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Word A Word B Word C Word D Occurrence Frequency Band MI MI Band Prominent
love_n death_n life_n world_n 5,607 5 4.5010 4 true
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ID Title Author Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication) STC Words Pages
A49403 Religious perfection: or, A third part of the enquiry after happiness. By the author of Practical Christianity; Enquiry after happiness. Part 3. Lucas, Richard, 1648-1715. 1696 (1696) Wing L3414; ESTC R200631 216,575 570

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sin_n through_o his_o name_n among_o all_o nation_n and_o this_o be_v one_o bless_a advantage_n which_o reveal_v religion_n have_v above_o natural_a that_o it_o contain_v a_o express_a declaration_n of_o the_o divine_a will_n concern_v the_o pardon_n of_o all_o sin_n whatsoever_o upon_o these_o term_n natural_a religion_n indeed_o teach_v we_o that_o god_n be_v merciful_a but_o it_o teach_v we_o that_o he_o be_v just_o too_o and_o it_o can_v never_o assure_v we_o what_o bound_n god_n will_v set_v to_o the_o exercise_n of_o the_o one_o or_o the_o other_o and_o when_o justice_n and_o when_o mercy_n shall_v take_v place_n what_o sin_n be_v and_o what_o be_v not_o capable_a of_o the_o benefit_n of_o sacrifice_n and_o repentance_n and_o this_o uncertainty_n consider_v the_o sin_n of_o the_o best_a life_n be_v ever_o natural_o apt_a to_o beget_v despondency_n melancholy_a and_o sometime_o a_o superstitious_a dread_n of_o god_n the_o second_o ground_n of_o assurance_n as_o it_o relate_v to_o our_o present_a state_n be_v a_o application_n of_o the_o condition_n of_o life_n lay_v down_o in_o the_o gospel_n to_o a_o man_n be_v own_o particular_a case_n thus_o they_o that_o believe_v and_o repent_v shall_v be_v save_v i_o believe_v and_o repent_v therefore_o i_o shall_v be_v save_v now_o that_o a_o man_n upon_o a_o examination_n of_o himself_o may_v be_v thorough_o assure_v that_o he_o do_v believe_v and_o repent_v be_v evident_a from_o scripture_n which_o do_v not_o only_o exhort_v we_o to_o enter_v upon_o this_o examination_n but_o also_o assert_v that_o assurance_n joy_n and_o peace_n be_v the_o natural_a fruit_n of_o it_o but_o let_v a_o man_n examine_v himself_o and_o so_o let_v he_o eat_v of_o that_o bread_n and_o drink_n of_o that_o cup_n 1_o cor._n 11.28_o examine_v yourselves_o whether_o you_o be_v in_o the_o faith_n prove_v your_o own_o self_n know_v you_o not_o your_o own_o self_n how_o that_o jesus_n christ_n be_v in_o you_o except_o you_o be_v reprobate_n 2_o cor._n 13.5_o but_o sanctify_v the_o lord_n god_n in_o your_o heart_n and_o be_v ready_a always_o to_o give_v a_o answer_n to_o every_o man_n that_o ask_v you_o a_o reason_n of_o the_o hope_n that_o be_v in_o you_o with_o meekness_n and_o fear_n 1_o pet._n 3.15_o and_o hereby_o we_o do_v know_v that_o we_o know_v he_o if_o we_o keep_v his_o commandment_n 1_o joh._n 2.3_o belove_a if_o our_o heart_n condemn_v we_o not_o then_o have_v we_o confidence_n towards_o god_n 1_o joh._n 3.2_o it_o be_v true_a man_n do_v often_o deceive_v themselves_o and_o entertain_v a_o more_o favourable_a opinion_n of_o their_o state_n then_o they_o ought_v but_o whence_o proceed_v this_o even_o from_o too_o partial_a or_o superficial_a reflection_n on_o themselves_o or_o none_o at_o all_o and_o therefore_o the_o apostle_n teach_v we_o plain_o that_o the_o only_a way_n to_o correct_v this_o error_n be_v a_o sincere_a and_o diligent_a search_n into_o ourselves_o for_o if_o a_o man_n think_v himself_o to_o be_v 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only_o just_a and_o true_a but_o meek_a gentle_a and_o oblige_v in_o our_o word_n if_o we_o retrench_v not_o only_o the_o sinful_a but_o something_o from_o the_o innocent_a liberty_n and_o gratification_n of_o sense_n to_o give_v ourselves_o more_o entire_o up_o to_o the_o duty_n and_o pleasure_n of_o faith_n if_o final_o we_o never_o be_v ashamed_a of_o virtue_n nor_o flatter_v compliment_n nor_o wink_v at_o vice_n if_o we_o be_v ready_a to_o meet_v with_o death_n with_o comfort_n and_o retain_v life_n with_o some_o degree_n of_o indifference_n if_o these_o thing_n i_o say_v be_v in_o we_o we_o have_v little_a reason_n to_o doubt_v of_o the_o goodness_n of_o our_o state_n for_o good_a work_n be_v the_o natural_a fruit_n of_o grace_n it_o be_v impossible_a we_o shall_v abound_v in_o the_o one_o without_o be_v possess_v
never_o to_o be_v enjoy_v by_o any_o but_o some_o few_o rare_a and_o happy_a creature_n the_o favourite_n of_o god_n and_o nature_n pleasure_n that_o have_v matter_n and_o substance_n in_o they_o for_o such_o as_o i_o can_v no_o more_o grasp_v and_o relish_v than_o i_o can_v dream_n and_o vision_n but_o to_o this_o i_o answer_v this_o pretty_a talk_n be_v all_o but_o stupid_a ignorance_n and_o gross_a mistake_v for_o 1._o as_o to_o innocent_a and_o virtuous_a pleasure_n no_o man_n needs_o part_n with_o it_o i_o endeavour_v not_o to_o deprive_v man_n of_o this_o but_o to_o refine_v and_o purify_v it_o and_o he_o that_o prefer_v either_o silly_a or_o vicious_a pleasure_n before_o religion_n be_v wretched_o mistake_v for_o 2._o perfect_a religion_n be_v full_a of_o pleasure_n have_v we_o but_o once_o arrive_v at_o true_a purity_n of_o heart_n what_o can_v be_v so_o full_a of_o pleasure_n as_o the_o business_n of_o religion_n what_o can_v be_v more_o delightful_a than_o blessing_n and_o praise_v god_n to_o a_o grateful_a soul_n allelujah_n to_o a_o soul_n snatch_v from_o the_o brink_n of_o destruction_n into_o the_o bosom_n of_o its_o master_n what_o can_v be_v more_o transport_v than_o the_o melt_a tenderness_n of_o a_o holy_a contrition_n make_v up_o like_o mary_n magdalen_n of_o tear_n and_o kiss_n sorrow_n and_o love_n humility_n and_o glory_n confusion_n and_o confidence_n shame_n and_o joy_n what_o can_v be_v more_o transport_v than_o love_n the_o love_n of_o a_o christian_a when_o he_o be_v all_o love_n as_o god_n be_v love_n when_o he_o desire_v nothing_o in_o heaven_n nor_o on_o earth_n but_o god_n when_o all_o thing_n be_v dung_n and_o dross_n to_o he_o in_o comparison_n of_o jesus_n 4._o if_o the_o pleasure_n of_o the_o world_n be_v more_o transport_v than_o those_o of_o religion_n it_o be_v because_o our_o faith_n be_v weak_a our_o love_n imperfect_a and_o our_o life_n unsteady_a a_o constant_a and_o exalt_a pleasure_n be_v i_o grant_v it_o the_o fruit_n 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integrity_n but_o this_o part_n of_o the_o objection_n i_o have_v i_o think_v for_o ever_o baffle_v sect._n 1_o chap._n 4._o these_o obstacle_n of_o perfection_n be_v thus_o remove_v and_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n be_v full_o convince_v of_o the_o happiness_n that_o result_v from_o a_o state_n of_o perfection_n and_o of_o his_o obligation_n to_o surmount_v the_o difficulty_n which_o obstruct_v his_o way_n to_o it_o there_o seem_v to_o be_v nothing_o now_o leave_v to_o disappoint_v the_o success_n of_o this_o discourse_n but_o somewhat_o too_o much_o fondness_n for_o the_o world_n or_o somewhat_o too_o much_o indulgence_n to_o the_o body_n which_o i_o be_o next_o though_o but_o very_o brief_o to_o consider_v §_o 4._o there_o be_v a_o love_n of_o the_o world_n which_o though_o it_o be_v not_o either_o for_o the_o matter_n or_o degree_n of_o it_o criminal_a enough_o to_o destroy_v our_o sincerity_n and_o our_o hope_n of_o salvation_n yet_o be_v it_o strong_a enough_o to_o abate_v our_o 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against_o which_o if_o we_o do_v not_o guard_v ourselves_o if_o we_o do_v not_o struggle_v hearty_o we_o shall_v miscarry_v the_o spirit_n be_v willing_a say_v our_o saviour_n but_o the_o flesh_n be_v weak_a without_o much_o care_n and_o much_o watchfulness_n the_o vigour_n of_o our_o mind_n will_v be_v relax_v the_o exultation_n of_o our_o spirit_n will_v flag_n and_o droop_v and_o we_o shall_v soon_o loose_v the_o relish_v there_o be_v in_o religion_n the_o most_o effectual_a remedy_n against_o this_o frailty_n and_o fickleness_n of_o our_o nature_n be_v two_o first_o godly_a fear_n and_o this_o the_o purity_n and_o presence_n of_o god_n the_o strictness_n and_o the_o impartiality_n of_o a_o judgement_n to_o come_v the_o loss_n of_o a_o eternal_a crown_n the_o terror_n of_o eternal_a punishment_n the_o
well_o prepare_v for_o it_o how_o shall_v these_o man_n form_v any_o notion_n of_o a_o perfect_a and_o exalt_a virtue_n of_o devout_a and_o heavenly_a passion_n what_o conception_n can_v they_o have_v of_o the_o power_n and_o joy_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n of_o poverty_n of_o spirit_n or_o purity_n of_o heart_n or_o the_o diffusion_n of_o the_o love_n of_o god_n in_o our_o soul_n what_o idea_n can_v they_o entertain_v of_o a_o heaven_n or_o of_o angelical_a pleasure_n and_o beatitude_n in_o a_o word_n the_o religion_n of_o man_n intent_n upon_o this_o world_n when_o they_o pretend_v to_o any_o which_o too_o often_o they_o do_v not_o consist_v especial_o in_o two_o thing_n in_o abstain_v from_o wickedness_n and_o do_v the_o work_n of_o their_o civil_a cal_n and_o how_o far_o they_o may_v be_v sensible_a of_o high_a obligation_n i_o determine_v not_o good_a god_n what_o a_o mercy_n it_o be_v to_o these_o poor_a creature_n that_o it_o be_v the_o fashion_n of_o their_o country_n as_o well_o as_o a_o precept_n of_o our_o religion_n to_o dedicate_v one_o day_n in_o seven_o to_o the_o service_n of_o god_n and_o their_o soul_n but_o have_v i_o not_o often_o teach_v that_o purity_n of_o intention_n convert_v the_o work_n of_o a_o secular_a call_v into_o the_o work_n of_o god_n i_o have_v so_o it_o be_v universal_o teach_v it_o be_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o therefore_o i_o shall_v never_o retract_v it_o but_o ah_o how_o hard_o a_o thing_n be_v it_o for_o a_o worldly_a man_n to_o maintain_v this_o purity_n of_o intention_n how_o hard_o a_o thing_n be_v it_o for_o a_o mind_n eat_v up_o by_o the_o love_n and_o care_n of_o this_o world_n to_o do_v all_o to_o the_o honour_n of_o god_n though_o therefore_o i_o can_v retract_v this_o doctrine_n yet_o the_o long_o i_o live_v the_o more_o reason_n do_v i_o see_v for_o qualify_a and_o guard_v it_o with_o this_o caution_n let_v no_o man_n that_o desire_v to_o be_v save_v much_o less_o that_o desire_v to_o be_v perfect_a take_v sanctuary_n in_o purity_n of_o intention_n while_o he_o suffer_v the_o work_n of_o his_o secular_a call_v to_o engross_v his_o soul_n and_o entire_o usurp_v his_o time_n if_o secular_a work_n exclude_v and_o thrust_v out_o of_o door_n such_o as_o be_v proper_o religious_a it_o will_v not_o be_v easy_a to_o conceive_v how_o the_o power_n of_o godliness_n shall_v be_v maintain_v how_o any_o wise_a thought_n or_o heavenly_a desire_n shall_v be_v preserve_v in_o such_o man_n or_o how_o final_o those_o who_o have_v utter_o give_v up_o themselves_o to_o the_o wisdom_n of_o this_o world_n shall_v retain_v any_o true_a value_n for_o those_o maxim_n of_o the_o gospel_n wherein_o consist_v the_o true_a wisdom_n that_o be_v from_o above_o all_o that_o i_o have_v say_v against_o a_o life_n of_o business_n may_v with_o equal_a or_o great_a force_n be_v urge_v against_o a_o life_n of_o pleasure_n i_o mean_v that_o which_o they_o call_v innocent_a pleasure_n the_o one_o and_o the_o other_o entangle_v and_o ensnare_v the_o mind_n the_o one_o and_o the_o other_o leave_n in_o it_o a_o peculiar_a relish_n which_o continue_v long_o after_o the_o hurry_n both_o of_o pleasure_n and_o business_n be_v over_o but_o all_o this_o while_n i_o will_v not_o have_v what_o i_o have_v say_v be_v extend_v further_o than_o i_o design_v it_o to_o raise_v scruple_n in_o virtuous_a and_o good_a man_n instead_o of_o reform_v the_o too_o eager_a application_n of_o the_o earthy_a to_o the_o thing_n of_o this_o world_n chap._n vii_o of_o motive_n to_o perfection_n innumerable_a be_v the_o motive_n to_o perfection_n which_o offer_v themselves_o to_o any_o one_o that_o reflect_v serious_o on_o this_o argument_n a_o hearty_a endeavour_n after_o perfection_n be_v the_o best_a proof_n of_o sincerity_n the_o near_a approach_n to_o perfection_n be_v the_o near_a approach_n to_o the_o utmost_a security_n this_o life_n be_v capable_a of_o great_a be_v the_o beauty_n and_o loveliness_n of_o a_o exalt_a virtue_n great_a the_o honour_n and_o authority_n of_o it_o and_o a_o very_a happy_a influence_n it_o have_v even_o upon_o our_o temporal_a affair_n and_o to_o this_o may_v be_v add_v the_o peace_n and_o tranquillity_n of_o a_o wise_a mind_n sanctify_a affection_n and_o a_o regular_a life_n beside_o the_o love_n of_o god_n be_v boundless_a and_o the_o love_n of_o jesus_n be_v so_o too_o and_o therefore_o i_o demand_v not_o a_o lazy_a feeble_a or_o unsteady_a virtue_n but_o a_o strong_a and_o vigorous_a one_o a_o warm_a and_o active_a such_o as_o a_o true_a faith_n great_a hope_n and_o a_o passionate_a love_n do_v natural_o excite_v we_o to_o to_o all_o this_o i_o may_v add_v that_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n be_v always_o press_v on_o and_o advance_v desirous_a to_o communicate_v himself_o to_o we_o more_o and_o more_o plentiful_o if_o we_o be_v not_o backward_o or_o negligent_a ourselves_o but_o these_o and_o many_o other_o enforcement_n to_o the_o duty_n of_o perfection_n shall_v i_o enlarge_v on_o they_o will_v swell_v this_o treatise_n to_o a_o intolerable_a bulk_n nor_o indeed_o be_v it_o necessary_a for_o the_o four_o chapter_n where_o i_o treat_v of_o the_o fruit_n of_o perfection_n do_v contain_v such_o motive_n to_o it_o as_o be_v sufficient_a to_o excite_v in_o any_o one_o that_o read_v they_o a_o most_o vehement_a desire_n and_o thirst_n after_o it_o here_o therefore_o all_o that_o i_o think_v fit_a to_o do_v be_v to_o put_v my_o reader_n in_o mind_n of_o another_o life_n in_o the_o glory_n and_o pleasure_n of_o which_o i_o need_v not_o prove_v that_o the_o perfect_a man_n will_v have_v the_o great_a share_n this_o be_v a_o motive_n that_o must_v never_o be_v out_o of_o the_o thought_n of_o the_o man_n that_o will_v be_v perfect_a and_o that_o for_o three_o reason_n which_o i_o will_v but_o just_a mention_n 1._o without_o another_o life_n we_o can_v never_o form_v any_o true_a notion_n of_o a_o perfect_a virtue_n sociable_a and_o civil_a virtue_n may_v be_v support_v by_o temporal_a motive_n and_o frame_v and_o model_v by_o worldly_a conveniency_n but_o a_o divine_a virtue_n must_v be_v build_v upon_o a_o divine_a life_n upon_o a_o heavenly_a kingdom_n the_o reason_n of_o this_o assertion_n be_v plain_a the_o mean_n must_v always_o bear_v proportion_n to_o the_o end_n where_o therefore_o the_o end_n be_v a_o imperfect_a temporal_a good_a there_o need_v no_o more_o than_o imperfect_a unfinished_a virtue_n to_o attain_v it_o but_o where_o the_o the_o end_n be_v heavenly_a and_o immortal_a the_o virtue_n ought_v to_o be_v so_o too_o be_v there_o no_o other_o life_n the_o standard_n and_o measure_n of_o the_o good_a or_o evil_a to_o be_v find_v in_o action_n will_v be_v their_o subserviency_n to_o the_o temporal_a good_a or_o evil_a of_o this_o world_n and_o by_o a_o necessary_a consequence_n it_o will_v be_v impossible_a to_o prove_v any_o high_a degree_n of_o poverty_n of_o spirit_n purity_n of_o heart_n charity_n and_o the_o like_a to_o be_v true_o virtue_n than_o what_o we_o can_v prove_v true_o necessary_a to_o procure_v the_o good_a or_o guard_v we_o against_o the_o evil_a of_o this_o life_n and_o if_o so_o it_o be_v easy_a to_o conclude_v what_o mean_a and_o beggarly_a kind_n of_o virtue_n will_v be_v produce_v from_o this_o ground_n 2._o without_o another_o life_n all_o other_o motive_n to_o perfection_n will_v be_v insufficient_a for_o though_o general_o speak_v such_o be_v the_o contrivance_n of_o human_a nature_n that_o neither_o the_o common_a good_a of_o civil_a society_n nor_o the_o more_o particular_a good_a of_o private_a man_n can_v be_v provide_v for_o or_o secure_v without_o the_o practice_n of_o sociable_a and_o political_a virtue_n yet_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o not_o only_o in_o many_o extraordinary_a case_n there_o will_v be_v no_o reward_n at_o all_o for_o virtue_n if_o there_o be_v not_o one_o reserve_v for_o it_o in_o another_o world_n but_o also_o in_o most_o case_n if_o there_o be_v not_o a_o future_a pleasure_n that_o do_v infinite_o outweigh_v the_o enjoyment_n of_o this_o life_n man_n will_v see_v no_o obligation_n to_o perfection_n for_o what_o shall_v raise_v they_o above_o the_o love_n of_o this_o world_n if_o there_o be_v no_o other_o or_o above_o the_o love_n of_o the_o body_n if_o when_o they_o die_v they_o shall_v be_v no_o more_o for_o ever_o and_o certain_o our_o mind_n will_v never_o be_v able_a to_o soar_v very_o high_a nor_o shall_v we_o ever_o arrive_v at_o any_o excellence_n or_o perfection_n in_o any_o action_n if_o we_o be_v always_o under_o the_o influence_n of_o the_o love_n of_o the_o world_n and_o the_o body_n 3._o a_o life_n to_o come_v be_v alone_o a_o sufficient_a motive_n to_o perfection_n who_o will_v refuse_v to_o endure_v hardship_n as_o a_o
consequent_o acceptable_a to_o all_o faithful_a christian_n in_o the_o next_o chap._n iii_o of_o liberty_n after_o illumination_n which_o be_v the_o perfection_n of_o the_o understanding_n follow_v liberty_n which_o be_v the_o perfection_n of_o the_o will._n in_o treat_v of_o which_o i_o shall_v first_o give_v a_o account_n of_o liberty_n in_o general_n and_o then_o discourse_n of_o the_o several_a part_n of_o it_o as_o it_o regard_v wickedness_n vnfruitfulness_n human_a infirmity_n and_o original_a corruption_n §_o 1._o what_o liberty_n be_v there_o have_v be_v several_a mistake_v about_o this_o matter_n but_o these_o have_v be_v so_o absurd_a or_o extravagant_a so_o design_v or_o sensual_a that_o they_o need_v not_o i_o think_v a_o serious_a refutation_n however_o it_o be_v necessary_a in_o a_o word_n or_o two_o to_o remove_v this_o rubbish_n and_o lumber_n out_o of_o my_o way_n that_o i_o may_v build_v up_o and_o establish_v the_o truth_n more_o easy_o and_o regular_o some_o then_o have_v place_v christian_a liberty_n in_o deliverance_n from_o the_o mosaic_a yoke_n but_o this_o be_v to_o make_v our_o liberty_n consist_v in_o freedom_n from_o a_o yoke_n to_o which_o we_o be_v never_o subject_a and_o to_o make_v our_o glorious_a redemption_n from_o the_o tyranny_n of_o sin_n and_o the_o misery_n that_o attend_v it_o dwindle_v into_o a_o immunity_n from_o external_a rite_n and_o observance_n it_o be_v true_a the_o mosaic_a institution_n as_o far_o as_o it_o consist_v in_o outward_a observance_n and_o typical_a rite_n be_v now_o dissolve_v the_o messiah_n be_v come_v who_o be_v the_o substance_n of_o those_o shadow_n and_o the_o beauty_n of_o holiness_n be_v unfold_v and_o display_v without_o any_o veil_n upon_o her_o face_n but_o what_o be_v this_o to_o ecclesiastical_a authority_n or_o to_o those_o ecclesiastical_a institution_n which_o be_v no_o part_n of_o the_o mosaic_a yoke_n from_o the_o abrogation_n indeed_o or_o abolition_n of_o ritual_a and_o typical_a religion_n one_o may_v infer_v first_o that_o christianity_n must_v be_v a_o rational_a worship_n of_o moral_a spiritual_a service_n and_o therefore_o second_o that_o human_a institution_n when_o they_o enjoin_v any_o thing_n as_o a_o necessary_a and_o essential_a part_n of_o religion_n which_o god_n have_v not_o make_v so_o or_o when_o they_o impose_v such_o ri●es_n as_o through_o the_o number_n or_o nature_n of_o they_o cherish_v superstition_n obscure_v the_o gospel_n weaken_v its_o force_n or_o prove_v burdensome_a to_o we_o be_v to_o be_v reject_v and_o not_o comply_v with_o thus_o much_o be_v plain_a and_o nothing_o far_o there_o have_v be_v other_o who_o have_v run_v into_o more_o intolerable_a error_n for_o some_o have_v place_v christian_a liberty_n in_o exemption_n from_o the_o law_n of_o man_n and_o other_o advance_v high_a in_o exemption_n even_o from_o the_o moral_a and_o immutable_a law_n of_o god_n but_o the_o folly_n and_o wickedness_n of_o these_o opinion_n sufficient_o confute_v they_o since_o it_o be_v notorious_a to_o every_o one_o that_o disobedience_n and_o anarchy_n be_v as_o flat_a a_o contradiction_n to_o the_o peaceableness_n as_o voluptuousness_n and_o luxury_n be_v to_o the_o purity_n of_o that_o wisdom_n which_o be_v from_o above_o but_o how_o absurd_a and_o wicked_a soever_o these_o notion_n be_v yet_o do_v we_o find_v they_o greedy_o embrace_v and_o industrious_o propagate_v at_o this_o day_n and_o behold_v with_o amazement_n the_o baffle_a and_o despicable_a gnostic_n priscilianist_n libertine_n and_o i_o know_v not_o what_o other_o spawn_n of_o hell_n revive_v in_o deist_n and_o atheist_n these_o indeed_o do_v not_o advance_v their_o error_n under_o a_o pretence_n of_o christian_a liberty_n but_o which_o be_v more_o ingenious_a and_o less_o scandalous_a of_o the_o two_o in_o open_a defiance_n and_o confess_v opposition_n to_o christianity_n they_o tell_v we_o that_o we_o impose_v upon_o the_o world_n false_a and_o fantastic_a notion_n of_o virtue_n and_o liberty_n that_o religion_n do_v enslave_v man_n not_o set_v he_o free_a aw_v the_o mind_n by_o groundless_a and_o superstitious_a principle_n and_o restrain_v and_o infringe_v our_o true_a and_o natural_a liberty_n which_o if_o we_o will_v believe_v they_o consist_v in_o give_v nature_n its_o full_a swing_n let_v loose_a the_o reins_o to_o the_o most_o headstrong_a lust_n and_o the_o wild_a and_o the_o most_o corrupt_a imagination_n but_o to_o this_o it_o be_v easy_a to_o answer_v that_o while_o these_o man_n attempt_v to_o establish_v their_o error_n and_o fortify_v their_o mind_n in_o they_o by_o argument_n of_o some_o sort_n or_o other_o as_o they_o do_v it_o be_v plain_a that_o they_o suppose_v and_o acknowledge_v with_o we_o that_o we_o ought_v to_o be_v rule_v and_o govern_v by_o reason_n and_o if_o this_o be_v true_a then_o by_o undeniable_a consequence_n true_a liberty_n must_v consist_v not_o in_o do_v what_o we_o listen_v but_o what_o we_o ought_v not_o in_o follow_v our_o lust_n or_o fancy_n but_o our_o reason_n not_o in_o be_v exempt_a from_o law_n but_o in_o be_v a_o law_n to_o ourselves_o and_o then_o i_o appeal_v to_o all_o the_o world_n whether_o the_o discipline_n of_o virtue_n or_o libertinism_n whether_o the_o school_n of_o epicurus_n or_o christ_n be_v the_o way_n to_o true_a liberty_n i_o appeal_v to_o the_o experience_n of_o mankind_n whether_o spiritual_a or_o sensual_a pleasure_n whether_o the_o love_n of_o god_n and_o virtue_n or_o the_o love_n of_o the_o world_n and_o body_n be_v the_o more_o like_a to_o qualify_v and_o dispose_v we_o to_o obey_v the_o dictate_v of_o sober_a and_o solid_a reason_n but_o the_o truth_n be_v here_o be_v no_o need_n of_o argument_n the_o life_n and_o fortune_n of_o atheist_n and_o deist_n proclaim_v aloud_o what_o a_o glorious_a kind_n of_o liberty_n they_o be_v like_a to_o bless_v the_o world_n with_o 2_o pet._n 2.19_o whilst_o they_o promise_v liberty_n they_o themselves_o be_v the_o servant_n of_o corruption_n and_o this_o corruption_n draw_v on_o their_o ruin_n the_o dishonourable_a and_o miserable_a course_n in_o which_o these_o poor_a wretch_n be_v plunge_v and_o in_o which_o general_o they_o perish_v before_o their_o time_n be_v such_o a_o open_a contradiction_n to_o reason_n that_o no_o man_n doubt_v but_o that_o they_o have_v abandon_v its_o conduct_n that_o they_o have_v give_v themselves_o up_o to_o that_o of_o lust_n and_o humour_n and_o that_o they_o earnest_o endeavour_v to_o force_v or_o betray_v their_o reason_n into_o a_o compliance_n to_o screen_n themselves_o from_o the_o reproach_n and_o disturbance_n of_o their_o own_o mind_n and_o from_o the_o shame_n and_o contempt_n of_o the_o world_n i_o have_v dwell_v long_o enough_o on_o this_o argument_n it_o be_v now_o time_n to_o pass_v on_o and_o resolve_v what_o christian_a liberty_n real_o be_v this_o be_v in_o a_o manner_n evident_a from_o what_o have_v be_v suggest_v already_o for_o if_o reason_n be_v the_o govern_v faculty_n in_o man_n than_o the_o liberty_n of_o man_n must_v consist_v in_o his_o subjection_n to_o reason_n and_o so_o christian_n liberty_n will_v be_v nothing_o else_o but_o subjection_n to_o reason_n enlighten_v by_o revelation_n two_o thing_n therefore_o be_v essential_a to_o true_a liberty_n a_o clear_a and_o unbiased_a judgement_n and_o a_o power_n and_o capacity_n of_o act_v conformable_a to_o it_o this_o be_v a_o very_a short_a but_o full_a account_n of_o liberty_n darkness_n and_o impotence_n constitute_v our_o slavery_n light_n and_o strength_n our_o freedom_n man_n be_v then_o free_a when_o his_o reason_n be_v not_o awe_v by_o vile_a fear_n or_o bribe_v by_o vile_a hope_n when_o it_o be_v not_o tumultuos_o transport_v and_o hurry_v away_o by_o lust_n and_o passion_n nor_o cheat_v and_o delude_v by_o the_o guild_a appearance_n of_o sophisticated_a good_a but_o it_o deliberate_v impartial_o and_o command_v effectual_o and_o because_o the_o great_a obstacle_n of_o this_o liberty_n be_v sin_n because_o natural_a and_o contract_a corruption_n be_v the_o fetter_n in_o which_o we_o be_v bind_v because_o the_o law_n in_o the_o body_n war_n against_o the_o law_n in_o the_o mind_n obscure_v the_o light_n and_o enfeeble_v the_o authority_n of_o reason_n hence_o it_o be_v that_o christian_a liberty_n be_v as_o true_o as_o common_o describe_v by_o a_o dominion_n over_o the_o body_n by_o the_o subdue_a our_o corrupt_a affection_n and_o by_o deliverance_n from_o sin_n this_o notion_n of_o liberty_n may_v be_v sufficient_o establish_v upon_o that_o account_n of_o servitude_n or_o bondage_n which_o the_o apostle_n give_v we_o rom._n 7._o where_o he_o represent_v it_o as_o consist_v in_o impotence_n or_o inability_n to_o do_v those_o thing_n which_o god_n command_v and_o reason_n approve_v for_o to_o will_n be_v present_a with_o i_o but_o how_o to_o perform_v that_o which_o be_v good_a i_o find_v not_o ver_fw-la 18._o liberty_n therefore_o must_v on_o
