquesce_v in_o the_o bounty_n of_o our_o good_a god_n and_o liberal_a benefactor_n we_o be_v teach_v indeed_o to_o covet_v earnest_o the_o best_a gift_n 12.31_o 1_o cor._n 12.31_o and_o to_o strive_v continual_o to_o grow_v in_o grace_n but_o have_v do_v our_o endeavour_n we_o ought_v to_o rest_v satisfy_v with_o that_o measure_n and_o proportion_n of_o grace_n which_o god_n be_v please_v to_o impart_v to_o we_o if_o our_o neighbour_n have_v great_a gift_n than_o we_o have_v it_o be_v a_o sign_n that_o he_o have_v make_v more_o use_n of_o they_o that_o his_o â—_z be_v great_a his_o duty_n temptation_n and_o trial_n more_o weighty_a frequent_a and_o troublesome_a whether_o therefore_o we_o have_v ordinary_a grace_n let_v we_o neither_o repine_v at_o god_n nor_o be_v deject_v in_o ourselves_o nor_o envy_v other_o or_o whether_o we_o have_v extraordinary_a grace_n let_v we_o not_o forget_v god_n or_o be_v puff_v up_o 12.11_o 1_o cor._n 12.11_o or_o despise_v other_o for_o this_o diversity_n of_o gift_n proceed_v from_o the_o same_o spirit_n distribute_v to_o every_o man_n as_o he_o will_n 4._o let_v we_o hence_o learn_v to_o endure_v temptation_n and_o affliction_n patient_o for_o though_o our_o affliction_n at_o the_o first_o sight_n appear_v never_o so_o grievous_a and_o insupportable_a yet_o god_n have_v promise_v that_o he_o will_v lay_v no_o more_o upon_o his_o servant_n than_o they_o be_v able_a to_o bear_v he_o will_v proportion_v his_o assistance_n to_o their_o want_n and_o give_v they_o strength_n to_o undergo_v that_o burden_n he_o be_v please_v to_o lay_v upon_o they_o his_o grace_n will_v be_v sufficient_a for_o they_o what_o good_a man_n can_v undergo_v great_a trouble_n and_o calamity_n than_o st._n paul_n do_v and_o yet_o through_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n he_o be_v not_o only_o support_v under_o they_o but_o he_o arrive_v to_o so_o high_a a_o degree_n of_o trust_n and_o confidence_n in_o god_n as_o to_o make_v they_o matter_n of_o joy_n and_o satisfaction_n and_o to_o glory_n in_o they_o where_o that_o long_a catalogue_n of_o affliction_n be_v introduce_v with_o this_o preface_n see_v that_o many_o glory_n after_o the_o flesh_n 11.18_o 2_o cor._n 11.18_o i_o will_v also_o glory_n and_o let_v we_o but_o summon_v up_o our_o christian_a courage_n and_o resolution_n let_v we_o but_o put_v forth_o that_o strength_n which_o god_n have_v give_v we_o and_o pray_v to_o god_n fervent_o and_o incessant_o to_o give_v we_o his_o grace_n and_o blessing_n and_o there_o can_v no_o affliction_n befall_v we_o which_o we_o shall_v not_o be_v enable_v to_o go_v through_o with_o and_o at_o last_o see_v a_o happy_a and_o comfortable_a end_n of_o it_o we_o shall_v receive_v the_o benefit_n of_o it_o in_o this_o world_n and_o obtain_v the_o reward_n of_o our_o patience_n in_o the_o next_o and_o therefore_o 5._o and_o last_o we_o may_v from_o hence_o learn_v to_o refer_v the_o success_n of_o our_o prayer_n unto_o god_n if_o we_o do_v not_o present_o receive_v a_o answer_n to_o our_o petition_n let_v we_o not_o despond_v or_o conclude_v that_o god_n either_o do_v not_o hear_v or_o will_v not_o grant_v a_o favourable_a answer_n to_o our_o request_n for_o there_o may_v be_v many_o reason_n why_o god_n may_v defer_v the_o give_v we_o those_o mercy_n we_o pray_v for_o and_o