more_o needful_a than_o real_o be_v i_o observe_v here_o that_o as_o there_o be_v very_o few_o who_o have_v not_o in_o their_o nature_n very_o considerable_a infirmity_n so_o be_v there_o as_o few_o who_o have_v not_o in_o their_o fortune_n very_o considerable_a inconvenience_n and_o if_o they_o will_v apply_v themselves_o to_o the_o master_v of_o both_o these_o as_o they_o ought_v they_o will_v stand_v in_o less_o need_n of_o the_o discipline_n of_o arbitrary_a austerity_n there_o be_v many_o thing_n too_o trifle_v to_o be_v take_v notice_n of_o which_o yet_o do_v prove_v sufficient_a to_o disturb_v the_o quiet_a of_o most_o and_o betray_v they_o to_o many_o passion_n and_o indecency_n nay_o the_o weakness_n of_o good_a man_n be_v sometime_o feed_v by_o temptation_n of_o very_a little_a moment_n now_o to_o surmount_v these_o temptation_n and_o to_o frame_v and_o accommodate_v the_o mind_n to_o bear_v the_o little_a shock_n and_o justle_v which_o we_o daily_o meet_v with_o without_o any_o discomposure_n or_o displeasure_n be_v a_o matter_n of_o great_a use_n to_o the_o tranquillity_n of_o life_n and_o the_o maturity_n of_o virtue_n to_o be_v able_a to_o bear_v the_o pride_n of_o one_o and_o the_o stupidity_n of_o another_o one_o while_o to_o encounter_v rudeness_n another_o while_o neglect_v without_o be_v move_v by_o either_o to_o submit_v to_o noise_n disorder_n and_o the_o distraction_n of_o many_o little_a affair_n when_o one_o be_v natural_o a_o lover_n of_o quietness_n and_o order_n or_o when_o the_o mind_n be_v intent_n upon_o thing_n of_o importance_n in_o one_o word_n to_o digest_v the_o perpetual_a disappointment_n which_o we_o meet_v with_o both_o in_o business_n and_o pleasure_n and_o in_o all_o the_o little_a project_n which_o not_o the_o elegant_a and_o ingenious_a only_o but_o people_n of_o all_o station_n and_o all_o capacity_n pursue_v to_o suffer_v all_o the_o humour_n and_o folly_n the_o error_n artifices_fw-la indecency_n and_o fault_n of_o those_o we_o have_v to_o do_v with_o with_o that_o temper_n we_o ought_v that_o be_v with_o a_o calmness_n which_o proceed_v not_o from_o a_o unconcernment_n for_o the_o good_a of_o other_o but_o a_o just_a dominion_n over_o our_o own_o spirit_n this_o be_v a_o great_a height_n and_o to_o train_v ourselves_o up_o to_o it_o daily_o with_o much_o patience_n vigilence_n and_o application_n of_o mind_n be_v the_o best_a discipline_n though_o i_o do_v not_o mean_v hereby_o to_o exclude_v all_o voluntary_a imposition_n for_o in_o order_n to_o master_n the_o evil_n which_o we_o can_v avoid_v it_o may_v be_v of_o good_a use_n now_o and_o then_o to_o form_v the_o mind_n by_o voluntary_a trial_n and_o difficulty_n of_o our_o own_o choose_n 3._o last_o we_o must_v ever_o have_v a_o care_v not_o to_o loose_v the_o substance_n for_o the_o shadow_n not_o to_o rest_v in_o the_o mean_n and_o neglect_v the_o end_n be_v much_o take_v up_o in_o discipline_n without_o produce_v any_o fruit_n of_o it_o for_o this_o be_v take_v much_o pain_n to_o little_a purpose_n travel_v much_o without_o make_v any_o progress_n but_o much_o more_o must_v we_o take_v care_n in_o the_o next_o place_n that_o the_o discipline_n we_o put_v ourselves_o upon_o do_v not_o produce_v any_o ill_a fruit._n to_o which_o end_n we_o must_v careful_o observe_v three_o thing_n 1._o that_o we_o keep_v to_o that_o moderation_n which_o spiritual_a prudence_n require_v neither_o expose_v nor_o entangle_v ourselves_o nor_o discourage_v other_o by_o excess_n and_o extravagancy_n 2._o that_o our_o self-denial_n never_o betray_v we_o into_o pride_n or_o vncharitableness_n for_o if_o it_o tempt_v we_o to_o overrate_v ourselves_o and_o despise_v other_o this_o be_v a_o flat_a contradiction_n to_o one_o of_o the_o main_a end_n of_o christian_a discipline_n which_o be_v the_o humiliation_n of_o the_o heart_n 3._o that_o we_o ever_o preserve_v nay_o increase_v the_o sweetness_n and_o gentleness_n of_o our_o mind_n for_o whatever_o make_v we_o sour_a and_o morose_n or_o peevish_a and_o unsociable_a make_v we_o certain_o so_o much_o worse_o and_o instead_o of_o beget_v in_o we_o near_a resemblance_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n give_v we_o a_o very_a strong_a tincture_n of_o a_o devilish_a one_o athanasius_n therefore_o in_o the_o life_n of_o anthony_n the_o hermit_n observe_v among_o other_o his_o great_a virtue_n that_o after_o thirty_o year_n spend_v in_o a_o strange_a kind_n of_o retire_a and_o solitary_a life_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d he_o do_v not_o appear_v to_o his_o friend_n with_o a_o sullen_a or_o savage_a but_o with_o a_o oblige_a sociable_a air_n and_o there_o be_v indeed_o but_o little_a reason_n why_o the_o look_n shall_v be_v lower_v and_o contract_v when_o the_o heart_n be_v fill_v with_o joy_n and_o charity_n goodness_n and_o pleasure_n a_o serene_a open_a countenance_n and_o a_o cheerful_a grave_a deportment_n do_v best_a suit_n the_o tranquillity_n purity_n and_o dignity_n of_o a_o christian_a mind_n §_o 5._o last_o some_o kind_n of_o life_n be_v better_o suit_v and_o accommodate_v to_o the_o great_a end_n of_o religion_n and_o virtue_n than_o other_o i_o shall_v not_o here_o enter_v into_o a_o examination_n of_o the_o advantage_n or_o disadvantage_n there_o be_v in_o the_o several_a kind_n of_o life_n with_o reference_n to_o religion_n the_o settle_v this_o and_o several_a other_o thing_n relate_v to_o it_o be_v one_o main_a design_n of_o my_o last_o book_n all_o therefore_o that_o i_o have_v here_o to_o do_v be_v but_o to_o make_v one_o plain_a inference_n from_o all_o that_o have_v be_v advance_v in_o this_o chapter_n if_o perfection_n and_o happiness_n can_v be_v obtain_v without_o a_o frequent_a and_o serious_a application_n of_o ourselves_o to_o the_o mean_n here_o insist_v on_o then_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o we_o ought_v to_o cast_v our_o life_n if_o we_o can_v into_o such_o a_o method_n that_o we_o may_v be_v in_o a_o capacity_n to_o do_v this_o to_o speak_v more_o particular_o and_o close_o since_o meditation_n prayer_n and_o holy_a conversation_n be_v so_o necessary_a to_o quicken_v the_o conscience_n excite_v our_o passion_n and_o fortify_v our_o resolution_n it_o be_v evident_a that_o it_o be_v as_o necessary_a so_o to_o model_n and_o form_n our_o life_n that_o we_o may_v have_v time_n enough_o to_o bestow_v on_o these_o for_o they_o who_o mind_n and_o time_n be_v take_v up_o by_o the_o world_n have_v very_o little_a leisure_n for_o thing_n of_o this_o nature_n and_o be_v very_o little_o dispose_v to_o they_o and_o as_o ill_o qualify_v for_o they_o as_o to_o conversation_n as_o the_o world_n go_v now_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v expect_v that_o it_o shall_v have_v in_o it_o any_o relish_n of_o piety_n unless_o between_o such_o as_o have_v enter_v into_o a_o close_a and_o strict_a friendship_n but_o the_o worldly_a man_n be_v a_o stranger_n to_o true_a friendship_n it_o be_v too_o sacred_a too_o delicate_a a_o thing_n for_o a_o mind_n devote_v to_o the_o world_n to_o be_v capable_a of_o a_o regard_n to_o interest_n to_o some_o outward_a form_n and_o decency_n the_o gratification_n of_o some_o natural_a inclination_n the_o necessity_n of_o some_o kind_n of_o diversion_n and_o enjoyment_n may_v invite_v he_o to_o more_o familiarity_n with_o some_o than_o other_o but_o it_o be_v hard_a to_o believe_v that_o there_o shall_v be_v any_o thing_n in_o such_o combination_n of_o that_o which_o be_v the_o very_a life_n and_o soul_n of_o friendship_n a_o sincere_a and_o undesigning_a passion_n increase_v by_o mutual_a confidence_n and_o obligation_n and_o support_v and_o strengthen_v by_o virtue_n and_o honour_n as_o to_o prayer_n man_n of_o business_n do_v i_o doubt_v often_o read_v or_o say_v prayer_n than_o pray_v for_o it_o be_v very_o hard_a to_o imagine_v that_o a_o soul_n that_o grovel_n perpetual_o here_o upon_o earth_n that_o be_v incessant_o solicitous_a about_o the_o thing_n of_o this_o world_n and_o that_o enter_v abrupt_o upon_o this_o duty_n without_o any_o preparation_n shall_v immediate_o take_v fire_n be_v fill_v with_o heavenly_a vigour_n and_o be_v transport_v with_o earnest_n and_o impatient_a desire_n of_o grace_n and_o glory_n ah_o how_o hard_a be_v it_o for_o he_o who_o hunger_n and_n thirst_v perpetual_o after_o the_o profit_n of_o this_o world_n to_o hunger_n and_o thirst_n after_o righteousness_n too_o if_o such_o mind_n as_o these_o retain_v the_o belief_n of_o a_o providence_n some_o awe_n of_o god_n and_o some_o degree_n of_o gratitude_n towards_o he_o it_o be_v as_o much_o as_o may_v reasonable_o be_v expect_v from_o they_o and_o may_v this_o avail_v they_o as_o far_o as_o it_o can_v last_o as_o to_o meditation_n how_o can_v it_o be_v imagine_v that_o such_o who_o mind_n and_o body_n be_v fatigue_v and_o harrass_v by_o worldly_a business_n shall_v be_v much_o incline_v to_o it_o or_o
we_o court_v till_o we_o be_v possess_v of_o a_o habit_n of_o that_o virtue_n which_o be_v a_o direct_a contradiction_n to_o it_o and_o take_v as_o much_o pleasure_n in_o the_o obedience_n as_o ever_o we_o do_v in_o the_o transgression_n of_o a_o divine_a command_n 2_o there_o be_v some_o sin_n of_o that_o provoke_a nature_n so_o criminal_a in_o their_o birth_n and_o mischievous_a in_o their_o consequence_n that_o one_o single_a act_n or_o commission_n of_o one_o of_o these_o be_v equivalent_a to_o a_o habit_n of_o other_o such_o be_v murder_n idolatry_n perjury_n adultery_n these_o can_v be_v commit_v without_o renounce_v humanity_n as_o well_o as_o christianity_n without_o resist_v the_o instinct_n and_o impulse_n of_o nature_n as_o well_o as_o the_o eight_o of_o the_o gospel_n and_o the_o grace_n of_o the_o spirit_n we_o must_v break_v through_o a_o great_a many_o difficulty_n and_o terror_n ere_o we_o can_v come_v at_o these_o sin_n we_o must_v commit_v many_o other_o in_o order_n to_o commit_v one_o of_o these_o we_o must_v deliberate_v long_o resolve_v desperate_o and_o in_o defiance_n of_o god_n and_o conscience_n and_o what_o be_v the_o effect_n of_o habit_n in_o other_o instance_n be_v a_o necessary_a preparative_a in_o these_o that_o be_v obduration_n in_o this_o case_n therefore_o the_o unhappy_a man_n that_o have_v be_v guilty_a of_o any_o one_o of_o these_o must_v not_o look_v upon_o himself_o as_o set_v free_a when_o he_o be_v come_v to_o a_o resolution_n of_o never_o repeat_v it_o again_o but_o then_o when_o he_o loathe_v and_o abhor_v himself_o in_o dust_n and_o ash_n when_o he_o have_v make_v the_o utmost_a reparation_n of_o the_o wrong_n he_o be_v capable_a of_o when_o if_o the_o interest_n of_o virtue_n require_v it_o he_o be_v content_a to_o be_v oppress_v with_o shame_n and_o suffering_n when_o in_o one_o word_n a_o long_a and_o constant_a course_n of_o mortification_n prayer_n tear_n and_o good_a work_n have_v wash_v off_o the_o stain_n and_o gild_n 2._o we_o must_v be_v free_a not_o only_o from_o a_o habit_n but_o from_o single_a act_n of_o deliberate_a presumptuous_a sin_n the_o reason_n be_v plain_a mortal_a sin_n can_v be_v commit_v without_o wound_v the_o conscience_n grieve_v the_o spirit_n and_o renounce_v our_o hope_n in_o god_n through_o christ_n for_o the_o time_n at_o least_o the_o wage_n of_o sin_n be_v death_n be_v true_a not_o only_o of_o habit_n but_o single_a act_n of_o deliberate_a sin_n death_n be_v the_o penalty_n the_o sanction_n of_o every_o commandment_n and_o the_o commandment_n do_v not_o prohibit_v habit_n only_o but_o single_a act_n too_o nor_o be_v there_o indeed_o any_o room_n for_o doubt_n or_o dispute_v here_o but_o in_o one_o case_n which_o be_v if_o a_o righteous_a man_n shall_v be_v take_v off_o in_o the_o very_a commission_n of_o a_o sin_n which_o he_o be_v fall_v into_o here_o indeed_o much_o may_v be_v say_v and_o with_o much_o uncertainty_n but_o the_o resolution_n of_o this_o point_n do_v not_o as_o far_o as_o i_o can_v see_v minister_v to_o any_o good_a or_o necessary_a end_n and_o therefore_o i_o will_v leave_v it_o to_o god_n in_o all_o other_o case_n every_o thing_n be_v clear_a and_o plain_a for_o if_o the_o servant_n of_o god_n fall_v into_o a_o presumptuous_a sin_n it_o be_v universal_o acknowledge_v that_o he_o can_v recover_v his_o station_n but_o by_o repentance_n if_o he_o repent_v present_o he_o be_v safe_a but_o if_o he_o continue_v in_o his_o sin_n if_o he_o repeat_v it_o he_o pass_v into_o a_o state_n of_o wickedness_n widen_v the_o breach_n between_o god_n and_o his_o soul_n decline_v insensible_o into_o a_o habit_n of_o sin_n and_o render_v his_o wound_n more_o and_o more_o incurable_a it_o be_v to_o little_a purpose_n i_o think_v here_o to_o consider_v the_o vast_a difference_n there_o be_v in_o the_o commission_n even_o of_o the_o same_o sin_n between_o a_o child_n of_o god_n and_o a_o child_n of_o wrath_n because_o a_o child_n of_o god_n must_v not_o commit_v it_o at_o all_o if_o he_o do_v though_o it_o be_v with_o reluctancy_n though_o it_o be_v as_o it_o be_v with_o a_o imperfect_a consent_n and_o with_o a_o divide_a soul_n though_o the_o awe_n of_o religion_n and_o conscience_n seem_v not_o utter_o to_o have_v forsake_v he_o even_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o his_o sin_n though_o his_o heart_n smite_v he_o the_o very_a minute_n it_o be_v finish_v and_o repentance_n and_o remorse_n take_v off_o the_o relish_n of_o the_o unhappy_a draught_n yet_o still_o it_o be_v sin_n it_o be_v in_o its_o nature_n damnable_a and_o nothing_o but_o the_o blood_n of_o jesus_n can_v purge_v the_o gild_n 3._o the_o perfect_a man_n may_v be_v suppose_v not_o only_o actual_o to_o abstain_v from_o mortal_a sin_n but_o to_o be_v advance_v so_o far_o in_o the_o mortification_n of_o all_o his_o inordinate_a affection_n as_o to_o do_v it_o with_o ease_n and_o pleasure_n with_o constancy_n and_o delight_n for_o it_o must_v reasonable_o be_v presume_v that_o his_o victory_n over_o ungodly_a and_o worldly_a lust_n be_v more_o confirm_v and_o absolute_a his_o abhorrence_n of_o they_o more_o deep_a and_o sensible_a more_o fix_v and_o last_a than_o that_o of_o a_o beginner_n or_o babe_n in_o christ_n the_o regenerate_v at_o first_o fear_v the_o consequence_n of_o sin_n but_o by_o degree_n he_o hate_v the_o sin_n itself_o the_o purity_n of_o his_o soul_n render_v he_o now_o incapable_a of_o find_v any_o pleasure_n in_o what_o he_o dote_v on_o before_o and_o the_o love_n of_o god_n and_o virtue_n raise_v he_o above_o the_o temptation_n which_o he_o be_v wont_a to_o fall_v by_o old_a thing_n be_v pass_v away_o and_o all_o thing_n be_v become_v new_a 4._o last_o the_o perfect_a man_n abstinence_n be_v not_o only_o more_o easy_a and_o steady_a but_o more_o entire_a and_o complete_a also_o than_o that_o of_o other_o he_o have_v a_o regard_n to_o the_o end_n and_o design_n of_o the_o law_n to_o the_o perfection_n of_o his_o nature_n to_o the_o purity_n and_o elevation_n of_o his_o soul_n and_o therefore_o he_o expound_v the_o prohibition_n of_o the_o law_n in_o the_o most_o enlarge_v sense_n and_o interpret_v they_o by_o a_o spirit_n of_o faith_n and_o love_n he_o be_v not_o content_a to_o refrain_v from_o action_n direct_o criminal_a but_o shun_v every_o appearance_n of_o evil_a and_o labour_n to_o mortify_v all_o the_o disposition_n and_o tendency_n of_o his_o nature_n towards_o it_o and_o to_o decline_v whatever_o circumstance_n of_o life_n be_v apt_a to_o betray_v the_o soul_n into_o a_o love_n of_o this_o world_n or_o the_o body_n he_o have_v crucify_v the_o world_n and_o the_o body_n too_o that_o pleasure_n that_o honour_n that_o power_n that_o profit_n which_o captives_z the_o sinner_n tempt_v and_o try_v and_o disquiet_v the_o novice_n be_v but_o a_o burden_n a_o trouble_n to_o he_o he_o find_v no_o gust_n no_o relish_n in_o these_o thing_n he_o be_v so_o far_o from_o intemperance_n so_o far_o from_o wantonness_n so_o far_o from_o pride_n and_o vanity_n that_o can_v he_o without_o any_o disadvantage_n to_o the_o interest_n of_o religion_n he_o will_v imitate_v the_o meanness_n the_o plainness_n the_o laboriousness_n the_o self-denial_n of_o our_o saviour_n life_n not_o only_o in_o disposition_n and_o affection_n of_o his_o soul_n but_o even_o in_o his_o outward_a state_n and_o deportment_n and_o will_v prefer_v it_o far_o above_o the_o pomp_n and_o show_n of_o life_n in_o one_o word_n he_o inquire_v not_o how_o far_o he_o may_v enjoy_v and_o be_v safe_a but_o how_o far_o he_o may_v deny_v himself_o and_o be_v wise_a he_o be_v so_o far_o from_o desire_v forbid_a satisfaction_n that_o he_o be_v unwilling_a and_o afraid_a to_o find_v too_o much_o satisfaction_n in_o the_o natural_a and_o necessary_a action_n of_o a_o animal_n life_n i_o need_v not_o prove_v this_o to_o any_o one_o who_o have_v read_v the_o forego_n chapter_n for_o it_o be_v what_o i_o have_v be_v do_v throughout_o this_o treatise_n it_o be_v nothing_o but_o what_o be_v consonant_n to_o the_o whole_a tenor_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o to_o the_o example_n of_o the_o best_a time_n and_o it_o be_v conformable_a to_o what_o the_o best_a author_n have_v write_v who_o have_v any_o thing_n of_o life_n and_o spirit_n in_o their_o work_n or_o have_v any_o true_a notion_n of_o the_o great_a design_n of_o christian_a religion_n which_o be_v a_o heavenly_a conversation_n let_v any_o one_o but_o cast_v his_o eye_n on_o st._n basil_n or_o any_o other_o after_o he_o who_o aim_v at_o the_o same_o thing_n i_o now_o do_v the_o promote_a holiness_n in_o the_o world_n in_o the_o beauty_n and_o perfection_n of_o it_o and_o he_o will_v acknowledge_v that_o i_o be_o far_o from_o have_v carry_v this_o matter_n too_o high_a i_o
will_v quote_v but_o one_o or_o two_o passage_n of_o st._n basil_n 454._o basil_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d p._n 454._o his_o description_n of_o the_o perfect_a man_n with_o regard_n to_o his_o self-denial_n run_v thus_o he_o be_v one_o that_o consult_v the_o necessity_n not_o the_o pleasure_n of_o his_o nature_n and_o seem_v to_o grudge_v the_o time_n which_o he_o bestow_v on_o the_o support_n and_o nourishment_n of_o a_o corruptible_a body_n he_o be_v so_o far_o from_o look_v upon_o eat_v and_o drink_v etc._n etc._n as_o a_o enjoyment_n that_o he_o rather_o account_v it_o a_o task_n or_o troublesome_a service_n which_o the_o frailty_n of_o his_o nature_n demand_v at_o his_o hand_n nor_o be_v this_o great_a man_n more_o severe_a against_o the_o lust_n of_o the_o flesh_n than_o against_o those_o other_o branch_n of_o the_o love_n of_o the_o world_n the_o lust_n of_o the_o eye_n and_o the_o pride_n of_o life_n 456._o life_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d p._n 456._o all_o vanity_n and_o affection_n of_o praise_n and_o respect_n all_o the_o ostentation_n say_v he_o and_o show_v of_o life_n be_v utter_o unlawful_a for_o a_o christian_n and_o all_o this_o be_v direct_o consonant_a to_o his_o gloss_n 457._o gloss_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d p._n 457._o on_o those_o word_n of_o s._n paul_n they_o that_o use_v the_o world_n as_o not_o abuse_v it_o whatever_o be_v beyond_o use_n be_v abuse_v direct_o consonant_a to_o his_o definition_n of_o temperance_n 454._o temperance_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d p_o 454._o that_o it_o be_v the_o extirpation_n of_o sin_n the_o extermination_n of_o unruly_a passion_n and_o the_o mortification_n of_o the_o body_n extend_v even_o to_o the_o natural_a appetite_n and_o affection_n of_o it_o i_o know_v not_o what_o scruple_n or_o mistake_v the_o doctrine_n i_o here_o advance_v concern_v this_o part_n of_o my_o perfect_a man_n liberty_n may_v be_v encounter_v with_o but_o i_o be_o confident_a i_o have_v give_v no_o just_a occasion_n for_o any_o i_o do_v not_o say_v of_o the_o perfect_a with_o jovinian_a that_o they_o can_v fall_v but_o i_o say_v they_o may_v and_o aught_o to_o stand_v and_o if_o it_o be_v not_o their_o own_o fault_n will_v do_v so_o i_o do_v not_o affirm_v of_o they_o as_o the_o heretic_n in_o vincentius_n lyrinensis_n do_v of_o their_o part_n that_o they_o be_v privilege_v from_o sin_n by_o a_o peculiar_a grace_n and_o transcendent_a favour_n but_o i_o affirm_v that_o they_o shall_v not_o want_v grace_n to_o preserve_v they_o from_o it_o unless_o they_o be_v want_v to_o themselves_o i_o do_v not_o go_v about_o to_o maintain_v that_o god_n see_v no_o sin_n in_o his_o child_n but_o i_o maintain_v that_o mortal_a sin_n be_v not_o the_o spot_n of_o his_o child_n but_o do_v not_o i_o in_o this_o fall_n in_o with_o the_o papist_n who_o assert_v the_o possibility_n of_o keep_v the_o command_v of_o god_n i_o answer_v that_o take_v they_o in_o the_o sense_n in_o which_o they_o themselves_o in_o the_o conference_n at_o ratisbone_n defend_v this_o doctrine_n i_o do_v they_o there_o tell_v we_o that_o when_o they_o talk_v thus_o they_o take_v the_o law_n or_o command_n of_o god_n not_o in_o a_o strict_a and_o rigid_a but_o in_o a_o favourable_a and_o equitable_a i._n e._n a_o gospel_n construction_n and_o this_o be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v heterodox_n that_o davenant_n account_v it_o a_o plain_a give_v up_o the_o question_n in_o controversy_n but_o be_o i_o not_o run_v into_o the_o error_n of_o the_o pelagian_o and_o quaker_n i_o answer_v if_o the_o one_o or_o the_o other_o assert_v that_o the_o perfect_a man_n pass_v through_o the_o whole_a course_n of_o life_n without_o fall_v into_o any_o sin_n or_o that_o in_o the_o best_a part_n of_o life_n he_o be_v impeccable_a and_o not_o subject_a to_o sin_v as_o in_o the_o heat_n of_o disputation_n their_o adversary_n seem_v sometime_o to_o fasten_v on_o they_o i_o be_o at_o a_o wide_a distance_n from_o they_o but_o if_o they_o teach_v that_o the_o perfect_a man_n have_v grace_n and_o strength_n enough_o to_o forbear_v wilful_a sin_n and_o that_o many_o actual_o do_v so_o i_o be_o i_o must_v confess_v exact_o of_o their_o mind_n but_o then_o i_o be_o at_o the_o same_o time_n of_o the_o same_o mind_n with_o st._n austin_n and_o st._n jerome_n too_o for_o they_o teach_v the_o very_a same_o doctrine_n for_o they_o never_o contend_v about_o the_o possibility_n of_o freedom_n or_o deliverance_n from_o mental_a sin_n but_o only_o from_o venial_a st._n i_o 189._o i_o dial._n secund_a adv_fw-la pelag._n p._n 189._o shall_v explain_v his_o own_o sense_n etenim_fw-la absque_fw-la vitio_fw-la quod_fw-la grecé_fw-la dicitur_fw-la 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d hominem_fw-la posse_fw-la esse_fw-la aio_fw-la 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d id_fw-la est_fw-la sine_fw-la peccato_fw-la esse_fw-la nego_fw-la which_o be_v the_o same_o thing_n that_o st._n austin_n common_o admit_v that_o man_n may_v be_v sine_fw-la crimine_fw-la but_o not_o sine_fw-la peccato_fw-la without_o mortal_a but_o not_o without_o venial_a sin_n and_o in_o this_o they_o be_v certain_o of_o the_o mind_n of_o the_o scripture_n which_o every_o where_o represent_v the_o perfect_a man_n as_o holy_a blameless_a undefiled_a without_o spot_n walk_v with_o god_n and_o in_o one_o word_n as_o free_a from_o sin_n if_o any_o man_n can_v reconcile_v these_o text_n which_o be_v very_o numerous_a with_o mortal_a sin_n i_o will_v not_o say_v in_o the_o best_a state_n of_o the_o best_a man_n but_o a_o state_n of_o sincerity_n and_o regeneration_n i_o will_v acknowledge_v my_o mistake_n but_o till_o then_o i_o can_v but_o think_v the_o doctrine_n i_o advance_v necessary_a to_o establish_v the_o true_a notion_n of_o holiness_n and_o convince_v we_o of_o our_o obligation_n to_o it_o this_o doctrine_n be_v again_o necessary_a to_o wipe_v off_o those_o aspersion_n and_o calumny_n the_o quaker_n cast_v upon_o our_o church_n as_o if_o it_o hold_v that_o the_o regenerate_v themselves_o may_v continue_v in_o their_o sin_n nay_o can_v be_v free_v from_o they_o our_o church_n teach_v indeed_o artic._n 14._o that_o the_o most_o perfect_a man_n be_v never_o utter_o exempt_v from_o defect_n fail_n and_o human_a infirmity_n and_o i_o believe_v they_o themselves_o be_v not_o confident_a enough_o to_o teach_v otherwise_o only_o they_o will_v not_o call_v these_o infirmity_n sin_n and_o then_o the_o whole_a controversy_n be_v reduce_v to_o this_o we_o agree_v in_o the_o thing_n but_o differ_v in_o the_o name_n and_o in_o this_o difference_n we_o be_v not_o only_o on_o the_o humble_a but_o the_o safe_a side_n too_o for_o acknowledge_v they_o sin_n we_o shall_v be_v the_o better_o dispose_v sure_o to_o be_v sorry_a for_o they_o to_o beg_v pardon_n of_o they_o and_o watch_v against_o they_o the_o fruit_n of_o this_o liberty_n have_v be_v sufficient_o account_v for_o chap._n 3._o and_o therefore_o i_o proceed_v s._n 3._o to_o propose_v some_o rule_n for_o the_o attainment_n of_o it_o 1._o the_o mind_n must_v be_v ground_v and_o root_v in_o the_o faith_n it_o must_v be_v thorough_o convince_v and_o persuade_v of_o these_o great_a article_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n and_o such_o a_o god_n holy_a just_a omniscient_a and_o omnipotent_a one_o the_o incarnation_n suffer_v and_o glory_n of_o the_o bless_a jesus_n a_o judgement_n to_o come_v and_o the_o eternal_a reward_n and_o punishment_n of_o another_o life_n the_o firm_a belief_n of_o these_o thing_n do_v natural_o promote_v these_o two_o effect_n 1._o it_o will_v awaken_v a_o sinner_n out_o of_o his_o lethargy_n and_o security_n it_o will_v disturb_v he_o in_o his_o sinful_a enjoyment_n and_o fill_v his_o mind_n with_o guilty_a fear_n and_o uneasy_a reflection_n and_o when_o the_o man_n find_v no_o rest_n no_o security_n in_o his_o sin_n this_o will_v natural_o oblige_v he_o to_o endeavour_v the_o conquest_n of_o they_o but_o then_o we_o must_v not_o stifle_v and_o suppress_v these_o thought_n we_o must_v give_v conscience_n full_a liberty_n we_o must_v hear_v the_o dictate_v of_o our_o own_o mind_n patient_o and_o consider_v serious_o those_o terrible_a truth_n which_o they_o lie_v before_o we_o till_o we_o go_v from_o this_o exercise_n deep_o impress_v with_o such_o notion_n as_o these_o that_o our_o sin_n soon_o or_o late_a will_v certain_o bring_v upon_o we_o temporal_a and_o eternal_a misery_n that_o nothing_o but_o sincere_a righteousness_n can_v produce_v true_a and_o last_a happiness_n that_o it_o be_v a_o dreadful_a danger_n to_o dally_v too_o long_o with_o indgination_n or_o presume_v too_o far_o on_o the_o mercy_n of_o a_o just_a and_o holy_a and_o almighty_a god_n that_o the_o neglect_v the_o great_a salvation_n tender_v by_o the_o gospel_n and_o procure_v by_o the_o bless_a jesus_n the_o
