Spiritual perfection, unfolded and enforced from 2 Cor. VII, 1 having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse our selves from all filthiness of flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God / by William Bates ...
         Bates, William, 1625-1699.
      
       
         
           1699
        
      
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             Spiritual perfection, unfolded and enforced from 2 Cor. VII, 1 having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse our selves from all filthiness of flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God / by William Bates ...
             Bates, William, 1625-1699.
          
           [14], 461, [2] p. : port.
           
             Printed for Jonathan Robinson ... and Brabazon Aylmer ...,
             London :
             1699.
          
           
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             Errata on p. [14].
             Advertisement: [2] p. at end.
             Reproduction of original in Union Theological Seminary Library, New York.
             Marginal notes.
             Signature A2 is torn; p. 1 has print missing in filmed copy. Beginning-p. 15 photographed from Edinburgh University Library copy and inserted at the end.
          
        
      
    
     
       
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           Bible. -- N.T. -- Corinthians, 2nd, VII, 1 -- Commentaries.
           Perfection -- Biblical teaching.
           Christian life -- Early works to 1800.
        
      
    
     
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           Spiritual
           Perfection
           ,
           Unfolded
           and
           Enforced
           ,
           FROM
           
             
               2
               COR.
               VII
               .
               1.
               
            
             Having
             therefore
             these
             Promises
             ,
             dearly
             beloved
             ,
             let
             us
             cleanse
             our selves
             from
             all
             filthiness
             of
             Flesh
             and
             Spirit
             ,
             perfecting
             Holiness
             in
             the
             fear
             of
             God.
             
          
        
         
           By
           
             WILLIAM
             BATES
          
           ,
           D.
           D.
           
        
         
           LONDON
           ,
           Printed
           for
           
             Jonathan
             Robinson
          
           at
           the
           
             Golden
             Lyon
          
           in
           St.
           
           Paul's
           Church-Yard
           ;
           and
           
             Brabazon
             Aylmer
          
           at
           the
           
             Three
             Pigeons
          
           in
           Cornhill
           .
           1699.
           
        
      
       
         
         
           
             
               Gulielmus
               Batesius
               ,
               S.
               S.
               Theol
               :
               Prof
               :
               Aetat
               :
               73.
               
               Nov
               :
               1608.
               
            
          
           
           
        
      
       
         
         
         
           THE
           PREFACE
           .
        
         
           THE
           great
           Design
           of
           God
           in
           his
           saving
           Mercies
           ,
           is
           to
           transform
           us
           into
           the
           Image
           of
           his
           unspotted
           Holiness
           .
           
             We
             are
             elected
             to
             be
             holy
             ;
             redeem'd
             to
             be
             holy
             ;
             call'd
             to
             be
             holy
          
           ;
           and
           at
           last
           ,
           we
           shall
           be
           receiv'd
           into
           Heaven
           ,
           
             and
             made
             glorious
             in
             Holiness
             ,
             without
             spot
             or
             blemish
             .
          
        
         
           It
           was
           worthy
           of
           the
           descending
           Deity
           into
           this
           lower
           World
           ,
           to
           instruct
           and
           perswade
           Men
           ,
           by
           his
           perfect
           Rules
           and
           Example
           ,
           
             to
             be
             holy
             as
             God
             is
             holy
             ,
             in
             all
             manner
             of
             Conversation
             .
          
        
         
           The
           Enemy
           of
           Souls
           ,
           in
           combination
           with
           the
           Carnal
           Mind
           ,
           use
           all
           their
           Arts
           to
           cool
           our
           endeavours
           
             in
             following
             Holiness
          
           ;
           and
           raise
           an
           army
           of
           Objections
           to
           dismay
           us
           ,
           and
           stop
           our
           progress
           to
           Perfection
           .
           Sometimes
           the
           Deceiver
           inspires
           a
           Temptation
           with
           so
           soft
           a
           Breath
           ,
           that
           't
           is
           not
           discern'd
           :
           He
           suggests
           the
           Counsel
           of
           Solomon
           ,
           
           
             Be
             not
             Righteous
             over-much
          
           :
           The
           intention
           of
           the
           wise
           Preacher
           ,
           is
           to
           direct
           us
           in
           the
           exercise
           of
           compassionate
           Charity
           towards
           others
           ,
           and
           not
           to
           censure
           them
           with
           Rigor
           and
           Severity
           for
           humane
           Frailties
           ;
           the
           Tempter
           perverts
           his
           meaning
           ,
           to
           make
           us
           remiss
           in
           Religion
           ,
           and
           shy
           ▪
           of
           strict
           Holiness
           .
           Moral
           Men
           value
           themselves
           upon
           their
           fair
           Conversation
           ,
           they
           are
           not
           stain'd
           with
           soul
           and
           visible
           Pollutions
           ,
           but
           are
           externally
           sober
           and
           righteous
           ;
           and
           they
           will
           advise
           ▪
           that
           Men
           should
           not
           take
           a
           surfeit
           of
           Religion
           ,
           but
           rise
           with
           an
           appetite
           ;
           that
           't
           is
           Wisdom
           to
           use
           so
           much
           of
           Religion
           as
           may
           quiet
           the
           Clamours
           of
           Conscience
           ,
           secure
           Reputation
           ,
           and
           afford
           some
           colour
           of
           Comfort
           :
           But
           't
           is
           a
           spice
           of
           Folly
           to
           be
           over-religious
           ,
           and
           justly
           exposes
           Persons
           to
           derision
           ,
           as
           vainly
           nice
           and
           scrupulous
           .
           They
           commend
           the
           golden
           mean
           ,
           and
           under
           the
           pretence
           of
           temper
           ,
           luke-warmness
           ▪
        
         
           The
           Objection
           in
           some
           part
           of
           it
           is
           specious
           ,
           and
           apt
           to
           sway
           the
           Minds
           of
           Men
           that
           do
           not
           attentively
           consider
           things
           .
           To
           discover
           its
           false
           Colour
           ,
           and
           to
           make
           a
           true
           and
           safe
           Judgment
           of
           our
           Duty
           ,
           it
           will
           be
           useful
           to
           consider
           .
        
         
           'T
           is
           true
           ,
           there
           is
           a
           mediocrity
           between
           vicious
           extreams
           ,
           wherein
           the
           essence
           of
           inferiour
           Moral
           Vertues
           consists
           ;
           for
           they
           
           are
           exercised
           upon
           Objects
           of
           limited
           Goodness
           ,
           and
           must
           be
           regulated
           both
           in
           our
           Affections
           and
           Actions
           ,
           correspondently
           to
           the
           degrees
           of
           their
           Goodness
           .
           Thus
           Fortitude
           is
           in
           the
           middle
           ,
           between
           base
           Fear
           and
           rash
           Boldness
           ;
           and
           the
           more
           firm
           and
           constant
           the
           habitual
           quality
           of
           Fortitude
           is
           ,
           the
           more
           eminent
           and
           praise-worthy
           it
           appears
           .
           But
           in
           spiritual
           Graces
           ,
           that
           raise
           the
           Soul
           to
           God
           ,
           whose
           Perfections
           are
           truly
           infinite
           ,
           there
           can
           be
           no
           excess
           .
           The
           divinest
           degrees
           of
           our
           Love
           to
           God
           ,
           and
           fear
           to
           offend
           him
           ,
           our
           endeavours
           in
           their
           heigth
           and
           excellency
           to
           obey
           and
           please
           him
           ,
           are
           our
           Wisdom
           and
           Duty
           .
        
         
           That
           part
           of
           the
           Objection
           ,
           That
           strict
           Holiness
           will
           expose
           us
           to
           Scorn
           ,
           is
           palpably
           unreasonable
           ,
           Did
           ever
           any
           Artist
           blush
           to
           excel
           in
           the
           Art
           that
           he
           professes
           ?
           Is
           a
           Scholar
           asham'd
           to
           excel
           in
           useful
           Learning
           ?
           And
           shall
           ▪
           a
           Christian
           ,
           
             whose
             high
             and
             holy
             Calling
          
           obliges
           him
           to
           live
           becoming
           its
           dignity
           and
           purity
           ,
           be
           asham'd
           of
           his
           accurate
           Conversation
           ?
           Can
           we
           be
           too
           like
           God
           in
           his
           Holiness
           ,
           his
           peculiar
           Glory
           ?
           Can
           that
           be
           matter
           of
           Contempt
           ,
           that
           is
           the
           supreme
           honour
           of
           the
           intelligent
           Creature
           ?
           A
           Saint
           ,
           when
           despised
           with
           titles
           of
           Ignominy
           by
           the
           Carnal
           World
           ,
           should
           bind
           their
           Scorns
           as
           a
           
             Diadem
             about
             his
             Head
          
           ;
           and
           wear
           them
           as
           
           beautiful
           Ornaments
           :
           
             The
             Apostles
             rejoiced
             ,
             that
             they
             were
             counted
             worthy
             to
             suffer
             shame
             for
             the
             name
             of
             Christ.
          
           What
           Reproaches
           did
           
             the
             Lord
             of
             Glory
          
           suffer
           for
           us
           ?
           And
           what
           Pride
           and
           Folly
           is
           it
           ,
           that
           we
           should
           desire
           to
           be
           glorified
           by
           his
           suffering
           Reproaches
           ,
           and
           not
           willingly
           endure
           Reproach
           for
           his
           Glory
           ?
           Our
           continual
           and
           ardent
           endeavours
           to
           rise
           to
           Perfection
           ,
           commend
           us
           to
           our
           Soveraign
           and
           Saviour
           .
           A
           cold-dead
           Heathen
           is
           less
           offensive
           and
           odious
           to
           him
           than
           a
           luke-warm
           Christian.
           
        
         
           It
           is
           a
           common
           Objection
           ,
           That
           to
           live
           in
           all
           things
           according
           to
           Rule
           ,
           
             to
             walk
             circumspectly
             and
             exactly
             ,
             to
             be
             confin'd
             to
             the
             narrow
             way
             ,
          
           will
           not
           only
           infringe
           ,
           but
           destroy
           our
           Liberty
           .
           This
           is
           so
           precious
           a
           possession
           ,
           that
           Men
           will
           defend
           their
           Liberty
           with
           their
           Lives
           ▪
           An
           ingenuous
           Person
           will
           rather
           wear
           a
           plain
           Garment
           of
           his
           own
           ,
           than
           a
           rich
           Livery
           ,
           the
           mark
           of
           Servitude
           .
           But
           if
           Men
           will
           appeal
           to
           their
           Understandings
           ,
           they
           will
           clearly
           discern
           that
           the
           word
           ,
           Liberty
           ,
           is
           abus'd
           ,
           to
           give
           countenance
           to
           Licentiousness
           .
           There
           is
           a
           free
           subjection
           ,
           and
           a
           servile
           liberty
           :
           The
           Apostle
           tells
           the
           
             Romans
             ,
             When
             ye
             were
             the
             servants
             of
             Sin
             ,
             ye
             were
             free
             from
             Righteousness
             ;
             and
             being
             made
          
           
           
             free
             from
             Sin
             ,
             ye
             became
             the
             servants
             of
             Righteousness
             .
          
        
         
           The
           Soul
           has
           two
           Faculties
           ,
           the
           Understanding
           and
           Will
           :
           The
           Object
           of
           the
           Understanding
           is
           Truth
           ,
           either
           in
           it self
           or
           appearance
           ;
           the
           Object
           of
           the
           Will
           is
           Goodness
           ,
           either
           real
           or
           counterfeit
           .
           Liberty
           is
           radically
           in
           the
           Understanding
           ,
           which
           freely
           deliberates
           ,
           and
           by
           comparative
           Consideration
           ,
           directs
           the
           Will
           to
           choose
           Good
           before
           Evil
           ;
           and
           of
           Good
           the
           greater
           ,
           and
           of
           Evil
           the
           less
           .
           When
           the
           Understanding
           is
           fully
           illuminated
           of
           the
           absolute
           Goodness
           of
           an
           Object
           ,
           without
           the
           least
           mixture
           of
           Evil
           ,
           and
           represents
           it
           to
           the
           Will
           ,
           it
           is
           an
           act
           retrograde
           in
           Nature
           ,
           and
           utterly
           repugnant
           to
           the
           Rational
           Appetite
           ,
           to
           reject
           it
           .
           The
           indifference
           of
           the
           Will
           proceeds
           from
           some
           defects
           in
           the
           Object
           ,
           or
           in
           the
           apprehension
           of
           it
           ;
           but
           when
           an
           infinite
           Good
           is
           duely
           represented
           to
           the
           Will
           ,
           the
           choice
           is
           most
           clear
           and
           free
           .
           Of
           this
           there
           is
           an
           illustrious
           Example
           in
           the
           Life
           of
           
             Moses
             ;
             He
             refused
             to
             be
             called
             the
             Son
             of
             Pharaoh's
             Daughter
             ;
             choosing
             rather
             to
             suffer
             Affliction
             with
             the
             people
             of
             God
             ,
             than
             to
             enjoy
             the
             pleasures
             of
             Sin
             for
             a
             season
             :
             Esteeming
             the
             reproach
             of
             Christ
             ,
             greater
             Riches
             than
             the
             treasures
             of
             Egypt
             :
             For
             he
             had
             an
             Eye
             to
             the
             recompence
             of
             Reward
             .
          
           His
           
           inlightened
           Mind
           considerately
           ponder'd
           the
           Eternal
           Reward
           with
           the
           transient
           pleasure
           of
           Sin
           ,
           and
           his
           Judgment
           was
           influxive
           on
           his
           VVill
           ,
           to
           choose
           the
           glorious
           Futurity
           ,
           before
           the
           false
           Lustre
           of
           the
           Court.
           VVhat
           is
           the
           goodly
           appearance
           of
           the
           present
           tempting
           VVorld
           ,
           but
           like
           the
           Rainbow
           ,
           painted
           Tears
           ?
           The
           heavenly
           Felicity
           is
           substantial
           and
           satisfying
           .
           
             Where
             the
             Spirit
             of
             the
             Lord
             is
             ,
             there
             is
             Liberty
             .
          
           He
           dispels
           the
           darkness
           of
           the
           Mind
           ,
           and
           by
           its
           illuminating
           guidance
           ,
           turns
           the
           VVill
           to
           accept
           and
           embrace
           those
           Objects
           that
           exceedingly
           satisfie
           its
           vast
           desires
           and
           capacity
           .
           This
           is
           an
           eminent
           part
           of
           the
           divine
           Image
           engraven
           on
           the
           Soul
           in
           its
           Creation
           :
           For
           God
           is
           soveraignly
           free
           ,
           
             and
             does
             all
             things
             according
             to
             the
             Counsel
             of
             his
             Will.
          
           Our
           Servitude
           was
           by
           Seduction
           ;
           
             Eve
             being
             deceived
             ,
             was
             in
             the
             Transgression
             .
          
           Our
           Liberty
           is
           restor'd
           by
           Light
           ;
           
             The
             Truth
             makes
             us
             free
          
           .
           The
           necessity
           that
           proceeds
           from
           external
           Compulsion
           ,
           and
           from
           the
           indeliberate
           and
           strong
           sway
           of
           Nature
           ,
           that
           determines
           to
           one
           thing
           ,
           is
           inconsistent
           with
           Liberty
           .
           The
           Understanding
           is
           a
           free
           Faculty
           in
           the
           apprehension
           of
           Objects
           ,
           the
           VVill
           free
           in
           the
           election
           of
           them
           :
           But
           in
           the
           consequent
           choice
           of
           the
           VVill
           ,
           that
           infallibly
           proceeds
           from
           Light
           and
           
           Love
           ,
           the
           perfection
           of
           its
           freedom
           consists
           .
           VVhen
           God
           and
           his
           Commands
           are
           duely
           represented
           in
           their
           amiable
           excellencies
           ,
           the
           Love
           of
           the
           Law-giver
           ,
           and
           his
           Laws
           ,
           certainly
           produces
           Obedience
           to
           it
           with
           Choice
           ▪
           and
           Complacency
           .
           David
           expresses
           his
           Affection
           to
           the
           Divine
           Law
           ,
           and
           the
           principal
           motive
           of
           it
           ,
           
             I
             love
             thy
             Law
             ,
             because
             't
             is
             pure
             .
          
           As
           the
           Hands
           are
           free
           when
           they
           are
           directed
           by
           the
           Eyes
           and
           VVill
           ;
           so
           a
           Saint
           ,
           that
           with
           understanding
           and
           voluntary
           veneration
           worships
           God
           ,
           and
           obeys
           his
           Precepts
           ,
           
           
             which
             is
             our
             reasonable
             Service
          
           ,
           exercises
           and
           enjoys
           the
           truest
           ,
           sweetest
           ,
           and
           most
           honourable
           Liberty
           :
           
             If
             the
             Son
             make
             you
             free
             ,
             ye
             are
             free
             indeed
             .
          
           Freedom
           and
           Felicity
           are
           inseparable
           :
           Servitude
           is
           the
           fatal
           concomitant
           of
           Vice.
           VVhen
           a
           Philosopher
           was
           ask'd
           ,
           what
           Advantage
           he
           had
           obtain'd
           by
           the
           Study
           of
           Philosoyhy
           ,
           he
           replyed
           ,
           
             This
             among
             others
             ,
             that
             if
             all
             the
             Laws
             were
             cancell'd
             ,
             a
             Philosopher
             would
             live
             as
             uniformly
             ,
             according
             to
             the
             Rules
             of
             Decency
             and
             Honesty
             ,
             as
             before
             .
          
           A
           Christian
           that
           has
           an
           inward
           Principle
           of
           Divine
           Knowledge
           and
           Love
           ,
           without
           the
           constraint
           of
           Paenal
           Laws
           ,
           will
           from
           a
           clear
           Judgment
           and
           Election
           obey
           God
           with
           delight
           and
           constancy
           .
        
         
         
           There
           is
           a
           servile
           Liberty
           .
           There
           are
           three
           mistakes
           in
           the
           VVorld
           of
           eternal
           destructive
           consequence
           to
           the
           Souls
           of
           Men
           ;
           concerning
           VVisdom
           and
           Folly
           ,
           Happiness
           and
           Misery
           ,
           Liberty
           and
           Servitude
           .
           Some
           are
           seeming
           wise
           ,
           whose
           Ignorance
           is
           esteemed
           Judgment
           :
           Such
           are
           the
           worldly
           wise
           ,
           who
           contrive
           and
           labour
           to
           
             lay
             up
             treasures
             for
             themselves
             here
             ,
             but
             are
             not
             rich
             towards
             God.
          
           Our
           Saviour
           gives
           them
           a
           true
           Character
           ,
           
             They
             are
             Fools
          
           .
           Others
           are
           esteemed
           happy
           in
           enjoying
           what
           they
           love
           ;
           whereas
           if
           they
           set
           their
           Love
           upon
           those
           Objects
           that
           deserve
           not
           that
           principal
           Affection
           ,
           but
           are
           pernicious
           to
           their
           Souls
           ,
           they
           are
           truly
           miserable
           in
           the
           fruition
           of
           them
           .
           'T
           is
           the
           sign
           of
           God's
           severe
           displeasure
           to
           
             give
             Men
             up
             to
             satisfie
             their
             vile
             Affections
             .
          
           Some
           are
           seeming
           free
           ,
           whose
           Bondage
           is
           esteem'd
           Liberty
           .
           Carnal
           Men
           presume
           of
           their
           Liberty
           ,
           because
           they
           follow
           the
           swinge
           of
           their
           Appetites
           :
           
             But
             they
             serve
             divers
             Lusts
             and
             Pleasures
             ,
             and
             are
             under
             the
             dominion
             of
             Satan
             ,
             taken
             captive
             by
             him
             at
             his
             Will.
          
           As
           if
           a
           Horse
           that
           takes
           a
           career
           in
           a
           pleasant
           Plain
           were
           free
           when
           the
           Bridle
           is
           in
           his
           Mouth
           ,
           and
           he
           is
           carb'd
           by
           the
           Rider
           at
           his
           pleasure
           .
           The
           Apostles
           say
           of
           Idolaters
           ,
           
             That
             what
             they
             sacrific'd
             to
             Idols
             ,
             they
             sacrific'd
             to
             Devils
             :
          
           
           'T
           is
           equally
           true
           ,
           that
           when
           Men
           serve
           their
           Lusts
           ,
           they
           serve
           the
           Devil
           ,
           constructively
           ▪
           doing
           things
           pleasing
           to
           them
           .
        
         
           VVhen
           Man
           turn'd
           Rebel
           against
           God
           ,
           he
           became
           an
           absolute
           Slave
           :
           His
           Understanding
           is
           now
           in
           
             the
             Chains
             of
             Darkness
          
           ,
           under
           Ignorance
           and
           Errors
           ;
           his
           VVill
           is
           inflav'd
           by
           infamous
           Lusts
           ;
           his
           Affections
           are
           fetter'd
           by
           insnaring
           Objects
           ▪
           
             If
             no
             Man
             can
             serve
             two
             Masters
             ,
          
           how
           wretched
           is
           their
           Condition
           ,
           whose
           numerous
           and
           fierce
           Passions
           exact
           things
           contrary
           ,
           and
           are
           their
           Tyrants
           and
           Tormenters
           continually
           .
           St.
           Peter
           speaks
           of
           impure
           Persons
           ,
           
             Their
             Eyes
             are
             full
             of
             the
             Adulteress
             ;
             they
             cannot
             cease
             from
             Sin
             :
          
           This
           is
           true
           of
           all
           Sinners
           ,
           whose
           Hearts
           are
           possess'd
           by
           any
           kind
           of
           Lusts.
           They
           are
           hurried
           by
           them
           against
           the
           Reason
           and
           Rest
           of
           their
           Minds
           ,
           to
           the
           commission
           of
           Sin
           ;
           which
           is
           the
           most
           cruel
           and
           contumelious
           Bondage
           ;
           and
           the
           more
           shameful
           because
           voluntary
           .
           But
           they
           are
           insensible
           of
           those
           subtle
           Chains
           that
           bind
           the
           Soul
           ,
           and
           think
           themselves
           to
           be
           the
           only
           free
           Men
           :
           As
           when
           the
           Angel
           awaken'd
           Peter
           ,
           to
           release
           him
           from
           Prison
           ,
           he
           
             thought
             he
             saw
             a
             Vision
          
           ;
           so
           when
           they
           are
           excited
           to
           go
           out
           of
           their
           dark
           Prison
           ,
           they
           think
           the
           freedom
           of
           Duty
           ,
           the
           gracious
           Liberty
           of
           
           the
           Sons
           of
           God
           ,
           to
           be
           a
           mere
           Imagination
           .
           Like
           one
           in
           the
           Paroxism
           of
           a
           Fever
           ,
           who
           sings
           and
           talks
           high
           ,
           as
           if
           he
           were
           in
           perfect
           Health
           ,
           but
           after
           the
           remission
           of
           the
           Disease
           ,
           feels
           his
           Strength
           broken
           with
           Pains
           ,
           and
           himself
           near
           Deaths
           :
           Thus
           within
           a
           little
           while
           ,
           when
           the
           furious
           precipitancy
           of
           their
           Passions
           is
           cool'd
           and
           check'd
           by
           Afflictions
           ,
           they
           will
           feel
           and
           sink
           under
           the
           weight
           of
           their
           woful
           Bondage
           .
        
         
           Another
           Objection
           ,
           and
           pernicious
           Fallacy
           of
           the
           Tempter
           ,
           whereby
           he
           frights
           many
           young
           Persons
           from
           the
           strictness
           of
           a
           holy
           Life
           ,
           is
           ,
           That
           Religion
           is
           a
           sowre
           Severity
           ;
           they
           must
           renounce
           all
           Delights
           ,
           turn
           Capuchins
           ,
           if
           they
           seriously
           engage
           themselves
           in
           a
           Religious
           Course
           ,
           and
           resolve
           to
           strive
           after
           pure
           and
           perfect
           Holiness
           .
           But
           there
           is
           neither
           Truth
           nor
           Terror
           in
           this
           Suggestion
           to
           the
           inlighten'd
           Mind
           .
           'T
           is
           impossible
           true
           Holiness
           should
           make
           Men
           joyless
           ,
           and
           in
           the
           least
           degree
           miserable
           ,
           which
           is
           in
           the
           highest
           Perfection
           in
           God
           ,
           who
           is
           infinitely
           joyful
           and
           blessed
           .
           Religion
           does
           not
           extinguish
           the
           joyful
           Affections
           ,
           but
           
             transplant
             them
             from
             Egypt
             to
             Canaan
             .
          
           The
           Pleasures
           of
           Sin
           (
           which
           are
           only
           forbidden
           )
           in
           the
           first
           taste
           ,
           ravish
           the
           Carnal
           Senses
           :
           But
           like
           
           
           Jonathan's
           Honey
           ,
           they
           kill
           by
           tasting
           ;
           when
           the
           Sweetness
           is
           vanish'd
           ,
           the
           Sting
           remains
           .
           Whereas
           the
           Joy
           that
           proceeds
           from
           the
           exercise
           and
           improvement
           of
           Divine
           Grace
           ,
           
             and
             the
             Love
             of
             God
             shed
             abroad
             in
             the
             Heart
             by
             the
             Holy
             Ghost
             ,
             the
             Eternal
             Comforter
             ,
          
           the
           present
           Reward
           of
           it
           ,
           is
           vital
           and
           reviving
           ,
           the
           foretaste
           of
           Eternal
           Life
           .
           'T
           is
           true
           ,
           Carnal
           Men
           are
           strangers
           to
           this
           Joy
           ,
           they
           cannot
           relish
           Divine
           Delights
           ;
           but
           the
           Spirit
           of
           God
           ,
           like
           a
           new
           Soul
           ,
           inspires
           the
           sanctified
           with
           new
           Thoughts
           ,
           new
           Inclinations
           ,
           new
           Resolutions
           ,
           and
           qualifies
           them
           ,
           that
           Spiritual
           Objects
           are
           infinitely
           pleasing
           to
           them
           .
           And
           whereas
           Carnal
           Pleasures
           
             are
             but
             for
             a
             season
          
           ,
           and
           within
           a
           little
           while
           dye
           ,
           and
           end
           in
           bitter
           distaste
           ,
           (
           
           Amnon's
           excessive
           Love
           was
           suddenly
           turned
           into
           more
           excessive
           Hatred
           )
           Spiritual
           Joys
           are
           increasing
           and
           ever-satisfying
           .
           Now
           't
           is
           an
           infallible
           Rule
           to
           direct
           our
           choice
           ,
           that
           is
           true
           Happiness
           ,
           which
           the
           more
           we
           enjoy
           ,
           the
           more
           highly
           we
           value
           and
           love
           .
        
         
           I
           thought
           it
           fit
           to
           shew
           the
           Unreasonableness
           of
           these
           Objections
           ,
           that
           are
           perverse
           and
           poysonous
           ,
           which
           if
           not
           remov'd
           ,
           would
           blast
           my
           Design
           ,
           and
           desir'd
           Success
           ,
           in
           the
           subsequent
           Discourses
           .
           But
           't
           is
           more
           easie
           to
           prove
           our
           Duty
           to
           
             follow
             Holiness
          
           ,
           
           than
           to
           perswade
           Men
           to
           practice
           it
           ▪
           I
           shall
           only
           add
           ,
           that
           the
           Reward
           of
           Holiness
           being
           so
           Excellent
           and
           Eternal
           ,
           our
           Zeal
           should
           encounter
           and
           overcome
           all
           Difficulties
           that
           oppose
           our
           obtaining
           it
           .
           The
           strongest
           and
           swiftest
           Wings
           are
           too
           slow
           to
           dispatch
           our
           way
           to
           Heaven
           .
           The
           Lord
           give
           his
           Blessing
           to
           make
           Sacred
           Truths
           effectual
           upon
           the
           Souls
           of
           Men.
           
        
      
       
         
           ERRATA
           .
        
         
           PAge
           15.
           
           Line
           13
           ,
           14.
           for
           Love
           read
           Law
           ,
           p.
           29.
           in
           the
           Margent
           ,
           for
           
             iras
             carentur
          
           r.
           irascarentur
           ,
           p.
           29.
           l.
           24.
           for
           content
           r.
           
             concent
             ▪
          
           p.
           34.
           l.
           19.
           for
           last
           1.
           worst
           ,
           p.
           84.
           in
           the
           Margent
           ,
           dele
           
             audeo
             dicere
          
           ,
           Aug.
           p.
           103.
           l.
           〈◊〉
           .
           dele
           as
           ,
           p.
           135.
           l.
           7.
           for
           a
           〈◊〉
           .
           in
           ,
           p.
           164
           ▪
           in
           the
           Margent
           ,
           for
           
             aequanimitur
             imperitas
          
           r.
           
             aequanimiter
             imperitus
          
           ,
           for
           insolentur
           r.
           insolenter
           ,
           p.
           181.
           l.
           21.
           for
           never
           r.
           ever
           .
        
      
    
     
       
         
         
           
             2
             COR.
             VII
             .
             1.
             
          
           
             Having
             therefore
             these
             Promises
             ,
             dearly
             beloved
             ,
             let
             us
             cleanse
             our selves
             from
             all
             filthiness
             of
             Flesh
             and
             Spirit
             ,
             perfecting
             Holiness
             in
             the
             fear
             of
             God.
             
          
        
         
           CHAP.
           1.
           
        
         
           
             The
             Coherence
             opened
             .
             The
             inconsistency
             and
             danger
             of
             the
             Communion
             of
             Christians
             with
             Infidels
             .
             The
             dignity
             of
             Believers
             prohibits
             it
             .
             The
             Promise
             of
             Divine
             Communion
             obliges
             them
             to
             separate
             from
             contagious
             Converse
             with
             Unbelievers
             .
             The
             Inference
             from
             those
             Motives
             .
             The
             cleansing
             from
             all
             Pollutions
             ,
             and
             perfecting
             Holiness
             .
             Purifying
             themselves
             is
             the
             Duty
             of
             Christians
             .
             A
             Principle
             of
             Holiness
             ,
             actuated
             by
             the
             supplies
             of
             the
             Spirit
             ,
             is
             requite
             to
             enable
             Christians
             to
             purifie
             the
             〈◊〉
             .
             The
             Pollutions
             of
             the
             Flesh
             〈◊〉
             the
             desiring
             and
             the
             angry
             Appeti●●●ey
             defile
             and
             debase
             Humane
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
             difficul●…
             
          
        
         
         
           makes
           an
           easie
           entrance
           into
           the
           Soul.
           He
           seems
           to
           devest
           himself
           of
           his
           Apostolical
           Commission
           ,
           and
           in
           the
           mildest
           and
           most
           tender
           manner
           mixes
           intreaties
           with
           his
           Authority
           :
           as
           in
           a
           parallel
           place
           ,
           
             I
             beseech
             you
             brethren
             by
             the
             name
             of
             our
             Lord
             Jesus
             Christ
             ,
          
           &c.
           
           1
           Cor.
           1.
           10.
           
        
         
           2.
           
           The
           matter
           of
           the
           Address
           :
           The
           cleansing
           us
           from
           all
           pollution
           of
           Flesh
           and
           Spirit
           ,
           and
           the
           changing
           us
           into
           the
           unspotted
           Image
           of
           God's
           Holiness
           .
           These
           are
           the
           comprehensive
           sum
           of
           renewing
           Grace
           ,
           and
           are
           inseparable
           .
           The
           Holy
           Spirit
           works
           both
           together
           in
           the
           Saints
           ;
           as
           the
           Sun
           ,
           by
           the
           same
           emanation
           of
           Light
           ,
           dispels
           the
           darkness
           of
           the
           Air
           ,
           and
           irradiates
           it
           .
           But
           they
           are
           not
           merely
           different
           notions
           ,
           but
           different
           parts
           of
           Sanctification
           .
           For
           the
           corruption
           of
           Nature
           is
           not
           a
           mere
           privation
           of
           Holiness
           ,
           as
           Darkness
           is
           of
           Light
           ,
           but
           a
           contrary
           inherent
           quality
           ,
           the
           Principle
           of
           all
           sinful
           Evils
           .
           We
           are
           commanded
           
             to
             put
             off
             the
             old
             man
             ,
             and
          
           
           
             to
             put
             on
             the
             new
             :
             To
             cease
             to
             do
             evil
             ,
             and
          
           
           
             to
             learn
             to
             do
             well
          
           .
        
         
           We
           must
           purifie
           our selves
           from
           the
           pollutions
           of
           Flesh
           and
           Spirit
           .
           The
           Soul
           and
           Body
           ,
           in
           the
           state
           of
           depraved
           Nature
           ,
           are
           like
           two
           Malefactors
           fastened
           with
           one
           Chain
           ,
           and
           by
           their
           strict
           union
           
           infect
           one
           another
           .
           The
           pollution
           is
           intimate
           and
           radical
           ,
           diffusive
           through
           all
           the
           Powers
           of
           the
           Soul
           ,
           and
           Members
           of
           the
           Body
           .
           
             The
             Spirit
             of
             the
             Mind
          
           ,
           the
           supreme
           Faculty
           ,
           with
           the
           Will
           and
           Affections
           ,
           want
           renewing
           .
           We
           are
           commanded
           to
           perfect
           Holiness
           ;
           to
           aspire
           and
           endeavour
           after
           our
           original
           Holiness
           ,
           and
           to
           be
           always
           advancing
           ,
           till
           we
           arrive
           at
           the
           final
           consummate
           state
           of
           Holiness
           in
           Heaven
           .
        
         
           
             In
             the
             fear
             of
             God.
          
           That
           Grace
           has
           an
           eminent
           causality
           and
           influence
           in
           this
           Sanctification
           of
           Christians
           .
           It
           is
           a
           powerful
           restraint
           from
           Sins
           in
           thoughts
           and
           acts
           ,
           in
           solitude
           and
           society
           ,
           to
           consider
           God's
           pure
           and
           flaming
           Eye
           ,
           that
           sees
           Sin
           wherever
           it
           is
           ,
           in
           order
           to
           Judgment
           .
           Holy
           Fear
           excites
           us
           to
           exercise
           every
           Grace
           ,
           and
           perform
           every
           Duty
           ,
           in
           that
           manner
           ,
           that
           we
           may
           be
           approv'd
           and
           accepted
           of
           God.
           
        
         
           3.
           
           The
           Motive
           arises
           from
           the
           excellency
           of
           the
           Promises
           ,
           and
           the
           qualifications
           requisite
           for
           the
           obtaining
           them
           ▪
           'T
           is
           promised
           ,
           
             that
             God
             will
             dwell
             in
             us
             ,
             and
             walk
             in
             us
          
           ;
           whose
           gracious
           presence
           is
           Heaven
           upon
           Earth
           .
           Strange
           Condescension
           !
           that
           the
           God
           of
           Glory
           should
           dwell
           in
           Tabernacles
           of
           Clay
           ;
           far
           greater
           than
           if
           a
           King
           should
           dwell
           in
           a
           Cottage
           with
           one
           of
           his
           poor
           Subjects
           .
           He
           
           will
           adopt
           us
           into
           the
           Line
           of
           Heaven
           :
           
             I
             will
             be
             your
             Father
             ,
             and
             ye
             shall
             be
             my
             Sons
             and
             Daughters
             .
          
           The
           qualifications
           are
           ,
           the
           purifying
           our selves
           from
           all
           defilements
           ,
           and
           striving
           to
           be
           entirely
           holy
           .
           By
           the
           order
           of
           God
           ,
           every
           Leper
           was
           to
           be
           excluded
           from
           the
           Camp
           of
           Israel
           ;
           and
           will
           he
           have
           Communion
           with
           the
           Souls
           of
           Men
           ,
           over-spread
           with
           the
           Leprosie
           ,
           and
           covered
           with
           the
           Ulcers
           of
           Sin
           ?
           There
           is
           a
           special
           emphasis
           in
           the
           words
           ,
           
             saith
             the
             Lord
             Almighty
          
           .
           Without
           the
           cleansing
           and
           renewing
           of
           Sinners
           ,
           Omnipotence
           cannot
           receive
           them
           into
           his
           Favour
           and
           Family
           .
           There
           are
           fatal
           bars
           fix'd
           ,
           which
           the
           unholy
           cannot
           break
           through
           .
        
         
           The
           Proposition
           that
           arises
           from
           the
           words
           is
           this
           :
           
             The
             Promises
             of
             the
             Gospel
             lay
             the
             most
             powerful
             obligations
             on
             Christians
             ,
             to
             strive
             for
             the
             attainment
             of
             pure
             and
             perfect
             Holiness
             .
          
        
         
           In
           the
           management
           of
           this
           Subject
           ,
           I
           will
           first
           consider
           the
           Duty
           as
           acted
           upon
           our selves
           .
        
         
           2.
           
           The
           parts
           of
           it
           :
           The
           cleansing
           from
           Sin
           ,
           and
           perfecting
           Holiness
           .
        
         
           3.
           
           The
           force
           of
           the
           Motives
           ;
           the
           precious
           and
           unvaluable
           Promises
           of
           the
           Gospel
           :
           And
           make
           Application
           of
           them
           .
        
         
         
           1.
           
           We
           are
           commanded
           to
           cleanse
           our selves
           ,
           which
           is
           our
           Duty
           ,
           and
           implies
           an
           ability
           deriv'd
           from
           Christ
           to
           perform
           it
           .
           It
           may
           seem
           strange
           that
           Men
           ,
           in
           their
           depraved
           state
           ,
           should
           be
           excited
           to
           renew
           themselves
           :
           
             Who
             can
             bring
             a
          
           
           
             clean
             thing
             out
             of
             an
             unclean
             ?
             not
             one
             :
          
           yet
           this
           Duty
           is
           frequently
           inculcated
           upon
           us
           .
           
             Wash
             ye
             ,
             make
             ye
             clean
             ;
             put
             away
          
           
           
             the
             evil
             of
             your
             doings
             from
             before
             mine
             eyes
             .
             O
             Jerusalem
             ,
             wash
             thy
             heart
             from
          
           
           
             wickedness
             ;
             how
             long
             shall
             vain
             thoughts
             lodge
             within
             thee
             ?
             Cleanse
             your
             hearts
             ye
          
           
           
             sinners
             ;
             purifie
             your
             hearts
             ye
             double-minded
             .
          
           A
           clear
           answer
           may
           be
           given
           to
           this
           .
        
         
           (
           1.
           )
           There
           is
           no
           productive
           Principle
           of
           Holiness
           in
           Man's
           corrupt
           Nature
           ,
           but
           strong
           aversions
           from
           it
           ,
           and
           inclinations
           to
           what
           is
           contrary
           to
           it
           .
           There
           is
           a
           miserable
           impotency
           to
           all
           spiritual
           Good
           ,
           better
           express'd
           with
           tears
           than
           words
           .
           'T
           is
           natural
           and
           hereditary
           ,
           more
           difficultly
           cur'd
           than
           what
           is
           accidental
           .
           God
           is
           the
           sole
           efficient
           in
           the
           regeneration
           of
           the
           Soul
           ,
           and
           the
           first
           infusion
           of
           Grace
           ,
           and
           the
           principal
           in
           the
           growth
           and
           improvement
           of
           it
           .
           The
           Holy
           Spirit
           does
           not
           work
           Grace
           in
           us
           ,
           as
           the
           Sun
           forms
           Gold
           in
           the
           Earth
           ,
           without
           any
           sense
           in
           our selves
           of
           his
           operations
           ;
           but
           we
           feel
           them
           in
           all
           our
           
           Faculties
           ,
           congruously
           to
           their
           Nature
           ,
           inlightning
           the
           Mind
           ,
           exciting
           the
           Conscience
           ,
           turning
           the
           Will
           ,
           and
           purifying
           the
           Affections
           .
        
         
           (
           2.
           )
           After
           a
           Principle
           of
           Life
           and
           Holiness
           is
           planted
           in
           us
           ,
           we
           are
           ,
           by
           a
           continual
           supply
           of
           strength
           from
           Christ
           ,
           assisted
           to
           exercise
           it
           in
           all
           the
           acts
           that
           are
           proper
           to
           the
           Divine
           Life
           .
           There
           is
           a
           resemblance
           between
           the
           Fruits
           of
           the
           Earth
           ,
           and
           the
           Graces
           of
           a
           Christian
           :
           Seed
           must
           be
           first
           sowed
           in
           the
           Earth
           before
           it
           springs
           out
           of
           it
           ;
           and
           when
           't
           is
           sowed
           ,
           the
           natural
           qualities
           of
           the
           Earth
           ,
           Coldness
           and
           Driness
           ,
           are
           so
           contrary
           to
           fructifying
           ,
           that
           without
           the
           Influences
           of
           the
           Heavens
           ,
           the
           heat
           of
           the
           Sun
           ,
           and
           showers
           of
           Rain
           ,
           the
           Seed
           would
           be
           lost
           in
           it
           .
           Grace
           is
           drawn
           forth
           into
           flourishing
           and
           fruitfulness
           ,
           by
           the
           irradiating
           and
           warm
           influx
           of
           the
           Spirit
           .
           But
           we
           are
           subordinate
           agents
           in
           carrying
           on
           the
           work
           of
           Grace
           to
           Perfection
           .
           The
           Apostle
           exhorts
           us
           to
           work
           out
           our
           own
           Salvation
           with
           fear
           and
           trembling
           ;
           for
           't
           is
           God
           works
           in
           us
           to
           will
           and
           to
           do
           .
           Carnal
           Men
           abuse
           the
           freeness
           of
           Grace
           to
           looseness
           and
           security
           and
           the
           power
           of
           Grace
           to
           negligence
           and
           laziness
           .
           Our
           dependance
           on
           God
           inferrs
           the
           use
           of
           means
           to
           save
           our
           Souls
           .
           Our
           Saviour
           commands
           us
           to
           
           
             watch
             and
             pray
             ,
             that
             we
             may
             not
             enter
             into
             temptation
             .
          
           To
           watch
           without
           Prayer
           is
           to
           presume
           upon
           our
           own
           Strength
           :
           To
           pray
           without
           Watching
           is
           to
           presume
           upon
           the
           Grace
           of
           God.
           The
           Lord's
           Prayer
           is
           the
           Rule
           of
           our
           Duty
           and
           Desires
           :
           We
           are
           ingag'd
           by
           every
           Petition
           to
           co-operate
           and
           concur
           with
           Divine
           Grace
           to
           obtain
           what
           we
           pray
           for
           .
           Naaman
           presum'd
           he
           should
           be
           immediately
           cleansed
           from
           his
           Leprosie
           by
           the
           Prayer
           of
           Elisha
           ;
           but
           he
           was
           commanded
           to
           go
           and
           wash
           himself
           in
           Jordan
           seven
           times
           for
           his
           Purification
           .
           A
           stream
           preserves
           its
           christal
           clearness
           by
           continual
           running
           ;
           if
           its
           course
           be
           stop'd
           ,
           it
           will
           stagnate
           and
           putrifie
           .
           The
           purity
           of
           the
           Soul
           is
           preserv'd
           by
           the
           constant
           exercise
           of
           habitual
           Grace
           .
           In
           short
           ,
           we
           must
           be
           jealous
           of
           our selves
           ,
           to
           prevent
           our
           being
           surpriz'd
           by
           Sin
           ,
           and
           continually
           address
           
             to
             the
             Throne
             of
             Grace
             ,
             for
             the
             obtaining
             Grace
             and
             Mercy
             in
             time
             of
             need
          
           ;
           and
           by
           Faith
           apply
           the
           blood
           of
           sprinkling
           ,
           that
           has
           a
           cleansing
           Efficacy
           .
           The
           Death
           of
           Christ
           meritoriously
           procures
           the
           Spirit
           of
           Life
           and
           Renovation
           ,
           and
           is
           the
           strongest
           ingagement
           upon
           Christians
           to
           mortifie
           those
           Sins
           that
           were
           the
           cause
           of
           his
           Agonies
           and
           Sufferings
           .
        
         
         
           2.
           
           The
           parts
           of
           the
           Duty
           are
           to
           be
           considered
           :
           The
           cleansing
           us
           from
           the
           Defilements
           of
           Flesh
           and
           Spirit
           ,
           and
           the
           perfecting
           Holiness
           .
        
         
           (
           1.
           )
           The
           cleansing
           must
           be
           universal
           ,
           as
           the
           pollution
           is
           :
           We
           are
           directed
           to
           
             cleanse
             our
             hands
             ,
             and
             purifie
             our
             hearts
             ,
          
           
           that
           we
           may
           draw
           near
           to
           God
           with
           acceptance
           .
           'T
           is
           observable
           that
           ,
           in
           a
           general
           sense
           ,
           all
           Sins
           are
           the
           works
           of
           the
           Flesh
           :
           what
           ever
           is
           not
           divine
           and
           spiritual
           is
           carnal
           ,
           in
           the
           language
           of
           Scripture
           .
           For
           since
           the
           separation
           of
           Men
           from
           God
           by
           the
           rebellious
           Sin
           of
           Adam
           ,
           the
           Soul
           is
           sunk
           into
           a
           state
           of
           Carnality
           ,
           seeking
           for
           satisfaction
           in
           lower
           things
           .
           The
           two
           jarring
           opposite
           Principles
           are
           Flesh
           and
           Spirit
           ,
           lusting
           against
           one
           another
           .
           'T
           is
           as
           carnal
           to
           desire
           vain
           Glory
           ,
           or
           to
           set
           the
           Heart
           on
           Riches
           ,
           as
           to
           love
           sensual
           Pleasures
           :
           For
           our
           Esteem
           and
           Love
           are
           intirely
           due
           to
           God
           for
           his
           high
           Perfections
           ;
           and
           't
           is
           a
           disparagement
           to
           set
           them
           on
           the
           Creatures
           ,
           as
           if
           he
           did
           not
           deserve
           them
           in
           their
           most
           excellent
           degrees
           .
           Whatever
           things
           are
           below
           the
           native
           worth
           of
           the
           Soul
           ,
           and
           unworthy
           of
           its
           noblest
           operations
           ,
           and
           are
           contrary
           to
           its
           blessed
           end
           ,
           defile
           and
           vilifie
           it
           .
           A
           more
           precious
           Metal
           mix'd
           with
           a
           baser
           ,
           as
           Silver
           with
           Tin
           ,
           is
           corrupted
           ,
           and
           loses
           
           of
           its
           purity
           and
           value
           :
           But
           in
           a
           contracted
           ▪
           sense
           Sins
           are
           distinguish'd
           ;
           some
           are
           attributed
           to
           the
           Spirit
           ,
           and
           some
           to
           the
           Flesh.
           The
           Spirit
           is
           always
           the
           principal
           agent
           ,
           and
           sometimes
           the
           sole
           agent
           in
           the
           commission
           of
           Sin
           ,
           and
           the
           sole
           subject
           of
           it
           :
           Of
           this
           sort
           are
           Pride
           ▪
           Infidelity
           ,
           Envy
           ,
           Malice
           ,
           &c.
           
           There
           are
           other
           Sins
           ,
           wherein
           the
           Body
           conspires
           and
           concurs
           in
           the
           outward
           acts
           :
           They
           are
           specified
           by
           the
           Apostle
           ,
           and
           distinguish'd
           according
           to
           the
           immediate
           springs
           from
           whence
           they
           flow
           ;
           the
           desiring
           and
           the
           angry
           Appetites
           .
           
             The
             works
             of
             the
             Flesh
             are
             manifest
             ,
             Adultery
             ,
          
           
           
             Fornication
             ,
             Uncleanness
             ,
             Lasciviousness
             ,
             Idolatry
             ,
             Witchcraft
             ▪
             Hatred
             ,
             Variance
             ,
             Emulations
             ,
             Wrath
             ,
             Strife
             ,
             Seditions
             ,
             Heresies
             ,
             Envyings
             ,
             Murders
             ,
             Drunkenness
             ,
             Revellings
             ,
             and
             such
             like
             .
          
           The
           cleansing
           from
           carnal
           foul
           Lusts
           ,
           is
           like
           the
           washing
           one
           that
           is
           fallen
           into
           the
           mire
           ,
           which
           is
           a
           mixture
           of
           the
           two
           lowest
           Elements
           ,
           heavy
           Earth
           and
           slippery
           Water
           ,
           that
           defile
           by
           the
           touching
           them
           .
           The
           more
           spiritual
           Lusts
           are
           like
           the
           stormy
           Winds
           ,
           and
           smoky
           Fire
           ,
           in
           which
           the
           two
           higher
           Elements
           are
           contain'd
           .
           Pride
           swells
           the
           Mind
           ,
           and
           causes
           violent
           agitations
           in
           the
           Thoughts
           :
           Anger
           darkens
           and
           fires
           it
           .
           The
           Lusts
           of
           the
           Flesh
           are
           tenacious
           by
           the
           force
           of
           
           the
           Imagination
           ,
           when
           conversant
           upon
           Objects
           presented
           by
           the
           Senses
           ;
           but
           the
           Lusts
           of
           the
           Spirit
           are
           form'd
           and
           wrought
           in
           its
           own
           forge
           ,
           without
           the
           concurrence
           of
           the
           sensual
           Faculties
           .
        
         
           The
           Lusts
           of
           the
           desiring
           Appetite
           ,
           Intemperance
           and
           Uncleanness
           ,
           are
           so
           polluting
           ,
           that
           the
           consciousness
           of
           such
           Crimes
           will
           cover
           the
           guilty
           with
           confusion
           .
           Of
           all
           the
           debasing
           titles
           ,
           whereby
           the
           Devil
           is
           characteriz'd
           in
           Scripture
           ,
           none
           is
           more
           vilifying
           than
           that
           of
           the
           unclean
           Spirit
           :
           This
           is
           attributed
           to
           him
           from
           the
           general
           nature
           of
           Sin.
           But
           there
           is
           such
           a
           notorious
           turpitude
           in
           Lusts
           grosly
           carnal
           ,
           that
           they
           defile
           and
           defame
           the
           Sinner
           in
           a
           special
           manner
           ,
           not
           only
           as
           a
           Rebel
           against
           God
           ,
           but
           the
           servant
           of
           Corruption
           .
           The
           Understanding
           is
           the
           leading
           supreme
           Faculty
           :
           Sense
           that
           rules
           in
           Beasts
           ,
           should
           serve
           in
           Man.
           Now
           what
           does
           more
           vilifie
           him
           ,
           than
           to
           be
           dissolv'd
           in
           filthy
           Pleasures
           ,
           to
           be
           drown'd
           in
           a
           sea
           of
           Wine
           ;
           than
           a
           Life
           sensual
           and
           dissolute
           ,
           drawn
           out
           in
           a
           continual
           connexion
           of
           dreggy
           delights
           ?
           Gaming
           succeeds
           Feasting
           ,
           the
           Ball
           follows
           the
           Comedy
           ,
           the
           Impurities
           of
           the
           Night
           the
           Intemperance
           of
           the
           Day
           .
           Sensual
           Lusts
           degrade
           Men
           from
           the
           nobility
           of
           their
           Nature
           ,
           the
           dignity
           of
           their
           Condition
           ,
           as
           if
           they
           
           were
           all
           Flesh
           ,
           and
           had
           not
           a
           spirit
           of
           Heavenly
           original
           ,
           to
           regulate
           and
           restrain
           their
           lower
           Appetites
           within
           the
           limits
           of
           Purity
           and
           Honour
           .
           The
           slaves
           of
           Sense
           
             are
             like
             the
             beasts
             that
             perish
             .
          
           
           He
           that
           is
           a
           Beast
           by
           Choice
           ,
           is
           incomparably
           more
           vile
           than
           a
           Beast
           by
           Nature
           .
           It
           would
           infect
           the
           Air
           to
           speak
           ,
           and
           pollute
           the
           Paper
           to
           write
           ,
           their
           secret
           Abominations
           ,
           wherein
           they
           lye
           and
           languish
           ;
           and
           't
           is
           natural
           for
           Men
           to
           dye
           in
           those
           Sins
           wherein
           they
           live
           ;
           they
           seal
           their
           own
           Damnation
           by
           Impenitence
           .
        
         
           How
           difficult
           the
           purging
           of
           these
           passions
           is
           ,
           Experience
           makes
           evident
           .
           The
           radicated
           habits
           of
           Uncleanness
           and
           Intemperance
           are
           rarely
           cur'd
           .
           'T
           is
           the
           vain
           boast
           of
           the
           Roman
           Philosopher
           ,
           
             Nobis
             ad
             nostrum
             arbitrium
             nasci
             licet
             :
          
           but
           
           we
           must
           first
           die
           to
           our selves
           ,
           before
           we
           can
           be
           born
           of
           our selves
           :
           the
           forsaking
           a
           sinful
           Course
           is
           necessary
           antecedently
           ,
           to
           the
           ordering
           the
           Conversation
           according
           to
           the
           Rules
           of
           Vertue
           .
           How
           few
           instances
           are
           there
           ,
           of
           persons
           recovered
           from
           the
           practice
           and
           bondage
           of
           those
           Lusts
           ,
           by
           the
           wise
           Counsels
           of
           Philosophers
           .
           'T
           is
           in
           vain
           to
           represent
           to
           them
           ,
           that
           sensual
           Lusts
           are
           prolifick
           of
           many
           Evils
           ;
           that
           Intemperance
           is
           pregnant
           with
           the
           Seeds
           of
           many
           Diseases
           :
           it
           prepares
           
           matter
           that
           is
           inflamable
           into
           Fevers
           ;
           't
           is
           attended
           with
           the
           Gout
           ,
           Stone
           ,
           Cholick
           ,
           Dropsie
           ,
           &c.
           which
           are
           incomparably
           more
           tormenting
           ,
           than
           the
           pernicious
           pleasures
           of
           taste
           are
           delightful
           .
           Represent
           to
           them
           the
           foul
           progeny
           of
           Lasciviousness
           ,
           rottenness
           in
           the
           Body
           ,
           wasting
           the
           Estate
           ,
           Infamy
           ,
           to
           sacrifice
           what
           is
           most
           valuable
           for
           the
           sake
           of
           a
           vile
           Woman
           ;
           the
           wisest
           Considerations
           are
           lost
           upon
           them
           ,
           they
           are
           too
           weak
           a
           Bridle
           to
           check
           their
           brutish
           Lusts.
           
        
         
           But
           are
           not
           these
           Lusts
           easily
           subdued
           in
           Christians
           ,
           who
           have
           the
           advantage
           of
           clearer
           Light
           ,
           stronger
           Motives
           ,
           and
           more
           liberal
           assistance
           of
           Grace
           ,
           to
           rescue
           them
           from
           the
           power
           of
           Sin.
           
        
         
           The
           wise
           observer
           tells
           us
           ,
           
             I
             find
             more
          
           
           
             bitter
             than
             death
             ,
             the
             woman
             whose
             heart
             is
             snares
             and
             nets
             ,
             and
             her
             hands
             are
             as
             bands
             :
             whoso
             pleases
             God
             ,
             shall
             escape
             from
             her
             ,
             but
             the
             sinner
             shall
             be
             taken
             by
             her
             .
             Behold
             this
             have
             I
             found
             ,
             saith
             the
             preacher
             ,
             counting
             one
             by
             one
             to
             find
             out
             the
             account
             ,
             but
             I
             find
             not
             :
             one
             man
             of
             a
             thousand
             have
             I
             found
             ,
             but
             a
             woman
             among
             all
             these
             have
             I
             not
             found
             .
          
        
         
           'T
           is
           astonishing
           ,
           that
           for
           a
           short
           dream
           of
           pleasure
           ,
           men
           should
           despise
           Heaven
           and
           Hell
           ,
           what
           is
           most
           desireable
           ,
           and
           most
           fearful
           .
           How
           just
           is
           the
           reproach
           mixt
           with
           Compassion
           and
           Indignation
           ,
           
           
             How
             long
             ye
             simple
             ones
             will
             you
             love
             simplicity
             ,
          
           
           
             and
             fools
             hate
             knowledge
          
           ?
        
         
           'T
           is
           worth
           the
           inquiry
           ,
           how
           men
           are
           sottishly
           seduced
           to
           live
           unchastly
           and
           intemperately
           ,
           against
           the
           reason
           and
           rest
           of
           their
           Minds
           .
        
         
           1.
           
           The
           great
           Temptation
           to
           Sin
           is
           the
           love
           of
           Pleasure
           ;
           accordingly
           ,
           the
           degrees
           of
           sensual
           Pleasure
           ,
           being
           more
           intense
           in
           those
           carnal
           Faculties
           that
           are
           for
           the
           preserving
           and
           propagating
           Life
           ,
           especially
           when
           heightned
           by
           the
           carnal
           Fancy
           ,
           the
           love
           of
           the
           Members
           prevails
           against
           the
           love
           of
           the
           Mind
           .
           'T
           is
           said
           of
           unclean
           persons
           ,
           whose
           Eyes
           are
           full
           of
           the
           Adulteress
           ,
           they
           cannot
           cease
           from
           Sin
           ;
           they
           cannot
           dis-entangle
           themselves
           from
           the
           embraces
           of
           the
           circling
           Serpent
           .
        
         
           2.
           
           Carnal
           pretences
           are
           made
           use
           of
           to
           defend
           ,
           or
           at
           least
           excuse
           the
           sin
           of
           Intemperance
           ,
           which
           makes
           it
           more
           easily
           indulg'd
           ,
           and
           pernicious
           in
           effect
           .
           Men
           ,
           if
           it
           were
           possible
           ,
           would
           sin
           without
           sin
           ,
           without
           discovering
           the
           guilt
           and
           turpitude
           of
           it
           ,
           that
           they
           may
           enjoy
           their
           pleasures
           without
           accusing
           ,
           recoiling
           thoughts
           ,
           which
           will
           turn
           the
           sweetest
           Wine
           into
           Vinegar
           .
           Now
           since
           Meats
           and
           Drinks
           are
           necessary
           for
           our
           vital
           support
           ,
           and
           the
           measure
           is
           uncertain
           and
           various
           ,
           according
           to
           the
           dispositions
           and
           
           capacities
           of
           mens
           bodies
           ,
           Intemperate
           persons
           feed
           high
           ,
           and
           drink
           deep
           ,
           without
           reflection
           or
           remorse
           ,
           and
           pretend
           't
           is
           for
           the
           Refreshment
           of
           Nature
           .
        
         
           3.
           
           Fleshly
           Lusts
           steal
           into
           the
           Throne
           by
           degrees
           .
           An
           Excess
           of
           Wickedness
           strikes
           at
           first
           sight
           with
           Horror
           .
           No
           Prodigal
           design'd
           to
           waste
           a
           great
           Estate
           in
           a
           day
           ;
           yet
           many
           from
           immense
           Riches
           have
           fall'n
           into
           extream
           Poverty
           .
           This
           Expence
           is
           for
           his
           Pleasure
           ,
           this
           for
           his
           Honour
           ,
           this
           will
           not
           be
           ruinous
           ;
           thus
           proceeding
           by
           degrees
           ,
           till
           all
           be
           squander'd
           away
           ,
           he
           becomes
           voluntarily
           poor
           .
        
         
           An
           Intemperate
           Person
           begins
           with
           lesser
           measures
           ,
           and
           is
           not
           frequently
           overtaken
           :
           Conscience
           for
           a
           time
           resists
           ,
           and
           suspends
           the
           entireness
           of
           his
           consent
           to
           the
           Temptation
           :
           He
           drinks
           too
           much
           for
           his
           Time
           ,
           for
           his
           Health
           and
           Estate
           ,
           but
           he
           will
           not
           totally
           quench
           his
           Reason
           :
           Yet
           by
           degrees
           he
           becomes
           hardned
           ,
           and
           freely
           indulges
           his
           Appetite
           till
           he
           is
           drown'd
           in
           Perdition
           .
        
         
           A
           Lascivious
           person
           begins
           with
           impure
           Glances
           ,
           tempting
           Words
           and
           Actions
           ,
           and
           proceeds
           to
           unclean
           mixtures
           .
        
         
           4.
           
           Sensual
           Lusts
           stupify
           Conscience
           ;
           they
           kill
           the
           Soul
           in
           the
           Eye
           ,
           and
           extinguish
           the
           directive
           ,
           and
           reflexing
           
           Powers
           .
           
             Wine
             and
             Women
             take
             away
             the
             Heart
          
           ;
           that
           't
           is
           neither
           vigilant
           nor
           tender
           .
           Chastity
           and
           Temperance
           ,
           joined
           with
           Prayer
           to
           the
           Father
           of
           Lights
           ,
           clarifie
           and
           brighten
           the
           Mind
           ,
           and
           make
           it
           receptive
           of
           sanctifying
           Truths
           ;
           but
           carnal
           predominant
           Passions
           sully
           and
           stain
           the
           Understanding
           by
           a
           natural
           Efficiency
           ,
           and
           by
           a
           moral
           and
           meritorious
           Efficiency
           .
           When
           the
           Spirits
           that
           are
           requisite
           for
           intellectual
           operations
           ,
           are
           wasted
           for
           the
           use
           of
           the
           Body
           ,
           the
           Mind
           is
           indisposed
           for
           the
           severe
           exercise
           of
           Reason
           .
           Although
           the
           dispositions
           of
           the
           Body
           are
           not
           directly
           operative
           upon
           the
           Spirit
           ,
           yet
           in
           their
           present
           state
           of
           union
           ,
           there
           is
           a
           strange
           simpathy
           between
           the
           Constitution
           of
           the
           one
           ,
           and
           the
           Conceptions
           and
           Inclinations
           of
           the
           other
           .
           Luxury
           and
           Lust
           fasten
           a
           rust
           and
           foulness
           on
           the
           Mind
           ,
           that
           it
           cannot
           see
           Sin
           in
           its
           odious
           Deformity
           ,
           nor
           Vertue
           in
           its
           unattaintable
           Beauty
           .
           They
           raise
           a
           thick
           mist
           that
           darkens
           Reason
           ,
           that
           it
           cannot
           discern
           approaching
           dangers
           .
           The
           Judicative
           Faculty
           is
           by
           the
           righteous
           Judgment
           of
           God
           ,
           impaired
           and
           corrupted
           ,
           that
           it
           does
           not
           seriously
           consider
           the
           descent
           and
           worth
           of
           the
           Soul
           ,
           its
           duty
           and
           accounts
           for
           all
           things
           done
           in
           the
           Body
           ;
           but
           as
           if
           
           the
           Spirit
           in
           Man
           were
           for
           no
           other
           use
           ,
           but
           to
           animate
           the
           organs
           of
           Intemperance
           and
           Lust
           ,
           they
           follow
           their
           Pleasures
           with
           greediness
           .
           'T
           is
           said
           of
           the
           young
           Man
           ,
           enticed
           by
           the
           flatteries
           of
           the
           Harlot
           ,
           that
           he
           goes
           after
           her
           like
           an
           Ox
           crown'd
           with
           Garlands
           ,
           that
           insensibly
           goes
           to
           be
           sacrific'd
           .
           He
           looks
           to
           the
           present
           Pleasure
           ,
           without
           considering
           the
           Infamy
           ,
           the
           Poverty
           ,
           the
           Diseases
           ,
           the
           Death
           and
           Damnation
           ,
           that
           are
           the
           
           just
           consequents
           of
           his
           Sin.
           The
           sensual
           are
           secure
           :
           The
           effects
           of
           Carnal
           Lusts
           were
           visible
           in
           the
           darkness
           of
           Heathenism
           .
        
         
           Lusts
           alienates
           the
           thoughts
           and
           desires
           of
           the
           Soul
           from
           Converse
           with
           God
           :
           His
           Justice
           makes
           him
           terrible
           to
           the
           Conscience
           ,
           and
           Holiness
           distastful
           to
           the
           Affections
           of
           the
           unclean
           .
           We
           read
           of
           the
           Israelites
           ,
           they
           were
           so
           greedy
           of
           the
           Onions
           and
           Garlick
           ,
           and
           Flesh-pots
           of
           Egypt
           ,
           that
           they
           despised
           the
           Food
           of
           Angels
           ;
           the
           Manna
           that
           drop'd
           from
           Heaven
           .
           Till
           the
           Soul
           be
           defecate
           from
           the
           dregs
           of
           Sense
           ,
           and
           refin'd
           to
           an
           Angelick
           Temper
           ,
           it
           can
           
             never
             taste
             how
             good
             the
             Lord
             is
             ,
          
           and
           will
           not
           forsake
           sensual
           Enjoyments
           .
           The
           conversion
           of
           the
           Soul
           proceeds
           from
           the
           inlightened
           Mind
           ,
           and
           the
           renewed
           Will
           ,
           
           ravish'd
           with
           Divine
           Delights
           that
           overcome
           all
           the
           Pleasures
           of
           Sin.
           There
           are
           ,
           for
           our
           caution
           ,
           recorded
           in
           Scripture
           ,
           two
           fearful
           Examples
           of
           the
           inchanting
           Power
           of
           Lust.
           Sampson
           inticed
           by
           his
           Lust
           ,
           became
           a
           voluntary
           slave
           to
           a
           wretched
           Harlot
           ,
           that
           first
           quench'd
           the
           Light
           of
           his
           Mind
           ,
           and
           then
           the
           Light
           of
           his
           Body
           ,
           and
           expos'd
           him
           to
           the
           cruel
           scorn
           of
           his
           Enemies
           .
           Solomon
           by
           indulging
           his
           sensual
           Appetite
           lost
           his
           Wisdom
           ,
           and
           was
           induced
           by
           his
           Idolatrous
           Concubines
           ,
           to
           adore
           Stocks
           and
           Stones
           ;
           and
           became
           as
           very
           an
           Idol
           as
           those
           he
           worship'd
           ,
           
             that
             have
             Eyes
             and
             see
             not
             ,
             Ears
             and
             hear
             not
             :
          
           He
           rebell'd
           against
           God
           ,
           who
           had
           made
           him
           the
           richest
           and
           wisest
           King
           in
           the
           World
           ,
           and
           miraculously
           revealed
           his
           Goodness
           to
           him
           .
           Dreadful
           Consequence
           of
           Sensuality
           !
        
         
           5.
           
           There
           is
           a
           special
           Reason
           that
           makes
           the
           recovery
           of
           the
           sensual
           to
           Sobriety
           and
           Purity
           ,
           to
           be
           almost
           impossible
           .
           The
           internal
           Principle
           of
           Repentance
           ,
           is
           the
           inlightened
           Conscience
           ,
           reflecting
           upon
           past
           Sins
           ,
           with
           heart-breaking
           sorrow
           and
           detestation
           .
           This
           is
           declared
           by
           God
           concerning
           
             Israel
             ;
             Then
          
           
           
             shall
             ye
             remember
             your
             evil
             ways
             ,
             and
             your
             doings
             not
             good
             ,
             and
             shall
             loath
             your selves
          
           
           
             in
             your
             own
             sight
             ,
             for
             your
             iniquities
             ,
             and
             your
             abominations
             .
          
           The
           bitter
           remembrance
           of
           Sin
           is
           the
           first
           step
           to
           reformation
           .
           Now
           there
           are
           no
           Sinners
           more
           averse
           and
           uncapable
           of
           such
           reflections
           ,
           than
           those
           who
           have
           been
           immerst
           in
           the
           Delights
           of
           Sense
           .
           The
           unclean
           wretch
           remembers
           the
           charming
           Objects
           ,
           and
           exercise
           of
           his
           Lusts
           with
           Pleasure
           ;
           and
           when
           his
           instrumental
           Faculties
           are
           disabled
           by
           Sickness
           or
           Age
           ,
           for
           the
           gross
           acts
           ,
           he
           repeats
           them
           in
           his
           Fancy
           ,
           renews
           his
           Guilt
           ,
           and
           the
           Sin
           is
           transplanted
           from
           the
           Body
           to
           the
           Soul.
           The
           intemperate
           Person
           remembers
           with
           delight
           the
           wild
           Society
           wherein
           he
           has
           been
           ingaged
           ,
           the
           rich
           Wines
           wherein
           he
           quench'd
           his
           Cares
           ,
           the
           ungracious
           Wit
           and
           Mirth
           that
           made
           the
           hours
           slide
           away
           without
           observation
           .
           Now
           't
           is
           a
           Rule
           concerning
           Remedies
           applyed
           for
           the
           recovery
           of
           the
           Sick
           ,
           that
           Physick
           
           is
           ineffectual
           without
           the
           assistance
           of
           Nature
           ;
           but
           the
           case
           of
           the
           Sick
           is
           desperate
           ,
           when
           the
           only
           Medicine
           ,
           proper
           for
           his
           Cure
           ,
           increases
           the
           Disease
           ,
           and
           brings
           Death
           more
           certainly
           ,
           and
           speedily
           .
           Those
           who
           are
           defil'd
           by
           Carnal
           Lusts
           have
           a
           special
           Curse
           ;
           they
           provoke
           God
           to
           withdraw
           his
           Grace
           ,
           according
           to
           that
           fearful
           Threatning
           ,
           (
           my
           
           
             Spirit
             shall
             not
             always
             strive
             with
             Man
             ,
             for
             he
             is
             Flesh
          
           )
           ;
           and
           after
           so
           desperate
           a
           forfeiture
           ,
           they
           are
           seldom
           redeemed
           and
           released
           from
           the
           Chains
           of
           Darkness
           wherein
           they
           are
           bound
           .
           Accordingly
           Solomon
           frequently
           repeats
           this
           Observation
           ;
           
             The
             strange
             Woman
             flatters
             with
             her
             words
             :
             Her
             house
             inclines
             to
             the
             dead
             ,
             and
             her
             paths
             to
             the
             dead
             .
             None
             that
             go
             unto
             her
             return
             again
             ,
             neither
             take
             they
             hold
             of
             the
             path
             of
             Life
             .
             The
             mouth
             of
             a
             strange
             Woman
             is
             a
             deep
             pit
             :
             he
             that
             is
             abhorred
             of
             the
             Lord
             shall
             irrecoverably
             fall
             therein
             .
          
        
         
           If
           it
           be
           said
           ,
           that
           this
           representation
           of
           the
           deplorable
           state
           of
           the
           unclean
           ,
           seems
           to
           cut
           off
           all
           hopes
           of
           their
           reclaiming
           and
           Salvation
           ,
           and
           may
           induce
           Despair
           .
        
         
           I
           answer
           ,
           with
           our
           Saviour
           ,
           in
           another
           instance
           ,
           
             With
             Men
             it
             is
             impossible
          
           ,
           
           
             and
             not
             with
             God
             ;
             for
             with
             God
             all
             things
             are
             possible
             .
          
           He
           can
           open
           and
           cleanse
           ,
           adorn
           and
           beautifie
           ,
           the
           most
           obstinate
           and
           impure
           Heart
           .
           He
           can
           ,
           by
           omnipotent
           Grace
           ,
           change
           a
           Brutish
           Soul
           into
           an
           Angelick
           ,
           and
           plant
           a
           Divine
           Nature
           ,
           
             that
             abhors
             and
             escapes
             the
             Corruption
             in
          
           
           
             the
             World
             through
             Lust.
          
           Notwithstanding
           the
           Severity
           of
           the
           Threatning
           ,
           yet
           the
           Divine
           Mercy
           and
           Grace
           has
           been
           
           exercised
           and
           magnified
           in
           the
           renewing
           such
           polluted
           Creatures
           .
           The
           Apostle
           tells
           the
           
             Corinthians
             ,
             they
             were
             Fornicators
             and
             Adulterers
             ,
             but
             they
             were
             washed
             ,
             sanctified
             and
             justified
             in
             the
             name
             of
             the
             Lord
             Jesus
             Christ.
             
          
        
         
           1.
           
           Let
           them
           address
           their
           Requests
           to
           God
           ,
           that
           he
           would
           cleanse
           them
           from
           the
           guilt
           of
           their
           Sins
           in
           the
           Blood
           of
           Christ
           ,
           the
           only
           Fountain
           of
           Life
           ;
           and
           
             baptize
             them
             with
             the
             Holy
             Ghost
             as
             with
             Fire
             ,
          
           to
           purge
           away
           their
           Dross
           and
           Pollutions
           .
           An
           unholy
           Life
           is
           the
           off-spring
           of
           an
           unclean
           Heart
           .
           The
           loose
           vibrations
           of
           the
           impure
           Eye
           ,
           the
           inticing
           words
           of
           the
           impure
           Tongue
           ,
           the
           external
           caresses
           and
           incentives
           of
           Lust
           ,
           are
           from
           the
           Heart
           .
           The
           Heart
           must
           be
           purified
           ,
           or
           the
           Hands
           cannot
           be
           cleansed
           .
        
         
           2.
           
           Suppress
           the
           first
           risings
           of
           Sin
           in
           the
           Thoughts
           and
           Desires
           .
           Sins
           at
           first
           are
           easily
           resisted
           ;
           but
           indulged
           for
           a
           time
           ,
           are
           difficultly
           retracted
           .
        
         
           3.
           
           Abstain
           from
           all
           Temptations
           to
           these
           Sins
           .
           As
           Wax
           near
           the
           Fire
           is
           easily
           melted
           ,
           so
           the
           Carnal
           Affections
           are
           suddenly
           kindled
           by
           tempting
           Objects
           .
           The
           neglect
           of
           this
           Duty
           fills
           the
           World
           with
           so
           many
           incorrigible
           Sinners
           ,
           and
           Hell
           with
           so
           many
           lost
           Souls
           .
           
           Men
           venture
           to
           walk
           among
           snares
           and
           serpents
           without
           fear
           ,
           and
           perish
           for
           the
           neglect
           of
           circumspection
           .
        
         
           4.
           
           Do
           not
           presume
           that
           you
           will
           forsake
           those
           Sins
           hereafter
           ,
           which
           you
           are
           unwilling
           to
           forsake
           at
           present
           .
           There
           is
           in
           many
           a
           Conflict
           between
           Conviction
           and
           Corruption
           :
           They
           love
           Sin
           ,
           and
           hate
           it
           ;
           they
           delight
           in
           it
           ,
           and
           are
           sorry
           for
           it
           ;
           they
           cannot
           live
           without
           it
           ,
           nor
           with
           it
           ,
           in
           several
           respects
           :
           Now
           to
           quiet
           Conscience
           ,
           and
           indulge
           their
           Lusts
           ,
           they
           please
           themselves
           with
           resolutions
           of
           a
           future
           Reformation
           .
           The
           Tempter
           often
           excites
           Men
           to
           consent
           for
           once
           ,
           and
           obtains
           his
           aim
           :
           But
           't
           is
           a
           voluntary
           distraction
           to
           think
           Men
           may
           ,
           without
           apparent
           danger
           ,
           yield
           to
           a
           present
           Temptation
           ,
           resolving
           to
           resist
           future
           Temptations
           :
           For
           if
           when
           the
           Strength
           is
           intire
           ,
           a
           Temptation
           captivates
           a
           Person
           ,
           how
           much
           more
           easily
           will
           he
           be
           kept
           in
           bondage
           when
           the
           Enemy
           is
           more
           tyrannous
           and
           usurping
           ,
           more
           bold
           and
           powerful
           ,
           and
           treads
           upon
           his
           neck
           ,
           and
           he
           is
           more
           disabled
           to
           rescue
           himself
           ?
           The
           inlightned
           natural
           Conscience
           is
           arm'd
           against
           Sin
           ;
           and
           if
           Men
           regarded
           its
           dictates
           ,
           if
           they
           believed
           and
           valued
           Eternity
           ,
           they
           might
           preserve
           themselves
           from
           many
           Defilements
           :
           
           But
           God
           has
           never
           promised
           to
           recover
           Sinners
           by
           special
           Grace
           ,
           who
           have
           neglected
           to
           make
           use
           of
           common
           Grace
           .
           In
           short
           ,
           consider
           what
           is
           more
           tormenting
           than
           all
           the
           Pleasures
           of
           Sin
           ,
           that
           are
           but
           for
           a
           season
           ,
           can
           be
           delightful
           ,
           the
           reflection
           of
           the
           guilty
           accusing
           Conscience
           ,
           and
           the
           terrible
           impression
           of
           an
           angry
           God
           for
           ever
           .
        
      
       
         
         
           CHAP.
           II.
           
        
         
           
             Anger
             is
             a
             Lust
             of
             the
             Flesh.
             No
             Passion
             less
             capable
             of
             Counsel
             .
             Directions
             to
             prevent
             its
             rise
             and
             reign
             .
             Motives
             to
             extinguish
             it
             .
             The
             Lust
             of
             the
             Eyes
             ,
             and
             Pride
             of
             Life
             ,
             are
             joined
             with
             the
             Lusts
             of
             the
             Flesh.
             Covetousness
             consider'd
             .
             'T
             is
             radically
             in
             the
             Understanding
             ,
             principally
             in
             the
             Will
             ,
             vertually
             in
             the
             Actions
             .
             The
             love
             of
             it
             produces
             many
             vicious
             Affections
             .
             'T
             is
             discovered
             in
             getting
             ,
             saving
             ,
             and
             using
             an
             Estate
             .
             The
             difficulty
             of
             curing
             Covetousness
             ,
             made
             evident
             from
             the
             Causes
             of
             it
             ;
             and
             the
             unsuccessfulnss
             of
             Means
             in
             order
             to
             it
             .
             'T
             is
             the
             root
             of
             all
             Evil.
             Excludes
             from
             Heaven
             .
             'T
             is
             the
             most
             unreasonable
             Passion
             .
             The
             present
             World
             cannot
             afford
             Perfection
             or
             Satisfaction
             to
             the
             Immortal
             Soul.
             The
             proper
             Means
             to
             mortifie
             Covetousness
             .
          