part_n and_o gallantry_n bless_a god_n to_o what_o degree_n of_o madness_n and_o stupidity_n may_v man_n of_o the_o fine_a natural_a part_n sink_v when_o abandon_v by_o thou_o or_o rather_o when_o they_o themselves_o abandon_v thou_o and_o that_o light_n which_o thou_o have_v set_v up_o in_o the_o world_n our_o lord_n and_o master_n think_v the_o profit_n and_o pleasure_n of_o the_o whole_a world_n a_o poor_a compensation_n for_o the_o loss_n of_o the_o soul_n what_o be_v a_o man_n profit_v if_o he_o gain_v the_o whole_a world_n etc._n etc._n matth._n 16._o but_o these_o man_n rather_o than_o it_o shall_v not_o perish_v for_o ever_o will_v charge_v through_o shame_n and_o pain_n remorse_n and_o sickness_n and_o all_o the_o obstacle_n that_o god_n have_v set_v between_o we_o and_o a_o desperate_a height_n of_o wickedness_n 4._o though_o a_o sinner_n may_v come_v to_o that_o pass_n as_o to_o suppress_v his_o conscience_n and_o master_v his_o fear_n yet_o he_o must_v ever_o be_v conscious_a to_o himself_o of_o the_o fruitlesness_n and_o the_o meanness_n of_o a_o course_n of_o sin_n he_o must_v needs_o be_v inward_o sensible_a that_o he_o have_v weary_v himself_o to_o commit_v iniquity_n to_o no_o purpose_n that_o his_o mind_n have_v be_v restless_a and_o tempestuous_a like_o a_o trouble_a sea_n cast_v up_o its_o own_o mire_n and_o dirt_n he_o must_v be_v conscious_a to_o himself_o that_o he_o be_v false_a and_o unjust_a unconstant_a and_o ingrateful_a and_o in_o bondage_n to_o such_o lust_n as_o be_v mean_a and_o poor_a and_o injurious_a to_o his_o repose_n and_o which_o he_o have_v often_o wish_v himself_o free_a from_o and_o this_o no_o doubt_n must_v be_v a_o bless_a condition_n when_o a_o man_n be_v own_o mind_n do_v to_o his_o face_n assure_v he_o that_o he_o be_v that_o very_a thing_n which_o all_o the_o world_n condemn_v and_o scorn_v and_o which_o he_o can_v endure_v to_o be_v charge_v with_o without_o resent_v it_o as_o the_o high_a affront_n certain_o it_o be_v better_a that_o all_o the_o world_n shall_v call_v i_o fool_n and_o knave_n and_o villain_n than_o that_o i_o shall_v call_v myself_o so_o and_o know_v it_o to_o be_v true_a my_o peace_n and_o happiness_n depend_v upon_o my_o own_o opinion_n of_o myself_o not_o that_o of_o other_o it_o be_v the_o inward_a sentiment_n that_o i_o have_v of_o myself_o that_o raise_v or_o deject_v i_o and_o my_o mind_n can_v no_o more_o be_v please_v with_o any_o sensation_n but_o its_o own_o than_o the_o body_n can_v be_v gratify_v by_o the_o relish_v of_o another_o palate_n 5._o the_o more_o insensible_a a_o sinner_n grow_v the_o more_o intolerable_a be_v the_o disorder_n and_o distraction_n which_o sin_n produce_v in_o his_o affair_n while_o man_n be_v under_o any_o little_a restraint_n of_o conscience_n while_o they_o be_v hold_v in_o by_o scruple_n and_o fear_n and_o fit_v of_o regret_n while_n in_o a_o word_n they_o sin_n with_o any_o modesty_n so_o long_a sin_n will_v tolerable_o comport_v with_o their_o interest_n and_o reputation_n but_o as_o soon_o as_o they_o grow_v insensible_a and_o impudent_a they_o pass_v all_o bound_n and_o there_o be_v nothing_o so_o dear_a and_o considerable_a to_o they_o which_o they_o will_v not_o sacrifice_v to_o their_o wickedness_n now_o wife_n and_o child_n friend_n estate_n law_n vow_n compact_n oath_n be_v no_o strong_a tie_n to_o they_o than_o sampson_n with_o 's_o or_o cord_n such_o a_o one_o as_o this_o be_v very_o well_o describe_v in_o the_o prophet_n thou_o be_v a_o swift_a dromedary_n traverse_v her_o way_n a_o wild_a ass_n use_v to_o the_o wilderness_n that_o snuff_v up_o the_o wind_n at_o her_o pleasure_n in_o her_o occasion_n who_o can_v turn_v she_o away_o jer._n 2.22_o and_o again_o he_o be_v fit_o represent_v to_o a_o horse_n rush_v into_o the_o battle_n he_o have_v as_o much_o contempt_n for_o his_o safety_n and_o happiness_n as_o for_o reason_n and_o religion_n he_o defy_v shame_n ruin_n and_o death_n as_o much_o as_o he_o do_v god_n and_o providence_n in_o one_o word_n with_o a_o impudent_a and_o lewd_a stupidity_n he_o make_v all_o the_o have_v he_o can_v to_o be_v undo_v and_o since_o he_o will_v be_v so_o it_o be_v well_o if_o he_o can_v be_v undo_v alone_o i_o be_o sure_a we_o have_v too_o many_o instance_n at_o this_o day_n of_o the_o miserable_a and_o fatal_a effect_n of_o atheism_n and_o deism_n to_o leave_v any_o room_n to_o doubt_v whether_o i_o have_v strain_v the_o point_n here_o or_o no._n upon_o the_o whole_a it_o do_v appear_v that_o sin_n be_v a_o great_a evil_n and_o that_o the_o evil_a of_o it_o be_v not_o lessen_v but_o increase_v by_o obduration_n and_o from_o hence_o the_o proposition_n infer_v do_v natural_o follow_v that_o deliverance_n from_o it_o be_v a_o great_a good_a so_o great_a that_o if_o we_o estimate_v it_o by_o the_o evil_a there_o be_v in_o sin_n health_n to_o the_o sick_a liberty_n to_o the_o captive_n day_n to_o the_o benight_a weary_a and_o wander_a traveller_n a_o calm_a a_o port_n to_o passenger_n in_o a_o storm_n pardon_v to_o man_n adjudge_v to_o death_n be_v but_o weak_a and_o imperfect_a image_n or_o resemblance_n of_o it_o a_o disease_n will_v at_o worst_a terminate_v with_o the_o body_n and_o life_n and_o pain_n will_v have_v a_o end_v together_o but_o the_o pain_n that_o sin_n cause_n will_v endure_v to_o all_o eternity_n for_o the_o worm_n die_v not_o and_o the_o fire_n will_v not_o be_v quench_v the_o error_n of_o the_o traveller_n will_v be_v correct_v by_o the_o approach_a day_n and_o his_o weariness_n refresh_v at_o the_o next_o stage_n he_o come_v to_o but_o he_o that_o err_v impenitent_o from_o the_o path_n of_o life_n be_v lose_v for_o ever_o when_o the_o day_n of_o grace_n be_v once_o set_v upon_o he_o no_o light_n shall_v ever_o recall_v his_o wander_a foot_n into_o the_o path_n of_o righteousness_n and_o peace_n no_o ease_n no_o refreshment_n shall_v ever_o relieve_v his_o toil_n and_o misery_n while_o the_o foot_n of_o the_o captive_n be_v load_v with_o fetter_n his_o soul_n may_v enjoy_v its_o true_a liberty_n and_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o danger_n and_o dungeon_n like_o paul_n and_o silas_n he_o may_v sing_v song_n of_o praise_n and_o triumph_n but_o the_o captivity_n of_o sin_n defile_v oppress_v and_o enslave_v the_o mind_n and_o deliver_v up_o the_o miserable_a man_n to_o those_o intolerable_a and_o endless_a evil_n which_o inexorable_a justice_n and_o almighty_a wrath_n inflict_v upon_o ingratitude_n and_o obstinacy_n a_o storm_n can_v but_o wreck_v the_o body_n a_o frail_a and_o worthless_a bark_n the_o soul_n will_v escape_v safe_a to_o shore_n the_o bless_a shore_n where_o the_o happy_a inhabitant_n enjoy_v a_o undisturbed_a a_o everlasting_a calm_a but_o sin_n make_v shipwreck_n of_o faith_n and_o a_o good_a conscience_n and_o he_o that_o perish_v in_o it_o do_v but_o pass_v into_o a_o more_o miserable_a state_n for_o on_o the_o wicked_a god_n will_v rain_v snare_n fire_n and_o brimstone_n storm_n and_o tempest_n this_o shall_v be_v their_o portion_n forever_o psal_n 11._o and_o last_o a_o pardon_n send_v back_o a_o condemn_a criminal_a to_o life_n that_o be_v to_z sin_z and_o suffering_n to_o toil_n and_o trouble_n which_o death_n if_o death_n be_v the_o utmost_a he_o have_v to_o fear_v will_v have_v free_v he_o from_o but_o he_o that_o be_v once_o deliver_v from_o sin_n be_v pass_v from_o death_n to_o life_n and_o from_o this_o life_n of_o faith_n of_o love_n of_o hope_n shall_v soon_o pass_v to_o another_o of_o fruition_n and_o glory_n §_o 2._o a_o second_o fruit_n of_o liberty_n be_v good_a work_n here_o i_o will_v show_v two_o thing_n first_o and_o this_o but_o brief_o that_o the_o work_n of_o righteousness_n contribute_v mighty_o to_o our_o happiness_n and_o that_o immediate_o second_o that_o deliverance_n from_o sin_n remove_v the_o great_a obstacle_n and_o impediment_n of_o righteousness_n and_o throw_v off_o that_o weight_n which_o will_v otherwise_o encumber_v and_o tire_v we_o in_o our_o race_n 1._o holiness_n be_v no_o small_a pleasure_n no_o small_a advantage_n to_o he_o who_o be_v exercise_v therein_o when_o nature_n be_v renew_v and_o restore_v the_o work_n of_o righteousness_n be_v proper_o and_o true_o the_o work_n of_o nature_n and_o to_o do_v good_a to_o man_n and_o offer_v up_o our_o praise_n and_o devotion_n to_o god_n be_v to_o gratify_v the_o strong_a and_o most_o delightful_a inclination_n we_o have_v these_o indeed_o be_v at_o first_o stifle_v and_o oppress_v by_o original_a corruption_n false_a principle_n and_o vicious_a custom_n but_o when_o once_o they_o have_v break_v through_o these_o like_o seed_n through_o the_o earthy_a coat_n they_o be_v enclose_v and_o imprison_v in_o and_o be_v impregnate_v warm_v and_o cherish_v by_o
thing_n appear_v to_o we_o and_o the_o more_o the_o mind_n rejoice_v in_o the_o lord_n the_o often_o be_v rapt_v up_o into_o heaven_n and_o as_o it_o be_v transfigure_v into_o a_o more_o glorious_a be_v by_o the_o joy_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o the_o ardour_n of_o divine_a love_n the_o more_o flat_a and_o insipid_a be_v all_o earthly_a and_o carnal_a satisfaction_n to_o it_o another_o effect_n that_o attend_v our_o shake_n off_o the_o dominion_n of_o sin_n and_o our_o devote_v ourselves_o to_o the_o service_n of_o god_n be_v our_o be_v purify_v from_o gild_n the_o stain_n of_o the_o past_a life_n be_v wash_v off_o by_o repentance_n and_o the_o blood_n of_o jesus_n and_o the_o servant_n of_o god_n contract_v no_o new_a one_o by_o wilful_a and_o presumptuous_a sin_n now_o therefore_o he_o can_v enter_v into_o himself_o and_o commune_v with_o his_o own_o heart_n without_o any_o vneasiness_n he_o can_v reflect_v upon_o his_o action_n and_o review_v each_o day_n when_o it_o be_v past_a without_o inward_a regret_n or_o shame_n to_o break_v off_o a_o vicious_a course_n to_o vanquish_v both_o terror_n and_o allurement_n when_o they_o persuade_v to_o that_o which_o be_v mean_a and_o base_a to_o be_v master_n of_o one_o self_n and_o entertain_v no_o affection_n but_o what_o be_v wise_a and_o regular_a and_o such_o as_o one_o have_v reason_n to_o wish_v shall_v daily_o increase_v and_o grow_v strong_a these_o be_v thing_n so_o far_o from_o merit_v reproach_n and_o reproof_n from_o one_o own_o mind_n that_o they_o be_v sufficient_a to_o support_v it_o against_o all_o reproach_n from_o without_o such_o be_v the_o beauty_n such_o the_o pleasure_n of_o a_o well_o establish_v habit_n of_o righteousness_n that_o it_o do_v more_o than_o compensate_a the_o difficulty_n to_o which_o either_o the_o attainment_n or_o the_o practice_n of_o it_o can_v expose_v a_o man._n last_o he_o that_o be_v free_a from_o gild_n be_v free_a from_o fear_n too_o and_o indeed_o this_o be_v the_o only_a way_n to_o get_v rid_v of_o all_o our_o fear_n not_o by_o deny_v or_o renounce_v god_n with_o atheist_n but_o by_o do_v the_o thing_n that_o please_v he_o he_o that_o be_v true_o religious_a be_v the_o only_a man_n who_o upon_o rational_a ground_n be_v raise_v above_o melancholy_a and_o fear_n for_o what_o shall_v he_o fear_v god_n be_v his_o glory_n his_o boast_n his_o joy_n his_o strength_n and_o if_o god_n be_v for_o he_o who_o can_v be_v against_o he_o neither_o thing_n present_a nor_o to_o come_v neither_o life_n nor_o death_n can_v separate_v he_o from_o the_o love_n of_o god_n in_o christ_n jesus_n there_o be_v nothing_o within_o the_o bound_n of_o time_n or_o eternity_n that_o he_o need_v fear_n man_n can_v hurt_v he_o he_o be_v encompass_v with_o the_o favour_n and_o love_a kindness_n of_o god_n as_o with_o a_o shield_n but_o if_o god_n permit_v he_o to_o suffer_v for_o righteousness_n sake_n happy_a be_v he_o this_o do_v but_o increase_v his_o present_a joy_n and_o future_a glory_n but_o what_o be_v most_o considerable_a death_n itself_o can_v hurt_v he_o devil_n can_v hurt_v he_o the_o sting_n of_o death_n be_v sin_n and_o the_o strength_n of_o sin_n be_v the_o law_n but_o thanks_o be_v to_o god_n who_o give_v we_o the_o victory_n through_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ._n for_o there_o be_v no_o condemnation_n to_o they_o who_o be_v in_o christ_n jesus_n who_o walk_v not_o after_o the_o flesh_n but_o after_o the_o spirit_n these_o consideration_n prove_v the_o present_a condition_n of_o a_o servant_n of_o god_n happy_a happy_a in_o comparison_n of_o the_o loose_a and_o wicked_a but_o in_o comparison_n with_o what_o he_o shall_v be_v hereafter_o he_o be_v infinite_o short_a of_o the_o joy_n and_o glory_n of_o his_o end_n in_o this_o respect_n indeed_o he_o be_v yet_o in_o a_o state_n of_o trial_n and_o trouble_v of_o discipline_n and_o probation_n in_o this_o respect_n his_o perfection_n and_o happiness_n do_v but_o just_a peep_n up_o above_o the_o ground_n the_o fullness_n and_o maturity_n of_o both_o he_o can_v enjoy_v till_o he_o come_v to_o heaven_n and_o this_o be_v §_o 4._o the_o last_o fruit_n of_o christian_a liberty_n that_o heaven_n will_v consist_v of_o all_o the_o blessing_n of_o all_o the_o enjoyment_n that_o human_a nature_n when_o raise_v to_o a_o equality_n with_o angel_n be_v capable_a of_o that_o beauty_n and_o glory_n joy_n and_o pleasure_n will_v as_o it_o be_v like_o a_o fruitful_a and_o ripe_a harvest_n here_o grow_v up_o there_o in_o all_o the_o utmost_a plenty_n and_o perfection_n that_o omnipotence_n itself_o will_v ever_o produce_v be_v not_o at_o all_o to_o be_v controvert_v heaven_n be_v the_o masterpiece_n of_o god_n the_o accomplishment_n and_o consummation_n of_o all_o his_o wonderful_a design_n the_o last_o and_o most_o endear_n expression_n of_o boundless_a love_n and_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o the_o holy_a spirit_n in_o scripture_n describe_v it_o by_o the_o most_o take_v and_o the_o most_o admire_a thing_n upon_o earth_n and_o yet_o we_o can_v but_o think_v that_o this_o image_n though_o draw_v by_o a_o divine_a pencil_n must_v fall_v infinite_o short_a of_o it_o for_o what_o temporal_a thing_n can_v yield_v colour_n or_o metaphor_n strong_a and_o rich_a enough_o to_o paint_v heaven_n to_o the_o life_n one_o thing_n there_o be_v indeed_o which_o seem_v to_o point_v we_o to_o a_o just_a and_o adequate_a notion_n of_o a_o heaven_n it_o seem_v to_o excite_v we_o to_o strive_v and_o attempt_v for_o conception_n of_o what_o we_o can_v grasp_v we_o can_v comprehend_v and_o the_o labour_a mind_n the_o more_o it_o discover_v conclude_v still_o the_o more_o behind_o and_o that_o be_v the_o beatific_a vision_n this_o be_v that_o which_o as_o divine_n general_o teach_v do_v constitute_v heaven_n and_o scripture_n seem_v to_o teach_v so_o too_o i_o confess_v i_o have_v often_o doubt_v whether_o our_o see_v god_n in_o the_o life_n to_o come_v do_v necessary_o imply_v that_o god_n shall_v be_v the_o immediate_a object_n of_o our_o fruition_n or_o only_o that_o we_o shall_v there_o as_o it_o be_v drink_v at_o the_o fountain_n head_n and_o be_v near_o and_o dear_a to_o he_o in_o the_o high_a degree_n shall_v ever_o flourish_v in_o his_o favour_n and_o enjoy_v all_o good_a heap_v up_o press_v down_o and_o run_v over_o i_o think_v the_o scripture_n may_v be_v easy_o reconcile_v to_o this_o sense_n and_o the_o incomprehensible_a glory_n of_o the_o divine_a majesty_n incline_v i_o to_o believe_v it_o the_o most_o reasonable_a and_o most_o easy_o accountable_a enjoyment_n and_o especial_o where_o a_o intelligent_a be_v be_v the_o object_n of_o it_o seem_v to_o imply_v something_o of_o proportion_n something_o of_o equality_n something_o of_o familiarity_n but_o ah_o what_o proportion_n think_v i_o can_v there_o ever_o be_v between_o finite_a and_o infinite_a what_o equality_n between_o a_o poor_a creature_n and_o his_o incomprehensible_a creator_n what_o eye_n shall_v give_v on_o the_o splendour_n of_o his_o essential_a beauty_n when_o the_o very_a light_n he_o dwell_v in_o be_v inaccessible_a and_o even_o the_o brightness_n he_o veil_v himself_o in_o be_v too_o dazzle_v even_o for_o cherub_n and_o seraph_n for_o aught_o i_o know_v to_o behold_v ah_o what_o familiarity_n can_v there_o be_v between_o this_o eternal_a and_o inconceiveable_a majesty_n and_o being_n which_o he_o have_v form_v out_o of_o nothing_o and_o when_o on_o this_o occasion_n i_o reflect_v on_o the_o effect_n which_o the_o presence_n of_o angel_n have_v upon_o the_o prophet_n and_o see_v human_a nature_n in_o man_n sink_v and_o die_v away_o because_o unable_a to_o sustain_v the_o glory_n of_o one_o of_o their_o fellow-creature_n i_o think_v myself_o in_o a_o manner_n oblige_v to_o yield_v and_o stand_v out_o no_o long_o against_o a_o notion_n which_o though_o differ_v from_o what_o be_v general_o receive_v seem_v to_o have_v more_o reason_n on_o its_o side_n and_o to_o be_v more_o intelligible_a but_o when_o i_o call_v to_o mind_n that_o god_n do_v not_o disdain_n even_o while_o we_o be_v in_o a_o state_n of_o probation_n and_o humility_n of_o infirmity_n and_o mortality_n to_o account_v we_o not_o only_o his_o servant_n and_o his_o people_n but_o his_o friend_n and_o his_o child_n i_o begin_v to_o question_v the_o former_a opinion_n and_o when_o i_o have_v survey_v the_o nature_n of_o fruition_n and_o the_o various_a way_n of_o it_o a_o little_a more_o attentive_o i_o whole_o quit_v it_o for_o i_o observe_v that_o the_o enjoyment_n be_v most_o transport_v where_o admiration_n mingle_v with_o our_o passion_n where_o the_o belove_a object_n stand_v not_o upon_o the_o same_o level_n with_o we_o but_o condescend_v to_o meet_v a_o virtuous_a and_o aspire_a and_o ambitious_a affection_n thus_o the_o happy_a favourite_n enjoy_v
we_o court_v till_o we_o be_v possess_v of_o a_o habit_n of_o that_o virtue_n which_o be_v a_o direct_a contradiction_n to_o it_o and_o take_v as_o much_o pleasure_n in_o the_o obedience_n as_o ever_o we_o do_v in_o the_o transgression_n of_o a_o divine_a command_n 2_o there_o be_v some_o sin_n of_o that_o provoke_a nature_n so_o criminal_a in_o their_o birth_n and_o mischievous_a in_o their_o consequence_n that_o one_o single_a act_n or_o commission_n of_o one_o of_o these_o be_v equivalent_a to_o a_o habit_n of_o other_o such_o be_v murder_n idolatry_n perjury_n adultery_n these_o can_v be_v commit_v without_o renounce_v humanity_n as_o well_o as_o christianity_n without_o resist_v the_o instinct_n and_o impulse_n of_o nature_n as_o well_o as_o the_o eight_o of_o the_o gospel_n and_o the_o grace_n of_o the_o spirit_n we_o must_v break_v through_o a_o great_a many_o difficulty_n and_o terror_n ere_o we_o can_v come_v at_o these_o sin_n we_o must_v commit_v many_o other_o in_o order_n to_o commit_v one_o of_o these_o we_o must_v deliberate_v long_o resolve_v desperate_o and_o in_o defiance_n of_o god_n and_o conscience_n and_o what_o be_v the_o effect_n of_o habit_n in_o other_o instance_n be_v a_o necessary_a preparative_a in_o these_o that_o be_v obduration_n in_o this_o case_n therefore_o the_o unhappy_a man_n that_o have_v be_v guilty_a of_o any_o one_o of_o these_o must_v not_o look_v upon_o himself_o as_o set_v free_a when_o he_o be_v come_v to_o a_o resolution_n of_o never_o repeat_v it_o again_o but_o then_o when_o he_o loathe_v and_o abhor_v himself_o in_o dust_n and_o ash_n when_o he_o have_v make_v the_o utmost_a reparation_n of_o the_o wrong_n he_o be_v capable_a of_o when_o if_o the_o interest_n of_o virtue_n require_v it_o he_o be_v content_a to_o be_v oppress_v with_o shame_n and_o suffering_n when_o in_o one_o word_n a_o long_a and_o constant_a course_n of_o mortification_n prayer_n tear_n and_o good_a work_n have_v wash_v off_o the_o stain_n and_o gild_n 2._o we_o must_v be_v free_a not_o only_o from_o a_o habit_n but_o from_o single_a act_n of_o deliberate_a presumptuous_a sin_n the_o reason_n be_v plain_a mortal_a sin_n can_v be_v commit_v without_o wound_v the_o conscience_n grieve_v the_o spirit_n and_o renounce_v our_o hope_n in_o god_n through_o christ_n for_o the_o time_n at_o least_o the_o wage_n of_o sin_n be_v death_n be_v true_a not_o only_o of_o habit_n but_o single_a act_n of_o deliberate_a sin_n death_n be_v the_o penalty_n the_o sanction_n of_o every_o commandment_n and_o the_o commandment_n do_v not_o prohibit_v habit_n only_o but_o single_a act_n too_o nor_o be_v there_o indeed_o any_o room_n for_o doubt_n or_o dispute_v here_o but_o in_o one_o case_n which_o be_v if_o a_o righteous_a man_n shall_v be_v take_v off_o in_o the_o very_a commission_n of_o a_o sin_n which_o he_o be_v fall_v into_o here_o indeed_o much_o may_v be_v say_v and_o with_o much_o uncertainty_n but_o the_o resolution_n of_o this_o point_n do_v not_o as_o far_o as_o i_o can_v see_v minister_v to_o any_o good_a or_o necessary_a end_n and_o therefore_o i_o will_v leave_v it_o to_o god_n in_o all_o other_o case_n every_o thing_n be_v clear_a and_o plain_a for_o if_o the_o servant_n of_o god_n fall_v into_o a_o presumptuous_a sin_n it_o be_v universal_o acknowledge_v that_o he_o can_v recover_v his_o station_n but_o by_o repentance_n if_o he_o repent_v present_o he_o be_v safe_a but_o if_o he_o continue_v in_o his_o sin_n if_o he_o repeat_v it_o he_o pass_v into_o a_o state_n of_o wickedness_n widen_v the_o breach_n between_o god_n and_o his_o soul_n decline_v insensible_o into_o a_o habit_n of_o sin_n and_o render_v his_o wound_n more_o and_o more_o incurable_a it_o be_v to_o little_a purpose_n i_o think_v here_o to_o consider_v the_o vast_a difference_n there_o be_v in_o the_o commission_n even_o of_o the_o same_o sin_n between_o a_o child_n of_o god_n and_o a_o child_n of_o wrath_n because_o a_o child_n of_o god_n must_v not_o commit_v it_o at_o all_o if_o he_o do_v though_o it_o be_v with_o reluctancy_n though_o it_o be_v as_o it_o be_v with_o a_o imperfect_a consent_n and_o with_o a_o divide_a soul_n though_o the_o awe_n of_o religion_n and_o conscience_n seem_v not_o utter_o to_o have_v forsake_v he_o even_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o his_o sin_n though_o his_o heart_n smite_v he_o the_o very_a minute_n it_o be_v finish_v and_o repentance_n and_o remorse_n take_v off_o the_o relish_n of_o the_o unhappy_a draught_n yet_o still_o it_o be_v sin_n it_o be_v in_o its_o nature_n damnable_a and_o nothing_o but_o the_o blood_n of_o jesus_n can_v purge_v the_o gild_n 3._o the_o perfect_a man_n may_v be_v suppose_v not_o only_o actual_o to_o abstain_v from_o mortal_a sin_n but_o to_o be_v advance_v so_o far_o in_o the_o mortification_n of_o all_o his_o inordinate_a affection_n as_o to_o do_v it_o with_o ease_n and_o pleasure_n with_o constancy_n and_o delight_n for_o it_o must_v reasonable_o be_v presume_v that_o his_o victory_n over_o ungodly_a and_o worldly_a lust_n be_v more_o confirm_v and_o absolute_a his_o abhorrence_n of_o they_o more_o deep_a and_o sensible_a more_o fix_v and_o last_a than_o that_o of_o a_o beginner_n or_o babe_n in_o christ_n the_o regenerate_v at_o first_o fear_v the_o consequence_n of_o sin_n but_o by_o degree_n he_o hate_v the_o sin_n itself_o the_o purity_n of_o his_o soul_n render_v he_o now_o incapable_a of_o find_v any_o pleasure_n in_o what_o he_o dote_v on_o before_o and_o the_o love_n of_o god_n and_o virtue_n raise_v he_o above_o the_o temptation_n which_o he_o be_v wont_a to_o fall_v by_o old_a thing_n be_v pass_v away_o and_o all_o thing_n be_v become_v new_a 4._o last_o the_o perfect_a man_n abstinence_n be_v not_o only_o more_o easy_a and_o steady_a but_o more_o entire_a and_o complete_a also_o than_o that_o of_o other_o he_o have_v a_o regard_n to_o the_o end_n and_o design_n of_o the_o law_n to_o the_o perfection_n of_o his_o nature_n to_o the_o purity_n and_o elevation_n of_o his_o soul_n and_o therefore_o he_o expound_v the_o prohibition_n of_o the_o law_n in_o the_o most_o enlarge_v sense_n and_o interpret_v they_o by_o a_o spirit_n of_o faith_n and_o love_n he_o be_v not_o content_a to_o refrain_v from_o action_n direct_o criminal_a but_o shun_v every_o appearance_n of_o evil_a and_o labour_n to_o mortify_v all_o the_o disposition_n and_o tendency_n of_o his_o nature_n towards_o it_o and_o to_o decline_v whatever_o circumstance_n of_o life_n be_v apt_a to_o betray_v the_o soul_n into_o a_o love_n of_o this_o world_n or_o the_o body_n he_o have_v crucify_v the_o world_n and_o the_o body_n too_o that_o pleasure_n that_o honour_n that_o power_n that_o profit_n which_o captives_z the_o sinner_n tempt_v and_o try_v and_o disquiet_v the_o novice_n be_v but_o a_o burden_n a_o trouble_n to_o he_o he_o find_v no_o gust_n no_o relish_n in_o these_o thing_n he_o be_v so_o far_o from_o intemperance_n so_o far_o from_o wantonness_n so_o far_o from_o pride_n and_o vanity_n that_o can_v he_o without_o any_o disadvantage_n to_o the_o interest_n of_o religion_n he_o will_v imitate_v the_o meanness_n the_o plainness_n the_o laboriousness_n the_o self-denial_n of_o our_o saviour_n life_n not_o only_o in_o disposition_n and_o affection_n of_o his_o soul_n but_o even_o in_o his_o outward_a state_n and_o deportment_n and_o will_v prefer_v it_o far_o above_o the_o pomp_n and_o show_n of_o life_n in_o one_o word_n he_o inquire_v not_o how_o far_o he_o may_v enjoy_v and_o be_v safe_a but_o how_o far_o he_o may_v deny_v himself_o and_o be_v wise_a he_o be_v so_o far_o from_o desire_v forbid_a satisfaction_n that_o he_o be_v unwilling_a and_o afraid_a to_o find_v too_o much_o satisfaction_n in_o the_o natural_a and_o necessary_a action_n of_o a_o animal_n life_n i_o need_v not_o prove_v this_o to_o any_o one_o who_o have_v read_v the_o forego_n chapter_n for_o it_o be_v what_o i_o have_v be_v do_v throughout_o this_o treatise_n it_o be_v nothing_o but_o what_o be_v consonant_n to_o the_o whole_a tenor_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o to_o the_o example_n of_o the_o best_a time_n and_o it_o be_v conformable_a to_o what_o the_o best_a author_n have_v write_v who_o have_v any_o thing_n of_o life_n and_o spirit_n in_o their_o work_n or_o have_v any_o true_a notion_n of_o the_o great_a design_n of_o christian_a religion_n which_o be_v a_o heavenly_a conversation_n let_v any_o one_o but_o cast_v his_o eye_n on_o st._n basil_n or_o any_o other_o after_o he_o who_o aim_v at_o the_o same_o thing_n i_o now_o do_v the_o promote_a holiness_n in_o the_o world_n in_o the_o beauty_n and_o perfection_n of_o it_o and_o he_o will_v acknowledge_v that_o i_o be_o far_o from_o have_v carry_v this_o matter_n too_o high_a i_o