case_n of_o herod_n he_o have_v yield_v no_o doubt_n to_o the_o power_n and_o force_n of_o the_o baptist_n reason_n if_o he_o have_v not_o be_v draw_v back_o by_o the_o charm_n of_o his_o herodias_n and_o this_o be_v the_o case_n of_o every_o man_n who_o be_v but_o almost_o a_o christian_n he_o be_v under_o the_o ascendant_n of_o some_o silly_a or_o vile_a lust_n or_o other_o this_o be_v that_o which_o spoil_v the_o taste_n of_o the_o hide_a manna_n and_o diminish_v the_o price_n of_o canaan_n without_o doubt_n man_n will_v apply_v themselves_o more_o vigorous_o to_o spiritual_a thing_n be_v they_o not_o too_o fond_a of_o the_o body_n and_o the_o pleasure_n of_o it_o they_o will_v certain_o seek_v the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n more_o earnest_o and_o make_v a_o better_a provision_n than_o they_o do_v for_o the_o other_o world_n be_v they_o not_o too_o much_o take_v with_o this_o and_o therefore_o too_o apt_a to_o set_v up_o their_o rest_n on_o this_o side_n jordan_n now_o if_o this_o be_v so_o what_o can_v we_o expect_v they_o only_a who_o conquer_v be_v crown_v they_o that_o sow_v to_o the_o flesh_n and_o to_o the_o world_n can_v reap_v nothing_o from_o these_o but_o corruption_n these_o kind_n of_o christian_n though_o peradventure_o they_o be_v not_o slave_n to_o any_o infamous_a and_o scandalous_a lust_n be_v yet_o entangle_v by_o some_o other_o not_o muchless_a injurious_a though_o not_o to_o reputation_n yet_o to_o purity_n of_o heart_n they_o be_v captive_v to_o the_o world_n and_o flesh_n though_o their_o chain_n seem_v better_o polish_v and_o of_o a_o fine_a metal_n they_o can_v mount_v upward_o they_o can_v conquer_v be_v retard_v and_o keep_v under_o if_o not_o by_o the_o strength_n of_o temptation_n yet_o by_o their_o own_o softness_n and_o weakness_n and_o yet_o why_o shall_v i_o doubt_v but_o these_o be_v conquer_v by_o temptation_n the_o more_o innocent_a the_o object_n of_o any_o one_o passion_n be_v general_o the_o more_o fatal_a because_o we_o be_v the_o more_o apt_a to_o indulge_v ourselves_o in_o it_o the_o cause_n of_o lukewarmness_n be_v thus_o point_v out_o it_o be_v evident_a what_o the_o cure_n of_o it_o consist_v in_o namely_o in_o form_v just_a and_o correct_v notion_n of_o virtue_n and_o vice_n in_o strengthen_v and_o confirm_v our_o faith_n and_o in_o perfect_v and_o complete_n our_o reformation_n i_o will_v now_o endeavour_v to_o possess_v the_o mind_n of_o man_n with_o a_o aversion_n and_o dread_a of_o this_o state_n of_o lukewarmness_n by_o show_v 1._o the_o folly_n 2._o the_o gild_n and_o 3._o the_o danger_n of_o it_o 1._o the_o folly_n how_o reasonable_o may_v i_o here_o address_v myself_o to_o the_o lukewarm_a in_o the_o word_n of_o elijah_n to_o the_o israelite_n how_o long_o halt_v you_o between_o two_o opinion_n if_o the_o lord_n be_v god_n follow_v he_o but_o if_o baal_n then_o follow_v he_o 1_o king_n 18.21_o if_o you_o do_v indeed_o believe_v that_o your_o safety_n and_o happiness_n depend_v upon_o god_n then_o serve_v he_o in_o good_a earnest_n but_o if_o you_o think_v this_o depend_v upon_o the_o world_n the_o flesh_n and_o the_o devil_n then_o serve_v these_o if_o you_o real_o think_v that_o virtue_n and_o religion_n be_v the_o most_o solid_a and_o stable_a treasure_n then_o strive_v sincere_o and_o vigorous_o to_o possess_v yourselves_o of_o they_o but_o if_o you_o real_o think_v that_o the_o ease_n and_o pleasure_n of_o the_o body_n respect_n and_o pomp_n and_o state_n be_v the_o proper_a portion_n and_o sovereign_a good_a of_o man_n then_o devote_v and_o offer_v up_o yourselves_o to_o these_o for_o what_o a_o folly_n be_v that_o life_n which_o will_v neither_o procure_v we_o the_o happiness_n of_o this_o world_n nor_o of_o another_o to_o what_o purpose_n be_v it_o to_o listen_v only_o so_o much_o to_o conscience_n as_o to_o damp_n and_o chill_a our_o pleasure_n and_o so_o much_o to_o pleasure_n as_o to_o disturb_v the_o peace_n and_o repose_n of_o conscience_n but_o indeed_o as_o the_o word_n of_o elijah_n be_v rather_o a_o irony_n than_o any_o real_a doubt_n whether_o baal_n or_o the_o lord_n be_v god_n rather_o a_o scornful_a derision_n of_o their_o folly_n and_o stupidity_n than_o a_o serious_a exhortation_n to_o deliberate_v whether_o idolatry_n or_o the_o worship_n of_o the_o true_a god_n be_v to_o be_v choose_v i_o doubt_v not_o but_o i_o will_v seem_v to_o you_o to_o carry_v no_o other_o sound_n in_o they_o the_o disparity_n be_v so_o vast_a between_o god_n and_o the_o world_n between_o religion_n and_o sensuality_n covetousness_n or_o ambition_n between_o those_o hope_n and_o enjoyment_n we_o may_v reap_v from_o the_o one_o and_o those_o we_o can_v fancy_v in_o the_o other_o that_o there_o be_v no_o place_n for_o doubt_v what_o choice_n we_o be_v to_o make_v or_o to_o which_o side_n we_o be_v to_o adhere_v nay_o in_o this_o we_o be_v more_o criminal_a than_o the_o israelite_n be_v self-condemned_a the_o israelite_n indeed_o seem_v to_o be_v at_o a_o loss_n whether_o the_o lord_n or_o baal_n be_v god_n they_o doubt_v under_o who_o protection_n they_o may_v thrive_v best_a but_o at_o this_o day_n whoever_o believe_v a_o god_n know_v very_o well_o there_o be_v none_o beside_o he_o whatever_o passion_n we_o have_v for_o the_o world_n and_o the_o thing_n of_o it_o whatever_o spiritual_a idolatry_n we_o be_v guilty_a of_o our_o opinion_n be_v not_o yet_o so_o far_o corrupt_v as_o to_o attribute_v to_o they_o in_o reality_n any_o thing_n like_o divinity_n whilst_o we_o dote_v on_o wealth_n we_o at_o the_o same_o time_n know_v that_o it_o make_v its_o self_n wing_n and_o fly_v away_o whilst_o on_o greatness_n and_o power_n we_o know_v that_o it_o be_v but_o a_o piece_n of_o empty_a and_o toilsome_a pageantry_n and_o often_o the_o subject_a of_o misery_n and_o dismal_a tragedy_n not_o incident_a to_o a_o low_a state_n whilst_o we_o dote_v on_o pleasure_n we_o be_v well_o assure_v that_o it_o be_v dishonourable_a and_o short_a and_o intermix_v with_o fear_n and_o shame_n and_o torment_n we_o know_v that_o nothing_o here_o below_o be_v able_a to_o free_v our_o state_n and_o fortune_n from_o calamity_n our_o mind_n from_o gild_n the_o body_n from_o death_n much_o less_o the_o whole_a man_n from_o a_o miserable_a eternity_n in_o one_o word_n we_o know_v that_o what_o we_o admire_v be_v vanity_n and_o what_o we_o worship_v be_v indeed_o a_o idol_n this_o be_v so_o i_o will_v insist_v no_o long_o on_o this_o topick_n for_o since_o the_o world_n bear_v no_o competition_n with_o god_n in_o our_o opinion_n though_o it_o often_o rival_n he_o in_o our_o affection_n we_o be_v not_o to_o impute_v the_o halt_n of_o a_o laodicean_n christian_n to_o any_o persuasion_n of_o omnipotence_n or_o alsufficiency_n or_o any_o thing_n like_o divinity_n in_o the_o thing_n he_o dote_v on_o serve_v and_o worship_n but_o we_o must_v find_v out_o some_o other_o reason_n of_o it_o and_o that_o be_v general_o this_o we_o be_v willing_a to_o believe_v that_o our_o fondness_n for_o the_o world_n and_o our_o indulgence_n to_o the_o body_n be_v consistent_a enough_o with_o religion_n that_o it_o be_v no_o violation_n of_o our_o faith_n nor_o provocation_n to_o god_n nor_o conserquent_o prejudice_n to_o our_o eternal_a interest_n and_o then_o it_o be_v no_o wonder_n if_o we_o blend_v and_o compound_v religion_n and_o sensuality_n and_o stand_v divide_v in_o our_o affection_n and_o consequent_o halt_v in_o our_o service_n between_o god_n and_o the_o world_n to_o prevent_v this_o i_o will_v show_v 2._o that_o this_o be_v a_o great_a sin_n which_o be_v sufficient_o evident_a from_o this_o single_a consideration_n that_o it_o frustrate_v the_o efficacy_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o the_o spirit_n and_o entire_o defeat_v the_o great_a design_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n for_o 1._o religion_n have_v no_o effectual_a influence_n upon_o the_o lukewarm_a himself_o the_o gospel_n work_v no_o thorough_a change_n in_o he_o the_o sinner_n be_v not_o convert_v into_o a_o saint_n nor_o human_a nature_n perfect_v by_o participation_n of_o a_o divine_a one_o 2._o the_o laodicean_n can_v never_o offer_v up_o to_o god_n any_o gift_n any_o sacrifice_n worthy_a of_o he_o nor_o render_v he_o any_o service_n acceptable_a to_o he_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n be_v righteousness_n and_o peace_n and_o joy_n in_o the_o holy_a ghost_n rom._n 14._o he_o that_o in_o these_o thing_n serve_v christ_n be_v acceptable_a to_o god_n and_o approve_v of_o men._n but_o alas_o these_o man_n be_v almost_o utter_a stranger_n to_o these_o thing_n a_o few_o faint_a and_o irresolute_a wish_n formal_a and_o customary_a prayer_n niggardly_a and_o grumble_a alm_n and_o a_o attendance_n upon_o god_n word_n rather_o out_o of_o spiritual_a wantonness_n than_o devotion_n these_o be_v the_o offering_n
never_o to_o be_v enjoy_v by_o any_o but_o some_o few_o rare_a and_o happy_a creature_n the_o favourite_n of_o god_n and_o nature_n pleasure_n that_o have_v matter_n and_o substance_n in_o they_o for_o such_o as_o i_o can_v no_o more_o grasp_v and_o relish_v than_o i_o can_v dream_n and_o vision_n but_o to_o this_o i_o answer_v this_o pretty_a talk_n be_v all_o but_o stupid_a ignorance_n and_o gross_a mistake_v for_o 1._o as_o to_o innocent_a and_o virtuous_a pleasure_n no_o man_n needs_o part_n with_o it_o i_o endeavour_v not_o to_o deprive_v man_n of_o this_o but_o to_o refine_v and_o purify_v it_o and_o he_o that_o prefer_v either_o silly_a or_o vicious_a pleasure_n before_o religion_n be_v wretched_o mistake_v for_o 2._o perfect_a religion_n be_v full_a of_o pleasure_n have_v we_o but_o once_o arrive_v at_o true_a purity_n of_o heart_n what_o can_v be_v so_o full_a of_o pleasure_n as_o the_o business_n of_o religion_n what_o can_v be_v more_o delightful_a than_o blessing_n and_o praise_v god_n to_o a_o grateful_a soul_n allelujah_n to_o a_o soul_n snatch_v from_o the_o brink_n of_o destruction_n into_o the_o bosom_n of_o its_o master_n what_o can_v be_v more_o transport_v than_o the_o melt_a tenderness_n of_o a_o holy_a contrition_n make_v up_o like_o mary_n magdalen_n of_o tear_n and_o kiss_n sorrow_n and_o love_n humility_n and_o glory_n confusion_n and_o confidence_n shame_n and_o joy_n what_o can_v be_v more_o transport_v than_o love_n the_o love_n of_o a_o christian_a when_o he_o be_v all_o love_n as_o god_n be_v love_n when_o he_o desire_v nothing_o in_o heaven_n nor_o on_o earth_n but_o god_n when_o all_o thing_n be_v dung_n and_o dross_n to_o he_o in_o comparison_n of_o jesus_n 4._o if_o the_o pleasure_n of_o the_o world_n be_v more_o transport_v than_o those_o of_o religion_n it_o be_v because_o our_o faith_n be_v weak_a our_o love_n imperfect_a and_o our_o life_n unsteady_a a_o constant_a and_o exalt_a pleasure_n be_v i_o grant_v it_o the_o fruit_n of_o perfection_n alone_o the_o peace_n and_o joy_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n reign_v no_o where_o but_o where_o that_o zeal_n and_o love_n which_o be_v a_o effect_n of_o the_o fullness_n of_o the_o spirit_n reign_v too_o i_o have_v once_o propose_v to_o have_v insist_v on_o the_o reason_n of_o this_o here_o but_o this_o labour_n be_v prevent_v for_o they_o be_v very_o obvious_a to_o any_o one_o who_o have_v read_v the_o chapter_n of_o zeal_n with_o seriousness_n and_o attention_n last_o what_o be_v insinuate_v in_o the_o objection_n that_o the_o pleasure_n of_o the_o world_n be_v more_o numerous_a or_o obvious_a than_o those_o of_o religion_n be_v altogether_o a_o false_a and_o groundless_a fancy_n in_o every_o place_n and_o in_o every_o state_n do_v the_o pleasure_n of_o virtue_n wait_v upon_o the_o perfect_a man._n they_o depend_v not_o like_o those_o of_o the_o body_n on_o a_o thousand_o thing_n that_o be_v not_o in_o our_o power_n but_o only_o on_o god_n and_o our_o own_o integrity_n but_o this_o part_n of_o the_o objection_n i_o have_v i_o think_v for_o ever_o baffle_v sect._n 1_o chap._n 4._o these_o obstacle_n of_o perfection_n be_v thus_o remove_v and_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n be_v full_o convince_v of_o the_o happiness_n that_o result_v from_o a_o state_n of_o perfection_n and_o of_o his_o obligation_n to_o surmount_v the_o difficulty_n which_o obstruct_v his_o way_n to_o it_o there_o seem_v to_o be_v nothing_o now_o leave_v to_o disappoint_v the_o success_n of_o this_o discourse_n but_o somewhat_o too_o much_o fondness_n for_o the_o world_n or_o somewhat_o too_o much_o indulgence_n to_o the_o body_n which_o i_o be_o next_o though_o but_o very_o brief_o to_o consider_v §_o 4._o there_o be_v a_o love_n of_o the_o world_n which_o though_o it_o be_v not_o either_o for_o the_o matter_n or_o degree_n of_o it_o criminal_a enough_o to_o destroy_v our_o sincerity_n and_o our_o hope_n of_o salvation_n yet_o be_v it_o strong_a enough_o to_o abate_v our_o vigour_n hinder_v our_o perfection_n and_o bereave_v we_o of_o many_o degree_n of_o pleasure_n at_o present_a and_o glory_n hereafter_o the_o indication_n of_o this_o kind_n of_o love_n of_o the_o world_n be_v too_o much_o concern_v for_o the_o pomp_n and_o show_n of_o life_n too_o much_o exactness_n in_o the_o mode_n and_o custom_n of_o it_o too_o quick_a a_o sense_n of_o honour_n and_o reputation_n pre-eminence_n and_o praise_n too_o much_o have_v and_o too_o much_o industry_n to_o grow_v rich_a to_o add_v house_n to_o house_n land_n to_o land_n and_o to_o clothe_v ourselves_o with_o thick_a and_o heavy_a clay_n too_o brisk_a a_o relish_n of_o the_o pleasure_n of_o the_o world_n too_o great_a a_o gaiety_n of_o mind_n upon_o the_o success_n too_o much_o dejection_n upon_o the_o disaster_n and_o disappointment_n of_o it_o too_o much_o care_n and_o too_o much_o diligence_n a_o encumbr_n and_o embroil_v one_o self_n too_o far_o in_o worldly_a affair_n too_o much_o diversion_n too_o much_o ease_n these_o i_o say_v be_v the_o symptom_n of_o a_o mind_n taint_v with_o a_o love_n of_o the_o world_n though_o not_o so_o far_o as_o to_o sickness_n and_o death_n however_o it_o will_v be_v enough_o to_o check_v the_o vigour_n and_o dilute_v the_o relish_n of_o the_o mind_n now_o the_o only_a way_n to_o overcome_v this_o defect_n and_o to_o captivate_v the_o mind_n entire_o to_o the_o love_n and_o service_n of_o religion_n and_o virtue_n be_v to_o consider_v frequent_o and_o serious_o the_o reward_n of_o perfection_n the_o pleasure_n that_o will_v attend_v it_o in_o another_o life_n have_v the_o young_a man_n in_o the_o gospel_n do_v this_o have_v he_o have_v as_o lively_a a_o notion_n and_o as_o true_a a_o estimate_n of_o the_o riches_n of_o eternity_n as_o he_o have_v of_o temporal_a one_o he_o will_v never_o have_v go_v away_o sorrowful_a when_o he_o be_v advise_v to_o have_v exchange_v the_o treasure_n of_o earth_n for_o those_o of_o heaven_n have_v the_o soul_n of_o martha_n be_v as_o much_o take_v up_o with_o the_o thought_n of_o eternity_n as_o that_o of_o mary_n she_o will_v have_v make_v the_o same_o choice_n as_o she_o do_v they_o who_o often_o think_v how_o soon_o the_o fashion_n the_o pomp_n and_o grandeur_n of_o this_o world_n pass_v away_o and_o how_o much_o better_o their_o heavenly_a country_n be_v than_o their_o earthly_a how_o much_o more_o last_a and_o how_o much_o more_o glorious_a the_o new_a jerusalem_n that_o city_n that_o have_v foundation_n who_o builder_n and_o maker_n be_v god_n than_o this_o city_n of_o we_o which_o may_v be_v overthrow_v in_o a_o moment_n will_v neither_o weep_v nor_o rejoice_v with_o too_o much_o passion_n neither_o buy_v nor_o possess_v with_o too_o much_o application_n of_o mind_n in_o one_o word_n he_o that_o so_o often_o and_o devout_o think_v of_o that_o day_n wherein_o christ_n who_o be_v our_o life_n shall_v appear_v and_o we_o also_o appear_v with_o he_o in_o glory_n that_o he_o come_v to_o love_v and_o long_a for_o it_o such_o a_o one_o will_v have_v no_o great_a taste_n of_o the_o honour_n or_o the_o pleasure_n or_o the_o interest_n of_o life_n nor_o will_v he_o be_v slothful_a or_o remiss_a but_o fervent_a in_o spirit_n serve_v the_o lord_n whatever_o degree_n of_o affection_n he_o have_v for_o any_o thing_n of_o that_o nature_n they_o will_v all_o vanish_v he_o will_v have_v no_o emulation_n but_o for_o good_a work_n no_o ambition_n but_o for_o glory_n i_o mean_v that_o which_o be_v eternal_a in_o the_o pursuit_n of_o this_o will_v he_o lay_v out_o the_o strength_n and_o vigour_n of_o his_o mind_n for_o this_o he_o will_v retrench_v his_o profit_n for_o this_o he_o will_v deny_v his_o pleasure_n for_o this_o he_o will_v be_v content_a to_o be_v obscure_a mean_v and_o laborious_a for_o if_o the_o world_n be_v once_o crucify_v to_o he_o he_o will_v the_o more_o easy_o bear_v the_o be_v crucify_v to_o it_o §_o 5._o after_o all_o there_o be_v a_o infirmity_n in_o the_o flesh_n against_o which_o if_o we_o do_v not_o guard_v ourselves_o if_o we_o do_v not_o struggle_v hearty_o we_o shall_v miscarry_v the_o spirit_n be_v willing_a say_v our_o saviour_n but_o the_o flesh_n be_v weak_a without_o much_o care_n and_o much_o watchfulness_n the_o vigour_n of_o our_o mind_n will_v be_v relax_v the_o exultation_n of_o our_o spirit_n will_v flag_n and_o droop_v and_o we_o shall_v soon_o loose_v the_o relish_v there_o be_v in_o religion_n the_o most_o effectual_a remedy_n against_o this_o frailty_n and_o fickleness_n of_o our_o nature_n be_v two_o first_o godly_a fear_n and_o this_o the_o purity_n and_o presence_n of_o god_n the_o strictness_n and_o the_o impartiality_n of_o a_o judgement_n to_o come_v the_o loss_n of_o a_o eternal_a crown_n the_o terror_n of_o eternal_a punishment_n the_o
proceed_v to_o the_o fruit_n or_o advantage_n of_o it_o and_o in_o the_o last_o place_n prescribe_v the_o method_n by_o which_o it_o may_v be_v attain_v sect_n i._o of_o perfection_n in_o general_n the_o fruit_n of_o it_o and_o the_o way_n to_o obtain_v it_o chap._n i._n the_o nature_n of_o perfection_n explain_v and_o assert_v from_o reason_n and_o scripture_n most_o dispute_n and_o controversy_n arise_v from_o false_a and_o mistake_v notion_n of_o the_o matter_n under_o debate_n and_o so_o i_o can_v show_v it_o have_v happen_v here_o therefore_o to_o prevent_v mistake_v and_o cut_v off_o all_o occasion_n of_o contention_n which_o serve_v only_o to_o defeat_v the_o influence_n and_o success_n of_o practical_a discourse_n i_o think_v it_o necessary_a to_o begin_v here_o with_o a_o plain_a account_n what_o it_o be_v i_o mean_v by_o religious_a perfection_n religion_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o the_o purify_n and_o refine_n nature_n by_o grace_n the_o raise_n and_o exalt_v our_o faculty_n and_o capacity_n by_o wisdom_n and_o virtue_n religious_a perfection_n therefore_o be_v nothing_o else_o but_o the_o moral_a accomplishment_n of_o human_a nature_n such_o a_o maturity_n of_o virtue_n as_o man_n in_o this_o life_n be_v capable_a of_o conversion_n begin_v perfection_n consumate_v the_o habit_n of_o righteousness_n in_o the_o one_o religion_n be_v as_o it_o be_v in_o its_o infancy_n in_o the_o other_o in_o its_o strength_n and_o manhood_n so_o that_o perfection_n in_o short_a be_v nothing_o else_o but_o a_o ripe_a and_o settle_a habit_n of_o true_a holiness_n according_a to_o this_o notion_n of_o religious_a perfection_n he_o be_v a_o perfect_a man_n who_o mind_n be_v pure_a and_o vigorous_a and_o his_o body_n tame_a and_o obsequious_a who_o faith_n be_v firm_a and_o steady_a his_o love_n ardent_a and_o exalt_a and_o his_o hope_n full_a of_o assurance_n who_o religion_n have_v in_o it_o that_o ardour_n and_o constancy_n and_o his_o soul_n that_o tranquillity_n and_o pleasure_n which_o bespeak_v he_o a_o child_n of_o the_o light_n and_o of_o the_o day_n a_o partaker_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n and_o raise_v above_o the_o corruption_n which_o be_v in_o the_o world_n through_o lust_n this_o account_n of_o religious_a perfection_n be_v so_o natural_a and_o easy_a that_o i_o fancy_v no_o man_n will_v demand_v a_o proof_n of_o it_o nor_o shall_v i_o go_v about_o one_o be_v it_o not_o to_o serve_v some_o further_a end_v then_o the_o mere_a confirmation_n of_o it_o it_o have_v manifest_o the_o countenance_n both_o of_o reason_n and_o scripture_n and_o how_o contradictory_n soever_o some_o ancient_n and_o latter_a scheme_n of_o perfection_n seem_v to_o be_v or_o real_o be_v to_o one_o another_o yet_o do_v they_o all_o agree_v in_o effect_n in_o what_o i_o have_v lay_v down_o if_o we_o appeal_v to_o reason_n no_o man_n can_v doubt_v but_o that_o a_o habit_n of_o virtue_n have_v much_o more_o of_o excellence_n and_o merit_n in_o it_o then_o single_a accidental_a act_n or_o uncertain_a fit_n and_o passion_n since_o a_o habit_n be_v not_o only_o the_o source_n and_o spring_n of_o the_o noble_a action_n and_o the_o most_o elevate_a passion_n but_o it_o render_v we_o more_o regular_a and_o steady_a more_o uniform_a and_o constant_a in_o every_o thing_n that_o be_v good_a as_o to_o good_a natural_a disposition_n they_o have_v little_a of_o strength_n little_a of_o perfection_n in_o they_o till_o they_o be_v raise_v and_o improve_v into_o habit_n and_o for_o our_o natural_a faculty_n they_o be_v nothing_o else_o but_o the_o capacity_n of_o good_a or_o evil_a they_o be_v undetermined_a to_o the_o one_o or_o other_o till_o they_o be_v fix_v and_o influence_v by_o moral_a principle_n it_o remain_v then_o that_o religious_a perfection_n must_v consist_v in_o a_o habit_n of_o righteousness_n and_o to_o prevent_v all_o impertinent_a scruple_n and_o cavil_n i_o add_v a_o confirm_a and_o well_o establish_v one._n that_o this_o be_v the_o scripture_n notion_n of_o perfection_n be_v manifest_a first_o from_o the_o use_n of_o this_o word_n in_o scripture_n second_o from_o the_o character_n and_o description_n of_o the_o best_a and_o high_a state_n which_o any_o ever_o actual_o attain_v or_o to_o which_o we_o be_v invite_v and_o exhort_v 1._o from_o the_o use_n of_o the_o word_n wherever_o we_o find_v any_o mention_n of_o perfection_n in_o scripture_n if_o we_o examine_v the_o place_n well_o we_o shall_v find_v nothing_o more_o intend_v than_o uprightness_n and_o integrity_n a_o unblameable_a and_o unreprovable_a life_n a_o state_n well_o advance_v in_o knowledge_n and_o virtue_n thus_o upright_o and_o perfect_a be_v use_v as_o term_n equivalent_a job_n 1._o and_o that_o man_n be_v perfect_a and_o upright_o fear_v god_n and_o eschew_v evil_n and_o psalm_n 37.37_o mark_v the_o perfect_a man_n and_o behold_v the_o upright_a man_n for_o the_o end_n of_o that_o man_n be_v peace_n thus_o again_o when_o god_n exhort_v abraham_n to_o perfection_n gen._n 17.1_o i_o be_o the_o almighty_a god_n walk_v before_o i_o and_o be_v thou_o perfect_a all_o that_o he_o exhort_v he_o to_o be_v a_o steady_a obedience_n to_o all_o his_o commandment_n proceed_v from_o a_o lively_a fear_n of_o and_o faith_n in_o he_o and_o this_o be_v the_o general_a use_n of_o this_o word_n perfect_a throughout_o the_o old_a testament_n namely_o to_o signify_v a_o sincere_a and_o just_a man_n that_o fear_v god_n and_o eschew_v evil_a and_o be_v well_o fix_a and_o establish_v in_o his_o duty_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n perfection_n signify_v the_o same_o thing_n which_o it_o do_v in_o the_o old_a that_o be_v universal_a righteousness_n and_o strength_n and_o growth_n in_o it_o thus_o the_o perfect_a man_n 2_o tim._n 3.17_o be_v one_o who_o be_v thorough_o furnish_v to_o every_o good_a work_n thus_o st._n paul_n tell_v we_o coll._n 4.12_o that_o epaphras_n labour_v fervent_o in_o prayer_n for_o the_o collossian_o that_o they_o may_v stand_v perfect_a and_o complete_a in_o all_o the_o will_n of_o god_n in_o jam._n 1.4_o the_o perfect_a man_n be_v one_o who_o be_v entire_a lack_v nothing_o i._n e._n one_o who_o have_v advance_v to_o a_o maturity_n of_o virtue_n through_o patience_n and_o experience_n and_o be_v fortify_v and_o establish_v in_o faith_n love_n and_o hope_n in_o this_o sense_n of_o the_o word_n perfect_a st._n peter_n pray_v for_o those_o to_o who_o he_o write_v his_o epistle_n 1_o pet._n 5.10_o but_o the_o god_n of_o all_o grace_n who_o call_v we_o into_o his_o eternal_a glory_n by_o christ_n jesus_n after_o that_o you_o have_v suffer_v awhile_o make_v you_o perfect_a establish_v strengthen_v settle_v you_o when_o st._n paul_n exhort_v the_o hebrew_n to_o go_v on_o to_o perfection_n heb._n 6._o he_o mean_v nothing_o by_o it_o but_o that_o state_n of_o manhood_n which_o consist_v in_o a_o well_o settle_a habit_n of_o wisdom_n and_o goodness_n this_o be_v plain_a first_o from_o ver_fw-la 11_o 12._o of_o this_o chapter_n where_o he_o himself_z more_o full_o explain_v his_o own_o meaning_n and_o we_o desire_v that_o every_o one_o of_o you_o do_v show_v the_o same_o diligence_n to_o the_o full_a assurance_n of_o hope_n unto_o the_o end_n that_o you_o be_v not_o slothful_a but_o follower_n of_o they_o who_o through_o faith_n and_o patience_n inherit_v the_o promise_n next_o from_o the_o latter_a end_n of_o the_o 5_o chapter_n where_o we_o discern_v what_o give_v occasion_n to_o his_o exhortation_n there_o distinguish_v christian_n into_o two_o class_n babe_n and_o strong_a man_n i._n e._n perfect_a and_o imperfect_a he_o describe_v both_o at_o large_a thus_o for_o when_o for_o the_o time_n you_o ought_v to_o be_v teacher_n you_o have_v need_v that_o one_o teach_v you_o again_o which_o be_v the_o first_o principle_n of_o the_o oracle_n of_o god_n and_o be_v become_v such_o as_o have_v need_n of_o milk_n and_o not_o of_o strong_a meat_n for_o every_o one_o that_o use_v milk_n be_v unskilful_a in_o the_o word_n of_o righteousness_n for_o he_o be_v a_o babe_n but_o strong_a meat_n belong_v to_o they_o that_o be_v of_o full_a age_n even_o those_o who_o by_o reason_n of_o use_n have_v their_o sense_n exercise_v to_o discern_v both_o good_a and_o evil_n and_o though_o here_o the_o apostle_n seem_v more_o immediate_o to_o regard_v the_o perfection_n of_o knowledge_n yet_o the_o perfection_n of_o righteousness_n must_v never_o in_o the_o language_n of_o the_o scripture_n be_v separate_v from_o it_o much_o the_o same_o remark_n must_v i_o add_v concern_v the_o integrity_n of_o righteousness_n and_o the_o christian_n progress_n or_o advance_v in_o it_o though_o the_o scripture_n when_o it_o speak_v of_o perfection_n do_v sometime_o more_o direct_o refer_v to_o the_o one_o and_o sometime_o to_o the_o other_o yet_o we_o must_v ever_o suppose_v that_o they_o do_v mutual_o imply_v and_o include_v one_o