        
         
           2.
           
           ANger
           is
           another
           Lust
           of
           the
           Flesh.
           Of
           all
           the
           Passions
           none
           is
           less
           
           capable
           of
           Counsel
           ,
           nor
           more
           rebellious
           against
           the
           Empire
           of
           Reason
           :
           It
           darkens
           the
           Mind
           ,
           and
           causes
           such
           a
           fierce
           agitation
           of
           the
           Spirits
           ,
           as
           when
           a
           Storm
           fills
           the
           Air
           with
           black
           Clouds
           ,
           and
           
           terrible
           flashes
           of
           Lightning
           .
           It
           often
           breaks
           forth
           so
           suddenly
           ,
           that
           as
           some
           acute
           Diseases
           ,
           if
           check'd
           at
           first
           ,
           become
           more
           violent
           ,
           there
           is
           no
           time
           for
           remedy
           ,
           nor
           place
           for
           cure
           ;
           so
           there
           is
           such
           an
           irrevocable
           precipitancy
           of
           the
           Passions
           ,
           that
           the
           indeavour
           to
           repress
           their
           Fury
           ,
           inrages
           them
           .
           'T
           is
           astonishing
           what
           enormous
           Excesses
           and
           Mischiefs
           are
           caused
           by
           it
           !
           How
           many
           Houses
           are
           turned
           into
           Dens
           of
           Dragons
           ,
           how
           many
           Kingdoms
           into
           Fields
           of
           Blood
           ,
           by
           this
           fierce
           Passion
           ?
        
         
           To
           prevent
           its
           rise
           and
           reign
           ,
           the
           most
           necessary
           Counsel
           is
           ,
           if
           possible
           ,
           to
           quench
           the
           first
           Sparks
           that
           appear
           ,
           which
           are
           seeds
           pregnant
           with
           Fire
           .
           But
           if
           it
           be
           kindled
           ,
           do
           not
           feed
           the
           Fire
           by
           exasperating
           Words
           .
           A
           prudent
           silence
           will
           be
           more
           effectual
           to
           end
           a
           Quarrel
           ,
           than
           the
           most
           sharp
           and
           piercing
           reply
           that
           confounds
           the
           Adversary
           .
           
             Julius
             Caesar
          
           would
           never
           assault
           those
           Enemies
           
           with
           Arms
           ,
           whom
           he
           could
           subdue
           by
           Hunger
           .
           He
           that
           injuriously
           reviles
           us
           ,
           if
           we
           revile
           not
           again
           ,
           and
           he
           has
           not
           a
           word
           from
           us
           to
           feed
           his
           Rage
           ,
           will
           cease
           of
           himself
           ;
           and
           like
           those
           who
           dye
           with
           pure
           Hunger
           ,
           will
           tear
           himself
           .
           Hezekiah
           commanded
           his
           Counsellors
           not
           to
           say
           a
           word
           to
           Rabshekah
           .
        
         
         
           2.
           
           Try
           by
           gentle
           and
           meek
           addresses
           to
           compose
           the
           ruffled
           Minds
           of
           those
           who
           are
           provoked
           .
           'T
           is
           the
           observation
           of
           the
           wisest
           of
           Men
           ,
           
             that
             a
             soft
             Answer
             breaks
             the
             Bones
             :
          
           'T
           is
           usually
           successful
           to
           make
           stubborn
           Spirits
           complyant
           .
           Indeed
           some
           are
           so
           perverse
           in
           their
           Passions
           ,
           that
           the
           mildest
           words
           will
           incense
           them
           ;
           no
           submission
           ,
           no
           satisfaction
           will
           be
           accepted
           ;
           their
           Anger
           causes
           mortal
           and
           immortal
           Hatred
           .
           But
           these
           are
           so
           far
           from
           being
           Christians
           ,
           they
           are
           not
           Heathens
           ;
           but
           devested
           of
           all
           Humanity
           .
        
         
           3.
           
           If
           Anger
           has
           rush'd
           into
           the
           bosom
           ,
           that
           it
           may
           not
           rest
           there
           ,
           cancel
           the
           remembrance
           of
           the
           Provocation
           .
           The
           continual
           reflecting
           in
           the
           thoughts
           upon
           an
           Injury
           ,
           hinders
           Reconciliation
           .
           The
           art
           of
           Oblivion
           ,
           if
           practic'd
           ,
           would
           prevent
           those
           resentments
           that
           eternize
           Quarrels
           .
           For
           this
           end
           ,
           let
           us
           consider
           what
           may
           lessen
           the
           Offence
           in
           our
           esteem
           :
           In
           particular
           ,
           if
           very
           injurious
           words
           are
           spoken
           against
           us
           by
           one
           in
           
           a
           transport
           of
           Anger
           ,
           they
           should
           be
           more
           easily
           despised
           ,
           when
           they
           seem
           more
           justly
           provoking
           ;
           for
           they
           proceed
           from
           Rage
           ,
           not
           from
           Reason
           ;
           and
           no
           Person
           ,
           that
           is
           of
           a
           wise
           and
           sober
           Mind
           ,
           will
           regard
           them
           ,
           but
           as
           words
           spoke
           
           by
           a
           sick
           Man
           in
           the
           height
           of
           a
           Calenture
           .
        
         
           Now
           to
           make
           us
           careful
           to
           prevent
           or
           allay
           this
           Passion
           ,
           it
           will
           be
           requisite
           to
           consider
           the
           inclination
           and
           sway
           of
           our
           Natures
           ;
           some
           as
           soon
           take
           fire
           as
           dry
           thorns
           ,
           and
           retain
           it
           as
           knotty
           wood
           .
           Now
           't
           is
           a
           fundamental
           Rule
           of
           Life
           ,
           that
           our
           weakest
           part
           must
           be
           guarded
           with
           the
           most
           jealousie
           ,
           and
           fortified
           with
           the
           strongest
           defence
           :
           There
           we
           must
           expect
           the
           most
           dangerous
           and
           frequent
           assaults
           of
           Satan
           :
           There
           he
           will
           direct
           his
           Battery
           ,
           and
           place
           his
           Scaling-ladders
           .
           Let
           therefore
           the
           following
           Considerations
           settle
           in
           our
           Hearts
           .
           How
           becoming
           an
           understanding
           Creature
           it
           is
           to
           defer
           Anger
           ?
           For
           the
           Passions
           are
           blind
           and
           brutish
           ,
           and
           without
           a
           severe
           command
           of
           them
           ,
           a
           Man
           forfeits
           his
           natural
           dignity
           .
           What
           is
           more
           unreasonable
           ,
           than
           for
           a
           Man
           deeply
           to
           wound
           himself
           ,
           that
           he
           may
           have
           an
           imaginary
           satisfaction
           in
           revenging
           an
           Injury
           ?
           Into
           what
           a
           fierce
           disorder
           is
           the
           Body
           put
           by
           Anger
           ?
           The
           Heart
           is
           inflamed
           ,
           and
           the
           boiling
           Spirits
           fly
           up
           into
           the
           Head
           ,
           the
           Eyes
           sparkle
           ,
           the
           Mouth
           foams
           ,
           and
           the
           other
           symptoms
           of
           Madness
           follow
           .
           Inwardly
           ,
           the
           angry
           Man
           suffers
           more
           Torments
           than
           the
           most
           cruel
           Enemy
           
           can
           inflict
           upon
           him
           .
           A
           Man
           of
           Understanding
           is
           of
           a
           cool
           Spirit
           .
           It
           was
           the
           wise
           Advice
           of
           Pyrrhus
           ,
           to
           those
           whom
           he
           instructed
           in
           the
           Art
           of
           Defence
           ,
           that
           
           
             they
             would
             not
             be
             angry
             :
             For
             Anger
             would
             make
             them
             rash
             ,
             and
             expose
             them
             to
             their
             Adversary
             .
             He
             that
             hath
             not
             Rule
             over
             his
             own
             Spirit
             ,
             is
             like
             a
             City
             broken
             down
             ,
             and
             without
             Walls
          
           ;
           and
           consequently
           exposed
           to
           Rapine
           and
           Spoil
           by
           every
           Enemy
           .
           Satan
           hath
           an
           easie
           entrance
           into
           them
           ,
           and
           brings
           along
           with
           him
           a
           train
           of
           Evils
           .
           We
           are
           therefore
           directed
           to
           watch
           against
           Anger
           ,
           
             and
             not
             to
             give
             place
             to
             the
             Devil
             ,
          
           Eph.
           4.
           
           Consider
           how
           honourable
           it
           is
           to
           pass
           by
           an
           Offence
           :
           'T
           is
           a
           royalty
           of
           Spirit
           ;
           an
           imitation
           of
           God
           ,
           in
           
             whose
             Eyes
             the
             ornament
             of
             a
             meek
             and
             quiet
             Spirit
             is
             of
             great
             price
             .
          
           The
           greater
           the
           Offence
           ,
           the
           greater
           the
           Glory
           of
           pardoning
           it
           .
           How
           pleasant
           it
           is
           !
           
             The
             Soul
             is
             possess'd
             in
             Patience
          
           ;
           't
           is
           cool
           and
           quiet
           ;
           there
           is
           a
           Divine
           and
           Heavenly
           Content
           of
           the
           Mind
           ,
           the
           Will
           and
           Affections
           .
           The
           Breast
           of
           a
           dispassionate
           Man
           is
           the
           Temple
           of
           Peace
           .
           Besides
           ,
           let
           us
           frequently
           remember
           our
           want
           of
           the
           Divine
           Compassion
           :
           There
           is
           no
           Man
           so
           innocent
           ,
           unless
           he
           absolutely
           forgets
           that
           he
           is
           a
           Man
           ,
           and
           his
           many
           Frailties
           ,
           
           but
           desires
           that
           the
           cause
           of
           
           his
           Life
           ,
           in
           the
           day
           of
           Judgment
           ,
           may
           be
           tryed
           by
           the
           Tribunal
           of
           Clemency
           ;
           for
           no
           Man
           can
           then
           be
           saved
           but
           by
           Pardon
           .
           The
           due
           Consideration
           of
           this
           will
           make
           us
           more
           hardly
           provoked
           ,
           and
           more
           easily
           appeased
           with
           those
           who
           offend
           us
           .
        
         
           Let
           us
           pray
           for
           the
           descent
           of
           the
           Dove-like
           Spirit
           into
           our
           Bosoms
           ,
           to
           moderate
           and
           temper
           our
           Passions
           .
           
             Meekness
             is
             the
             fruit
             of
             the
             Spirit
             .
             Gal.
          
           5.
           22.
           
           There
           is
           a
           Natural
           Meekness
           ,
           the
           product
           of
           the
           Temperament
           of
           the
           Humours
           in
           the
           Body
           ;
           this
           is
           a
           rare
           Felicity
           :
           There
           is
           a
           Moral
           Meekness
           ,
           the
           product
           of
           Education
           and
           Counsel
           ;
           this
           is
           an
           amiable
           Vertue
           :
           There
           is
           a
           Spiritual
           Meekness
           ,
           that
           orders
           the
           Passions
           according
           to
           the
           Rule
           of
           the
           Divine
           Law
           ,
           in
           conformity
           to
           our
           Saviour's
           Example
           :
           This
           is
           a
           Divine
           Grace
           ,
           that
           attracts
           the
           esteem
           and
           love
           of
           God
           himself
           .
           This
           prepares
           us
           for
           Communion
           with
           the
           God
           of
           Peace
           here
           ,
           and
           in
           Heaven
           .
        
         
           To
           obtain
           this
           excellent
           frame
           of
           Spirit
           ,
           let
           us
           be
           humble
           in
           our
           Minds
           ,
           and
           temperate
           in
           our
           Affections
           ,
           with
           respect
           to
           those
           things
           that
           are
           the
           incentives
           
           of
           Passion
           .
           The
           false
           valuations
           of
           our selves
           ,
           and
           the
           things
           of
           this
           World
           ,
           are
           the
           inward
           causes
           of
           sinful
           Anger
           .
           Contempt
           and
           Disdain
           ,
           either
           real
           or
           apprehended
           ,
           and
           the
           crossing
           our
           desires
           of
           worldly
           enjoyments
           ,
           inflame
           our
           Breasts
           .
           Our
           Saviour
           tells
           us
           ,
           he
           is
           
             meek
             and
             lowly
          
           ;
           and
           Meekness
           is
           joyned
           with
           Temperance
           ,
           as
           the
           productive
           and
           conservative
           cause
           of
           it
           .
           He
           that
           doth
           not
           over-value
           himself
           ,
           nor
           inordinately
           affect
           temporal
           things
           ,
           is
           hardly
           provoked
           ,
           and
           easily
           appeased
           .
        
         
           3.
           
           I
           will
           consider
           the
           two
           other
           vicious
           Affections
           ,
           joyned
           by
           St.
           John
           with
           the
           Lusts
           of
           the
           Flesh
           ,
           the
           Lust
           of
           the
           Eyes
           ,
           and
           Pride
           of
           Life
           ;
           from
           which
           we
           must
           be
           purged
           ,
           or
           we
           are
           uncapable
           of
           the
           blessed
           relation
           of
           God's
           Children
           ,
           and
           of
           his
           Favour
           .
           The
           infamous
           Character
           of
           the
           Cretians
           ,
           is
           proper
           to
           the
           ambitious
           ,
           covetous
           and
           voluptuous
           ;
           
             That
             they
             are
             evil
             beasts
             ,
             and
             slow
             bellies
             .
          
           Covetousness
           is
           a
           diffusive
           Evil
           ,
           that
           corrupts
           the
           whole
           Soul.
           'T
           is
           radically
           in
           the
           Understanding
           ,
           principally
           in
           the
           Will
           and
           Affections
           ,
           vertually
           in
           the
           Actions
           .
        
         
           1.
           
           'T
           is
           radically
           in
           the
           Understanding
           .
           Men
           are
           first
           inchanted
           in
           their
           Opinion
           of
           Riches
           ,
           and
           then
           chained
           by
           their
           
           Affections
           .
           The
           Worldly-minded
           over-value
           Riches
           ,
           as
           the
           only
           real
           and
           substantial
           Happiness
           ;
           the
           Treasures
           of
           Heaven
           ,
           which
           are
           spiritual
           and
           future
           ,
           are
           slighted
           as
           Dreams
           ,
           that
           have
           no
           existence
           but
           in
           the
           imagination
           .
           They
           see
           no
           convincing
           charms
           in
           Grace
           and
           Glory
           :
           the
           lustre
           of
           Gold
           dazles
           and
           deceives
           them
           ;
           they
           will
           not
           believe
           't
           is
           Dirt.
           Gold
           is
           their
           Sun
           and
           Shield
           ,
           that
           supplies
           them
           with
           the
           most
           desireable
           good
           things
           in
           their
           esteem
           ,
           and
           preserves
           them
           from
           the
           most
           fearful
           Evils
           .
           Gain
           is
           their
           main
           design
           ,
           and
           utmost
           aim
           :
           their
           contrivances
           and
           projects
           are
           ,
           how
           to
           maintain
           and
           improve
           their
           Estates
           ;
           and
           the
           most
           pleasant
           exercise
           of
           their
           thoughts
           ,
           is
           to
           look
           over
           their
           Inventory
           .
        
         
           2.
           
           Covetousness
           is
           principally
           in
           the
           Will
           ,
           the
           place
           of
           its
           residence
           ;
           't
           is
           called
           ,
           
             the
             love
             of
             Money
          
           :
           There
           is
           an
           inseparable
           relation
           between
           the
           Heart
           and
           its
           Treasure
           .
           We
           are
           directed
           ,
           
             If
             Riches
             increase
             ,
             set
             not
             your
             Hearts
             upon
             them
             .
          
           'T
           is
           observable
           ,
           that
           the
           eager
           desire
           to
           procure
           Riches
           ,
           is
           often
           subordinate
           to
           other
           vicious
           Affections
           ,
           either
           to
           Prodigality
           or
           Pride
           .
           Prodigality
           excites
           to
           Rapine
           and
           Extortion
           ,
           from
           the
           violent
           motive
           of
           Indigence
           ,
           that
           is
           its
           usual
           attendant
           ,
           and
           from
           the
           conspiring
           
           Lusts
           of
           Sensuality
           ,
           which
           languish
           ,
           unless
           furnish'd
           with
           new
           supplies
           and
           nourishment
           .
           Or
           Pride
           urges
           to
           an
           excessive
           procuring
           of
           Wealth
           ,
           to
           maintain
           the
           state
           and
           pomp
           of
           the
           vain
           glorious
           .
           Now
           if
           these
           vicious
           Affections
           are
           corrected
           ,
           the
           inordinate
           desire
           of
           Riches
           will
           be
           suddenly
           cured
           .
        
         
           But
           Covetousness
           ,
           in
           its
           proper
           sense
           ,
           implies
           the
           seeking
           Riches
           for
           the
           love
           of
           them
           ,
           not
           respectively
           to
           their
           use
           .
           From
           hence
           't
           is
           the
           most
           unreasonable
           Affection
           ,
           and
           more
           inexcusable
           than
           any
           that
           are
           derived
           from
           the
           carnal
           Appetites
           .
           Now
           Love
           is
           the
           leading
           Affection
           ,
           and
           produces
           ,
        
         
           (
           1.
           )
           Immoderate
           Desires
           of
           Riches
           :
           For
           what
           is
           loved
           for
           it self
           ,
           is
           desired
           with
           an
           unlimited
           Appetite
           .
           Covetousness
           ,
           
             like
             the
             Grave
             ,
             never
             says
             it
             is
             enough
             .
          
        
         
           (
           2.
           )
           Immoderate
           Joy
           in
           possessing
           them
           .
           A
           covetous
           Man
           is
           raised
           and
           ravish'd
           above
           himself
           ,
           in
           the
           sight
           of
           his
           Treasures
           :
           He
           thinks
           himself
           happy
           without
           Reconciliation
           and
           Communion
           with
           God
           ,
           wherein
           Heaven
           consists
           .
           It
           was
           a
           convincing
           evidence
           of
           
           Job's
           sacred
           and
           heavenly
           temper
           ,
           that
           he
           did
           
             not
             rejoice
             because
             his
             Wealth
             was
             great
             ,
          
           
           
             and
             his
             Hand
             had
             gotten
             much
             .
          
        
         
           (
           3.
           )
           Anxious
           Fears
           of
           losing
           them
           .
           
           The
           Covetous
           suspect
           every
           shadow
           ,
           are
           fearful
           of
           every
           fancy
           ,
           wherein
           their
           Interest
           is
           concerned
           .
           They
           are
           vex'd
           with
           the
           apprehensions
           ,
           lest
           they
           should
           be
           oppress'd
           by
           the
           Rich
           ,
           rob'd
           by
           the
           Poor
           ,
           circumvented
           by
           the
           Crafty
           ,
           or
           suffer
           loss
           by
           innumerable
           ,
           unforeseen
           and
           inevitable
           Accidents
           .
           Content
           is
           the
           Poor
           Man's
           Riches
           ,
           when
           Possession
           is
           the
           Rich
           Man's
           Torment
           .
        
         
           (
           4.
           )
           Heart-breaking
           Sorrow
           in
           being
           deprived
           of
           them
           .
           If
           you
           touch
           their
           Treasure
           ,
           you
           wound
           their
           Hearts
           .
           According
           to
           the
           Rule
           in
           Nature
           ,
           what
           is
           possess'd
           with
           Joy
           ,
           is
           lost
           with
           Grief
           ;
           and
           according
           to
           the
           degree
           of
           the
           Desires
           ,
           such
           will
           be
           the
           Despair
           when
           they
           are
           frustrate
           .
           Poverty
           ,
           in
           the
           account
           of
           the
           Covetous
           ,
           is
           the
           last
           of
           Evils
           ,
           that
           makes
           Men
           absolutely
           desolate
           .
           Blind
           unhappy
           wretches
           !
           Eternal
           Damnation
           is
           the
           extreamest
           Evil.
           'T
           is
           infinitely
           better
           to
           be
           deprived
           of
           all
           their
           Treasures
           ,
           and
           go
           naked
           into
           Paradise
           ,
           than
           to
           fall
           laden
           with
           Gold
           into
           the
           Pit
           of
           Perdition
           .
        
         
           〈◊〉
           .
           Covetousness
           is
           vertually
           in
           the
           Actions
           ;
           which
           are
           to
           be
           considered
           either
           in
           the
           getting
           ,
           saving
           ,
           or
           using
           an
           Estate
           .
        
         
           1.
           
           The
           Covetous
           are
           inordinate
           and
           eager
           in
           their
           endeavours
           ,
           to
           get
           an
           
           Estate
           .
           They
           
             rise
             early
             ,
             lye
             down
             late
             ,
             and
             eat
             the
             bread
             of
             carefulness
             :
          
           They
           rack
           their
           Brains
           ,
           waste
           their
           Strength
           ,
           consume
           their
           Time
           ;
           they
           toil
           and
           tire
           themselves
           to
           gain
           the
           present
           World
           :
           For
           when
           Lust
           counsels
           and
           commands
           ,
           Violence
           executes
           .
           Their
           Eyes
           and
           Hearts
           ,
           their
           Aims
           and
           Endeavours
           ,
           are
           concentered
           in
           the
           Earth
           .
           
             Who
             will
             shew
             us
             any
             good
             ?
          
           is
           their
           unsatisfied
           inquiry
           .
        
         
           
             (
             1.
             )
             They
             are
             greedy
             and
             earnest
             to
             obtain
             great
             Riches
             ;
             for
             they
             measure
             their
             Estates
             by
             their
             Desires
             .
          
           
             (
             2.
             )
             They
             will
             use
             all
             means
             ,
             fair
             or
             fraudulent
             ,
             to
             amass
             Wealth
             .
             The
             lucre
             of
             Gain
             is
             so
             ravishing
             ,
             they
             will
             not
             make
             a
             stand
             ,
             but
             venture
             into
             a
             House
             infected
             with
             the
             Plague
             ,
             to
             get
             Treasure
             .
          
        
         
           2.
           
           They
           are
           sordid
           in
           saving
           ,
           and
           contradict
           all
           Divine
           and
           Humane
           Rights
           by
           robbing
           God
           ,
           their
           Neighbours
           and
           themselves
           ,
           of
           what
           is
           due
           to
           them
           .
           A
           covetous
           Man
           robs
           God
           ,
           the
           Proprietor
           ,
           in
           neglecting
           to
           pay
           what
           he
           has
           reserv'd
           for
           works
           of
           Piety
           and
           Charity
           ,
           as
           an
           acknowledgment
           ,
           that
           all
           is
           from
           his
           Bounty
           :
           He
           robs
           the
           Poor
           ,
           his
           deputed
           receivers
           :
           He
           defrauds
           himself
           ;
           for
           God
           bestows
           Riches
           for
           the
           support
           and
           comfort
           of
           our
           Lives
           ,
           that
           we
           may
           with
           Temperance
           and
           Thanksgiving
           enjoy
           his
           
           Benefits
           :
           He
           wants
           what
           he
           has
           ,
           as
           
           well
           as
           that
           he
           has
           not
           .
        
         
           3.
           
           They
           are
           defective
           in
           using
           Riches
           .
           If
           they
           do
           Works
           externally
           good
           ,
           the
           spring
           and
           motive
           is
           vicious
           ;
           and
           the
           Ends
           more
           surely
           discover
           Men
           than
           their
           Actions
           .
           They
           do
           not
           acts
           of
           Piety
           and
           Charity
           in
           Obedience
           and
           Thankfulness
           ,
           to
           imitate
           and
           honour
           God
           ,
           but
           sometimes
           for
           Reputation
           and
           Fame
           ;
           as
           the
           Pharisees
           (
           whose
           inseparable
           properties
           were
           Pride
           and
           Covetousness
           )
           dispens'd
           
           their
           Alms
           with
           the
           sound
           of
           a
           Trumpet
           ,
           to
           call
           the
           Poor
           together
           .
           Other
           Sins
           require
           shades
           and
           retirements
           ,
           but
           Pride
           to
           be
           conspicuously
           distinguish'd
           from
           others
           .
        
         
           2.
           
           Sometimes
           they
           do
           Good
           ,
           to
           compound
           with
           God
           ,
           and
           appease
           Conscience
           ,
           for
           their
           unrighteous
           procuring
           Riches
           :
           Their
           Gifts
           are
           Sin-offerings
           to
           expiate
           the
           Guilt
           contracted
           by
           ill-gotten
           Goods
           ,
           not
           Thank-offerings
           for
           God's
           free
           Favours
           and
           Benefits
           .
           To
           countenance
           their
           Opinion
           and
           Practice
           ,
           they
           alledge
           our
           Saviour's
           Counsel
           ,
           
             Make
             to
          
           
           
             your selves
             friends
             of
             the
             mammon
             of
             unrighteousness
             ,
             that
             when
             ye
             fail
             ,
             they
             may
             receive
             you
             into
             everlasting
             habitations
             :
          
           As
           if
           bestowing
           part
           of
           their
           unrighteous
           Gains
           ,
           would
           purchase
           a
           discharge
           from
           the
           arrears
           due
           to
           Divine
           Justice
           .
           Can
           
           there
           be
           a
           more
           monstrous
           perverting
           the
           rectitude
           of
           Truth
           ,
           to
           conform
           it
           to
           the
           crooked
           Lusts
           of
           Men
           ?
           St.
           Austin
           
           speaking
           of
           this
           vain
           and
           impious
           Presumption
           of
           some
           in
           his
           time
           ,
           advises
           them
           ,
           
             Do
             not
             form
             such
             an
             unworthy
             conception
             of
             God
             ,
             as
             were
             very
             unbecoming
             a
             good
             Man
             :
             He
             is
             not
             to
             be
             brid'd
             by
             offerings
             of
             Robbery
             ,
             as
             if
             he
             were
             a
             party
             in
             the
             Robbery
             :
             Such
             Alms
             and
             Legacies
             are
             so
             far
             from
             propitiating
             him
             ,
             that
             they
             cry
             for
             Vengeance
             against
             those
             that
             offer
             them
             .
          
           Yet
           how
           many
           ,
           who
           have
           raised
           great
           Estates
           by
           Unrighteousness
           ,
           quiet
           their
           accusing
           Thoughts
           by
           resolving
           to
           bequeath
           some
           pious
           Legacies
           ,
           when
           they
           shall
           leave
           the
           World
           ?
           And
           how
           often
           when
           a
           Rich
           Man
           dyes
           ,
           his
           last
           Will
           dyes
           with
           him
           ,
           and
           is
           buried
           in
           oblivion
           ?
           How
           can
           an
           unrighteous
           Man
           confide
           in
           the
           Conscience
           of
           another
           ,
           when
           his
           own
           has
           been
           so
           unfaithful
           ?
           Besides
           ,
           that
           is
           only
           ours
           that
           remains
           when
           all
           our
           Debts
           are
           paid
           ;
           and
           till
           there
           be
           restitution
           of
           what
           by
           Deceit
           or
           Force
           was
           unjustly
           got
           ,
           there
           is
           nothing
           to
           give
           .
        
         
           2.
           
           A
           covetous
           Man
           is
           very
           defective
           in
           the
           manner
           of
           giving
           .
           There
           are
           internal
           Affections
           to
           be
           mix'd
           with
           the
           acts
           of
           Charity
           .
           They
           must
           be
           done
           
           with
           readiness
           and
           alacrity
           ;
           and
           no●
           wrung
           out
           ,
           as
           a
           Man
           presses
           soure
           Grapes
           :
           For
           there
           is
           no
           moral
           value
           in
           Benefits
           so
           obtain'd
           .
           God
           loves
           a
           chearful
           giver
           .
           Charity
           must
           be
           unconstrain'd
           as
           well
           as
           unconfin'd
           ;
           free
           ,
           and
           respecting
           all
           in
           their
           Wants
           and
           Miseries
           .
           Now
           Covetousness
           makes
           one
           as
           unwilling
           to
           part
           with
           his
           Money
           ,
           as
           to
           have
           Blood
           ,
           the
           treasure
           of
           Life
           ,
           drawn
           from
           his
           Veins
           .
           We
           are
           directed
           to
           put
           on
           bowels
           of
           Compassion
           ,
           and
           to
           remember
           them
           in
           bonds
           ,
           as
           bound
           with
           
           them
           .
           Covetousness
           infuses
           an
           unrelenting
           frame
           into
           the
           Breast
           ,
           hardens
           the
           Bowels
           ,
           and
           makes
           them
           incapable
           of
           melting
           impressions
           .
           The
           languishing
           Looks
           ,
           the
           pleading
           Eyes
           ,
           the
           Complaints
           and
           Calamities
           of
           the
           miserable
           ,
           do
           not
           affect
           those
           in
           whom
           Covetousness
           reigns
           :
           The
           tender
           inclinations
           of
           Humanity
           are
           quench'd
           by
           it
           .
        
         
           3.
           
           The
           Covetous
           will
           not
           give
           in
           proportion
           to
           their
           abilities
           ,
           and
           the
           exigencies
           of
           others
           .
           'T
           is
           true
           ,
           an
           Estate
           is
           often
           more
           in
           reputation
           than
           in
           reality
           ,
           and
           there
           cannot
           be
           a
           visible
           convincing
           proof
           of
           Covetousness
           from
           the
           meanness
           of
           the
           Gift
           ;
           but
           there
           is
           a
           secret
           proof
           from
           the
           Conscience
           of
           the
           giver
           ,
           and
           known
           to
           God.
           The
           Widow
           that
           gave
           two
           Mites
           to
           the
           sacred
           Treasury
           ,
           
           was
           more
           liberal
           than
           those
           who
           threw
           into
           it
           richer
           Gifts
           .
           
             God
             accepts
             according
             to
             what
             a
             Man
             has
             ,
             and
             not
             according
             to
             what
             he
             has
             not
             .
          
           A
           covetous
           Man
           ,
           though
           rich
           ,
           will
           pretend
           the
           smallness
           of
           his
           Estate
           to
           excuse
           and
           palliate
           his
           illiberal
           giving
           ;
           and
           makes
           himself
           doubly
           guilty
           ,
           of
           feigned
           Poverty
           and
           real
           Avarice
           ,
           in
           God's
           sight
           :
           But
           
             a
             liberal
             Man
             deviseth
             liberal
             things
             :
          
           He
           duely
           considers
           the
           Circumstances
           of
           Persons
           in
           want
           ;
           and
           esteems
           a
           just
           Occasion
           of
           Charity
           ,
           to
           be
           a
           golden
           Opportunity
           ,
           and
           will
           be
           noble
           and
           magnificent
           .
        
         
           2.
           
           I
           will
           consider
           the
           difficulty
           of
           the
           Cure.
           This
           will
           be
           evident
           from
           the
           causes
           of
           the
           Disease
           ,
           and
           the
           frequent
           unsuccessfulness
           of
           the
           means
           in
           order
           to
           it
           .
           There
           is
           no
           kind
           of
           Sinners
           more
           inconvincible
           and
           incureable
           ,
           than
           the
           Worldly-minded
           .
           'T
           is
           a
           Rule
           without
           exception
           ,
           those
           Sins
           which
           have
           the
           greatest
           appearance
           of
           Reason
           ,
           and
           the
           least
           of
           Sensuality
           ,
           are
           the
           most
           plausible
           and
           prevailing
           .
           So
           long
           as
           there
           are
           remains
           of
           Reason
           in
           Mankind
           ,
           there
           will
           be
           Modesty
           ;
           and
           brutish
           Lusts
           will
           expose
           to
           Shame
           .
           The
           high
           birth
           and
           honourable
           rank
           of
           the
           unclean
           ,
           cannot
           varnish
           and
           disguise
           their
           Impurities
           ,
           but
           renders
           them
           more
           infamous
           and
           odious
           .
           Besides
           ,
           unless
           Men
           are
           not
           
           prodigiously
           bad
           ,
           if
           they
           are
           not
           free
           from
           Fault
           ,
           they
           will
           not
           defend
           their
           Intemperance
           and
           Incontinency
           .
           If
           there
           be
           any
           spark
           of
           Conscience
           alive
           ,
           it
           discovers
           and
           condemns
           those
           Sins
           ,
           and
           assists
           a
           faithful
           counsellor
           in
           their
           Cure.
           But
           the
           Covetous
           ,
           by
           many
           fair
           pretences
           ,
           justifie
           themselves
           :
           The
           Apostle
           expresses
           them
           
             by
             the
             cloke
             of
             Covetousness
          
           ,
           
           to
           hide
           its
           filthiness
           .
           They
           pretend
           to
           be
           frugal
           ,
           but
           not
           covetous
           :
           They
           alledge
           the
           example
           of
           those
           who
           are
           reputed
           wise
           ,
           who
           prosecute
           the
           gains
           of
           the
           World
           ,
           as
           the
           main
           scope
           of
           their
           actions
           :
           They
           will
           tell
           you
           ,
           't
           is
           necessary
           Prudence
           to
           improve
           all
           Opportunities
           to
           increase
           their
           Estates
           ,
           to
           secure
           them
           from
           Evils
           that
           may
           happen
           ;
           and
           to
           neglect
           providing
           for
           our
           Families
           is
           worse
           than
           Infidelity
           .
           Thus
           Reason
           is
           ingaged
           to
           joyn
           with
           the
           Affection
           .
           From
           hence
           the
           Covetous
           are
           not
           only
           inamour'd
           with
           the
           unworthy
           Object
           ,
           but
           averse
           from
           the
           Cure
           of
           the
           vicious
           Affection
           .
           The
           love
           of
           Money
           smothers
           the
           Mind
           with
           Ignorance
           ,
           and
           darkens
           its
           serenity
           ,
           that
           the
           filthiness
           of
           the
           Sin
           is
           indiscernible
           .
           The
           Covetous
           are
           like
           Persons
           sick
           beyond
           the
           sense
           of
           their
           Disease
           ,
           and
           near
           Death
           ,
           without
           feeling
           the
           presages
           of
           it
           .
           Besides
           ,
           those
           corrupt
           Affections
           ,
           which
           in
           their
           rise
           
           and
           degrees
           depend
           upon
           the
           humours
           of
           the
           Body
           that
           are
           mutable
           ,
           are
           sometimes
           with
           force
           and
           violence
           carried
           to
           their
           Objects
           ;
           but
           when
           the
           disposition
           of
           the
           Body
           is
           altered
           ,
           they
           flag
           ,
           and
           distasts
           succeed
           :
           But
           the
           root
           and
           principle
           of
           Covetousness
           is
           in
           the
           Will
           ;
           and
           when
           that
           is
           depraved
           ,
           't
           is
           diabolical
           in
           obstinacy
           .
           The
           most
           fierce
           and
           greedy
           Beasts
           ,
           when
           they
           have
           glutted
           their
           ravenous
           Appetites
           ,
           do
           not
           presently
           seek
           after
           new
           prey
           ;
           but
           Covetousness
           ,
           
           like
           a
           Dropsie-thirst
           is
           inflam'd
           by
           drinking
           ,
           and
           inrag'd
           by
           increasing
           Riches
           .
           And
           whereas
           other
           vicious
           desires
           are
           weakened
           and
           broke
           by
           tract
           of
           time
           ,
           Covetousness
           derives
           new
           life
           and
           vigour
           from
           age
           .
           The
           thoughts
           and
           affections
           of
           the
           Covetous
           are
           never
           more
           deeply
           tainted
           with
           the
           Earth
           ,
           than
           when
           they
           draw
           near
           to
           their
           fatal
           period
           ,
           and
           their
           Bodies
           must
           be
           resolved
           into
           their
           original
           Elements
           .
        
         
           2.
           
           The
           difficulty
           of
           the
           Cure
           is
           evident
           from
           the
           inefficacy
           of
           the
           means
           used
           to
           effect
           it
           .
           The
           Divine
           Authority
           of
           the
           Scripture
           ,
           the
           clearest
           Reason
           ,
           the
           plainest
           Experience
           ,
           are
           often
           used
           in
           vain
           to
           reform
           the
           Covetous
           .
           Of
           a
           thousand
           Persons
           ,
           in
           whom
           Covetousness
           is
           the
           regent
           Lust
           ,
           scarce
           ten
           are
           cleansed
           and
           changed
           from
           covetous
           to
           be
           liberal
           .
        
         
         
           1.
           
           The
           Word
           of
           God
           has
           no
           commanding
           perswasive
           power
           upon
           them
           .
           The
           Word
           declares
           ,
           that
           
             Covetousness
             is
             Idolatry
          
           ;
           for
           it
           deposes
           God
           ,
           and
           places
           the
           World
           ,
           the
           Idol
           of
           Mens
           Heads
           and
           Hearts
           ,
           in
           his
           Throne
           :
           It
           deprives
           him
           of
           his
           Regalia
           ,
           his
           Royal
           Prerogatives
           ,
           which
           he
           has
           reserved
           to
           himself
           in
           the
           Empire
           of
           the
           World.
           He
           is
           infinitely
           jealous
           of
           our
           transferring
           them
           to
           the
           Creature
           .
           Our
           highest
           Adoration
           and
           Esteem
           ,
           our
           Confidence
           and
           Trust
           ,
           our
           Love
           and
           Complacency
           ,
           our
           Dependance
           and
           Observance
           ,
           are
           entirely
           and
           essentially
           due
           to
           him
           .
           
             Who
             in
             the
             Heaven
             can
             be
             compared
             to
             the
             Lord
             ?
             Who
             among
          
           
           
             the
             sons
             of
             the
             mighty
             can
             be
             likened
             to
             him
             ?
             Whom
             have
             I
             in
             Heaven
             but
             thee
             ?
          
           
           
             and
             there
             is
             none
             upon
             Earth
             I
             desire
             in
             comparison
             of
             thee
             .
             The
             Lord
             is
             my
             portion
             ,
          
           
           
             saith
             my
             Soul.
             The
             name
             of
             the
             Lord
             is
             a
             strong
             Tower
             ,
             the
             righteous
             fly
             to
             it
             ,
             and
             are
             safe
             .
             Behold
             ,
             as
             the
             eyes
             of
             Servants
             look
             to
             the
             hands
             of
             their
             Masters
             ;
             so
             our
             eyes
             wait
             upon
             the
             Lord
             our
             God
             ▪
             until
             he
             have
             Mercy
             upon
             us
             .
          
           These
           Scriptures
           are
           declarative
           of
           those
           eternal
           respects
           that
           are
           due
           to
           God
           from
           reasonable
           Creatures
           ;
           and
           he
           is
           highly
           dishonoured
           and
           displeased
           ,
           when
           they
           are
           alienated
           from
           him
           .
           Now
           the
           Covetous
           deifie
           the
           World
           :
           
             The
             rich
             Man's
             Riches
          
           
           
             are
             his
             strong
             City
             ,
             and
             as
             an
             high
             Wall
             ,
             in
             his
             imagination
             .
          
           He
           will
           trust
           God
           no
           farther
           than
           according
           to
           visible
           supplies
           and
           means
           :
           He
           takes
           not
           God
           for
           his
           strength
           ,
           
             but
             trusts
             in
             the
             abundance
             of
             his
             Riches
             .
          
           His
           Heart
           is
           possessed
           and
           polluted
           with
           the
           love
           of
           the
           World
           ,
           and
           God
           is
           excluded
           :
           Therefore
           we
           are
           commanded
           ,
           
             not
             to
             love
             the
             VVorld
             ,
             nor
             the
             things
             of
             it
             :
             If
             any
             Man
             love
             the
             VVorld
             ,
             the
             love
             of
             the
             Father
             is
             not
             in
             him
             .
          
           He
           is
           provok'd
           to
           Jealousie
           ,
           the
           most
           severe
           and
           sensible
           Attribute
           ,
           by
           the
           coldness
           of
           Mens
           Love.
           From
           hence
           it
           appears
           how
           this
           comprehensive
           Sin
           is
           injurious
           to
           God.
           The
           Psalmist
           tells
           us
           ,
           that
           the
           Covetous
           are
           not
           only
           the
           objects
           of
           God's
           Anger
           ,
           but
           abhorrence
           :
           Thus
           he
           brands
           them
           ,
           
             The
             covetous
             whom
             the
             Lord
             abhors
             .
          
           The
           words
           are
           of
           the
           most
           heavy
           signification
           .
           If
           his
           Loving-kindness
           be
           better
           than
           Life
           ,
           his
           Hatred
           is
           worse
           than
           Death
           .
        
         
           'T
           is
           
             the
             root
             of
             all
             Evil
          
           ,
           in
           Persons
           of
           all
           conditions
           ,
           civil
           and
           sacred
           .
           This
           bribes
           those
           that
           are
           in
           the
           Seat
           of
           Judgment
           ,
           to
           clear
           the
           guilty
           ;
           and
           which
           is
           a
           bolder
           Crime
           ,
           to
           condemn
           the
           innocent
           .
           Of
           this
           there
           is
           recorded
           a
           cruel
           and
           bloody
           ▪
           Instance
           ,
           in
           the
           death
           of
           Naboth
           ,
           occasioned
           by
           
           Ahab's
           Covetousness
           ,
           This
           corrupts
           the
           Preachers
           of
           the
           Word
           ,
           
           to
           speak
           to
           the
           Lusts
           ,
           not
           the
           Consciences
           of
           Men
           ,
           upon
           whom
           they
           have
           a
           servile
           dependance
           :
           And
           as
           the
           Spirit
           of
           Delusion
           is
           never
           more
           the
           Spirit
           of
           Delusion
           ,
           than
           under
           the
           appearance
           of
           an
           Angel
           of
           Light
           ;
           so
           his
           Ministers
           are
           never
           more
           his
           Ministers
           ,
           than
           when
           they
           pervert
           the
           Word
           of
           God
           to
           support
           sinful
           Practices
           by
           corrupt
           Principles
           .
           Covetousness
           makes
           Men
           faint
           and
           false
           in
           the
           time
           of
           tryal
           :
           They
           will
           save
           the
           World
           with
           the
           loss
           of
           their
           Souls
           .
           In
           short
           ,
           it
           was
           the
           impulsive
           cause
           of
           a
           Sin
           of
           the
           greatest
           Guilt
           that
           ever
           was
           committed
           ,
           in
           betraying
           the
           Son
           of
           God
           ;
           and
           his
           suffering
           the
           most
           cruel
           and
           ignominious
           Death
           :
           A
           Sin
           never
           to
           be
           expiated
           ,
           but
           by
           the
           Flames
           that
           shall
           consume
           this
           World
           ,
           the
           place
           wherein
           he
           suffered
           .
        
         
           Covetousness
           excludes
           all
           ,
           in
           whom
           't
           is
           predominant
           ,
           from
           the
           Kingdom
           of
           Heaven
           .
           Lazarus
           may
           as
           soon
           be
           expelled
           from
           
           Abraham's
           Bosom
           ,
           as
           a
           covetous
           Man
           may
           be
           received
           into
           it
           .
           
             Be
             not
             deceived
             ,
             neither
             Fornicators
             ,
             nor
             Idolaters
             ,
             nor
             Effeminate
             ,
             nor
             abusers
             of
             themselves
             with
             Mankind
             ,
             nor
             Thieves
             ,
             nor
             Covetous
             ,
             nor
             Drunkards
             ,
             nor
             Revilers
             ,
             nor
             Extortioners
             ,
             shall
             inherit
             the
             Kingdom
             of
             God.
          
           A
           covetous
           Wretch
           is
           in
           as
           direct
           a
           progress
           to
           Damnation
           ,
           as
           the
           most
           
           notorious
           Sinners
           ,
           guilty
           of
           the
           most
           filthy
           Lusts
           ,
           natural
           and
           unnatural
           .
           Did
           Men
           believe
           and
           prize
           Heaven
           ,
           how
           would
           this
           terrible
           denuntiation
           strike
           them
           through
           ?
           But
           what
           Tongue
           has
           so
           keen
           an
           edge
           ,
           as
           to
           cut
           a
           passage
           through
           Rocks
           ,
           the
           hardned
           Hearts
           of
           the
           Covetous
           ?
           The
           Word
           cannot
           enter
           into
           the
           Conscience
           and
           Conversation
           of
           the
           Earthly-minded
           .
           If
           you
           discourse
           
             to
             them
             of
             Righteousness
             and
             Judgment
             to
             come
             ,
             they
             are
             not
             at
             leisure
             to
             hear
             ,
          
           or
           will
           not
           attend
           .
           Tell
           them
           of
           another
           World
           ,
           when
           they
           are
           ready
           to
           be
           expell'd
           from
           this
           present
           World.
           We
           have
           a
           most
           convincing
           Instance
           of
           inefficacy
           of
           Divine
           Instruction
           upon
           the
           Covetous
           .
           Our
           Saviour
           directed
           his
           Auditory
           to
           the
           best
           use
           of
           Riches
           ,
           in
           doing
           Good
           to
           the
           Saints
           in
           their
           Wants
           ,
           that
           
           
             after
             death
             ,
             they
             might
             be
             introduced
             into
             everlasting
             habitations
             :
          
           And
           't
           is
           said
           ,
           
             that
             the
             Pharisees
             ,
             who
             were
             covetous
             ,
             heard
             all
             these
             things
             ,
             and
             derided
             him
             .
          
           They
           were
           fix'd
           in
           their
           Principles
           ,
           and
           resolutions
           to
           increase
           and
           secure
           their
           Wealth
           :
           They
           had
           their
           Religion
           
             in
             numerato
          
           ;
           Gain
           was
           their
           Godliness
           ;
           and
           were
           so
           strongly
           conceited
           of
           their
           own
           Wisdom
           ,
           that
           they
           despised
           the
           Authority
           ,
           Counsel
           ,
           and
           Love
           of
           the
           Son
           of
           God.
           
        
         
         
           2.
           
           The
           love
           of
           Money
           ,
           discovered
           in
           the
           heaping
           up
           Riches
           ,
           and
           the
           tenacious
           humour
           in
           keeping
           them
           ,
           is
           directly
           contrary
           to
           the
           clearest
           Reason
           ,
           and
           perfectly
           vain
           .
           The
           notion
           of
           Vanity
           consists
           either
           in
           the
           change
           and
           inconstancy
           of
           things
           ,
           or
           when
           they
           have
           not
           reasonable
           and
           worthy
           ends
           .
           In
           both
           respects
           ,
           Covetousness
           is
           Vanity
           :
           For
           the
           Object
           of
           that
           Passion
           is
           the
           present
           World
           ,
           the
           sphere
           of
           mutability
           ;
           and
           the
           immoderate
           Care
           and
           Labour
           to
           obtain
           and
           preserve
           it
           ,
           is
           not
           for
           a
           solid
           ,
           substantial
           ,
           but
           a
           mere
           imaginary
           Good.
           In
           this
           sense
           ,
           the
           most
           beautiful
           Colours
           ,
           were
           there
           no
           Eyes
           to
           see
           them
           ,
           and
           the
           sweetest
           Sounds
           ,
           were
           there
           no
           Ears
           to
           hear
           them
           ,
           are
           Vanities
           .
           According
           to
           this
           Rule
           ,
           the
           greedy
           desire
           of
           Riches
           for
           Riches
           sake
           ,
           which
           is
           the
           most
           proper
           notion
           of
           Avarice
           ,
           is
           the
           most
           unreasonable
           and
           vain
           Affection
           ;
           for
           it
           has
           no
           end
           .
           The
           Apostle
           tells
           us
           ,
           that
           
             an
             Idol
             is
             nothing
             in
             the
             World
             :
          
           the
           matter
           of
           it
           may
           be
           Gold
           or
           Silver
           ,
           but
           it
           has
           nothing
           of
           a
           Deity
           in
           it
           .
           He
           that
           worships
           it
           ,
           worships
           an
           Object
           not
           only
           most
           unworthy
           of
           Adoration
           ,
           but
           which
           has
           no
           Existence
           ,
           but
           in
           the
           fancy
           of
           the
           Idolater
           .
           So
           he
           that
           loves
           Money
           for
           it self
           ,
           sets
           his
           Affection
           upon
           an
           end
           that
           has
           no
           Goodness
           ,
           but
           in
           his
           foolish
           
           imagination
           ,
           and
           consequently
           is
           no
           true
           and
           valuable
           end
           .
           This
           will
           be
           evident
           ,
           by
           considering
           there
           is
           a
           double
           end
           to
           which
           Humane
           Actions
           should
           be
           directed
           ;
           the
           particular
           immediate
           end
           ,
           and
           the
           universal
           last
           end
           .
           The
           particular
           end
           to
           which
           Reason
           directs
           i●
           acquiring
           Money
           ,
           is
           to
           supply
           us
           with
           Necessaries
           and
           Conveniencies
           in
           the
           present
           state
           ;
           and
           this
           is
           lawful
           ,
           when
           our
           Care
           and
           Labour
           to
           obtain
           it
           ,
           are
           not
           inordinate
           nor
           immoderate
           .
           Fruition
           gives
           Life
           and
           Sweetness
           to
           Possession
           .
           Solomon
           observes
           with
           a
           severe
           Reflection
           ,
           
             There
             is
             one
             of
             whose
             Labour
             there
             is
             no
             end
             ,
             who
             is
             not
             satisfied
             with
             Riches
             ,
             neither
             saith
             he
             ,
             for
             whom
             do
             I
             labour
             ,
             and
             bereave
             my
             Soul
             of
             good
             ;
             this
             is
             also
             vanity
             ,
             and
             sore
             travel
             .
          
           If
           one
           has
           a
           Cabinet
           full
           of
           Pearls
           ,
           and
           has
           not
           a
           Heart
           to
           make
           use
           of
           them
           ,
           't
           is
           all
           one
           as
           if
           it
           were
           full
           of
           Cherry-stones
           :
           For
           there
           is
           no
           true
           value
           in
           the
           possession
           ,
           but
           in
           order
           to
           the
           true
           and
           noble
           use
           of
           them
           .
           This
           draws
           so
           deep
           of
           Folly
           ,
           that
           't
           is
           amazing
           that
           reasonable
           Men
           should
           love
           Money
           for
           it self
           ;
           but
           the
           Covetous
           have
           reprobate
           Minds
           without
           Judgment
           ,
           and
           discerning
           Faculties
           without
           using
           them
           .
        
         
           2.
           
           The
           universal
           and
           last
           end
           of
           our
           Actions
           ,
           consists
           in
           the
           eternal
           enjoyment
           
           of
           God.
           Now
           the
           possession
           of
           the
           whole
           World
           ,
           is
           of
           no
           advantage
           toward
           the
           obtaining
           future
           Happiness
           :
           Nay
           ,
           it
           deprives
           Men
           of
           Heaven
           ,
           both
           as
           the
           love
           of
           the
           World-binds
           their
           Hands
           from
           the
           exercise
           of
           Charity
           ,
           and
           as
           it
           alienates
           their
           Hearts
           from
           the
           love
           of
           God.
           
        
         
           The
           present
           World
           cannot
           afford
           Perfection
           or
           Satisfaction
           to
           an
           immortal
           Spirit
           .
        
         
           1.
           
           Not
           Perfection
           .
           The
           Understanding
           is
           the
           highest
           Faculty
           in
           Man
           ,
           and
           raises
           him
           above
           the
           order
           of
           sensible
           Creatures
           ;
           and
           this
           is
           exceedingly
           debased
           by
           over-valuing
           Earthly
           things
           .
           Indeed
           Sense
           and
           Fancy
           ,
           that
           cannot
           judge
           aright
           of
           Objects
           and
           Actions
           ,
           if
           they
           usurp
           the
           Judgment-seat
           ,
           the
           Riches
           of
           this
           World
           appear
           very
           goodly
           and
           inestimable
           .
           There
           is
           no
           Lust
           more
           degrades
           the
           eternal
           Soul
           of
           Man
           from
           the
           nobility
           of
           its
           Nature
           ,
           than
           Covetousness
           :
           For
           the
           Mind
           is
           denominated
           and
           qualified
           from
           the
           Objects
           ,
           upon
           which
           it
           is
           conversant
           .
           Now
           when
           Mens
           thoughts
           are
           groveling
           on
           the
           Earth
           ,
           as
           if
           there
           were
           no
           spark
           of
           Heaven
           in
           them
           ,
           when
           their
           main
           designs
           and
           contrivances
           are
           to
           amass
           Riches
           ,
           they
           become
           Earthly
           ,
           and
           infinitely
           fall
           short
           of
           their
           original
           and
           end
           .
        
         
         
           2.
           
           Riches
           cannot
           give
           Satisfaction
           to
           the
           Soul
           ,
           upon
           the
           account
           of
           their
           vast
           disproportion
           to
           its
           Spiritual
           Nature
           and
           Capacity
           ,
           and
           Eternal
           Duration
           .
           You
           may
           as
           reasonably
           seek
           for
           Paradise
           under
           the
           Icy
           Poles
           ,
           as
           for
           full
           Contentment
           in
           Riches
           .
           The
           Kingdoms
           of
           the
           World
           ,
           with
           all
           their
           Treasures
           ,
           if
           actually
           possess'd
           ,
           cannot
           satisfie
           the
           Eye
           ,
           much
           less
           the
           Heart
           .
           There
           is
           no
           suitableness
           between
           a
           spiritual
           substance
           ,
           and
           earthly
           things
           .
           The
           Capacity
           of
           the
           Soul
           is
           as
           vast
           is
           its
           Desires
           ,
           which
           can
           only
           be
           satisfied
           with
           Good
           truly
           infinite
           :
           But
           carnal
           Men
           ,
           in
           a
           delusive
           Dream
           ,
           mistake
           shadows
           for
           substance
           ,
           and
           thin
           appearances
           for
           realities
           .
           Besides
           ,
           the
           fashion
           of
           this
           World
           passes
           away
           :
           Riches
           take
           wings
           ,
           and
           like
           the
           Eagle
           ,
           fly
           to
           Heaven
           ,
           or
           the
           Possessors
           of
           them
           fall
           to
           the
           Earth
           .
           The
           Soul
           can
           only
           be
           satisfied
           in
           the
           fruition
           of
           a
           Good
           ,
           as
           everlasting
           as
           its
           own
           duration
           .
           In
           short
           ,
           the
           Favour
           of
           God
           ,
           the
           renewed
           Image
           of
           God
           in
           the
           Soul
           ,
           and
           Communion
           with
           him
           ,
           are
           the
           Felicity
           of
           reasonable
           Creatures
           .
        
         
           3.
           
           The
           plainest
           Experience
           does
           not
           convince
           the
           Covetous
           of
           their
           Folly
           ,
           and
           correct
           them
           .
           'T
           is
           universally
           visible
           ,
           that
           Riches
           cannot
           secure
           Men
           from
           Miseries
           and
           Mortality
           :
           They
           are
           like
           a
           
           Reed
           ,
           that
           has
           not
           strength
           to
           support
           ,
           but
           sharpness
           to
           wound
           any
           one
           that
           rests
           on
           it
           .
           Earthly
           Treasures
           cannot
           secure
           us
           from
           the
           Anger
           of
           God
           ,
           nor
           the
           Violence
           and
           Fraud
           of
           Men.
           How
           often
           are
           fair
           Estates
           ravishd
           from
           the
           Owners
           ?
           But
           suppose
           they
           are
           continued
           here
           to
           the
           Possessor
           ,
           they
           are
           not
           Antidotes
           against
           the
           malignity
           of
           a
           Disease
           ;
           they
           cannot
           purchase
           a
           priviledge
           to
           exempt
           the
           Rich
           from
           Death
           .
           And
           is
           he
           truly
           rich
           that
           must
           be
           deprived
           of
           his
           Treasures
           when
           he
           leaves
           this
           World
           ,
           and
           enter
           naked
           and
           solitary
           into
           the
           next
           World
           ,
           where
           he
           will
           be
           poor
           for
           ever
           ?
           He
           is
           rich
           that
           carries
           with
           him
           Divine
           Graces
           and
           Comforts
           ,
           the
           Treasures
           of
           the
           Soul
           ,
           when
           he
           dyes
           ,
           and
           takes
           possession
           of
           the
           Inheritance
           
             undefiled
             ,
             that
             passes
             not
             away
             .
          
           How
           often
           do
           Worldly
           Men
           in
           their
           last
           hours
           ,
           when
           the
           thoughts
           of
           the
           Heart
           are
           declared
           with
           most
           feeling
           ,
           and
           least
           affectation
           ,
           condemn
           their
           unaccountable
           Folly
           ,
           for
           their
           having
           set
           their
           
             Affections
             on
             things
             below
             ,
             and
             neglecting
             things
             above
          
           ;
           that
           with
           such
           fervour
           and
           constancy
           they
           prosecuted
           their
           secular
           ends
           ,
           and
           were
           so
           coldly
           affected
           to
           eternal
           things
           ,
           as
           unworthy
           of
           their
           care
           and
           diligence
           ?
           Those
           forlorn
           Wretches
           in
           their
           Extremities
           ,
           with
           what
           significant
           
           and
           lively
           Expressions
           do
           they
           decry
           the
           Vanity
           of
           this
           World
           ,
           and
           the
           Vanity
           of
           their
           Hearts
           in
           seeking
           it
           ?
           'T
           is
           related
           of
           Philip
           King
           of
           the
           Macedonians
           ,
           that
           while
           one
           was
           pleading
           before
           him
           ,
           he
           drop'd
           asleep
           ,
           and
           waking
           on
           a
           sudden
           ,
           past
           Sentence
           against
           the
           righteous
           Cause
           :
           Upon
           this
           the
           injur'd
           Person
           cryed
           out
           ,
           
             I
             appeal
          
           .
           The
           King
           with
           Indignation
           ask'd
           ,
           
             To
             whom
          
           ?
           He
           reply'd
           ,
           
             From
             your self
             sleeping
             to
             your self
             waking
          
           ;
           and
           had
           the
           Judgment
           revers'd
           that
           was
           against
           him
           .
           Thus
           in
           matters
           of
           eternal
           moment
           ,
           if
           there
           be
           an
           Appeal
           from
           the
           sleeping
           to
           the
           waking
           Thoughts
           of
           Men
           ,
           when
           Death
           opens
           their
           Eyes
           to
           see
           the
           
           Dross
           of
           false
           Treasures
           ,
           and
           the
           Glory
           of
           the
           true
           ,
           what
           a
           change
           would
           it
           make
           in
           their
           Minds
           ,
           Affections
           and
           Actions
           ?
           But
           O
           Folly
           and
           Misery
           !
           they
           but
           superficially
           consider
           things
           ,
           till
           constrain'd
           when
           't
           is
           too
           late
           .
        
         
           From
           these
           Considerations
           we
           understand
           the
           Reasons
           of
           our
           Saviour's
           declaring
           ,
           
             'T
             is
             as
             easie
             for
             a
             Camel
             to
             go
             through
             the
             eye
             of
             a
             needle
             ,
             as
             for
             a
             rich
             Man
             ,
          
           that
           trusts
           in
           his
           Riches
           ,
           
             to
             enter
             into
             the
             Kingdom
             of
             Heaven
             .
             But
             what
             is
             impossible
             with
             Men
             ,
             is
             possible
             with
             God.
          
           He
           can
           by
           so
           strong
           a
           Light
           represent
           
           the
           Eternal
           Kingdom
           to
           Mens
           Minds
           ,
           and
           purifie
           their
           Affections
           ,
           that
           they
           shall
           so
           use
           the
           World
           ,
           that
           they
           may
           enjoy
           God.
           We
           should
           from
           hence
           be
           excited
           to
           watchfulness
           against
           this
           Sin.
           Our
           Saviour
           gave
           a
           double
           Caution
           to
           his
           Disciples
           ,
           
             Take
             heed
             and
             beware
             of
             Covetousness
             .
          
           In
           some
           ,
           the
           Leprosie
           appears
           in
           their
           Foreheads
           ;
           their
           Company
           ,
           their
           Conversation
           ,
           make
           it
           evident
           ,
           that
           the
           World
           is
           
             set
             in
             their
             Hearts
          
           :
           In
           others
           ,
           the
           Leprosie
           is
           in
           their
           Bosoms
           ;
           their
           Affections
           are
           intensly
           and
           entirely
           set
           on
           the
           World
           ,
           though
           the
           discovery
           is
           not
           so
           visible
           :
           None
           but
           the
           circumspect
           can
           be
           safe
           .
        
         
           In
           order
           to
           the
           mortifying
           this
           Lust
           ,
           the
           following
           means
           ,
           with
           the
           Divine
           Blessing
           ,
           will
           be
           very
           useful
           .
           The
           inward
           causes
           of
           the
           greedy
           desires
           and
           tenacious
           humour
           of
           the
           Covetous
           ,
           are
           the
           irregular
           esteem
           of
           Riches
           ,
           and
           consequently
           ,
           the
           jealousie
           of
           losing
           what
           is
           so
           highly
           valued
           ;
           and
           sollicitude
           to
           prevent
           all
           possible
           future
           wants
           .
           Now
           to
           take
           away
           these
           causes
           ,
           consider
           ,
        
         
           1.
           
           There
           are
           Treasures
           infinitely
           more
           precious
           and
           durable
           ,
           and
           more
           worthy
           of
           our
           esteem
           and
           love
           ,
           than
           all
           the
           Gold
           that
           is
           drawn
           from
           the
           Mines
           in
           Peru
           ,
           the
           true
           inrichments
           of
           the
           Soul
           ;
           without
           which
           a
           Man
           ,
           possess'd
           of
           all
           
           the
           Wealth
           of
           the
           Flota
           ,
           is
           not
           rich
           towards
           God
           ,
           but
           
             wretched
             ,
             and
             miserable
          
           ,
           
           
             and
             poor
             ,
             and
             blind
             ,
             and
             naked
             .
          
           God
           offers
           himself
           to
           be
           our
           Portion
           ,
           who
           is
           rich
           in
           all
           Perfections
           ,
           whose
           Treasures
           are
           unsearchable
           and
           unwasted
           :
           If
           we
           seek
           his
           Love
           ,
           and
           Grace
           to
           love
           him
           ,
           we
           shall
           inherit
           
             substance
             and
             durable
             Riches
          
           .
           The
           Apostle
           ,
           when
           the
           scales
           were
           fallen
           from
           his
           Eyes
           ,
           discovered
           such
           
             an
             excellency
             in
             the
             knowledge
             of
             Christ
             ,
          
           that
           
             he
             counted
             all
             things
             loss
             and
             dung
             ,
             that
             he
             might
             have
             an
             interest
             in
             him
             .
          
           This
           eminent
           advantage
           there
           is
           in
           seeking
           Heavenly
           Treasures
           ,
           we
           shall
           certainly
           obtain
           them
           ,
           and
           never
           be
           deprived
           of
           them
           ;
           whereas
           the
           most
           eager
           pursuit
           of
           Earthly
           Riches
           ,
           is
           uncertainly
           successful
           ;
           and
           if
           we
           do
           acquire
           them
           ,
           they
           will
           certainly
           be
           lost
           .
           Now
           as
           inward
           bleeding
           that
           endangers
           Life
           ,
           is
           stop'd
           by
           revulsion
           ,
           in
           opening
           a
           Vein
           ;
           so
           if
           the
           stream
           of
           our
           Affections
           be
           directed
           to
           things
           above
           ,
           it
           will
           stop
           their
           impetuous
           current
           to
           things
           below
           .
        
         
           2.
           
           The
           liberal
           use
           of
           Riches
           for
           the
           Glory
           of
           God
           ,
           and
           in
           Charity
           to
           others
           ,
           is
           the
           best
           means
           to
           secure
           the
           tenure
           of
           our
           Temporal
           Possessions
           :
           For
           the
           neglect
           of
           paying
           the
           Tribute
           we
           owe
           to
           God
           ,
           makes
           a
           forfeiture
           of
           our
           Estates
           ;
           and
           he
           can
           by
           Right
           and
           Power
           resume
           
           them
           in
           a
           moment
           .
           Besides
           ,
           there
           is
           no
           Epithet
           more
           proper
           to
           be
           joyn'd
           with
           Riches
           ,
           than
           uncertain
           .
           Is
           that
           Man
           certainly
           rich
           ,
           whose
           entire
           Estate
           is
           in
           a
           Ship
           ,
           sailing
           through
           dangerous
           Seas
           ,
           and
           open
           to
           frequent
           Piracies
           ?
           There
           is
           no
           greater
           a
           distance
           between
           a
           Tempest
           and
           a
           Shipwrack
           ,
           than
           between
           often
           and
           always
           .
           Innumerable
           Disasters
           are
           imminent
           ,
           and
           nearly
           threaten
           the
           undoing
           of
           the
           richest
           Man
           :
           But
           God
           who
           commands
           the
           Winds
           and
           the
           Seas
           ,
           and
           governs
           the
           Wills
           of
           Men
           ,
           whose
           Providence
           orders
           the
           most
           fortuitous
           Events
           ,
           has
           promised
           ,
           
             that
             the
             liberal
             Man
             ,
             who
             deviseth
             liberal
             things
             ,
             he
             shall
             stand
             :
          
           He
           has
           a
           special
           Protection
           ;
           and
           as
           he
           is
           like
           to
           God
           in
           giving
           ,
           so
           he
           shall
           be
           in
           not
           being
           poorer
           for
           his
           giving
           .
           The
           Apostle
           incourages
           Christians
           not
           to
           be
           covetous
           ,
           by
           this
           Argument
           ,
           God
           has
           said
           ,
           
             I
             will
             never
             leave
             thee
             ,
             nor
             forsake
             thee
             .
          
           We
           may
           firmly
           rely
           on
           his
           Promise
           ;
           for
           Truth
           is
           the
           foundation
           of
           trust
           ,
           and
           rest
           on
           his
           Providence
           which
           is
           Omnipotent
           .
        
         
           Add
           to
           this
           Consideration
           ,
           there
           is
           an
           accessional
           security
           to
           the
           Charitable
           from
           the
           assistance
           of
           others
           .
           Man
           is
           sociable
           by
           instinct
           ,
           and
           the
           civil
           Life
           that
           is
           proper
           to
           him
           ,
           will
           be
           dissolv'd
           without
           mutual
           assistance
           .
           'T
           is
           order'd
           
           by
           the
           Rule
           of
           Providence
           ,
           that
           there
           is
           no
           Man
           so
           compleatly
           sufficient
           in
           himself
           ,
           so
           absolutely
           and
           independently
           happy
           ,
           but
           he
           wants
           the
           Counsel
           ,
           the
           Courage
           ,
           the
           Help
           of
           others
           .
           'T
           is
           usual
           ,
           that
           he
           who
           possesses
           most
           can
           do
           less
           ,
           and
           that
           he
           that
           has
           less
           can
           do
           more
           :
           From
           hence
           it
           follows
           ,
           that
           the
           Wealth
           of
           the
           one
           ,
           and
           the
           Strength
           of
           the
           other
           ,
           the
           giving
           that
           wherein
           one
           abounds
           ,
           and
           the
           receiving
           that
           which
           the
           other
           wants
           ,
           makes
           such
           an
           equipoise
           between
           the
           Rich
           and
           the
           Poor
           ,
           that
           they
           cannot
           be
           disjoyn'd
           .
           Experience
           declares
           ,
           there
           is
           nothing
           does
           more
           endear
           and
           engage
           the
           Affections
           of
           others
           to
           us
           ,
           than
           acts
           of
           Kindness
           .
           Beneficence
           joyn'd
           with
           Innocence
           ,
           render
           Men
           venerable
           and
           amiable
           ,
           conciliate
           Esteem
           and
           Love
           ;
           
             for
             a
             good
             Man
             one
             would
             even
             dare
             to
             dye
             :
          
           Whereas
           the
           Covetous
           and
           Incompassionate
           ,
           not
           only
           provoke
           God
           ,
           (
           for
           he
           that
           abuses
           a
           Benefit
           despises
           the
           Benefactor
           ,
           and
           by
           imprisoning
           their
           Treasures
           without
           doing
           Good
           ,
           the
           abuse
           is
           as
           real
           ,
           as
           by
           riotous
           wasting
           them
           )
           but
           are
           exposed
           to
           Hatred
           and
           Contempt
           ;
           and
           if
           a
           Disaster
           surprises
           them
           ,
           a
           secret
           Joy
           touches
           the
           Hearts
           of
           others
           .
        
         
           2.
           
           'T
           is
           a
           means
           to
           increase
           Riches
           ▪
           'T
           is
           a
           Rule
           not
           only
           in
           Spirituals
           ,
           but
           
           in
           Temporals
           ,
           
             As
             a
             Man
             sows
             so
             he
             shall
             reap
             ,
          
           both
           in
           the
           Recompences
           of
           Justice
           ,
           and
           the
           Rewards
           of
           Mercy
           :
           He
           that
           sows
           bountifully
           shall
           reap
           bountifully
           .
           Charity
           is
           a
           productive
           Grace
           ,
           that
           enriches
           the
           giver
           more
           than
           the
           receiver
           .
           
             Honour
             the
             Lord
             with
             thy
             substance
             ,
             and
             the
             first
             fruits
             of
             thy
             increase
             ,
          
           
           
             so
             shall
             thy
             Barns
             be
             filled
             with
             plenty
             ,
             and
             thy
             Presses
             burst
             out
             with
             new
             Wine
             .
             He
             that
             gives
             to
             the
             Poor
             ,
             lends
             to
             the
             Lord
             :
          
           He
           signs
           himself
           our
           Debtor
           for
           what
           is
           laid
           out
           for
           him
           ,
           and
           he
           will
           pay
           it
           with
           Interest
           ;
           not
           only
           with
           Eternal
           Treasures
           hereafter
           ,
           but
           in
           outward
           Blessings
           here
           .
           Riches
           obtain'd
           by
           regular
           means
           ,
           are
           the
           effects
           and
           effusions
           of
           his
           Bounty
           ;
           but
           sometimes
           by
           admirable
           ways
           ,
           he
           gives
           a
           present
           Reward
           ,
           as
           by
           his
           own
           Hand
           .
           As
           there
           are
           numerous
           Examples
           of
           God's
           blasting
           the
           Covetous
           ,
           either
           by
           a
           gangrene
           in
           their
           Estates
           ,
           that
           consumes
           them
           before
           their
           Eyes
           ,
           or
           by
           the
           Luxury
           and
           Profuseness
           of
           their
           Children
           ;
           so
           't
           is
           as
           visible
           he
           prospers
           the
           Merciful
           ,
           sometimes
           by
           a
           secret
           Blessing
           dispensed
           by
           an
           invisible
           Hand
           ,
           and
           sometimes
           in
           succeeding
           their
           diligent
           Endeavours
           in
           their
           Callings
           .
        
         
           But
           't
           is
           objected
           ,
           the
           Liberal
           are
           not
           always
           prosperous
           .
           To
           this
           a
           clear
           Answer
           may
           be
           given
           .
        
         
         
           1.
           
           External
           Acts
           of
           Charity
           may
           be
           performed
           from
           vicious
           motives
           ,
           without
           a
           mixture
           of
           internal
           Affections
           ,
           which
           make
           them
           accepted
           of
           God.
           
        
         
           2.
           
           Supposing
           a
           Christian
           abounds
           in
           Works
           of
           Charity
           ,
           and
           is
           not
           rewarded
           here
           ,
           this
           special
           Case
           does
           not
           infringe
           the
           truth
           of
           God's
           Promise
           ;
           for
           Temporal
           Promises
           are
           to
           be
           interpreted
           with
           an
           exception
           ,
           unless
           the
           Wisdom
           and
           Love
           of
           God
           sees
           it
           better
           not
           to
           bestow
           them
           :
           But
           he
           always
           rewards
           them
           in
           kind
           ,
           or
           eminently
           in
           giving
           more
           excellent
           Blessings
           .
           The
           Crown
           of
           Life
           is
           a
           reward
           more
           worthy
           the
           desires
           of
           a
           Christian
           ,
           than
           the
           things
           of
           this
           World.
           Our
           Saviour
           assures
           the
           young
           Man
           ,
           
             Sell
             all
             ,
             and
             give
             to
             the
             Poor
             ,
             and
             thou
             shalt
             have
             Treasure
             in
             Heaven
             .
          
           Eternal
           Hopes
           are
           infinitely
           more
           desirable
           than
           Temporal
           Possessions
           .
           The
           Apostle
           charges
           
           
             the
             Rich
             to
             do
             good
             ,
             to
             be
             rich
             in
             good
             works
             ,
             ready
             to
             distribute
             ,
             willing
             to
             communicate
             ,
             laying
             up
             for
             themselves
             a
             good
             foundation
             ,
             (
             not
             of
             merit
             but
             assurance
             )
             against
             the
             time
             to
             come
             ,
             laying
             hold
             of
             Eternal
             Life
             .
          
           If
           I
           could
           direct
           the
           Covetous
           ,
           how
           to
           exchange
           a
           weight
           of
           Silver
           for
           an
           equal
           weight
           of
           Gold
           ,
           or
           a
           weight
           of
           Gold
           for
           an
           equal
           weight
           of
           Diamonds
           ,
           how
           attentively
           would
           they
           hear
           ,
           and
           earnestly
           follow
           such
           
           profitable
           Counsel
           ?
           But
           what
           comparison
           is
           there
           between
           Earthly
           and
           Heavenly
           Treasures
           ?
           Godliness
           ,
           of
           which
           the
           Grace
           of
           Charity
           is
           an
           excellent
           part
           ,
           
             is
             profitable
             for
             all
             things
          
           ;
           it
           makes
           our
           Profit
           eternally
           profitable
           .
           'T
           is
           the
           Wisdom
           as
           well
           as
           Duty
           of
           Believers
           ,
           to
           lay
           up
           Treasures
           ,
           not
           on
           Earth
           ,
           the
           Land
           of
           their
           Banishment
           ,
           but
           in
           the
           Coelestial
           Country
           ,
           the
           Place
           of
           their
           Nativity
           .
        
      
       
         
         
           CHAP.
           III.
           
        
         
           
             Pride
             considered
             in
             its
             nature
             ,
             kinds
             ,
             and
             degrees
             .
             It
             consists
             in
             an
             immoderate
             Appetite
             of
             Superiority
             .
             'T
             is
             Moral
             or
             Spiritual
             .
             Arrogance
             ,
             Vain-glory
             ,
             and
             Ambition
             ,
             are
             branches
             of
             it
             .
             A
             secret
             undue
             conceit
             of
             our
             own
             Excellencies
             ,
             the
             inordinate
             desire
             of
             Praise
             ,
             the
             aspiring
             after
             high
             Places
             ,
             and
             Titles
             of
             Honour
             ,
             are
             the
             effects
             of
             Pride
             .
             Spiritual
             Pride
             considered
             .
             A
             presuming
             upon
             self-fufficiency
             ▪
             to
             obtain
             Mens
             Ends
             :
             A
             relyance
             upon
             their
             own
             direction
             and
             ability
             to
             accomplish
             their
             Designs
             .
             Sins
             committed
             with
             design
             and
             deliberation
             are
             from
             Insolence
             .
             A
             vain
             Presumption
             of
             the
             goodness
             of
             Mens
             Spiritual
             Estates
             .
             Pride
             is
             in
             the
             front
             of
             those
             Sins
             that
             God
             hates
             .
             Pride
             is
             odious
             in
             the
             sight
             of
             Men.
             The
             difficulty
             of
             the
             Cure
             apparent
             from
             many
             Considerations
             .
             The
             proper
             means
             to
             allay
             the
             Tumour
             of
             Pride
             .
          
        
         
           4.
           
           PRide
           of
           Life
           is
           join'd
           with
           the
           Lusts
           of
           the
           Flesh
           ,
           and
           the
           Lust
           of
           the
           Eyes
           .
           Pride
           destroyed
           both
           Worlds
           ;
           it
           transformed
           Angels
           into
           Devils
           ,
           and
           expelled
           them
           from
           Heaven
           ;
           it
           degraded
           Man
           from
           the
           honour
           of
           his
           Creation
           ,
           into
           the
           condition
           of
           
           the
           Beasts
           that
           perish
           ,
           and
           expell'd
           him
           from
           Paradise
           .
           I
           will
           consider
           the
           nature
           ,
           several
           kinds
           and
           degrees
           of
           it
           ,
           and
           the
           means
           to
           purge
           us
           from
           it
           .
        
         
           The
           nature
           of
           this
           Vice
           consists
           in
           an
           irregular
           and
           immoderate
           appetite
           of
           Superiority
           ,
           and
           has
           two
           parts
           :
           The
           one
           is
           the
           affectation
           of
           Honour
           ,
           Dignity
           and
           Power
           ,
           beyond
           their
           true
           value
           and
           worth
           ;
           the
           other
           is
           ,
           the
           arrogating
           them
           as
           due
           to
           a
           person
           beyond
           his
           just
           desert
           .
           The
           kinds
           of
           it
           are
           Moral
           and
           Spiritual
           ,
           which
           are
           sometimes
           concealed
           in
           the
           Mind
           and
           Will
           ,
           but
           often
           declar'd
           in
           the
           Aspect
           and
           Actions
           .
           Accordingly
           't
           is
           either
           Arrogance
           that
           attributes
           an
           undue
           preheminence
           to
           a
           Mans
           self
           ,
           and
           exacts
           undue
           respects
           from
           others
           ;
           or
           Vain-glory
           ,
           that
           affects
           and
           is
           fed
           with
           Praise
           ;
           or
           Ambition
           ,
           that
           hotly
           aspires
           after
           high
           Places
           ,
           and
           Titles
           of
           Precedency
           and
           Power
           :
           All
           which
           are
           comprised
           in
           the
           universal
           name
           of
           Pride
           .
        
         
           1.
           
