the_o blessedness_n of_o the_o righteous_a discourse_v from_o psal._n 17_o 15._o by_o john_n howe_n m._n a._n when_o he_o shall_v appear_v we_o shall_v be_v like_o he_o for_o we_o shall_v see_v he_o as_o he_o be_v 1_o john_n 3._o 2._o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d plat._n in_o 〈◊〉_d lodon_n print_v by_o sarah_n griffin_n for_o samuel_n thomson_n and_o be_v to_o be_v sell_v at_o the_o sign_n of_o the_o bishops-head_n in_o duck-lane_n 1668._o to_o the_o reader_n i_o be_o not_o at_o all_o solicitous_a that_o the_o world_n shall_v know_v the_o history_n of_o the_o conception_n of_o this_o treatise_n if_o there_o be_v any_o thing_n that_o shall_v recompense_v the_o pain_n of_o such_o as_o may_v think_v fit_a to_o give_v themselves_o the_o trouble_n of_o peruse_v it_o in_o the_o work_n itself_o i_o shall_v yet_o think_v it_o too_o much_o a_o under-valuing_a of_o they_o if_o i_o do_v reckon_v the_o minute_a circumstance_n relate_v thereto_o fit_a matter_n for_o their_o entertainment_n nor_o be_o i_o more_o concern_v to_o have_v it_o know_v what_o be_v the_o inducement_n to_o the_o publication_n of_o it_o earnest_a protestation_n and_o remonstrance_n of_o our_o good_a intention_n in_o such_o undertaking_n as_o they_o leave_v man_n still_o at_o liberty_n to_o believe_v or_o doubt_v at_o their_o pleasure_n so_o they_o gain_v we_o little_a if_o they_o be_v believe_v it_o be_v no_o easy_a matter_n to_o â—arry_v one_o even_o constant_a tenor_n of_o spirit_n through_o a_o work_n of_o time_n nor_o be_v it_o more_o easy_a â—o_o pass_v a_o settle_a invariable_a judgement_n concern_v so_o variable_a a_o subject_n when_o a_o heart_n â—hat_n may_v seem_v whole_o frame_v and_o set_v for_o god_n â—is_fw-la hour_n shall_v look_v so_o quite_o like_o another_o thing_n 〈◊〉_d next_o and_o change_v figure_n and_o posture_n almost_o as_o often_o as_o it_o do_v thought_n and_o if_o a_o man_n shall_v be_v mistake_v in_o judge_v himself_o it_o will_v little_o mend_v the_o matter_n to_o have_v deceive_v other_o also_o into_o a_o good_a opinion_n of_o he_o but_o if_o he_o can_v approve_v himself_o to_o god_n in_o the_o simplicity_n of_o a_o honest_a and_o undeceived_a heart_n the_o peace_n that_o ensue_v be_v a_o secret_a between_o god_n and_o he_o senec._n they_o be_v theatre_n enough_o to_o one_o another_o as_o he_o say_v to_o his_o friend_n it_o be_v a_o enclose_a pleasure_n a_o joy_n which_o the_o stranger_n can_v intermiddle_v with_o it_o be_v therefore_o any_o man_n concernment_n herein_o rather_o to_o satisfy_v himself_o than_o the_o world_n and_o the_o world_n rather_o to_o understand_v the_o design_n of_o the_o work_n then_o the_o author_n and_o whither_o it_o tend_v rather_o than_o whereto_o he_o mean_v it_o and_o it_o be_v obvious_a enough_o to_o what_o good_a purpose_n discourse_n of_o this_o nature_n may_v serve_v this_o be_v in_o the_o design_n of_o it_o whole_o practical_a have_v little_a or_o nothing_o to_o do_v with_o disputation_n if_o there_o be_v any_o who_o business_n it_o be_v to_o promote_v a_o private_a divide_a interest_n or_o who_o place_n the_o sum_n of_o their_o religion_n in_o a_o inconsiderable_a and_o doubtful_a opinion_n it_o do_v not_o unhallow_a their_o altar_n nor_o offer_v any_o to_o affront_v their_o idol_n it_o intend_v nâ—_n quarrel_n to_o any_o contend_v angry_a party_n but_o deal_v upon_o thing_n in_o the_o substance_n whereof_o christian_n be_v at_o a_o profess_a agreement_n and_o have_v therefore_o the_o great_a probability_n of_o doâ—â—g_v goâ—d_v to_o some_o without_o the_o offence_n of_o any_o it_o be_v indeed_o equal_o matter_n of_o complaint_n and_o wonder_n that_o man_n can_v find_v so_o much_o leisure_n to_o direct_v from_o such_o thing_n wherein_o there_o be_v so_o much_o both_o of_o importance_n and_o pleasure_n unto_o what_o one_o will_v think_v shall_v have_v little_a of_o temptation_n or_o allurement_n in_o it_o contention_n jangle_v it_o may_v rather_o be_v think_v its_o visible_a fruit_n and_o tendency_n shall_v render_v it_o the_o most_o dreadful_a thing_n to_o every_o serious_a beholder_n what_o tragedy_n have_v it_o wrought_v in_o the_o christian_a church_n into_o how_o weak_a and_o languish_a a_o condition_n have_v it_o bring_v the_o religion_n of_o profess_a christian_n hence_o have_v rise_v the_o intemperate_a preternatural_a heat_n and_o anger_n that_o have_v spend_v its_o strength_n and_o spirit_n and_o make_v it_o look_v with_o so_o meager_a and_o pale_a a_o face_n we_o have_v have_v a_o great_a mind_n to_o dispute_v then_o live_v and_o to_o contend_v about_o what_o we_o know_v not_o then_o to_o practise_v the_o far_o great_a thing_n we_o know_v and_o which_o more_o direct_o tend_v to_o nourish_v and_o maintain_v the_o divine_a life_n the_o author_n of_o that_o ingenious_a sentence_n ecclesia_fw-la whoever_o he_o be_v have_v sit_o express_v what_o be_v the_o noisome_a product_n of_o the_o itch_n of_o dispute_v it_o have_v beget_v the_o ulcerous_a tumour_n which_o beside_o their_o own_o offensive_a soreness_n drain_v the_o body_n and_o turn_v what_o shall_v nourish_v that_o into_o nutriment_n to_o themselves_o and_o it_o effect_n be_v not_o more_o grievous_a than_o the_o pleasure_n which_o it_o affect_v and_o pursue_v be_v uncouth_a and_o unnatural_a anâ—â—â—_n the_o rough_a touch_n of_o a_o ungentle_a hand_n that_o only_o please_v which_o exasperate_v as_o the_o morallist_n apt_o expresseâ—_n sâ—me_v like_o disaffection_n of_o disease_a mind_n toil_n and_o vexation_n be_v their_o only_a delight_n what_o to_o a_o sâ—und_a spirit_n will_v be_v a_o pain_n be_v to_o these_o a_o pleasure_n which_o be_v indeed_o the_o triumph_n of_o the_o disease_n that_o it_o add_v unto_o torment_n reprâ—ach_n and_o mockery_n and_o impose_v upon_o man_n by_o so_o ridiculous_a a_o delusion_n whâ—le_n they_o be_v make_v to_o take_v pleasure_n in_o punish_v themselves_o that_o even_o the_o most_o sober_a can_v scarce_o look_v on_o in_o a_o fit_a posture_n then_o with_o a_o compassionate_a smile_n all_o which_o be_v yet_o soman_n hat_n more_o tolerable_a if_o that_o imagine_v vanish_v pleasure_n be_v not_o the_o whole_a of_o their_o gain_n or_o if_o it_o be_v to_o be_v hope_v that_o so_o great_a a_o present_a real_a pain_n and_o smart_n shall_v be_v recompense_v with_o as_o real_a aâ—_n consequent_a fruit_n and_o advantage_n but_o we_o know_v that_o generalâ—y_n by_o how_o much_o any_o thing_n be_v more_o disputable_a the_o less_o it_o be_v necessary_a or_o conducible_a to_o the_o christian_a life_n god_n have_v gracious_o provide_v that_o what_o we_o be_v to_o live_v by_o shall_v not_o cost_v we_o so_o dear_a and_o possible_o as_o there_o be_v less_o occasion_n of_o dispute_v about_o the_o more_o momentous_a thing_n of_o religion_n so_o there_o may_v be_v somewhat_o more_o of_o modesty_n and_o awe_n in_o reference_n to_o what_o be_v so_o confess_o venerable_a and_o sacred_a though_o too_o maâ—y_v be_v overbold_a even_o here_o also_o then_o so_o foolish_o to_o trifle_v with_o such_o thing_n therefore_o more_o common_o where_o that_o humour_n prevail_v man_n divert_v from_o thâ—se_a plain_a thing_n with_o some_o slight_a and_o superficial_a reverence_n to_o they_o but_o more_o hearty_o esteem_v they_o insipid_a and_o jejune_n because_o they_o have_v less_o in_o they_o to_o gratify_v that_o appetite_n and_o betake_v themselves_o to_o such_o thing_n about_o which_o they_o may_v more_o plausible_o contend_v and_o than_o what_o pitiful_a trifle_n oftentimes_o take_v up_o their_o time_n and_o thought_n question_n and_o problem_n of_o like_a weighty_a importance_n very_o often_o with_o those_o which_o the_o abovenamed_a author_n tell_v we_o vit_fw-mi this_o disease_n among_o the_o greek_n prompt_v they_o to_o trouble_v themselves_o about_o as_o what_o number_n of_o rower_n ulysses_n have_v which_o be_v write_v first_o the_o iliad_n or_o the_o odyssey_n etc._n etc._n so_o that_o as_o he_o say_v they_o spend_v their_o life_n very_o operous_o do_v nothing_o their_o conceit_n be_v such_o that_o if_o they_o keep_v they_o to_o themselves_o they_o can_v yield_v they_o no_o fruit_n and_o if_o they_o publish_v they_o to_o other_o they_o shall_v not_o seem_v thereby_o the_o more_o learned_a but_o the_o more_o troublesome_a to_o this_o purpose_n he_o true_o speak_v and_o be_v it_o not_o to_o be_v resent_v that_o man_n shall_v â—ell_v away_o the_o solid_a strength_n and_o vital_n joy_v which_o a_o serious_a soul_n will_v find_v in_o substantial_a religion_n for_o such_o toy_n yea_o and_o not_o only_o famish_v themselves_o but_o trouble_n the_o world_n and_o imbroil_v the_o church_n with_o their_o impertinency_n if_o a_o man_n be_v draw_v forth_o to_o defend_v a_o important_a truth_n against_o a_o injurious_a assault_n it_o be_v treacherous_a self-love_n to_o purchase_v his_o own_o peace_n by_o decline_v it_o or_o if_o he_o do_v sometime_o turn_v his_o thought_n to_o some_o of_o our_o
