rely_v upon_o christ_n and_o it_o will_v high_o oblige_v he_o to_o both_o or_o 2._o in_o a_o state_n of_o regeneration_n and_o then_o according_a to_o that_o experience_n and_o proof_n a_o man_n have_v of_o the_o truth_n and_o sincerity_n of_o his_o conversion_n such_o be_v the_o proportion_n and_o degree_n of_o his_o assurance_n and_o hope_n which_o do_v not_o exclude_v but_o suppose_v faith_n in_o christ_n for_o this_o be_v no_o more_o than_o to_o believe_v that_o now_o his_o sin_n be_v pardon_v his_o prayer_n hear_v his_o service_n accept_v and_o he_o shall_v at_o last_o bear_v ward_v if_o he_o persevere_v unto_o the_o end_n in_o and_o through_o christ_n or_o 3_o in_o a_o state_n of_o relapse_n and_o even_o here_o he_o have_v yet_o hope_n if_o he_o repent_v through_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n for_o this_o be_v frequent_o assert_v in_o scripture_n i_o will_v urge_v but_o one_o place_n 1._o jo_n 2._o 1_o 2._o my_o little_a child_n regenerate_v certain_o these_o thing_n write_v i_o unto_o you_o that_o you_o sin_v not_o and_o if_o any_o man_n sin_n we_o have_v a_o advocate_n with_o the_o father_n jesus_n christ_n the_o righteous_a and_o he_o be_v the_o propitiation_n for_o our_o sin_n etc._n etc._n that_o by_o these_o sin_n be_v not_o understand_v the_o unavoidable_a frailty_n and_o imperfection_n of_o the_o best_a man_n but_o plain_a and_o manifest_a transgression_n of_o the_o law_n be_v plain_a 1._o from_o hence_o that_o this_o be_v the_o general_a notion_n of_o sin_n in_o this_o epistle_n 2._o from_o the_o manner_n of_o speak_v that_o you_o sin_v not_o if_o any_o man_n sin_n which_o can_v be_v sense_n if_o apply_v to_o the_o unavoidable_a error_n and_o imperfection_n of_o the_o best_a of_o man_n 3._o they_o be_v here_o say_v to_o be_v of_o the_o number_n of_o those_o sin_n for_o which_o christ_n shed_v his_o blood_n and_o be_v equal_v with_o the_o sin_n of_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o world_n and_o beside_o these_o three_o use_n of_o faith_n i_o know_v none_o nor_o what_o more_o can_v be_v attribute_v to_o or_o desire_v from_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n i_o can_v see_v unless_o man_n will_v wilful_o abuse_v their_o faith_n into_o a_o impunity_n and_o patronage_n for_o sin_n or_o what_o disparagement_n it_o can_v reflect_v upon_o this_o sacrifice_n of_o christ_n that_o it_o oblige_v we_o to_o holiness_n and_o rescue_v we_o from_o the_o power_n as_o well_o as_o guilt_n of_o sin_n i_o be_o not_o able_a to_o comprehend_v as_o to_o the_o silly_a scandal_n of_o trust_v in_o work_n they_o that_o know_v what_o these_o word_n or_o term_n justify_v by_o work_n and_o justify_v by_o repentance_n and_o faith_n mean_v know_v that_o the_o one_o imply_v a_o perfect_a contradiction_n to_o the_o other_o for_o the_o former_a deny_v any_o sin_n or_o iniquity_n and_o the_o latter_a do_v direct_o suppose_v it_o 4._o without_o some_o degree_n of_o faith_n it_o be_v impossible_a that_o a_o wicked_a man_n shall_v be_v awaken_v into_o any_o serious_a sense_n of_o his_o condition_n or_o shall_v be_v induce_v to_o set_v himself_o in_o good_a earnest_n to_o please_v and_o obey_v god_n without_o a_o good_a measure_n of_o this_o faith_n the_o very_a regenerate_a will_v never_o be_v able_a to_o conquer_v the_o world_n and_o subdue_v the_o flesh_n and_o enter_v into_o their_o rest_n i_o mean_v with_o the_o apostle_n a_o rest_n from_o sin_n for_o their_o endeavour_n will_v be_v but_o weak_a and_o languish_a their_o prayer_n cold_a and_o faint_a the_o act_n and_o instance_n of_o religion_n will_v be_v undertake_v as_o a_o duty_n of_o necessity_n not_o delight_n the_o whole_a progress_n of_o their_o christian_a warfare_n will_n like_o the_o drive_v of_o pharoahs_n chariot_n when_o the_o wheel_n be_v off_o beslow_v and_o uneasy_a they_o will_v be_v liable_a to_o frequent_v relapse_n their_o life_n will_v not_o be_v a_o firm_a peace_n but_o a_o unstedy_a truce_n with_o conscience_n and_o their_o death_n will_v be_v mix_v and_o chequer_a with_o jealousy_n distrust_n and_o faint_a hope_n like_o a_o sky_n spot_v with_o numerous_a cloud_n but_o if_o we_o arrive_v at_o a_o good_a degree_n of_o this_o precious_a faith_n we_o shall_v be_v more_o than_o conqueror_n over_o the_o world_n and_o ourselves_o we_o shall_v be_v place_v above_o the_o reach_n of_o temptation_n preserve_v through_o the_o power_n of_o faith_n unto_o salvation_n we_o shall_v be_v too_o great_a to_o be_v swell_v with_o vanity_n in_o prosperity_n or_o to_o be_v cast_v down_o in_o affliction_n we_o shall_v find_v all_o the_o way_n of_o wisdom_n way_n of_o pleasantness_n and_o all_o her_o path_n peace_n in_o one_o word_n we_o shall_v rejoice_v always_o with_o joy_n unspeakable_a and_o full_a of_o glory_n and_o when_o our_o glass_n be_v run_v and_o our_o life_n spend_v we_o shall_v be_v translate_v to_o the_o blesed_a seat_n of_o perfection_n and_o peace_n 5._o for_o the_o obtain_n and_o improve_n and_o confirm_v of_o this_o holy_a faith_n it_o be_v necessary_a that_o our_o religion_n be_v not_o mere_a credulity_n or_o custom_n but_o that_o we_o serious_o weigh_v those_o two_o great_a witness_n our_o saviour_n appeal_v to_o for_o the_o proof_n of_o his_o come_n from_o god_n his_o work_n and_o doctrine_n the_o power_n of_o the_o one_o and_o holiness_n of_o the_o other_o be_v sufficient_a evidence_n of_o his_o commission_n from_o above_o to_o which_o we_o must_v add_v the_o testimony_n god_n himself_o give_v he_o from_o heaven_n his_o resurrection_n from_o the_o dead_a and_o ascension_n into_o glory_n and_o all_o those_o mighty_a work_n perform_v by_o his_o follower_n in_o the_o virtue_n of_o faith_n in_o his_o name_n and_o to_o be_v firm_o root_v and_o ground_v in_o faith_n through_o these_o argument_n be_v that_o which_o st._n peter_n exhort_v christian_n to_o 1_o pet._n 3.15_o to_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 2._o by_o frequent_a retirement_n and_o sosolemn_a and_o devout_a meditation_n to_o acquaint_v ourselves_o as_o intimate_o as_o we_o can_v with_o the_o glorious_a truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n to_o draw_v the_o representation_n of_o they_o as_o lovely_a as_o may_v be_v and_o to_o dwell_v and_o gaze_v on_o the_o thing_n we_o believe_v till_o the_o light_n of_o the_o understanding_n have_v shed_v itself_o through_o the_o inferior_a soul_n warm_v all_o our_o passion_n and_o the_o body_n itself_o seem_v to_o relish_v and_o partake_v of_o the_o pleasure_n of_o the_o mind_n the_o most_o useful_a matter_n of_o our_o meditation_n will_v be_v 1._o the_o nature_n of_o the_o the_o god_n we_o worship_v i_o mean_v the_o glorious_a attribute_n mankind_n be_v most_o concern_v in_o his_o truth_n and_o wisdom_n his_o power_n and_o his_o goodness_n and_o 2._o the_o suffering_n and_o the_o glory_n of_o our_o bless_a redeemer_n as_o the_o sole_a ground_n of_o inexpressible_a comfort_n as_o the_o most_o indear_v obligation_n to_o holiness_n as_o the_o most_o perfect_a pattern_n of_o virtue_n and_o the_o most_o lively_a instance_n of_o its_o reward_n 3._o we_o must_v add_v to_o both_o these_o mean_n incessant_a prayer_n offer_v up_o with_o a_o fervent_a spirit_n at_o the_o throne_n of_o grace_n for_o consider_v the_o darkness_n and_o indisposition_n of_o our_o nature_n we_o have_v altogether_o need_v of_o the_o assistance_n of_o the_o divine_a spirit_n and_o therefore_o the_o prayer_n o_o eternal_a god_n the_o god_n and_o father_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n the_o author_n of_o all_o good_a gift_n enlighten_v my_o understanding_n that_o i_o may_v believe_v thy_o gospel_n set_v at_o liberty_n my_o will_n that_o i_o may_v approve_v and_o love_v the_o thing_n that_o be_v excellent_a that_o the_o belief_n of_o the_o gospel_n of_o the_o bless_a jesus_n may_v engage_v i_o to_o love_n obey_v and_o rely_v upon_o he_o give_v i_o such_o a_o lively_a sight_n and_o firm_a belief_n of_o the_o thing_n not_o see_v as_o may_v raise_v i_o above_o all_o the_o corruption_n which_o be_v in_o the_o world_n through_o lust_n and_o make_v i_o partake_v of_o the_o divine_a nature_n that_o so_o my_o life_n may_v be_v full_a of_o joy_n my_o latter_a end_n of_o peace_n my_o soul_n in_o its_o separation_n of_o rest_n and_o my_o whole_a man_n in_o the_o resurrection_n full_a of_o delight_n and_o glory_n amen_n amen_n bless_a jesus_n section_n 2._o of_o love_n 1._o of_o god_n 2._o of_o our_o neighbour_n of_o the_o love_n of_o god_n love_n be_v not_o a_o meet_a approbation_n of_o the_o understanding_n but_o also_o a_o affection_n of_o the_o will_n or_o heart_n in_o scripture_n phrase_n and_o therefore_o coldness_n and_o indifferency_n in_o religion_n and_o warmth_n and_o passion_n for_o the_o world_n can_v be_v justify_v by_o
votary_n a_o noble_a perfection_n which_o will_v easy_o appear_v to_o any_o one_o who_o shall_v diligent_o consider_v 1._o the_o great_a motive_n to_o holiness_n which_o it_o contain_v that_o be_v a_o declaration_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n jo._n 1.18_o the_o infinite_a love_n of_o god_n to_o mankind_n manifest_v in_o the_o bless_a jesus_n and_o the_o full_a discovery_n of_o life_n and_o immortality_n or_o second_o the_o mighty_a assistance_n it_o promise_n that_o be_v the_o bless_a spirit_n of_o god_n and_o divine_a providence_n employ_v either_o in_o prevent_v we_o from_o fall_v into_o temptation_n too_o big_a for_o this_o imperfect_a state_n or_o else_o in_o find_v a_o way_n to_o our_o escape_n out_o of_o they_o or_o three_o the_o immediate_a end_n of_o christian_a religion_n that_o be_v whilst_o we_o be_v here_o on_o earth_n to_o fit_v we_o for_o heaven_n he_o that_o shall_v serious_o lay_v to_o heart_n these_o three_o thing_n will_v be_v force_v to_o conclude_v that_o in_o all_o reason_n the_o gospel_n must_v require_v of_o we_o something_o proportionable_a to_o the_o extraordinary_a motive_n the_o powerful_a assistance_n and_o the_o glorious_a end_n it_o assure_v and_o propose_v to_o its_o child_n and_o this_o must_v be_v something_o more_o than_o a_o mere_a negative_a righteousness_n for_o it_o be_v unreasonable_a that_o this_o light_n shall_v beget_v in_o we_o no_o great_a degree_n of_o love_n and_o fear_v for_o god_n than_o what_o natural_a reason_n may_v or_o if_o it_o do_v that_o the_o instance_n of_o our_o obedience_n now_o under_o the_o gospel_n shall_v be_v only_o such_o as_o the_o strength_n of_o nature_n may_v have_v enable_v man_n to_o comply_v with_o under_o gentilism_n though_o it_o must_v be_v confess_v not_o so_o easy_o as_o now_o agreeable_a to_o this_o doctrine_n our_o holy_a saviour_n in_o his_o sermon_n on_o the_o mount_n which_o be_v the_o rule_n and_o standard_n of_o the_o christian_a life_n set_v we_o as_o a_o more_o exalt_a pattern_n not_o only_o to_o be_v true_a in_o our_o word_n and_o just_o in_o our_o deal_n with_o our_o neighbour_n but_o to_o be_v charitable_a gentle_a patient_n and_o to_o return_v good_a for_o evil_n to_o our_o very_a enemy_n not_o only_o to_o avoid_v all_o unnatural_a lust_n and_o wild_a excess_n but_o also_o to_o be_v pure_a and_o holy_a to_o admit_v of_o no_o sensual_a fancy_n or_o unchaste_a look_n or_o idle_a word_n to_o fast_o and_o afflict_v ourselves_o the_o bless_a be_v they_o which_o mourn_n he_o forbid_v we_o all_o ambition_n and_o covetousness_n and_o vainglory_n not_o on_o the_o account_n of_o injustice_n for_o that_o do_v not_o always_o unavoidable_o cleave_v to_o they_o but_o as_o they_o be_v the_o act_n of_o a_o worldly_a mind_n which_o be_v perfect_o contrary_a to_o poverty_n of_o spirit_n and_o to_o lay_v up_o our_o treasure_n in_o heaven_n and_o to_o the_o take_v up_o of_o the_o cross_n of_o christ_n so_o powerful_o and_o sweet_o recommend_v our_o duty_n to_o god_n be_v couch_v all_o along_o in_o the_o whole_a discourse_n but_o the_o act_n of_o worship_n more_o plain_o express_v be_v love_v he_o as_o a_o father_n pray_v to_o he_o endeavour_v to_o promote_v his_o glory_n and_o cheerful_o to_o obey_v his_o will_n rely_v upon_o he_o for_o assistance_n in_o our_o spiritual_a warfare_n for_o provision_n protection_n and_o deliverance_n in_o this_o life_n and_o add_v to_o all_o this_o this_o one_o circumstance_n that_o all_o this_o be_v to_o be_v do_v with_o delight_n constancy_n and_o vigour_n imply_v in_o those_o general_a precept_n bless_a be_v they_o that_o hunger_n and_o thirst_n etc._n etc._n lay_v up_o etc._n etc._n for_o where_o your_o treasure_n be_v there_o will_v your_o heart_n be_v also_o seek_v you_o first_o etc._n etc._n and_o strive_v to_o enter_v in_o at_o the_o strait_a gate_n etc._n etc._n and_o then_o you_o have_v our_o saviour_n sense_n of_o christian_a holiness_n if_o we_o consult_v his_o disciple_n the_o best_a expositor_n of_o their_o master_n text_n we_o shall_v find_v the_o whole_a of_o religion_n comprise_v in_o two_o thing_n the_o mortification_n of_o the_o outward_a man_n and_o the_o resurrection_n of_o the_o inward_a by_o which_o they_o mean_v as_o appear_v from_o colos_n 3._o a_o set_v our_o affection_n upon_o thing_n above_o and_o not_o upon_o thing_n on_o the_o earth_n from_o whence_o i_o will_v infer_v two_o conclusion_n 1._o that_o our_o affection_n be_v a_o essential_a part_n of_o holiness_n that_o it_o be_v not_o enough_o to_o approve_v of_o invisible_a thing_n in_o our_o understanding_n and_o then_o act_v not_o as_o man_n who_o love_n god_n and_o heaven_n and_o goodness_n but_o as_o man_n who_o see_v it_o unavoidable_o necessary_a to_o do_v something_o and_o therefore_o go_v as_o far_o as_o be_v consistent_a with_o that_o carnality_n they_o yet_o resolve_v to_o gratify_v but_o that_o we_o must_v love_v they_o also_o and_o this_o to_o that_o degree_n may_v be_v able_a to_o extinguish_v our_o passion_n for_o the_o world_n and_o therefore_o 2._o the_o life_n we_o be_v to_o lead_v must_v be_v such_o a_o one_o as_o may_v most_o tend_v to_o enkindle_v in_o we_o holy_a passion_n for_o the_o thing_n above_o a_o delight_n in_o the_o survey_n of_o our_o hope_n and_o desire_n of_o enter_v into_o the_o presence_n of_o god_n all_o which_o can_v be_v attain_v but_o by_o requent_a prayer_n meditation_n hear_v and_o read_v of_o god_n word_n the_o holy_a communion_n and_o heavenly_a discourse_n and_o on_o the_o other_o side_n to_o take_v off_o our_o affection_n from_o the_o world_n and_o beget_v in_o we_o a_o generous_a contempt_n of_o it_o which_o can_v never_o be_v effect_v but_o by_o repeat_v act_n of_o self_n denial_n fast_v watch_v meditate_v on_o the_o example_n of_o a_o crucify_a saviour_n the_o glory_n and_o pleasure_n of_o another_o life_n the_o vanity_n and_o yet_o bewitchery_n of_o this_o fade_v one_o i_o may_v be_v confident_a that_o a_o constant_a caress_v the_o sense_n with_o feast_v drink_v wanton_a dalliance_n the_o pomp_n and_o vanity_n of_o life_n can_v be_v a_o proper_a method_n to_o the_o mortification_n of_o the_o outward_a man_n or_o vivification_n of_o the_o inward_a so_o that_o if_o a_o very_a abstenious_a life_n as_o to_o the_o general_a course_n of_o it_o be_v not_o require_v as_o a_o essential_a part_n of_o holiness_n yet_o it_o be_v necessary_a as_o the_o mean_n and_o instrument_n of_o it_o conformable_a to_o this_o whole_a discourse_n be_v that_o of_o st._n paul_n 1_o cor._n 7_o 29.30_o but_o this_o i_o say_v brethren_n the_o time_n be_v short_a it_o remain_v that_o both_o they_o that_o have_v wife_n be_v as_o though_o they_o have_v none_o and_o they_o that_o weep_v as_o though_o they_o weep_v not_o and_o they_o that_o rejoice_v as_o though_o they_o rejoice_v not_o and_o they_o that_o buy_v as_o though_o they_o possess_v not_o and_o they_o that_o use_v this_o world_n as_o not_o abuse_v it_o for_o the_o fashion_n of_o this_o world_n pass_v away_o where_o we_o be_v not_o only_o interdict_v unlawful_a pleasure_n but_o forbid_v to_o give_v ourselves_o up_o to_o lawful_a one_o and_o command_v to_o use_v such_o moderation_n as_o may_v become_v man_n full_o persuade_v of_o the_o shortness_n and_o vanity_n of_o this_o life_n and_o possess_v by_o the_o expectation_n of_o a_o better_a the_o sum_n of_o all_o be_v this_o the_o christian_a state_n be_v a_o state_n of_o extraordinary_a holiness_n and_o purity_n it_o be_v a_o new_a nature_n wrought_v by_o principle_n motive_n assistance_n different_a from_o those_o of_o the_o natural_a man_n it_o be_v in_o one_o word_n to_o be_v heavenly_a mind_v and_o therefore_o that_o course_n of_o life_n which_o can_v best_o serve_v to_o increase_v this_o bless_a temper_n be_v the_o christian_n duty_n and_o that_o course_n which_o quench_v it_o which_o soften_v and_o sensualize_v we_o be_v inconsistent_a with_o christianity_n and_o inconsistent_a with_o regeneration_n for_o if_o we_o be_v rise_v with_o christ_n we_o shall_v not_o only_a love_n but_o seek_v those_o thing_n which_o be_v above_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o any_o man_n to_o live_v when_o he_o can_v choose_v quite_o contrary_a to_o his_o own_o desire_n so_o that_o he_o who_o love_v god_n need_v not_o be_v tell_v that_o he_o must_v pray_v and_o meditate_v and_o communicate_v and_o be_v do_v good_a etc._n etc._n when_o he_o know_v he_o can_v enjoy_v he_o here_o below_o no_o way_n else_o he_o that_o hate_v sin_n and_o love_v holiness_n need_v not_o be_v tell_v that_o he_o must_v lead_v a_o abstemious_a life_n when_o he_o know_v that_o feast_n and_o drink_v etc._n etc._n do_v feed_v the_o body_n into_o wantonness_n and_o lust_n and_o quench_v the_o holy_a flame_n of_o love_n and_o indispose_v it_o for_o religious_a duty_n from_o all_o this_o it_o be_v plain_a