           Pride
           includes
           a
           secret
           conceit
           of
           our
           own
           Excellencies
           ,
           which
           is
           the
           root
           of
           all
           its
           branches
           .
           Self
           love
           is
           so
           natural
           ,
           and
           deeply
           impress'd
           in
           the
           Heart
           ,
           that
           there
           is
           no
           Flatterer
           more
           subtle
           and
           conceal'd
           ,
           more
           easily
           and
           willingly
           believ'd
           ,
           than
           this
           Affection
           .
           Love
           is
           blind
           towards
           others
           ,
           and
           more
           towards
           ones
           self
           .
           Nothing
           can
           be
           so
           intimate
           
           and
           dear
           ,
           as
           when
           the
           Lover
           ,
           and
           the
           Person
           beloved
           are
           the
           same
           .
           This
           is
           the
           Principle
           of
           the
           high
           Opinion
           ,
           and
           secret
           Sentiments
           Men
           entertain
           of
           their
           own
           special
           worth
           .
           
             The
             Heart
             is
             deceitful
             above
             all
             things
             ,
          
           and
           above
           all
           things
           deceitful
           to
           it self
           .
           Men
           look
           into
           the
           inchanting
           glass
           of
           their
           own
           Fancies
           ,
           and
           are
           vainly
           enamour'd
           with
           the
           false
           reflection
           of
           their
           excellencies
           .
           Self
           ▪
           love
           hinders
           the
           sight
           of
           those
           Imperfections
           ,
           which
           discovered
           ,
           would
           lessen
           the
           liberal
           esteem
           of
           themselves
           .
           The
           Soul
           is
           a
           more
           obscure
           Object
           to
           its
           Eye
           ,
           than
           the
           most
           distant
           Stars
           in
           the
           Heavens
           .
           Seneca
           tells
           of
           some
           that
           had
           a
           strange
           Infirmity
           in
           their
           Eyes
           ,
           that
           where-ever
           they
           turn'd
           ,
           they
           encountered
           the
           visible
           moving
           image
           of
           themselves
           .
           Of
           which
           he
           gives
           this
           Reason
           ;
           
             It
             proceeds
             from
             
             the
             weakness
             of
             the
             visive
             Faculty
             ,
             that
             for
             want
             of
             Spirits
             derived
             from
             the
             Brain
             ,
             cannot
             penetrate
             through
             the
             diaphonous
             Air
             ,
             to
             see
             Objects
             ;
             but
             every
             part
             of
             the
             Air
             is
             a
             reflecting
             glass
             of
             themselves
             .
          
           That
           which
           he
           conjectured
           to
           be
           the
           cause
           of
           the
           Natural
           Infirmity
           ,
           is
           most
           true
           of
           the
           Moral
           ,
           the
           Subject
           of
           our
           Discourse
           .
           'T
           is
           from
           the
           weakness
           of
           the
           Mind
           ,
           that
           the
           judicative
           Faculty
           does
           not
           discover
           the
           worth
           of
           others
           ,
           but
           sees
           only
           
           a
           Man's
           self
           ,
           as
           singular
           in
           Perfections
           ,
           and
           none
           superiour
           ,
           or
           equal
           ,
           or
           near
           to
           him
           .
           A
           proud
           Man
           will
           take
           a
           rise
           from
           any
           advantage
           to
           foment
           Pride
           :
           Some
           from
           the
           perfections
           of
           the
           Body
           ,
           Beauty
           or
           Strength
           ;
           some
           from
           the
           circumstance
           of
           their
           Condition
           ,
           Riches
           or
           Honour
           ;
           and
           every
           one
           thinks
           himself
           sufficiently
           furnish'd
           with
           Understanding
           :
           For
           Reason
           being
           the
           distinguishing
           excellency
           of
           a
           Man
           from
           the
           Brutes
           ,
           a
           defectiveness
           in
           that
           is
           very
           disgraceful
           ,
           and
           the
           title
           of
           Fool
           ,
           the
           most
           stinging
           reproach
           ;
           as
           is
           evident
           by
           our
           Saviour's
           gradation
           :
           
             Whoever
             is
             angry
             with
             his
             Brother
             without
             a
             cause
             is
             liable
             to
             Judgment
             ;
             whoever
             says
             racha
             ,
          
           that
           expresses
           his
           Anger
           contumeliously
           ,
           
             is
             subject
             to
             the
             Council
             ;
             but
             whoever
             shall
             say
             fool
             ,
             shall
             be
             punish'd
             with
             Hell-fire
             .
          
           Therefore
           Men
           are
           apt
           to
           presume
           of
           their
           intellectual
           Abilities
           :
           One
           says
           ,
           I
           have
           not
           Learning
           ,
           as
           those
           who
           are
           pale
           with
           Study
           ,
           and
           whose
           Lamps
           shine
           at
           midnight
           ,
           but
           I
           have
           a
           stock
           of
           Natural
           Reason
           ;
           or
           I
           have
           not
           a
           quick
           Apprehension
           ,
           but
           I
           have
           a
           solid
           Judgment
           ;
           I
           have
           not
           Eloquence
           ,
           but
           I
           speak
           good
           Sense
           .
           The
           high
           conceit
           of
           Mens
           own
           worth
           declares
           it self
           several
           ways
           :
           Sometimes
           't
           is
           transparent
           in
           the
           Countenance
           ;
           
             There
             is
             a
             Generation
             ,
             O
             how
          
           
           
             lofty
             are
             their
             Eyes
             ,
             and
             their
             Eye-lids
             are
             lifted
             up
             .
          
           Sometimes
           't
           is
           manifest
           in
           haughty
           Carriage
           :
           If
           others
           do
           not
           express
           eminent
           respects
           to
           them
           ,
           't
           is
           resented
           as
           a
           neglect
           and
           injury
           .
           Their
           Apparel
           at
           first
           made
           to
           hide
           Shame
           ,
           proclaims
           their
           Pride
           .
        
         
           2.
           
           An
           inordinate
           desire
           of
           Reputation
           and
           Praise
           ,
           is
           another
           branch
           of
           Pride
           .
           The
           desire
           of
           Praise
           is
           sowed
           in
           the
           Humane
           Nature
           for
           excellent
           ends
           ;
           to
           restrain
           them
           from
           those
           alluring
           Lusts
           that
           will
           ruine
           their
           Reputation
           ,
           and
           to
           excite
           them
           to
           do
           things
           noble
           and
           beneficial
           to
           the
           Publick
           .
           Praise
           ,
           the
           reward
           of
           doing
           good
           ,
           is
           a
           powerful
           incentive
           to
           improve
           and
           secure
           the
           civil
           Felicity
           .
           The
           wise
           King
           tells
           us
           ,
           
             A
             good
             Name
             is
             rather
             to
             be
             chosen
             than
             great
             Riches
             .
          
           'T
           is
           a
           recompense
           God
           has
           promised
           ,
           
             The
             upright
             shall
             be
             praised
          
           .
        
         
           The
           Apostle
           excites
           us
           to
           strive
           after
           universal
           Holiness
           ,
           by
           motives
           from
           Reputation
           ,
           as
           well
           as
           from
           Conscience
           ;
           
             Whatsoever
             things
             are
             true
          
           ,
           for
           Conscience
           ,
           honest
           ,
           for
           Fame
           ,
           
             whatsoever
             are
             just
             and
             pure
          
           ,
           for
           Conscience
           ,
           
             whatsoever
             are
             lovely
          
           ,
           for
           Esteem
           ,
           
             if
             there
             be
             any
             vertue
             in
             our selves
             ,
             and
             praise
             from
             others
             ,
          
           to
           propagate
           it
           ,
           
             thinks
             on
             these
             things
          
           .
           But
           the
           inflamed
           desire
           of
           praise
           from
           men
           ,
           the
           being
           incens'd
           against
           others
           as
           
           envious
           or
           enemies
           that
           deny
           it
           ,
           the
           assuming
           it
           for
           unworthy
           Causes
           ,
           (
           where
           there
           is
           no
           true
           Virtue
           ,
           there
           is
           no
           just
           Praise
           )
           the
           terminating
           it
           on
           our selves
           ,
           and
           not
           transferring
           it
           to
           God
           ,
           are
           the
           effects
           of
           a
           vain-glorious
           Mind
           .
           Pride
           ,
           undervalues
           Goodness
           in
           it self
           ,
           and
           respects
           it
           only
           for
           the
           shadow
           that
           attends
           it
           .
           Praise
           is
           a
           Musick
           so
           inchanting
           ,
           that
           it
           inclines
           Men
           to
           believe
           that
           to
           be
           true
           which
           is
           pleasing
           ,
           and
           which
           they
           destre
           others
           should
           believe
           to
           be
           true
           .
           A
           Philosopher
           ,
           when
           a
           Box
           of
           Ointment
           of
           precious
           Composition
           was
           presented
           to
           him
           ,
           feeling
           his
           Spirits
           reviv'd
           with
           its
           Fragrancy
           ,
           broke
           forth
           with
           indignation
           against
           those
           Effeminate
           persons
           that
           perfume
           their
           Hair
           and
           Habits
           with
           it
           for
           vicious
           ends
           ,
           and
           made
           the
           use
           of
           it
           disgraceful
           .
           But
           when
           praise
           ,
           that
           is
           so
           sweet
           and
           powerful
           a
           motive
           to
           encourage
           generous
           Minds
           to
           the
           exploits
           of
           Vertue
           ,
           is
           bestowed
           on
           worthless
           persons
           ,
           't
           is
           more
           detestable
           .
           The
           poisonous
           flowers
           of
           false
           praise
           are
           pernicious
           to
           those
           who
           are
           deceiv'd
           and
           pleas'd
           with
           them
           .
           'T
           is
           the
           infellcity
           of
           those
           who
           are
           in
           the
           highest
           dignity
           ,
           to
           whom
           't
           is
           uneasie
           to
           descend
           into
           themselves
           ,
           and
           take
           a
           sincere
           serious
           view
           of
           their
           internal
           State
           ,
           and
           to
           whom
           Truth
           is
           harsh
           and
           displeasing
           ,
           they
           are
           in
           great
           
           danger
           of
           being
           Corrupted
           by
           Flatterers
           .
           Flattery
           is
           the
           familiar
           figure
           of
           those
           who
           Address
           to
           Princes
           :
           Sometimes
           by
           fine
           Fraud
           and
           unsuspected
           Artifice
           they
           give
           the
           Countenance
           of
           Truth
           to
           a
           Lye
           ,
           in
           representing
           them
           to
           excel
           in
           Wisdom
           and
           Vertue
           .
           But
           if
           Princes
           be
           so
           vain-glorious
           ,
           that
           moderate
           praise
           is
           esteem'd
           a
           diminution
           to
           their
           Greatness
           ,
           and
           only
           the
           strongest
           perfumes
           affect
           their
           Sense
           ,
           they
           will
           represent
           them
           as
           half
           Deities
           ,
           as
           second
           Suns
           to
           the
           World.
           'T
           was
           the
           judicious
           observation
           of
           Galba
           in
           his
           Discourse
           with
           Piso
           ,
           whom
           he
           design'd
           to
           be
           his
           Successor
           in
           the
           Empire
           of
           
             Rome
             .
             We
             speak
          
           
           
             with
             simplicity
             between
             our selves
             ;
             but
             others
             will
             rather
             speak
             with
             our
             State
             than
             with
             our
             Persons
             .
          
           In
           short
           ,
           all
           that
           have
           an
           eminent
           advantage
           to
           bestow
           Favours
           and
           Benefits
           are
           liable
           to
           be
           deceived
           by
           Flatterers
           ,
           who
           are
           like
           Concave-Glasses
           ,
           that
           represent
           small
           Objects
           in
           an
           exorbitant
           Figure
           :
           They
           will
           feed
           the
           Humours
           of
           those
           upon
           whom
           they
           depend
           ,
           and
           speak
           things
           pleasing
           to
           them
           ,
           and
           profitable
           to
           themselves
           .
           'T
           is
           their
           surest
           security
           to
           remember
           ,
           that
           Flatterers
           have
           a
           double
           Tongue
           ,
           and
           speak
           with
           one
           to
           them
           ,
           and
           with
           another
           of
           them
           .
        
         
         
           In
           short
           ,
           Vertue
           like
           the
           Sun
           is
           crown'd
           with
           its
           own
           Beams
           ,
           and
           needs
           no
           foreign
           Lustre
           ;
           and
           it
           argues
           a
           sound
           Mind
           to
           esteem
           Praise
           as
           a
           resultance
           from
           Vertue
           ,
           and
           Vertue
           for
           it self
           :
           But
           a
           proud
           Man
           as
           proud
           ,
           prefers
           the
           praise
           and
           shadow
           of
           Vertue
           before
           the
           reality
           :
           As
           a
           vain
           Woman
           would
           rather
           wear
           a
           counterfeit
           Necklace
           that
           is
           esteem'd
           true
           ,
           than
           one
           of
           the
           finest
           Oriental
           Pearls
           that
           is
           esteem'd
           counterfeit
           .
        
         
           3.
           
           Ambition
           ,
           or
           the
           hot
           aspiring
           after
           high
           Places
           ,
           and
           Titles
           of
           Precedency
           and
           Power
           ,
           is
           another
           branch
           of
           Pride
           .
           The
           desire
           of
           Superiority
           in
           this
           instance
           ,
           is
           so
           natural
           and
           universal
           ,
           that
           't
           is
           manifest
           in
           Persons
           of
           the
           lowest
           Rank
           :
           Servants
           ,
           Shepherds
           ,
           Labourers
           ,
           desire
           Power
           over
           others
           in
           their
           condition
           .
           'T
           is
           like
           Fire
           ,
           the
           more
           't
           is
           fed
           the
           more
           
           't
           is
           increas'd
           .
           Ambition
           ,
           if
           reinforc'd
           by
           Emulation
           ,
           will
           venture
           through
           foul
           ways
           ,
           by
           Treachery
           ,
           by
           Oppression
           ,
           and
           by
           Indignities
           ,
           to
           obtain
           Dignity
           .
           If
           any
           cross
           accident
           spoil
           their
           Feathers
           of
           flying
           to
           their
           mark
           ,
           they
           fall
           into
           Melancholy
           :
           
           If
           any
           Competitors
           be
           preferr'd
           ,
           they
           are
           ready
           to
           say
           ,
           't
           was
           not
           Vertue
           or
           Merit
           ,
           but
           Favour
           and
           Fortune
           that
           advanc'd
           them
           ;
           and
           that
           their
           own
           desert
           makes
           them
           unfortunate
           ;
           
           according
           to
           the
           two
           properties
           of
           Pride
           ,
           to
           exalt
           themselves
           ,
           and
           depress
           others
           .
        
         
           1.
           
           Spiritual
           Pride
           is
           distinguish'd
           from
           Moral
           ,
           as
           it
           more
           directly
           and
           immediately
           dishonours
           God.
           'T
           is
           true
           ,
           Pride
           is
           the
           Poison
           of
           every
           Sin
           ;
           for
           in
           transgressing
           the
           Divine
           Law
           ,
           Men
           preferr
           the
           pleasing
           their
           corrupt
           Wills
           and
           depraved
           Appetites
           ,
           before
           the
           obeying
           the
           sovereign
           and
           holy
           Will
           of
           God
           :
           But
           in
           some
           Sins
           there
           is
           a
           more
           immediate
           and
           explicit
           contempt
           of
           God
           ,
           and
           especially
           in
           Pride
           .
           Sins
           of
           this
           nature
           exceedingly
           provoke
           and
           kindle
           his
           Displeasure
           .
        
         
           1.
           
           When
           Men
           presume
           upon
           a
           self-sufficiency
           of
           Counsel
           ,
           or
           Power
           ,
           or
           Riches
           ,
           to
           obtain
           their
           ends
           .
           This
           Sin
           was
           charged
           upon
           
             Senacherib
             ;
             I
             will
             punish
          
           
           
             the
             fruit
             of
             the
             proud
             Heart
             of
             the
             King
             of
             Assyria
             ,
             and
             the
             glory
             of
             his
             high
             looks
             :
             For
             he
             saith
             ,
             By
             the
             strength
             of
             my
             Hand
             I
             have
             done
             it
             ,
             and
             by
             my
             Wisdom
             I
             am
             prudent
             .
          
           The
           Folly
           is
           equal
           to
           the
           Impiety
           ;
           as
           't
           is
           express'd
           by
           the
           Prophet
           ,
           
             Shall
             the
             Axe
             boast
             against
             him
             that
             hews
             with
             it
             ?
             Or
             the
             Sand
             magnifie
             himself
             against
             him
             that
             shaketh
             it
             ?
          
           Thus
           God
           speaks
           to
           Pharaoh
           King
           of
           
             Egypt
             ,
             Behold
             I
             am
             against
             thee
             ,
             the
             great
             Dragon
             that
             lyes
             in
             the
             midst
             of
             his
             waters
             ,
             which
             has
             said
             ,
             my
             River
             is
             mine
             own
             ,
          
           (
           O
           blasphemer
           !
           )
           
           
             and
             I
             have
             made
             it
             for
             my self
             .
          
           Thus
           Nebuchadnezzar
           boasted
           ,
           walking
           in
           his
           Palace
           ,
           
             Is
             not
             this
             great
             Babylon
             ,
             that
             I
             have
             built
             for
             the
             House
             of
             my
             Kingdom
             ,
             by
             the
             might
             of
             my
             Power
             and
             the
             glory
             of
             my
             Majesty
             ?
             I
             have
             laid
             the
             Foundations
             thereof
             on
             the
             centre
             of
             the
             Earth
             ,
             and
             raised
             its
             Towers
             to
             the
             Heavens
             .
          
        
         
           This
           Pride
           is
           attended
           with
           relyance
           and
           confidence
           in
           their
           own
           direction
           to
           contrive
           ,
           and
           ability
           to
           accomplish
           their
           designs
           ;
           and
           with
           assuming
           the
           glory
           of
           all
           their
           success
           intirely
           to
           themselves
           .
           The
           proud
           manage
           their
           affairs
           independently
           upon
           the
           Providence
           of
           God
           ,
           who
           is
           the
           Author
           of
           all
           our
           Faculties
           and
           the
           efficacy
           of
           them
           ,
           and
           totally
           neglect
           the
           two
           essential
           parts
           of
           Natural
           Religion
           ,
           Prayer
           and
           Praise
           ;
           or
           very
           slightly
           perform
           the
           external
           part
           ,
           without
           those
           inward
           Affections
           that
           are
           the
           Spirit
           and
           Life
           of
           them
           .
           'T
           was
           the
           wise
           Prayer
           of
           
             Agar
             ,
             Give
             me
             not
             Riches
             ,
             lest
             I
             be
             full
             ,
             and
             deny
             thee
             .
          
           God
           strictly
           cautions
           his
           People
           against
           this
           dangerous
           Sin
           ,
           
             Beware
             thou
             forget
             not
             the
             Lord
             ,
          
           
           
             and
             say
             in
             thy
             Heart
             ,
             my
             power
             and
             the
             might
             of
             my
             Hand
             ,
             hath
             gotten
             me
             this
             Wealth
             :
             Remember
             't
             is
             he
             that
             gives
             the
             power
             to
             get
             Riches
             .
          
           And
           't
           is
           equally
           dangerous
           ,
           lest
           Men
           should
           attribute
           
           Victories
           or
           Prosperity
           ,
           in
           any
           kind
           ,
           to
           their
           own
           Counsel
           and
           Resolution
           ,
           their
           Prudence
           and
           Power
           ,
           without
           humble
           and
           thankful
           observing
           and
           acknowledging
           the
           Divine
           Providence
           ,
           the
           fountain
           and
           original
           of
           all
           our
           Blessings
           .
        
         
           (
           2.
           )
           Whatever
           the
           kinds
           of
           Sin
           be
           ,
           when
           committed
           against
           knowledge
           with
           design
           and
           deliberation
           ,
           they
           proceed
           from
           Insolence
           and
           Obstinacy
           .
           The
           Israelites
           are
           charged
           with
           this
           aggravation
           in
           their
           sinning
           ;
           
             They
             dealt
             proudly
          
           
           
             and
             harden'd
             their
             necks
             ,
             and
             harken'd
             not
             to
             the
             Commandments
             ,
             and
             refused
             to
             obey
             .
          
           Proud
           Sinners
           are
           introduced
           boasting
           ;
           
             Our
             Tongues
             are
             our
             own
             ,
             who
             is
             Lord
             over
             us
             ?
          
           They
           will
           endure
           no
           restraints
           ,
           but
           are
           lawless
           and
           loose
           ,
           as
           if
           they
           were
           above
           fear
           and
           danger
           .
           'T
           is
           true
           ,
           there
           are
           few
           so
           prodigiously
           wicked
           as
           to
           speak
           thus
           ;
           but
           Mens
           Actions
           have
           a
           language
           as
           declarative
           as
           their
           Words
           :
           And
           sinning
           presumptuously
           with
           a
           high
           hand
           ,
           is
           constructively
           a
           denyal
           ,
           and
           despising
           of
           the
           Dominion
           and
           Power
           of
           the
           Law-giver
           ;
           as
           if
           he
           had
           no
           right
           to
           command
           ,
           nor
           strength
           to
           vindicate
           ,
           the
           Honour
           of
           his
           despised
           Deity
           .
           In
           the
           last
           Judgment
           the
           Punishment
           of
           rebellious
           Sinners
           will
           be
           according
           to
           the
           Glory
           of
           God's
           Majesty
           ,
           and
           the
           extent
           of
           his
           Power
           that
           was
           contemned
           and
           vilified
           by
           them
           .
        
         
         
           3.
           
           When
           Divine
           Judgments
           are
           sent
           to
           correct
           the
           dissolute
           disorders
           of
           the
           World
           ,
           and
           Sinners
           should
           with
           tenderness
           and
           trembling
           
             hear
             the
             Voice
             of
             the
             Rod
             ,
             and
             who
             has
             appointed
             it
             ,
          
           yet
           they
           proceed
           in
           their
           Wickedness
           ,
           as
           if
           God
           were
           not
           always
           Present
           to
           see
           their
           Sins
           ,
           nor
           Pure
           to
           hate
           them
           ,
           nor
           Righteous
           to
           exact
           a
           severe
           Judgment
           for
           them
           ,
           nor
           Powerful
           to
           inflict
           it
           ;
           this
           argues
           intolerable
           Pride
           and
           Obstinacy
           .
           God
           and
           Sinners
           are
           very
           unequal
           Enemies
           :
           The
           effects
           of
           his
           Displeasure
           should
           be
           received
           with
           obsequiousness
           ,
           not
           with
           obduration
           :
           Therefore
           the
           Apostle
           puts
           that
           confounding
           Question
           ,
           
             Do
             you
             provoke
             the
             Lord
             to
             jealousie
             ,
             are
             you
             stronger
             than
             he
             ?
             Can
             you
             encounter
             with
             offended
             Omnipotence
             ?
          
           To
           despise
           his
           Anger
           is
           as
           provoking
           as
           to
           despise
           his
           Love.
           'T
           is
           astonishing
           ,
           that
           Dust
           and
           Ashes
           should
           rise
           to
           such
           an
           incorrigible
           heighth
           of
           Pride
           ,
           as
           to
           fly
           in
           the
           Face
           of
           God
           :
           
             Who
             ever
             hardned
             himself
             against
             him
             ,
             and
             prospered
             ?
          
           All
           that
           are
           careless
           of
           God's
           design
           to
           reform
           them
           by
           Afflictions
           ,
           that
           seek
           for
           relief
           in
           diverting
           Business
           or
           Pleasures
           ,
           provoke
           God
           to
           more
           severe
           inflictions
           of
           his
           Anger
           :
           But
           those
           surly
           proud
           Natures
           that
           are
           exasperated
           by
           Sufferings
           ,
           and
           wrestle
           with
           the
           strongest
           Storms
           ,
           are
           in
           combination
           
           with
           the
           stubborn
           Spirits
           of
           Hell
           ,
           and
           shall
           have
           their
           portion
           with
           them
           .
        
         
           Lastly
           ,
           When
           Men
           have
           a
           vain
           presumption
           of
           the
           goodness
           of
           their
           spiritual
           state
           ,
           of
           the
           degrees
           of
           their
           Goodness
           ,
           and
           their
           stability
           in
           Goodness
           ,
           not
           sensible
           of
           their
           continual
           want
           of
           renewed
           supplies
           from
           Heaven
           ,
           they
           are
           guilty
           of
           spiritual
           Pride
           .
           Of
           this
           there
           are
           two
           Instances
           in
           Scripture
           ;
           the
           one
           in
           the
           Church
           of
           lukewarm
           Laodicea
           ,
           the
           other
           in
           the
           Pharisee
           ,
           mentioned
           by
           our
           Saviour
           .
           The
           first
           said
           ,
           
             I
             am
             rich
          
           ,
           
           
             and
             increased
             in
             goods
             ,
             and
             have
             need
             of
             nothing
             ;
             and
             knowest
             not
             ,
             that
             thou
             art
             wretched
             ,
             and
             poor
             ,
             and
             miserable
             ,
             and
             blind
             ,
             and
             naked
             .
          
           The
           Pharisee
           ,
           to
           raise
           the
           esteem
           of
           his
           own
           Goodness
           ,
           stands
           upon
           comparison
           with
           others
           ,
           whose
           Vices
           may
           be
           a
           foil
           to
           his
           seeming
           Graces
           :
           He
           said
           ,
           
             I
             am
             not
             as
             other
             Men
             are
             ,
             Extortioners
             ,
             Adulterers
             ,
             or
             even
             as
             this
             Publican
             .
          
           'T
           is
           true
           ,
           he
           superficially
           thanks
           God
           ,
           but
           the
           air
           of
           Pride
           transpires
           through
           his
           Devotion
           ,
           by
           valuing
           himself
           above
           others
           worse
           than
           himself
           ;
           as
           if
           his
           own
           Vertues
           were
           the
           productive
           cause
           of
           his
           distinguishing
           Goodness
           .
           If
           Humility
           be
           not
           mix'd
           in
           the
           exercise
           of
           every
           Grace
           ,
           't
           is
           of
           no
           value
           in
           God's
           esteem
           :
           The
           humble
           unjust
           
           Publican
           was
           rather
           justified
           than
           the
           proud
           Pharisee
           .
        
         
           This
           spiritual
           Pride
           is
           very
           observable
           in
           the
           superstitious
           ,
           who
           measuring
           Divine
           Things
           with
           Humane
           ,
           from
           that
           mixture
           of
           imaginations
           ,
           introduce
           carnal
           Rites
           into
           the
           Worship
           of
           God
           ,
           and
           value
           themselves
           upon
           their
           opinionative
           Goodness
           :
           They
           mistake
           the
           swelling
           of
           a
           Dropsie
           for
           substantial
           growth
           ,
           and
           presume
           themselves
           to
           be
           more
           holy
           than
           others
           ,
           for
           their
           proud
           singularity
           .
           Superstition
           is
           like
           Ivy
           ,
           that
           twines
           about
           the
           Tree
           ,
           and
           is
           its
           seeming
           ornament
           ,
           but
           drains
           its
           vital
           Sap
           ;
           and
           under
           its
           verdant
           Leaves
           covers
           a
           Carcass
           :
           Thus
           carnal
           Ceremonies
           seem
           to
           adorn
           Religion
           ,
           but
           really
           dispirit
           ,
           and
           weaken
           its
           efficacy
           .
           Pharisaical
           Pride
           is
           fomented
           by
           a
           zealous
           observance
           of
           things
           uncommanded
           in
           Religion
           ,
           neither
           pleasing
           to
           God
           ,
           nor
           profitable
           to
           Men.
           On
           the
           contrary
           ,
           some
           Visionaries
           pretend
           to
           such
           a
           sublimity
           of
           Grace
           and
           eminent
           Sanctity
           ,
           that
           they
           are
           above
           the
           use
           of
           Divine
           Ordinances
           :
           They
           pretend
           to
           live
           in
           immediate
           Communion
           with
           God
           ,
           as
           the
           Angels
           ;
           and
           dazled
           with
           specious
           Spiritualities
           ,
           they
           neglect
           Prayer
           ,
           hearing
           the
           Word
           ,
           and
           receiving
           the
           Sacrament
           ,
           the
           means
           of
           growing
           in
           Grace
           ,
           as
           if
           they
           were
           arrived
           at
           Perfection
           .
           
           This
           is
           the
           effect
           of
           spiritual
           Pride
           and
           Delusion
           .
        
         
           For
           the
           mortifying
           this
           vicious
           Disposition
           ,
           consider
           that
           Pride
           is
           in
           a
           high
           degree
           injurious
           and
           provoking
           to
           God.
           An
           ordinary
           Malefactor
           breaks
           the
           King's
           Laws
           ,
           but
           a
           Rebel
           strikes
           at
           his
           Person
           and
           Crown
           .
           The
           first
           and
           great
           Commandment
           is
           to
           honour
           God
           with
           the
           highest
           Esteem
           and
           Love
           ,
           with
           the
           most
           humble
           Adoration
           ;
           consequently
           ,
           the
           greatest
           Sin
           is
           the
           despising
           his
           Majesty
           ,
           and
           obscuring
           his
           Glory
           .
           There
           is
           no
           Sin
           more
           clearly
           opposite
           to
           Reason
           and
           Religion
           :
           For
           the
           most
           essential
           duty
           and
           character
           of
           an
           understanding
           Creature
           ,
           is
           dependance
           and
           observance
           of
           God
           as
           the
           first
           cause
           and
           last
           end
           of
           all
           things
           ;
           receiving
           with
           thankfulness
           his
           Benefits
           ;
           and
           referring
           them
           all
           to
           his
           Glory
           .
           Pride
           contradicts
           natural
           Justice
           ,
           by
           intercep●ing
           the
           grateful
           affectionate
           ascent
           of
           the
           Soul
           to
           God
           ,
           in
           celebrating
           his
           Greatness
           and
           Goodness
           .
           A
           proud
           Man
           constructively
           puts
           himself
           out
           of
           the
           number
           of
           God's
           Creatures
           ,
           and
           deserves
           to
           be
           excluded
           from
           his
           tender
           Providence
           .
           The
           Jealousie
           of
           God
           ,
           his
           most
           severe
           and
           sensible
           Attribute
           ,
           is
           kindled
           for
           this
           revolture
           of
           the
           Creature
           from
           its
           Duty
           ,
           and
           the
           depriving
           him
           of
           his
           proper
           Glory
           .
           'T
           is
           true
           ,
           
           Gods
           declarative
           Glory
           is
           not
           profitable
           to
           him
           :
           But
           he
           will
           not
           give
           his
           glory
           to
           another
           ,
           nor
           permit
           another
           to
           usurp
           it
           :
           his
           Concession
           and
           Consent
           would
           be
           directly
           contrary
           to
           the
           Eternal
           Rule
           of
           Righteousness
           ,
           and
           therefore
           impossible
           without
           the
           denial
           of
           himself
           .
        
         
           Pride
           is
           in
           the
           Front
           of
           those
           Sins
           which
           God
           hates
           ,
           and
           are
           an
           Abomination
           to
           him
           :
           
             A
             proud
             look
          
           ,
           that
           is
           seldom
           disjoin'd
           from
           a
           proud
           Heart
           .
           God
           
             looks
             upon
          
           
           
             the
             proud
             afar
             off
             with
             a
             holy
             Disdain
             :
          
           He
           resists
           the
           Proud.
           Pride
           is
           the
           most
           pernicious
           of
           all
           Vices
           :
           for
           whereas
           any
           single
           Vice
           is
           opposite
           to
           its
           contrary
           Vertue
           :
           Uncleanness
           expels
           Chastity
           ;
           Covetousness
           ,
           Liberality
           ;
           Pride
           ,
           like
           an
           infectious
           Disease
           ,
           taints
           the
           sound
           parts
           ,
           Corrupts
           the
           Actions
           of
           every
           Vertue
           ,
           and
           deprives
           them
           of
           their
           true
           Grace
           and
           Glory
           .
           Pride
           is
           so
           offensive
           to
           God
           ,
           that
           he
           sometimes
           permits
           his
           Children
           to
           fall
           into
           sins
           of
           another
           kind
           to
           Correct
           Pride
           .
           And
           he
           is
           an
           unskilful
           Physician
           that
           Cures
           one
           Disease
           by
           a
           worse
           .
           When
           the
           Apostle
           was
           liable
           to
           the
           temptation
           of
           Pride
           ,
           for
           his
           Coelestial
           Visions
           ,
           Satan
           was
           permitted
           to
           buffet
           him
           .
           A
           strange
           Dispensation
           ,
           that
           the
           Prince
           of
           Pride
           was
           let
           loose
           to
           instruct
           him
           in
           Humility
           .
        
         
           The
           fearful
           Examples
           of
           God's
           Wrath
           upon
           the
           Proud
           ,
           most
           convincingly
           prove
           
           how
           odious
           they
           are
           in
           his
           sight
           .
           The
           Angels
           fell
           by
           Pride
           ,
           and
           are
           the
           most
           cursed
           creatures
           of
           the
           Creation
           ,
           and
           bound
           with
           Chains
           of
           Darkness
           to
           the
           Judgment
           of
           the
           Great
           Day
           .
           Adam
           was
           sick
           of
           the
           same
           Disease
           ,
           which
           involv'd
           him
           and
           his
           Progeny
           under
           the
           Sentence
           of
           the
           first
           and
           second
           Death
           .
           How
           many
           great
           Kings
           ,
           for
           the
           insolent
           forgetfulness
           of
           their
           frail
           Condition
           ,
           were
           by
           Divine
           Vengeance
           cast
           down
           from
           the
           heighth
           of
           their
           Glory
           ,
           and
           made
           spectacles
           of
           ignominious
           Misery
           .
           The
           proud
           and
           stubborn
           Pharaoh
           that
           defy'd
           the
           Almighty
           ,
           and
           said
           ,
           
             Who
             is
             the
             Lord
             ,
             that
             I
             should
             obey
             him
             ,
             and
             let
             Israel
             go
             ?
          
           that
           threatned
           ,
           
             I
             will
             pursue
             ,
             I
             will
             overtake
             ,
             I
             will
             divide
             the
             spoil
             :
          
           Like
           the
           raging
           Sea
           that
           roars
           ,
           and
           foams
           ,
           and
           swells
           ,
           threatning
           to
           drown
           the
           Land
           ,
           but
           when
           't
           is
           come
           to
           its
           appointed
           Limits
           ,
           the
           weak
           Sand
           ,
           as
           if
           its
           Fury
           were
           turn'd
           into
           Fear
           ,
           retires
           into
           its
           own
           Channel
           ;
           that
           proud
           King
           was
           tam'd
           by
           Frogs
           and
           Flies
           ,
           and
           at
           last
           drown'd
           with
           his
           Army
           in
           the
           
             Red
             Sea.
             Senacherib
          
           so
           high
           flown
           with
           the
           Conceit
           of
           his
           Irresistible
           Strength
           ,
           that
           he
           Challeng'd
           Heaven
           ,
           
             Who
             is
             your
             God
             ?
             that
             he
             should
             be
             able
             to
             deliver
             you
             out
             of
             my
             hands
             ?
          
           found
           there
           was
           a
           just
           power
           above
           ,
           that
           in
           one
           Night
           destroy'd
           his
           mighty
           Army
           ,
           and
           
           afterward
           cut
           him
           off
           in
           his
           Idolatry
           .
           Nebuchadnezzar
           the
           Head
           of
           Gold
           in
           the
           Figure
           representing
           the
           Empires
           of
           the
           World
           ,
           was
           for
           his
           Pride
           turn'd
           a
           grazing
           among
           the
           Beasts
           ,
           and
           by
           his
           Fall
           was
           the
           Argument
           of
           the
           Insultation
           ,
           
             Thou
             saidst
             in
             thy
             heart
             ,
             I
             will
             ascend
             into
          
           
           
             Heaven
             ,
             I
             will
             exalt
             my
             Throne
             above
             the
             Stars
             of
             God
             :
             I
             will
             ascend
             above
             the
             heighth
             of
             the
             Clouds
             ,
             I
             will
             be
             like
             the
             most
             high
             .
             How
             art
             thou
             fallen
             from
             heaven
             ,
             O
             Lucifer
             ,
             Son
             of
             the
             morning
             ?
             how
             art
             thou
             cut
             down
             to
             the
             ground
             that
             didst
             weaken
             nations
             .
             Herod
          
           for
           usurping
           Divine
           Honour
           was
           devour'd
           by
           Worms
           .
           In
           every
           Age
           there
           are
           instances
           of
           God's
           terrible
           Wrath
           upon
           the
           Proud.
           
        
         
           2.
           
           Pride
           is
           very
           odious
           in
           the
           sight
           of
           Men
           :
           therefore
           it
           often
           borrows
           the
           mask
           of
           Humility
           to
           obtain
           its
           ends
           :
           but
           't
           is
           always
           odious
           to
           God
           ,
           who
           sees
           the
           most
           intimate
           workings
           of
           it
           in
           the
           heart
           .
           A
           proud
           Man
           is
           an
           Enemy
           to
           the
           more
           Excellent
           and
           Worthy
           :
           he
           is
           pleas'd
           with
           the
           Vices
           and
           Infelicities
           of
           others
           ,
           as
           they
           afford
           an
           advantage
           to
           exalt
           himself
           above
           them
           ,
           and
           grieved
           at
           their
           Vertues
           and
           Happiness
           which
           render
           them
           more
           valuable
           than
           himself
           .
        
         
           Pride
           is
           the
           Parent
           of
           Contention
           :
           it
           exasperates
           the
           Sense
           of
           a
           small
           Offence
           ,
           puts
           an
           edge
           upon
           Anger
           ,
           and
           has
           often
           
           afforded
           tragical
           Subjects
           ,
           that
           have
           fill'd
           the
           Scenes
           with
           Tears
           and
           Blood.
           Humility
           produces
           Patience
           :
           for
           it
           makes
           a
           Man
           lower
           in
           his
           own
           Eyes
           ,
           than
           he
           is
           in
           the
           opinion
           of
           others
           .
           Pride
           treats
           others
           with
           Contempt
           and
           Censure
           ,
           and
           thereby
           provokes
           them
           to
           turn
           Reverence
           into
           Despising
           ,
           and
           Love
           into
           Hatred
           :
           When
           a
           proud
           Man
           falls
           into
           Misery
           ,
           he
           is
           the
           least
           lamented
           .
        
         
           That
           the
           Cure
           of
           this
           Lust
           is
           very
           difficult
           ,
           will
           be
           evident
           by
           a
           Complexion
           of
           Considerations
           .
        
         
           1.
           
           Pride
           is
           the
           Sin
           to
           which
           Angels
           and
           Men
           in
           their
           best
           state
           were
           peculiarly
           liable
           .
           The
           Angels
           intermitting
           the
           vision
           of
           the
           Divine
           Glory
           ,
           and
           reflecting
           upon
           their
           Excellencies
           ,
           were
           intoxicated
           with
           Self-admiration
           .
           'T
           is
           strange
           to
           Amazement
           ,
           that
           they
           should
           so
           suddenly
           unlearn
           their
           Natures
           ,
           and
           disclaim
           their
           Maker
           ,
           who
           had
           prevented
           them
           with
           his
           excellent
           Benefits
           ,
           and
           rais'd
           them
           to
           that
           Bright
           Eminence
           above
           other
           Creatures
           .
           Man
           in
           the
           state
           of
           unstain'd
           Innocence
           ,
           when
           all
           Perfections
           of
           Body
           and
           Mind
           enter'd
           into
           his
           Composition
           ,
           with
           all
           his
           Luminaries
           and
           Graces
           was
           Corrupted
           by
           Pride
           .
           
             You
             shall
             be
             like
             Gods
          
           ,
           was
           the
           Temptation
           that
           corrupted
           him
           .
           Prodigious
           disorder
           !
           His
           Pride
           begins
           when
           his
           
           true
           Glory
           Ends
           :
           and
           his
           Humility
           ends
           when
           his
           Shame
           begins
           .
        
         
           In
           the
           depraved
           Nature
           of
           Man
           ,
           Pride
           is
           the
           Radical
           Reigning
           Sin
           ,
           that
           first
           Lives
           and
           last
           Dies
           .
           'T
           is
           call'd
           
             the
             Pride
             of
             Life
          
           .
           Pride
           springs
           up
           in
           the
           Heart
           of
           a
           Child
           ,
           and
           continues
           to
           extreme
           Age.
           Other
           Vices
           have
           their
           Seasons
           ,
           which
           being
           expir'd
           they
           wither
           and
           decay
           .
           Carnal
           pleasures
           change
           their
           Natures
           ,
           and
           become
           distastful
           ;
           but
           Pride
           flourishes
           
           and
           grows
           in
           every
           Age.
           Now
           't
           is
           usually
           in
           vain
           to
           give
           Counsels
           of
           Wisdom
           to
           those
           who
           are
           sunk
           into
           Holly
           ,
           the
           proper
           Season
           is
           to
           Instruct
           and
           Caution
           ,
           when
           it
           may
           be
           preventive
           of
           Folly.
           
        
         
           The
           difficulty
           of
           the
           Cure
           is
           increas'd
           ,
           in
           that
           like
           a
           Hectic
           Feaver
           't
           is
           not
           easily
           discerned
           till
           't
           is
           almost
           incurable
           .
           Some
           Vices
           are
           odious
           from
           the
           visible
           matter
           of
           them
           ,
           Intemperance
           ,
           Uncleanness
           ,
           and
           Injustice
           ,
           by
           defrauding
           and
           oppressing
           others
           ;
           but
           Pride
           is
           often
           excited
           and
           drawn
           forth
           by
           the
           same
           things
           wherein
           Vertues
           are
           exercised
           ,
           and
           distinguished
           only
           by
           the
           end
           ,
           which
           is
           often
           concealed
           from
           our
           own
           sight
           .
           The
           Pharisee
           is
           a
           signal
           Instance
           of
           this
           .
           A
           Man
           may
           visibly
           despise
           the
           Pomp
           and
           Vanities
           of
           the
           World
           ,
           and
           this
           may
           raise
           his
           osteem
           in
           the
           minds
           of
           real
           
           Saints
           ;
           and
           the
           outward
           practice
           of
           Goodness
           ,
           will
           be
           productive
           of
           the
           praise
           of
           Goodness
           in
           others
           :
           This
           will
           afford
           a
           strong
           temptation
           of
           Pride
           .
           All
           the
           operations
           of
           Vertues
           ,
           even
           the
           exercise
           of
           Humility
           ,
           that
           are
           the
           matter
           and
           argument
           of
           Praise
           ,
           may
           be
           incentives
           of
           Pride
           ;
           and
           those
           Diseases
           are
           extreamly
           dangerous
           ,
           which
           are
           nourish'd
           by
           that
           Food
           that
           is
           necessary
           to
           support
           Life
           .
           The
           old
           Serpent
           when
           he
           cannot
           seduce
           Men
           by
           carnal
           Temptations
           ,
           which
           are
           easily
           discovered
           ,
           inspires
           with
           so
           soft
           a
           breath
           the
           opinion
           of
           their
           own
           Vertues
           ,
           that
           they
           are
           insensibly
           tainted
           .
        
         
           The
           desire
           of
           external
           Honour
           and
           Power
           beyond
           what
           they
           deserve
           to
           be
           desir'd
           ,
           and
           what
           is
           due
           to
           the
           Persons
           desirous
           of
           them
           ,
           is
           not
           easily
           discovered
           :
           Partly
           ,
           in
           that
           the
           aspiring
           after
           Dignity
           is
           in
           the
           universal
           consent
           of
           Men
           ,
           an
           argument
           and
           indication
           of
           a
           sublime
           Spirit
           ;
           whereas
           the
           modest
           refusal
           of
           it
           ,
           exposes
           to
           Infamy
           ,
           as
           if
           the
           refuser
           had
           a
           Leaden
           Soul
           ,
           whose
           Body
           is
           rather
           its
           Sepulchre
           than
           its
           Instrument
           :
           And
           the
           Heart
           is
           the
           arch-deceiver
           ,
           the
           most
           partial
           parasite
           ,
           and
           its
           natural
           falseness
           is
           fomented
           by
           the
           artificial
           Flatteries
           of
           servile
           Spirits
           .
           Every
           Man
           is
           a
           stranger
           to
           himself
           ;
           as
           the
           Eye
           sees
           things
           without
           ,
           but
           is
           blind
           as
           
           to
           the
           seeing
           it self
           .
           Men
           study
           to
           know
           more
           of
           others
           than
           of
           themselves
           ,
           and
           therefore
           know
           less
           .
        
         
           In
           curing
           the
           Diseases
           of
           the
           Soul
           ,
           we
           are
           directed
           by
           the
           method
           of
           curing
           the
           Diseases
           of
           the
           Body
           ;
           which
           is
           sometimes
           by
           Medicines
           contrary
           to
           their
           Nature
           ,
           and
           sometimes
           by
           those
           which
           are
           like
           to
           it
           .
           The
           Feverish
           Heat
           is
           not
           only
           quench'd
           by
           cooling
           Juleps
           ,
           but
           by
           Cordials
           that
           fortifie
           the
           Vital
           Heat
           ,
           which
           consumes
           the
           peccant
           Humours
           that
           foment
           the
           Fever
           .
        
         
           1.
           
           Consider
           those
           things
           which
           may
           allay
           the
           tumor
           of
           Pride
           and
           Vanity
           .
           Reason
           is
           the
           perfection
           of
           Man
           ,
           and
           the
           knowledge
           of
           God
           and
           our selves
           is
           the
           perfection
           of
           Reason
           :
           From
           hence
           proceeds
           the
           magnifying
           God
           ,
           and
           vilifying
           our selves
           .
        
         
           God
           is
           the
           eternal
           Jehovah
           ,
           
             and
             there
             is
             none
             besides
             him
             .
          
           He
           alone
           has
           an
           independent
           and
           infinite
           Existence
           .
           All
           other
           things
           are
           from
           his
           Efficiency
           :
           Every
           spark
           of
           Life
           ,
           and
           degree
           of
           Being
           is
           from
           him
           .
           Without
           the
           least
           strain
           of
           his
           Power
           he
           made
           the
           World
           ,
           and
           as
           easily
           upholds
           it
           .
           All
           created
           things
           have
           but
           an
           appearance
           and
           shew
           of
           Being
           ,
           in
           him
           alone
           is
           the
           solidity
           and
           stability
           of
           Being
           for
           ever
           .
           He
           dwells
           in
           Light
           unapproachable
           ,
           not
           only
           to
           
           mortal
           Eyes
           ,
           but
           to
           the
           immortal
           Angel
           .
           He
           is
           the
           only
           Wise
           ,
           and
           Good
           ,
           and
           Immortal
           Being
           .
           In
           the
           present
           state
           ,
           great
           and
           small
           are
           not
           words
           of
           absolute
           but
           comparative
           signification
           ,
           with
           respect
           to
           the
           various
           conditions
           of
           Men
           ;
           as
           one
           Pearl
           is
           called
           great
           respectively
           to
           another
           ,
           though
           small
           in
           it self
           :
           But
           there
           is
           none
           absolutely
           great
           but
           God
           ,
           who
           is
           truly
           infinite
           .
           In
           Heaven
           ,
           where
           the
           blessed
           Spirits
           have
           the
           most
           immediate
           and
           fullest
           view
           of
           the
           Deity
           ,
           
             the
             Lord
             alone
             is
             exalted
          
           .
        
         
           2.
           
           Consider
           that
           the
           whole
           World
           intellectual
           and
           sensible
           ,
           compar'd
           to
           God
           ,
           are
           but
           as
           
             the
             drop
             of
             the
             bucket
             ,
             and
             the
             dust
             of
             the
             ballance
             :
          
           And
           what
           part
           are
           we
           of
           that
           drop
           and
           dust
           ?
           If
           we
           consider
           Men
           in
           the
           state
           of
           primitive
           Nature
           ,
           it
           is
           an
           evident
           Principle
           written
           in
           their
           Hearts
           ,
           with
           characters
           of
           the
           clearest
           Light
           ,
           That
           't
           is
           their
           most
           reasonable
           Duty
           ,
           entirely
           to
           renounce
           themselves
           ,
           and
           to
           devote
           themselves
           to
           the
           Glory
           of
           God
           :
           But
           if
           we
           consider
           them
           as
           Creatures
           and
           Sinners
           ,
           that
           can
           assume
           nothing
           as
           their
           own
           ,
           but
           their
           Sins
           and
           Miseries
           ,
           the
           penal
           consequents
           of
           them
           ;
           this
           will
           humble
           us
           below
           the
           Brutes
           ,
           who
           never
           transgress'd
           the
           order
           of
           their
           Creation
           .
           We
           are
           less
           than
           the
           least
           of
           
           
             all
             God's
             Mercies
          
           ,
           and
           our
           Sins
           deserve
           the
           heaviest
           of
           his
           Judgments
           .
        
         
           Consider
           the
           Men
           that
           most
           excel
           others
           ,
           are
           as
           naked
           of
           Natural
           Good
           ,
           as
           destitute
           of
           Moral
           and
           Spiritual
           Good
           as
           others
           .
           
             Every
             good
             and
             perfect
             gift
             comes
             from
             the
             Father
             of
             Lights
             :
          
           And
           as
           those
           are
           the
           best
           Gifts
           that
           come
           from
           him
           in
           that
           notion
           ,
           so
           they
           are
           most
           depending
           upon
           him
           ,
           and
           are
           continued
           by
           irradiations
           from
           him
           .
           There
           is
           a
           difference
           between
           the
           impressions
           of
           Sounds
           ,
           and
           the
           emanations
           of
           Light
           in
           the
           Air.
           Sounds
           are
           propagated
           by
           successive
           motion
           from
           one
           part
           of
           space
           into
           another
           ;
           after
           the
           first
           cause
           ,
           the
           sounding
           instrument
           is
           silent
           .
           But
           a
           line
           of
           Light
           extended
           through
           the
           Air
           ,
           depends
           intirely
           and
           necessarily
           upon
           the
           original
           point
           of
           Light
           from
           whence
           it
           proceeds
           .
           The
           Rays
           of
           Light
           that
           fill
           the
           Air
           ,
           in
           the
           first
           instant
           that
           the
           Sun
           withdraws
           from
           the
           Horison
           ,
           all
           vanish
           .
           Thus
           all
           Spiritual
           Gifts
           depend
           continually
           upon
           the
           influxive
           presence
           of
           God.
           Now
           how
           can
           we
           be
           proud
           of
           his
           most
           precious
           Gifts
           ,
           of
           which
           we
           make
           a
           forfeiture
           and
           cannot
           possess
           without
           Humility
           ?
           The
           most
           eminent
           advantages
           which
           some
           have
           above
           others
           ,
           are
           the
           shining
           marks
           of
           his
           Bounty
           .
           How
           absurd
           is
           
           it
           for
           one
           to
           boast
           of
           Wealth
           ,
           who
           daily
           lives
           upon
           Alms
           ?
           The
           more
           we
           receive
           ,
           the
           higher
           are
           our
           Obligations
           ,
           and
           the
           more
           heavy
           will
           be
           our
           account
           .
           The
           Mind
           is
           darken'd
           with
           the
           thickest
           dregs
           of
           ignorance
           that
           no
           Light
           can
           penetrate
           ,
           that
           arrogates
           the
           Honour
           of
           his
           free
           Favours
           ,
           and
           bountiful
           Hand
           to
           the
           Creature
           .
        
         
           To
           be
           more
           instructive
           ,
           let
           us
           Consider
           what
           are
           the
           usual
           Incentives
           of
           Pride
           ,
           and
           we
           shall
           discover
           that
           Ignonorance
           and
           Vanity
           are
           always
           mixt
           with
           them
           .
        
         
           Women
           ,
           by
           Mens
           Wretched
           Idolizing
           them
           ,
           are
           vainly
           proud
           of
           their
           Beauty
           ,
           and
           more
           jealous
           lest
           their
           Faces
           be
           deform'd
           than
           their
           Souls
           .
           Now
           what
           is
           Flesh
           and
           Blood
           ,
           but
           a
           mixture
           of
           Earth
           and
           Water
           ?
           What
           is
           Beauty
           ,
           a
           superficial
           Appearance
           ,
           a
           Flower
           blasted
           by
           a
           thousand
           Accidents
           ?
           How
           soon
           are
           the
           Colours
           and
           Charms
           of
           the
           Face
           vanisht
           ?
           How
           often
           does
           it
           betray
           them
           to
           those
           Sins
           ,
           that
           are
           signally
           punisht
           with
           the
           foulest
           deformity
           and
           rottenness
           ?
           The
           most
           beautiful
           are
           not
           less
           Mortal
           than
           others
           :
           they
           must
           shortly
           be
           the
           prey
           of
           Death
           ,
           and
           pasture
           of
           Worms
           ,
           and
           can
           such
           a
           fading
           Toy
           inspire
           Pride
           into
           them
           ?
        
         
         
           Some
           are
           swell'd
           with
           the
           Conceit
           of
           their
           Riches
           :
           but
           this
           is
           very
           unreasonable
           ,
           for
           no
           external
           accession
           can
           add
           real
           value
           to
           a
           person
           ,
           Fools
           only
           worship
           a
           Golden
           Calf
           .
           If
           any
           air
           of
           Pride
           rises
           in
           a
           Rich
           Possessor
           ,
           it
           may
           as
           justly
           provoke
           God
           to
           recal
           his
           Blessings
           as
           he
           liberally
           bestowed
           them
           .
        
         
           Others
           presume
           upon
           the
           Nobility
           of
           their
           Extraction
           ,
           but
           whoever
           our
           more
           immediate
           Parents
           be
           ,
           if
           we
           ascend
           in
           our
           thoughts
           ,
           we
           must
           come
           to
           our
           grand
           Progenitor
           Adam
           ,
           the
           Son
           of
           the
           Earth
           ,
           and
           Fountain
           of
           Mankind
           .
           All
           are
           Streams
           from
           him
           ,
           if
           some
           slide
           along
           in
           the
           low
           Grounds
           ,
           and
           some
           are
           received
           in
           Marble
           Repositories
           ,
           they
           all
           flow
           from
           the
           same
           Original
           .
           How
           often
           do
           the
           Honourable
           tarnish
           the
           Colour
           and
           Lustre
           of
           their
           Blood
           by
           degenerous
           Actions
           ?
           How
           often
           are
           the
           Rich
           and
           Great
           forsaken
           of
           their
           Dependents
           ,
           and
           only
           attended
           by
           a
           train
           of
           Miseries
           ,
           maintain'd
           by
           their
           Expences
           ?
           Such
           Revolutions
           are
           not
           more
           strange
           than
           Eclipses
           are
           to
           the
           Moon
           .
        
         
           Some
           are
           rais'd
           to
           the
           heighth
           of
           Secular
           Honour
           ,
           and
           there
           is
           nothing
           sends
           up
           more
           hot
           ,
           fuming
           ,
           and
           intoxicating
           
           Spirits
           ,
           than
           Soveraign
           Power
           .
           Humility
           in
           a
           state
           of
           the
           highest
           Honour
           ,
           is
           
           a
           very
           rare
           vertue
           .
           But
           there
           are
           many
           things
           ,
           which
           duly
           consider'd
           ,
           will
           lower
           the
           train
           of
           Pride
           even
           in
           Kings
           .
           The
           Pre-eminence
           of
           external
           Order
           ,
           is
           seldom
           joyn'd
           with
           the
           Pre-eminence
           of
           inherent
           Excellencies
           .
           How
           many
           wear
           Royal
           Crowns
           ,
           that
           are
           Slaves
           to
           their
           Lusts
           ,
           and
           govern
           others
           who
           cannot
           govern
           themselves
           ?
           Besides
           ,
           there
           is
           no
           Heighth
           and
           Eminence
           upon
           Earth
           ,
           but
           is
           encompast
           with
           precipices
           and
           perils
           .
           The
           Throne
           leaves
           some
           ,
           and
           all
           must
           leave
           the
           Throne
           .
           The
           greatest
           Monarchs
           ,
           and
           the
           most
           proud
           of
           their
           Greatness
           ,
           must
           descend
           into
           the
           Grave
           ,
           without
           their
           Scepters
           and
           Flatterers
           ,
           and
           be
           Confin'd
           to
           a
           dark
           Solitude
           ,
           where
           they
           shall
           have
           no
           other
           State
           or
           Carpets
           ,
           but
           the
           Worms
           to
           cover
           them
           ,
           and
           Corruption
           under
           them
           .
           There
           is
           but
           one
           Kingdom
           that
           cannot
           be
           shaken
           ,
           and
           one
           Immortal
           King.
           In
           the
           next
           World
           ,
           they
           must
           stand
           upon
           a
           level
           with
           the
           meanest
           Wretches
           ,
           and
           be
           accountable
           to
           the
           High
           and
           Everlasting
           Judge
           ,
           for
           their
           management
           of
           his
           Vicegerency
           .
        
         
           There
           is
           nothing
           Man
           value
           themselves
           more
           than
           upon
           the
           account
           of
           their
           Understandings
           ;
           
             Knowledge
             puffs
             up
          
           .
           But
           how
           little
           do
           we
           know
           ?
           Pride
           is
           the
           
           effect
           of
           great
           Presumption
           ,
           and
           little
           Knowledge
           .
           Suppose
           one
           by
           experimental
           Curiosity
           and
           Inquiries
           could
           know
           all
           things
           in
           the
           Latitude
           of
           the
           sensible
           Creation
           ,
           this
           were
           but
           a
           refin'd
           kind
           of
           Vanity
           ,
           and
           could
           not
           afford
           satisfaction
           to
           an
           Immortal
           Spirit
           .
           In
           short
           ,
           suppose
           a
           person
           eminently
           endowed
           with
           Divine
           Qualities
           ,
           wherein
           the
           resemblance
           of
           God
           consists
           ,
           there
           cannot
           be
           the
           least
           reason
           of
           Pride
           ,
           for
           they
           are
           all
           Graces
           dispenc'd
           from
           the
           Soveraign
           unaccountable
           pleasure
           of
           God
           ,
           who
           makes
           the
           most
           excellent
           Saint
           to
           differ
           from
           others
           .
        
         
           2.
           
           It
           will
           be
           an
           Excellent
           Means
           to
           Cure
           Pride
           ,
           to
           convince
           the
           Minds
           of
           Men
           ,
           what
           is
           true
           Honour
           ,
           and
           direct
           their
           Desires
           to
           it
           .
        
         
           The
           Wisest
           of
           Kings
           has
           told
           us
           ,
           
             that
             before
             Honour
             is
             Humility
          
           .
           Pride
           is
           a
           degenerous
           passion
           ,
           debases
           a
           Man
           ,
           and
           brings
           him
           into
           miserable
           Bondage
           ,
           enslaves
           him
           to
           the
           ignorant
           multitude
           .
           Dependance
           upon
           the
           opinion
           and
           applause
           of
           the
           People
           ,
           whose
           Humors
           are
           very
           changeable
           ,
           is
           so
           uneasie
           ,
           that
           the
           Ambitious
           often
           Bite
           their
           heavy
           Chains
           ,
           though
           sometimes
           they
           Kiss
           them
           because
           they
           are
           gilded
           .
           But
           Humility
           preserves
           the
           True
           and
           Noble
           Freedom
           
           of
           the
           Mind
           of
           Man
           ,
           secures
           his
           dear
           
           Liberty
           ,
           and
           peaceful
           Dominion
           of
           himself
           .
           This
           is
           the
           effect
           of
           Excellent
           Wisdom
           .
        
         
           3.
           
           Humility
           is
           the
           most
           precious
           Ornament
           in
           God's
           Sight
           :
           and
           to
           be
           approved
           by
           the
           Divine
           Mind
           ,
           and
           accepted
           by
           the
           Divine
           Will
           ,
           is
           the
           highest
           Honour
           most
           worthy
           of
           our
           Ambition
           .
           'T
           is
           like
           the
           precious
           Balm
           ,
           that
           mixt
           with
           other
           Liquors
           sinks
           to
           the
           bottom
           :
           but
           then
           't
           is
           visible
           ,
           and
           most
           amiable
           in
           the
           Eyes
           of
           God.
           The
           Apostle's
           ambitious
           Labour
           was
           ,
           
             whether
             present
             or
             absent
             to
             be
             accepted
             of
             him
             .
          
           Now
           what
           is
           the
           vain
           esteem
           and
           fading
           breath
           of
           Men
           ,
           compar'd
           with
           the
           acceptance
           of
           God
           ?
           Doth
           a
           Learned
           Man
           value
           the
           praise
           of
           the
           Ignorant
           given
           to
           his
           Composures
           ,
           and
           disregard
           the
           approbation
           of
           the
           Learned
           ,
           the
           proper
           Judges
           of
           it
           ?
           Is
           Worldly
           Honour
           a
           certain
           indication
           of
           real
           worth
           ,
           or
           can
           it
           satisfie
           the
           desires
           of
           the
           Soul
           ?
           A
           piece
           of
           rotten
           Wood
           shines
           in
           the
           Dark
           ,
           but
           when
           the
           Day-Light
           appears
           ,
           forfeits
           its
           Lustre
           :
           so
           in
           the
           darkness
           of
           this
           World
           ,
           Titles
           of
           Honour
           seem
           Glorious
           ,
           but
           in
           the
           morning
           of
           Eternity
           they
           loose
           their
           flaming
           Brightness
           ,
           and
           vanish
           for
           ever
           .
           'T
           is
           true
           Magnanimity
           ,
           to
           
             despise
             the
          
           
           
           
             praise
             of
             men
             ,
             and
             to
             seek
             and
             value
             the
             honour
             that
             comes
             from
             God
             only
             .
          
           After
           this
           short
           Life
           ,
           Men
           are
           dead
           for
           ever
           to
           the
           pleasure
           of
           their
           Fame
           .
        
         
           I
           shall
           Conclude
           this
           part
           of
           our
           Subject
           with
           observing
           ,
           that
           Humility
           is
           a
           Vertue
           not
           known
           to
           the
           Philosophers
           ,
           who
           thought
           it
           to
           be
           opposite
           to
           Magnanimity
           :
           but
           't
           is
           especially
           recommended
           in
           the
           Gospel
           as
           a
           most
           Amiable
           and
           Excellent
           Grace
           .
           We
           are
           Commanded
           to
           
             do
             nothing
             through
             strife
             or
             vain-glory
             ,
          
           
           
             but
             in
             lowliness
             of
             mind
             let
             each
             esteem
             others
             better
             than
             themselves
             .
          
           This
           may
           seem
           an
           unreasonable
           Lesson
           ,
           and
           inconsistent
           with
           Sincerity
           .
           But
           although
           the
           difference
           between
           Men
           in
           Civil
           things
           ,
           and
           Intellectual
           Perfections
           be
           clear
           ,
           yet
           in
           Moral
           Qualities
           ,
           we
           knowing
           our
           own
           Defects
           and
           secret
           Faults
           ,
           may
           prefer
           others
           ,
           whose
           conceal'd
           Excellencies
           are
           visible
           to
           God
           ,
           before
           our selves
           .
           The
           Apostle
           Paul
           though
           he
           so
           excellently
           
             represented
             the
             King
             of
             Saints
             in
             his
             Life
             ,
          
           acknowledged
           himself
           to
           be
           the
           chief
           of
           Sinners
           .
           'T
           is
           observable
           that
           St.
           Peter
           ,
           in
           the
           account
           of
           his
           Fall
           and
           Repentance
           ,
           Recorded
           by
           St.
           Mark
           ,
           who
           wrote
           the
           Gospel
           by
           his
           Direction
           ,
           aggravates
           his
           Sin
           more
           than
           is
           exprest
           in
           the
           Gospel
           of
           St.
           Luke
           and
           St.
           John
           ,
           where
           his
           Denial
           
           is
           related
           ,
           but
           not
           his
           Cursing
           and
           Swearing
           ,
           saying
           ,
           
             I
             know
             not
             this
             man
          
           :
           and
           his
           Repentance
           is
           not
           so
           fully
           declar'd
           :
           for
           the
           other
           Evangelists
           tell
           us
           ,
           
             he
             wept
             bitterly
          
           in
           the
           reflection
           upon
           his
           denial
           of
           Christ
           ,
           but
           't
           is
           onely
           said
           in
           Mark
           ,
           when
           
             he
             thought
             on
             it
             he
             wept
             .
          
        
         
           Many
           Excellent
           Promises
           are
           made
           to
           the
           Humble
           .
           They
           are
           declar'd
           blessed
           by
           our
           Saviour
           ,
           who
           are
           not
           Rich
           in
           Treasures
           ,
           
             but
             poor
             in
             Spirit
             :
             God
             will
             revive
             the
             Spirit
             of
             the
             humble
             :
             He
             will
             give
             Grace
             to
             the
             humble
             ,
             and
             hear
             their
             Prayers
             .
          
           We
           are
           assur'd
           though
           the
           Lord
           be
           high
           ,
           yet
           he
           has
           a
           respect
           to
           the
           lowly
           :
           He
           sets
           his
           Esteem
           and
           Love
           on
           them
           ,
           regards
           and
           relieves
           them
           :
           Humility
           attracts
           the
           Eye
           and
           Heart
           of
           God
           himself
           .
           Job
           was
           never
           more
           accepted
           of
           God
           than
           when
           he
           abhorr'd
           himself
           .
        
         
           I
           shall
           add
           this
           Consideration
           ,
           that
           should
           be
           of
           Infinite
           weight
           with
           us
           :
           The
           Son
           of
           God
           came
           down
           from
           Heaven
           ,
           to
           set
           before
           us
           a
           pattern
           of
           Humility
           .
           He
           does
           in
           a
           special
           manner
           instruct
           us
           in
           this
           Lesson
           :
           
             Learn
             of
             me
             ,
             I
             am
             meek
             and
             lowly
             .
          
           Never
           could
           Glory
           ascend
           higher
           than
           in
           his
           Person
           ,
           nor
           Humility
           descend
           lower
           ,
           than
           in
           his
           Actions
           .
           There
           are
           the
           deepest
           
           imprinting
           passages
           of
           Humility
           in
           the
           whole
           Course
           of
           his
           despised
           Life
           ▪
           and
           Ignominious
           Sufferings
           .
           What
           can
           be
           more
           Honourable
           than
           to
           imitate
           the
           Humble
           King
           of
           Glory
           ?
        
      
       
         
         
           CHAP.
           IV.
           
        
         
           
             Infidelity
             ,
             Hypocrisie
             ,
             Envy
             ,
             are
             in
             a
             special
             Sense
             pollutions
             of
             the
             Spirit
             .
             The
             unreasonableness
             of
             Infidelity
             .
             Hypocrisie
             Consider'd
             :
             it
             sometimes
             proceeds
             from
             Ignorance
             and
             Error
             .
             Sins
             are
             hid
             under
             the
             appearance
             of
             Virtues
             .
             The
             stedfast
             belief
             of
             God's
             pure
             Eye
             ,
             an
             effectual
             means
             to
             Cure
             it
             .
             Envy
             at
             the
             good
             of
             others
             ,
             with
             Malice
             wishing
             them
             Evil.
             The
             necessity
             of
             Regeneration
             evident
             from
             the
             consideration
             of
             inward
             defilements
             .
             Motives
             to
             cleanse
             the
             Spirit
             .
             God
             is
             highly
             dishonour'd
             by
             them
             .
             They
             are
             more
             easily
             contracted
             ,
             and
             more
             frequently
             Committed
             ,
             than
             those
             that
             are
             acted
             by
             the
             Sensitive
             Faculties
             .
             They
             are
             more
             incurable
             .
             The
             Injections
             of
             Satan
             distinguisht
             from
             those
             Sinful
             Thoughts
             that
             arise
             from
             the
             Hearts
             of
             Men.
             They
             are
             our
             Infelicities
             .
          
        
         
           I
           Shall
           now
           proceed
           to
           Consider
           some
           other
           Sins
           ,
           that
           in
           a
           special
           Sense
           ,
           are
           the
           pollutions
           of
           the
           Spirit
           ▪
           It
           has
           been
           Observed
           already
           ,
           that
           in
           Carnal
           Sins
           ,
           the
           Spirit
           is
           the
           principal
           Agent
           ,
           but
           of
           other
           Sins
           't
           is
           the
           Subject
           .
           Such
           are
           Infidelity
           ,
           Hypocrisie
           ,
           Envy
           and
           Malice
           ,
           
           by
           which
           the
           Mind
           becomes
           dark
           and
           impure
           .
        
         
           Infidelity
           ,
           whether
           proceeding
           from
           secret
           Atheism
           ,
           or
           open
           Deism
           ,
           rejects
           reveal'd
           Religion
           ,
           as
           unnecessary
           and
           groundless
           .
           But
           the
           Arguments
           that
           are
           drawn
           from
           the
           clear
           and
           living
           Springs
           of
           Nature
           to
           prove
           the
           Being
           of
           God
           ,
           are
           of
           such
           Convincing
           Evidence
           ,
           that
           none
           but
           those
           whose
           Interest
           it
           is
           ,
           that
           there
           were
           no
           Supreme
           Lawgiver
           and
           Judge
           to
           Call
           them
           to
           an
           Account
           for
           their
           Actions
           ,
           can
           doubt
           of
           his
           Eternal
           Existence
           .
           Now
           that
           there
           is
           a
           God
           ,
           being
           proved
           ,
           the
           necessary
           Consequence
           from
           that
           Principle
           is
           ,
           that
           he
           must
           be
           honour'd
           and
           serv'd
           according
           to
           his
           own
           Will
           ,
           and
           that
           it
           becomes
           his
           Wisdom
           and
           Goodness
           to
           reveal
           his
           Will
           to
           Men
           ,
           the
           Rule
           of
           their
           Duty
           ,
           and
           that
           this
           be
           done
           in
           the
           most
           instructive
           and
           permanent
           way
           ,
           in
           Writing
           ,
           that
           is
           less
           liable
           to
           Corruption
           than
           Oral
           Tradition
           ,
           and
           that
           the
           Holy
           Scripture
           has
           in
           it
           such
           Conspicuous
           Characters
           of
           its
           descent
           from
           Heaven
           ,
           besides
           the
           most
           undoubted
           Testimony
           that
           it
           was
           written
           by
           Men
           Divinely
           Inspired
           ,
           and
           Infallible
           ,
           that
           without
           violating
           the
           Rules
           of
           sound
           Discourse
           we
           must
           yield
           our
           Assent
           to
           its
           Divine
           Authority
           ,
           and
           supernatural
           Doctrines
           reveal'd
           
           in
           it
           .
           I
           shall
           not
           here
           amplifie
           and
           illustrate
           these
           particulars
           ,
           having
           in
           some
           Discourses
           ,
           formerly
           publish'd
           ,
           of
           the
           Existency
           of
           God
           and
           the
           Immortality
           of
           the
           Soul
           ,
           and
           the
           Divinity
           of
           the
           Christian
           Religion
           ,
           manifested
           how
           desperate
           the
           Cause
           of
           the
           Atheists
           and
           Deists
           is
           to
           unprejudic'd
           Minds
           .
        
         
           Now
           though
           the
           deduction
           specified
           ,
           be
           according
           to
           the
           true
           rule
           of
           Ratiocination
           ,
           yet
           there
           are
           some
           that
           account
           it
           a
           slavery
           to
           fix
           their
           belief
           upon
           any
           Authority
           ,
           but
           will
           be
           free
           in
           believing
           as
           they
           are
           in
           their
           actions
           .
           I
           will
           therefore
           briefly
           produce
           some
           proofs
           of
           the
           Truth
           of
           Christian
           Religion
           ,
           that
           carry
           an
           uncontroulable
           Evidence
           in
           them
           :
           The
           abolishing
           Idolatry
           in
           the
           Pagan
           World
           ,
           in
           the
           time
           foretold
           by
           the
           Prophets
           ,
           is
           a
           palpable
           proof
           that
           Christian
           Religion
           was
           from
           the
           true
           God.
           The
           Instruments
           of
           this
           great
           Work
           ,
           were
           a
           few
           Fishermen
           ,
           that
           had
           neither
           Learning
           ,
           nor
           Arms
           ,
           nor
           Treasures
           :
           Patience
           was
           their
           Strength
           ,
           Poverty
           their
           Choice
           ,
           Disgrace
           their
           Honour
           :
           that
           without
           any
           Force
           ,
           but
           of
           Illumination
           and
           Perswasion
           ,
           of
           Humility
           and
           Charity
           ,
           and
           enduring
           the
           most
           terrible
           Sufferings
           ,
           they
           should
           vanquish
           the
           Pride
           of
           Philosophers
           ,
           the
           Tyrannous
           power
           of
           Princes
           ,
           the
           Rebellious
           Opposition
           of
           Mens
           Carnal
           
           Lusts
           ,
           is
           not
           Conceivable
           without
           the
           assistance
           of
           Divine
           Strength
           ,
           that
           convinc'd
           the
           most
           obstinate
           Enemies
           that
           the
           Doctrine
           was
           Divine
           ,
           by
           the
           Miracles
           done
           in
           Confirmation
           of
           it
           .
           Besides
           ,
           that
           which
           the
           wise
           Men
           in
           all
           Ages
           were
           searching
           for
           ,
           that
           is
           ,
           the
           perfection
           of
           the
           Law
           of
           Nature
           ,
           (
           at
           first
           engraven
           in
           the
           Hearts
           of
           Men
           by
           the
           Author
           of
           it
           )
           but
           in
           vain
           :
           for
           although
           Philosophy
           affords
           some
           notices
           of
           Good
           and
           Evil
           ,
           sufficient
           to
           check
           many
           notorious
           Vices
           ,
           yet
           't
           is
           not
           sufficient
           to
           direct
           Men
           in
           their
           universal
           Duty
           towards
           God
           ,
           others
           ,
           and
           themselves
           :
           but
           the
           Gospel
           is
           an
           instructive
           Light
           of
           our
           full
           Duty
           :
           it
           speaks
           to
           the
           Heart
           ,
           and
           changes
           its
           Thoughts
           and
           Affections
           ,
           and
           reforms
           the
           Life
           according
           to
           the
           pure
           and
           perfect
           Rule
           reveal'd
           in
           it
           .
           Now
           could
           an
           Imposture
           produce
           such
           a
           perfection
           of
           Vertue
           in
           the
           wicked
           World
           ?
           The
           true
           interpretation
           of
           the
           Moral
           Law
           in
           the
           Gospel
           is
           from
           God
           alone
           .
           
             V●x
             hominem
             non
             sonat
          
           .
           Could
           such
           a
           change
           be
           made
           without
           visible
           Miracles
           ?
           If
           the
           Christian
           Religion
           was
           planted
           and
           propagated
           without
           the
           Confirmation
           of
           Miracles
           ,
           it
           were
           a
           transcendent
           Miracle
           .
           And
           though
           we
           saw
           not
           the
           Miracles
           done
           by
           the
           Apostles
           ,
           yet
           we
           see
           the
           permanent
           effects
           of
           
           them
           ,
           in
           the
           belief
           and
           Lives
           of
           True
           Christians
           .
           Infidels
           are
           apt
           to
           reply
           ,
           if
           they
           saw
           Miracles
           performed
           to
           assure
           them
           of
           the
           Divinity
           of
           the
           Christian
           Religion
           ,
           they
           would
           believe
           it
           .
           'T
           is
           a
           vain
           pretence
           that
           Men
           would
           submit
           to
           the
           power
           of
           God
           declar'd
           by
           Miracles
           ,
           who
           deny
           his
           Authority
           made
           known
           in
           that
           eminent
           degree
           of
           Evidence
           in
           his
           Word
           .
           Abraham
           answer'd
           the
           Rich
           Man
           ,
           who
           desir'd
           a
           Messenger
           from
           the
           Dead
           might
           be
           sent
           to
           Convert
           his
           Brethren
           ,
           
             They
             have
             Moses
             and
             the
             Prophets
             ,
             and
             if
             they
             hear
             not
             them
             ,
             they
             would
             not
             be
             perswaded
             though
             one
             rose
             from
             the
             dead
             .
          
        
         
           In
           short
           ,
           those
           who
           resist
           so
           strong
           a
           Light
           as
           shines
           in
           the
           Scripture
           ,
           the
           delusion
           of
           their
           Mind
           is
           from
           their
           depraved
           Hearts
           .
           Speculative
           Truths
           obtain
           the
           present
           and
           easie
           Assent
           of
           the
           Mind
           ;
           but
           Truths
           directive
           of
           Practice
           ,
           if
           opposite
           to
           Mens
           Lusts
           ,
           though
           their
           Evidence
           be
           unexceptionable
           ,
           yet
           the
           carnal
           Mind
           is
           very
           averse
           from
           receiving
           them
           .
           This
           account
           is
           given
           of
           the
           Pharisees
           Infidelity
           ,
           
             they
             repented
             not
             that
          
           
           
             they
             might
             believe
             in
             him
          
           .
           When
           the
           Will
           is
           ingag'd
           in
           the
           love
           of
           Sin
           ,
           and
           Rebels
           against
           the
           Sanctity
           and
           Severity
           of
           the
           Gospel
           Commands
           ,
           't
           is
           congruous
           to
           reject
           it
           .
           The
           corrupt
           Affections
           hinder
           
           the
           due
           application
           of
           the
           Mind
           to
           consider
           the
           motives
           of
           Credibility
           ,
           and
           stain
           the
           Mind
           that
           it
           does
           not
           sincerely
           judge
           of
           them
           .
           Though
           Infidels
           pretend
           to
           be
           the
           only
           discoursing
           Wits
           of
           the
           Age
           ,
           to
           have
           the
           Oracles
           of
           Reason
           in
           their
           Breasts
           ,
           and
           despise
           others
           as
           Captives
           of
           a
           blind
           Belief
           ,
           yet
           their
           Folly
           is
           palpable
           and
           penal
           ,
           for
           having
           provoked
           God
           by
           their
           Infidelity
           ,
           they
           are
           left
           to
           the
           power
           of
           their
           Lusts
           ,
           and
           of
           the
           Tempter
           ,
           and
           sink
           deeper
           into
           darkness
           ,
           and
           become
           more
           hardned
           and
           presumptuous
           .
           Those
           who
           Embark
           with
           these
           distracted
           Pilots
           in
           such
           dangerous
           Seas
           ,
           have
           a
           mind
           to
           perish
           for
           ever
           .
        