sometime_o to_o deny_v we_o those_o thing_n which_o we_o think_v good_a and_o convenient_a for_o we_o perhaps_o there_o may_v be_v a_o defect_n in_o our_o prayer_n we_o may_v not_o have_v pray_v with_o sufficient_a fervency_n piety_n and_o perseverance_n perhaps_o the_o thing_n we_o pray_v for_o be_v not_o expedient_a for_o we_o or_o god_n see_v it_o will_v be_v more_o for_o our_o good_a to_o be_v without_o it_o and_o in_o all_o these_o case_n though_o he_o deny_v our_o request_n 6.9_o gal._n 6.9_o yet_o he_o consult_v our_o benefit_n and_o advantage_n let_v we_o not_o therefore_o be_v weary_a of_o well_o do_v consider_v that_o at_o last_o we_o shall_v reap_v if_o we_o faint_v not_o our_o prayer_n will_v return_v into_o our_o bosom_n load_v with_o blessing_n and_o in_o the_o mean_a while_n it_o may_v be_v sufficient_a to_o support_v and_o comfort_v we_o to_o consider_v that_o god_n deal_v with_o we_o after_o the_o same_o manner_n he_o do_v with_o many_o holy_a man_n and_o eminent_a saint_n who_o example_n be_v record_v in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n for_o our_o instruction_n david_n though_o a_o man_n after_o god_n own_o heart_n yet_o by_o much_o weep_v fast_v and_o pray_v 12._o 2_o sam._n 12._o can_v not_o obtain_v the_o life_n of_o his_o child_n and_o samuel_n though_o a_o prophet_n of_o the_o lord_n can_v not_o prevail_v with_o god_n to_o continue_v the_o kingdom_n upon_o saul_n and_o his_o posterity_n st._n paul_n in_o the_o text_n 16.1_o 1_o sam._n 16.1_o though_o one_o of_o the_o apostle_n of_o our_o saviour_n christ_n and_o though_o he_o not_o only_o pray_v thrice_o but_o offer_v up_o vehement_a supplication_n and_o prayer_n can_v not_o obtain_v a_o exemption_n from_o the_o buffet_n of_o satan_n when_o therefore_o we_o offer_v up_o our_o prayer_n and_o supplication_n to_o god_n let_v we_o always_o make_v our_o request_n with_o resignation_n and_o submission_n to_o the_o divine_a pleasure_n and_o after_o the_o example_n of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n annex_v this_o condition_n to_o all_o our_o petition_n nevertheless_o not_o as_o i_o will_v 26.39_o mat._n 26.39_o but_o as_o thou_o will_v and_o then_o if_o god_n do_v not_o see_v fit_a to_o give_v
the_o heart_n of_o man_n be_v deceitful_a and_o desperate_o wicked_a 17.9_o jer._n 17.9_o who_o can_v know_v it_o which_o text_n though_o primary_o intend_v to_o denote_v the_o difficulty_n of_o know_v what_o other_o man_n think_v or_o what_o opinion_n we_o shall_v have_v of_o thing_n hereafter_o as_o appear_v by_o the_o coherence_n of_o the_o word_n with_o those_o which_o go_v before_o yet_o they_o may_v well_o serve_v to_o intimate_v to_o we_o the_o difficulty_n of_o give_v a_o impartial_a judgement_n of_o the_o present_a sentiment_n of_o our_o mind_n and_o what_o the_o true_a bent_n and_o tendency_n of_o our_o desire_n and_o affection_n be_v for_o we_o be_v so_o fond_a of_o our_o bosom_n sin_n and_o those_o darling_n delight_v which_o either_o custom_n or_o inclination_n have_v endear_v to_o we_o that_o we_o think_v we_o can_v never_o sufficient_o caress_n they_o and_o though_o our_o affection_n be_v draw_v out_o after_o the_o most_o extravagant_a manner_n after_o they_o yet_o we_o clothe_v they_o with_o such_o plausible_a and_o specious_a pretence_n as_o make_v the_o most_o criminal_a