christian_a doctrine_n as_o if_o they_o be_v of_o another_o religion_n how_o unlike_a be_v the_o christian_a world_n to_o the_o christian_a doctrine_n the_o seal_n be_v fair_a and_o excellent_a but_o the_o impression_n be_v languid_a or_o not_o visible_a where_o be_v that_o serious_a godliness_n that_o heavenliness_n that_o purity_n that_o spirituality_n that_o righteousness_n that_o peace_n unto_o which_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v most_o apt_o design_v to_o work_v and_o form_v the_o spirit_n of_o man_n we_o think_v to_o be_v save_v by_o a_o empty_a name_n and_o glory_n in_o the_o show_n and_o appearance_n of_o that_o the_o life_n and_o power_n whereof_o we_o hate_v and_o deride_v it_o be_v a_o reproach_n with_o we_o not_o to_o be_v call_v a_o christian_a and_o a_o great_a reproach_n to_o be_v one_o if_o such_o and_o such_o doctrine_n obtain_v not_o in_o our_o profess_a belief_n we_o be_v heretic_n or_o infidel_n if_o they_o do_v in_o our_o practice_n we_o be_v precisian_n and_o fool_n to_o be_v so_o serious_a and_o circumspect_a and_o strict_a and_o holy_a to_o make_v the_o practice_n of_o godliness_n so_o much_o our_o business_n as_o the_o know_a and_o avow_a principle_n of_o our_o religion_n do_v plain_o exact_v from_o we_o yea_o though_o we_o come_v as_o we_o can_v but_o do_v unspeakable_o short_a of_o that_o require_a measure_n be_v to_o make_v one_o self_n a_o common_a derision_n and_o scorn_n not_o to_o be_v profess_o religious_a be_v barbarous_a to_o be_v so_o in_o good_a earnest_n ridiculous_a in_o other_o thing_n man_n be_v wont_a to_o act_v and_o practice_v according_a to_o the_o know_a rule_n of_o their_o several_a calling_n and_o profession_n and_o he_o will_v be_v reckon_v the_o common_a fool_n of_o the_o neighbourhood_n that_o shall_v not_o do_v so_o the_o husbandman_n that_o shall_v sow_v when_o other_o reap_v or_o contrive_v his_o harvest_n into_o the_o depth_n of_o winter_n or_o sow_v fitche_n and_o expect_v to_o reap_v wheat_n the_o merchant_n that_o shall_v venture_v abroad_o his_o most_o precious_a commodity_n in_o a_o leaky_a bottom_n without_o pilot_n or_o compass_n or_o to_o place_n not_o likely_a to_o afford_v he_o any_o valuable_a return_n in_o religion_n only_o it_o must_v be_v count_v absurd_a to_o be_v and_o do_v according_a to_o it_o be_v know_v agree_v principle_n and_o he_o a_o fool_n that_o shall_v but_o practice_v as_o all_o about_o he_o profess_v to_o believe_v lord_n whence_o be_v this_o apprehend_a inconsistency_n between_o the_o profession_n and_o practice_n of_o religion_n what_o have_v thus_o stupefy_v and_o unman_v the_o world_n that_o seriousness_n in_o religion_n shall_v be_v think_v the_o character_n of_o a_o fool_n that_o man_n must_v visible_o make_v a_o mockery_n of_o the_o most_o fundamental_a article_n of_o faith_n only_o to_o save_v their_o reputation_n and_o be_v afraid_a to_o be_v serious_a lest_o they_o shall_v be_v think_v mad_a be_v the_o doctrine_n here_o open_v believe_v in_o earnest_n â—4_n be_v the_o due_a proper_a impress_n of_o it_o upon_o our_o spirit_n or_o as_o the_o pagan_a moralist_n expression_n be_v be_v our_o mind_n transfigure_v into_o it_o what_o manner_n of_o person_n shall_v we_o be_v in_o all_o holy_a conversation_n and_o godliness_n but_o it_o be_v thought_n enough_o to_o have_v it_o in_o our_o creed_n though_o never_o in_o our_o heart_n and_o such_o as_o will_v not_o deride_v the_o holiness_n it_o shall_v produce_v yet_o endeavour_v it_o not_o nor_o go_v about_o to_o apply_v and_o urge_v truth_n upon_o their_o own_o soul_n to_o any_o such_o purpose_n what_o shall_v turn_v into_o grace_n and_o spirit_n and_o life_n turn_v all_o into_o notion_n and_o talk_n and_o man_n think_v all_o be_v well_o if_o their_o head_n be_v fill_v and_o their_o tongue_n tip_v with_o what_o shall_v transform_v their_o soul_n and_o govern_v their_o life_n how_o be_v the_o most_o awful_a truth_n and_o that_o shall_v have_v great_a power_n upon_o man_n spirit_n trifle_v with_o as_o matter_n only_o of_o speculation_n and_o discourse_n they_o be_v hear_v but_o as_o empty_v airy_a word_n and_o present_o evaporate_v pass_v away_o into_o word_n again_o epitlet_n like_o food_n as_o seneca_n speak_v that_o come_v up_o present_o the_o same_o that_o it_o be_v take_v in_o which_o as_o he_o say_v profit_v not_o nor_o make_v any_o accession_n to_o the_o body_n at_o all_o a_o like_a case_n as_o another_o ingenious_o speak_v as_o if_o sheep_n when_o they_o have_v be_v feed_v shall_v present_v their_o shepherd_n with_o the_o very_a grass_n itself_o which_o they_o have_v crop_v and_o show_v how_o much_o they_o have_v eat_v no_o say_v he_o they_o concoct_v it_o and_o so_o yield_v they_o wool_n and_o milk_n and_o so_o say_v he_o do_v not_o you_o viz._n when_o you_o have_v be_v instruct_v present_o go_v and_o utter_a word_n among_o the_o more_o ignorant_a meaning_n they_o shall_v not_o do_v so_o in_o a_o way_n of_o ostentation_n to_o show_v how_o much_o they_o know_v more_o than_o other_o but_o work_n that_o follow_v upon_o the_o concoction_n of_o what_o have_v be_v by_o word_n make_v know_v to_o they_o let_v christian_n be_v ashamed_a that_o they_o need_v this_o instruction_n from_o heathen_a teacher_n thy_o word_n be_v find_v and_o i_o do_v eat_v they_o say_v the_o prophet_n and_o thy_o word_n be_v to_o i_o the_o joy_n and_o rejoice_v of_o my_o heart_n divine_a truth_n be_v only_o so_o far_o at_o present_a grateful_a or_o useful_a for_o future_a as_o it_o be_v receive_v by_o faith_n and_o consideration_n and_o in_o the_o love_n thereof_o into_o the_o very_a heart_n and_o there_o turn_v in_o succum_fw-la &_o sanguinem_fw-la into_o real_a nutriment_n to_o the_o soul_n so_o shall_v man_n live_v by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n hence_o be_v the_o application_n of_o it_o both_o personal_a and_o ministerial_a of_o so_o great_a necessity_n if_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v of_o the_o same_o alloy_n with_o some_o part_n of_o philosophy_n who_o end_n be_v attain_v as_o soon_o as_o they_o be_v know_v if_o the_o scripture_n doctrine_n the_o whole_a entire_a system_n of_o it_o be_v not_o a_o doctrine_n after_o godliness_n if_o it_o be_v not_o design_v to_o sanctify_v and_o make_v man_n holy_a or_o if_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n do_v not_o reluctate_v be_v easy_o receptive_a of_o its_o impression_n our_o work_n be_v as_o soon_o do_v as_o such_o a_o doctrine_n be_v naked_o propose_v but_o the_o state_n of_o the_o case_n in_o these_o respect_n be_v know_v and_o evident_a the_o tenor_n and_o aspect_n of_o gospel_n truth_n speak_v its_o end_n and_o experience_n too_o plain_o speak_v the_o oppositeness_n of_o man_n spirit_n all_o therefore_o we_o read_v and_o hear_v be_v lose_v if_o it_o be_v not_o urgent_o apply_v the_o lord_n grant_v it_o be_v not_o then_o too_o therefore_o reader_n let_v thy_o mind_n and_o heart_n concur_v in_o the_o follow_a improvement_n of_o this_o doctrine_n which_o will_v be_v whole_o comprehend_v under_o these_o two_o head_n inference_n of_o truth_n rule_v of_o duty_n that_o be_v consequent_a and_o connatural_a thereto_o 1._o inference_n of_o truth_n educible_a from_o it_o 1._o true_a blessedness_n consist_v not_o in_o any_o sensual_a enjoyment_n the_o blessedness_n of_o a_o man_n can_v be_v but_o one_o most_o only_a one_o he_o can_v have_v but_o one_o high_o and_o best_a good_a and_o its_o proper_a character_n be_v that_o it_o final_o satisfy_v and_o give_v rest_n to_o his_o spirit_n this_o the_o face_n and_o likeness_n of_o god_n do_v his_o glory_n behold_v and_o participate_v here_o then_o alone_o his_o full_a blessedness_n must_v be_v understand_v to_o lie_v therefore_o as_o this_o may_v many_o other_o way_n be_v evince_v to_o be_v true_a so_o it_o evident_o appear_v to_o be_v the_o proper_a issue_n of_o the_o present_a truth_n and_o be_v plain_o prove_v by_o it_o but_o alas_o it_o needs_o a_o great_a deal_n more_o to_o be_v press_v than_o prove_v o_o that_o it_o be_v but_o as_o much_o consider_v as_o it_o be_v know_v the_o experience_n of_o almost_o 6000._o year_n have_v one_o will_v think_v sufficient_o testify_v the_o incompetency_n of_o every_o worldly_a thing_n to_o make_v man_n happy_a that_o the_o present_a please_a of_o our_o sense_n and_o the_o gratification_n of_o our_o animal_n part_n be_v not_o blessedness_n that_o man_n be_v still_o leave_v unsatisfied_a notwithstanding_o but_o the_o practice_n and_o course_n of_o the_o world_n be_v such_o as_o if_o this_o be_v some_o late_a and_o rare_a experiment_n which_o for_o curiosity_n every_o one_o must_v be_v try_v over_o again_o every_o age_n renew_v the_o inquiry_n after_o a_o earthly_a felicity_n the_o design_n be_v entail_v as_o the_o spanish_a design_n be_v say_v to_o be_v and_o reinforce_v with_o as_o great_a a_o confidence_n and_o vigour_n