         
           2.
           
           Hyprocrisie
           is
           a
           Spiritual
           Pollution
           .
           In
           its
           Theological
           Consideration
           it
           implyes
           a
           Counterfeiting
           Religion
           and
           Vertue
           :
           an
           affectation
           of
           the
           Name
           join'd
           with
           a
           disaffection
           to
           the
           Thing
           .
           
             The
             having
             a
             form
             of
             Godliness
             ,
             with
             denying
             the
             power
             of
             it
             .
          
           Accordingly
           ,
        
         
           1.
           
           Every
           Titular
           Christian
           ,
           who
           professes
           Subjection
           to
           Christ
           ,
           and
           lives
           in
           Habitual
           Disobedience
           to
           his
           Commands
           ,
           is
           an
           Hypocrite
           .
           The
           actions
           are
           the
           incarnate
           issues
           of
           the
           Heart
           wherein
           they
           are
           form'd
           ,
           and
           the
           clearest
           discovery
           of
           it
           .
           A
           Rebellious
           Course
           of
           Sin
           ,
           declares
           a
           person
           to
           be
           an
           Infidel
           ,
           notwithstanding
           
           his
           owning
           Christ
           to
           be
           our
           King
           :
           His
           Life
           is
           a
           continual
           Lye
           :
           He
           vainly
           presumes
           that
           God
           is
           his
           Father
           ,
           when
           his
           Actions
           declare
           him
           to
           
           be
           a
           Child
           of
           the
           Devil
           .
        
         
           2.
           
           Hypocrisie
           in
           a
           stricter
           sense
           is
           ,
           when
           Men
           presume
           their
           spiritual
           condition
           to
           be
           good
           ,
           upon
           false
           grounds
           .
           'T
           is
           observable
           ,
           no
           Man
           is
           a
           Hypocrite
           to
           himself
           out
           of
           choice
           ;
           he
           does
           not
           deliberately
           deceive
           himself
           :
           But
           one
           may
           be
           a
           Hypocrite
           without
           his
           knowledge
           ,
           by
           Ignorance
           and
           Error
           .
           He
           may
           think
           his
           inclination
           to
           some
           Vertues
           ,
           and
           his
           aversion
           from
           some
           Vices
           ,
           to
           be
           Divine
           Grace
           :
           But
           sympathies
           and
           antipathies
           proceed
           often
           from
           Natural
           Temper
           ,
           and
           not
           from
           the
           renewed
           Mind
           and
           Will
           ,
           from
           Judgment
           and
           Choice
           .
           A
           tame
           Dog
           is
           as
           truly
           a
           beast
           as
           a
           wild
           Wolf.
           A
           Man
           that
           performs
           only
           some
           good
           things
           ,
           and
           abstains
           from
           some
           evil
           ,
           from
           natural
           Conscience
           ,
           is
           as
           truly
           in
           the
           state
           of
           polluted
           Nature
           ,
           as
           one
           that
           is
           wholly
           careless
           of
           his
           Duty
           ,
           and
           freely
           indulges
           every
           carnal
           Lust.
           One
           may
           be
           exact
           in
           light
           matters
           ,
           as
           the
           Pharisees
           in
           tithing
           Mint
           and
           Cummin
           ,
           and
           neglect
           substantial
           Duties
           ;
           he
           may
           be
           zealous
           in
           the
           outward
           parts
           of
           Religious
           Worship
           ,
           and
           neglect
           Righteousness
           and
           Mercy
           ,
           and
           think
           to
           compensate
           
           his
           defects
           in
           the
           Duties
           of
           one
           Table
           ,
           by
           strict
           observing
           the
           Duties
           of
           the
           other
           :
           This
           is
           pernicious
           Hypocrisie
           .
           The
           subtilty
           and
           strength
           of
           Satan
           are
           imployed
           to
           deceive
           Men
           by
           an
           airy
           Religion
           ,
           by
           an
           opinionative
           Goodness
           ,
           to
           prevent
           their
           being
           awakened
           from
           their
           drowsie
           and
           deadly
           state
           .
           'T
           is
           worthy
           of
           notice
           ,
           The
           Tempter
           has
           a
           double
           operation
           in
           the
           Minds
           of
           Men
           :
           He
           deceives
           the
           hypocritical
           with
           false
           hopes
           ,
           by
           concealing
           or
           extenuating
           their
           Sins
           ,
           to
           induce
           them
           to
           presume
           of
           the
           Favour
           of
           God
           ,
           and
           to
           secure
           his
           quiet
           possession
           of
           them
           :
           He
           troubles
           the
           sincere
           with
           vain
           Terrors
           ,
           by
           concealing
           their
           Graces
           ,
           to
           discourage
           their
           progress
           in
           the
           way
           to
           Heaven
           :
           He
           is
           an
           envious
           Explorator
           ,
           and
           searches
           to
           find
           out
           their
           defects
           ,
           to
           accuse
           them
           to
           God
           ;
           and
           he
           defames
           God
           to
           them
           ,
           as
           if
           he
           would
           not
           spare
           his
           Sons
           that
           serve
           him
           :
           He
           is
           triumphant
           in
           the
           unsanctified
           ,
           and
           militant
           in
           the
           Saints
           .
        
         
           3.
           
           Some
           hide
           their
           crying
           Sins
           under
           the
           colourable
           appearance
           of
           Vertues
           ;
           and
           pretend
           to
           Holiness
           ,
           that
           they
           may
           sin
           with
           less
           suspicion
           ,
           and
           more
           security
           .
           He
           will
           speak
           of
           those
           Sins
           in
           others
           with
           severity
           ,
           which
           he
           freely
           indulges
           in
           himself
           .
           The
           Characters
           of
           Religion
           are
           drawn
           in
           his
           Countenance
           ,
           but
           his
           
           Lusts
           are
           deeply
           ingraven
           in
           his
           Heart
           .
           These
           our
           Saviour
           compares
           to
           painted
           Sepulchres
           ,
           that
           within
           contain
           sordid
           dust
           and
           rottenness
           .
           This
           is
           perfect
           Hypocrisie
           ;
           a
           deadly
           pollution
           ,
           that
           wounds
           the
           Vitals
           ,
           sears
           the
           Conscience
           ,
           quenches
           all
           Goodness
           in
           the
           Will
           ;
           for
           this
           Hypocrite
           is
           voluntarily
           so
           .
           Hypocrisie
           in
           the
           Heart
           is
           like
           Poyson
           in
           a
           Spring
           ,
           that
           spreads
           it self
           through
           all
           the
           veins
           of
           the
           Conversation
           .
           This
           Sin
           our
           Saviour
           never
           speaks
           of
           but
           with
           detestation
           :
           For
           this
           he
           denounc'd
           such
           a
           heavy
           Woe
           against
           the
           Pharisees
           ,
           that
           used
           Religion
           as
           a
           masking
           habit
           to
           appear
           glorious
           in
           the
           Eyes
           of
           Men
           ,
           and
           disguised
           their
           Worldly
           Aims
           in
           Devotions
           ;
           and
           
             made
             long
             Prayers
             to
             be
             esteem'd
             of
             Men.
          
           This
           is
           so
           odious
           to
           God
           ,
           that
           he
           forbids
           all
           the
           emblems
           and
           resemblances
           of
           it
           to
           the
           Jews
           ,
           Linsy-wolsey
           Garments
           ,
           and
           miscelain
           Corn.
           Our
           Defects
           acknowledged
           with
           ingenuity
           ,
           excite
           his
           Compassion
           ;
           but
           counterfeit
           Vertues
           excite
           his
           Indignation
           :
           For
           what
           can
           be
           more
           provoking
           ,
           than
           to
           appear
           to
           be
           like
           God
           in
           Holiness
           ,
           the
           Glory
           of
           the
           Deity
           ,
           for
           this
           end
           ,
           to
           be
           secretly
           wicked
           ,
           and
           to
           affront
           his
           Omniscience
           ,
           as
           if
           he
           could
           not
           discern
           them
           through
           all
           their
           close
           and
           dark
           concealments
           .
           A
           Hypocrite
           is
           fearful
           of
           Men
           ,
           but
           faces
           God.
           Pride
           
           mix'd
           with
           Hypocrisie
           was
           the
           Devil's
           original
           Sin
           ,
           
             he
             abode
             not
             in
             the
             Truth
          
           ;
           and
           Religious
           Hypocrites
           are
           his
           Natural
           Children
           .
           The
           hottest
           climate
           in
           Hell
           will
           be
           their
           habitation
           :
           For
           our
           Saviour
           threatens
           some
           Sinners
           their
           portion
           with
           Hypocrites
           ;
           that
           is
           ,
           aggravated
           Damnation
           .
           This
           Sin
           is
           difficultly
           cured
           ,
           in
           that
           't
           is
           not
           easily
           discovered
           by
           Men
           ,
           and
           does
           not
           expose
           to
           shame
           ;
           but
           is
           subservient
           to
           many
           carnal
           ends
           .
           Men
           cannot
           dive
           into
           the
           Hearts
           of
           others
           ,
           and
           cannot
           discern
           between
           the
           Paint
           of
           Hypocrisie
           ,
           and
           the
           Life
           of
           Holiness
           .
           The
           mixture
           of
           beautiful
           Colours
           in
           the
           Countenance
           ,
           may
           be
           so
           artificial
           ,
           that
           at
           distance
           ,
           it
           may
           be
           thought
           to
           be
           natural
           .
           Besides
           ,
           Hypocrisie
           turns
           the
           Remedy
           into
           Poyson
           :
           For
           the
           frequent
           exercise
           of
           Religious
           Duty
           ,
           which
           is
           the
           means
           to
           sanctifie
           us
           ,
           confirms
           and
           hardens
           Hypocrites
           .
        
         
           The
           effectual
           means
           to
           cure
           it
           ,
           is
           a
           stedfast
           belief
           of
           the
           pure
           and
           flaming
           Eye
           of
           God
           ;
           who
           sees
           Sin
           where-ever
           it
           is
           ,
           and
           
             will
             bring
             it
             into
             Judgment
          
           .
           A
           Hypocrite
           may
           hide
           his
           Sin
           from
           the
           Eyes
           of
           others
           ,
           and
           sometimes
           from
           his
           own
           Conscience
           ,
           but
           can
           never
           impose
           upon
           God.
           And
           as
           nothing
           so
           confounds
           Men
           with
           shame
           ,
           as
           to
           be
           found
           false
           and
           perfidious
           in
           their
           dealings
           ;
           how
           
           much
           more
           will
           the
           Hypocrites
           be
           cover'd
           with
           confusion
           at
           the
           great
           day
           ,
           when
           they
           shall
           appear
           naked
           ,
           with
           their
           loathsome
           Ulcers
           ,
           before
           innumerable
           Angels
           and
           Saints
           ?
           
             They
             will
             desire
             the
             Rocks
             to
             hide
             them
             from
             that
             glorious
             Assembly
             .
          
        
         
           The
           stedfast
           belief
           of
           this
           great
           Truth
           will
           cause
           frequent
           and
           solemn
           thoughts
           of
           God
           ,
           as
           our
           Inspector
           and
           Judge
           :
           
             I
             have
             set
             the
             Lord
             always
             before
             me
             ;
             he
             is
             at
             my
             right-hand
             ,
             I
             shall
             not
             be
             moved
             :
          
           This
           was
           the
           effect
           of
           
           David's
           Faith.
           This
           will
           produce
           Sincerity
           in
           Religion
           unrespective
           to
           the
           Eyes
           of
           Men
           ;
           and
           preserve
           us
           from
           secret
           Sins
           .
           'T
           is
           the
           prescription
           of
           our
           Saviour
           ;
           
             Beware
             ye
          
           
           
             of
             the
             leaven
             of
             the
             Pharisees
             ,
             which
             is
             Hypocrisie
             :
             For
             there
             is
             nothing
             covered
             ,
             that
             shall
             not
             be
             revealed
             ;
             neither
             hid
             ,
             that
             shall
             not
             be
             known
             :
             Whatsoever
             ye
             have
             spoken
             in
             darkness
             ,
             shall
             be
             heard
             in
             the
             light
             ;
             and
             that
             which
             ye
             have
             spoken
             in
             the
             Ear
             in
             closets
             ,
             shall
             be
             proclaimed
             on
             the
             house
             tops
             .
          
        
         
           3.
           
           Envy
           at
           the
           Good
           of
           others
           ,
           and
           Malice
           ,
           wishing
           them
           Evil
           ,
           is
           a
           deep
           pollution
           of
           the
           Spirit
           .
           This
           absolutely
           alienates
           Men
           from
           the
           Nature
           and
           Life
           of
           God
           :
           For
           the
           clearest
           conception
           we
           have
           of
           the
           Deity
           is
           ,
           that
           he
           is
           Good
           ,
           and
           does
           Good.
           This
           is
           contrary
           not
           
           only
           to
           supernatural
           Grace
           ,
           but
           to
           natural
           Conscience
           ;
           and
           turns
           a
           Man
           into
           a
           Fiend
           .
           This
           Vice
           is
           immediately
           attended
           with
           it●
           Punishment
           .
           The
           envious
           Man
           is
           his
           own
           tormentor
           ,
           and
           has
           the
           Vipers
           ●ate
           in
           the
           Fable
           ,
           
             that
             in
             biting
             the
             File
             ,
             wounded
             it self
             .
          
           Besides
           ,
           this
           stops
           the
           descent
           of
           Divine
           Blessings
           ,
           and
           turns
           the
           Petitions
           of
           the
           Envious
           into
           Imprecations
           against
           themselves
           .
        
         
           To
           finish
           this
           Head
           ,
           't
           is
           observable
           ,
           nothing
           more
           discovers
           the
           necessity
           of
           Renovation
           ,
           than
           the
           defilements
           of
           the
           Spirit
           .
           As
           Birds
           by
           incubation
           hatch
           their
           brood
           ;
           so
           from
           sinful
           Thoughts
           and
           Desires
           actual
           Sins
           proceed
           .
           Our
           Saviour
           tells
           us
           ,
           
             Out
             of
             the
             Heart
             proceed
          
           
           
             Murders
             ,
             Adulteries
             ,
             Fornications
             ,
             Thefts
             ,
             False-witness
             ,
             Blasphemies
             ,
             which
             defile
             a
             Man.
          
           'T
           is
           above
           all
           things
           necessary
           ,
           to
           keep
           the
           Heart
           ;
           
             for
             the
             issues
             of
             Death
             ●low
             from
             it
             .
          
           The
           design
           ,
           contrivance
           ,
           and
           consent
           to
           sin
           ,
           are
           in
           the
           Heart
           ;
           the
           Body
           is
           only
           the
           Instrument
           of
           Sin.
           To
           enforce
           this
           Counsel
           ,
           there
           are
           many
           Motives
           .
        
         
           (
           1.
           )
           God
           is
           infinitely
           dishonour'd
           and
           displeas'd
           by
           the
           Sins
           of
           our
           Spirits
           :
           For
           the
           Soul
           is
           of
           near
           alliance
           with
           God
           ,
           and
           of
           incomparable
           more
           value
           than
           the
           vile
           Body
           :
           Therefore
           the
           defiling
           it
           is
           highly
           provoking
           .
           The
           Soul
           is
           
           the
           place
           of
           his
           special
           residence
           ;
           and
           the
           entertaining
           Sin
           in
           it
           ,
           is
           as
           a
           fouler
           Indignity
           ,
           than
           the
           bringing
           Dung
           into
           the
           Chamber
           of
           Presence
           of
           a
           King.
           We
           should
           be
           more
           careful
           to
           approve
           our
           Thoughts
           and
           Desires
           to
           God
           ,
           than
           our
           Words
           and
           Actions
           to
           Men.
           
        
         
           (
           2.
           )
           They
           are
           more
           easily
           contracted
           than
           those
           which
           are
           acted
           by
           the
           sensitive
           Faculties
           :
           They
           secretly
           insinuate
           into
           the
           Soul
           :
           External
           Sins
           require
           ●it
           time
           ,
           and
           place
           ,
           and
           means
           for
           their
           commission
           ;
           and
           are
           often
           hinder'd
           by
           the
           moral
           restraints
           of
           Fear
           and
           Shame
           :
           But
           speculative
           Sins
           may
           be
           committed
           without
           convenient
           circumstances
           .
           In
           whatever
           place
           ,
           or
           company
           ,
           Men
           are
           ,
           they
           may
           retire
           into
           their
           Hearts
           ,
           and
           please
           themselves
           with
           vicious
           thoughts
           and
           desires
           of
           future
           Sins
           ,
           and
           devices
           how
           to
           make
           provision
           for
           the
           Flesh
           ;
           with
           carnal
           representations
           and
           complacency
           of
           the
           Sins
           they
           have
           committed
           :
           They
           may
           personate
           the
           Pleasures
           of
           Sin
           in
           the
           scene
           of
           Fancy
           ;
           and
           the
           imagination
           of
           old
           Sins
           becomes
           a
           new
           Temptation
           ,
           and
           deeply
           stains
           their
           Minds
           :
           And
           as
           't
           is
           usual
           ,
           what
           pleases
           is
           favour'd
           and
           defended
           ,
           they
           by
           carnal
           Discourse
           pervert
           Scripture
           to
           countenance
           their
           Lusts
           ;
           which
           is
           the
           highest
           Wickedness
           .
        
         
         
           (
           3.
           )
           Spiritual
           Sins
           are
           most
           frequently
           committed
           ,
           being
           of
           quick
           dispatch
           ,
           without
           the
           toil
           of
           the
           Body
           :
           From
           hence
           their
           number
           is
           as
           the
           Sand
           upon
           the
           Sea-shore
           .
           They
           infinitely
           increase
           Mens
           accounts
           with
           the
           high
           and
           eternal
           Judge
           ;
           whose
           Understanding
           is
           as
           searching
           as
           't
           is
           unsearchable
           .
           The
           Judgment
           of
           the
           last
           Day
           is
           distinguished
           from
           the
           process
           of
           inferiour
           Humane
           Courts
           ,
           which
           are
           confin'd
           to
           take
           cognisance
           only
           of
           Mens
           intentions
           by
           overt
           acts
           ;
           for
           then
           there
           shall
           be
           a
           
             revelation
             of
             the
             thoughts
             and
             secrets
             of
             the
             Heart
             .
          
        
         
           (
           4.
           )
           Spiritual
           Sins
           are
           more
           incurable
           than
           those
           that
           are
           done
           by
           the
           Body
           :
           For
           when
           the
           sensitive
           Faculties
           by
           Diseases
           and
           Age
           are
           disabled
           ,
           then
           the
           vicious
           habits
           of
           the
           Soul
           may
           be
           strong●
           ▪
           and
           like
           the
           Poyson
           of
           a
           Serpent
           ,
           be
           
           more
           deadly
           by
           Age.
           
        
         
           Notwithstanding
           inward
           Pollutions
           induce
           such
           a
           Guilt
           ,
           yet
           Carnal
           Men
           are
           apt
           to
           think
           that
           till
           Sin
           be
           perfected
           in
           the
           gross
           act
           ,
           't
           is
           not
           deadly
           :
           And
           for
           this
           they
           pervert
           Scripture
           ;
           wherein
           't
           is
           said
           ,
           
             That
             when
             Lust
             hath
             conceived
             ,
             it
             bringeth
             forth
             Sin
             ;
             and
             Sin
             when
             't
             is
             finish'd
             ,
             brings
             forth
             Death
             .
          
           But
           in
           God's
           sight
           ,
           the
           contemplative
           commission
           of
           ●in
           ,
           renders
           one
           as
           truly
           guilty
           as
           the
           
           actual
           ;
           and
           Consent
           to
           the
           doing
           it
           ,
           renders
           as
           obnoxious
           to
           his
           inlightened
           and
           impartial
           Tribunal
           ,
           as
           the
           Performance
           .
           His
           pure
           and
           perfect
           Law
           ,
           the
           Rule
           of
           our
           Duty
           ,
           forbids
           all
           defilements
           fleshly
           and
           spiritual
           ,
           and
           that
           shall
           be
           the
           Rule
           of
           our
           Judgment
           .
           And
           as
           the
           Soul
           is
           the
           first
           and
           principal
           agent
           in
           Sin
           ,
           it
           shall
           first
           receive
           the
           recompence
           of
           it
           :
           In
           the
           interval
           between
           Death
           and
           the
           Resurrection
           ,
           while
           the
           Body
           is
           without
           sense
           in
           the
           Grave
           ,
           the
           Soul
           is
           tormented
           in
           Hell.
           
        
         
           Before
           I
           proceed
           to
           the
           next
           Head
           ,
           it
           will
           be
           useful
           to
           add
           ,
           That
           many
           sincere
           Saints
           are
           in
           perplexity
           from
           the
           injections
           of
           Satan
           ,
           ●earing
           they
           arise
           from
           their
           own
           Hearts
           .
        
         
           1.
           
           They
           may
           be
           distinguish'd
           by
           their
           quality
           :
           Unnatural
           Thoughts
           against
           our selves
           ,
           and
           blasphemous
           of
           God
           ,
           are
           usually
           from
           the
           Tempter
           .
        
         
           2.
           
           When
           they
           make
           terrible
           impressions
           upon
           our
           Spirits
           ,
           they
           are
           his
           fiery
           Darts
           :
           For
           the
           native
           off-spring
           of
           our
           Hearts
           are
           conceived
           with
           freedom
           and
           complacency
           .
        
         
           3.
           
           They
           are
           our
           infelicities
           ,
           but
           induce
           no
           Guilt
           when
           resisted
           by
           us
           .
           A
           Rape
           may
           be
           committed
           on
           the
           Mind
           ;
           and
           as
           the
           ravish'd
           Virgin
           ,
           that
           cryed
           out
           for
           rescue
           from
           Violence
           ,
           was
           declared
           
           by
           God
           himself
           innocent
           ;
           so
           when
           the
           tempted
           Soul
           ,
           with
           strong
           cryes
           ,
           prays
           for
           Divine
           Relief
           ,
           God
           will
           not
           say
           those
           terrible
           injections
           to
           our
           charge
           .
           Our
           Saviour
           
             was
             tempted
             by
             the
             unclean
             Spirit
             ,
             yet
             was
             holy
             ,
             harmless
             ,
             and
             undefiled
          
           ;
           and
           has
           a
           compassionate
           tenderness
           for
           those
           who
           are
           tempted
           ,
           and
           will
           make
           them
           partake
           of
           the
           Fruits
           of
           his
           glorious
           Victory
           .
           'T
           is
           true
           ,
           if
           the
           injections
           of
           Satan
           are
           cherish'd
           by
           the
           Carnal
           Mind
           ,
           they
           are
           ours
           by
           adoption
           ,
           though
           of
           his
           begetting
           .
           The
           Devil
           put
           in
           the
           Heart
           of
           Judas
           ,
           the
           design
           of
           betraying
           Christ
           ,
           but
           it
           was
           entertain'd
           by
           his
           Covetous
           Mind
           ,
           and
           involv'd
           him
           under
           the
           heaviest
           Guilt
           .
           The
           inclinations
           of
           Carnal
           Men
           are
           to
           various
           Sins
           ,
           to
           which
           they
           are
           more
           inclinable
           by
           the
           Temptations
           of
           Satan
           ;
           but
           that
           does
           not
           excuse
           them
           from
           Guilt
           .
        
      
       
         
         
           CHAP.
           V.
           
        
         
           
             The
             Perfection
             of
             Holiness
             Consider'd
             .
             The
             Perfection
             of
             Innocence
             .
             The
             Perfection
             of
             Grace
             .
             The
             Perfection
             of
             Glory
             .
             The
             Essential
             Perfection
             of
             Grace
             consists
             in
             Sincerity
             .
             Constancy
             proceeds
             from
             it
             .
             Integral
             Perfection
             ,
             Comparative
             Perfection
             ,
             Intellectual
             and
             Moral
             .
             The
             threefold
             comparison
             of
             Moral
             Perfection
             .
             Relative
             Perfection
             according
             to
             the
             Conditions
             of
             the
             Saints
             in
             this
             Life
             .
             Absolute
             Perfection
             only
             attain'd
             in
             Heaven
             .
          
        
         
           I
           Now
           come
           to
           Discourse
           of
           the
           Perfection
           of
           Holiness
           ,
           the
           sublime
           Object
           and
           Aim
           of
           the
           Desires
           and
           Endeavours
           of
           sincere
           Christians
           .
           I
           shall
           premise
           there
           is
           a
           Threefold
           Perfection
           of
           Holiness
           spoken
           of
           in
           Scripture
           :
           The
           perfection
           of
           Innocence
           ,
           the
           perfection
           of
           Grace
           ,
           and
           the
           perfection
           of
           Glory
           .
        
         
           1.
           
           The
           perfection
           of
           Innocence
           .
           God
           made
           Man
           upright
           ,
           in
           the
           bright
           Image
           of
           his
           Holiness
           .
           The
           Excellency
           of
           the
           Efficient
           Cause
           ,
           infers
           the
           Excellency
           of
           the
           Effect
           :
           and
           the
           final
           Cause
           was
           for
           his
           own
           Glory
           ,
           and
           Man's
           Happiness
           ,
           in
           order
           to
           which
           he
           was
           endowed
           with
           
           those
           Moral
           Perfections
           ,
           as
           qualified
           him
           to
           obtain
           that
           end
           .
           There
           was
           an
           exact
           Regularity
           in
           all
           his
           Faculties
           :
           The
           inlightned
           Mind
           directed
           the
           Will
           ,
           the
           Will
           commanded
           the
           Affections
           ,
           the
           Affections
           rul'd
           the
           Senses
           .
           He
           had
           power
           to
           stand
           ,
           but
           was
           free
           to
           Fall
           :
           with
           his
           original
           perfection
           there
           was
           a
           possibility
           of
           sinning
           and
           dying
           .
           The
           Eyes
           of
           his
           Mind
           were
           clear
           ,
           discovering
           his
           Duty
           and
           Felicity
           ;
           and
           the
           assisting
           Grace
           of
           God
           was
           like
           the
           Sun
           shining
           in
           the
           Air
           to
           actuate
           his
           visive
           Faculty
           ;
           but
           he
           wilfully
           shut
           his
           Eye
           ,
           and
           fell
           from
           that
           heighth
           of
           Happiness
           into
           a
           pit
           without
           a
           bottom
           .
        
         
           2.
           
           The
           perfection
           of
           Grace
           :
           This
           in
           the
           Language
           of
           Scripture
           signifies
           uprightness
           and
           sincerity
           ,
           and
           is
           attributed
           to
           the
           Saints
           in
           several
           respects
           ,
           which
           I
           will
           particularly
           consider
           .
        
         
           3.
           
           The
           perfection
           of
           Glory
           .
           This
           implies
           a
           Union
           of
           all
           Excellencies
           in
           a
           Soveraign
           Degree
           .
           The
           Church
           in
           the
           present
           State
           is
           compared
           to
           the
           Moon
           ,
           that
           receives
           Light
           from
           the
           Sun
           in
           half
           its
           Globe
           ,
           but
           in
           the
           next
           State
           will
           be
           fill'd
           with
           Light
           as
           a
           Ball
           of
           Christal
           penetrated
           by
           the
           Sun
           Beams
           .
           The
           Church
           shall
           be
           
             Glorious
             in
             Holiness
             ,
             without
             spot
             or
             wrinkle
             ,
             or
             any
             such
             thing
             .
          
           Natural
           Righteousness
           was
           of
           
           short
           continuance
           ,
           as
           Nature
           left
           to
           it self
           always
           is
           :
           but
           the
           Supernatural
           State
           is
           not
           only
           undefil'd
           ,
           but
           
             fades
             not
             away
          
           .
           The
           perfection
           of
           Paradise
           was
           frail
           ,
           for
           Man
           in
           his
           best
           state
           was
           changing
           :
           from
           this
           Root
           his
           Ruin
           sprang
           :
           but
           the
           perfection
           of
           Heaven
           is
           immutable
           ,
           for
           there
           God
           
             is
             all
             in
             all
          
           .
           His
           Influxive
           Presence
           is
           the
           Productive
           and
           Conservative
           Cause
           of
           their
           Holiness
           and
           Blessedness
           .
        
         
           I
           will
           now
           Consider
           the
           perfection
           of
           Grace
           that
           is
           attributed
           to
           the
           Saints
           in
           the
           present
           state
           .
        
         
           1.
           
           There
           is
           an
           Essential
           perfection
           ,
           that
           Consists
           in
           the
           unchangable
           nature
           of
           things
           ,
           and
           is
           absolutely
           requisite
           to
           the
           kind
           .
           A
           gradual
           perfection
           belongs
           to
           individuals
           ,
           and
           is
           various
           :
           All
           Gold
           is
           not
           refin'd
           to
           the
           same
           degree
           and
           heighth
           of
           Purity
           :
           but
           true
           Gold
           though
           in
           the
           lowest
           degree
           of
           fineness
           ,
           will
           endure
           the
           Furnace
           and
           the
           Touchstone
           ,
           and
           by
           that
           tryal
           is
           discern'd
           from
           Counterfeit
           Metal
           .
           There
           are
           different
           degrees
           of
           active
           heat
           in
           Fire
           :
           sometimes
           it
           Flames
           ,
           but
           always
           Burns
           ,
           if
           fed
           with
           Combustible
           matter
           .
        
         
           Now
           the
           Essence
           of
           true
           Holiness
           consists
           in
           a
           Conformity
           to
           the
           Nature
           and
           Will
           of
           God
           ,
           whereby
           a
           Saint
           is
           distinguisht
           from
           the
           unrenewed
           World
           ,
           
           and
           is
           not
           acted
           by
           their
           Principles
           and
           Precepts
           ,
           not
           govern'd
           by
           their
           Maxims
           and
           Customs
           .
        
         
           There
           are
           different
           degrees
           of
           Holiness
           in
           the
           Saints
           ,
           but
           Sincerity
           is
           inseparable
           from
           the
           Being
           of
           it
           .
        
         
           This
           includes
           first
           a
           Conformity
           in
           the
           Heart
           and
           Life
           to
           God.
           As
           a
           good
           Complexion
           fluorishes
           in
           the
           Countenance
           from
           the
           Root
           of
           a
           good
           Constitution
           within
           :
           so
           real
           Holiness
           shining
           in
           the
           Conversation
           ,
           proceeds
           from
           an
           Internal
           Principle
           of
           Life
           seated
           in
           the
           Mind
           and
           Heart
           .
           The
           Understanding
           esteems
           the
           Precepts
           of
           God's
           Law
           ,
           as
           best
           in
           themselves
           ,
           and
           best
           for
           us
           :
           the
           Will
           Consents
           to
           the
           Sanctity
           and
           Royalty
           of
           the
           Law.
           David
           declares
           ,
           
             I
             esteem
             all
             thy
             Commandments
             to
             be
             right
             :
             and
             I
             hate
             every
             false
             way
             .
          
           If
           the
           Divine
           Will
           be
           the
           reason
           of
           our
           Obedience
           ,
           it
           will
           be
           impartial
           .
           Many
           elude
           Duty
           ,
           and
           deceive
           Conscience
           by
           partial
           respects
           to
           the
           Law
           :
           They
           will
           make
           amends
           for
           Delinquencies
           in
           some
           things
           ,
           by
           Supererogating
           in
           others
           that
           are
           suitable
           to
           their
           Carnal
           Ease
           and
           Interest
           .
           Thus
           the
           Pharisees
           were
           mighty
           Sons
           of
           the
           Church
           ,
           very
           accurate
           in
           Sanctimonious
           Forms
           ,
           great
           pretenders
           to
           Piety
           ,
           but
           stain'd
           Religion
           with
           Injustice
           and
           Uncharitableness
           .
           They
           pretended
           to
           
           love
           God
           ,
           but
           hated
           their
           Neighbour
           :
           they
           Fasted
           twice
           a
           Week
           ,
           but
           Devour'd
           Widows
           Houses
           :
           they
           were
           very
           nice
           in
           observing
           the
           numerous
           Rites
           of
           Religion
           ,
           but
           neglected
           the
           Duties
           of
           substantial
           Goodness
           .
           There
           is
           not
           a
           more
           exact
           resemblance
           between
           the
           immediate
           sight
           of
           the
           Face
           ,
           and
           the
           sight
           of
           it
           by
           reflection
           in
           a
           clear
           and
           true
           Glass
           ,
           than
           the
           spirit
           of
           the
           Old
           Pharisees
           is
           like
           the
           Formalist
           in
           every
           Age.
           Thus
           among
           the
           Papists
           ,
           how
           many
           under
           the
           Vail
           of
           Virginity
           conceal
           the
           grossest
           Impurities
           ,
           and
           under
           the
           appearance
           of
           Poverty
           ,
           are
           Covetous
           and
           Rapacious
           ?
           But
           our
           Saviour
           tells
           us
           ,
           
             unless
             our
             righteousness
             exceeds
             the
             righteousness
             of
             the
             Scribes
             and
             Pharisees
             ,
             we
             cannot
             enter
             into
             the
             Kingdom
             of
             Heaven
             ,
          
           If
           our
           Obedience
           be
           not
           of
           equal
           Extent
           to
           the
           Rule
           ,
           if
           there
           be
           an
           Indulgence
           to
           Contravene
           any
           Precept
           ,
           the
           Words
           of
           St.
           James
           are
           decisive
           and
           convincing
           .
           
             Whoever
             shall
             keep
             the
             whole
             Law
             ,
             and
             yet
             offend
             in
             own
             instance
             ,
             he
             is
             guilty
             of
             all
             .
          
           In
           one
           allowed
           sin
           of
           Omission
           or
           Commission
           ,
           there
           is
           a
           Universal
           Disobedience
           to
           the
           Authority
           of
           the
           Lawgiver
           .
           Although
           the
           best
           Saint
           on
           Earth
           is
           not
           without
           Sin
           ,
           yet
           the
           least
           is
           without
           Guile
           .
        
         
         
           2.
           
           Sincerity
           produces
           Constancy
           .
           There
           is
           a
           strict
           Connexion
           between
           the
           leading
           Faculties
           ,
           and
           their
           inward
           Operations
           ,
           with
           the
           outward
           Actions
           .
           According
           to
           the
           renewed
           Temper
           of
           the
           Mind
           and
           Will
           ,
           such
           is
           the
           tenor
           of
           the
           Life
           .
           Pure
           Religion
           and
           undefiled
           before
           God
           ,
           that
           is
           exercis'd
           from
           Divine
           Principles
           ,
           and
           Eternal
           Motives
           ,
           will
           fortifie
           a
           Christian
           against
           all
           Temptations
           :
           he
           will
           neither
           be
           allur'd
           nor
           terrifled
           from
           his
           Duty
           .
        
         
           Some
           when
           Religion
           is
           in
           publick
           Esteem
           ,
           are
           forward
           Professors
           :
           but
           if
           the
           Testimony
           of
           Truth
           exposes
           them
           to
           Reproach
           ,
           as
           Seditious
           and
           Disloyal
           ,
           and
           the
           Consequences
           of
           that
           Reproach
           ,
           they
           will
           Comply
           with
           the
           temper
           of
           the
           Times
           to
           secure
           their
           secular
           Interest
           .
           And
           as
           there
           are
           Change
           of
           Garments
           ,
           Summer
           and
           Winter
           Garments
           according
           to
           the
           seasons
           of
           the
           Year
           ,
           so
           they
           have
           Change
           of
           Religions
           as
           the
           times
           vary
           .
           Persecution
           discovers
           them
           to
           have
           been
           formal
           Professors
           ,
           without
           the
           spirit
           and
           depth
           of
           Religion
           in
           their
           Hearts
           .
           But
           sincere
           Christians
           are
           conspicuously
           such
           in
           the
           Fiery
           Tryal
           .
           'T
           is
           observ'd
           in
           digging
           Wells
           in
           the
           hot
           Months
           of
           July
           and
           August
           ,
           if
           a
           Vein
           of
           Water
           flows
           ,
           't
           is
           a
           sign
           of
           a
           lasting
           Spring
           :
           thus
           if
           in
           the
           Burning
           Heat
           of
           
           Persecution
           the
           Profession
           of
           the
           pure
           Religion
           is
           declar'd
           ,
           't
           is
           an
           Argument
           it
           proceeds
           from
           sincere
           Grace
           ,
           
             that
             will
             be
             springing
             up
             to
             Everlasting
             Life
             .
          
           There
           are
           numerous
           Examples
           of
           the
           Holy
           Martyrs
           ,
           who
           despised
           the
           enraged
           World
           ,
           as
           a
           swarm
           of
           angry
           Flies
           ,
           and
           turn'd
           Persecution
           into
           a
           Pleasure
           ,
           and
           with
           undeclining
           Fervor
           and
           Courage
           persever'd
           in
           the
           Confession
           of
           Christ
           ,
           till
           they
           obtain'd
           the
           Crown
           of
           Eternal
           Life
           .
           Unfeined
           Faith
           and
           Sincere
           Love
           are
           the
           strongest
           security
           against
           Apostacy
           :
           he
           that
           is
           sound
           at
           the
           Centre
           is
           unshaken
           by
           Storms
           .
           The
           double-minded
           ,
           whose
           Hearts
           are
           divided
           between
           the
           inlightned
           Conscience
           ,
           and
           their
           Carnal
           Affections
           ,
           are
           
             unstable
             in
             all
             their
             ways
          
           .
        
         
           Some
           have
           short
           expiring
           fits
           of
           Devotion
           :
           while
           they
           are
           in
           afflicting
           Circumstances
           either
           by
           Terrors
           of
           Conscience
           ,
           or
           Diseases
           in
           their
           Bodies
           ,
           or
           disasters
           in
           their
           Estates
           ,
           they
           resolve
           to
           be
           regular
           and
           reform'd
           in
           their
           Lives
           ,
           to
           walk
           circumspectly
           and
           exactly
           :
           but
           when
           they
           are
           releas'd
           from
           their
           Troubles
           ,
           they
           degenerate
           from
           their
           designs
           ,
           and
           falsify
           their
           resolutions
           ,
           and
           like
           a
           Lion
           slipt
           from
           his
           Chain
           ,
           that
           returns
           to
           his
           fierceness
           with
           his
           Liberty
           ,
           so
           they
           relapse
           into
           their
           old
           Rebellious
           Sins
           .
           The
           reason
           is
           ,
           they
           were
           not
           inwardly
           
           cleansed
           from
           the
           Love
           of
           Sin
           ,
           nor
           chang'd
           into
           the
           likeness
           of
           God.
           In
           all
           their
           Miseries
           they
           were
           in
           the
           state
           of
           unrenewed
           Nature
           ,
           though
           restrain'd
           from
           the
           visible
           Eruptions
           of
           it
           .
           But
           real
           Saints
           have
           their
           Conversation
           all
           of
           a
           Colour
           :
           in
           Prosperity
           and
           Adversity
           they
           are
           Holy
           and
           Heavenly
           .
        
         
           In
           short
           ,
           Sincere
           Christians
           study
           the
           ▪
           Divine
           Law
           to
           know
           the
           extent
           of
           their
           Duty
           ,
           and
           delight
           in
           the
           discovery
           of
           it
           :
           they
           do
           not
           decline
           the
           strictest
           Scrutiny
           .
           'T
           is
           
           David's
           Prayer
           ,
           
             Lord
             ,
             search
             me
             and
             try
             me
             ,
             and
             see
             whether
             there
             be
             any
             way
             of
             wickedness
             in
             me
             ,
          
           and
           discover
           it
           to
           me
           that
           I
           may
           forsake
           it
           .
           Conscience
           will
           be
           quick
           and
           tender
           like
           the
           Eye
           ,
           which
           if
           any
           dirt
           be
           in
           it
           ,
           weeps
           it
           out
           .
           There
           may
           be
           Rebels
           in
           a
           Loyal
           City
           ,
           but
           they
           are
           not
           conceal'd
           and
           cherisht
           :
           the
           Loyal
           Subjects
           search
           to
           discover
           them
           ,
           and
           cast
           them
           out
           :
           But
           the
           Hypocrites
           
             hate
             the
             light
             ,
             because
             their
             deeds
             are
             evil
             :
          
           they
           cherish
           a
           wilful
           Ignorance
           ,
           that
           they
           may
           freely
           enjoy
           their
           Lusts.
           The
           sincere
           Christian
           aims
           at
           Perfection
           :
           he
           Prays
           ,
           Resolves
           ,
           Watches
           ,
           Mourns
           and
           Strives
           against
           every
           Sin.
           This
           is
           as
           necessary
           to
           uprightness
           ,
           as
           't
           is
           impossible
           we
           should
           be
           without
           spot
           or
           blemish
           here
           :
           but
           the
           Hypocrite
           though
           he
           Externally
           complies
           with
           some
           Precepts
           
           of
           easie
           Obedience
           ,
           yet
           he
           will
           not
           forsake
           his
           sweet
           Sins
           .
           Now
           if
           any
           sin
           be
           entertain'd
           or
           unrenounc'd
           by
           a
           Person
           ,
           he
           is
           unregenerate
           ,
           and
           a
           Captive
           of
           Satan
           :
           as
           if
           a
           Bird
           be
           insnar'd
           by
           one
           Leg
           ,
           't
           is
           as
           surely
           the
           prey
           of
           the
           the
           Fowler
           ▪
           as
           if
           it
           were
           seiz'd
           by
           both
           Wings
           .
        
         
           I
           shall
           onely
           add
           ,
           Sincerity
           commends
           us
           to
           God
           ,
           it
           gives
           value
           to
           the
           meanest
           Service
           ▪
           and
           the
           want
           of
           it
           Corrupts
           the
           most
           eminent
           Service
           .
           
           Jehu's
           Zeal
           was
           a
           bloody
           Murther
           ,
           though
           the
           destruction
           of
           
           Ahab's
           Family
           was
           Commanded
           by
           God.
           
        
         
           The
           Consciousness
           of
           Sincerity
           rejoices
           the
           living
           Saint
           with
           present
           Comfort
           ▪
           and
           the
           dying
           with
           the
           hopes
           of
           future
           Happiness
           .
           The
           Apostle
           when
           surrounded
           with
           Calamities
           ,
           declares
           ,
           
             this
             is
             our
             rejoycing
             ,
             the
             testimony
             of
             Conscience
             ,
             that
          
           
           
             with
             simplicity
             ,
             and
             godly
             sincerity
             ,
             we
             have
             had
             our
             Conversation
             in
             this
             World.
             Hezekiah
          
           having
           receiv'd
           a
           Mortal
           Message
           by
           the
           Prophet
           addrest
           himself
           to
           God
           ,
           
             Remember
             ,
             O
             Lord
             ,
             I
             beseech
             thee
             ,
             how
             I
             have
             walked
             before
             thee
             ,
             in
             truth
             ,
             with
             a
             perfect
             heart
             .
          
           Truth
           and
           Perfection
           are
           equivalent
           ;
           this
           was
           a
           reviving
           Cordial
           in
           his
           dying
           Hour
           .
           A
           sincere
           Life
           is
           attended
           with
           a
           happy
           Death
           ,
           and
           that
           is
           attended
           with
           a
           more
           happy
           Life
           .
           God
           
           is
           the
           Rewarder
           of
           Moral
           Vertues
           ,
           with
           Temporal
           Blessings
           ,
           but
           he
           is
           the
           Eternal
           Reward
           of
           Godly
           Sincerity
           .
           This
           is
           the
           first
           Notion
           of
           perfect
           Holiness
           in
           the
           present
           state
           .
        
         
           2.
           
           There
           is
           an
           Integral
           Perfection
           of
           Holiness
           :
           that
           is
           ,
           an
           entire
           conjugation
           of
           all
           those
           Sanctifying
           Graces
           of
           which
           the
           Image
           of
           God
           Consists
           .
           The
           New
           Creature
           in
           its
           forming
           is
           not
           like
           the
           effects
           of
           Art
           ,
           but
           the
           living
           productions
           of
           Nature
           .
           A
           Sculptor
           in
           making
           a
           Statue
           of
           Marble
           ,
           finishes
           the
           Head
           ,
           when
           the
           other
           part
           is
           but
           rude
           stone
           .
           But
           all
           the
           parts
           of
           a
           Child
           in
           the
           Womb
           ,
           are
           gradually
           form'd
           together
           ,
           till
           the
           Body
           is
           complete
           .
           The
           Holy
           Spirit
           in
           renewing
           a
           Man
           ,
           infuses
           a
           universal
           habit
           of
           Holiness
           ,
           that
           is
           Comprehensive
           of
           all
           the
           variety
           of
           Graces
           to
           be
           Exercis'd
           in
           the
           Life
           of
           a
           Christian.
           As
           the
           Corrupt
           Nature
           ,
           stil'd
           the
           Old
           Man
           ,
           is
           complete
           in
           its
           Earthly
           Members
           ,
           all
           the
           Lusts
           of
           the
           Flesh
           ,
           both
           of
           the
           desiring
           and
           angry
           Appetite
           ,
           and
           disposes
           without
           the
           corrective
           of
           Restraining
           Grace
           ,
           the
           Natural
           Man
           to
           yield
           to
           all
           Temptations
           :
           he
           will
           be
           Fierce
           with
           the
           Contentious
           ,
           Licentious
           with
           the
           Dissolute
           ,
           Intemperate
           with
           the
           Drunkard
           ,
           Lascivious
           with
           the
           Impure
           ,
           Impious
           with
           the
           Scorners
           of
           Religion
           .
           Thus
           the
           Divine
           
           Nature
           ,
           stil'd
           the
           New
           Man
           ,
           is
           complete
           in
           all
           Spiritual
           Graces
           ,
           and
           inclines
           and
           enables
           the
           Sanctified
           to
           do
           every
           good
           Work.
           The
           fruit
           of
           
             the
             Spirit
             ,
             is
             Love
             ,
             Joy
             ,
             Peace
             ,
             Long-suffering
             ,
             Gentleness
             ,
             Goodness
             ,
             Faith
             ,
             Meekness
             ,
             Temperance
             .
          
           Although
           they
           are
           distinguisht
           in
           their
           Activity
           ,
           and
           particular
           Objects
           ,
           yet
           they
           always
           are
           joyn'd
           in
           the
           same
           Subject
           ,
           and
           Concentre
           in
           God
           ,
           who
           is
           Immutably
           Holy
           and
           One.
           They
           are
           mixt
           in
           their
           Exercise
           without
           Confusion
           :
           As
           in
           a
           Chorus
           ,
           the
           variety
           of
           Voices
           is
           Harmonious
           and
           Conspiring
           .
           Spiritual
           Graces
           according
           to
           the
           degrees
           of
           their
           Perfection
           ,
           such
           is
           the
           degree
           of
           their
           Union
           .
           Every
           real
           Saint
           is
           conform'd
           to
           Christ
           ,
           of
           whom
           
             he
             receives
             grace
             for
             grace
          
           .
           There
           are
           Spiritual
           Gifts
           of
           Arbitrary
           Dispensation
           :
           
             the
             word
             of
             Wisdom
          
           ,
           
           
             the
             word
             of
             Knowledge
             ,
             the
             gifts
             of
             Healing
             ,
             the
             works
             of
             Miracles
             ,
          
           are
           separately
           given
           .
           But
           when
           the
           Spirit
           prepares
           a
           Soul
           for
           his
           Habitation
           ,
           he
           purifies
           it
           from
           Sin
           ,
           and
           adorns
           it
           with
           every
           Grace
           :
           if
           there
           be
           a
           defect
           of
           any
           Grace
           ,
           the
           opposite
           Sin
           in
           its
           power
           remains
           in
           the
           Soul
           ,
           and
           makes
           it
           impossible
           for
           the
           Holy
           Spirit
           to
           dwell
           there
           .
        
         
           'T
           is
           to
           be
           observed
           ,
           that
           when
           a
           Promise
           is
           made
           to
           any
           particular
           Grace
           in
           
           Scripture
           ,
           that
           Grace
           is
           to
           be
           considered
           in
           union
           with
           other
           Graces
           .
           Our
           Saviour
           tells
           us
           ,
           
             Whoever
             believes
             shall
             be
             saved
          
           :
           And
           St.
           Paul
           ,
           inspired
           by
           the
           Spirit
           of
           our
           Saviour
           ,
           saith
           ,
           
             That
             Faith
             separate
             from
             Charity
             is
             of
             no
             avail
             for
             Salvation
             .
             Though
             I
             have
             all
             Faith
             ,
             so
             that
             I
             could
             remove
             mountains
             ,
             and
             have
             not
             Charity
             ,
             I
             am
             nothing
             .
          
           A
           Faith
           that
           does
           not
           work
           by
           Love
           ,
           and
           is
           not
           productive
           of
           Obedience
           ,
           is
           of
           no
           saving
           efficacy
           .
           St.
           James
           puts
           the
           Question
           ,
           
             What
             doth
             it
             profit
             my
             Brethren
             ,
             though
             a
             Man
             says
             ,
             he
             hath
             Faith
             ,
             and
             hath
             not
             Works
             ?
             Can
             Faith
             save
             him
             ?
          
           'T
           is
           evident
           it
           does
           not
           :
           For
           nothing
           asserts
           or
           denies
           more
           strongly
           than
           a
           Question
           .
           He
           that
           does
           not
           by
           Faith
           in
           the
           Son
           of
           God
           live
           a
           holy
           Life
           ,
           must
           dye
           for
           ever
           .
           St.
           John
           assures
           us
           ,
           
             That
             we
             are
             in
             a
             state
             of
             favour
             with
             God
             ,
             if
             we
             love
             the
             Brethren
             .
          
           
           
             We
             know
             that
             we
             have
             passed
             from
             Death
             to
             Life
             ,
             because
             we
             love
             the
             Brethren
             .
          
           But
           the
           sincerity
           of
           our
           Love
           to
           the
           Children
           of
           God
           ,
           is
           
             proved
             by
             our
             Love
             to
             God
             ,
             and
             keeping
             his
             Commandments
             ,
          
           
           and
           is
           inseparable
           from
           it
           .
           Where-ever
           Salvation
           is
           promised
           to
           a
           particular
           Duty
           ,
           it
           must
           be
           understood
           in
           a
           collective
           sense
           .
           We
           read
           ,
           
             Whoever
             shall
          
           
           
             call
             upon
             the
             name
             of
             the
             Lord
             ,
             shall
             be
             saved
             :
          
           But
           a
           prevailing
           Prayer
           must
           proceed
           
           from
           a
           holy
           Person
           ,
           
             that
             keeps
             the
          
           
           
             Commands
             of
             God
             ,
             and
             does
             those
             things
             that
             are
             pleasing
             in
             his
             sight
             .
          
           The
           Prayer
           must
           be
           mix'd
           with
           Faith
           and
           Fervency
           :
           
             The
             effectual
             fervent
             Prayer
             of
             a
             righteous
          
           
           
             Man
             avails
             much
          
           .
           The
           connexion
           of
           saving
           Graces
           cannot
           be
           broken
           .
           St.
           Peter
           excites
           us
           ,
           
             to
             give
             all
             diligence
             to
             add
             to
             our
             Faith
             ,
          
           in
           the
           Mysteries
           of
           Godliness
           ,
           Vertue
           ;
           an
           active
           power
           to
           render
           it
           lively
           and
           operative
           ,
           otherwise
           Faith
           is
           a
           mere
           speculative
           dead
           assent
           :
           
             To
             Vertue
             ,
             Knowledge
          
           ;
           Prudence
           to
           direct
           its
           exercise
           in
           the
           seasons
           wherein
           ,
           and
           the
           manner
           how
           our
           Duties
           are
           to
           be
           performed
           :
           
             To
             Knowledge
             ,
             Temperance
          
           ,
           to
           regulate
           our
           Appetites
           and
           Enjoyments
           in
           the
           use
           of
           things
           pleasing
           to
           the
           Senses
           :
           
             To
             Temperance
             ,
             Patience
          
           ,
           to
           endure
           the
           Evils
           to
           which
           we
           are
           exposed
           in
           this
           lower
           state
           ;
           which
           is
           equally
           ,
           if
           not
           more
           necessary
           and
           excellent
           :
           For
           Humane
           Nature
           is
           more
           affected
           and
           tempted
           by
           sharp
           Pains
           and
           Grief
           ,
           than
           delighted
           with
           Pleasure
           :
           Without
           the
           exercise
           of
           these
           Graces
           ,
           our
           Religion
           will
           be
           by
           fits
           and
           flashes
           ,
           with
           interrupting
           intervals
           :
           
             To
             Patience
             ,
             Godliness
          
           ;
           that
           is
           ,
           a
           respect
           to
           the
           Commands
           of
           God
           as
           our
           Rule
           ,
           and
           his
           Glory
           as
           our
           End
           ,
           that
           is
           distinguish'd
           from
           mere
           Morality
           ;
           that
           proceeds
           only
           from
           Humane
           
           Reason
           ,
           and
           respects
           the
           civil
           Happiness
           :
           
             To
             Godliness
             ,
             Brotherly-kindness
          
           :
           A
           sincere
           Love
           to
           all
           of
           the
           same
           Heavenly
           Extraction
           ,
           in
           whom
           the
           Image
           of
           God
           shines
           :
           
             And
             to
             Brotherly-kindness
             ,
             Charity
          
           :
           That
           extends
           to
           all
           the
           partakers
           of
           our
           common
           Nature
           .
           All
           Spiritual
           Graces
           take
           their
           residence
           together
           in
           the
           Soul
           ;
           not
           one
           singly
           enters
           ,
           and
           keeps
           entire
           possession
           .
           Our
           Saviour
           tells
           the
           young
           Man
           who
           had
           lived
           so
           regularly
           ,
           that
           he
           was
           lovely
           in
           his
           Eyes
           ,
           
             If
             thou
             wilt
             be
             perfect
             ,
             go
             and
             sell
             all
             ,
             and
             give
             to
             the
             Poor
             ,
             and
             come
             follow
             me
             .
          
           He
           wanted
           Charity
           and
           Self-denyal
           to
           make
           his
           Obedience
           entire
           .
        
         
           3.
           
           There
           is
           a
           comparative
           Perfection
           :
           This
           in
           Scripture
           is
           Intellectual
           or
           Moral
           .
        
         
           (
           1.
           )
           Intellectual
           Perfection
           .
           The
           Apostle
           excites
           the
           
             Hebrews
             ,
             Wherefore
             leaving
          
           
           
             the
             Doctrine
             of
             the
             beginning
             of
             Christ
             ,
             let
             us
             go
             on
             to
             Perfection
             :
          
           To
           more
           eminent
           degrees
           in
           the
           Knowledge
           of
           the
           Gospel
           ,
           both
           of
           the
           supernatural
           Doctrines
           of
           the
           Gospel
           ,
           or
           the
           Duties
           contained
           in
           it
           .
           Of
           the
           first
           the
           Apostle
           is
           to
           be
           understood
           ,
           
             We
             speak
             Wisdom
             among
             those
             that
             are
             perfect
             :
          
           That
           is
           ,
           declare
           Divine
           Mysteries
           to
           those
           who
           are
           prepared
           to
           receive
           them
           .
           The
           Light
           
           of
           Nature
           declares
           the
           Being
           of
           God
           ,
           and
           his
           Essential
           Perfections
           ,
           Wisdom
           ,
           Power
           and
           Goodness
           ,
           shining
           in
           his
           Works
           ;
           but
           not
           his
           Counsels
           ,
           in
           order
           to
           our
           Salvation
           :
           
             No
             Man
             hath
             seen
          
           
           
             God
             at
             any
             time
             :
             The
             only
             begotten
             ,
             which
             is
             in
             the
             bosom
             of
             the
             Father
             ,
             he
             hath
             declared
             him
             .
          
           There
           are
           some
           notices
           of
           Good
           and
           Evil
           ,
           of
           Vertue
           and
           Vice
           ,
           by
           the
           instructive
           Light
           of
           Reason
           ,
           but
           not
           sufficient
           to
           inform
           us
           of
           our
           full
           Duty
           .
           The
           discovery
           of
           the
           purity
           and
           perfection
           of
           the
           Moral
           Law
           is
           from
           God.
           The
           Gospel
           ,
           like
           a
           clear
           and
           equal
           Glass
           ,
           that
           discovers
           the
           beauties
           and
           blemishes
           of
           the
           Face
           ,
           makes
           known
           to
           us
           what
           defiles
           ,
           and
           what
           beautifies
           the
           Soul.
           
        
         
           Now
           't
           is
           our
           Duty
           to
           increase
           in
           Knowledge
           ,
           both
           in
           the
           extent
           and
           degrees
           ,
           and
           in
           the
           quality
           and
           efficacy
           of
           it
           .
        
         
           1.
           
           In
           the
           extent
           and
           degrees
           .
           There
           is
           a
           mutual
           dependance
           of
           Divine
           Truths
           ;
           one
           illustrates
           and
           infers
           another
           :
           There
           is
           an
           harmonious
           agreement
           between
           them
           ;
           one
           supports
           another
           ;
           and
           't
           is
           our
           Duty
           to
           apply
           our
           Minds
           intensely
           to
           understand
           them
           .
           How
           many
           that
           have
           the
           Revelation
           of
           the
           Gospel
           ,
           are
           mean
           proficients
           in
           the
           
           School
           of
           Heaven
           .
           Of
           these
           the
           Apostle
           speaks
           with
           reprehension
           ,
           
             They
             needed
             to
             be
             taught
             again
             ,
             the
             first
             Principles
             of
             the
             Oracles
             of
             God
             ;
             and
             are
             become
             such
             that
             had
             need
             of
             milk
             ,
             and
             not
             of
             strong
             meat
             :
             Whereas
             others
             were
             come
             to
             full
             age
             ,
             and
             had
             their
             senses
             exercised
             ,
             to
             discern
             more
             perfectly
             good
             and
             evil
             .
          
           How
           many
           Professors
           need
           the
           first
           Principles
           of
           Religion
           to
           be
           planted
           in
           them
           ?
           They
           pretend
           to
           exempt
           their
           Ignorance
           from
           discredit
           ,
           that
           it
           only
           belongs
           to
           the
           Ministers
           of
           the
           Word
           to
           study
           the
           Mysteries
           of
           Religion
           :
           But
           't
           is
           of
           infinite
           consequence
           ,
           
             they
             should
             be
             wise
             to
             Salvation
             .
          
           Our
           Saviour
           tells
           us
           ,
           
             This
             is
             Life
             Eternal
             ,
             to
             know
             thee
             to
             be
             the
             only
             true
             God
             ,
             and
             Jesus
             Christ
             whom
             thou
             hast
             sent
             .
          
           The
           dispensation
           of
           the
           Gospel
           is
           a
           state
           of
           Perfection
           :
           'T
           is
           the
           full
           and
           final
           declaration
           of
           God's
           Will
           ,
           in
           order
           to
           our
           future
           Blessedness
           :
           'T
           is
           not
           a
           provisional
           establishment
           as
           the
           Levitical
           Law
           :
           There
           is
           no
           other
           alliance
           to
           be
           made
           between
           God
           and
           Men
           ;
           no
           other
           Sacrifice
           to
           be
           offered
           for
           Sin
           :
           All
           the
           Types
           and
           Prophesies
           are
           compleatly
           fulfilled
           in
           Christ.
           Now
           some
           understand
           more
           clearly
           and
           distinctly
           the
           contrivance
           and
           parts
           of
           our
           mysterious
           Redemption
           ;
           and
           are
           comparatively
           perfect
           .
           
           All
           the
           Treasures
           of
           the
           World
           are
           in
           real
           value
           infinitely
           inferiour
           to
           saving
           Truths
           .
           There
           may
           be
           Knowledge
           without
           saving
           Grace
           ;
           but
           no
           saving
           Grace
           without
           Knowledge
           .
           The
           Understanding
           is
           the
           leading
           Faculty
           :
           Conversion
           begins
           in
           the
           renewed
           Mind
           ;
           
             Ye
             were
             darkness
             ,
             now
             ye
             are
             light
             in
             the
             Lord.
          
           The
           Gospel
           cannot
           be
           profitable
           for
           our
           Holiness
           and
           Comfort
           ,
           but
           by
           the
           intervening
           of
           the
           inlightned
           applicative
           Understanding
           ;
           the
           Conscience
           ,
           that
           discovers
           the
           Will
           of
           God
           to
           us
           ,
           from
           whence
           our
           immediate
           obligation
           arises
           to
           obey
           it
           .
        
         
           'T
           is
           true
           ,
           some
           Doctrines
           of
           the
           Gospel
           are
           fundamental
           ,
           and
           some
           are
           perfective
           :
           Some
           are
           not
           of
           that
           consequence
           and
           clearness
           as
           others
           ;
           and
           the
           Ignorance
           of
           them
           is
           not
           damning
           ,
           not
           the
           Knowledge
           of
           them
           saving
           .
           But
           every
           Divine
           Truth
           is
           worthy
           of
           our
           attentive
           Consideration
           ,
           according
           to
           our
           Capacity
           ;
           for
           they
           contribute
           to
           our
           Perfection
           .
           We
           should
           strive
           to
           advance
           in
           Knowledge
           ;
           that
           as
           the
           Sun
           gradually
           ascends
           the
           Horizon
           ,
           till
           it
           gives
           Light
           to
           the
           Day
           ,
           and
           Day
           to
           the
           World
           ;
           so
           our
           knowledge
           of
           Christ
           should
           be
           more
           clear
           and
           extensive
           ,
           till
           we
           are
           compleatly
           transformed
           into
           his
           glorious
           Image
           :
           
           
             When
             we
             shall
             see
             him
             as
             he
             is
             ,
             we
             shall
             be
             intirely
             like
             him
             .
          
        
         
           2.
           
           As
           our
           Knowledge
           is
           more
           vital
           ,
           affective
           and
           practical
           ,
           't
           is
           more
           perfective
           of
           us
           .
           Divine
           Truths
           have
           a
           Goodness
           in
           them
           ,
           and
           are
           not
           duely
           known
           ,
           without
           a
           stedfast
           belief
           of
           their
           Truth
           ,
           and
           a
           just
           valuation
           of
           their
           Goodness
           ;
           when
           the
           conviction
           of
           the
           Mind
           ,
           and
           the
           consent
           of
           the
           Will
           ,
           is
           influential
           upon
           our
           Lives
           .
           The
           knowledge
           of
           some
           things
           is
           merely
           speculative
           :
           One
           knows
           that
           the
           Eclipse
           of
           the
           Sun
           is
           from
           the
           interposing
           of
           the
           Moon
           between
           that
           globe
           of
           Light
           and
           our
           sight
           ,
           and
           the
           Mind
           acquiesces
           in
           the
           Theory
           ;
           for
           't
           is
           of
           no
           practical
           use
           :
           But
           the
           knowledge
           that
           Sin
           separates
           between
           God
           and
           us
           ,
           and
           intercepts
           the
           Light
           of
           his
           Countenance
           from
           shining
           upon
           us
           ,
           is
           infinitely
           profitable
           to
           make
           us
           fearful
           to
           offend
           him
           ,
           that
           we
           may
           not
           be
           deprived
           of
           the
           joyful
           sense
           of
           his
           Love.
           Spiritual
           Knowledge
           includes
           a
           correspondent
           permanent
           impression
           upon
           the
           Heart
           ,
           and
           in
           the
           Life
           to
           the
           nature
           of
           sanctifying
           Truths
           .
           In
           civil
           matters
           there
           is
           a
           knowledge
           of
           discourse
           and
           direction
           ,
           and
           a
           knowledge
           of
           performance
           :
           And
           in
           holy
           things
           there
           is
           a
           knowledge
           of
           apprehension
           and
           in
           words
           ,
           and
           a
           knowledge
           that
           
             orders
             the
             Conversation
             aright
          
           .
           
           The
           first
           is
           not
           onely
           fruitless
           ,
           but
           accidentally
           pernicious
           :
           according
           to
           
           Solomon's
           Expression
           ,
           
             he
             that
             increases
             knowledge
             increases
             Sorrow
             .
          
           A
           smaller
           degree
           of
           knowledge
           of
           God
           and
           Christ
           that
           is
           productive
           of
           Love
           and
           Obedience
           ,
           is
           far
           more
           valuable
           than
           a
           more
           large
           and
           accurate
           knowledge
           of
           the
           Divine
           Attributes
           ,
           of
           the
           union
           of
           the
           Natures
           and
           Offices
           of
           Christ
           ,
           that
           is
           not
           fruitful
           in
           Good
           Works
           :
           as
           a
           spot
           of
           Ground
           Cultivated
           according
           to
           its
           quality
           ,
           is
           more
           profitable
           than
           a
           large
           Field
           that
           lies
           Waste
           .
        
         
           2.
           
           Moral
           Perfection
           is
           evident
           by
           a
           Threefold
           Comparison
           .
           1.
           
           Of
           the
           Saints
           with
           visible
           Sinners
           .
           2.
           
           Of
           the
           Saints
           among
           themselves
           .
           3.
           
           Of
           some
           eminent
           acts
           of
           Grace
           with
           lower
           acts
           in
           the
           same
           kind
           .
        
         
           1.
           
           The
           Comparison
           of
           Saints
           with
           visible
           Sinners
           makes
           them
           ,
           appear
           as
           perfect
           .
           'T
           is
           true
           there
           is
           a
           mixture
           of
           Principles
           in
           the
           best
           here
           ,
           of
           Flesh
           and
           Spirit
           ,
           inherent
           Corruption
           ,
           and
           infus'd
           Grace
           ,
           and
           the
           operations
           flowing
           from
           them
           accordingly
           are
           mixt
           .
           But
           as
           one
           who
           has
           not
           the
           brightest
           Colours
           of
           white
           and
           red
           in
           the
           Complexion
           ,
           appears
           an
           Excellent
           Beauty
           ,
           set
           off
           by
           the
           presence
           of
           a
           Blackmoor
           ,
           so
           the
           Beauty
           of
           Holiness
           in
           a
           Saint
           ,
           though
           mixt
           with
           
           blemishes
           ,
           appears
           complete
           when
           compar'd
           with
           the
           foul
           deformity
           of
           Sinners
           .
           Thus
           the
           opposition
           between
           them
           is
           express'd
           ,
           
             He
             destroys
             the
             perfect
             and
             the
          
           
           wicked
           .
           'T
           is
           Recorded
           of
           Noah
           ,
           that
           
             he
             was
             a
             just
             and
             perfect
             man
             in
             his
             generation
             :
          
           
           in
           an
           Age
           when
           Wickedness
           reign'd
           ,
           when
           Chastity
           was
           expell'd
           from
           the
           number
           of
           Vertues
           ,
           and
           Modesty
           was
           censur'd
           as
           a
           Vice
           ,
           when
           Impiety
           was
           arriv'd
           at
           the
           highest
           pitch
           ,
           and
           the
           Deluge
           was
           necessary
           to
           purge
           the
           World
           from
           such
           Sinners
           :
           then
           the
           sanctity
           and
           piety
           of
           Noah
           shin'd
           as
           brightness
           issues
           from
           the
           Stars
           .
           He
           appear'd
           perfectly
           good
           ,
           compar'd
           ▪
           with
           the
           prodigiously
           bad
           .
        
         
           2.
           
           In
           comparing
           the
           Saints
           among
           themselves
           ,
           some
           are
           stil'd
           perfect
           .
           There
           are
           different
           degrees
           among
           Sinners
           :
           some
           are
           so
           dispos'd
           to
           Wickedness
           ,
           that
           they
           may
           be
           denominated
           from
           as
           many
           
           Vices
           that
           possess
           their
           Souls
           ,
           as
           the
           Evil
           Spirit
           in
           the
           man
           spoken
           of
           in
           the
           Gospel
           ▪
           answer'd
           ,
           his
           name
           was
           Legion
           ,
           from
           the
           number
           of
           Devils
           that
           possess'd
           him
           ▪
           They
           drive
           through
           all
           the
           degrees
           of
           
           Sin
           so
           violently
           and
           furiously
           ,
           that
           compar'd
           to
           them
           ,
           other
           Sinners
           seem
           Innocent
           ,
           and
           are
           far
           less
           obnoxious
           to
           Judgment
           .
        
         
         
           Thus
           there
           are
           singular
           Saints
           whose
           Graces
           are
           so
           Conspicuous
           and
           Convincing
           ,
           and
           a
           universal
           Holiness
           appears
           in
           their
           Conversation
           ,
           as
           makes
           them
           venerable
           among
           the
           vicious
           :
           Their
           presence
           will
           restrain
           the
           dissolute
           from
           Excesses
           either
           in
           Words
           or
           Actions
           ,
           as
           effectually
           as
           a
           Magistrate
           by
           the
           terror
           of
           his
           Power
           .
           Other
           Saints
           ,
           though
           sincere
           ,
           yet
           there
           is
           such
           a
           mixture
           of
           Shades
           and
           Lights
           in
           their
           actions
           ,
           that
           they
           are
           in
           low
           esteem
           .
           Compare
           meek
           Moses
           with
           the
           passionate
           Prophet
           Jonas
           ,
           who
           justified
           his
           anger
           to
           the
           Face
           of
           God
           himself
           ,
           
             I
             do
             well
             to
             be
             angry
             even
             unto
             death
             .
          
           We
           read
           of
           Moses
           ,
           that
           he
           was
           
             the
             meekest
             man
             upon
             the
             face
             of
             the
             earth
             :
          
           Of
           this
           there
           is
           recorded
           a
           very
           Eminent
           Effect
           and
           Evidence
           :
           When
           Aaron
           and
           Miriam
           had
           contumeliously
           and
           seditiously
           spoke
           against
           him
           ,
           as
           if
           he
           had
           Usurp'd
           undue
           Authority
           ,
           
             Hath
             the
             Lord
          
           
           
             onely
             spoken
             by
             Moses
             ?
             hath
             he
             not
             also
             spoken
             by
             us
             ?
          
           He
           might
           by
           a
           sharp
           reply
           have
           confounded
           them
           ,
           but
           he
           was
           silent
           .
           Several
           Circumstances
           concur
           to
           heighten
           the
           value
           of
           his
           Victory
           over
           himself
           .
           There
           was
           a
           double
           offence
           ,
           and
           violation
           of
           the
           respects
           due
           to
           the
           dignity
           of
           his
           Person
           ,
           and
           the
           nearness
           of
           the
           Relation
           :
           This
           Accusation
           was
           publick
           before
           the
           Congregation
           of
           Israel
           :
           
           in
           the
           heat
           of
           the
           Contention
           ,
           when
           there
           is
           a
           great
           disposition
           to
           be
           fir'd
           by
           Anger
           ,
           when
           the
           silent
           and
           patient
           bearing
           the
           Indignity
           might
           be
           interpreted
           as
           a
           Conviction
           of
           his
           Guilt
           ,
           yet
           he
           calmly
           endur'd
           their
           false
           Charge
           .
           How
           great
           is
           the
           disparity
           between
           Moses
           and
           Jonah
           ?
        
         
           3.
           
           In
           comparing
           some
           raised
           acts
           of
           
           Grace
           ,
           with
           lower
           in
           the
           same
           kind
           ,
           there
           is
           a
           perfection
           attributed
           to
           them
           .
           As
           't
           is
           in
           Diamonds
           ,
           many
           small
           ones
           are
           not
           of
           equal
           value
           with
           one
           great
           one
           ,
           though
           of
           equal
           weight
           with
           it
           :
           so
           one
           act
           of
           Piety
           ,
           of
           Faith
           ,
           of
           Charity
           ,
           of
           Self-denial
           ,
           may
           for
           its
           rareness
           ,
           exemplariness
           ,
           and
           efficacy
           ,
           have
           such
           a
           Divine
           degree
           of
           worth
           in
           it
           ,
           that
           it
           far
           excells
           many
           less
           illustrious
           effects
           of
           those
           Graces
           .
           As
           a
           single
           act
           of
           Wickedness
           may
           be
           so
           extremely
           evil
           ,
           so
           enormously
           vicious
           as
           to
           exceed
           many
           Crimes
           in
           its
           pollution
           and
           guilt
           of
           the
           same
           kind
           .
           There
           are
           some
           instances
           of
           this
           in
           Scripture
           :
           Ahaz
           in
           the
           time
           of
           his
           distress
           ;
           
             did
             yet
             trespass
             more
             against
             the
             Lord.
          
           Judgments
           in
           their
           nature
           and
           Gods
           design
           are
           fit
           means
           to
           soften
           the
           obdurate
           ,
           as
           Iron
           is
           made
           malleable
           by
           the
           Fire
           :
           but
           to
           kick
           against
           the
           pricks
           ,
           to
           be
           more
           stubborn
           by
           the
           infliction
           of
           Wrath
           ,
           that
           should
           Correct
           Men
           into
           their
           Duty
           ,
           is
           a
           
           wickedness
           so
           unnatural
           and
           prodigious
           ,
           that
           it
           has
           left
           a
           brand
           of
           Infamy
           on
           him
           for
           ever
           :
           
             This
             is
             that
             King
             Ahaz
          
           ,
           that
           desperate
           Rebel
           against
           God.
           The
           Idolatry
           of
           Manasses
           was
           aggravated
           with
           such
           open
           Contempt
           of
           God
           ,
           that
           made
           it
           infinitely
           more
           provoking
           than
           the
           secret
           Idolatry
           of
           others
           .
           'T
           is
           related
           ,
           
             he
             set
             a
             carved
             image
             ,
             that
             he
             had
             made
             ,
             in
             the
             house
             of
             God
             ,
             of
             which
             God
             had
             said
             to
             David
             ,
             and
             to
             Solomon
             his
             Son
             ,
             in
             this
             house
             will
             I
             put
             my
             name
             for
             ever
             .
          
           He
           deposed
           God
           ,
           and
           with
           the
           boldest
           Defiance
           set
           an
           Idol
           in
           his
           Throne
           before
           his
           Face
           .
        
         
           I
           will
           produce
           some
           Instances
           of
           the
           Exercise
           of
           Grace
           in
           its
           Radiancy
           and
           Power
           ,
           both
           in
           Doing
           and
           Suffering
           .
        
         
           Abraham
           received
           a
           Command
           ,
           
             Take
             now
             thy
             Son
             ,
             thy
             only
             Son
             Isaac
             ,
             whom
             thou
             lovest
             ,
             and
             go
             to
             the
             land
             of
             Moriah
             ;
             and
             offer
             him
             there
             for
             a
             burnt-offering
             .
          
           How
           many
           Circumstances
           with
           respect
           to
           Nature
           and
           Grace
           ,
           increass'd
           the
           difficulty
           of
           his
           Obedience
           ?
           The
           Command
           was
           so
           hard
           ,
           God
           would
           not
           permit
           the
           fulfilling
           it
           .
           Isaac
           was
           the
           Object
           of
           his
           most
           ardent
           desires
           ,
           in
           whom
           he
           lived
           more
           dearly
           than
           in
           himself
           :
           When
           his
           own
           Life
           was
           almost
           expir'd
           ,
           and
           was
           Miraculously
           renewed
           in
           his
           Son
           ,
           the
           
           Heir
           of
           the
           Promise
           ,
           in
           
             whose
             seed
             all
             the
             nations
             of
             the
             world
             were
             to
             be
             blessed
             :
          
           how
           grievous
           to
           Humane
           Affections
           ,
           not
           only
           to
           be
           a
           Spectator
           ,
           but
           Actor
           ,
           the
           Priest
           to
           offer
           the
           Sacrifice
           .
           Yet
           
             he
             rose
             early
          
           ,
           and
           
             went
             to
             the
             place
             of
             which
             God
             had
             told
             him
             .
          
           He
           applied
           himself
           without
           relenting
           or
           delay
           ,
           that
           would
           have
           argu'd
           unwillingness
           ,
           in
           such
           a
           severe
           Tryal
           .
           He
           built
           an
           Altar
           ,
           bound
           Isaac
           ,
           and
           laid
           him
           on
           the
           Altar
           ,
           and
           stretcht
           out
           his
           hand
           to
           slay
           him
           ,
           if
           he
           had
           not
           been
           countermanded
           by
           a
           Call
           from
           Heaven
           .
           In
           
             this
             Work
             was
             his
             Faith
             made
             perfect
          
           ;
           and
           appears
           in
           its
           exaltation
           .
           This
           was
           an
           Act
           so
           pleasing
           to
           God
           ,
           that
           he
           declar'd
           his
           approving
           and
           accepting
           it
           by
           a
           Voice
           from
           Heaven
           .
           His
           Obedience
           to
           the
           Divine
           Command
           to
           leave
           his
           Countrey
           ,
           and
           go
           into
           a
           strange
           Land
           ,
           was
           the
           excellent
           effect
           of
           his
           Faith
           in
           the
           Promise
           of
           God
           ,
           but
           less
           Illustrious
           than
           the
           Offering
           of
           his
           Son.
           