enjoyment_n of_o they_o appear_v at_o least_o to_o we_o harmless_a and_o lawful_a who_o be_v there_o that_o will_v not_o ready_o acknowledge_v that_o we_o ought_v to_o love_n god_n with_o the_o most_o intense_a and_o zealous_a affection_n with_o all_o our_o soul_n and_o with_o all_o our_o strength_n and_o the_o good_a thing_n of_o this_o world_n in_o a_o low_a and_o subordinate_a degree_n and_o yet_o how_o difficult_a a_o task_n will_v it_o be_v to_o persuade_v the_o most_o sordid_a and_o miserable_a worlding_n that_o his_o affection_n be_v not_o place_v on_o thing_n above_o but_o on_o thing_n below_o and_o though_o he_o be_v notorious_o guilty_a of_o this_o vice_n of_o covetousness_n and_o see_v the_o folly_n of_o it_o in_o other_o man_n yet_o be_v he_o not_o able_a to_o turn_v his_o eye_n inward_a and_o to_o discover_v it_o in_o himself_o so_o great_a diligence_n and_o industry_n do_v it_o require_v to_o range_v over_o all_o the_o turn_n and_o wind_n of_o our_o heart_n and_o to_o be_v acquaint_v with_o all_o those_o crooked_a path_n which_o sin_n and_o error_n have_v make_v in_o our_o soul_n and_o if_o there_o be_v so_o much_o diligence_n require_v to_o know_v the_o thought_n of_o our_o heart_n it_o must_v needs_o call_v for_o our_o utmost_a care_n to_o manage_v they_o aright_o and_o keep_v they_o in_o due_a order_n and_o therefore_o there_o will_v be_v the_o more_o need_n to_o consider_v iii_o the_o motive_n make_v use_v of_o in_o the_o text_n to_o engage_v we_o to_o the_o performance_n of_o this_o duty_n for_o out_o of_o they_o be_v the_o issue_n of_o life_n i._n e._n our_o happiness_n both_o in_o this_o life_n and_o the_o next_o do_v depend_v upon_o a_o diligent_a and_o conscientious_a discharge_n of_o this_o duty_n 1._o our_o happiness_n in_o this_o world_n depend_v upon_o it_o for_o 1._o by_o keep_v our_o heart_n we_o shall_v learn_v to_o manage_v our_o affair_n with_o prudence_n and_o discretion_n for_o the_o great_a part_n of_o those_o extravagant_a action_n which_o man_n commit_v proceed_v either_o from_o the_o want_n of_o a_o due_a deliberation_n before_o they_o enter_v upon_o action_n or_o a_o discreet_a execute_n what_o their_o reason_n tell_v they_o be_v fit_a and_o aught_o to_o be_v do_v either_o they_o be_v hurry_v on_o by_o the_o violence_n of_o their_o sensual_a appetite_n and_o headstrong_a passion_n or_o bias_v by_o some_o inordinate_a lust_n and_o corrupt_a affection_n and_o these_o betray_v they_o into_o indiscreet_a absurd_a and_o sinful_a word_n and_o action_n now_o he_o that_o be_v accustom_a to_o keep_v his_o heart_n consider_v well_o and_o deliberate_o every_o circumstance_n of_o a_o action_n before_o he_o put_v his_o thought_n into_o execution_n he_o weigh_v first_o his_o own_o power_n and_o ability_n and_o then_o inquire_v both_o into_o the_o lawfulness_n and_o expediency_n of_o the_o thing_n he_o undertake_v by_o which_o mean_n he_o avoid_v those_o rock_n upon_o which_o so_o many_o split_n i._n e._n rashness_n in_o set_v upon_o those_o thing_n he_o have_v neither_o power_n nor_o skill_n to_o perform_v on_o the_o one_o hand_n and_o a_o too_o great_a diffidency_n and_o distrust_n of_o his_o own_o ability_n on_o the_o other_o the_o first_o of_o these_o produce_v shame_n and_o disappointment_n when_o a_o man_n find_v himself_o not_o able_a to_o compass_v the_o end_n