correction_n what_o awakening_n and_o terror_n what_o remorse_n what_o purpose_n what_o taste_v and_o relish_v do_v some_o find_v in_o their_o own_o heart_n that_o yet_o be_v blast_v and_o come_v to_o nothing_o how_o many_o miserable_a abortion_n after_o travail_a pang_n and_o throw_n and_o fair_a hope_n of_o a_o happy_a birth_n of_o the_o new_a creature_n often_o somewhat_o be_v produce_v that_o much_o resemble_v it_o but_o be_v not_o it_o no_o gracious_a principle_n but_o may_v have_v its_o counterfeit_n in_o a_o ungracious_a heart_n whence_o they_o deceive_v not_o other_o only_a but_o themselves_o and_o think_v very_o they_o be_v true_a convert_n while_o they_o be_v yet_o in_o their_o sin_n how_o many_o wretched_a soul_n that_o lie_v dubious_o struggle_v a_o long_a time_n under_o the_o contrary_a alternate_a impression_n of_o the_o gospel_n on_o the_o one_o hand_n and_o the_o present_a evil_a world_n on_o the_o other_o and_o give_v the_o day_n to_o their_o own_o sensual_a inclination_n at_o last_o in_o some_o degree_n escape_v the_o corruption_n of_o the_o world_n 1_o by_o the_o knowledge_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o saviour_n jesus_n christ_n but_o be_v again_o entangle_v and_o overcome_v so_o as_o their_o latter_a end_n be_v worse_a than_o their_o beginning_n such_o a_o man_n be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v advantage_v by_o his_o former_a faint_a inclination_n towards_o god_n that_o he_o will_v be_v find_v at_o last_o under_o this_o aggravate_v wickedness_n beyond_o all_o other_o man_n that_o when_o other_o wander_v from_o god_n through_o inadvertency_n and_o inconsideration_n this_o man_n will_v be_v find_v to_o have_v be_v his_o enemy_n upon_o deliberation_n and_o again_o the_o various_a strive_n of_o his_o convince_a heart_n to_o the_o contrary_n this_o be_v more_o eminent_o victorious_a and_o reign_a enmity_n such_o a_o one_o take_v great_a pain_n to_o perish_v alas_o it_o be_v not_o a_o slight_a touch_n a_o overly_o superficial_a tincture_n some_o evaned_a sentiment_n of_o piety_n a_o few_o good_a thought_n or_o wish_n that_o bespeak_v a_o new_a man_n a_o new_a creature_n it_o be_v a_o thorough_a prevail_a change_n that_o quite_o alter_v the_o habitual_a posture_n of_o a_o man_n soul_n and_o determine_v it_o towards_o god_n so_o as_o that_o the_o after_o course_n of_o this_o life_n may_v be_v capable_a of_o that_o denomination_n a_o live_n to_o god_n a_o live_n after_o the_o spirit_n that_o exalt_v the_o love_n of_o god_n into_o that_o supremacy_n in_o he_o that_o it_o become_v the_o govern_v principle_n of_o his_o life_n and_o the_o reason_n and_o measure_n of_o his_o actioâ—s_n that_o as_o he_o love_v he_o above_o all_o thing_n else_o better_a than_o his_o own_o life_n so_o he_o can_v true_o though_o possible_o sometime_o with_o a_o doubtful_a tremble_a heart_n resolve_v the_o ordinary_a course_n of_o his_o daily_a walk_n and_o practice_n into_o that_o love_n as_o the_o directive_n principle_n of_o it_o i_o pray_v i_o read_v i_o hear_v because_o i_o love_v god_n i_o desire_v to_o be_v just_a sober_a charitable_a meek_a patient_a because_o i_o love_v god_n this_o be_v the_o perfection_n and_o end_n of_o the_o love_n of_o god_n therefore_o that_o must_v needs_o be_v the_o principle_n hereof_o obedience_n to_o his_o will_n herein_o appear_v that_o power_n of_o godliness_n 7._o deny_v god_n know_v by_o too_o many_o that_o have_v the_o form_n the_o spirit_n of_o love_n power_n and_o of_o a_o sound_a mind_n that_o only_o be_v a_o sound_a mind_n in_o which_o such_o love_n rule_v in_o such_o power_n be_v not_o love_v to_o god_n often_o pretend_v by_o such_o that_o when_o ever_o it_o come_v to_o a_o actual_a competition_n discover_v they_o love_v their_o own_o flesh_n a_o great_a deal_n more_o that_o seldom_o ever_o cross_v their_o own_o will_n to_o do_v his_o or_o hazard_v their_o own_o fleshly_a interest_n to_o promote_v his_o interest_n we_o may_v just_o say_v as_o the_o apostle_n in_o a_o case_n fit_o enough_o reducible_a hiâ—her_n how_o dwell_v the_o love_n of_o god_n 〈◊〉_d that_o man_n notwithstanding_o such_o a_o subdue_a ineffectual_a love_n to_o god_n such_o a_o one_o shall_v be_v denominate_v and_o deal_v with_o as_o a_o enemy_n it_o be_v not_o likely_a any_o man_n on_o earth_n hate_v god_n so_o perfect_o as_o those_o in_o hell_n and_o be_v not_o every_o quality_n not_o yet_o perfect_a in_o its_o kind_n and_o that_o be_v yet_o grow_a more_o and_o more_z intense_a in_o the_o mean_a time_n allay_v by_o some_o degree_n of_o its_o contrary_n yet_o that_o overmastered_n degree_n denominate_v not_o its_o subject_n nor_o ought_v a_o man_n from_o such_o a_o suppose_a love_n to_o god_n have_v the_o name_n of_o a_o â—over_n of_o he_o that_o principle_n only_o be_v capable_a of_o denominate_v the_o man_n that_o be_v prevalent_a and_o practical_a that_o have_v a_o govern_v influence_n on_o his_o heart_n and_o life_n he_o in_o who_o the_o love_n of_o god_n have_v not_o such_o power_n and_o rule_v whatever_o his_o faint_a inclination_n may_v be_v be_v a_o ungodly_a man_n and_o now_o methinks_v these_o several_a consideration_n compare_v and_o weigh_v together_o shall_v contribute_v something_o to_o the_o settle_n of_o right_a thought_n in_o the_o mind_n of_o secure_a sinner_n touch_v the_o nature_n and_o necessity_n of_o this_o heart-change_n and_o do_v sure_o leave_v no_o place_n for_o the_o forementioned_a vain_a pretence_n that_o occasion_v they_o for_o to_o give_v you_o a_o summary_n view_v of_o what_o have_v be_v propound_v in_o those_o forego_v consideration_n it_o now_o plain_o appear_v that_o the_o holy_a scripture_n require_v in_o he_o that_o shall_v enjoy_v this_o blessedness_n a_o mighty_a change_n of_o the_o very_a temper_n of_o his_o soul_n as_o that_o which_o must_v dispose_v he_o thereto_o and_o which_o must_v therefore_o chief_o consist_v iâ—_n the_o right_a frame_n of_o his_o heart_n towards_o god_n towards_o who_o it_o be_v most_o fix_a averse_a and_o therefore_o not_o easy_o susceptible_a of_o such_o a_o change_n and_o that_o any_o slight_a or_o more_o feeble_a inclination_n towards_o god_n will_v not_o serve_v the_o turn_n but_o such_o only_a whereby_o the_o soul_n be_v prevalent_o and_o habitual_o turn_v to_o he_o and_o then_o what_o can_v be_v more_o absurd_a or_o unsavoury_a what_o more_o contrary_a to_o christian_a doctrine_n or_o common_a reason_n then_o instead_o of_o this_o necessary_a heart-change_n to_o insist_v upon_o so_o poor_a a_o plea_n as_o that_o mention_v above_o as_o the_o only_a ground_n of_o so_o great_a a_o hope_n how_o empty_a and_o frivolous_a will_v it_o appear_v in_o comparison_n of_o this_o great_a soul-transforming_a change_n if_o we_o several_o consider_v the_o particular_n of_o it_o as_o for_o orthodoxy_n indoctrinal_n it_o be_v in_o its_o self_n a_o high_o laudable_a thing_n and_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o fundamental_o for_o therefore_o be_v they_o so_o call_v indispensible_o necessary_a to_o the_o blessedness_n as_o that_o can_v be_v without_o holiness_n 17._o so_o nor_o holiness_n without_o truth_n but_o beside_o that_o this_o be_v that_o which_o every_o one_o pretend_v to_o be_v every_o thing_n which_o be_v necessary_a sufficient_a as_o to_o natural_a necessity_n which_o be_v that_o we_o now_o speak_v to_o reason_n a_o intellectual_a nature_n be_v also_o necessary_a shall_v therefore_o all_o man_n yea_o and_o devil_n too_o be_v save_v beside_o be_v you_o sure_a you_o believe_v the_o grand_a article_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n consider_v a_o little_a the_o ground_n effect_n of_o that_o petend_v faith_n first_o its_o ground_n every_o assent_n be_v as_o the_o ground_n of_o it_o be_v deal_v true_o here_o with_o thy_o soul._n can_v you_o tell_v wherefore_o you_o be_v a_o christian_a what_o be_v thy_o inducement_n to_o be_v of_o this_o religion_n be_v they_o not_o such_o as_o be_v common_a to_o thou_o with_o they_o that_o be_v of_o a_o false_a religion_n i_o be_o here_o happy_o prevent_v by_o a_o worthy_a author_n christ._n to_o which_o i_o recommend_v thou_o but_o at_o the_o present_a a_o little_a bethink_v thyself_o be_v it_o not_o possible_a thou_o may_v be_v a_o christian_n for_o the_o same_o reason_n for_o which_o one_o may_v be_v a_o jew_n or_o a_o mahometan_a or_o a_o mere_a pâ—gâ—â—_n as_o viz._n education_n custom_n law_n example_n outward_a advantage_n etc._n etc._n now_o consider_v if_o thou_o â—ind_v this_o upon_o enquiry_n to_o be_v thy_o case_n the_o motive_n of_o thy_o be_v a_o christian_n admit_v of_o be_v cast_v together_o into_o this_o form_n of_o reason_v that_o religion_n which_o a_o man_n forefather_n be_v of_o which_o be_v establish_v by_o law_n or_o general_o obtain_v in_o the_o country_n where_o he_o live_v the_o profession_n whereof_o most_o conduce_v to_o or_o best_a consist_v with_o his_o credit_n and_o other_o outward_a advantage_n that_o religion_n he_o be_v