will_v quote_v but_o one_o or_o two_o passage_n of_o st._n basil_n 454._o basil_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d p._n 454._o his_o description_n of_o the_o perfect_a man_n with_o regard_n to_o his_o self-denial_n run_v thus_o he_o be_v one_o that_o consult_v the_o necessity_n not_o the_o pleasure_n of_o his_o nature_n and_o seem_v to_o grudge_v the_o time_n which_o he_o bestow_v on_o the_o support_n and_o nourishment_n of_o a_o corruptible_a body_n he_o be_v so_o far_o from_o look_v upon_o eat_v and_o drink_v etc._n etc._n as_o a_o enjoyment_n that_o he_o rather_o account_v it_o a_o task_n or_o troublesome_a service_n which_o the_o frailty_n of_o his_o nature_n demand_v at_o his_o hand_n nor_o be_v this_o great_a man_n more_o severe_a against_o the_o lust_n of_o the_o flesh_n than_o against_o those_o other_o branch_n of_o the_o love_n of_o the_o world_n the_o lust_n of_o the_o eye_n and_o the_o pride_n of_o life_n 456._o life_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d p._n 456._o all_o vanity_n and_o affection_n of_o praise_n and_o respect_n all_o the_o ostentation_n say_v he_o and_o show_v of_o life_n be_v utter_o unlawful_a for_o a_o christian_n and_o all_o this_o be_v direct_o consonant_a to_o his_o gloss_n 457._o gloss_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d p._n 457._o on_o those_o word_n of_o s._n paul_n they_o that_o use_v the_o world_n as_o not_o abuse_v it_o whatever_o be_v beyond_o use_n be_v abuse_v direct_o consonant_a to_o his_o definition_n of_o temperance_n 454._o temperance_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d p_o 454._o that_o it_o be_v the_o extirpation_n of_o sin_n the_o extermination_n of_o unruly_a passion_n and_o the_o mortification_n of_o the_o body_n extend_v even_o to_o the_o natural_a appetite_n and_o affection_n of_o it_o i_o know_v not_o what_o scruple_n or_o mistake_v the_o doctrine_n i_o here_o advance_v concern_v this_o part_n of_o my_o perfect_a man_n liberty_n may_v be_v encounter_v with_o but_o i_o be_o confident_a i_o have_v give_v no_o just_a occasion_n for_o any_o i_o do_v not_o say_v of_o the_o perfect_a with_o jovinian_a that_o they_o can_v fall_v but_o i_o say_v they_o may_v and_o aught_o to_o stand_v and_o if_o it_o be_v not_o their_o own_o fault_n will_v do_v so_o i_o do_v not_o affirm_v of_o they_o as_o the_o heretic_n in_o vincentius_n lyrinensis_n do_v of_o their_o part_n that_o they_o be_v privilege_v from_o sin_n by_o a_o peculiar_a grace_n and_o transcendent_a favour_n but_o i_o affirm_v that_o they_o shall_v not_o want_v grace_n to_o preserve_v they_o from_o it_o unless_o they_o be_v want_v to_o themselves_o i_o do_v not_o go_v about_o to_o maintain_v that_o god_n see_v no_o sin_n in_o his_o child_n but_o i_o maintain_v that_o mortal_a sin_n be_v not_o the_o spot_n of_o his_o child_n but_o do_v not_o i_o in_o this_o fall_n in_o with_o the_o papist_n who_o assert_v the_o possibility_n of_o keep_v the_o command_v of_o god_n i_o answer_v that_o take_v they_o in_o the_o sense_n in_o which_o they_o themselves_o in_o the_o conference_n at_o ratisbone_n defend_v this_o doctrine_n i_o do_v they_o there_o tell_v we_o that_o when_o they_o talk_v thus_o they_o take_v the_o law_n or_o command_n of_o god_n not_o in_o a_o strict_a and_o rigid_a but_o in_o a_o favourable_a and_o equitable_a i._n e._n a_o gospel_n construction_n and_o this_o be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v heterodox_n that_o davenant_n account_v it_o a_o plain_a give_v up_o the_o question_n in_o controversy_n but_o be_o i_o not_o run_v into_o the_o error_n of_o the_o pelagian_o and_o quaker_n i_o answer_v if_o the_o one_o or_o the_o other_o assert_v that_o the_o perfect_a man_n pass_v through_o the_o whole_a course_n of_o life_n without_o fall_v into_o any_o sin_n or_o that_o in_o the_o best_a part_n of_o life_n he_o be_v impeccable_a and_o not_o subject_a to_o sin_v as_o in_o the_o heat_n of_o disputation_n their_o adversary_n seem_v sometime_o to_o fasten_v on_o they_o i_o be_o at_o a_o wide_a distance_n from_o they_o but_o if_o they_o teach_v that_o the_o perfect_a man_n have_v grace_n and_o strength_n enough_o to_o forbear_v wilful_a sin_n and_o that_o many_o actual_o do_v so_o i_o be_o i_o must_v confess_v exact_o of_o their_o mind_n but_o then_o i_o be_o at_o the_o same_o time_n of_o the_o same_o mind_n with_o st._n austin_n and_o st._n jerome_n too_o for_o they_o teach_v the_o very_a same_o doctrine_n for_o they_o never_o contend_v about_o the_o possibility_n of_o freedom_n or_o deliverance_n from_o mental_a sin_n but_o only_o from_o venial_a st._n i_o 189._o i_o dial._n secund_a adv_fw-la pelag._n p._n 189._o shall_v explain_v his_o own_o sense_n etenim_fw-la absque_fw-la vitio_fw-la quod_fw-la grecé_fw-la dicitur_fw-la 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d hominem_fw-la posse_fw-la esse_fw-la aio_fw-la 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d id_fw-la est_fw-la sine_fw-la peccato_fw-la esse_fw-la nego_fw-la which_o be_v the_o same_o thing_n that_o st._n austin_n common_o admit_v that_o man_n may_v be_v sine_fw-la crimine_fw-la but_o not_o sine_fw-la peccato_fw-la without_o mortal_a but_o not_o without_o venial_a sin_n and_o in_o this_o they_o be_v certain_o of_o the_o mind_n of_o the_o scripture_n which_o every_o where_o represent_v the_o perfect_a man_n as_o holy_a blameless_a undefiled_a without_o spot_n walk_v with_o god_n and_o in_o one_o word_n as_o free_a from_o sin_n if_o any_o man_n can_v reconcile_v these_o text_n which_o be_v very_o numerous_a with_o mortal_a sin_n i_o will_v not_o say_v in_o the_o best_a state_n of_o the_o best_a man_n but_o a_o state_n of_o sincerity_n and_o regeneration_n i_o will_v acknowledge_v my_o mistake_n but_o till_o then_o i_o can_v but_o think_v the_o doctrine_n i_o advance_v necessary_a to_o establish_v the_o true_a notion_n of_o holiness_n and_o convince_v we_o of_o our_o obligation_n to_o it_o this_o doctrine_n be_v again_o necessary_a to_o wipe_v off_o those_o aspersion_n and_o calumny_n the_o quaker_n cast_v upon_o our_o church_n as_o if_o it_o hold_v that_o the_o regenerate_v themselves_o may_v continue_v in_o their_o sin_n nay_o can_v be_v free_v from_o they_o our_o church_n teach_v indeed_o artic._n 14._o that_o the_o most_o perfect_a man_n be_v never_o utter_o exempt_v from_o defect_n fail_n and_o human_a infirmity_n and_o i_o believe_v they_o themselves_o be_v not_o confident_a enough_o to_o teach_v otherwise_o only_o they_o will_v not_o call_v these_o infirmity_n sin_n and_o then_o the_o whole_a controversy_n be_v reduce_v to_o this_o we_o agree_v in_o the_o thing_n but_o differ_v in_o the_o name_n and_o in_o this_o difference_n we_o be_v not_o only_o on_o the_o humble_a but_o the_o safe_a side_n too_o for_o acknowledge_v they_o sin_n we_o shall_v be_v the_o better_o dispose_v sure_o to_o be_v sorry_a for_o they_o to_o beg_v pardon_n of_o they_o and_o watch_v against_o they_o the_o fruit_n of_o this_o liberty_n have_v be_v sufficient_o account_v for_o chap._n 3._o and_o therefore_o i_o proceed_v s._n 3._o to_o propose_v some_o rule_n for_o the_o attainment_n of_o it_o 1._o the_o mind_n must_v be_v ground_v and_o root_v in_o the_o faith_n it_o must_v be_v thorough_o convince_v and_o persuade_v of_o these_o great_a article_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n and_o such_o a_o god_n holy_a just_a omniscient_a and_o omnipotent_a one_o the_o incarnation_n suffer_v and_o glory_n of_o the_o bless_a jesus_n a_o judgement_n to_o come_v and_o the_o eternal_a reward_n and_o punishment_n of_o another_o life_n the_o firm_a belief_n of_o these_o thing_n do_v natural_o promote_v these_o two_o effect_n 1._o it_o will_v awaken_v a_o sinner_n out_o of_o his_o lethargy_n and_o security_n it_o will_v disturb_v he_o in_o his_o sinful_a enjoyment_n and_o fill_v his_o mind_n with_o guilty_a fear_n and_o uneasy_a reflection_n and_o when_o the_o man_n find_v no_o rest_n no_o security_n in_o his_o sin_n this_o will_v natural_o oblige_v he_o to_o endeavour_v the_o conquest_n of_o they_o but_o then_o we_o must_v not_o stifle_v and_o suppress_v these_o thought_n we_o must_v give_v conscience_n full_a liberty_n we_o must_v hear_v the_o dictate_v of_o our_o own_o mind_n patient_o and_o consider_v serious_o those_o terrible_a truth_n which_o they_o lie_v before_o we_o till_o we_o go_v from_o this_o exercise_n deep_o impress_v with_o such_o notion_n as_o these_o that_o our_o sin_n soon_o or_o late_a will_v certain_o bring_v upon_o we_o temporal_a and_o eternal_a misery_n that_o nothing_o but_o sincere_a righteousness_n can_v produce_v true_a and_o last_a happiness_n that_o it_o be_v a_o dreadful_a danger_n to_o dally_v too_o long_o with_o indgination_n or_o presume_v too_o far_o on_o the_o mercy_n of_o a_o just_a and_o holy_a and_o almighty_a god_n that_o the_o neglect_v the_o great_a salvation_n tender_v by_o the_o gospel_n and_o procure_v by_o the_o bless_a jesus_n the_o
most_o sanctify_a nature_n and_o some_o venial_a defect_n and_o imperfection_n or_o other_o may_v still_o leave_v room_n for_o the_o great_a of_o saint_n to_o extend_v his_o conquest_n beside_o it_o be_v hard_a to_o determine_v or_o fix_v the_o bound_n of_o knowledge_n and_o every_o new_a degree_n of_o light_n seem_v to_o make_v way_n for_o more_o so_o that_o after_o all_o nothing_o hinder_v but_o that_o the_o path_n of_o the_o perfect_a man_n may_v as_o well_o with_o respect_n to_o his_o righteousness_n as_o his_o fortune_n be_v like_o the_o shine_a light_n which_o shine_v more_o and_o more_o unto_o the_o perfect_a day_n i_o mean_v the_o day_n of_o a_o bless_a eternity_n the_o motive_n to_o perfection_n the_o fruit_n of_o it_o the_o mean_n and_o method_n of_o attain_v it_o lay_v down_o in_o the_o first_o section_n will_v all_o serve_v here_o therefore_o i_o have_v nothing_o to_o offer_v of_o this_o sort_n only_o if_o i_o forget_v to_o pay_v that_o deference_n to_o the_o institution_n of_o our_o church_n which_o they_o just_o deserve_v i_o do_v it_o now_o and_o do_v earnest_o persuade_v my_o reader_n to_o a_o strict_a observance_n of_o they_o i_o do_v not_o only_o think_v this_o necessary_a to_o maintain_v a_o face_n of_o religion_n among_o we_o but_o also_o high_o conducive_a to_o true_a perfection_n i_o be_o full_o satisfy_v that_o there_o be_v a_o peculiar_a presence_n of_o god_n in_o his_o public_a ordinance_n that_o the_o devotion_n of_o good_a man_n do_v mutual_o inflame_v and_o enkindle_v one_o another_o that_o there_o be_v a_o holy_a awe_n and_o reverence_n seize_v the_o mind_n of_o good_a man_n when_o they_o draw_v near_o to_o god_n in_o public_a worship_n and_o final_o that_o if_o the_o office_n of_o our_o liturgy_n do_v not_o affect_v our_o heart_n it_o be_v because_o they_o be_v very_o much_o indispose_v and_o very_o poor_o qualify_v for_o the_o true_a and_o spiritual_a worship_n of_o god_n chap._n x._o of_o zeal_n as_o it_o consist_v in_o good_a work_n and_o now_o let_v not_o any_o one_o think_v that_o i_o have_v take_v pain_n to_o advance_v the_o illumination_n of_o a_o sinner_n to_o knock_v off_o his_o chain_n and_o fetter_n to_o raise_v he_o as_o far_o as_o may_v be_v above_o the_o corruption_n of_o nature_n and_o the_o defect_n and_o infirmity_n of_o life_n to_o scatter_v those_o lazy_a fog_n and_o mist_n which_o hang_v upon_o his_o spirit_n and_o to_o enrich_v he_o with_o heroic_a virtue_n let_v no_o man_n i_o say_v fancy_n that_o i_o have_v labour_v to_o do_v all_o this_o that_o after_o all_o my_o perfect_a man_n may_v sit_v down_o like_o a_o epicurean_a god_n and_o enjoy_v himself_o may_v talk_v fine_o of_o solitary_a shade_n and_o garden_n and_o spend_v a_o precious_a life_n fit_v for_o the_o noble_a design_n in_o a_o sluggish_a retirement_n no_o no_o as_o virtue_n be_v the_o perfection_n of_o human_a life_n so_o be_v action_n the_o perfection_n of_o virtue_n and_o zeal_n be_v that_o principle_n of_o action_n which_o i_o require_v in_o a_o saint_n of_o god_n according_o the_o scripture_n describe_v this_o great_a this_o happy_a man_n as_o full_a of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n fervent_a in_o spirit_n zealous_a of_o good_a work_n such_o a_o one_o be_v moses_n mighty_a in_o word_n and_o deed_n as_o well_o as_o learned_a in_o all_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o egyptian_n such_o a_o one_o be_v st._n stephen_n as_o full_a of_o a_o divine_a ardour_n and_o irresistible_a fervency_n of_o spirit_n as_o of_o a_o irresistible_a wisdom_n and_o such_o a_o one_o be_v the_o excellent_a cornelius_n a_o devout_a man_n one_o that_o have_v transfuse_v and_o derive_v the_o fear_n of_o god_n from_o his_o own_o bosom_n throughout_o his_o family_n and_o relation_n and_o friend_n too_o one_o that_o give_v much_o alm_n and_o pray_v to_o god_n always_o what_o need_v i_o multiply_v instance_n this_o be_v that_o which_o distinguish_v the_o perfect_a man_n from_o all_o other_o the_o victory_n of_o faith_n the_o labour_n of_o charity_n the_o constancy_n and_o patience_n of_o hope_n and_o the_o ardour_n of_o devotion_n need_v i_o here_o distinguish_v a_o zeal_n of_o god_n from_o the_o fierceness_n of_o faction_n the_o cruelty_n of_o superstition_n from_o the_o wakeful_a and_o indefatigable_a activity_n of_o avarice_n and_o ambition_n from_o the_o unruly_a heat_n of_o pride_n and_o passion_n and_o from_o the_o implacable_a fury_n of_o revenge_n it_o need_v not_o no_o foolish_a no_o false_a fantastic_a earthly_a or_o devilish_a principle_n can_v counterfeit_v a_o divine_a zeal_n it_o be_v a_o perfection_n that_o shine_v with_o such_o a_o peculiar_a lustre_n with_o such_o a_o heavenly_a majesty_n and_o sweetness_n that_o nothing_o else_o can_v imitate_v it_o it_o be_v always_o pursue_v good_a the_o honour_n of_o god_n and_o the_o happiness_n of_o man_n it_o contend_v earnest_o for_o the_o faith_n once_o deliver_v to_o the_o saint_n but_o it_o contend_v as_o earnest_o too_o to_o root_v out_o wickedness_n and_o implant_v the_o righteousness_n of_o the_o gospel_n in_o the_o world_n it_o be_v not_o eager_a for_o the_o article_n of_o a_o sect_n or_o party_n and_o unconcern_v for_o catholic_n once_o when_o it_o press_v for_o reformation_n it_o begin_v at_o home_n and_o set_v a_o bright_a example_n of_o what_o it_o will_v recommend_v to_o other_o it_o be_v meek_a and_o gentle_a under_o its_o own_o affront_v but_o warm_a and_o bold_a against_o those_o which_o be_v offer_v to_o god_n in_o a_o word_n though_o love_n fill_v its_o sail_n divine_a wisdom_n and_o prudence_n give_v it_o ballast_n and_o it_o have_v no_o heat_n but_o what_o be_v temper_v and_o refract_v by_o charity_n and_o humility_n need_v i_o in_o the_o next_o place_n fix_v or_o state_n the_o various_a degree_n of_o zeal_n alas_o it_o be_v not_o requisite_a zeal_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o a_o ardent_a thirst_n of_o promote_a the_o divine_a glory_n by_o the_o best_a work_n it_o be_v plain_a the_o more_o excellent_a the_o work_n and_o the_o more_o it_o cost_v the_o more_o perfect_a the_o more_o exalt_v the_o zeal_n that_o perform_v it_o when_o like_o mary_n we_o quit_v the_o cumber_n and_o distraction_n of_o this_o world_n and_o choose_v religion_n for_o our_o portion_n then_o do_v we_o love_v it_o in_o good_a earnest_n when_o with_o the_o disciple_n we_o can_v say_v lord_n we_o have_v forsake_v all_o and_o follow_v thou_o or_o be_v ready_a to_o do_v so_o when_o we_o be_v continual_o blessing_n and_o praise_v god_n when_o if_o the_o necessity_n of_o christ_n church_n require_v it_o we_o be_v ready_a to_o call_v nothing_o our_o own_o when_o we_o be_v prepare_v if_o the_o will_n of_o god_n be_v so_o to_o resist_v even_o unto_o blood_n when_o nothing_o be_v dear_a nothing_o delightful_a to_o we_o but_o god_n and_o holiness_n then_o have_v we_o reach_v the_o height_n of_o zeal_n in_o a_o word_n zeal_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o the_o love_n of_o god_n make_v perfect_a in_o we_o and_o if_o we_o will_v see_v it_o draw_v to_o the_o life_n we_o must_v contemplate_v it_o in_o the_o bless_a jesus_n who_o be_v the_o perfect_a pattern_n of_o heroick_n love_n how_o boundless_a be_v his_o love_n when_o the_o whole_a world_n and_o how_o transcendent_a when_o a_o world_n of_o enemy_n be_v the_o object_n of_o it_o how_o indefatigable_a be_v his_o zeal_n how_o wakeful_a how_o meek_a how_o humble_a how_o firm_a and_o resolve_v his_o labour_n and_o travel_n his_o self-denial_n prayer_n and_o tear_n his_o silence_n and_o patience_n his_o agony_n and_o blood_n and_o charitable_a prayer_n pour_v out_o with_o it_o for_o his_o persecutor_n instruct_v we_o full_o what_o divine_a love_n what_o divine_a zeal_n be_v and_o now_o even_o at_o this_o time_n love_n reign_v in_o he_o as_o he_o reign_v in_o heaven_n love_n be_v still_o the_o predominant_a the_o darling_n passion_n of_o his_o soul_n worthy_a be_v thou_o o_o jesus_n to_o receive_v honour_n and_o glory_n and_o dominion_n worthy_a be_v thou_o to_o sit_v down_o with_o thy_o father_n on_o his_o throne_n worthy_a be_v thou_o to_o judge_v the_o world_n because_o thou_o have_v love_v because_o thou_o have_v be_v zealous_a unto_o death_n because_o thou_o have_v overcome_v some_o there_o be_v indeed_o who_o have_v follow_v thy_o bright_a example_n though_o at_o a_o great_a distance_n first_o martyr_n and_o confessor_n next_o those_o belove_v and_o admire_v prince_n who_o have_v govern_v their_o kingdom_n in_o righteousness_n to_o who_o the_o honour_n of_o god_n and_o the_o good_a of_o the_o world_n have_v be_v far_o dear_a than_o pleasure_n than_o empire_n than_o absolute_a power_n or_o that_o ominous_a blaze_n that_o be_v now_o call_v glory_n and_o next_o follow_v hold_v this_o be_v the_o work_n of_o angel_n they_o must_v marshal_v the_o field_n of_o glory_n in_o the_o end_n
religious_a perfection_n or_o a_o three_o part_n of_o the_o enquiry_n after_o happiness_n by_o the_o author_n of_o practical_a christianity_n therefore_o leave_v the_o principle_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n let_v we_o go_v on_o unto_o perfection_n heb._n 6.1_o london_n print_v for_o sam._n smith_n and_o benj._n walford_n at_o the_o prince_n arm_n in_o st._n paul_n churchyard_n mdcxcvi_o to_o mr._n whitelocke_n bulstrode_n of_o clifford's-inn_n i_o here_o present_v you_o my_o dear_a friend_n with_o a_o discourse_n wherein_o i_o labour_v to_o advance_v the_o great_a and_o true_a end_n of_o life_n the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o the_o perfection_n and_o happiness_n of_o man._n i_o can_v i_o confess_v pretend_v to_o have_v come_v up_o to_o the_o dignity_n of_o my_o subject_n yet_o i_o have_v do_v what_o i_o can_v and_o have_v attempt_v it_o with_o my_o utmost_a force_n i_o know_v you_o too_o well_o to_o imagine_v you_o fond_a of_o a_o address_n of_o this_o public_a nature_n you_o love_v the_o real_a and_o solid_a satisfaction_n not_o the_o pomp_n and_o show_n those_o splendid_a encumbrance_n of_o life_n your_o rational_a and_o virtuous_a pleasure_n burn_v like_o a_o gentle_a and_o cheerful_a flame_n without_o noise_n or_o blaze_n however_o i_o can_v but_o be_v confident_a that_o you_o will_v pardon_v the_o liberty_n which_o i_o here_o take_v when_o i_o have_v tell_v you_o that_o the_o make_v the_o best_a acknowledgement_n i_o can_v to_o one_o who_o have_v give_v i_o so_o many_o proof_n of_o a_o generous_a and_o passionate_a friendship_n be_v a_o pleasure_n too_o great_a to_o be_v resist_v i_o be_o dear_a sir_n unfeigned_o you_o r._n lucas_n the_o content_n the_o introduction_n page_n 1._o sect_n i._o of_o religious_a perfection_n in_o general_n chap._n 1._o perfection_n what_o it_o be_v notion_n confirm_v by_o reason_n and_o scripture_n p._n 11._o chap._n 2._o this_o notion_n of_o perfection_n countenance_v on_o all_o side_n however_o different_a in_o their_o expression_n p._n 30._o chap._n 3._o several_a inference_n deduce_v from_o the_o notion_n of_o perfection_n p._n 42._o chap._n 4._o a_o general_n account_v of_o the_o bless_a effect_n of_o religious_a perfection_n particular_o with_o respect_n to_o assurance_n and_o pleasure_n p._n 63._o chap._n 5._o of_o the_o several_a step_n by_o which_o the_o christian_a advance_n to_o perfection_n p._n 102._o chap._n 6._o of_o the_o mean_n of_o attain_v perfection_n and_o the_o great_a end_n to_o be_v aim_v at_o in_o instrumental_a duty_n p._n 120._o chap._n 7._o of_o some_o particular_a motive_n to_o perfection_n p._n 176._o sect_n ii_o of_o the_o several_a part_n of_o perfection_n chap._n 1._o of_o illumination_n what_o it_o consist_v in_o p._n 188._o chap._n 2._o of_o the_o fruit_n and_o attainment_n of_o illumination_n p._n 227_o chap._n 3._o of_o liberty_n in_o general_n p._n 257._o chap._n 4._o of_o liberty_n as_o it_o relate_v to_o original_a sin_n p._n 335._o chap._n 5._o of_o liberty_n with_o respect_n to_o sin_n of_o infirmity_n p._n 367._o chap._n 6._o of_o liberty_n as_o it_o import_v freedom_n or_o deliverance_n from_o mortal_a sin_n p._n 403._o chap._n 7._o of_o unfruitfulness_n as_o it_o consist_v in_o idleness_n p._n 434._o chap._n 8._o of_o unfruitfulness_n as_o it_o consist_v in_o lukewarmness_n coldness_n or_o formality_n p._n 452._o chap._n 9_o of_o zeal_n or_o the_o first_o thing_n to_o be_v consider_v in_o a_o state_n of_o zeal_n namely_o what_o holiness_n or_o righteousness_n he_o may_v be_v suppose_v to_o have_v arrive_v at_o p._n 489._o chap._n 10._o of_o zeal_n as_o it_o consist_v in_o good_a work_n p._n 513._o chap._n 11._o of_o humility_n p._n 528._o sect_n iii_o of_o the_o impediment_n of_o perfection_n  _fw-fr errata_fw-la page_n 5._o line_n 8._o pretend_a read_v pretend_v p._n 62._o l._n 4._o currant_n r._n concurrent_a p._n 94._o l._n 21._o after_o all_o add_v p._n 80._o l._n 6._o effect_n r._n affect_v p._n 96._o l._n 9_o act_n r._n art_n p._n 116._o l._n ult_v lead_v r._n let_v p._n 157._o after_o fervent_a add_v such_o affection_n be_v p._n 167._o l._n 21._o blot_n out_o i._n p._n 205._o l._n 31._o model_v r._n mould_v p._n world_n r._n love_n p._n 223._o l._n 1._o be_v r._n lie_v p._n 238._o l._n 16._o word_n r._n world_n p._n 245._o l._n 6._o add_v of_o p._n 245._o l._n 14._o prevent_v r._n pervert_v p._n 258._o l._n 24._o of_o r._n a_o p._n 295._o l._n 14._o to_o r._n by_o p._n 302._o l._n 16._o man_n r._n man_n p._n 306._o l._n 4._o the_o righteousness_n thereof_o r._n their_o righteousness_n therefore_o p._n 306._o l._n 6._o suppose_v r._n i_o oppose_v p._n 334._o l._n 11._o wound_n r._n womb_n p._n 346._o l._n 24._o these_o r._n there_o p._n 421._o l._n 9_o affection_n r._n affectation_n p._n 422._o l._n 10._o part_n r._n party_n p._n 466._o l._n 24._o now_o r._n not_o p._n 489._o l._n 8._o he_o r._n the_o perfect_a man_n p._n 533._o l._n ult_n forwardness_n r._n frowardness_n the_o introduction_n by_o what_o step_v i_o be_o advance_v thus_o far_o in_o my_o enquiry_n after_o happiness_n and_o what_o connexion_n or_o coherence_n there_o be_v between_o this_o and_o two_o other_o discourse_n already_o publish_a on_o that_o subject_n be_v very_o obvious_a in_o the_o first_o i_o endeavour_v to_o remove_v those_o objection_n which_o represent_v all_o inquiry_n and_o attempt_n after_o true_a happiness_n in_o this_o life_n either_o as_o fantastic_a or_o unnecessary_a or_o which_o be_v as_o bad_a vain_a and_o to_o no_o purpose_n and_o after_o i_o have_v assert_v the_o value_n and_o possibility_n of_o happiness_n i_o do_v in_o general_a point_n out_o the_o true_a reason_n of_o our_o ill_a success_n and_o disappointment_n in_o pursuit_n of_o it_o in_o the_o second_o i_o state_n the_o true_a notion_n of_o human_a life_n insist_v upon_o the_o several_a kind_n of_o it_o and_o show_v what_o qualification_n and_o virtue_n the_o active_a and_o contemplative_a life_n demand_v and_o then_o consider_v how_o life_n may_v be_v prolong_v and_o improve_v in_o this_o three_o i_o prosecute_v the_o same_o design_n which_o i_o have_v in_o the_o two_o former_a the_o promote_a human_a happiness_n for_o life_n perfection_n and_o happiness_n have_v a_o close_a and_o inseparable_a dependence_n on_o one_o another_o for_o as_o life_n which_o be_v the_o rational_a exercise_n and_o employment_n of_o our_o power_n and_o faculty_n do_v natural_o advance_v on_o and_o terminate_v in_o perfection_n so_o perfection_n which_o be_v nothing_o else_o but_o the_o maturity_n of_o human_a virtue_n do_v natural_o end_v in_o that_o rest_n and_o peace_n that_o tranquillity_n serenity_n and_o joy_n of_o mind_n which_o we_o call_v happiness_n now_o perfection_n in_o a_o abstract_a and_o metaphisical_a notion_n of_o it_o be_v a_o state_n that_o admit_v neither_o of_o accession_n nor_o dimunition_n but_o talk_v of_o it_o practical_o and_o in_o a_o manner_n accommodate_v to_o the_o nature_n of_o thing_n the_o perfection_n of_o man_n consist_v in_o such_o endowment_n and_o attainment_n as_o man_n be_v general_o capable_a of_o in_o this_o life_n and_o because_o man_n may_v be_v consider_v either_o in_o relation_n to_o this_o or_o to_o another_o world_n therefore_o human_a perfection_n may_v i_o think_v natural_o enough_o be_v divide_v into_o religious_a and_o secular_a by_o secular_a i_o mean_v that_o which_o regard_v our_o interest_n in_o this_o life_n by_o religious_a that_o which_o secure_v it_o in_o eternity_n the_o one_o more_o direct_o and_o immediate_o aim_v at_o the_o favour_n of_o man_n the_o other_o at_o the_o favour_n of_o god_n the_o one_o pursue_v that_o happiness_n what_o ever_o it_o be_v that_o be_v to_o be_v find_v in_o outward_a and_o worldly_a advantage_n the_o other_o that_o which_o flow_v from_o virtue_n and_o a_o good_a conscience_n it_o be_v easy_a now_o to_o discern_v which_o of_o these_o two_o kind_n of_o perfection_n be_v the_o more_o desirable_a the_o one_o purify_v and_o exalt_v our_o nature_n the_o other_o polish_v and_o varnish_n it_o the_o one_o make_v a_o complete_a gentleman_n the_o other_o a_o true_a christian_a the_o success_n of_o the_o one_o be_v precarious_a that_o of_o the_o other_o certain_a have_v no_o dependence_n on_o time_n or_o chance_n the_o humour_n or_o fancy_n of_o man_n the_o pleasure_n of_o the_o one_o be_v short_a and_o superficial_a that_o of_o the_o other_o great_a and_o last_a the_o world_n admire_v the_o one_o and_o god_n approve_v the_o other_o to_o be_v thorough_o persuade_v of_o this_o be_v a_o good_a step_n towards_o true_a wisdom_n as_o be_v that_o which_o will_v enable_v man_n to_o steer_v the_o whole_a course_n of_o life_n aright_o but_o while_o i_o prefer_v the_o one_o i_o do_v not_o prescribe_v the_o neglect_n or_o contempt_n of_o the_o other_o so_o far_o be_o i_o from_o it_o that_o i_o be_o