he_o aim_v at_o and_o fall_v short_a of_o his_o too_o bold_a and_o dare_a design_n the_o second_o deprive_v he_o of_o many_o valuable_a benefit_n and_o advantage_n which_o lie_v in_o his_o way_n and_o require_v only_o the_o pain_n of_o seek_v after_o they_o and_o possess_v himself_o of_o they_o and_o in_o truth_n since_o all_o our_o word_n and_o action_n be_v the_o stream_n which_o flow_v from_o the_o fountain_n of_o our_o heart_n therefore_o it_o must_v needs_o follow_v that_o he_o who_o govern_v his_o heart_n wise_o and_o prudent_o can_v go_v far_o astray_o in_o his_o word_n and_o action_n all_o our_o vital_a operation_n will_v savour_v of_o that_o root_n and_o principle_n from_o whence_o they_o proceed_v and_o a_o holy_a life_n must_v needs_o be_v the_o necessary_a effect_n of_o a_o sanctify_a heart_n 2._o a_o due_a government_n of_o our_o heart_n will_v produce_v peace_n and_o quiet_a of_o mind_n by_o free_v we_o from_o those_o rage_a passion_n and_o sensual_a affection_n from_o proud_a malicious_a and_o envious_a thought_n which_o disturb_v our_o peace_n and_o quiet_n and_o render_v our_o life_n uneasy_a and_o burdensome_a to_o we_o for_o it_o have_v be_v a_o old_a and_o a_o very_a true_a observation_n that_o content_a and_o satisfaction_n and_o by_o consequence_n happiness_n in_o this_o life_n do_v not_o proceed_v from_o the_o abundance_n of_o the_o good_n of_o this_o world_n or_o the_o indulge_v ourselves_o in_o sensual_a pleasure_n but_o from_o the_o temper_n and_o constitution_n of_o our_o mind_n in_o a_o contentedness_n and_o satisfaction_n with_o that_o condition_n the_o wise_a providence_n of_o god_n have_v allot_v we_o and_o a_o discreet_a enjoyment_n of_o those_o good_a thing_n he_o have_v make_v our_o portion_n in_o this_o world_n a_o sound_a mind_n in_o a_o sound_a body_n be_v the_o wise_a wish_n of_o a_o heathen_a poet_n for_o that_o man_n who_o heart_n be_v full_a of_o envy_n or_o malice_n or_o solicitous_a care_n or_o pride_n will_v be_v uneasy_a on_o a_o throne_n and_o miserable_a amid_o the_o most_o plentiful_a affluence_n of_o worldly_a enjoyment_n but_o he_o who_o have_v obtain_v the_o art_n of_o govern_v his_o thought_n by_o the_o law_n of_o reason_n and_o religion_n will_v enjoy_v the_o pleasure_n of_o a_o quiet_a and_o compose_v mind_n amid_o all_o the_o noise_n and_o hurry_v of_o this_o world_n and_o remain_v content_v and_o satisfy_v with_o his_o condition_n without_o cast_v either_o a_o envious_a eye_n on_o the_o possession_n of_o those_o who_o be_v above_o he_o or_o a_o disdainful_a look_v on_o those_o who_o be_v in_o a_o mean_a condition_n than_o himself_o from_o hence_o will_v flow_v 3._o peace_n of_o conscience_n 3.21_o 1_o joh._n 3.21_o for_o if_o our_o heart_n condemn_v we_o not_o then_o have_v we_o confidence_n towards_o god_n that_o man_n who_o have_v be_v so_o careful_a as_o to_o set_v a_o strict_a and_o diligent_a watch_n over_o his_o thought_n will_v be_v from_o thence_o assure_v that_o his_o heart_n be_v upright_o towards_o god_n and_o have_v good_a ground_n to_o believe_v that_o he_o be_v in_o his_o favour_n and_o under_o his_o protection_n and_o this_o will_v produce_v the_o great_a joy_n and_o satisfaction_n imaginable_a and_o therefore_o it_o be_v good_a advice_n which_o the_o oracle_n give_v croesus_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o