to_o embrace_v as_o the_o true_a religion_n but_o such_o i_o find_v the_o christian_a religion_n to_o be_v to_o i_o therefore_o etc._n etc._n the_o proposition_n here_o be_v manifest_o false_a for_o it_o contain_v ground_n common_a to_o all_o religious_a public_o own_v and_o profess_v throughout_o the_o world_n and_o sure_o all_o can_v be_v true_a and_o hence_o the_o conclusion_n though_o material_o consider_v it_o be_v true_a yet_o formal_o consider_v as_o a_o conclusion_n issue_v from_o such_o premise_n must_v needs_o be_v false_a and_o what_o then_o be_v become_v of_o thy_o orthodoxy_n when_o as_o to_o the_o formal_a object_n of_o thy_o faith_n thou_o believe_v but_o as_o m_o hometanâ—_n and_o pagans'_n do_v when_o thou_o be_v of_o this_o faith_n by_o fate_n or_o chance_v only_o not_o choice_n or_o rational_a inducement_n next_o as_o to_o the_o effect_n of_o thy_o faith_n let_v they_o be_v inquire_v into_o also_o and_o they_o will_v certain_o bear_v proportion_n to_o the_o ground_n of_o it_o the_o gospel_n be_v the_o power_n of_o god_n to_o salvation_n to_o every_o one_o thâ—t_v 〈◊〉_d 16._o to_o they_o that_o believe_v it_o noâ—_n it_o signify_v nothing_o 3._o the_o word_n of_o god_n receive_v with_o a_o divine_a faith_n as_o the_o word_n of_o god_n 〈◊〉_d work_v â—â—â—ttually_o upon_o all_o that_o so_o receive_v 〈◊〉_d i._n e._n all_o that_o believe_v what_o such_o efficacious_a work_n of_o it_o have_v thou_o feel_v upon_o thy_o soul_n certain_o it_o be_v most_o connaturural_a effect_n be_v that_o very_a change_n of_o heart_n and_o inclination_n god-ward_o of_o which_o we_o have_v be_v speak_v what_o be_v so_o suitable_a to_o the_o gospel_n revelation_n as_o a_o good_a temper_n of_o heart_n godward_o and_o how_o absurd_a it_o be_v to_o introduce_v the_o cause_n on_o purpose_n to_o exclude_v its_o genuine_a inseparable_a effect_n but_o evident_a it_o be_v though_o true_a faith_n can_v that_o superficial_a irrational_a assent_n in_o which_o alone_a many_o glory_n may_v too_o well_o consist_v with_o a_o disaffect_v heart_n towards_o god_n and_o can_v it_o then_o signify_v any_o thing_n towards_o thy_o blessedness_n sure_o to_o be_v so_o a_o solifidian_n be_v to_o be_v a_o nullifidian_n faith_n not_o work_v by_o love_n be_v not_o faith_n at_o least_o profit_v nothing_o for_o thy_o outward_a conformity_n in_o the_o solemnity_n of_o worship_n it_o be_v imputable_a to_o so_o corrupt_a motive_n and_o principle_n that_o the_o thing_n itself_o abâ—â—actively_o consider_v can_v never_o be_v think_v characteristical_a and_o distinguish_v of_o the_o heir_n of_o blessedness_n the_o worst_a of_o man_n 〈◊〉_d perform_v the_o best_a of_o outward_a duty_n thy_o most_o glorious_a loasted_a virtue_n if_o they_o grow_v not_o from_o the_o proper_a root_n love_v to_o 〈◊〉_d they_o be_v but_o splendid_a sin_n as_o above_o appear_v and_o have_v be_v true_o say_v of_o old_a thy_o repentance_n be_v either_o true_a or_o false_a if_o true_a it_o be_v that_o very_a change_n of_o mind_n and_o heart_n i_o speak_v of_o and_o be_v therefore_o eminent_o signalise_v by_o that_o note_n it_o be_v repentance_n towards_o god_n if_o false_a 6._o god_n will_v not_o be_v mock_v for_o thy_o regeneration_n in_o 〈◊〉_d what_o can_v it_o avail_v thou_o as_o to_o this_o blessedness_n if_o the_o present_a all_o worldly_a evil_n be_v willing_o endure_v and_o all_o such_o good_a thing_n quit_v and_o forsake_v for_o christ_n sake_n and_o his_o elect_v and_o if_o the_o question_n be_v ask_v as_o it_o be_v once_o of_o alexander_n when_o so_o frank_o distribute_v his_o treasure_n among_o his_o follower_n what_o do_v you_o reserve_v for_o yourself_o the_o resolve_v christian_a make_v with_o he_o that_o short_a and_o brave_a reply_n hope_v he_o live_v upon_o thing_n future_a and_o unseen_a the_o object_n any_o one_o converse_v with_o most_o and_o in_o which_o his_o life_n be_v as_o it_o be_v bind_v up_o be_v suitable_a to_o the_o roll_a principle_n of_o life_n in_o he_o they_o that_o be_v after_o the_o flesh_n do_v savour_n the_o thing_n of_o the_o flesh_n they_o that_o be_v after_o the_o spirit_n 5._o the_o thing_n of_o the_o spirit_n the_o principle_n of_o the_o fleshly_a life_n be_v sense_n the_o principle_n of_o the_o spiritual_a life_n be_v faith_n sense_n be_v a_o mean_a low_a narrow_a incomprehensive_a principle_n limit_v to_o a_o point_n this_o centre_n of_o earth_n and_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d this_o now_o of_o time_n it_o can_v reach_v no_o high_o than_o terrene_a thing_n nor_o further_o then_o present_a thing_n so_o brutish_a be_v the_o life_n of_o he_o that_o be_v lead_v by_o it_o whole_o confine_v to_o matter_n and_o time_n but_o the_o righteous_a live_v by_o faith_n their_o faith_n govern_v and_o maintain_v the_o life_n they_o star_n not_o their_o course_n according_a to_o what_o they_o see_v but_o according_a to_o what_o they_o believe_v and_o their_o daily_a sustenance_n be_v by_o the_o same_o kind_n of_o thing_n their_o faith_n influence_n not_o their_o action_n only_o but_o their_o comfort_n and_o enjoyment_n they_o subsist_v by_o the_o thing_n they_o believe_v even_o invisible_a and_o eternal_a thing_n but_o it_o be_v by_o the_o intervening_a exercise_n of_o hope_n who_o object_n be_v the_o same_o the_o apostle_n have_v tell_v we_o from_o the_o prophet_n 4._o that_o the_o just_a shall_v live_v by_o faith_n present_o subjoin_v a_o description_n '_o of_o that_o faith_n they_o live_v by_o â—7_n viz._n that_o it_o be_v the_o sustance_n of_o thing_n hope_v for_o 1._o and_o the_o evidence_n of_o thing_n not_o see_v it_o substantiate_n and_o reallize_n evidence_n and_o demonstrate_v those_o glorious_a object_n so_o far_o above_o the_o reach_n and_o sphere_n of_o sense_n it_o be_v constant_o send_v out_o to_o forage_v in_o the_o invisible_a region_n for_o the_o maintenance_n of_o this_o life_n and_o thence_o fetch_v in_o the_o provision_n upon_o which_o hope_n feed_v to_o the_o strengthen_n of_o the_o heart_n the_o renew_n of_o life_n and_o spirit_n 8._o our_o inward_a man_n say_v the_o apostle_n be_v renew_v day_n by_o day_n while_o we_o look_v or_o take_v aim_v which_o be_v next_o in_o the_o series_n of_o the_o discourse_n for_o the_o intervening_a verse_n be_v manifest_o parenthetical_a not_o at_o the_o thing_n that_o be_v see_v but_o at_o the_o thing_n that_o be_v not_o see_v for_o the_o thing_n that_o be_v see_v be_v temporal_a but_o the_o thing_n that_o be_v not_o see_v 〈◊〉_d be_v eternal_a and_o the_o word_n here_o render_v look_v do_v plain_o signify_v the_o act_n of_o hope_n as_o well_o as_o that_o of_o faith_n for_o it_o do_v not_o import_v a_o mere_a intuition_n or_o behold_v a_o take_a notice_n or_o assent_v only_o that_o there_o be_v such_o thing_n but_o a_o design_v or_o scope_a at_o they_o which_o be_v the_o very_a word_n with_o a_o appropriative_a eye_n as_o thing_n that_o notwithstanding_o their_o distance_n or_o whatsoever_o imaginable_a difficulty_n be_v hope_v to_o be_v attain_v to_o and_o enjoy_v and_o here_o be_v evidenly_a the_o distinct_a part_n of_o faith_n and_o hope_n in_o this_o business_n faith_n upon_o the_o authority_n and_o credit_n of_o the_o divine_a word_n and_o promise_v persuade_v the_o heart_n that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o glorious_a state_n of_o nor_n be_v that_o aversation_n the_o less_o culpable_a for_o that_o it_o be_v so_o hardly_o overcome_v but_o the_o more_o it_o be_v a_o aversation_n of_o will_n and_o who_o see_v not_o that_o every_o man_n be_v more_o wicked_a ac-according_a as_o his_o will_n be_v more_o wicked_o bend_v hence_o his_o impotency_n or_o inability_n to_o turn_v to_o god_n be_v not_o such_o as_o that_o he_o can_v turn_v if_o he_o will_v but_o it_o consist_v in_o this_o that_o he_o be_v not_o willing_a he_o affect_v a_o distance_n from_o god_n which_o show_v therefore_o the_o necessity_n still_o of_o this_o change_n for_o the_o possibility_n of_o it_o and_o the_o encouragement_n according_a to_o the_o method_n wherein_o god_n be_v wont_a to_o dispense_v his_o grace_n the_o sinner_n have_v to_o hope_v and_o endeavour_v it_o will_v more_o â—itly_o fall_v into_o consideration_n else_o where_o chap._n xiii_o four_o inference_n that_o the_o soul_n in_o which_o such_o a_o change_n be_v wrought_v restles_o pursue_v it_o till_o it_o be_v attain_v five_o inference_n that_o the_o know_v of_o god_n and_o conformity_n to_o he_o be_v satisfy_a thing_n and_o do_v now_o in_o a_o degree_n satisfy_v according_a to_o the_o measure_n wherein_o they_o be_v attain_v six_o inference_n that_o the_o love_n of_o god_n towards_o his_o people_n be_v great_a that_o have_v design_v for_o they_o so_o great_a and_o even_o a_o satisfy_v good_a 4._o it_o be_v further_a to_o be_v infer_v that_o a_o soul_n wherein_o such_o a_o change_n be_v wrought_v pursue_v this_o blessedness_n with_o restless_a