        
         
           The
           Self-denial
           of
           Moses
           was
           as
           perfect
           and
           admirable
           in
           its
           kind
           .
           
             When
             he
             was
             come
             to
             years
             ,
             he
             refused
             to
             be
             call'd
             the
             son
             of
             Pharoahs
             daughter
             .
          
           When
           he
           understood
           the
           value
           of
           a
           Crown
           ,
           with
           the
           Honours
           ,
           and
           Riches
           annext
           to
           i●
           :
           in
           the
           Age
           of
           Youth
           and
           strength
           ,
           wh●n
           the
           Carnal
           Appetites
           are
           vehemently
           inclin'd
           to
           Pleasures
           ,
           and
           there
           was
           an
           opportunity
           
           of
           the
           freest
           fruition
           :
           then
           he
           chose
           to
           suffer
           
             affliction
             with
             the
             people
             of
             God
             ,
             than
             to
             enjoy
             the
             pleasures
             of
             sin
             for
             a
             season
             .
          
           'T
           is
           prudent
           advice
           not
           to
           choose
           when
           the
           Passions
           are
           in
           a
           ferment
           and
           disorder
           :
           't
           is
           like
           eating
           Meat
           in
           a
           Fever
           ,
           that
           increases
           the
           feverish
           heat
           ,
           and
           destroys
           the
           Vital
           .
           A
           terrible
           Temptation
           hinders
           deliberation
           ,
           and
           a
           free
           judgment
           of
           what
           is
           our
           Duty
           to
           choose
           :
           a
           pleasant
           Temptation
           Corrupts
           the
           Mind
           ,
           that
           we
           do
           not
           discern
           the
           true
           from
           the
           false
           Good.
           Yet
           Moses
           in
           that
           time
           of
           his
           Life
           ,
           when
           the
           sensual
           Passions
           are
           most
           inflam'd
           and
           urgent
           ,
           had
           his
           Mind
           so
           clear
           and
           calm
           ,
           that
           he
           deliberately
           ,
           and
           with
           a
           full
           choice
           preferr'd
           Disgrace
           ,
           Poverty
           ,
           and
           Persecution
           ,
           before
           the
           variety
           of
           attractive
           Delights
           ,
           that
           ravish
           the
           Carnal
           Senses
           .
           Such
           was
           the
           Soveraignty
           of
           his
           Faith
           ,
           that
           it
           Compos'd
           the
           unruly
           passions
           and
           kept
           them
           in
           Obedience
           .
        
         
           The
           Patience
           of
           Job
           ,
           is
           as
           rare
           an
           Instance
           ,
           who
           was
           expos'd
           to
           all
           the
           Cruelty
           and
           Arts
           of
           the
           Tempter
           to
           overcome
           him
           .
           If
           we
           consider
           the
           nature
           of
           his
           Afflictions
           ,
           and
           their
           immediate
           succession
           like
           Waves
           of
           the
           Sea
           ,
           that
           he
           was
           suddenly
           and
           unexpectedly
           strip't
           of
           his
           Estate
           ,
           depriv'd
           of
           his
           Children
           ,
           and
           his
           Body
           was
           cover'd
           with
           loathsom
           and
           
           painful
           Ulcers
           ,
           that
           Satan
           was
           Confident
           his
           Misery
           would
           so
           exasperate
           his
           Spirit
           ,
           that
           he
           would
           blaspheme
           God
           to
           his
           Face
           ,
           yet
           he
           blest
           him
           with
           the
           most
           humble
           Reverence
           and
           resign'd
           Submission
           to
           his
           Soveraign
           Will.
           Add
           another
           Consideration
           ,
           when
           his
           Wife
           that
           should
           have
           been
           a
           Comforter
           ,
           insulted
           over
           him
           ,
           and
           became
           a
           Tempter
           ,
           he
           repell'd
           her
           with
           a
           Holy
           Zeal
           and
           Constancy
           .
           The
           Tempter
           neither
           by
           Assaults
           on
           his
           Body
           ,
           nor
           by
           Treachery
           in
           his
           Wise
           could
           prevail
           .
           In
           him
           
             Patience
             had
             its
             perfect
             work
          
           .
           'T
           is
           recorded
           as
           the
           most
           celebrated
           Instance
           in
           that
           kind
           :
           
             you
             have
             heard
             of
             the
             patience
             of
             Job
             ,
             and
             seen
             the
             end
             of
             the
             Lord.
          
           I
           shall
           only
           add
           the
           Example
           of
           the
           three
           Hebrew
           Martyrs
           ,
           who
           when
           the
           proud
           and
           cruel
           King
           commanded
           them
           to
           bow
           to
           the
           Golden
           Idol
           ,
           or
           threatned
           to
           cast
           them
           into
           the
           burning
           Furnace
           ,
           with
           unshaken
           Courage
           expos'd
           themselves
           to
           his
           Fury
           to
           preserve
           their
           Integrity
           .
           In
           them
           perfect
           Love
           cast
           out
           Fear
           .
        
         
           4.
           
           There
           is
           a
           relative
           Perfection
           of
           Holiness
           according
           to
           the
           several
           Conditions
           of
           the
           Saints
           in
           this
           Life
           .
           As
           in
           a
           Garden
           ,
           there
           are
           Trees
           that
           produce
           different
           Fruits
           ,
           and
           of
           different
           degrees
           of
           Goodness
           :
           the
           Vine
           ,
           the
           Fig-tree
           ,
           the
           Apple-tree
           :
           if
           an
           Apple-tree
           
           produce
           the
           best
           Fruits
           in
           its
           kind
           ,
           though
           not
           equal
           to
           the
           Fruit
           of
           the
           Vine
           ,
           't
           is
           perfectly
           good
           .
           Thus
           in
           the
           World
           there
           are
           several
           Conditions
           of
           Life
           among
           Men
           :
           some
           are
           in
           places
           of
           Dignity
           and
           Superiority
           :
           others
           of
           subjection
           and
           service
           .
           A
           Servant
           that
           is
           faithful
           and
           diligent
           ,
           
             adorns
             the
             Gospel
          
           ,
           and
           excels
           in
           that
           Relation
           ,
           and
           is
           equally
           accepted
           of
           God
           ,
           as
           others
           in
           a
           higher
           order
           .
           He
           that
           gain'd
           two
           Talents
           was
           esteem'd
           as
           faithful
           ,
           as
           he
           that
           gain'd
           five
           ,
           because
           the
           profit
           resulting
           from
           the
           improvement
           was
           in
           proportion
           to
           the
           stock
           entrusted
           with
           him
           .
        
         
           There
           is
           a
           Perfection
           Relative
           to
           the
           various
           Spiritual
           States
           of
           Christians
           here
           .
           St.
           John
           addresses
           his
           Counsel
           to
           Christians
           under
           several
           Titles
           ,
           to
           Children
           ,
           to
           
             Young
             Men
             ,
             and
             Fathers
          
           ,
           with
           respect
           to
           their
           different
           Ages
           in
           Christianity
           .
           A
           Child
           ,
           is
           perfect
           in
           the
           quality
           of
           a
           Child
           ,
           when
           he
           has
           the
           stature
           ,
           the
           strength
           ,
           the
           understanding
           that
           is
           becoming
           his
           Age
           ,
           though
           he
           is
           distant
           from
           that
           compleat
           state
           to
           which
           he
           will
           arrive
           in
           his
           mature
           Age.
           A
           young
           Man
           has
           the
           Perfection
           proper
           to
           his
           Age.
           A
           new
           Convert
           that
           has
           such
           degrees
           of
           Knowledge
           and
           Holiness
           as
           are
           suitable
           to
           the
           Means
           and
           his
           Time
           of
           advancement
           by
           them
           ,
           is
           esteem'd
           
           Compleat
           in
           that
           state
           of
           Grace
           .
           Some
           are
           enter'd
           into
           the
           School
           of
           Heaven
           ,
           and
           are
           in
           the
           first
           Lessons
           of
           Christianity
           ,
           others
           have
           made
           a
           higher
           progress
           in
           it
           ,
           
             to
             the
             fulness
             of
             the
             Stature
             .
          
        
         
           Beyond
           the
           Perfection
           attainable
           here
           ,
           there
           is
           an
           absolute
           Perfection
           of
           Holiness
           in
           the
           extent
           of
           its
           parts
           ,
           and
           intention
           of
           degrees
           :
           'T
           is
           our
           present
           Duty
           to
           aspire
           and
           endeavour
           after
           this
           ,
           but
           attain'd
           only
           in
           Heaven
           ,
           where
           every
           Saint
           is
           renewed
           into
           the
           perfect
           Image
           of
           God
           ,
           and
           made
           
             glorious
             in
             holiness
          
           ,
           the
           great
           end
           of
           our
           Saviour's
           Love
           in
           dying
           for
           us
           .
           By
           gradations
           Christians
           ascend
           to
           that
           Consummate
           state
           ,
           the
           period
           of
           Perfection
           .
        
      
       
         
         
           CHAP.
           VI.
           
        
         
           
             Particular
             Graces
             Consider'd
             ,
             the
             internal
             Principles
             of
             Perfection
             .
             Divine
             Faith
             Doctrinal
             ,
             Justifying
             ,
             and
             in
             the
             disposal
             of
             Providence
             .
             Doctrinal
             Faith
             is
             not
             Imagination
             ,
             nor
             Reason
             .
             The
             Objects
             of
             it
             .
             The
             Motives
             consider'd
             .
             The
             Essential
             Perfections
             of
             God.
             Faith
             a
             divine
             Revelation
             ,
             is
             the
             most
             reasonable
             Act
             of
             the
             Humane
             Mind
             .
             God's
             Truth
             a
             Principle
             immediately
             evident
             .
             His
             Jurisdiction
             reaches
             to
             mens
             Understandings
             .
             God
             never
             requires
             our
             Assent
             to
             supernatural
             Truths
             ,
             but
             he
             affords
             sufficient
             Conviction
             ,
             that
             they
             are
             reveal'd
             by
             him
             .
             God
             reveals
             himself
             in
             Scripture
             by
             humane
             expressions
             according
             to
             our
             Capacity
             .
             We
             are
             obliged
             to
             believe
             supernatural
             Doctrines
             ,
             no
             farther
             than
             they
             are
             reveal'd
             .
             To
             attempt
             the
             Comprehensive
             knowledge
             of
             them
             ,
             is
             perfectly
             vain
             ;
             't
             is
             impossible
             ,
             impertinent
             ,
             and
             dangerous
             .
             Curiosity
             often
             fatal
             to
             Faith.
             An
             Answer
             to
             Objections
             ,
             that
             supernatural
             Doctrines
             are
             not
             reconcileable
             to
             Reason
             .
             That
             when
             men
             use
             all
             means
             sincerely
             to
             know
             the
             truth
             of
             them
             ,
             and
             are
             not
             Convinc'd
             of
             it
             ,
             they
             shall
             not
             be
             
             Condemn'd
             for
             involuntary
             ,
             speculative
             Errors
             .
          
        
         
           I
           Will
           now
           particularly
           Consider
           those
           Graces
           that
           are
           of
           a
           more
           Excellent
           Nature
           ,
           and
           have
           a
           more
           powerful
           Causality
           and
           Influence
           in
           the
           lives
           of
           Christians
           Faith
           and
           Love
           ,
           Hope
           and
           Fear
           ,
           are
           the
           internal
           Principles
           of
           Christian
           Perfection
           .
        
         
           I
           will
           first
           discourse
           of
           Divine
           Faith
           ,
           the
           first
           principle
           and
           foundation
           of
           Religion
           ,
           
           as
           the
           Apostle
           declares
           :
           
             He
             that
             comes
             to
             God
             ,
             must
             believe
             that
             he
             is
             ,
             and
             the
             rewarder
             of
             them
             that
             diligently
             seek
             him
             .
          
           The
           belief
           of
           his
           Being
           and
           Bounty
           ,
           is
           the
           Motive
           of
           Holy
           Worship
           .
        
         
           This
           Grace
           is
           most
           Honourable
           to
           God
           ,
           and
           beneficial
           to
           us
           .
           The
           understanding
           is
           our
           Supreme
           Faculty
           ,
           and
           by
           submitting
           it
           to
           divine
           Revelation
           ,
           we
           pay
           the
           most
           humble
           Homage
           to
           him
           .
           By
           Faith
           we
           Conceive
           of
           God
           ,
           becoming
           his
           divine
           Perfections
           :
           in
           believing
           the
           Revelation
           he
           has
           made
           of
           his
           Nature
           ,
           which
           is
           as
           Incomprehensible
           as
           't
           is
           Invisible
           ,
           and
           the
           declaration
           of
           his
           Will
           ,
           though
           the
           things
           promis'd
           are
           encompass'd
           with
           opposition
           and
           seeming
           impossibilities
           ,
           we
           glorifie
           his
           perfect
           Veracity
           and
           Omnipotence
           in
           the
           highest
           manner
           .
           He
           that
           believes
           the
           divine
           
           Testimony
           ,
           
             sets
             his
             Seal
             that
             God
             is
             true
          
           ;
           ratifies
           his
           word
           in
           the
           most
           solemn
           manner
           .
        
         
           Faith
           is
           most
           beneficial
           to
           us
           .
           'T
           is
           the
           root
           of
           the
           Spiritual
           Life
           ,
           from
           whence
           all
           other
           Graces
           derive
           their
           flourishing
           and
           fruitfulness
           .
           'T
           is
           not
           only
           productive
           of
           its
           own
           acts
           ,
           but
           excites
           and
           animates
           every
           Grace
           in
           its
           distinct
           exercise
           :
           Like
           the
           animal
           Spirits
           ,
           that
           give
           motion
           and
           vigour
           to
           all
           the
           Senses
           .
           Faith
           in
           Christ
           conveys
           to
           a
           weak
           Christain
           ,
           a
           kind
           of
           Omnipotence
           :
           The
           Apostle
           declares
           ,
           
             I
             can
             do
             all
             things
          
           
           
             through
             Christ
             that
             strengthens
             me
          
           .
           The
           most
           eminent
           effects
           of
           other
           Graces
           ,
           either
           active
           or
           suffering
           ,
           Fortitude
           ,
           Zeal
           ,
           Self-denyal
           ,
           Patience
           ,
           are
           attributed
           to
           Faith
           ;
           as
           the
           Honour
           of
           a
           Victory
           is
           ascribed
           to
           the
           General
           ,
           by
           whose
           Conduct
           and
           Courage
           the
           Battle
           is
           managed
           ,
           though
           't
           is
           obtained
           by
           the
           Valour
           of
           the
           Soldiers
           .
        
         
           
             By
             Faith
             we
             are
             justified
          
           from
           the
           guilt
           
           of
           our
           many
           and
           mighty
           Sins
           .
           
             We
             are
          
           
           
             purified
             from
             their
             deep
             Pollutions
          
           :
           We
           are
           adopted
           into
           the
           line
           of
           Heaven
           ;
           and
           are
           saved
           from
           misery
           extreme
           and
           eternal
           .
        
         
           I
           will
           consider
           Divine
           Faith
           under
           three
           Heads
           .
           1.
           
           Doctrinal
           Faith.
           2.
           
           Justifying
           Faith.
           3.
           
           Faith
           in
           the
           disposal
           
           of
           all
           things
           ,
           by
           the
           ruling
           Providence
           of
           God.
           
        
         
           Doctrinal
           Faith
           I
           will
           consider
           ,
           1.
           
           In
           its
           nature
           .
           2.
           
           The
           objects
           of
           it
           .
           3.
           
           The
           motives
           .
           4.
           
           The
           efficacy
           .
        
         
           1.
           
           The
           nature
           of
           it
           .
           All
           the
           notions
           of
           Faith
           agree
           in
           this
           ;
           't
           is
           a
           dependance
           upon
           the
           truth
           of
           another
           .
           Thus
           Trust
           is
           called
           Faith
           ;
           because
           it
           relies
           upon
           the
           truth
           of
           a
           Promise
           :
           And
           one
           is
           said
           to
           keep
           his
           Faith
           inviolate
           ,
           when
           he
           performs
           the
           Promise
           that
           another
           relyed
           on
           .
           Faith
           in
           the
           propriety
           of
           expression
           ,
           is
           an
           assent
           for
           the
           veracity
           of
           the
           speaker
           :
           Accordingly
           ,
           Divine
           Faith
           is
           a
           firm
           assent
           of
           the
           Mind
           to
           things
           ,
           upon
           the
           authority
           of
           Divine
           Revelation
           .
           'T
           is
           distinguish'd
           from
           Imagination
           ,
           and
           from
           comprehensive
           Reason
           .
        
         
           Fancy
           draws
           a
           Copy
           of
           those
           Objects
           that
           are
           perceived
           by
           the
           external
           Senses
           ,
           or
           compounds
           many
           Copies
           together
           ,
           but
           creates
           no
           images
           of
           things
           not
           perceptible
           by
           the
           Senses
           .
           We
           can
           imagine
           Mountains
           of
           Gold
           ,
           because
           we
           have
           seen
           Gold
           and
           Mountains
           :
           We
           conceive
           monstrous
           mixtures
           in
           Dreams
           ▪
           but
           no
           actors
           can
           appear
           on
           the
           theatre
           of
           Fancy
           ,
           but
           in
           borrowed
           habits
           from
           sensible
           things
           .
           But
           the
           Objects
           of
           Faith
           are
           such
           things
           ,
           
             as
             Eye
             hath
             not
             seen
          
           ,
           
           
             nor
             Ear
             heard
          
           ,
           and
           transcend
           the
           capacity
           of
           the
           Imagination
           to
           conceive
           ,
           and
           of
           the
           external
           Senses
           to
           represent
           :
           Yet
           Infidels
           blaspheme
           the
           Eternal
           Truths
           of
           Divine
           Things
           ,
           as
           the
           fictions
           of
           Fancy
           .
        
         
           2.
           
           Faith
           is
           distinguish'd
           from
           Science
           ,
           acquired
           by
           Study
           ,
           and
           from
           Reason
           .
           Reason
           implies
           a
           progress
           from
           one
           degree
           of
           Knowledge
           to
           another
           ,
           by
           consequences
           drawn
           from
           the
           first
           to
           the
           second
           :
           But
           Faith
           asserts
           to
           things
           upon
           the
           account
           of
           superiour
           Authority
           that
           reveals
           them
           ,
           and
           commands
           us
           to
           believe
           them
           .
           The
           same
           things
           may
           be
           the
           Objects
           of
           Faith
           and
           of
           Reason
           ,
           bu●
           in
           different
           respects
           :
           Reason
           may
           discover
           them
           ,
           by
           ascending
           from
           effects
           to
           their
           causes
           ,
           or
           descending
           from
           causes
           to
           their
           effects
           :
           Faith
           receives
           them
           as
           revealed
           in
           Scripture
           ;
           
             By
             Faith
             we
             know
          
           
           
             the
             Worlds
             were
             made
          
           ;
           which
           may
           be
           proved
           by
           clear
           Reason
           .
        
         
           2.
           
           The
           Objects
           of
           Faith.
           The
           general
           Object
           of
           Faith
           is
           the
           Word
           of
           God
           ;
           the
           special
           ,
           are
           those
           Doctrines
           ,
           and
           Promises
           ,
           and
           Things
           ,
           that
           Reason
           cannot
           discover
           by
           its
           own
           Light
           ,
           nor
           perfectly
           understand
           when
           revealed
           .
           The
           Word
           of
           God
           contains
           a
           Narrative
           of
           things
           past
           ,
           and
           Predictions
           of
           things
           to
           come
           :
           The
           destruction
           of
           the
           old
           World
           by
           a
           deluge
           of
           Waters
           ,
           and
           the
           consumption
           
           of
           the
           present
           World
           by
           a
           deluge
           of
           Fire
           ,
           are
           Objects
           of
           Faith
           :
           But
           the
           Unity
           of
           the
           Divine
           Nature
           ,
           and
           the
           Trinity
           of
           Divine
           Persons
           ,
           the
           Incarnation
           of
           the
           Son
           of
           God
           ,
           his
           Eternal
           Counsels
           respecting
           Man's
           Redemption
           ,
           
             never
             enter'd
             into
             the
             Heart
             of
             Man
             to
             conceive
          
           ;
           but
           are
           as
           far
           above
           our
           thoughts
           ,
           as
           the
           Heavens
           are
           above
           the
           Earth
           ,
           and
           cannot
           be
           comprehended
           .
        
         
           God
           may
           be
           considered
           absolutely
           in
           himself
           ,
           or
           as
           revealing
           himself
           and
           his
           Will
           to
           us
           .
           We
           have
           some
           knowledge
           of
           his
           Being
           and
           Divine
           Attributes
           ,
           Wisdom
           ,
           Power
           ,
           Goodness
           in
           his
           Works
           of
           Creation
           and
           Providence
           ;
           but
           we
           believe
           in
           him
           ,
           as
           declaring
           his
           Mind
           and
           Will
           to
           us
           in
           his
           Word
           .
           We
           may
           know
           a
           Person
           ,
           and
           his
           excellent
           Vertues
           Intellectual
           and
           Moral
           ,
           but
           we
           cannot
           believe
           in
           him
           without
           some
           discovery
           of
           his
           Thoughts
           and
           Affections
           to
           us
           .
        
         
           3.
           
           The
           motives
           of
           Belief
           are
           to
           be
           considered
           .
           Divine
           Faith
           must
           have
           a
           Divine
           Foundation
           .
           Faith
           may
           be
           absolutely
           true
           ,
           and
           relatively
           false
           .
           Many
           believe
           the
           Doctrine
           of
           the
           Gospel
           ,
           upon
           no
           other
           grounds
           than
           the
           Turks
           believe
           the
           Alcoran
           ;
           because
           't
           is
           the
           reigning
           Religion
           of
           their
           Country
           ,
           and
           by
           the
           impression
           of
           Example
           :
           From
           hence
           their
           Faith
           is
           like
           the
           House
           built
           
           on
           the
           Sand
           ;
           and
           when
           a
           Storm
           arises
           ,
           is
           in
           danger
           of
           falling
           .
           The
           firm
           foundation
           of
           Faith
           is
           the
           essential
           supreme
           Perfections
           of
           God
           ;
           unerring
           Knowledge
           ,
           immutable
           Truth
           ,
           infinite
           Goodness
           ,
           almighty
           Power
           .
           'T
           is
           equally
           impossible
           that
           he
           should
           be
           deceived
           or
           deceive
           .
           His
           infinite
           Understanding
           is
           the
           foundation
           of
           his
           perfect
           Veracity
           .
           And
           whatsoever
           is
           the
           Object
           of
           his
           Will
           ,
           is
           the
           Object
           of
           his
           Power
           ;
           for
           to
           will
           and
           to
           do
           are
           the
           same
           thing
           in
           him
           .
        
         
           'T
           is
           true
           ,
           the
           knowledge
           of
           things
           by
           experimental
           Sense
           ,
           is
           a
           clearer
           perception
           than
           the
           perswasion
           of
           them
           by
           Faith.
           The
           first
           is
           to
           see
           the
           original
           ,
           the
           other
           is
           to
           see
           the
           copy
           ,
           that
           usually
           falls
           short
           of
           it
           .
           'T
           is
           therefore
           said
           ,
           
             We
             now
             see
             in
             a
             glass
             darkly
             :
          
           But
           the
           Divine
           Testimony
           in
           it self
           has
           the
           most
           convincing
           evidence
           ,
           above
           the
           assurance
           we
           can
           have
           by
           the
           report
           of
           our
           Senses
           ,
           which
           often
           deceive
           us
           ,
           through
           the
           indisposition
           of
           the
           Faculty
           ,
           or
           the
           unfitness
           of
           the
           medium
           or
           distance
           of
           the
           Objects
           ,
           or
           the
           knowledge
           of
           things
           by
           discursive
           Ratiocination
           .
           The
           objective
           certainty
           of
           Faith
           is
           infallible
           .
           We
           know
           with
           the
           highest
           assurance
           ,
           that
           God
           can
           no
           more
           lye
           ,
           than
           he
           can
           dye
           .
           'T
           is
           said
           ,
           
             All
             things
             are
             possible
             with
             God
          
           ;
           but
           to
           lye
           or
           dye
           are
           not
           possibilities
           ,
           
           but
           passibilities
           ;
           not
           the
           effects
           of
           Power
           ,
           but
           proceed
           from
           Weakness
           .
           We
           know
           the
           sacred
           Scriptures
           are
           the
           Word
           of
           God
           ,
           by
           the
           signatures
           of
           his
           Perfections
           ,
           Wisdom
           ,
           Holiness
           ,
           Goodness
           ,
           Justice
           ;
           and
           by
           the
           Miracles
           perform'd
           by
           the
           Pen-men
           of
           them
           ,
           that
           proved
           they
           were
           divinely
           inspir'd
           ;
           and
           consequently
           infallible
           in
           what
           they
           wrote
           .
        
         
           From
           hence
           Faith
           is
           often
           express'd
           by
           Knowledge
           .
           Nicodemus
           gives
           this
           testimony
           of
           our
           Saviour
           ,
           
             We
             know
             thou
          
           
           
             art
             a
             teacher
             come
             from
             God.
             We
             believe
             and
             are
             sure
             ,
             thou
             art
             that
             Christ
             ,
             the
             Son
             of
             the
             living
             God.
             We
             know
             that
             if
             the
          
           
           
             house
             of
             this
             earthly
             tabernable
             be
             dissolved
             ,
             we
             have
             a
             building
             made
             without
             hands
             ,
             eternal
             in
             the
             Heavens
             .
             We
             know
             that
             he
          
           
           
             was
             manifested
             ,
             that
             he
             might
             take
             away
             Sin.
             We
             know
             that
             when
             Christ
             shall
             appear
             ,
          
           
           
             we
             shall
             be
             like
             him
             ;
             for
             we
             shall
             see
             him
             as
             he
             is
             .
          
        
         
           I
           will
           not
           insist
           upon
           the
           particular
           supernatural
           Doctrines
           revealed
           in
           the
           Gospel
           ,
           for
           there
           is
           little
           new
           to
           be
           said
           upon
           those
           Points
           :
           If
           Men
           with
           renewed
           Minds
           and
           Hearts
           considered
           the
           testimony
           of
           Scripture
           ,
           there
           would
           need
           no
           more
           arguing
           :
           But
           I
           will
           lay
           down
           some
           Considerations
           ,
           that
           prove
           Divine
           Faith
           to
           be
           the
           reasonable
           act
           of
           the
           
           Humane
           Understanding
           .
           2.
           
           Answer
           the
           Objections
           alledged
           to
           justifie
           the
           disbelief
           of
           Divine
           Doctrines
           ,
           that
           we
           are
           not
           able
           to
           conceive
           nor
           comprehend
           .
        
         
           1.
           
           That
           God
           is
           true
           ,
           is
           a
           Principle
           immediately
           evident
           ,
           not
           dependently
           upon
           an
           antecedent
           motive
           .
           This
           ,
           by
           its
           native
           irresistible
           evidence
           is
           beyond
           all
           dispute
           ,
           and
           exempted
           from
           all
           critical
           Inquiries
           .
           There
           is
           no
           Principle
           written
           in
           the
           Minds
           of
           Men
           with
           clearer
           Characters
           .
           'T
           was
           the
           saying
           of
           a
           wise
           Heathen
           ,
           
             If
             God
             would
             converse
             visibly
             with
             Men
             ,
             he
             would
             assume
             Light
             for
             a
             Body
             ,
             and
             have
             Truth
             for
             his
             Soul.
          
           God
           is
           most
           jealous
           of
           the
           Honour
           of
           his
           Truth
           .
           
             Thou
             hast
             magnified
             thy
             word
             above
             all
             thy
             name
             .
          
           Truth
           is
           the
           supreme
           Character
           of
           the
           Deity
           .
           The
           Apostle
           builds
           the
           assurance
           of
           Christians
           upon
           the
           Promises
           ,
           and
           their
           strong
           Consolation
           upon
           this
           infallible
           Rock
           ,
           
             God
             that
          
           
           
             cannot
             lye
          
           .
           From
           hence
           it
           follows
           ,
           that
           in
           supernatural
           Doctrines
           ,
           we
           must
           first
           consider
           the
           authority
           of
           the
           revealer
           ,
           and
           then
           the
           nature
           of
           Doctrines
           .
        
         
           2.
           
           God's
           Jurisdiction
           extends
           to
           our
           Understandings
           ,
           as
           well
           as
           to
           our
           Wills
           :
           He
           rules
           our
           Understandings
           by
           light
           ,
           our
           Wills
           by
           empire
           .
           If
           God
           did
           command
           us
           to
           believe
           only
           ▪
           Truths
           in
           themselves
           evident
           ,
           our
           receiving
           them
           would
           
           not
           be
           an
           undoubted
           respect
           to
           his
           Authority
           ;
           but
           to
           believe
           his
           testimony
           without
           the
           evidence
           of
           things
           ,
           is
           an
           Obedience
           worthy
           of
           him
           .
           And
           we
           are
           equally
           obliged
           to
           believe
           his
           testimony
           ,
           concerning
           the
           truth
           of
           things
           ,
           notwithstanding
           the
           reluctancy
           of
           the
           carnal
           Mind
           ,
           and
           their
           seeming
           repugnance
           to
           the
           natural
           notions
           of
           Reason
           ;
           as
           to
           obey
           his
           Precepts
           ,
           notwithstanding
           the
           reluctancy
           of
           the
           corrupt
           Will
           ,
           and
           the
           inclinations
           to
           forbidden
           things
           .
        
         
           3.
           
           God
           never
           requires
           our
           assent
           to
           supernatural
           things
           revealed
           in
           his
           Word
           ,
           but
           affords
           sufficient
           conviction
           that
           they
           are
           Divine
           Revelations
           .
           When
           God
           deputed
           any
           by
           Commission
           for
           an
           extraordinary
           Work
           ,
           he
           always
           afforded
           a
           Light
           to
           discover
           the
           Commission
           was
           uncounterfeit
           .
           Moses
           was
           sent
           from
           God
           with
           a
           Command
           to
           Pharaoh
           ,
           to
           release
           the
           Israelites
           from
           their
           cruel
           Servitude
           ;
           and
           he
           had
           the
           Wonder-working
           Rod
           ,
           to
           authorise
           his
           Commission
           ,
           and
           confirm
           the
           truth
           of
           his
           Message
           by
           Miracles
           .
           The
           Divinity
           of
           the
           Scripture
           ,
           the
           Rule
           of
           Faith
           ,
           shines
           with
           that
           clear
           and
           strong
           evidence
           ,
           that
           only
           those
           whose
           Minds
           are
           prevented
           with
           a
           conceit
           of
           the
           impossibility
           of
           the
           Doctrines
           contained
           in
           it
           ,
           and
           perverted
           by
           their
           Passions
           ,
           can
           resist
           it
           .
           Colour'd
           Objects
           
           are
           not
           discern'd
           more
           clearly
           by
           their
           Colours
           ,
           nor
           Light
           by
           its
           Lustre
           ,
           than
           that
           the
           Scriptures
           are
           of
           Divine
           Revelation
           .
        
         
           Reason
           is
           an
           Essential
           Faculty
           of
           Man
           ,
           and
           by
           it
           we
           are
           directed
           why
           to
           Believe
           ,
           and
           what
           things
           are
           reveal'd
           as
           objects
           of
           Faith.
           To
           believe
           ,
           and
           not
           to
           understand
           the
           reason
           of
           our
           belief
           ,
           is
           to
           turn
           Faith
           into
           Folly
           and
           Extravagance
           .
           The
           Men
           of
           Samaria
           were
           first
           induced
           to
           believe
           in
           Christ
           ,
           
             for
             the
             testimony
             of
             the
             woman
             that
             told
             them
             ,
             Come
             and
             see
          
           
           
             the
             man
             that
             has
             told
             me
             all
             that
             ever
             I
             did
             :
          
           but
           when
           they
           heard
           Christ
           speak
           ,
           they
           said
           ,
           
             Now
             we
             believe
             ,
             not
             for
             thy
             words
             ,
             for
             we
             have
             heard
             ,
             and
             know
             ,
             that
             he
             is
             the
             true
             Saviour
             of
             the
             World.
          
           The
           Understanding
           is
           convinc'd
           by
           reason
           of
           the
           Divinity
           of
           the
           Scriptures
           :
           and
           as
           a
           pole
           supports
           a
           Vine
           ,
           but
           does
           not
           give
           Life
           and
           Vertue
           to
           its
           Root
           ,
           so
           Reason
           assists
           Faith
           in
           directing
           it
           to
           the
           Scriptures
           ,
           the
           Rule
           of
           it
           ,
           but
           Faith
           in
           the
           Mysteries
           of
           the
           Gospel
           derives
           its
           Life
           from
           God
           the
           Author
           of
           them
           .
           By
           Reason
           we
           discover
           the
           relation
           ,
           order
           ,
           distinction
           ,
           and
           dependence
           of
           Reveal'd
           Truths
           :
           and
           reject
           the
           vain
           opinions
           of
           Men
           ,
           when
           propos'd
           as
           Divine
           Oracles
           ,
           and
           the
           fruits
           of
           Fancy
           ,
           that
           are
           propos'd
           as
           Mysteries
           of
           Faith.
           
        
         
         
           4.
           
           God
           reveals
           himself
           to
           us
           in
           Scripture
           by
           Humane
           Expressions
           ,
           according
           to
           our
           Capacity
           of
           receiving
           the
           Knowledge
           of
           Divine
           things
           :
           and
           we
           are
           to
           understand
           them
           in
           their
           apparent
           sense
           ,
           unless
           the
           precise
           litteral
           sense
           contains
           an
           evident
           Contradiction
           to
           what
           is
           certainly
           known
           by
           Reason
           ,
           and
           disparaging
           the
           Divine
           Perfections
           .
           The
           sure
           Rule
           of
           interpreting
           them
           ,
           is
           to
           separate
           whatever
           is
           defective
           in
           them
           ,
           and
           apply
           them
           to
           God
           in
           the
           highest
           degree
           of
           Perfection
           .
           We
           read
           of
           the
           Hands
           and
           Eyes
           of
           God
           in
           Scripture
           ,
           which
           signifie
           the
           perfection
           of
           God's
           Knowledge
           and
           Power
           :
           they
           are
           the
           Organs
           by
           which
           Men
           do
           and
           know
           things
           :
           but
           't
           is
           Infinitely
           unworthy
           of
           God
           to
           think
           that
           the
           Divine
           Operation
           has
           need
           of
           such
           Instruments
           .
        
         
           Thus
           the
           Communicating
           of
           the
           divine
           Nature
           from
           the
           Father
           to
           the
           Son
           ,
           is
           express'd
           by
           Generation
           ,
           which
           is
           the
           most
           Noble
           Production
           of
           one
           Living
           Creature
           from
           another
           ,
           especially
           of
           an
           Intelligent
           Creature
           ,
           with
           all
           its
           properties
           :
           
             but
             who
             can
             declare
             his
             generation
             ?
          
           We
           must
           not
           conceive
           it
           with
           the
           Imperfection
           of
           Humane
           Generation
           ,
           wherein
           the
           Effect
           is
           separate
           from
           the
           Cause
           ,
           and
           successive
           to
           it
           .
           For
           't
           is
           a
           contradiction
           ,
           that
           God
           should
           beget
           a
           Son
           in
           
           his
           most
           perfect
           Image
           ,
           but
           he
           must
           be
           Eternal
           as
           the
           Father
           ;
           otherwise
           ,
           he
           would
           be
           defective
           in
           the
           resemblance
           of
           the
           first
           perfection
           of
           the
           Deity
           .
           All
           resemblances
           of
           God
           in
           Scripture
           have
           their
           disparity
           and
           defects
           ,
           which
           must
           be
           separated
           from
           him
           .
           But
           excepting
           such
           Cases
           ,
           the
           Word
           of
           God
           is
           to
           be
           understood
           in
           its
           proper
           sense
           .
           For
           we
           must
           suppose
           that
           God
           speaks
           to
           us
           with
           an
           intention
           that
           we
           should
           understand
           him
           ,
           otherwise
           it
           were
           not
           Just
           to
           require
           us
           to
           believe
           it
           :
           Our
           Minds
           could
           not
           firmly
           Assent
           to
           his
           Word
           ,
           but
           would
           be
           floating
           between
           Faith
           and
           Doubts
           .
           And
           if
           God
           intends
           we
           should
           understand
           his
           Meaning
           ,
           how
           can
           we
           reconcile
           his
           Wisdom
           with
           his
           Will
           ,
           if
           he
           does
           not
           speak
           to
           us
           in
           the
           same
           sense
           as
           Men
           do
           to
           one
           another
           .
        
         
           5.
           
           We
           are
           obliged
           to
           believe
           supernatural
           Doctrines
           no
           farther
           than
           they
           are
           reveal'd
           .
           God
           does
           not
           require
           our
           Assent
           to
           an
           Object
           beyond
           the
           Merit
           of
           it
           :
           that
           is
           ,
           the
           degrees
           of
           its
           Revelation
           .
           We
           cannot
           see
           an
           Object
           more
           fully
           than
           't
           is
           visible
           .
           The
           truth
           of
           Evangelical
           Mysteries
           is
           clearly
           reveal'd
           ,
           the
           manner
           of
           them
           is
           not
           discover'd
           .
           To
           attempt
           the
           Comprehensive
           knowledge
           of
           them
           ,
           is
           perfectly
           vain
           :
           for
           't
           is
           Impossible
           ,
           Impertinent
           ,
           
           and
           of
           Dangerous
           Consequence
           .
        
         
           1.
           
           'T
           is
           Impossible
           .
           Supernatural
           Truths
           cannot
           be
           primarily
           and
           immediately
           discover'd
           by
           Reason
           ,
           but
           are
           only
           known
           to
           the
           Divine
           Mind
           ,
           and
           communicated
           to
           Created
           Understandings
           according
           to
           the
           pleasure
           of
           God.
           
             No
             man
             hath
             seen
             God
             at
             any
             time
             ,
             the
             only
             begotten
          
           
           
             Son
             ,
             who
             is
             in
             the
             bosom
             of
             the
             Father
             ,
             has
             declar'd
             him
             .
          
           The
           Gospel
           is
           called
           the
           Mystery
           of
           
             Christ
             ,
             the
             mystery
             of
             God
             the
          
           
           
             Father
             and
             of
             Christ.
          
           Because
           God
           and
           Christ
           is
           the
           Author
           ,
           and
           Revealer
           of
           it
           .
           God
           Contrived
           in
           the
           secret
           of
           his
           Eternal
           Wisdom
           ,
           the
           design
           of
           our
           Redemption
           ,
           and
           reveal'd
           it
           in
           his
           own
           time
           :
           'T
           is
           therefore
           
             call'd
             the
             Mystery
             of
          
           
           
             his
             will.
          
           'T
           is
           call'd
           
             the
             Mystery
             of
             Faith
          
           :
           that
           is
           ,
           't
           is
           received
           by
           Faith.
           'T
           is
           call'd
           
             the
             Mystery
             of
             the
             Kingdom
             of
             God
          
           ;
           conceal'd
           
           from
           the
           World
           ,
           and
           only
           known
           in
           the
           Church
           .
           The
           sublime
           Doctrines
           of
           the
           Gospel
           ,
           it
           is
           impossible
           for
           the
           
           clearest
           spirits
           of
           Men
           to
           discover
           ,
           without
           special
           Revelation
           ,
           were
           they
           as
           pure
           as
           they
           are
           corrupt
           ,
           and
           as
           sincere
           as
           they
           are
           perverse
           .
           This
           Word
           Mystery
           is
           never
           applied
           to
           the
           Revelation
           that
           God
           has
           made
           of
           his
           Wisdom
           in
           the
           Framing
           the
           World
           ,
           and
           in
           the
           Effects
           of
           his
           Providence
           ,
           because
           since
           the
           
           Creation
           ,
           it
           has
           been
           expos'd
           to
           the
           sight
           of
           all
           Reasonable
           Creatures
           .
           Men
           were
           not
           commanded
           to
           believe
           in
           order
           to
           Salvation
           ,
           till
           by
           Experience
           they
           were
           Convinced
           of
           the
           Insufficiency
           of
           Reason
           to
           direct
           them
           how
           to
           be
           restored
           to
           the
           Favour
           of
           God.
           The
           Apostle
           declares
           ,
           
           
             for
             after
             that
             in
             the
             wisdom
             of
             God
             ,
             the
             world
             by
             wisdom
             knew
             not
             God
             ,
             it
             pleased
             God
             ,
             by
             the
             foolishness
             of
             preaching
             to
             save
             them
             that
             believe
             .
          
           The
           Doctrine
           of
           the
           Trinity
           is
           purely
           supernatual
           :
           for
           the
           internal
           distinction
           of
           the
           Persons
           in
           the
           Divine
           Nature
           ,
           by
           their
           incommunicable
           Characters
           is
           only
           proper
           to
           God.
           The
           Counsels
           of
           the
           Divine
           Will
           are
           above
           any
           Created
           Understanding
           :
           
             Who
             knows
             the
             things
             of
             a
             man
             ,
             but
             the
             spirit
             of
             a
             man
             ,
             so
             none
             knows
             the
             things
             of
             God
             but
             the
             Spirit
             of
             God.
          
           The
           Angels
           are
           superior
           Spirits
           to
           us
           ,
           and
           excel
           us
           in
           sublimity
           and
           perspicacity
           of
           Understanding
           ,
           but
           they
           could
           never
           know
           the
           Decrees
           of
           God
           ,
           though
           in
           his
           immediate
           Presence
           ,
           but
           as
           gradually
           reveal'd
           :
           't
           is
           said
           of
           the
           Mysteries
           of
           his
           Counsels
           ,
           
             they
             desire
             to
             look
             into
             them
             .
          
           We
           cannot
           form
           a
           Conception
           in
           our
           Minds
           ,
           but
           what
           takes
           its
           rise
           from
           sensible
           things
           .
        
         
           2.
           
           The
           attempt
           is
           Impertinent
           :
           for
           God
           has
           reveal'd
           those
           great
           Mysteries
           sufficiently
           for
           saving
           Faith
           ,
           though
           not
           
           to
           satisfie
           rash
           Curiosity
           .
           There
           is
           a
           knowledge
           of
           curiosity
           and
           discourse
           ,
           and
           a
           knowledge
           of
           doing
           and
           performance
           .
           The
           art
           of
           Navigation
           requires
           a
           knowledge
           how
           to
           govern
           a
           Ship
           ,
           and
           what
           Seas
           are
           safe
           ,
           what
           are
           dangerous
           by
           Rocks
           and
           Sands
           ,
           and
           terrible
           Tempests
           ,
           that
           often
           surprise
           those
           who
           Sail
           in
           them
           :
           but
           the
           knowledge
           of
           the
           Causes
           of
           the
           Ebbing
           and
           Flowing
           of
           the
           Sea
           is
           not
           necessary
           .
           To
           believe
           savingly
           in
           Christ
           ,
           we
           must
           know
           that
           he
           is
           the
           Living
           and
           True
           God
           ,
           and
           True
           Man
           ,
           that
           dyed
           for
           our
           Redemption
           ,
           but
           't
           is
           not
           necessary
           that
           we
           should
           know
           the
           manner
           of
           the
           Union
           of
           his
           two
           Natures
           .
           'T
           is
           prudent
           to
           Confine
           our
           inquiries
           to
           things
           which
           are
           possible
           and
           profitable
           to
           be
           known
           .
           The
           discovery
           of
           the
           manner
           of
           Divine
           Mysteries
           ,
           is
           not
           suitable
           to
           the
           nature
           of
           Faith
           ,
           
             for
             't
             is
             the
             evidence
             of
             things
             not
             seen
             :
          
           the
           obscurity
           of
           the
           Object
           is
           consistent
           with
           the
           certainty
           of
           the
           Assent
           to
           it
           :
           and
           't
           is
           contrary
           to
           the
           end
           of
           Revelation
           :
           which
           is
           to
           humble
           us
           in
           the
           modest
           Ignorance
           of
           Divine
           Mysteries
           which
           we
           cannot
           Comprehend
           ,
           and
           to
           enlighten
           us
           in
           those
           things
           which
           are
           requisite
           to
           be
           known
           .
           
             'T
             is
             the
             Glory
             of
             God
             to
             conceal
             a
             matter
             .
          
           He
           saveth
           us
           by
           the
           submission
           of
           Faith
           ,
           and
           not
           by
           the
           penetration
           
           of
           Reason
           .
           The
           meanest
           Understanding
           ,
           as
           well
           as
           the
           most
           raised
           ,
           are
           equally
           capable
           of
           Salvation
           .
           The
           light
           of
           Faith
           is
           as
           much
           below
           the
           light
           of
           Glory
           ,
           as
           't
           is
           above
           the
           light
           of
           Nature
           .
        
         
           3.
           
           'T
           is
           of
           dangerous
           Consequence
           .
           There
           is
           an
           Hydropic
           Curiosity
           ,
           that
           swells
           the
           Mind
           with
           Pride
           ,
           and
           is
           thirsty
           after
           the
           Knowledge
           of
           things
           unsearchable
           .
           This
           Curiosity
           has
           often
           been
           fatal
           to
           Faith.
           'T
           is
           like
           a
           man's
           endeavour
           to
           climb
           up
           to
           the
           inaccessible
           point
           of
           a
           Rock
           that
           is
           very
           hazardous
           ,
           to
           see
           the
           Sun
           in
           its
           brightness
           ,
           which
           may
           safely
           be
           seen
           from
           the
           plain
           Ground
           .
           The
           searching
           into
           the
           unsearchable
           things
           of
           God's
           Nature
           and
           Decrees
           ,
           has
           been
           the
           occasion
           of
           many
           pernicious
           Errors
           .
           'T
           is
           like
           the
           silly
           Moths
           fluttering
           about
           the
           burning
           Light
           ,
           till
           its
           Wings
           are
           sing'd
           .
           Beside
           ,
           the
           affecting
           to
           be
           Wise
           above
           what
           is
           written
           ,
           and
           the
           attempt
           to
           make
           supernatural
           Doctrines
           more
           receivable
           to
           Reason
           by
           insufficient
           Arguments
           ,
           weakens
           the
           Authority
           and
           Credit
           of
           Revelation
           :
           the
           endeavour
           to
           make
           them
           more
           easily
           known
           ,
           makes
           them
           more
           hard
           to
           be
           believed
           .
           To
           venture
           to
           explicate
           them
           beyond
           the
           Revelation
           of
           them
           in
           Scripture
           ,
           is
           like
           a
           man's
           going
           out
           of
           a
           Fortress
           wherein
           he
           is
           safe
           ,
           into
           an
           open
           
           Field
           ,
           and
           expose
           himself
           to
           the
           assaults
           of
           his
           Enemies
           .
        
         
           2.
           
           I
           will
           now
           consider
           the
           Objections
           against
           supernatural
           Doctrines
           .
        
         
           1.
           
           'T
           is
           alledged
           they
           are
           irreconcilable
           with
           Reason
           ;
           and
           't
           is
           not
           possible
           for
           the
           Understanding
           to
           believe
           against
           its
           own
           Light
           and
           Judgment
           .
           In
           answer
           to
           this
           specious
           Objection
           ,
           the
           following
           particulars
           are
           to
           be
           consider'd
           .
        
         
           1.
           
           Sense
           ,
           Reason
           and
           Faith
           ,
           are
           the
           Instruments
           of
           our
           obtaining
           Knowledge
           .
           Sense
           is
           previous
           to
           Reason
           ,
           and
           Reason
           prepares
           the
           way
           to
           Faith.
           By
           our
           Senses
           we
           come
           to
           understand
           natural
           things
           ,
           by
           our
           Understandings
           we
           come
           to
           believe
           divine
           things
           .
           Reason
           corrects
           the
           Errors
           of
           Sense
           ,
           Faith
           reforms
           the
           Judgment
           of
           Reason
           .
           The
           Stars
           seem
           but
           glittering
           Points
           ;
           but
           Reason
           convinces
           us
           they
           are
           vast
           Bodies
           ,
           by
           measuring
           the
           distance
           ,
           that
           lessens
           their
           greatness
           to
           our
           sight
           .
           We
           cannot
           imagine
           that
           there
           are
           Men
           whose
           Feet
           are
           directly
           opposite
           to
           ours
           ,
           and
           are
           in
           no
           danger
           of
           falling
           ;
           but
           Reason
           demonstrates
           there
           are
           Antipodes
           'T
           is
           as
           absurd
           for
           Reason
           to
           reject
           divine
           testimony
           ,
           and
           
           violate
           the
           sacred
           respect
           of
           Faith
           ,
           as
           for
           Sense
           to
           contradict
           the
           clearest
           Principles
           of
           Reason
           .
           To
           deny
           supernatural
           Truths
           ,
           because
           they
           are
           above
           our
           Conception
           and
           Capacity
           ,
           is
           not
           only
           against
           Faith
           ,
           but
           against
           Reason
           ,
           that
           acknowledges
           its
           own
           imperfection
           .
        
         
           'T
           is
           true
           ,
           Reason
           and
           Faith
           are
           emanations
           from
           the
           Father
           of
           Lights
           ,
           and
           consequently
           there
           cannot
           be
           a
           real
           repugnance
           between
           them
           ;
           for
           
             God
             cannot
             deny
             himself
          
           :
           Errors
           are
           often
           contrary
           ;
           but
           Truth
           is
           always
           harmonious
           with
           Truth
           :
           If
           there
           seem
           to
           be
           an
           opposition
           ,
           it
           proceeds
           not
           from
           the
           Light
           of
           the
           reasonable
           Mind
           ,
           but
           from
           the
           Darkness
           that
           encompasses
           it
           .
           'T
           is
           certain
           ,
           that
           a
           Proposition
           that
           contradicts
           right
           Reason
           ,
           the
           general
           Light
           of
           Nations
           ,
           that
           have
           nothing
           common
           between
           them
           but
           the
           Humane
           Nature
           ,
           cannot
           be
           true
           :
           As
           the
           Doctrine
           of
           
             Epicurus
             ,
             That
             God
             was
             not
             to
             be
             worship'd
             ,
             because
             he
             had
             no
             need
             of
             our
             Service
          
           ;
           and
           the
           Popish
           Doctrine
           of
           Transubstantiation
           ,
           that
           imputes
           Contradictions
           to
           God.
           
        
         
           We
           must
           distinguish
           between
           things
           that
           cannot
           be
           discovered
           by
           Reason
           ,
           nor
           comprehensively
           known
           when
           they
           are
           revealed
           ,
           and
           those
           that
           are
           contrary
           
           to
           Reason
           .
           In
           Paradise
           Reason
           was
           an
           inferiour
           and
           imperfect
           Light
           :
           Adam
           could
           not
           perfectly
           know
           God.
           He
           dwells
           in
           Light
           inaccessible
           ,
           not
           only
           to
           mortal
           Eyes
           ,
           but
           to
           the
           immortal
           Angels
           :
           They
           cannot
           penetrate
           to
           the
           centre
           of
           his
           Perfections
           .
           The
           Propositions
           that
           involve
           a
           Contradiction
           ,
           have
           the
           plain
           characters
           of
           falsity
           ;
           but
           the
           Doctrines
           of
           the
           Gospel
           ,
           that
           are
           incomprehensible
           ,
           have
           the
           characters
           of
           sublimity
           .
           Reason
           cannot
           measure
           the
           extent
           ,
           nor
           reach
           the
           
             heighth
             of
             the
             love
             of
             Christ
             ,
             that
          
           
           
             passes
             knowledge
          
           .
           That
           supernatural
           Doctrines
           are
           incomprehensible
           now
           they
           are
           reveal'd
           ,
           is
           one
           Argument
           to
           prove
           they
           could
           never
           be
           invented
           and
           discovered
           by
           Men
           :
           For
           that
           which
           naturally
           cannot
           enter
           into
           the
           Mind
           of
           Man
           ,
           cannot
           naturally
           proceed
           out
           of
           it
           .
        
         
           2.
           
           Since
           the
           Fall
           Reason
           is
           weaken'd
           ,
           and
           its
           Light
           is
           clouded
           .
           In
           the
           narrow
           and
           low
           sphere
           of
           natural
           things
           ,
           how
           often
           is
           Reason
           mistaken
           and
           lost
           in
           a
           Labyrinth
           ?
           There
           is
           not
           a
           Flower
           ,
           a
           Fly
           ,
           a
           Stone
           ,
           but
           is
           a
           Mystery
           :
           We
           cannot
           fully
           understand
           the
           vegetation
           of
           the
           one
           ,
           nor
           the
           sensation
           of
           the
           other
           ,
           nor
           the
           motion
           of
           the
           other
           .
           Let
           us
           make
           a
           tryal
           of
           the
           Light
           of
           Reason
           upon
           our selves
           ,
           and
           we
           shall
           discover
           
           its
           defects
           .
           Who
           can
           discern
           the
           vital
           bands
           wherewith
           the
           Soul
           and
           Body
           are
           combin'd
           ?
           By
           what
           power
           does
           the
           Soul
           represent
           absent
           Objects
           ?
           Sounds
           without
           Noise
           ,
           Colours
           without
           Tinctures
           ,
           Light
           without
           Clearness
           ,
           Darkness
           without
           Obscurity
           .
           What
           account
           can
           be
           given
           of
           the
           admirable
           operations
           of
           the
           Soul
           in
           Dreams
           ,
           when
           the
           Senses
           are
           suspended
           from
           working
           ,
           and
           the
           Body
           seems
           to
           be
           a
           warm
           Carcass
           .
           'T
           is
           one
           of
           those
           Secrets
           ,
           that
           Humane
           Wits
           labours
           in
           vain
           to
           explain
           ,
           how
           it
           composes
           Discourses
           so
           just
           and
           regular
           ,
           as
           to
           the
           invention
           and
           stile
           ,
           which
           by
           their
           impression
           in
           the
           Memory
           ,
           we
           know
           were
           not
           the
           effects
           of
           wild
           Fancy
           ,
           but
           of
           sober
           Judgment
           ;
           and
           that
           awake
           ,
           and
           intent
           ,
           we
           could
           not
           so
           speedily
           and
           orderly
           frame
           :
           'T
           is
           as
           strange
           ,
           as
           that
           an
           Artificer
           should
           work
           more
           exactly
           with
           his
           Eyes
           cover'd
           ,
           than
           seeing
           ;
           that
           a
           Painter
           should
           draw
           a
           Face
           better
           in
           the
           dark
           ,
           than
           in
           open
           day-light
           .
           That
           Man
           were
           totally
           deserted
           of
           Reason
           ,
           who
           not
           being
           able
           to
           see
           things
           that
           are
           but
           a
           just
           distance
           from
           his
           Eyes
           ,
           would
           not
           acknowledge
           that
           things
           distant
           from
           him
           the
           extent
           of
           the
           Horizon
           ,
           are
           beyond
           his
           sight
           .
           We
           are
           finite
           Beings
           ;
           there
           is
           some
           proportion
           
           between
           our
           Minds
           and
           our
           Natures
           :
           If
           we
           cannot
           understand
           our selves
           ,
           
           what
           folly
           is
           it
           to
           presume
           that
           we
           know
           God
           ?
           
             Canst
             thou
             by
             searching
             find
             out
             God
             ?
          
           Canst
           thou
           find
           out
           the
           Almighty
           unto
           Perfection
           ?
           
             It
             is
             high
             as
             Heaven
             ,
             what
             canst
             thou
             do
             ?
             Deeper
             than
             Hell
             ,
             what
             canst
             thou
             know
             ?
             The
          
           
           
             measure
             is
             longer
             than
             the
             Earth
             ,
             and
             broader
             than
             the
             Sea.
          
           Who
           can
           unfold
           the
           Divine
           Attributes
           ?
           They
           are
           not
           confused
           in
           their
           unity
           ,
           nor
           divided
           in
           number
           ;
           they
           are
           not
           separable
           qualities
           ,
           but
           his
           Essence
           :
           He
           is
           not
           only
           wise
           ,
           but
           Wisdom
           ;
           not
           only
           lives
           ,
           but
           is
           Life
           .
           We
           cannot
           speak
           of
           some
           Attributes
           without
           distinction
           ,
           Wisdom
           and
           Power
           ;
           nor
           of
           others
           ,
           without
           a
           seeming
           opposition
           ,
           Justice
           and
           Mercy
           ;
           yet
           they
           are
           the
           same
           Divine
           Nature
           ,
           and
           cannot
           be
           separate
           but
           in
           our
           thoughts
           .
           He
           is
           Eternal
           without
           succession
           ;
           with
           
             him
             there
             is
             no
             past
             ,
             and
             to
             come
             :
          
           He
           sees
           all
           things
           with
           one
           view
           ;
           not
           only
           ▪
           Events
           that
           proceed
           from
           the
           constraint
           of
           natural
           and
           necessary
           Causes
           ,
           but
           that
           depend
           upon
           Causes
           variously
           free
           and
           arbitrary
           .
           
             This
             Knowledge
             is
             too
             wonderful
             for
             us
             .
          
           To
           believe
           no
           more
           than
           we
           can
           understand
           ,
           proceeds
           from
           the
           ignorance
           of
           God's
           Nature
           ,
           and
           our
           ▪
           
           own
           :
           For
           the
           Divine
           Nature
           is
           truly
           
           infinite
           ,
           and
           our
           Minds
           are
           narrow
           and
           finite
           .
        
         
           3.
           
           The
           Humane
           Understanding
           in
           our
           laps'd
           state
           ,
           is
           dark
           and
           defiled
           ,
           weakened
           and
           vitiated
           .
           Of
           this
           we
           have
           innumerable
           Instances
           .
           Although
           the
           Deity
           be
           so
           illustriously
           visible
           in
           the
           Creation
           ,
           yet
           even
           the
           wise
           Heathen
           represented
           him
           in
           such
           a
           degree
           of
           Deformity
           ,
           as
           is
           highly
           blasphemous
           .
           They
           could
           not
           conceive
           his
           Infiniteness
           ,
           but
           made
           every
           Attribute
           a
           God.
           They
           transformed
           the
           Glory
           of
           the
           immortal
           God
           ,
           into
           the
           likeness
           of
           an
           earthly
           dying
           Man.
           And
           the
           Papists
           transform
           a
           mortal
           Man
           into
           the
           likeness
           of
           the
           great
           God.
           They
           attribute
           to
           the
           Pope
           a
           Power
           of
           contradicting
           the
           Divine
           Laws
           :
           For
           though
           God
           ,
           in
           the
           Second
           Commandment
           ,
           so
           strictly
           forbids
           the
           worship
           of
           Images
           ,
           and
           has
           annex'd
           to
           the
           prohibition
           the
           most
           terrible
           Threatening
           ,
           of
           
             visiting
             the
             Iniquity
             of
             the
             Fathers
             upon
             their
             Children
             ,
             to
             the
             third
             and
             fourth
             Generation
          
           ;
           yet
           in
           defiance
           of
           the
           Majesty
           of
           the
           Law-giver
           ,
           the
           Pope
           commands
           all
           his
           adorers
           ,
           to
           worship
           the
           Images
           of
           the
           dead
           Saints
           :
           He
           arrogates
           a
           Power
           to
           dispense
           with
           Oaths
           ,
           the
           most
           sacred
           bands
           of
           Humane
           Society
           ,
           and
           thereby
           authorises
           Perjury
           .
        
         
         
           4.
           
           Though
           Reason
           is
           not
           able
           to
           conceive
           and
           comprehend
           supernatural
           Mysteries
           ,
           yet
           it
           can
           never
           demonstrate
           that
           they
           cannot
           be
           .
           Who
           can
           prove
           by
           irresistible
           evidence
           that
           God
           ,
           who
           is
           an
           infinite
           Good
           ,
           cannot
           by
           an
           infinite
           communication
           of
           himself
           be
           in
           distinct
           Subsistences
           ?
           'T
           is
           true
           ,
           our
           Reason
           may
           find
           unaccountable
           difficulties
           ,
           that
           One
           should
           be
           Three
           in
           the
           Subsistence
           of
           Persons
           ,
           and
           Three
           ,
           One
           in
           Nature
           ▪
           But
           there
           can
           be
           no
           proof
           that
           't
           is
           impossible
           ,
           without
           the
           perfect
           understanding
           the
           Nature
           of
           God.
           The
           Incarnation
           of
           the
           Son
           of
           God
           ,
           is
           matter
           of
           astonishment
           ,
           that
           two
           Natures
           so
           different
           and
           immensely
           distant
           ,
           as
           Finite
           and
           Infinite
           ,
           Mortal
           and
           Immortal
           ,
           should
           be
           so
           intimately
           and
           inseparably
           united
           in
           one
           Person
           ,
           without
           confusion
           of
           their
           Properties
           :
           But
           we
           have
           the
           strongest
           Reason
           to
           believe
           ,
           that
           God
           knows
           his
           own
           Nature
           ,
           and
           is
           to
           be
           believed
           upon
           his
           own
           testimony
           .
           If
           the
           matter
           of
           his
           testimony
           be
           inconceivably
           great
           ,
           we
           must
           exalt
           Faith
           and
           depress
           Reason
           .
           If
           we
           will
           believe
           the
           Word
           of
           God
           ,
           no
           farther
           than
           't
           is
           comprehensible
           by
           our
           Reason
           ,
           we
           infinitely
           disparage
           him
           ▪
           For
           this
           is
           no
           more
           than
           the
           credit
           we
           give
           to
           a
           suspected
           witness
           .
        
         
         
           5.
           
           The
           Doctrine
           of
           the
           Trinity
           and
           Incarnation
           have
           a
           clear
           connexion
           with
           other
           Truths
           ,
           that
           right
           Reason
           comprehends
           and
           receives
           without
           reluctancy
           .
           That
           Men
           transgress
           the
           Laws
           of
           God
           ,
           natural
           Conscience
           is
           their
           accuser
           ,
           an
           essential
           Faculty
           of
           the
           Humane
           Nature
           ,
           that
           can
           neither
           dye
           with
           them
           ,
           nor
           without
           them
           :
           That
           every
           Sin
           needs
           Pardon
           is
           most
           evident
           :
           That
           God
           is
           just
           is
           known
           by
           the
           general
           light
           of
           Reason
           in
           all
           Men
           :
           That
           't
           is
           becoming
           God
           to
           pardon
           Sin
           in
           a
           way
           honourable
           to
           his
           Justice
           ,
           is
           as
           certain
           :
           Now
           the
           satisfaction
           of
           Divine
           Justice
           requires
           the
           enduring
           the
           Punishment
           ordain'd
           by
           the
           Law
           ,
           and
           equal
           to
           the
           guilt
           of
           Sin.
           The
           guilt
           of
           Sin
           rises
           from
           the
           Majesty
           of
           the
           Law-giver
           ,
           who
           is
           dishonoured
           by
           it
           ,
           and
           the
           satisfaction
           must
           be
           by
           a
           Person
           of
           equal
           dignity
           ,
           and
           consequently
           only
           God
           can
           make
           satisfaction
           .
           Now
           Reason
           dictates
           ,
           that
           he
           that
           satisfies
           ,
           and
           he
           that
           receives
           satisfaction
           ,
           must
           be
           distinguish'd
           :
           For
           't
           is
           not
           reasonable
           that
           the
           same
           Person
           be
           the
           Judge
           and
           the
           Criminal
           ;
           therefore
           there
           must
           be
           two
           distinct
           Persons
           in
           the
           Deity
           :
           From
           hence
           the
           Reason
           of
           the
           Incarnation
           is
           evident
           ;
           for
           the
           Deity
           is
           incapable
           of
           Suffering
           ,
           and
           it
           was
           necessary
           that
           the
           dignity
           of
           the
           
           Divine
           Nature
           should
           give
           value
           to
           the
           Sufferings
           .
           It
           was
           therefore
           requisito
           that
           the
           Deity
           should
           assume
           our
           Nature
           capable
           of
           Suffering
           ,
           and
           the
           Salvation
           of
           the
           World
           should
           result
           from
           their
           conjunction
           .
           This
           Doctrine
           is
           very
           honourable
           to
           God
           ,
           and
           beneficial
           and
           comfortable
           to
           Man
           ;
           which
           are
           the
           conspicuous
           Characters
           ,
           and
           strongest
           evidence
           of
           a
           Doctrine
           truly
           Divine
           :
           This
           maintains
           the
           Royalty
           of
           God
           ,
           and
           the
           Rights
           of
           Justice
           ;
           this
           secures
           our
           Pardon
           and
           Peace
           ,
           and
           removes
           all
           the
           difficulties
           and
           doubts
           that
           are
           apt
           to
           rise
           in
           the
           Minds
           of
           Men
           ,
           Whether
           God
           infinitely
           provok'd
           by
           our
           rebellious
           Sins
           will
           be
           reconcil'd
           to
           us
           ?
           'T
           is
           our
           duty
           to
           admire
           the
           mysterious
           Doctrines
           of
           the
           Gospel
           ,
           which
           we
           do
           understand
           ,
           and
           to
           adore
           those
           we
           do
           not
           .
           We
           may
           observe
           the
           same
           connexion
           in
           Errors
           as
           in
           Divine
           Truths
           ;
           for
           they
           who
           rob
           our
           Saviour
           of
           his
           Natural
           Glory
           ,
           his
           Eternal
           Deity
           ,
           vilifie
           and
           disbelieve
           the
           value
           and
           vertue
           of
           his
           Priestly
           Office
           ,
           by
           which
           our
           Pardon
           is
           obtained
           .
           In
           short
           ,
           the
           Fabrick
           of
           our
           Salvation
           is
           built
           on
           the
           contrivance
           and
           consent
           of
           the
           Divine
           Persons
           ,
           and
           the
           concurrence
           and
           concord
           of
           the
           Divine
           Attributes
           .
        
         
           6.
           
           The
           belief
           of
           supernatural
           things
           may
           be
           confirm'd
           by
           comparisons
           and
           
           examples
           of
           things
           in
           Nature
           ;
           for
           they
           prove
           and
           perswade
           that
           a
           thing
           may
           be
           .
           Our
           Saviour
           to
           cure
           the
           Infidelity
           of
           the
           Pharisees
           ,
           tells
           them
           ,
           
             Ye
             err
             ,
             not
             knowing
             ,
             the
             Scripture
             ,
             and
             the
             Power
             of
             God.
          
           In
           the
           Book
           of
           Scripture
           we
           read
           the
           declaration
           of
           God's
           Will
           ,
           in
           the
           Book
           of
           Nature
           we
           see
           the
           effects
           of
           his
           Power
           .
           The
           Apostle
           says
           ,
           
             The
             weakness
             of
             God
             is
             stronger
             than
             Men.
          
           The
           expression
           is
           strange
           to
           a
           wonder
           ;
           for
           it
           seems
           to
           attribute
           a
           defect
           to
           God
           :
           But
           he
           speaks
           in
           that
           manner
           ,
           to
           declare
           with
           emphasis
           ,
           that
           God
           is
           always
           equal
           to
           himself
           ,
           and
           has
           no
           need
           to
           strain
           his
           Power
           to
           overcome
           the
           strongest
           opposition
           .
           The
           same
           Apostle
           argues
           against
           Infidels
           ,
           that
           say
           ,
           
             How
             are
             the
             dead
             raised
             up
             ?
             And
             with
             what
             Bodies
             do
             they
             come
             ?
             Thou
             fool
             ,
             that
             which
             thou
             sowest
             is
             not
             quickned
             except
             it
             dye
             ;
             and
             that
             which
             thou
             sowest
             ,
             thou
             sowest
             not
             that
             body
             that
             shall
             be
             ,
             but
             bare
             grain
             ,
             it
             may
             chance
             of
             Wheat
             ,
             or
             some
             other
             grain
             ;
             but
             God
          
           
           
             giveth
             it
             a
             Body
             as
             pleaseth
             him
             .
          
           If
           our
           Eyes
           are
           witnesses
           of
           such
           an
           admirable
           Resurrection
           in
           Nature
           ,
           which
           our
           Understandings
           cannot
           comprehend
           ,
           shall
           it
           not
           confirm
           our
           Belief
           of
           the
           Resurrection
           of
           the
           Body
           ,
           the
           Wonder
           of
           Grace
           ,
           when
           't
           is
           promised
           by
           God
           the
           Author
           of
           both
           .
           All
           difficulties
           vanish
           
           before
           infinite
           Power
           .
           St.
           Paul
           declares
           ,
           
             I
             know
             in
             whom
             I
             have
             believed
             ,
             that
             he
             is
          
           
           
             able
             to
             keep
             that
             I
             have
             committed
             to
             him
             till
             that
             day
             .
          
           We
           are
           assur'd
           
             the
             Lord
             will
             change
             our
             vile
             bodies
             into
             the
             likeness
             of
             his
             glorious
             Body
             ,
             by
             the
             power
             whereby
             he
             can
             subdue
             all
             things
             to
             himself
             .
          
           The
           belief
           of
           the
           Resurrection
           is
           drawn
           from
           the
           clearest
           springs
           of
           Nature
           and
           Scripture
           .
        
         
           7.
           
           'T
           is
           a
           prudent
           foundation
           of
           judging
           ,
           things
           attended
           with
           difficulties
           ,
           to
           compare
           the
           difficulties
           ,
           and
           to
           determine
           our
           judgment
           for
           that
           which
           has
           least
           .
           Now
           't
           is
           certainly
           much
           more
           suitable
           to
           the
           reasonable
           Mind
           to
           acknowledge
           ,
           that
           things
           may
           be
           true
           which
           we
           are
           not
           able
           to
           conceive
           and
           comprehend
           ,
           than
           to
           deny
           the
           natural
           and
           proper
           sense
           of
           many
           clear
           and
           express
           texts
           of
           Scripture
           ,
           that
           declare
           those
           things
           .
           And
           by
           this
           we
           may
           judge
           of
           the
           Glosses
           of
           Socinus
           ,
           and
           his
           followers
           ,
           who
           without
           reverence
           of
           the
           Majesty
           of
           God
           ,
           and
           the
           sincerity
           of
           his
           Word
           ,
           rack
           the
           Scriptures
           to
           make
           them
           speak
           what
           they
           do
           not
           ,
           and
           use
           all
           Arts
           to
           silence
           them
           in
           what
           they
           do
           reveal
           .
           Unhappy
           men
           〈◊〉
           that
           affect
           to
           be
           esteem'd
           Ingenious
           and
           Subtil
           ,
           to
           the
           extreme
           hazard
           of
           their
           own
           Salvation
           .
           How
           much
           safer
           ,
           and
           more
           easie
           is
           it
           to
           believe
           the
           plain
           sense
           
           of
           the
           Scriptures
           ,
           than
           the
           turns
           and
           shifts
           that
           are
           invented
           to
           elude
           it
           ,
           and
           extricate
           Heretical
           Persons
           out
           of
           the
           difficulties
           that
           attend
           their
           Opinions
           .
        
         
           I
           shall
           add
           ,
           the
           Doctrine
           of
           the
           Trinity
           is
           so
           expressly
           set
           down
           in
           the
           Gospel
           of
           Christ
           ,
           that
           't
           is
           impossible
           the
           Son
           of
           God
           ,
           who
           is
           Infinite
           and
           Eternal
           Love
           ,
           who
           gave
           himself
           for
           our
           Redemption
           ,
           should
           have
           declar'd
           it
           ,
           and
           engag'd
           his
           Disciples
           in
           all
           Ages
           and
           Places
           in
           an
           Error
           of
           such
           dreadful
           Consequence
           ,
           as
           the
           Worshipping
           those
           who
           are
           not
           God.
           
        
         
           2.
           
           'T
           is
           alledged
           ,
           that
           if
           a
           Person
           sincerely
           searches
           into
           the
           Scripture
           ,
           and
           cannot
           be
           convinc'd
           that
           the
           supernatural
           Doctrines
           of
           the
           Trinity
           ,
           and
           others
           depending
           upon
           it
           are
           contain'd
           in
           them
           ,
           he
           shall
           not
           be
           Condemn'd
           by
           the
           Righteous
           Judge
           of
           the
           World
           for
           involuntary
           and
           speculative
           Errors
           .
        
         
           To
           this
           I
           answer
           ,
        
         
           1.
           
           This
           pretence
           has
           deceiv'd
           many
           who
           were
           guilty
           of
           damnable
           Heresies
           ,
           and
           there
           is
           great
           reason
           to
           fear
           deceives
           men
           still
           .
           
             The
             heart
             is
             deceitful
             above
             all
             things
             ,
          
           and
           most
           deceitful
           to
           it self
           .
           Who
           can
           say
           that
           neither
           Interest
           nor
           Passion
           ,
           neither
           Hope
           nor
           Fear
           ,
           neither
           Anger
           nor
           Ambition
           ,
           have
           interven'd
           in
           his
           Inquiry
           
           after
           Truth
           ,
           but
           he
           has
           preferr'd
           the
           knowledge
           of
           Divine
           Truths
           before
           all
           Temporal
           Respects
           ,
           and
           yet
           he
           cannot
           believe
           what
           the
           Scripture
           reveals
           of
           the
           Nature
           of
           God
           ,
           and
           the
           oeconomy
           of
           our
           Salvation
           :
           let
           this
           Imaginary
           Man
           produce
           his
           Plea
           ,
           for
           I
           believe
           there
           was
           never
           any
           such
           .
           There
           are
           many
           that
           make
           reason
           the
           Soveraign
           Rule
           of
           Faith
           ,
           and
           determine
           such
           things
           cannot
           be
           true
           ,
           because
           they
           cannot
           understand
           how
           they
           can
           be
           true
           .
           Prodigious
           Inference
           !
           the
           most
           absurd
           of
           all
           Errors
           ,
           that
           makes
           the
           narrow
           Mind
           of
           Man
           the
           measure
           of
           all
           things
           .
           This
           is
           the
           proper
           Principle
           of
           that
           horrible
           Compofition
           of
           Heresies
           and
           execrable
           Impieties
           ,
           which
           so
           many
           that
           are
           Christians
           in
           Profession
           ,
           but
           Antichristians
           in
           Belief
           ,
           boldly
           Publish
           .
           They
           will
           choose
           to
           Err
           in
           matters
           of
           Infinite
           Importance
           ,
           rather
           than
           Confess
           their
           Ignorance
           .
           And
           which
           is
           astonishing
           ,
           they
           will
           readily
           acknowledge
           the
           defectiveness
           of
           Reason
           with
           respect
           to
           
           the
           understanding
           of
           themselves
           ;
           but
           insolently
           arrogate
           ,
           a
           right
           to
           determine
           things
           in
           the
           Nature
           of
           God.
           
        
         
           'T
           is
           true
           ,
           Ignorance
           the
           more
           invincible
           ,
           is
           the
           more
           excusable
           :
           but
           when
           the
           Error
           of
           the
           Mind
           is
           from
           a
           vicious
           Will
           ,
           both
           the
           Error
           and
           the
           Cause
           of
           it
           ,
           are
           sinful
           and
           inexcusable
           .
           When
           the
           
           corrupt
           Will
           has
           an
           Influence
           upon
           the
           Understanding
           ,
           and
           the
           Mind
           is
           stain'd
           with
           some
           Carnal
           Lust
           ,
           when
           a
           Temptation
           diverts
           it
           from
           a
           serious
           and
           sincere
           considering
           the
           Reasons
           that
           should
           induce
           us
           to
           believe
           Divine
           Doctrines
           ,
           their
           Unbelief
           will
           be
           justly
           punish'd
           .
           The
           Scripture
           declares
           ,
           
             That
             an
             evil
             heart
             is
             the
             cause
             of
             unbelief
             :
          
           Pride
           ,
           and
           obstinacy
           of
           Mind
           ,
           and
           Carnal
           Lusts
           ,
           are
           the
           Cause
           that
           so
           many
           renounce
           those
           Eternal
           Truths
           ,
           by
           which
           they
           should
           be
           saved
           .
        
         
           2.
           
           'T
           is
           alleged
           ,
           That
           speculative
           Errors
           cannot
           be
           Damnable
           .
        
         
           To
           this
           I
           answer
           ,
        
         
           1.
           
           The
           Understanding
           of
           Man
           in
           his
           Original
           State
           ,
           was
           Light
           in
           the
           Lord
           ,
           and
           regular
           in
           its
           directions
           ,
           now
           't
           is
           dark
           and
           disorder'd
           :
           and
           in
           the
           points
           of
           Religion
           that
           are
           reveal'd
           ,
           any
           Error
           induces
           guilt
           ,
           and
           if
           obstinately
           defended
           exposes
           to
           Judgment
           .
           Some
           Truths
           are
           written
           because
           necessary
           to
           be
           believed
           ,
           others
           are
           to
           be
           believed
           because
           written
           .
        
         
           2.
           
           According
           to
           the
           quality
           of
           the
           Truths
           reveal'd
           in
           Scripture
           ,
           such
           is
           the
           hurtfulness
           of
           the
           Errors
           that
           are
           opposite
           
           to
           them
           .
           Some
           Truths
           are
           necessary
           ,
           others
           profitable
           :
           some
           Errors
           are
           directly
           opposite
           to
           the
           Saving
           Truths
           of
           the
           Gospel
           ,
           others
           by
           Consequence
           undermine
           them
           .
           
             Those
             who
             deny
             the
             Lord
             that
             bought
             them
             ,
             are
             guilty
             of
             damnable
             Heresies
             ,
          
           capital
           Errors
           
             not
             holding
             the
             head
          
           .
           