bear_v ourselves_o in_o hand_n that_o we_o do_v nevertheless_o love_n god_n because_o we_o do_v prefer_v he_o in_o our_o thought_n above_o all_o thing_n and_o because_o we_o will_v not_o do_v what_o will_v displease_v he_o for_o the_o former_a of_o these_o may_v be_v a_o unavoidable_a consequence_n of_o a_o clear_a understanding_n and_o the_o latter_a of_o a_o innate_a self-love_n which_o may_v be_v able_a to_o restrain_v we_o from_o the_o commission_n of_o those_o sin_n which_o we_o believe_v will_v do_v we_o a_o unspeakable_a mischief_n these_o do_v well_o in_o their_o place_n and_o be_v presuppose_v to_o the_o love_n of_o god_n for_o no_o man_n can_v love_v god_n unless_o he_o know_v he_o nor_o will_v any_o man_n make_v any_o distinction_n of_o good_a and_o evil_a i._n e._n lovely_a or_o hateful_a by_o consequence_n unless_o he_o love_v himself_o but_o yet_o these_o be_v apparent_o distinguishable_a from_o and_o can_v stand_v separately_z and_o alone_o without_o the_o love_n of_o god_n and_o therefore_o let_v none_o deceive_v themselves_o for_o to_o love_v the_o lord_n our_o god_n with_o all_o our_o heart_n and_o with_o all_o our_o soul_n and_o with_o all_o our_o strength_n and_o with_o all_o our_o mind_n be_v something_o more_o than_o to_o entertain_v a_o honourable_a opinion_n of_o he_o or_o to_o avoid_v affront_a he_o because_o he_o be_v able_a to_o punish_v we_o the_o scripture_n express_v this_o love_n by_o delight_n and_o joy_n by_o desire_n and_o long_v hunger_a thirst_v seek_v and_o the_o like_a and_o more_o full_o if_o we_o love_v god_n above_o all_o thing_n our_o heart_n will_v be_v where_o our_o treasure_n be_v our_o affection_n will_v be_v fasten_v on_o thing_n above_o and_o our_o conversation_n will_v be_v in_o heaven_n because_o our_o god_n be_v there_o now_o we_o can_v converse_v with_o heaven_n but_o by_o faith_n and_o hope_n meditation_n and_o prayer_n etc._n etc._n and_o therefore_o it_o must_v follow_v that_o they_o who_o love_n god_n must_v be_v industrious_a to_o improve_v these_o grace_n and_o be_v frequent_a in_o the_o exercise_n of_o these_o duty_n as_o the_o mean_n and_o instrument_n of_o enjoyment_n and_o 2_o if_o we_o love_v god_n we_o shall_v hunger_n and_o thirst_n after_o righteousness_n and_o holiness_n which_o beautify_v the_o soul_n and_o render_v we_o like_o god_n and_o therefore_o amiable_a in_o his_o eye_n and_o we_o shall_v delight_v in_o all_o those_o good_a and_o virtuous_a action_n which_o be_v the_o proof_n of_o a_o inflame_a affection_n and_o endear_v we_o to_o god_n he_o that_o love_v he_o keep_v his_o commandment_n and_o we_o shall_v hate_v nothing_o so_o mortal_o as_o sin_n because_o it_o stain_v and_o sully_n the_o beauty_n of_o our_o soul_n distaste_v the_o god_n we_o love_v and_o interrupt_v our_o peace_n and_o joy_n and_o extinguish_v our_o hope_n and_o if_o this_o be_v the_o frame_n and_o habit_n of_o our_o soul_n towards_o god_n then_o because_o we_o can_v love_v or_o serve_v two_o such_o contrary_a master_n as_o god_n and_o the_o world_n therefore_o 3._o these_o temporal_a thing_n which_o be_v see_v will_v appear_v very_o cheap_a and_o inconsiderable_a to_o we_o and_o our_o concern_n for_o they_o will_v be_v so_o cold_a and_o indifferent_a that_o no_o change_n which_o betide_v they_o no_o imaginary_a excellency_n that_o be_v in_o they_o will_v be_v able_a to_o raise_v our_o passion_n to_o distract_v our_o thought_n to_o abate_v our_o diligence_n to_o divide_v our_o affection_n and_o overthrow_v our_o faith_n for_o the_o love_n of_o god_n the_o prospect_n of_o a_o more_o glorious_a life_n will_v have_v disarm_v the_o glory_n beauty_n and_o wealth_n of_o this_o world_n of_o all_o their_o charm_n and_o temptation_n and_o if_o so_o how_o can_v we_o then_o be_v lead_v captive_a by_o what_o we_o do_v not_o in_o the_o least_o admire_v how_o can_v we_o be_v afflict_v at_o the_o loss_n of_o what_o we_o do_v not_o value_v or_o why_o can_v we_o not_o be_v calm_o divide_v from_o what_o our_o affection_n have_v renounce_v already_o vain_a world_n adieu_o i_o be_o above_o either_o thy_o menace_n or_o flattery_n i_o fear_v nothing_o because_o i_o be_o at_o peace_n with_o the_o god_n i_o love_v and_o i_o despise_v thy_o guild_a dream_n because_o the_o love_n of_o my_o god_n swallow_v up_o all_o my_o desire_n and_o i_o be_o content_a to_o have_v no_o portion_n but_o he_o alone_o how_o my_o heart_n pant_v after_o thy_o court_n o_o god_n the_o holy_a of_o holies_n the_o heaven_n of_o heaven_n where_o i_o shall_v for_o ever_o behold_v thy_o face_n and_o reign_v in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o my_o bless_a saviour_n for_o ever_o and_o ever_o now_o with_o st._n paul_n i_o long_o to_o be_v set_v at_o liberty_n to_o be_v dissolve_v from_o this_o body_n and_o to_o be_v with_o christ_n nor_o shall_v i_o willing_o stay_v long_o here_o on_o earth_n but_o in_o obedience_n to_o thy_o holy_a will_n and_o a_o design_n of_o spend_v this_o life_n in_o do_v service_n to_o thy_o glory_n and_o in_o expression_n of_o my_o love_n in_o long_n and_o watch_n and_o suffering_n etc._n etc._n and_o when_o i_o consider_v this_o merhink_v my_o life_n be_v too_o short_a and_o i_o shall_v go_v to_o heaven_n too_o soon_o and_o i_o can_v wish_v my_o sun_n will_v stand_v still_o a_o little_a that_o i_o may_v do_v and_o suffer_v something_o for_o my_o lord_n before_o i_o go_v to_o enter_v into_o his_o joy_n and_o to_o receive_v a_o crown_n it_o be_v true_a these_o be_v height_n of_o love_n which_o all_o do_v not_o though_o it_o be_v to_o be_v wish_v all_o can_v attain_v to_o for_o we_o have_v need_n of_o sanctify_a passion_n to_o enable_v we_o to_o do_v our_o duty_n with_o delight_n and_o vigour_n but_o none_o be_v from_o the_o want_n of_o such_o degree_n of_o ardour_n to_o conclude_v themselves_o either_o whole_o void_a of_o the_o love_n of_o god_n or_o desert_v by_o he_o for_o god_n be_v a_o be_v infinite_o above_o our_o conception_n and_o that_o of_o he_o which_o we_o do_v conceive_v as_o power_n wisdom_n and_o goodness_n though_o amiable_a yet_o be_v spiritual_a and_o not_o the_o object_n of_o sense_n and_o therefore_o do_v not_o move_v we_o with_o the_o same_o violence_n that_o sensible_a thing_n do_v whence_o it_o be_v easy_a to_o conclude_v that_o our_o love_n of_o god_n be_v of_o a_o different_a nature_n from_o that_o we_o pay_v the_o creature_n it_o be_v a_o more_o spiritual_a affection_n mix_v with_o adoration_n it_o be_v a_o awful_a desire_n of_o please_v and_o enjoy_v he_o not_o always_o terminate_a in_o so_o vehement_a and_o sensible_a a_o passion_n as_o visible_a object_n beget_v in_o we_o and_o therefore_o the_o safe_a way_n be_v to_o judge_v of_o our_o state_n not_o by_o transport_n but_o by_o the_o firmness_n of_o our_o resolution_n and_o by_o the_o constancy_n and_o cheerfulness_n of_o our_o obedience_n but_o because_o as_o there_o be_v a_o more_o peculiar_a presence_n of_o god_n as_o i_o humble_o conceive_v evident_a by_o scripture_n so_o by_o consequence_n there_o may_v be_v a_o withdraw_a and_o retirement_n of_o that_o presence_n therefore_o when_o i_o find_v my_o understanding_n dim_a and_o cloud_v or_o distract_v and_o shake_v with_o suggestion_n to_o unbelief_n my_o desire_n lukewarm_a and_o grovel_a my_o devotion_n faint_a and_o drowsy_a and_o my_o communion_n without_o gust_n and_o relish_v i_o be_o weary_a of_o myself_o and_o i_o have_v no_o rest_n by_o reason_n of_o thy_o absence_n o_o bless_a lord_n then_o first_o i_o lie_v before_o i_o my_o life_n and_o review_v my_o action_n which_o be_v late_a and_o fresh_a in_o memory_n since_o this_o ill_a temper_n have_v seize_v i_o and_o examine_v what_o it_o be_v have_v displease_v my_o god_n and_o if_o i_o find_v the_o accurse_a thing_n that_o drive_v away_o a_o holy_a god_n i_o cast_v myself_o down_o before_o he_o and_o abhor_v and_o renounce_v it_o but_o second_o if_o sin_n do_v not_o appear_v to_o i_o to_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o this_o indisposition_n and_o listlessness_n than_o perhaps_o i_o have_v not_o be_v as_o watchful_a and_o industrious_a to_o improve_v my_o grace_n as_o i_o shall_v or_o if_o this_o be_v not_o it_o perhaps_o it_o be_v but_o a_o alteration_n in_o my_o body_n that_o clog_v and_o benight_n this_o soul_n and_o then_o i_o groan_v at_o the_o misery_n of_o my_o pilgrimage_n and_o bemoan_v the_o infelicity_n of_o my_o nature_n but_o if_o none_o of_o these_o appear_v the_o cause_n than_o three_o i_o rest_v humble_o patient_a wait_v till_o god_n please_v to_o return_v to_o his_o rest_a place_n it_o be_v pride_n and_o sauciness_n in_o i_o to_o expect_v my_o heaven_n here_o to_o be_v impatient_a unless_o i_o live_v always_o in_o ecstasy_n cause_v by_o the_o divine_a pretence_n i_o will_v meek_o
and_o steep_a about_o it_o hence_o be_v the_o address_n of_o the_o spirit_n awake_v thou_o that_o sleep_v and_o arise_v from_o the_o dead_a etc._n etc._n eph._n 5.4_o 3._o power_n be_v the_o three_o attribute_n of_o god_n religion_n promote_v even_o this_o in_o we_o by_o inspire_v the_o mind_n with_o courage_n and_o by_o the_o addition_n of_o strength_n conjoin_v to_o it_o innocence_n make_v a_o man_n bold_a as_o a_o lion_n it_o make_v one_o dare_v and_o hope_v well_o religion_n be_v a_o confederacy_n with_o the_o almighty_a and_o he_o become_v the_o good_a man_n strength_n ps_n 18.1_o &_o 19.4_o it_o create_v a_o awe_n and_o reverence_n for_o he_o among_o man_n and_o it_o make_v he_o approach_v as_o near_o to_o selfsufficiency_n as_o the_o state_n of_o a_o creature_n will_v let_v he_o he_o be_v independent_a on_o the_o world_n and_o have_v not_o half_a the_o hope_n nor_o fear_n nor_o care_n that_o the_o wicked_a man_n have_v for_o this_o man_n have_v a_o ill_a conscience_n and_o be_v therefore_o timorous_a he_o that_o fear_v not_o god_n dread_v every_o thing_n beside_o he_o have_v many_o passion_n that_o be_v to_o be_v gratify_v and_o therefore_o he_o be_v very_o dependent_a on_o the_o world_n he_o live_v ill_a and_o therefore_o be_v the_o scorn_n of_o man_n and_o the_o hate_n of_o god_n 4._o wisdom_n the_o fear_n of_o god_n be_v the_o begin_n of_o wisdom_n and_o therefore_o this_o be_v easy_o prove_v for_o religion_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o most_o excellent_a truth_n the_o contemplation_n of_o the_o most_o glorious_a object_n and_o the_o hope_n of_o the_o most_o ravish_a pleasure_n and_o the_o practice_n of_o such_o duty_n as_o be_v most_o serviceable_a to_o our_o happiness_n and_o to_o our_o peace_n our_o health_n our_o honour_n our_o prosperity_n and_o our_o eternal_a welfare_n but_o sin_n on_o the_o other_o hand_n besot_v and_o infatuate_v the_o man_n it_o make_v he_o passionate_a and_o foolish_a consult_v ill_a and_o execute_v worse_o he_o be_v blind_a to_o the_o most_o glorious_a truth_n and_o have_v no_o taste_n or_o relish_v of_o those_o glorious_a object_n of_o another_o world_n and_o he_o live_v as_o if_o he_o be_v in_o love_n with_o ruin_n and_o though_o he_o see_v death_n and_o confess_v it_o in_o the_o way_n he_o be_v spur_v on_o by_o his_o passion_n and_o dare_v not_o shun_v it_o he_o covet_v mere_a trifle_n vanish_v fade_a pleasure_n mere_a apparition_n and_o dream_n of_o happiness_n and_o he_o fly_v from_o real_a and_o substantial_a delight_n and_o satisfaction_n that_o will_v never_o have_v a_o end_n he_o tremble_v where_n no_o fear_n be_v and_o yet_o be_v steel_v and_o senseless_a against_o almighty_a vengeance_n and_o if_o this_o be_v not_o to_o be_v foolish_a i_o know_v not_o what_o be_v the_o five_o and_o last_o now_o be_v goodness_n by_o which_o i_o mean_v kindness_n and_o serviceableness_n to_o other_o this_o religion_n so_o far_o advance_v that_o each_o man_n be_v so_o far_o christian_n as_o he_o be_v thus_o good_a this_o goodness_n or_o love_n be_v the_o mere_a substance_n of_o the_o gospel_n so_o that_o where_o ever_o the_o spirit_n of_o christianity_n have_v plant_v itself_o the_o man_n be_v not_o only_o just_a but_o good_a and_o kind_a he_o do_v not_o only_o put_v off_o revenge_n and_o frowardness_n and_o hardheartedness_n but_o he_o put_v on_o the_o contrary_a virtue_n meekness_n tenderness_n charity_n his_o good_n and_o life_n be_v not_o too_o dear_a a_o price_n to_o pay_v for_o the_o welfare_n of_o a_o brother_n but_o sin_n on_o the_o quite_o contrary_a arm_n man_n against_o another_o and_o sow_v nothing_o but_o dissension_n and_o ruin_n among_o mankind_n injustice_n cruelty_n rapine_n murder_n covetousness_n hardheartedness_n be_v the_o character_n which_o constitute_v a_o sinner_n justice_n and_o truth_n be_v as_o essential_a part_n of_o holiness_n as_o goodness_n and_o therefore_o need_v not_o be_v speak_v to_o thus_o you_o see_v how_o virtue_n and_o holiness_n perfect_a and_o exalt_v the_o man_n how_o it_o make_v he_o more_o spiritual_a give_v he_o power_n life_n wisdom_n goodness_n ally_n he_o to_o the_o angel_n and_o make_v he_o like_o god_n but_o sin_n deface_v all_o those_o excellency_n make_v he_o a_o mere_a heap_n of_o rubbish_n and_o ruin_n a_o silly_a empty_a creature_n that_o the_o spirit_n may_v well_o say_v of_o such_o rev._n 3.17_o that_o they_o be_v wretched_a and_o miserable_a and_o poor_a and_o blind_a and_o naked_a and_o who_o can_v now_o look_v upon_o sin_n as_o a_o little_a harmless_a indifferent_a thing_n he_o that_o shall_v rob_v the_o ambitious_a man_n of_o his_o honour_n the_o covetous_a of_o his_o wealth_n the_o vain_a person_n of_o his_o trifle_a gaity_n shall_v be_v think_v to_o have_v commit_v a_o unpardonable_a offence_n against_o they_o and_o yet_o sure_a power_n and_o wisdom_n and_o goodness_n be_v thing_n of_o far_o great_a excellency_n than_o wealth_n or_o honour_n or_o gaity_n they_o be_v the_o attribute_n of_o god_n the_o thing_n that_o make_v he_o god_n and_o when_o he_o please_v to_o communicate_v and_o impart_v to_o his_o creature_n some_o though_o slender_a proportion_n of_o these_o what_o can_v be_v a_o more_o fatal_a enemy_n to_o the_o creature_n than_o that_o sin_n which_o spoil_n and_o rifle_v he_o of_o these_o he_o that_o shall_v stab_v the_o body_n and_o through_o as_o many_o gash_n as_o those_o of_o caesar_n in_o the_o senate_n let_v out_o the_o imprison_a soul_n commit_v no_o murder_n like_o that_o of_o sin_n which_o quench_v in_o man_n the_o spiritual_a life_n and_o rob_v he_o of_o eternity_n o_o my_o soul_n do_v every_o intemperate_a draught_n every_o sensual_a pleasure_n quench_v the_o light_n and_o damp_n the_o spirit_n within_o i_o and_o yet_o shall_v i_o still_o go_v on_o be_v it_o so_o inconsiderable_a a_o loss_n to_o change_v from_o spirit_n into_o flesh_n do_v all_o my_o sinful_a passion_n for_o this_o world_n ambition_n covetousness_n dotage_n etc._n etc._n deface_v all_o power_n wisdom_n and_o goodness_n in_o i_o and_o make_v i_o weak_a and_o wicked_a impotent_a and_o foolish_a and_o yet_o shall_v i_o still_o go_v on_o to_o dote_v be_v it_o so_o little_a desirable_a to_o be_v like_o god_n be_v it_o so_o inconsiderable_a a_o change_n like_o the_o unhappy_a angel_n to_o fall_v from_o light_n to_o darkness_n forgive_v i_o o_o my_o god_n i_o now_o begin_v to_o see_v a_o horror_n in_o my_o sin_n i_o see_v its_o poisonous_a nature_n and_o the_o mighty_a wound_n it_o give_v and_o i_o will_v shun_v it_o hereafter_o more_o than_o death_n and_o ruin_n more_o than_o the_o sword_n the_o plague_n or_o famine_n for_o i_o be_o well_o convince_v that_o there_o be_v nothing_o so_o excellent_a as_o spiritual_a life_n peace_n power_n wisdom_n and_o goodness_n and_o nothing_o can_v wound_v or_o blast_v these_o but_o sin_n and_o if_o second_o life_n and_o goodness_n power_n and_o wisdom_n be_v such_o excellent_a thing_n how_o dear_a must_v they_o be_v to_o god_n and_o how_o contradictory_n to_o his_o will_n must_v be_v all_o those_o method_n which_o man_n take_v to_o deface_v they_o and_o this_o he_o have_v sufficient_o teach_v in_o that_o he_o have_v think_v it_o worthy_a the_o incarnation_n life_n and_o passion_n of_o his_o own_o son_n to_o root_v out_o and_o banish_v iniquity_n and_o transgression_n from_o the_o earth_n be_v thing_n contradictory_n to_o his_o nature_n and_o to_o his_o design_n too_o in_o the_o creation_n from_o all_o this_o you_o see_v that_o holiness_n be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o divine_a nature_n sin_n be_v contradictory_n to_o it_o and_o by_o consequence_n that_o he_o who_o work_v righteousness_n be_v bear_v of_o god_n and_o he_o who_o commit_v sin_n be_v of_o the_o devil_n and_o that_o it_o be_v as_o necessary_a to_o be_v real_o holy_a as_o it_o be_v to_o be_v in_o the_o favour_n of_o god_n for_o he_o can_v love_v the_o unholy_a unless_o he_o can_v renounce_v his_o own_o nature_n the_o prayer_n o_o thou_o god_n who_o be_v light_v and_o in_o who_o there_o be_v no_o darkness_n at_o all_o a_o holy_a and_o pure_a spirit_n how_o infinite_o be_v the_o son_n of_o man_n oblige_v to_o thou_o that_o thou_o have_v givee_a they_o immortal_a spirit_n and_o do_v travel_v by_o thy_o word_n and_o spirit_n to_o form_n and_o fashion_v they_o into_o thy_o glorious_a image_n to_o make_v they_o share_v in_o thy_o perfection_n that_o they_o may_v do_v so_o in_o thy_o happiness_n too_o o_o grant_v that_o i_o may_v hunger_n and_o thirst_n after_o righteousness_n that_o i_o may_v labour_v day_n and_o night_n to_o water_n and_o improve_v those_o resemblance_n of_o thy_o divine_a perfection_n which_o thou_o have_v impart_v to_o i_o by_o thy_o spirit_n that_o so_o i_o may_v through_o christ_n increase_v in_o favour_n with_o god_n and_o man_n