upon_o man_n spirit_n they_o be_v certain_o suppose_v to_o be_v in_o a_o good_a measure_n acquaint_v with_o themselves_o whatever_o other_o be_v therefore_o the_o apostle_n bid_v the_o corinthian_n if_o they_o desire_v a_o proof_n of_o the_o power_n and_o truth_n of_o his_o ministry_n to_o consult_v themselves_o examine_v yourselves_o and_o present_o subjoin_v know_v you_o not_o your_o own_o self_n 5._o intimate_v it_o be_v a_o unsupposeable_a thing_n they_o shall_v be_v ignorant_a what_o christian_n and_o not_o know_v yourselves_o can_v you_o have_v be_v under_o the_o gospel_n so_o long_o and_o be_v stranger_n to_o yourselves_o none_o can_v think_v it_o sure_o it_o be_v a_o most_o reproachful_a thing_n a_o thing_n full_a of_o ignonimy_n and_o scandal_n that_o a_o man_n shall_v name_v himself_o a_o christian_n and_o yet_o be_v under_o gross_a ignorance_n touch_v the_o temper_n and_o bend_v of_o his_o own_o soul._n it_o signify_v that_o such_o a_o one_o understand_v little_a of_o the_o design_n and_o tendency_n of_o the_o very_a religion_n he_o pretend_v to_o be_v of_o yet_o he_o be_v a_o christian_a by_o mere_a chance_n that_o he_o take_v up_o and_o continue_v his_o profession_n in_o a_o dream_n christianity_n aim_v at_o nothing_o it_o get_v a_o man_n nothing_o if_o it_o do_v not_o procure_v he_o a_o better_a spirit_n it_o be_v a_o empty_a insignificant_a thing_n it_o have_v no_o design_n in_o it_o at_o all_o if_o it_o do_v not_o design_v this_o it_o pretend_v to_o nothing_o else_o it_o do_v not_o offer_v man_n secular_a advantage_n emolument_n honour_n it_o have_v no_o such_o aim_n to_o make_v man_n in_o that_o sense_n rich_a or_o great_a or_o honourable_a but_o to_o make_v they_o holy_a and_o fit_v they_o for_o god_n he_o therefore_o lose_v all_o his_o labour_n and_o reward_n and_o show_v himself_o a_o vain_a trifler_n in_o the_o matter_n of_o religion_n that_o make_v not_o this_o the_o scope_n and_o mark_n of_o his_o christian_a profession_n and_o practice_n and_o herein_o he_o can_v do_v nothing_o without_o a_o constant_a self-inspection_n as_o it_o therefore_o high_o concern_v it_o well_o become_v a_o christian_a under_o the_o gospel_n to_o be_v in_o a_o continual_a observation_n and_o study_v of_o himself_o that_o he_o may_v know_v to_o what_o purpose_n he_o be_v a_o christian_n and_o take_v notice_n what_o or_o whether_o any_o good_a impression_n be_v yet_o make_v upon_o his_o spirit_n whether_o he_o gain_v any_o thing_n by_o his_o religion_n and_o if_o a_o man_n enter_v upon_o a_o enquiry_n into_o himself_o what_o more_o important_a question_n can_v he_o put_v then_o this_o in_o what_o posture_n be_o i_o as_o to_o my_o last_o and_o chief_a end_n how_o be_v my_o spirit_n frame_v towards_o it_o this_o be_v the_o intendment_n and_o business_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o fit_a soul_n for_o blessedness_n and_o therefore_o if_o i_o will_v inquire_v what_o be_o i_o the_o better_a for_o the_o gospel_n this_o be_v the_o sense_n and_o meaning_n of_o that_o very_a question_n be_v my_o soul_n wrought_v by_o it_o to_o any_o better_a disposition_n for_o blessedness_n upon_o which_o the_o resolution_n of_o this_o depend_v be_o i_o ever_o likely_a to_o enjoy_v it_o yea_o or_o no_o that_o which_o may_v make_v any_o heart_n not_o deplorable_o stupid_a shake_v and_o tremble_v that_o such_o a_o thing_n shall_v be_v draw_v into_o question_n but_o the_o case_n with_o the_o most_o require_v it_o and_o it_o must_v be_v so_o it_o be_v that_o therefore_o i_o will_v fain_o here_o awaken_v soul_n to_o and_o assist_v they_o in_o that_o be_v propound_v something_o in_o pursuance_n of_o the_o present_a direction_n which_o may_v both_o awaken_v they_o to_o move_v this_o great_a question_n and_o help_v they_o in_o discuss_v it_o both_o which_o will_v be_v do_v in_o show_v the_o importance_n of_o this_o latter_a ultimate_a question_n in_o itself_o and_o then_o the_o subserviencie_n of_o the_o former_a subordinate_a one_o towards_o the_o decide_n it_o these_o two_o thing_n therefore_o i_o shall_v a_o little_a stay_n upon_o 1._o to_o show_v and_o urge_v the_o requisiteness_n of_o debate_v with_o ourselves_o the_o likelihood_n or_o hopefulness_n of_o our_o enjoy_n this_o blessedness_n 2._o to_o discover_v that_o the_o present_a habitude_n or_o disposedness_n of_o our_o spirit_n to_o it_o be_v a_o very_a proper_a apt_a medium_n whereby_o to_o judge_v thereof_o first_o as_o to_o the_o former_a of_o these_o methinks_v our_o business_n shall_v do_v itself_o and_o that_o the_o very_a mention_n of_o such_o a_o blessedness_n shall_v natural_o prompt_v soul_n to_o bethink_v themselves_o do_v it_o belong_v to_o i_o have_v i_o any_o thing_n to_o do_v with_o it_o methinks_v every_o one_o that_o hear_v of_o it_o shall_v be_v beforehand_o with_o i_o and_o prevent_v i_o here_o where_o be_v that_o stupid_a soul_n that_o reckon_v it_o a_o indifferent_a thing_n to_o attain_v this_o bless_a state_n or_o fall_v short_a of_o it_o when_o thou_o hear_v this_o be_v the_o common_a expectation_n of_o saint_n to_o behold_v the_o face_n of_o god_n and_o be_v satisfy_v with_o his_o likeness_n when_o they_o awake_v can_v thou_o forbear_v to_o say_v with_o thyself_o and_o what_o shall_v become_v of_o i_o when_o i_o awake_v what_o kind_n of_o awake_v shall_v i_o have_v shall_v i_o awake_v amidst_o the_o beam_n of_o glory_n or_o flame_n of_o wrath_n if_o thou_o can_v be_v persuade_v to_o think_v this_o no_o matter_n of_o indifferency_n then_o stir_v up_o thy_o drowsy_a soul_n to_o a_o serious_a inquiry_n how_o it_o be_v likely_a to_o fare_v with_o thou_o for_o ever_o and_o to_o that_o purpose_n put_v thy_o conscience_n to_o it_o to_o give_v a_o free_a sincere_a answer_n to_o these_o few_o query_n 1._o can_v thou_o say_v thou_o be_v already_o certain_a of_o thy_o eternal_a blessedness_n be_v thou_o so_o sure_a that_o thou_o need_v not_o inquire_v i_o know_v not_o who_o thou_o be_v that_o now_o read_v these_o line_n and_o therefore_o can_v judge_v of_o thy_o confidence_n whether_o it_o be_v right_a or_o wrong_n only_o that_o thou_o may_v not_o answer_v too_o hasty_o consider_v a_o little_a that_o certainty_n of_o salvation_n be_v no_o common_a thing_n 12._o not_o among_o i_o speak_v you_o see_v of_o subjective_a certainty_n the_o heir_n of_o salvation_n themselves_o how_o many_o of_o god_n holy_a one_o that_o can_v say_v they_o be_v certain_a yea_o how_o few_o that_o can_v say_v they_o be_v that_o exhortation_n to_o a_o church_n of_o saint_n work_v out_o your_o salvation_n with_o fear_n and_o tremble_a they_o of_o who_o he_o express_v such_o confidence_n chap._n 1._o 6._o over_o who_o he_o so_o glory_n chap._n 4._o 1._o imply_v this_o to_o be_v no_o common_a thing_n so_o do_v christ_n advice_n to_o his_o disciple_n strive_v to_o enter_v in_o at_o the_o strait_a gate_n and_o st._n peter_n to_o the_o scatter_a jew_n that_o he_o say_v have_v obtain_v like_o precious_a faith_n etc._n etc._n give_v diligence_n to_o make_v your_o call_n and_o election_n sure_a with_o many_o more_o passage_n of_o like_a import_n yea_o how_o full_a be_v the_o scripture_n of_o the_o complaint_n of_o such_o cry_v out_o of_o break_a bone_n of_o fester_a wound_n of_o distraction_n by_o divine_a terror_n now_o what_o shall_v we_o say_v in_o this_o case_n when_o so_o eminent_a saint_n have_v leave_v we_o record_n of_o the_o distress_n and_o agony_n of_o their_o spirit_n under_o the_o apprehend_a displeasure_n of_o god_n may_v it_o not_o occasion_v we_o to_o suspend_v a_o while_n and_o consider_v have_v we_o much_o more_o reason_n to_o be_v confident_a than_o they_o and_o do_v we_o know_v none_o that_o lead_v strict_a and_o more_o holy_a life_n than_o we_o that_o be_v yet_o in_o the_o dark_a and_o at_o a_o loss_n in_o judge_v their_o spiritual_a state_n i_o will_v not_o say_v that_o we_o must_v therefore_o think_v ourselves_o bind_v to_o doubt_n because_o another_o possible_o ter_z than_o we_o do_v so_o unknown_a accident_n may_v much_o vary_v the_o case_n but_o who_o will_v not_o think_v that_o reason_n and_o modesty_n have_v quite_o forsake_v the_o world_n to_o hear_v where_o the_o odds_o be_v so_o vast_o great_a the_o vain_a boast_n of_o the_o loose_a generality_n compare_v with_o the_o humble_a solicitous_a doubt_n of_o many_o serious_a know_a christian_n to_o see_v such_o tremble_n about_o their_o soul_n concernment_n who_o have_v walk_v with_o god_n and_o serve_v he_o long_o in_o prayer_n and_o tear_n when_o multitude_n that_o have_v nothing_o whereon_o to_o bottom_v a_o confidence_n but_o pride_n and_o ignorance_n shall_v pretend_v themselves_o certain_a if_o draw_v breath_n a_o while_n thou_o will_v suspect_v thou_o have_v reason_n not_o to_o be_v peremptory_a in_o thy_o confidence_n thou_o will_v sure_o think_v thyself_o concern_v to_o inquire_v further_o urge_v