all_o perfection_n lord_n what_o rest_v what_o confidence_n what_o joy_n what_o extacy_n do_v these_o thought_n breed_v how_o sublime_a how_o lofty_a how_o delightful_a and_o ravish_a be_v those_o expression_n of_o st._n john_n 1_o epist_n 3.1_o 2._o behold_v what_o manner_n of_o love_n the_o father_n have_v bestow_v upon_o we_o that_o we_o shall_v be_v call_v the_o son_n of_o god_n therefore_o the_o world_n know_v we_o not_o because_o it_o know_v he_o not_o belove_a now_o be_v we_o the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o it_o do_v not_o yet_o appear_v what_o we_o shall_v be_v but_o we_o know_v that_o when_o he_o shall_v appear_v we_o shall_v be_v like_o he_o for_o we_o shall_v see_v he_o as_o he_o be_v and_o those_o again_o of_o the_o psalmist_n i_o be_o continual_o with_o thou_o thou_o do_v hold_v i_o by_o my_o right_a hand_n thou_o shall_v guide_v i_o with_o thy_o counsel_n and_o afterward_o receive_v i_o into_o glory_n psal_n 73.23_o 24._o but_o i_o will_v descend_v to_o cool_a and_o humble_a pleasure_n it_o be_v no_o small_a happiness_n to_o the_o perfect_a man_n that_o he_o be_v himself_o a_o proper_a object_n of_o his_o own_o complacency_n he_o can_v reflect_v on_o the_o truth_n and_o justice_n the_o courage_n and_o constancy_n the_o meekness_n and_o charity_n of_o his_o soul_n with_o much_o gratitude_n towards_o god_n and_o contentment_n in_o himself_o and_o this_o sure_o he_o may_v do_v with_o good_a reason_n for_o the_o perfection_n of_o the_o mind_n be_v as_o just_o to_o be_v prefer_v before_o those_o of_o the_o body_n as_o those_o of_o the_o body_n before_o the_o gift_n of_o fortune_n nor_o be_v it_o a_o matter_n of_o small_a importance_n to_o be_v please_v with_o one_o self_n for_o grant_v any_o one_o but_o this_o and_o he_o can_v never_o be_v very_o uneasy_a or_o very_a miserable_a but_o without_o this_o there_o be_v very_o few_o thing_n which_o will_v not_o disturb_v and_o discompose_v and_o the_o most_o oblige_a accident_n of_o life_n will_v have_v no_o relish_n in_o they_o it_o be_v true_a folly_n and_o vanity_n do_v sometime_o create_v a_o self-complacency_n in_o the_o sinner_n why_o even_o then_o it_o be_v a_o please_a error_n but_o there_o be_v as_o much_o difference_n between_o the_o just_a and_o rational_a complacency_n of_o a_o wise_a man_n in_o himself_o and_o the_o mistake_a one_o of_o a_o fool_n as_o there_o be_v between_o the_o false_a and_o fleet_a fancy_n of_o a_o dream_n and_o the_o solid_a satisfaction_n of_o the_o day_n this_o will_v be_v very_o manifest_a upon_o the_o slight_a view_n we_o can_v take_v of_o those_o action_n which_o be_v the_o true_a reason_n of_o the_o good_a man_n satisfaction_n in_o himself_o and_o render_v his_o conscience_n a_o continual_a feast_n to_o he_o it_o be_v common_o say_v that_o virtue_n be_v its_o own_o reward_n and_o though_o it_o must_v be_v acknowledge_v this_o be_v a_o reward_n which_o be_v not_o sufficient_a in_o all_o case_n nor_o great_a enough_o to_o vanquish_v some_o sort_n of_o temptation_n yet_o there_o be_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o truth_n and_o weight_n in_o this_o say_n for_o a_o state_n of_o virtue_n be_v like_o a_o state_n of_o health_n or_o peace_n of_o strength_n and_o beauty_n and_o therefore_o desirable_a on_o its_o own_o account_n and_o if_o pleasure_n proper_o speak_v be_v nothing_o else_o but_o the_o agreeable_a exercise_n of_o the_o power_n of_o nature_n about_o their_o proper_a object_n and_o if_o it_o be_v then_o absolute_a and_o complete_a when_o these_o power_n be_v raise_v and_o the_o exercise_n of_o they_o be_v free_a and_o undisturbed_a then_o certain_o virtue_n which_o be_v nothing_o else_o but_o the_o perfect_a action_n of_o a_o perfect_a nature_n as_o far_o as_o the_o one_o and_o the_o other_o may_v be_v admit_v in_o this_o state_n of_o mortality_n must_v be_v a_o very_a considerable_a pleasure_n act_n of_o wisdom_n and_o charity_n the_o contemplation_n of_o truth_n and_o the_o love_n of_o goodness_n must_v be_v most_o natural_a and_o delightful_a exercise_n of_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n and_o because_o truth_n and_o goodness_n be_v infinite_a and_o omnipresent_v and_o nothing_o can_v hinder_v the_o perfect_a man_n from_o contemplate_v the_o one_o and_o love_v the_o other_o therefore_o do_v he_o in_o his_o degree_n and_o measure_n participate_v of_o his_o selfsufficiency_n as_o he_o do_v of_o other_o perfection_n of_o god_n and_o enjoy_v within_o himself_o a_o inexhaustible_a spring_n of_o delight_n how_o many_o how_o various_a be_v the_o exercise_n and_o employment_n of_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n and_o when_o it_o be_v once_o polish_a and_o cultivate_v how_o agreeable_a be_v they_o all_o to_o invent_v and_o find_v out_o to_o illustrate_v and_o adorn_v to_o prove_v and_o demonstrate_v to_o weigh_v discriminate_a and_o distinguish_v to_o deliberate_v calm_o and_o impartial_o to_o act_v with_o a_o absolute_a liberty_n to_o despise_v little_a thing_n and_o look_v bold_o on_o danger_n to_o do_v all_o thing_n dextrous_o to_o converse_v with_o a_o sweet_a and_o yet_o a_o manly_a air_n in_o honest_a and_o open_a yet_o take_v oblige_a language_n how_o delightful_a be_v these_o thing_n in_o themselves_o how_o much_o do_v they_o conduce_v to_o the_o service_n the_o beauty_n and_o dignity_n of_o human_a life_n to_o these_o accomplish_a mind_n we_o owe_v history_n science_n art_n trade_n law_n from_o all_o which_o if_o other_o reap_v a_o unspeakable_a pleasure_n how_o much_o more_o the_o author_n the_o parent_n of_o they_o and_o all_o this_o put_v i_o in_o mind_n of_o one_o great_a advantage_n which_o the_o perfect_a man_n enjoy_v above_o the_o most_o fortunate_a sensualist_n which_o be_v that_o he_o can_v never_o want_v a_o opportunity_n to_o employ_v all_o the_o vigour_n of_o his_o mind_n useful_o and_o delightful_o whence_o it_o be_v that_o retirement_n which_o be_v the_o prison_n and_o the_o punishment_n of_o the_o fool_n be_v the_o paradise_n of_o the_o wise_a and_o good_n but_o let_v we_o come_v at_o length_n to_o that_o pleasure_n which_o depend_v upon_o external_n object_n where_o if_o any_o where_o the_o fool_n and_o sinner_n must_v dispute_v his_o title_n to_o pleasure_n with_o the_o wise_a and_o good_n how_o many_o thing_n be_v there_o here_o which_o force_n we_o to_o give_v the_o preference_n to_o the_o wise_a man_n i_o will_v not_o urge_v that_o a_o narrow_a a_o private_a fortune_n can_v furnish_v store_n enough_o for_o all_o the_o appetite_n of_o virtue_n that_o a_o wise_a man_n need_v not_o at_o any_o time_n purchase_v his_o pleasure_n at_o too_o dear_a a_o rate_n he_o need_v not_o lie_v nor_o cheat_v nor_o crouch_v nor_o fawn_v this_o be_v the_o price_n of_o sinful_a pleasure_n i_o will_v not_o i_o say_v urge_v these_o and_o the_o like_a advantage_n since_o the_o world_n think_v it_o want_v of_o spirit_n to_o be_v content_a with_o a_o little_a and_o want_v of_o wit_n not_o to_o practice_v those_o act_n let_v they_o be_v never_o so_o base_a by_o which_o we_o may_v compass_v more_o i_o will_v only_o remark_n these_o few_o thing_n first_o the_o wise_a man_n prospect_n be_v enlarge_v he_o be_v like_o a_o artist_n or_o philosopher_n which_o discover_v a_o thousand_o pleasure_n and_o beauty_n in_o a_o piece_n wherein_o the_o idiot_n can_v see_v none_o he_o see_v in_o all_o the_o work_n in_o all_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n those_o depth_n those_o contrivance_n which_o the_o fool_n can_v fathom_n that_o order_n that_o harmony_n which_o the_o sinner_n be_v insensible_a of_o next_o the_o pleasure_n of_o sense_n that_o be_v not_o refine_v by_o virtue_n leave_v a_o stain_n upon_o the_o mind_n it_o be_v course_n and_o turbulent_a empty_a and_o vexatious_a the_o pleasure_n of_o virtue_n be_v like_o a_o stream_n which_o run_v indeed_o within_o its_o bank_n but_o it_o run_v smooth_a and_o clear_a and_o have_v a_o spring_n that_o always_o feed_v the_o current_n but_o the_o pleasure_n of_o sin_n be_v like_o a_o land_n flood_n impetuous_a muddy_a and_o irregular_a and_o as_o soon_o as_o it_o forsake_v the_o ground_n it_o overflowed_a it_o leave_v nothing_o behind_o it_o but_o slime_n and_o filth_n last_o the_o wise_a man_n form_v a_o true_a estimate_n of_o the_o object_n of_o sense_n and_o not_o look_v upon_o they_o as_o his_o vltimate_a end_n enjoy_v all_o that_o be_v in_o they_o and_o be_v not_o fool_v by_o a_o expectation_n of_o more_o thus_o have_v consider_v the_o object_n of_o human_a pleasure_n two_o thing_n be_v plain_a first_o that_o the_o perfect_a man_n have_v many_o source_n or_o fountain_n of_o pleasure_n which_o the_o sinner_n never_o taste_v of_o which_o he_o can_v relish_v which_o he_o be_v a_o stranger_n to_o next_o as_o to_o outward_a thing_n that_o he_o have_v even_o here_o many_o advantage_n above_o the_o other_o but_o what_o be_v more_o considerable_a yet_o
the_o tender_a sorrow_n of_o contrition_n the_o delight_n of_o praise_n and_o thanksgiving_n the_o adoration_n and_o self-depressions_a of_o a_o profound_a humility_n and_o the_o resolution_n and_o vow_n of_o a_o perfect_a abhorrence_n of_o and_o holy_a zeal_n and_o indignation_n against_o sin_n how_o do_v these_o thing_n mellow_a and_o enrich_v the_o soul_n how_o do_v they_o raise_v it_o high_o and_o high_o above_o the_o corruption_n which_o be_v in_o the_o world_n through_o lust_n how_o do_v they_o renew_v it_o daily_o and_o make_v it_o a_o partaker_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n the_o repetition_n of_o the_o same_o act_n natural_o beget_v a_o habit_n and_o habit_n be_v the_o strength_n and_o perfection_n of_o the_o soul_n for_o it_o be_v a_o disposition_n ripen_v and_o confirm_v by_o custom_n how_o natural_o then_o must_v prayer_n fortify_v the_o mind_n ripen_v good_a disposition_n or_o add_v strength_n and_o perfection_n to_o good_a habit_n since_o it_o be_v nothing_o else_o but_o a_o repeat_v exercise_n of_o almost_o all_o the_o grace_n of_o the_o gospel_n repentance_n faith_n hope_n charity_n and_o the_o like_a and_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v observe_v that_o prayer_n give_v we_o a_o frequent_a opportunity_n of_o exercise_v those_o virtue_n which_o we_o shall_v not_o otherwise_o be_v so_o often_o oblige_v to_o do_v if_o second_o we_o inquire_v into_o the_o prevalence_n of_o prayer_n with_o god_n we_o shall_v have_v further_a reason_n yet_o to_o resolve_v that_o it_o be_v a_o most_o effectual_a mean_n of_o increase_v our_o spiritual_a strength_n what_o will_v god_n deny_v to_o the_o prayer_n of_o a_o righteous_a man_n he_o may_v deny_v he_o temporal_a thing_n because_o they_o be_v not_o good_a for_o he_o he_o may_v refuse_v to_o remove_v a_o temptation_n because_o this_o be_v often_o a_o occasion_n of_o his_o own_o glory_n and_o his_o servant_n reward_v but_o he_o will_v never_o refuse_v he_o grace_n to_o conquer_v it_o he_o will_v no_o more_o deny_v his_o spirit_n to_o one_o that_o earnest_o and_o sincere_o beg_v it_o than_o the_o natural_a parent_n will_v bread_n to_o his_o hungry_a and_o crave_v child_n and_o no_o wonder_n since_o grace_n be_v as_o necessary_a to_o the_o spiritual_a life_n as_o bread_n to_o the_o natural_a the_o goodness_n of_o god_n be_v more_o tender_a and_o compassionate_a than_o any_o instinct_n in_o human_a nature_n and_o the_o purity_n and_o perfection_n of_o god_n more_o zealous_o solicitous_a for_o the_o holiness_n and_o immortality_n of_o his_o child_n then_o earthly_a parent_n can_v be_v for_o a_o sickly_a perish_v life_n of_o they_o thus_o then_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o prayer_n contribute_v wonderful_o to_o the_o strengthen_v and_o establish_v the_o mind_n of_o man_n in_o goodness_n but_o then_o we_o must_v remember_v that_o it_o must_v have_v these_o two_o qualification_n it_o must_v be_v frequent_a and_o incessant_o importunate_n 1._o it_o must_v be_v frequent_a i_o will_v have_v this_o rule_n comply_v with_o as_o far_o as_o it_o may_v even_o in_o our_o state_v regular_a and_o solemn_a address_n to_o god_n but_o because_o business_n and_o several_a obligation_n we_o lie_v under_o to_o the_o world_n do_v often_o press_v hard_a upon_o we_o therefore_o must_v i_o give_v the_o same_o counsel_n here_o which_o i_o do_v before_o under_o the_o head_n of_o meditation_n that_o be_v to_o have_v always_o ready_a and_o imprint_v in_o our_o memory_n several_a text_n of_o scripture_n contain_v the_o most_o weighty_a and_o important_a truth_n in_o the_o most_o pierce_a and_o move_a language_n that_o we_o may_v be_v able_a to_o form_v these_o on_o a_o sudden_a into_o ejaculation_n in_o which_o our_o soul_n may_v mount_v up_o into_o heaven_n amid_o the_o ardour_n and_o transport_v of_o desire_n and_o praise_n as_o the_o angel_n do_v in_o the_o flame_n of_o manoah_n sacrifice_n 2._o prayer_n must_v be_v incessant_o importunate_a importunate_n it_o will_v be_v if_o the_o soul_n be_v prepare_v and_o dispose_v as_o it_o ought_v that_o be_v if_o it_o be_v disengage_v from_o this_o world_n and_o possess_v entire_o with_o the_o belief_n and_o earnest_a expectation_n of_o a_o better_a if_o it_o be_v humble_v in_o itself_o disclaim_v all_o strength_n and_o merit_n of_o its_o own_o and_o rest_v whole_o on_o the_o goodness_n and_o all-sufficiency_n of_o god_n i_o add_v incessant_o in_o conformity_n to_o the_o parable_n of_o our_o lord_n luke_n 11.8_o and_o 18.5_o and_o the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d of_o the_o apostle_n 1_o thess_n 5.17_o and_o whoever_o consider_v human_a nature_n well_o and_o remember_v how_o soon_o pious_a motion_n vanish_v and_o how_o little_a they_o effect_v will_v discern_v a_o plain_a reason_n both_o for_o vehemence_n and_o perseverance_n in_o prayer_n for_o vehemence_n that_o the_o soul_n may_v be_v deep_o impress_v by_o pious_a passion_n for_o perseverance_n that_o such_o impression_n may_v not_o be_v effaced_a and_o obliterated_a nor_o let_v any_o one_o fancy_n that_o prayer_n thus_o qualify_v have_v not_o a_o better_a influence_n upon_o god_n as_o well_o as_o upon_o ourselves_o it_o be_v true_a god_n be_v void_a of_o the_o painfulness_n and_o defect_n of_o human_a passion_n but_o not_o of_o the_o perfection_n of_o divine_a one_o woe_n be_v to_o we_o if_o god_n be_v a_o inflexible_a inexorable_a deity_n and_o incapable_a of_o be_v wrought_v upon_o by_o the_o incessant_a importunity_n of_o his_o poor_a creature_n woe_n be_v to_o we_o if_o the_o softness_n and_o the_o tenderness_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n do_v not_o infinite_o exceed_v the_o little_a resemblance_n of_o it_o in_o man._n if_o in_o a_o word_n god_n do_v not_o abound_v in_o goodness_n mercy_n and_o compassion_n more_o easy_o to_o be_v move_v and_o excite_v than_o those_o human_a passion_n that_o bear_v some_o analogy_n to_o they_o next_o to_o conversation_n with_o god_n by_o prayer_n the_o conversation_n of_o good_a man_n do_v wonderful_o contribute_v to_o the_o build_v we_o up_o in_o faith_n and_o virtue_n how_o do_v the_o sense_n and_o experience_n of_o such_o as_o deserve_v our_o esteem_n and_o affection_n settle_v and_o establish_v our_o judgement_n when_o they_o concur_v with_o we_o how_o do_v their_o knowledge_n enlighten_v we_o their_o reason_n strengthen_v our_o faith_n and_o their_o example_n inflame_v we_o with_o emulation_n a_o pious_a friendship_n render_v religion_n itself_o more_o engage_v it_o sanctify_v our_o very_a diversion_n and_o recreation_n and_o make_v they_o minister_v to_o virtue_n it_o mind_v we_o when_o we_o be_v forgetful_a support_v and_o encourage_v we_o when_o we_o faint_v and_o tire_v reprove_v and_o correct_v we_o when_o we_o give_v back_o and_o recall_v we_o into_o the_o right_a path_n when_o we_o go_v out_o of_o it_o this_o be_v or_o this_o shall_v be_v the_o business_n of_o conversation_n the_o end_n and_o advantage_n of_o friendship_n we_o shall_v be_v often_o talk_v together_o of_o the_o thing_n of_o god_n communicate_v and_o lay_v open_a the_o state_n of_o our_o soul_n our_o fear_n our_o hope_n our_o improvement_n and_o defect_n we_o shall_v watch_v over_o one_o another_o comfort_n and_o support_v one_o another_o our_o discourse_n shall_v always_o minister_v new_a warmth_n or_o new_a strength_n to_o our_o holy_a faith_n and_o love_n but_o among_o all_o the_o mean_n of_o grace_n there_o be_v no_o one_o do_v so_o much_o corroborate_v and_o nourish_v the_o soul_n of_o man_n as_o the_o holy_a eucharist_n how_o many_o wise_a and_o impartial_a reflection_n do_v the_o preparation_n for_o it_o occasion_n what_o unfeigned_a humility_n and_o what_o a_o profound_a awe_n of_o the_o divine_a majesty_n do_v a_o previous_a self-examination_n beget_v in_o we_o what_o a_o tender_a sense_n of_o the_o divine_a love_n do_v the_o contemplation_n of_o the_o whole_a mystery_n enkindle_v what_o firmness_n and_o resolution_n do_v we_o derive_v from_o fresh_a vow_n and_o repeat_v engagement_n and_o these_o offer_v up_o with_o so_o much_o solemnity_n and_o how_o much_o final_o be_v the_o habit_n of_o holiness_n improve_v by_o that_o spiritual_a pleasure_n which_o the_o sensible_a assurance_n of_o grace_n and_o salvation_n work_v in_o we_o by_o that_o awe_n and_o holy_a fear_n which_o the_o whole_a action_n leave_v behind_o on_o our_o mind_n and_o the_o zeal_n vigilance_n and_o circumspection_n it_o oblige_v we_o to_o for_o the_o time_n follow_v not_o to_o mention_v here_o how_o the_o participation_n of_o this_o holy_a sacrament_n oblige_v we_o to_o a_o most_o solemn_a exercise_n of_o repentance_n towards_o god_n and_o faith_n in_o our_o lord_n jesus_n of_o brotherly_a love_n and_o charity_n and_o the_o hope_n of_o immortality_n and_o glory_n here_o in_o a_o word_n we_o prepare_v to_o meet_v god_n as_o we_o will_v do_v in_o death_n and_o judgement_n here_o we_o make_v a_o open_a profession_n of_o our_o holy_a faith_n renounce_v the_o world_n and_o flesh_n
good_a soldier_n of_o christ_n jesus_n who_o firm_o believe_v that_o he_o be_v now_o a_o spectator_n and_o will_v very_o sudden_o come_v to_o be_v a_o judge_n and_o rewarder_n of_o his_o suffering_n how_o natural_a be_v it_o to_o run_v with_o patience_n the_o race_n that_o be_v set_v before_o we_o to_o he_o who_o have_v a_o eternal_a joy_n a_o eternal_a crown_n always_o in_o his_o eye_n and_o if_o a_o life_n to_o come_v can_v make_v a_o man_n rejoice_v even_o in_o suffer_v evil_a how_o much_o more_o in_o do_v good_a if_o it_o enable_v he_o to_o conquer_v in_o the_o day_n of_o the_o church_n trial_n and_o affliction_n how_o much_o more_o will_v it_o enable_v he_o to_o abound_v in_o all_o virtue_n in_o the_o day_n of_o its_o peace_n and_o prosperity_n how_o free_o will_v a_o man_n give_v to_o the_o distress_a member_n of_o christ_n who_o believe_v that_o he_o see_v christ_n himself_o stand_v by_o and_o receive_v it_o as_o it_o be_v by_o their_o hand_n and_o place_v it_o to_o his_o own_o account_n to_o be_v repay_v a_o thousand-fold_n in_o the_o great_a day_n of_o the_o lord_n how_o easy_o will_v a_o man_n allay_v the_o storm_n of_o passion_n and_o cast_v away_o the_o weapon_n of_o revenge_n and_o anger_n with_o indignation_n against_o himself_o if_o his_o faith_n do_v but_o present_v he_o often_o with_o a_o view_n of_o that_o canaan_n which_o the_o meek_a in_o heart_n shall_v inherit_v for_o ever_o how_o importunate_o will_v a_o man_n pray_v for_o the_o pardon_n of_o sin_n who_o sense_n who_o soul_n who_o imagination_n be_v strike_v with_o a_o dread_n of_o be_v for_o ever_o divide_v from_o god_n and_o exclude_v from_o the_o joy_n and_o virtue_n of_o the_o bless_a how_o fervent_o will_v a_o man_n pray_v for_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n for_o the_o increase_n of_o grace_n who_o thought_n be_v daily_o swallow_v up_o with_o the_o contemplation_n of_o a_o eternity_n and_o who_o mind_n be_v as_o full_o possess_v of_o the_o certainty_n and_o the_o glory_n of_o another_o world_n as_o of_o the_o emptiness_n and_o vanity_n of_o this_o how_o natural_a final_o will_v it_o be_v to_o be_v poor_a in_o spirit_n and_o to_o delight_v in_o all_o the_o office_n of_o a_o unfeigned_a humility_n to_o that_o man_n who_o have_v the_o image_n of_o jesus_n wash_v the_o foot_n of_o his_o disciple_n and_o a_o little_a after_o ascend_v up_o into_o heaven_n always_o before_o he_o but_o i_o know_v it_o will_v be_v here_o object_v we_o discern_v not_o this_o efficacy_n you_o attribute_v to_o this_o motive_n the_o doctrine_n of_o another_o life_n be_v the_o great_a article_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n and_o it_o be_v every_o where_o preach_v throughout_o christendom_n and_o yet_o man_n general_o seem_v to_o have_v as_o much_o fondness_n for_o this_o world_n as_o they_o can_v be_v there_o no_o other_o they_o practise_v no_o virtue_n but_o such_o as_o be_v profitable_a and_o fashionable_a or_o none_o any_o further_a than_o they_o be_v so_o to_o this_o i_o answer_v though_o most_o act_n thus_o there_o be_v many_o i_o hope_v very_o many_o who_o do_v otherwise_o and_o that_o all_o in_o general_n do_v not_o proceed_v from_o want_n either_o of_o due_a consideration_n or_o firm_a belief_n of_o this_o doctrine_n of_o another_o life_n first_o from_o not_o considerate_v it_o as_o we_o shall_v it_o be_v the_o great_a disadvantage_n of_o the_o object_n of_o faith_n compare_v with_o those_o of_o sense_n that_o they_o be_v distant_a and_o invisible_a he_o therefore_o that_o will_v be_v perfect_a that_o will_v derive_v any_o strength_n and_o virtue_n from_o this_o motive_n must_v supply_v this_o distance_n by_o devout_a and_o daily_a contemplation_n he_o must_v fetch_v the_o remore_n object_n of_o faith_n home_o to_o he_o he_o must_v render_v they_o as_o it_o be_v present_a he_o must_v see_v and_o feel_v they_o by_o the_o strength_n of_o faith_n and_o the_o force_n of_o meditation_n which_o if_o he_o do_v then_o will_v his_o faith_n certain_o prove_v a_o vital_a and_o victorious_a principle_n then_o will_v no_o pleasure_n in_o this_o world_n be_v able_a to_o combat_v the_o assure_a hope_n of_o a_o heaven_n nor_o any_o worldly_a evil_n or_o difficulty_n sustain_v for_o virtue_n be_v able_a to_o confront_v the_o terror_n of_o a_o hell_n a_o second_o reason_n why_o this_o motive_n do_v not_o operate_v as_o it_o shall_v be_v want_n of_o faith_n we_o doubt_v we_o waver_v we_o stagger_v or_o take_v thing_n upon_o trust_n assent_v very_o slight_o and_o superficial_o to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o another_o life_n and_o look_v upon_o good_a work_n rather_o as_o not_o injurious_a to_o this_o world_n then_o serviceable_a to_o a_o better_a and_o then_o it_o be_v no_o more_o wonder_n that_o the_o unbelieving_a christian_n do_v not_o enter_v into_o perfection_n and_o rest_n than_o that_o the_o unbelieving_a jew_n do_v not_o it_o be_v no_o more_o wonder_n if_o the_o word_n of_o life_n do_v not_o profit_v the_o christian_n when_o not_o believe_v by_o he_o then_o if_o it_o do_v not_o profit_v a_o pagan_a who_o have_v never_o hear_v of_o it_o and_o what_o be_v here_o say_v of_o infidelity_n be_v in_o its_o measure_n and_o proportion_n true_a when_o apply_v to_o a_o weak_a and_o imperfect_a faith_n he_o therefore_o that_o will_v be_v perfect_a must_v daily_o pray_v lord_n i_o believe_v help_v thou_o my_o unbelief_n he_o must_v daily_o consider_v the_o ground_n on_o which_o the_o faith_n and_o hope_n of_o a_o christian_a stand_n the_o express_a declaration_n of_o the_o divine_a will_n concern_v the_o future_a immortality_n and_o glory_n of_o the_o child_n of_o god_n the_o demonstrastration_n of_o this_o contain_v in_o the_o resurrection_n of_o jesus_n from_o the_o dead_a and_o his_o ascension_n and_o session_n at_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o god_n and_o to_o this_o he_o may_v add_v the_o love_n of_o god_n the_o merit_n of_o jesus_n and_o the_o state_n and_o fortune_n of_o virtue_n in_o this_o world_n from_o all_o which_o one_o may_v be_v able_a to_o infer_v the_o undoubted_a certainty_n of_o another_o world_n the_o sum_n of_o all_o amount_n to_o this_o whoever_o will_v be_v perfect_a must_v daily_o i_o shall_v i_o think_v have_v say_v almost_o hourly_o ponder_v the_o blessedness_n that_o attend_v perfection_n in_o another_o life_n he_o must_v ponder_v it_o serious_o that_o he_o may_v be_v thorough_o persuade_v of_o it_o he_o must_v ponder_v it_o often_o that_o the_o notion_n of_o it_o may_v be_v fresh_a and_o lively_a in_o his_o soul_n sect_n ii_o of_o the_o several_a part_n of_o perfection_n what_o the_o several_a part_n of_o religious_a perfection_n be_v will_v be_v easy_o discern_v by_o a_o very_a slight_a reflection_n either_o on_o the_o nature_n of_o man_n or_o the_o general_a notion_n of_o perfection_n already_o lay_v down_o if_o we_o consider_v man_n who_o perfection_n i_o be_o treat_v of_o as_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o he_o be_v make_v up_o of_o soul_n and_o body_n so_o it_o be_v as_o plain_a that_o moral_a perfection_n relate_v to_o the_o soul_n as_o the_o chief_a subject_n of_o it_o and_o to_o the_o body_n no_o otherwise_o then_o as_o the_o instrument_n of_o that_o righteousness_n which_o be_v plant_v in_o the_o soul_n now_o in_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n we_o find_v these_o three_o thing_n understanding_n will_n and_o affection_n in_o the_o improvement_n and_o accomplishment_n of_o which_o human_a perfection_n must_v consequent_o consist_v and_o if_o we_o inquire_v wherein_o this_o improvement_n or_o accomplishment_n lie_v it_o be_v a_o truth_n so_o obvious_a that_o it_o will_v not_o need_v any_o proof_n that_o illumination_n be_v the_o perfection_n of_o the_o understanding_n liberty_n of_o the_o will_n and_o zeal_n of_o the_o affection_n if_o in_o the_o next_o place_n we_o reflect_v upon_o the_o description_n i_o have_v before_o give_v of_o perfection_n nothing_o be_v more_o evident_a than_o that_o to_o constitute_v a_o firm_a habit_n of_o righteousness_n three_o thing_n be_v necessary_a 1._o the_o knowledge_n of_o our_o duty_n and_o our_o obligation_n to_o it_o 2._o the_o subdue_a our_o lust_n and_o passion_n that_o we_o may_v be_v enable_v to_o perform_v it_o last_o not_o only_o a_o free_a but_o warm_a and_o vigorous_a prosecution_n of_o it_o in_o the_o first_o of_o these_o consist_v illumination_n in_o the_o second_o liberty_n and_o in_o the_o three_o zeal_n upon_o the_o whole_a then_o it_o be_v evident_a both_o from_o the_o nature_n of_o perfection_n and_o of_o man_n that_o i_o be_o now_o to_o treat_v in_o order_n of_o these_o three_o thing_n illumination_n liberty_n and_o zeal_n as_o so_o many_o essential_a part_n of_o religious_a perfection_n nor_o must_v i_o stop_v here_o but_o must_v to_o those_o three_o avoidable_a add_v humility_n for_o whether_o we_o consider_v the_o sin_n of_o the_o