liberty_n the_o constancy_n and_o uniformity_n of_o a_o holy_a life_n and_o both_o strength_n and_o passion_n be_v general_o owe_v to_o a_o tender_a and_o enlighten_v conscience_n for_o while_o the_o conscience_n preserve_v a_o quick_a and_o nice_a sense_n of_o good_a and_o evil_a all_o the_o great_a truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n will_v have_v their_o proper_a force_n and_o natural_a efficacy_n upon_o we_o these_o than_o be_v the_o genuine_a fruit_n of_o meditation_n the_o eucharist_n psalmody_n and_o suchlike_a if_o they_o do_v not_o add_v life_n and_o light_n to_o the_o conscience_n if_o they_o do_v not_o augment_v our_o strength_n nor_o exalt_v our_o passion_n if_o they_o do_v not_o increase_v our_o detestation_n of_o sin_n and_o our_o love_n to_o god_n and_o goodness_n if_o they_o do_v not_o quicken_v and_o excite_v devout_a purpose_n if_o they_o do_v not_o engage_v and_o refresh_v the_o soul_n by_o holy_a joy_n and_o heavenly_a pleasure_n if_o i_o say_v they_o do_v not_o in_o some_o degree_n or_o other_o promote_v these_o thing_n we_o reap_v no_o benefit_n at_o all_o from_o they_o or_o we_o can_v never_o be_v certain_a that_o we_o do_v but_o though_o the_o end_v i_o have_v mention_v be_v of_o this_o great_a use_n to_o all_o and_o consequent_o all_o be_v oblige_v to_o aim_v at_o they_o yet_o may_v the_o different_a defect_n and_o imperfection_n of_o different_a christian_n render_v one_o of_o these_o end_v more_o necessary_a than_o another_o and_o by_o consequence_n it_o will_v be_v wisdom_n more_o immediate_o and_o direct_o to_o intend_v and_o pursue_v that_o for_o example_n if_o a_o man_n temper_n be_v such_o that_o his_o passion_n do_v soon_o kindle_v and_o soon_o die_v again_o that_o he_o be_v apt_a to_o form_n wise_a and_o great_a project_n and_o as_o unapt_a to_o accomplish_v any_o thing_n in_o this_o case_n it_o will_v be_v his_o duty_n to_o aim_v especial_o at_o the_o increase_n of_o strength_n but_o if_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n a_o man_n temper_n be_v cold_a and_o phlegmatic_a slow_a and_o heavy_a it_o be_v but_o fit_a that_o he_o shall_v particular_o apply_v himself_o to_o the_o awaken_n and_o exciting_a devout_a affection_n in_o his_o soul_n for_o as_o excellent_a purpose_n do_v often_o miscarry_v for_o want_v of_o constancy_n and_o firmness_n of_o mind_n so_o steadiness_n and_o firmness_n of_o mind_n do_v seldom_o effect_v any_o great_a matter_n when_o it_o want_v life_n and_o passion_n to_o put_v it_o into_o motion_n again_o if_o one_o past_a life_n have_v be_v very_o sinful_a or_o the_o present_n be_v not_o very_o fruitful_a it_o will_v behoove_v such_o a_o one_o to_o increase_v the_o tenderness_n of_o conscience_n to_o add_v more_o light_a and_o life_n to_o its_o conviction_n that_o by_o a_o daily_a repetition_n of_o contrition_n and_o compunction_n he_o may_v wash_v off_o the_o stain_n or_o by_o the_o fruitfulness_n of_o his_o follow_a life_n repair_v the_o barrenness_n of_o that_o past_a have_v thus_o in_o few_o word_n both_o make_v out_o the_o usefulness_n of_o those_o three_o end_n i_o propose_v to_o a_o christian_a in_o the_o performance_n of_o instrumental_a duty_n of_o religion_n and_o show_v in_o what_o case_n he_o may_v be_v oblige_v to_o aim_v more_o immediate_o at_o one_o than_o another_o i_o will_v now_o inquire_v and_o that_o as_o brief_o as_o i_o can_v how_o these_o three_o end_n may_v be_v scure_v and_o promote_v one_a of_o tenderness_n of_o conscience_n or_o the_o full_a and_o lively_a conviction_n of_o it_o to_o promote_v this_o the_o first_o thing_n necessary_a be_v meditation_n no_o man_n who_o diligent_o search_v and_o study_v the_o book_n of_o god_n can_v be_v a_o stranger_n to_o himself_o or_o to_o his_o duty_n not_o to_o his_o duty_n for_o this_o book_n reveal_v the_o whole_a will_n of_o god_n in_o clear_a and_o full_a term_n it_o give_v we_o such_o infallible_a character_n of_o good_a and_o evil_a right_a and_o wrong_n as_o render_v our_o ignorance_n or_o error_n inexcusable_a it_o point_v out_o the_o great_a end_n of_o life_n so_o plain_o and_o conduct_n we_o to_o they_o by_o such_o general_a and_o unerring_a rule_n that_o there_o be_v no_o variety_n of_o circumstance_n can_v so_o perplex_v and_o ravel_v our_o duty_n but_o that_o a_o honest_a man_n by_o the_o help_n of_o this_o may_v easy_o discover_v it_o for_o this_o reason_n it_o be_v that_o the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v call_v light_n because_o it_o do_v distinguish_v between_o good_a and_o evil_a right_a and_o wrong_n and_o like_o a_o lamp_n do_v manifest_v the_o path_n which_o we_o be_v to_o choose_v and_o disperse_v that_o mist_n and_o darkness_n with_o which_o the_o lust_n of_o man_n and_o the_o subtlety_n of_o hell_n have_v cover_v it_o and_o for_o this_o reason_n it_o be_v that_o the_o good_a have_v such_o a_o value_n and_o the_o wicked_a such_o a_o aversion_n for_o the_o book_n of_o god_n for_o every_o one_o that_o do_v evil_a hate_v the_o light_n neither_o come_v to_o the_o light_n lest_o his_o deed_n shall_v be_v reprove_v but_o he_o that_o do_v truth_n come_v to_o the_o light_n that_o his_o deed_n may_v be_v make_v manifest_a that_o they_o be_v wrought_v in_o god_n joh._n 3.20_o 21._o nor_o can_v he_o that_o study_v the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v a_o stranger_n to_o himself_o any_o more_o than_o to_o his_o duty_n for_o this_o light_n ransack_v all_o the_o recess_n of_o the_o soul_n it_o trace_n all_o its_o affection_n back_o to_o their_o first_o spring_n and_o source_n it_o lay_v open_v all_o its_o desire_n and_o project_n and_o strip_v its_o most_o secret_a purpose_n of_o all_o their_o disguise_n for_o the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v quick_a and_o powerful_a and_o sharp_a than_o any_o two_o edge_v sword_n pierce_v even_o to_o the_o divide_v asunder_o of_o soul_n and_o spirit_n and_o of_o the_o joint_n and_o marrow_n and_o be_v a_o discerner_n of_o the_o thought_n and_o intent_n of_o the_o heart_n heb._n 4.12_o in_o a_o word_n if_o we_o will_v preserve_v the_o conscience_n quick_a and_o sensible_a we_o must_v be_v daily_o conversant_a in_o the_o book_n of_o god_n for_o this_o command_n with_o that_o authority_n instruct_v with_o that_o clearness_n persuade_v with_o that_o force_n reprove_v with_o that_o purity_n prudence_n and_o charity_n that_o we_o shall_v not_o easy_o be_v able_a to_o resist_v it_o it_o describe_v righteousness_n and_o sin_n in_o such_o true_a and_o lively_a colour_n proclaim_v reward_n and_o punishment_n in_o such_o powerful_a and_o move_a language_n that_o it_o rouse_v even_o the_o dead_a in_o sin_n penetrate_v and_o wound_v the_o stupid_a and_o obdurate_a to_o meditation_n we_o must_v add_v prayer_n for_o this_o be_v a_o very_a proper_a and_o essential_a mean_n to_o refresh_v and_o renew_v in_o the_o soul_n the_o hatred_n of_o sin_n and_o love_n of_o goodness_n and_o to_o improve_v those_o impression_n which_o meditation_n have_v make_v upon_o it_o we_o can_v easy_o put_v up_o petition_n to_o god_n with_o confidence_n unless_o we_o do_v the_o thing_n that_o please_v he_o for_o our_o heart_n will_v misgive_v we_o and_o our_o very_a petition_n will_v reproach_v we_o and_o the_o mere_a thought_n of_o enter_v more_o immediate_o into_o the_o presence_n of_o god_n do_v oblige_v we_o to_o a_o more_o careful_a trial_n and_o examination_n of_o our_o action_n for_o god_n be_v not_o only_o omniscient_a but_o just_a and_o holy_a too_o we_o can_v no_o more_o flatter_v ourselves_o with_o the_o hope_n of_o pardon_n for_o any_o sin_n into_o which_o we_o be_v betray_v by_o fondness_n or_o negligence_n than_o we_o can_v imagine_v he_o ignorant_a of_o it_o but_o this_o be_v not_o all_o we_o be_v to_o pray_v that_o god_n will_v enable_v we_o to_o search_v out_o and_o discover_v our_o own_o heart_n psal_n 139.23_o 24._o search_v i_o o_o god_n and_o know_v my_o heart_n try_v i_o and_o know_v my_o thought_n and_o see_v if_o there_o be_v any_o wicked_a way_n in_o i_o and_o lead_v i_o in_o the_o way_n everlasting_a and_o if_o we_o do_v this_o sincere_o god_n will_v undoubted_o grant_v our_o request_n and_o will_v lay_v open_a to_o we_o all_o our_o present_a defect_n and_o infirmity_n and_o show_v we_o how_o far_o short_a we_o come_v of_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n that_o perfection_n of_o holiness_n and_o happiness_n which_o many_o eminent_a saint_n actual_o arrive_v at_o upon_o earth_n and_o we_o way_n be_v sure_a that_o light_n which_o break_v in_o upon_o our_o mind_n with_o this_o brightness_n will_v not_o suffer_v any_o latent_fw-la corruption_n to_o continue_v undiscovered_a nor_o permit_v we_o to_o forget_v the_o stain_n and_o ruin_n which_o the_o sin_n of_o our_o past_a life_n have_v leave_v behind_o they_o conversation_n be_v another_o way_n by_o which_o we_o learn_v to_o know_v ourselves_o and_o by_o which_o conscience_n
so_o direct_o suit_v to_o a_o devout_a mind_n that_o it_o present_o enter_v it_o moves_z and_o actuate_v it_o inspire_v and_o inform_v it_o with_o the_o very_a passion_n it_o describe_v and_o though_o all_o good_a man_n be_v not_o equal_o move_v in_o this_o duty_n yet_o all_o i_o believe_v be_v more_o or_o less_o move_v it_o be_v very_o much_o the_o business_n of_o the_o prophet_n and_o all_o of_o prophetic_a education_n our_o lord_n and_o his_o disciple_n practise_v it_o frequent_o it_o be_v ever_o a_o great_a part_n of_o religious_a joy_n and_o one_o of_o the_o great_a pleasure_n of_o pious_a retirement_n and_o i_o wish_v from_o my_o heart_n the_o esteem_n of_o it_o be_v revive_v in_o our_o day_n i_o persuade_v myself_o it_o will_v add_v much_o to_o the_o warmth_n and_o pleasure_n of_o devotion_n it_o will_v contribute_v to_o introduce_v religion_n into_o our_o family_n and_o for_o aught_o i_o know_v into_o our_o very_a recreation_n and_o friendship_n and_o this_o mind_n i_o that_o as_o i_o have_v under_o every_o forego_n head_n take_v notice_n of_o the_o advantage_n of_o conversation_n so_o i_o shall_v not_o forget_v it_o here_o this_o have_v a_o lively_a influence_n upon_o our_o mind_n and_o always_o kindle_v in_o the_o soul_n a_o gentle_a heat_n and_o do_v we_o but_o accustom_v ourselves_o to_o entertain_v one_o another_o with_o discourse_n about_o another_o world_n do_v we_o mingle_v the_o praise_n of_o god_n with_o the_o feast_n and_o joy_n of_o life_n do_v we_o retire_v to_o our_o country-house_n to_o contemplate_v the_o variety_n and_o riches_n of_o divine_a wisdom_n and_o bounty_n in_o those_o natural_a scene_n of_o pleasure_n which_o the_o country_n afford_v and_o do_v we_o now_o and_o then_o invite_v our_o friend_n to_o join_v with_o we_o in_o offer_v up_o halelujah_n to_o god_n on_o this_o account_n what_o brightness_n and_o serenity_n what_o calm_a and_o pleasure_n will_v this_o diffuse_v through_o all_o our_o soul_n through_o all_o our_o day_n to_o this_o that_o i_o have_v say_v touch_v the_o exciting_a holy_a passion_n i_o will_v only_o add_v one_o observation_n form_v upon_o those_o word_n of_o the_o apostle_n jam._n 5.13_o be_v any_o among_o you_o afflict_v let_v he_o pray_v be_v any_o merry_a let_v he_o sing_v psalm_n that_o religion_n must_v be_v accommodate_v to_o nature_n and_o that_o devout_a passion_n will_v soon_o shoot_v up_o when_o they_o be_v engraft_v upon_o a_o natural_a stock_n with_o which_o i_o will_v join_v this_o other_o that_o since_o we_o be_v most_o affect_v by_o such_o truth_n as_o be_v most_o particular_a circumstantiate_v and_o sensible_a and_o therefore_o imprint_v themselves_o more_o easy_o and_o deep_o on_o our_o imagination_n for_o this_o reason_n i_o shall_v recommend_v the_o read_n the_o life_n of_o saint_n and_o excellent_a person_n be_v they_o not_o general_o write_v so_o that_o we_o have_v reason_n to_o desire_v somewhat_o more_o of_o the_o spirit_n of_o piety_n in_o the_o learned_a and_o more_o of_o judgement_n in_o the_o pious_a who_o have_v employ_v their_o pen_n on_o this_o argument_n §_o 4._o the_o immediate_a end_n of_o discipline_n be_v the_o subdue_a the_o pride_n of_o the_o heart_n and_o the_o reduce_v the_o appetite_n of_o the_o body_n by_o discipline_n i_o here_o understand_v whatever_o voluntary_a rigour_n we_o impose_v on_o our_o self_n or_o whatever_o voluntary_a restraint_n we_o lie_v upon_o our_o allow_a enjoyment_n and_o when_o i_o say_v that_o the_o humiliation_n of_o the_o heart_n and_o subjection_n of_o the_o body_n be_v the_o immediate_a end_n of_o both_o i_o do_v not_o exclude_v any_o other_o which_o may_v be_v involve_v in_o these_o or_o result_v from_o they_o now_o of_o what_o importance_n these_o two_o thing_n be_v i_o need_v not_o show_v for_o since_o all_o sin_n be_v distinguish_v in_o scripture_n into_o the_o filthiness_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o the_o flesh_n it_o be_v plain_a that_o the_o pride_n of_o the_o heart_n and_o the_o lust_n of_o the_o body_n be_v the_o two_o great_a cause_n of_o all_o immorality_n and_o uncleanness_n and_o therefore_o these_o be_v the_o two_o great_a end_n which_o the_o wise_a and_o good_a have_v ever_o have_v in_o their_o eye_n in_o all_o their_o act_n of_o self-denial_n and_o mortification_n this_o be_v sufficient_o attest_v by_o the_o example_n of_o david_n psal_n 131._o lord_n i_o be_o not_o high_a mind_v i_o have_v no_o proud_a look_n i_o do_v not_o exercise_v myself_o in_o great_a matter_n which_o be_v too_o high_a for_o i_o but_o i_o refrain_v my_o soul_n and_o keep_v it_o low_o like_a as_o a_o child_n that_o be_v wean_v from_o his_o mother_n yea_o my_o soul_n be_v even_o as_o a_o wean_a child_n and_o from_o that_o other_o of_o st._n paul_n 1_o cor._n 9.25_o 26_o 27._o and_o every_o one_o that_o strive_v for_o the_o mastery_n be_v temperate_a in_o all_o thing_n now_o they_o do_v it_o to_o obtain_v a_o corruptible_a crown_n but_o we_o a_o incorruptible_a i_o therefore_o so_o run_v not_o as_o uncertain_o so_o fight_v i_o not_o as_o one_o that_o beat_v the_o air_n but_o i_o keep_v under_o my_o body_n and_o bring_v it_o into_o subjection_n lest_o that_o by_o any_o mean_n when_o i_o have_v preach_v to_o other_o i_o myself_o shall_v be_v a_o castaway_n whoever_o thus_o mortify_v the_o pride_n of_o the_o heart_n whoever_o thus_o bring_v under_o the_o body_n will_v soon_o find_v himself_o true_o set_v free_a and_o master_n of_o himself_o and_o fortune_n he_o will_v be_v able_a to_o run_v the_o way_n of_o god_n commandment_n and_o to_o advance_v on_o swift_o towards_o perfection_n and_o the_o pleasure_n and_o happiness_n that_o attend_v it_o and_o to_o attain_v these_o bless_a end_n i_o do_v not_o think_v that_o we_o need_v ensnare_v our_o soul_n in_o the_o perpetual_a bond_n of_o monastic_a vow_n i_o do_v not_o think_v that_o we_o be_v to_o expose_v ourselves_o by_o any_o ridiculous_a or_o fantastic_a observance_n there_o be_v i_o say_v no_o need_n of_o this_o for_o we_o may_v as_o oft_o as_o we_o shall_v see_v fit_a retrench_v our_o pleasure_n abate_v of_o the_o show_n and_o figure_n of_o life_n we_o may_v renounce_v our_o own_o will_n to_o comply_v with_o they_o who_o can_v so_o well_o pretend_v either_o to_o authority_n or_o discretion_n and_o if_o these_o thing_n can_v be_v do_v in_o some_o circumstance_n without_o become_a fool_n for_o christ_n that_o be_v without_o that_o tameness_n that_o condescension_n that_o diminution_n of_o ourselves_o which_o will_n never_o comport_v with_o the_o humour_n and_o the_o fashion_n of_o the_o world_n here_o be_v still_o the_o more_o room_n for_o mortification_n and_o for_o a_o near_o and_o more_o eminent_a imitation_n of_o the_o bless_a jesus_n provide_v still_o we_o decline_v all_o affectation_n of_o singularity_n and_o when_o we_o practice_v any_o extraordinary_a instance_n of_o self-denial_n we_o be_v ever_o able_a to_o justify_v it_o to_o religious_a and_o judicious_a person_n by_o the_o proposal_n of_o some_o excellent_a end_n fast_v indeed_o be_v plain_o prescribe_v in_o scripture_n and_o though_o the_o obligation_n to_o it_o with_o respect_n to_o its_o frequency_n and_o measure_n be_v not_o the_o same_o on_o all_o yet_o all_o shall_v some_o time_n or_o other_o practice_v it_o as_o far_o as_o the_o rule_n of_o christian_a prudence_n will_v permit_v and_o i_o have_v often_o think_v that_o fast_v shall_v general_o consist_v rather_o in_o abstinence_n from_o please_a meat_n than_o from_o all_o not_o the_o food_n which_o nourish_v our_o strength_n but_o that_o which_o gratify_v the_o palate_n minister_a most_o direct_o to_o wantonness_n and_o luxury_n for_o the_o better_a regulation_n of_o voluntary_a discipline_n i_o propose_v by_o way_n of_o advice_n three_o thing_n 1._o i_o do_v not_o think_v it_o best_o to_o bring_v ourselves_o under_o any_o perpetual_a and_o unalterable_a tie_n in_o any_o instance_n of_o self-denial_n there_o be_v a_o virtue_n in_o enjoy_v the_o world_n as_o well_o as_o in_o renounce_v it_o and_o it_o be_v as_o great_a a_o excellence_n of_o religion_n to_o know_v how_o to_o abound_v as_o how_o to_o suffer_v want_n nay_o what_o be_v more_o all_o voluntary_a austerity_n be_v in_o order_n to_o give_v we_o a_o power_n and_o dominion_n over_o ourselves_o in_o the_o general_a course_n of_o a_o prosperous_a life_n and_o last_o i_o very_o much_o doubt_n when_o once_o a_o man_n have_v long_a and_o constant_o accustom_v himself_o to_o any_o rigour_n whether_o it_o continue_v to_o have_v much_o of_o mortification_n in_o it_o or_o whether_o it_o so_o effectual_o tend_v to_o promote_v our_o spiritual_a liberty_n as_o it_o will_v if_o we_o do_v return_v to_o it_o but_o now_o and_o then_o as_o we_o see_v occasion_n 2._o we_o must_v not_o multiply_v unnecessary_a severity_n and_o that_o no_o man_n may_v think_v
have_v nothing_o of_o internal_a purity_n or_o solid_a righteousness_n in_o it_o so_o that_o upon_o the_o whole_a the_o jew_z and_o gentile_n be_v alike_o wicked_a only_o the_o wickedness_n of_o the_o jew_n have_v this_o aggravation_n in_o it_o above_o that_o of_o the_o gentile_n that_o they_o enjoy_v the_o oracle_n of_o god_n and_o the_o favour_n of_o a_o peculiar_a covenant_n this_o be_v the_o state_n of_o darkness_n which_o lie_v upon_o the_o face_n of_o the_o jewish_a and_o gentile_a world_n our_o lord_n who_o be_v to_o be_v a_o light_n to_o lighten_v the_o gentile_n and_o the_o glory_n of_o his_o people_n israel_n advance_v and_o establish_v in_o the_o world_n that_o doctrine_n which_o direct_o tend_v to_o dispel_v these_o error_n and_o rescue_v mankind_n from_o the_o misery_n that_o attend_v they_o for_o all_o that_o the_o gospel_n contain_v may_v be_v reduce_v to_o these_o three_o head_n first_o the_o assertion_n of_o one_o only_a true_a god_n with_o a_o bright_a and_o full_a revelation_n of_o his_o divine_a attribute_n and_o perfection_n second_o a_o account_n of_o the_o will_n of_o god_n or_o the_o worship_n he_o delight_v in_o which_o be_v a_o spiritual_a one_o together_o with_o suitable_a mean_n and_o motive_n in_o which_o last_o be_v contain_v a_o full_a declaration_n of_o man_n supreme_a happiness_n three_o the_o revelation_n of_o one_o mediator_n between_o god_n and_o man_n the_o man_n christ_n jesus_n through_o who_o we_o have_v access_n with_o boldness_n to_o the_o throne_n of_o grace_n through_o who_o we_o have_v obtain_v from_o the_o father_n grace_n and_o pardon_v and_o adoption_n and_o through_o who_o last_o all_o our_o oblation_n and_o performance_n be_v acceptable_a to_o he_o the_o design_n of_o this_o glorious_a manifestation_n be_v to_o open_v man_n eye_n to_o turn_v they_o from_o darkness_n to_o light_n and_o from_o the_o power_n of_o satan_n to_o the_o live_a god_n that_o they_o may_v obtain_v remission_n of_o sin_n and_o a_o inheritance_n of_o glory_n these_o than_o be_v the_o truth_n which_o illuminate_v the_o gentile_a and_o jewish_a world_n and_o these_o be_v the_o truth_n which_o must_v illuminate_v we_o at_o this_o day_n these_o dispel_v all_o destructive_a error_n that_o lead_v we_o to_o vice_n or_o misery_n these_o point_n out_o our_o supreme_a felicity_n and_o the_o direct_a way_n to_o it_o these_o open_a and_o enlarge_v the_o eye_n of_o the_o soul_n enable_v it_o to_o distinguish_v and_o judge_v with_o a_o unerring_a exactness_n between_o good_a and_o evil_a between_o substantial_a and_o superficial_a temporal_a and_o eternal_a good_n and_o i_o wish_v from_o my_o soul_n whatever_o light_n we_o pretend_v to_o at_o this_o day_n we_o be_v well_o ground_v and_o establish_v in_o these_o truth_n i_o doubt_v notwithstanding_o our_o belief_n of_o one_o god_n and_o one_o mediator_n and_o notwithstanding_o we_o be_v well_o enough_o assure_v that_o god_n who_o be_v a_o spirit_n must_v be_v worship_v in_o spirit_n and_o in_o truth_n and_o notwithstanding_o our_o pretend_v to_o believe_v a_o life_n to_o come_v i_o say_v i_o be_o afraid_a that_o notwithstanding_o these_o thing_n we_o do_v general_o err_v in_o two_o main_a point_n namely_o in_o the_o notion_n we_o ought_v to_o have_v of_o religion_n and_o the_o value_n we_o be_v to_o set_v upon_o the_o world_n and_o the_o body_n for_o who_o that_o reflect_v upon_o the_o pomp_n and_o pride_n of_o life_n upon_o the_o ease_n the_o softness_n and_o the_o luxury_n of_o it_o upon_o the_o frothiness_n and_o the_o freedom_n the_o vanity_n and_o impertinence_n to_o say_v no_o worse_o of_o conversation_n will_v not_o conclude_v that_o either_o we_o have_v renounce_v our_o religion_n or_o form_n to_o ourselves_o too_o complaisant_a and_o indulgent_a a_o notion_n of_o it_o for_o be_v this_o the_o imitation_n of_o jesus_n be_v this_o to_o walk_v as_o he_o walk_v in_o the_o world_n can_v this_o be_v the_o deportment_n of_o man_n to_o who_o the_o world_n and_o the_o body_n be_v crucify_a can_v such_o a_o life_n as_o this_o be_v flow_v from_o those_o divine_a fountain_n faith_n love_n and_o hope_v who_o again_o can_v reflect_v upon_o the_o passion_n we_o discover_v for_o superiority_n and_o precedence_n our_o thirst_n of_o power_n our_o ravenous_a desire_n of_o wealth_n and_o not_o conclude_v that_o we_o have_v mistake_v our_o main_a end_n that_o we_o set_v a_o wrong_a value_n upon_o thing_n and_o that_o whatever_o we_o talk_v of_o a_o eternity_n we_o look_v upon_o this_o present_a world_n as_o our_o portion_n and_o most_o valuable_a good_a for_o can_v such_o a_o tender_a concern_v for_o such_o a_o eager_a pursuit_n after_o temporal_a thing_n flow_v from_o nay_o consist_v with_o purity_n of_o heart_n and_o poverty_n of_o spirit_n the_o love_n of_o god_n and_o a_o desire_n of_o heaven_n whoever_o then_o will_v be_v perfect_a or_o happy_a must_v careful_o avoid_v both_o these_o error_n he_o must_v never_o think_v that_o religion_n can_v subsist_v without_o the_o strength_n and_o vigour_n of_o our_o affection_n or_o that_o the_o bend_v and_o vigour_n of_o our_o soul_n can_v be_v point_v towards_o god_n and_o yet_o the_o air_n of_o our_o deportment_n and_o conversation_n be_v earthy_a sensual_a and_o vain_a conform_v even_o to_o a_o pagan_a pride_n and_o show_v of_o life_n next_o he_o must_v never_o cherish_v in_o himself_o the_o love_n of_o this_o world_n he_o must_v never_o look_v upon_o himself_o other_o than_o a_o stranger_n and_o pilgrim_n in_o it_o he_o must_v never_o be_v fond_a of_o the_o pleasure_n of_o it_o he_o must_v never_o form_v vain_a design_n and_o project_n about_o it_o nor_o look_v upon_o the_o best_a thing_n in_o it_o as_o ingredient_n of_o our_o happiness_n but_o only_o as_o instrument_n of_o virtue_n or_o short_a repast_n and_o refreshment_n in_o our_o journey_n and_o because_o all_o our_o mistake_n about_o the_o nature_n and_o perfection_n of_o religion_n and_o the_o value_n of_o temporal_a thing_n do_v general_o arise_v from_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d that_o peculiar_a sin_n to_o which_o our_o constitution_n betray_v we_o therefore_o the_o knowledge_n of_o ourselves_o a_o intimate_a acquaintance_n with_o all_o our_o natural_a propension_n and_o infirmity_n be_v no_o inconsiderable_a part_n of_o illumination_n for_o we_o shall_v never_o address_v ourselves_o hearty_o to_o the_o cure_n of_o a_o disease_n which_o we_o know_v nothing_o of_o or_o to_o the_o rectify_v any_o inclination_n till_o we_o be_v thorough_o convince_v that_o it_o be_v irregular_a and_o dangerous_a 2._o the_o second_o character_n of_o illuminate_a truth_n be_v that_o they_o be_v such_o as_o feed_v and_o nourish_v corroborate_v and_o improve_v the_o mind_n of_o man._n now_o the_o property_n of_o bodily_a strength_n be_v such_o as_o these_o it_o enable_v we_o to_o baffle_v and_o repel_v injury_n to_o bear_v toil_n and_o travel_n to_o perform_v difficult_a work_n with_o speed_n and_o ease_n and_o final_o it_o prolong_v life_n to_o a_o much_o further_a date_n than_o weak_a and_o crazy_a constitution_n can_v arrive_v at_o and_o of_o all_o these_o we_o find_v some_o resemblance_n in_o spiritual_a strength_n but_o as_o much_o more_o perfect_a and_o excellent_a as_o the_o spirit_n be_v above_o the_o body_n those_o truth_n than_o be_v indeed_o illuminate_v which_o enable_v we_o to_o vanquish_v temptation_n to_o endure_v with_o constancy_n and_o patience_n the_o toil_v and_o hardship_n of_o our_o christian_a warfare_n to_o discharge_v the_o duty_n of_o our_o station_n with_o zeal_n and_o vigour_n and_o which_o last_o render_v we_o firm_a steady_a and_o immortal_a and_o these_o be_v the_o glorious_a effect_n which_o be_v attribute_v to_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n hence_o be_v the_o gospel_n call_v the_o power_n of_o god_n unto_o salvation_n rom._n 1.16_o and_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o we_o read_v of_o the_o armour_n of_o god_n ephesian_n 6.11_o the_o sword_n of_o the_o spirit_n the_o shield_n of_o faith_n the_o breastplate_n of_o righteousness_n etc._n etc._n to_o intimate_v to_o we_o the_o strength_n and_o virtue_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o that_o it_o bring_v with_o it_o safety_n and_o success_n and_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v say_v to_o quicken_v and_o strengthen_v that_o man_n be_v say_v to_o live_v not_o by_o bread_n alone_o but_o by_o every_o word_n that_o proceed_v out_o of_o the_o mouth_n of_o god_n that_o righteousness_n be_v call_v everlasting_a and_o that_o he_o that_o do_v the_o will_n of_o god_n be_v affirm_v to_o abide_v for_o ever_o to_o teach_v we_o plain_o that_o there_o be_v nothing_o steady_a and_o unalterable_a nothing_o durable_a nothing_o eternal_a but_o god_n divine_a truth_n and_o those_o that_o be_v form_v and_o model_v by_o they_o there_o be_v truth_n indeed_o which_o be_v mere_o barren_a and_o vnactive_a which_o amuse_n and_o suspend_v the_o