can_v not_o be_v content_a with_o the_o light_n of_o the_o sun_n without_o the_o help_n of_o a_o candle_n or_o a_o spark_n and_o speak_a of_o the_o constancy_n of_o the_o virtuous_a man_n say_v he_o they_o do_v ill_o that_o say_v such_o a_o evil_a iâ—_n tolerable_a to_o he_o such_o a_o one_o intolerable_a anâ—_n that_o confine_v the_o greatness_n of_o his_o mind_n within_o certain_a bound_n and_o limit_n adversity_n he_o tell_v we_o overcome_v we_o if_o it_o be_v not_o whole_o overcome_v epicurus_n say_v he_o the_o very_a patron_n of_o your_o sloth_n acknowledge_v yet_o thiâ—_n unhappy_a event_n can_v seldom_o disturb_v the_o minâ—_n of_o a_o virtuous_a person_n and_o he_o add_v how_o haâ—_n he_o almost_o utter_v the_o voice_n of_o a_o man_n pray_v say_v he_o 〈…〉_z speak_v out_o a_o little_a morâ—_n bold_o and_o say_v he_o be_v above_o they_o altogether_o such_o apprehension_n the_o more_o virtuous_a heathen_a have_v have_v of_o the_o efficacy_n and_o defensative_a poweâ—_n of_o moral_a goodness_n however_o defective_a theiâ—_n notion_n may_v be_v of_o the_o thing_n itself_o hencâ—_n sâ—crates_n the_o pagan_a martyr_n be_v report_v to_o hauâ—_n cry_v out_o when_o those_o person_n be_v perseâ—cuting_v he_o to_o death_n anytus_n and_o meletus_n can_v kill_v i_o but_o they_o can_v hurt_v i_o and_o anaxarchus_n the_o philosopher_n have_v sharp_o reprove_v nicoerean_a and_o be_v by_o he_o order_v to_o be_v beat_v to_o death_n with_o iron_n malet_n anaxarchus_n bid_v strike_v on_o strike_v on_o thou_o may_v say_v he_o break_v in_o piece_n this_o vessel_n of_o anaxarchus_n but_o anaxarchus_n himself_o thou_o can_v not_o touch_v shall_v christianity_n here_o confess_v itself_o outvy_v shall_v we_o to_o the_o reproach_n of_o our_o religion_n yield_v the_o day_n to_o pagan-morality_n and_o renew_v the_o occasion_n of_o the_o ancient_a complaint_n that_o the_o faith_n of_o christian_n be_v outdo_v by_o the_o heathen_a infidelity_n infidelitas_fw-la it_o be_v i_o remember_v the_o challenge_n of_o cecilius_n in_o minucius_n there_o be_v socrates_n say_v he_o the_o prince_n of_o wisdom_n whosoever_o of_o you_o christian_n be_v great_a enough_o to_o attempt_v it_o let_v he_o imitate_v he_o if_o he_o can_v methinks_v we_o shall_v be_v ambitious_a to_o tell_v the_o world_n in_o our_o life_n for_o christian_n shall_v live_v great_a thing_n not_o speak_v be_v they_o that_o a_o great_a than_o socrates_n be_v here_o to_o let_v they_o see_v in_o we_o our_o represent_a pattern_n to_o show_v forth_o high_a virtue_n than_o those_o of_o socrates_n even_o his_o who_o have_v call_v we_o out_o of_o darkness_n into_o his_o glorious_a and_o marvellous_a light_n certain_a it_o be_v that_o the_o sacred_a oracle_n of_o the_o gospel_n set_v before_o we_o a_o more_o excellent_a pattern_n and_o speak_v thing_n not_o less_o magnificent_a but_o much_o more_o modest_a and_o perspicuous_a with_o less_o pomp_n of_o word_n they_o give_v we_o a_o much_o clear_a account_n of_o a_o far_o more_o excellent_a temper_n of_o mind_n and_o prescribe_v the_o direct_a and_o certain_a way_n of_o attain_v it_o do_v but_o view_v over_o the_o many_o passage_n of_o scripture_n occasional_o glance_v at_o chap._n 7._o but_o we_o grope_v as_o in_o the_o dark_a for_o blessedness_n we_o stumble_v at_o noon_n day_n as_o in_o the_o night_n and_o wander_v as_o if_o we_o have_v no_o eye_n we_o mistake_v our_o business_n and_o lay_v the_o scene_n of_o a_o happy_a state_n at_o a_o great_a distance_n from_o we_o in_o thing_n which_o we_o can_v reach_v and_o which_o if_o we_o can_v it_o be_v to_o little_a purpose_n not_o to_o speak_v of_o grosser_n sensualist_n who_o at_o present_a i_o have_v less_o in_o my_o eye_n be_v there_o not_o a_o more_o refine_a sort_n of_o person_n that_o neglect_v the_o great_a business_n of_o inspect_v and_o labour_v to_o better_a and_o improve_v their_o spirit_n be_v whole_o take_v up_o about_o the_o affair_n of_o another_o sphere_n that_o be_v more_o solicitous_a for_o better_a time_n for_o a_o better_a world_n than_o better_a spirit_n that_o seem_v to_o think_v all_o the_o happiness_n they_o be_v capable_a of_o on_o earth_n be_v bind_v up_o in_o this_o or_o that_o external_a state_n of_o thing_n not_o that_o the_o care_n of_o all_o public_a concernment_n shall_v be_v lay_v aside_o lest_o of_o all_o a_o just_a solicitude_n for_o the_o church_n welfare_n but_o that_o shall_v not_o be_v pretend_v when_o our_o own_o interest_n be_v the_o one_o thing_n with_o we_o and_o when_o we_o be_v real_o solicitous_a about_o the_o church_n interest_n we_o shall_v state_n they_o aright_o god_n design_n the_o affliction_n of_o his_o people_n for_o their_o spiritual_a good_a therefore_o that_o be_v a_o much_o great_a good_a than_o their_o exemption_n from_o suffer_v these_o evil_n otherwise_o his_o mean_n shall_v eat_v up_o his_o end_n and_o be_v more_o expensive_a than_o that_o will_v countervail_v which_o be_v a_o imprudence_n no_o man_n of_o tolerable_a discretion_n will_v be_v guilty_a of_o we_o shall_v desire_v the_o outward_a prosperity_n of_o zion_n for_o it_o be_v a_o real_a good_a but_o in_o as_o much_o as_o it_o have_v in_o it_o the_o goodness_n not_o of_o a_o end_n but_o only_o and_o that_o but_o sometime_o neither_o of_o a_o mean_n not_o a_o constant_a but_o a_o mutable_a goodness_n not_o a_o principal_a but_o a_o lesser_a subordinate_a goodness_n we_o must_v not_o desire_v it_o absolute_o nor_o chief_o but_o with_o submissive_a limit_a desire_n if_o our_o heart_n be_v grieve_v to_o hear_v of_o the_o suffering_n of_o the_o church_n of_o god_n in_o the_o world_n but_o not_o of_o their_o sin_n if_o we_o more_o sensible_o regret_n at_o any_o time_n the_o persecution_n and_o opression_n they_o undergo_v than_o their_o spiritual_a distemper_n their_o earthliness_n pride_n cold_a love_n to_o god_n fervent_a animosity_n towards_o each_o other_o it_o speak_v a_o uninstruct_v carnal_a mind_n we_o take_v no_o right_a measure_n of_o the_o interest_n of_o religion_n or_o the_o church_n welfare_n and_o do_v most_o probable_o mistake_v ourselves_o as_o much_o in_o judge_v of_o our_o own_o and_o measure_v they_o by_o our_o own_o mistake_a model_n and_o this_o be_v the_o mischievous_a cheat_n many_o put_v upon_o their_o own_o soul_n and_o will_v obtrude_v too_o often_o upon_o other_o too_o that_o overlook_v the_o great_a design_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o transform_v man_n spirit_n and_o change_v they_o into_o the_o divine_a likeness_n they_o think_v it_o be_v religion_n enough_o to_o espouse_v a_o party_n and_o adopt_v a_o opinion_n and_o then_o vogue_n themselves_o friend_n to_o religion_n according_a to_o the_o measure_n of_o their_o zeal_n for_o their_o own_o party_n or_o opinion_n and_o give_v a_o very_a pregnant_a proof_n of_o that_o zeal_n by_o magnify_v or_o inveigh_v against_o the_o time_n according_a as_o they_o favour_n or_o frown_v upon_o their_o empty_a unspirited_a religion_n it_o be_v indeed_o such_o a_o secret_a consciousness_n whereof_o they_o herein_o bewray_v as_o have_v no_o other_o life_n in_o it_o than_o what_o it_o owe_v to_o external_a favour_n and_o countenance_n and_o therefore_o all_o public_a rebuke_n be_v just_o apprehend_v mortal_a to_o it_o whereas_o that_o substantial_a religion_n that_o adequate_o answer_v the_o design_n and_o be_v animate_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o gospel_n possess_v the_o soul_n of_o they_o that_o own_o it_o with_o a_o secure_a confidence_n that_o it_o can_v live_v in_o any_o time_n and_o hold_v their_o soul_n in_o life_n also_o hence_o they_o go_v on_o their_o way_n with_o a_o free_a unsolicitous_a cheerfulness_n enjoy_v silent_o in_o their_o own_o bosom_n that_o repose_v and_o rest_n which_o natural_o result_v from_o a_o sound_n and_o well_o compose_v temper_n of_o spirit_n they_o know_v their_o happiness_n depend_v upon_o nothing_o without_o they_o epict._n that_o they_o hold_v it_o by_o a_o better_a tenure_n then_o that_o of_o the_o world_n courtesy_n they_o can_v be_v quiet_a in_o the_o midst_n of_o storm_n and_o abound_v in_o the_o want_n of_o all_o thing_n they_o can_v in_o patience_n possess_v their_o own_o souâ—_n and_o in_o they_o a_o vital_a spring_n of_o true_a pleasure_n when_o they_o be_v drive_v out_o of_o all_o other_o possession_n they_o know_v the_o live_a sense_n of_o these_o word_n that_o the_o good_a man_n be_v satisfy_v from_o himself_o that_o to_o be_v spiritual_o mind_v be_v life_n and_o peace_n that_o nothing_o can_v harm_v they_o that_o be_v follower_n of_o the_o good_a that_o the_o way_n to_o see_v good_a day_n be_v to_o keep_v their_o tongue_n from_o evil_n and_o their_o lip_n from_o speak_a gâ—â—le_n to_o depart_v from_o evil_n and_o do_v good_a to_o seek_v peace_n and_o pursue_v it_o they_o can_v live_v in_o bad_a time_n they_o carry_v that_o about_o they_o that_o will_v make_v the_o worst_a