have_v nothing_o of_o internal_a purity_n or_o solid_a righteousness_n in_o it_o so_o that_o upon_o the_o whole_a the_o jew_z and_o gentile_n be_v alike_o wicked_a only_o the_o wickedness_n of_o the_o jew_n have_v this_o aggravation_n in_o it_o above_o that_o of_o the_o gentile_n that_o they_o enjoy_v the_o oracle_n of_o god_n and_o the_o favour_n of_o a_o peculiar_a covenant_n this_o be_v the_o state_n of_o darkness_n which_o lie_v upon_o the_o face_n of_o the_o jewish_a and_o gentile_a world_n our_o lord_n who_o be_v to_o be_v a_o light_n to_o lighten_v the_o gentile_n and_o the_o glory_n of_o his_o people_n israel_n advance_v and_o establish_v in_o the_o world_n that_o doctrine_n which_o direct_o tend_v to_o dispel_v these_o error_n and_o rescue_v mankind_n from_o the_o misery_n that_o attend_v they_o for_o all_o that_o the_o gospel_n contain_v may_v be_v reduce_v to_o these_o three_o head_n first_o the_o assertion_n of_o one_o only_a true_a god_n with_o a_o bright_a and_o full_a revelation_n of_o his_o divine_a attribute_n and_o perfection_n second_o a_o account_n of_o the_o will_n of_o god_n or_o the_o worship_n he_o delight_v in_o which_o be_v a_o spiritual_a one_o together_o with_o suitable_a mean_n and_o motive_n in_o which_o last_o be_v contain_v a_o full_a declaration_n of_o man_n supreme_a happiness_n three_o the_o revelation_n of_o one_o mediator_n between_o god_n and_o man_n the_o man_n christ_n jesus_n through_o who_o we_o have_v access_n with_o boldness_n to_o the_o throne_n of_o grace_n through_o who_o we_o have_v obtain_v from_o the_o father_n grace_n and_o pardon_v and_o adoption_n and_o through_o who_o last_o all_o our_o oblation_n and_o performance_n be_v acceptable_a to_o he_o the_o design_n of_o this_o glorious_a manifestation_n be_v to_o open_v man_n eye_n to_o turn_v they_o from_o darkness_n to_o light_n and_o from_o the_o power_n of_o satan_n to_o the_o live_a god_n that_o they_o may_v obtain_v remission_n of_o sin_n and_o a_o inheritance_n of_o glory_n these_o than_o be_v the_o truth_n which_o illuminate_v the_o gentile_a and_o jewish_a world_n and_o these_o be_v the_o truth_n which_o must_v illuminate_v we_o at_o this_o day_n these_o dispel_v all_o destructive_a error_n that_o lead_v we_o to_o vice_n or_o misery_n these_o point_n out_o our_o supreme_a felicity_n and_o the_o direct_a way_n to_o it_o these_o open_a and_o enlarge_v the_o eye_n of_o the_o soul_n enable_v it_o to_o distinguish_v and_o judge_v with_o a_o unerring_a exactness_n between_o good_a and_o evil_a between_o substantial_a and_o superficial_a temporal_a and_o eternal_a good_n and_o i_o wish_v from_o my_o soul_n whatever_o light_n we_o pretend_v to_o at_o this_o day_n we_o be_v well_o ground_v and_o establish_v in_o these_o truth_n i_o doubt_v notwithstanding_o our_o belief_n of_o one_o god_n and_o one_o mediator_n and_o notwithstanding_o we_o be_v well_o enough_o assure_v that_o god_n who_o be_v a_o spirit_n must_v be_v worship_v in_o spirit_n and_o in_o truth_n and_o notwithstanding_o our_o pretend_v to_o believe_v a_o life_n to_o come_v i_o say_v i_o be_o afraid_a that_o notwithstanding_o these_o thing_n we_o do_v general_o err_v in_o two_o main_a point_n namely_o in_o the_o notion_n we_o ought_v to_o have_v of_o religion_n and_o the_o value_n we_o be_v to_o set_v upon_o the_o world_n and_o the_o body_n for_o who_o that_o reflect_v upon_o the_o pomp_n and_o pride_n of_o life_n upon_o the_o ease_n the_o softness_n and_o the_o luxury_n of_o it_o upon_o the_o frothiness_n and_o the_o freedom_n the_o vanity_n and_o impertinence_n to_o say_v no_o worse_o of_o conversation_n will_v not_o conclude_v that_o either_o we_o have_v renounce_v our_o religion_n or_o form_n to_o ourselves_o too_o complaisant_a and_o indulgent_a a_o notion_n of_o it_o for_o be_v this_o the_o imitation_n of_o jesus_n be_v this_o to_o walk_v as_o he_o walk_v in_o the_o world_n can_v this_o be_v the_o deportment_n of_o man_n to_o who_o the_o world_n and_o the_o body_n be_v crucify_a can_v such_o a_o life_n as_o this_o be_v flow_v from_o those_o divine_a fountain_n faith_n love_n and_o hope_v who_o again_o can_v reflect_v upon_o the_o passion_n we_o discover_v for_o superiority_n and_o precedence_n our_o thirst_n of_o power_n our_o ravenous_a desire_n of_o wealth_n and_o not_o conclude_v that_o we_o have_v mistake_v our_o main_a end_n that_o we_o set_v a_o wrong_a value_n upon_o thing_n and_o that_o whatever_o we_o talk_v of_o a_o eternity_n we_o look_v upon_o this_o present_a world_n as_o our_o portion_n and_o most_o valuable_a good_a for_o can_v such_o a_o tender_a concern_v for_o such_o a_o eager_a pursuit_n after_o temporal_a thing_n flow_v from_o nay_o consist_v with_o purity_n of_o heart_n and_o poverty_n of_o spirit_n the_o love_n of_o god_n and_o a_o desire_n of_o heaven_n whoever_o then_o will_v be_v perfect_a or_o happy_a must_v careful_o avoid_v both_o these_o error_n he_o must_v never_o think_v that_o religion_n can_v subsist_v without_o the_o strength_n and_o vigour_n of_o our_o affection_n or_o that_o the_o bend_v and_o vigour_n of_o our_o soul_n can_v be_v point_v towards_o god_n and_o yet_o the_o air_n of_o our_o deportment_n and_o conversation_n be_v earthy_a sensual_a and_o vain_a conform_v even_o to_o a_o pagan_a pride_n and_o show_v of_o life_n next_o he_o must_v never_o cherish_v in_o himself_o the_o love_n of_o this_o world_n he_o must_v never_o look_v upon_o himself_o other_o than_o a_o stranger_n and_o pilgrim_n in_o it_o he_o must_v never_o be_v fond_a of_o the_o pleasure_n of_o it_o he_o must_v never_o form_v vain_a design_n and_o project_n about_o it_o nor_o look_v upon_o the_o best_a thing_n in_o it_o as_o ingredient_n of_o our_o happiness_n but_o only_o as_o instrument_n of_o virtue_n or_o short_a repast_n and_o refreshment_n in_o our_o journey_n and_o because_o all_o our_o mistake_n about_o the_o nature_n and_o perfection_n of_o religion_n and_o the_o value_n of_o temporal_a thing_n do_v general_o arise_v from_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d that_o peculiar_a sin_n to_o which_o our_o constitution_n betray_v we_o therefore_o the_o knowledge_n of_o ourselves_o a_o intimate_a acquaintance_n with_o all_o our_o natural_a propension_n and_o infirmity_n be_v no_o inconsiderable_a part_n of_o illumination_n for_o we_o shall_v never_o address_v ourselves_o hearty_o to_o the_o cure_n of_o a_o disease_n which_o we_o know_v nothing_o of_o or_o to_o the_o rectify_v any_o inclination_n till_o we_o be_v thorough_o convince_v that_o it_o be_v irregular_a and_o dangerous_a 2._o the_o second_o character_n of_o illuminate_a truth_n be_v that_o they_o be_v such_o as_o feed_v and_o nourish_v corroborate_v and_o improve_v the_o mind_n of_o man._n now_o the_o property_n of_o bodily_a strength_n be_v such_o as_o these_o it_o enable_v we_o to_o baffle_v and_o repel_v injury_n to_o bear_v toil_n and_o travel_n to_o perform_v difficult_a work_n with_o speed_n and_o ease_n and_o final_o it_o prolong_v life_n to_o a_o much_o further_a date_n than_o weak_a and_o crazy_a constitution_n can_v arrive_v at_o and_o of_o all_o these_o we_o find_v some_o resemblance_n in_o spiritual_a strength_n but_o as_o much_o more_o perfect_a and_o excellent_a as_o the_o spirit_n be_v above_o the_o body_n those_o truth_n than_o be_v indeed_o illuminate_v which_o enable_v we_o to_o vanquish_v temptation_n to_o endure_v with_o constancy_n and_o patience_n the_o toil_v and_o hardship_n of_o our_o christian_a warfare_n to_o discharge_v the_o duty_n of_o our_o station_n with_o zeal_n and_o vigour_n and_o which_o last_o render_v we_o firm_a steady_a and_o immortal_a and_o these_o be_v the_o glorious_a effect_n which_o be_v attribute_v to_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n hence_o be_v the_o gospel_n call_v the_o power_n of_o god_n unto_o salvation_n rom._n 1.16_o and_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o we_o read_v of_o the_o armour_n of_o god_n ephesian_n 6.11_o the_o sword_n of_o the_o spirit_n the_o shield_n of_o faith_n the_o breastplate_n of_o righteousness_n etc._n etc._n to_o intimate_v to_o we_o the_o strength_n and_o virtue_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o that_o it_o bring_v with_o it_o safety_n and_o success_n and_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v say_v to_o quicken_v and_o strengthen_v that_o man_n be_v say_v to_o live_v not_o by_o bread_n alone_o but_o by_o every_o word_n that_o proceed_v out_o of_o the_o mouth_n of_o god_n that_o righteousness_n be_v call_v everlasting_a and_o that_o he_o that_o do_v the_o will_n of_o god_n be_v affirm_v to_o abide_v for_o ever_o to_o teach_v we_o plain_o that_o there_o be_v nothing_o steady_a and_o unalterable_a nothing_o durable_a nothing_o eternal_a but_o god_n divine_a truth_n and_o those_o that_o be_v form_v and_o model_v by_o they_o there_o be_v truth_n indeed_o which_o be_v mere_o barren_a and_o vnactive_a which_o amuse_n and_o suspend_v the_o
do_v not_o exact_v of_o his_o disciple_n as_o a_o necessary_a preparation_n for_o his_o doctrine_n the_o knowledge_n of_o tongue_n the_o history_n of_o time_n or_o nature_n logic_n metaphysic_n mathematics_n or_o the_o like_a these_o indeed_o may_v be_v serviceable_a to_o many_o excellent_a end_n they_o may_v be_v great_a accomplishment_n of_o the_o mind_n great_a ornament_n and_o very_o engage_v entertainment_n of_o life_n they_o may_v be_v final_o very_o excellent_a and_o necessary_a instrument_n of_o or_o introduction_n to_o several_a profession_n or_o employment_n but_o as_o to_o perfection_n and_o happiness_n to_o these_o they_o can_v never_o be_v indispensable_o necessary_a a_o man_n may_v be_v excellent_o habitual_o good_a without_o more_o language_n than_o one_o he_o may_v be_v full_o persuade_v of_o those_o great_a truth_n that_o will_v render_v he_o master_n of_o his_o passion_n and_o independent_a of_o the_o word_n that_o will_v render_v he_o easy_a and_o useful_a in_o this_o life_n and_o glorious_a in_o another_o though_o he_o be_v no_o logician_n nor_o metaphysician_n yet_o will_v i_o not_o all_o this_o while_n be_v suppose_v to_o exclude_v the_o use_n of_o true_a reason_n and_o solid_a judgement_n though_o the_o mean_a capacity_n may_v attain_v to_o its_o proper_a perfection_n that_o be_v such_o a_o measure_n of_o knowledge_n as_o may_v make_v the_o man_n true_o wise_a and_o happy_a yet_o the_o more_o capacious_a any_o man_n soul_n be_v and_o the_o more_o enlarge_v his_o knowledge_n the_o more_o perfect_a and_o happy_a he._n 4._o the_o qualification_n previous_o necessary_a to_o illumination_n be_v two_o or_o three_o moral_a one_o imply_v in_o that_o infant_n temper_v our_o saviour_n require_v in_o those_o who_o will_v be_v his_o disciple_n these_o be_v humility_n impartiality_n and_o a_o thirst_n or_o love_n of_o truth_n first_o humility_n he_o that_o will_v be_v teach_v of_o god_n must_v not_o be_v proud_a or_o confident_a in_o himself_o he_o must_v not_o overrate_v his_o own_o part_n and_o capacity_n nor_o lean_a too_o stiff_o to_o his_o own_o understanding_n he_o must_v firm_o believe_v that_o illumination_n be_v the_o work_n of_o god_n and_o on_o he_o he_o must_v depend_v he_o must_v confess_v the_o weakness_n of_o his_o own_o faculty_n the_o natural_a poverty_n and_o indigence_n of_o his_o understanding_n and_o so_o look_v up_o to_o god_n who_o be_v the_o fountain_n of_o wisdom_n and_o give_v grace_n to_o the_o humble_a but_o resist_v the_o proud_a second_o impartiality_n sincerity_n or_o a_o certain_a purity_n and_o innocence_n of_o judgement_n if_o i_o may_v be_v allow_v to_o speak_v so_o that_o the_o understanding_n may_v be_v capable_a of_o divine_a light_n it_o must_v not_o be_v blur_v and_o stain_v by_o false_a principle_n it_o must_v not_o be_v bias_v nor_o influence_v by_o any_o corrupt_a inclination_n some_o to_o prove_v their_o impartiality_n or_o freedom_n of_o judgement_n abandon_v themselves_o to_o the_o scrupulousness_n of_o scepticism_n and_o a_o wanton_a itch_n of_o endless_a disputation_n and_o contradiction_n but_o i_o can_v think_v it_o necessary_a to_o our_o freedom_n and_o impartiality_n to_o deny_v the_o evidence_n of_o our_o sense_n to_o oppose_v the_o universal_a reason_n of_o mankind_n and_o to_o shake_v off_o all_o reverence_n for_o the_o integrity_n of_o man_n and_o the_o veracity_n of_o god_n no_o this_o savour_v too_o much_o either_o of_o ostentation_n or_o of_o a_o raw_a and_o unexperienced_a affectation_n of_o new_a theory_n and_o speculation_n he_o secure_v his_o freedom_n sufficient_o who_o guard_v his_o reason_n against_o the_o force_n of_o groundless_a prepossession_n and_o senseless_a mode_n and_o custom_n against_o the_o lust_n of_o the_o body_n and_o the_o prejudices_fw-la of_o party_n who_o keep_v a_o strict_a eye_n upon_o the_o motion_n and_o tendency_n of_o his_o inferior_a nature_n who_o admit_v not_o the_o dictate_v of_o a_o single_a person_n or_o party_n for_o catholic_n reason_n who_o consider_v that_o there_o be_v revolution_n of_o philosophy_n and_o opinion_n as_o well_o as_o state_n and_o kingdom_n and_o judge_n well_o of_o time_n and_o man_n ere_o he_o pay_v much_o deference_n to_o authority_n but_o three_o this_o be_v not_o all_o that_o be_v necessary_a to_o any_o complete_a degree_n of_o illumination_n impartiality_n be_v necessary_a to_o the_o first_o dawning_n of_o it_o but_o if_o we_o will_v have_v it_o increase_v and_o diffuse_v its_o self_n into_o a_o perfect_a day_n of_o spiritual_a wisdom_n and_o understanding_n we_o must_v hunger_n and_o thirst_n after_o truth_n a_o unprejudiced_a mind_n be_v necessary_a to_o qualify_v we_o for_o the_o first_o rudiment_n of_o truth_n but_o we_o must_v be_v inflame_v with_o desire_n and_o love_n of_o it_o ere_o we_o shall_v enter_v into_o the_o sanctuary_n or_o recess_n of_o it_o therefore_o our_o saviour_n invite_v to_o he_o every_o one_o that_o thirst_v joh._n 7.37_o and_o st._n peter_n exhort_v we_o as_o new_o bear_v babe_n to_o desire_v the_o sincere_a milk_n of_o the_o word_n that_o we_o may_v grow_v thereby_o 1_o epist_n 2.2_o and_o st._n paul_n impute_v the_o damnation_n of_o those_o that_o perish_v to_o want_v of_o love_n of_o the_o truth_n 2_o thess_n 2.10_o it_o be_v too_o trifle_v to_o object_n here_o how_o come_v we_o to_o thirst_n after_o what_o we_o do_v not_o know_v for_o it_o concern_v every_o man_n to_o inquire_v what_o will_v become_v of_o he_o for_o ever_o and_o if_o he_o be_v already_o assure_v that_o there_o be_v another_o world_n and_o a_o glorious_a salvation_n to_o be_v attain_v it_o be_v natural_a to_o thirst_v after_o the_o resolution_n of_o such_o question_n as_o these_o what_o shall_v i_o do_v to_o be_v save_v what_o shall_v i_o do_v to_o inherit_v a_o eternal_a life_n and_o such_o be_v the_o beauty_n of_o illuminate_a truth_n that_o every_o glance_n of_o it_o kindle_v in_o our_o heart_n the_o love_n of_o it_o and_o such_o its_o boundless_a perfection_n that_o the_o more_o we_o know_v the_o more_o still_o shall_v we_o desire_v to_o know_v have_v thus_o consider_v what_o qualify_v man_n for_o illumination_n my_o next_o business_n be_v to_o inquire_v §_o 2._o what_o one_o thus_o qualify_v be_v to_o do_v for_o the_o actual_a attainment_n of_o it_o all_o the_o advice_n that_o i_o can_v think_v fit_a here_o to_o be_v give_v may_v be_v reduce_v to_o four_o head_n 1._o that_o we_o do_v not_o suffer_v our_o mind_n to_o be_v engage_v in_o quest_n of_o knowledge_n foreign_a to_o our_o purpose_n 2._o that_o we_o apply_v ourselves_o with_o a_o very_a tender_a and_o sensible_a concern_v to_o the_o study_n of_o illuminate_a truth_n 3._o that_o we_o act_v conformable_a to_o those_o measure_n of_o light_n which_o we_o have_v attain_v 4._o that_o we_o frequent_o and_o constant_o address_v ourselves_o to_o god_n by_o prayer_n for_o the_o illumination_n of_o his_o grace_n 1._o that_o we_o do_v not_o suffer_v etc._n etc._n this_o be_v a_o natural_a and_o necessary_a consequence_n of_o what_o have_v be_v already_o say_v concern_v illumination_n for_o if_o illumination_n consist_v in_o the_o knowledge_n not_o of_o all_o sort_n of_o truth_n but_o the_o most_o necessary_a and_o important_a such_o as_o purify_v and_o perfect_v our_o nature_n such_o as_o procure_v we_o sacred_a and_o stable_a pleasure_n and_o all_o the_o reward_n that_o flow_v from_o our_o adoption_n to_o god_n it_o be_v then_o plain_a he_o who_o will_v be_v perfect_a ought_v not_o to_o amuse_v and_o distract_v his_o mind_n in_o pursuit_n of_o trifle_v or_o divertive_a knowledge_n that_o he_o ought_v to_o shun_v and_o not_o to_o admit_v whatever_o be_v apt_a to_o entangle_v perplex_v or_o defile_v he_o and_o to_o fix_v his_o thought_n and_o confine_v his_o meditation_n to_o the_o great_a truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n he_o that_o know_v the_o only_a true_a god_n and_o jesus_n christ_n who_o he_o have_v send_v know_v enough_o to_o oblige_v he_o to_o virtue_n and_o to_o open_v the_o way_n to_o glory_n and_o everlasting_a life_n he_o that_o know_v nothing_o but_o jesus_n christ_n and_o he_o crucify_a know_v enough_o in_o order_n to_o peace_n grace_n and_o joy_n enough_o to_o promote_v holiness_n and_o hope_n hope_v that_o abound_v in_o joy_n unspeakable_a and_o full_a of_o glory_n 2._o we_o must_v apply_v ourselves_o with_o a_o very_a tender_a and_o sensible_a concern_v to_o the_o study_n of_o illuminate_a truth_n this_o rule_n must_v be_v understand_v to_o enjoin_v three_o thing_n 1._o great_a care_n and_o caution_n in_o examine_v doctrine_n propose_v and_o in_o distinguish_v between_o truth_n and_o falsehood_n 2._o great_a diligence_n and_o industry_n to_o increase_v and_o enlarge_v our_o knowledge_n 3._o frequent_a and_o serious_a reflection_n upon_o the_o truth_n we_o know_v 1._o there_o be_v need_n of_o great_a caution_n in_o the_o trial_n and_o examination_n of_o doctrine_n this_o the_o
a_o heavenly_a influence_n they_o natural_o shoot_v up_o into_o good_a work_n virtue_n have_v a_o celestial_a original_a and_o a_o celestial_a tendency_n from_o god_n it_o come_v and_o towards_o god_n it_o move_v and_o can_v it_o be_v otherwise_o than_o amiable_a and_o pleasant_a virtue_n be_v all_o beauty_n all_o harmony_n and_o order_n and_o therefore_o we_o may_v view_v and_o review_v consider_v and_o reflect_v upon_o it_o with_o delight_n it_o procure_v we_o the_o favour_n of_o god_n and_o man_n it_o make_v our_o affair_n natural_o run_v smooth_o and_o calm_o on_o and_o fill_v our_o mind_n with_o courage_n cheerfulness_n and_o good_a hope_n in_o one_o word_n diversion_n and_o amusement_n give_v we_o a_o fanciful_a pleasure_n a_o animal_n sensitive_a life_n a_o short_a and_o mean_a one_o sin_n a_o deceitful_a false_a and_o fatal_a one_o only_a virtue_n a_o pure_a a_o rational_a a_o glorious_a and_o last_a one_o and_o this_o be_v enough_o to_o be_v say_v here_o the_o loveliness_n of_o holiness_n be_v a_o subject_n which_o ever_o and_o anon_o i_o have_v occasion_n to_o engage_v in_o 2._o i_o be_o next_o to_o show_v that_o deliverance_n from_o sin_n remove_v the_o impediment_n of_o virtue_n this_o will_v easy_o be_v make_v out_o by_o examine_v what_o influence_n selfishness_n sensuality_n and_o the_o love_n of_o this_o world_n which_o be_v the_o three_o great_a principle_n or_o source_n of_o wickedness_n have_v upon_o the_o several_a part_n of_o evangelical_n righteousness_n 1._o the_o first_o part_n be_v that_o which_o contain_v those_o duty_n that_o more_o immediate_o relate_v to_o ourselves_o these_o be_v especial_o two_o sobriety_n and_o temperance_n by_o sobriety_n i_o mean_v a_o serious_a and_o impartial_a examination_n of_o thing_n or_o such_o a_o state_n of_o mind_n as_o qualify_v we_o for_o it_o by_o temperance_n i_o mean_v the_o moderation_n of_o our_o affection_n and_o enjoyment_n even_o in_o lawful_a and_o allow_v instance_n from_o these_o proceed_v vigilance_n industry_n prudence_n fortitude_n or_o patience_n and_o steadiness_n of_o mind_n in_o the_o prosecution_n of_o what_o be_v best_a without_o these_o it_o be_v in_o vain_a to_o expect_v either_o devotion_n towards_o god_n or_o justice_n and_o charity_n towards_o man._n nay_o nothing_o good_a or_o great_a can_v be_v accomplish_v without_o they_o since_o without_o they_o we_o have_v no_o ground_n to_o hope_v for_o either_o the_o assistance_n of_o divine_a grace_n or_o the_o protection_n and_o concurrence_n of_o divine_a providence_n only_o the_o pure_a and_o chaste_a soul_n be_v a_o fit_a temple_n for_o the_o residence_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n watch_v over_o none_o or_o at_o lest_o none_o have_v reason_n to_o expect_v it_o shall_v but_o such_o as_o be_v themselves_o vigilant_a and_o industrious_a but_o now_o how_o repugnant_a to_o how_o inconsistent_a with_o those_o virtue_n be_v that_o infatuation_n of_o mind_n and_o that_o debauchery_n of_o affection_n wherein_o sin_n consist_v how_o incapable_a either_o of_o sobriety_n or_o temperance_n do_v selfishness_n sensuality_n and_o the_o love_n of_o this_o world_n render_v we_o what_o a_o false_a estimate_n of_o thing_n do_v they_o cause_v we_o to_o form_n how_o insatiable_a do_v they_o render_v we_o in_o our_o desire_n of_o such_o thing_n as_o have_v but_o false_a and_o empty_a appearance_n of_o good_a and_o how_o imperious_o do_v they_o precipitate_v we_o into_o those_o sin_n which_o be_v the_o pollution_n and_o dishonour_n of_o our_o nature_n on_o the_o contrary_a let_v man_n be_v but_o once_o enlighten_v by_o faith_n let_v he_o but_o once_o come_v to_o believe_v that_o his_o soul_n be_v himself_o that_o he_o be_v a_o stranger_n and_o pilgrim_n upon_o earth_n that_o heaven_n be_v his_o country_n and_o that_o to_o do_v good_a work_n be_v to_o lay_v up_o his_o treasure_n in_o it_o let_v he_o i_o say_v but_o once_o believe_v this_o and_o then_o how_o sober_a how_o temperate_a how_o wise_a how_o vigilant_a and_o industrious_a will_v he_o grow_v and_o this_o he_o will_v soon_o be_v induce_v to_o believe_v if_o he_o be_v not_o actual_o under_o the_o influence_n of_o vicious_a principle_n and_o vicious_a custom_n when_o the_o mind_n be_v undeceive_v and_o disabused_a and_o the_o affection_n disengage_v it_o be_v natural_a to_o man_n to_o think_v calm_o and_o to_o desire_v and_o enjoy_v with_o a_o moderation_n suit_v to_o just_a and_o sober_a notion_n of_o worldly_a thing_n for_o this_o be_v to_o think_v and_o act_v as_o a_o man._n a_o second_o part_n of_o holiness_n regard_v god_n as_o its_o immediate_a object_n and_o consist_v in_o the_o fear_n and_o love_n of_o he_o in_o dependence_n and_o self-resignation_n in_o contemplation_n and_o devotion_n as_o to_o this_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o whoever_o be_v under_o the_o dominion_n of_o any_o sin_n must_v be_v a_o enemy_n or_o at_o least_o a_o stranger_n to_o it_o the_o infidel_n know_v no_o god_n and_o the_o wicked_a will_v not_o or_o dare_v not_o approach_z one_o their_o gild_n or_o their_o aversion_n keep_v they_o from_o it_o selfishness_n sensuality_n and_o the_o love_n of_o the_o world_n be_v inconsistent_a with_o the_o love_n of_o the_o father_n and_o all_o the_o several_a duty_n we_o owe_v he_o they_o alienate_v the_o mind_n of_o man_n from_o he_o and_o set_v up_o other_o god_n in_o his_o room_n hence_o the_o covetous_a be_v pronounce_v guilty_a of_o idolatry_n col._n 3.5_o and_o the_o luxurious_a and_o unclean_a be_v say_v to_o make_v their_o belly_n their_o god_n and_o to_o glory_n in_o their_o shame_n phil._n 3.19_o but_o as_o soon_o as_o a_o poor_a man_n discern_v that_o he_o have_v set_v his_o heart_n upon_o false_a good_n as_o soon_o as_o he_o find_v himself_o cheat_v and_o deceive_v in_o all_o his_o expectation_n by_o the_o world_n and_o be_v convince_v that_o god_n be_v his_o proper_a and_o his_o sovereign_a good_a how_o natural_a be_v it_o to_o turn_v his_o desire_n and_o hope_n from_o the_o creature_n upon_o the_o creator_n how_o natural_a be_v it_o to_o contemplate_v his_o greatness_n and_o goodness_n to_o thirst_v impatient_o for_o his_o favour_n and_o dread_v his_o displeasure_n and_o such_o a_o man_n will_v certain_o make_v the_o worship_n of_o god_n a_o great_a part_n at_o least_o of_o the_o business_n and_o employment_n of_o life_n with_o this_o he_o will_v begin_v and_o with_o this_o he_o will_v end_v the_o day_n nor_o will_v he_o rest_v here_o his_o soul_n will_v be_v ever_o and_o anon_o mount_v towards_o heaven_n in_o ejaculation_n and_o there_o will_v be_v scarce_o any_o action_n any_o event_n that_o will_v not_o excite_v he_o to_o praise_n and_o adore_v god_n or_o engage_v he_o in_o some_o wise_a reflection_n on_o his_o attribute_n but_o all_o this_o will_v the_o loose_a and_o atheistical_a say_v may_v be_v well_o spare_v it_o be_v only_o a_o vain_a and_o idle_a amusement_n war_n and_o peace_n business_n and_o trade_n have_v no_o dependence_n upon_o it_o kingdom_n and_o commonwealth_n may_v stand_v and_o flourish_v and_o sensible_a man_n may_v be_v rich_a and_o happy_a without_o it_o but_o to_o this_o i_o answer_v religion_n towards_o god_n be_v the_o foundation_n of_o all_o true_a virtue_n towards_o our_o neighbour_n law_n will_v want_v the_o better_a part_n of_o their_o authority_n if_o they_o be_v not_o enforce_v by_o a_o awe_n of_o god_n the_o wise_a counsel_n will_v have_v no_o effect_n do_v not_o virtue_n and_o religion_n help_v to_o execute_v they_o kingdom_n and_o commonwealth_n will_v be_v dissolve_v and_o burst_v to_o piece_n if_o they_o be_v not_o unite_v and_o hold_v in_o by_o these_o bond_n and_o wickedness_n will_v reduce_v the_o world_n to_o one_o great_a solitude_n and_o ruin_n be_v it_o not_o temper_v and_o restrain_v not_o only_o by_o the_o virtue_n and_o example_n but_o by_o the_o supplication_n and_o intercession_n too_o of_o devout_a men._n final_o this_o be_v a_o objection_n fit_a for_o none_o to_o make_v but_o the_o sottish_a and_o the_o ignorant_a man_n of_o desperate_a confidence_n and_o little_a knowledge_n for_o who_o ever_o be_v able_a to_o consider_v by_o what_o motive_n mankind_n have_v ever_o be_v wont_a to_o be_v most_o strong_o affect_v by_o what_o principle_n the_o world_n have_v ever_o be_v lead_v and_o govern_v how_o great_a a_o interest_n even_o superstition_n have_v have_v either_o in_o the_o civilise_n and_o reform_v barbarous_a nation_n or_o the_o martial_a success_n of_o the_o first_o founder_n of_o monarchy_n and_o the_o like_a whoever_o i_o say_v be_v able_a to_o reflect_v though_o but_o slight_o on_o these_o thing_n can_v never_o be_v so_o silly_a as_o to_o demand_v what_o the_o use_n of_o religion_n be_v or_o to_o imagine_v it_o possible_a to_o root_v up_o its_o authority_n in_o the_o world_n the_o three_o part_n of_o holiness_n regard_v our_o neighbour_n and_o consist_v