consequent_o acceptable_a to_o all_o faithful_a christian_n in_o the_o next_o chap._n iii_o of_o liberty_n after_o illumination_n which_o be_v the_o perfection_n of_o the_o understanding_n follow_v liberty_n which_o be_v the_o perfection_n of_o the_o will._n in_o treat_v of_o which_o i_o shall_v first_o give_v a_o account_n of_o liberty_n in_o general_n and_o then_o discourse_n of_o the_o several_a part_n of_o it_o as_o it_o regard_v wickedness_n vnfruitfulness_n human_a infirmity_n and_o original_a corruption_n §_o 1._o what_o liberty_n be_v there_o have_v be_v several_a mistake_v about_o this_o matter_n but_o these_o have_v be_v so_o absurd_a or_o extravagant_a so_o design_v or_o sensual_a that_o they_o need_v not_o i_o think_v a_o serious_a refutation_n however_o it_o be_v necessary_a in_o a_o word_n or_o two_o to_o remove_v this_o rubbish_n and_o lumber_n out_o of_o my_o way_n that_o i_o may_v build_v up_o and_o establish_v the_o truth_n more_o easy_o and_o regular_o some_o then_o have_v place_v christian_a liberty_n in_o deliverance_n from_o the_o mosaic_a yoke_n but_o this_o be_v to_o make_v our_o liberty_n consist_v in_o freedom_n from_o a_o yoke_n to_o which_o we_o be_v never_o subject_a and_o to_o make_v our_o glorious_a redemption_n from_o the_o tyranny_n of_o sin_n and_o the_o misery_n that_o attend_v it_o dwindle_v into_o a_o immunity_n from_o external_a rite_n and_o observance_n it_o be_v true_a the_o mosaic_a institution_n as_o far_o as_o it_o consist_v in_o outward_a observance_n and_o typical_a rite_n be_v now_o dissolve_v the_o messiah_n be_v come_v who_o be_v the_o substance_n of_o those_o shadow_n and_o the_o beauty_n of_o holiness_n be_v unfold_v and_o display_v without_o any_o veil_n upon_o her_o face_n but_o what_o be_v this_o to_o ecclesiastical_a authority_n or_o to_o those_o ecclesiastical_a institution_n which_o be_v no_o part_n of_o the_o mosaic_a yoke_n from_o the_o abrogation_n indeed_o or_o abolition_n of_o ritual_a and_o typical_a religion_n one_o may_v infer_v first_o that_o christianity_n must_v be_v a_o rational_a worship_n of_o moral_a spiritual_a service_n and_o therefore_o second_o that_o human_a institution_n when_o they_o enjoin_v any_o thing_n as_o a_o necessary_a and_o essential_a part_n of_o religion_n which_o god_n have_v not_o make_v so_o or_o when_o they_o impose_v such_o riâ—es_n as_o through_o the_o number_n or_o nature_n of_o they_o cherish_v superstition_n obscure_v the_o gospel_n weaken_v its_o force_n or_o prove_v burdensome_a to_o we_o be_v to_o be_v reject_v and_o not_o comply_v with_o thus_o much_o be_v plain_a and_o nothing_o far_o there_o have_v be_v other_o who_o have_v run_v into_o more_o intolerable_a error_n for_o some_o have_v place_v christian_a liberty_n in_o exemption_n from_o the_o law_n of_o man_n and_o other_o advance_v high_a in_o exemption_n even_o from_o the_o moral_a and_o immutable_a law_n of_o god_n but_o the_o folly_n and_o wickedness_n of_o these_o opinion_n sufficient_o confute_v they_o since_o it_o be_v notorious_a to_o every_o one_o that_o disobedience_n and_o anarchy_n be_v as_o flat_a a_o contradiction_n to_o the_o peaceableness_n as_o voluptuousness_n and_o luxury_n be_v to_o the_o purity_n of_o that_o wisdom_n which_o be_v from_o above_o but_o how_o absurd_a and_o wicked_a soever_o these_o notion_n be_v yet_o do_v we_o find_v they_o greedy_o embrace_v and_o industrious_o propagate_v at_o this_o day_n and_o behold_v with_o amazement_n the_o baffle_a and_o despicable_a gnostic_n priscilianist_n libertine_n and_o i_o know_v not_o what_o other_o spawn_n of_o hell_n revive_v in_o deist_n and_o atheist_n these_o indeed_o do_v not_o advance_v their_o error_n under_o a_o pretence_n of_o christian_a liberty_n but_o which_o be_v more_o ingenious_a and_o less_o scandalous_a of_o the_o two_o in_o open_a defiance_n and_o confess_v opposition_n to_o christianity_n they_o tell_v we_o that_o we_o impose_v upon_o the_o world_n false_a and_o fantastic_a notion_n of_o virtue_n and_o liberty_n that_o religion_n do_v enslave_v man_n not_o set_v he_o free_a aw_v the_o mind_n by_o groundless_a and_o superstitious_a principle_n and_o restrain_v and_o infringe_v our_o true_a and_o natural_a liberty_n which_o if_o we_o will_v believe_v they_o consist_v in_o give_v nature_n its_o full_a swing_n let_v loose_a the_o reins_o to_o the_o most_o headstrong_a lust_n and_o the_o wild_a and_o the_o most_o corrupt_a imagination_n but_o to_o this_o it_o be_v easy_a to_o answer_v that_o while_o these_o man_n attempt_v to_o establish_v their_o error_n and_o fortify_v their_o mind_n in_o they_o by_o argument_n of_o some_o sort_n or_o other_o as_o they_o do_v it_o be_v plain_a that_o they_o suppose_v and_o acknowledge_v with_o we_o that_o we_o ought_v to_o be_v rule_v and_o govern_v by_o reason_n and_o if_o this_o be_v true_a then_o by_o undeniable_a consequence_n true_a liberty_n must_v consist_v not_o in_o do_v what_o we_o listen_v but_o what_o we_o ought_v not_o in_o follow_v our_o lust_n or_o fancy_n but_o our_o reason_n not_o in_o be_v exempt_a from_o law_n but_o in_o be_v a_o law_n to_o ourselves_o and_o then_o i_o appeal_v to_o all_o the_o world_n whether_o the_o discipline_n of_o virtue_n or_o libertinism_n whether_o the_o school_n of_o epicurus_n or_o christ_n be_v the_o way_n to_o true_a liberty_n i_o appeal_v to_o the_o experience_n of_o mankind_n whether_o spiritual_a or_o sensual_a pleasure_n whether_o the_o love_n of_o god_n and_o virtue_n or_o the_o love_n of_o the_o world_n and_o body_n be_v the_o more_o like_a to_o qualify_v and_o dispose_v we_o to_o obey_v the_o dictate_v of_o sober_a and_o solid_a reason_n but_o the_o truth_n be_v here_o be_v no_o need_n of_o argument_n the_o life_n and_o fortune_n of_o atheist_n and_o deist_n proclaim_v aloud_o what_o a_o glorious_a kind_n of_o liberty_n they_o be_v like_a to_o bless_v the_o world_n with_o 2_o pet._n 2.19_o whilst_o they_o promise_v liberty_n they_o themselves_o be_v the_o servant_n of_o corruption_n and_o this_o corruption_n draw_v on_o their_o ruin_n the_o dishonourable_a and_o miserable_a course_n in_o which_o these_o poor_a wretch_n be_v plunge_v and_o in_o which_o general_o they_o perish_v before_o their_o time_n be_v such_o a_o open_a contradiction_n to_o reason_n that_o no_o man_n doubt_v but_o that_o they_o have_v abandon_v its_o conduct_n that_o they_o have_v give_v themselves_o up_o to_o that_o of_o lust_n and_o humour_n and_o that_o they_o earnest_o endeavour_v to_o force_v or_o betray_v their_o reason_n into_o a_o compliance_n to_o screen_n themselves_o from_o the_o reproach_n and_o disturbance_n of_o their_o own_o mind_n and_o from_o the_o shame_n and_o contempt_n of_o the_o world_n i_o have_v dwell_v long_o enough_o on_o this_o argument_n it_o be_v now_o time_n to_o pass_v on_o and_o resolve_v what_o christian_a liberty_n real_o be_v this_o be_v in_o a_o manner_n evident_a from_o what_o have_v be_v suggest_v already_o for_o if_o reason_n be_v the_o govern_v faculty_n in_o man_n than_o the_o liberty_n of_o man_n must_v consist_v in_o his_o subjection_n to_o reason_n and_o so_o christian_n liberty_n will_v be_v nothing_o else_o but_o subjection_n to_o reason_n enlighten_v by_o revelation_n two_o thing_n therefore_o be_v essential_a to_o true_a liberty_n a_o clear_a and_o unbiased_a judgement_n and_o a_o power_n and_o capacity_n of_o act_v conformable_a to_o it_o this_o be_v a_o very_a short_a but_o full_a account_n of_o liberty_n darkness_n and_o impotence_n constitute_v our_o slavery_n light_n and_o strength_n our_o freedom_n man_n be_v then_o free_a when_o his_o reason_n be_v not_o awe_v by_o vile_a fear_n or_o bribe_v by_o vile_a hope_n when_o it_o be_v not_o tumultuos_o transport_v and_o hurry_v away_o by_o lust_n and_o passion_n nor_o cheat_v and_o delude_v by_o the_o guild_a appearance_n of_o sophisticated_a good_a but_o it_o deliberate_v impartial_o and_o command_v effectual_o and_o because_o the_o great_a obstacle_n of_o this_o liberty_n be_v sin_n because_o natural_a and_o contract_a corruption_n be_v the_o fetter_n in_o which_o we_o be_v bind_v because_o the_o law_n in_o the_o body_n war_n against_o the_o law_n in_o the_o mind_n obscure_v the_o light_n and_o enfeeble_v the_o authority_n of_o reason_n hence_o it_o be_v that_o christian_a liberty_n be_v as_o true_o as_o common_o describe_v by_o a_o dominion_n over_o the_o body_n by_o the_o subdue_a our_o corrupt_a affection_n and_o by_o deliverance_n from_o sin_n this_o notion_n of_o liberty_n may_v be_v sufficient_o establish_v upon_o that_o account_n of_o servitude_n or_o bondage_n which_o the_o apostle_n give_v we_o rom._n 7._o where_o he_o represent_v it_o as_o consist_v in_o impotence_n or_o inability_n to_o do_v those_o thing_n which_o god_n command_v and_o reason_n approve_v for_o to_o will_n be_v present_a with_o i_o but_o how_o to_o perform_v that_o which_o be_v good_a i_o find_v not_o ver_fw-la 18._o liberty_n therefore_o must_v on_o
in_o the_o exercise_n of_o truth_n justice_n and_o charity_n and_o no_o where_o be_v the_o ill_a influence_n of_o selfishness_n sensuality_n and_o the_o love_n of_o the_o world_n more_o notorious_a than_o here_o for_o these_o render_v we_o impatient_a and_o insatiable_a in_o our_o desire_n violent_a in_o the_o prosecution_n of_o they_o extravagant_a and_o excessive_a in_o our_o enjoyment_n and_o the_o thing_n of_o this_o world_n be_v few_o and_o finite_a and_o unable_a to_o satisfy_v such_o inordinate_a appetite_n we_o stand_v in_o one_o another_o light_n in_o one_o another_o way_n to_o profit_v and_o pleasure_n or_o too_o often_o at_o least_o seem_v to_o do_v so_o and_o this_o must_v unavoidable_o produce_v a_o thousand_o miserable_a consequence_n according_o we_o daily_o see_v that_o these_o passion_n selfishness_n sensuality_n and_o the_o love_n of_o the_o world_n be_v the_o parent_n of_o envy_n and_o emulation_n avarice_n ambition_n strife_n and_o contention_n hypocrisy_n and_o corruption_n lewdness_n luxury_n and_o prodigality_n but_o be_v utter_a enemy_n to_o honour_n truth_n and_o integrity_n to_o generosity_n and_o charity_n to_o obviate_v therefore_o the_o mischievous_a effect_n of_o these_o vicious_a principle_n religion_n aim_v at_o implant_n in_o the_o world_n other_o of_o a_o benign_a and_o beneficent_a nature_n oppose_v against_o the_o love_n of_o the_o world_n hope_n against_o selfishness_n charity_n and_o against_o sensuality_n faith_n and_o to_o the_o end_n the_o different_a tendency_n of_o these_o different_a principle_n may_v be_v the_o more_o conspicuous_a i_o will_v brief_o compare_v the_o effect_n they_o have_v in_o reference_n to_o our_o neighbour_n selfishness_n make_v man_n look_v upon_o the_o world_n as_o make_v for_o he_o alone_o and_o upon_o all_o as_o his_o enemy_n who_o do_v any_o way_n interfere_v with_o or_o obstruct_v his_o design_n it_o seal_v up_o all_o our_o treasure_n confine_n all_o our_o care_n and_o thought_n to_o our_o private_a interest_n honour_n or_o pleasure_n employ_v all_o our_o part_n power_n and_o wealth_n and_o all_o our_o time_n too_o in_o pursuit_n of_o our_o particular_a advantage_n sensuality_n tempt_v a_o man_n to_o abandon_v the_o care_n and_o concern_v for_o his_o country_n his_o friend_n and_o relation_n and_o neglect_v the_o duty_n of_o his_o station_n that_o he_o may_v give_v himself_o up_o to_o some_o sottish_a and_o dishonourable_a vice_n it_o prevail_v with_o he_o to_o refuse_v alm_n to_o the_o poor_a assistance_n to_o any_o public_a or_o neighbourly_a good_a work_n and_o even_o a_o decent_a nay_o sometime_o a_o necessary_a allowance_n to_o his_o family_n that_o he_o may_v waste_v and_o lavish_a out_o his_o fortune_n upon_o some_o vile_a and_o expensive_a lust_n in_o a_o word_n it_o make_v he_o incapable_a of_o the_o fatigue_n of_o civil_a business_n and_o much_o more_o of_o the_o hardship_n and_o hazard_n of_o war_n so_o that_o instead_o of_o imitate_v the_o glorious_a example_n of_o vriah_n who_o will_v not_o suffer_v himself_o to_o be_v court_v into_o the_o enjoyment_n even_o of_o allow_a pleasure_n nor_o indulge_v himself_o in_o the_o tenderness_n and_o caress_n of_o a_o wife_n and_o child_n while_o joab_n and_o the_o army_n of_o israel_n be_v in_o the_o field_n he_o on_o the_o contrary_a dissolve_v and_o melt_v down_o his_o life_n and_o fortune_n in_o uncleanness_n and_o luxury_n the_o shame_n and_o burden_n of_o his_o country_n and_o his_o family_n at_o a_o time_n when_o not_o only_o the_o honour_n but_o the_o safety_n of_o his_o country_n lie_v at_o stake_n and_o prince_n and_o people_n defend_v it_o by_o their_o toil_n and_o blood_n what_o shall_v i_o mention_v the_o love_n of_o the_o world_n be_v not_o the_o effect_n of_o it_o as_o visible_a among_o we_o as_o deplorable_a do_v not_o this_o wherever_o it_o reign_v fill_v all_o place_n with_o bribery_n and_o corruption_n falshood_n treachery_n and_o cowardice_n worse_o can_v be_v say_v on_o it_o and_o more_o need_v not_o for_o what_o society_n can_v thrive_v or_o which_o way_n can_v credit_v and_o reputation_n be_v support_v what_o treasure_n what_o counsel_n what_o army_n what_o conduct_v can_v save_v a_o people_n where_o these_o vice_n prevail_v let_v we_o now_o on_o the_o other_o side_n suppose_v selfishness_n sensuality_n and_o the_o love_n of_o the_o world_n cashier_v and_o faith_n hope_n and_o charity_n entertain_v in_o their_o room_n what_o a_o bless_a change_n will_v this_o effect_n in_o the_o world_n how_o soon_o will_v honour_v and_o integrity_n truth_n and_o justice_n and_o a_o public_a spirit_n revive_v how_o serviceable_a and_o eminent_a will_v these_o render_v every_o man_n in_o his_o charge_n these_o be_v the_o true_a principle_n of_o great_a and_o brave_a action_n these_o these_o alone_a can_v render_v our_o duty_n dear_a to_o we_o than_o any_o temporal_a consideration_n these_o will_v enable_v we_o to_o do_v good_a work_n without_o a_o eye_n to_o the_o return_v they_o will_v make_v we_o these_o will_v make_v it_o appear_v to_o we_o very_o reasonable_a to_o sacrifice_v fortune_n life_n every_o thing_n when_o the_o honour_n of_o god_n and_o public_a good_a demand_v it_o of_o we_o the_o belief_n and_o hope_v of_o heaven_n be_v a_o sufficient_a encouragement_n to_o virtue_n when_o all_o other_o fail_v the_o love_n of_o god_n as_o our_o supreme_a good_a will_v make_v we_o easy_o surmount_v the_o consideration_n of_o expense_n difficulty_n or_o hazard_n in_o such_o attempt_v as_o we_o be_v sure_o will_v please_v he_o and_o the_o love_n of_o our_o neighbour_n as_o ourselves_o will_v make_v we_o compassionate_a to_o his_o evil_n and_o want_n tender_a to_o his_o infirmity_n and_o zealous_a of_o his_o good_a as_o of_o our_o own_o how_o happy_a then_o will_v these_o principle_n make_v the_o world_n and_o how_o much_o be_v it_o the_o interest_n of_o every_o one_o to_o encourage_v and_o propagate_v these_o and_o to_o discountenance_v and_o suppress_v the_o contrary_a one_o i_o have_v do_v with_o the_o second_o effect_n of_o christian_a liberty_n and_o will_v pass_v on_o to_o the_o three_o as_o soon_o as_o i_o have_v make_v two_o remark_n on_o this_o last_o paragraph_n first_o it_o be_v very_o evident_a from_o what_o have_v be_v say_v in_o it_o that_o solid_a virtue_n can_v be_v graff_v on_o no_o stock_n but_o that_o of_o religion_n that_o universal_a righteousness_n can_v be_v raise_v on_o none_o but_o gospel_n principles_n who_o be_v he_o that_o overcome_v the_o world_n but_o he_o that_o believe_v that_o jesus_n be_v the_o christ_n 1_o joh._n 5._o i_o do_v not_o oppose_v this_o proposition_n against_o jew_n or_o gentile_n god_n vouchsafe_v in_o sundry_a time_n and_o in_o divers_a manner_n such_o revelation_n of_o his_o truth_n and_o such_o communication_n of_o his_o grace_n as_o he_o see_v fit_a and_o to_o these_o be_v the_o righteousness_n hereof_o whatever_o it_o be_v to_o be_v attribute_v not_o to_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n or_o moses_n but_o suppose_v it_o against_o the_o bold_a pretension_n of_o libertin_n and_o atheist_n at_o this_o day_n honour_n and_o justice_n in_o their_o mouth_n be_v a_o vain_a beast_n and_o the_o natural_a power_n they_o pretend_v to_o over_o their_o own_o action_n to_o square_v and_o govern_v they_o according_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o right_a reason_n be_v only_o a_o malicious_a design_n to_o supplant_v the_o honour_n of_o divine_a grace_n and_o be_v as_o false_a and_o groundless_a as_o arrogant_a alas_o they_o talk_v of_o a_o liberty_n which_o they_o do_v not_o understand_v for_o do_v they_o but_o once_o admit_v purity_n of_o heart_n into_o their_o notion_n of_o it_o they_o will_v soon_o discern_v what_o stranger_n they_o be_v to_o it_o how_o be_v it_o possible_a but_o that_o they_o shall_v be_v the_o servant_n of_o the_o body_n who_o reject_v and_o disbelieve_v the_o dignity_n and_o pre-eminence_n of_o the_o soul_n how_o be_v it_o possible_a they_o shall_v not_o be_v lover_n of_o pleasure_n more_o than_o lover_n of_o god_n who_o either_o believe_v no_o god_n or_o none_o that_o concern_v himself_o much_o about_o we_o and_o how_o can_v they_o choose_v but_o be_v selfish_a and_o sensual_a and_o dote_v upon_o this_o world_n who_o expect_v no_o better_o who_o believe_v no_o other_o take_v away_o providence_n and_o a_o life_n to_o come_v and_o what_o can_v oblige_v a_o man_n to_o any_o action_n that_o shall_v cross_v his_o temporal_a interest_n or_o his_o pleasure_n what_o shall_v reward_v his_o espouse_v virtue_n when_o it_o have_v no_o dowry_n but_o loss_n reproach_n and_o persecution_n what_o shall_v curb_v he_o in_o the_o career_n of_o a_o lust_n when_o he_o may_v commit_v it_o not_o only_o with_o impunity_n but_o as_o the_o world_n sometime_o go_v with_o honour_n and_o preferment_n too_o though_o therefore_o such_o man_n as_o these_o may_v possible_o restrain_v their_o outward_a action_n yet_o be_v they_o all_o the_o
a_o gracious_a master_n and_o thus_o the_o child_n do_v with_o respectful_a love_n meet_v the_o tenderness_n of_o his_o parent_n and_o the_o wisdom_n and_o virtue_n which_o sometime_o raise_v some_o one_o happy_a mortal_a above_o the_o common_a size_n and_o height_n of_o mankind_n do_v not_o sure_o diminish_v but_o increase_v the_o affection_n and_o the_o pleasure_n of_o his_o friend_n that_o enjoy_v he_o again_o the_o nature_n of_o enjoyment_n vary_v according_a to_o the_o various_a faculty_n of_o the_o soul_n and_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o body_n one_o way_n we_o enjoy_v truth_n and_o another_o goodness_n one_o way_n beauty_n and_o another_o harmony_n and_o so_o on_o these_o thing_n consider_v i_o see_v there_o be_v no_o necessity_n in_o order_n to_o make_v god_n the_o object_n of_o our_o fruition_n either_o to_o bring_v he_o down_o to_o any_o thing_n unworthy_a of_o his_o glory_n or_o to_o exalt_v our_o self_n to_o a_o height_n we_o be_v utter_o uncapable_a of_o i_o easy_o see_v that_o we_o who_o love_n and_o adore_v god_n here_o shall_v when_o we_o enter_v into_o his_o presence_n admire_v and_o love_v he_o infinite_o more_o for_o god_n be_v infinite_o amiable_a the_o more_o we_o contemplate_v the_o more_o clear_o we_o discern_v his_o divine_a perfection_n and_o beauty_n the_o more_o must_v our_o soul_n be_v inflame_v with_o a_o passion_n for_o he_o and_o i_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o doubt_v but_o that_o god_n will_v make_v we_o the_o most_o gracious_a return_v of_o our_o love_n and_o express_v his_o affection_n for_o we_o in_o such_o condescension_n in_o such_o communication_n of_o himself_o as_o will_v transport_v we_o to_o the_o utmost_a degree_n that_o create_v being_n be_v capable_a of_o will_v not_o god_n that_o shed_v abroad_o his_o love_n in_o our_o heart_n by_o his_o spirit_n here_o full_o satisfy_v it_o hereafter_o will_v not_o god_n who_o fill_v we_o here_o with_o the_o joy_n of_o his_o spirit_n by_o i_o know_v not_o what_o inconceivable_a way_n communicate_v himself_o in_o a_o more_o ravish_a and_o ecstatick_a manner_n to_o we_o when_o we_o shall_v behold_v he_o as_o he_o be_v and_o live_v for_o ever_o encircle_v in_o the_o arm_n of_o his_o love_n and_o glory_n upon_o the_o whole_a then_o i_o can_v but_o believe_v that_o the_o beatific_a vision_n will_v be_v the_o supreme_a pleasure_n of_o heaven_n yet_o i_o do_v not_o think_v that_o this_o be_v to_o exclude_v those_o of_o a_o inferior_a nature_n god_n will_v be_v there_o not_o only_o all_o but_o in_o all_o we_o shall_v see_v he_o as_o he_o be_v and_o we_o shall_v see_v he_o reflect_v in_o angel_n and_o all_o the_o inhabitant_n of_o heaven_n nay_o in_o all_o the_o various_a treasure_n of_o that_o happy_a place_n but_o in_o far_o more_o bright_a and_o lovely_a charcter_n than_o in_o his_o work_n here_o below_o this_o be_v a_o state_n now_o that_o answer_v all_o end_n and_o satisfy_v all_o appetite_n let_v they_o be_v never_o so_o various_a never_o so_o boundless_a temporal_a good_a nay_o a_o state_n accumulate_v with_o all_o temporal_a good_n have_v still_o something_o defective_a something_o empty_a in_o it_o that_o which_o be_v crooked_a can_v be_v make_v straight_o and_o that_o which_o be_v want_v can_v be_v number_v and_o therefore_o the_o eye_n be_v not_o satisfy_v with_o see_v nor_o the_o ear_n with_o hear_v but_o all_o thing_n be_v full_a of_o labour_n man_n can_v utter_v it_o and_o if_o this_o be_v not_o the_o state_n of_o temporal_a thing_n yet_o that_o one_o think_v of_o solomon_n that_o he_o must_v leave_v they_o make_v good_a the_o charge_n of_o vanity_n and_o vexation_n and_o the_o contrary_n be_v that_o which_o complete_v heaven_n namely_o that_o it_o be_v eternal_a be_v heaven_n to_o have_v a_o end_n that_o end_n will_v make_v it_o none_o that_o death_n will_v be_v as_o much_o more_o intolerable_a than_o this_o here_o as_o the_o joy_n of_o heaven_n be_v above_o those_o of_o earth_n for_o the_o terror_n and_o the_o evil_a of_o it_o will_v be_v to_o be_v estimate_v by_o the_o perfection_n of_o that_o nature_n and_o happiness_n which_o it_o will_v put_v a_o end_n to_o to_o die_v in_o paradise_n amid_o a_o crowd_n of_o satisfaction_n how_o much_o more_o intolerable_a be_v this_o than_o to_o die_v in_o those_o accurse_a region_n that_o breed_v continual_o briar_n and_o bramble_n care_n and_o sorrow_n and_o now_o i_o doubt_v not_o but_o every_o one_o will_v ready_o acknowledge_v that_o a_o heaven_n be_v it_o believe_v be_v such_o a_o fruit_n of_o christian_a liberty_n such_o a_o motive_n to_o it_o as_o none_o can_v resist_v do_v i_o believe_v this_o have_v i_o hear_v one_o say_v i_o will_v quit_v my_o trade_n and_o all_o care_n and_o thought_n of_o this_o world_n and_o whole_o apply_v myself_o to_o get_v that_o other_o you_o talk_v of_o there_o be_v no_o need_n of_o go_v thus_o far_o but_o this_o show_v what_o the_o natural_a influence_n of_o this_o doctrine_n of_o a_o life_n to_o come_v be_v and_o that_o it_o be_v general_o owe_v to_o infidelity_n where_o it_o be_v frustrate_v and_o defeat_v what_o be_v in_o this_o case_n to_o be_v do_v what_o proof_n what_o evidence_n be_v sufficient_a to_o beget_v faith_n in_o he_o who_o reject_v christianity_n and_o all_o divine_a revelation_n he_o that_o hear_v not_o moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n neither_o will_v he_o believe_v though_o one_o rise_v from_o the_o dead_a this_o doctrine_n of_o a_o life_n to_o come_v be_v general_o believe_v by_o the_o gentile_a world_n it_o be_v indeed_o very_o much_o obscure_v but_o never_o extinguish_v by_o the_o addition_n of_o many_o fabulous_a and_o superstitious_a fancy_n so_o strong_a be_v the_o tradition_n or_o reason_n or_o rather_o both_o on_o which_o it_o be_v build_v the_o jew_n universal_o embrace_v it_o the_o general_a promise_n of_o god_n to_o abraham_n and_o his_o seed_n and_o the_o several_a shadow_n and_o type_n of_o it_o in_o the_o mosaic_a institution_n do_v confirm_v they_o in_o the_o belief_n of_o a_o doctrine_n which_o i_o do_v not_o doubt_v have_v be_v transmit_v to_o they_o even_o from_o enoch_n noah_n and_o all_o their_o pious_a ancestor_n nor_o must_v we_o look_v upon_o the_o sadducee_n among_o the_o jew_n or_o the_o epicurean_o among_o the_o gentile_n to_o be_v any_o objection_n against_o this_o argument_n of_o a_o life_n to_o come_v found_v in_o tradition_n and_o the_o universal_a sense_n of_o mankind_n because_o they_o be_v not_o only_o inconsiderable_a compare_v to_o the_o body_n of_o the_o jewish_a or_o pagan_a world_n but_o also_o desertor_n and_o apostate_n from_o the_o philosophy_n and_o religion_n receive_v to_o what_o end_n shall_v i_o proceed_v from_o the_o gentile_a and_o jew_n to_o the_o christian_a be_v christianity_n entertain_v as_o it_o ought_v the_o very_a supposal_n of_o any_o doubt_n concern_v a_o life_n to_o come_v will_v be_v impertinent_a here_o we_o have_v numerous_a demonstratition_n of_o it_o not_o only_o the_o fortune_n of_o virtue_n in_o this_o life_n which_o be_v often_o very_o calamitous_a but_o even_o the_o origine_fw-la and_o nature_n of_o it_o do_v plain_o evince_v a_o life_n to_o come_v for_o to_o what_o end_n can_v the_o mortification_n of_o the_o body_n by_o abstraction_n and_o meditation_n be_v enjoin_v if_o there_o be_v no_o life_n to_o come_v what_o need_n be_v there_o of_o renovation_n or_o regeneration_n by_o the_o word_n and_o spirit_n of_o god_n be_v there_o no_o life_n to_o come_v one_o will_v think_v '_o the_o common_a end_n of_o this_o natural_a life_n may_v be_v well_o enough_o secure_v upon_o the_o common_a foundation_n of_o reason_n and_o human_a law_n what_o shall_v i_o here_o add_v the_o love_n of_o god_n and_o the_o merit_n of_o jesus_n from_o both_o which_o we_o may_v derive_v many_o unanswerable_a argument_n of_o a_o life_n to_o come_v for_o though_o when_o we_o reflect_v upon_o it_o it_o appear_v as_o much_o above_o our_o merit_n as_o it_o be_v above_o our_o comprehension_n yet_o when_o we_o consider_v that_o eternal_a life_n be_v the_o gift_n of_o god_n through_o jesus_n christ_n our_o lord_n what_o less_o than_o a_o heaven_n can_v we_o expect_v from_o a_o infinite_a merit_n and_o almighty_a love_n the_o love_n of_o god_n must_v be_v perfect_a as_o himself_o and_o the_o merit_n of_o jesus_n must_v be_v estimate_v by_o the_o greatness_n of_o his_o person_n and_o his_o suffering_n he_o that_o can_v be_v wrought_v upon_o by_o these_o and_o the_o like_a gospel-argument_n will_v be_v find_v i_o doubt_v impenetrable_a to_o all_o other_o it_o be_v in_o vain_a to_o argue_v with_o such_o a_o one_o from_o natural_a topic_n and_o therefore_o i_o will_v stop_v here_o i_o shall_v now_o pass_v on_o to_o the_o three_o thing_n the_o attainment_n of_o christian_a liberty_n but_o