        
         
           3.
           
           The
           Doctrine
           of
           the
           Trinity
           is
           not
           a
           mere
           speculative
           Truth
           ,
           nor
           the
           denial
           of
           it
           a
           speculative
           Error
           :
           the
           Trinity
           is
           not
           only
           an
           Object
           of
           Faith
           ,
           but
           of
           Worship
           .
           In
           Baptism
           ,
           we
           are
           dedicated
           to
           the
           Sacred
           Trinity
           ,
           
             in
             the
             Name
             of
             the
             Father
             ,
             Son
             ,
             and
             Holy
             Ghost
             ,
          
           which
           clearly
           proves
           they
           are
           of
           the
           same
           Authority
           and
           Power
           ,
           and
           consequently
           of
           the
           same
           Nature
           :
           for
           't
           is
           impossible
           to
           Conceive
           of
           three
           Infinite
           Beings
           ,
           for
           by
           necessity
           one
           would
           limit
           another
           .
           The
           Apostle
           declares
           ,
           
             without
             Controversie
             great
             is
             the
             mystery
             of
             Godliness
             ,
             God
             manifest
             in
             the
             flesh
             :
          
           The
           Nature
           and
           End
           of
           this
           Divine
           Mystery
           ,
           is
           to
           form
           the
           spirits
           of
           Man
           to
           believe
           ,
           and
           love
           ,
           and
           obey
           God.
           For
           in
           it
           ,
           there
           is
           the
           clearest
           Revelation
           of
           God's
           admirable
           Love
           to
           Men
           ,
           of
           his
           unspotted
           Holiness
           ,
           his
           incorruptible
           Justice
           ,
           the
           great
           Motives
           of
           Religion
           .
           In
           that
           Divine
           Doctrine
           we
           have
           the
           most
           ravishing
           Image
           of
           Piety
           and
           Vertue
           ,
           the
           most
           becoming
           
           the
           Nature
           of
           God
           to
           give
           ,
           and
           of
           Man
           to
           receive
           .
        
         
           Briefly
           God
           Commands
           us
           to
           believe
           in
           his
           Son
           :
           without
           Faith
           in
           him
           we
           are
           uncapable
           of
           Redemption
           by
           him
           .
           When
           Christ
           perform'd
           Miraculous
           Cures
           ,
           he
           requir'd
           of
           the
           Persons
           whether
           they
           did
           believe
           in
           his
           Divine
           Power
           ,
           and
           what
           he
           declar'd
           himself
           to
           be
           .
           Electing
           Mercy
           ordains
           the
           Means
           and
           the
           End
           :
           The
           
           Apostle
           
             gives
             thanks
             to
             God
             ,
             because
             he
             has
             chosen
             the
             Thessalonians
             to
             Salvation
             ,
             through
             Sanctification
             of
             the
             Spirit
             ,
             and
             the
             belief
             of
             the
             Truth
             .
          
           Holiness
           and
           Faith
           in
           the
           Doctrine
           of
           the
           Gospel
           ,
           are
           indispensable
           qualifications
           in
           the
           Learn'd
           and
           Ignorant
           ,
           that
           would
           be
           saved
           by
           the
           Son
           of
           God.
           'T
           is
           a
           high
           Contempt
           of
           the
           Truth
           and
           Goodness
           of
           God
           ,
           not
           to
           yield
           a
           firm
           Assent
           to
           what
           he
           has
           reveal'd
           concerning
           our
           Salvation
           by
           his
           Incarnate
           Son.
           He
           that
           believes
           not
           the
           Record
           that
           God
           hath
           given
           of
           his
           Son
           ,
           
             makes
             God
             a
             Liar
          
           .
           This
           infinitely
           provokes
           
           him
           ,
           and
           inflames
           his
           Indignation
           .
           To
           dis-believe
           the
           Testimony
           that
           Jesus
           Christ
           has
           given
           of
           the
           Divinity
           of
           his
           Person
           and
           Doctrine
           ,
           is
           to
           despise
           him
           :
           it
           robs
           him
           of
           his
           Essential
           and
           his
           acquir'd
           Glory
           by
           the
           work
           of
           our
           Redemption
           .
           There
           can
           be
           no
           true
           Love
           
           of
           God
           without
           the
           true
           knowledge
           of
           him
           ,
           as
           he
           is
           reveal'd
           not
           onely
           in
           his
           Works
           ,
           but
           in
           his
           Word
           .
           Our
           Saviour
           ,
           who
           is
           
             the
             Way
             ,
             the
             Truth
             ,
             and
             the
             Life
             ,
          
           has
           declar'd
           ,
           when
           he
           gave
           Commission
           to
           his
           Apostles
           to
           preach
           the
           Gospel
           to
           the
           World
           ,
           
             whoever
             believes
             and
             is
             baptised
             ,
             shall
             be
             saved
             ,
             whoever
             believes
             not
             shall
             be
             damned
             .
          
           We
           cannot
           make
           Laws
           to
           be
           the
           Rule
           of
           God's
           Judgment
           ,
           but
           must
           receive
           them
           .
           However
           some
           may
           flatter
           Erring
           Persons
           in
           their
           Security
           ,
           it
           will
           be
           found
           in
           the
           great
           Day
           ,
           that
           Infidelity
           in
           the
           Light
           of
           the
           glorious
           Gospel
           ,
           will
           have
           no
           Excuse
           before
           God.
           
        
         
           The
           Doctrine
           of
           the
           Gospel
           is
           like
           the
           Pillar
           of
           Cloud
           and
           of
           Fire
           ,
           that
           was
           darkness
           to
           the
           Egyptians
           ,
           but
           inlightned
           the
           Israelites
           in
           their
           Passage
           out
           of
           Egypt
           :
           't
           is
           conceal'd
           from
           the
           Proud
           ,
           and
           reveal'd
           to
           the
           Humble
           .
           The
           Humane
           Mind
           is
           imperious
           and
           turbulent
           ,
           and
           averse
           from
           submitting
           to
           God's
           Authority
           ,
           who
           Commands
           the
           Wise
           and
           most
           Understanding
           to
           yield
           full
           Assent
           to
           his
           Word
           ,
           as
           the
           meanest
           Capacities
           .
           
             The
             Natural
             Man
             receives
             not
             the
             things
             of
             the
             Spirit
             of
             God
             ,
             for
             they
             are
             foolishness
             to
             him
             ,
             neither
             can
             he
             know
             them
             ,
             because
             they
             are
             spiritually
             discern'd
             .
          
           There
           is
           no
           proportion
           
           between
           the
           Faculty
           and
           the
           Object
           .
           You
           may
           as
           well
           see
           an
           Angel
           by
           the
           Light
           of
           a
           Candle
           ,
           as
           see
           the
           great
           Mysteries
           of
           the
           Gospel
           ,
           by
           the
           Natural
           Mind
           ,
           their
           reality
           beauty
           and
           excellency
           ,
           so
           as
           savingly
           to
           believe
           them
           .
           Faith
           
           
             is
             the
             Fruit
             of
             the
             Spirit
             :
          
           who
           is
           stil'd
           the
           
             Spirit
             of
             Wisdom
             and
             Revelation
          
           ,
           who
           discovers
           the
           Object
           ,
           and
           inlightens
           the
           Mind
           to
           see
           it
           ,
           and
           by
           free
           preventing
           Grace
           inclines
           the
           Will
           to
           embrace
           it
           .
           
             The
             Holy
             Spirit
             alone
             can
             pull
             down
             strong
          
           
           
             holds
             ,
             and
             cast
             down
             Imaginations
             ,
             and
             every
             high
             thing
             ,
             that
             exalts
             it self
             against
             the
             knowledge
             of
             God
             ,
             and
             bring
             into
             Captivity
             every
             thought
             to
             the
             obedience
             of
             Christ.
          
           The
           Spirit
           overcomes
           the
           Pride
           of
           the
           Natural
           Understanding
           by
           the
           Authority
           of
           the
           Revealer
           ,
           and
           inlightens
           the
           Ignorance
           of
           it
           by
           the
           Infallible
           Revelation
           .
           Violence
           ,
           and
           Temporal
           Respects
           ,
           may
           by
           Terrors
           and
           Allurements
           make
           Men
           Hypocrites
           ,
           but
           cannot
           make
           them
           sincere
           Believers
           :
           there
           will
           be
           a
           Form
           of
           Religion
           without
           ,
           and
           Atheism
           within
           .
           'T
           is
           special
           Grace
           inspires
           the
           Elect
           of
           God
           with
           Light
           to
           see
           Spiritual
           things
           ,
           and
           requires
           special
           Thankfulness
           .
        
         
           Let
           us
           Humbly
           pray
           to
           the
           Father
           of
           Mercies
           ,
           and
           of
           Lights
           ,
           that
           he
           would
           
           reveal
           the
           Mysteries
           of
           his
           Kingdom
           to
           the
           Minds
           of
           Men.
           
             If
             the
             Gospel
             be
             hid
             ,
             't
             is
             hid
             to
             those
             that
             are
             lost
             ,
             in
             whom
             the
             god
             of
             this
             world
             hath
             blinded
             the
             minds
          
           
           
             of
             them
             who
             believe
             not
             ,
             lest
             the
             light
             of
             the
             glorious
             Gospel
             of
             Christ
             ,
             who
             is
             the
             Image
             of
             God
             ,
             should
             shine
             into
             them
             .
          
        
      
       
         
         
           CHAP.
           VII
           .
        
         
           
             The
             Power
             of
             Faith
             ,
             to
             overcome
             all
             that
             is
             opposite
             to
             our
             Salvation
             .
             A
             Speculative
             Assent
             to
             Supernatural
             Truths
             is
             not
             Saving
             .
             The
             Efficacy
             of
             Faith
             against
             the
             Temptations
             of
             the
             World
             ,
             proceeds
             from
             the
             Nature
             of
             its
             Objects
             ,
             and
             the
             degrees
             of
             Assent
             ,
             and
             the
             frequent
             application
             of
             them
             to
             our
             Hearts
             .
             There
             is
             an
             incomparable
             difference
             between
             the
             good
             and
             evil
             things
             that
             are
             present
             ,
             and
             those
             that
             are
             future
             .
             The
             Evidence
             and
             Importance
             ,
             of
             future
             good
             things
             ,
             and
             our
             interest
             in
             them
             ,
             fixes
             our
             Assent
             ,
             and
             makes
             it
             effectual
             .
             Justifying
             Faith
             consider'd
             in
             its
             Nature
             and
             Purifying
             Virtue
             .
             Faith
             in
             the
             disposals
             of
             Divine
             Providence
             ,
             is
             a
             Fundamental
             Principle
             from
             whence
             many
             Practical
             Consequences
             are
             derived
             .
             The
             Heathens
             had
             very
             disparaging
             Conceits
             of
             God's
             Providence
             .
             The
             Scripture
             declares
             that
             nothing
             happens
             ,
             without
             the
             knowledge
             ,
             the
             Will
             ,
             either
             permissive
             or
             approving
             ,
             and
             the
             Ordering
             Providence
             of
             God.
             This
             is
             very
             influential
             to
             the
             Lives
             of
             Men.
             
          
        
         
           4.
           
           I
           Will
           now
           Consider
           the
           Power
           and
           Efficacy
           of
           Faith
           ,
           to
           overcome
           all
           that
           is
           opposite
           to
           our
           Salvation
           .
        
         
         
           I
           shall
           premise
           ,
           there
           is
           a
           common
           delusion
           ,
           that
           has
           a
           pernicious
           Influence
           into
           the
           Minds
           and
           Lives
           of
           many
           :
           that
           those
           are
           true
           Believers
           ,
           who
           yield
           a
           dry
           and
           barren
           Assent
           to
           the
           Mysteries
           of
           the
           Gospel
           ,
           without
           the
           practical
           Belief
           of
           them
           .
           They
           do
           not
           foment
           and
           authorise
           doubts
           by
           the
           pretence
           of
           Reason
           ,
           nor
           excite
           revolts
           in
           their
           Minds
           ,
           and
           entertain
           Objections
           against
           supernatural
           Truths
           ;
           but
           they
           never
           felt
           the
           spirit
           and
           power
           of
           Faith
           in
           raising
           them
           above
           the
           low
           descents
           of
           Carnal
           Minds
           ,
           and
           setting
           their
           Affections
           on
           things
           above
           .
           The
           Love
           of
           the
           present
           World
           ,
           like
           a
           stupifying
           Wine
           ,
           causes
           in
           them
           a
           forgetfulness
           of
           Heaven
           ,
           and
           that
           which
           is
           the
           most
           dangerous
           Idolatry
           in
           the
           sight
           of
           God
           ,
           is
           seated
           in
           their
           Hearts
           .
           The
           Understanding
           submits
           to
           divine
           Revelation
           ,
           but
           the
           Will
           is
           Rebellious
           against
           the
           divine
           Commands
           .
           They
           believe
           what
           is
           necessary
           to
           believe
           ,
           but
           not
           what
           is
           necessary
           to
           do
           .
           They
           are
           satisfied
           with
           a
           speculative
           Faith
           ,
           that
           costs
           nothing
           ,
           and
           will
           go
           with
           them
           to
           Hell
           ,
           for
           the
           Devils
           believe
           supernatural
           Truths
           .
           They
           are
           rich
           in
           the
           Notions
           of
           Faith
           ,
           but
           poor
           in
           the
           Precepts
           of
           Obedience
           .
           Now
           in
           the
           Language
           of
           Scripture
           ,
           saving
           Faith
           and
           knowledge
           of
           divine
           things
           are
           productive
           of
           such
           Affections
           and
           
           Actions
           as
           are
           correspondent
           to
           the
           Nature
           of
           the
           things
           believed
           .
           If
           the
           Head
           be
           inlightned
           ,
           and
           the
           Heart
           in
           Darkness
           ,
           if
           one
           professes
           never
           so
           fully
           his
           Assent
           and
           Adherence
           to
           all
           the
           Articles
           of
           Faith
           ,
           and
           the
           Beams
           of
           Faith
           are
           not
           visible
           in
           his
           Conversation
           ,
           he
           is
           an
           Infidel
           .
           
             He
             that
             sayes
             ,
             I
             know
             Christ
             ,
          
           or
           
           which
           is
           Equivalent
           ,
           
             believe
             in
             him
             ,
             and
             keeps
             not
             his
             Commandments
             ,
             is
             a
             liar
             ,
             and
             the
             truth
             is
             not
             in
             him
             .
          
           Every
           habitual
           Sinner
           is
           an
           Unbeliever
           .
           Unfeigned
           Faith
           receives
           the
           Word
           of
           God
           in
           all
           its
           parts
           ,
           Doctrines
           ,
           Commands
           ,
           Promises
           ,
           not
           only
           as
           Infallibly
           true
           ,
           but
           Superlatively
           good
           and
           precious
           ,
           and
           intirely
           embraces
           them
           ,
           with
           a
           despising
           of
           all
           things
           ,
           that
           may
           come
           in
           Competition
           with
           them
           ,
           and
           expresses
           the
           esteem
           and
           love
           of
           them
           in
           the
           practise
           .
           The
           two
           inseparable
           properties
           of
           Saving
           Faith
           are
           ,
           't
           is
           Humble
           and
           Submissive
           to
           divine
           Revelation
           ,
           't
           is
           Dutiful
           and
           Obedient
           to
           divine
           Precepts
           .
        
         
           This
           being
           premis'd
           ,
           I
           will
           consider
           the
           power
           of
           Faith
           ,
           proceeding
           1.
           
           From
           the
           Nature
           of
           the
           Objects
           upon
           which
           't
           is
           exercis'd
           .
           2.
           
           From
           the
           degrees
           of
           its
           Assent
           and
           Adherence
           to
           them
           .
           3.
           
           From
           the
           serious
           and
           frequent
           Application
           of
           the
           Objects
           to
           our
           Heart
           .
        
         
         
           1.
           
           From
           the
           Nature
           of
           the
           Objects
           upon
           which
           't
           is
           exercis'd
           ;
           now
           between
           them
           ,
           and
           the
           most
           enticeing
           good
           things
           ,
           and
           the
           most
           fearful
           evil
           in
           this
           present
           state
           ,
           there
           is
           an
           incomparable
           difference
           .
           The
           Apostle
           tells
           us
           ,
           
             This
             is
             the
             victory
          
           
           
             that
             overcomes
             the
             World
             ,
             even
             our
             Faith.
          
           Victory
           supposes
           a
           Fight
           ,
           and
           a
           Fight
           supposes
           an
           Enemy
           :
           The
           Enemy
           is
           declar'd
           ,
           the
           VVorld
           ,
           including
           the
           Men
           of
           the
           VVorld
           ,
           and
           the
           things
           of
           it
           .
           This
           Enemy
           is
           in
           Combination
           with
           the
           Devil
           and
           the
           Flesh.
           He
           is
           stil'd
           the
           
             Prince
             of
             this
             World
          
           ,
           that
           manages
           the
           Temptations
           of
           it
           for
           the
           ruine
           of
           Souls
           .
           He
           tryes
           his
           poisons
           according
           to
           the
           dispositions
           of
           Men
           ,
           in
           hopes
           of
           working
           in
           them
           .
           He
           presents
           to
           some
           a
           charming
           Cup
           ,
           to
           intoxicate
           them
           with
           the
           pleasures
           of
           Sin
           :
           he
           tempts
           others
           with
           things
           of
           Lustre
           ,
           with
           Titles
           of
           Honour
           and
           Dignity
           ,
           that
           dazle
           their
           Minds
           ,
           that
           they
           cannot
           give
           a
           true
           and
           safe
           judgment
           of
           things
           :
           he
           allures
           others
           with
           Riches
           .
           And
           as
           heat
           is
           doubled
           by
           reflexion
           ,
           so
           he
           enforces
           his
           temptations
           ,
           from
           the
           prevalency
           of
           these
           motives
           upon
           Men
           in
           all
           places
           and
           times
           .
           If
           these
           Methods
           are
           unsuccessful
           to
           turn
           Men
           from
           God
           ,
           he
           tryes
           to
           make
           terrible
           Impressions
           upon
           the
           Minds
           of
           Men
           by
           afflicting
           
           Evils
           ,
           by
           the
           rage
           of
           the
           perverse
           World.
           Now
           Faith
           is
           the
           victorious
           Principle
           ,
           that
           defeats
           all
           his
           designs
           ,
           and
           overcomes
           all
           his
           strength
           .
           In
           Mechanical
           Operations
           ,
           we
           judge
           by
           the
           force
           of
           the
           Mover
           ,
           how
           easily
           a
           weight
           will
           be
           moved
           .
           Thus
           when
           Eternal
           Realities
           are
           by
           Faith
           put
           into
           the
           Scales
           against
           Temporal
           Vanities
           ,
           they
           infinitely
           outweigh
           them
           .
           The
           Apostle
           makes
           a
           judicious
           comparison
           ;
           
             Our
             light
             Afflictions
             that
             are
          
           
           
             but
             for
             a
             moment
             ,
             work
             out
             for
             us
             a
             far
             more
             exceeding
             and
             eternal
             weight
             of
             Glory
             .
          
           He
           extreamly
           vilifies
           things
           present
           ,
           and
           magnifies
           things
           future
           .
           All
           that
           is
           pleasant
           or
           painful
           here
           is
           but
           for
           a
           moment
           ,
           and
           in
           true
           value
           is
           infinitely
           inferiour
           to
           the
           good
           things
           ,
           and
           the
           evil
           to
           come
           .
           
             I
             count
          
           ,
           saith
           the
           Apostle
           ,
           
             the
             Afflictions
             of
             the
             present
             time
             ,
             are
             not
             to
             be
             compared
             with
             the
             Glory
             that
             shall
             be
             revealed
             :
          
           And
           since
           the
           impressions
           of
           Pain
           are
           incomparably
           stronger
           ,
           and
           more
           affecting
           Humane
           Nature
           than
           impressions
           of
           Pleasure
           ,
           one
           sharp
           Pain
           deads
           the
           sensitive
           Faculties
           to
           the
           most
           vehement
           Pleasures
           .
           We
           are
           assured
           by
           irresistible
           evidence
           ,
           that
           the
           Happiness
           of
           this
           World
           is
           in
           true
           value
           infinitely
           inferiour
           to
           the
           Happiness
           of
           the
           next
           .
           The
           most
           pleasant
           things
           here
           cannot
           satisfie
           the
           narrow
           Faculties
           of
           Sense
           :
           
           
             The
             Eye
             is
             not
             satisfied
             with
             seeing
             ,
             nor
             the
             Ear
             with
             hearing
          
           ;
           but
           the
           Favour
           of
           God
           ,
           and
           the
           blessed
           effects
           of
           it
           ,
           pass
           all
           Understanding
           ,
           our
           most
           comprehensive
           Faculty
           .
        
         
           There
           is
           more
           Shadow
           than
           Light
           in
           our
           brightest
           Condition
           ,
           more
           Gall
           than
           Honey
           in
           our
           sweetest
           Fruitions
           :
           But
           suppose
           the
           appearance
           of
           Worldly
           Happiness
           ,
           gilded
           with
           specious
           tinctures
           ,
           were
           truly
           great
           and
           goodly
           ,
           joyful
           and
           satisfying
           ,
           according
           to
           the
           Fancies
           of
           Carnal
           Men
           ,
           yet
           the
           Price
           would
           extreamly
           fall
           ,
           by
           considering
           they
           are
           of
           no
           longer
           continuance
           ,
           than
           the
           flight
           and
           expiring
           Breath
           of
           our
           present
           Life
           .
           The
           Glory
           of
           this
           World
           is
           like
           a
           flash
           of
           Lightning
           in
           its
           appearing
           and
           vanishing
           .
           The
           longest
           Line
           of
           Time
           ,
           from
           its
           first
           rise
           to
           its
           last
           period
           ,
           is
           but
           a
           point
           to
           Eternity
           .
           Now
           that
           Happiness
           which
           is
           fading
           ,
           is
           not
           true
           Happiness
           in
           its
           own
           Nature
           ,
           nor
           correspondent
           to
           our
           reasonable
           Desires
           :
           For
           the
           apprehension
           of
           its
           approaching
           end
           ,
           will
           imbitter
           the
           relish
           of
           the
           present
           enjoyment
           .
        
         
           But
           the
           Happiness
           of
           the
           next
           Life
           is
           doubly
           infinite
           ,
           in
           the
           degrees
           and
           duration
           .
           The
           least
           part
           of
           that
           Happiness
           is
           a
           perfect
           freedom
           from
           any
           touch
           or
           shadow
           of
           Evil.
           Humane
           Language
           
           has
           not
           words
           worthy
           or
           fully
           significant
           to
           describe
           it
           .
           God
           ,
           who
           is
           an
           infinite
           Good
           and
           Goodness
           ,
           communicates
           himself
           to
           the
           immortal
           Soul
           ,
           according
           to
           its
           utmost
           Capacity
           and
           Desires
           .
           It
           seems
           impossible
           for
           Men
           to
           offer
           such
           violence
           to
           their
           Understandings
           ,
           as
           calmly
           considering
           ,
           and
           in
           cold
           blood
           ,
           to
           prefer
           the
           Fashion
           
             of
             this
             World
             that
             passes
             away
             ,
          
           before
           the
           perfect
           and
           unchangeable
           Happiness
           in
           the
           next
           World.
           
        
         
           2.
           
           According
           to
           the
           degrees
           of
           our
           assent
           to
           future
           eternal
           things
           ,
           such
           is
           their
           victorious
           power
           in
           our
           Souls
           .
           The
           objective
           efficacy
           of
           things
           is
           not
           from
           their
           existence
           ,
           but
           from
           their
           evidence
           to
           our
           Minds
           .
           Now
           according
           as
           our
           Apprehensions
           are
           more
           clear
           ,
           and
           our
           Belief
           more
           stedfast
           of
           things
           future
           ,
           such
           impressions
           are
           made
           either
           of
           terrour
           or
           desire
           in
           our
           Breasts
           .
           The
           Apostle
           defines
           Faith
           to
           be
           ,
           
             The
             substance
             of
          
           
           
             things
             hoped
             for
             ,
             the
             evidence
             of
             things
             not
             seen
             .
          
           It
           represents
           things
           future
           and
           distant
           ,
           as
           present
           and
           in
           our
           actual
           possession
           .
           A
           superficial
           fluctuating
           belief
           of
           the
           good
           or
           evil
           things
           in
           the
           next
           state
           ,
           is
           of
           no
           force
           to
           encounter
           present
           Temptations
           ,
           and
           vanquish
           the
           Carnal
           Affections
           .
           The
           report
           of
           the
           Senses
           concerning
           things
           present
           ,
           will
           preponderate
           the
           Authority
           of
           God's
           Word
           ,
           
           that
           declares
           things
           future
           infinitely
           to
           exceed
           them
           .
           All
           Fire
           has
           Heat
           ;
           but
           not
           strong
           enough
           to
           melt
           down
           Gold
           and
           Silver
           .
           There
           is
           an
           assent
           in
           every
           degree
           of
           Faith
           ,
           but
           not
           able
           to
           overcome
           the
           World.
           A
           radicated
           firm
           belief
           of
           the
           infallible
           Truth
           ,
           the
           transcendent
           Goodness
           ,
           and
           our
           sure
           right
           in
           Heavenly
           things
           ,
           will
           cause
           all
           the
           false
           colours
           of
           this
           World
           ,
           the
           shadows
           in
           masquerade
           ,
           to
           disappear
           .
        
         
           The
           evidence
           and
           importance
           of
           things
           fixes
           our
           Resolutions
           to
           adhere
           to
           them
           .
           The
           Son
           of
           a
           King
           ,
           and
           Heir
           of
           a
           Kingdom
           ,
           will
           invincibly
           assert
           the
           truth
           of
           his
           Relation
           and
           Title
           .
           A
           sincere
           Believer
           of
           the
           Heavenly
           Glory
           ,
           and
           his
           Eternal
           Interest
           in
           it
           ,
           will
           live
           in
           that
           Faith
           ,
           and
           dye
           in
           it
           ;
           and
           dye
           for
           it
           ,
           if
           necessity
           require
           .
           The
           belief
           of
           it
           has
           a
           vital
           taste
           ,
           a
           Joy
           sincere
           and
           sweet
           ,
           that
           makes
           the
           pleasant
           temptations
           of
           the
           World
           nauseous
           .
           As
           Faith
           is
           the
           foundation
           and
           basis
           of
           Hope
           ,
           (
           
             't
             is
             the
             substance
             of
             things
             hoped
             for
             ,
          
           )
           so
           Hope
           is
           reciprocally
           as
           a
           strong
           Pillar
           that
           establishes
           the
           basis
           upon
           which
           't
           is
           fix'd
           :
           For
           one
           voluntarily
           and
           stedfastly
           believes
           that
           which
           is
           for
           his
           advantage
           and
           comfort
           .
           The
           serious
           belief
           of
           the
           prepared
           Plagues
           for
           those
           who
           are
           unfaithful
           to
           God
           ,
           and
           their
           Souls
           hereafter
           ,
           will
           make
           all
           the
           Evils
           threatened
           
           and
           inflicted
           upon
           the
           godly
           here
           ,
           to
           be
           contemptible
           .
           If
           we
           are
           surrounded
           with
           an
           army
           of
           Evils
           ,
           let
           Faith
           draw
           forth
           the
           Powers
           of
           the
           World
           to
           come
           ,
           
             we
             shall
             be
             more
             than
             Conquerors
             .
          
           There
           are
           many
           Temptations
           we
           cannot
           avoid
           ;
           there
           are
           none
           but
           we
           may
           vanquish
           by
           the
           Power
           of
           Faith.
           The
           Fear
           of
           God
           ,
           like
           
           Aaron's
           Rod
           turned
           into
           a
           Serpent
           ,
           that
           swallowed
           up
           the
           Rods
           of
           the
           Magicians
           ,
           will
           over-rule
           the
           Fear
           of
           Men
           ,
           and
           make
           those
           Evils
           that
           to
           naked
           Nature
           are
           invincible
           ,
           easily
           endur'd
           .
           This
           is
           evident
           from
           the
           Courage
           and
           Constancy
           of
           the
           Martyrs
           ,
           who
           despised
           the
           proudest
           Tyrants
           upon
           their
           Thrones
           ,
           and
           the
           most
           cruel
           Executioners
           upon
           the
           Scaffold
           :
           The
           effects
           of
           Faith
           in
           the
           time
           of
           its
           triumph
           .
           If
           the
           same
           Objects
           have
           not
           the
           same
           efficacy
           in
           the
           Minds
           of
           Men
           ,
           't
           is
           for
           want
           of
           Faith.
           If
           Faith
           declines
           ,
           we
           shall
           faint
           and
           dye
           away
           .
           Peter
           walk'd
           on
           the
           Sea
           while
           he
           relyed
           on
           the
           Word
           of
           Christ
           ,
           but
           when
           a
           blast
           of
           Wind
           shook
           his
           Faith
           ,
           he
           presently
           sunk
           .
           The
           Apostles
           doubted
           of
           Christ's
           Power
           ,
           when
           a
           Storm
           fell
           upon
           the
           Ship
           :
           Our
           Saviour
           first
           rebuk'd
           their
           Fear
           ,
           before
           he
           laid
           the
           Storm
           ,
           (
           
             Why
             are
             ye
             afraid
             ,
             O
             ye
             of
             little
             Faith
             ?
          
           )
           as
           a
           danger
           more
           near
           ,
           and
           of
           worse
           Consequence
           .
        
         
         
           Let
           us
           try
           the
           singular
           efficacy
           of
           Faith
           ,
           by
           exercising
           of
           it
           upon
           eternal
           Objects
           :
           Let
           our
           Faith
           represent
           to
           us
           in
           as
           lively
           a
           manner
           ,
           the
           eternal
           Judgment
           ,
           as
           Enoch
           had
           a
           prospect
           of
           it
           ;
           
             Behold
             the
             Lord
             comes
             with
             ten
             thousand
             of
             his
             Saints
             ,
             to
             judge
             all
             the
             ungodly
             :
          
           Let
           Faith
           direct
           its
           view
           to
           him
           ,
           rending
           the
           Heavens
           ,
           and
           
             coming
             in
             his
             own
             Glory
          
           ,
           as
           the
           Son
           of
           God
           ,
           and
           
             in
             his
             Father's
             Glory
          
           ,
           as
           constituted
           by
           him
           to
           be
           Judge
           of
           the
           World
           ,
           
             and
             in
             the
             Glory
             of
             the
             mighty
             Angels
             ,
          
           his
           Attendants
           :
           Let
           Faith
           contemplate
           the
           Judge
           upon
           a
           
             white
             Throne
          
           ,
           the
           Emblem
           of
           his
           Holiness
           ,
           whom
           none
           can
           surprise
           or
           resist
           :
           Let
           Faith
           make
           that
           day
           as
           present
           ,
           when
           there
           will
           be
           no
           place
           for
           Repentance
           ;
           when
           the
           Fountain
           of
           Mercy
           to
           Sinners
           will
           be
           sealed
           for
           ever
           ;
           when
           the
           Books
           of
           Eternal
           Life
           and
           Death
           shall
           be
           opened
           ,
           and
           all
           Men
           shall
           receive
           an
           irrevocable
           Judgment
           ;
           a
           Judgment
           so
           fearful
           ,
           that
           Sinners
           how
           great
           and
           terrible
           so
           ever
           they
           were
           in
           this
           World
           to
           others
           ,
           shall
           
             call
             to
             the
             Mountains
             to
             fall
             on
             them
             ,
             and
             the
             Hills
             to
             cover
             them
             ,
             from
             the
             Wrath
             of
             the
             Lamb
             :
             For
             his
             day
             is
             come
             :
          
           A
           Judgment
           so
           strict
           ,
           
             that
             the
             Righteous
             shall
             scarcely
             be
             saved
             .
          
           Now
           what
           impressions
           of
           tormenting
           Fear
           ,
           or
           reviving
           Hopes
           ,
           will
           the
           strong
           Belief
           of
           the
           
           Eternal
           Judgment
           ,
           and
           the
           Consequences
           of
           it
           ,
           make
           in
           us
           ,
           when
           Heaven
           and
           Hell
           shall
           divide
           all
           Men
           ,
           according
           as
           we
           are
           prepared
           or
           unprepared
           for
           the
           Tryal
           of
           that
           deciding
           Day
           ?
           How
           will
           it
           make
           us
           circumspect
           and
           cautious
           to
           avoid
           Evil
           ,
           active
           and
           ardent
           in
           doing
           Good
           ;
           for
           every
           thing
           must
           be
           brought
           in
           Judgment
           ?
           How
           ambitious
           and
           diligent
           to
           be
           accepted
           of
           our
           Judge
           ?
           Let
           Faith
           open
           a
           Window
           into
           Heaven
           ,
           and
           represent
           the
           Saints
           in
           their
           Sun-like
           Brightness
           ,
           their
           Glory
           and
           Joy
           ,
           and
           triumphant
           Felicity
           in
           the
           Eternal
           Kingdom
           ,
           
             where
             God
             is
             all
             in
             all
             .
          
           How
           will
           the
           believing
           view
           of
           this
           ,
           rectifie
           our
           Minds
           ,
           and
           convince
           us
           that
           nothing
           deserves
           our
           high
           Esteem
           and
           Love
           ,
           but
           the
           Favour
           and
           Fruition
           of
           the
           blessed
           God
           ?
        
         
           Let
           Faith
           open
           the
           fatal
           Gates
           of
           Hell
           ,
           that
           are
           never
           shut
           upon
           the
           Damned
           ,
           and
           discover
           the
           Scenes
           of
           Woe
           ,
           the
           Sights
           of
           Horror
           ,
           the
           tormenting
           Passions
           of
           Reprobates
           ,
           their
           desperate
           Sorrow
           for
           the
           loss
           of
           Heaven
           ,
           and
           fierce
           indignation
           that
           others
           enjoy
           it
           ;
           both
           which
           are
           implyed
           in
           their
           
             weeping
             ,
             and
             wailing
             ,
             and
             gnashing
             of
             Teeth
             .
          
           How
           powerful
           will
           this
           representation
           be
           ,
           to
           keep
           us
           in
           awe
           and
           order
           ,
           to
           controle
           the
           Lusts
           ,
           and
           Licentiousness
           of
           Carnal
           Appetites
           ?
           How
           would
           this
           double
           Vision
           
           make
           us
           esteem
           all
           the
           good
           things
           here
           as
           vile
           as
           dross
           ,
           and
           all
           the
           evil
           as
           light
           as
           Feathers
           ,
           in
           comparison
           of
           eternal
           things
           ?
           How
           would
           this
           inspire
           us
           with
           resolutions
           to
           take
           
             Heaven
             by
             violence
             ,
             and
             to
             fly
             from
             the
             Wrath
             to
             come
             ?
          
        
         
           3.
           
           The
           efficacy
           of
           Faith
           proceeds
           from
           the
           serious
           and
           frequent
           application
           of
           Eternal
           Objects
           to
           our
           Minds
           and
           Hearts
           .
           All
           that
           are
           Christians
           in
           Profession
           ,
           prefer
           in
           the
           Idea
           and
           Speculation
           ,
           Eternal
           Things
           before
           Temporal
           ;
           but
           in
           Practice
           and
           Choice
           ,
           the
           most
           prefer
           Temporal
           before
           Eternal
           .
           Present
           and
           sensible
           things
           strongly
           affect
           the
           Carnal
           Faculties
           ,
           and
           excite
           the
           Natural
           Inclinations
           that
           were
           dormant
           in
           the
           absence
           of
           alluring
           Objects
           ;
           but
           when
           awaken'd
           ,
           they
           distract
           and
           scatter
           the
           Mind
           ,
           from
           a
           just
           comparing
           of
           things
           present
           and
           things
           future
           ;
           and
           the
           Will
           applyes
           the
           Thoughts
           to
           what
           is
           delightful
           to
           the
           carnal
           part
           ,
           and
           the
           application
           determines
           the
           choice
           .
           The
           interposition
           of
           Earthly
           things
           ,
           eclipse
           the
           Light
           of
           Faith
           ,
           and
           weakens
           the
           reflections
           of
           that
           Light
           upon
           the
           Mind
           :
           A
           strong
           Temptation
           defaces
           the
           impression
           of
           things
           future
           ,
           though
           infinitely
           great
           ;
           and
           consequently
           the
           Passions
           prevail
           ,
           and
           Faith
           is
           vanquish'd
           .
           What
           Man
           that
           has
           Heaven
           and
           Hell
           in
           his
           
           view
           ,
           and
           considers
           that
           the
           Day
           of
           Death
           and
           Judgment
           are
           equally
           uncertain
           as
           to
           the
           fix'd
           time
           ,
           and
           equally
           certain
           as
           to
           the
           event
           ,
           and
           that
           this
           short
           Life
           must
           issue
           either
           into
           rivers
           of
           Pleasure
           for
           ever
           ,
           or
           into
           an
           abyss
           of
           endless
           Misery
           ,
           can
           be
           doubtful
           a
           moment
           ,
           what
           to
           choose
           and
           what
           to
           avoid
           ?
           Yet
           't
           is
           evident
           ,
           that
           vast
           numbers
           of
           Men
           that
           are
           between
           two
           Eternities
           ,
           are
           indifferent
           and
           unconcerned
           ,
           into
           which
           their
           Lot
           shall
           be
           determined
           .
           The
           inchanting
           World
           darkens
           the
           remembrance
           ,
           and
           damps
           the
           desire
           of
           Heaven
           ,
           and
           extinguishes
           the
           fear
           of
           Hell.
           Transient
           Thoughts
           of
           future
           things
           cannot
           excite
           and
           influence
           the
           Affections
           ,
           nor
           regulate
           the
           Will
           and
           Actions
           ,
           according
           as
           the
           moment
           of
           them
           requires
           .
           Moses
           despised
           the
           Pomp
           and
           Pleasures
           of
           the
           Egyptian
           Court
           ,
           and
           chose
           Afflictions
           with
           the
           People
           of
           God
           ,
           
             because
             he
             had
             an
             intent
             and
             fix'd
             Eye
             upon
             the
             future
             Reward
             .
             Paul
          
           had
           a
           Heavenly
           Vision
           ,
           the
           Idea
           of
           which
           was
           always
           bright
           in
           his
           Memory
           ,
           and
           a
           Heavenly
           Conversation
           .
           Now
           Faith
           supplies
           the
           want
           of
           Vision
           ;
           and
           if
           its
           acts
           are
           not
           interrupted
           by
           Earthly
           Objects
           deadness
           ,
           will
           continually
           inspire
           us
           with
           suitable
           affections
           to
           eternal
           things
           .
           Above
           all
           other
           means
           let
           us
           fly
           to
           Prayer
           ,
           that
           the
           
           Holy
           Spirit
           ,
           by
           his
           illuminating
           guidance
           ,
           would
           direct
           our
           Minds
           ,
           and
           actuate
           our
           Faith
           :
           
             We
             have
             received
             the
             Spirit
             ,
             that
          
           
           
             we
             may
             know
             the
             things
             given
             us
             of
             God
             :
          
           That
           the
           Spirit
           would
           be
           our
           Remembrancer
           ,
           and
           strongly
           impress
           eternal
           things
           upon
           us
           :
           Without
           his
           Influence
           our
           Consideration
           will
           be
           cold
           and
           ineffectual
           .
        
         
           2.
           
           There
           is
           a
           justifying
           Faith.
           The
           Apostle
           declares
           ,
           
             Being
             justified
             by
             Faith
             ,
             we
             have
             Peace
             with
             God.
          
           This
           is
           very
           clearly
           open'd
           in
           the
           Gospel
           ;
           yet
           there
           have
           been
           lately
           publish'd
           some
           Contentious
           Writings
           about
           it
           ,
           mix'd
           with
           such
           Railleries
           and
           Contumelies
           ,
           that
           have
           opened
           a
           Scandalous
           Scene
           ,
           and
           exposed
           Religion
           to
           the
           Derision
           of
           Libertines
           ,
           and
           profane
           Spirits
           ,
           and
           affected
           the
           Godly
           with
           sorrowful
           impressions
           ,
           and
           with
           earnest
           longings
           after
           the
           Kingdoms
           of
           Light
           and
           Love
           ,
           where
           Ignorance
           and
           Strife
           are
           abolish'd
           for
           ever
           .
           Injurious
           Language
           convinces
           none
           ,
           but
           renders
           the
           Minds
           of
           Men
           more
           averse
           from
           Instruction
           :
           We
           are
           not
           likely
           to
           discover
           the
           Truth
           in
           a
           mist
           of
           Passion
           ;
           but
           when
           Truth
           is
           calmly
           convey'd
           ,
           the
           Mind
           is
           more
           attentive
           to
           receive
           it
           ,
           and
           its
           convincing
           and
           perswasive
           Power
           insinuates
           into
           us
           .
           Christian
           Love
           would
           lessen
           the
           number
           ,
           and
           allay
           the
           heat
           of
           our
           Controversies
           .
        
         
         
           I
           have
           discours'd
           elsewhere
           concerning
           
           Justifying
           Faith
           ,
           and
           shall
           now
           very
           briefly
           glance
           at
           some
           things
           ,
           wherein
           its
           Nature
           and
           purifying
           Vertue
           consists
           .
        
         
           Justification
           is
           an
           Act
           of
           God
           as
           supreme
           Judge
           ,
           invested
           with
           the
           Relation
           of
           a
           Father
           ,
           wherein
           his
           Majesty
           and
           Mercy
           are
           equally
           illustrious
           ,
           in
           pardoning
           our
           Sins
           ,
           and
           conferring
           upon
           us
           a
           right
           to
           Eternal
           Life
           ,
           for
           the
           Satisfaction
           and
           Merits
           of
           Christ's
           Righteousness
           imputed
           to
           us
           ,
           and
           received
           by
           Faith.
           Faith
           is
           the
           Condition
           that
           qualifies
           us
           to
           have
           Pardon
           applyed
           to
           us
           ;
           and
           its
           
           Nature
           consists
           in
           receiving
           Christ
           upon
           the
           terms
           of
           the
           Gospel
           ;
           that
           is
           ,
           our
           unfeigned
           accepting
           him
           as
           
             our
             Prince
          
           
           
             and
             Saviour
          
           ,
           and
           intire
           relyance
           upon
           him
           .
           The
           general
           belief
           of
           the
           Gospel
           is
           not
           Justifying
           Faith
           ;
           but
           our
           regular
           trust
           in
           the
           pardoning
           Grace
           of
           God
           ,
           necessarily
           includes
           our
           performing
           the
           Condition
           of
           the
           Promise
           ;
           that
           is
           ,
           a
           relyance
           on
           Christ
           ,
           joyn'd
           with
           a
           sincere
           resolution
           to
           obey
           him
           .
           A
           particular
           perswasion
           that
           our
           Sins
           are
           pardoned
           ,
           is
           not
           Justifying
           Faith
           :
           We
           are
           commanded
           to
           believe
           ,
           that
           we
           may
           be
           pardoned
           .
           Many
           sincere
           Believers
           have
           distracting
           Doubts
           about
           their
           Pardon
           :
           The
           matter
           being
           of
           infinite
           importance
           ,
           
           they
           are
           fearful
           in
           the
           inquiries
           of
           their
           Title
           to
           it
           .
           And
           others
           are
           deceived
           with
           Presumption
           in
           stead
           of
           Faith
           in
           Christ
           ,
           and
           Security
           in
           stead
           of
           Peace
           with
           God.
           And
           by
           this
           we
           may
           understand
           from
           whence
           the
           purifying
           Vertue
           of
           Faith
           ,
           as
           it
           justifies
           ,
           proceeds
           ;
           for
           it
           necessarily
           supposes
           us
           to
           be
           under
           the
           guilt
           of
           Sin
           ,
           and
           in
           desperate
           Misery
           ;
           that
           we
           are
           obnoxious
           to
           God's
           Tribunal
           ,
           who
           is
           a
           righteous
           and
           holy
           Judge
           ,
           angry
           and
           incens'd
           for
           our
           Sins
           ,
           and
           will
           be
           a
           revenging
           Judge
           to
           all
           that
           continue
           in
           their
           guilty
           state
           ;
           and
           that
           our
           Pardon
           and
           Right
           to
           Eternal
           Life
           are
           to
           be
           intirely
           ascrib'd
           to
           the
           soveraign
           Mercy
           of
           God
           ,
           the
           Original
           Cause
           ,
           and
           the
           
             Blood
             of
             Christ
          
           ,
           the
           Meritorious
           Cause
           
           of
           it
           .
           
             Now
             Faith
             works
             by
             Love
          
           ;
           the
           Love
           of
           God
           to
           us
           apprehended
           by
           Faith
           ,
           and
           our
           Love
           to
           him
           ,
           which
           is
           the
           reflexion
           of
           his
           Beams
           shining
           in
           our
           Hearts
           ,
           and
           is
           the
           powerful
           Principle
           of
           Obedience
           to
           him
           .
           The
           well-grounded
           Belief
           that
           God
           will
           save
           us
           ,
           and
           bring
           us
           to
           Eternal
           Glory
           ,
           does
           naturally
           and
           necessarily
           inspire
           the
           Breast
           of
           a
           Christian
           with
           a
           holy
           Fear
           of
           Sin
           that
           provokes
           him
           ,
           and
           a
           constant
           Care
           to
           please
           him
           in
           all
           things
           .
           Besides
           ,
           God
           in
           dispensing
           his
           pardoning
           Mercy
           requires
           our
           perseverance
           in
           a
           holy
           Conversation
           .
           What
           
           our
           Saviour
           said
           to
           the
           Man
           miraculously
           cur'd
           of
           his
           inveterate
           Disease
           ,
           Behold
           
           
             thou
             art
             made
             whole
             ,
             Sin
             no
             more
             least
             a
             worse
             thing
             befall
             thee
             ,
          
           is
           virtually
           said
           to
           every
           pardon'd
           Believer
           :
           when
           God
           speaks
           
             peace
             to
             his
             people
          
           ,
           't
           is
           with
           this
           Caution
           ,
           
             let
             them
             not
             return
             any
             more
             to
             folly
             .
          
           I
           shall
           under
           another
           Head
           speak
           of
           Faith
           ,
           as
           the
           Effectual
           Means
           of
           our
           Sanctification
           ,
           and
           now
           will
           proceed
           .
        
         
           3.
           
           Faith
           in
           the
           disposal
           of
           all
           things
           by
           the
           Infallible
           Providence
           of
           God
           ,
           is
           one
           of
           those
           universal
           Principles
           ,
           those
           prime
           and
           great
           Truths
           ,
           rich
           in
           practical
           Consequences
           ,
           that
           are
           powerful
           to
           compose
           and
           calm
           our
           Minds
           and
           Hearts
           in
           the
           midst
           of
           the
           visible
           disorders
           and
           confusion
           of
           things
           in
           the
           present
           World.
           The
           Heathens
           measur'd
           the
           Divine
           Perfections
           by
           the
           compass
           of
           their
           narrow
           Understandings
           .
           They
           could
           not
           conceive
           ,
           that
           one
           God
           was
           able
           to
           order
           all
           things
           ,
           and
           form'd
           a
           vast
           number
           of
           Subordinate
           Gods
           to
           whom
           the
           care
           of
           particular
           things
           was
           Committed
           .
           They
           blasphem'd
           him
           in
           their
           Imaginations
           ,
           thinking
           him
           to
           be
           like
           Mortal
           Kings
           ,
           insufficient
           to
           govern
           immediately
           several
           Kingdoms
           and
           Nations
           ,
           divers
           in
           their
           Customs
           and
           Languages
           :
           who
           are
           constrain'd
           to
           manage
           their
           Affairs
           by
           the
           number
           ,
           variety
           and
           order
           of
           Officers
           :
           
           Vice-Roys
           to
           divide
           the
           Government
           ,
           Counsellors
           to
           advise
           about
           occurrences
           of
           Moment
           ,
           Secretaries
           to
           give
           Commissions
           and
           make
           dispatches
           ,
           Judges
           to
           dispense
           the
           Laws
           ,
           Military
           Officers
           to
           prevent
           Tumults
           .
        
         
           Others
           confin'd
           his
           Presence
           and
           Agency
           to
           the
           Heavens
           ,
           and
           sequester'd
           him
           from
           the
           lower
           World
           ,
           the
           mutable
           Sphere
           of
           the
           Elements
           ,
           and
           of
           Men
           and
           their
           Actions
           ,
           leaving
           them
           under
           the
           dominion
           of
           Fortune
           .
           Others
           thought
           that
           he
           was
           so
           content
           with
           his
           own
           Felicity
           ,
           that
           all
           things
           without
           him
           were
           distant
           from
           his
           Thoughts
           and
           Care
           ,
           and
           that
           to
           regard
           and
           regulate
           the
           multitude
           of
           Emergencies
           in
           this
           lower
           World
           ,
           would
           disturb
           his
           Felicity
           .
           Thus
           the
           Professors
           of
           Wisdom
           ,
           like
           the
           Foolish
           Harpaste
           that
           Seneca
           speaks
           of
           ,
           who
           insensible
           of
           her
           own
           blindness
           ,
           alwayes
           complain'd
           the
           Sun
           was
           down
           and
           the
           house
           dark
           ,
           thought
           all
           things
           were
           left
           at
           random
           ,
           in
           loose
           disorder
           ,
           and
           confusion
           here
           below
           .
           Nay
           some
           of
           the
           clearest
           spirits
           ,
           and
           most
           Vertuous
           among
           the
           Heathen
           ,
           could
           not
           reconcile
           the
           Oppressions
           and
           Infelicities
           of
           Good
           Men
           ,
           and
           the
           Prosperity
           of
           the
           Wicked
           ,
           with
           the
           Rectitude
           and
           Equity
           of
           the
           Divine
           Providence
           ;
           and
           express'd
           their
           Discontents
           in
           the
           Stile
           and
           Accent
           of
           
           their
           Passions
           .
           Of
           this
           we
           have
           two
           Eminent
           Instances
           :
           Brutus
           ,
           who
           with
           inviolable
           Integrity
           ,
           had
           as
           a
           Senator
           managed
           the
           Publick
           Affairs
           ,
           and
           with
           undeclining
           Courage
           endeavour'd
           to
           recover
           his
           Countrey
           from
           Ignominious
           Bondage
           ,
           when
           Vanquisht
           by
           the
           Usurpers
           ,
           broke
           
           out
           into
           a
           Tragical
           Complaint
           ,
           
             O
             Virtue
             ,
             I
             worship
             thee
             as
             a
             substantial
             Good
             ,
             a
             Deity
             ,
             but
             thou
             art
             an
             empty
             Name
             ,
             an
             Idol
             .
          
           The
           Emperor
           Titus
           ,
           who
           was
           the
           delight
           of
           Mankind
           for
           his
           goodness
           and
           benignity
           ;
           
           surpriz'd
           with
           Death
           in
           his
           flourishing
           Age
           ,
           accus'd
           Heaven
           that
           his
           Life
           was
           unjustly
           snatcht
           from
           him
           .
           
             The
             ways
             and
             thoughts
             of
             God
             in
             the
             Government
             of
             the
             World
             are
             above
             the
             wayes
             and
             thoughts
             of
             men
             ,
             as
             the
             heavens
             are
             higher
             than
             the
             earth
             .
          
           And
           if
           his
           Wisdom
           had
           not
           descended
           from
           Heaven
           ,
           and
           discover'd
           it self
           in
           the
           Sanctuary
           ,
           
             We
             should
             be
             foolish
             ,
             and
             like
             the
             beasts
             that
             perish
             .
          
        
         
           But
           the
           Word
           of
           God
           assures
           us
           ,
           that
           nothing
           happens
           in
           this
           tumultuous
           and
           tempestuous
           World
           ,
           without
           the
           Knowledge
           ,
           the
           Will
           ,
           either
           approving
           or
           permissive
           ,
           and
           Efficiency
           of
           God
           so
           far
           as
           to
           dispose
           the
           worst
           Evils
           by
           his
           powerful
           Providence
           subordinately
           to
           his
           
           main
           End
           ,
           that
           is
           alway
           good
           .
           Nothing
           is
           so
           high
           as
           to
           be
           exempted
           from
           the
           Dominion
           ,
           nor
           so
           low
           as
           to
           be
           excluded
           
           from
           the
           Care
           of
           his
           Providence
           .
        
         
           1.
           
           We
           are
           assur'd
           that
           all
           things
           and
           persons
           are
           under
           the
           Eye
           and
           Inspection
           of
           his
           Providence
           .
           No
           silence
           ,
           no
           solitude
           nor
           darkness
           can
           hide
           the
           Designs
           and
           Actions
           of
           the
           Wicked
           ▪
           nor
           the
           Sufferings
           of
           his
           People
           from
           his
           perfect
           Knowledge
           .
           How
           many
           Millions
           of
           Inhabitants
           are
           in
           the
           World
           ,
           how
           different
           their
           Conditions
           and
           Circumstances
           ,
           ebbing
           or
           flowing
           ,
           but
           they
           are
           all
           actually
           and
           distinctly
           known
           to
           God.
           Without
           his
           Universal
           and
           Infallible
           Knowledge
           ,
           it
           were
           impossible
           that
           God
           should
           Govern
           the
           World
           and
           Judge
           it
           .
           
             Torquatus
             Manlius
          
           a
           Noble
           Roman
           ,
           though
           blind
           through
           Age
           ,
           was
           chosen
           Consul
           and
           General
           ,
           to
           Rule
           the
           State
           ,
           and
           the
           Army
           .
           But
           no
           Arguments
           ,
           no
           Intreaties
           could
           perswade
           him
           to
           Consent
           to
           it
           :
           he
           answer'd
           ,
           
             That
             it
             was
             absolutely
          
           
           
             absurd
             ,
             that
             the
             Lives
             and
             Estates
             of
             others
             should
             be
             Committed
             to
             his
             Providence
             and
             Protection
             ,
             who
             must
             manage
             all
             things
             by
             the
             Eyes
             of
             others
             .
          
           The
           Perfection
           of
           God's
           Knowledge
           qualifies
           him
           to
           Govern
           the
           World
           ,
           and
           is
           the
           Foundation
           of
           Trust
           in
           him
           .
           
             He
             tells
             the
             number
             of
             the
             Stars
             ,
          
           that
           seem
           innumerable
           ,
           Psal.
           147.
           41.
           
           :
           and
           from
           hence
           the
           Psalmist
           encourages
           the
           Church
           ,
           that
           was
           then
           disperss'd
           in
           Captivity
           ,
           that
           he
           
             could
             gather
          
           
           
           
             the
             out-casts
             of
             Israel
          
           ,
           though
           scatter'd
           in
           strange
           Countries
           ,
           
             and
             build
             up
             Jerusalem
          
           .
           He
           not
           onely
           
             numbers
             the
             Stars
             ,
             but
             the
             hairs
             of
             our
             Heads
          
           ;
           that
           are
           of
           so
           small
           Consideration
           .
           All
           Creatures
           are
           supported
           in
           their
           Beings
           and
           Operations
           by
           his
           Power
           ,
           therefore
           't
           is
           impossible
           they
           should
           be
           without
           his
           Knowledge
           ,
           and
           that
           any
           thing
           should
           be
           done
           by
           them
           ,
           or
           befall
           them
           without
           his
           disposing
           VVill.
           
        
         
           2.
           
           The
           Providence
           of
           God
           is
           not
           merely
           Theoretical
           ,
           but
           Active
           ,
           and
           orders
           all
           things
           .
           
             He
             rides
             upon
             the
             heavens
          
           :
           
           that
           is
           ,
           regulates
           their
           Motions
           as
           easily
           as
           a
           skilful
           Rider
           manages
           a
           Horse
           .
           The
           Stars
           ,
           that
           in
           the
           Language
           of
           Scripture
           are
           the
           
             Armies
             of
             Heaven
          
           ,
           for
           their
           Number
           ,
           
           Order
           ,
           and
           Actions
           ,
           
             he
             calls
             by
             their
             names
          
           :
           that
           is
           ,
           absolutely
           Commands
           them
           .
           For
           his
           Call
           is
           always
           effectual
           and
           exactly
           accomplish'd
           .
           As
           in
           the
           Creation
           ,
           
             He
             spake
             and
             it
             was
             done
             :
             he
             commanded
             ,
             and
             it
             stood
             fast
             .
          
           So
           in
           the
           Conservation
           and
           Government
           of
           the
           VVorld
           ,
           his
           VVord
           is
           as
           Powerful
           .
           Lift
           
           
             up
             your
             Eyes
             on
             high
             ,
             and
             behold
             who
             hath
             created
             these
             things
             ,
             that
             bringeth
             out
             their
             host
             by
             number
             :
             he
             calleth
             them
             all
             by
             names
             ,
             by
             the
             greatness
             of
             his
             might
             ,
             for
             that
             he
             is
             strong
             in
             power
             ,
             not
             one
             faileth
             .
          
           He
           is
           not
           only
           the
           God
           
             of
             the
             hills
             ,
             but
             of
             the
             valleys
             :
          
           
           
           There
           is
           nothing
           so
           inconsiderable
           ,
           but
           is
           under
           the
           immediate
           disposal
           of
           his
           Providence
           .
           A
           Sparrow
           worth
           but
           
             half
             a
             farthing
             ,
             does
             not
             fall
             to
             the
             ground
             ,
          
           
           
             nor
             a
             hair
             of
             our
             heads
             without
             his
             disposal
             .
          
           All
           the
           Casualties
           and
           Contingencies
           in
           the
           World
           are
           order'd
           by
           him
           .
           The
           Arrow
           shot
           at
           a
           venture
           was
           directed
           by
           an
           Invisible
           Eye
           and
           Hand
           ,
           to
           smite
           the
           King
           of
           Israel
           between
           the
           Joynts
           of
           his
           
           Harness
           ,
           and
           wound
           him
           to
           Death
           .
           The
           most
           arbitrary
           and
           free
           Causes
           are
           under
           his
           determining
           Influence
           .
           The
           Hearts
           
             of
             kings
             are
             in
             his
             hands
             ,
             and
             are
             turn'd
             by
             him
             as
             rivers
             of
             waters
             ,
          
           which
           a
           Gardiner
           turns
           into
           several
           Channels
           for
           to
           make
           his
           Ground
           fruitful
           .
           Sin
           that
           is
           directly
           contrary
           to
           his
           Law
           is
           not
           only
           permitted
           and
           restrain'd
           ,
           but
           order'd
           as
           a
           means
           to
           illustrate
           his
           Providence
           ,
           Justice
           and
           Goodness
           .
           
           Joseph's
           malicious
           brethren
           
             sold
             him
          
           into
           Egypt
           ,
           but
           God
           
             sent
             him
          
           ,
           to
           make
           provision
           for
           the
           Family
           of
           Jacob
           in
           a
           time
           of
           extreme
           Famine
           .
           He
           permitted
           the
           lying
           Spirit
           to
           deceive
           Ahab
           ,
           by
           inspiring
           his
           false
           Prophets
           to
           encourage
           him
           to
           go
           to
           
             Ramoth
             Gilead
          
           ,
           that
           he
           might
           Fall
           in
           Battle
           .
           He
           gives
           Riches
           and
           Honour
           to
           his
           Enemies
           ,
           who
           presumptuously
           break
           his
           Laws
           of
           the
           greatest
           Consequence
           ,
           and
           foresees
           they
           will
           abuse
           them
           and
           prodigally
           perish
           .
        
         
         
           It
           was
           an
           incredible
           Conception
           to
           the
           Heathen
           ,
           that
           One
           God
           was
           able
           to
           govern
           the
           World
           :
           But
           his
           
             Power
             and
             Understanding
             are
             truly
             infinite
          
           ;
           and
           't
           is
           more
           easie
           to
           him
           ,
           than
           for
           a
           Man
           to
           lift
           a
           Feather
           .
           The
           Accidents
           in
           this
           World
           are
           innumerable
           ,
           but
           cannot
           distract
           an
           infinite
           eternal
           Mind
           ,
           nor
           cause
           weariness
           in
           the
           Almighty
           .
           Every
           Agent
           must
           be
           united
           by
           active
           Power
           with
           the
           Objects
           upon
           which
           it
           immediately
           works
           .
           The
           Power
           of
           God
           is
           his
           Essence
           ,
           not
           a
           separable
           quality
           ;
           he
           is
           intimate
           and
           present
           with
           all
           things
           .
           One
           Sun
           is
           sufficient
           to
           measure
           Times
           ,
           distinguish
           Seasons
           ,
           and
           to
           preserve
           an
           intire
           World
           of
           living
           Creatures
           ;
           the
           meanest
           Worm
           or
           Herb
           is
           cherish'd
           by
           its
           Heat
           ,
           as
           if
           all
           its
           Influences
           were
           confin'd
           for
           their
           preserving
           .
           And
           is
           not
           an
           infinite
           God
           sufficient
           to
           support
           ,
           and
           dispose
           all
           things
           ?
        
         
           3.
           
           Divine
           Providence
           is
           more
           special
           and
           tender
           towards
           God's
           peculiar
           People
           .
           
             The
             Eyes
             of
             the
             Lord
             run
             to
             and
             ●ro
             through
             the
             whole
             Earth
             ,
             to
             shew
             himself
          
           
           
             strong
             in
             behalf
             of
             those
             ,
             whose
             Hearts
             are
             perfect
             towards
             him
             .
             His
             tender
             Mercies
             ,
          
           (
           his
           extensive
           Attribute
           )
           
             is
             over
             all
             his
             Works
          
           :
           But
           more
           eminently
           exercised
           according
           to
           their
           degrees
           of
           Goodness
           ,
           and
           his
           Propriety
           in
           them
           .
           Our
           Saviour
           
           inferrs
           by
           the
           clearest
           Consequence
           ,
           that
           the
           Divine
           Providence
           ,
           that
           reaches
           to
           the
           falling
           of
           a
           Sparrow
           ,
           is
           much
           more
           concern'd
           for
           his
           People
           ;
           accordingly
           encourages
           his
           Disciples
           ,
           
             Fear
             not
             ,
             ye
             are
             of
             more
             value
             than
             many
             Sparrows
             .
             God
             is
             the
             Saviour
             of
             all
             Men
             ,
             especially
             of
             those
             who
             believe
             .
          
           Now
           as
           when
           the
           reason
           of
           a
           Command
           has
           a
           direct
           aspect
           upon
           us
           ,
           it
           more
           strongly
           binds
           us
           to
           obey
           God
           ,
           so
           when
           the
           reason
           of
           a
           Promise
           has
           a
           peculiar
           respect
           to
           us
           ,
           it
           engages
           God
           more
           strongly
           to
           preserve
           us
           .
           God
           has
           a
           Right
           to
           all
           Mankind
           by
           a
           general
           Tenure
           ,
           but
           a
           special
           Interest
           in
           the
           Godly
           .
           He
           is
           the
           King
           of
           Nations
           ,
           and
           the
           King
           of
           Saints
           :
           'T
           is
           his
           dearest
           Title
           ,
           above
           all
           the
           Titles
           of
           Majesty
           ascribed
           to
           him
           .
           They
           are
           precious
           in
           his
           esteem
           ,
           
             his
             Treasure
             ,
             his
             Jewels
          
           ,
           the
           
           most
           valuable
           part
           of
           his
           Treasure
           ,
           the
           
           
             Jewels
             of
             his
             Crown
          
           ,
           the
           most
           radiant
           and
           rich
           Jewels
           .
           Propriety
           and
           preciousness
           engage
           his
           powerful
           and
           propitious
           Providence
           for
           their
           Good.
           They
           are
           exposed
           to
           many
           Evils
           for
           their
           Relation
           to
           him
           their
           Heavenly
           Father
           ,
           and
           for
           his
           Image
           shining
           in
           them
           :
           
             For
             thy
             sake
             we
             are
             killed
             all
             the
             day
             long
             :
          
           They
           are
           like
           a
           flock
           of
           Sheep
           among
           Wolves
           and
           Tigers
           ,
           unable
           to
           defend
           themselves
           .
           His
           compassionate
           Love
           excites
           
           his
           Power
           for
           their
           preservation
           .
           
             The
             Zeal
             of
             the
             Lord
             of
             Hosts
             shall
             do
             this
             .
          
           His
           Love
           inclines
           him
           ,
           and
           his
           Promise
           ingages
           him
           never
           to
           leave
           nor
           forsake
           them
           :
           When
           they
           are
           ready
           to
           despair
           ,
           he
           is
           ready
           to
           deliver
           .
           Now
           the
           firm
           belief
           of
           the
           universal
           Providence
           of
           God
           ,
           and
           his
           special
           Care
           for
           his
           People
           ,
           is
           like
           a
           Rudder
           to
           a
           Ship
           ,
           without
           which
           't
           is
           constrained
           to
           yield
           to
           every
           Storm
           ;
           but
           guided
           by
           it
           ,
           sails
           with
           every
           Wind
           to
           it
           s
           design'd
           Port.
           When
           God
           enter'd
           into
           a
           Covenant
           with
           Abraham
           ,
           he
           assures
           him
           ,
           
             I
             am
             the
             almighty
          
           
           
             God
             ,
             walk
             before
             me
             and
             be
             perfect
             .
          
           Every
           deflection
           from
           our
           Duty
           ,
           proceeds
           either
           from
           the
           hope
           of
           obtaining
           some
           temporal
           Good
           ,
           or
           the
           fear
           of
           incurring
           some
           temporal
           Evil
           :
           These
           Passions
           are
           very
           forcible
           in
           Mens
           Breasts
           .
           We
           see
           how
           powerful
           they
           are
           in
           sensitive
           Creatures
           ;
           even
           in
           a
           Grey-hounds
           coarsing
           a
           Hare
           ,
           Hope
           adds
           Wings
           to
           the
           Feet
           of
           the
           one
           ,
           and
           Fear
           adds
           Wings
           to
           the
           Feet
           of
           the
           other
           .
           Men
           without
           Faith
           in
           God
           ,
           will
           break
           through
           his
           Laws
           ,
           when
           Temptations
           work
           on
           their
           Hope
           or
           Fear
           ;
           for
           they
           are
           under
           the
           dominion
           of
           Sense
           :
           But
           the
           belief
           of
           God's
           All-sufficiency
           ,
           that
           he
           is
           
             a
             Sun
             to
             supply
          
           us
           with
           all
           truly
           desirable
           good
           things
           ,
           
             a
             Shield
             to
             secure
          
           us
           from
           all
           destructive
           
           Evils
           ,
           confirms
           our
           Dependance
           on
           him
           ,
           and
           ingages
           our
           Obedience
           to
           him
           .
        
         
           This
           conduces
           to
           our
           present
           Peace
           ,
           and
           future
           Blessedness
           .
           There
           are
           secret
           springs
           of
           Providence
           that
           work
           sometimes
           in
           an
           extraordinary
           manner
           for
           the
           preserving
           his
           People
           .
           Joseph
           was
           raised
           from
           a
           Prison
           to
           a
           Principality
           .
           The
           poor
           Prophet
           was
           fed
           by
           a
           Raven
           ,
           when
           the
           wicked
           King
           was
           like
           to
           starve
           in
           his
           Palace
           .
           The
           malicious
           design
           of
           Haman
           ,
           to
           destroy
           the
           whole
           Nation
           of
           the
           Jews
           ,
           was
           frustrated
           ,
           and
           reflexively
           pernicious
           to
           himself
           ,
           by
           a
           strange
           concurrence
           of
           Circumstances
           ,
           ordered
           by
           Divine
           Providence
           .
           The
           faithful
           Companions
           of
           Daniel
           ,
           who
           resign'd
           themselves
           to
           his
           Will
           and
           Wisdom
           ,
           were
           rescued
           from
           the
           Furnace
           and
           Fury
           of
           the
           proud
           King
           by
           an
           Angel.
           
        
         
           But
           many
           times
           the
           Saints
           of
           God
           are
           involved
           in
           common
           Calamities
           :
           Inundations
           ,
           Earthquakes
           ,
           the
           Pestilential
           Air
           ,
           Sword
           ,
           Famine
           ,
           make
           no
           difference
           between
           the
           innocent
           and
           the
           guilty
           :
           
             The
             Sun
             rises
             upon
             the
             evil
             ,
             and
             the
             good
          
           ;
           the
           Thunder
           falls
           on
           the
           good
           and
           evil
           :
           Nay
           ,
           as
           our
           Saviour
           tells
           his
           Disciples
           ,
           They
           
           
             shall
             weep
             and
             lament
             ,
             when
             the
             World
             rejoyces
             :
          
           But
           he
           comforts
           them
           with
           the
           assurance
           ,
           
             that
             their
             Sorrow
             shall
             be
             turned
             into
             Joy.
          
           The
           Apostle
           declares
           ,
           
             We
             know
             all
             things
             work
             together
             for
             good
             ,
             to
          
           
           
           
             them
             that
             love
             God.
          
           There
           are
           mysterious
           depths
           in
           the
           Oeconomy
           of
           Providence
           ,
           that
           the
           short
           Line
           of
           our
           Reason
           cannot
           sound
           :
           But
           we
           may
           rely
           upon
           the
           Promise
           of
           God
           ,
           
             who
             can
             bring
             Light
             out
             of
             Darkness
             .
          
           We
           have
           an
           illustrious
           proof
           of
           his
           universal
           Providence
           ,
           in
           the
           regular
           disposal
           of
           Natural
           Causes
           ,
           superiour
           ,
           middle
           ,
           and
           lowest
           ,
           in
           such
           a
           union
           ,
           that
           from
           the
           insuperable
           Discord
           of
           Natures
           ,
           the
           insuperable
           Concord
           of
           Operations
           proceeds
           ,
           for
           the
           preserving
           of
           the
           World.
           The
           Afflictions
           of
           the
           Saints
           are
           medicinal
           to
           prevent
           or
           recover
           them
           from
           Sin
           :
           And
           what
           Man
           of
           Understanding
           does
           not
           esteem
           his
           Physician
           ,
           that
           prescribes
           bitter
           Remedies
           for
           his
           Health
           ,
           before
           a
           Cook
           ,
           that
           prepares
           things
           pleasant
           to
           his
           Taste
           .
           Faith
           sees
           the
           Love
           of
           a
           Father
           through
           a
           Cloud
           of
           Tears
           ;
           and
           that
           he
           is
           as
           gracious
           when
           he
           corrects
           us
           for
           our
           Transgressions
           ,
           as
           when
           he
           incourages
           us
           in
           his
           Service
           .
           In
           the
           Sufferings
           of
           his
           People
           from
           the
           wickedness
           and
           wills
           of
           their
           Enemies
           ,
           his
           Wisdom
           and
           Power
           appear
           in
           ordering
           them
           for
           excellent
           Effects
           :
           For
           the
           same
           things
           that
           increase
           the
           Guilt
           and
           Punishment
           of
           their
           Enemies
           ,
           increase
           the
           Graces
           and
           Reward
           of
           the
           Saints
           .
           
             These
             light
             Afflictions
             that
          
           
           
             are
             but
             for
             a
             moment
             ,
             work
             out
             for
             them
             an
          
           
           
             exceeding
             eternal
             weight
             of
             Glory
          
           .
           When
           all
           the
           Folds
           of
           Providence
           shall
           be
           opened
           ,
           we
           shall
           clearly
           understand
           every
           Dispensation
           was
           as
           it
           ought
           to
           be
           ,
           and
           for
           the
           best
           .
        
         
           The
           belief
           of
           this
           is
           the
           reason
           of
           those
           Commands
           ;
           
             Be
             careful
             for
             nothing
             ,
             but
             in
             every
             thing
             by
             Prayer
             and
             Thanksgiving
             ,
          
           
           
             let
             your
             requests
             be
             made
             known
             to
             God
             :
             And
             the
             Peace
             of
             God
             that
             passes
             understanding
             ,
             shall
             keep
             your
             Hearts
             and
             Minds
             ,
             through
             Jesus
             Christ.
          
           An
           unbelieving
           Heart
           anticipates
           future
           Evils
           ,
           exasperates
           present
           Evils
           ,
           and
           makes
           sharp
           reflections
           on
           past
           Evils
           .
           It
           makes
           Men
           dead
           with
           Fear
           ,
           drunk
           with
           Sorrow
           ,
           mad
           with
           Oppression
           .
           Faith
           in
           the
           gracious
           Providence
           of
           God
           ,
           frees
           us
           from
           vain
           fears
           ,
           sad
           prognosticks
           ,
           and
           the
           miserable
           perplexities
           that
           torment
           the
           Minds
           of
           Men.
           Musing
           on
           our
           Miseries
           is
           like
           chewing
           a
           bitter
           Pill
           ,
           that
           is
           readily
           swallowed
           by
           resignation
           to
           the
           blessed
           Will
           of
           God
           ,
           the
           Rule
           of
           Goodness
           .
           Faith
           inlightens
           us
           to
           consider
           things
           with
           a
           rectified
           Judgment
           ,
           and
           not
           with
           the
           partiality
           of
           the
           Passions
           .
           In
           the
           Churches
           extremity
           ,
           when
           the
           conspiring
           Enemies
           are
           great
           in
           numbers
           and
           power
           ,
           Faith
           raises
           the
           drooping
           Spirits
           ,
           
             If
             God
             be
             for
             us
             ,
             who
             can
             be
             against
             us
             .
          
           When
           Antigonus
           was
           ready
           
           to
           ingage
           in
           a
           Sea-fight
           with
           
           Pi●lomy's
           Armada
           ,
           and
           the
           Pilot
           cryed
           out
           ,
           
             How
             many
             are
             they
             more
             than
             we
             !
          
           The
           couragious
           King
           replyed
           ,
           
             'T
             is
             true
             ,
             if
             you
             count
             their
             numbers
             ;
             but
             for
             how
             many
             do
             you
             value
             me
             ?
          
           One
           God
           is
           All-sufficient
           against
           all
           the
           combin'd
           Forces
           of
           Earth
           and
           Hell.
           We
           are
           therefore
           commanded
           to
           
             cast
             all
             our
             care
             on
             him
             ;
             for
             he
             cares
             for
             us
             .
          
           'T
           is
           very
           dishonourable
           to
           God
           to
           distrust
           him
           in
           doing
           our
           Duty
           :
           For
           it
           proceeds
           either
           from
           a
           jealousie
           of
           his
           Goodness
           ,
           or
           low
           thoughts
           of
           his
           Power
           ;
           as
           if
           he
           were
           unable
           and
           unwilling
           to
           save
           us
           .
           A
           prudent
           use
           of
           Means
           is
           requisite
           ,
           otherwise
           we
           do
           not
           trust
           but
           tempt
           his
           Providence
           :
           There
           is
           a
           vicious
           Carelesness
           ,
           and
           a
           vertuous
           Care
           ;
           but
           diffident
           and
           anxious
           Cares
           ,
           as
           if
           all
           things
           run
           at
           random
           without
           the
           ordering
           of
           our
           Heavenly
           Father
           ,
           is
           not
           only
           fruitless
           ,
           but
           pernicious
           .
           The
           Apostle
           tells
           the
           believing
           
             Hebrews
             ,
             Ye
             have
             need
             of
             Patience
             ,
             that
             after
             ye
             have
             done
             the
             Will
             of
             God
             ,
             ye
             may
             inherit
             the
             Promise
             :
          
           Some
           Evils
           would
           admit
           of
           no
           Consolation
           without
           the
           Promise
           :
           
             But
             the
             just
             shall
             live
             by
             Faith
             ,
          
           of
           God's
           presence
           with
           them
           to
           support
           and
           relieve
           them
           in
           their
           Sorrows
           ,
           and
           of
           a
           perfect
           and
           gracious
           deliverance
           out
           of
           them
           .
           God
           will
           shortly
           put
           an
           end
           to
           the
           Malice
           
           of
           the
           Wicked
           ,
           and
           the
           Patience
           of
           the
           Saints
           .
           In
           the
           next
           State
           ,
           when
           he
           has
           clear'd
           our
           sight
           ,
           we
           
             shall
             justifie
             his
             Wisdom
          
           ,
           and
           discover
           that
           all
           Events
           were
           divinely
           ordered
           ,
           and
           are
           beautiful
           to
           admiration
           .
           Now
           in
           the
           Churches
           distress
           we
           are
           apt
           to
           say
           with
           
             Gideon
             ,
             If
             the
             Lord
             be
             with
             us
             ,
             why
             then
             is
             all
             this
             befallen
             us
             ?
          
           But
           then
           we
           shall
           turn
           the
           current
           of
           our
           wonder
           upon
           our
           Ignorance
           and
           Infidelity
           ;
           that
           notwithstanding
           the
           Evidence
           of
           the
           Word
           ,
           and
           the
           Experience
           of
           the
           Saints
           ,
           prove
           that
           God
           turns
           all
           Temporal
           Evils
           to
           their
           Spiritual
           Good
           ,
           yet
           we
           are
           unbelieving
           .
        
      
       
         
         
           CHAP.
           VIII
           .
        