in_o the_o exercise_n of_o truth_n justice_n and_o charity_n and_o no_o where_o be_v the_o ill_a influence_n of_o selfishness_n sensuality_n and_o the_o love_n of_o the_o world_n more_o notorious_a than_o here_o for_o these_o render_v we_o impatient_a and_o insatiable_a in_o our_o desire_n violent_a in_o the_o prosecution_n of_o they_o extravagant_a and_o excessive_a in_o our_o enjoyment_n and_o the_o thing_n of_o this_o world_n be_v few_o and_o finite_a and_o unable_a to_o satisfy_v such_o inordinate_a appetite_n we_o stand_v in_o one_o another_o light_n in_o one_o another_o way_n to_o profit_v and_o pleasure_n or_o too_o often_o at_o least_o seem_v to_o do_v so_o and_o this_o must_v unavoidable_o produce_v a_o thousand_o miserable_a consequence_n according_o we_o daily_o see_v that_o these_o passion_n selfishness_n sensuality_n and_o the_o love_n of_o the_o world_n be_v the_o parent_n of_o envy_n and_o emulation_n avarice_n ambition_n strife_n and_o contention_n hypocrisy_n and_o corruption_n lewdness_n luxury_n and_o prodigality_n but_o be_v utter_a enemy_n to_o honour_n truth_n and_o integrity_n to_o generosity_n and_o charity_n to_o obviate_v therefore_o the_o mischievous_a effect_n of_o these_o vicious_a principle_n religion_n aim_v at_o implant_n in_o the_o world_n other_o of_o a_o benign_a and_o beneficent_a nature_n oppose_v against_o the_o love_n of_o the_o world_n hope_n against_o selfishness_n charity_n and_o against_o sensuality_n faith_n and_o to_o the_o end_n the_o different_a tendency_n of_o these_o different_a principle_n may_v be_v the_o more_o conspicuous_a i_o will_v brief_o compare_v the_o effect_n they_o have_v in_o reference_n to_o our_o neighbour_n selfishness_n make_v man_n look_v upon_o the_o world_n as_o make_v for_o he_o alone_o and_o upon_o all_o as_o his_o enemy_n who_o do_v any_o way_n interfere_v with_o or_o obstruct_v his_o design_n it_o seal_v up_o all_o our_o treasure_n confine_n all_o our_o care_n and_o thought_n to_o our_o private_a interest_n honour_n or_o pleasure_n employ_v all_o our_o part_n power_n and_o wealth_n and_o all_o our_o time_n too_o in_o pursuit_n of_o our_o particular_a advantage_n sensuality_n tempt_v a_o man_n to_o abandon_v the_o care_n and_o concern_v for_o his_o country_n his_o friend_n and_o relation_n and_o neglect_v the_o duty_n of_o his_o station_n that_o he_o may_v give_v himself_o up_o to_o some_o sottish_a and_o dishonourable_a vice_n it_o prevail_v with_o he_o to_o refuse_v alm_n to_o the_o poor_a assistance_n to_o any_o public_a or_o neighbourly_a good_a work_n and_o even_o a_o decent_a nay_o sometime_o a_o necessary_a allowance_n to_o his_o family_n that_o he_o may_v waste_v and_o lavish_a out_o his_o fortune_n upon_o some_o vile_a and_o expensive_a lust_n in_o a_o word_n it_o make_v he_o incapable_a of_o the_o fatigue_n of_o civil_a business_n and_o much_o more_o of_o the_o hardship_n and_o hazard_n of_o war_n so_o that_o instead_o of_o imitate_v the_o glorious_a example_n of_o vriah_n who_o will_v not_o suffer_v himself_o to_o be_v court_v into_o the_o enjoyment_n even_o of_o allow_a pleasure_n nor_o indulge_v himself_o in_o the_o tenderness_n and_o caress_n of_o a_o wife_n and_o child_n while_o joab_n and_o the_o army_n of_o israel_n be_v in_o the_o field_n he_o on_o the_o contrary_a dissolve_v and_o melt_v down_o his_o life_n and_o fortune_n in_o uncleanness_n and_o luxury_n the_o shame_n and_o burden_n of_o his_o country_n and_o his_o family_n at_o a_o time_n when_o not_o only_o the_o honour_n but_o the_o safety_n of_o his_o country_n lie_v at_o stake_n and_o prince_n and_o people_n defend_v it_o by_o their_o toil_n and_o blood_n what_o shall_v i_o mention_v the_o love_n of_o the_o world_n be_v not_o the_o effect_n of_o it_o as_o visible_a among_o we_o as_o deplorable_a do_v not_o this_o wherever_o it_o reign_v fill_v all_o place_n with_o bribery_n and_o corruption_n falshood_n treachery_n and_o cowardice_n worse_o can_v be_v say_v on_o it_o and_o more_o need_v not_o for_o what_o society_n can_v thrive_v or_o which_o way_n can_v credit_v and_o reputation_n be_v support_v what_o treasure_n what_o counsel_n what_o army_n what_o conduct_v can_v save_v a_o people_n where_o these_o vice_n prevail_v let_v we_o now_o on_o the_o other_o side_n suppose_v selfishness_n sensuality_n and_o the_o love_n of_o the_o world_n cashier_v and_o faith_n hope_n and_o charity_n entertain_v in_o their_o room_n what_o a_o bless_a change_n will_v this_o effect_n in_o the_o world_n how_o soon_o will_v honour_v and_o integrity_n truth_n and_o justice_n and_o a_o public_a spirit_n revive_v how_o serviceable_a and_o eminent_a will_v these_o render_v every_o man_n in_o his_o charge_n these_o be_v the_o true_a principle_n of_o great_a and_o brave_a action_n these_o these_o alone_a can_v render_v our_o duty_n dear_a to_o we_o than_o any_o temporal_a consideration_n these_o will_v enable_v we_o to_o do_v good_a work_n without_o a_o eye_n to_o the_o return_v they_o will_v make_v we_o these_o will_v make_v it_o appear_v to_o we_o very_o reasonable_a to_o sacrifice_v fortune_n life_n every_o thing_n when_o the_o honour_n of_o god_n and_o public_a good_a demand_v it_o of_o we_o the_o belief_n and_o hope_v of_o heaven_n be_v a_o sufficient_a encouragement_n to_o virtue_n when_o all_o other_o fail_v the_o love_n of_o god_n as_o our_o supreme_a good_a will_v make_v we_o easy_o surmount_v the_o consideration_n of_o expense_n difficulty_n or_o hazard_n in_o such_o attempt_v as_o we_o be_v sure_o will_v please_v he_o and_o the_o love_n of_o our_o neighbour_n as_o ourselves_o will_v make_v we_o compassionate_a to_o his_o evil_n and_o want_n tender_a to_o his_o infirmity_n and_o zealous_a of_o his_o good_a as_o of_o our_o own_o how_o happy_a then_o will_v these_o principle_n make_v the_o world_n and_o how_o much_o be_v it_o the_o interest_n of_o every_o one_o to_o encourage_v and_o propagate_v these_o and_o to_o discountenance_v and_o suppress_v the_o contrary_a one_o i_o have_v do_v with_o the_o second_o effect_n of_o christian_a liberty_n and_o will_v pass_v on_o to_o the_o three_o as_o soon_o as_o i_o have_v make_v two_o remark_n on_o this_o last_o paragraph_n first_o it_o be_v very_o evident_a from_o what_o have_v be_v say_v in_o it_o that_o solid_a virtue_n can_v be_v graff_v on_o no_o stock_n but_o that_o of_o religion_n that_o universal_a righteousness_n can_v be_v raise_v on_o none_o but_o gospel_n principles_n who_o be_v he_o that_o overcome_v the_o world_n but_o he_o that_o believe_v that_o jesus_n be_v the_o christ_n 1_o joh._n 5._o i_o do_v not_o oppose_v this_o proposition_n against_o jew_n or_o gentile_n god_n vouchsafe_v in_o sundry_a time_n and_o in_o divers_a manner_n such_o revelation_n of_o his_o truth_n and_o such_o communication_n of_o his_o grace_n as_o he_o see_v fit_a and_o to_o these_o be_v the_o righteousness_n hereof_o whatever_o it_o be_v to_o be_v attribute_v not_o to_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n or_o moses_n but_o suppose_v it_o against_o the_o bold_a pretension_n of_o libertin_n and_o atheist_n at_o this_o day_n honour_n and_o justice_n in_o their_o mouth_n be_v a_o vain_a beast_n and_o the_o natural_a power_n they_o pretend_v to_o over_o their_o own_o action_n to_o square_v and_o govern_v they_o according_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o right_a reason_n be_v only_o a_o malicious_a design_n to_o supplant_v the_o honour_n of_o divine_a grace_n and_o be_v as_o false_a and_o groundless_a as_o arrogant_a alas_o they_o talk_v of_o a_o liberty_n which_o they_o do_v not_o understand_v for_o do_v they_o but_o once_o admit_v purity_n of_o heart_n into_o their_o notion_n of_o it_o they_o will_v soon_o discern_v what_o stranger_n they_o be_v to_o it_o how_o be_v it_o possible_a but_o that_o they_o shall_v be_v the_o servant_n of_o the_o body_n who_o reject_v and_o disbelieve_v the_o dignity_n and_o pre-eminence_n of_o the_o soul_n how_o be_v it_o possible_a they_o shall_v not_o be_v lover_n of_o pleasure_n more_o than_o lover_n of_o god_n who_o either_o believe_v no_o god_n or_o none_o that_o concern_v himself_o much_o about_o we_o and_o how_o can_v they_o choose_v but_o be_v selfish_a and_o sensual_a and_o dote_v upon_o this_o world_n who_o expect_v no_o better_o who_o believe_v no_o other_o take_v away_o providence_n and_o a_o life_n to_o come_v and_o what_o can_v oblige_v a_o man_n to_o any_o action_n that_o shall_v cross_v his_o temporal_a interest_n or_o his_o pleasure_n what_o shall_v reward_v his_o espouse_v virtue_n when_o it_o have_v no_o dowry_n but_o loss_n reproach_n and_o persecution_n what_o shall_v curb_v he_o in_o the_o career_n of_o a_o lust_n when_o he_o may_v commit_v it_o not_o only_o with_o impunity_n but_o as_o the_o world_n sometime_o go_v with_o honour_n and_o preferment_n too_o though_o therefore_o such_o man_n as_o these_o may_v possible_o restrain_v their_o outward_a action_n yet_o be_v they_o all_o the_o
through_o with_o many_o sorrow_n ver_fw-la 17_o 18_o 19_o charge_v they_o that_o be_v rich_a in_o this_o world_n that_o they_o be_v not_o high_a mind_v nor_o trust_v in_o uncertain_a riches_n but_o in_o the_o live_a god_n who_o give_v we_o all_o thing_n rich_o to_o enjoy_v that_o they_o do_v good_a that_o they_o be_v rich_a in_o good_a work_n ready_a to_o distribute_v willing_a to_o communicate_v lay_v up_o in_o store_n for_o themselves_o a_o good_a foundation_n against_o the_o time_n to_o come_v that_o they_o may_v lay_v hold_n on_o eternal_a life_n and_o to_o multiply_v no_o more_o instance_n of_o restraint_n of_o this_o or_o the_o like_a nature_n thus_o we_o ought_v to_o stand_v affect_v towards_o praise_n and_o reputation_n interest_n and_o power_n beauty_n strength_n etc._n etc._n we_o must_v neither_o be_v too_o intent_n upon_o they_o nor_o enjoy_v they_o with_o too_o much_o gust_n and_o satisfaction_n for_o this_o be_v that_o disposition_n which_o appear_v to_o i_o to_o suit_n best_o with_o the_o spirit_n and_o design_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o with_o the_o nature_n of_o such_o thing_n as_o be_v of_o a_o middle_a sort_n be_v equal_o capable_a of_o be_v either_o temptation_n or_o blessing_n instrument_n of_o good_a or_o evil._n 3_o the_o scripture_n regulate_v and_o bound_v our_o natural_a and_o necessary_a appetite_n not_o so_o much_o by_o nice_o define_v the_o exact_a degree_n and_o measure_n within_o which_o nature_n must_v be_v strict_o contain_v as_o by_o exalt_a example_n of_o and_o exhortation_n to_o a_o spiritual_a pure_a and_o heavenly_a disposition_n thus_o our_o lord_n and_o master_n seem_v to_o i_o to_o give_v some_o check_n to_o the_o stream_n of_o natural_a affection_n and_o to_o call_v off_o his_o disciple_n from_o it_o to_o the_o consideration_n of_o a_o spiritual_a relation_n mark_v 3.34_o 35._o and_o he_o look_v round_o about_o on_o they_o which_o sit_v about_o he_o and_o say_v behold_v my_o mother_n and_o my_o brethren_n for_o whosoever_o shall_v do_v the_o will_n of_o god_n the_o same_o be_v my_o brother_n and_o my_o sister_n and_o mother_n to_o which_o word_n of_o our_o lord_n i_o may_v join_v those_o of_o st._n paul_n henceforth_o know_v we_o no_o man_n after_o the_o flesh_n yet_o now_o henceforth_o know_v we_o he_o no_o more_o 2_o cor._n 5.16_o the_o answer_n of_o our_o lord_n to_o a_o disciple_n who_o will_v have_v defer_v his_o follow_v he_o till_o he_o have_v bury_v his_o father_n matt._n 8._o ●1_n and_o to_o he_o who_o beg_v leave_v to_o go_v and_o bid_v farewell_n first_o to_o his_o relation_n and_o domestic_n luke_n 9.61_o do_v plain_o countenance_v the_o doctrine_n i_o here_o advance_v and_o so_o do_v st._n paul_n 1_o cor._n 7.29_o so_o often_o cite_v by_o i_o not_o that_o our_o saviour_n or_o his_o apostle_n do_v ever_o account_v our_o natural_a affection_n vicious_a and_o impure_a for_o it_o be_v a_o vice_n to_o be_v without_o they_o rom._n 1.31_o not_o that_o they_o go_v about_o to_o diminish_v or_o abate_v much_o less_o to_o cancel_v the_o duty_n flow_v from_o they_o no_o they_o only_o prune_v the_o luxuriancy_n of_o untaught_a nature_n and_o correct_v the_o fondness_n and_o infirmity_n of_o animal_n inclination_n our_o natural_a affection_n may_v entangle_v and_o enslave_v we_o as_o well_o as_o unlawful_a and_o irregular_a one_o if_o we_o lay_v no_o restraint_n upon_o they_o religion_n indeed_o make_v they_o the_o seed_n of_o virtue_n but_o without_o it_o they_o easy_o betray_v we_o into_o sin_n and_o folly_n for_o this_o reason_n i_o doubt_v not_o lest_z under_o pretence_n of_o satisfy_v our_o most_o natural_a and_o importunate_a appetite_n we_o shall_v be_v ensnare_v into_o the_o love_n of_o this_o world_n and_o entangle_v in_o the_o care_n of_o it_o our_o saviour_n forbid_v we_o to_o take_v think_v for_o to_o morrow_n even_o for_o the_o necessary_n of_o to_o morrow_n what_o we_o shall_v eat_v and_o what_o we_o shall_v drink_v and_o where-withal_a we_o shall_v be_v clothe_v matt._n 6._o these_o be_v the_o restraint_n lay_v upon_o the_o body_n in_o scripture_n which_o if_o any_o man_n observe_v he_o will_v soon_o discern_v himself_o as_o far_o purify_v and_o free_v from_o original_a corruption_n as_o human_a nature_n in_o this_o life_n be_v capable_a of_o and_o that_o he_o may_v §_o 2_o he_o must_v fortify_v and_o invigorate_v the_o mind_n and_o this_o must_v be_v do_v two_o way_n first_o by_o possess_v it_o with_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o the_o grace_n of_o the_o spirit_n second_o by_o withdraw_v it_o often_o from_o the_o body_n as_o to_o the_o former_a branch_n of_o this_o rule_n the_o necessity_n of_o it_o be_v apparent_a since_o the_o state_n of_o nature_n be_v such_o as_o have_v before_o be_v describe_v we_o stand_v in_o need_n not_o only_o of_o revelation_n to_o enlighten_v we_o but_o also_o of_o grace_n to_o strengthen_v we_o of_o the_o former_a to_o excite_v we_o to_o exert_v all_o the_o force_n and_o power_n we_o have_v of_o the_o latter_a to_o enable_v we_o to_o do_v that_o which_o our_o natural_a force_n never_o can_v effect_v it_o can_v be_v here_o expect_v that_o i_o shall_v treat_v of_o the_o operation_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o the_o way_n of_o obtain_v it_o grieve_v and_o quench_v it_o this_o will_v demand_v a_o peculiar_a treatise_n i_o will_v here_o only_o observe_v that_o it_o be_v the_o work_n of_o the_o spirit_n to_o repair_v in_o some_o degree_n at_o least_o the_o ruin_n of_o the_o fall_n to_o rectify_v nature_n to_o improve_v our_o faculty_n and_o to_o imprint_v in_o we_o the_o divine_a image_n that_o meditation_n and_o prayer_n and_o a_o careful_a conformity_n to_o the_o divine_a will_n obtain_v and_o increase_v the_o grace_n of_o the_o spirit_n that_o negligence_n and_o presumptuous_a wickedness_n grieve_v and_o extinguish_v it_o as_o to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o gospel_n i_o shall_v not_o need_v to_o say_v much_o here_o i_o have_v consider_v this_o matter_n in_o the_o chapter_n of_o illumination_n and_o will_v only_o observe_v that_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v such_o as_o if_o they_o be_v thorough_o imbibe_v do_v effectual_o raise_v we_o above_o a_o state_n of_o nature_n and_o set_v we_o free_a from_o the_o power_n and_o prevalence_n of_o our_o original_a corruption_n be_v we_o but_o once_o persuade_v that_o we_o be_v stranger_n and_o pilgrim_n upon_o earth_n that_o all_o carnal_a gratification_n do_v war_n against_o the_o soul_n that_o our_o soul_n be_v proper_o ourselves_o and_o that_o our_o first_o care_n be_v to_o be_v for_o they_o that_o god_n be_v himself_o our_o sovereign_n good_a and_o the_o fountain_n of_o all_o inferior_a good_a that_o our_o perfection_n and_o happiness_n consist_v in_o the_o love_n and_o service_n of_o he_o that_o we_o have_v a_o mighty_a mediator_n who_o once_o die_v for_o we_o and_o ever_o live_v to_o make_v intercession_n for_o we_o that_o a_o kingdom_n incorruptible_a and_o undefiled_a and_o that_o fade_v not_o away_o be_v reserve_v in_o heaven_n for_o all_o meek_a faithful_a and_o holy_a soul_n be_v we_o i_o say_v but_o once_o thorough_o persuade_v of_o these_o truth_n with_o what_o vigour_n will_v they_o impregnate_n our_o mind_n how_o clear_a will_v be_v the_o conviction_n of_o conscience_n how_o uncontrollable_a the_o authority_n of_o reason_n how_o strong_a the_o instinct_n and_o propension_n of_o the_o mind_n towards_o righteousness_n and_o virtue_n these_o will_v alienate_v the_o mind_n from_o the_o world_n and_o the_o body_n and_o turn_v the_o bend_v of_o it_o another_o way_n these_o will_v inspire_v it_o with_o other_o desire_n and_o hope_n and_o make_v it_o form_n different_a project_n from_o what_o it_o have_v before_o old_a thing_n be_v do_v away_o and_o all_o thing_n be_v become_v new_a the_o second_o branch_n of_o this_o second_o particular_a rule_n be_v that_o we_o must_v accustom_v ourselves_o to_o retire_v frequent_o from_o the_o commerce_n and_o conversation_n of_o the_o body_n whether_o the_o eat_v the_o forbid_a fruit_n do_v open_a to_o the_o mind_n new_a scene_n of_o sensuality_n which_o it_o think_v not_o of_o and_o so_o call_v it_o down_o from_o the_o serenity_n and_o height_n of_o a_o more_o pure_a and_o contemplative_a life_n to_o participate_v the_o turbulent_a pleasure_n of_o sense_n immerse_v it_o as_o it_o be_v by_o this_o mean_v deep_a into_o the_o body_n i_o pretend_v not_o to_o judge_v but_o it_o be_v certain_a a_o too_o too_o intimate_a conjunction_n of_o the_o mind_n with_o the_o body_n and_o the_o satisfaction_n of_o it_o do_v very_o much_o debase_v it_o it_o be_v our_o great_a unhappiness_n that_o the_o soul_n be_v always_o in_o the_o sense_n and_o the_o sense_n be_v always_o upon_o the_o world_n we_o converse_v with_o the_o world_n we_o talk_v of_o the_o world_n we_o think_v of_o the_o
often_o repeat_v breed_v a_o kind_n of_o indifference_n or_o lukewarmness_n and_o soon_o pass_v into_o coldness_n and_o insensibleness_n and_o this_o often_o end_v in_o a_o reprobate_a mind_n and_o a_o utter_a aversion_n for_o religion_n 2_o we_o must_v endeavour_v some_o way_n or_o other_o to_o compensate_a the_o omission_n of_o a_o duty_n to_o make_v up_o by_o charity_n what_o we_o have_v defalce_v from_o devotion_n or_o to_o supply_v by_o short_a ejaculation_n what_o we_o have_v be_v force_v to_o retrench_v from_o fix_a and_o regular_a office_n of_o prayer_n and_o he_o that_o watch_v for_o opportunity_n either_o of_o improvement_n or_o do_v good_a will_v i_o believe_v never_o have_v reason_n to_o complain_v of_o the_o want_n of_o they_o god_n will_v put_v into_o his_o hand_n either_o the_o one_o or_o the_o other_o and_o for_o the_o choice_n he_o can_v do_v better_a than_o follow_v god_n 3_o a_o single_a omission_n must_v never_o proceed_v from_o a_o sinful_a motive_n from_o a_o love_n of_o the_o world_n or_o indulgence_n to_o the_o body_n necessity_n or_o charity_n be_v the_o only_a just_a and_o proper_a apology_n for_o it_o instrumental_a or_o positive_a duty_n may_v give_v way_n to_o moral_a one_o the_o religion_n of_o the_o mean_n to_o the_o religion_n of_o the_o end_n and_o in_o moral_a duty_n the_o less_o may_v give_v way_n to_o the_o great_a but_o duty_n must_v never_o give_v way_n to_o sin_n nor_o religion_n to_o interest_n or_o pleasure_n have_v thus_o brief_o give_v a_o account_n what_o omission_n of_o duty_n be_v and_o what_o be_v not_o sinful_a and_o consequent_o so_o settle_v the_o notion_n of_o idleness_n that_o neither_o the_o careless_a nor_o the_o scrupulous_a can_v easy_o mistake_v their_o case_n i_o will_v now_o propose_v such_o considetation_n as_o i_o judge_v most_o likely_a to_o deter_v man_n from_o it_o and_o such_o advice_n as_o may_v be_v the_o best_a guard_n and_o preservative_n against_o it_o 1._o the_o first_o thing_n i_o will_v have_v every_o one_o lay_v to_o heart_n be_v that_o a_o state_n of_o idleness_n be_v a_o state_n of_o damnable_a sin_n idleness_n be_v direct_o repugnant_a to_o the_o great_a end_n of_o god_n both_o in_o our_o creation_n and_o redemption_n as_o to_o our_o creation_n can_v we_o imagine_v that_o god_n who_o create_v not_o any_o thing_n but_o for_o some_o excellent_a end_n shall_v create_v man_n for_o none_o or_o for_o a_o silly_a one_o the_o spirit_n within_o we_o be_v a_o active_a and_o vivacious_a principle_n our_o rational_a faculty_n capacitate_v and_o qualify_v we_o for_o do_v good_a this_o be_v the_o proper_a work_n of_o reason_n the_o true_a and_o most_o natural_a pleasure_n of_o a_o rational_a soul_n who_o can_v think_v now_o that_o our_o wise_a creator_n light_v this_o candle_n within_o we_o that_o we_o may_v oppress_v and_o stifle_v it_o by_o negligence_n and_o idleness_n that_o he_o contrive_v and_o destine_v such_o a_o mind_n to_o squander_v and_o fool_n away_o its_o talent_n in_o vanity_n and_o impertinence_n as_o to_o our_o redemption_n it_o be_v evident_a both_o what_o the_o design_n of_o it_o be_v and_o how_o opposite_a idleness_n be_v to_o it_o christ_n give_v himself_o for_o we_o to_o redeem_v we_o from_o all_o iniquity_n and_o to_o purify_v to_o himself_o a_o peculiar_a people_n zealous_a of_o good_a work_n tit._n 2.14_o and_o this_o be_v what_o our_o regeneration_n or_o sanctification_n aim_v at_o we_o be_v god_n workmanship_n create_v in_o christ_n jesus_n unto_o good_a work_n which_o god_n have_v before_o ordain_v that_o we_o shall_v walk_v in_o they_o eph._n 2.10_o how_o little_a then_o can_v a_o useless_a and_o bar_a life_n answer_v the_o expectation_n of_o god_n what_o a_o miserable_a return_n must_v it_o be_v to_o the_o blood_n of_o his_o son_n and_o how_o utter_o must_v it_o disappoint_v all_o the_o purpose_n of_o his_o word_n and_o spirit_n but_o what_o need_v i_o argue_v further_o the_o truth_n i_o contend_v for_o be_v the_o express_a and_o constant_a doctrine_n of_o the_o scripture_n be_v not_o idleness_n and_o fullness_n of_o bread_n reckon_v among_o the_o sin_n of_o sodom_n what_o mean_v the_o sentence_n against_o the_o barren_a figtree_n luke_n 13.7_o but_o the_o destruction_n and_o damnation_n of_o the_o idle_a and_o the_o sluggish_a the_o indignation_n of_o god_n be_v not_o enkindle_v against_o the_o barrenness_n of_o tree_n but_o men._n what_o can_v be_v plain_o than_o the_o condemnation_n of_o the_o unprofitable_a servant_n who_o perish_v because_o he_o have_v not_o improve_v his_o talon_n matt._n 25.38_o and_o how_o frequent_o do_v the_o apostle_n declare_v himself_o against_o the_o idle_a and_o disorderly_a and_o all_o this_o proceed_v upon_o plain_a and_o necessary_a ground_n our_o lord_n be_v a_o example_n of_o virtue_n as_o well_o as_o innocence_n and_o he_o do_v not_o only_o refrain_v from_o do_v evil_a but_o he_o go_v about_o do_v good_a we_o can_v never_o satisfy_v the_o intention_n of_o divine_a precept_n by_o negative_a righteousness_n when_o god_n prohibit_v the_o filthiness_n of_o the_o flesh_n and_o spirit_n he_o enjoin_v the_o perfect_a holiness_n in_o his_o fear_n when_o he_o forbid_v we_o to_o do_v evil_a he_o at_o the_o same_o time_n prescribe_v the_o learning_n to_o do_v well_o what_o need_v i_o multiply_v more_o word_n idleness_n be_v a_o flat_a contradiction_n to_o faith_n hope_n charity_n to_o fear_v vigilance_n mortification_n and_o therefore_o certain_o must_v be_v a_o damn_v sin_n these_o be_v all_o active_a and_o vigorous_a principle_n but_o idleness_n enfeeble_v and_o dis-spirit_n manacle_n and_o fetter_n we_o these_o be_v pure_a strict_a and_o self-denying_a principle_n but_o idleness_n be_v soft_a and_o indulgent_a these_o conquer_v the_o world_n and_o the_o body_n raise_v and_o exalt_v the_o mind_n but_o idleness_n be_v far_o from_o enterprise_v any_o thing_n from_o attempt_v any_o thing_n that_o be_v good_a it_o pomper_v the_o body_n and_o effeminate_v and_o dissolve_v the_o mind_n and_o final_o whatever_o innocence_n or_o inoffensiveness_n it_o may_v pretend_v to_o it_o do_v not_o only_o terminate_v in_o sin_n but_o have_v its_o beginning_n from_o it_o from_o stupidity_n and_o ignorance_n from_o vanity_n and_o levity_n from_o softness_n and_o sensuality_n from_o some_o prevail_a lust_n or_o other_o 2._o next_o after_o the_o nature_n the_o consequence_n of_o idleness_n be_v to_o be_v consider_v and_o if_o it_o be_v take_v in_o the_o utmost_a latitude_n there_o be_v scarce_o any_o sin_n which_o be_v more_o just_o liable_a to_o so_o many_o tragical_a accusation_n for_o it_o be_v the_o parent_n of_o dishonour_n and_o poverty_n and_o of_o most_o of_o the_o sin_n and_o calamity_n of_o this_o mortal_a life_n but_o at_o present_a i_o view_v it_o only_o as_o it_o be_v draw_v with_o a_o half_a face_n and_o that_o the_o much_o less_o deform_v of_o the_o two_o i_o consider_v it_o here_o as_o pretend_v to_o innocence_n and_o flatter_v itself_o with_o the_o hope_n of_o happiness_n and_o yet_o even_o thus_o suppose_v it_o as_o harmless_a and_o inoffensive_a as_o it_o can_v be_v yet_o still_o these_o will_v be_v the_o miserable_a effect_n of_o it_o it_o will_v rob_v religion_n and_o the_o world_n of_o the_o service_n due_a to_o both_o it_o will_v bereave_v we_o of_o the_o pleasure_n of_o life_n and_o the_o comfort_n of_o death_n and_o send_v we_o down_o at_o last_o to_o a_o curse_a eternity_n for_o where_o be_v the_o virtue_n that_o shall_v maintain_v the_o order_n and_o beauty_n of_o human_a society_n that_o shall_v relieve_v and_o redress_v the_o misery_n of_o the_o world_n where_o be_v the_o virtue_n that_o shall_v vindicate_v the_o honour_n of_o religion_n and_o demonstrate_v its_o divinity_n as_o effectual_o as_o prediction_n or_o miracle_n can_v do_v where_o be_v the_o bright_a example_n that_o shall_v convert_v the_o unbelieving_a part_n of_o mankind_n and_o inflame_v the_o believe_a part_n with_o a_o generous_a emulation_n certain_o the_o lazy_a christian_a the_o slothful_a servant_n can_v pretend_v to_o nothing_o of_o this_o kind_n as_o to_o the_o pleasure_n of_o life_n if_o true_a and_o last_a if_o pure_a and_o spiritual_a it_o be_v easy_a to_o discern_v from_o what_o fountain_n it_o must_v be_v draw_v nothing_o but_o poverty_n of_o spirit_n can_v procure_v our_o peace_n nothing_o but_o purity_n of_o heart_n our_o pleasure_n but_o ah_o how_o far_o be_v the_o idle_a and_o unactive_a from_o these_o virtue_n i'faith_o love_n and_o hope_n be_v the_o seed_n of_o they_o victory_n and_o triumph_n devotion_n alms_n and_o good_a work_n the_o fruit_n of_o they_o but_o what_o a_o stranger_n to_o these_o be_v the_o drone_n and_o sluggard_n then_o for_o the_o comfort_n of_o death_n it_o must_v proceed_v from_o a_o well_o spend_v life_n he_o that_o see_v nothing_o but_o a_o vast_a solitude_n and_o wilderness_n behind_o he_o