way_n to_o be_v happy_a be_v to_o know_v thyself_o for_o a_o through_o knowledge_n of_o our_o own_o heart_n and_o the_o government_n of_o our_o thought_n according_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o god_n word_n be_v a_o chief_a ingredient_n as_o well_o as_o the_o principal_a cause_n of_o a_o happy_a life_n in_o this_o world_n these_o be_v the_o bless_a effect_n of_o keep_v our_o heart_n as_o to_o the_o concern_v of_o this_o life_n but_o if_o we_o consider_v 2._o it_o be_v influence_n on_o our_o eternal_a happiness_n we_o must_v needs_o judge_v it_o high_o reasonable_a to_o use_v our_o utmost_a care_n and_o diligence_n in_o the_o performance_n of_o this_o duty_n for_o 1._o god_n have_v make_v the_o keep_v our_o heart_n one_o part_n of_o our_o duty_n the_o word_n of_o the_o text_n be_v not_o only_o a_o prudential_a council_n contain_v matter_n of_o advice_n but_o a_o positive_a command_n god_n expect_v we_o shall_v comply_v with_o it_o and_o yield_v our_o obedience_n to_o it_o it_o be_v true_a the_o jew_n of_o old_a do_v imagine_v that_o
without_o labour_n and_o yet_o we_o have_v this_o encouragement_n that_o every_o day_n will_v make_v it_o more_o easy_a the_o great_a hardship_n be_v in_o the_o beginning_n but_o when_o we_o have_v accustom_a ourselves_o to_o pious_a and_o devout_a meditation_n they_o will_v become_v more_o delightful_a to_o we_o than_o the_o most_o voluptuous_a and_o sensual_a imagination_n we_o shall_v take_v more_o pleasure_n in_o meditate_v on_o god_n word_n and_o contemplate_v those_o joy_n which_o be_v at_o god_n right_a hand_n and_o will_v be_v the_o lot_n and_o portion_n of_o the_o bless_a in_o glory_n than_o we_o can_v do_v in_o a_o earthly_a paradise_n certain_o there_o can_v be_v no_o great_a happiness_n on_o this_o side_n heaven_n than_o that_o which_o the_o pious_a and_o devout_a soul_n enjoy_v when_o he_o be_v inflame_v with_o zeal_n and_o transport_v with_o devotion_n when_o with_o st._n paul_n he_o be_v as_o it_o be_v catch_v up_o into_o heaven_n on_o the_o wing_n of_o contemplation_n and_o receive_v the_o earnest_n of_o the_o beatifical_a vision_n these_o be_v joy_n beyond_o the_o ken_n of_o a_o sensual_a mind_n and_o the_o peculiar_a reward_n of_o those_o person_n who_o have_v prepare_v themselves_o and_o render_v their_o heart_n capable_a of_o receive_v they_o by_o cleanse_v they_o of_o all_o sinful_a and_o impure_a lust_n and_o deck_v and_o adorn_v they_o with_o holy_a affection_n and_o desire_v with_o these_o man_n the_o holy_a spirit_n will_v take_v up_o his_o abode_n and_o where_o he_o dwell_v there_o must_v needs_o be_v love_n and_o peace_n and_o joy_v unexpressible_a this_o be_v the_o most_o bless_a condition_n we_o can_v attain_v to_o in_o this_o life_n and_o the_o sure_a mark_n and_o token_n that_o we_o shall_v be_v eternal_o happy_a hereafter_o sermon_n x._o matth_n vii_o 12._o therefore_o all_o thing_n whatsoever_o you_o will_v that_o man_n shall_v do_v unto_o you_o do_v you_o so_o unto_o they_o for_o this_o be_v the_o law_n and_o the_o prophet_n commentator_n put_v their_o invention_n upon_o the_o rack_n to_o find_v out_o a_o connection_n between_o these_o word_n and_o those_o which_o go_v before_o the_o word_n therefore_o seem_v to_o denote_v that_o they_o be_v a_o inference_n draw_v from_o precede_a premise_n some_o