worthy_a of_o christ_n descent_n into_o earth_n which_o promote_v the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o the_o happiness_n of_o man_n and_o that_o be_v only_a goodness_n or_o holiness_n concern_v which_o i_o will_v 1._o inquire_v what_o kind_n of_o goodness_n or_o holiness_n that_o be_v which_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n require_v and_o 2._o prove_v that_o it_o tend_v to_o advance_v the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o happiness_n of_o mankind_n which_o will_v serve_v not_o only_o as_o a_o proof_n of_o its_o be_v the_o scope_n and_o drift_n of_o christianity_n but_o also_o for_o a_o strong_a enforcement_n and_o motive_n to_o it_o of_o the_o 1._o holiness_n be_v comprise_v in_o three_o thing_n live_v sober_o righteous_o and_o godly_a in_o this_o present_a world_n tit._n 2.12_o that_o hereby_o be_v forbid_v all_o plain_a and_o open_a violation_n of_o the_o commandment_n such_o as_o be_v 1._o all_o debase_v of_o god_n in_o our_o imagination_n and_o deprave_a act_n of_o worship_n consequent_a to_o this_o and_o all_o unthankfulness_n to_o he_o 2._o all_o sort_n of_o falsehood_n and_o injustice_n 3._o all_o kind_n of_o unnatural_a lust_n and_o excess_n destructive_a to_o our_o health_n or_o reason_n be_v too_o plain_a to_o be_v prove_v all_o this_o be_v nothing_o else_o but_o that_o ungodliness_n and_o worldly_a lust_n which_o we_o be_v to_o deny_v and_o the_o very_a heathen_n by_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n rom._n 1.32_o know_v that_o they_o who_o do_v such_o thing_n be_v worthy_a of_o death_n but_o whether_o christian_a holiness_n import_v any_o thing_n more_o than_o the_o mere_a avoid_v those_o sin_n upon_o the_o principle_n and_o assistance_n of_o religion_n whether_o the_o positive_a part_n of_o the_o command_n in_o the_o late_a part_n of_o the_o verse_n do_v not_o intend_v something_o more_o than_o the_o negative_a in_o the_o former_a part_n of_o it_o be_v very_o well_o worth_a our_o consideration_n because_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o the_o scripture_n speak_v with_o respect_n to_o the_o life_n of_o gentile_n which_o be_v deprave_v even_o below_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n do_v by_o mortification_n most_o intend_v a_o abstinence_n from_o those_o action_n among_o they_o which_o be_v manifest_a transgression_n of_o the_o law_n mortify_v therefore_o your_o member_n which_o be_v upon_o the_o earth_n fornication_n uncleanness_n etc._n etc._n col._n 3.5_o and_o because_o most_o man_n do_v by_o interpret_n the_o gospel_n to_o this_o sense_n embrace_v christianity_n themselves_o and_o recommend_v it_o to_o other_o under_o the_o character_n of_o a_o debonnair_a and_o complaisant_a religion_n so_o that_o the_o way_n to_o life_n seem_v to_o i_o so_o exceed_v broad_a and_o the_o gate_n so_o very_o wide_a that_o unless_o a_o man_n be_v bear_v with_o a_o most_o villainous_a temper_n and_o that_o be_v improve_v by_o a_o loose_a and_o undisciplined_a education_n a_o man_n may_v make_v a_o shift_n to_o enter_v in_o without_o much_o strive_n or_o struggle_v which_o seem_v to_o i_o very_o opposite_a to_o the_o meaning_n of_o our_o saviour_n i_o will_v therefore_o answer_v to_o this_o quere_z by_o degree_n have_v first_o remove_v the_o objection_n by_o tell_v you_o 1._o that_o mortification_n be_v but_o one_o part_n of_o christian_a holiness_n and_o that_o abstinence_n from_o gross_a sin_n be_v but_o half_a of_o mortification_n and_o 2._o that_o i_o hope_v they_o who_o speak_v such_o soft_a thing_n of_o christianity_n do_v intend_v it_o of_o a_o spiritual_a pleasure_n or_o else_o of_o that_o more_o perfect_a state_n wherein_o they_o who_o be_v arrive_v at_o it_o know_v how_o to_o abound_v because_o have_v obtain_v a_o more_o complete_a conquest_n over_o the_o body_n and_o the_o world_n they_o be_v not_o so_o easy_o ensnare_v as_o new_a convert_v and_o i_o proceed_v now_o to_o the_o query_n itself_o 1._o act_n of_o sobriety_n and_o justice_n perform_v without_o any_o deliberation_n by_o the_o mere_a inclination_n of_o nature_n if_o such_o may_v be_v be_v mere_o natural_a action_n neither_o good_a nor_o evil_a neither_o rewardable_a nor_o punishable_a 2._o act_n of_o sobriety_n and_o justice_n perform_v upon_o the_o sole_a instigation_n of_o pleasure_n and_o conveniency_n which_o attend_v such_o a_o life_n in_o this_o present_a world_n be_v very_o proper_a and_o natural_a effect_n of_o reason_n but_o under_o the_o gospel_n they_o do_v not_o constitute_v any_o part_n of_o the_o righteousness_n of_o the_o kingdom_n because_o our_o action_n be_v to_o proceed_v from_o noble_a motive_n not_o that_o i_o deny_v but_o that_o to_o we_o christian_n worldly_a happiness_n may_v be_v a_o very_a lawful_a incentive_a to_o holiness_n but_o than_o it_o must_v be_v in_o its_o place_n not_o the_o sole_a and_o great_a but_o a_o subordinate_a inducement_n thus_o though_o the_o apostle_n invite_v we_o to_o goodness_n by_o praise_n and_o a_o good_a report_n yet_o he_o who_o be_v virtuous_a mere_o that_o he_o may_v be_v fame_v for_o it_o be_v a_o vainglorious_a sinner_n so_o though_o the_o promise_n of_o this_o life_n annex_v to_o godliness_n may_v encourage_v we_o to_o embrace_v it_o yet_o if_o any_o man_n be_v godly_a mere_o for_o present_a pleasure_n and_o happiness_n of_o this_o life_n he_o be_v but_o a_o worldly_a man_n nor_o do_v i_o here_o only_o mean_a that_o worldly_a pleasure_n must_v not_o be_v the_o sole_a but_o that_o it_o must_v not_o be_v the_o great_a the_o principal_a allurement_n to_o religion_n something_o it_o may_v contribute_v but_o it_o must_v be_v in_o its_o place_n and_o its_o degree_n and_o thus_o far_o i_o have_v treat_v the_o quere_z with_o more_o favour_n than_o i_o shall_v by_o make_v use_n of_o the_o word_n act_n of_o sobriety_n and_o justice_n which_o be_v not_o take_v for_o grant_v in_o the_o question_n and_o now_o i_o must_v premise_v once_o for_o all_o that_o a_o mere_a abstinence_n from_o evil_n be_v not_o a_o do_v or_o be_v good_a and_o then_o i_o proceed_v to_o resolve_v 3._o that_o to_o deny_v any_o sin_n upon_o the_o account_n of_o religion_n i._n e._n the_o fear_n and_o love_n of_o god_n and_o hope_n of_o salvation_n be_v certain_o a_o acceptable_a sacrifice_n but_o because_o in_o all_o our_o action_n there_o be_v general_o many_o motive_n twist_v together_o and_o because_o man_n out_o of_o fondness_n for_o himself_o be_v very_o apt_a to_o attribute_v the_o work_n to_o that_o motive_n which_o it_o be_v his_o interest_n shall_v be_v uppermost_a therefore_o it_o will_v very_o near_o concern_v every_o one_o to_o examine_v serious_o the_o degree_n and_o strength_n of_o this_o faith_n he_o pretend_v to_o for_o peradventure_o though_o this_o faith_n be_v strong_a enough_o to_o restrain_v he_o from_o wild_a and_o unnatural_a lust_n because_o it_o leave_v he_o enjoyment_n and_o pleasure_n enough_o to_o entertain_v he_o with_o more_o delight_n in_o their_o stead_n and_o give_v he_o up_o to_o a_o life_n no_o less_o sensual_a though_o the_o instance_n of_o sensuality_n be_v more_o regular_a yet_o it_o may_v not_o be_v powerful_a enough_o to_o crucify_v all_o worldly_a and_o carnal_a affection_n and_o to_o force_v he_o to_o do_v perfect_a violence_n to_o his_o inclination_n his_o fondness_n for_o the_o pleasure_n of_o this_o life_n may_v be_v too_o stubborn_a to_o give_v way_n to_o a_o faith_n which_o be_v not_o more_o deep_o root_v nor_o arm_v and_o wing_a with_o holy_a passion_n and_o the_o body_n may_v be_v too_o high_a feed_v to_o surrender_v up_o all_o its_o satisfaction_n upon_o the_o demand_n of_o a_o drowsy_a faith_n so_o that_o the_o man_n do_v not_o entire_o deny_v himself_o because_o religion_n command_v it_o but_o thus_o far_o he_o think_v fit_a to_o comply_v with_o religion_n because_o it_o do_v he_o no_o harm_n it_o do_v not_o entrench_v upon_o his_o sensual_a enjoyment_n and_o if_o this_o be_v his_o case_n though_o the_o man_n may_v have_v call_v in_o faith_n to_o the_o assistance_n of_o reason_n yet_o he_o do_v not_o suffer_v it_o to_o reign_v and_o by_o consequence_n his_o life_n be_v still_o the_o life_n of_o sense_n and_o not_o of_o faith_n faith_n come_v in_o but_o slant_o and_o collateral_o into_o his_o life_n it_o be_v not_o the_o main_a and_o chief_a inducement_n to_o his_o action_n 4._o and_o last_o a_o life_n lead_v in_o mere_a abstinence_n from_o evil_n and_o yet_o a_o allowance_n of_o the_o utmost_a freedom_n we_o can_v with_o innocence_n enjoy_v upon_o supposal_n that_o such_o a_o man_n can_v so_o love_n god_n and_o heaven_n as_o to_o be_v able_a to_o renounce_v all_o when_o call_v thereto_o a_o supposition_n i_o can_v very_o difficult_o be_v reconcile_v to_o be_v but_o the_o minimum_fw-la morale_fw-la if_o holiness_n yet_o the_o low_a degree_n of_o it_o and_o the_o gospel_n seem_v to_o i_o to_o have_v a_o further_a aim_n to_o propose_v a_o great_a height_n and_o to_o expect_v from_o its_o
religion_n be_v in_o its_o essence_n a_o inward_a and_o spiritual_a holiness_n outward_a action_n can_v be_v consider_v but_o two_o way_n either_o as_o the_o mean_n and_o instrument_n or_o else_o as_o the_o fruit_n and_o effect_n of_o holiness_n and_o both_o way_n a_o sober_a temperate_a life_n as_o to_o the_o general_a course_n of_o it_o be_v indispensable_o necessary_a though_o i_o can_v here_o deny_v but_o that_o there_o must_v be_v a_o allowance_n make_v for_o the_o variety_n of_o temper_n and_o the_o different_a strength_n of_o grace_n etc._n etc._n proportionable_a to_o each_o man_n different_a case_n have_v thus_o give_v a_o account_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o holiness_n which_o the_o gospel_n require_v i_o come_v 2._o to_o show_v that_o it_o tend_v to_o promote_v god_n glory_n and_o man_n happiness_n 1._o god_n glory_n 1._o though_o a_o right_a understanding_n be_v whole_o necessary_a to_o yet_o itself_o be_v no_o part_n of_o divine_a worship_n it_o be_v not_o mere_a knowledge_n or_o belief_n of_o a_o truth_n but_o love_n and_o fear_v and_o obedience_n by_o which_o we_o honour_v god_n and_o devote_v ourselves_o to_o he_o there_o be_v no_o where_n more_o light_a of_o knowledge_n heaven_n except_v than_o in_o those_o region_n of_o darkness_n where_o the_o most_o impious_a spirit_n dwell_v but_o no_o body_n will_v say_v that_o they_o there_o worship_n god_n it_o be_v true_a a_o understanding_n illuminate_v be_v certain_o a_o beautiful_a thing_n but_o then_o if_o it_o be_v join_v to_o a_o unsanctified_a will_n the_o man_n in_o the_o whole_a be_v the_o most_o deform_a and_o loathsome_a thing_n imaginable_a for_o he_o be_v make_v up_o of_o two_o the_o most_o disproportionable_a and_o contradictory_n thing_n as_o if_o he_o be_v form_v as_o the_o poet_n fancy_n man_n grow_v out_o of_o the_o slime_n of_o the_o deluge_n the_o upper_a part_n enliven_v flesh_n and_o blood_n the_o low_a mud_n and_o clay_n the_o light_n of_o the_o understanding_n enhaunce_v the_o guilt_n of_o malice_n and_o degeneracy_n in_o the_o will_n for_o to_o see_v god_n and_o not_o love_n and_o obey_v he_o be_v strange_o malicious_a but_o if_o his_o beauty_n be_v not_o adore_v by_o thing_n that_o have_v no_o eye_n to_o see_v it_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v wonder_v at_o if_o you_o have_v be_v blind_a than_o have_v you_o have_v no_o sin_n 2._o the_o heaven_n say_v the_o psalmist_n declare_v the_o glory_n of_o god_n etc._n etc._n their_o brightness_n and_o vastness_n whilst_o they_o engage_v our_o wonder_n invite_v we_o to_o the_o contemplation_n of_o the_o power_n and_o infiniteness_n and_o majesty_n of_o their_o architect_n so_o holy_a and_o good_a man_n declare_v his_o glory_n too_o for_o be_v renew_v after_o his_o image_n in_o holiness_n and_o righteousness_n they_o represent_v to_o the_o world_n a_o imperfect_a draught_n of_o some_o of_o the_o glorious_a attribute_n 〈◊〉_d god_n they_o worship_v thus_o as_o the_o power_n of_o miracle_n import_v to_o the_o apostle_n force_v the_o beholder_n to_o glorify_v god_n who_o have_v give_v such_o gift_n unto_o man_n so_o too_o christ_n exhort_v his_o disciple_n to_o let_v their_o light_a shine_n before_o man_n that_o when_o they_o see_v those_o good_a work_n they_o may_v glorify_v god_n who_o be_v in_o heaven_n induce_v by_o the_o loveliness_n of_o that_o goodness_n derive_v from_o he_o as_o the_o other_o be_v by_o his_o power_n 3._o it_o be_v goodness_n by_o which_o we_o own_o a_o god_n and_o acknowledge_v he_o to_o be_v we_o divine_a worship_n be_v the_o confession_n of_o our_o meanness_n and_o his_o majesty_n and_o conformity_n to_o his_o law_n be_v the_o full_a proof_n we_o can_v give_v of_o our_o allegiance_n and_o his_o supremacy_n and_o therefore_o they_o who_o live_v irreligious_o let_v they_o pretend_v to_o believe_v and_o think_v what_o they_o will_v be_v say_v to_o be_v without_o god_n in_o the_o world_n and_o to_o deny_v he_o in_o their_o work_n 4._o holiness_n or_o goodness_n be_v real_o divine_a worship_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v in_o scripture_n define_v to_o be_v religion_n and_o wisdom_n and_o knowledge_n to_o know_v god_n this_o be_v wisdom_n and_o to_o depart_v from_o evil_a this_o be_v understanding_n to_o do_v justice_n to_o relieve_v the_o poor_a and_o needy_a be_v not_o this_o to_o know_v god_n say_v the_o lord_n pure_a religion_n and_o undefiled_a be_v this_o to_o visit_v the_o fatherless_a and_o widow_n in_o their_o affliction_n and_o to_o keep_v one_o self_n unspotted_a from_o the_o world_n more_o plain_o what_o be_v worship_n but_o the_o cleave_a to_o god_n with_o purity_n and_o earnestness_n of_o affection_n act_v in_o conformity_n to_o his_o law_n as_o those_o affection_n shall_v invite_v and_o enable_v we_o and_o this_o be_v the_o very_a same_o thing_n with_o holiness_n so_o that_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o holiness_n and_o goodness_n contribute_v to_o god_n glory_n the_o two_o only_a way_n we_o be_v only_o capable_a of_o glorify_v he_o that_o be_v by_o our_o own_o particular_a worship_n and_o by_o the_o influence_n our_o example_n have_v upon_o other_o §_o 2._o it_o be_v most_o serviceable_a to_o the_o happiness_n of_o man_n here_o and_o hereafter_o 1._o here._n 1._o all_o the_o advantage_n of_o peacefu_n government_n friendly_a neighbourhood_n i_o comfortable_a and_o close_a union_n and_o pleasant_a retirement_n depend_v on_o and_o arise_v from_o goodness_n but_o suppose_v the_o world_n plant_v with_o covetousness_n instead_o of_o justice_n pride_n instead_o of_o meekness_n cruelty_n