disturb_v and_o indispose_v the_o body_n many_o be_v the_o thing_n which_o distract_v and_o clog_v the_o mind_n from_o both_o which_o because_o we_o shall_v never_o be_v utter_o free_a in_o this_o world_n therefore_o our_o devotion_n will_v never_o be_v so_o constant_a and_o uniform_a but_o that_o it_o will_v have_v its_o interruption_n and_o allay_v and_o dulness_n and_o lifelessness_n will_v sometime_o seize_v upon_o the_o best_a of_o christian_n but_o then_o if_o this_o spiritual_a deadness_n in_o religious_a exercise_n be_v fix_v constant_a and_o habitual_a it_o must_v needs_o be_v a_o proof_n of_o a_o corrupt_a mind_n for_o it_o be_v impossible_a that_o there_o shall_v be_v a_o true_a principle_n of_o grace_n within_o which_o shall_v never_o or_o very_o rare_o show_v itself_o in_o the_o sincerity_n and_o fervency_n of_o our_o devotion_n how_o be_v it_o possible_a that_o that_o man_n who_o be_v general_o slight_a and_o superficial_a in_o his_o confession_n shall_v have_v a_o true_a compunction_n and_o sincere_a contrition_n for_o sin_n how_o be_v it_o possible_a that_o he_o who_o be_v general_o indifferent_a formal_a and_o cold_a in_o his_o petition_n shall_v have_v a_o just_a sense_n either_o of_o his_o want_n or_o danger_n or_o a_o true_a value_n for_o the_o grace_n and_o favour_n of_o god_n the_o sum_n be_v deadness_n in_o duty_n be_v either_o general_n or_o rare_a common_a or_o accidental_a if_o it_o befall_v we_o common_o it_o be_v a_o argument_n of_o a_o unregenerate_a heart_n if_o rare_o it_o be_v not_o but_o if_o the_o return_v of_o life_n and_o deadness_n in_o duty_n be_v so_o frequent_a and_o unconstant_a that_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o determine_v whether_o the_o one_o or_o the_o other_o prevail_v most_o then_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o the_o state_n also_o of_o such_o a_o man_n be_v very_o dubious_a 2._o duty_n must_v never_o be_v destitute_a of_o sincerity_n though_o it_o may_v of_o pleasure_n and_o transport_v it_o must_v never_o be_v without_o seriousness_n and_o concernment_n though_o it_o may_v be_v very_o defective_a in_o the_o degree_n of_o love_n and_o ardency_n thus_o in_o prayer_n the_o tenderness_n and_o contrition_n of_o the_o soul_n dissolve_v in_o love_n and_o sorrow_n be_v a_o frame_n of_o spirit_n much_o above_o what_o the_o penitent_a common_o arrive_v at_o but_o a_o aversion_n for_o sin_n a_o firm_a resolution_n to_o forsake_v it_o and_o a_o hearty_a desire_n to_o be_v enable_v by_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n so_o to_o do_v be_v what_o he_o must_v not_o want_v so_o again_o joy_n and_o transport_n the_o ardour_n and_o exultancy_n of_o mind_n be_v the_o effect_n of_o a_o clear_a understanding_n a_o assure_a conscience_n a_o heart_n inflame_v with_o love_n and_o a_o strict_a life_n whoever_o therefore_o fall_v short_a in_o the_o one_o will_v general_o fall_v short_a in_o the_o other_o too_o but_o every_o christian_a that_o be_v true_o such_o must_v have_v a_o true_a sense_n of_o his_o want_n a_o hearty_a desire_n to_o please_v god_n a_o true_a notion_n of_o his_o goodness_n and_o a_o steady_a dependence_n upon_o it_o through_o christ_n and_o these_o thing_n be_v sufficient_a to_o unite_v our_o heart_n and_o our_o lip_n in_o the_o same_o petition_n to_o make_v we_o in_o earnest_n in_o all_o the_o duty_n we_o perform_v and_o careful_a to_o intend_v the_o main_a end_n of_o they_o 3._o the_o prayer_n of_o the_o perfect_a man_n be_v general_o offer_v up_o with_o the_o tender_a and_o most_o exalt_a passion_n and_o a_o holy_a pleasure_n mingle_v itself_o in_o every_o part_n of_o his_o office_n his_o petition_n and_o praise_n his_o confession_n deprecation_n and_o confidence_n be_v all_o of_o they_o expression_n of_o warm_a and_o delightful_a passion_n and_o how_o can_v we_o well_o conceive_v it_o otherwise_o must_v not_o those_o praise_n and_o magnificate_v be_v full_a of_o joy_n and_o transport_n which_o flow_v from_o a_o full_a assurance_n of_o the_o divine_a favour_n from_o a_o long_a experience_n of_o his_o love_n and_o from_o the_o glorious_a prospect_n of_o a_o bless_a eternity_n can_v those_o deprecation_n and_o confidence_n want_v a_o heavenly_a calm_a and_o tranquillity_n of_o spirit_n which_o rest_n upon_o the_o mediation_n of_o jesus_n the_o promise_n of_o a_o immutable_a god_n and_o the_o pledge_n of_o his_o spirit_n can_v those_o confession_n want_v contrition_n that_o have_v all_o the_o tenderness_n that_o holy_a zeal_n and_o the_o humble_a reflection_n can_v inspire_v they_o with_o which_o be_v power_v forth_o by_o a_o soul_n enlighten_v purify_v strong_a in_o the_o faith_n root_v and_o ground_v in_o love_n by_o a_o soul_n consequent_o that_o have_v the_o lively_a sense_n of_o the_o deformity_n and_o danger_n of_o sin_n of_o the_o beauty_n and_o pleasure_n of_o holiness_n of_o the_o infinite_a goodness_n of_o god_n and_o of_o that_o love_n of_o christ_n that_o pass_v knowledge_n can_v final_o those_o petition_n want_v desire_n and_o flame_n which_o be_v offer_v up_o by_o a_o soul_n that_o hunger_n and_o thirst_v after_o righteousness_n that_o count_v all_o thing_n but_o dung_n and_o dross_n in_o comparison_n of_o jesus_n that_o pant_v after_o god_n that_o long●_n to_o be_v dissolve_v and_o to_o be_v with_o christ_n and_o as_o we_o may_v thus_o from_o the_o nature_n of_o thing_n collect_v what_o kind_n of_o prayer_n those_o of_o the_o perfect_a man_n general_o be_v so_o may_v we_o from_o the_o example_n of_o the_o royal_a psalmist_n and_o other_o demonstrate_v all_o this_o to_o be_v no_o vain_a speculation_n but_o real_a matter_n of_o fact_n it_o be_v true_a weight_n and_o dignity_n of_o matter_n gravity_n and_o significancy_n of_o expression_n be_v the_o character_n most_o conspicuous_a in_o public_a office_n in_o the_o best_a and_o most_o ancient_a prayer_n and_o particular_o in_o the_o lord_n prayer_n we_o find_v in_o they_o few_o or_o no_o figure_n of_o speech_n no_o vehemence_n of_o expression_n but_o it_o be_v true_a too_o that_o the_o devotion_n of_o a_o soul_n disengage_v as_o it_o be_v from_o the_o body_n retire_v from_o the_o world_n collect_v within_o itself_o raise_v by_o daily_a contemplation_n and_o accustom_a to_o converse_v with_o heaven_n flow_v natural_o and_o easy_o those_o great_a idea_n which_o such_o a_o prayer_n as_o that_o of_o our_o lord_n composure_n present_a to_o the_o mind_n inflame_v the_o desire_n awaken_v all_o the_o passion_n of_o the_o holy_a man_n without_o any_o labour_n of_o imagination_n or_o artifice_n of_o word_n thus_o have_v i_o consider_v the_o nature_n of_o lukewarmness_n and_o show_v how_o far_o the_o perfect_a man_n be_v remove_v from_o it_o my_o next_o business_n be_v to_o persuade_v and_o exhort_v man_n to_o quit_v it_o and_o become_v sincere_a and_o zealous_a only_o i_o must_v first_o take_v notice_n by_o the_o way_n that_o beside_o idleness_n and_o lukewarmness_n there_o be_v sometime_o a_o three_o cause_n or_o occasion_n of_o unfruitfulness_n which_o deserve_v never_o to_o be_v slight_v that_o be_v fickleness_n vnsteadiness_n or_o inconstancy_n many_o there_o be_v who_o often_o purpose_n project_n and_o resolve_v great_a matter_n but_o never_o bring_v forth_o any_o fruit_n to_o perfection_n what_o they_o build_v one_o day_n they_o throw_v down_o another_o they_o put_v on_o as_o many_o various_a moral_a form_n as_o proteus_n in_o the_o poet_n do_v natural_a one_o sometime_o they_o be_v in_o a_o fit_a of_o zeal_n at_o other_o time_n nothing_o but_o coldness_n and_o bare_a form_n sometime_o they_o be_v in_o the_o camp_n of_o virtue_n sometime_o in_o that_o of_o vice_n in_o a_o word_n they_o halt_v like_o the_o israelite_n between_o god_n and_o baal_n and_o be_v divide_v and_o distract_v between_o a_o sense_n of_o duty_n and_o the_o love_n of_o the_o world_n and_o the_o body_n between_o the_o check_n and_o incitement_n of_o conscience_n on_o the_o one_o hand_n and_o some_o foolish_a inclination_n on_o the_o other_o this_o state_n i_o have_v have_v a_o eye_n too_o very_o often_o nor_o shall_v i_o forget_v it_o here_o but_o shall_v propose_v such_o a_o method_n for_o the_o cure_n of_o lukewarmness_n and_o formality_n as_o may_v be_v also_o of_o very_o good_a use_n to_o all_o such_o as_o fall_v short_a of_o the_o main_a end_n of_o religion_n be_v not_o true_o and_o thorough_o change_v but_o be_v only_o almost_o persuade_v to_o be_v christian_n and_o only_o not_o altogether_o so_o far_o from_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n as_o other_o this_o be_v premise_v i_o proceed_v and_o 1._o i_o will_v inquire_v into_o the_o cause_n from_o whence_o lukewarmness_n and_o all_o abortive_a attempt_n after_o virtue_n flow_v 2._o i_o will_v show_v the_o folly_n gild_n and_o danger_n of_o a_o laodicean_n state_n §_o 1._o of_o the_o cause_n etc._n etc._n these_o be_v general_o four_n 1._o man_n find_v themselves_o under_o great_a difficulty_n in_o come_v up_o to_o
they_o can_v make_v god_n and_o will_v god_n be_v better_a please_v with_o these_o than_o he_o be_v with_o those_o of_o israel_n that_o be_v deform_v with_o maim_n and_o blemish_n mal._n 1.8_o offer_v now_o these_o to_o thy_o governor_n will_v he_o he_o please_v with_o thou_o or_o accept_v of_o thy_o person_n say_v the_o lord_n of_o host_n the_o magi_n indeed_o leave_v their_o country_n and_o offer_v gold_n frankincense_n and_o myrrh_n to_o our_o saviour_n mat._n 2._o david_n will_v not_o sacrifice_v to_o god_n of_o that_o which_o cost_v he_o nothing_o 2_o sam._n 24._o 24._o the_o primitive_a christian_n offer_v up_o to_o god_n prayer_n and_o tear_n labour_n and_o travel_n nay_o their_o honour_n their_o fortune_n their_o life_n their_o blood_n but_o alas_o what_o have_v these_o man_n to_o offer_v they_o have_v not_o love_n enough_o to_o put_v they_o upon_o any_o expense_n nor_o faith_n enough_o to_o put_v they_o upon_o any_o hardship_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o god_n and_o virtue_n for_o though_o they_o think_v themselves_o rich_a and_o increse_v in_o good_n and_o to_o have_v need_n of_o nothing_o yet_o be_v they_o poor_a wretched_a and_o miserable_a and_o blind_a and_o naked_a rev._n 3.17_o and_o shall_v these_o receive_v a_o crown_n of_o righteousness_n shall_v these_o share_n in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o jesus_n shall_v these_o partake_v in_o the_o triumph_n of_o the_o last_o day_n it_o can_v never_o be_v they_o do_v nothing_o worthy_a of_o the_o gospel_n nothing_o that_o can_v entitle_v they_o to_o the_o benefit_n of_o the_o cross_n of_o christ_n 3._o the_o life_n of_o the_o laodicean_n christian_n will_v never_o do_v any_o do_v any_o credit_n to_o religion_n or_o reflect_v any_o honour_n on_o the_o gospel_n no_o man_n will_v be_v ever_o able_a to_o discern_v the_o beauty_n of_o holiness_n or_o the_o power_n and_o efficacy_n of_o divine_a truth_n from_o the_o practice_n and_o conversation_n of_o such_o a_o one_o ah_o have_v the_o carriage_n of_o the_o primitive_a time_n be_v such_o as_o he_o i_o know_v not_o what_o miracle_n may_v have_v do_v i_o be_o sure_a example_n will_v never_o have_v make_v many_o proselyte_n but_o the_o christian_n then_o act_v those_o virtue_n which_o the_o pagan_a only_o pretend_v to_o and_o faith_n in_o jesus_n achieve_v those_o victory_n over_o the_o world_n which_o the_o jew_n so_o debauch_v and_o stupid_a be_v they_o grow_v do_v in_o the_o declension_n of_o that_o state_n neither_o understand_v nor_o pretend_v to_o this_o be_v that_o which_o make_v the_o world_n admire_v and_o love_n christianity_n after_o thus_o much_o say_v of_o the_o effect_n of_o this_o sort_n of_o carriage_n i_o need_v scarce_o put_v any_o one_o in_o mind_n what_o will_v be_v the_o last_o and_o sad_a effect_n of_o it_o for_o if_o our_o christianity_n be_v such_o that_o it_o neither_o true_o set_v we_o free_a from_o our_o bondage_n to_o the_o world_n and_o flesh_n nor_o enrich_v our_o soul_n with_o true_a and_o solid_a virtue_n if_o it_o neither_o promote_v the_o honour_n of_o god_n nor_o the_o good_a of_o man_n it_o must_v unavoidable_o follow_v that_o have_v no_o true_a title_n to_o god_n favour_n nor_o any_o rational_a ground_n on_o which_o to_o build_v a_o assurance_n of_o it_o we_o can_v reap_v no_o true_a comfort_n or_o pleasure_n from_o religion_n here_o nor_o any_o reward_n from_o it_o hereafter_o alas_o what_o talk_v i_o of_o comfort_n and_o reward_n distress_n and_o anguish_n must_v take_v hold_v of_o the_o sinner_n in_o zion_n and_o fearfulness_n must_v suprize_v the_o hypocrite_n and_o from_o the_o trouble_n and_o misery_n of_o thu_fw-mi life_n they_o must_v go_v down_o into_o the_o everlasting_a torment_n of_o another_o the_o scripture_n be_v plain_a god_n will_v spew_v they_o out_o of_o his_o mouth_n as_o he_o do_v the_o laodicean_n he_o will_v shut_v the_o gate_n of_o heaven_n against_o they_o as_o against_o the_o foolish_a virgin_n that_o have_v no_o oil_n in_o their_o lamp_n and_o their_o hell_n will_v have_v one_o torment_n in_o it_o which_o be_v incident_a to_o no_o other_o that_o they_o have_v once_o the_o hope_n of_o heaven_n and_o it_o be_v no_o small_a aggravation_n of_o misery_n to_o fall_v into_o it_o even_o from_o the_o expectation_n of_o happiness_n this_o be_v not_o as_o i_o observe_v above_o to_o be_v apply_v to_o accidental_a dulness_n or_o deadness_n in_o duty_n nor_o be_v the_o decay_n or_o abatement_n of_o love_n which_o good_a man_n sometime_o suffer_v immediate_o to_o be_v pronounce_v damnable_a but_o yet_o these_o be_v to_o be_v put_v in_o mind_n of_o the_o danger_n they_o be_v in_o and_o recall_v to_o their_o former_a zeal_n in_o the_o word_n of_o the_o spirit_n to_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n nevertheless_o i_o have_v somewhat_o against_o thou_o because_o thou_o have_v leave_v thy_o first_o love_n remember_v therefore_o from_o whence_o thou_o be_v fall_v and_o repent_v and_o do_v the_o first_o work_n or_o else_o i_o will_v come_v unto_o thou_o quick_o and_o will_v remote_a thy_o candlestick_n out_o of_o his_o place_n except_o thou_o repent_v rev._n 2.4_o 5._o chap._n ix_o of_o zeal_n or_o the_o first_o thing_n to_o be_v consider_v in_o a_o state_n of_o zeal_n namely_o what_o holiness_n or_o righteousness_n he_o may_v be_v suppose_v to_o have_v arrive_v at_o i_o be_o arrive_v at_o the_o last_o stage_n of_o perfection_n which_o i_o choose_v to_o call_v a_o state_n of_o zeal_n not_o only_o because_o the_o scripture_n seem_v to_o direct_v i_o to_o this_o expression_n but_o also_o because_o it_o seem_v to_o i_o more_o full_a and_o proper_a than_o other_o that_o may_v be_v or_o be_v make_v use_n of_o for_o the_o same_o end_n a_o state_n of_o union_n be_v a_o expression_n that_o better_a suit_n another_o life_n that_o this_o for_o the_o lesson_n the_o perfect_a man_n be_v ever_o and_o anon_o to_o revolve_v in_o his_o mind_n be_v that_o the_o present_a life_n be_v a_o life_n of_o labour_n and_o travel_v and_o suffering_n the_o future_a one_o of_o reward_n and_o crown_n and_o enjoyment_n then_o as_o to_o that_o other_o expression_n the_o state_n of_o love_n it_o suit_v my_o purpose_n well_o enough_o but_o do_v not_o come_v up_o so_o just_o and_o exact_o to_o it_o as_o the_o state_n of_o zeal_n for_o i_o take_v zeal_n to_o be_v love_n in_o the_o utmost_a elevation_n and_o vivacity_n that_o it_o be_v capable_a of_o and_o now_o what_o a_o noble_a what_o a_o fruitful_a argument_n be_o i_o enter_v upon_o methinks_v i_o feel_v my_o soul_n grow_v warm_a and_o enkindle_v upon_o my_o approach_v it_o and_o my_o first_o view_n or_o contemplation_n of_o it_o inspire_v i_o with_o desire_n of_o the_o same_o nature_n with_o itself_o i_o be_o concern_v to_o see_v myself_o confine_v and_o limit_v by_o the_o law_n of_o method_n and_o find_v myself_o incline_v to_o wish_v that_o i_o be_v now_o to_o write_v rather_o a_o just_a volume_n than_o a_o few_o page_n here_o the_o heroic_a act_n or_o what_o be_v more_o the_o heroic_a life_n of_o saint_n martyr_n and_o confessor_n present_v themselves_o to_o my_o thought_n here_o human_a nature_n enrich_v adorn_v and_o elevate_v to_o the_o utmost_a degree_n by_o a_o participation_n of_o the_o divine_a one_o here_o the_o power_n of_o god_n word_n the_o energy_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n the_o triumph_n of_o faith_n and_o the_o exstasy_n of_o love_n will_v be_v describe_v here_o the_o different_a excellency_n of_o different_a virtue_n and_o the_o different_a value_n of_o good_a work_n shall_v be_v state_v and_o settle_v and_o the_o various_a path_n in_o which_o man_n pursue_v the_o height_n of_o virtue_n and_o the_o noble_a design_n be_v examine_v and_o solid_a piety_n and_o true_a wisdom_n be_v refine_v from_o the_o alloy_v and_o mixture_n of_o enthusiasm_n superstition_n fancy_n or_o whatever_o else_o they_o be_v disfigure_v and_o debase_v by_o but_o this_o can_v now_o be_v do_v and_o it_o may_v be_v it_o can_v not_o at_o all_o be_v do_v by_o i_o no_o measure_n of_o the_o spirit_n peradventure_o below_o that_o with_o which_o the_o apostle_n be_v inspire_v be_v sufficient_a to_o treat_v this_o argument_n as_o it_o require_v beside_o according_a to_o my_o capacity_n i_o have_v be_v all_o along_o make_v this_o point_n when_o in_o the_o first_o section_n i_o state_v the_o notion_n of_o perfection_n show_v by_o what_o step_v we_o advance_v to_o it_o what_o mean_v we_o be_v to_o make_v use_n of_o and_o what_o will_v be_v the_o fruit_n of_o it_o i_o do_v in_o effect_n describe_v to_o my_o reader_n the_o state_n of_o zeal_n and_o mark_v out_o the_o path_n that_o lead_v to_o it_o when_o in_o the_o second_o i_o labour_v to_o establish_v the_o true_a liberty_n of_o man_n upon_o the_o overthrow_n and_o extirpation_n not_o only_o of_o mortal_a sin_n and_o
dismiss_v from_o the_o pilgrimage_n of_o this_o world_n and_o from_o the_o corruptible_a tabernacle_n of_o the_o body_n nor_o do_v i_o last_o doubt_n but_o that_o this_o love_n be_v often_o sensible_o transport_v it_o be_v a_o fire_n within_o that_o strive_v to_o break_v out_o and_o exert_v itself_o in_o the_o fruition_n of_o heaven_n it_o be_v a_o rich_a and_o mighty_a cordial_n that_o raise_v nature_n above_o itself_o and_o make_v it_o all_o purity_n all_o glory_n thus_o have_v i_o consider_v the_o extent_n or_o compass_n of_o the_o perfect_a man_n virtue_n and_o the_o sum_n total_a be_v in_o some_o he_o must_v excel_v because_o natural_a and_o easy_a in_o other_o because_o necessary_a universal_a one_o he_o can_v want_v they_o be_v essential_a to_o christianity_n other_o of_o a_o peculiar_a nature_n he_o may_v unless_o his_o circumstance_n exact_v they_o nor_o be_v this_o any_o diminutton_n of_o his_o perfection_n patience_n fortitude_n moderation_n vigilance_n etc._n etc._n be_v the_o virtue_n of_o earth_n not_o heaven_n and_o yet_o none_o think_v the_o bless_a inhabitant_n of_o that_o place_n imperfect_a because_o not_o endow_v with_o habit_n which_o they_o do_v not_o want_v above_o all_o he_o that_o will_v be_v perfect_a must_v abound_v in_o those_o grace_n which_o be_v of_o the_o most_o heroic_a nature_n faith_n love_n and_o humility_n for_o these_o be_v they_o which_o most_o effectual_o exalt_v man_n above_o himself_o and_o above_o the_o world_n which_o inflame_v he_o with_o a_o zeal_n for_o the_o honour_n of_o god_n and_o the_o good_a of_o man_n and_o enable_v he_o to_o surmount_v the_o difficulty_n which_o he_o meet_v with_o in_o prosecute_a this_o glorious_a design_n i_o be_o next_o to_o inquire_v §_o 2._o to_o what_o height_n to_o what_o degree_n of_o virtue_n the_o perfect_a man_n may_v advance_v i_o have_v in_o part_n anticipate_v this_o enquiry_n already_o yet_o can_v forbear_v add_v here_o two_o observation_n first_o that_o reason_n and_o scripture_n seem_v to_o press_v we_o on_o towards_o a_o endless_a progress_n in_o virtue_n and_o yet_o second_o that_o both_o seem_v to_o propose_v to_o we_o such_o a_o state_n of_o perfection_n as_o attainable_a beyond_o which_o we_o can_v go_v that_o so_o the_o beginner_n may_v not_o despair_v of_o perfection_n nor_o the_o perfect_a abate_v any_o thing_n of_o their_o vigilance_n and_o their_o industry_n such_o a_o degree_n of_o excellence_n to_o which_o nothing_o can_v be_v add_v such_o a_o height_n above_o which_o there_o be_v no_o room_n to_o soar_v if_o apply_v to_o man_n and_o this_o world_n be_v sure_o but_o a_o imaginary_a notion_n to_o dream_v of_o such_o a_o perfection_n be_v to_o forget_v our_o nature_n and_o our_o state_n no_o sagacity_n of_o judgement_n no_o strength_n of_o resolution_n no_o felicity_n of_o circumstance_n can_v ever_o advance_v we_o to_o this_o height_n such_o a_o perfection_n as_o this_o that_o be_v incapable_a of_o any_o increase_n belong_v i_o believe_v to_o god_n alone_o or_o if_o we_o may_v allow_v it_o to_o angel_n we_o must_v certain_o deny_v it_o to_o man_n in_o who_o one_o will_v think_v the_o appetite_n of_o the_o body_n can_v never_o be_v so_o entre_o subdue_v that_o there_o shall_v be_v no_o place_n to_o extend_v his_o conquest_n or_o render_v his_o victory_n more_o entire_a and_o complete_a and_o in_o who_o one_o will_v think_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n shall_v never_o reside_v in_o that_o measure_n that_o there_o shall_v be_v nothing_o to_o be_v add_v to_o his_o fullness_n it_o be_v hard_a to_o conceive_v how_o we_o shall_v study_v the_o systeme_n of_o divine_a faith_n how_o we_o shall_v daily_o reflect_v upon_o our_o life_n and_o action_n without_o grow_v in_o spiritual_a wisdom_n and_o understanding_n it_o be_v hard_a to_o conceive_v how_o we_o shall_v give_v god_n the_o world_n and_o ourselves_o repeat_v proof_n of_o our_o integrity_n in_o the_o day_n of_o trial_n without_o increase_v our_o strength_n and_o assurance_n and_o love_n must_v natural_o increase_v with_o these_o whence_o it_o be_v that_o st._n paul_n acknowledge_v himself_o not_o yet_o perfect_a resolve_n that_o forget_v those_o thing_n that_o be_v behind_o and_o reach_v forward_o to_o those_o thing_n that_o be_v before_o he_o will_v press_v on_o towards_o the_o mark_n for_o the_o prize_n of_o the_o high_a call_v of_o god_n in_o christ_n jesus_n phil._n 3.13_o 14._o and_o st._n austin_n resolve_v plenissima_fw-la charitas_fw-la quam_fw-la diu_fw-la hîc_fw-la homo_fw-la vivit_fw-la est_fw-la in_o nemine_fw-la a_o absolute_a plenitude_n of_o charity_n be_v in_o no_o mortal_a upon_o earth_n and_o yet_o if_o we_o come_v to_o fact_n and_o practice_n one_o will_v be_v tempt_v to_o think_v that_o the_o disciple_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o master_n have_v arrive_v at_o that_o state_n wherein_o their_o business_n be_v not_o to_o climb_v high_a but_o rather_o to_o make_v good_a the_o ground_n they_o have_v gain_v what_o can_v render_v st._n paul_n victory_n over_o the_o body_n more_o complete_a who_o assure_v we_o i_o be_o crucify_v with_o christ_n and_o again_o i_o be_o crucify_v to_o the_o world_n and_o the_o world_n be_v crucify_v to_o i_o what_o can_v render_v the_o authority_n and_o dominion_n of_o his_o mind_n more_o absolute_a or_o its_o grace_n more_o consummate_a and_o entire_a who_o can_v say_v with_o truth_n it_o be_v not_o i_o who_o live_v but_o christ_n who_o live_v in_o i_o what_o will_v you_o have_v add_v to_o that_o faith_n and_o love_n which_o make_v he_o ready_a not_o only_o to_o be_v bind_v but_o to_o die_v at_o jerusalem_n which_o make_v he_o long_o to_o be_v dissolve_v and_o to_o be_v with_o christ_n as_o to_o those_o word_n of_o he_o phil._n 3.13_o forget_v those_o thing_n that_o be_v behind_o and_o reach_v forward_o etc._n etc._n they_o relate_v to_o his_o trial_n and_o performance_n to_o his_o peril_n and_o conflict_n not_o to_o his_o attainment_n he_o do_v not_o here_o deny_v himself_o to_o be_v perfect_a though_o that_o may_v well_o enough_o have_v become_v his_o modesty_n and_o humility_n but_o only_o that_o he_o be_v not_o to_o look_v upon_o himself_o as_o already_o at_o his_o goal_n a_o conqueror_n and_o crown_v there_o be_v much_o yet_o behind_o to_o do_v and_o suffer_v notwithstanding_o all_o that_o he_o have_v pass_v through_o this_o be_v the_o sense_n of_o his_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o we_o render_v not_o as_o though_o i_o be_v already_o perfect_a as_o to_o st._n austin_n i_o be_o of_o his_o mind_n for_o he_o speak_v comparative_o and_o do_v in_o effect_n no_o more_o than_o affirm_v that_o no_o man_n live_v be_v as_o perfect_a in_o this_o world_n as_o he_o will_v be_v in_o another_o which_o no_o man_n sure_o can_v ever_o doubt_v if_o we_o consult_v reason_n will_v it_o not_o be_v apt_a to_o tell_v we_o that_o as_o every_o be_v have_v its_o bound_n set_v it_o so_o have_v every_o perfection_n too_o that_o there_o be_v a_o stature_n as_o of_o the_o natural_a so_o of_o the_o spiritual_a man_n beyond_o which_o it_o can_v grow_v that_o as_o to_o grace_n no_o more_o can_v be_v infuse_v than_o our_o nature_n be_v capable_a of_o otherwise_o like_v too_o rich_a a_o cordial_n it_o will_v not_o strengthen_v but_o fire_n our_o nature_n or_o like_o too_o dazzle_v a_o light_n it_o will_v not_o assist_v but_o oppress_v our_o faculty_n and_o do_v not_o the_o parable_n of_o our_o master_n countenance_v this_o matth._n 25.2_o wherein_o he_o tell_v we_o that_o god_n give_v to_o one_o five_o talent_n to_o another_o two_o to_o another_o one_o to_o every_o man_n according_a to_o his_o ability_n by_o which_o one_o will_v think_v our_o lord_n insinuate_v that_o the_o measure_n of_o grace_n be_v usual_o distribute_v in_o proportion_n to_o the_o capacity_n of_o nature_n and_o that_o he_o who_o improve_v his_o two_o talent_n into_o four_o arrive_v at_o his_o proper_a perfection_n as_o well_o as_o he_o who_o improve_v his_o five_o into_o ten_o it_o be_v as_o absurd_a to_o expect_v that_o the_o perfection_n of_o every_o man_n shall_v be_v the_o same_o as_o to_o expect_v that_o all_o man_n body_n shall_v be_v of_o the_o same_o height_n or_o their_o mind_n of_o the_o same_o capacity_n reflect_v on_o all_o this_o together_o i_o can_v but_o be_v of_o opinion_n that_o some_o have_v actual_o arrive_v at_o that_o strength_n of_o faith_n at_o that_o ardour_n of_o love_n that_o they_o seem_v to_o have_v be_v uncapable_a of_o any_o considerable_a accession_n in_o this_o life_n but_o yet_o new_a occasion_n may_v still_o demand_v new_a virtue_n which_o be_v indeed_o before_o contain_v and_o include_v in_o faith_n and_o love_n but_o not_o otherwise_o than_o as_o fruit_n and_o tree_n be_v in_o their_o seed_n and_o some_o degree_n of_o original_a corruption_n may_v still_o be_v lurk_v in_o the_o