         
           
             Love
             the
             leading
             Affection
             .
             Men
             are
             distinguish'd
             by
             their
             Wills
             ,
             rather
             than
             by
             their
             Understandings
             .
             Holy
             Love
             has
             the
             supremacy
             among
             other
             Graces
             .
             The
             excellencies
             of
             Love
             specified
             .
             Love
             to
             God
             the
             first
             Command
             in
             order
             and
             dignity
             .
             The
             Causes
             and
             Properties
             of
             it
             considered
             .
             The
             absolute
             and
             relative
             Perfections
             of
             God
             ,
             the
             motives
             of
             our
             Love.
             The
             Benefits
             received
             from
             God
             in
             the
             order
             of
             Nature
             ;
             Creation
             and
             Preservation
             .
             The
             Love
             of
             God
             appears
             in
             its
             full
             force
             in
             our
             Redemption
             .
             We
             must
             learn
             of
             Christ
             ,
             how
             to
             love
             him
             .
             Love
             must
             descend
             from
             God
             to
             our
             Neighbour
             .
             'T
             is
             commended
             in
             Scripture
             .
             The
             extent
             and
             qualifications
             of
             it
             .
             It
             must
             be
             sincere
             ,
             pure
             and
             fervent
             .
             The
             forgiving
             Injuries
             ,
             an
             excellent
             effect
             of
             Love.
             
          
        
         
           THE
           second
           particular
           Grace
           that
           we
           should
           strive
           to
           increase
           ,
           is
           Love.
           'T
           is
           the
           Apostle's
           Prayer
           for
           the
           
             Philippians
             ,
             That
             their
             Love
             may
             abound
             more
             and
             more
             in
             knowledge
             ,
             and
             all
             understanding
             .
          
           Love
           is
           the
           affection
           of
           Union
           :
           Of
           this
           we
           have
           an
           illustrious
           Instance
           recorded
           in
           Scripture
           ,
           
             That
             the
             Soul
             of
             Jonathan
             was
             knit
             with
             the
             Soul
          
           
           
             of
             David
             ;
             and
             Jonathan
             loved
             him
             as
             his
             own
             Soul.
          
           Love
           is
           to
           be
           directed
           to
           a
           double
           Object
           ,
           God
           and
           our
           Neighbour
           .
        
         
           I
           will
           consider
           the
           excellency
           of
           this
           sanctified
           Affection
           ,
           and
           its
           exercise
           and
           reference
           to
           the
           supreme
           and
           subordinate
           Objects
           of
           it
           .
        
         
           'T
           is
           requisite
           to
           premise
           ,
           that
           Love
           is
           the
           leading
           Affection
           that
           draws
           the
           whole
           train
           with
           it
           ;
           not
           only
           Desire
           and
           Joy
           ,
           that
           are
           of
           near
           alliance
           with
           it
           ,
           but
           Anger
           and
           Hatred
           ,
           between
           which
           Affections
           and
           Love
           there
           is
           a
           repugnance
           and
           entire
           opposition
           ,
           are
           inseparable
           from
           it
           :
           For
           aversion
           and
           flight
           from
           Evil
           ,
           proceeds
           from
           the
           love
           of
           some
           Good
           ,
           that
           the
           Evil
           deprives
           us
           of
           .
           From
           hence
           it
           follows
           ,
           that
           't
           is
           a
           matter
           of
           the
           highest
           Consequence
           ,
           by
           Wisdom
           discreet
           and
           severe
           ,
           to
           direct
           our
           Love
           to
           worthy
           Objects
           .
           Love
           is
           the
           principle
           of
           all
           the
           Passions
           ,
           and
           either
           sanctifies
           and
           refines
           them
           from
           the
           reliques
           of
           carnal
           infection
           ,
           or
           seduces
           and
           corrupts
           them
           .
           The
           Mind
           is
           so
           clouded
           by
           Carnal
           Love
           ,
           and
           over-rul'd
           by
           pleasant
           Error
           ,
           that
           it
           prefers
           sensual
           Happiness
           before
           spiritual
           ,
           that
           is
           suitable
           to
           the
           nature
           and
           dignity
           of
           the
           Soul.
           
             If
             the
             Light
             that
             is
             in
             thee
             be
             Darkness
             ,
             how
             great
             is
             that
             Darkness
             ?
          
        
         
         
           The
           Angels
           of
           Light
           are
           distinguish'd
           from
           the
           Angels
           of
           Darkness
           ,
           not
           so
           much
           by
           Knowledge
           and
           Power
           ,
           as
           by
           Love
           and
           Holiness
           .
           The
           Devils
           are
           immortal
           Spirits
           ,
           but
           under
           the
           tyrannous
           power
           of
           Hatred
           and
           Revenge
           ,
           of
           Envy
           and
           Malice
           ,
           which
           are
           their
           Sins
           and
           Torment
           .
        
         
           Men
           are
           not
           distinguish'd
           so
           much
           by
           their
           Understandings
           as
           their
           Wills
           ;
           not
           meerly
           by
           Knowledge
           but
           Love
           ,
           the
           first
           act
           of
           the
           Will
           ,
           the
           Faculty
           that
           rules
           in
           Man
           ,
           and
           obeys
           God.
           There
           may
           be
           knowledge
           of
           the
           Divine
           Law
           ,
           and
           an
           approving
           it
           by
           those
           who
           do
           not
           practise
           it
           :
           For
           the
           Contemplation
           of
           its
           Goodness
           and
           Equity
           ,
           constrains
           the
           Mind
           to
           assent
           to
           it
           .
           From
           hence
           we
           may
           infallibly
           inferr
           ,
           that
           the
           radical
           difference
           ,
           and
           distinguishing
           character
           between
           a
           Saint
           ,
           and
           one
           in
           the
           state
           of
           polluted
           Nature
           ,
           is
           the
           affection
           of
           Love
           with
           respect
           to
           its
           objects
           and
           degrees
           .
           Love
           to
           God
           as
           our
           sovereign
           Happiness
           ,
           is
           the
           immediate
           Cause
           of
           our
           Conversion
           and
           Re-union
           with
           him
           .
           Love
           to
           vicious
           Objects
           ,
           or
           when
           with
           an
           intemperate
           current
           it
           descends
           to
           things
           not
           deserving
           its
           ardent
           degrees
           ,
           alienates
           the
           Heart
           from
           God.
           Holiness
           is
           the
           order
           of
           Love.
           The
           excellency
           of
           holy
           Love
           will
           appear
           in
           the
           following
           Considerations
           .
        
         
         
           1.
           
           Love
           has
           the
           supremacy
           among
           all
           the
           Graces
           of
           the
           Spirit
           .
           This
           in
           the
           most
           proper
           sense
           ,
           is
           the
           Fire
           our
           Saviour
           came
           to
           kindle
           on
           the
           Earth
           .
           The
           Apostle
           declares
           ,
           that
           
             Charity
             is
             greater
             than
             Faith
             and
             Hope
          
           ;
           which
           are
           Evangelical
           Graces
           of
           eminent
           usefulness
           :
           For
           ,
        
         
           1.
           
           'T
           is
           the
           brightest
           part
           of
           the
           Divine
           Image
           in
           us
           .
           
             God
             is
             Love
          
           :
           'T
           is
           the
           most
           adequate
           Notion
           of
           the
           Deity
           ,
           and
           more
           significant
           of
           his
           blessed
           Nature
           ,
           than
           any
           other
           single
           Attribute
           .
           The
           most
           proper
           and
           honourable
           Conception
           ,
           we
           can
           form
           of
           the
           Deity
           ,
           is
           Love
           directed
           by
           infinite
           Wisdom
           ,
           and
           exercised
           by
           infinite
           Power
           .
           Faith
           and
           Hope
           cannot
           be
           ascribed
           to
           God
           ;
           they
           imply
           imperfection
           in
           their
           Nature
           ,
           and
           necessarily
           respect
           an
           absent
           Object
           .
           Now
           all
           things
           are
           present
           to
           the
           Knowledge
           of
           God
           ,
           and
           in
           his
           Power
           and
           Possession
           .
           But
           Love
           is
           his
           Essential
           Perfection
           ;
           the
           productive
           Principle
           of
           all
           Good.
           Love
           transforms
           us
           into
           his
           likeness
           ,
           and
           infuses
           the
           divinest
           temper
           into
           the
           Soul.
           In
           the
           acts
           of
           other
           Graces
           we
           obey
           God
           ;
           in
           the
           acts
           of
           Love
           we
           imitate
           him
           .
        
         
           This
           may
           be
           illustrated
           by
           its
           contrary
           :
           There
           are
           Sins
           of
           various
           kinds
           and
           degrees
           ;
           Spiritual
           and
           Carnal
           :
           Spiritual
           ,
           
           such
           are
           Pride
           ,
           malignant
           Envy
           ,
           irreconcilable
           Enmity
           ,
           delight
           in
           Mischief
           ,
           which
           are
           the
           proper
           Characters
           of
           the
           Devil
           ,
           and
           denominate
           Men
           his
           natural
           Sons
           .
           Carnal
           Sins
           ,
           which
           the
           Soul
           immerst
           in
           Flesh
           indulges
           ,
           all
           riotous
           Excesses
           ,
           Intemperance
           ,
           Incontinence
           ,
           and
           the
           like
           ,
           of
           which
           a
           meer
           Spirit
           is
           not
           capable
           ,
           denominates
           Men
           the
           Captives
           and
           Slaves
           of
           Satan
           .
           Now
           Spiritual
           Sins
           induce
           a
           greater
           guilt
           ,
           and
           deeper
           pollution
           than
           Carnal
           .
           The
           exacter
           resemblance
           of
           the
           evil
           one
           ,
           makes
           sinful
           Men
           more
           odious
           to
           God.
           
        
         
           2.
           
           Love
           is
           more
           extensive
           in
           its
           influence
           ,
           than
           Faith
           and
           Hope
           ;
           their
           operations
           are
           confin'd
           to
           the
           Person
           in
           whom
           they
           are
           .
           
             The
             Just
             lives
             by
             his
             own
             Faith
             ,
             and
             is
             saved
             by
             his
             own
             Hope
             ,
          
           without
           communicating
           Life
           and
           Salvation
           to
           others
           :
           But
           't
           is
           the
           spirit
           and
           perfection
           of
           Love
           to
           be
           beneficial
           to
           all
           .
           Love
           comforts
           the
           afflicted
           ,
           relieves
           the
           indigent
           ,
           directs
           those
           who
           want
           Counsel
           .
           'T
           is
           the
           vital
           cement
           of
           Mankind
           .
           In
           the
           Universe
           ,
           Conversation
           and
           reciprocal
           Kindness
           is
           the
           Blood
           and
           Spirits
           of
           Society
           ,
           and
           Love
           makes
           the
           circulation
           .
        
         
           3.
           
           Love
           gives
           value
           and
           acceptance
           to
           all
           other
           Gifts
           and
           Graces
           ,
           and
           their
           operations
           .
           The
           Apostle
           tells
           us
           ,
           
             Though
             I
          
           
           
             have
             the
             gift
             of
             Prophestes
             ,
             and
             understand
             all
             Mysteries
             ,
             and
             all
             Knowledge
             ;
             though
             I
             have
             all
             Faith
             ,
             and
             could
             remove
             mountains
             ,
             and
             have
             not
             Charity
             ,
             I
             am
             nothing
             .
             And
             though
             I
             bestow
             all
             my
             Goods
             to
             fe●d
             the
             Poor
             ,
             and
             though
             I
             give
             my
             Body
             to
             be
             burned
             ,
             and
             have
             not
             Charity
             ,
             it
             profiteth
             me
             nothing
             .
          
           Without
           Charity
           ,
           Faith
           is
           but
           a
           dead
           assent
           ;
           Hope
           is
           like
           a
           Tympany
           ,
           the
           bigger
           it
           grows
           ,
           the
           more
           dangerous
           it
           proves
           .
           The
           most
           diffusive
           Beneficence
           without
           Love
           ,
           is
           but
           a
           sacrifice
           to
           Vanity
           .
           'T
           is
           not
           the
           richness
           of
           the
           Gift
           ,
           but
           the
           love
           of
           the
           giver
           ,
           that
           makes
           it
           accepted
           and
           rewarded
           in
           Heaven
           .
           
             The
             Widows
             two
             Mites
             cast
             into
             the
             Treasury
             of
             the
             Temple
             ,
             were
             of
             more
             value
             ,
          
           in
           our
           Saviour's
           account
           ,
           
             than
             the
             rich
             Offerings
             of
             others
             :
          
           For
           she
           gave
           her
           Heart
           ,
           the
           most
           precious
           and
           comprehensive
           Gift
           with
           them
           .
           
             The
             giving
             our
             Bodies
             to
             be
             burned
          
           for
           the
           truth
           and
           glory
           of
           the
           Gospel
           ,
           is
           the
           highest
           expression
           of
           Obedience
           ,
           which
           the
           Angels
           are
           not
           capable
           of
           performing
           ;
           yet
           without
           Charity
           ,
           Martyrdom
           is
           but
           a
           vain-glorious
           blaze
           ,
           and
           the
           sealing
           the
           Truth
           with
           our
           Blood
           ,
           is
           to
           seal
           our
           Shame
           and
           Folly.
           Sincere
           Love
           ,
           when
           it
           cannot
           express
           it self
           in
           suitable
           effects
           ,
           has
           this
           priviledge
           to
           be
           accepted
           in
           God's
           sight
           ,
           as
           if
           it
           were
           exuberant
           
           and
           evident
           in
           outward
           actions
           ;
           for
           
             God
             accepts
             the
             Will
             for
             the
             Deed
             :
             If
             there
             be
             first
             a
             willing
             mind
             ,
             it
             is
             accepted
             according
             to
             what
             a
             Man
             hath
             ,
             and
             not
             according
             to
             that
             he
             hath
             not
             .
          
        
         
           4.
           
           Love
           is
           the
           perfection
           of
           the
           Law
           ,
           the
           sum
           and
           substance
           of
           every
           Precept
           .
           All
           particular
           Duties
           ,
           though
           distinguished
           in
           the
           matter
           ,
           are
           united
           in
           Love
           ,
           as
           their
           principle
           and
           centre
           .
           
           St.
           Austin
           observes
           ,
           
             That
             all
             other
             Vertues
             ,
             Piety
             ,
             Prudence
             ,
             Humility
             ,
             Chastity
             ,
             Temperance
             ,
             Fortitude
             ,
             are
             Love
             diversified
             by
             other
             names
             .
             Liberal
             Love
             gives
             supplies
             to
             the
             Poor
             ,
             patient
             Love
             forgives
             Injuries
             .
          
        
         
           Love
           is
           the
           end
           and
           perfection
           of
           the
           Gospel
           .
           
             Now
             the
             end
             of
             the
             Commandment
             is
             Charity
             ,
             out
             of
             a
             pure
             Heart
             ,
             and
             a
             good
             Conscience
             ,
             and
             Faith
             unfeigned
             .
          
           Some
           restrain
           the
           word
           Commandment
           to
           the
           Law
           ,
           thinking
           that
           the
           Gospel
           is
           only
           compounded
           of
           Promises
           :
           But
           they
           misunderstand
           the
           difference
           between
           the
           two
           Covenants
           .
           'T
           is
           not
           in
           that
           the
           one
           commands
           ,
           and
           the
           other
           does
           not
           command
           ,
           but
           in
           the
           nature
           of
           the
           Duties
           commanded
           .
           The
           Law
           commands
           to
           do
           for
           the
           obtaining
           of
           Life
           ,
           the
           Gospel
           commands
           to
           believe
           for
           Salvation
           .
           This
           
           
             is
             the
             command
             of
             God
             ,
             that
             we
             believe
             in
             the
             name
             of
             his
             Son
             Jesus
             Christ.
          
           The
           
           word
           
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
          
           ,
           is
           by
           the
           Apostle
           used
           for
           the
           Doctrine
           of
           the
           Gospel
           :
           As
           the
           end
           of
           a
           Science
           or
           Art
           ,
           is
           the
           perfection
           of
           the
           Understanding
           ,
           in
           those
           things
           which
           are
           the
           proper
           subject
           of
           the
           Science
           .
           The
           end
           of
           Philosophy
           is
           Knowledge
           and
           Moral
           Vertue
           ;
           the
           end
           of
           Rhetorick
           is
           Eloquence
           .
           Thus
           the
           end
           of
           the
           Gospel
           ,
           the
           Divine
           Doctrine
           of
           our
           Salvation
           ,
           is
           Love
           ,
           a
           Coelestial
           Perfection
           .
           Faith
           in
           the
           redeeming
           Mercy
           of
           God
           ,
           is
           the
           product
           of
           the
           Gospel
           ,
           not
           of
           the
           Law
           ,
           and
           Love
           is
           the
           end
           of
           Faith
           :
           Now
           the
           end
           is
           more
           excellent
           than
           the
           means
           to
           obtain
           it
           .
           In
           this
           respect
           ,
           Love
           is
           greater
           than
           Faith.
           Briefly
           ,
           Love
           is
           stil'd
           the
           
             Bond
             of
             Perfection
          
           ,
           as
           it
           unites
           and
           consummates
           other
           Graces
           ,
           comprehends
           and
           fastens
           them
           .
           Love
           to
           God
           draws
           forth
           all
           the
           active
           powers
           of
           the
           Soul
           in
           Obedience
           .
           He
           that
           with
           a
           full
           and
           fervent
           Will
           applyes
           himself
           to
           his
           Duty
           ,
           will
           more
           easily
           ,
           pleasantly
           and
           exactly
           ,
           perform
           it
           .
           The
           Love
           of
           God
           will
           form
           the
           Soul
           into
           a
           more
           entire
           conformity
           to
           his
           Nature
           ,
           and
           obedience
           to
           his
           Law
           ,
           and
           raise
           it
           to
           a
           greater
           eminency
           of
           Holiness
           ,
           than
           the
           clearest
           knowledge
           of
           all
           Precepts
           and
           Rules
           can
           do
           .
        
         
         
           4.
           
           
             Love
             never
             fails
          
           .
           The
           Gifts
           and
           
           Graces
           of
           the
           Spirit
           are
           dispensed
           and
           continued
           according
           to
           our
           different
           states
           .
           Some
           are
           necessary
           in
           the
           present
           state
           of
           the
           Church
           ,
           with
           respect
           to
           our
           Sins
           and
           Troubles
           ,
           from
           which
           there
           is
           no
           perfect
           freedom
           here
           .
           Repentance
           is
           a
           Duty
           of
           constant
           revolution
           ;
           for
           while
           we
           are
           cloathed
           with
           frail
           Flesh
           ,
           
             in
             many
             things
             we
             offend
             all
             .
          
           He
           is
           the
           best
           Saint
           who
           seldom
           falls
           ,
           and
           speedily
           rises
           .
           What
           Tertullian
           said
           of
           himself
           is
           applicable
           to
           all
           ,
           
             We
             are
             born
             for
             Repentance
          
           .
           What
           is
           more
           becoming
           a
           Christian
           ,
           while
           so
           many
           defects
           and
           defilements
           cleave
           to
           him
           ,
           than
           a
           mournful
           sense
           of
           them
           ?
           This
           in
           our
           dying
           Hours
           will
           make
           our
           Redeemer
           more
           precious
           to
           us
           ,
           and
           our
           relyance
           upon
           his
           Merits
           and
           Mediation
           more
           comfortable
           .
           Repentance
           should
           accompany
           us
           to
           the
           Gates
           of
           Heaven
           :
           But
           Repentance
           ceases
           for
           ever
           ,
           when
           there
           is
           entire
           Innocence
           .
           Faith
           is
           as
           necessary
           as
           Life
           ;
           for
           we
           are
           justified
           by
           it
           from
           the
           Condemnation
           of
           the
           Law
           :
           But
           in
           the
           future
           state
           there
           is
           no
           use
           of
           it
           ;
           for
           in
           Heaven
           all
           Sins
           are
           pardoned
           ,
           and
           in
           Hell
           no
           Sins
           are
           forgiven
           .
           Faith
           gives
           us
           the
           prospect
           of
           Heaven
           ,
           Hope
           waits
           for
           it
           ,
           but
           Love
           alone
           takes
           the
           possession
           .
           Faith
           reslgns
           to
           fruition
           ,
           Hope
           
           vanishes
           in
           the
           Enjoyment
           of
           our
           desir'd
           Happiness
           ,
           but
           Love
           is
           in
           its
           Exaltation
           .
           The
           Graces
           requisite
           for
           our
           Militant
           State
           ,
           are
           Spiritual
           Armour
           :
           the
           Shield
           of
           Faith
           ,
           the
           Helmet
           of
           Hope
           ,
           and
           when
           our
           Warfare
           is
           ended
           they
           are
           useless
           .
           But
           Love
           and
           Peace
           and
           Joy
           ,
           are
           Robes
           suitable
           to
           our
           Triumphant
           State.
           
        
         
           'T
           is
           true
           ,
           there
           are
           some
           acts
           of
           Love
           that
           suppose
           Want
           and
           Misery
           ,
           as
           acts
           of
           Bounty
           and
           Compassion
           ,
           for
           there
           are
           no
           Objects
           in
           Heaven
           to
           whom
           they
           may
           be
           express'd
           .
           Perfect
           Happiness
           excludes
           all
           Evil.
           But
           Love
           in
           its
           Nature
           implies
           no
           Imperfection
           ,
           and
           is
           Eternal
           as
           the
           Soul
           ,
           the
           Subject
           in
           whom
           it
           Reigns
           ,
           and
           as
           God
           ,
           and
           the
           Blessed
           Spirits
           ,
           the
           Objects
           upon
           whom
           't
           is
           Conversant
           .
           In
           Heaven
           't
           is
           more
           pure
           and
           refin'd
           .
           Here
           the
           Love
           of
           God
           takes
           its
           rise
           from
           the
           Love
           of
           our selves
           ,
           there
           't
           is
           principally
           for
           the
           amiable
           Excellencies
           inherent
           in
           himself
           .
           Here
           the
           Love
           of
           the
           Saints
           is
           not
           absolutely
           pure
           :
           but
           in
           Heaven
           ,
           whatever
           is
           desireable
           in
           Love
           is
           continued
           ,
           and
           what
           is
           Carnal
           and
           defiling
           is
           purg'd
           away
           .
           The
           smoaky
           Fire
           is
           chang'd
           into
           a
           Spiritual
           Flame
           .
           The
           Acts
           of
           it
           are
           more
           intense
           ,
           and
           the
           Exercise
           is
           without
           interruption
           .
           In
           Heaven
           the
           Saints
           are
           enlightned
           with
           Knowledge
           from
           the
           
           
             Father
             of
             Lights
          
           ,
           and
           inflam'd
           with
           Love
           from
           God
           ,
           
             who
             is
             Love
          
           :
           the
           more
           fully
           he
           is
           enjoy'd
           ,
           the
           more
           fervently
           he
           is
           loved
           .
           Without
           Love
           there
           can
           be
           no
           Felicity
           in
           Heaven
           :
           for
           as
           Desire
           without
           Fruition
           is
           a
           Torment
           ,
           so
           Possession
           without
           Delight
           is
           Stupidity
           .
        
         
           The
           Joy
           of
           Heaven
           arises
           either
           from
           the
           direct
           Fruition
           of
           God
           ,
           or
           from
           the
           reflection
           upon
           the
           Happiness
           communicated
           to
           the
           Saints
           :
           and
           Love
           is
           the
           Cause
           of
           that
           Joy.
           Love
           to
           Corporeal
           things
           often
           declines
           in
           our
           possessing
           them
           :
           for
           Curiosity
           is
           soon
           cloyed
           ,
           and
           Experience
           discovers
           the
           Imperfections
           that
           were
           conceal'd
           ,
           and
           according
           to
           the
           cooling
           of
           Love
           is
           the
           lessening
           of
           Joy.
           From
           hence
           proceeds
           distasts
           ,
           and
           a
           sickle
           slight
           from
           one
           thing
           to
           another
           ,
           without
           ever
           receiving
           any
           Satisfaction
           .
           But
           the
           amiable
           Perfections
           of
           God
           are
           truly
           Infinite
           ,
           and
           the
           more
           clear
           the
           Vision
           ,
           the
           more
           satisfying
           the
           Fruition
           is
           .
           The
           Brightness
           and
           Influence
           of
           the
           Divine
           Presence
           ,
           maintains
           equal
           Love
           and
           Joy
           in
           the
           Blessed
           .
           According
           to
           the
           degrees
           of
           Excellency
           in
           the
           Object
           ,
           and
           the
           vigorous
           Exercise
           of
           the
           comprehensive
           Faculties
           ,
           the
           Understanding
           and
           Will
           upon
           it
           ,
           such
           is
           our
           Felicity
           .
           When
           the
           Beams
           of
           God's
           Face
           are
           received
           into
           the
           prepar'd
           Soul
           ,
           't
           is
           
           ravished
           with
           unspeakable
           Sweetness
           and
           Security
           ,
           in
           his
           ever-satisfying
           Goodness
           and
           Beauty
           .
        
         
           The
           perfect
           and
           mutual
           Love
           of
           the
           Saints
           causes
           a
           full
           overflowing
           Joy
           in
           Heaven
           .
           Sincere
           Love
           is
           always
           Benevolent
           ,
           and
           according
           to
           its
           Ardency
           ,
           is
           the
           desire
           of
           the
           Happiness
           of
           those
           who
           are
           the
           Objects
           of
           it
           .
           From
           hence
           the
           delight
           of
           the
           Saints
           above
           is
           redoubled
           ,
           by
           the
           sense
           of
           their
           Personal
           Happiness
           ,
           and
           the
           reflexion
           upon
           the
           happiness
           of
           all
           that
           blessed
           Society
           ,
           who
           are
           cemented
           by
           that
           dear
           Affection
           .
           Sorrow
           is
           allayed
           by
           the
           Sympathy
           of
           our
           Friends
           ,
           but
           Joy
           is
           heightned
           by
           Communication
           .
           Sorrow
           ,
           like
           a
           Stream
           divided
           in
           many
           Channels
           ,
           runs
           more
           Shallow
           :
           but
           Joy
           ,
           like
           a
           Sun-beam
           ,
           reflects
           with
           more
           intense
           Heat
           from
           the
           Breast
           of
           one
           endear'd
           to
           us
           by
           Love.
           In
           Heaven
           there
           is
           an
           Eternal
           Extasie
           of
           Love
           and
           Joy.
           
        
         
           I
           shall
           now
           proceed
           to
           Consider
           our
           Love
           to
           God
           ,
           which
           
             is
             the
             First
             and
             Great
             Command
          
           in
           Order
           and
           Dignity
           .
           'T
           is
           the
           universal
           Command
           that
           binds
           all
           Persons
           ,
           and
           in
           all
           times
           .
           Some
           precepts
           are
           particular
           ,
           and
           respect
           the
           several
           Relations
           of
           men
           ,
           either
           Natural
           ,
           Civil
           or
           Spiritual
           .
           Other
           Commands
           though
           General
           ,
           yet
           are
           to
           be
           perform'd
           
           in
           special
           Seasons
           .
           Prayer
           is
           a
           universal
           Duty
           ,
           for
           all
           are
           in
           a
           state
           of
           dependance
           upon
           God
           ,
           and
           't
           is
           the
           appointed
           means
           to
           obtain
           his
           Favour
           and
           Benefits
           :
           't
           is
           a
           Duty
           of
           daily
           Revolution
           ,
           for
           we
           continually
           stand
           in
           need
           of
           his
           tender
           and
           powerful
           Providence
           to
           bestow
           good
           things
           and
           avert
           evil
           :
           but
           this
           not
           to
           be
           our
           perpetual
           Exercise
           .
           For
           there
           are
           other
           Duties
           to
           which
           we
           must
           attend
           ,
           that
           require
           a
           great
           part
           of
           our
           time
           .
           If
           there
           be
           a
           disposition
           in
           the
           Heart
           ,
           an
           aptness
           for
           that
           Holy
           Duty
           ,
           though
           the
           Season
           be
           distant
           ,
           't
           is
           sufficient
           for
           our
           Acceptance
           with
           God.
           But
           Love
           in
           all
           periods
           of
           Time
           must
           be
           in
           Act
           :
           for
           Obedience
           must
           ever
           be
           practis'd
           ,
           and
           that
           is
           animated
           by
           the
           Love
           of
           God
           ,
           the
           Spring
           and
           Soul
           of
           it
           .
           The
           Life
           of
           a
           Christian
           is
           a
           continual
           Exercise
           of
           humble
           ,
           grateful
           and
           dutiful
           Love.
           
        
         
           I
           will
           consider
           the
           Causes
           ,
           and
           Properties
           of
           this
           Sanctified
           Affection
           .
        
         
           Love
           is
           an
           Affection
           drawn
           forth
           by
           Desire
           in
           the
           absence
           of
           its
           Object
           ,
           resting
           in
           Complacency
           when
           the
           Object
           is
           present
           .
           The
           attractive
           of
           it
           is
           Goodness
           ,
           which
           implies
           a
           convenience
           and
           agreement
           between
           the
           Object
           and
           the
           Faculty
           .
           The
           Appetite
           is
           excited
           by
           the
           
           apprehension
           .
           In
           the
           Sensitive
           Nature
           ,
           without
           Perception
           and
           Agreement
           ,
           there
           can
           be
           no
           desire
           and
           delight
           .
           The
           Eye
           is
           not
           pleas'd
           with
           the
           most
           exquisite
           Musick
           ,
           being
           undiscernible
           and
           unsuitable
           to
           it
           .
           The
           Ear
           though
           exactly
           temper'd
           is
           not
           affected
           with
           Light
           ,
           the
           first
           and
           fairest
           of
           Sensitive
           Beauties
           :
           for
           every
           sense
           has
           its
           proper
           Object
           to
           which
           't
           is
           Confin'd
           ,
           and
           cannot
           perceive
           or
           taste
           any
           pleasure
           in
           another
           .
        
         
           And
           such
           is
           the
           frame
           of
           the
           Humane
           Soul
           ,
           the
           inlightened
           Understanding
           instructs
           and
           excites
           the
           Will
           ,
           to
           esteem
           and
           love
           ,
           choose
           and
           embrace
           God
           as
           the
           Supreme
           Good
           ,
           for
           his
           absolute
           inherent
           Perfections
           ,
           and
           his
           Relative
           Attributes
           ,
           whereby
           he
           is
           infinitely
           the
           best
           and
           most
           aimiable
           Being
           in
           himself
           ,
           and
           the
           most
           beneficial
           to
           us
           .
           The
           internal
           Perfections
           of
           the
           Deity
           ,
           though
           they
           are
           all
           the
           same
           Divine
           Nature
           ,
           for
           otherwise
           they
           could
           not
           be
           truly
           Infinite
           ,
           yet
           we
           may
           conceive
           as
           distinguisht
           in
           a
           threefold
           order
           :
           either
           as
           Natural
           ,
           or
           Intellectual
           ,
           or
           Moral
           .
           Natural
           Perfections
           ;
           Self-Existence
           ,
           Eternity
           ,
           Immensity
           ,
           Omnipotence
           :
           Intellectual
           Perfections
           ;
           Knowledge
           ,
           comprehensive
           of
           all
           things
           that
           are
           ,
           and
           all
           things
           within
           the
           possibility
           of
           Being
           ;
           Wisdom
           sufficient
           to
           Govern
           and
           Order
           innumerable
           Worlds
           :
           Moral
           
           Perfections
           ,
           Holiness
           ,
           Goodness
           ,
           Justice
           and
           Truth
           .
           Now
           the
           Union
           of
           these
           Perfections
           in
           God
           ,
           deserves
           we
           should
           glorify
           him
           with
           all
           the
           degrees
           of
           our
           Understandings
           ,
           and
           Wills
           ,
           with
           the
           highest
           Veneration
           and
           Esteem
           ,
           and
           the
           most
           ardent
           Affections
           .
           If
           the
           weak
           and
           transient
           resemblance
           of
           some
           of
           the
           Divine
           Excellencies
           in
           the
           Creatures
           from
           whom
           we
           neither
           receive
           nor
           expect
           any
           benefit
           ,
           raise
           our
           Esteem
           and
           draw
           our
           Love
           ,
           how
           much
           more
           should
           the
           Essential
           Perfections
           of
           God
           fill
           us
           with
           Admiration
           ,
           and
           the
           dearest
           Affections
           to
           him
           .
           His
           absolute
           Perfections
           are
           not
           the
           Objects
           of
           our
           Desires
           ,
           for
           he
           is
           intirely
           possest
           of
           them
           ,
           and
           can
           never
           be
           devested
           of
           them
           ,
           but
           of
           our
           Love
           and
           Joy.
           
        
         
           2.
           
           Consider
           God
           in
           his
           Relative
           Attributes
           to
           us
           ,
           as
           our
           Maker
           ,
           Preserver
           ,
           and
           Benefactor
           ,
           as
           our
           Redeemer
           that
           saves
           us
           from
           an
           everlasting
           Hell
           ,
           and
           has
           purchased
           and
           prepar'd
           Eternal
           Glory
           for
           us
           ,
           and
           prepares
           us
           for
           it
           .
        
         
           The
           Eternity
           ,
           Omni-presence
           ,
           and
           Omnipotence
           of
           God
           ,
           are
           awful
           Attributes
           ,
           and
           deserve
           our
           most
           humble
           Adoration
           ,
           for
           he
           that
           lives
           for
           Ever
           ,
           can
           punish
           for
           ever
           ,
           yet
           in
           conjunction
           with
           his
           propitious
           ,
           beneficent
           Attributes
           ,
           Goodness
           ,
           Clemency
           and
           Benignity
           ,
           are
           aimable
           Perfections
           ,
           
           and
           deserve
           our
           singular
           and
           superlative
           Love
           ;
           for
           Eternal
           Power
           consers
           and
           maintains
           our
           Happiness
           .
           
             At
             thy
             right
             hand
             are
             pleasures
             for
             evermore
             .
          
           The
           first
           rise
           of
           our
           Love
           is
           from
           the
           sense
           of
           his
           Benefits
           :
           but
           we
           must
           Love
           him
           ,
           above
           his
           Benefits
           ,
           and
           value
           his
           Benefits
           for
           his
           sake
           ,
           as
           they
           are
           the
           Testimonies
           of
           his
           Love.
           This
           inspired
           a
           holy
           Heat
           in
           the
           Psalmists
           Breast
           ,
           
             What
             shall
             I
             render
             to
             the
             Lord
             for
             all
             his
             Benefits
             ?
          
           That
           the
           impressions
           of
           his
           benefits
           may
           sink
           and
           settle
           into
           our
           Hearts
           ,
           I
           will
           Consider
           ,
           The
           principle
           from
           whence
           they
           proceed
           ,
           the
           greatness
           of
           them
           ,
           and
           Gods
           End
           in
           bestowing
           them
           .
        
         
           1.
           
           The
           principle
           of
           all
           his
           benefits
           is
           his
           most
           free
           and
           pure
           Goodness
           .
           The
           Psalmist
           declares
           ,
           
             Thou
             art
             good
             ,
             and
             dost
             good
             .
          
           'T
           is
           true
           ,
           his
           high
           Perfections
           are
           very
           resplendent
           in
           his
           Works
           ,
           yet
           this
           induced
           no
           necessity
           upon
           God
           :
           for
           declarative
           Glory
           resulting
           from
           the
           exercise
           and
           effects
           of
           his
           Attributes
           ,
           was
           not
           necessary
           .
           He
           was
           from
           all
           Eternity
           Infinitely
           Glorious
           and
           Blessed
           in
           Himself
           .
           Neither
           was
           any
           motive
           or
           merit
           in
           us
           to
           determine
           his
           Will
           either
           to
           Create
           or
           Redeem
           us
           .
           For
           antecedently
           to
           the
           first
           act
           of
           his
           Goodness
           we
           had
           no
           being
           ,
           and
           consequently
           no
           possibility
           or
           
           shadow
           of
           desert
           ,
           and
           after
           our
           Sin
           ,
           we
           were
           deservedly
           Miserable
           .
        
         
           2.
           
           Let
           us
           ponder
           his
           benefits
           ,
           that
           if
           it
           were
           possible
           ,
           we
           may
           not
           miss
           a
           grain
           of
           their
           weight
           .
        
         
           1.
           
           In
           the
           order
           of
           Nature
           .
           
             He
             made
             us
             ,
             and
             not
             we
             our selves
             .
          
           The
           Humane
           Body
           compos'd
           of
           as
           many
           Miracles
           as
           Members
           ,
           was
           the
           design
           of
           his
           Mind
           ,
           the
           various
           Art
           and
           Work
           of
           his
           Hands
           .
           He
           immediately
           form'd
           the
           body
           of
           Adam
           of
           the
           Virgin
           Earth
           ,
           and
           though
           in
           the
           course
           of
           Nature
           our
           Parents
           contribute
           to
           the
           matter
           of
           our
           Bodies
           ,
           yet
           he
           Organises
           them
           in
           that
           perfection
           ,
           he
           disposes
           all
           the
           parts
           in
           that
           order
           and
           proportion
           as
           is
           requisite
           for
           Comliness
           and
           Use.
           The
           Psalmist
           speaks
           of
           this
           with
           those
           lively
           Expressions
           ,
           
             I
             will
             praise
             thee
             ,
             for
             I
             am
             fearfully
             ,
             and
             wonderfully
             made
             ,
             marvellous
             are
             thy
             works
             ,
             and
             that
             my
             soul
             knows
             right
             well
             .
             I
             was
             made
             in
             secret
             ,
             and
             curiously
             wrought
             in
             the
             lowest
             parts
             of
             the
             Earth
             .
             Thine
             eyes
             did
             see
             my
             substance
             ,
             yet
             being
             imperfect
             ,
             and
             in
             thy
             book
             all
             my
             members
             were
             written
             .
          
           If
           one
           Member
           had
           been
           defective
           ,
           the
           Eye
           ,
           the
           Hand
           ,
           the
           Tongue
           ,
           if
           one
           sense
           had
           been
           wanting
           ,
           what
           inconvenience
           ,
           what
           deformity
           had
           insued
           ?
        
         
         
           To
           a
           Body
           of
           Flesh
           the
           Divine
           Maker
           united
           an
           immortal
           Soul
           ,
           capable
           to
           know
           and
           love
           ,
           to
           obey
           and
           enjoy
           him
           ,
           who
           is
           the
           Fountain
           of
           Felicity
           :
           A
           Soul
           incomparably
           more
           precious
           in
           the
           account
           of
           our
           Creator
           and
           Redeemer
           ,
           than
           all
           the
           World.
           It
           heightens
           the
           Goodness
           of
           God
           ,
           that
           he
           first
           prepared
           the
           World
           ,
           reviewed
           it
           ,
           and
           approved
           
           all
           as
           Good
           ,
           and
           then
           introduced
           Man
           as
           his
           Vice-Roy
           to
           possess
           and
           rule
           it
           .
           The
           great
           Universe
           he
           did
           not
           make
           for
           the
           meer
           show
           of
           his
           Power
           ,
           but
           for
           the
           demonstration
           of
           his
           Goodness
           unto
           Man.
           The
           reflection
           upon
           these
           first
           Benefits
           ,
           our
           being
           Reasonable
           Creatures
           ,
           which
           is
           the
           foundation
           of
           all
           other
           Benefits
           ,
           how
           should
           it
           ingage
           us
           to
           love
           and
           serve
           our
           Maker
           ,
           with
           all
           our
           Powers
           in
           their
           best
           Capacities
           ?
           Our
           obligation
           is
           founded
           in
           Natural
           and
           Divine
           Right
           .
           The
           Law
           of
           consecrating
           the
           first
           Fruits
           was
           figurative
           of
           this
           .
           Love
           is
           the
           first
           Affection
           of
           the
           Heart
           ,
           the
           first
           Fruit
           of
           the
           Soul.
           If
           God
           did
           so
           strictly
           exact
           the
           payment
           of
           the
           first
           Fruits
           ,
           can
           we
           think
           he
           is
           less
           jealous
           of
           our
           Love
           ,
           and
           less
           severe
           in
           requiring
           it
           should
           be
           consecrated
           to
           him
           ?
           The
           Fruits
           of
           a
           young
           Plant
           are
           not
           more
           pleasing
           to
           him
           than
           of
           an
           old
           Tree
           ;
           but
           he
           would
           instruct
           
           us
           to
           give
           the
           first
           Affections
           of
           our
           Souls
           to
           him
           .
        
         
           2.
           
           If
           we
           raise
           our
           Thoughts
           ,
           and
           distinctly
           consider
           Creating
           Goodness
           ,
           our
           Affections
           will
           be
           more
           inflam'd
           in
           the
           sense
           of
           it
           .
           We
           were
           born
           in
           distant
           spaces
           of
           time
           ,
           according
           to
           his
           eternal
           benevolent
           Decree
           .
           Notwithstanding
           the
           different
           temporal
           circumstances
           of
           our
           coming
           into
           the
           World
           ,
           we
           are
           all
           equally
           obliged
           to
           his
           eternal
           Goodness
           .
           Let
           us
           consider
           that
           in
           the
           pure
           possibility
           of
           being
           ,
           we
           were
           not
           distinguish'd
           from
           an
           infinite
           number
           that
           shall
           never
           be
           ,
           (
           for
           as
           his
           Power
           is
           without
           any
           limits
           but
           his
           Will
           ,
           the
           possible
           production
           of
           Men
           is
           without
           number
           )
           yet
           he
           was
           pleased
           to
           raise
           us
           into
           actual
           Being
           .
           This
           was
           a
           most
           free
           Favour
           ;
           and
           by
           reflecting
           on
           it
           ,
           unless
           we
           are
           dead
           as
           the
           Grave
           ,
           we
           shall
           find
           a
           warm
           lively
           sense
           of
           it
           in
           our
           Hearts
           .
           If
           a
           Prince
           exalt
           and
           enrich
           a
           Favourite
           ,
           his
           own
           Interest
           is
           mix'd
           with
           the
           Honour
           and
           Profit
           of
           the
           Favourite
           ;
           for
           he
           expects
           Service
           from
           him
           :
           But
           God
           whose
           Happiness
           is
           infinite
           and
           indeficient
           ,
           cannot
           receive
           any
           benefit
           from
           the
           service
           of
           the
           Creature
           :
           His
           Favours
           are
           above
           all
           desert
           ,
           and
           beyond
           all
           requital
           .
        
         
           2.
           
           If
           we
           consider
           God
           as
           our
           preserver
           and
           benefactor
           ,
           our
           obligations
           to
           Love
           
           and
           Thankfulness
           are
           infinite
           .
           The
           first
           being
           and
           uninterrupted
           duration
           of
           the
           World
           is
           from
           the
           same
           powerful
           Cause
           :
           For
           nothing
           can
           make
           it self
           when
           't
           is
           not
           ,
           nor
           preserve
           it self
           when
           '
           t
           is
           .
           Some
           have
           revived
           that
           erroneous
           Opinion
           ,
           That
           as
           a
           Clock
           form'd
           by
           an
           Artificer
           ,
           and
           the
           Weights
           drawn
           up
           ,
           regularly
           strikes
           the
           Hours
           ,
           and
           continues
           its
           Motion
           and
           Sound
           ,
           in
           the
           absence
           of
           the
           Artificer
           :
           So
           the
           perpetual
           concourse
           of
           the
           Divine
           Providence
           is
           not
           necessary
           for
           the
           support
           and
           operations
           of
           every
           Creature
           ,
           but
           Nature
           may
           work
           of
           it self
           ,
           and
           turn
           the
           Wheels
           of
           all
           Things
           within
           its
           compass
           .
           But
           the
           Instance
           is
           defective
           ,
           there
           being
           an
           extream
           disparity
           between
           the
           Work
           of
           an
           Artificer
           ,
           in
           forming
           a
           Clock
           ,
           whose
           matter
           is
           independent
           upon
           him
           ,
           and
           God's
           giving
           the
           first
           Being
           to
           the
           Creatures
           ,
           with
           Powers
           to
           act
           by
           his
           actual
           concurrence
           :
           For
           every
           Creature
           is
           maintain'd
           by
           a
           successive
           continual
           production
           .
           To
           affect
           us
           ,
           consider
           ,
           the
           preserver
           of
           Men
           brought
           us
           safely
           into
           the
           World
           through
           the
           
             dark
             Valley
             of
             Death
          
           ,
           where
           thousands
           are
           strangled
           in
           the
           birth
           .
           
             We
             are
             born
             by
             him
             from
             the
             belly
             ,
             and
             carried
          
           
           
             from
             the
             womb
          
           .
           How
           compassionate
           was
           his
           Goodness
           to
           us
           in
           our
           Infancy
           ,
           the
           state
           of
           wants
           and
           weakness
           ,
           when
           we
           
           were
           absolutely
           incapable
           of
           procuring
           supplies
           ,
           or
           securing
           our selves
           from
           many
           dangers
           surrounding
           us
           .
           The
           preparing
           the
           Milk
           for
           our
           Nourishment
           is
           the
           work
           of
           the
           God
           of
           Nature
           .
           The
           Blood
           of
           the
           Mother
           ,
           by
           the
           secret
           channels
           of
           the
           Veins
           ,
           is
           transfused
           into
           the
           Breasts
           ,
           and
           is
           a
           living
           Spring
           there
           .
           They
           are
           but
           two
           ,
           because
           't
           is
           the
           ordinary
           Law
           of
           Nature
           to
           have
           but
           two
           Children
           at
           a
           Birth
           .
           They
           are
           planted
           near
           the
           Heart
           ,
           which
           is
           the
           Forge
           of
           Natural
           Heat
           ,
           and
           transforms
           the
           Blood
           collected
           in
           the
           Breasts
           into
           Milk.
           And
           there
           is
           a
           mystery
           of
           Love
           in
           it
           ;
           for
           the
           Mother
           in
           the
           same
           time
           nourishes
           her
           Child
           with
           delight
           ,
           regards
           and
           embraces
           it
           .
        
         
           From
           Infancy
           his
           Mercy
           grows
           up
           with
           us
           ,
           and
           never
           forsakes
           us
           .
           
             He
             is
             the
             God
             of
             our
             Lives
             .
          
           He
           draws
           a
           Curtain
           of
           Protection
           and
           Rest
           about
           us
           in
           the
           Night
           ,
           and
           repairs
           our
           faint
           Faculties
           ;
           otherwise
           our
           Bodies
           would
           soon
           decay
           into
           a
           dissolution
           .
           
             He
             spreads
             our
             Table
             ,
             and
             fills
             our
             Cup.
             He
             is
             the
             length
             of
             our
             days
             .
          
           There
           is
           such
           a
           composition
           of
           Contrarieties
           in
           the
           Humours
           of
           the
           Body
           ,
           so
           many
           Veins
           and
           Arteries
           ,
           and
           Nerves
           ,
           that
           derive
           the
           vital
           and
           animal
           Spirits
           from
           the
           Heart
           and
           Head
           to
           all
           the
           parts
           ,
           we
           are
           exposed
           to
           so
           many
           destructive
           accidents
           ,
           that
           were
           
           not
           the
           tender
           Providence
           of
           our
           true
           Father
           always
           watchful
           over
           us
           ,
           we
           should
           presently
           fail
           and
           dye
           .
        
         
           
             The
             Lord
             is
             a
             Sun
             and
             a
             Shield
             :
          
           As
           the
           Sun
           is
           a
           universal
           Principle
           of
           Life
           and
           Motion
           ,
           and
           pours
           forth
           his
           treasures
           of
           Light
           and
           Heat
           without
           any
           loss
           and
           impoverishing
           :
           Thus
           God
           communicates
           his
           Blessings
           to
           all
           the
           progeny
           of
           Men.
           He
           is
           a
           Shield
           ,
           protecting
           us
           from
           innumerable
           Evils
           ,
           unforeseen
           and
           inevitable
           ,
           without
           his
           preventing
           Goodness
           .
           Were
           we
           only
           kept
           alive
           ,
           and
           sighed
           out
           our
           days
           in
           Grief
           and
           Pain
           ,
           were
           our
           passage
           to
           the
           next
           State
           through
           a
           barren
           Wilderness
           ,
           without
           any
           refreshing
           Springs
           and
           Showers
           ,
           this
           were
           infinite
           Mercy
           :
           For
           if
           we
           duely
           consider
           his
           Greatness
           and
           our
           Meanness
           ,
           his
           Holiness
           and
           Justice
           ,
           and
           our
           Sinfulness
           ,
           it
           would
           cause
           us
           to
           look
           up
           to
           God
           with
           admiration
           ,
           and
           down
           to
           our selves
           with
           confusion
           ,
           that
           our
           Lives
           so
           frail
           ,
           and
           so
           often
           forfeited
           ,
           are
           preserved
           .
           The
           Church
           in
           a
           desolate
           state
           acknowledges
           ,
           
             'T
             is
             the
             Lord's
             Mercy
             that
          
           
           
             we
             are
             not
             consumed
             ,
             because
             his
             Mercies
             are
             renewed
             every
             morning
             .
          
           'T
           is
           Mercy
           upon
           Mercy
           ,
           all
           is
           Mercy
           .
           Our
           Saviour
           ,
           with
           respect
           to
           his
           humble
           state
           ,
           says
           ,
           
             I
             am
             a
             Worm
             ,
             and
             no
             Man
          
           ;
           but
           we
           are
           Serpents
           ,
           and
           no
           Worms
           :
           And
           as
           't
           is
           
           usual
           to
           destroy
           venomous
           Creatures
           in
           the
           egg
           ,
           before
           they
           have
           done
           actual
           mischief
           ,
           we
           that
           are
           Children
           of
           Wrath
           by
           Nature
           ,
           whose
           Constitution
           is
           Poyson
           ,
           might
           have
           been
           justly
           destroyed
           in
           the
           Conception
           .
           This
           ravish'd
           the
           Psalmist
           into
           an
           extasie
           of
           Wonder
           ,
           whilst
           he
           contemplated
           the
           glorious
           Lights
           of
           Heaven
           ,
           
             What
             is
             Man
             that
             thou
             art
             mindful
             of
             him
             ,
             or
             the
             Son
             of
             Man
             that
             thou
             shouldst
             regard
             and
             relieve
             him
             ?
          
           He
           bestows
           innumerable
           and
           inestimable
           Benefits
           upon
           a
           race
           of
           Rebels
           that
           boldly
           break
           his
           Laws
           ,
           and
           abuse
           his
           Favours
           :
           He
           not
           only
           suspends
           his
           Judgments
           ,
           but
           dispenses
           his
           Blessings
           to
           those
           that
           infinitely
           provoke
           him
           .
           Now
           ,
           can
           we
           be
           unaffected
           with
           his
           indulgent
           Clemency
           ,
           his
           immense
           Bounty
           ,
           his
           condescending
           and
           compassionate
           Goodness
           ?
           Why
           does
           he
           load
           us
           with
           his
           Benefits
           every
           day
           ,
           but
           for
           his
           Goodness
           sake
           ,
           and
           to
           endear
           himself
           to
           us
           ?
           For
           he
           is
           always
           ready
           to
           open
           his
           bountiful
           Hand
           ,
           if
           we
           do
           not
           shut
           our
           Breasts
           ,
           and
           harden
           our
           Hearts
           ,
           not
           to
           receive
           his
           Gifts
           .
           His
           Mercy
           is
           like
           the
           Widows
           miraculous
           Oyl
           ,
           that
           never
           ceas'd
           in
           pouring
           out
           ,
           while
           there
           was
           any
           Vessel
           to
           receive
           it
           :
           Then
           the
           flowing
           Vein
           was
           stop'd
           .
           How
           is
           it
           possible
           such
           rich
           and
           continued
           Goodness
           should
           not
           insinuate
           it self
           into
           
           our
           Souls
           and
           engage
           our
           Love
           to
           our
           blessed
           Benefactor
           ?
           Can
           we
           degenerate
           so
           far
           from
           Humane
           Nature
           ,
           nay
           below
           the
           Sensitive
           (
           for
           the
           dull
           Ox
           ,
           and
           stupid
           Ass
           ,
           serve
           those
           that
           feed
           them
           )
           as
           to
           be
           Enemies
           to
           God
           ?
           How
           prodigious
           ,
           and
           astonishing
           is
           this
           degeneracy
           ?
        
         
           3.
           
           The
           Love
           of
           God
           appears
           in
           its
           full
           Force
           ,
           and
           Glory
           ,
           in
           our
           Redemption
           .
           The
           Eloquence
           of
           an
           Angel
           ,
           would
           be
           very
           dis-proportion'd
           to
           the
           dignity
           and
           greatness
           of
           this
           Argument
           ,
           much
           more
           the
           weak
           Expressions
           of
           Men.
           That
           we
           may
           the
           more
           distinctly
           conceive
           it
           ,
           I
           will
           briefly
           consider
           the
           greatness
           of
           the
           benefit
           ,
           and
           the
           means
           of
           obtaining
           it
           .
        
         
           Man
           in
           his
           state
           of
           unstain'd
           Innocence
           was
           furnisht
           with
           power
           to
           persevere
           ,
           but
           left
           in
           the
           hand
           of
           his
           own
           Counsel
           .
           He
           was
           drawn
           by
           a
           soft
           Seducer
           to
           eat
           of
           the
           forbidden
           Tree
           ,
           and
           in
           that
           single
           Instance
           was
           guilty
           of
           universal
           Dis-obedience
           .
           He
           was
           ingaged
           in
           a
           deep
           Revolture
           with
           the
           Apostate
           Spirits
           ,
           and
           incurr'd
           the
           Sentence
           of
           a
           double
           Death
           ,
           both
           of
           the
           Body
           and
           of
           the
           Soul.
           Now
           where
           was
           the
           Miraculous
           Physician
           to
           be
           found
           ,
           that
           could
           save
           us
           from
           Eternal
           Death
           ?
           Who
           could
           Appease
           God
           ,
           and
           Abolish
           Sin
           ?
           God
           was
           affected
           with
           tender
           pity
           at
           the
           sight
           of
           our
           Misery
           ,
           
           and
           
             though
             the
             morning
             Stars
             ,
             that
             fell
             from
             heaven
             ,
             are
             now
             wandring
             Stars
             ,
             for
             whom
             the
             blackness
             of
             darkness
             is
             reserv'd
             for
             ever
             ,
          
           yet
           he
           was
           pleased
           to
           recover
           Man
           from
           that
           desperate
           state
           ,
           in
           a
           way
           becoming
           his
           Perfections
           .
           This
           was
           the
           Product
           of
           his
           most
           free
           Love.
           God's
           Will
           and
           Christ's
           Willingness
           were
           the
           Springs
           of
           our
           Redemption
           ;
           for
           he
           might
           have
           
             pari
             jure
          
           ,
           with
           the
           same
           just
           Severity
           have
           dealt
           with
           us
           as
           with
           the
           Rebellious
           Angels
           .
           There
           was
           no
           legal
           constraint
           upon
           our
           Saviour
           to
           dye
           for
           us
           ,
           for
           
             he
             was
             holy
             ,
             harmless
             ,
             undefiled
             ,
             and
             separate
             from
             Sinners
             :
          
           There
           was
           no
           violent
           Constraint
           ,
           for
           he
           could
           with
           one
           Word
           have
           destroy'd
           his
           Enemies
           :
           The
           depth
           of
           his
           Wisdom
           ,
           the
           strength
           of
           his
           Power
           ,
           the
           Glory
           of
           his
           Holiness
           and
           Justice
           were
           illustriously
           reveal'd
           in
           this
           great
           work
           ,
           but
           Love
           was
           the
           Regent
           Attribute
           that
           call'd
           forth
           the
           other
           into
           their
           distinct
           Exercise
           and
           acts
           :
           Most
           Wise
           ,
           Omnipotent
           and
           Holy
           Love
           saved
           us
           .
           What
           the
           Psalmist
           speaks
           of
           the
           Divine
           Perfections
           in
           making
           us
           ,
           
             I
             am
             fearfully
             and
             wonderfully
             made
             ,
          
           is
           in
           a
           nobler
           Sense
           verified
           in
           our
           Salvation
           ,
           we
           are
           fearfully
           and
           wonderfully
           Redeem'd
           ,
           by
           the
           Concord
           of
           those
           seeming
           irreconcileable
           Attributes
           ,
           Vindictive
           Justice
           ,
           and
           Saving
           
           Mercy
           .
           Our
           Rebellion
           was
           to
           be
           expiated
           by
           the
           highest
           perfection
           of
           Obedience
           ;
           and
           thereby
           the
           honour
           of
           God's
           Moral
           Government
           to
           be
           repair'd
           .
           For
           this
           end
           the
           Son
           of
           God
           dis-rob'd
           himself
           of
           his
           Glory
           ,
           and
           put
           on
           the
           Livery
           of
           our
           frail
           Flesh
           ,
           
             and
             in
             the
             form
             of
             a
             Servant
             became
             obedient
             to
             the
             Death
             of
             the
             Cross
             ,
             to
             rescue
             us
             from
             the
             Curse
             of
             the
             Law
             :
          
           he
           intercepted
           the
           heavy
           stroke
           of
           Vengeance
           ,
           that
           had
           sunk
           us
           into
           the
           Centre
           of
           Sorrows
           ,
           and
           restor'd
           us
           to
           the
           Favour
           and
           Fruition
           of
           God.
           
        
         
           Our
           Misery
           was
           extreme
           and
           without
           End
           :
           if
           Misery
           ,
           though
           intolerable
           ,
           has
           a
           determin'd
           issue
           ,
           the
           passing
           of
           every
           day
           lessens
           it
           :
           but
           if
           it
           be
           above
           all
           Patience
           to
           endure
           ,
           and
           without
           Hope
           of
           Remission
           or
           Release
           ,
           this
           thought
           strikes
           deadly
           inward
           .
           A
           Brute
           has
           some
           Memory
           of
           past
           pains
           ,
           and
           a
           feeling
           of
           present
           ,
           but
           no
           apprehension
           of
           future
           pains
           :
           't
           is
           the
           woful
           Prerogative
           of
           the
           Reasonable
           Nature
           ,
           to
           exasperate
           the
           sense
           of
           Misery
           by
           the
           foresight
           of
           its
           continuance
           ,
           and
           to
           feel
           the
           weight
           of
           Eternity
           every
           Moment
           .
           Lost
           Souls
           are
           dead
           to
           all
           the
           vital
           sweetness
           of
           Being
           ,
           to
           all
           sense
           of
           Happiness
           ,
           and
           live
           to
           the
           quickest
           feeling
           of
           Misery
           for
           ever
           .
        
         
           Our
           Rescue
           from
           this
           Misery
           is
           more
           affecting
           ,
           if
           we
           consider
           ,
           that
           without
           
           our
           Saviour's
           interposing
           ,
           our
           state
           was
           desperate
           :
           to
           pass
           from
           death
           to
           life
           is
           a
           double
           life
           .
           We
           are
           translated
           from
           the
           guilty
           ,
           wretched
           state
           of
           Rebels
           ,
           into
           the
           blessed
           state
           of
           the
           Children
           of
           God
           ,
           and
           are
           Heirs
           of
           Eternal
           Glory
           .
           The
           duration
           is
           as
           valuable
           as
           the
           Felicity
           ,
           and
           doubles
           the
           Gift
           :
           Immortality
           and
           Immutability
           are
           inseparable
           in
           Heaven
           .
           God
           has
           made
           all
           his
           
             Goodness
             to
             pass
             before
             us
          
           in
           our
           Salvation
           .
           Goodness
           ,
           how
           amiable
           ,
           how
           attractive
           and
           endearing
           !
           To
           dye
           for
           another
           is
           the
           most
           noble
           kind
           of
           Love
           ,
           but
           there
           are
           degrees
           in
           that
           kind
           :
           to
           die
           for
           an
           Enemy
           for
           a
           Rebel
           is
           the
           highest
           degree
           of
           that
           Love.
           Now
           the
           Son
           of
           God
           assum'd
           to
           the
           Supreme
           Excellencies
           of
           the
           Divine
           Nature
           ,
           the
           tender
           Infirmities
           of
           the
           Humane
           Nature
           ,
           that
           he
           might
           be
           a
           propitiatory
           Sacrifice
           for
           our
           Sins
           .
           In
           
           
             this
             God
             commended
             his
             love
             to
             us
             ,
             that
             when
             we
             were
             Sinners
             he
             gave
             his
             Son
             to
             die
             for
             us
             .
          
           Astonishing
           Love
           !
           
             it
             passes
             all
             understanding
          
           .
           The
           Jews
           askt
           our
           Saviour
           with
           wonder
           ,
           
             how
             is
             it
             that
             thou
             being
             a
             Man
             makest
             thy self
             God
             ?
          
           We
           may
           imagine
           with
           equal
           wonder
           ,
           how
           being
           the
           Son
           of
           God
           ,
           he
           descended
           
             from
             the
             Throne
             of
             Majesty
             in
             heaven
             ,
          
           and
           stoop'd
           so
           low
           as
           to
           become
           Man
           ?
           St.
           Peter
           illuminated
           
           by
           divine
           Revelation
           ,
           Confest
           ,
           
           
             Thou
             art
             the
             Christ
             ,
             the
             Son
             of
             the
             living
             God.
          
           But
           presently
           after
           ,
           when
           our
           Saviour
           foretold
           ,
           that
           he
           
             must
             go
             to
             Jerusalem
             ,
             and
             be
             kill'd
             there
             ,
             Peter
          
           began
           to
           rebuke
           him
           ,
           saying
           ,
           
             Be
             it
             far
             from
             thee
             ,
             this
             shall
             not
             come
             unto
             thee
             .
          
           He
           could
           not
           conceive
           how
           such
           distant
           and
           discordant
           extremes
           as
           the
           Son
           of
           the
           Living
           God
           ,
           and
           Death
           ,
           could
           meet
           in
           Christ
           :
           but
           his
           love
           to
           us
           united
           them
           .
           A
           Love
           above
           all
           comparison
           ,
           but
           with
           the
           love
           of
           his
           Father
           to
           us
           .
           In
           the
           Sacrifice
           of
           Isaac
           there
           was
           a
           faint
           resemblance
           of
           this
           .
           Abraham
           carried
           the
           Knife
           and
           the
           Fire
           ▪
           and
           Isaac
           carried
           the
           Wood
           and
           himself
           the
           Sacrifice
           ,
           and
           with
           equal
           steps
           they
           ascended
           the
           Mount.
           A
           Type
           of
           the
           concurrent
           Love
           of
           the
           Divine
           Persons
           to
           us
           ,
           in
           the
           process
           of
           Christ's
           Sufferings
           .
           
             The
             Father
             laid
             upon
          
           
           
             him
             the
             iniquity
             of
             us
             all
             :
             surely
             he
             has
             born
             our
             griefs
             ,
             and
             endur'd
             our
             sorrows
             .
          
           Admirable
           Excess
           of
           Love
           !
           The
           Father
           gave
           up
           his
           innocent
           and
           only
           Son
           ,
           the
           bright
           Image
           of
           his
           Glory
           ,
           to
           Cruel
           Sufferings
           .
           This
           
             Immaculate
             Lilly
          
           was
           pierced
           with
           Thorns
           .
           The
           Son
           gave
           such
           Life
           for
           us
           as
           no
           Creature
           can
           give
           ,
           and
           suffer'd
           such
           a
           Death
           for
           us
           as
           no
           Creature
           can
           suffer
           .
           He
           descended
           to
           our
           lowest
           Misery
           ,
           to
           raise
           us
           to
           the
           highest
           degrees
           of
           Happiness
           .
           Who
           can
           resist
           
           the
           force
           of
           these
           Reflections
           ?
           It
           may
           seem
           that
           only
           the
           Reprobates
           in
           Hell
           ,
           that
           have
           sinn'd
           beyond
           the
           intended
           vertue
           and
           application
           of
           his
           Sufferings
           can
           be
           unaffected
           with
           them
           .
        
         
           From
           hence
           this
           Corollary
           regularly
           follows
           ,
           that
           't
           is
           our
           Duty
           to
           consecrate
           our
           highest
           Esteem
           and
           Love
           to
           our
           Redeemer
           .
           Supreme
           Love
           is
           due
           to
           Supreme
           Excellencies
           ,
           and
           for
           the
           greatest
           Benefits
           .
           In
           our
           Saviour
           
             all
             the
             Treasures
             of
             Wisdom
             and
             Knowledge
             are
             hid
             ,
          
           and
           all
           the
           Treasures
           of
           Grace
           and
           Mercy
           are
           open'd
           to
           inrich
           us
           .
           What
           Indignity
           ,
           what
           Ingratitude
           is
           it
           ,
           to
           be
           coldly
           affected
           to
           him
           ,
           who
           by
           the
           dearest
           Titles
           infinitely
           deserves
           our
           love
           ?
           How
           unreasonable
           and
           unnatural
           is
           it
           ,
           to
           look
           upon
           him
           with
           an
           indifferent
           Eye
           ,
           who
           died
           for
           us
           ,
           and
           whom
           the
           Angels
           continually
           behold
           in
           a
           double
           extasie
           of
           Admiration
           and
           Joy
           ?
           'T
           is
           most
           just
           that
           our
           Love
           should
           ascend
           to
           him
           in
           thankfulness
           ,
           as
           his
           descended
           to
           us
           in
           benefits
           .
           But
           our
           Poverty
           must
           excuse
           the
           not
           entire
           payment
           of
           our
           Immense
           Debt
           ,
           and
           our
           fervent
           desires
           to
           love
           him
           better
           .
           If
           we
           content
           our selves
           with
           luke-warm
           Affections
           ,
           't
           is
           most
           dishonourable
           to
           him
           :
           the
           coldness
           of
           Love
           ,
           as
           well
           as
           the
           heat
           of
           Enmity
           is
           very
           provoking
           to
           our
           Saviour
           .
        
         
         
           It
           should
           be
           our
           constant
           practise
           ,
           by
           discursive
           and
           reflexive
           Meditation
           ,
           to
           increase
           the
           holy
           heat
           of
           our
           Affections
           to
           Christ.
           He
           requires
           a
           love
           of
           Judgment
           and
           Choice
           .
           The
           love
           of
           Natural
           Inclination
           is
           indeliberate
           ,
           without
           Counsel
           ,
           and
           needs
           no
           Excitations
           :
           the
           stream
           runs
           downward
           freely
           .
           But
           love
           to
           Christ
           is
           Supernatural
           ,
           both
           with
           respect
           to
           the
           Object
           and
           the
           quality
           of
           the
           Affection
           .
           The
           Love
           of
           God
           is
           the
           principal
           obligation
           of
           the
           Law
           ,
           and
           the
           principal
           Duty
           of
           the
           reasonable
           and
           renewed
           Creature
           :
           the
           most
           just
           and
           amiable
           Duty
           ,
           yet
           so
           monstrous
           is
           the
           depravation
           of
           the
           humane
           Nature
           ,
           that
           Divine
           Grace
           is
           requisite
           to
           recover
           its
           Life
           and
           Liberty
           .
        
         
           The
           preventing
           pleasures
           of
           Sin
           possess
           the
           Soul.
           We
           must
           therefore
           earnestly
           Pray
           that
           the
           Holy
           Spirit
           would
           illuminate
           our
           Minds
           ,
           
             and
             direct
             us
             in
             the
             Love
             of
             God
             ,
          
           that
           he
           will
           purifie
           our
           Affections
           and
           raise
           them
           to
           Heaven
           .
           The
           Exercise
           of
           our
           Thoughts
           is
           too
           weak
           and
           faint
           to
           make
           indelible
           impression
           of
           Love
           in
           our
           Hearts
           .
           Love
           is
           an
           eminent
           Fruit
           of
           the
           Spirit
           .
           
             The
             love
             of
             God
             is
             shed
             abroad
             in
             the
             heart
             by
             the
             holy
             Spirit
             given
             to
             us
             .
          
           There
           is
           a
           strong
           tide
           of
           Sensual
           Desires
           that
           carries
           us
           downward
           ,
           which
           we
           cannot
           stem
           ,
           without
           
           the
           gales
           of
           the
           Spirit
           to
           make
           our
           way
           to
           Christ.
           But
           't
           is
           inconsistent
           with
           the
           Wisdom
           and
           Will
           of
           God
           ,
           for
           Men
           to
           expect
           an
           Inspiration
           from
           Heaven
           ,
           and
           neglect
           the
           proper
           means
           ,
           the
           considering
           the
           powerful
           Incentives
           of
           Love
           to
           our
           Redeemer
           ,
           his
           alluring
           Excellency
           ,
           and
           unvaluable
           Benefits
           .
           St.
           Paul
           declares
           ,
           
             The
             Love
             of
             Christ
             constrains
             us
             ,
             for
             we
             thus
             judge
             ,
             if
             one
             dyed
             for
             all
             ,
             then
             wereall
             dead
             ,
             and
             that
             he
             died
             for
             all
             ,
             that
             they
             might
             live
             to
             him
             .
          
           If
           all
           be
           not
           cold
           and
           dead
           within
           ,
           this
           will
           increase
           the
           sacred
           Fire
           ,
           and
           inflame
           the
           Affections
           .
        
         
           But
           as
           the
           light
           of
           the
           Sun
           ,
           diffus'd
           in
           the
           Air
           ,
           fires
           nothing
           ;
           but
           the
           Beams
           contracted
           in
           a
           Glass
           kindle
           proper
           Matter
           :
           so
           the
           considering
           of
           the
           common
           Salvation
           ,
           will
           not
           be
           so
           affecting
           ,
           nor
           so
           warm
           and
           soften
           the
           Heart
           as
           the
           serious
           applicative
           Thoughts
           of
           it
           to
           our selves
           :
           the
           Apostle
           expresses
           it
           ,
           Who
           
           
             loved
             me
             ,
             and
             gave
             himself
             for
             me
             .
          
           The
           appropriating
           by
           a
           clear
           Faith
           ,
           and
           serious
           Thoughts
           ,
           his
           Dying
           Love
           to
           the
           Soul
           ,
           will
           cause
           an
           irresistible
           Affection
           to
           him
           ,
           
             stronger
             than
             Death
          
           .
        
         
           We
           must
           learn
           of
           Christ
           how
           to
           love
           him
           .
           His
           Love
           was
           express'd
           in
           the
           most
           real
           Actions
           ,
           and
           convincing
           Evidence
           :
           it
           was
           an
           incarnate
           Love
           ▪
           a
           beneficent
           Love
           ,
           productive
           of
           our
           Salvation
           ;
           
           our
           love
           must
           be
           productive
           of
           Obedience
           .
           This
           is
           the
           surest
           Trial
           of
           it
           ,
           
             If
             ye
             love
             me
             ,
             you
             will
             keep
             my
             words
             ,
          
           saith
           our
           Saviour
           .
           The
           Frost
           of
           Fear
           will
           hinder
           the
           breaking
           forth
           of
           Carnal
           Lusts
           into
           notorious
           Acts
           ,
           as
           the
           Cold
           of
           Winter
           binds
           the
           Earth
           that
           noxious
           Weeds
           cannot
           spring
           up
           :
           but
           the
           heat
           of
           Love
           is
           productive
           of
           all
           the
           Fruits
           of
           Righteousness
           .
           Love
           to
           Christ
           will
           make
           every
           Command
           pleasant
           ,
           and
           the
           exactest
           Obedience
           to
           be
           voluntary
           ,
           liberal
           ,
           and
           ingenuous
           ,
           Fear
           may
           enforce
           Constancy
           for
           a
           time
           ,
           but
           Love
           is
           a
           Vital
           Principle
           ,
           continually
           operative
           in
           all
           the
           Transitions
           of
           this
           Life
           .
           This
           secures
           Obedience
           .
           Christ
           has
           fasten'd
           us
           to
           his
           Service
           by
           a
           Chain
           compos'd
           of
           his
           most
           precious
           Benefits
           :
           by
           the
           pardon
           of
           our
           innumerable
           sins
           ,
           and
           to
           whom
           
             much
             is
             forgiven
             ,
             they
             love
             much
             .
          
           Fear
           tries
           in
           vain
           to
           make
           an
           alliance
           between
           the
           Flesh
           and
           Spirit
           ,
           obeys
           some
           Commands
           ,
           and
           transgresses
           others
           :
           but
           Love
           respects
           all
           .
           Fear
           induces
           a
           desertion
           of
           our
           Duty
           ,
           when
           Evils
           nearly
           threaten
           us
           ;
           but
           Love
           encounters
           them
           with
           such
           a
           Character
           of
           Assurance
           ,
           as
           becomes
           those
           who
           esteem
           it
           a
           Favour
           and
           Honour
           to
           Suffer
           for
           Christ.
           Some
           are
           harden'd
           against
           Afflictions
           ,
           and
           endure
           with
           Courage
           Persecutions
           
           for
           the
           Cause
           of
           Christ
           ,
           but
           yield
           to
           pleasant
           Temptations
           :
           like
           the
           Manna
           that
           would
           endure
           the
           Fire
           ,
           but
           melted
           in
           the
           heat
           of
           the
           Sun
           :
           but
           Love
           to
           Christ
           ,
           by
           an
           overcoming
           delight
           ,
           renders
           the
           pleasures
           of
           Sin
           nauseous
           and
           insipid
           .
        
         
           In
           short
           ,
           the
           properties
           of
           natural
           Love
           are
           united
           in
           the
           Love
           of
           Christ.
           Love
           will
           transport
           us
           to
           Heaven
           ,
           and
           transform
           us
           into
           his
           likeness
           .
           Love
           will
           make
           us
           Zealous
           in
           constant
           and
           excellent
           Endeavours
           to
           be
           compleatly
           conform'd
           to
           him
           .
           Resemblance
           is
           the
           common
           Principle
           of
           all
           unions
           in
           Nature
           :
           't
           is
           preparative
           to
           Love
           ,
           and
           the
           effect
           of
           it
           .
           Experience
           is
           a
           sensible
           demonstration
           of
           this
           .
           For
           the
           love
           of
           Friends
           ,
           if
           in
           a
           degree
           of
           Eminence
           ,
           Causes
           a
           perfect
           sympathy
           ,
           an
           exact
           correspondence
           in
           their
           Tempers
           .
           The
           exercise
           of
           Love
           in
           the
           most
           precious
           Esteem
           of
           him
           ,
           in
           burning
           desires
           after
           a
           Propriety
           in
           him
           ,
           in
           the
           sweetest
           complacency
           in
           Communion
           with
           him
           ,
           are
           intimate
           and
           inseparable
           Qualities
           in
           all
           the
           Lovers
           of
           Christ.
           Love
           to
           him
           is
           always
           joyn'd
           with
           an
           irreconcileable
           hatred
           of
           Sin
           ,
           that
           cost
           him
           so
           dear
           to
           expiate
           its
           guilt
           .
           Our
           love
           intirely
           and
           intensely
           is
           due
           to
           him
           ,
           and
           no
           lower
           degree
           is
           accepted
           .
           For
           't
           is
           a
           disparagement
           
           and
           infinitely
           unworthy
           of
           him
           .
           To
           content
           our selves
           with
           a
           less
           Affection
           ,
           is
           not
           only
           far
           distant
           from
           Perfection
           ,
           but
           from
           the
           first
           disposition
           of
           a
           Saint
           .
           The
           tenderest
           and
           strongest
           Affections
           in
           Nature
           must
           be
           regulated
           and
           subordinate
           to
           the
           Love
           of
           Christ.
           Our
           Love
           to
           him
           must
           be
           Singular
           and
           Supreme
           .
           Briefly
           ,
           his
           Love
           to
           us
           is
           Beneficent
           ,
           ours
           is
           Obedient
           .
           He
           values
           no
           Love
           without
           Obedience
           ,
           and
           no
           Obedience
           without
           Love.
           
        
         
           2.
           
           Love
           must
           descend
           from
           God
           to
           our
           Neighbour
           .
        
         
           This
           Duty
           is
           so
           often
           Commanded
           and
           Commended
           in
           the
           Gospel
           ,
           that
           we
           may
           from
           thence
           understand
           its
           Excellency
           .
           The
           beloved
           Disciple
           that
           lay
           in
           the
           Bosom
           of
           Christ
           ,
           from
           that
           Spring
           of
           Love
           derived
           the
           Streams
           that
           flow
           in
           his
           Writings
           .
           He
           declares
           
             that
             God
             is
             Love
             ,
             and
             he
             that
             loves
             ,
             dwells
             in
             God
             ,
             and
             God
             in
             him
             .
          
           1
           Joh.
           4.
           11.
           
           He
           makes
           it
           an
           Evidence
           that
           we
           are
           born
           of
           God
           ,
           of
           our
           renewed
           state
           ,
           and
           
             that
             we
             are
             past
          
           
           
             from
             death
             to
             life
          
           .
           Our
           Saviour
           injoyns
           it
           with
           a
           note
           of
           Eminency
           ,
           as
           
             his
             new
             Command
          
           ,
           as
           
             the
             distinctive
             Character
             of
             his
             Disciples
             ,
             as
             the
             special
             Qualification
             of
             those
             at
             his
             right
             hand
             ,
             in
             the
             Day
             of
             Judgment
             ,
          
           to
           recommend
           it
           to
           our
           Love
           and
           Obedience
           .
           He
           tells
           us
           that
           
           
             to
             love
             our
             neighbour
             as
             our selves
             ,
          
           is
           like
           the
           most
           divine
           Precept
           of
           
             loving
             the
             Lord
             our
             God.
          