instead_o of_o compassion_n revenge_n and_o malice_n instead_o of_o mildness_n and_o charity_n falsehood_n and_o lie_v instead_o of_o constancy_n and_o truth_n etc._n etc._n and_o imagine_v if_o you_o can_v whether_o all_o society_n will_v not_o be_v tear_v into_o as_o many_o faction_n as_o there_o be_v cross_a interest_n and_o opposite_a passion_n whether_o any_o commerce_n can_v be_v just_a and_o smooth_a any_o tie_n last_v and_o delightful_a whether_o it_o be_v possible_a to_o find_v security_n or_o pleasure_n either_o in_o a_o private_a or_o a_o public_a life_n 2._o it_o be_v holiness_n which_o best_o secure_v a_o man_n inward_a peace_n guard_n and_o arm_n he_o against_o those_o impression_n which_o outward_a temptation_n make_v prescribe_v bound_n to_o our_o desire_n scatter_v our_o fear_n confirm_v our_o hope_n raise_v our_o affection_n to_o thing_n of_o true_a and_o last_a excellency_n that_o be_v in_o few_o word_n it_o not_o only_o settle_v our_o peace_n by_o establish_v the_o empire_n of_o the_o mind_n over_o the_o inferior_a appetite_n but_o also_o provide_v for_o our_o pleasure_n by_o fill_v the_o mind_n with_o spiritual_a joy_n and_o peace_n and_o hope_n 2._o hereafter_o 3._o goodness_n be_v whole_o necessary_a 1._o to_o recommend_v we_o to_o the_o love_n of_o god_n who_o infinite_a purity_n and_o excellency_n can_v approve_v of_o any_o thing_n that_o be_v sinful_a and_o unholy_a this_o be_v the_o message_n that_o we_o have_v receive_v of_o he_o that_o god_n be_v light_a etc._n etc._n where_o you_o see_v that_o the_o law_n be_v found_v in_o his_o nature_n have_v a_o intrinsic_a resemblance_n to_o his_o own_o holiness_n and_o by_o consequence_n he_o can_v neither_o alter_v it_o nor_o dispense_v with_o its_o observation_n 2._o to_o qualify_v we_o for_o heaven_n for_o it_o be_v goodness_n which_o wean_v the_o soul_n from_o all_o fondness_n for_o the_o body_n and_o the_o world_n and_o possess_v it_o with_o a_o intense_a love_n of_o god_n and_o holiness_n which_o two_o thing_n do_v first_o capacitate_v it_o for_o that_o world_n wherein_o god_n and_o holy_a spirit_n dwell_v and_o second_o recommend_v it_o to_o great_a degree_n of_o glory_n and_o happiness_n in_o it_o beside_o all_o this_o the_o scripture_n speak_v this_o doctrine_n in_o express_a term_n the_o grace_n of_o god_n which_o have_v appear_v unto_o all_o man_n teach_v we_o etc._n etc._n this_o be_v the_o great_a business_n of_o our_o saviour_n life_n he_o be_v still_o instruct_v man_n in_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o kingdom_n that_o be_v godliness_n righteousness_n and_o sobriety_n his_o miracle_n do_v confirm_v the_o divinity_n of_o his_o person_n and_o this_o too_o be_v careful_o secure_v to_o gain_v authority_n to_o his_o doctrine_n i_o will_v conclude_v this_o chapter_n with_o the_o absurdity_n of_o the_o contrary_a doctrine_n of_o what_o use_n will_v the_o gospel_n be_v in_o relation_n either_o to_o god_n glory_n or_o man_n happiness_n if_o it_o be_v only_o to_o be_v believe_v and_o not_o obey_v to_o what_o purpose_n be_v light_v come_v into_o the_o world_n if_o man_n may_v still_o love_v darkness_n to_o what_o purpose_n do_v the_o son_n who_o lie_v in_o the_o bosom_n of_o the_o father_n reveal_v he_o more_o glorious_o to_o we_o if_o know_v he_o as_o god_n it_o be_v yet_o lawful_a for_o we_o not_o to_o glorify_v he_o
as_o such_o and_o as_o insignificant_a will_v this_o opinion_n render_v it_o to_o the_o happiness_n of_o man_n for_o of_o what_o use_n will_v all_o the_o excellent_a rule_n of_o justice_n charity_n meekness_n temperance_n etc._n etc._n prove_v if_o we_o continue_v peevish_a and_o revengeful_a intemperate_a and_o lustful_a etc._n etc._n to_o what_o purpose_n be_v the_o full_a discovery_n of_o another_o world_n life_n and_o immortality_n and_o the_o belief_n of_o jesus_n be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n if_o they_o do_v not_o enable_v we_o to_o conquer_v the_o world_n and_o mortify_v the_o flesh_n and_o if_o i_o walk_v according_a to_o the_o law_n of_o the_o flesh_n i._n e._n violate_v the_o law_n of_o the_o spirit_n can_v i_o choose_v but_o dread_a a_o god_n who_o i_o have_v wrong_v and_o will_v not_o unruly_a passion_n and_o a_o trouble_a conscience_n make_v a_o christian_a as_o miserable_a as_o a_o jew_n or_o heathen_a if_o goodness_n now_o be_v the_o end_n and_o drift_n of_o the_o holy_a belief_n of_o christian_n than_o i_o infer_v 1._o that_o the_o best_a man_n be_v the_o best_a son_n of_o the_o church_n and_o he_o who_o affection_n be_v more_o raise_v and_o heavenly_a and_o have_v least_o of_o the_o mixture_n of_o sensuality_n be_v of_o the_o high_a form_n in_o the_o school_n of_o christ_n because_o he_o do_v best_o answer_v the_o design_n of_o his_o lord_n and_o walk_v in_o some_o measure_n as_o he_o walk_v 2._o that_o the_o most_o infallible_a character_n of_o a_o true_a faith_n be_v to_o be_v take_v from_o the_o government_n of_o our_o passion_n our_o conquest_n over_o the_o world_n and_o the_o increase_n of_o our_o inward_a joy_n and_o peace_n and_o hope_n good_a lord_n how_o apt_a be_v we_o to_o put_v a_o a_o cheat_n upon_o the_o world_n and_o ourselves_o to_o persuade_v it_o and_o ourselves_o that_o we_o believe_v though_o there_o be_v no_o change_n in_o our_o soul_n and_o conversation_n and_o therefore_o consequent_o we_o do_v nothing_o less_o i_o shall_v hereafter_o never_o think_v that_o i_o believe_v aright_o till_o i_o have_v a_o love_n for_o all_o his_o commandment_n till_o i_o can_v meditate_v delightful_o pray_v vigorous_o rely_v constant_o obey_v ready_o suffer_v patient_o rejoice_v humble_o expect_v reverent_o and_o happy_a be_v i_o if_o i_o attain_v that_o height_n earnest_o too_o the_o hour_n of_o my_o death_n or_o the_o appearance_n of_o my_o lord_n i_o shall_v never_o hereafter_o think_v that_o i_o have_v study_v or_o know_v divine_a truth_n to_o any_o purpose_n till_o the_o truth_n have_v make_v i_o free_a rescue_v i_o from_o the_o bondage_n of_o sin_n and_o fear_n of_o death_n the_o prayer_n thou_o holy_a pure_a and_o eternal_a spirit_n who_o can_v not_o endure_v iniquity_n who_o do_v so_o love_v goodness_n that_o thou_o have_v send_v thy_o son_n into_o the_o world_n to_o promote_v it_o his_o life_n and_o his_o death_n his_o pain_n and_o his_o blood_n be_v spend_v in_o this_o cause_n o_o enable_v thy_o poor_a servant_n who_o name_v the_o name_n of_o christ_n to_o hunger_n and_o thirst_n after_o righteousness_n and_o to_o depart_v from_o iniquity_n lord_n let_v thy_o truth_n and_o thy_o spirit_n be_v powerful_a in_o i_o to_o the_o subdue_a all_o of_o evil_a inclination_n i_o believe_v that_o all_o thing_n be_v naked_a and_o bare_a before_o thou_o and_o therefore_o that_o thou_o can_v not_o be_v mock_v or_o impose_v upon_o by_o specious_a pretence_n or_o formality_n that_o i_o be_o not_o to_o expect_v to_o appear_v any_o other_o in_o thy_o eye_n than_o such_o as_o i_o be_o in_o myself_o enable_v i_o therefore_o to_o confess_v thou_o in_o my_o practice_n as_o well_o as_o word_n to_o live_v like_o one_o who_o believe_v thy_o holy_a truth_n let_v my_o heart_n be_v fix_v in_o honesty_n and_o uprightness_n to_o obey_v all_o thy_o commandment_n let_v the_o belief_n of_o thing_n not_o see_v have_v the_o same_o influence_n upon_o i_o they_o have_v upon_o all_o thy_o holy_a saint_n martyr_n and_o confessor_n i._n e._n persuade_v i_o to_o deny_v all_o ungodliness_n and_o worldly_a lust_n and_o to_o live_v sober_o righteous_o and_o holy_o in_o this_o present_a world_n through_o jesus_n christ_n sect._n 2._o of_o do_v good_n there_o be_v a_o sort_n of_o people_n who_o endeavour_v all_o they_o can_v to_o withdraw_v from_o the_o world_n and_o rid_v their_o hand_n of_o business_n and_o think_v it_o abundant_o sufficient_a if_o they_o can_v discharge_v their_o duty_n towards_o god_n in_o their_o retirement_n this_o be_v lawful_a nay_o commendable_a only_o upon_o two_o account_n 1._o if_o my_o temper_n or_o circumstance_n be_v such_o that_o my_o conversation_n can_v be_v public_a and_o safe_a too_o for_o then_o the_o salvation_n of_o my_o own_o soul_n be_v natural_o the_o most_o near_o and_o dear_o concern_v or_o 2._o if_o my_o qualification_n be_v such_o that_o my_o retirement_n be_v likely_a to_o prove_v more_o advantageous_a to_o the_o public_a than_o my_o fill_v any_o other_o post_n for_o than_o i_o act_n according_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o charity_n there_o be_v two_o other_o inducement_n to_o a_o retire_a private_a life_n the_o one_o found_v in_o a_o vice_n the_o other_o in_o a_o mistake_n 1._o the_o first_o be_v when_o man_n withdraw_v from_o the_o business_n as_o from_o the_o trouble_n of_o the_o world_n and_o their_o pleasure_n not_o religion_n be_v their_o first_o and_o chief_a motive_n they_o meet_v with_o many_o rub_n and_o opposition_n in_o a_o busy_a active_a life_n and_o then_o they_o grow_v soft_a and_o weak_a and_o lazy_a and_o they_o want_v courage_n and_o industry_n and_o the_o frequent_a interruption_n of_o their_o private_a peace_n and_o enjoyment_n be_v uneasy_a and_o they_o will_v withdraw_v to_o enjoy_v themselves_o and_o this_o be_v unchristian_a and_o unmanly_a it_o be_v epicurism_n not_o contempt_n of_o the_o world_n 2._o the_o mistake_n be_v when_o we_o look_v upon_o a_o monastical_a kind_n of_o life_n as_o the_o whole_a of_o christianity_n and_o the_o mere_a perfection_n of_o the_o regenerate_v state_n and_o place_n piety_n so_o whole_o in_o act_n of_o solitary_a devotion_n as_o to_o seclude_v the_o do_v good_a and_o communicate_v etc._n etc._n it_o will_v behoove_v such_o to_o consider_v 1._o that_o true_a and_o apparent_a motive_n pretence_n and_o religion_n be_v sometime_o so_o twist_v together_o that_o it_o be_v hard_o for_o a_o man_n to_o distinguish_v they_o and_o therefore_o some_o secret_a weakness_n or_o reserve_n may_v be_v the_o real_a whilst_o zeal_n be_v make_v the_o pretend_a cause_n of_o this_o choice_n 2._o that_o the_o busy_a and_o active_a life_n be_v the_o more_o excellent_a and_o the_o more_o necessary_a 1._o the_o more_o excellent_a as_o be_v full_a of_o hazard_n and_o trouble_n and_o temptation_n there_o be_v a_o large_a field_n for_o virtue_n for_o patience_n courage_n meekness_n reliance_n etc._n etc._n in_o a_o active_a than_o speculative_a life_n and_o such_o will_v receive_v more_o crown_n and_o when_o i_o consider_v the_o nature_n of_o god_n and_o necessity_n of_o mankind_n i_o can_v but_o think_v act_n of_o charity_n as_o prevalent_a to_o the_o wipe_v off_o our_o guilt_n as_o the_o severe_a penance_n a_o vigorous_a and_o active_a life_n spend_v in_o promote_a the_o welfare_n of_o other_o be_v a_o more_o perfect_a instance_n of_o self_n denial_n speak_v a_o great_a contradiction_n to_o our_o ease_n and_o pleasure_n commit_v more_o violence_n upon_o our_o inclination_n than_o any_o act_n of_o private_a austerity_n can_v pretend_v to_o do_v for_o beside_o the_o pain_n the_o watch_v and_o the_o fast_a incident_a to_o both_o a_o like_a the_o trouble_n of_o contrivance_n the_o industry_n of_o address_n the_o uneasiness_n of_o refusal_n etc._n etc._n sufficient_o weigh_v down_o the_o one_o side_n beside_o this_o confinement_n imprison_v our_o light_n under_o a_o bushel_n it_o be_v a_o cover_n a_o napkin_n for_o our_o talent_n to_o conceal_v they_o and_o render_v they_o useless_a to_o other_o and_o therefore_o our_o reward_n will_v be_v less_o in_o another_o world_n and_o our_o grace_n the_o faint_a in_o this_o for_o to_o he_o what_o have_v i._n e._n use_v shall_v be_v give_v grace_n like_o the_o widow_n oil_n increase_v by_o be_v charitable_o impart_v that_o flame_n which_o warm_v my_o neighbour_n reflect_v back_o with_o a_o double_a heat_n upon_o myself_o and_o that_o goodness_n which_o cherish_v his_o heart_n soften_v and_o sanctify_v my_o own_o and_o over_o and_o above_o all_o this_o i_o enjoy_v a_o strange_a delight_n in_o do_v good_a and_o in_o behold_v the_o fruit_n which_o my_o own_o hand_n have_v plant_v and_o my_o assurance_n and_o the_o confidence_n of_o my_o hope_n increase_v by_o the_o conscience_n of_o that_o love_n which_o my_o work_n convince_v i_o i_o have_v for_o my_o brethren_n 2._o that_o a_o busy_a
employment_n of_o ourselves_o for_o the_o advantage_n of_o other_o be_v of_o more_o absolute_a necessity_n the_o world_n be_v one_o entire_a body_n and_o each_o member_n must_v be_v serviceable_a in_o its_o place_n nor_o can_v any_o part_n withdraw_v itself_o from_o the_o whole_a at_o its_o pleasure_n hence_o it_o be_v that_o the_o great_a part_n of_o the_o law_n of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n be_v rule_n of_o society_n of_o justice_n charity_n etc._n etc._n and_o he_o himself_o the_o best_a example_n make_v his_o retirement_n by_o night_n but_o by_o day_n he_o go_v about_o do_v good_a nature_n have_v found_v a_o cognation_n among_o we_o as_o we_o partake_v of_o the_o same_o form_n shape_n reason_n but_o the_o christian_a religion_n have_v cement_v we_o in_o close_a union_n make_v we_o the_o member_n of_o the_o same_o body_n tie_v we_o together_o by_o faith_n and_o love_n by_o the_o same_o sacrament_n the_o same_o promise_n and_o the_o same_o hope_n and_o therefore_o we_o can_v in_o reason_n think_v we_o do_v one_o another_o all_o the_o good_a we_o be_v bind_v to_o by_o a_o mere_a abstinence_n from_o do_v wrong_n and_o by_o sequester_v ourselves_o from_o the_o service_n and_o concern_v of_o our_o brethren_n 2._o because_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n be_v more_o concern_v in_o the_o deportment_n of_o whole_a society_n than_o a_o few_o private_a person_n as_o much_o as_o the_o safety_n of_o a_o multitude_n be_v more_o valuable_a than_o that_o of_o a_o very_a few_o and_o goodness_n redound_v more_o to_o his_o honour_n when_o public_a and_o almost_o universal_a than_o when_o cloister_v up_o in_o the_o bosom_n of_o a_o few_o therefore_o all_o good_a man_n must_v needs_o be_v oblige_v to_o promote_v the_o interest_n of_o holiness_n and_o goodness_n in_o the_o public_a because_o the_o divine_a glory_n be_v so_o deep_o concern_v in_o it_o 3._o which_o ought_v well_o to_o be_v consider_v the_o nature_n of_o goodness_n be_v such_o that_o it_o can_v well_o be_v conceive_v how_o the_o be_v good_a be_v separable_a from_o do_v good_a god_n though_o his_o own_o heaven_n and_o happiness_n do_v yet_o find_v a_o world_n to_o which_o he_o may_v be_v a_o universal_a benefactor_n his_o goodness_n be_v certain_o the_o most_o powerful_a motive_n to_o his_o creation_n not_o any_o considerable_a accession_n that_o his_o happiness_n be_v to_o receive_v from_o it_o this_o goodness_n therefore_o in_o man_n ought_v to_o be_v a_o vigorous_a and_o active_a principle_n and_o render_v they_o the_o benefactor_n of_o mankind_n it_o be_v indeed_o hardly_o conceivable_a how_o man_n shall_v be_v zealous_a patron_n of_o virtue_n and_o goodness_n and_o yet_o not_o concern_v to_o protect_v and_o own_v they_o to_o promote_v and_o encourage_v they_o in_o the_o world_n or_o how_o man_n can_v be_v inflame_v with_o a_o very_a strong_a love_n of_o god_n and_o yet_o not_o endeavour_v to_o establish_v a_o true_a sense_n of_o his_o beauty_n and_o excellency_n in_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n or_o how_o last_o any_o can_v be_v possess_v with_o a_o passionate_a kindness_n for_o a_o brother_n and_o yet_o never_o mingle_v with_o the_o concern_v of_o his_o soul_n or_o body_n last_o the_o great_a motive_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v the_o example_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o saviour_n who_o disciple_n we_o profess_v ourselves_o who_o we_o be_v bind_v to_o imitate_v and_o he_o go_v about_o do_v good_a the_o glorious_a reward_n annex_v to_o all_o those_o who_o any_o way_n benefit_n mankind_n either_o by_o instruct_v the_o mind_n or_o relieve_v the_o body_n the_o character_n of_o the_o child_n of_o god_n at_o the_o last_o judgement_n be_v compose_v whole_o of_o act_n of_o charity_n all_o which_o suppose_v a_o active_a life_n conformable_a to_o this_o doctrine_n be_v that_o of_o heb._n 13.15_o 16._o by_o he_o therefore_o let_v we_o offer_v the_o sacrifice_n of_o praise_n to_o god_n continual_o that_o be_v the_o fruit_n of_o our_o lip_n give_v thanks_o to_o his_o name_n but_o to_o do_v good_a and_o to_o communicate_v forget_v not_o for_o with_o such_o sacrifice_n god_n be_v well_o please_v we_o must_v pray_v but_o prayer_n without_o do_v good_a be_v a_o unpleasing_a sacrifice_n without_o charity_n our_o very_a devotion_n be_v unchristian_a and_o