aside_o the_o natural_a right_n which_o he_o have_v over_o he_o as_o his_o creature_n and_o to_o transact_v with_o he_o as_o free_v and_o master_n of_o himself_o but_o this_o be_v all_o infinite_a condescension_n second_o it_o seem_v unsuitable_a to_o the_o infinite_a goodness_n of_o god_n to_o bereave_v man_n of_o the_o life_n and_o happiness_n he_o have_v once_o confer_v upon_o he_o unless_o he_o forfeit_v it_o by_o some_o demerit_n the_o gift_n and_o call_n of_o god_n be_v without_o repentance_n nor_o can_v i_o think_v how_o death_n which_o have_v so_o much_o evil_n in_o it_o can_v have_v enter_v the_o world_n if_o sin_n have_v not_o enter_v it_o first_o in_o this_o sense_n unsinning_a obedience_n give_v a_o kind_n of_o right_a to_o the_o continuance_n of_o those_o good_a thing_n which_o be_v at_o first_o the_o mere_a effect_n of_o divine_a grace_n and_o bounty_n last_o a_o covenant_n of_o work_n be_v once_o establish_v it_o be_v plain_a that_o as_o sin_n forfeit_v life_n so_o obedience_n must_v give_v a_o right_a to_o it_o and_o as_o the_o penitent_n can_v not_o be_v restore_v but_o by_o a_o act_n of_o grace_n so_o he_o that_o commit_v no_o sin_n will_v need_v no_o pardon_n but_o then_o life_n itself_o and_o a_o ability_n to_o work_v righteousness_n must_v be_v owe_v to_o grace_n antecedent_n to_o the_o covenant_n and_o so_o such_o a_o one_o will_v have_v whereof_o to_o boast_v comparative_o with_o respect_n to_o other_o who_o fall_v but_o not_o before_o god_n the_o sum_n of_o all_o be_v man_n have_v nothing_o to_o render_v to_o god_n but_o what_o he_o have_v receive_v from_o he_o and_o therefore_o can_v offer_v he_o nothing_o but_o his_o own_o which_o be_v no_o very_o good_a foundation_n for_o merit_n but_o suppose_v he_o absolute_a master_n of_o himself_o suppose_v he_o hold_v all_o thing_n independent_a of_o god_n can_v the_o service_n of_o a_o few_o day_n merit_v immortality_n and_o glory_n angelical_a perfection_n and_o a_o crown_n he_o must_v be_v make_v up_o of_o vanity_n and_o presumption_n that_o dare_v affirm_v this_o 3._o god_n stand_v in_o no_o need_n of_o our_o service_n and_o it_o be_v our_o own_n not_o his_o interest_n we_o promote_v by_o it_o the_o foundation_n of_o merit_n among_o man_n be_v impotence_n and_o want_n the_o prince_n want_v the_o service_n and_o tribute_n of_o the_o subject_a the_o subject_a the_o protection_n of_o the_o prince_n the_o rich_a need_v the_o ministry_n and_o the_o labour_n of_o the_o poor_a the_o poor_a support_n and_o maintenance_n from_o the_o rich._n and_o it_o be_v thus_o in_o imaginary_a as_o well_o as_o real_a want_v the_o luxury_n and_o pleasure_n of_o one_o must_v be_v provide_v for_o and_o support_v by_o the_o care_n and_o vigilance_n of_o other_o and_o the_o pomp_n and_o the_o pride_n of_o one_o part_n of_o the_o world_n can_v subsist_v but_o on_o the_o servitude_n of_o the_o other_o in_o these_o case_n therefore_o mutual_a want_n create_v mutual_a right_n and_o mutual_a merit_n but_o this_o be_v not_o the_o case_n between_o god_n and_o man._n god_n be_v not_o subject_a to_o any_o want_v or_o necessity_n nor_o be_v his_o glory_n or_o happiness_n capable_a of_o diminution_n or_o increase_n he_o be_v a_o monarch_n that_o need_v no_o tribute_n to_o support_v his_o grandeur_n nor_o any_o strength_n or_o power_n beside_o his_o own_o to_o guard_v his_o throne_n if_o we_o revolt_v or_o rebel_n we_o can_v injure_v he_o if_o we_o be_v loyal_a and_o obedient_a we_o can_v profit_v he_o he_o have_v all_o fullness_n all_o perfection_n in_o himself_o he_o be_v a_o almighty_a and_o all-sufficient_a god_n but_o on_o the_o quite_o contrary_a though_o god_n have_v no_o want_n we_o have_v many_o and_o though_o his_o majesty_n and_o felicity_n be_v subject_a to_o no_o vicissitude_n we_o be_v subject_a to_o many_o our_o service_n to_o god_n therefore_o be_v our_o own_o interest_n and_o our_o obedience_n be_v design_v to_o procure_v our_o own_o advantage_n we_o need_v we_o daily_o need_v his_o support_n and_o protection_n we_o depend_v entire_o on_o his_o favour_n and_o patronage_n in_o he_o we_o live_v and_o move_v and_o have_v our_o be_v and_o from_o he_o as_o from_o a_o inexhaustible_a fountain_n we_o derive_v all_o the_o stream_n of_o good_a by_o which_o we_o be_v refresh_v and_o improve_v to_o know_v and_o love_v he_o be_v our_o wisdom_n to_o depend_v upon_o he_o our_o happiness_n and_o security_n to_o serve_v and_o worship_v he_o our_o perfection_n and_o liberty_n to_o enjoy_v he_o will_v be_v our_o heaven_n and_o those_o glimpse_n of_o his_o presence_n which_o we_o be_v vouchsafe_v through_o the_o spirit_n in_o this_o life_n be_v the_o pledge_n and_o foretaste_n of_o it_o this_o be_v the_o constant_a voice_n of_o scripture_n every_o good_a gift_n and_o every_o perfect_a gift_n be_v from_o above_o and_o come_v from_o the_o father_n of_o light_n jam._n 1.17_o if_o i_o be_v hungry_a i_o will_v not_o tell_v thou_o for_o the_o world_n be_v i_o and_o the_o fullness_n thereof_o will_v i_o eat_v the_o flesh_n of_o bull_n or_o drink_v the_o blood_n of_o goat_n offer_v unto_o god_n thanksgiving_n and_o pay_v thy_o vow_n unto_o the_o most_o high_a and_o call_v upon_o i_o in_o the_o day_n of_o trouble_n i_o will_v deliver_v thou_o and_o thou_o shall_v glorify_v i_o psal_n 50.12_o 13._o etc._n etc._n if_o thou_o be_v righteous_a what_o give_v thou_o unto_o he_o thy_o wickedness_n may_v hurt_v a_o man_n etc._n etc._n job_n 35.7_o 8._o sect_n iii_o of_o the_o impediment_n of_o perfection_n though_o i_o have_v be_v all_o along_o carry_v on_o the_o design_n of_o this_o section_n that_o be_v the_o remove_n the_o obstacle_n of_o perfection_n yet_o i_o easy_o foresee_v there_o may_v be_v some_o which_o will_v not_o be_v reduce_v within_o the_o compass_n of_o the_o forego_n head_n for_o these_o therefore_o i_o reserve_v this_o place_n these_o be_v five_o 1._o too_o easy_a and_o loose_a a_o notion_n of_o religion_n 2._o a_o opinion_n that_o perfection_n be_v not_o attainable_a 3._o that_o religion_n be_v a_o enemy_n to_o pleasure_n 4._o the_o love_n of_o the_o world_n in_o a_o high_a degree_n at_o least_o than_o will_v consist_v with_o perfection_n 5._o the_o infirmity_n of_o the_o flesh_n §_o 1._o some_o seem_v to_o have_v entertain_v such_o a_o notion_n of_o religion_n as_o if_o moderation_n here_o be_v as_o necessary_a as_o any_o where_o else_o they_o look_v upon_o zeal_n as_o as_o a_o excess_n of_o righteousness_n and_o can_v be_v well_o enough_o content_a to_o want_v degree_n of_o glory_n if_o they_o can_v but_o save_v their_o soul_n to_o which_o end_n they_o can_v see_v no_o necessity_n of_o perfection_n now_o i_o will_v beseech_v such_o serious_o to_o lay_v to_o heart_n that_o salvation_n and_o damnation_n be_v thing_n of_o no_o common_a importance_n and_o therefore_o it_o high_o concern_v they_o not_o to_o be_v mistake_v in_o the_o notion_n they_o form_n to_o themselves_o of_o religion_n for_o the_o nature_n of_o thing_n will_v not_o be_v alter_v by_o their_o fancy_n nor_o will_v god_n be_v mock_v or_o impose_v on_o if_o we_o will_v deal_v sincere_o with_o ourselves_o as_o in_o this_o case_n it_o certain_o behoove_v we_o to_o do_v we_o must_v frame_v our_o idea_n of_o religion_n not_o from_o the_o opinion_n the_o manner_n or_o the_o fashion_n of_o the_o world_n but_o from_o the_o scripture_n and_o we_o must_v not_o interpret_v these_o by_o our_o own_o inclination_n but_o we_o must_v judge_v of_o the_o duty_n they_o prescribe_v by_o those_o description_n of_o they_o by_o those_o property_n and_o effect_n which_o we_o find_v there_o we_o must_v weigh_v the_o design_n and_o end_v of_o religion_n which_o be_v to_o promote_v the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o the_o good_a of_o man_n and_o to_o raise_v we_o above_o the_o world_n and_o the_o body_n and_o see_v how_o our_o platform_n or_o model_n of_o religion_n suit_n with_o it_o and_o if_o after_o we_o have_v do_v this_o we_o be_v not_o full_o satisfy_v in_o the_o true_a bound_n and_o limit_n which_o part_n vice_n and_o virtue_n it_o can_v but_o be_v safe_a for_o we_o to_o err_v on_o the_o right_a hand_n we_o ought_v always_o to_o remember_v too_o that_o the_o repeat_v exhortation_n in_o scripture_n to_o diligence_n and_o that_o the_o most_o earnest_a and_o indefatigable_a to_o vigilance_n to_o fear_n and_o tremble_v to_o patience_n to_o steadfastness_n and_o suchlike_a be_v utter_o inconsistent_a with_o a_o easy_a lazy_a gentile_a religion_n that_o the_o life_n of_o jesus_n be_v the_o fair_a and_o full_a comment_n on_o his_o doctrine_n and_o that_o we_o never_o be_v to_o follow_v the_o example_n of_o a_o corrupt_a world_n but_o of_o the_o best_a man_n and_o the_o best_a age_n this_o this_o one_o thing_n alone_o will_v convince_v
mind_n but_o never_o benefit_n it_o but_o there_o be_v other_o which_z be_v in_o the_o language_n of_o solomon_n like_o health_n to_o the_o navel_n and_o marrow_n to_o the_o bone_n wisdom_n and_o virtue_n life_n and_o honour_n the_o favour_n of_o god_n and_o man_n attend_v they_o where_o ever_o they_o dwell_v and_o these_o be_v the_o truth_n which_o illuminate_v truth_n that_o be_v active_a and_o fruitful_a that_o make_v we_o wise_a and_o good_a perfect_a and_o happy_a such_o as_o we_o have_v a_o mighty_a interest_n in_o such_o as_o have_v a_o strong_a influence_n upon_o we_o such_o as_o give_v a_o new_a day_n to_o the_o understanding_n and_o new_a strength_n and_o liberty_n to_o the_o will_n such_o as_o raise_v and_o exalt_v our_o affection_n and_o render_v the_o whole_a man_n more_o rational_a more_o steady_a more_o constant_a more_o uniform_a these_o be_v the_o truth_n which_o make_v man_n great_a and_o modest_a in_o prosperity_n erect_v and_o courageous_a in_o adversity_n always_o content_a with_o this_o world_n yet_o always_o full_a of_o the_o hope_n of_o a_o better_a serene_a calm_a and_o well_o assure_v in_o the_o present_a state_n of_o their_o soul_n and_o yet_o thirst_v after_o perfection_n maturity_n and_o the_o absolute_a consummation_n of_o righteousness_n in_o the_o world_n to_o come_v now_o the_o truth_n that_o effect_v all_o this_o be_v all_o reducible_a to_o those_o which_o i_o have_v mention_v under_o the_o former_a head_n for_o in_o those_o we_o find_v all_o that_o be_v necessary_a to_o life_n and_o godliness_n to_o virtue_n and_o glory_n in_o those_o we_o find_v all_o that_o be_v necessary_a to_o raise_v and_o support_v true_a magnanimity_n to_o enlarge_v and_o free_v the_o mind_n and_o to_o add_v strength_n and_o courage_n to_o it_o for_o what_o can_v more_o certain_o promote_v all_o this_o than_o immortality_n and_o glory_n what_o can_v be_v a_o sure_a foundation_n for_o the_o hope_n of_o both_o to_o rest_v on_o than_o the_o favour_n of_o god_n himself_o and_o what_o can_v more_o effectual_o reconcile_v and_o ingratiate_v we_o with_o god_n than_o sincere_a universal_a righteousness_n and_o the_o mediation_n of_o his_o dear_o belove_a son_n 3._o the_o three_o character_n of_o illuminate_a truth_n be_v that_o they_o be_v pleasant_a and_o agreeable_a to_o the_o soul_n hence_o it_o be_v that_o the_o royal_a psalmist_n pronounce_v the_o word_n of_o god_n sweet_a than_o the_o honey_n and_o the_o honey_n comb_n that_o he_o ascribe_v to_o it_o delight_n and_o joy_n for_o he_o tell_v we_o that_o it_o rejoice_v the_o heart_n that_o it_o enlighten_v the_o eye_n and_o according_o we_o find_v the_o true_a servant_n of_o god_n not_o only_o continual_o blessing_n and_o praise_v god_n in_o the_o temple_n but_o magnify_v he_o by_o psalm_n and_o hymn_n in_o their_o prison_n and_o rejoice_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o tribulation_n but_o when_o i_o reckon_v pleasure_n and_o delight_n among_o the_o fruit_n of_o illumition_n i_o must_v add_v that_o there_o be_v a_o vast_a difference_n between_o the_o fit_v and_o flash_n of_o mirth_n and_o the_o serenity_n of_o a_o fix_a and_o habitual_a delight_n between_o the_o titillation_n of_o sense_n and_o the_o solid_a joy_n of_o the_o mind_n and_o last_o between_o the_o pleasure_n of_o fancy_n and_o of_o reason_n and_o when_o i_o say_v illumination_n consist_v in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o pleasant_a and_o agreeable_a truth_n i_o mean_v it_o of_o rational_a pleasure_n a_o habitual_a tranquillity_n of_o the_o mind_n and_o then_o the_o matter_n be_v beyond_o question_n whatever_o truth_n do_v contribute_v to_o promote_v this_o the_o study_n and_o contemplation_n of_o they_o must_v be_v our_o true_a wisdom_n joy_n when_o it_o be_v solid_a and_o rational_a do_v enlarge_v and_o exalt_v the_o mind_n of_o man_n it_o be_v as_o it_o be_v health_n to_o the_o navel_n and_o marrow_n to_o the_o bone_n it_o render_v we_o more_o thankful_a to_o god_n more_o kind_a and_o courteous_a to_o man._n it_o be_v a_o excellent_a preparation_n to_o invite_v more_o plentiful_o influx_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n hence_o do_v elijah_n call_v for_o a_o musical_a instrument_n when_o he_o desire_v to_o prophesy_v and_o we_o find_v the_o company_n of_o prophet_n rejoice_v with_o hymn_n music_n and_o dance_n all_o outward_a testimony_n of_o the_o inward_a transport_v and_o ravishment_n of_o their_o mind_n and_o as_o i_o be_o persuade_v that_o that_o which_o distinguish_v a_o godly_a sorrow_n from_o a_o worldly_a or_o impious_a one_o repentance_n and_o contrition_n from_o the_o agony_n and_o perplexity_n of_o dispair_n be_v the_o peace_n and_o tranquillity_n which_o attend_v it_o so_o be_o i_o persuade_v that_o god_n do_v press_v and_o invite_v we_o to_o mourn_v and_o sorrow_n for_o sin_n for_o this_o reason_n not_o exclude_v other_o because_o it_o natural_o lead_v on_o to_o peace_n and_o joy_n a_o soft_a and_o tender_a sorrow_n dissipate_v the_o fear_n and_o distress_n of_o gild_n like_o mild_a and_o fruitful_a shower_n that_o do_v lay_v storm_n in_o a_o word_n there_o be_v no_o such_o powerful_a antidote_n against_o sin_n nor_o spur_n to_o holy_a industry_n as_o holy_a pleasure_n pious_a joy_n or_o spiritual_a peace_n and_o tranquillity_n this_o be_v a_o partake_v or_o anticipate_v the_o power_n of_o the_o world_n to_o come_v and_o the_o mighty_a corroboration_n of_o every_o thing_n that_o be_v good_a in_o we_o the_o study_n then_o of_o such_o truth_n be_v true_a wisdom_n and_o illumination_n thus_o far_o will_v consist_v in_o quit_v those_o error_n which_o beget_v melancholy_a superstition_n desperation_n and_o in_o such_o truth_n as_o enlarge_v our_o view_n of_o the_o divine_a perfection_n and_o exhibit_v to_o we_o a_o near_a presence_n of_o his_o goodness_n and_o glory_n such_o again_o as_o unfold_v the_o dignity_n of_o human_a nature_n and_o the_o wise_a and_o gracious_a end_n of_o our_o creation_n such_o last_o as_o extend_v our_o prospect_n and_o enlarge_v our_o hope_n support_v our_o frailty_n and_o excite_v our_o vigour_n 4._o the_o last_o property_n of_o those_o truth_n in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o which_o illumination_n consist_v be_v that_o they_o be_v such_o as_o procure_v we_o a_o reward_n if_o we_o reflect_v upon_o those_o three_o head_n under_o which_o i_o range_v those_o truth_n which_o illuminate_v the_o gentile_a and_o jewish_a world_n we_o shall_v easy_o discern_v how_o well_o they_o fit_v this_o character_n they_o fill_v the_o mind_n with_o joy_n and_o peace_n and_o make_v it_o abound_v in_o hope_n they_o purge_v the_o man_n from_o his_o natural_a corruption_n and_o fortify_v the_o mind_n against_o such_o impression_n from_o outward_a good_a or_o evil_a in_o this_o world_n as_o disquiet_v and_o torment_v the_o sinner_n they_o procure_v he_o the_o protection_n of_o god_n providence_n and_o the_o assistance_n of_o his_o spirit_n in_o this_o life_n and_o they_o invite_v he_o to_o hope_v for_o glory_n and_o pleasure_n in_o another_o far_o above_o any_o thing_n that_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n can_v conceive_v god_n be_v the_o god_n of_o hope_n he_o have_v all_o fullness_n and_o sufficiency_n in_o himself_o and_o therefore_o bless_a must_v all_o they_o be_v who_o have_v the_o lord_n for_o their_o god_n jesus_n be_v the_o fountain_n of_o all_o consolation_n he_o be_v make_v unto_o we_o of_o god_n wisdom_n and_o righteousness_n and_o sanctification_n and_o redemption_n happy_a be_v he_o that_o do_v rejoice_v always_o and_o glory_n in_o he_o righteousness_n be_v a_o state_n of_o health_n and_o strength_n of_o perfection_n and_o beauty_n of_o peace_n and_o tranquillity_n of_o rest_n and_o hope_n bless_v be_v they_o who_o be_v possess_v of_o it_o who_o be_v make_v free_a from_o sin_n and_o become_v servant_n of_o god_n who_o have_v their_o fruit_n unto_o holiness_n and_o the_o end_n everlasting_a life_n such_o be_v already_o past_a from_o death_n to_o life_n for_o the_o spirit_n of_o life_n and_o holiness_n of_o god_n and_o glory_n rest_v upon_o they_o this_o be_v the_o character_n that_o distinguish_v gospel_n knowledge_n from_o all_o other_o sort_n of_o knowledge_n no_o knowledge_n of_o art_n or_o science_n and_o much_o less_o the_o most_o exquisite_a knowledge_n of_o all_o the_o mystery_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o darkness_n can_v pretend_v to_o a_o eternal_a reward_n a_o short_a and_o impure_a pleasure_n and_o a_o transcient_a interest_n be_v all_o that_o this_o sort_n of_o knowledge_n can_v bestow_v and_o very_o often_o instead_o of_o pleasure_n and_o profit_n it_o requite_v its_o disciple_n with_o pain_n and_o trouble_n the_o gospel_n only_o contain_v those_o truth_n which_o confer_v life_n and_o immortality_n on_o those_o that_o believe_v and_o obey_v they_o it_o be_v the_o gospel_n alone_o that_o teach_v we_o how_o we_o be_v to_o gain_v the_o love_n and_o favour_n of_o god_n and_o it_o be_v god_n alone_o who_o rule_n and_o govern_v
the_o visible_a and_o invisible_a world_n he_o therefore_o alone_o be_v to_o be_v fear_v and_o he_o alone_o be_v to_o be_v love_v fear_v not_o they_o say_v our_o saviour_n matth._n 10.28_o which_o kill_v the_o body_n but_o be_v not_o able_a to_o kill_v the_o soul_n but_o rather_o fear_v he_o who_o be_v able_a to_o destroy_v both_o soul_n and_o body_n in_o hell_n and_o st._n john_n give_v the_o same_o precept_n concern_v the_o world_n love_v not_o the_o world_n neither_o the_o thing_n of_o the_o world_n and_o back_n it_o by_o the_o same_o reason_n for_o the_o world_n pass_v away_o and_o the_o lust_n thereof_o but_o he_o that_o do_v the_o will_n of_o god_n abide_v for_o ever_o that_o be_v the_o world_n can_v at_o best_a but_o gratify_v for_o a_o moment_n the_o appetite_n of_o the_o body_n or_o the_o desire_v of_o a_o sensual_a fancy_n therefore_o love_v it_o not_o but_o love_v the_o father_n who_o after_o the_o dissolution_n of_o the_o vital_a union_n betwixt_o soul_n and_o body_n be_v able_a to_o confer_v life_n and_o happiness_n on_o both_o to_o all_o eternity_n thus_o have_v i_o consider_v the_o character_n of_o illuminate_a truth_n and_o the_o whole_a of_o what_o i_o have_v say_v amount_n to_o these_o two_o thing_n 1._o there_o be_v truth_n of_o very_a different_a kind_n truth_n that_o be_v of_o no_o use_n such_o be_v those_o which_o be_v either_o trifle_a or_o mere_o notional_a and_o can_v have_v no_o influence_n on_o human_a life_n truth_n that_o be_v of_o ill_a use_n such_o be_v those_o of_o which_o consist_v the_o art_n of_o sensuality_n avarice_n vanity_n and_o ambition_n these_o be_v to_o be_v detest_v the_o former_a to_o be_v contemn_v by_o all_o that_o seek_v after_o true_a wisdom_n again_o there_o be_v truth_n of_o a_o inferior_a use_n such_o as_o concern_v our_o fortune_n our_o relation_n our_o body_n and_o these_o may_v be_v allow_v their_o proper_a place_n and_o a_o reasonable_a value_n but_o the_o truth_n which_o concern_v the_o peace_n and_o pleasure_n and_o strength_n and_o liberty_n of_o our_o soul_n which_o procure_v we_o the_o favour_n of_o god_n and_o the_o grace_n of_o his_o spirit_n the_o truth_n in_o a_o word_n which_o secure_v our_o temporal_a and_o eternal_a happiness_n these_o be_v illuminate_v truth_n these_o have_v a_o transcendent_a worth_n and_o inestimable_a excellence_n or_o usefulness_n and_o consequent_o can_v never_o be_v too_o dear_a to_o we_o 2._o since_o the_o great_a character_n of_o illuminate_a truth_n do_v exact_o fit_v the_o gospel_n of_o jesus_n it_o be_v plain_a that_o this_o be_v that_o systeme_n of_o knowledge_n which_o we_o be_v to_o study_v day_n and_o night_n this_o be_v that_o divine_a philosophy_n who_o principle_n and_o law_n we_o must_v incessant_o revolve_v and_o ponder_v it_o be_v not_o without_o reason_n that_o the_o psalmist_n bestow_v such_o glorious_a eulogy_n upon_o the_o word_n of_o god_n psal_n 19_o and_o elsewhere_o that_o he_o magnify_v one_o while_o the_o intrinsic_a excellence_n and_o beauty_n another_o while_n the_o force_n and_o efficacy_n of_o it_o and_o ever_o and_o anon_o enlarge_v himself_o upon_o the_o advantage_n the_o unspeakable_a advantage_n which_o reward_n the_o meditation_n and_o practice_n of_o it_o of_o all_o perfection_n i_o have_v see_v a_o end_n but_o thy_o commandment_n be_v exceed_o broad_a they_o be_v pure_a they_o endure_v for_o ever_o they_o enlighten_v the_o eye_n and_o rejoice_v the_o heart_n moreover_o by_o they_o thy_o servant_n be_v warn_v and_o in_o keep_v of_o they_o there_o be_v great_a reward_n that_o be_v by_o they_o we_o be_v preserve_v from_o all_o real_a evil_n and_o put_v in_o possession_n of_o or_o entitle_v to_o all_o real_a good_n how_o well_o do_v st._n peter_n answer_n when_o our_o lord_n ask_v his_o disciple_n will_v you_o also_o go_v from_o i_o lord_n whither_o shall_v we_o go_v thou_o have_v the_o word_n of_o eternal_a life_n and_o how_o wise_o do_v st._n paul_n resolve_v to_o know_v nothing_o but_o christ_n jesus_n and_o he_o crucify_a for_o he_o be_v the_o way_n the_o truth_n and_o the_o life_n and_o in_o he_o be_v hide_v all_o the_o treasure_n of_o wisdom_n and_o knowledge_n but_o after_o all_o as_o there_o be_v a_o form_n of_o godliness_n so_o there_o be_v a_o form_n of_o knowledge_n without_o the_o power_n of_o it_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o same_o truth_n as_o i_o observe_v in_o the_o beginning_n in_o different_a person_n may_v be_v very_o different_a as_o meet_v with_o a_o very_a different_a reception_n our_o conception_n may_v be_v more_o clear_a or_o confuse_a more_o lively_a or_o faint_a more_o perfect_a or_o maim_v and_o our_o assent_n may_v be_v strong_a or_o weak_a in_o some_o they_o may_v only_o float_v superficial_o in_o other_o they_o may_v penetrate_v deep_o and_o the_o degree_n of_o their_o influence_n and_o operation_n will_v be_v certain_o proportion_v to_o the_o different_a manner_n of_o their_o reception_n for_o this_o reason_n it_o will_v be_v necessary_a to_o the_o right_a understanding_n of_o a_o state_n of_o illumination_n to_o discourse_v 2._o of_o the_o nature_n of_o that_o knowledge_n we_o must_v have_v of_o the_o former_a truth_n to_o show_v what_o sort_n of_o conception_n we_o must_v form_v of_o they_o what_o kind_n of_o assent_n we_o must_v pay_v they_o and_o what_o kind_n of_o consideration_n we_o must_v employ_v about_o they_o as_o i_o have_v therefore_o lay_v down_o the_o property_n of_o those_o truth_n so_o will_v i_o now_o lie_v down_o the_o property_n of_o that_o knowledge_n of_o they_o which_o be_v essential_a to_o illumination_n 1._o illuminate_v knowledge_n must_v be_v deep_o root_v this_o our_o saviour_n have_v teach_v we_o in_o that_o parble_n wherein_o he_o have_v observe_v to_o we_o that_o the_o seed_n which_o have_v not_o depth_n of_o earth_n as_o it_o soon_o spring_v up_o so_o it_o soon_o wither_a and_o dry_v away_o we_o often_o know_v or_o pretend_v to_o do_v so_o the_o rudiment_n of_o our_o religion_n without_o the_o ground_n and_o foundation_n of_o it_o we_o embrace_v conclusion_n without_o examine_v the_o principle_n from_o whence_o they_o flow_v and_o contrary_a to_o the_o advice_n of_o the_o apostle_n we_o be_v unable_a to_o give_v a_o reason_n to_o any_o one_o that_o ask_v we_o of_o the_o faith_n and_o the_o hope_n that_o be_v in_o we_o and_o then_o we_o be_v not_o proper_o knowledge_n but_o opinion_n it_o be_v not_o faith_n but_o credulity_n it_o be_v not_o a_o firm_a persuasion_n but_o a_o easy_a customary_a assent_n and_o this_o be_v overthrow_v by_o every_o temptation_n deface_v or_o much_o blur_v by_o every_o atheistical_a suggestion_n or_o profane_a objection_n do_v the_o world_n or_o our_o lust_n tempt_v we_o as_o the_o devil_n do_v our_o first_o parent_n you_o shall_v not_o sure_o die_v how_o easy_o be_v that_o faith_n shake_v which_o be_v no_o better_o found_v how_o easy_o be_v a_o man_n induce_v to_o hope_n that_o sin_n be_v not_o very_o fatal_a and_o pernicious_a that_o god_n 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knowledge_n which_o have_v no_o deep_a root_n be_v subject_a to_o be_v overthrow_v by_o ever_o blast_v that_o faith_n which_o be_v little_o more_o than_o credulity_n do_v very_o seldom_o stand_v against_o any_o very_a rude_a shock_n now_o the_o ground_n of_o our_o faith_n and_o duty_n be_v full_o and_o clear_o expound_v in_o the_o gospel_n and_o here_o especial_o we_o must_v seek_v they_o when_o i_o say_v this_o i_o reject_v no_o collateral_a argugument_n i_o refuse_v no_o foreign_a aid_n which_o contribute_v any_o thing_n to_o confirm_v and_o fortify_v our_o belief_n of_o gospel_n truth_n the_o faith_n of_o st._n thomas_n do_v in_o part_n at_o least_o depend_v upon_o the_o evidence_n of_o sense_n thomas_n because_o thou_o have_v see_v thou_o have_v believe_v joh._n 20.29_o and_o so_o do_v that_o of_o the_o rest_n of_o they_o
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