world_n we_o project_n for_o the_o world_n and_o what_o can_v this_o produce_v but_o a_o carnal_a and_o worldly_a frame_n of_o spirit_n we_o must_v meditate_v heavenly_a thing_n we_o must_v have_v our_o conversation_n in_o heaven_n we_o must_v accustom_v ourselves_o to_o inward_a and_o heavenly_a pleasure_n if_o we_o will_v have_v heavenly_a mind_n we_o must_v let_v no_o day_n pass_v wherein_o we_o must_v not_o withdraw_v ourselves_o from_o the_o body_n and_o sequester_v ourselves_o from_o the_o world_n that_o we_o may_v converse_v with_o god_n and_o our_o own_o soul_n this_o will_v soon_o enable_v we_o to_o disdain_v the_o low_a and_o beggarly_a satisfaction_n of_o the_o outward_a man_n and_o make_v we_o long_o to_o be_v set_v free_a from_o the_o weight_n of_o this_o corruptible_a body_n to_o breath_n in_o pure_a air_n and_o take_v our_o fill_n of_o refine_a and_o spiritual_a pleasure_n i_o have_v insist_v thus_o long_o on_o the_o cure_n of_o original_a sin_n not_o only_o because_o it_o be_v the_o root_n of_o all_o our_o misery_n but_o also_o because_o there_o be_v such_o a_o affinity_n between_o this_o and_o the_o sin_n of_o infirmity_n which_o i_o be_o next_o to_o speak_v to_o that_o the_o same_o remedy_n may_v be_v prescribe_v to_o both_o so_o that_o i_o be_o already_o ease_v of_o a_o part_n of_o the_o labour_n which_o i_o must_v otherwise_o have_v under-gone_a in_o the_o follow_a chapter_n i_o be_o now_o by_o the_o law_n of_o my_o own_o method_n oblige_v to_o consider_v the_o effect_n of_o this_o branch_n of_o christian_a liberty_n in_o the_o perfect_a man_n and_o to_o show_v what_o influence_n it_o have_v upon_o his_o happiness_n but_o have_v sect._n 1_o chap._n 4._o discourse_v at_o large_a of_o the_o subserviency_n of_o perfection_n to_o our_o happiness_n and_o in_o sect._n 2._o chap._n 3._o of_o the_o happy_a effect_n of_o the_o christian_a liberty_n in_o general_n i_o have_v the_o less_o need_n to_o say_v much_o here_o on_o this_o head_n yet_o i_o can_v whole_o forbear_v say_v something_o of_o it_o the_o conquest_n over_o original_a corruption_n such_o as_o i_o have_v describe_v it_o raises_z man_z to_o the_o high_a pitch_n of_o perfection_n that_o our_o nature_n be_v capable_a of_o make_v he_o approach_v the_o near_a that_o mortality_n can_v to_o the_o life_n of_o angel_n and_o plant_v he_o on_o the_o mount_n of_o god_n where_o grace_n and_o joy_n and_o glory_n shine_v always_o on_o he_o with_o more_o direct_a and_o strong_a ray_n now_o be_v virtue_n true_o lovely_a and_o true_o happy_a now_o the_o assurance_n of_o the_o mind_n be_v never_o interrupt_v its_o joy_n never_o over_o cast_n it_o enjoy_v a_o perpetual_a calm_a within_o and_o sparkle_v with_o a_o peculiar_a lustre_n that_o can_v be_v counterfeit_v can_v be_v equal_v some_o faint_a and_o partial_a resemblance_n i_o confess_v of_o this_o virtue_n or_o rather_o of_o this_o state_n or_o consummation_n of_o it_o have_v i_o though_o very_o rare_o see_v in_o some_o masterly_a stroke_n of_o nature_n i_o have_v observe_v in_o some_o that_o sweetness_n of_o temper_n in_o other_o that_o coldness_n and_o absolute_a command_n over_o themselves_o with_o respect_n to_o the_o pleasure_n and_o in_o several_a that_o innate_a modesty_n and_o humility_n that_o natural_a indifference_n for_o the_o power_n honour_n and_o grandeur_n of_o life_n that_o i_o can_v scarce_o forbear_v pronounce_v that_o they_o have_v so_o far_o each_o of_o they_o escape_v the_o contagion_n of_o original_a corruption_n and_o can_v not_o but_o bless_v and_o love_v they_o but_o after_o all_o there_o be_v a_o vast_a difference_n between_o these_o creature_n of_o nature_n and_o those_o of_o grace_n the_o perfection_n of_o the_o one_o be_v confine_v to_o this_o or_o that_o particular_a disposition_n but_o that_o of_o the_o other_o be_v in_o its_o degree_n universal_a the_o perfection_n of_o the_o one_o have_v indeed_o as_o much_o charm_n in_o it_o as_o pure_a nature_n can_v have_v but_o the_o other_o have_v a_o mixture_n of_o something_o divine_a in_o it_o it_o have_v a_o heavenly_a tincture_n which_o add_v something_o of_o sacredness_n and_o majesty_n to_o it_o that_o nature_n want_v the_o perfection_n of_o the_o one_o be_v indeed_o easy_a to_o its_o self_n and_o amiable_a to_o other_o but_o the_o perfection_n of_o the_o other_o be_v joy_n and_o glory_n within_o and_o command_v a_o veneration_n as_o well_o as_o love_n from_o all_o it_o converse_v with_o bless_a state_n when_o shall_v i_o attain_v thy_o lovely_a innocence_n when_o shall_v i_o enter_v into_o thy_o divine_a rest_n when_o shall_v i_o arrive_v at_o thy_o security_n thy_o pleasure_n chap._n v._o of_o liberty_n with_o respect_n to_o sin_n of_o infirmity_n this_o be_v a_o subject_a wherein_o the_o very_a be_v of_o holiness_n or_o virtue_n the_o salvation_n of_o man_n and_o the_o honour_n of_o god_n be_v deep_o interest_v for_o if_o we_o allow_v of_o such_o sin_n for_o venial_a as_o real_o be_v not_o so_o we_o destroy_v the_o notion_n or_o evacuate_v the_o necessity_n of_o holiness_n endanger_v the_o salvation_n of_o man_n and_o bring_v a_o reflection_n upon_o god_n as_o a_o favourer_n of_o impiety_n on_o the_o other_o hand_n if_o we_o assert_v those_o sin_n damnable_a which_o be_v not_o real_o so_o we_o miserable_o perplex_v and_o disturb_v the_o mind_n of_o man_n and_o be_v high_o injurious_a to_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n represent_v he_o as_o a_o severe_a and_o intolerable_a master_n but_o how_o important_a soever_o this_o subject_n be_v there_o be_v no_o other_o i_o think_v in_o the_o compass_n of_o divinity_n wherein_o so_o many_o writer_n have_v be_v so_o unfortunate_o engage_v so_o that_o it_o be_v overgrow_v with_o dispute_n and_o controversy_n with_o confusion_n and_o obscurity_n and_o numberless_a absurdity_n and_o contradiction_n this_o i_o have_v think_v necessary_a to_o observe_v in_o the_o entrance_n of_o my_o discourse_n not_o to_o insult_v the_o performance_n of_o other_o or_o to_o raise_v in_o the_o reader_n any_o great_a expectation_n for_o my_o own_o but_o indeed_o for_o a_o quite_o contrary_a reason_n namely_o to_o dispose_v he_o to_o a_o favourable_a reception_n of_o what_o i_o here_o offer_v towards_o the_o render_v the_o doctrine_n of_o sin_n of_o infirmity_n intelligible_a and_o prevent_v the_o disservice_n which_o mistake_v about_o it_o do_v to_o religion_n by_o sin_n of_o infirmity_n both_o ancient_n and_o modern_n papist_n and_o protestant_n do_v i_o think_v understand_v such_o sin_n as_o be_v consistent_a with_o a_o state_n of_o grace_n and_o favour_n from_o which_o the_o best_a man_n be_v never_o entire_o free_v in_o this_o life_n though_o they_o be_v not_o impute_v to_o they_o this_o then_o be_v take_v for_o grant_v i_o shall_v inquire_v into_o these_o three_o thing_n 1._o whether_o there_o be_v any_o such_o sin_n sin_n in_o which_o the_o most_o perfect_a live_v and_o die_v 2._o if_o there_o be_v what_o these_o be_v what_o it_o be_v that_o distinguish_v they_o from_o damnable_a or_o mortal_a one_o 3._o how_o far_o we_o be_v to_o extend_v the_o liberty_n of_o the_o perfect_a man_n in_o relation_n to_o these_o 1._o whether_o there_o be_v any_o such_o that_o the_o best_a man_n be_v not_o without_o error_n without_o defect_n and_o fail_n and_o that_o not_o only_o in_o their_o past_a life_n or_o unregenerate_a state_n but_o their_o best_a and_o most_o perfect_a one_o be_v a_o truth_n which_o can_v one_o will_v think_v be_v controvert_v for_o what_o understanding_n be_v there_o which_o be_v not_o liable_a to_o error_n what_o will_v that_o do_v not_o feel_v something_o of_o impotence_n something_o of_o irregularity_n what_o affection_n that_o be_v mere_o human_a be_v ever_o constant_a ever_o raise_v where_o be_v the_o faith_n that_o have_v no_o scruple_n no_o diffidence_n the_o love_n that_o have_v no_o defect_n no_o remission_n the_o hope_n that_o have_v no_o fear_n in_o it_o what_o be_v the_o state_n which_o be_v not_o liable_a to_o ignorance_n inadvertency_n surprise_v infirmity_n where_o be_v the_o obedience_n that_o have_v no_o reluctancy_n no_o remissness_n no_o deviation_n this_o be_v a_o truth_n which_o whether_o man_n will_v or_o no_o they_o can_v choose_v but_o feel_v the_o confession_n of_o the_o holy_a of_o man_n bear_v witness_n to_o it_o and_o the_o pretention_n of_o the_o quaker_n to_o a_o sinless_a and_o perfect_a state_n be_v abundant_o confute_v by_o that_o answer_n one_o of_o the_o most_o eminent_a of_o they_o make_v to_o a_o objection_n which_o charge_v they_o with_o arrogate_a and_o assume_v to_o themselves_o infallibility_n and_o perfection_n viz._n that_o they_o be_v so_o far_o infallible_a and_o perfect_a as_o they_o be_v lead_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n for_o what_o be_v this_o but_o to_o desert_n and_o betray_v not_o defend_v their_o cause_n it_o be_v plain_a then_o as_o to_o
desire_n and_o passion_n that_o it_o work_v in_o we_o we_o must_v shun_v every_o appearance_n of_o evil_n we_o must_v press_v on_o towards_o perfection_n we_o must_v watch_v unto_o prayer_n we_o must_v spend_v the_o time_n of_o our_o sojourn_v here_o in_o fear_n we_o must_v rejoice_v and_o glory_n in_o the_o lord_n and_o we_o must_v wait_v for_o the_o bless_a hope_n and_o the_o glorious_a appearance_n of_o the_o great_a god_n and_o our_o saviour_n christ_n jesus_n and_o now_o i_o have_v finish_v what_o i_o have_v to_o say_v on_o this_o subject_a of_o the_o perfect_a man_n liberty_n as_o it_o relate_v to_o mortal_a or_o wilful_a sin_n i_o have_v show_v what_o this_o sin_n be_v how_o far_o man_n may_v be_v free_v from_o it_o and_o refer_v the_o reader_n to_o chap._n 4._o for_o the_o fruit_n of_o this_o freedom_n i_o have_v here_o last_o give_v that_o advice_n which_o i_o think_v most_o serviceable_a to_o the_o attainment_n of_o it_o and_o through_o this_o whole_a chapter_n i_o have_v have_v regard_n not_o only_o to_o perfection_n but_o sincerity_n it_o be_v indeed_o improper_a to_o do_v otherwise_o since_o we_o can_v arrive_v at_o the_o one_o but_o through_o the_o other_o for_o sincerity_n be_v perfection_n in_o its_o infancy_n or_o nonage_n and_o perfection_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o sincerity_n cultivate_v by_o meditation_n and_o discipline_n and_o cherish_v by_o the_o influence_n of_o heaven_n and_o now_o let_v no_o man_n heart_n fail_v he_o while_o he_o contemplate_v the_o difficulty_n which_o block_n up_o the_o way_n to_o his_o liberty_n the_o way_n indeed_o be_v steep_a and_o the_o top_n be_v high_a but_o serenity_n and_o happiness_n security_n and_o glory_n dwell_v there_o many_o indeed_o be_v the_o temptation_n which_o will_v forbid_v our_o assent_n and_o thrust_v we_o down_o but_o we_o be_v arm_v all_o over_o they_o can_v hurt_v we_o the_o spirit_n support_v and_o encourage_v we_o and_o nothing_o but_o our_o cowardice_n and_o inconstancy_n can_v prevent_v our_o success_n watch_v you_o stand_v fast_o quit_v you_o like_o man_n be_v strong_a and_o then_o you_o shall_v be_v sure_a to_o conquer_v and_o enter_v into_o rest_n chap._n vii_o of_o unfruitfulness_n as_o it_o consist_v in_o idleness_n unfruitfulness_n be_v a_o fit_a subject_a to_o conclude_v a_o discourse_n of_o liberty_n with_o or_o begin_v one_o of_o zeal_n for_o lie_v like_o a_o tract_n of_o ground_n between_o two_o border_a kingdom_n it_o may_v indifferent_o be_v lay_v to_o either_o as_o it_o imply_v a_o direct_a opposition_n to_o spiritual_a life_n and_o sincerity_n it_o natural_o fall_v in_o under_o the_o consideration_n of_o zeal_n as_o it_o imply_v a_o servile_a subjection_n to_o some_o vile_a lust_n or_o or_o other_o it_o natural_o fall_v in_o under_o the_o consideration_n of_o liberty_n so_o that_o by_o allot_v it_o this_o place_n i_o shall_v at_o once_o complete_a my_o reflection_n on_o the_o argument_n of_o liberty_n and_o make_v a_o good_a progress_n into_o that_o of_o zeal_n barrenness_n or_o unfruitfulness_n may_v in_o general_n best_o be_v understand_v by_o compare_v it_o with_o a_o state_n of_o wickedness_n from_o which_o as_o it_o be_v usual_o distinguish_v in_o the_o notion_n of_o the_o vulgar_a so_o do_v it_o real_o differ_v on_o many_o account_n the_o one_o have_v in_o it_o a_o air_n of_o defiance_n the_o other_o of_o vnconcernment_n for_o religion_n the_o one_o forget_v god_n the_o other_o contemn_v he_o the_o one_o have_v no_o relish_n nor_o savour_n of_o that_o which_o be_v good_a the_o other_o find_v too_o much_o gust_n and_o pleasure_n in_o that_o which_o be_v evil_a the_o one_o make_v we_o by_o degree_n enemy_n the_o other_o stranger_n to_o god_n in_o short_a there_o be_v little_a doubt_n to_o be_v make_v but_o that_o the_o omission_n of_o a_o duty_n and_o the_o commission_n of_o a_o crime_n lukewarmness_n in_o that_o which_o be_v good_a and_o eagerness_n and_o confidence_n in_o that_o which_o be_v evil_a may_v and_o general_o do_v differ_v very_o wide_o in_o the_o degree_n of_o gild_n from_o hence_o it_o be_v the_o sinner_n be_v always_o a_o partial_a and_o indulgent_a judge_n of_o himself_o that_o it_o be_v not_o unusual_a for_o many_o who_o seem_v to_o have_v some_o abhorrence_n of_o wickedness_n to_o be_v far_o enough_o from_o apprehend_v much_o evil_a or_o much_o danger_n in_o unfruitfulness_n this_o be_v a_o fatal_a error_n it_o frustrate_v the_o great_a design_n of_o religion_n and_o rob_v it_o of_o its_o true_a honour_n good_a work_n for_o what_o can_v religion_n effect_v by_o that_o man_n who_o retain_v nothing_o of_o it_o but_o the_o bare_a form_n and_o profession_n and_o dare_v promise_v himself_o not_o only_a impunity_n but_o a_o heaven_n in_o a_o useless_a and_o unprofitable_a life_n unfruitfulness_n if_o more_o particular_o inquire_v into_o consist_v in_o two_o thing_n a_o neglect_n of_o duty_n or_o a_o lifeless_a and_o unprofitable_a performance_n of_o it_o the_o former_a i_o will_v call_v idleness_n the_o latter_a lukewarmness_n coldness_n formality_n and_o treat_v of_o each_o in_o order_n of_o the_o former_a in_o this_o and_o of_o the_o latter_a in_o the_o follow_a chapter_n and_o because_o each_o of_o they_o be_v encumber_v with_o mistake_v and_o error_n which_o arise_v not_o only_o from_o self-love_n and_o partiality_n but_o also_o from_o shallowness_n of_o judgement_n join_v with_o tenderness_n of_o conscience_n i_o shall_v endeavour_v so_o to_o manage_v this_o subject_a as_o neither_o to_o discourage_v the_o weak_a nor_o embolden_v the_o careless_a §_o 1._o of_o idleness_n the_o omission_n of_o a_o duty_n may_v be_v either_o habitual_a or_o occasional_a and_o accidental_a and_o according_o the_o case_n of_o omission_n may_v be_v very_o different_a 1._o a_o habitual_a omission_n of_o duty_n can_v consist_v with_o sincerity_n a_o general_n neglect_v of_o duty_n defeat_v the_o main_a end_n of_o religion_n which_o be_v to_o honour_n god_n adorn_v our_o holy_a profession_n and_o promote_v the_o good_a of_o human_a society_n all_o which_o can_v never_o be_v attain_v but_o by_o follow_v after_o righteousness_n and_o abound_v in_o the_o fruit_n of_o it_o by_o this_o rule_n a_o idle_a though_o innocent_a life_n must_v necessary_o be_v account_v irreligious_a and_o vicious_a be_v a_o flat_a contradiction_n to_o our_o excellent_a profession_n he_o who_o do_v not_o pray_v nor_o meditate_v nor_o pursue_v any_o end_n of_o charity_n though_o he_o be_v otherwise_o civil_a and_o regular_a in_o his_o life_n yet_o because_o be_v do_v not_o work_v righteousness_n because_o he_o be_v so_o far_o from_o imitate_v the_o zeal_n or_o charity_n of_o the_o bless_a jesus_n that_o he_o act_v direct_o repugnant_a to_o both_o therefore_o must_v he_o not_o be_v look_v upon_o as_o a_o disciple_n of_o jesus_n but_o as_o a_o alien_n and_o a_o stranger_n he_o who_o life_n be_v spend_v in_o vanity_n or_o drudgery_n in_o pleasure_n or_o business_n though_o his_o pleasure_n be_v not_o impure_a nor_o his_o business_n unjust_a yet_o be_v he_o before_o god_n a_o criminal_a because_o unprofitable_a he_o have_v receive_v the_o grace_n of_o god_n in_o vain_a the_o light_n of_o the_o gospel_n have_v rise_v upon_o he_o in_o vain_a and_o he_o have_v serve_v no_o interest_n of_o virtue_n or_o religion_n in_o his_o generation_n and_o therefore_o he_o will_v be_v exclude_v heaven_n with_o the_o slothful_a servant_n who_o hide_v his_o master_n talon_n in_o a_o napkin_n luke_n 19.20_o 2._o the_o case_n of_o a_o accidental_a or_o occasional_a omission_n of_o duty_n be_v very_o different_a from_o that_o of_o habitual_a neglect_n of_o it_o a_o occasional_a omission_n may_v be_v not_o only_o lawful_a but_o necessary_a but_o the_o neglect_v of_o duty_n never_o can_v be_v either_o the_o circumstance_n of_o positive_a duty_n and_o the_o measure_n or_o degree_n of_o moral_a good_a be_v not_o strict_o fix_v and_o settle_v and_o therefore_o a_o single_a omission_n either_o in_o the_o one_o or_o the_o other_o wherever_o there_o be_v a_o sufficient_a reason_n for_o it_o can_v neither_o grieve_v the_o spirit_n nor_o frustrate_v the_o design_n of_o religion_n nor_o consequent_o imply_v any_o corruption_n in_o the_o heart_n but_o then_o we_o must_v take_v care_n 1._o that_o our_o omission_n be_v not_o too_o frequent_a we_o must_v always_o have_v regard_n in_o this_o matter_n of_o duty_n to_o the_o great_a end_n and_o design_n of_o its_o injunction_n we_o must_v take_v care_n that_o our_o omission_n in_o moral_a duty_n be_v not_o so_o often_o that_o either_o the_o honour_n of_o our_o religion_n or_o the_o welfare_n of_o our_o neighbour_n suffer_v by_o it_o nor_o must_v we_o so_o often_o omit_v instrumental_a duty_n prayer_n read_v the_o sacrament_n and_o the_o like_a as_o thereby_o to_o abate_v or_o much_o less_o extinguish_v our_o spiritual_a gust_n and_o fervour_n omission_n of_o duty_n too_o
often_o repeat_v breed_v a_o kind_n of_o indifference_n or_o lukewarmness_n and_o soon_o pass_v into_o coldness_n and_o insensibleness_n and_o this_o often_o end_v in_o a_o reprobate_a mind_n and_o a_o utter_a aversion_n for_o religion_n 2_o we_o must_v endeavour_v some_o way_n or_o other_o to_o compensate_a the_o omission_n of_o a_o duty_n to_o make_v up_o by_o charity_n what_o we_o have_v defalce_v from_o devotion_n or_o to_o supply_v by_o short_a ejaculation_n what_o we_o have_v be_v force_v to_o retrench_v from_o fix_a and_o regular_a office_n of_o prayer_n and_o he_o that_o watch_v for_o opportunity_n either_o of_o improvement_n or_o do_v good_a will_v i_o believe_v never_o have_v reason_n to_o complain_v of_o the_o want_n of_o they_o god_n will_v put_v into_o his_o hand_n either_o the_o one_o or_o the_o other_o and_o for_o the_o choice_n he_o can_v do_v better_a than_o follow_v god_n 3_o a_o single_a omission_n must_v never_o proceed_v from_o a_o sinful_a motive_n from_o a_o love_n of_o the_o world_n or_o indulgence_n to_o the_o body_n necessity_n or_o charity_n be_v the_o only_a just_a and_o proper_a apology_n for_o it_o instrumental_a or_o positive_a duty_n may_v give_v way_n to_o moral_a one_o the_o religion_n of_o the_o mean_n to_o the_o religion_n of_o the_o end_n and_o in_o moral_a duty_n the_o less_o may_v give_v way_n to_o the_o great_a but_o duty_n must_v never_o give_v way_n to_o sin_n nor_o religion_n to_o interest_n or_o pleasure_n have_v thus_o brief_o give_v a_o account_n what_o omission_n of_o duty_n be_v and_o what_o be_v not_o sinful_a and_o consequent_o so_o settle_v the_o notion_n of_o idleness_n that_o neither_o the_o careless_a nor_o the_o scrupulous_a can_v easy_o mistake_v their_o case_n i_o will_v now_o propose_v such_o considetation_n as_o i_o judge_v most_o likely_a to_o deter_v man_n from_o it_o and_o such_o advice_n as_o may_v be_v the_o best_a guard_n and_o preservative_n against_o it_o 1._o the_o first_o thing_n i_o will_v have_v every_o one_o lay_v to_o heart_n be_v that_o a_o state_n of_o idleness_n be_v a_o state_n of_o damnable_a sin_n idleness_n be_v direct_o repugnant_a to_o the_o great_a end_n of_o god_n both_o in_o our_o creation_n and_o redemption_n as_o to_o our_o creation_n can_v we_o imagine_v that_o god_n who_o create_v not_o any_o thing_n but_o for_o some_o excellent_a end_n shall_v create_v man_n for_o none_o or_o for_o a_o silly_a one_o the_o spirit_n within_o we_o be_v a_o active_a and_o vivacious_a principle_n our_o rational_a faculty_n capacitate_v and_o qualify_v we_o for_o do_v good_a this_o be_v the_o proper_a work_n of_o reason_n the_o true_a and_o most_o natural_a pleasure_n of_o a_o rational_a soul_n who_o can_v think_v now_o that_o our_o wise_a creator_n light_v this_o candle_n within_o we_o that_o we_o may_v oppress_v and_o stifle_v it_o by_o negligence_n and_o idleness_n that_o he_o contrive_v and_o destine_v such_o a_o mind_n to_o squander_v and_o fool_n away_o its_o talent_n in_o vanity_n and_o impertinence_n as_o to_o our_o redemption_n it_o be_v evident_a both_o what_o the_o design_n of_o it_o be_v and_o how_o opposite_a idleness_n be_v to_o it_o christ_n give_v himself_o for_o we_o to_o redeem_v we_o from_o all_o iniquity_n and_o to_o purify_v to_o himself_o a_o peculiar_a people_n zealous_a of_o good_a work_n tit._n 2.14_o and_o this_o be_v what_o our_o regeneration_n or_o sanctification_n aim_v at_o we_o be_v god_n workmanship_n create_v in_o christ_n jesus_n unto_o good_a work_n which_o god_n have_v before_o ordain_v that_o we_o shall_v walk_v in_o they_o eph._n 2.10_o how_o little_a then_o can_v a_o useless_a and_o bar_a life_n answer_v the_o expectation_n of_o god_n what_o a_o miserable_a return_n must_v it_o be_v to_o the_o blood_n of_o his_o son_n and_o how_o utter_o must_v it_o disappoint_v all_o the_o purpose_n of_o his_o word_n and_o spirit_n but_o what_o need_v i_o argue_v further_o the_o truth_n i_o contend_v for_o be_v the_o express_a and_o constant_a doctrine_n of_o the_o scripture_n be_v not_o idleness_n and_o fullness_n of_o bread_n reckon_v among_o the_o sin_n of_o sodom_n what_o mean_v the_o sentence_n against_o the_o barren_a figtree_n luke_n 13.7_o but_o the_o destruction_n and_o damnation_n of_o the_o idle_a and_o the_o sluggish_a the_o indignation_n of_o god_n be_v not_o enkindle_v against_o the_o barrenness_n of_o tree_n but_o men._n what_o can_v be_v plain_o than_o the_o condemnation_n of_o the_o unprofitable_a servant_n who_o perish_v because_o he_o have_v not_o improve_v his_o talon_n matt._n 25.38_o and_o how_o frequent_o do_v the_o apostle_n declare_v himself_o against_o the_o idle_a and_o disorderly_a and_o all_o this_o proceed_v upon_o plain_a and_o necessary_a ground_n our_o lord_n be_v a_o example_n of_o virtue_n as_o well_o as_o innocence_n and_o he_o do_v not_o only_o refrain_v from_o do_v evil_a but_o he_o go_v about_o do_v good_a we_o can_v never_o satisfy_v the_o intention_n of_o divine_a precept_n by_o negative_a righteousness_n when_o god_n prohibit_v the_o filthiness_n of_o the_o flesh_n and_o spirit_n he_o enjoin_v the_o perfect_a holiness_n in_o his_o fear_n when_o he_o forbid_v we_o to_o do_v evil_a he_o at_o the_o same_o time_n prescribe_v the_o learning_n to_o do_v well_o what_o need_v i_o multiply_v more_o word_n idleness_n be_v a_o flat_a contradiction_n to_o faith_n hope_n charity_n to_o fear_v vigilance_n mortification_n and_o therefore_o certain_o must_v be_v a_o damn_v sin_n these_o be_v all_o active_a and_o vigorous_a principle_n but_o idleness_n enfeeble_v and_o dis-spirit_n manacle_n and_o fetter_n we_o these_o be_v pure_a strict_a and_o self-denying_a principle_n but_o idleness_n be_v soft_a and_o indulgent_a these_o conquer_v the_o world_n and_o the_o body_n raise_v and_o exalt_v the_o mind_n but_o idleness_n be_v far_o from_o enterprise_v any_o thing_n from_o attempt_v any_o thing_n that_o be_v good_a it_o pomper_v the_o body_n and_o effeminate_v and_o dissolve_v the_o mind_n and_o final_o whatever_o innocence_n or_o inoffensiveness_n it_o may_v pretend_v to_o it_o do_v not_o only_o terminate_v in_o sin_n but_o have_v its_o beginning_n from_o it_o from_o stupidity_n and_o ignorance_n from_o vanity_n and_o levity_n from_o softness_n and_o sensuality_n from_o some_o prevail_a lust_n or_o other_o 2._o next_o after_o the_o nature_n the_o consequence_n of_o idleness_n be_v to_o be_v consider_v and_o if_o it_o be_v take_v in_o the_o utmost_a latitude_n there_o be_v scarce_o any_o sin_n which_o be_v more_o just_o liable_a to_o so_o many_o tragical_a accusation_n for_o it_o be_v the_o parent_n of_o dishonour_n and_o poverty_n and_o of_o most_o of_o the_o sin_n and_o calamity_n of_o this_o mortal_a life_n but_o at_o present_a i_o view_v it_o only_o as_o it_o be_v draw_v with_o a_o half_a face_n and_o that_o the_o much_o less_o deform_v of_o the_o two_o i_o consider_v it_o here_o as_o pretend_v to_o innocence_n and_o flatter_v itself_o with_o the_o hope_n of_o happiness_n and_o yet_o even_o thus_o suppose_v it_o as_o harmless_a and_o inoffensive_a as_o it_o can_v be_v yet_o still_o these_o will_v be_v the_o miserable_a effect_n of_o it_o it_o will_v rob_v religion_n and_o the_o world_n of_o the_o service_n due_a to_o both_o it_o will_v bereave_v we_o of_o the_o pleasure_n of_o life_n and_o the_o comfort_n of_o death_n and_o send_v we_o down_o at_o last_o to_o a_o curse_a eternity_n for_o where_o be_v the_o virtue_n that_o shall_v maintain_v the_o order_n and_o beauty_n of_o human_a society_n that_o shall_v relieve_v and_o redress_v the_o misery_n of_o the_o world_n where_o be_v the_o virtue_n that_o shall_v vindicate_v the_o honour_n of_o religion_n and_o demonstrate_v its_o divinity_n as_o effectual_o as_o prediction_n or_o miracle_n can_v do_v where_o be_v the_o bright_a example_n that_o shall_v convert_v the_o unbelieving_a part_n of_o mankind_n and_o inflame_v the_o believe_a part_n with_o a_o generous_a emulation_n certain_o the_o lazy_a christian_a the_o slothful_a servant_n can_v pretend_v to_o nothing_o of_o this_o kind_n as_o to_o the_o pleasure_n of_o life_n if_o true_a and_o last_a if_o pure_a and_o spiritual_a it_o be_v easy_a to_o discern_v from_o what_o fountain_n it_o must_v be_v draw_v nothing_o but_o poverty_n of_o spirit_n can_v procure_v our_o peace_n nothing_o but_o purity_n of_o heart_n our_o pleasure_n but_o ah_o how_o far_o be_v the_o idle_a and_o unactive_a from_o these_o virtue_n i'faith_o love_n and_o hope_n be_v the_o seed_n of_o they_o victory_n and_o triumph_n devotion_n alms_n and_o good_a work_n the_o fruit_n of_o they_o but_o what_o a_o stranger_n to_o these_o be_v the_o drone_n and_o sluggard_n then_o for_o the_o comfort_n of_o death_n it_o must_v proceed_v from_o a_o well_o spend_v life_n he_o that_o see_v nothing_o but_o a_o vast_a solitude_n and_o wilderness_n behind_o he_o