our_o religion_n unnatural_a this_o let_v those_o mind_n who_o be_v long_o in_o their_o prayer_n severe_a in_o their_o outward_a deportment_n frequent_a hearer_n of_o the_o word_n and_o yet_o we_o can_v discern_v in_o they_o no_o fruit_n of_o meekness_n or_o charity_n let_v they_o consider_v whether_o they_o do_v not_o mistake_v the_o nature_n of_o religion_n whether_o they_o do_v not_o choose_v the_o more_o easy_a sacrifice_n because_o it_o cost_v they_o nothing_o whether_o they_o have_v not_o a_o secret_a reserve_n of_o covetousness_n or_o frowardness_n etc._n etc._n have_v speak_v this_o much_o of_o the_o necessity_n of_o do_v good_a and_o the_o motive_n to_o it_o i_o will_v propose_v three_o or_o four_o rule_n and_o submit_v they_o to_o your_o consideration_n 1._o that_o we_o must_v judge_v of_o our_o call_n to_o do_v good_a by_o the_o capacity_n and_o fitness_n with_o which_o god_n have_v endow_v we_o and_o here_o i_o can_v but_o proclaim_v our_o own_o glorious_a privilege_n that_o though_o to_o do_v good_a be_v so_o great_a and_o glorious_a a_o thing_n that_o it_o be_v a_o kind_n of_o imitation_n of_o god_n himself_o a_o thing_n our_o bless_a saviour_n come_v down_o on_o earth_n for_o yet_o it_o have_v please_v god_n so_o to_o multiply_v the_o instance_n and_o opportunity_n of_o goodness_n that_o there_o be_v none_o so_o unfortunate_a as_o to_o be_v uncapable_a of_o do_v good_a the_o happy_a by_o their_o wealth_n the_o wise_a by_o their_o knowledge_n even_o the_o miserable_a themselves_o may_v by_o their_o patience_n and_o courage_n and_o prayer_n comfort_n and_o relieve_v the_o world_n and_o we_o be_v to_o judge_v by_o our_o part_n and_o fortune_n the_o way_n that_o god_n have_v mark_v out_o for_o our_o charity_n and_o be_v content_a to_o obey_v he_o in_o his_o own_o method_n 2._o let_v meditation_n and_o prayer_n administer_v to_o our_o good_a action_n and_o like_o oil_n to_o a_o lamp_n give_v our_o charity_n fresh_a spirit_n and_o flame_n for_o as_o private_a religion_n be_v deficient_a without_o public_a charity_n so_o charity_n unless_o often_o refresh_v by_o retirement_n devotion_n and_o heavenly_a reflection_n will_v cool_v and_o languish_v our_o heart_n will_v be_v tough_a and_o insensible_a and_o our_o do_v good_a will_v be_v only_o the_o effect_n of_o custom_n or_o prudence_n or_o activity_n of_o spirit_n not_o of_o religion_n or_o charity_n and_o if_o which_o be_v the_o best_a can_v be_v suppose_v the_o man_n consecrate_v the_o whole_a mass_n of_o his_o action_n by_o purity_n of_o intention_n and_o continue_v a_o obstinate_a observer_n of_o prayer_n as_o far_o as_o he_o think_v strict_a duty_n oblige_v he_o to_o yet_o for_o want_v of_o more_o leisurely_o meditation_n and_o more_o serious_a reflection_n his_o address_n will_v lose_v their_o warmth_n his_o soul_n will_v abate_v much_o of_o its_o love_n and_o whilst_o his_o religion_n lose_v so_o much_o of_o its_o pleasure_n and_o sweetness_n what_o wonder_v if_o his_o charity_n relish_v more_o of_o drudgery_n than_o delight_n 3_o that_o we_o may_v not_o be_v discourage_v from_o do_v good_a by_o any_o difficulty_n or_o misfortune_n which_o may_v attend_v we_o in_o it_o in_o our_o nightly_a reflection_n let_v we_o judge_v not_o the_o happiness_n of_o our_o success_n but_o the_o integrity_n of_o our_o endeavour_n and_o let_v we_o think_v it_o sufficient_a reward_n that_o we_o have_v obey_v god_n or_o if_o we_o will_v measure_v our_o success_n let_v we_o examine_v how_o much_o our_o experience_n have_v improve_v our_o meekness_n our_o patience_n our_o reliance_n or_o charity_n for_o scarce_o any_o action_n but_o will_v exercise_v some_o of_o these_o grace_n 4._o look_v upon_o do_v good_a as_o true_o your_o business_n as_o prayer_n or_o hear_v the_o word_n or_o meditation_n etc._n etc._n and_o therefore_o never_o think_v your_o time_n misspend_v which_o be_v lay_v out_o in_o visit_v the_o imprison_a or_o sick_a relieve_v the_o necessitous_a comfort_v the_o afflict_a and_o reduce_v those_o that_o err_v into_o the_o path_n of_o sobriety_n and_o truth_n though_o this_o time_n be_v pare_v off_o from_o our_o meditation_n prayer_n and_o sacrament_n he_o be_v a_o good_a man_n indeed_o who_o prefer_v meek_a attendance_n and_o ministry_n and_o importunate_a address_n to_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n before_o much_o knowledge_n passionate_a dispute_n and_o high_a pretence_n o_o charity_n how_o lovely_a must_v thou_o needs_o be_v in_o the_o eye_n of_o heaven_n for_o be_v thou_o plant_v in_o all_o our_o heart_n earth_n will_v resemble_v that_o place_n above_o i_o will_v be_v please_v therefore_o with_o
myself_o only_o in_o proportion_n to_o what_o i_o share_v of_o thou_o for_o i_o know_v this_o be_v the_o standard_n by_o which_o god_n now_o value_v i_o and_o will_v hereafter_o judge_v i_o if_o this_o be_v the_o end_n of_o religion_n only_o to_o implant_v goodness_n and_o charity_n among_o we_o to_o make_v we_o holy_a and_o like_a god_n and_o kind_a and_o beneficial_a one_o to_o another_o what_o be_v it_o that_o the_o world_n hate_v it_o for_o i_o may_v say_v concern_v those_o who_o persecute_v christianity_n as_o st._n peter_n do_v of_o those_o who_o crucify_a its_o author_n i_o wot_v that_o through_o ignorance_n you_o do_v it_o act._n 3_o 17._o sure_o it_o be_v because_o you_o do_v not_o discern_v its_o beauty_n that_o you_o do_v not_o love_v it_o if_o any_o retire_a life_n promote_v the_o end_n i_o have_v mention_v as_o well_o as_o a_o active_a once_o i_o will_v not_o be_v think_v to_o condemn_v it_o the_o prayer_n o_o god_n the_o heaven_n and_o earth_n be_v full_a of_o thy_o goodness_n the_o faculty_n of_o our_o soul_n and_o the_o sense_n of_o our_o body_n be_v all_o employ_v in_o the_o contemplation_n and_o enjoyment_n of_o it_o o_o make_v we_o who_o worship_v thou_o to_o imitate_v thou_o too_o that_o we_o may_v be_v thy_o child_n indeed_o make_v our_o soul_n delight_v to_o do_v good_a and_o imprint_v in_o we_o such_o tender_a and_o compassionate_a bowel_n towards_o one_o another_o as_o our_o dear_a lord_n and_o master_n have_v towards_o we_o amen_o amen_n bless_a jesus_n chap._n iu._n of_o chrictian_n practice_n in_o particular_a have_v consider_v the_o nature_n of_o christianity_n in_o respect_n to_o practice_n in_o the_o general_n i_o be_o now_o to_o speak_v of_o it_o more_o particular_o but_o not_o pretend_v to_o give_v a_o account_n of_o every_o single_a virtue_n i_o will_v dwell_v upon_o three_o which_o contain_v the_o substance_n of_o the_o christian_a duty_n i.e._n faith_n love_n and_o humility_n i_o will_v not_o apologise_v for_o the_o unphilosophical_a place_n of_o faith_n among_o practical_a duty_n the_o follow_a discourse_n will_v clear_v the_o reason_n of_o it_o i_o place_v humility_n in_o the_o last_o place_n not_o because_o there_o be_v not_o a_o humility_n which_o be_v precedent_n to_o and_o dispose_v man_n for_o the_o reception_n of_o faith_n but_o because_o i_o look_v upon_o that_o humility_n which_o be_v consequent_a to_o and_o cause_v by_o it_o and_o which_o must_v always_o accompany_v it_o to_o render_v it_o acceptable_a in_o a_o more_o peculiar_a and_o proper_a sense_n a_o evangelical_n grace_n 1._o of_o faith_n when_o i_o read_v the_o glorious_a achievement_n of_o a_o true_a faith_n heb._n 11._o that_o it_o subdue_v kingdom_n wrought_v righteousness_n obtain_v promise_n etc._n etc._n and_o in_o one_o word_n support_v man_n under_o the_o great_a misery_n and_o arm_v they_o against_o the_o most_o take_a pleasure_n of_o this_o world_n i_o can_v sufficient_o wonder_v that_o a_o full_a and_o clear_a discovery_n of_o a_o heaven_n confirm_v to_o we_o by_o the_o strong_a evidence_n i._n e._n the_o demonstration_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o of_o power_n shall_v have_v so_o weak_a a_o influence_n upon_o we_o christian_n we_o take_v no_o more_o pain_n for_o heaven_n than_o if_o we_o do_v not_o believe_v there_o be_v such_o a_o place_n and_o we_o have_v the_o same_o care_n and_o fear_n in_o respect_n of_o the_o thing_n present_a which_o heathen_n and_o infidel_n have_v so_o that_o though_o we_o talk_v much_o of_o faith_n we_o make_v little_a or_o no_o use_n at_o all_o of_o it_o therefore_o lest_o any_o man_n delude_v and_o fool_n himself_o with_o a_o persuasion_n of_o be_v endow_v with_o that_o faith_n which_o he_o have_v not_o i_o will_v give_v such_o a_o account_n of_o it_o as_o agree_v with_o the_o gospel_n of_o the_o kingdom_n as_o suit_n with_o and_o serve_v the_o necessity_n of_o mankind_n and_o the_o end_n and_o aim_n of_o god_n i'faith_o say_v the_o bless_a apostle_n be_v the_o substance_n of_o thing_n hope_v for_o and_o the_o evidence_n of_o thing_n not_o see_v the_o substance_n or_o presence_n the_o evidence_n or_o proof_n it_o be_v not_o a_o slight_a transient_a glance_n drowsy_a imperfect_a assent_n a_o stagger_a waver_a opinion_n but_o it_o be_v a_o lively_a representation_n a_o affective_a vision_n a_o full_a persuasion_n of_o the_o glorious_a truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n when_o the_o object_n be_v so_o full_o and_o clear_o evident_a that_o they_o not_o only_o convince_v but_o take_v we_o too_o it_o be_v have_v the_o mind_n enlighten_v and_o so_o look_v upon_o thing_n with_o the_o eye_n of_o angel_n and_o judge_v by_o the_o light_n of_o the_o bless_a spirit_n it_o be_v not_o only_o to_o see_v that_o the_o thing_n invisible_a be_v but_o to_o see_v they_o in_o some_o measure_n such_o as_o they_o be_v eternity_n as_o eternity_n and_o heaven_n as_o heaven_n that_o be_v a_o state_n of_o true_o great_a and_o glorious_a happiness_n on_o this_o account_n the_o thing_n present_a may_v have_v a_o different_a face_n and_o aspect_n when_o regard_v by_o the_o eye_n of_o faith_n and_o when_o of_o sense_n for_o sense_n stop_v in_o the_o thing_n themselves_o and_o regard_v their_o usefulness_n to_o the_o pleasure_n or_o profit_n of_o this_o present_a life_n but_o faith_n carry_v its_o sight_n forward_o and_o compare_v the_o thing_n which_o be_v see_v with_o those_o hope_v for_o the_o thing_n temporal_a with_o those_o eternal_a and_o then_o all_o below_o appear_v but_o mere_a vanity_n this_o whole_a account_n of_o faith_n we_o may_v find_v in_o the_o 13_o verse_n of_o heb._n 11._o these_o all_o die_v in_o faith_n and_o what_o it_o be_v to_o die_v or_o live_v in_o faith_n the_o follow_a word_n explain_v not_o have_v receive_v the_o promise_n i.e._n the_o accomplishment_n of_o they_o but_o have_v see_v they_o a_o far_o off_o i._n e._n by_o divine_a revelation_n be_v persuade_v of_o they_o and_o embrace_v they_o and_o the_o natural_a consequence_n of_o this_o be_v and_o confess_v that_o they_o be_v stranger_n and_o pilgrim_n on_o the_o earth_n now_o faith_n be_v unalterable_a as_o to_o its_o essence_n but_o its_o object_n may_v vary_v they_o may_v be_v more_o or_o few_o clear_a or_o dark_a according_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o divine_a revelation_n heb._n 1.1_o its_o evidence_n may_v be_v full_a or_o weak_a but_o still_o it_o must_v be_v such_o as_o may_v suffice_v to_o convince_v man_n of_o the_o divine_a authority_n of_o the_o revelation_n as_o to_o the_o christian_a faith_n 2._o its_o object_n be_v the_o whole_a gospel_n of_o christ_n god_n the_o father_n such_o as_o he_o be_v reveal_v by_o the_o son_n god_n the_o son_n incarnate_a crucify_a etc._n etc._n the_o reward_n and_o punishment_n contain_v in_o it_o and_o all_o in_o order_n to_o engage_v we_o to_o a_o entire_a obedience_n to_o its_o holy_a and_o righteous_a precept_n by_o faith_n i_o see_v that_o god_n who_o be_v invisible_a who_o though_o he_o dwell_v in_o heaven_n do_v yet_o humble_a himself_o to_o behold_v all_o that_o be_v do_v upon_o earth_n nor_o do_v he_o only_o behold_v but_o govern_v all_o thing_n too_o and_o whilst_o i_o contemplate_v his_o wisdom_n power_n truth_n goodness_n holiness_n justice_n etc._n etc._n manifest_v to_o i_o in_o the_o gospel_n i_o adore_v and_o worship_v he_o i_o love_v and_o fear_v he_o i_o call_v on_o and_o rely_v upon_o he_o i_o endeavour_v to_o walk_v before_o he_o and_o be_v perfect_a i_o know_v nothing_o like_o he_o and_o therefore_o i_o desire_v nothing_o beside_o he_o or_o equal_a to_o he_o in_o heaven_n or_o in_o earth_n by_o faith_n i_o see_v the_o son_n of_o god_n abandon_v the_o bosom_n and_o the_o glory_n of_o his_o father_n descend_v upon_o earth_n and_o assume_v the_o form_n of_o a_o servant_n that_o by_o his_o doctrine_n and_o example_n he_o may_v propagate_v righteousness_n and_o holiness_n in_o the_o world_n i_o trace_v he_o through_o all_o the_o stage_n of_o his_o suffering_n and_o travel_v till_o i_o behold_v he_o fasten_v to_o the_o cross_n and_o bleed_v out_o his_o meek_a and_o holy_a soul_n at_o those_o painful_a wound_n the_o nail_n have_v make_v and_o all_o this_o for_o my_o sin_n and_o the_o sin_n of_o the_o whole_a world_n and_o then_o with_o what_o a_o strange_a mixture_n of_o passion_n that_o sight_n fill_v i_o with_o grief_n and_o shame_n and_o yet_o with_o love_n and_o hope_v too_o how_o i_o be_o amaze_v to_o see_v what_o indignation_n a_o holy_a god_n have_v discover_v against_o sin_n and_o how_o my_o heart_n bleed_v to_o think_v that_o my_o sin_n have_v treat_v thus_o despiteful_o and_o cruel_o my_o dear_a lord_n and_o master_n and_o with_o what_o a_o melt_a passion_n and_o vigorous_a resolution_n of_o a_o fervent_a industrious_a service_n and_o a_o everlasting_a zeal_n
set_v myself_o to_o my_o duty_n and_o submit_v to_o his_o bless_a will_n whether_o he_o think_v fit_a to_o crown_v my_o cup_n with_o overflow_a joy_n and_o to_o reward_v my_o labour_n by_o inward_a transport_n or_o not_o and_o be_v it_o not_o fit_a i_o shall_v thus_o love_v my_o god_n whatever_o there_o be_v which_o can_v take_v and_o endear_v a_o rational_a and_o excellent_a spirit_n be_v to_o be_v find_v in_o he_o all_o the_o notion_n i_o can_v possible_o frame_v to_o myself_o of_o a_o spiritual_a perfection_n and_o beauty_n i_o conceive_v unite_v in_o he_o goodness_n wisdom_n power_n truth_n constancy_n be_v the_o character_n by_o which_o the_o gospel_n discover_v he_o to_o we_o and_o these_o have_v unspeakable_a charm_n upon_o all_o ingenious_a mind_n and_o they_o be_v intelligible_a enough_o to_o any_o that_o will_v consider_v they_o it_o be_v true_a he_o be_v a_o spirit_n and_o so_o incomprehensible_a to_o we_o in_o his_o essence_n and_o therefore_o i_o can_v frame_v to_o myself_o a_o image_n for_o my_o love_n as_o one_o friend_n do_v of_o another_o but_o the_o time_n will_v come_v when_o i_o shall_v be_v spiritual_a enough_o to_o see_v he_o as_o i_o be_o see_v and_o then_o my_o delight_n and_o love_n will_v be_v proportionable_a in_o some_o measure_n to_o his_o beauty_n and_o perfection_n in_o the_o mean_a time_n my_o reason_n as_o well_o as_o the_o gospel_n assure_v i_o that_o he_o be_v infinite_o aimable_fw-fr though_o that_o beauty_n be_v now_o a_o light_n that_o be_v inaccessible_a but_o beside_o this_o that_o great_a character_n of_o love_n and_o mercy_n manifest_v in_o its_o most_o excellent_a lustre_n in_o the_o gospel_n be_v enough_o to_o endear_v he_o to_o we_o he_o be_v not_o now_o our_o father_n only_o upon_o the_o account_n of_o creation_n and_o providence_n because_o he_o have_v make_v we_o feed_v and_o clothe_v we_o these_o be_v common_a and_o trivial_a mercy_n compare_v to_o the_o obligation_n of_o the_o gospel_n i._n e._n the_o redeem_v we_o from_o our_o evil_a conversation_n by_o the_o blood_n of_o chriâ—â—_n and_o the_o power_n of_o his_o spirit_n into_o that_o holiness_n which_o be_v his_o own_o image_n and_o resemblance_n the_o design_v we_o for_o the_o joy_n and_o pleasure_n of_o his_o own_o heaven_n his_o readiness_n to_o pardon_v our_o transgression_n his_o care_n employ_v upon_o we_o against_o temptation_n his_o delight_n in_o we_o etc._n etc._n if_o the_o world_n can_v show_v we_o such_o evidence_n of_o love_n or_o can_v assure_v we_o of_o such_o a_o eternity_n if_o it_o can_v tell_v we_o as_o the_o serpent_n do_v eve_n eat_v and_o you_o shall_v be_v as_o god_n then_o indeed_o there_o be_v temptation_n in_o it_o but_o till_o it_o do_v there_o be_v none_o real_o beside_o these_o two_o consideration_n of_o the_o aimableness_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n in_o himself_o &_o his_o goodness_n to_o we_o include_v his_o infinite_a power_n too_o there_o be_v but_o one_o thing_n more_o which_o can_v be_v a_o proper_a motive_n to_o engage_v our_o affection_n that_o be_v that_o such_o a_o object_n be_v last_a and_o this_o be_v the_o great_a