there_o be_v who_o think_v that_o they_o bear_v a_o relation_n to_o those_o precept_n in_o the_o five_o chapter_n of_o this_o gospel_n and_o the_o beginning_n of_o this_o which_o treat_v of_o the_o love_n of_o our_o neighbour_n other_o be_v of_o opinion_n that_o they_o relate_v only_o to_o the_o seven_o and_o follow_a verse_n of_o this_o chapter_n in_o which_o our_o saviour_n teach_v we_o how_o we_o ought_v to_o pray_v and_o then_o as_o they_o think_v present_o add_v a_o rule_n for_o the_o government_n of_o our_o action_n hereby_o intimate_v to_o we_o that_o our_o prayer_n and_o endeavour_n ought_v to_o go_v hand_n in_o hand_n and_o that_o when_o we_o pray_v to_o god_n for_o those_o thing_n we_o want_v we_o ought_v to_o make_v use_n of_o the_o mean_n which_o god_n have_v appoint_v for_o the_o obtain_v they_o this_o be_v certain_o true_a and_o afford_v we_o matter_n of_o wholesome_a advice_n but_o upon_o read_v the_o chapter_n we_o shall_v find_v that_o this_o connection_n seem_v to_o be_v rather_o strain_v and_o extort_a from_o the_o text_n than_o the_o natural_a design_n of_o the_o inspire_a penman_n and_o therefore_o i_o shall_v rather_o look_v upon_o these_o word_n as_o a_o entire_a proposition_n contain_v matter_n of_o advice_n how_o we_o shall_v behave_v ourselves_o towards_o our_o neighbour_n and_o the_o rather_o because_o it_o be_v observe_v that_o this_o particle_n therefore_o be_v often_o redundant_fw-la and_o serve_v only_o to_o pass_v from_o one_o subject_a to_o another_o and_o in_o the_o syriack_n version_n it_o be_v whole_o omit_v as_o to_o the_o occasion_n of_o these_o word_n it_o be_v high_o probable_a that_o they_o be_v design_v to_o oppose_v the_o gross_a mistake_n of_o the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n who_o dote_v so_o much_o on_o the_o rite_n and_o ceremony_n of_o the_o jewish_a law_n as_o to_o prefer_v they_o before_o the_o work_n of_o justice_n and_o mercy_n as_o may_v plain_o be_v gather_v from_o the_o thirteen_o chapter_n of_o st._n matthew_n the_o twenty_o three_o and_o twenty_o four_o verse_n and_o therefore_o we_o find_v the_o prophet_n so_o earnest_a in_o exhort_v they_o to_o work_n of_o justice_n and_o mercy_n prove_v that_o these_o be_v the_o great_a line_n of_o our_o duty_n 1.11_o isa_n 1.11_o and_o that_o in_o comparison_n with_o these_o the_o rite_n and_o ceremony_n of_o the_o law_n be_v of_o little_a value_n or_o worth_n 5.22_o amos_n 5.22_o and_o the_o same_o design_n be_v carry_v on_o by_o our_o saviour_n in_o the_o text_n he_o endeavour_v to_o take_v they_o off_o from_o be_v too_o nice_a and_o superstitious_a in_o the_o observance_n of_o the_o ceremonial_a part_n of_o the_o jewish_a law_n and_o to_o engage_v they_o in_o the_o pursuit_n after_o real_a holiness_n and_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o moral_a precept_n of_o religion_n therefore_o all_o thing_n whatsoever_o you_o will_v that_o man_n shall_v do_v unto_o you_o do_v you_o so_o unto_o they_o for_o this_o be_v the_o law_n and_o the_o prophet_n in_o my_o discourse_n upon_o these_o word_n i_o shall_v consider_v i._o the_o mean_v and_o design_n of_o this_o rule_n ii_o i_o shall_v mark_v out_o its_o bound_n and_o limitation_n iii_o i_o shall_v recommend_v it_o to_o your_o practice_n by_o show_v its_o usefulness_n and_o excellency_n iv_o i_o shall_v