of_o man_n who_o at_o the_o last_o day_n will_v fall_v under_o the_o same_o character_n and_o condemnation_n not_o because_o they_o perform_v no_o duty_n but_o because_o their_o performance_n of_o they_o be_v depretiate_v by_o coldness_n and_o formality_n man_n who_o make_v a_o fair_a appearance_n of_o religion_n and_o yet_o have_v no_o inward_a spiritual_a life_n man_n who_o do_v general_o observe_v the_o external_a duty_n of_o religion_n but_o with_o so_o little_a gust_n with_o such_o indifference_n and_o lukewarmness_n that_o they_o be_v neither_o acceptable_a to_o god_n nor_o useful_a to_o themselves_o this_o state_n of_o deadness_n may_v be_v consider_v either_o more_o general_o as_o it_o run_v through_o the_o whole_a course_n of_o our_o life_n and_o action_n or_o more_o particular_o in_o this_o or_o that_o instance_n of_o religion_n 1._o when_o it_o be_v so_o general_a that_o the_o bend_v and_o course_n of_o our_o life_n be_v for_o want_v of_o relish_n of_o the_o thing_n of_o god_n pervert_v and_o deprave_v when_o we_o have_v no_o design_n drive_v on_o no_o end_n that_o be_v suitable_a to_o the_o excellency_n and_o dignity_n of_o our_o nature_n to_o the_o holiness_n of_o our_o profession_n and_o to_o the_o great_a and_o manifest_a obligation_n of_o god_n when_o we_o have_v no_o joy_n or_o pleasure_n no_o thirst_v or_o appetite_n that_o do_v true_o become_v a_o christian_a when_o we_o make_v no_o progress_n no_o advance_n towards_o our_o great_a end_n when_o our_o discourse_n and_o employment_n have_v no_o tincture_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o no_o tendency_n to_o edification_n i_o think_v we_o may_v then_o bold_o conclude_v that_o this_o be_v a_o state_n of_o carnality_n and_o death_n and_o that_o this_o want_n of_o relish_n in_o the_o general_a course_n of_o our_o life_n proceed_v from_o a_o real_a want_n of_o a_o sincere_a faith_n and_o true_a illumination_n for_o be_v the_o mind_n once_o true_o enlighten_v be_v it_o once_o clear_o convince_v firm_o and_o habitual_o persuade_v of_o the_o beauty_n and_o excellence_n of_o the_o thing_n of_o god_n as_o we_o shall_v have_v notion_n different_a from_o those_o of_o worldly_a carnal_a man_n so_o will_v there_o consequent_o be_v a_o difference_n in_o the_o nature_n of_o our_o hope_n and_o fear_n of_o our_o desire_n and_o design_n of_o our_o joy_n and_o sorrow_n and_o as_o necessary_o in_o the_o main_a scope_n and_o tendency_n of_o of_o our_o conversation_n whoever_o therefore_o find_v this_o general_a stupidity_n in_o the_o course_n of_o his_o life_n let_v he_o not_o flatter_v himself_o in_o the_o performance_n of_o any_o of_o the_o duty_n of_o religion_n he_o have_v a_o corrupt_a carnal_a and_o blind_a heart_n his_o performance_n proceed_v not_o from_o true_a principle_n and_o have_v not_o that_o life_n and_o vigour_n in_o they_o that_o they_o ought_v they_o be_v as_o different_a from_o the_o performance_n of_o a_o man_n true_o regenerate_v and_o sanctify_a as_o the_o civility_n and_o compliment_n of_o a_o well-bred_a acquaintance_n from_o the_o substantial_a office_n of_o a_o sincere_a and_o affectionate_a friend_n nor_o can_v any_o man_n who_o will_v take_v the_o least_o pain_n to_o examine_v himself_o be_v ignorant_a of_o or_o mistake_v in_o the_o condition_n of_o his_o soul_n if_o this_o be_v it_o for_o whoever_o will_v act_v honest_o and_o impartial_o ought_v not_o to_o pass_v a_o sentence_n of_o absolution_n on_o himself_o upon_o the_o bare_a performance_n of_o some_o relative_a or_o instrumental_a duty_n of_o religion_n but_o he_o ought_v to_o inquire_v first_o what_o virtue_n he_o practice_n which_o put_v he_o upon_o expense_n hazard_n or_o travel_v what_o work_v of_o piety_n or_o charity_n he_o perform_v and_o what_o proportion_n they_o bear_v to_o his_o ability_n next_o he_o ought_v to_o consider_v the_o design_n and_o end_v he_o propose_v to_o himself_o in_o all_o his_o religious_a performance_n whether_o he_o seek_v the_o honour_n of_o god_n the_o welfare_n of_o man_n and_o his_o own_o improvement_n and_o growth_n in_o goodness_n or_o whether_o he_o do_v this_o mere_o to_o acquit_v himself_o of_o a_o task_n and_o discharge_v himself_o of_o what_o he_o take_v for_o grant_v as_o a_o duty_n though_o he_o find_v no_o pleasure_n no_o advantage_n in_o it_o three_o he_o must_v reflect_v upon_o the_o frame_n and_o temper_v of_o his_o mind_n in_o reference_n to_o these_o duty_n what_o hunger_n and_o thirst_n he_o have_v for_o righteousness_n what_o warmth_n ardour_n elevation_n or_o earnestness_n of_o mind_n accompany_v his_o performance_n what_o peace_n and_o pleasure_n his_o reflection_n on_o they_o or_o whether_o religion_n be_v not_o a_o burden_n to_o he_o or_o something_o to_o which_o custom_n only_o reconcile_v he_o last_o he_o ought_v to_o examine_v what_o operation_n what_o influence_n his_o religious_a performance_n have_v upon_o he_o prayer_n hear_v read_v and_o suchlike_a duty_n do_v natural_o tend_v to_o enlighten_v the_o mind_n purify_v the_o heart_n increase_v our_o love_n strengthen_v our_o faith_n and_o confirm_v our_o hope_n and_o therefore_o where_o this_o be_v not_o the_o effect_n of_o they_o we_o may_v conclude_v that_o they_o be_v not_o discharge_v in_o that_o manner_n and_o with_o that_o sincerity_n they_o ought_v he_o therefore_o that_o will_v examine_v himself_o aright_o must_v not_o ask_v himself_o how_o often_o he_o read_v how_o often_o he_o hear_v etc._n etc._n and_o then_o rest_v there_o but_o must_v ask_v himself_o what_o effect_v these_o performance_n have_v have_v upon_o his_o mind_n which_o he_o will_v soon_o discern_v if_o he_o demand_v of_o himself_o what_o the_o bent_n and_o scope_n of_o his_o life_n be_v how_o much_o he_o advance_v and_o improve_v in_o the_o conquest_n of_o any_o vice_n and_o the_o attainment_n of_o any_o virtue_n what_o he_o love_v or_o what_o he_o hate_v what_o esteem_v he_o have_v for_o the_o thing_n of_o god_n and_o what_o for_o the_o thing_n of_o men._n and_o in_o a_o word_n how_o he_o follow_v after_o universal_a righteousness_n and_o how_o he_o increase_v in_o purity_n of_o heart_n and_o poverty_n of_o spirit_n 2._o lukewarmness_n or_o coldness_n may_v be_v consider_v more_o particular_o as_o it_o discover_v itself_o in_o the_o performance_n of_o this_o or_o that_o duty_n in_o hear_v read_v prayer_n and_o participation_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n now_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o there_o be_v a_o deadness_n in_o these_o duty_n which_o proceed_v from_o a_o carnal_a and_o unsanctified_a heart_n and_o be_v a_o plain_a symptom_n of_o a_o state_n of_o sin_n and_o yet_o it_o be_v too_o common_a that_o they_o who_o be_v subject_a to_o it_o make_v little_a reflection_n upon_o it_o and_o be_v little_o concern_v for_o it_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n many_o complain_n of_o lifelessness_n in_o duty_n where_o there_o be_v no_o just_a ground_n for_o this_o complaint_n and_o this_o be_v no_o small_a evil_n to_o such_o for_o it_o disturb_v the_o peace_n of_o their_o mind_n damp_n the_o cheerfulness_n and_o alacrity_n of_o their_o service_n and_o clog_n and_o encumber_n their_o religion_n with_o needless_a doubt_n and_o scruple_n some_o have_v go_v about_o to_o set_v this_o matter_n right_o very_o unskilful_o and_o whilst_o they_o have_v as_o they_o think_v shun_v enthusiastic_a rapture_n and_o irregular_a heat_n have_v real_o betray_v the_o cause_n of_o true_a and_o solid_a fervency_n of_o spirit_n and_o talk_v of_o prayer_n and_o such_o other_o duty_n in_o such_o a_o manner_n as_o can_v but_o reflect_v disadvantagious_o on_o themselves_o among_o such_o as_o be_v moderate_o verse_v in_o the_o scripture_n and_o have_v any_o experience_n of_o the_o power_n of_o god_n word_n and_o spirit_n upon_o their_o soul_n but_o what_o surprise_v i_o most_o be_v that_o some_o of_o very_a deserve_a repute_n have_v teach_v that_o the_o seek_v spiritual_a pleasure_n in_o prayer_n be_v a_o enemy_n to_o perfection_n that_o heat_n and_o ardour_n of_o spirit_n in_o prayer_n do_v often_o happen_v to_o the_o weak_a christian_n and_o very_o seldom_o to_o the_o perfect_a but_o my_o business_n not_o be_v to_o combat_v the_o opinion_n of_o man_n but_o to_o advance_v truth_n in_o the_o most_o charitable_a and_o in_o the_o most_o effectual_a manner_n that_o i_o can_v therefore_o without_o take_v notice_n of_o the_o motive_n or_o reason_n which_o have_v bias_v any_o on_o this_o subject_a i_o will_v lay_v down_o two_o or_o three_o proposition_n which_o will_v i_o hope_v clear_v this_o matter_n and_o promote_v the_o design_n i_o be_o now_o carry_v on_o 1._o then_o lifelessness_n or_o lukewarmness_n in_o these_o duty_n must_v never_o be_v constant_a there_o be_v a_o vast_a difference_n between_o habitual_a and_o accidental_a coldness_n in_o duty_n the_o former_a be_v the_o symptom_n of_o worldly_a carnal_a and_o unregenerate_a mind_n but_o not_o the_o latter_a many_o be_v the_o accident_n which_o
holiness_n in_o the_o true_a genuine_a and_o gospel_n notion_n of_o it_o have_v endeavour_v to_o enlarge_v the_o way_n and_o widen_v the_o gate_n that_o lead_v to_o life_n and_o have_v therefore_o form_v to_o themselves_o more_o soft_a and_o pliant_a notion_n of_o vice_n and_o virtue_n such_o as_o may_v be_v more_o easy_o accommodate_v either_o to_o their_o particular_a inclination_n or_o to_o the_o mode_n and_o fashion_n of_o the_o world_n than_o those_o of_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n can_v hence_o it_o be_v that_o among_o such_o as_o pretend_v to_o some_o regard_n for_o religion_n humility_n poverty_n of_o spirit_n self-denial_n abstinence_n and_o mortification_n be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v visible_a in_o their_o practice_n that_o we_o seem_v to_o have_v almost_o lose_v the_o notion_n of_o they_o and_o the_o pride_n of_o life_n and_o the_o lust_n of_o the_o eye_n be_v so_o universal_o practise_v that_o though_o we_o know_v that_o these_o in_o st._n john_n be_v the_o name_n of_o vice_n we_o scarce_o know_v what_o the_o thing_n themselves_o be_v we_o have_v confound_v the_o mere_n and_o bound_n of_o vice_n and_o virtue_n and_o such_o be_v the_o freedom_n i_o will_v now_o say_v of_o those_o who_o profess_v debauchery_n but_o christianity_n that_o if_o they_o be_v consistent_a with_o the_o sanctity_n and_o purity_n of_o the_o gospel_n it_o will_v be_v hard_a to_o determine_v what_o excess_n be_v and_o in_o a_o word_n how_o many_o be_v there_o who_o make_v a_o profession_n of_o live_v by_o faith_n and_o look_v for_o the_o bless_a hope_n and_o the_o glorious_a appearance_n of_o christ_n do_v yet_o live_v as_o if_o all_o the_o business_n of_o life_n be_v to_o get_v and_o enjoy_v as_o much_o of_o this_o world_n as_o they_o can_v who_o profess_v themselves_o the_o disciple_n of_o christ_n who_o heart_n be_v lowly_a his_o fortune_n mean_a and_o his_o appearance_n humble_a do_v yet_o lay_v out_o their_o time_n their_o labour_n their_o wealth_n on_o this_o one_o design_n to_o make_v such_o a_o show_n such_o a_o figure_n in_o the_o world_n as_o may_v render_v they_o the_o gaze_v and_o envy_n of_o their_o neighbour_n and_o as_o our_o indulgence_n to_o ourselves_o in_o these_o thing_n which_o relate_v to_o the_o pride_n and_o vanitfy_v of_o life_n and_o the_o ease_n and_o appetite_n of_o the_o body_n be_v very_o great_a so_o on_o the_o same_o ground_n and_o for_o the_o same_o reason_n be_v our_o zeal_n for_o the_o interest_n of_o virtue_n and_o the_o honour_n of_o god_n very_o little_a faint_a and_o remiss_a conversation_n have_v very_o little_a savour_n very_o little_a grace_n in_o it_o and_o we_o be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v resolute_a and_o industrious_a to_o awe_v or_o shame_n vice_n abroad_o that_o we_o ourselves_o shall_v be_v almost_o out_o of_o countenance_n if_o we_o shall_v be_v observe_v to_o pay_v any_o particular_a respect_n to_o religion_n or_o virtue_n in_o company_n the_o government_n of_o our_o family_n be_v so_o lax_n and_o easy_a that_o it_o savour_v more_o of_o coldness_n and_o indifferency_n than_o fervency_n of_o spirit_n it_o be_v true_a indeed_o these_o i_o be_o speak_v of_o do_v general_o frequent_v the_o house_n of_o god_n and_o they_o sit_v before_o he_o as_o his_o people_n and_o delight_n to_o hear_v his_o word_n but_o so_o do_v the_o jew_n when_o god_n tell_v they_o in_o the_o prophet_n ezek._n 33.31_o that_o their_o heart_n go_v after_o their_o covetousness_n and_o in_o the_o prophet_n isaiah_n we_o have_v but_o a_o odd_a character_n of_o the_o moral_n of_o these_o people_n of_o who_o god_n say_v yet_o they_o seek_v i_o daily_o and_o delight_n to_o know_v my_o way_n nay_o further_o they_o delight_v in_o approach_v to_o god_n isa_n 58.2_o now_o though_o such_o as_o i_o be_o speak_v of_o may_v not_o be_v guilty_a to_o this_o degree_n so_o as_o to_o be_v chargeable_a with_o open_a wickedness_n yet_o i_o be_o very_o much_o afraid_a that_o even_o in_o this_o duty_n they_o but_o promote_v the_o cheat_n and_o imposture_n they_o put_v upon_o themselves_o and_o make_v their_o diligence_n in_o this_o point_n minister_v to_o quiet_v their_o conscience_n in_o their_o laodicean_n state_n for_o it_o be_v easy_a to_o prove_v that_o such_o as_o these_o do_v more_o general_o aim_v at_o the_o entertainment_n of_o the_o ear_n than_o the_o reformation_n of_o the_o heart_n and_o we_o may_v say_v of_o preacher_n now_o as_o god_n do_v of_o ezekiel_n and_o lo_o thou_o be_v unto_o they_o as_o a_o lovely_a song_n of_o one_o that_o have_v a_o very_a pleasant_a voice_n ezek._n 33.32_o the_o music_n of_o the_o voice_n the_o gracefulness_n of_o delivery_n a_o flow_n of_o word_n the_o surprise_n of_o novelty_n and_o notion_n the_o beauty_n of_o sentence_n and_o the_o sparkle_v of_o wit_n and_o fancy_n or_o a_o appearance_n of_o learning_n these_o be_v i_o doubt_v too_o aften_o the_o thing_n that_o draw_v together_o and_o charm_v a_o auditory_a and_o so_o all_o be_v please_v but_o none_o convert_v or_o edify_v for_o who_o sweat_v or_o blush_n who_o tremble_v or_o grow_v pale_a at_o these_o sermon_n who_o go_v away_o from_o they_o wound_v or_o strike_v through_o serious_a and_o pensive_a full_a of_o pious_a fear_n and_o devout_a desire_n 2._o a_o laodicean_n state_n spring_v from_o sloth_n and_o pusillanimity_n or_o the_o want_n of_o a_o thorough_a and_o wellgrounded_n resolution_n this_o be_v one_o cause_n of_o the_o israelite_n fluctuation_n and_o uncertainty_n they_o be_v indeed_o desirous_a of_o a_o canaan_n but_o be_v not_o forward_o to_o purchase_v it_o by_o tedious_a march_n hazardous_a encounter_n and_o the_o hardship_n of_o hunger_n and_o thirst_v and_o such_o like_a they_o be_v ever_o and_o anon_o willing_a to_o have_v prefer_v the_o dishonour_n and_o servitude_n of_o egypt_n with_o security_n and_o fullness_n before_o a_o canaan_n on_o these_o thames_n and_o thus_o it_o be_v this_o day_n with_o christian_n of_o a_o laodicean_n spirit_n and_o a_o doubtful_a stagger_a allegiance_n a_o heaven_n they_o will_v have_v but_o will_v not_o purchase_v it_o at_o too_o dear_a a_o raâ—e_n they_o will_v be_v account_v the_o disciple_n of_o christ_n and_o share_v in_o the_o merit_n of_o his_o suffering_n but_o they_o will_v not_o take_v up_o his_o suffering_n but_o they_o will_v not_o take_v up_o his_o cross_n in_o any_o sense_n and_o follow_v he_o but_o alas_o israel_n may_v as_o well_o have_v gain_v their_o liberty_n without_o go_v out_o of_o egypt_n or_o a_o canaan_n without_o travel_n and_o hardship_n and_o blood_n as_o these_o virtue_n and_o heaven_n without_o watchfulness_n and_o industry_n we_o may_v as_o well_o hope_v to-support_a and_o increase_v the_o health_n and_o strength_n of_o the_o body_n without_o food_n or_o exercise_n as_o that_o of_o the_o soul_n without_o meditation_n and_o prayer_n we_o may_v as_o soon_o conquer_v our_o enemy_n without_o discipline_n expense_n and_o blow_n as_o master_v our_o corruption_n and_o become_v virtuous_a without_o spiritual_a watchfulness_n travel_n or_o contention_n there_o be_v indeed_o force_v and_o efficacy_n enough_o in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n to_o enlighten_v the_o mind_n and_o purify_v the_o heart_n if_o we_o will_v but_o frequent_o and_o serious_o read_v and_o meditate_v it_o the_o grace_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v sufficient_a to_o conquer_v our_o corruption_n and_o strengthen_v and_o establish_v we_o in_o faith_n and_o obedience_n if_o we_o do_v but_o earnest_o and_o frequent_o pray_v for_o it_o and_o cherish_v and_o improve_v it_o when_o obtain_v the_o mean_n which_o god_n have_v prescribe_v be_v undoubted_o proper_a and_o suitable_a powerful_a and_o effectual_a to_o the_o attainment_n preservation_n and_o increase_v of_o holiness_n and_o all_o his_o ordinance_n have_v a_o divine_a virtue_n and_o energy_n in_o they_o if_o they_o be_v but_o due_o and_o conscienscious_o make_v use_n of_o but_o if_o we_o do_v not_o watch_v if_o we_o do_v not_o meditate_v if_o we_o do_v not_o pray_v if_o we_o expose_v ourselves_o to_o a_o vain_a and_o trifle_a conversation_n if_o we_o indulge_v the_o body_n all_o the_o ease_n it_o be_v incline_v to_o and_o put_v ourselves_o upon_o no_o duty_n practise_v no_o discipline_n that_o we_o have_v any_o reluctancy_n for_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v wonder_v at_o if_o our_o virtue_n be_v crazy_a and_o sickly_a if_o our_o performance_n be_v cold_a and_o unedifying_a our_o faith_n weak_a our_o affection_n low_a and_o grovel_v our_o life_n unsteady_a and_o unprofitable_a our_o religion_n destitute_a of_o true_a pleasure_n and_o our_o latter_a end_n of_o any_o rational_a comfort_n or_o wellgrounded_n confidence_n it_o be_v natural_o to_o be_v expect_v that_o the_o soul_n of_o the_o sluggard_n shall_v be_v like_o his_o field_n prov._n 24.30_o i_o go_v by_o the_o field_n of_o the_o slothful_a and_o by_o the_o vineyard_n of_o the_o man_n
void_a of_o understanding_n and_o lo_o it_o be_v all_o grow_v over_o with_o thorn_n and_o nettle_n have_v cover_v the_o face_n thereof_o and_o the_o stone_n wall_n thereof_o be_v break_v down_o this_o be_v one_o plain_a cause_n and_o common_o the_o first_o of_o our_o halt_n between_o god_n and_o baal_n namely_o our_o idleness_n and_o sloth_n in_o religion_n join_v with_o pusillanimity_n and_o cowardice_n which_o move_v we_o to_o decline_v all_o difficulty_n and_o disable_v we_o to_o make_v a_o bold_a resistance_n against_o temptation_n how_o criminal_a and_o guilty_a this_o must_v render_v we_o in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n it_o be_v no_o difficulty_n to_o guess_v be_v this_o the_o zeal_n the_o revenge_n of_o a_o humble_a and_o active_a penitent_n be_v this_o to_o redeem_v the_o time_n and_o efface_v the_o memory_n of_o our_o past_a sin_n and_o provocation_n be_v this_o the_o conversation_n that_o become_v the_o child_n of_o the_o light_n and_o of_o the_o day_n be_v this_o our_o hunger_n and_o thirst_n after_o righteousness_n be_v this_o our_o ambition_n our_o passion_n for_o a_o heaven_n final_o be_v it_o thus_o we_o requite_v the_o mercy_n and_o obligation_n of_o god_n and_o the_o love_n of_o jesus_n that_o pass_v knowledge_n shall_v such_o halt_a trim_v christian_n as_o these_o think_v you_o ever_o be_v judge_v endue_v with_o a_o true_a and_o live_a faith_n who_o express_v it_o the_o whole_a tenor_n of_o their_o life_n so_o much_o coldness_n and_o indifference_n for_o that_o salvation_n which_o the_o son_n of_o god_n think_v worth_a the_o purchase_n by_o so_o much_o travel_n and_o so_o much_o sorrow_n so_o much_o shame_n and_o so_o much_o blood_n 3._o a_o three_o cause_n of_o our_o halt_a between_o god_n and_o baal_n be_v some_o degree_n of_o infidelity_n this_o be_v the_o case_n of_o israel_n too_o they_o be_v ever_o prone_a to_o idolatry_n partly_o train_v up_o to_o it_o in_o egypt_n and_o elsewhere_o partly_o be_v more_o capable_a of_o form_v a_o idea_n of_o a_o finite_a and_o topical_a god_n than_o of_o a_o infinite_a and_o universal_a one_o jer._n 23.23_o partly_o be_v fond_a of_o follow_v the_o fashion_n of_o other_o nation_n and_o last_o move_v partly_o by_o that_o great_a and_o long_a prosperity_n which_o egypt_n and_o other_o idolatrous_a nation_n enjoy_v and_o no_o doubt_n compare_v it_o too_o with_o the_o variety_n and_o uncertainty_n of_o their_o own_o fortune_n and_o the_o frequent_a disappointment_n of_o their_o expectation_n hose_n 2._o never_o lay_v it_o to_o heart_n all_o the_o while_n that_o the_o way_n to_o secure_v their_o prosperity_n be_v to_o change_v not_o their_o god_n but_o their_o manner_n i_o will_v to_o god_n this_o be_v not_o too_o lively_a a_o description_n of_o the_o state_n of_o too_o many_o christian_n and_o that_o we_o can_v not_o trace_v our_o lukewarmness_n and_o fickleness_n in_o religion_n too_o plain_o back_o to_o the_o same_o source_n or_o origine_fw-la namely_o some_o degree_n of_o infidelity_n i_o wish_v the_o prosperity_n of_o the_o wicked_a do_v not_o somewhat_o undermine_v the_o belief_n of_o a_o providence_n i_o wish_v whatever_o we_o talk_v of_o a_o treasure_n in_o another_o world_n we_o do_v not_o now_o and_o then_o think_v it_o wise_a to_o have_v our_o portion_n in_o this_o i_o be_o afraid_a that_o the_o decay_n and_o dissolution_n of_o our_o nature_n in_o death_n the_o rottenness_n and_o corruption_n of_o the_o grave_a and_o the_o variety_n of_o change_n and_o fortune_n our_o very_a dust_n undergo_v may_v tempt_v we_o to_o some_o scruple_n and_o jealousy_n about_o a_o post-humous_a life_n but_o however_o it_o be_v in_o these_o point_n i_o be_o too_o too_o well_o assure_v that_o we_o do_v often_o doubt_v whether_o virtue_n be_v the_o true_a blessedness_n of_o life_n whether_o there_o be_v that_o pleasure_n in_o righteousness_n the_o scripture_n affirm_v there_o be_v i_o be_o confident_a the_o notion_n of_o righteousness_n and_o holiness_n with_o which_o the_o scripture_n furnish_v we_o be_v often_o blur_v and_o blot_v by_o the_o maxim_n and_o custom_n of_o the_o world_n and_o persuade_v myself_o that_o there_o be_v scarce_o one_o of_o those_o that_o be_v laodicean_n and_o trimmer_n in_o religion_n that_o do_v not_o flatter_v themselves_o that_o god_n will_v not_o be_v as_o severe_a as_o his_o threat_n and_o that_o he_o will_v receive_v they_o into_o heaven_n upon_o mild_a and_o soft_a term_n than_o the_o gospel_n propose_v some_o such_o kind_n of_o infidelity_n as_o this_o must_v possess_v the_o heart_n wherever_o the_o life_n be_v so_o infinite_o below_o our_o profession_n when_o the_o word_n preach_v do_v not_o profit_n it_o be_v because_o it_o be_v not_o mingle_v with_o a_o due_a measure_n of_o faith_n in_o those_o that_o hear_v it_o if_o we_o do_v true_o believe_v the_o revelation_n of_o god_n if_o we_o do_v see_v the_o promise_n of_o god_n as_o evident_a and_o present_a by_o faith_n though_o distant_a in_o themselves_o it_o be_v impossible_a but_o they_o must_v move_v but_o they_o must_v take_v we_o it_o be_v impossible_a but_o they_o must_v enkindle_v in_o we_o another_o sort_n of_o desire_n and_o this_o desire_n will_v soon_o produce_v another_o sort_n of_o endeavour_n another_o sort_n of_o life_n when_o moses_n behold_v canaan_n from_o pisga_n how_o passionate_o do_v he_o desire_v to_o enter_v into_o that_o good_a land_n when_o the_o disciple_n have_v see_v jesus_n ascend_v up_o into_o heaven_n how_o be_v they_o transport_v with_o a_o desire_n of_o follow_v he_o how_o unspeakable_a be_v their_o joy_n how_o fervent_a their_o prayer_n how_o last_a and_o enlarge_v their_o gratitude_n they_o return_v to_o jerusalem_n with_o great_a joy_n and_o be_v continual_o in_o the_o temple_n praise_v and_o bless_v god_n how_o do_v a_o prospect_n of_o gain_n captivate_v the_o covetous_a how_o do_v the_o fancy_n or_o expectation_n of_o pleasure_n inflame_v the_o voluptuary_n how_o do_v the_o sight_n of_o vanity_n and_o grandeur_n infect_v the_o proud_a and_o the_o hope_n of_o glory_n fire_n the_o ambitious_a what_o have_v the_o beauty_n and_o pleasure_n of_o holiness_n no_o attraction_n have_v heaven_n no_o charm_n in_o it_o have_v the_o favour_n and_o love_n of_o god_n and_o of_o jesus_n no_o force_n no_o power_n in_o they_o sure_o we_o have_v not_o the_o face_n to_o deny_v but_o that_o the_o promise_n of_o god_n be_v great_a and_o precious_a one_o and_o if_o they_o raise_v no_o passion_n in_o we_o it_o must_v not_o be_v through_o want_n of_o excellent_a and_o loveliness_n in_o they_o but_o want_v of_o faith_n in_o we_o and_o then_o judge_v you_o how_o acceptable_a this_o kind_n of_o infidelity_n must_v render_v we_o to_o god_n what_o value_n can_v god_n have_v for_o a_o people_n who_o no_o kindness_n can_v oblige_v no_o argument_n convince_v with_o who_o no_o miracle_n can_v gain_v belief_n no_o assurance_n or_o promise_n find_v credit_n hell_n be_v the_o portion_n of_o the_o fearful_a and_o unbeliever_n rev._n 21.8_o and_o what_o dreadful_a judgement_n do_v overwhelm_v israel_n as_o often_o as_o they_o thus_o halt_v between_o god_n and_o idol_n it_o do_v not_o excuse_v they_o that_o they_o have_v some_o sort_n of_o veneration_n for_o the_o memory_n of_o moses_n and_o his_o miracle_n since_o this_o be_v not_o able_a to_o over-rule_v their_o prejudice_n and_o superstition_n that_o they_o retain_v some_o honour_n for_o abraham_n isaac_n and_o jacob_n and_o that_o god_n which_o be_v the_o fear_n of_o their_o father_n since_o they_o have_v as_o much_o or_o more_o for_o the_o nation_n round_o about_o they_o and_o their_o god_n too_o and_o whatever_o power_n they_o do_v acknowledge_v in_o the_o god_n of_o heaven_n or_o whatever_o benefit_n they_o do_v own_v themselves_o to_o have_v derive_v from_o he_o as_o i_o can_v hardly_o think_v the_o memory_n of_o either_o be_v utter_o extinguish_v among_o they_o all_o this_o avail_v they_o nothing_o while_o they_o make_v their_o court_n to_o other_o god_n too_o and_o put_v their_o trust_n in_o their_o patronage_n and_o protection_n though_o this_o be_v sufficient_a to_o make_v we_o sensible_a of_o the_o gild_n of_o a_o laodicean_n virtue_n and_o a_o uncertain_a halt_a faith_n yet_o i_o must_v advance_v on_o and_o observe_v unto_o you_o a_o worse_a principle_n if_o worse_a can_v be_v of_o this_o deportment_n yet_o which_o be_v 4._o the_o four_o fountain_n of_o this_o unsteadiness_n and_o remissness_n in_o religion_n be_v some_o remain_v of_o corruption_n the_o prevalency_n of_o some_o vicious_a passion_n or_o other_o man_n action_n be_v the_o plain_a indication_n of_o their_o affection_n if_o the_o life_n look_v two_o way_n we_o need_v not_o doubt_n but_o that_o the_o heart_n do_v so_o too_o this_o be_v that_o make_v the_o young_a man_n in_o the_o gospel_n fluctuate_v so_o between_o christ_n and_o mammon_n this_o be_v the_o