prerogative_n of_o god_n alone_o that_o he_o never_o change_v nor_o die_v he_o will_v for_o ever_o be_v what_o he_o be_v now_o most_o perfect_a and_o most_o gracious_a the_o prayer_n o_o glorious_a god_n it_o be_v the_o sole_a excellence_n of_o my_o nature_n that_o i_o be_o capable_a of_o love_v thou_o and_o it_o be_v my_o glorious_a privilege_n that_o thou_o be_v please_v to_o suffer_v and_o admit_v of_o the_o address_n of_o my_o soul_n in_o this_o only_o i_o be_o a_o kin_n to_o angel_n in_o those_o talent_n which_o serve_v only_o to_o the_o end_n of_o a_o corporal_a life_n i_o be_o out_o do_v by_o brute_n o_o therefore_o give_v i_o grace_n to_o dwell_v as_o often_o as_o i_o can_v in_o the_o divine_a contemplation_n of_o thy_o nature_n to_o look_v forward_o to_o that_o glory_n which_o thy_o bounty_n have_v reveal_v and_o promise_v i_o to_o consider_v by_o what_o method_n of_o infinite_a love_n thou_o do_v prepare_v i_o for_o it_o and_o let_v all_o this_o make_v i_o love_v thou_o above_o all_o thing_n and_o desire_v to_o know_v nothing_o but_o thou_o my_o heavenly_a father_n and_o jesus_n christ_n and_o he_o crucify_v amen_o amen_n 2._o the_o second_o part_n of_o charity_n be_v the_o love_n of_o our_o neighbour_n of_o which_o now_o charity_n be_v in_o short_a the_o love_n of_o our_o brethren_n or_o a_o kind_n of_o brotherly_a affection_n one_o towards_o another_o the_o rule_n and_o standard_n by_o which_o we_o be_v to_o examine_v and_o regulate_v this_o habit_n be_v that_o love_v we_o bear_v ourselves_o or_o that_o which_o christ_n bear_v we_o that_o be_v that_o it_o be_v unfeigned_a constant_a and_o out_o of_o no_o other_o design_n but_o their_o happiness_n the_o apostle_n 1._o cor._n 13._o take_v charity_n in_o a_o most_o comprehensive_a sense_n as_o it_o animate_v all_o other_o grace_n and_o influence_n all_o our_o action_n which_o relate_v to_o our_o neighbour_n do_v thus_o divine_o describe_v it_o charity_n suffer_v long_a and_o be_v kind_a charity_n envy_v not_o charity_n vaunt_v not_o itself_o be_v not_o puff_v up_o do_v not_o behave_v itself_o unseemly_a seek_v not_o her_o own_o be_v not_o easy_o provoke_v think_v no_o evil_a rejoice_v not_o in_o iniquity_n or_o wrong_a but_o rejoice_v in_o the_o truth_n faithfulness_n or_o fair_a deal_n bear_v all_o thing_n or_o rather_o cover_v or_o conceal_v i._n e._n other_o error_n believe_v all_o thing_n hope_v all_o thing_n endure_v all_o thing_n but_o now_o to_o reduce_v all_o to_o few_o head_n and_o to_o consider_v charity_n in_o a_o close_a sense_n it_o contain_v two_o thing_n 1._o the_o do_v good_a to_o and_o 2._o forgive_a one_o another_o the_o thing_n which_o be_v capable_a of_o receive_v any_o benefit_n by_o our_o charity_n be_v our_o neighbour_n reputation_n body_n soul_n and_o therefore_o 1._o charity_n secure_v man_n credit_n by_o denounce_v a_o hell_n to_o the_o slanderer_n and_o whisperer_n and_o evil_a speaker_n etc._n etc._n this_o charity_n oblige_v we_o not_o to_o give_v way_n to_o weak_a surmise_n but_o to_o be_v forward_o to_o believe_v the_o best_a in_o favour_n and_o excuse_v of_o a_o error_n not_o to_o proclaim_v another_o fault_n tho_o true_a and_o real_a unless_o the_o discovery_n may_v serve_v a_o better_a end_n than_o the_o concealment_n which_o be_v that_o think_v no_o evil_a bear_v all_o thing_n that_o believe_v all_o thing_n in_o the_o apostle_n and_o if_o it_o forbid_v these_o sin_n much_o more_o those_o black_a of_o open_a slander_n and_o private_a whisper_n nor_o do_v this_o charity_n oblige_v we_o only_o not_o to_o wrong_v our_o neighbour_n credit_n but_o as_o far_o as_o we_o can_v not_o to_o suffer_v it_o to_o be_v wrong_v to_o protect_v and_o generous_o rescue_v their_o reputation_n from_o the_o jaw_n of_o the_o persecutor_n to_o awe_v and_o check_v the_o slanderer_n by_o the_o majesty_n of_o a_o holy_a anger_n into_o shame_n and_o confusion_n for_o otherwise_o we_o become_v accessary_a to_o those_o slander_n we_o entertain_v and_o give_v ear_n to_o if_o we_o consider_v that_o to_o blast_v a_o man_n reputation_n be_v to_o render_v he_o the_o scorn_n and_o hate_n of_o other_o and_o a_o burden_n to_o himself_o it_o can_v be_v that_o we_o shall_v be_v willing_a to_o heap_v such_o kill_a mischief_n upon_o the_o head_n of_o one_o we_o love_v and_o charity_n be_v suppose_v to_o love_v all_o 2._o charity_n minister_n to_o the_o body_n of_o our_o neighbour_n if_o we_o will_v act_v like_o man_n possess_v by_o that_o charity_n which_o suit_v with_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o gospel_n our_o heart_n and_o hand_n must_v be_v always_o open_a to_o our_o brother_n necessity_n our_o soul_n must_v delight_v to_o do_v good_a and_o to_o be_v kind_a and_o if_o we_o be_v not_o able_a to_o redress_v their_o grievance_n or_o relieve_v their_o pressure_n by_o our_o wealth_n or_o interest_n we_o must_v ease_v they_o by_o our_o compassion_n comfort_v they_o by_o holy_a advice_n and_o succour_v they_o by_o our_o prayer_n '_o all_o that_o profess_v christianity_n believe_v this_o a_o duty_n and_o yet_o how_o great_a and_o numerous_a be_v the_o suffering_n of_o the_o needy_a and_o distress_a and_o more_o great_a and_o numerous_a be_v the_o luxury_n and_o the_o wantonness_n of_o the_o rich_a but_o it_o happen_v thus_o all_o acknowledge_v the_o duty_n but_o shift_n it_o off_o by_o two_o pretence_n 1._o their_o own_o inability_n 2._o the_o demerit_n or_o unworthiness_n of_o the_o needy_a person_n in_o answer_n to_o the_o first_o pretence_n it_o must_v be_v confess_v that_o it_o be_v not_o only_o lawful_a but_o our_o duty_n to_o make_v provision_n first_o for_o ourselves_o and_o those_o who_o be_v more_o
near_o relate_v to_o we_o but_o then_o 1._o the_o measure_n of_o this_o provision_n must_v be_v our_o necessity_n not_o wantonness_n for_o if_o we_o refuse_v relief_n to_o the_o poor_a on_o this_o pretence_n that_o we_o can_v support_v our_o vanity_n and_o gaiety_n and_o their_o poverty_n together_o undoubted_o we_o shall_v perish_v under_o the_o guilt_n of_o uncharitableness_n 2._o the_o present_a time_n not_o the_o vain_a fear_n of_o the_o future_a must_v determine_v this_o necessity_n for_o if_o we_o deny_v a_o alm_n out_o of_o our_o present_a plenty_n upon_o a_o idle_a fear_n of_o future_a want_n it_o be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v a_o just_a excuse_n that_o it_o be_v a_o double_a crime_n distrust_n in_o god_n as_o well_o as_o hard_a heartedness_n to_o our_o brother_n contradictory_n to_o faith_n as_o well_o as_o charity_n i_o will_v answer_v to_o the_o second_o pretence_n by_o degree_n and_o therefore_o 1._o suppose_v the_o worth_n or_o worthlesness_n or_o what_o be_v more_o unworthiness_n of_o the_o distress_a person_n be_v only_o doubtful_a and_o suspect_v then_o certain_o it_o be_v not_o agreeable_a to_o charity_n to_o give_v up_o a_o brother_n to_o ruin_v upon_o a_o vain_a surmise_n we_o be_v not_o to_o dispute_v their_o desert_n but_o to_o regard_v their_o want_n i_o be_o sure_a this_o be_v the_o safe_a side_n charity_n may_v be_v mistake_v but_o shall_v never_o be_v unrewarded_a we_o be_v herein_o i_o think_v to_o imitate_v that_o wisdom_n and_o goodness_n which_o dispense_v the_o alm_n of_o our_o heavenly_a father_n he_o have_v no_o doubt_n on_o it_o particular_a favour_n as_o well_o as_o a_o particular_a kindness_n for_o the_o good_a and_o holy_a but_o as_o he_o be_v the_o god_n of_o all_o so_o those_o his_o benefit_n which_o all_o stand_n in_o absolute_a need_n of_o be_v common_a to_o all_o but_o 2._o suppose_v the_o distress_a person_n be_v real_o as_o evil_a as_o needy_a unless_o i_o be_o sure_a that_o my_o charity_n will_v feed_v his_o vice_n i_o can_v tell_v though_o god_n have_v please_v to_o pass_v a_o sentence_n of_o affliction_n upon_o he_o whether_o he_o have_v appoint_v i_o to_o be_v the_o executioner_n of_o it_o by_o withhold_v that_o aid_n which_o may_v reprieve_v his_o life_n how_o know_v i_o but_o that_o in_o those_o moment_n i_o lend_v he_o he_o may_v return_v to_o himself_o and_o to_o his_o god_n nay_o more_o whether_o my_o charity_n may_v not_o be_v a_o motive_n to_o reduce_v he_o and_o happy_a i_o if_o i_o may_v so_o cheap_o bestow_v a_o double_a life_n of_o body_n and_o of_o soul_n if_o i_o may_v so_o easy_o retrieve_v a_o soul_n my_o saviour_n die_v for_o and_o whilst_o i_o give_v a_o alm_n in_o some_o sense_n bestow_v a_o heaven_n too_o but_o if_o those_o i_o relieve_v shall_v be_v the_o child_n of_o my_o father_n the_o fellow_n heir_n of_o salvation_n how_o happy_a a_o opportunity_n be_v light_a into_o my_o hand_n of_o oblige_v those_o who_o be_v so_o dear_a to_o heaven_n who_o interest_n be_v so_o powerful_a with_o the_o god_n i_o worship_n yet_o last_o in_o general_a whatever_o the_o occasion_n be_v whatever_o the_o person_n blessed_v be_v the_o hour_n wherein_o i_o have_v a_o opportunity_n to_o evidence_n my_o love_n to_o god_n and_o to_o part_v with_o something_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o my_o dear_a saviour_n bless_a be_v the_o hour_n wherein_o i_o can_v lay_v out_o the_o very_a superfluity_n of_o my_o trifle_a stock_n for_o a_o mansion_n in_o heaven_n for_o a_o abode_n in_o everlasting_a bliss_n where_o in_o i_o can_v honest_o buy_v the_o prayer_n of_o the_o poor_a i._n e._n it_o may_v be_v the_o intercession_n of_o the_o bless_a spirit_n for_o i_o however_o they_o be_v prayer_n which_o be_v very_o seldom_o insignificant_a for_o if_o god_n hear_v when_o they_o curse_v in_o bitterness_n of_o spirit_n when_o certain_o it_o be_v his_o goodness_n not_o their_o piety_n which_o make_v their_o prayer_n hear_v how_o much_o more_o shall_v his_o goodness_n invite_v he_o to_o hear_v when_o they_o bless_v in_o the_o cheerfulness_n and_o refreshment_n of_o their_o soul_n last_o how_o comfortable_a will_v my_o reflection_n on_o my_o charity_n be_v at_o the_o hour_n of_o death_n and_o in_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n for_o be_v it_o with_o a_o humble_a reverence_n speak_v though_o in_o imitation_n of_o my_o saviour_n how_o will_v that_o jesus_n who_o i_o have_v feed_v when_o hungry_a clothe_v when_o naked_a visit_v and_o comfort_v when_o sick_a and_o imprison_v ever_o give_v i_o up_o to_o a_o eternity_n of_o flame_n 3._o but_o yet_o this_o be_v not_o the_o whole_a of_o the_o object_n of_o our_o charity_n there_o be_v who_o soul_n be_v poor_a disease_a and_o distressed_a as_o well_o as_o their_o body_n and_o can_v a_o ulcer_v leg_n or_o wither_a arm_n deserve_v my_o pity_n more_o than_o a_o leprous_a soul_n can_v i_o choose_v but_o melt_v and_o soften_v at_o a_o sight_n which_o speak_v a_o present_a and_o bode_v a_o future_a misery_n be_v the_o eternal_a welfare_n of_o my_o brother_n grow_v so_o contemptible_a in_o my_o fight_n that_o i_o will_v not_o spend_v a_o hour_n or_o word_n to_o ensure_v it_o alas_o how_o then_o dwell_v the_o same_o spirit_n in_o i_o which_o be_v in_o christ_n jesus_n well_o then_o i_o will_v go_v and_o visit_v sick_a soul_n i_o will_v prescribe_v and_o press_v and_o watch_n and_o court_n and_o if_o i_o see_v they_o profligate_v beyond_o the_o hope_n of_o recovery_n i_o will_v recommend_v they_o as_o i_o do_v depart_a friend_n in_o prayer_n and_o tear_n to_o god_n and_o whatever_o the_o success_n prove_v to_o they_o it_o will_v be_v kind_a and_o favourable_a to_o i_o angel_n will_v offer_v up_o the_o incense_n of_o my_o prayer_n and_o bottle_n up_o my_o tear_n as_o well_o as_o those_o spend_v on_o my_o own_o sin_n and_o my_o god_n will_v multiply_v and_o increase_v my_o talent_n when_o he_o see_v that_o i_o spend_v they_o well_o and_o the_o world_n will_v love_v i_o and_o the_o very_a wicked_a will_v praise_v and_o justify_v my_o god_n for_o these_o effect_n of_o his_o good_a spirit_n sect._n 2._o but_o nature_n itself_o seem_v to_o incline_v we_o to_o these_o act_n of_o charity_n as_o far_o as_o they_o concern_v the_o relief_n of_o the_o necessitous_a the_o comfort_n of_o the_o afflict_a and_o ministry_n to_o soul_n nor_o can_v we_o share_v in_o humanity_n but_o that_o we_o must_v partake_v of_o some_o degree_n of_o and_o aptness_n to_o christianity_n the_o most_o difficult_a part_n of_o charity_n be_v still_o behind_o i.e._n the_o forgive_a injury_n or_o more_o the_o returning_z good_a for_o evil_n and_o yet_o if_o we_o will_v be_v the_o follower_n of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n the_o child_n of_o our_o heavenly_a father_n this_o be_v it_o that_o we_o must_v labour_v after_o that_o our_o soul_n may_v be_v so_o exalt_v and_o heavenly_a so_o good_a and_o holy_a that_o they_o may_v not_o be_v easy_o ruffle_v into_o peevishness_n and_o frowardness_n much_o less_o rankle_v into_o a_o settle_a malice_n and_o a_o resolve_v revenge_n but_o that_o they_o may_v be_v all_o calm_a and_o smoothness_n all_o love_n and_o sweetness_n then_o indeed_o we_o may_v think_v ourselves_o the_o child_n of_o god_n when_o we_o can_v look_v upon_o injury_n do_v we_o with_o the_o mildness_n which_o arise_v from_o a_o sense_n of_o our_o own_o frailty_n with_o a_o meekness_n which_o be_v ground_v upon_o our_o own_o worthlesness_n with_o a_o compos'dness_n of_o midn_n which_o remit_v all_o to_o a_o almighty_a and_o wise_a god_n and_o with_o a_o compassion_n which_o the_o consideration_n of_o their_o folly_n and_o sin_n do_v awaken_v in_o we_o when_o we_o can_v have_v the_o charity_n to_o believe_v a_o just_a cause_n of_o man_n action_n conceal_v though_o we_o can_v discover_v none_o or_o if_o the_o malice_n be_v as_o plain_a and_o evident_a as_o the_o wrong_n then_o if_o we_o can_v pray_v for_o those_o who_o curse_v we_o honour_n and_o love_n those_o who_o treat_v we_o with_o despite_n and_o scorn_n if_o we_o can_v support_v the_o interest_n and_o buoy_v up_o the_o reputation_n of_o those_o who_o have_v use_v we_o shameful_o and_o ungrateful_o after_o we_o have_v love_v and_o after_o we_o have_v serve_v they_o if_o we_o can_v do_v this_o than_o indeed_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o gospel_n a_o spirit_n of_o peace_n and_o love_n abide_v in_o we_o and_o that_o i_o may_v arrive_v at_o this_o perfection_n i_o reason_v thus_o with_o myself_o it_o be_v true_a he_o have_v wrong_v i_o but_o unless_o it_o be_v for_o conquer_a wrong_n what_o need_n have_v i_o of_o christian_a patience_n where_o be_v the_o meekness_n of_o the_o christian_a spirit_n if_o i_o be_o hurry_v away_o by_o the_o same_o passion_n with_o a_o heathen_a and_o infidel_n i_o