grow_v equal_o in_o every_o part_n see_v that_o the_o impression_n of_o this_o likeness_n be_v entire_a that_o it_o be_v not_o a_o maim_a thing_n if_o it_o be_v god_n will_v never_o own_v it_o as_o his_o production_n integrity_n be_v the_o glory_n of_o a_o christian_a to_o be_v entire_a lack_v nothing_o this_o be_v the_o soundness_n of_o heart_n that_o exclude_v a_o blush_a consciousness_n and_o misgive_a exempt_v it_o from_o the_o fear_n of_o a_o shameful_a discovery_n 80._o let_v my_o heart_n be_v sound_a in_o thy_o statute_n be_v paraphrase_a by_o have_v respect_n to_o all_o god_n commandment_n to_o which_o be_v opposite_a that_o be_v partial_a in_o the_o law_n speak_v of_o by_o the_o prophet_n 9_o by_o way_n of_o complaint_n concern_v the_o priest_n of_o that_o time_n a_o thing_n hateful_a in_o the_o eye_n of_o god_n and_o as_o uncomfortable_a to_o ourselves_o as_o to_o be_v without_o a_o leg_n or_o a_o arm._n and_o see_v that_o it_o be_v preserve_v entire_a by_o a_o proportional_a and_o uniform_a growth_n that_o fresh_a life_n and_o motion_n may_v daily_o appear_v in_o every_o limb_n of_o this_o heavenly_a new_a creature_n how_o odious_a a_o deformity_n be_v it_o when_o a_o show_n of_o moral_a virtue_n exclude_v godliness_n and_o how_o much_o more_o odious_a in_o as_o much_o as_o there_o be_v more_o impudent_a falsehood_n in_o it_o and_o more_o of_o dishonourable_a reflection_n upon_o god_n when_o under_o a_o high_a preâ—ence_n of_o godliness_n any_o shall_v allow_v themselves_o in_o visible_a immorality_n what_o to_o be_v oppressive_a envious_a contentious_a deceitful_a proud_a turbulent_a wrathful_a morose_n malicious_a fretful_a and_o peevish_a and_o yet_o a_o christian_a what_o serious_a person_n that_o shall_v have_v no_o fair_a representation_n of_o christianity_n than_o such_o do_v give_v will_v not_o be_v ready_a to_o say_v rather_o sit_fw-la anima_fw-la mea_fw-la cum_fw-la philosophis_fw-la if_o this_o be_v christian_a religion_n give_v i_o honest_a 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gracious_a principle_n but_o as_o a_o cancer_n in_o some_o exterior_a part_n of_o the_o body_n it_o gradual_o creep_v up_o till_o it_o invade_v vital_n can_v the_o love_n of_o god_n live_v and_o grow_v in_o a_o unquiet_a angry_a uncharitable_a breast_n consider_v jam._n 1._o 26._o 1_o john_n 3._o 17._o 2._o be_v constant_o intent_n upon_o this_o business_n of_o spiritual_a growth_n mind_v it_o as_o a_o design_n make_v a_o solemn_a purpose_a business_n of_o it_o your_o great_a daily_a business_n you_o do_v not_o till_o your_o ground_n by_o chance_n as_o a_o casual_a thing_n but_o you_o do_v it_o industrious_o and_o of_o set_a purpose_n the_o apostle_n speak_v of_o his_o own_o method_n of_o pursue_a conformity_n to_o christ_n 3._o tell_v we_o he_o do_v first_o in_o comparison_n count_v all_o thing_n else_o loss_n and_o dog_n meat_n he_o throw_v every_o thing_n else_o aside_o 10._o then_o next_o he_o recount_v with_o himself_o how_o far_o short_a he_o be_v nâ—t_o as_o if_o i_o have_v already_o attain_v etc._n etc._n where_o by_o the_o way_n he_o intimate_v that_o to_o stand_v still_o and_o give_v over_o further_a endeavour_n imply_v that_o gross_a absurdity_n as_o if_o we_o think_v ourselves_o to_o have_v attain_v already_o to_o be_v already_o perfect_a be_v we_o not_o ashamed_a to_o seem_v so_o conceit_v of_o ourselves_o 13._o and_o then_o still_o as_o he_o do_v attain_v in_o this_o pursuit_n he_o forget_v it_o not_o but_o hold_v on_o his_o course_n with_o fresh_a and_o constant_a vigour_n still_o reach_v forth_o and_o press_v onward_o towards_o his_o design_a mark_n in_o this_o great_a business_n we_o alas_o seem_v to_o dream_v he_o that_o have_v be_v observe_v ten_o or_o twenty_o year_n ago_o to_o be_v proud_a and_o covetous_a or_o passionate_a still_o remain_v so_o and_o we_o apprehend_v not_o the_o incongruity_n of_o it_o what_o always_o learning_n and_o yet_o never_o come_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n as_o it_o be_v in_o jesus_n to_o the_o put_v off_o the_o old_a man_n and_o put_v on_o the_o new_a who_o will_v meddle_v with_o any_o profession_n upon_o such_o term_n to_o be_v always_o do_v and_o yet_o to_o do_v nothing_o sure_o it_o must_v be_v impute_v to_o this_o we_o design_v not_o we_o do_v not_o serious_o intend_v the_o perfect_a of_o holiness_n to_o make_v a_o real_a progress_n in_o our_o way_n and_o work_v and_o to_o get_v still_o near_o heaven_n as_o we_o draw_v near_o to_o the_o end_n of_o our_o day_n here_o on_o earth_n we_o too_o content_o confine_v ourselves_o within_o certain_a limit_n and_o aim_v not_o as_o we_o shall_v at_o a_o spiritual_a excellency_n this_o be_v the_o temper_n of_o many_o that_o have_v long_o tread_v the_o path_n of_o at_o least_o a_o external_a religion_n they_o will_v go_v but_o their_o own_o pace_n and_o that_o within_o a_o self-prescribed_n round_o or_o circle_n they_o perform_v their_o state_v task_n of_o religious_a exercise_n and_o shun_v the_o grosser_n vice_n of_o the_o time_n and_o resolve_v never_o to_o go_v high_o much_o like_o the_o character_n that_o be_v once_o give_v of_o a_o great_a man_n annal._n that_o he_o follow_v not_o the_o more_o eminent_a virtue_n and_o yet_o that_o he_o hate_v vice_n and_o it_o be_v a_o true_a censure_n that_o a_o barbarian_a tyan_n be_v say_v to_o have_v give_v of_o that_o middle_a temper_n that_o dull_a indifferency_n what_o be_v equal_o distant_a from_o be_v the_o matter_n either_o of_o praise_n or_o punishment_n be_v upon_o no_o term_n to_o be_v account_v virtue_n at_o least_o we_o drive_v not_o on_o a_o design_n of_o growth_n and_o self_n improvement_n in_o our_o spiritual_a state_n with_o that_o constancy_n we_o ought_v we_o be_v off_o and_o on_o our_o spirit_n be_v not_o steady_o intent_n we_o be_v unstable_a as_o water_n 4._o how_o can_v we_o excel_v god_n have_v not_o put_v we_o sure_a upon_o so_o fruitless_a a_o task_n wherein_o our_o utmost_a labour_n and_o diligence_n shall_v profit_v nothing_o therefore_o strive_v more_o vigorous_o and_o pray_v with_o more_o earnest_a importunity_n consider_v and_o plead_v it_o with_o god_n that_o he_o have_v set_v before_o thou_o the_o hope_n of_o such_o a_o state_n when_o thou_o be_v to_o be_v perfect_o like_o he_o and_o shall_v thou_o that_o must_v hereafter_o be_v like_o god_n be_v now_o like_o a_o clod_n of_o earth_n thou_o be_v now_o a_o child_n beget_v of_o he_o and_o though_o thou_o be_v yet_o in_o thy_o minority_n yet_o may_v not_o somewhat_o be_v spare_v out_o of_o so_o fair_a a_o estate_n hereafter_o design_v for_o thou_o as_o that_o thou_o may_v now_o live_v worthy_a of_o such_o a_o father_n and_o suitable_o to_o thy_o expect_a inheritance_n 3._o and_o now_o a_o content_v satisfy_v temper_n of_o spirit_n as_o i_o have_v tell_v you_o result_v from_o the_o other_o two_o and_o will_v therefore_o follow_v of_o course_n upon_o grow_a knowledge_n of_o god_n and_o conformity_n to_o he_o as_o the_o latter_a of_o these_o also_o do_v upon_o the_o former_a yea_o it_o be_v a_o part_n of_o our_o conformity_n to_o god_n but_o a_o part_n consequent_a to_o the_o impression_n of_o the_o thing_n mention_v under_o the_o former_a head_n as_o knowledge_n also_o be_v a_o part_n previous_a and_o antecedent_n thereto_o it_o be_v in_o the_o state_n of_o glory_n we_o see_v something_o superad_v the_o likeness_n impress_v be_v presuppose_v satisfaction_n follow_v thereupon_o the_o case_n be_v so_o too_o in_o our_o present_a state_n contentment_n be_v speak_v of_o as_o a_o thing_n consequent_a and_o superadded_a godliness_n with_o contentment_n a_o satisfy_v content_a spirit_n when_o it_o be_v the_o result_n of_o godliness_n of_o the_o divine_a image_n impress_v be_v indeed_o great_a gain_n yet_o as_o to_o this_o i_o shall_v only_o say_v these_o two_o thing_n 1._o be_v distinct_a and_o explicit_a in_o the_o proposal_n of_o it_o