they_o can_v make_v god_n and_o will_v god_n be_v better_a please_v with_o these_o than_o he_o be_v with_o those_o of_o israel_n that_o be_v deform_v with_o maim_n and_o blemish_n mal._n 1.8_o offer_v now_o these_o to_o thy_o governor_n will_v he_o he_o please_v with_o thou_o or_o accept_v of_o thy_o person_n say_v the_o lord_n of_o host_n the_o magi_n indeed_o leave_v their_o country_n and_o offer_v gold_n frankincense_n and_o myrrh_n to_o our_o saviour_n mat._n 2._o david_n will_v not_o sacrifice_v to_o god_n of_o that_o which_o cost_v he_o nothing_o 2_o sam._n 24._o 24._o the_o primitive_a christian_n offer_v up_o to_o god_n prayer_n and_o tear_n labour_n and_o travel_n nay_o their_o honour_n their_o fortune_n their_o life_n their_o blood_n but_o alas_o what_o have_v these_o man_n to_o offer_v they_o have_v not_o love_n enough_o to_o put_v they_o upon_o any_o expense_n nor_o faith_n enough_o to_o put_v they_o upon_o any_o hardship_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o god_n and_o virtue_n for_o though_o they_o think_v themselves_o rich_a and_o increse_v in_o good_n and_o to_o have_v need_n of_o nothing_o yet_o be_v they_o poor_a wretched_a and_o miserable_a and_o blind_a and_o naked_a rev._n 3.17_o and_o shall_v these_o receive_v a_o crown_n of_o righteousness_n shall_v these_o share_n in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o jesus_n shall_v these_o partake_v in_o the_o triumph_n of_o the_o last_o day_n it_o can_v never_o be_v they_o do_v nothing_o worthy_a of_o the_o gospel_n nothing_o that_o can_v entitle_v they_o to_o the_o benefit_n of_o the_o cross_n of_o christ_n 3._o the_o life_n of_o the_o laodicean_n christian_n will_v never_o do_v any_o do_v any_o credit_n to_o religion_n or_o reflect_v any_o honour_n on_o the_o gospel_n no_o man_n will_v be_v ever_o able_a to_o discern_v the_o beauty_n of_o holiness_n or_o the_o power_n and_o efficacy_n of_o divine_a truth_n from_o the_o practice_n and_o conversation_n of_o such_o a_o one_o ah_o have_v the_o carriage_n of_o the_o primitive_a time_n be_v such_o as_o he_o i_o know_v not_o what_o miracle_n may_v have_v do_v i_o be_o sure_a example_n will_v never_o have_v make_v many_o proselyte_n but_o the_o christian_n then_o act_v those_o virtue_n which_o the_o pagan_a only_o pretend_v to_o and_o faith_n in_o jesus_n achieve_v those_o victory_n over_o the_o world_n which_o the_o jew_n so_o debauch_v and_o stupid_a be_v they_o grow_v do_v in_o the_o declension_n of_o that_o state_n neither_o understand_v nor_o pretend_v to_o this_o be_v that_o which_o make_v the_o world_n admire_v and_o love_n christianity_n after_o thus_o much_o say_v of_o the_o effect_n of_o this_o sort_n of_o carriage_n i_o need_v scarce_o put_v any_o one_o in_o mind_n what_o will_v be_v the_o last_o and_o sad_a effect_n of_o it_o for_o if_o our_o christianity_n be_v such_o that_o it_o neither_o true_o set_v we_o free_a from_o our_o bondage_n to_o the_o world_n and_o flesh_n nor_o enrich_v our_o soul_n with_o true_a and_o solid_a virtue_n if_o it_o neither_o promote_v the_o honour_n of_o god_n nor_o the_o good_a of_o man_n it_o must_v unavoidable_o follow_v that_o have_v no_o true_a title_n to_o god_n favour_n nor_o any_o rational_a ground_n on_o which_o to_o build_v a_o assurance_n of_o it_o we_o can_v reap_v no_o true_a comfort_n or_o pleasure_n from_o religion_n here_o nor_o any_o reward_n from_o it_o hereafter_o alas_o what_o talk_v i_o of_o comfort_n and_o reward_n distress_n and_o anguish_n must_v take_v hold_v of_o the_o sinner_n in_o zion_n and_o fearfulness_n must_v suprize_v the_o hypocrite_n and_o from_o the_o trouble_n and_o misery_n of_o thu_fw-mi life_n they_o must_v go_v down_o into_o the_o everlasting_a torment_n of_o another_o the_o scripture_n be_v plain_a god_n will_v spew_v they_o out_o of_o his_o mouth_n as_o he_o do_v the_o laodicean_n he_o will_v shut_v the_o gate_n of_o heaven_n against_o they_o as_o against_o the_o foolish_a virgin_n that_o have_v no_o oil_n in_o their_o lamp_n and_o their_o hell_n will_v have_v one_o torment_n in_o it_o which_o be_v incident_a to_o no_o other_o that_o they_o have_v once_o the_o hope_n of_o heaven_n and_o it_o be_v no_o small_a aggravation_n of_o misery_n to_o fall_v into_o it_o even_o from_o the_o expectation_n of_o happiness_n this_o be_v not_o as_o i_o observe_v above_o to_o be_v apply_v to_o accidental_a dulness_n or_o deadness_n in_o duty_n nor_o be_v the_o decay_n or_o abatement_n of_o love_n which_o good_a man_n sometime_o suffer_v immediate_o to_o be_v pronounce_v damnable_a but_o yet_o these_o be_v to_o be_v put_v in_o mind_n of_o the_o danger_n they_o be_v in_o and_o recall_v to_o their_o former_a zeal_n in_o the_o word_n of_o the_o spirit_n to_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n nevertheless_o i_o have_v somewhat_o against_o thou_o because_o thou_o have_v leave_v thy_o first_o love_n remember_v therefore_o from_o whence_o thou_o be_v fall_v and_o repent_v and_o do_v the_o first_o work_n or_o else_o i_o will_v come_v unto_o thou_o quick_o and_o will_v remote_a thy_o candlestick_n out_o of_o his_o place_n except_o thou_o repent_v rev._n 2.4_o 5._o chap._n ix_o of_o zeal_n or_o the_o first_o thing_n to_o be_v consider_v in_o a_o state_n of_o zeal_n namely_o what_o holiness_n or_o righteousness_n he_o may_v be_v suppose_v to_o have_v arrive_v at_o i_o be_o arrive_v at_o the_o last_o stage_n of_o perfection_n which_o i_o choose_v to_o call_v a_o state_n of_o zeal_n not_o only_o because_o the_o scripture_n seem_v to_o direct_v i_o to_o this_o expression_n but_o also_o because_o it_o seem_v to_o i_o more_o full_a and_o proper_a than_o other_o that_o may_v be_v or_o be_v make_v use_n of_o for_o the_o same_o end_n a_o state_n of_o union_n be_v a_o expression_n that_o better_a suit_n another_o life_n that_o this_o for_o the_o lesson_n the_o perfect_a man_n be_v ever_o and_o anon_o to_o revolve_v in_o his_o mind_n be_v that_o the_o present_a life_n be_v a_o life_n of_o labour_n and_o travel_v and_o suffering_n the_o future_a one_o of_o reward_n and_o crown_n and_o enjoyment_n then_o as_o to_o that_o other_o expression_n the_o state_n of_o love_n it_o suit_v my_o purpose_n well_o enough_o but_o do_v not_o come_v up_o so_o just_o and_o exact_o to_o it_o as_o the_o state_n of_o zeal_n for_o i_o take_v zeal_n to_o be_v love_n in_o the_o utmost_a elevation_n and_o vivacity_n that_o it_o be_v capable_a of_o and_o now_o what_o a_o noble_a what_o a_o fruitful_a argument_n be_o i_o enter_v upon_o methinks_v i_o feel_v my_o soul_n grow_v warm_a and_o enkindle_v upon_o my_o approach_v it_o and_o my_o first_o view_n or_o contemplation_n of_o it_o inspire_v i_o with_o desire_n of_o the_o same_o nature_n with_o itself_o i_o be_o concern_v to_o see_v myself_o confine_v and_o limit_v by_o the_o law_n of_o method_n and_o find_v myself_o incline_v to_o wish_v that_o i_o be_v now_o to_o write_v rather_o a_o just_a volume_n than_o a_o few_o page_n here_o the_o heroic_a act_n or_o what_o be_v more_o the_o heroic_a life_n of_o saint_n martyr_n and_o confessor_n present_v themselves_o to_o my_o thought_n here_o human_a nature_n enrich_v adorn_v and_o elevate_v to_o the_o utmost_a degree_n by_o a_o participation_n of_o the_o divine_a one_o here_o the_o power_n of_o god_n word_n the_o energy_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n the_o triumph_n of_o faith_n and_o the_o exstasy_n of_o love_n will_v be_v describe_v here_o the_o different_a excellency_n of_o different_a virtue_n and_o the_o different_a value_n of_o good_a work_n shall_v be_v state_v and_o settle_v and_o the_o various_a path_n in_o which_o man_n pursue_v the_o height_n of_o virtue_n and_o the_o noble_a design_n be_v examine_v and_o solid_a piety_n and_o true_a wisdom_n be_v refine_v from_o the_o alloy_v and_o mixture_n of_o enthusiasm_n superstition_n fancy_n or_o whatever_o else_o they_o be_v disfigure_v and_o debase_v by_o but_o this_o can_v now_o be_v do_v and_o it_o may_v be_v it_o can_v not_o at_o all_o be_v do_v by_o i_o no_o measure_n of_o the_o spirit_n peradventure_o below_o that_o with_o which_o the_o apostle_n be_v inspire_v be_v sufficient_a to_o treat_v this_o argument_n as_o it_o require_v beside_o according_a to_o my_o capacity_n i_o have_v be_v all_o along_o make_v this_o point_n when_o in_o the_o first_o section_n i_o state_v the_o notion_n of_o perfection_n show_v by_o what_o step_v we_o advance_v to_o it_o what_o mean_v we_o be_v to_o make_v use_n of_o and_o what_o will_v be_v the_o fruit_n of_o it_o i_o do_v in_o effect_n describe_v to_o my_o reader_n the_o state_n of_o zeal_n and_o mark_v out_o the_o path_n that_o lead_v to_o it_o when_o in_o the_o second_o i_o labour_v to_o establish_v the_o true_a liberty_n of_o man_n upon_o the_o overthrow_n and_o extirpation_n not_o only_o of_o mortal_a sin_n and_o
of_o idleness_n and_o lukewarmness_n but_o also_o as_o far_o as_o it_o may_v be_v even_o of_o sin_n of_o infirmity_n and_o original_a corruption_n what_o else_o be_v i_o do_v but_o prosecute_a this_o one_o design_n namely_o the_o implant_n and_o propagate_a in_o the_o world_n the_o state_n of_o zeal_n however_o something_o there_o seem_v to_o i_o yet_o want_v to_o complete_a my_o undertake_n and_o that_o i_o be_o to_o endeavour_v now_o to_o which_o end_n i_o will_v here_o discourse_v of_o three_o thing_n 1._o what_o it_o be_v in_o general_n i_o mean_v by_o zeal_n 2._o what_o be_v that_o perfection_n of_o holiness_n or_o righteousness_n wherein_o it_o consist_v and_o 3._o of_o the_o efficacy_n or_o force_n of_o this_o holiness_n as_o it_o exert_v itself_o in_o good_a work_n of_o these_o the_o two_o former_a shall_v be_v the_o argument_n of_o this_o the_o three_o of_o the_o follow_a chapter_n §_o 1._o of_o zeal_n in_o general_n what_o it_o be_v i_o do_v not_o exclude_v some_o degree_n of_o zeal_n from_o every_o period_n of_o the_o christian_n life_n sincerity_n can_v subsist_v whole_o without_o it_o the_o hunger_n and_o thirst_n after_o righteousness_n which_o be_v the_o subject_n of_o one_o of_o our_o saviour_n beatitude_n must_v be_v more_o or_o less_o in_o every_o child_n of_o god_n but_o it_o may_v signify_v one_o thing_n in_o the_o infant_n another_o in_o the_o adult_n christian_n in_o the_o one_o the_o conquest_n of_o sin_n or_o rather_o of_o the_o relic_n and_o remain_n of_o former_a sinful_a habit_n and_o the_o attainment_n of_o habitual_a goodness_n be_v the_o object_n of_o this_o hunger_n and_o thirst_n in_o the_o other_o it_o import_v a_o vehement_a desire_n of_o whatever_o be_v yet_o want_v to_o a_o further_a accomplishment_n and_o consummation_n of_o righteousness_n already_o fix_v and_o establish_v the_o entire_a and_o ultimate_a perfection_n of_o it_o in_o heaven_n and_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n the_o promote_a the_o divine_a glory_n upon_o earth_n whatever_o it_o cost_v he_o to_o do_v so_o by_o a_o state_n of_o zeal_n then_o i_o here_o mean_a virtue_n or_o holiness_n not_o in_o the_o bud_n or_o in_o the_o blossom_n but_o in_o its_o full_a strength_n and_o stature_n grow_v up_o and_o ripe_a and_o load_v with_o bless_a fruit_n i_o mean_v that_o holiness_n that_o be_v the_o result_n of_o illumination_n or_o clearness_n of_o judgement_n of_o the_o strength_n and_o force_n of_o holy_a resolution_n and_o the_o vigour_n and_o energy_n of_o holy_a passion_n in_o a_o word_n i_o mean_v that_o folly_n spiritual_a and_o operative_a religion_n which_o may_v be_v feel_v and_o enjoy_v by_o we_o ourselves_o in_o the_o serenity_n and_o tranquillity_n of_o conscience_n the_o long_n and_o breathe_n of_o pious_a desire_n the_o joy_n and_o pleasure_n of_o a_o rational_a assurance_n discern_v by_o the_o world_n in_o our_o life_n and_o action_n in_o the_o modesty_n of_o our_o garb_n in_o the_o plainness_n and_o humility_n of_o all_o thing_n else_o that_o pertain_v to_o the_o port_n of_o life_n in_o the_o temperance_n of_o our_o meal_n the_o purity_n and_o heavenliness_n of_o conversation_n the_o moderation_n of_o our_o design_n and_o enjoyment_n the_o instruction_n of_o our_o family_n with_o a_o tender_a and_o undefatigable_a watchfulness_n over_o they_o the_o constancy_n of_o our_o attendance_n upon_o and_o the_o devoutness_n of_o our_o deportment_n in_o the_o public_a worship_n of_o god_n and_o final_o in_o the_o activity_n and_o generosity_n of_o our_o charity_n or_o to_o speak_v my_o thought_n in_o the_o language_n of_o st._n paul_n a_o state_n of_o zeal_n be_v that_o perfection_n or_o maturity_n of_o holiness_n which_o abound_v in_o the_o work_n of_o faith_n the_o labour_n of_o love_n and_o the_o patience_n of_o hope_n in_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n and_o our_o father_n 1_o thess_n 1.3_o now_o the_o end_n of_o all_o this_o be_v the_o advancing_z the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o therefore_o zeal_n be_v well_o enough_o describe_v or_o define_v by_o a_o ardent_a or_o vehement_a desire_n of_o do_v so_o now_o this_o be_v advance_v two_o way_n first_o by_o our_o personal_a and_o inherent_a holiness_n and_o second_o by_o the_o fruit_n of_o it_o good_a work_n of_o both_o which_o i_o will_v now_o speak_v a_o little_a more_o particular_o §_o 2._o of_o that_o perfection_n of_o holiness_n which_o constitute_v the_o state_n of_o zeal_n here_o i_o will_v inquire_v into_o two_o thing_n 1._o whether_o the_o perfect_a man_n must_v be_v possess_v of_o all_o the_o treasure_n of_o goodness_n whether_o he_o must_v be_v adorn_v by_o a_o confluence_n and_o a_o accumulation_n of_o all_o virtue_n 2._o what_o height_n of_o virtue_n what_o degree_n of_o holiness_n he_o may_v be_v suppose_v to_o arrive_v at_o 1._o of_o the_o extent_n of_o righteousness_n it_o be_v general_o think_v that_o universality_n be_v as_o essential_a and_o necessary_a a_o property_n of_o gospel_n righteousness_n as_o sincerity_n and_o perseverance_n that_o there_o be_v a_o inseparable_a connexion_n and_o union_n between_o all_o christian_a virtue_n so_o that_o he_o who_o want_v any_o must_v be_v conclude_v to_o have_v none_o this_o want_n be_v not_o like_o a_o blemish_n that_o diminish_v the_o beauty_n or_o a_o maim_v that_o weaken_v the_o strength_n but_o like_o a_o wound_n that_o dissolve_v the_o frame_n and_o contexture_n of_o the_o natural_a body_n this_o opinion_n be_v partly_o build_v upon_o reason_n which_o tell_v we_o that_o there_o be_v a_o native_a lustre_n and_o beauty_n in_o all_o virtue_n and_o therefore_o there_o be_v no_o one_o in_o the_o whole_a systeme_n of_o morality_n but_o must_v be_v lovely_a and_o amiable_a to_o a_o good_a man._n partly_o upon_o scripture_n in_o which_o we_o find_v the_o christian_a represent_v as_o holy_a in_o all_o manner_n of_o conversation_n 1_o pet._n 1.15_o perfect_a in_o every_o good_a work_n heb._n 13.21_o as_o fill_v with_o all_o the_o fullness_n of_o god_n eph._n 3.19_o as_o fruitful_a in_o every_o good_a work_n col._n 1.10_o and_o exhort_v in_o the_o most_o comprehensive_a term_n imaginable_a to_o the_o practice_n of_o every_o virtue_n final_o brethren_n whatsoever_o thing_n be_v true_a whatsoever_o thing_n be_v honest_a whatsoever_o thing_n be_v just_a whatsoever_o thing_n be_v pure_a whatsoever_o thing_n be_v lovely_a whatsoever_o thing_n be_v of_o good_a report_n if_o there_o be_v any_o virtue_n and_o if_o there_o be_v any_o praise_n think_v 〈◊〉_d these_o thing_n to_o which_o may_v be_v add_v numerous_a text_n import_v that_o faith_n be_v a_o principle_n of_o universal_a righteousness_n and_o that_o the_o fear_n and_o love_n of_o god_n do_v equal_o oblige_v we_o to_o all_o his_o commandment_n and_o that_o the_o violation_n of_o one_o involve_v we_o in_o the_o gild_n of_o all_o and_o the_o result_n of_o all_o this_o seem_v to_o be_v plain_o this_o that_o the_o whole_a chain_n of_o grace_n be_v dissolve_v and_o lose_v if_o there_o be_v but_o one_o link_n want_v but_o at_o this_o rate_n as_o the_o sincere_a man_n must_v be_v endow_v with_o all_o manner_n of_o virtue_n so_o must_v the_o perfect_a excel_v in_o all_o but_o the_o one_o and_o the_o other_o assertion_n if_o we_o consider_v thing_n close_o seem_v to_o have_v in_o they_o insuperable_a difficulty_n there_o be_v a_o vast_a variety_n in_o the_o nature_n of_o man_n in_o the_o state_n and_o condition_n of_o life_n and_o in_o the_o kind_n and_o degree_n as_o well_o of_o the_o sanctify_a as_o of_o the_o miraculous_a gift_n of_o god_n st._n paul_n tell_v we_o every_o man_n have_v his_o proper_a gift_n of_o god_n 1_o cor._n 7.7_o from_o whence_o it_o seem_v natural_o to_o be_v infer_v that_o every_o man_n be_v not_o capable_a of_o attain_v to_o a_o excellence_n and_o eminence_n in_o every_o virtue_n experience_n tell_v we_o that_o there_o be_v different_a kind_n of_o nature_n as_o well_o as_o soil_n and_o that_o some_o kind_n of_o virtue_n like_o some_o kind_n of_o seed_n will_v thrive_v better_o in_o one_o than_o in_o another_o nor_o do_v grace_n alter_v the_o matter_n much_o since_o it_o general_o accommodate_v itself_o to_o nature_n last_o it_o seem_v very_o hard_a that_o every_o man_n shall_v have_v the_o virtue_n of_o all_o man_n of_o all_o state_n of_o all_o capacity_n every_o particular_a member_n the_o virtue_n of_o the_o whole_a church_n the_o beauty_n and_o strength_n of_o the_o church_n as_o well_o as_o of_o the_o natural_a body_n or_o commonwealth_n consist_v not_o in_o the_o all-sufficieney_a of_o every_o member_n but_o in_o that_o variety_n of_o gift_n and_o grace_n that_o cement_v and_o unite_v enrich_v and_o support_v the_o whole_a to_o come_v up_o to_o matter_n of_o fact_n i_o read_v of_o the_o faith_n of_o abraham_n the_o meekness_n of_o moses_n the_o patience_n of_o job_n the_o love_n of_o
of_o all_o thing_n o_o my_o god_n may_v i_o at_o least_o be_v one_o to_o fill_v the_o train_n of_o this_o triumphant_a procession_n in_o that_o bless_a day_n when_o thou_o shall_v crown_v the_o zeal_n and_o patience_n of_o thy_o saint_n thus_o have_v i_o give_v a_o short_a account_n of_o zeal_n i_o will_v now_o endeavour_v to_o kindle_v it_o in_o every_o breast_n by_o some_o few_o consideration_n which_o will_v at_o once_o evince_n the_o necessity_n and_o declare_v the_o fruit_n of_o it_o 1._o our_o own_o security_n and_o happiness_n demand_v of_o we_o a_o zeal_n fruitful_a in_o good_a work_n 2._o it_o be_v indispensable_a to_o the_o welfare_n and_o good_a of_o our_o neighbour_n 3._o it_o minister_v most_o effectual_o to_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n 1._o our_o own_o salvation_n and_o happiness_n depend_v upon_o it_o for_o without_o this_o we_o reject_v on_o at_o least_o frustrate_v the_o counsel_n of_o god_n against_o our_o own_o soul_n it_o be_v for_o this_o christ_n die_v that_o he_o may_v purify_v to_o himself_o a_o peculiar_a people_n zealous_a of_o good_a work_n this_o be_v the_o great_a end_n of_o our_o election_n god_n have_v choose_v we_o in_o christ_n before_o the_o foundation_n of_o the_o world_n that_o we_o shall_v be_v holy_a and_o without_o blame_n before_o he_o in_o love_n eph._n 1.4_o which_o be_v to_o be_v explain_v by_o eph._n 2.10_o where_o god_n be_v say_v to_o have_v before_o ordain_v that_o we_o shall_v walk_v in_o good_a work_n and_o the_o beginning_n of_o the_o ver_fw-la mind_v we_o that_o it_o be_v for_o this_o end_n god_n impart_v the_o light_n of_o his_o word_n and_o the_o vigour_n of_o his_o spirit_n that_o for_o this_o end_n he_o sanctify_v and_o renew_v our_o nature_n we_o be_v his_o workmanship_n create_v in_o christ_n jesus_n unto_o good_a work_n st._n peter_n tell_v we_o that_o this_o be_v that_o which_o all_o the_o great_a and_o precious_a promise_n of_o god_n immediate_o aim_v at_o first_o godliness_n then_o life_n first_o virtue_n then_o glory_n what_o shall_v i_o say_v more_o our_o lord_n in_o his_o narrative_a of_o the_o last_o judgement_n and_o elsewhere_o and_o his_o apostle_n in_o almost_o innumerable_a place_n have_v with_o great_a power_n and_o great_a earnestness_n inculcate_v this_o doctrine_n that_o we_o shall_v be_v judge_v according_a to_o our_o work_n that_o immortality_n and_o glory_n be_v the_o portion_n not_o of_o knowledge_n but_o patience_n and_o charity_n not_o of_o a_o orthodox_n belief_n and_o specious_a pretention_n but_o of_o righteousness_n and_o zeal_n for_o the_o incorruptible_a the_o never-fading_a crown_n be_v a_o crown_n of_o righteousness_n or_o if_o man_n will_v be_v judge_v by_o their_o faith_n which_o be_v not_o the_o language_n of_o the_o gospel_n this_o do_v not_o alter_v the_o matter_n at_o all_o since_o faith_n itself_o will_v be_v judge_v by_o its_o work_n and_o as_o a_o happy_a eternity_n depend_v upon_o our_o zeal_n so_o nothing_o else_o can_v give_v we_o any_o comfortable_a any_o rational_a assurance_n of_o it_o in_o this_o life_n the_o reason_n be_v plain_a because_o it_o be_v zeal_n that_o be_v the_o only_a unquestionable_a proof_n of_o our_o integrity_n and_o good_a work_n be_v the_o fruit_n which_o alone_o can_v evidence_n the_o life_n and_o truth_n of_o our_o faith_n and_o love_n hereby_o we_o know_v that_o we_o know_v he_o if_o we_o keep_v his_o commandment_n 1_o joh._n 2.3_o yea_o a_o man_n may_v say_v thou_o have_v faith_n and_o i_o have_v work_n show_v i_o thy_o faith_n without_o thy_o work_n and_o i_o will_v show_v thou_o my_o faith_n by_o my_o work_n jam._n 2.18_o do_v thou_o believe_v in_o god_n why_o be_v thou_o not_o holy_a as_o he_o be_v holy_a do_v thou_o believe_v in_o jesus_n why_o do_v thou_o not_o deny_v thyself_o take_v up_o thy_o cross_n and_o follow_v he_o why_o do_v thou_o not_o walk_v as_o he_o walk_v do_v thou_o believe_v a_o judgement_n to_o come_v why_o do_v thou_o not_o work_v out_o thy_o salvation_n with_o fear_n and_o tremble_a why_o do_v thou_o not_o prepare_v to_o meet_v thy_o god_n why_o be_v thou_o not_o rich_a in_o good_a work_n that_o thou_o may_v lay_v up_o a_o good_a foundation_n against_o the_o time_n to_o come_v and_o lie_v hold_v on_o eternal_a life_n nor_o be_v good_a work_v less_o necessary_a to_o prove_v our_o love_n than_o faith_n certain_o if_o we_o love_v holiness_n if_o we_o hunger_n and_o thirst_n after_o righteousness_n we_o shall_v never_o live_v in_o a_o direct_a contradiction_n to_o the_o strong_a passion_n of_o our_o soul_n we_o shall_v never_o refuse_v to_o gratify_v a_o inclination_n which_o be_v not_o only_o fervent_a in_o we_o but_o its_o gratification_n will_v procure_v we_o eternal_a reward_n too_o certain_o if_o we_o love_v god_n we_o can_v but_o seek_v his_o glory_n we_o can_v but_o be_v desirous_a to_o maintain_v communion_n with_o he_o and_o if_o so_o do_v we_o know_v any_o sacrifice_n that_o be_v more_o acceptable_a to_o god_n than_o good_a work_n do_v we_o know_v any_o that_o he_o delight_v in_o more_o than_o zeal_n do_v we_o love_v the_o b._n jesus_n be_v not_o good_a work_v the_o very_a test_n of_o this_o love_n which_o himself_o have_v appoint_v if_o a_o man_n love_v i_o he_o will_v keep_v my_o commandment_n joh._n 14.15_o you_o be_v my_o friend_n if_o you_o do_v whatsoever_o i_o command_v you_o joh._n 15.14_o the_o love_n of_o christ_n say_v the_o apostle_n constrain_v we_o what_o to_o do_v to_o live_v not_o to_o ourselves_o but_o to_o he_o that_o die_v for_o we_o and_o rise_v again_o 2_o cor._n 5.15_o what_o other_o return_v can_v we_o make_v to_o jesus_n what_o other_o way_n can_v we_o express_v our_o gratitude_n to_o he_o he_o sit_v on_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o god_n all_o power_n be_v give_v he_o in_o heaven_n and_o in_o earth_n he_o do_v not_o himself_o need_v our_o ministry_n nor_o want_v our_o service_n and_o charity_n but_o hear_v what_o he_o say_v in_o as_o much_o as_o you_o do_v it_o to_o one_o of_o these_o my_o little_a one_o you_o have_v do_v it_o to_o i_o matt._n 25.40_o 2._o our_o zeal_n be_v indispensable_o necessary_a to_o the_o welfare_n and_o happiness_n of_o other_o do_v we_o regard_v our_o neighbour_n eternal_a interest_n it_o be_v zeal_n repress_n sin_n and_o propagate_v righteousness_n it_o be_v zeal_n defend_v the_o faith_n and_o suppress_v heresy_n and_o error_n it_o be_v zeal_n convert_v the_o unbeliever_n and_o build_v up_o the_o believer_n it_o be_v zeal_n that_o awaken_v the_o drowsy_a quicken_v the_o lukewarm_a strengthen_v the_o weak_a and_o inflame_v the_o good_a with_o a_o holy_a emulation_n it_o be_v zeal_n that_o baffle_v all_o objection_n refute_v all_o calumny_n and_o vanquish_v all_o opposition_n raise_v against_o religion_n and_o oppress_v its_o enemy_n with_o shame_n and_o confusion_n it_o be_v in_o a_o word_n zeal_n and_o zeal_n alone_o that_o can_v make_v religion_n appear_v lovely_a and_o delightful_a and_o reconcile_v the_o world_n to_o it_o for_o this_o alone_a can_v adorn_v the_o gospel_n for_o it_o render_v virtue_n more_o conspicuous_a more_o take_v in_o life_n and_o example_n than_o it_o can_v be_v in_o the_o precept_n and_o description_n of_o word_n nor_o be_v zeal_n less_o serviceable_a to_o the_o temporal_a that_o eternal_a interest_n of_o mankind_n when_o god_n lay_v the_o foundation_n of_o the_o world_n he_o lay_v the_o foundation_n of_o virtue_n too_o and_o when_o he_o form_v man_n he_o weave_v the_o necessity_n of_o good_a work_n into_o his_o very_a nature_n how_o necessary_a be_v justice_n to_o poor_a creature_n who_o lie_v so_o open_a to_o wrong_n and_o injury_n how_o indispensable_a be_v charity_n or_o generosity_n to_o these_o who_o be_v expose_v to_o so_o many_o accident_n to_o so_o many_o want_v to_o such_o a_o viscissitude_n of_o fortune_n and_o be_v all_o subject_a to_o so_o many_o folly_n and_o infirmity_n to_o so_o many_o mistake_v and_o fancy_n how_o strong_a must_v be_v our_o obligation_n to_o mutual_a forbearance_n patience_n and_o gentleness_n in_o a_o word_n sin_n and_o misery_n abound_v in_o the_o world_n and_o if_o there_o be_v not_o virtue_n and_o good_a work_n to_o balance_v the_o one_o and_o â—o_o relieve_v and_o support_v we_o under_o the_o other_o life_n will_v be_v intolerable_a so_o that_o reveal_v and_o natural_a religion_n do_v necessary_o terminate_v and_o centre_n in_o a_o zeal_n for_o good_a work_n as_o their_o ultimate_a end_n and_o utmost_a perfection_n in_o this_o life_n and_o that_o rule_v of_o our_o saviour_n whatsoever_o you_o will_v that_o man_n shall_v do_v to_o you_o do_v you_o even_o so_o unto_o they_o be_v a_o abstract_n not_o only_o of_o the_o law_n and_o the_o prophet_n but_o of_o the_o code_n of_o nature_n too_o and_o this_o single_a principle_n if_o sincere_o pursue_v