for_o mirth_n and_o pleasure_n and_o feast_v when_o the_o enemy_n have_v seize_v the_o outwork_n and_o enter_v into_o the_o very_a suburb_n the_o soul_n be_v strive_v for_o the_o mastery_n and_o be_v it_o sense_n to_o arm_v its_o enemy_n and_o feed_v it_o into_o a_o fierce_a and_o brutish_a courage_n by_o indulge_v to_o those_o enjoyment_n which_o be_v the_o food_n and_o fuel_n to_o its_o lust_n every_o sensual_a pleasure_n it_o indulge_v to_o the_o body_n be_v a_o plain_a give_v ground_n before_o the_o face_n of_o its_o enemy_n 2._o the_o reward_n of_o this_o spiritual_a conquest_n which_o be_v fullness_n of_o pleasure_n in_o the_o life_n to_o come_v a_o eternity_n of_o bliss_n and_o happiness_n and_o how_o rational_a be_v it_o to_o prefer_v eternity_n to_o a_o moment_n and_o that_o exceed_a weight_n of_o glory_n and_o unspeakable_a unconceivable_a pleasure_n to_o the_o dream_n and_o mockery_n of_o this_o imperfect_a state_n even_o in_o this_o present_a life_n we_o think_v it_o become_v our_o wisdom_n to_o renounce_v trifle_v pleasure_n out_o of_o the_o prospect_n of_o great_a what_o a_o discipline_n of_o severity_n do_v those_o contender_n in_o the_o grecian_a game_n run_v through_o out_o of_o the_o hope_n of_o honour_n and_o applause_n from_o whence_o st._n paul_n excellent_o argue_v if_o they_o do_v this_o for_o a_o corruptible_a crown_n a_o crown_n of_o leave_n how_o much_o more_o shall_v the_o christian_a for_o a_o incorruptible_a one_o 3._o the_o example_n of_o a_o whole_a cloud_n of_o witness_n go_v to_o heaven_n before_o we_o who_o press_v in_o through_o this_o narrow_a way_n and_o strait_a gate_n but_o especial_o the_o consideration_n of_o a_o crucify_a saviour_n for_o what_o have_v we_o to_o do_v who_o have_v take_v up_o the_o cross_n of_o christ_n with_o riot_v and_o drunkenness_n with_o chamber_v and_o wantonness_n what_o resemblance_n be_v there_o between_o his_o crown_n of_o thorn_n his_o scourge_v his_o agony_n etc._n etc._n and_o the_o security_n and_o sloth_n the_o gaiety_n and_o vanity_n of_o a_o sensual_a life_n for_o shame_n let_v those_o who_o profess_v christianity_n do_v something_o which_o may_v become_v man_n who_o have_v take_v up_o the_o banner_n of_o the_o cross_n 4._o the_o great_a advantage_n and_o pleasure_n of_o the_o state_n of_o mortification_n 1._o the_o soul_n enjoy_v a_o more_o entire_a peace_n a_o more_o absolute_a empire_n and_o be_v not_o alarm_v by_o the_o daily_a mutiny_n of_o rebellious_a lust_n 2._o it_o be_v become_v a_o fit_a temple_n for_o the_o spirit_n of_o purity_n to_o dwell_v in_o for_o the_o spirit_n of_o glory_n and_o of_o god_n to_o rest_v upon_o and_o the_o consequence_n of_o this_o will_v be_v abundance_n of_o inward_a pleasure_n of_o peace_n and_o joy_n and_o hope_n 5._o the_o uncertainty_n of_o the_o time_n of_o our_o saviour_n appearance_n to_o judgement_n and_o who_o that_o have_v a_o grain_n of_o sense_n will_v be_v surprise_v by_o that_o day_n at_o unaware_o who_o will_v be_v overtake_v by_o the_o judge_n of_o the_o world_n in_o surfiet_v and_o drunkenness_n or_o any_o other_o of_o the_o sinful_a pleasure_n of_o this_o life_n the_o prayer_n o_o thou_o god_n who_o be_v a_o holy_a and_o a_o pure_a spirit_n sanctify_v i_o in_o spirit_n soul_n and_o body_n that_o i_o may_v offer_v up_o myself_o unto_o thou_o a_o holy_a live_v and_o acceptable_a sacrifice_n enable_n i_o to_o fight_v the_o good_a fight_n of_o faith_n to_o take_v up_o the_o banner_n of_o the_o cross_n against_o the_o world_n the_o flesh_n and_o the_o devil_n to_o imitate_v my_o holy_a saviour_n and_o his_o bless_a apostle_n that_o have_v subdue_v the_o flesh_n and_o conquer_v the_o world_n i_o may_v enjoy_v a_o more_o entire_a peace_n and_o pleasure_n in_o my_o life_n and_o may_v at_o last_o depart_v with_o the_o great_a cheerfulness_n and_o triumph_n out_o of_o it_o and_o receive_v from_o my_o bless_a saviour_n a_o incorruptible_a crown_n amen_n amen_n bless_a jesus_n sect._n 4._o of_o humility_n this_o be_v the_o ornament_n and_o guard_n of_o all_o our_o grace_n that_o which_o set_v off_o and_o illustrate_v all_o our_o excellency_n and_o keep_v we_o upon_o our_o watch_n to_o secure_v they_o it_o be_v both_o the_o foundation_n and_o perfection_n of_o all_o virtue_n even_o holiness_n and_o goodness_n without_o it_o will_v be_v unacceptable_a to_o god_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v well_o worth_a your_o consideration_n in_o the_o next_o place_n humility_n be_v a_o mean_a opinion_n or_o rather_o the_o true_a knowledge_n of_o ourselves_o a_o sober_a contemplation_n of_o our_o infirmity_n and_o a_o real_a persuasion_n of_o our_o imperfection_n which_o be_v st._n paul_n sobriety_n of_o spirit_n or_o humility_n of_o mind_n contrary_a to_o the_o be_v puff_v up_o the_o sense_n of_o this_o shed_v itself_o upon_o the_o will_n render_v man_n modest_a in_o their_o desire_n and_o humble_a in_o their_o deportment_n which_o be_v that_o other_o part_n of_o humility_n whereby_o a_o man_n be_v enable_v to_o reject_v praise_n and_o honour_n and_o to_o debase_v himself_o to_o the_o mean_a office_n thus_o the_o bless_a jesus_n seek_v not_o his_o own_o honour_n and_o he_o come_v not_o to_o be_v minister_v unto_o but_o to_o minister_v there_o be_v three_o thing_n which_o be_v liable_a to_o be_v make_v the_o ground_n of_o pride_n the_o gift_n of_o grace_n of_o nature_n and_o of_o fortune_n but_o the_o humble_a man_n in_o respect_n of_o the_o gift_n of_o grace_n look_v not_o upon_o what_o he_o have_v attain_v but_o what_o be_v still_o before_o he_o pay_v his_o sacrifice_n of_o honour_n not_o to_o that_o earthen_a vessel_n which_o contain_v the_o treasure_n but_o to_o the_o god_n from_o who_o fullness_n it_o be_v derive_v he_o dwell_v not_o upon_o the_o please_a spectacle_n of_o his_o good_a action_n but_o most_o on_o the_o catalogue_n of_o his_o frailty_n and_o his_o sin_n and_o therefore_o rest_v himself_o on_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n through_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n and_o from_o fresh_a repentance_n he_o take_v up_o fresh_a resolution_n and_o spirit_n every_o day_n as_o to_o the_o gift_n of_o fortune_n the_o world_n be_v too_o much_o a_o trifle_n in_o the_o sight_n of_o a_o enlighten_v understanding_n to_o raise_v in_o a_o good_a man_n any_o esteem_n or_o love_n of_o it_o and_o if_o so_o a_o man_n can_v never_o prize_v himself_o for_o the_o possession_n of_o what_o he_o slight_v nor_o be_v proud_a of_o what_o he_o despise_v as_o to_o the_o gift_n of_o nature_n he_o must_v value_v they_o as_o they_o be_v the_o gift_n of_o god_n but_o he_o consider_v withal_o that_o they_o be_v but_o common_a one_o and_o be_v but_o the_o imperfect_a ornament_n of_o this_o imperfect_a state_n which_o must_v be_v do_v away_o when_o we_o come_v into_o a_o better_a and_o withal_o he_o reflect_v often_o upon_o his_o blemish_n and_o imperfection_n his_o folly_n and_o miscarriage_n and_o consider_v how_o poor_a miserable_a and_o comfortless_a a_o thing_n he_o shall_v have_v be_v if_o abandon_v to_o the_o conduct_n of_o nature_n he_o lay_v his_o mouth_n in_o the_o dust_n and_o at_o once_o admire_v the_o bounty_n and_o goodness_n of_o god_n and_o confess_v his_o own_o vanity_n 2._o the_o fruit_n of_o this_o humility_n be_v a_o entire_a subjection_n &_o resignation_n of_o one_o self_n to_o god_n meekness_n and_o patience_n towards_o man_n a_o calm_a and_o tranquillity_n in_o one_o own_o bosom_n for_o as_o to_o god_n consider_v he_o as_o infinite_o glorious_a and_o himself_o entire_o dependent_a of_o he_o the_o humble_a man_n compose_v himself_o to_o believe_v all_o he_o reveal_v to_o obey_v what_o he_o command_v to_o trust_v in_o he_o to_o attend_v the_o decree_n and_o the_o leisure_n of_o heaven_n to_o suffer_v meek_o and_o enjoy_v modest_o as_o to_o himself_o out_o of_o the_o conscience_n of_o how_o little_a he_o deserve_v he_o be_v neither_o ambitious_a of_o wealth_n nor_o honour_n but_o he_o be_v thankful_a for_o the_o past_a satisfy_v with_o the_o present_a and_o neither_o impatient_a for_o nor_o distrustful_a of_o the_o future_a and_o out_o of_o a_o sense_n of_o his_o own_o indisposition_n to_o good_a and_o the_o weakness_n of_o his_o own_o strength_n he_o bless_v god_n for_o the_o grace_n he_o have_v receive_v and_o though_o he_o stand_v he_o take_v heed_n lest_o he_o fall_v as_o to_o his_o neighbour_n out_o of_o the_o distrust_n of_o his_o own_o ability_n the_o sense_n of_o his_o own_o infirmity_n or_o else_o teach_v by_o the_o example_n of_o his_o great_a master_n who_o take_v upon_o himself_o the_o form_n of_o a_o servant_n the_o humble_a man_n be_v more_o forward_o to_o obey_v than_o to_o command_v to_o believe_v than_o to_o dispute_v he_o be_v slow_a to_o speak_v swift_a to_o hear_v not_o fond_a of_o opinion_n but_o desirous_a to_o be_v enlighten_v by_o
not_o true_a faith_n it_o be_v as_o broad_a as_o long_o for_o not_o to_o dispute_v whether_o in_o the_o place_n mention_v the_o reason_n of_o unfruitfulness_n be_v in_o the_o seed_n or_o in_o the_o ground_n whether_o it_o be_v true_a faith_n or_o not_o i_o be_o sure_a it_o be_v not_o save_v faith_n so_o that_o the_o rule_v give_v we_o whereby_o to_o discern_v and_o judge_v of_o our_o state_n be_v a_o very_a plain_a and_o easy_a one_o viz._n he_o that_o overcome_v the_o world_n be_v bear_v of_o god_n if_o it_o shall_v be_v further_o inquire_v how_o a_o man_n shall_v know_v whether_o he_o overcome_v the_o world_n though_o he_o may_v with_o as_o much_o sense_n ask_v i_o how_o he_o shall_v know_v what_o he_o love_v and_o hate_v what_o he_o shun_v and_o pursue_v the_o answer_n be_v very_o plain_a his_o servant_n you_o be_v to_o who_o you_o obey_v so_o that_o the_o whole_a state_n of_o this_o question_n may_v be_v in_o few_o word_n reduce_v to_o this_o no_o man_n can_v be_v a_o stranger_n to_o his_o own_o action_n nor_o to_o the_o operation_n of_o his_o own_o soul_n what_o man_n know_v the_o thing_n of_o a_o man_n save_o the_o spirit_n of_o man_n which_o be_v in_o he_o which_o word_n if_o i_o have_v any_o logic_n contain_v two_o thing_n 1._o that_o a_o man_n know_v his_o own_o mind_n or_o if_o he_o do_v not_o then_o 2._o that_o no_o man_n else_o can_v therefore_o since_o a_o man_n know_v his_o own_o action_n and_o his_o own_o affection_n what_o he_o do_v and_o out_o of_o what_o principle_n he_o do_v it_o he_o can_v choose_v but_o know_v who_o it_o be_v he_o obey_v but_o if_o his_o life_n be_v so_o various_a so_o make_v up_o of_o vice_n and_o virtue_n and_o the_o flesh_n and_o spirit_n be_v so_o even_o poise_v that_o which_o have_v the_o pre-eminence_n who_o he_o obey_v be_v a_o matter_n very_o doubtful_a and_o disputable_a to_o himself_o then_o whether_o he_o shall_v be_v save_v or_o no_o must_v remain_v to_o himself_o and_o much_o more_o to_o all_o other_o god_fw-we alone_o except_v equal_o doubtful_a and_o i_o can_v guess_v at_o no_o other_o expedient_a for_o he_o if_o he_o have_v a_o mind_n to_o rid_v himself_o of_o this_o scruple_n than_o entire_o to_o complete_a his_o conquest_n over_o sin_n and_o to_o shake_v off_o that_o empire_n over_o sin_n which_o it_o seem_v to_o i_o have_v be_v too_o long_o and_o deep_o settle_v and_o establish_v and_o to_o go_v on_o from_o one_o degree_n of_o grace_n unto_o another_o till_o he_o arrive_v at_o perfection_n which_o be_v the_o only_a method_n to_o obtain_v that_o full_a assurance_n of_o hope_n mention_v heb_fw-mi 6_o 11._o with_o which_o i_o intend_v now_o to_o close_v this_o first_o part_n of_o my_o discourse_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o christianity_n because_o though_o it_o be_v not_o a_o particular_a grace_n it_o be_v a_o particular_a state_n and_o therefore_o deserve_v a_o particular_a consideration_n and_o though_o we_o be_v not_o oblige_v to_o it_o upon_o pain_n of_o damnation_n yet_o we_o be_v invite_v and_o encourage_v to_o it_o by_o several_a glorious_a motive_n and_o enforcement_n as_o shall_v present_o appear_v and_o therefore_o it_o be_v a_o gospel_n duty_n by_o perfection_n in_o the_o sense_n i_o now_o consider_v it_o the_o gospel_n imply_v a_o state_n of_o grace_n arrive_v at_o its_o full_a maturity_n and_o strength_n grow_v into_o nature_n and_o consummate_v into_o a_o vigorous_a and_o delightful_a habit_n it_o be_v in_o this_o as_o in_o all_o other_o quality_n they_o grow_v up_o into_o habit_n and_o nature_n that_o be_v perfection_n by_o degree_n according_a to_o this_o the_o gospel_n describe_v this_o state_n by_o manhood_n and_o a_o perfect_a stature_n and_o call_v our_o procedure_n to_o it_o grow_v increase_a and_o go_v on_o so_o that_o perfection_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o faith_n love_n temperance_n and_o humility_n in_o their_o great_a lustre_n and_o strength_n the_o effect_n of_o this_o state_n be_v that_o the_o life_n be_v not_o only_o constant_a firm_a even_o and_o like_o itself_o but_o also_o pleasant_a and_o delightful_a too_o not_o only_o that_o the_o man_n abstain_v from_o evil_a and_o do_v good_a but_o that_o also_o he_o do_v both_o with_o desire_n and_o earnestness_n of_o spirit_n with_o ease_n and_o with_o delight_n not_o only_o that_o he_o do_v good_a but_o what_o be_v in_o its_o kind_n most_o so_o this_o be_v a_o state_n which_o be_v attainable_a in_o this_o life_n for_o the_o gospel_n call_v and_o invite_v man_n to_o it_o and_o if_o any_o deny_v it_o it_o be_v because_o they_o frame_v to_o themselves_o another_o kind_n of_o notion_n of_o perfection_n than_o the_o gospel_n deliver_v we_o which_o require_v of_o man_n no_o other_o perfection_n than_o such_o as_o be_v suitable_a to_o his_o nature_n and_o the_o assistance_n promise_v by_o god_n and_o to_o this_o present_a state_n never_o as_o much_o as_o dream_v that_o perfection_n be_v the_o same_o thing_n in_o man_n as_o in_o a_o angel_n and_o what_o ever_o man_n may_v talk_v it_o do_v not_o reckon_v the_o unavoidable_a imperfection_n and_o frailty_n of_o man_n for_o sin_n at_o leastwise_o such_o as_o can_v hinder_v man_n from_o be_v denominate_v perfect_a witness_v the_o whole_a first_o epistle_n of_o st._n john_n the_o motive_n to_o this_o duty_n may_v be_v comprise_v under_o four_o head_n all_o derive_v from_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o state_n itself_o perfection_n be_v a_o state_n 1._o more_o please_a to_o god_n 2._o of_o great_a security_n 3._o of_o great_a pleasure_n 4._o entitle_v to_o great_a glory_n in_o the_o life_n to_o come_v 1._o more_o please_a to_o god_n if_o god_n love_v holiness_n which_o no_o body_n can_v doubt_v than_o every_o degree_n of_o holiness_n be_v a_o new_a charm_n and_o what_o be_v most_o holy_a be_v most_o lovely_a and_o if_o so_o every_o one_o that_o profess_v to_o love_n god_n must_v be_v oblige_v to_o aim_v at_o perfection_n because_o he_o can_v but_o be_v oblige_v to_o please_v god_n as_o much_o as_o he_o can_v and_o he_o that_o do_v not_o may_v just_o suspect_v his_o conformity_n to_o the_o divine_a precept_n to_o be_v rather_o policy_n than_o religion_n and_o to_o proceed_v from_o a_o desire_n of_o his_o own_o safety_n rather_o than_o the_o glory_n and_o pleasure_n of_o god_n unless_o a_o spiritual_a prudence_n shall_v restrain_v he_o from_o attempt_n or_o vow_n of_o more_o heroical_a instance_n of_o obedience_n for_o reason_n which_o religion_n may_v approve_v of_o in_o which_o case_n it_o will_v be_v always_o necessary_a to_o observe_v this_o caution_n that_o his_o choice_n of_o a_o better_a good_a do_v not_o proceed_v from_o any_o desire_n of_o gratify_v the_o body_n or_o from_o want_n of_o love_n to_o god_n and_o holiness_n 2._o perfection_n be_v a_o state_n of_o great_a security_n the_o more_o strong_a faith_n and_o love_n grow_v the_o more_o faint_a and_o flat_a be_v all_o temptation_n that_o beset_v we_o a_o soul_n which_o be_v devout_a and_o raise_v be_v not_o easy_o lure_v down_o by_o any_o of_o the_o flattery_n of_o lust_n the_o soul_n be_v long_o accustom_v to_o rule_v and_o the_o body_n to_o obey_v the_o soul_n be_v use_v to_o spiritual_a delight_n and_o the_o body_n be_v now_o perfect_o crucify_v the_o man_n be_v become_v a_o quite_o different_a be_v from_o what_o he_o be_v and_o therefore_o that_o world_n which_o do_v before_o take_v he_o have_v now_o no_o grace_n nor_o allurement_n in_o it_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 this_o state_n be_v call_v in_o scripture_n wisdom_n and_o knowledge_n and_o strength_n which_o do_v intimate_v to_o we_o that_o that_o world_n which_o do_v before_o gain_v upon_o we_o only_o by_o our_o blindness_n and_o our_o weakness_n can_v now_o no_o long_o prevail_v beside_o this_o the_o more_o like_a god_n we_o grow_v the_o more_o dear_a be_v we_o to_o he_o and_o become_v the_o more_o near_o and_o peculiar_a charge_n of_o heaven_n which_o st._n paul_n heb._n 6_o 9.10_o allege_v for_o a_o reason_n why_o he_o be_v persuade_v better_a thing_n of_o they_o than_o apostasy_n and_o thing_n that_o accompany_v salvation_n that_o be_v perseverance_n because_o god_n be_v not_o unrighteous_a to_o forget_v your_o work_n and_o labour_n of_o love_n etc._n etc._n 3._o it_o be_v a_o state_n of_o great_a pleasure_n a_o state_n of_o peace_n and_o rest_n from_o sin_n for_o the_o man_n have_v establish_v a_o entire_a conquest_n over_o himself_o be_v not_o frequent_o alarm_v by_o the_o lust_n of_o the_o body_n because_o it_o be_v crucify_v the_o soul_n be_v raise_v and_o heavenly_a be_v now_o too_o much_o exalt_v to_o be_v reach_v by_o the_o blast_n of_o every_o temptation_n 2._o it_o be_v the_o nature_n of_o a_o habit_n