the_o notice_n and_o observation_n of_o the_o world_n moreover_o how_o can_v it_o escape_v thy_o serious_a reflection_n that_o if_o thou_o pretend_v it_o otherwise_o with_o thou_o it_o be_v but_o to_o add_v one_o sin_n to_o another_o and_o cover_v thy_o carnality_n with_o hypocrisy_n and_o dissimulation_n yea_o while_o thou_o continue_v in_o that_o temper_n of_o spirit_n not_o to_o desire_v this_o blessedness_n as_o thy_o supreme_a end_n the_o whole_a of_o thy_o religion_n be_v but_o a_o empty_a show_n a_o artificial_a disguise_n it_o carry_v a_o appearance_n and_o pretence_n as_o if_o thou_o be_v aim_v at_o god_n and_o glory_n while_o thy_o heart_n be_v set_v another_o way_n and_o the_o bent_n of_o thy_o soul_n secret_o carry_v thou_o a_o counter-course_n have_v not_o religion_n a_o aspect_n towards_o blessedness_n what_o mean_v thy_o pray_v thy_o hear_v thy_o sacramental_a communion_n if_o thou_o have_v not_o a_o design_n for_o eternal_a glory_n what_o make_v thou_o in_o this_o way_n if_o thou_o have_v not_o thy_o heart_n set_v towards_o this_o end_n nor_o be_v it_o more_o dishonest_a and_o unjust_a than_o it_o be_v foolish_a and_o absurd_a that_o the_o disposition_n and_o tendency_n of_o thy_o soul_n shall_v be_v direct_o contrary_a to_o the_o only_a design_n of_o the_o religion_n thou_o profess_v and_o do_v external_o practice_n thy_o profession_n and_o practice_n be_v nothing_o but_o self-contradiction_n thou_o be_v continual_o run_v counter_a to_o thyself_o outward_o pursue_v what_o thou_o inward_o decline_v thy_o real_a end_n which_o can_v be_v no_o other_o than_o what_o thou_o real_o desire_v and_o set_v thy_o heart_n upon_o and_o thy_o visible_o way_n be_v quite_o contrary_a so_o that_o while_o thou_o continue_v the_o course_n of_o religion_n in_o which_o thou_o be_v engage_v have_v take_v down_o from_o before_o thy_o eye_n the_o end_n which_o thou_o shall_v be_v aim_v at_o and_o which_o alone_a religion_n can_v apt_o subserve_v thy_o religion_n have_v no_o design_n or_o end_n at_o all_o none_o at_o lest_o which_o thou_o will_v not_o be_v ashamed_a to_o profess_v and_o own_v indeed_o this_o temper_n of_o heart_n i_o be_o now_o plead_v against_o a_o undesirousness_n or_o indifferency_n of_o spirit_n towards_o the_o eternal_a glory_n render_v religion_n the_o vain_a thing_n in_o the_o world_n for_o whereas_o all_o the_o other_o action_n of_o our_o life_n have_v their_o state_v proper_a end_n religion_n have_v in_o this_o case_n none_o at_o all_o none_o to_o which_o it_o have_v any_o designation_n in_o its_o nature_n or_o any_o aptness_n to_o subserve_v this_o monstrous_a absurdity_n it_o infer_v and_o how_o strange_a be_v it_o that_o it_o shall_v not_o be_v reflect_v on_o that_o whereas_o if_o you_o ask_v any_o man_n of_o common_a understanding_n what_o he_o do_v this_o or_o that_o action_n for_o especial_o if_o they_o be_v state_v action_n do_v by_o he_o in_o a_o ordinary_a course_n he_o can_v ready_o tell_v you_o for_o such_o and_o such_o a_o end_n but_o ask_v he_o why_o he_o continue_v any_o practice_n of_o religion_n he_o can_v say_v in_o this_o case_n for_o what_o for_o can_v any_o man_n imagine_v what_o other_o end_n religion_n natural_o serve_v for_o but_o to_o bring_v man_n to_o blessedness_n which_o be_v no_o other_o thing_n then_o what_o have_v be_v here_o describe_v such_o as_o be_v find_v not_o to_o desire_v it_o real_o and_o supreme_o as_o their_o end_n can_v have_v no_o real_a attainable_a end_n of_o their_o be_v religious_a at_o all_o to_o drive_v on_o a_o continue_a course_n and_o series_n of_o action_n in_o a_o visible_a pursuit_n of_o that_o which_o they_o desire_v not_o and_o have_v no_o mind_n to_o be_v such_o a_o piece_n of_o folly_n so_o fond_a and_o vain_a a_o trifle_n that_o as_o i_o remember_v cicero_n report_v cato_n to_o have_v say_v concern_v the_o soothsayer_n of_o his_o time_n he_o do_v wonder_v they_o can_v look_v in_o one_o another_o face_n and_o not_o laugh_v be_v conscious_a to_o each_o other_o imposture_n and_o the_o vanity_n of_o their_o profession_n so_o one_o will_v as_o just_o wander_v that_o the_o generality_n of_o carnal_a man_n who_o may_v shrewd_o guess_v at_o the_o temper_n of_o one_o another_o mind_n do_v not_o laugh_v at_o each_o other_o that_o they_o be_v joint_o engage_v in_o such_o exercise_n of_o religion_n to_o the_o design_n whereof_o the_o common_a and_o agree_v temper_n of_o their_o spirit_n do_v so_o little_o correspond_v as_o if_o all_o be_v in_o very_o good_a earnest_n for_o heaven_n when_o each_o one_o know_v for_o himself_o and_o may_v possible_o with_o more_o truth_n than_o charity_n suppose_v of_o the_o rest_n that_o if_o they_o may_v always_o continue_v in_o their_o earthly_a station_n they_o have_v rather_o never_o come_v there_o and_o therefore_o that_o they_o desire_v it_o not_o supreme_o and_o so_o not_o as_o their_o end_n at_o all_o consider_v it_o then_o that_o thy_o no-desire_n of_o this_o bless_a state_n quite_o dispirit_n thy_o religion_n utter_o ravish_v away_o its_o soul_n leave_v it_o a_o dead_a foolish_a vain_a thing_n render_v it_o a_o idle_a impertinency_n not_o a_o mean_a to_o a_o valuable_a end_n this_o desire_n be_v that_o life_n of_o religion_n all_o duty_n and_o exercise_n of_o piety_n be_v without_o it_o but_o empty_a formality_n solemn_a piece_n of_o pageantry_n every_o service_n do_v to_o god_n but_o the_o sacrifice_n of_o a_o fool_n if_o not_o animate_v by_o the_o desire_n of_o final_a blessedness_n in_o he_o and_o be_v not_o part_v of_o our_o way_n thither_o a_o mean_v design_v to_o the_o attainment_n of_o it_o which_o nothing_o can_v be_v that_o we_o be_v not_o put_v upon_o by_o the_o virtue_n of_o the_o desire_a end_n without_o this_o religion_n be_v not_o itself_o a_o continuance_n in_o well_o do_v be_v as_o it_o be_v the_o body_n of_o it_o and_o therein_o a_o seek_v honour_n glory_n and_o immortality_n the_o soul_n and_o spirit_n the_o desire_n of_o a_o heavenly_a country_n must_v run_v through_o the_o whole_a course_n of_o our_o earthly_a pilgrimage_n it_o be_v otherwise_o a_o continue_a error_n a_o uncertain_a wander_a no_o steady_a tend_v towards_o our_o end_n so_o that_o thou_o be_v a_o mere_a vagrant_a if_o this_o desire_n do_v not_o direct_v thy_o course_n towards_o thy_o father_n house_n and_o methinks_v all_o this_o shall_v make_v thou_o even_o ashamed_a of_o thyself_o if_o thou_o can_v not_o find_v this_o desire_n to_o have_v a_o settle_a residence_n and_o a_o roll_a power_n in_o thy_o soul_n then_o 2._o sense_n of_o praise_n shall_v signify_v something_o too_o as_o the_o apostle_n whatsoever_o thing_n be_v pure_a lovely_a etc._n etc._n if_o there_o be_v any_o virtue_n any_o praise_n think_v of_o these_o thing_n and_o have_v not_o the_o eternal_a glory_n those_o character_n upon_o it_o of_o purity_n and_o loveliness_n beyond_o all_o thing_n be_v it_o not_o a_o laudable_a and_o praiseworthy_a thing_n to_o have_v a_o mind_n and_o heart_n set_v upon_o that_o the_o bless_a god_n put_v a_o note_n of_o excellency_n upon_o this_o temper_n of_o spirit_n 16._o but_o they_o desire_v a_o better_a country_n that_o be_v a_o heavenly_a wherefore_o god_n be_v not_o ashamed_a to_o be_v call_v their_o god_n etc._n etc._n this_o render_v they_o a_o people_n worthy_a of_o he_o 12._o who_o have_v call_v they_o to_o his_o kingdom_n and_o glory_n fit_a for_o he_o to_o own_o a_o relation_n to_o have_v they_o be_v of_o low_a terrene_a spirit_n he_o will_v have_v account_v it_o a_o shame_n to_o he_o to_o have_v go_v under_o the_o name_n and_o cognisance_n of_o their_o god_n but_o in_o as_o much_o as_o they_o desire_v the_o heavenly_a country_n have_v learned_a to_o trample_v this_o terrestrial_a world_n can_v be_v contain_v within_o this_o low_a sphere_n nor_o satisfy_v themselves_o in_o earthly_a thing_n they_o now_o discover_v a_o certain_a excellency_n of_o spirit_n in_o respect_n whereof_o god_n be_v not_o ashamed_a to_o own_o a_o relation_n to_o they_o before_o all_o the_o world_n to_o be_v call_v their_o god_n to_o let_v man_n see_v what_o account_n he_o make_v of_o such_o a_o spirit_n yea_o this_o be_v the_o proper_a genuine_a spirit_n and_o temper_n of_o a_o saint_n which_o agree_v to_o he_o as_o he_o be_v such_o he_o be_v beget_v to_o the_o eternal_a inheritance_n a_o disposition_n and_o therein_o a_o desire_n to_o it_o be_v in_o his_o very_a nature_n the_o new_a nature_n he_o have_v receive_v implant_v there_o from_o his_o original_n he_o be_v bear_v spirit_n of_o spirit_n and_o by_o that_o birth_n be_v not_o entitle_v only_o but_o adopt_v and_o suit_v also_o to_o that_o pure_a and_o spiritual_a state_n of_o blessedness_n that_o grace_n by_o the_o appearance_n whereof_o man_n be_v make_v christian_n teach_v also_o instruct_v unto_o this_o very_a thing_n to_o