conclude_v with_o some_o few_o reflection_n on_o what_o have_v be_v say_v in_o the_o precede_a discourse_n i._o as_o to_o the_o mean_v and_o design_n of_o these_o word_n they_o be_v certain_o a_o appeal_n to_o that_o first_o principle_n of_o self-preservation_n which_o god_n have_v implant_v in_o all_o animate_v being_n irrational_a creature_n be_v guide_v to_o it_o by_o instinct_n i._n e._n the_o unerring_a hand_n of_o divine_a providence_n but_o mankind_n be_v direct_v by_o reason_n which_o teach_v they_o to_o seek_v after_o those_o thing_n which_o support_v their_o be_v and_o by_o necessary_a consequence_n which_o contribute_v to_o their_o wellbeing_a and_o happiness_n in_o this_o world_n now_o since_o our_o wellbeing_a and_o happiness_n in_o this_o world_n do_v consist_v in_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o those_o agreeable_a object_n which_o be_v present_v to_o our_o appetite_n and_o desire_n according_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o right_a reason_n and_o since_o the_o same_o object_n produce_v the_o same_o inclination_n and_o passion_n in_o all_o man_n therefore_o from_o hence_o will_v result_v a_o unavoidable_a obligation_n of_o deal_n by_o all_o man_n as_o we_o ourselves_o will_v desire_v to_o be_v deal_v withal_o if_o we_o be_v in_o their_o condition_n and_o they_o in_o we_o for_o since_o we_o shall_v necessary_o desire_v such_o and_o such_o thing_n if_o we_o be_v in_o the_o same_o circumstance_n our_o neighbour_n be_v in_o therefore_o it_o be_v but_o reasonable_a that_o we_o shall_v grant_v he_o the_o same_o thing_n when_o in_o our_o power_n which_o we_o shall_v expect_v from_o he_o if_o he_o be_v in_o our_o circumstance_n and_o we_o in_o he_o this_o therefore_o be_v a_o universal_a rule_n of_o justice_n and_o equity_n and_o make_v use_v of_o by_o our_o saviour_n christ_n to_o supply_v the_o defect_n of_o those_o particular_a law_n which_o he_o have_v lay_v down_o in_o his_o holy_a gospel_n that_o when_o we_o be_v at_o a_o loss_n how_o to_o act_n either_o because_o the_o action_n be_v not_o determine_v in_o the_o holy_a writ_n nor_o have_v we_o any_o plain_a precept_n for_o the_o performance_n of_o it_o or_o when_o we_o suspect_v that_o our_o passion_n and_o corrupt_a inclination_n have_v clap_v a_o bias_n upon_o our_o reason_n or_o when_o we_o will_v discover_v the_o due_a measure_n of_o our_o action_n and_o with_o what_o agreeable_a circumstance_n they_o ought_v to_o be_v perform_v than_o we_o may_v appeal_v to_o this_o disinteressed_a judge_n which_o god_n have_v place_v in_o our_o bosom_n and_o demand_v bold_o of_o ourselves_o how_o we_o shall_v desire_v to_o be_v deal_v with_o and_o what_o we_o may_v reasonable_o expect_v if_o we_o be_v in_o the_o same_o condition_n our_o neighbour_n be_v in_o for_o the_o holy_a gospel_n have_v not_o provide_v particular_a law_n of_o equal_a extent_n with_o all_o the_o action_n of_o humane_a life_n nor_o give_v direction_n how_o and_o in_o what_o manner_n and_o in_o what_o measure_n every_o circumstance_n of_o a_o action_n ought_v to_o be_v perform_v if_o this_o be_v attempt_v we_o may_v well_o say_v that_o the_o world_n itself_o can_v not_o contain_v the_o book_n which_o shall_v be_v write_v 21.25_o joh._n 21.25_o and_o therefore_o the_o gospel_n only_o chalk_n out_o to_o we_o the_o great_a line_n