aside_o the_o natural_a right_n which_o he_o have_v over_o he_o as_o his_o creature_n and_o to_o transact_v with_o he_o as_o free_v and_o master_n of_o himself_o but_o this_o be_v all_o infinite_a condescension_n second_o it_o seem_v unsuitable_a to_o the_o infinite_a goodness_n of_o god_n to_o bereave_v man_n of_o the_o life_n and_o happiness_n he_o have_v once_o confer_v upon_o he_o unless_o he_o forfeit_v it_o by_o some_o demerit_n the_o gift_n and_o call_n of_o god_n be_v without_o repentance_n nor_o can_v i_o think_v how_o death_n which_o have_v so_o much_o evil_n in_o it_o can_v have_v enter_v the_o world_n if_o sin_n have_v not_o enter_v it_o first_o in_o this_o sense_n unsinning_a obedience_n give_v a_o kind_n of_o right_a to_o the_o continuance_n of_o those_o good_a thing_n which_o be_v at_o first_o the_o mere_a effect_n of_o divine_a grace_n and_o bounty_n last_o a_o covenant_n of_o work_n be_v once_o establish_v it_o be_v plain_a that_o as_o sin_n forfeit_v life_n so_o obedience_n must_v give_v a_o right_a to_o it_o and_o as_o the_o penitent_n can_v not_o be_v restore_v but_o by_o a_o act_n of_o grace_n so_o he_o that_o commit_v no_o sin_n will_v need_v no_o pardon_n but_o then_o life_n itself_o and_o a_o ability_n to_o work_v righteousness_n must_v be_v owe_v to_o grace_n antecedent_n to_o the_o covenant_n and_o so_o such_o a_o one_o will_v have_v whereof_o to_o boast_v comparative_o with_o respect_n to_o other_o who_o fall_v but_o not_o before_o god_n the_o sum_n of_o all_o be_v man_n have_v nothing_o to_o render_v to_o god_n but_o what_o he_o have_v receive_v from_o he_o and_o therefore_o can_v offer_v he_o nothing_o but_o his_o own_o which_o be_v no_o very_o good_a foundation_n for_o merit_n but_o suppose_v he_o absolute_a master_n of_o himself_o suppose_v he_o hold_v all_o thing_n independent_a of_o god_n can_v the_o service_n of_o a_o few_o day_n merit_v immortality_n and_o glory_n angelical_a perfection_n and_o a_o crown_n he_o must_v be_v make_v up_o of_o vanity_n and_o presumption_n that_o dare_v affirm_v this_o 3._o god_n stand_v in_o no_o need_n of_o our_o service_n and_o it_o be_v our_o own_n not_o his_o interest_n we_o promote_v by_o it_o the_o foundation_n of_o merit_n among_o man_n be_v impotence_n and_o want_n the_o prince_n want_v the_o service_n and_o tribute_n of_o the_o subject_a the_o subject_a the_o protection_n of_o the_o prince_n the_o rich_a need_v the_o ministry_n and_o the_o labour_n of_o the_o poor_a the_o poor_a support_n and_o maintenance_n from_o the_o rich._n and_o it_o be_v thus_o in_o imaginary_a as_o well_o as_o real_a want_v the_o luxury_n and_o pleasure_n of_o one_o must_v be_v provide_v for_o and_o support_v by_o the_o care_n and_o vigilance_n of_o other_o and_o the_o pomp_n and_o the_o pride_n of_o one_o part_n of_o the_o world_n can_v subsist_v but_o on_o the_o servitude_n of_o the_o other_o in_o these_o case_n therefore_o mutual_a want_n create_v mutual_a right_n and_o mutual_a merit_n but_o this_o be_v not_o the_o case_n between_o god_n and_o man._n god_n be_v not_o subject_a to_o any_o want_v or_o necessity_n nor_o be_v his_o glory_n or_o happiness_n capable_a of_o diminution_n or_o increase_n he_o be_v a_o monarch_n that_o need_v no_o tribute_n to_o support_v his_o grandeur_n nor_o any_o strength_n or_o power_n beside_o his_o own_o to_o guard_v his_o throne_n if_o we_o revolt_v or_o rebel_n we_o can_v injure_v he_o if_o we_o be_v loyal_a and_o obedient_a we_o can_v profit_v he_o he_o have_v all_o fullness_n all_o perfection_n in_o himself_o he_o be_v a_o almighty_a and_o all-sufficient_a god_n but_o on_o the_o quite_o contrary_a though_o god_n have_v no_o want_n we_o have_v many_o and_o though_o his_o majesty_n and_o felicity_n be_v subject_a to_o no_o vicissitude_n we_o be_v subject_a to_o many_o our_o service_n to_o god_n therefore_o be_v our_o own_o interest_n and_o our_o obedience_n be_v design_v to_o procure_v our_o own_o advantage_n we_o need_v we_o daily_o need_v his_o support_n and_o protection_n we_o depend_v entire_o on_o his_o favour_n and_o patronage_n in_o he_o we_o live_v and_o move_v and_o have_v our_o be_v and_o from_o he_o as_o from_o a_o inexhaustible_a fountain_n we_o derive_v all_o the_o stream_n of_o good_a by_o which_o we_o be_v refresh_v and_o improve_v to_o know_v and_o love_v he_o be_v our_o wisdom_n to_o depend_v upon_o he_o our_o happiness_n and_o security_n to_o serve_v and_o worship_v he_o our_o perfection_n and_o liberty_n to_o enjoy_v he_o will_v be_v our_o heaven_n and_o those_o glimpse_n of_o his_o presence_n which_o we_o be_v vouchsafe_v through_o the_o spirit_n in_o this_o life_n be_v the_o pledge_n and_o foretaste_n of_o it_o this_o be_v the_o constant_a voice_n of_o scripture_n every_o good_a gift_n and_o every_o perfect_a gift_n be_v from_o above_o and_o come_v from_o the_o father_n of_o light_n jam._n 1.17_o if_o i_o be_v hungry_a i_o will_v not_o tell_v thou_o for_o the_o world_n be_v i_o and_o the_o fullness_n thereof_o will_v i_o eat_v the_o flesh_n of_o bull_n or_o drink_v the_o blood_n of_o goat_n offer_v unto_o god_n thanksgiving_n and_o pay_v thy_o vow_n unto_o the_o most_o high_a and_o call_v upon_o i_o in_o the_o day_n of_o trouble_n i_o will_v deliver_v thou_o and_o thou_o shall_v glorify_v i_o psal_n 50.12_o 13._o etc._n etc._n if_o thou_o be_v righteous_a what_o give_v thou_o unto_o he_o thy_o wickedness_n may_v hurt_v a_o man_n etc._n etc._n job_n 35.7_o 8._o sect_n iii_o of_o the_o impediment_n of_o perfection_n though_o i_o have_v be_v all_o along_o carry_v on_o the_o design_n of_o this_o section_n that_o be_v the_o remove_n the_o obstacle_n of_o perfection_n yet_o i_o easy_o foresee_v there_o may_v be_v some_o which_o will_v not_o be_v reduce_v within_o the_o compass_n of_o the_o forego_n head_n for_o these_o therefore_o i_o reserve_v this_o place_n these_o be_v five_o 1._o too_o easy_a and_o loose_a a_o notion_n of_o religion_n 2._o a_o opinion_n that_o perfection_n be_v not_o attainable_a 3._o that_o religion_n be_v a_o enemy_n to_o pleasure_n 4._o the_o love_n of_o the_o world_n in_o a_o high_a degree_n at_o least_o than_o will_v consist_v with_o perfection_n 5._o the_o infirmity_n of_o the_o flesh_n §_o 1._o some_o seem_v to_o have_v entertain_v such_o a_o notion_n of_o religion_n as_o if_o moderation_n here_o be_v as_o necessary_a as_o any_o where_o else_o they_o look_v upon_o zeal_n as_o as_o a_o excess_n of_o righteousness_n and_o can_v be_v well_o enough_o content_a to_o want_v degree_n of_o glory_n if_o they_o can_v but_o save_v their_o soul_n to_o which_o end_n they_o can_v see_v no_o necessity_n of_o perfection_n now_o i_o will_v beseech_v such_o serious_o to_o lay_v to_o heart_n that_o salvation_n and_o damnation_n be_v thing_n of_o no_o common_a importance_n and_o therefore_o it_o high_o concern_v they_o not_o to_o be_v mistake_v in_o the_o notion_n they_o form_n to_o themselves_o of_o religion_n for_o the_o nature_n of_o thing_n will_v not_o be_v alter_v by_o their_o fancy_n nor_o will_v god_n be_v mock_v or_o impose_v on_o if_o we_o will_v deal_v sincere_o with_o ourselves_o as_o in_o this_o case_n it_o certain_o behoove_v we_o to_o do_v we_o must_v frame_v our_o idea_n of_o religion_n not_o from_o the_o opinion_n the_o manner_n or_o the_o fashion_n of_o the_o world_n but_o from_o the_o scripture_n and_o we_o must_v not_o interpret_v these_o by_o our_o own_o inclination_n but_o we_o must_v judge_v of_o the_o duty_n they_o prescribe_v by_o those_o description_n of_o they_o by_o those_o property_n and_o effect_n which_o we_o find_v there_o we_o must_v weigh_v the_o design_n and_o end_v of_o religion_n which_o be_v to_o promote_v the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o the_o good_a of_o man_n and_o to_o raise_v we_o above_o the_o world_n and_o the_o body_n and_o see_v how_o our_o platform_n or_o model_n of_o religion_n suit_n with_o it_o and_o if_o after_o we_o have_v do_v this_o we_o be_v not_o full_o satisfy_v in_o the_o true_a bound_n and_o limit_n which_o part_n vice_n and_o virtue_n it_o can_v but_o be_v safe_a for_o we_o to_o err_v on_o the_o right_a hand_n we_o ought_v always_o to_o remember_v too_o that_o the_o repeat_v exhortation_n in_o scripture_n to_o diligence_n and_o that_o the_o most_o earnest_a and_o indefatigable_a to_o vigilance_n to_o fear_n and_o tremble_v to_o patience_n to_o steadfastness_n and_o suchlike_a be_v utter_o inconsistent_a with_o a_o easy_a lazy_a gentile_a religion_n that_o the_o life_n of_o jesus_n be_v the_o fair_a and_o full_a comment_n on_o his_o doctrine_n and_o that_o we_o never_o be_v to_o follow_v the_o example_n of_o a_o corrupt_a world_n but_o of_o the_o best_a man_n and_o the_o best_a age_n this_o this_o one_o thing_n alone_o will_v convince_v
we_o what_o endeavour_n what_o virtue_n be_v necessary_a to_o gain_v a_o incorruptible_a crown_n see_v with_o what_o eagerness_n the_o disciple_n of_o jesus_n press_v towards_o the_o mark_n see_v with_o what_o courage_n nay_o joy_n too_o they_o take_v up_o their_o cross_n and_o follow_v he_o how_o generous_a be_v their_o alm_n so_o that_o the_o riches_n of_o their_o liberality_n be_v conspicuous_a in_o the_o very_a depth_n of_o their_o poverty_n what_o plainness_n and_o singleness_n of_o heart_n what_o grace_n and_o warmth_n what_o peace_n and_o joy_n show_v itself_o in_o their_o conversation_n what_o modesty_n what_o humility_n in_o their_o garb_n deportment_n and_o the_o whole_a train_n of_o life_n how_o frequent_a how_o fervent_a and_o how_o long_o too_o be_v their_o prayer_n and_o retirement_n in_o one_o word_n the_o spirit_n and_o genius_n of_o a_o disciple_n of_o christ_n discover_v itself_o in_o all_o they_o say_v and_o do_v and_o the_o virtue_n of_o their_o life_n do_v as_o evident_o distinguish_v a_o christian_n from_o a_o jew_n or_o pagan_a as_o their_o faith_n how_o lovely_a be_v religion_n then_o how_o full_a its_o joy_n how_o strong_a its_o confidence_n then_o do_v christian_n true_o overcome_v the_o world_n then_o do_v they_o live_v above_o the_o body_n then_o be_v the_o cross_n of_o christ_n more_o delightful_a than_o the_o ease_n or_o honour_n the_o pride_n or_o pleasure_n of_o a_o sinful_a life_n then_o do_v they_o true_o through_o the_o spirit_n wait_v for_o the_o hope_n of_o righteousness_n by_o faith_n let_v we_o now_o compare_v our_o life_n with_o they_o and_o then_o sit_v down_o content_a with_o poor_a and_o beggarly_a attainment_n if_o we_o can_v let_v we_o put_v our_o virtue_n in_o the_o scale_n against_o they_o and_o if_o we_o have_v any_o modesty_n the_o inequality_n will_v put_v we_o out_o of_o countenance_n we_o shall_v blush_v at_o our_o vanity_n and_o shall_v not_o have_v the_o confidence_n to_o expect_v the_o same_o crown_n the_o same_o kingdom_n with_o they_o but_o as_o too_o lax_n a_o notion_n of_o religion_n be_v apt_a to_o beget_v too_o much_o indifference_n and_o unconcernment_n so_o will_v it_o be_v say_v too_o exalt_v a_o one_o be_v apt_a to_o beget_v despair_n which_o be_v a_o second_o and_o no_o less_o obstacle_n of_o perfection_n §_o 2._o many_o there_o be_v who_o form_v their_o judgement_n upon_o the_o slip_v and_o defect_n of_o good_a man_n and_o the_o corruption_n of_o human_a nature_n conceive_v perfection_n to_o be_v a_o mere_a imaginary_a notion_n they_o believe_v indeed_o that_o consider_v how_o apt_a man_n be_v to_o fall_v short_a of_o his_o duty_n it_o be_v very_o fit_a that_o the_o rule_v prescribe_v he_o shall_v be_v exact_a and_o that_o he_o shall_v be_v frequent_o press_v and_o exhort_v to_o perfection_n but_o that_o the_o thing_n it_o self_n be_v too_o too_o difficult_a for_o mortal_a man_n to_o attain_v in_o this_o life_n but_o to_o this_o objection_n i_o must_v oppose_v these_o few_o thing_n which_o i_o believe_v will_v be_v sufficient_a to_o remove_v it_o 1._o the_o beginning_n of_o virtue_n be_v the_o most_o difficult_a part_n of_o it_o the_o near_a we_o approach_v to_o perfection_n the_o easy_a as_o well_o as_o pleasant_a be_v religion_n and_o therefore_o whoever_o startle_v at_o the_o difficulty_n which_o lie_v in_o the_o way_n to_o a_o exalt_a virtue_n have_v as_o much_o reason_n to_o be_v startle_v at_o those_o which_o will_v encounter_v he_o in_o his_o first_o entrance_n upon_o religion_n and_o yet_o these_o must_v be_v conquer_v 2._o the_o avoid_v the_o difficulty_n of_o religion_n do_v but_o plung_v we_o into_o worse_a we_o be_v necessary_o under_o this_o dilemma_n if_o we_o will_v attain_v the_o peace_n and_o tranquillity_n of_o the_o mind_n we_o must_v mortify_v and_o reduce_v the_o appetite_n of_o the_o body_n if_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n we_o propose_v to_o gratify_v the_o appetite_n of_o the_o body_n and_o enjoy_v the_o pleasure_n of_o sin_n we_o can_v do_v so_o without_o offer_v much_o violence_n to_o the_o mind_n and_o if_o this_o be_v so_o if_o such_o be_v the_o war_n and_o opposition_n between_o the_o soul_n and_o the_o body_n that_o there_o be_v no_o way_n to_o a_o true_a and_o well_o settle_a peace_n and_o pleasure_n but_o by_o the_o reduction_n and_o mortification_n of_o the_o one_o or_o the_o other_o than_o it_o will_v be_v easy_a to_o resolve_v what_o we_o be_v to_o do_v for_o those_o appeal_v which_o atheist_n themselves_o make_v to_o reason_n proclaim_v the_o soul_n of_o man_n to_o be_v the_o ruling_n and_o noble_a part_n of_o he_o beside_o the_o soul_n be_v the_o more_o vital_a the_o more_o tender_a and_o sensible_a part_n of_o we_o and_o consequent_o the_o affliction_n of_o this_o must_v render_v we_o far_o more_o miserable_a than_o any_o hardship_n or_o difficulty_n virtue_n can_v impose_v upon_o the_o body_n 3._o whatever_o be_v the_o difficulty_n of_o virtue_n they_o will_v soon_o vanish_v if_o we_o often_o call_v to_o mind_n that_o peace_n and_o joy_n be_v the_o fruit_n of_o virtue_n but_o shame_n and_o remorse_n of_o sin_n that_o no_o man_n ever_o yet_o do_v not_o repent_v of_o follow_v his_o lust_n unless_o he_o die_v as_o much_o a_o brute_n as_o he_o live_v that_o heaven_n be_v a_o cheap_a purchase_n whatever_o it_o cost_v we_o but_o the_o pleasure_n of_o sin_n a_o very_a dear_a one_o how_o easy_o soever_o we_o come_v by_o it_o and_o final_o that_o we_o be_v not_o our_o own_o master_n there_o be_v a_o god_n to_o who_o we_o stand_v accountable_a for_o our_o action_n and_o consequent_o whether_o we_o will_v or_o will_v not_o we_o must_v either_o undergo_v the_o hardship_n and_o discipline_n of_o virtue_n or_o the_o eternal_a plague_n and_o punishment_n of_o sin_n last_o the_o truth_n be_v this_o opinion_n of_o the_o impossibility_n of_o perfection_n have_v both_o be_v beget_v and_o cherish_v by_o those_o wild_a scheme_n of_o it_o which_o have_v be_v draw_v by_o the_o hand_n of_o a_o flame_a indeed_o but_o a_o indiscreet_a zeal_n but_o i_o have_v here_o recommend_v to_o the_o world_n no_o fantastic_a or_o enthusiastic_a perfection_n i_o have_v advance_v no_o height_n of_o virtue_n but_o what_o many_o do_v i_o hope_v at_o this_o day_n actual_o feel_v and_o experiment_n in_o themselves_o none_o i_o be_o sure_a but_o what_o the_o follower_n of_o the_o bless_a jesus_n actual_o attain_v and_o practice_v be_v you_o follower_n of_o we_o say_v the_o apostle_n as_o we_o be_v of_o christ_n their_o life_n be_v as_o bright_a a_o rule_n as_o their_o doctrine_n and_o by_o their_o own_o action_n they_o demonstrate_v the_o power_n of_o the_o faith_n they_o teach_v they_o do_v not_o like_o the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n bound_v heavy_a burden_n upon_o other_o and_o not_o move_v they_o with_o their_o finger_n they_o do_v not_o like_o plato_n and_o aristotle_n magnify_v temperance_n and_o modesty_n at_o the_o table_n and_o carnivals_n of_o prince_n nor_o commend_v the_o pleasure_n of_o wisdom_n in_o in_o the_o garden_n of_o epicurus_n but_o they_o live_v as_o they_o teach_v unspotted_a by_o the_o pleasure_n unbroken_v by_o the_o trouble_n of_o the_o world_n modest_a serene_a equal_a and_o heavenly_a mind_v in_o honour_n or_o dishonour_v want_v or_o abundance_n liberty_n or_o prison_n life_n or_o death_n let_v we_o then_o no_o long_o object_n or_o dispute_v but_o with_o faith_n and_o patience_n be_v follower_n of_o those_o who_o have_v inherit_v the_o promise_n be_v encompass_v with_o a_o cloud_n of_o witness_n let_v we_o lay_v aside_o every_o weight_n and_o the_o sin_n which_o do_v so_o easy_o beset_v we_o and_o let_v we_o run_v with_o patience_n the_o race_n that_o be_v set_v before_o we_o look_v unto_o jesus_n the_o author_n and_o finisher_n of_o our_o faith_n who_o for_o the_o joy_n that_o be_v set_v before_o he_o endure_v the_o cross_n despise_v the_o shame_n and_o be_v set_v down_o at_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o the_o throne_n of_o god_n for_o consider_v he_o that_o endure_v such_o contradiction_n of_o sinner_n against_o himself_o lest_o you_o be_v weary_v and_o faint_a in_o your_o mind_n heb._n 12.1_o 2._o i_o have_v do_v with_o those_o who_o endeavour_n to_o soften_v or_o shun_v the_o difficulty_n of_o religion_n not_o to_o conquer_v they_o §_o 3._o there_o be_v other_o who_o will_v look_v upon_o this_o set_n up_o the_o doctrine_n of_o perfection_n as_o a_o design_n against_o the_o pleasure_n of_o mankind_n what_o say_v such_o a_o one_o shall_v i_o let_v go_v my_o present_a pleasure_n out_o of_o my_o hand_n to_o hunt_v after_o i_o know_v not_o what_o and_o i_o know_v not_o where_o shall_v i_o quit_v pleasure_n thaâ—_n be_v every_o where_o obvious_a for_o such_o as_o have_v no_o be_v it_o may_v be_v but_o in_o speculation_n or_o at_o least_o be_v
will_v never_o like_o the_o israelite_n see_v a_o canaan_n before_o he_o life_n must_v be_v fill_v with_o good_a work_n or_o else_o death_n will_v look_v but_o dark_a and_o gloomy_a when_o the_o conscience_n inquire_v every_o where_n after_o the_o effect_n of_o the_o word_n and_o the_o spirit_n and_o the_o blood_n of_o jesus_n and_o can_v discover_v in_o all_o the_o part_n in_o all_o the_o path_n of_o life_n no_o track_n of_o any_o thing_n but_o fancy_n and_o fortune_n humour_n and_o indulgence_n how_o will_v it_o shrink_v and_o faint_a and_o tremble_v what_o pensive_a melancholy_a doubt_n will_v damp_n and_o choke_v its_o hope_n and_o how_o can_v it_o be_v otherwise_o alas_o the_o mind_n of_o a_o christian_a be_v sufficient_o inform_v that_o every_o man_n shall_v receive_v according_a to_o what_o he_o have_v do_v in_o the_o body_n god_n will_v judge_v every_o man_n according_a to_o his_o work_n what_o then_o must_v become_v of_o he_o who_o have_v none_o to_o show_v if_o immortality_n and_o glory_n if_o life_n and_o peace_n be_v the_o reward_n of_o well-doing_n nay_o of_o patient_a continuance_n in_o well-doing_n what_o will_v become_v of_o the_o drowsy_a and_o supine_n and_o careless_a the_o sot_n and_o the_o sluggish_a who_o have_v sleep_v and_o fool_v and_o trifle_v away_o life_n 3._o i_o may_v aggravate_v the_o gild_n of_o idleness_n by_o take_v a_o estimate_n of_o the_o talent_n it_o waste_v the_o obligation_n it_o slight_n and_o the_o hope_v it_o forfeit_v i_o may_v render_v man_n more_o jealous_a and_o apprehensive_a of_o fall_v into_o it_o by_o observe_v how_o general_o it_o prevail_v which_o be_v a_o plain_a proof_n either_o of_o the_o strength_n of_o the_o temptation_n or_o our_o propension_n a_o plain_a proof_n either_o that_o there_o be_v i_o know_v not_o what_o secret_a magic_n in_o the_o sin_n or_o else_o that_o the_o cheat_n it_o impose_v upon_o the_o world_n be_v a_o very_a clever_n a_o very_a dexterous_a one_o but_o i_o have_v say_v enough_o and_o where_o the_o former_a consideration_n fail_v these_o will_v hardly_o succeed_v therefore_o i_o will_v now_o pass_v on_o from_o argument_n to_o advice_n which_o be_v the_o next_o thing_n propose_v to_o be_v do_v and_o here_o my_o advice_n must_v have_v regard_n to_o two_o different_a sort_n of_o person_n 1._o to_o such_o as_o be_v bear_v to_o plentiful_a or_o competent_a fortune_n 2._o to_o such_o as_o be_v to_o raise_v their_o own_o or_o to_o provide_v for_o the_o support_n and_o maintenance_n of_o themselves_o and_o their_o family_n by_o their_o labour_n or_o industry_n in_o some_o call_v or_o profession_n to_o the_o former_a the_o best_a direction_n i_o can_v give_v be_v these_o 1._o he_o that_o be_v master_n of_o his_o time_n aught_o to_o devote_v the_o more_o to_o religion_n to_o who_o god_n have_v give_v much_o of_o he_o much_o will_v be_v require_v nor_o have_v such_o a_o one_o any_o excuse_v leave_v either_o for_o omission_n or_o a_o hasty_a and_o cursory_a performance_n of_o duty_n but_o one_o one_o that_o will_v increase_v his_o gild_n i._n e._n laziness_n pleasure_n or_o some_o sin_n or_o other_o such_o a_o one_o therefore_o aught_o to_o be_v constant_a and_o diligent_a in_o frequent_v the_o public_a assembly_n of_o the_o church_n his_o attendance_n upon_o prayer_n sacrament_n sermon_n must_v be_v such_o as_o become_v a_o man_n who_o as_o it_o have_v please_v god_n seem_v bear_v not_o to_o provide_v for_o life_n but_o only_o to_o live_v only_o to_o improve_v and_o enjoy_v life_n and_o carry_v on_o the_o noble_a design_n of_o it_o and_o as_o become_v a_o man_n who_o good_a or_o ill_a example_n be_v of_o such_o vast_a importance_n to_o the_o service_n or_o dis-service_n of_o religion_n nor_o must_v such_o a_o one_o attendance_n on_o the_o public_a excuse_v he_o from_o the_o religious_a office_n of_o the_o closet_n or_o his_o family_n he_o ought_v to_o abound_v in_o each_o he_o may_v be_v more_o frequent_a in_o meditation_n and_o prayer_n in_o read_v and_o instruction_n and_o perform_v each_o with_o more_o justness_n and_o solemnity_n than_o other_o can_v 2._o person_n of_o fortune_n aught_o to_o be_v careful_a in_o the_o choice_n of_o intimate_v and_o friend_n conversation_n be_v not_o always_o a_o loss_n but_o sometime_o a_o gain_n of_o time_n we_o often_o need_v to_o have_v our_o forgetfulness_n relieve_v our_o drowsiness_n awaken_v by_o the_o discourse_n and_o reflection_n of_o our_o friend_n if_o discourse_n be_v general_o season_v with_o grace_n conversation_n will_v be_v the_o great_a blessing_n if_o with_o sense_n and_o reason_n innocence_n and_o prudence_n it_o will_v be_v the_o most_o agreeable_a entertainment_n of_o human_a life_n but_o how_o mischievous_a be_v the_o acquaintance_n which_o infect_v we_o with_o vanity_n and_o lightness_n of_o spirit_n which_o show_v we_o nothing_o but_o a_o gaudy_a outside_n and_o a_o frothy_a soul_n who_o example_n bind_v man_n in_o civility_n to_o be_v foolish_a and_o make_v confidence_n and_o vice_n and_o mis-spence_n of_o time_n a_o fashion_n 3._o it_o be_v to_o be_v wish_v that_o person_n of_o the_o best_a rank_n be_v ever_o breed_v up_o to_o something_o to_o something_o that_o may_v improve_v to_o something_o that_o may_v amuse_v and_o innocent_o engage_v their_o mind_n to_o something_o that_o may_v employ_v life_n without_o encumbr_v it_o and_o yet_o alas_o what_o need_v i_o wish_v this_o how_o many_o excellent_a quality_n be_v necessary_a to_o render_v a_o gentleman_n worthy_a of_o the_o station_n where_o god_n have_v place_v he_o let_v he_o pursue_v these_o how_o many_o be_v the_o virtue_n how_o many_o the_o duty_n to_o which_o a_o christian_a be_v oblige_v for_o he_o attend_v these_o there_o be_v a_o great_a deal_n requisite_a to_o make_v a_o good_a master_n a_o good_a husband_n a_o good_a father_n a_o good_a son_n a_o good_a neighbour_n a_o good_a parishioner_n a_o excellent_a subject_n and_o a_o excellent_a friend_n and_o yet_o there_o be_v many_o other_o relation_n beside_o these_o in_o a_o word_n there_o be_v no_o man_n who_o when_o he_o shall_v appear_v before_o god_n will_v not_o be_v find_v to_o have_v omit_v many_o duty_n and_o to_o have_v perform_v many_o other_o with_o less_o care_n and_o diligence_n than_o he_o ought_v and_o sure_o such_o a_o one_o can_v just_o complain_v for_o want_v of_o business_n i_o doubt_v rather_o on_o the_o contrary_a that_o whoever_o take_v a_o just_a and_o full_a view_n of_o thing_n will_v have_v reason_n to_o complain_v that_o life_n be_v short_a and_o our_o work_n great_a that_o let_v we_o use_v all_o the_o diligence_n we_o can_v and_o be_v as_o frugal_a of_o our_o time_n as_o we_o will_v we_o arrive_v much_o soon_o at_o a_o maturity_n of_o year_n than_o of_o knowledge_n and_o virtue_n 4._o the_o diversion_n of_o person_n of_o this_o quality_n aught_o to_o be_v well_o regulate_v such_o as_o become_v the_o character_n of_o a_o gentleman_n and_o the_o dignity_n of_o a_o christian_a that_o be_v that_o must_v be_v neither_o mean_a nor_o vicious_a but_o i_o have_v treat_v this_o and_o the_o forego_n head_n more_o copious_o in_o human_a life_n to_o which_o i_o refer_v my_o reader_n as_o to_o such_o in_o the_o next_o place_n who_o be_v engage_v in_o a_o profession_n i_o have_v particular_o consider_v their_o state_n in_o several_a place_n and_o find_v little_a to_o add_v here_o but_o only_o to_o mind_v they_o that_o they_o may_v be_v guilty_a of_o idleness_n too_o that_o their_o idleness_n be_v the_o more_o criminal_a the_o less_o temptation_n they_o have_v to_o it_o they_o may_v neglect_v the_o duty_n of_o their_o call_v i_o mean_v their_o secular_a call_v and_o if_o they_o be_v unfaithful_a and_o negligent_a in_o their_o temporal_a concern_v it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v expect_v that_o they_o shall_v be_v more_o solicitous_a and_o industrious_a about_o their_o spiritual_a one_o they_o may_v again_o suffer_v the_o care_n of_o this_o life_n to_o thrust_v out_o those_o of_o another_o and_o then_o they_o be_v true_o idle_a and_o slothful_a servant_n to_o god_n how_o industrious_a and_o faithful_a soever_o they_o be_v to_o the_o world_n for_o life_n be_v but_o waste_v and_o mis-spend_v if_o it_o make_v not_o provision_n for_o eternity_n and_o it_o matter_n little_a whether_o it_o be_v waste_v in_o pleasure_n or_o in_o drudgery_n chap._n viii_o of_o unfruitfulness_n as_o it_o consist_v in_o lukewarmness_n coldness_n or_o formality_n in_o the_o former_a chapter_n i_o consider_v that_o part_n of_o unfruitfulness_n which_o consist_v in_o the_o omission_n of_o duty_n i_o be_o now_o to_o consider_v another_o part_n of_o it_o which_o consist_v in_o too_o perfunctory_a a_o performance_n of_o it_o beside_o those_o who_o be_v true_o unprofitable_a because_o they_o slight_a or_o neglect_v the_o duty_n of_o religion_n there_o be_v another_o sort_n