dark_a chamber_n and_o mark_v how_o thou_o must_v lie_v in_o thy_o bed_n of_o sickness_n and_o of_o death_n consider_v how_o all_o thy_o hope_n and_o comfort_n all_o thy_o design_n and_o purpose_n as_o far_o as_o they_o concern_v this_o world_n must_v vanish_v like_o a_o dream_n and_o think_v what_o need_n thou_o will_v then_o stand_v in_o of_o all_o the_o strength_n and_o comfort_n which_o reason_n and_o religion_n the_o ministry_n and_o prayer_n of_o thy_o spiritual_a guide_n and_o friend_n and_o the_o conscience_n of_o a_o well_o spend_v life_n can_v furnish_v thou_o with_o then_o thou_o will_v need_v a_o strong_a faith_n and_o a_o vigorous_a love_n and_o a_o entire_a humility_n to_o enable_v thou_o to_o bear_v thy_o agony_n patient_o and_o part_n with_o the_o world_n cheerful_o and_o meet_v thy_o god_n compos'd_o 4._o do_v not_o indulge_v thyself_o in_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o the_o utmost_a liberty_n which_o be_v consistent_a with_o innocence_n vice_n border_n very_o close_o upon_o virtue_n he_o that_o will_v not_o be_v burn_v must_v not_o approach_v so_o nigh_o the_o fire_n as_o to_o be_v singe_v beside_o such_o freedom_n do_v insensible_o instill_v sensuality_n into_o the_o soul_n at_o leastwise_o if_o so_o thick_a a_o air_n do_v not_o sully_v the_o soul_n it_o be_v too_o gross_a and_o mix_v to_o whiten_v and_o clear_v it_o 5._o catch_v at_o every_o opportunity_n of_o a_o holy_a discourse_n and_o learn_v to_o raise_v from_o every_o thing_n a_o heavenly_a thought_n and_o to_o manage_v every_o accident_n to_o some_o spiritual_a purpose_n embrace_v all_o example_n of_o a_o excellent_a virtue_n and_o search_v after_o all_o occasion_n of_o do_v good_a decline_v by_o all_o the_o art_n of_o prudence_n and_o religion_n what_o ever_o either_o company_n or_o discourse_n whatever_o either_o sight_n or_o entertainment_n may_v soften_v thy_o temper_n thaw_v thy_o resolution_n discompose_v thy_o calm_n or_o allay_v thy_o heavenly_a mindedness_n or_o endear_v the_o world_n to_o thou_o sin_n steal_v in_o through_o the_o eye_n or_o ear_n etc._n etc._n dress_v up_o in_o beauty_n mirth_n luxury_n etc._n etc._n but_o it_o wound_n whilst_o it_o delight_v and_o it_o stain_v where_o it_o touch_v and_o it_o captive_n what_o it_o once_o possess_v 6._o be_v sure_a that_o thy_o religion_n be_v place_v in_o substantial_a and_o weighty_a thing_n not_o fanciful_a and_o conceit_a for_o example_n 1._o as_o to_o matter_n of_o faith_n make_v it_o thy_o business_n to_o know_v god_n and_o jesus_n christ_n who_o he_o have_v send_v the_o riches_n of_o divine_a love_n and_o the_o merit_n of_o christ_n sacrifice_n and_o do_v not_o misspend_v thy_o time_n nor_o weary_a and_o disturb_v thy_o soul_n with_o curiosity_n and_o vain_a dispute_n which_o usual_o grow_v out_o of_o interest_n and_o pride_n or_o a_o impertinent_a and_o trifle_a spirit_n 2._o as_o to_o practice_n let_v thy_o religion_n be_v make_v up_o of_o fundamental_a duty_n not_o conceit_n or_o will_v worship_v of_o charity_n and_o humility_n obedience_n mortification_n and_o purity_n pure_a religion_n and_o undefiled_a be_v this_o to_o visit_v the_o fatherless_a and_o the_o widow_n and_o to_o keep_v one_o self_n unspotted_a from_o the_o world_n religion_n be_v not_o a_o devout_a whimsy_n a_o sullen_a austerity_n or_o a_o blind_a and_o giddy_a passion_n but_o all_o that_o promote_v the_o honour_n of_o god_n the_o good_a of_o mankind_n and_o the_o peace_n of_o our_o own_o soul_n the_o prayer_n o_o most_o glorious_a and_o eternal_a god_n guide_v i_o i_o beseech_v thou_o in_o the_o path_n of_o holiness_n i_o be_o the_o purchase_n of_o thy_o son_n blood_n i_o have_v know_v the_o truth_n of_o thy_o glorious_a gospel_n and_o receive_v the_o earnest_n of_o thy_o love_n thy_o holy_a spirit_n o_o grant_v that_o i_o may_v not_o receive_v thy_o grace_n in_o vain_a that_o i_o may_v not_o suffer_v wreck_n in_o the_o sight_n of_o my_o haven_n but_o assist_v i_o by_o the_o might_n of_o thy_o spirit_n in_o the_o inward_a man_n to_o perfect_a holiness_n in_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n to_o go_v on_o to_o the_o full_a assurance_n of_o hope_n mortify_v each_o day_n more_o and_o more_o the_o outward_a man_n and_o grow_v in_o all_o godliness_n and_o virtue_n and_o every_o thing_n that_o be_v praise_v worthy_a that_o so_o the_o near_o i_o approach_v eternity_n the_o fit_a for_o it_o i_o may_v be_v that_o my_o state_n here_o be_v a_o state_n of_o spiritual_a delight_n and_o pleasure_n each_o day_n may_v give_v fresh_a vigour_n to_o my_o devotion_n so_o that_o i_o may_v not_o faint_a till_o i_o enter_v into_o the_o joy_n of_o my_o master_n and_o receive_v a_o crown_n amen_n amen_n holy_a jesus_n i_o have_v consider_v 1._o our_o obligation_n to_o religion_n upon_o the_o account_n of_o our_o own_o soul_n which_o can_v neither_o be_v happy_a in_o this_o life_n nor_o that_o to_o come_v without_o it_o 2._o the_o nature_n and_o substance_n of_o that_o religion_n we_o profess_v as_o it_o regard_v either_o belief_n or_o practice_n from_o all_o which_o it_o appear_v that_o the_o christian_a philosophy_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o a_o systeme_n of_o most_o exalt_a holiness_n such_o as_o may_v become_v man_n who_o be_v design_v for_o another_o life_n it_o remain_v now_o 3._o to_o consider_v by_o what_o powerful_a motive_n the_o gospel_n engage_v we_o to_o duty_n which_o be_v so_o far_o above_o our_o natural_a state_n and_o strength_n practical_a christianity_n part_n ii_o chap._n i._o of_o the_o motive_n which_o the_o gospel_n propose_v to_o holiness_n the_o motive_n by_o which_o the_o gospel_n oblige_v we_o to_o holiness_n be_v 1._o the_o reward_n of_o virtue_n and_o punishment_n of_o vice_n in_o another_o world_n 2._o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n 3._o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o whole_a history_n of_o our_o saviour_n 4._o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o vanity_n of_o all_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v the_o temptation_n to_o sin_n 5._o the_o nature_n of_o virtue_n and_o of_o vice_n 6._o the_o assistance_n of_o the_o divine_a spirit_n and_o 7._o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o gospel_n covenant_n which_o leave_v a_o place_n for_o repentance_n 1._o of_o the_o first_o motive_n upon_o what_o account_n life_n and_o immortality_n be_v say_v to_o be_v bring_v to_o light_v through_o the_o gospel_n i_o will_v not_o determine_v but_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o the_o gospel_n show_v we_o how_o death_n be_v abolish_v and_o how_o life_n and_o immortality_n may_v be_v attain_v 2_o that_o it_o have_v manifest_v this_o to_o the_o gentile_n as_o well_o as_o to_o the_o jew_n and_o that_o 3._o the_o discovery_n of_o it_o be_v in_o full_a and_o clear_a word_n lay_v down_o in_o almost_o every_o page_n of_o it_o the_o wicked_a shall_v go_v away_o into_o everlasting_a punishment_n and_o the_o righteous_a into_o life_n eternal_a mat._n 25._o and_o ro._n 2.5_o there_o be_v a_o day_n mention_v which_o be_v call_v the_o day_n of_o the_o revelation_n of_o the_o righteous_a judgement_n of_o god_n because_o he_o will_v then_o render_v to_o every_o man_n according_a to_o his_o deed_n to_o they_o who_o by_o patient_a continuance_n in_o well_o do_v seek_v for_o glory_n and_o honour_n and_o immortality_n eternal_a life_n but_o unto_o they_o that_o be_v contentious_a and_o do_v not_o obey_v the_o truth_n but_o obey_v unrighteousness_n indignation_n and_o wrath_n tribulation_n and_o anguish_n upon_o every_o soul_n of_o man_n that_o do_v evil_a of_o the_o jew_n first_o and_o also_o of_o the_o gentile_a but_o glory_n honour_n and_o peace_n to_o every_o man_n that_o work_v good_a to_o the_o jew_n first_o and_o also_o to_o the_o gentile_a this_o be_v so_o to_o sin_n must_v needs_o be_v so_o silly_a and_o weak_a a_o thing_n no_o man_n of_o common_a sense_n will_v be_v guilty_a of_o for_o can_v any_o man_n of_o reason_n be_v at_o a_o loss_n in_o such_o a_o choice_n as_o this_o whether_o he_o will_v live_v eternal_o or_o die_v whether_o he_o will_v be_v happy_a for_o ever_o or_o for_o a_o moment_n upon_o supposal_n that_o sin_n can_v make_v i_o live_v one_o happy_a moment_n it_o be_v true_a if_o there_o be_v no_o prospect_n of_o another_o life_n no_o account_n to_o be_v take_v in_o another_o world_n the_o case_n will_v be_v much_o alter_v for_o the_o law_n of_o our_o nature_n be_v i_o humble_o conceive_v nothing_o else_o but_o the_o law_n or_o dictate_v of_o reason_n and_o the_o business_n of_o reason_n be_v in_o this_o respect_n at_o least_o only_o to_o distinguish_v between_o good_a and_o evil_n our_o reason_n will_v talk_v to_o we_o at_o another_o rate_n because_o it_o will_v proceed_v by_o different_a principle_n good_a and_o evil_n will_v then_o peradventure_o be_v different_a thing_n for_o whatever_o will_v make_v for_o the_o pleasure_n and_o interest_n of_o
triumph_v over_o such_o affliction_n as_o these_o have_v premise_v thus_o much_o i_o go_v on_o to_o consider_v that_o all_o real_a evil_n attack_v the_o mind_n or_o the_o body_n for_o what_o assault_v only_a reputation_n or_o estate_n or_o other_o possession_n i_o reckon_v among_o imaginary_a evil_n and_o indeed_o they_o be_v none_o at_o all_o unless_o they_o make_v their_o passage_n through_o these_o to_o the_o mind_n or_o body_n as_o to_o the_o body_n i_o know_v not_o how_o to_o prescribe_v to_o it_o what_o be_v argument_n to_o the_o stone_n or_o rhetoric_n to_o the_o gout_n but_o herein_o 1._o either_o the_o pain_n be_v moderate_a or_o exquisite_a if_o moderate_a it_o be_v supportable_a if_o exquisite_a it_o can_v be_v last_v we_o be_v somewhat_o behold_v to_o the_o frailty_n and_o weakness_n of_o our_o nature_n for_o it_o in_o a_o great_a degree_n prevent_v our_o unhappiness_n a_o small_a pain_n can_v make_v we_o miserable_a and_o a_o great_a one_o will_v not_o let_v we_o continue_v so_o for_o it_o crush_v itself_o as_o well_o as_o we_o by_o its_o own_o weight_n and_o our_o nature_n die_v and_o droop_v under_o the_o pain_n which_o it_o can_v suffer_v though_o for_o my_o part_n i_o must_v confess_v be_v it_o not_o for_o christianity_n it_o will_v be_v but_o a_o poor_a comfort_n to_o i_o that_o my_o pain_n be_v great_a enough_o to_o butcher_v i_o and_o make_v a_o end_n of_o i_o in_o a_o moment_n that_o those_o misery_n which_o disperse_v and_o straggle_a i_o can_v tolerable_o well_o encounter_v have_v combine_v and_o unite_v all_o their_o force_n overthrow_v i_o in_o a_o moment_n for_o man_n do_v not_o usual_o think_v themselves_o happy_a because_o they_o do_v not_o meet_v with_o misery_n which_o be_v too_o big_a for_o and_o therefore_o not_o incident_a to_o their_o nature_n but_o miserable_a if_o they_o meet_v with_o all_o the_o utmost_a they_o be_v capable_a of_o bear_v yet_o through_o the_o assistance_n of_o christianity_n this_o consideration_n become_v matter_n of_o much_o comfort_n for_o by_o the_o revelation_n of_o life_n and_o immortality_n the_o state_n of_o pain_n by_o be_v momentany_a be_v as_o much_o diversify_v to_o we_o and_o those_o who_o know_v no_o other_o life_n as_o the_o red_a sea_n to_o israel_n and_o egypt_n when_o the_o one_o only_o pass_v through_o it_o and_o the_o other_o perish_v in_o it_o and_o it_o be_v a_o mighty_a obligation_n to_o persevere_v in_o holiness_n maugre_o all_o the_o opposition_n of_o pain_n and_o trouble_v because_o this_o pain_n be_v not_o worthy_a to_o be_v compare_v with_o the_o glory_n which_o shall_v be_v reveal_v 2._o if_o the_o affliction_n be_v too_o big_a for_o our_o strength_n we_o be_v reasonable_o to_o expect_v supernatural_a recruit_n for_o since_o nothing_o befall_v the_o good_a but_o by_o divine_a permission_n and_o in_o order_n to_o their_o good_a i_o can_v see_v why_o if_o god_n will_v have_v our_o life_n a_o martyrdom_n we_o may_v not_o reasonable_o expect_v the_o assistance_n he_o allow_v the_o primitive_a martyr_n for_o without_o it_o we_o can_v suffer_v as_o we_o ought_v to_o do_v and_o consequent_o it_o can_v tend_v to_o our_o good_a 3._o i_o be_o to_o inquire_v what_o the_o soul_n can_v contribute_v towards_o make_v our_o bodily_a pain_n more_o easy_a and_o our_o burden_n more_o light_a that_o it_o can_v do_v somewhat_o be_v evident_a from_o example_n of_o fact_n as_o be_v show_v in_o the_o second_o premise_v i_o will_v take_v notice_n far_o only_o of_o two_o sort_n of_o man_n as_o a_o proof_n of_o this_o truth_n though_o i_o may_v urge_v a_o hundred_o example_n of_o the_o power_n of_o the_o mind_n in_o sustain_v the_o pain_n of_o the_o body_n the_o ambitious_a and_o the_o covetous_a man_n which_o daily_o impose_v upon_o themselves_o cruelty_n which_o will_v make_v up_o a_o very_a formidable_a burden_n if_o lay_v on_o by_o providence_n a_o vain_a man_n for_o a_o empty_a name_n starve_v in_o a_o camp_n lie_v on_o the_o ground_n till_o his_o poor_a limb_n grow_v stiff_a and_o clayy_a as_o the_o earth_n their_o bed_n and_o after_o all_o charge_n through_o smoke_n and_o blood_n to_o meet_v his_o death_n or_o come_v off_o trail_v a_o shatter_v limb_n about_o the_o field_n and_o be_v content_a with_o praise_n for_o the_o loss_n of_o a_o leg_n or_o arm_n etc._n etc._n the_o covetous_a man_n live_v upon_o egg_n or_o root_n clothes_n himself_o with_o sackcloth_n almost_o despise_v fame_n and_o honour_n friendship_n and_o pleasure_n too_o and_o all_o this_o that_o he_o may_v die_v rich_a and_o if_o neither_o of_o these_o think_v themselves_o miserable_a i_o do_v not_o know_v why_o any_o other_o shall_v such_o be_v the_o strength_n of_o whimsy_n or_o of_o passion_n why_o faith_n and_o reason_n can_v do_v as_o much_o i_o can_v see_v because_o reason_n be_v strong_a than_o whimsy_n and_o faith_n call_v in_o the_o aid_n of_o imagination_n and_o passion_n to_o boot_v let_v it_o be_v grant_v then_o that_o the_o mind_n can_v assist_v we_o somewhat_o in_o our_o suffering_n and_o then_o let_v we_o inquire_v what_o christianity_n prescribe_v as_o remedy_n against_o pain_n to_o enable_v we_o to_o conquer_v it_o 1._o it_o discover_v to_o we_o the_o true_a end_n of_o all_o affliction_n god_n glory_n and_o our_o happiness_n for_o assure_v we_o that_o all_o thing_n be_v govern_v by_o a_o wise_a powerful_a and_o gracious_a god_n who_o do_v not_o afflict_v the_o child_n of_o man_n out_o of_o any_o peevish_a humour_n it_o must_v needs_o follow_v that_o his_o chastisement_n must_v be_v design_v to_o excellent_a end_n and_o purpose_n that_o all_o shall_v work_v together_o for_o the_o best_a to_o they_o who_o love_n god_n and_o why_o shall_v we_o not_o submit_v willing_o to_o the_o conduct_n of_o a_o wise_a god_n or_o why_o shall_v not_o we_o suffer_v that_o condition_n content_o which_o promote_v most_v our_o own_o happiness_n why_o shall_v we_o be_v dissatisfy_v with_o a_o more_o boisterous_a wind_n which_o drive_v we_o more_o speedy_o into_o our_o port_n if_o his_o glory_n be_v the_o main_a end_n and_o that_o be_v as_o much_o or_o more_o promote_v by_o our_o patience_n in_o adversity_n as_o thankfulness_n in_o prosperity_n and_o our_o own_o sanctification_n no_o less_o advance_v be_v it_o not_o just_a matter_n of_o comfort_n rather_o than_o repine_v 2._o it_o promise_v a_o weight_n of_o infinite_a glory_n which_o these_o light_a affliction_n work_v for_o we_o so_o that_o that_o condition_n can_v be_v miserable_a which_o be_v full_a of_o the_o most_o glorious_a hope_n and_o those_o too_o at_o a_o little_a distance_n for_o this_o life_n be_v but_o a_o moment_n 3._o it_o call_v we_o to_o the_o just_a consideration_n of_o our_o own_o merit_n and_o have_v display_v a_o scheme_n of_o our_o own_o sin_n it_o afterward_o assure_v we_o that_o we_o be_v punish_v here_o that_o we_o may_v not_o be_v condemn_v hereafter_o both_o which_o consideration_n beget_v in_o we_o humility_n and_o love_n and_o both_o render_v all_o suffering_n easy_a for_o as_o pride_n make_v every_o little_a disgrace_n intolerable_a and_o magnify_v every_o affront_n so_o humility_n change_v the_o face_n of_o the_o whole_a and_o represent_v the_o state_n as_o very_o answerable_a to_o our_o merit_n very_o reasonable_a and_o just_a 4._o it_o propose_v we_o the_o example_n of_o god_n dear_a child_n and_o of_o the_o holy_a jesus_n himself_o and_o invite_v we_o to_o weigh_v their_o shame_n and_o glory_n their_o sorrow_n and_o their_o crown_n together_o to_o consider_v their_o patience_n and_o the_o love_n of_o god_n and_o so_o to_o strive_v earnest_o behold_v their_o end_n 5._o it_o assure_v we_o of_o strength_n in_o proportion_n to_o our_o necessity_n that_o god_n who_o look_v on_o and_o see_v the_o combat_n will_v supply_v we_o with_o force_n answerable_a to_o the_o danger_n and_o than_o what_o matter_n how_o violent_a our_o affliction_n be_v the_o sum_n of_o all_o be_v affliction_n be_v intolerable_a because_o we_o ourselves_o sharpen_v their_o sting_n and_o warm_v their_o poison_n because_o we_o neglect_v or_o slight_a our_o own_o strength_n we_o do_v not_o reason_n believe_v and_o pray_v i_o shall_v thankful_o bless_v god_n for_o my_o affliction_n if_o all_o the_o while_o i_o suffer_v i_o be_o wash_v off_o a_o sin_n and_o labour_v for_o a_o crown_n and_o untwi_v myself_o from_o the_o world_n and_o dress_v my_o soul_n for_o heaven_n i_o will_v thank_v god_n that_o he_o have_v cast_v i_o into_o a_o condition_n void_a of_o those_o snare_n which_o soften_v and_o sensualize_v the_o mind_n to_o become_v sensual_a be_v a_o worse_a fate_n than_o to_o be_v scorn_v or_o poor_a for_o that_o be_v a_o change_n of_o our_o very_a humanity_n and_o draw_v after_o it_o the_o contempt_n of_o heaven_n this_o be_v a_o change_n only_o of_o outward_a