           We
           read
           in
           that
           Solemn
           Proclamation
           of
           God's
           Name
           ,
           when
           his
           Glory
           past
           before
           Moses
           ,
           that
           to
           the
           Title
           of
           
             Lord
             God
          
           ,
           there
           was
           immediately
           annext
           ,
           
             Merciful
             and
             Gracious
             ,
             abundant
             in
             Goodness
          
           ;
           to
           signifie
           that
           Goodness
           is
           his
           dearest
           Glory
           ▪
           and
           in
           the
           Divine
           Law
           ,
           next
           to
           Piety
           to
           God
           ,
           Charity
           to
           our
           Neighbour
           is
           Commanded
           ,
           to
           signifie
           how
           pleasing
           it
           is
           to
           him
           .
           The
           Gospel
           Eclipses
           all
           other
           Institutions
           by
           the
           Precept
           of
           Universal
           Love
           ,
           and
           inspiring
           a
           delightful
           disposition
           in
           Christians
           to
           exercise
           it
           .
           This
           adorns
           the
           Gospel
           ,
           and
           recommends
           it
           to
           the
           Esteem
           and
           Affections
           of
           Men.
           A
           Person
           innocent
           and
           pure
           ,
           but
           of
           a
           severe
           and
           harsh
           Temper
           ,
           condemns
           by
           his
           Holy
           Conversation
           the
           Profane
           and
           Scandalous
           :
           but
           a
           Good
           Man
           charms
           and
           captivates
           the
           Hearts
           of
           others
           ,
           that
           one
           would
           
             dare
             to
             dye
             for
             him
          
           .
           This
           Duty
           is
           prescrib'd
           
           in
           the
           Extent
           and
           Qualifications
           of
           it
           .
        
         
           1.
           
           In
           the
           Extent
           ,
           it
           reaches
           to
           all
           within
           the
           compass
           of
           Humanity
           ;
           to
           Strangers
           and
           Enemies
           ,
           in
           all
           our
           dealings
           .
           
             Let
             all
             things
             be
             done
             with
             Charity
             .
          
           
           The
           Relation
           of
           Consanguinity
           is
           the
           Natural
           Cause
           of
           a
           Benevolent
           Affection
           
           to
           all
           Men.
           The
           likeness
           of
           kind
           prevents
           mischief
           between
           the
           most
           fierce
           and
           hurtful
           Creatures
           :
           We
           never
           heard
           that
           Lyons
           devour
           Lyons
           ,
           or
           Vipers
           bite
           Vipers
           ,
           and
           unless
           we
           add
           Beneficence
           to
           Innocence
           ,
           we
           are
           but
           in
           the
           rank
           of
           Brutes
           .
           The
           Love
           of
           good
           Will
           is
           express'd
           by
           promoting
           their
           Good
           ,
           and
           preventing
           Evils
           ;
           by
           rejoycing
           in
           their
           Prosperity
           ,
           and
           relieving
           them
           in
           their
           Afflictions
           .
        
         
           This
           Love
           is
           more
           radicated
           in
           the
           breasts
           of
           Men
           ,
           by
           considering
           the
           condition
           of
           Nature
           wherein
           they
           are
           equal
           ;
           whether
           the
           original
           happy
           state
           of
           their
           Creation
           ,
           or
           their
           miserable
           wretched
           state
           since
           their
           Fall.
           Similitude
           ,
           either
           in
           Happiness
           or
           Misery
           ,
           unites
           Mens
           Affections
           .
           How
           low
           and
           despicable
           so
           great
           a
           part
           of
           Mankind
           is
           at
           present
           ,
           yet
           the
           remembrance
           that
           all
           Men
           were
           equal
           in
           their
           first
           honourable
           and
           happy
           Condition
           ,
           Inhabitants
           of
           Paradise
           ,
           and
           by
           deputation
           Lords
           of
           the
           World
           ,
           will
           raise
           our
           esteem
           ,
           and
           be
           an
           incentive
           of
           kind
           Affections
           to
           them
           :
           And
           since
           the
           Fall
           ,
           the
           calamitous
           Condition
           of
           Mankind
           is
           a
           proper
           motive
           of
           mutual
           assistance
           to
           one
           another
           :
           Society
           in
           Miseries
           endears
           the
           Sufferers
           ,
           and
           produces
           a
           tender
           sympathy
           between
           them
           .
           None
           are
           so
           merciful
           as
           those
           who
           by
           Experience
           
           know
           what
           it
           is
           to
           be
           miserable
           .
           The
           Consideration
           of
           the
           common
           Evils
           ,
           to
           which
           all
           are
           exposed
           in
           the
           present
           state
           ,
           induces
           a
           strong
           obligation
           to
           the
           offices
           of
           Love
           and
           Kindness
           .
        
         
           But
           the
           principal
           and
           divine
           cause
           of
           Love
           ,
           is
           the
           Law
           of
           Christ
           ,
           that
           enjoyns
           us
           to
           do
           
             good
             to
             all
             ,
             but
             especially
             to
             the
             houshold
             of
             Faith
          
           ;
           for
           the
           spiritual
           Relation
           is
           more
           intimate
           and
           excellent
           than
           the
           natural
           :
           That
           we
           are
           the
           off-spring
           of
           the
           same
           Heavenly
           Father
           ,
           united
           as
           Members
           to
           the
           same
           glorious
           Head
           ,
           renewed
           to
           a
           Divine
           Life
           by
           the
           same
           Holy
           Spirit
           ,
           incorporated
           into
           the
           same
           Spiritual
           Family
           .
           This
           Affection
           proceeds
           from
           the
           upper
           springs
           of
           Grace
           ;
           the
           exercise
           of
           it
           is
           immediately
           terminated
           on
           Men
           ,
           but
           ultimately
           respects
           the
           Glory
           of
           God
           ;
           for
           whose
           sake
           't
           is
           performed
           .
           
             To
             do
             good
             ,
             and
             distribute
             ,
             forget
             not
             ;
             for
             with
             such
             Sacrifice
             God
             is
             well-pleased
             .
          
           In
           short
           ,
           our
           Love
           to
           God
           must
           be
           supream
           ,
           and
           for
           himself
           ;
           our
           Love
           to
           Men
           ,
           and
           other
           things
           ,
           only
           in
           the
           degrees
           he
           allows
           ,
           and
           not
           for
           themselves
           ,
           but
           for
           God
           ,
           who
           commands
           to
           love
           them
           as
           they
           bear
           his
           Image
           ,
           or
           are
           instrumental
           in
           the
           performance
           of
           our
           Duty
           :
           Otherwise
           we
           are
           in
           danger
           of
           being
           alienated
           from
           the
           Love
           of
           God
           ,
           when
           any
           person
           
           or
           thing
           becomes
           a
           Temptation
           to
           us
           to
           do
           any
           thing
           ,
           either
           to
           obtain
           or
           preserve
           them
           ,
           against
           his
           Will.
           But
           if
           we
           love
           them
           only
           for
           his
           sake
           ,
           we
           shall
           readily
           part
           with
           them
           as
           a
           Snare
           ,
           or
           offer
           them
           as
           a
           Sacrifice
           ,
           if
           his
           Will
           requires
           it
           :
           As
           if
           we
           love
           some
           particular
           Meat
           because
           't
           is
           healthful
           ,
           and
           not
           because
           't
           is
           pleasant
           ;
           upon
           the
           first
           discovery
           that
           't
           is
           hurtful
           we
           shall
           reject
           it
           .
        
         
           The
           properties
           of
           this
           Love
           are
           specified
           in
           the
           Command
           .
        
         
           1.
           
           It
           must
           be
           sincere
           .
           The
           Apostle
           directs
           ,
           
             Let
             Love
             be
             without
             dissimulation
          
           .
           Love
           is
           essentially
           sincere
           ;
           't
           is
           seated
           in
           the
           Heart
           ,
           and
           express'd
           in
           real
           actions
           ;
           't
           is
           cordial
           and
           operative
           :
           There
           is
           an
           empty
           noise
           of
           Love
           and
           Respects
           that
           proceeds
           from
           a
           double
           Heart
           ,
           not
           entire
           and
           ingenuous
           .
           Some
           by
           fair
           Promises
           
           work
           and
           wind
           Men
           to
           obtain
           their
           Ends
           ,
           and
           then
           slip
           through
           them
           .
           How
           often
           are
           the
           sincere
           deceiv'd
           by
           the
           liberal
           expressions
           of
           Love
           untryed
           and
           untrue
           ,
           mistaking
           a
           shining
           Counterfeit
           for
           a
           real
           Ruby
           .
           But
           though
           the
           Humane
           Eye
           cannot
           see
           through
           the
           disguise
           ,
           he
           that
           commands
           sincere
           Love
           ,
           pierces
           into
           the
           Heart
           ,
           and
           if
           it
           be
           wanting
           there
           ,
           his
           Anger
           burns
           against
           the
           vain
           pretenders
           to
           it
           .
        
         
         
           Some
           will
           seem
           to
           grace
           others
           with
           a
           flourish
           of
           words
           ,
           that
           they
           may
           tax
           them
           more
           freely
           ,
           and
           without
           suspicion
           .
           To
           praise
           without
           a
           ground
           of
           real
           worth
           ,
           is
           sordid
           Flattery
           ;
           but
           to
           commend
           with
           a
           mischievous
           intent
           ,
           is
           the
           worst
           Treachery
           .
        
         
           Some
           will
           assist
           the
           Sick
           day
           and
           night
           ,
           and
           seem
           to
           sympathize
           with
           them
           in
           their
           Pains
           and
           Sorrows
           ;
           but
           their
           design
           is
           to
           obtain
           a
           rich
           Legacy
           :
           They
           appear
           like
           mourning
           Doves
           ,
           but
           are
           real
           Vulturs
           ,
           that
           smell
           a
           Carcass
           to
           feed
           
           on
           .
        
         
           There
           are
           others
           less
           guilty
           ,
           who
           esteem
           empty
           Complements
           to
           be
           Courtly
           Decencies
           ;
           and
           though
           't
           is
           not
           their
           design
           to
           be
           injurious
           to
           those
           whom
           they
           caress
           ,
           yet
           their
           Love
           is
           only
           from
           the
           Tongue
           ,
           which
           in
           the
           Apostle's
           expression
           ,
           
             is
             but
             a
             tinkling
             Cymbal
          
           .
           Their
           pretended
           Friendship
           is
           like
           Leaf-Gold
           ,
           very
           extensive
           ,
           but
           soon
           worn
           off
           for
           want
           of
           depth
           .
        
         
           Others
           are
           Mercenaries
           ,
           that
           like
           the
           Heathens
           ,
           
             do
             Good
             to
             those
             from
             whom
             they
             receive
             Good
          
           ;
           their
           Love
           degenerates
           into
           Traffick
           ,
           and
           does
           not
           proceed
           from
           a
           Divine
           Principle
           .
           Ingenuous
           and
           Christian
           Spirits
           have
           not
           such
           crooked
           Inclinations
           ,
           always
           reflecting
           upon
           their
           own
           Interest
           .
           'T
           is
           true
           ,
           Christian
           Love
           
           declares
           it self
           in
           alternate
           acts
           of
           Kindness
           ,
           but
           is
           also
           exercised
           where
           there
           are
           no
           such
           inducements
           .
           This
           is
           to
           imitate
           our
           Heavenly
           Father
           ,
           
             who
             does
             good
             to
             all
          
           ,
           without
           any
           desert
           in
           the
           receivers
           ,
           and
           beyond
           all
           requital
           .
        
         
           Affliction
           is
           the
           Furnace
           wherein
           sincere
           Friends
           are
           tryed
           ,
           and
           discern'd
           from
           the
           deceitful
           ;
           their
           Afflictions
           are
           common
           ;
           their
           Compassions
           and
           cordial
           assistance
           are
           common
           .
           This
           is
           the
           most
           certain
           and
           significant
           Character
           of
           unfeigned
           Love
           ,
           not
           to
           fail
           in
           a
           calamitous
           season
           .
           Job
           aggravates
           his
           Sorrows
           by
           this
           reflection
           ,
           
             that
             his
             Friends
             dealt
             deceitfully
          
           ;
           as
           Brooks
           that
           run
           in
           a
           full
           stream
           in
           Winter
           ,
           when
           Snow
           falls
           ,
           and
           there
           is
           no
           want
           of
           refreshing
           Waters
           ,
           but
           when
           't
           is
           hot
           ,
           they
           are
           dryed
           up
           ,
           and
           vanish
           .
           We
           may
           securely
           rely
           on
           their
           Friendship
           ,
           who
           afford
           us
           *
           undesir'd
           supplies
           in
           time
           of
           trouble
           .
        
         
           The
           Observation
           of
           the
           wise
           Philosopher
           is
           verified
           in
           every
           Age
           ,
           
             That
             Men
             in
             a
             flourishing
             condition
             are
             surrounded
          
           
           
             with
             Friends
             ,
             but
             in
             an
             afflicted
             are
             forsaken
             .
          
           This
           Consideration
           should
           inflame
           us
           with
           a
           holy
           ambition
           of
           the
           friendship
           of
           God
           ;
           for
           his
           sincere
           Love
           is
           most
           tenderly
           express'd
           in
           our
           distress
           :
           The
           Psalmist
           enforces
           his
           Request
           by
           this
           motive
           ,
           
             Be
             not
             far
             off
             ,
             for
             trouble
             is
          
           
           near
           .
           'T
           is
           often
           seen
           ,
           that
           Men
           fly
           from
           their
           Acquaintance
           ,
           when
           the
           clearest
           tryal
           is
           to
           be
           made
           of
           their
           Affection
           ;
           but
           then
           the
           blessed
           God
           draws
           nearest
           to
           us
           ,
           and
           affords
           Relief
           and
           Comfort
           .
        
         
           2.
           
           Our
           Love
           must
           be
           pure
           .
           Seeing
           
           
             you
             have
             purified
             your
             Souls
             in
             obeying
             the
             Truth
             through
             the
             Spirit
             ,
             unto
             unfeigned
             love
             of
             the
             Brethren
             ;
             see
             that
             ye
             love
             one
             another
             with
             a
             pure
             Heart
             fervently
             .
          
           The
           purity
           of
           Love
           either
           respects
           the
           cause
           of
           it
           ,
           or
           the
           exercise
           and
           effects
           of
           it
           .
           The
           cause
           of
           pure
           Love
           is
           the
           Divine
           Command
           ,
           and
           the
           Divine
           Pattern
           set
           before
           us
           .
           The
           Love
           of
           God
           to
           Men
           is
           a
           leading
           Rule
           to
           us
           :
           He
           loves
           them
           according
           to
           the
           resemblance
           of
           his
           imitable
           Perfections
           in
           them
           ;
           and
           consequently
           ,
           the
           more
           holy
           and
           heavenly
           ,
           the
           more
           righteous
           and
           gracious
           ,
           Men
           are
           ,
           the
           more
           they
           should
           be
           endear'd
           to
           our
           Affections
           .
           This
           is
           to
           love
           God
           in
           them
           ,
           and
           according
           to
           their
           true
           lovelyness
           :
           This
           is
           to
           love
           them
           by
           the
           impression
           of
           that
           Love
           wherewith
           God
           loves
           himself
           .
           Our
           Saviour
           tells
           us
           ,
           
             They
             that
             do
             his
             Father's
             Will
             ,
             are
             his
             Brothers
             ,
             Sisters
             ,
             and
             Mothers
             .
          
        
         
           There
           is
           an
           impure
           Love
           ,
           that
           proceeds
           from
           the
           similitude
           of
           vicious
           Affections
           ,
           and
           is
           entertain'd
           by
           sinful
           Society
           ,
           
           that
           is
           fatally
           contagious
           .
           The
           Tempter
           most
           forcibly
           allures
           when
           he
           is
           least
           suspected
           .
           He
           conceals
           the
           Serpents
           Sting
           in
           the
           Tongue
           of
           a
           Friend
           .
           The
           Friendship
           of
           the
           World
           is
           contracted
           and
           cemented
           by
           sensual
           Lusts
           ;
           and
           the
           end
           of
           it
           will
           be
           the
           tormenting
           the
           Corrupters
           and
           the
           Corrupted
           together
           for
           ever
           .
        
         
           The
           exercise
           and
           effects
           of
           pure
           Love
           principally
           respect
           the
           Soul
           ,
           the
           more
           excellent
           and
           immortal
           part
           of
           our
           Friends
           .
           We
           are
           commanded
           to
           
             exhort
             one
             another
             ,
             while
             't
             is
             called
             to
             day
             ,
             and
             to
             provoke
             one
             another
             to
             love
             ,
             and
             good
             works
             .
          
           Exhortation
           includes
           Instruction
           and
           Admonition
           :
           The
           giving
           Counsel
           how
           to
           preserve
           the
           Purity
           ,
           and
           secure
           the
           Salvation
           of
           the
           Soul
           ;
           how
           to
           prevent
           Sin
           ,
           or
           to
           cure
           it
           by
           the
           conviction
           of
           Conscience
           when
           ignorant
           of
           its
           Duty
           ,
           by
           the
           excitation
           of
           the
           Affections
           when
           cold
           and
           sluggish
           ,
           and
           direction
           to
           order
           the
           Conversation
           aright
           .
           The
           performance
           of
           this
           Duty
           is
           inseparable
           from
           pure
           and
           unfeigned
           Love
           ,
           and
           the
           neglect
           of
           it
           is
           an
           argument
           of
           deadly
           Hatred
           .
           
             Thou
             shalt
             not
             hate
             thy
             Brother
             in
             thy
             Heart
             ,
             nor
             suffer
             Sin
             to
             lye
             upon
             him
             .
          
           
           If
           you
           discover
           any
           prognostick
           or
           symptom
           of
           a
           Disease
           growing
           in
           a
           Friend
           ,
           that
           threatened
           his
           Life
           ,
           what
           a
           cruel
           
           neglect
           were
           it
           ,
           not
           to
           advise
           and
           urge
           him
           to
           apply
           the
           best
           means
           for
           his
           preservation
           :
           Much
           more
           are
           we
           obliged
           to
           rectifie
           the
           Errors
           in
           Judgment
           ,
           and
           Miscarriages
           in
           Conversation
           ,
           which
           they
           are
           guilty
           of
           ;
           especially
           since
           Spiritual
           Diseases
           are
           infinitely
           more
           dangerous
           ,
           and
           are
           not
           so
           easily
           discern'd
           and
           felt
           as
           Bodily
           are
           .
           To
           suffer
           unconcernedly
           a
           Friend
           to
           lye
           and
           languish
           in
           a
           course
           of
           Sin
           ,
           is
           Soul-murder
           ;
           and
           in
           Murder
           there
           are
           no
           accessaries
           ,
           every
           one
           is
           a
           principal
           .
           'T
           is
           prophesied
           concerning
           the
           time
           of
           approaching
           Judgment
           ,
           
             that
             iniquity
             shall
             abound
             ,
             and
             the
             love
             of
             many
             wax
             cold
             ,
          
           by
           not
           convincing
           Sinners
           in
           order
           to
           reform
           them
           .
           This
           exercise
           of
           Love
           must
           be
           frequent
           ,
           
             while
             't
             is
             called
             to
             day
          
           ;
           and
           solemn
           ,
           without
           bitterness
           and
           contempt
           ,
           or
           a
           seeming
           indifference
           of
           the
           success
           ,
           that
           it
           may
           be
           evident
           it
           does
           not
           proceed
           from
           a
           censorious
           Humour
           ,
           or
           an
           impertinent
           Curiosity
           ,
           but
           from
           pure
           Love.
           It
           must
           be
           attended
           with
           earnest
           Prayer
           to
           the
           Father
           ,
           and
           Physician
           of
           Spirits
           ,
           to
           give
           healing
           Vertue
           to
           it
           ;
           otherwise
           't
           is
           but
           Moral
           Counsel
           :
           And
           it
           must
           be
           received
           with
           Meekness
           and
           Gratitude
           .
           The
           rejecting
           holy
           Counsel
           discovers
           a
           double
           Leprosie
           ;
           for
           the
           rise
           of
           it
           is
           from
           Pride
           in
           the
           Understanding
           ,
           Self-conceit
           ;
           
           and
           Pride
           in
           the
           Will
           ,
           perverse
           Obstinacy
           .
           The
           mutual
           discharge
           of
           this
           Duty
           ,
           is
           the
           most
           precious
           ,
           desirable
           and
           advantageous
           benefit
           of
           Friendship
           .
           We
           must
           perform
           it
           to
           all
           within
           the
           compass
           of
           our
           direction
           and
           warm
           influence
           :
           we
           must
           imitate
           the
           Angels
           earnest
           Counsel
           to
           
             Lot
             ,
             escape
             for
             thy
             life
             out
             of
             Sodom
             ,
             not
             to
             delay
             ,
             that
             he
             might
             not
             be
             consum'd
             .
          
           O
           that
           this
           Angelical
           Zeal
           and
           Compassion
           possess'd
           the
           breasts
           of
           Christians
           .
        
         
           It
           may
           justly
           cover
           with
           Confusion
           many
           who
           profess
           entire
           Friendship
           to
           others
           ,
           and
           yet
           their
           Conversation
           with
           them
           is
           directly
           opposite
           to
           the
           Rules
           of
           Friendship
           laid
           down
           by
           the
           Wise
           and
           Vertuous
           Heathens
           .
           Scipio
           prescrib'd
           this
           first
           and
           inviolable
           Rule
           of
           Friendship
           ,
           
           
             That
             we
             never
             desire
             our
             Friends
             to
             do
             acts
             of
             Moral
             Turpitude
             ,
             nor
             do
             them
             though
             desired
             .
          
           Another
           as
           useful
           a
           Rule
           is
           laid
           down
           by
           
             Laelius
             :
             'T
             is
             the
             inseparable
             property
             of
             sincere
             Friendship
             ,
             to
             give
             and
             receive
             admonition
             :
             to
             give
             it
             freely
             not
             harshly
             :
             to
             receive
             it
             meekly
             ,
             not
             with
             recoil
             and
             reluctancy
             .
          
           These
           Vertuous
           Heathens
           will
           rise
           in
           Judgment
           against
           many
           ,
           who
           by
           sordid
           and
           base
           Acts
           ,
           by
           filthy
           Lusts
           and
           filthy
           Lucre
           ,
           foment
           and
           maintain
           their
           Friendships
           :
           that
           count
           it
           the
           surest
           preservative
           of
           Friendship
           ,
           
           to
           nourish
           and
           foment
           the
           spring
           and
           stream
           of
           the
           Sensual
           Appetite
           ,
           that
           will
           issue
           into
           the
           Lake
           of
           Fire
           .
        
         
           3.
           
           Love
           must
           
             be
             Fervent
          
           .
           The
           degree
           respects
           the
           inward
           Affection
           ,
           and
           the
           outward
           Effects
           of
           it
           .
           There
           is
           such
           a
           union
           of
           Affections
           between
           the
           Saints
           ,
           that
           one
           is
           as
           it
           were
           transfus'd
           into
           another
           ;
           their
           Afflictions
           are
           mutual
           ,
           their
           Compassions
           and
           Assistance
           are
           mutual
           .
           This
           intenseness
           of
           Love
           is
           signified
           by
           
             Loving
             our
             neighbours
             as
             our selves
          
           :
           in
           similitude
           and
           likeness
           .
           How
           ardent
           are
           our
           desires
           ,
           and
           earnest
           our
           endeavours
           for
           our
           Temporal
           Happiness
           ?
           and
           principally
           (
           if
           we
           are
           inlightned
           )
           for
           our
           Eternal
           Happiness
           .
           Accordingly
           we
           should
           be
           affected
           and
           diligent
           for
           procuring
           the
           present
           and
           future
           Happiness
           of
           others
           .
           How
           vigilant
           and
           active
           are
           we
           to
           prevent
           imminent
           and
           destructive
           Evils
           that
           threaten
           us
           here
           ,
           but
           specially
           if
           we
           are
           Serious
           and
           Considering
           ,
           to
           
             escape
             from
             the
             Wrath
             to
             come
             :
          
           we
           should
           be
           proportionably
           careful
           to
           rescue
           others
           from
           Temporal
           or
           Spiritual
           Evils
           to
           which
           they
           are
           obnoxious
           .
           How
           jealous
           are
           we
           of
           our
           own
           Reputation
           ,
           how
           unwilling
           to
           incur
           Censure
           ,
           to
           have
           our
           Faults
           aggravated
           ,
           and
           to
           bear
           the
           Prints
           of
           Infamy
           ?
           Love
           to
           our
           Neighbour
           should
           make
           us
           tender
           of
           their
           good
           
           Names
           ,
           to
           conceal
           their
           Faults
           ,
           or
           to
           make
           a
           favourable
           Construction
           of
           them
           ,
           and
           not
           to
           expose
           them
           to
           Shame
           ;
           and
           to
           vindicate
           them
           ,
           when
           their
           Enemies
           would
           make
           them
           appear
           Culpable
           by
           Calumnies
           .
           In
           short
           ,
           our
           love
           must
           be
           so
           sincere
           ,
           pure
           and
           fervent
           to
           our
           Brethren
           ,
           that
           we
           may
           have
           a
           clear
           and
           comfortable
           Evidence
           ,
           
             that
             we
             are
             born
             of
             God
             ,
             and
             that
             God
             dwells
             in
             us
             ,
             and
             we
             in
             him
             .
          
           But
           among
           Christians
           ,
           how
           rare
           is
           Christian
           Love
           ?
           Their
           Love
           is
           excessive
           to
           themselves
           ,
           and
           defective
           to
           others
           .
        
         
           2.
           
           The
           forgiving
           Injuries
           ,
           is
           an
           excellent
           Effect
           of
           Christian
           Love.
           This
           implyes
           an
           intire
           disposition
           and
           resolution
           to
           pardon
           all
           Offences
           ,
           declaring
           it self
           in
           real
           Acts
           ,
           when
           there
           is
           occasion
           .
           This
           Duty
           is
           hard
           and
           distastful
           to
           Corrupt
           Nature
           :
           The
           Apostle
           injoyns
           us
           ,
           
             see
             that
             none
             renders
             evil
             for
             evil
             ,
             follow
             that
             which
             is
             good
             .
          
           The
           manner
           of
           the
           Expression
           intimates
           our
           proneness
           to
           Acts
           of
           Revenge
           .
           For
           vicious
           Self-love
           ,
           makes
           us
           more
           apt
           to
           retain
           the
           sense
           of
           Injuries
           than
           of
           Benefits
           .
           How
           many
           receive
           signal
           Favours
           ,
           and
           within
           a
           little
           while
           neglect
           their
           Benefactors
           ,
           withdraw
           grateful
           Respects
           and
           Converse
           with
           them
           :
           as
           't
           is
           not
           usual
           to
           walk
           in
           a
           Vineyard
           ,
           when
           the
           Vintage
           is
           past
           .
           
           But
           if
           an
           Injury
           be
           once
           offer'd
           ,
           't
           is
           provoking
           as
           if
           it
           were
           re-acted
           every
           day
           ,
           by
           the
           continual
           remembrance
           of
           it
           .
           But
           the
           Command
           is
           strict
           and
           universal
           ,
           and
           allows
           no
           freedom
           ,
           but
           of
           voluntary
           Obedience
           .
           To
           make
           us
           feel
           the
           weight
           of
           the
           Duty
           ,
           and
           to
           be
           more
           tenderly
           sensible
           of
           it
           ,
           our
           Saviour
           tells
           us
           ,
           
             If
             you
             do
             not
             forgive
             ,
             neither
             will
             your
             heavenly
             Father
             forgive
             your
             trespasses
             .
          
           An
           unforgiving
           Temper
           is
           an
           invincible
           Bar
           against
           our
           obtaining
           divine
           Mercy
           .
           We
           can
           neither
           receive
           Pardon
           ,
           nor
           have
           it
           continued
           ,
           nor
           enjoy
           the
           Comfortable
           Sense
           of
           it
           ,
           without
           pardoning
           others
           .
           'T
           is
           a
           sin
           of
           such
           Malignity
           ,
           that
           it
           invenomes
           Poison
           it self
           ;
           it
           actuates
           the
           Guilt
           of
           all
           other
           Sins
           ;
           and
           seals
           the
           doom
           of
           the
           unrelenting
           and
           hardned
           against
           the
           offending
           Brother
           .
           The
           Servant
           that
           upon
           his
           humble
           Request
           ,
           had
           Ten
           Thousand
           Talents
           forgiven
           ,
           yet
           upon
           his
           cruel
           exacting
           Three
           Hundred
           Pence
           from
           his
           Fellow-servant
           ,
           his
           Pardon
           was
           Reverst
           ,
           and
           he
           was
           deliver'd
           to
           the
           Tormentors
           ,
           till
           his
           Debt
           was
           entirely
           paid
           .
           The
           lines
           of
           this
           Duty
           are
           clearly
           drawn
           in
           the
           divine
           Pattern
           set
           before
           us
           .
           God
           pardons
           Sins
           intirely
           ,
           
             he
             blots
             them
             out
             as
             a
             thick
             cloud
             :
          
           the
           Saints
           in
           Heaven
           ,
           are
           as
           accepted
           in
           his
           Sight
           ,
           as
           the
           Angels
           that
           always
           obey'd
           his
           
           Commands
           .
           He
           pardons
           frequently
           :
           
             In
             many
             things
             we
             offend
             all
             ,
          
           It
           would
           tire
           the
           hand
           of
           an
           Angel
           to
           Register
           the
           Pardon
           's
           issued
           from
           the
           Throne
           of
           Grace
           to
           Rebellious
           Sinners
           .
           He
           Pardons
           Sins
           of
           a
           very
           provoking
           Nature
           ;
           he
           
             makes
             our
             Crimson
             Sins
             to
             be
             as
             white
             as
             Snow
             ,
             and
             Scarlet
             Sins
             as
             white
             as
             Wooll
             .
          
           The
           Provocation
           begins
           on
           our
           part
           ,
           the
           Reconciliation
           begins
           on
           God's
           part
           .
           He
           
             beseeches
             us
             to
             be
             reconcil'd
          
           ,
           as
           if
           it
           were
           his
           Interest
           that
           we
           should
           not
           be
           destroyed
           by
           Severe
           Justice
           .
           God
           can
           destroy
           his
           Enemy
           in
           the
           twinkling
           of
           the
           Eye
           ,
           in
           the
           beating
           of
           the
           Pulse
           ,
           yet
           he
           Supports
           and
           Comforts
           them
           every
           day
           .
           Our
           Saviour
           has
           set
           us
           the
           highest
           Pattern
           of
           Forgiving
           Love
           :
           When
           he
           was
           Nail'd
           to
           the
           Cross
           ,
           he
           prayed
           for
           his
           Cruel
           Murtherers
           ,
           
             Father
             forgive
             them
             ,
             they
             know
             not
             what
             they
             do
             .
          
           How
           perswasive
           should
           his
           Pattern
           be
           ?
           Shall
           we
           be
           so
           tenderly
           sensible
           of
           the
           hatred
           of
           an
           Enemy
           ,
           and
           so
           stupidly
           insensible
           of
           our
           Saviour's
           Love
           ?
           Shall
           the
           resenting
           remembrance
           of
           Injuries
           deface
           in
           us
           the
           dear
           Memorial
           of
           his
           purchasing
           blessedness
           for
           us
           ?
           His
           precious
           Blood
           appeas'd
           the
           just
           Anger
           of
           God
           ,
           and
           shall
           it
           not
           Cool
           and
           Calm
           our
           Inflam'd
           Passions
           ?
        
         
         
           In
           imitation
           of
           God
           and
           Christ
           ,
           we
           must
           abstain
           from
           all
           Revenge
           of
           the
           greatest
           Evils
           suffered
           by
           us
           :
           We
           must
           extinguish
           any
           inclination
           to
           Revenge
           .
           Sin
           begins
           in
           the
           Desire
           ,
           and
           ends
           in
           the
           Action
           .
           We
           must
           not
           take
           the
           least
           pleasure
           ,
           that
           Evil
           befalls
           one
           that
           has
           been
           injurious
           to
           us
           ;
           for
           the
           root
           of
           it
           is
           Devilish
           .
           Though
           the
           reparation
           of
           an
           Injury
           may
           in
           some
           cases
           be
           necessary
           ,
           yet
           Revenge
           is
           absolutely
           forbidden
           :
           To
           retaliate
           an
           Evil
           without
           any
           reparation
           of
           our
           Losses
           ,
           is
           to
           do
           Mischief
           for
           Mischiefs
           sake
           ,
           which
           is
           the
           property
           of
           Satan
           :
           As
           on
           the
           contrary
           ,
           to
           do
           Good
           for
           Evil
           is
           such
           a
           Divine
           Perfection
           ,
           that
           the
           Devil
           does
           not
           assume
           the
           resemblance
           of
           it
           ,
           't
           is
           so
           contrary
           to
           his
           cursed
           Disposition
           .
        
         
           Some
           will
           conceal
           their
           Anger
           for
           a
           time
           ,
           waiting
           for
           an
           Opportunity
           to
           take
           Revenge
           without
           the
           appearance
           of
           Passion
           :
           Their
           Malice
           ,
           like
           slow
           Poyson
           ,
           does
           not
           cause
           violent
           Symptoms
           ,
           but
           destroys
           Life
           insensibly
           .
        
         
           Some
           have
           such
           fierce
           Passions
           ,
           that
           strike
           Fire
           out
           of
           the
           least
           Provocation
           ;
           their
           Breasts
           are
           changed
           into
           a
           Tophet
           .
        
         
           Some
           inflame
           their
           Resentments
           ,
           by
           considering
           every
           Circumstance
           that
           will
           exasperate
           their
           Spirits
           .
        
         
         
           But
           the
           Command
           is
           ,
           
             Be
             not
             overcome
             with
             evil
             ,
             but
             overcome
             evil
             with
             good
             .
          
           The
           Duty
           is
           so
           pleasant
           in
           its
           exercise
           ,
           and
           attended
           with
           such
           comfortable
           Consequences
           ,
           that
           't
           is
           recommended
           to
           our
           Reason
           ,
           and
           our
           Affections
           .
           
             Love
             suffers
             long
             ;
             Love
             bears
             all
             things
             ,
             endures
             all
             things
             :
          
           And
           what
           is
           more
           ingaging
           than
           the
           delightful
           disposition
           of
           Love
           ?
           The
           doing
           Good
           for
           Evil
           often
           gains
           the
           Heart
           of
           an
           Enemy
           :
           If
           there
           be
           any
           vital
           spark
           of
           Humanity
           ,
           it
           cannot
           be
           resisted
           .
           There
           is
           an
           Instance
           of
           it
           recorded
           in
           Scripture
           :
           Saul
           the
           unrighteous
           and
           implacable
           Enemy
           of
           David
           ,
           yet
           being
           spar'd
           when
           he
           was
           entirely
           at
           his
           Mercy
           ,
           was
           moved
           and
           melted
           into
           tenderness
           :
           
             Is
             this
             thy
             voice
             ,
             my
             Son
             David
             ?
          
           Before
           ,
           he
           in
           Contempt
           called
           him
           the
           Son
           of
           
             Jesse
             .
             Thou
             art
             more
             righteous
             than
             I
             ;
             I
             will
             do
             thee
             no
             more
             evil
             .
          
        
         
           How
           will
           some
           of
           the
           Heathens
           condemn
           Christians
           ,
           both
           as
           to
           the
           Rule
           and
           Practice
           of
           this
           Duty
           ;
           for
           whereas
           't
           is
           esteem'd
           to
           be
           the
           Character
           of
           Pusillanimity
           or
           Stupidity
           to
           bear
           frequent
           and
           great
           Injuries
           unrevenged
           .
           One
           of
           their
           Poets
           mixed
           this
           Counsel
           among
           other
           excellent
           Rules
           of
           Morality
           ,
           
             That
             Man
             is
             arrived
             at
             an
             heroick
             degree
             of
             Goodness
             ,
             who
             is
             instructed
             in
             a
             dispassionate
          
           
           
             manner
             ,
             to
             bear
             great
             Injuries
             .
          
           And
           when
           Phocion
           ,
           who
           had
           deserved
           so
           highly
           of
           the
           Athenians
           ,
           was
           condemned
           unjustly
           to
           dye
           ,
           his
           Son
           attending
           him
           to
           receive
           his
           last
           Commands
           ,
           immediately
           before
           his
           Death
           ,
           he
           charged
           him
           never
           to
           revenge
           it
           on
           the
           Athenians
           .
        
      
       
         
         
           CHAP.
           IX
           .
        
         
           
             Divine
             Hope
             has
             an
             eminent
             Causality
             in
             the
             Life
             of
             a
             Christian.
             The
             nature
             of
             Christian
             Hope
             .
             'T
             is
             the
             Character
             of
             a
             Saint
             .
             'T
             is
             natural
             ,
             congruous
             ,
             and
             necessary
             to
             a
             Saint
             in
             the
             present
             state
             .
             'T
             is
             distinguish'd
             from
             carnal
             Presumption
             by
             its
             purifying
             Vertue
             .
             Fear
             considered
             in
             its
             nature
             and
             cleansing
             Vertue
             .
             The
             Attributes
             of
             God
             ,
             the
             motives
             of
             holy
             Fear
             .
             There
             is
             a
             Fear
             of
             Reverence
             ,
             and
             of
             Caution
             .
             'T
             is
             consistent
             with
             Faith
             ,
             and
             the
             affections
             of
             Love
             ,
             Hope
             ,
             and
             Joy.
             'T
             is
             the
             fountain
             of
             Fortitude
             .
          
        
         
           3.
           
           DIvine
           Hope
           has
           an
           eminent
           Causality
           and
           Influence
           in
           the
           Life
           of
           a
           Christian.
           St.
           John
           speaking
           of
           the
           glorious
           likeness
           of
           the
           Saints
           to
           Christ
           in
           the
           Divine
           World
           ,
           inferrs
           from
           it
           ,
           
             Every
             Man
             that
             has
             this
             hope
             in
             him
             ,
             purifies
             himself
             ,
             even
             as
             he
             is
             pure
             .
          
           Three
           things
           are
           observable
           in
           the
           words
           .
        
         
           1.
           
           The
           Character
           of
           a
           Christian
           ,
           by
           his
           Hope
           :
           
             Every
             Man
             that
             has
             this
             hope
             in
             him
             .
          
        
         
           2.
           
           The
           distinction
           of
           this
           Hope
           from
           its
           counterfeit
           ,
           by
           its
           inseparable
           effect
           ,
           
             Purifies
             himself
          
           .
        
         
         
           3.
           
           The
           regulating
           of
           the
           effect
           by
           its
           Pattern
           ;
           
             Even
             as
             he
             is
             pure
          
           .
        
         
           1.
           
           Christian
           Hope
           is
           a
           firm
           expectation
           of
           future
           Happiness
           :
           'T
           is
           distinguish'd
           from
           Worldly
           Hopes
           ,
           by
           the
           excellency
           of
           the
           Object
           ,
           and
           the
           stability
           of
           its
           Foundation
           .
           The
           Object
           is
           ,
           an
           eternal
           state
           of
           Glory
           and
           Joy
           ,
           wherein
           we
           shall
           be
           conform'd
           to
           the
           Son
           of
           God.
           Worldly
           Hopes
           are
           terminated
           on
           empty
           vanishing
           things
           ,
           gilded
           over
           with
           the
           thin
           appearance
           of
           Good.
           The
           foundation
           of
           Divine
           Hope
           are
           the
           unchangable
           Truth
           of
           God
           ,
           and
           his
           Almighty
           Power
           ,
           that
           always
           seconds
           his
           Word
           .
           
             God
             cannot
             lye
          
           ,
           and
           consequently
           neither
           deceive
           our
           Faith
           ,
           nor
           disappoint
           our
           Hopes
           ;
           and
           he
           can
           do
           all
           things
           .
           The
           Apostle
           declares
           the
           ground
           of
           his
           Confidence
           ;
           
             I
             know
             in
             whom
             I
             have
             believed
             ;
             and
             I
             am
             perswaded
             ,
             that
             he
             is
             able
             to
             keep
             that
             ,
             which
             I
             have
             committed
             to
             him
             ,
             against
             that
             day
             .
          
           All
           the
           Persons
           in
           the
           Deity
           are
           ingaged
           for
           our
           assurance
           and
           comfort
           .
           Sometimes
           't
           is
           said
           ,
           
             That
             our
             hope
          
           
           
             may
             be
             in
             God
          
           :
           and
           ,
           
             Our
             Lord
             Jesus
             Christ
             our
             hope
             :
          
           and
           ,
           
             That
             we
             may
             abound
             in
             hope
             ,
             through
             the
             power
             of
             the
             Holy
             Ghost
             .
          
           Worldly
           Hopes
           are
           always
           uncertain
           in
           this
           sphere
           of
           mutability
           :
           There
           is
           so
           much
           of
           impotence
           ,
           or
           deceit
           ,
           
           in
           all
           the
           means
           used
           to
           obtain
           Humane
           Desires
           ,
           that
           the
           success
           is
           doubtful
           :
           Fear
           mixes
           with
           the
           Desires
           ,
           and
           often
           Despair
           with
           Fear
           .
           Young
           Men
           are
           flush
           with
           Hopes
           ,
           and
           of
           bolder
           Expectations
           than
           ancient
           Men
           ,
           who
           from
           Experience
           of
           many
           unforeseen
           and
           inevitable
           Difficulties
           ,
           that
           have
           travers'd
           their
           Hopes
           ,
           are
           inclin'd
           to
           Fear
           .
           But
           Experience
           incourages
           and
           fortifies
           the
           Hopes
           of
           Christians
           ,
           which
           are
           attended
           with
           Patience
           and
           Joy.
           
             If
             we
             hope
             ,
             we
          
           
           
             with
             ▪
             patience
             wait
             for
             it
             .
          
           Notwithstanding
           the
           distance
           of
           time
           ,
           and
           intervening
           difficulties
           ,
           before
           the
           accomplishment
           of
           what
           we
           expected
           ,
           no
           undiscernable
           Accidents
           can
           blast
           their
           assurance
           .
           The
           interval
           of
           a
           thousand
           Years
           did
           not
           weaken
           
           Abraham's
           Hope
           of
           the
           promised
           Messiah
           .
           Comfort
           is
           mix'd
           with
           the
           patience
           of
           Hope
           .
           The
           Apostle
           saith
           ,
           
             That
             we
             through
             patience
             and
             comfort
             of
             the
             Scripture
             might
             have
             hope
             .
          
           The
           final
           security
           of
           the
           Blessedness
           promised
           ,
           is
           very
           joyful
           in
           an
           afflicted
           Condition
           .
           This
           Hope
           is
           the
           Character
           by
           which
           a
           sincere
           Christian
           is
           denominated
           and
           distinguish'd
           from
           Heathens
           ,
           who
           are
           
             without
             God
             ,
             without
             Christ
             ,
             and
             without
             hope
             ▪
          
           For
           God
           is
           the
           Object
           of
           it
           ,
           as
           our
           soveraign
           Good
           ;
           and
           Christ
           is
           the
           Means
           ,
           whereby
           we
           obtain
           and
           enjoy
           him
           .
           This
           
           Grace
           is
           most
           natural
           ,
           congruous
           ,
           and
           necessary
           to
           a
           Christian
           in
           the
           present
           state
           .
        
         
           (
           1.
           )
           Natural
           .
           
             Blessed
             be
             the
             God
             and
          
           
           
             Father
             of
             our
             Lord
             Jesus
             Christ
             ,
             who
             according
             to
             his
             abundant
             Mercy
             hath
             begotten
             us
             to
             a
             lively
             hope
             ,
             by
             the
             Resurrection
             of
             Christ
             from
             the
             dead
             ,
             to
             an
             inheritance
             incorruptible
             ,
             undefiled
             ,
             and
             that
             fades
             not
             away
             ,
             reserved
             in
             heaven
             for
             you
             .
          
           The
           supernatural
           Birth
           entitles
           to
           the
           supernatural
           Inheritance
           ,
           
             if
             Sons
             ,
             then
             heirs
          
           ;
           and
           the
           hope
           of
           Heaven
           is
           a
           consequent
           Affection
           .
           As
           in
           the
           Natural
           Life
           ,
           the
           most
           early
           exercise
           of
           Reason
           excites
           desires
           and
           hopes
           to
           obtain
           what
           may
           supply
           the
           wants
           of
           it
           :
           So
           in
           the
           Spiritual
           Life
           ,
           when
           Faith
           discovers
           to
           us
           Coelestial
           Blessendness
           revealed
           in
           the
           Gospel
           ,
           it
           produces
           earnest
           inclinations
           and
           hopes
           of
           partaking
           of
           it
           .
        
         
           (
           2.
           )
           'T
           is
           very
           congruous
           to
           our
           present
           state
           .
           Love
           in
           its
           perfection
           is
           the
           Grace
           of
           Heaven
           ,
           where
           God
           exhibits
           his
           Brightness
           and
           Beauty
           ,
           without
           a
           Veil
           ,
           to
           the
           Saints
           :
           This
           is
           above
           our
           Conception
           and
           Capacity
           here
           .
           Fear
           sometimes
           degenerates
           ,
           and
           has
           a
           servile
           aspect
           on
           Punishment
           ,
           which
           is
           consistent
           with
           the
           love
           of
           Sin.
           Hope
           of
           the
           Happiness
           to
           which
           we
           aspire
           ,
           is
           not
           so
           elevated
           as
           Love
           ,
           nor
           so
           low
           as
           Fear
           ;
           
           but
           very
           becoming
           the
           Breast
           of
           a
           Christian
           .
           We
           are
           now
           in
           a
           state
           of
           expectancy
           ;
           in
           a
           middle
           state
           between
           the
           two
           Worlds
           .
           Hope
           is
           the
           proper
           Grace
           to
           be
           exercised
           here
           :
           This
           gives
           us
           the
           foretaste
           of
           the
           Fruits
           of
           Paradise
           :
           'T
           is
           of
           no
           use
           to
           those
           who
           are
           possess'd
           of
           Happiness
           ,
           and
           those
           are
           incapable
           of
           it
           ,
           who
           are
           Miserable
           without
           Remedy
           .
           As
           Shadows
           vanish
           at
           Mid-day
           ,
           and
           at
           dark-night
           ,
           so
           Hope
           ceases
           in
           Heaven
           ,
           for
           't
           is
           accomplish'd
           in
           full
           Fruition
           :
           it
           never
           enters
           into
           Hell
           ,
           for
           't
           is
           extinguish'd
           in
           Despair
           .
           In
           the
           Glorious
           Light
           above
           ,
           the
           Perfection
           of
           Hope
           is
           obtain'd
           :
           the
           blackness
           of
           Darkness
           below
           ,
           excludes
           the
           least
           glimmering
           of
           Hope
           to
           refresh
           the
           Horrors
           of
           the
           Place
           .
        
         
           3.
           
           'T
           is
           a
           necessary
           Grace
           in
           our
           present
           State
           of
           Tryal
           .
           We
           are
           surrounded
           here
           with
           many
           Temptations
           ,
           some
           Inviting
           and
           Alluring
           ,
           some
           Forcible
           and
           Terrifying
           :
           the
           Pleasures
           of
           Sin
           ,
           and
           the
           Terrors
           of
           the
           Persecuting
           World
           ,
           to
           make
           us
           desert
           our
           Duty
           ,
           and
           be
           unfaithful
           to
           God
           and
           our
           Souls
           .
           Now
           Hope
           is
           our
           
             helmet
             and
             breast-plate
          
           ,
           the
           principal
           parts
           of
           defensive
           Armour
           ,
           to
           preserve
           us
           invulnerable
           in
           the
           heat
           of
           Battle
           .
           'T
           is
           the
           
             Anchor
             of
             the
             Soul
             sure
             and
             stedfast
             ▪
             that
             enters
             within
             the
             veil
             ,
          
           
           and
           is
           fix'd
           on
           the
           immortal
           Shore
           :
           though
           we
           are
           liable
           to
           Storms
           ,
           it
           secures
           us
           from
           Shipwrack
           .
           It
           gives
           Cordial
           Spirits
           ,
           and
           Coelestial
           Vigour
           to
           a
           Christian.
           The
           Apostle
           ,
           who
           had
           seen
           the
           Glory
           of
           Heaven
           ,
           and
           had
           suffer'd
           the
           Rage
           of
           the
           perverted
           World
           ,
           in
           Combination
           with
           Satan
           ,
           to
           Extinguish
           the
           Light
           of
           the
           Gospel
           ,
           declares
           ,
           
             I
             reckon
             that
             the
             sufferings
             of
             the
             present
             time
             ,
             are
             not
             worthy
             to
             be
             compared
             with
             the
             glory
             that
             shall
             be
             revealed
             in
             us
             .
          
           The
           hope
           of
           the
           Reward
           was
           so
           Comfortable
           to
           St.
           Peter
           ,
           he
           slept
           securely
           when
           Condemn'd
           to
           dye
           next
           day
           :
           the
           brightness
           of
           an
           Angel
           could
           not
           wake
           him
           ,
           without
           a
           blow
           on
           the
           side
           .
           It
           sweetens
           all
           the
           sharp
           and
           bitter
           Accidents
           that
           befal
           us
           ,
           and
           mixes
           reviving
           drops
           with
           our
           deepest
           Sorrows
           .
           
             We
             rejoyce
             in
             the
             hope
             of
             glory
             .
          
           Joy
           is
           the
           affection
           of
           Prosperity
           :
           Hope
           ,
           of
           all
           the
           joyful
           Affections
           is
           consistent
           with
           the
           most
           afflicting
           Evils
           ,
           and
           makes
           us
           happy
           here
           .
           Our
           Saviour
           pronounces
           ,
           
             Blessed
             are
             ye
             when
             men
             shall
             revile
             you
             ,
             and
             persecute
             you
             ,
             rejoyce
             and
             be
             exceeding
             glad
             ,
             for
             great
             is
             your
             reward
             in
             heaven
             .
          
           This
           chang'd
           the
           Persecutions
           of
           the
           Martyrs
           into
           Pleasures
           .
           Those
           who
           are
           encouraged
           by
           this
           blessed
           Hope
           ,
           no
           Loss
           can
           make
           Poor
           ,
           no
           Disease
           can
           make
           Sick
           ,
           no
           
           Disgrace
           can
           make
           Contemptible
           ,
           no
           Misery
           can
           make
           Miserable
           .
           It
           has
           a
           Soveraign
           Strength
           to
           support
           us
           under
           all
           the
           Evils
           Malice
           can
           do
           ,
           and
           Innocence
           suffer
           .
           Now
           if
           the
           hope
           of
           Heaven
           can
           make
           all
           the
           Evils
           of
           this
           World
           tractable
           and
           easie
           ,
           much
           more
           will
           it
           make
           all
           its
           good
           things
           despicable
           :
           for
           we
           are
           far
           more
           capable
           of
           afflicting
           Impressions
           than
           of
           joyful
           .
           Set
           the
           Beam
           right
           ,
           and
           put
           into
           one
           Scale
           all
           the
           Treasures
           and
           Honours
           and
           Delights
           of
           the
           present
           World
           ;
           and
           in
           the
           other
           the
           lively
           Hope
           of
           Heaven
           ,
           they
           are
           of
           no
           more
           value
           or
           moment
           in
           Comparison
           ,
           than
           Feathers
           in
           one
           Scale
           ,
           against
           Talents
           of
           Gold
           in
           another
           .
           'T
           is
           true
           Carnal
           Men
           feel
           not
           the
           attractive
           Force
           of
           the
           blessed
           Rewards
           above
           ,
           for
           't
           is
           Spiritual
           and
           Future
           :
           but
           when
           they
           shall
           be
           releas'd
           from
           the
           narrow
           Confinement
           of
           Flesh
           ,
           and
           shall
           understand
           things
           by
           another
           way
           than
           the
           report
           of
           the
           Senses
           ,
           their
           inlightned
           active
           Spirit
           will
           tear
           and
           torment
           them
           for
           preferring
           vanishing
           shadows
           before
           Substantial
           and
           Eternal
           Blessedness
           :
           the
           Sense
           of
           it
           will
           cause
           extreme
           Sorrow
           for
           their
           loss
           of
           Heaven
           ,
           and
           Indignation
           for
           others
           obtaining
           it
           .
           Our
           Saviour
           tells
           the
           Infidel
           
             Jews
             ,
             When
             ye
             shall
             see
          
           Abraham
           ,
           Isaac
           ,
           and
           Jacob
           
             in
             the
             Kingdom
             of
             God
             ,
             and
             your
          
           
           
             selves
             thrust
             out
             ,
             there
             shall
             be
             weeping
             and
             gnashing
             of
             teeth
             .
          
        
         
           In
           short
           ,
           Hope
           is
           of
           excellent
           use
           to
           encourage
           our
           faint
           ,
           languishing
           Affections
           when
           we
           are
           assaulted
           with
           Evils
           ,
           and
           to
           compose
           and
           order
           the
           impetuous
           Passions
           ,
           when
           they
           are
           strongly
           excited
           by
           the
           Temptations
           of
           what
           is
           pleasant
           to
           the
           Fleshly
           Lusts.
           
        
         
           2.
           
           Divine
           Hope
           is
           distinguish'd
           from
           Carnal
           Presumption
           ,
           by
           its
           inseparable
           Effect
           ,
           our
           Purifying
           .
           Hope
           is
           an
           exciting
           Principle
           that
           draws
           forth
           all
           the
           Active
           Powers
           ,
           for
           the
           obtaining
           a
           desir'd
           Good.
           'T
           is
           the
           inward
           Spring
           of
           fervent
           Desires
           ,
           and
           reviving
           Joys
           ,
           and
           consequently
           of
           Zealous
           Endeavours
           .
           
             We
             are
             begotten
             to
             a
             lively
             hope
          
           ;
           't
           is
           a
           substantial
           vigorous
           Grace
           :
           
             I
             press
             forward
             for
             the
             high
             price
             of
             our
             Calling
             ,
          
           saith
           the
           Apostle
           .
           Vain
           and
           Groundless
           Hopes
           ,
           are
           inspirations
           of
           Wind
           ,
           loose
           and
           ineffective
           .
           The
           principal
           effect
           of
           Christian
           Hope
           is
           specified
           ,
           
             he
             purifies
             himself
          
           :
           I
           shall
           but
           glance
           upon
           this
           ,
           having
           largely
           discours'd
           of
           it
           already
           .
           He
           purifies
           himself
           by
           the
           assistance
           of
           the
           Holy
           Spirit
           ,
           from
           whom
           the
           Spiritual
           Life
           and
           all
           the
           Operations
           of
           it
           proceed
           .
           The
           extent
           of
           this
           Purifying
           is
           comprehensive
           of
           the
           outward
           and
           inward
           Man
           ,
           from
           sinful
           Inclinations
           and
           vitious
           Acts
           ,
           
           from
           Carnality
           and
           Hypocrisie
           .
           The
           continuance
           of
           this
           purifying
           must
           be
           ,
           till
           we
           are
           cleansed
           from
           
             every
             spot
             ,
             and
             become
             glorious
             in
             holiness
             .
          
           We
           are
           contracting
           defilements
           every
           day
           ,
           and
           need
           the
           constant
           influence
           of
           Divine
           Grace
           ,
           to
           preserve
           and
           restore
           our
           Purity
           .
           Our
           Saviour
           tells
           
             Peter
             ,
             He
             that
             is
             washed
             ,
             needeth
             not
             save
             to
             wash
             his
             feet
             ,
             but
             is
             clean
             every
             whit
             ,
             and
             ye
             are
             clean
             ,
             but
             not
             all
             .
          
           'T
           is
           an
           allusion
           to
           the
           Custom
           in
           the
           Eastern
           Countrys
           ,
           where
           they
           Travell'd
           in
           Sandals
           ,
           and
           had
           their
           Feet
           soil'd
           with
           the
           Dust
           or
           Sand
           ,
           that
           requir'd
           washing
           upon
           their
           coming
           into
           a
           House
           .
           In
           the
           Renovation
           of
           a
           Sinner
           ,
           all
           the
           Faculties
           are
           purified
           though
           not
           perfectly
           ,
           and
           't
           is
           requisite
           he
           should
           daily
           cleanse
           himself
           from
           the
           Reliques
           of
           Sin.
           
        
         
           The
           Regular
           Hope
           of
           Heaven
           has
           a
           cleansing
           Efficacy
           ,
           from
           the
           quality
           of
           the
           Object
           ,
           the
           Enjoyment
           of
           the
           Holy
           God.
           Now
           whoever
           has
           a
           prospect
           of
           a
           desireable
           Good
           in
           future
           Expectation
           ,
           will
           endeavour
           if
           possible
           to
           have
           present
           Possession
           :
           and
           consequently
           ,
           he
           that
           hopes
           to
           be
           intirely
           like
           to
           Christ
           in
           Heaven
           ,
           will
           strive
           to
           be
           as
           like
           him
           as
           he
           is
           capable
           in
           this
           Life
           .
           If
           we
           did
           expect
           a
           Paradise
           of
           Sensual
           Pleasures
           ,
           we
           might
           without
           Contradiction
           ,
           by
           
           an
           impure
           Indulgence
           gratifie
           our
           Carnal
           Appetites
           :
           but
           the
           State
           of
           future
           Blessedness
           is
           signified
           by
           the
           Apostle
           ,
           
             that
             God
             shall
             be
             all
             in
             all
             .
          
           The
           Communication
           of
           God
           to
           the
           blessed
           ,
           may
           in
           some
           degree
           be
           conceiv'd
           by
           those
           Titles
           that
           are
           attributed
           to
           him
           ,
           indistinctly
           to
           the
           Persons
           :
           He
           is
           stil'd
           Love
           and
           Light.
           Love
           signifies
           his
           communicative
           Goodness
           ,
           the
           inclination
           of
           his
           Nature
           and
           Will
           to
           make
           his
           people
           happy
           ,
           and
           his
           complacency
           in
           their
           Happiness
           .
           
             He
             will
             give
             grace
             and
             glory
             ,
             he
             will
             rejoyce
             over
             them
             with
             singing
             .
          
           Now
           God
           being
           an
           Infinite
           Good
           ,
           and
           of
           Infinite
           Goodness
           ,
           we
           are
           sure
           his
           Will
           and
           Power
           are
           correspondent
           in
           making
           them
           happy
           .
           God
           is
           stil'd
           Light
           ,
           which
           implies
           his
           most
           clear
           and
           perfect
           Knowledge
           ,
           for
           Light
           discovers
           all
           things
           .
           His
           unspotted
           Holiness
           :
           for
           Light
           can
           never
           be
           stain'd
           or
           sullied
           by
           shining
           on
           a
           Dunghil
           .
           His
           Sovereign
           Joy
           :
           for
           Light
           ,
           joyn'd
           with
           Vital
           Heat
           ,
           inspires
           universal
           Nature
           with
           Joy.
           In
           Heaven
           ,
           God
           inlightens
           the
           Understandings
           of
           the
           Saints
           with
           the
           knowledge
           of
           his
           Glorious
           Nature
           ,
           of
           his
           Wise
           Counsels
           that
           are
           now
           seal'd
           in
           his
           Eternal
           Mind
           ,
           and
           of
           his
           admirable
           Works
           ,
           wherein
           the
           clear
           impressions
           of
           his
           Perfections
           appear
           .
           He
           draws
           his
           Image
           upon
           them
           
           in
           all
           the
           Coelestial
           Colours
           ,
           that
           give
           final
           Perfection
           to
           it
           .
           And
           from
           hence
           results
           that
           Joy
           ,
           that
           is
           unspeakable
           and
           glorious
           ,
           and
           is
           eternally
           exuberant
           in
           high
           and
           solemn
           praises
           of
           God.
           
             Blessed
             are
             those
             who
             are
             in
             thy
             House
             ,
             they
             are
             always
             praising
             thee
             .
          
           Now
           can
           an
           unholy
           Soul
           delight
           in
           these
           Emanations
           of
           the
           divine
           Presence
           ,
           and
           the
           exercise
           of
           the
           Saints
           above
           ?
           Can
           those
           who
           feed
           without
           fear
           ,
           and
           revel
           without
           restraint
           of
           their
           brutish
           Lusts
           ,
           
             Taste
             how
             good
             the
             Lord
             is
             ?
          
        
         
           Suppose
           the
           Soveraignty
           of
           God
           should
           dispense
           with
           Obedience
           to
           his
           Law
           ,
           and
           by
           an
           Act
           of
           Power
           an
           un-renewed
           Person
           were
           translated
           to
           Heaven
           ,
           can
           the
           place
           make
           him
           happy
           ?
           You
           may
           as
           reasonably
           imagine
           that
           a
           Swine
           ,
           whose
           inseparable
           quality
           is
           to
           love
           wallowing
           in
           the
           Mire
           ,
           can
           delight
           in
           a
           clean
           Room
           ,
           adorn'd
           with
           beautiful
           Pictures
           .
           If
           the
           Tongue
           be
           depraved
           with
           a
           foul
           humour
           ,
           and
           the
           Disease
           is
           the
           Taster
           ,
           the
           most
           relishing
           Food
           is
           insipid
           :
           till
           the
           Palate
           be
           cleansed
           and
           recover
           its
           true
           Temper
           ,
           it
           cannot
           judge
           aright
           .
           'T
           is
           equally
           impossible
           that
           an
           unholy
           Creature
           can
           enjoy
           Communion
           with
           the
           Holy
           God.
           Till
           we
           are
           purified
           in
           our
           Minds
           and
           Affections
           ,
           the
           Divine
           Presence
           cannot
           be
           Heaven
           to
           us
           .
           
           The
           Truth
           is
           ,
           Carnal
           Men
           do
           not
           love
           and
           desire
           the
           Heaven
           reveal'd
           in
           the
           Gospel
           ,
           but
           fear
           the
           Hell
           threaten'd
           ,
           because
           Fire
           and
           Brimstone
           are
           Terrible
           to
           Sense
           .
        
         
           2.
           
           The
           hope
           of
           Heaven
           purifies
           us
           from
           the
           Condition
           of
           the
           Promises
           that
           are
           clear
           and
           explicit
           ,
           in
           requiring
           Holiness
           in
           all
           that
           shall
           possess
           it
           .
           
             Blessed
             are
             the
             pure
             in
             heart
             ,
             they
             shall
             see
             God
             :
             follow
             holiness
             ,
             without
             which
             no
             man
             can
             see
             God.
          
           The
           Promise
           is
           infallible
           to
           those
           who
           are
           qualified
           ,
           and
           the
           Exclusion
           is
           peremptory
           and
           universal
           of
           those
           who
           are
           unprepar'd
           .
           These
           are
           not
           Conditions
           prescrib'd
           by
           Ministers
           of
           a
           preciser
           strain
           ,
           but
           by
           the
           Saviour
           of
           the
           World
           ,
           who
           with
           great
           Solemnity
           declares
           ,
           
             Verily
             ,
             verily
             ,
             I
             say
             unto
             you
             ,
             unless
             a
             man
             be
             born
             again
             ,
             he
             cannot
             see
             the
             kingdom
             of
             God.
          
           The
           Soveraign
           dispenser
           of
           his
           own
           Favours
           may
           by
           his
           un-accountable
           Will
           appoint
           what
           terms
           he
           pleases
           in
           bestowing
           them
           ,
           to
           which
           't
           is
           our
           Duty
           to
           Consent
           with
           humble
           Thankfulness
           :
           but
           the
           Vital
           Qualifications
           requir'd
           in
           order
           to
           our
           admission
           into
           the
           Glory
           of
           Heaven
           ,
           are
           not
           a
           meer
           arbitrary
           Constitution
           ,
           but
           founded
           in
           the
           unchangable
           Nature
           of
           God.
           If
           there
           were
           any
           defect
           and
           irregularity
           in
           the
           Architecture
           of
           the
           visible
           World
           ,
           
           in
           the
           Frame
           and
           order
           of
           its
           Parts
           ,
           it
           were
           less
           dishonourable
           than
           if
           there
           were
           no
           Connexion
           between
           a
           Holy
           Life
           and
           Blessedness
           :
           for
           the
           first
           would
           only
           reflect
           upon
           his
           Wisdom
           and
           Power
           ,
           but
           the
           other
           would
           asperse
           his
           Holiness
           and
           Justice
           ,
           the
           most
           Divine
           Perfections
           of
           the
           Deity
           .
        
         
           3.
           
           Christian
           Hope
           purifies
           ,
           by
           the
           frequent
           and
           serious
           thoughts
           of
           the
           heavenly
           Glory
           .
           The
           Object
           of
           Hope
           fills
           the
           Mind
           and
           Memory
           ,
           and
           gives
           Order
           and
           Vigor
           to
           our
           Endeavours
           .
           If
           Riches
           or
           Honour
           be
           the
           Object
           of
           our
           Expectation
           ,
           the
           Soul
           will
           entertain
           it self
           with
           the
           pleasant
           thoughts
           of
           them
           ,
           and
           contriving
           how
           to
           obtain
           them
           .
           Love
           and
           Hope
           are
           fix'd
           upon
           the
           same
           Objects
           ,
           and
           have
           the
           same
           Efficacy
           :
           they
           transport
           the
           Soul
           to
           their
           distant
           Objects
           ,
           and
           transform
           them
           into
           their
           likeness
           .
           The
           Object
           is
           Spiritual
           and
           Divine
           ,
           and
           the
           frequent
           Contemplation
           of
           it
           has
           a
           warm
           Influence
           into
           the
           Affections
           ,
           purifies
           and
           raises
           them
           from
           the
           Earth
           .
           When
           our
           Thoughts
           are
           often
           Conversant
           upon
           the
           State
           of
           future
           Glory
           ,
           we
           feel
           its
           attractive
           force
           more
           strongly
           working
           in
           us
           :
           as
           in
           a
           Chase
           ,
           if
           there
           be
           a
           cold
           Scent
           ,
           't
           is
           but
           coldly
           pursued
           ;
           but
           when
           the
           Game
           is
           in
           view
           ,
           't
           is
           eagerly
           prosecuted
           .
           When
           Heaven
           is
           
           seldom
           thought
           of
           ,
           our
           desires
           and
           endeavours
           are
           cool'd
           towards
           it
           ;
           but
           when
           't
           is
           in
           the
           view
           of
           our
           Understandings
           ,
           and
           near
           us
           ,
           our
           inclinations
           and
           endeavours
           are
           more
           fervent
           and
           zealous
           .
           The
           Apostle
           saith
           ,
           
             Our
             Conversation
             is
             in
             Heaven
             ,
             from
             whence
             we
             look
             for
             the
             Lord
             Jesus
             .
          
        
         
           4.
           
           The
           hope
           of
           Heaven
           purifies
           us
           ,
           from
           a
           Principle
           of
           Thankfulness
           to
           God
           ,
           who
           is
           Donor
           of
           it
           .
           St.
           John
           breaks
           into
           an
           extasie
           of
           wonder
           ,
           
             Behold
             what
             manner
             of
             Love
             the
             Father
             hath
             bestowed
             upon
             us
             ,
             that
             we
             should
             be
             call'd
             the
             Sons
             of
             God!
          
           The
           Angels
           ,
           those
           comprehensive
           Spirits
           ,
           are
           astonish'd
           ,
           that
           worthless
           Rebels
           should
           be
           taken
           into
           a
           Relation
           so
           high
           and
           near
           to
           God
           ,
           who
           deserveto
           be
           irrevocably
           banish'd
           from
           his
           Kingdom
           .
           The
           Apostle
           observes
           the
           various
           degrees
           of
           this
           Happiness
           :
           
             Now
             we
             are
             the
             Sons
             of
             God
             ,
             but
             it
             does
             not
             appear
             what
             we
             shall
             be
             :
          
           Now
           we
           are
           adopted
           ,
           but
           the
           heigth
           of
           our
           Felicity
           ,
           when
           we
           shall
           be
           crown'd
           ,
           is
           a
           secret
           ;
           but
           we
           are
           assured
           ,
           
             we
             shall
             be
             like
             the
             Son
             of
             God
             ,
          
           the
           glorious
           Original
           of
           all
           Perfection
           .
           Now
           the
           confirm'd
           Hope
           of
           this
           transcendent
           Happiness
           ,
           inflames
           a
           Believer
           with
           sincere
           and
           supream
           Love
           to
           God
           ,
           that
           will
           make
           us
           zealous
           to
           please
           him
           ,
           
           by
           entire
           Obedience
           to
           his
           Precepts
           ,
           and
           a
           likeness
           to
           his
           Nature
           .
        
         
           3.
           
           The
           Purity
           of
           a
           Christian
           consists
           in
           a
           conformity
           to
           Christ.
           The
           Son
           of
           God
           incarnate
           is
           both
           the
           Author
           of
           our
           Holiness
           ,
           and
           the
           Pattern
           of
           it
           .
           As
           the
           Sun
           is
           the
           first
           Fountain
           of
           Light
           ,
           and
           a
           Christal
           Globe
           fill'd
           with
           Light
           ,
           may
           be
           a
           secondary
           Fountain
           ,
           transmitting
           the
           Beams
           unto
           us
           :
           So
           the
           Deity
           is
           the
           original
           cause
           of
           all
           created
           Holiness
           ;
           but
           't
           is
           transmitted
           through
           the
           Mediator
           .
           In
           his
           Life
           on
           Earth
           there
           was
           a
           Globe
           of
           Precepts
           ,
           a
           perfect
           Model
           of
           Holiness
           .
           All
           the
           active
           and
           suffering
           Graces
           appear'd
           in
           their
           exaltation
           in
           his
           practice
           .
        
         
           Our
           Relation
           to
           him
           inferrs
           our
           likeness
           :
           
             For
             whom
             he
             did
             foreknow
             ,
             he
             did
             predestinate
             to
             be
             conformed
             to
             the
             image
             of
             his
             Son
             ,
             that
             he
             might
             be
             the
             first-born
             among
             many
             Brethren
             .
          
           The
           Image
           in
           
           Nebuchadnezzar's
           Dream
           ,
           had
           the
           Head
           of
           fine
           Gold
           ,
           the
           Breast
           and
           the
           Arms
           of
           Silver
           ,
           the
           Belly
           and
           Thighs
           of
           Brass
           ,
           the
           Legs
           of
           Iron
           ,
           the
           Feet
           part
           of
           Iron
           ,
           part
           of
           Clay
           :
           But
           Christ
           united
           to
           his
           Church
           are
           not
           such
           an
           irregular
           composition
           :
           As
           the
           Head
           is
           holy
           ,
           so
           are
           all
           the
           vital
           Members
           .
        
         
           From
           hence
           we
           are
           inform'd
           how
           to
           judge
           of
           our
           Hopes
           ,
           whether
           they
           are
           
           saving
           ,
           and
           will
           attend
           us
           to
           the
           Gates
           of
           Heaven
           .
           If
           they
           purifie
           us
           ,
           they
           will
           certainly
           be
           accomplish'd
           in
           Heavenly
           Blessedness
           :
           If
           we
           be
           like
           our
           Saviour
           in
           Grace
           ,
           we
           shall
           be
           like
           him
           in
           Glory
           :
           But
           carnal
           and
           loose
           Hopes
           will
           issue
           in
           disappointment
           .
        
         
           Our
           Saviour
           tells
           us
           ,
           that
           every
           visible
           Christian
           ,
           in
           a
           spiritual
           sense
           ,
           is
           a
           builder
           ,
           and
           raises
           a
           fabrick
           of
           Hope
           ,
           that
           may
           appear
           fair
           to
           the
           Eye
           ;
           but
           there
           is
           a
           time
           of
           tryal
           a
           coming
           ,
           that
           will
           discover
           how
           firm
           it
           is
           .
           'T
           is
           our
           Wisdom
           to
           descend
           to
           the
           foundation
           of
           our
           Hope
           ,
           that
           we
           may
           understand
           whether
           it
           be
           a
           Rock
           that
           cannot
           be
           shaken
           ,
           or
           the
           quick
           Sand
           that
           cannot
           bear
           the
           weight
           of
           it
           .
           Those
           
             who
             hear
             the
             Words
             of
             Christ
             ,
             and
             do
             them
             ,
          
           build
           upon
           a
           Foundation
           more
           stable
           than
           the
           Centre
           ;
           the
           perfect
           Veracity
           of
           God
           is
           engaged
           in
           his
           Promises
           :
           But
           those
           who
           hear
           without
           doing
           ,
           build
           upon
           the
           sinking
           Sand.
           Carnal
           Men
           will
           pretend
           they
           hope
           for
           Salvation
           ,
           only
           for
           the
           infinite
           Mercies
           of
           God
           ,
           and
           Merits
           of
           Christ
           :
           'T
           is
           true
           ,
           these
           are
           Eternal
           Foundations
           ;
           but
           to
           secure
           a
           Building
           ,
           the
           Superstructure
           must
           be
           strongly
           fasten'd
           to
           the
           Foundation
           ,
           or
           it
           cannot
           resist
           a
           Storm
           .
           If
           we
           are
           not
           united
           to
           Christ
           by
           the
           sanctifying
           Spirit
           ,
           and
           a
           purifying
           Faith
           ,
           our
           
           Hopes
           will
           deceive
           us
           .
           When
           Sin
           has
           dominion
           ,
           which
           is
           certainly
           discovered
           by
           the
           habitual
           course
           of
           Mens
           Lives
           ,
           when
           there
           is
           a
           remanent
           affection
           to
           it
           in
           Mens
           Hearts
           ,
           which
           is
           known
           by
           their
           reflections
           upon
           past
           Sins
           with
           pleasure
           ,
           and
           the
           prospect
           of
           future
           Sins
           with
           desire
           ,
           their
           Hope
           is
           like
           a
           Spider's
           web
           ,
           that
           can
           bear
           no
           stress
           .
           Hope
           is
           subordinate
           to
           Faith
           ,
           and
           Faith
           is
           regulated
           by
           the
           Promise
           .
           Some
           believe
           without
           Hope
           ;
           they
           are
           convinc'd
           of
           the
           reality
           of
           the
           Future
           State
           ,
           of
           the
           Eternal
           Judgment
           ,
           and
           the
           consequents
           of
           it
           ,
           but
           are
           careless
           and
           desperate
           in
           their
           wickedness
           :
           Others
           hope
           to
           be
           well
           hereafter
           without
           belief
           of
           the
           Gospel
           .
           Indeed
           ,
           there
           is
           none
           can
           bear
           up
           under
           despairing
           Thoughts
           ,
           when
           they
           are
           raging
           in
           the
           Breast
           .
           He
           that
           is
           absolutely
           and
           with
           consideration
           hopeless
           ,
           falls
           upon
           his
           own
           Sword.
           The
           Tempter
           deals
           with
           Sinners
           according
           to
           their
           conditions
           :
           If
           they
           are
           swimming
           in
           Prosperity
           ,
           he
           stupifies
           Conscience
           ,
           and
           induces
           them
           to
           be
           secure
           ;
           if
           they
           are
           sinking
           in
           deep
           Distress
           ,
           he
           is
           so
           skilful
           in
           all
           the
           arts
           of
           aggravation
           ,
           that
           he
           plunges
           them
           into
           Despair
           :
           And
           both
           Temptations
           are
           fatal
           ;
           but
           the
           most
           perish
           by
           fallacious
           hopes
           .
           'T
           is
           strange
           ,
           that
           the
           greatest
           number
           of
           Professors
           are
           more
           unwilling
           
           to
           suspect
           the
           goodness
           and
           safety
           of
           their
           condition
           ,
           than
           to
           mistake
           and
           be
           deceived
           for
           ever
           .
           But
           they
           are
           so
           strongly
           allur'd
           by
           worldly
           Objects
           ,
           that
           though
           in
           their
           Lives
           there
           are
           the
           visible
           marks
           exclusive
           of
           Salvation
           ,
           they
           are
           unconcerned
           .
           They
           are
           satisfi'd
           with
           carnal
           vain
           hopes
           ;
           which
           are
           the
           seed
           of
           all
           Evils
           committed
           ,
           and
           the
           spring
           of
           all
           Evils
           suffered
           .
           Hope
           that
           should
           incourage
           Holiness
           emboldens
           Wickedness
           ,
           and
           that
           should
           lead
           Men
           to
           Heaven
           ,
           precipitates
           them
           into
           Hell.
           
        
         
           How
           great
           will
           their
           fall
           be
           from
           a
           conceited
           Heaven
           into
           a
           real
           Hell.
           Hope
           ,
           of
           all
           the
           Passions
           ,
           is
           the
           most
           calm
           and
           quiet
           ;
           but
           when
           utterly
           disappointed
           in
           a
           matter
           of
           high
           concernment
           ,
           't
           is
           most
           turbulent
           ;
           for
           the
           consequent
           Passions
           ,
           Despair
           ,
           Impatience
           ,
           Sorrow
           ,
           Rage
           ,
           are
           the
           cruel
           tormentors
           of
           the
           Minds
           of
           Men.
           
             Now
             what
             will
             become
             of
             the
             hope
             of
             the
             Hypocrite
             ,
             when
             God
             shall
             take
             away
             his
             Soul
             ?
          
           He
           may
           feed
           and
           cherish
           it
           while
           he
           lives
           ,
           but
           in
           the
           fatal
           moment
           ,
           when
           he
           dyes
           ,
           his
           blazing
           presumption
           will
           expire
           ,
           not
           to
           be
           reviv'd
           for
           ever
           .
        
         
           
             But
             the
             Righteous
             has
             hope
             in
             his
             death
             :
          
           The
           sanctified
           Spirit
           inspires
           and
           preserves
           Life
           in
           it
           ,
           till
           't
           is
           consummate
           in
           that
           Blessedness
           that
           exceeds
           all
           our
           Desires
           ,
           and
           excludes
           all
           our
           Fears
           for
           ever
           .
        
         
         
           2.
           
           The
           Hope
           of
           Glory
           should
           be
           a
           constant
           and
           commanding
           motive
           to
           purifie
           our selves
           .
           Hope
           is
           the
           great
           spring
           of
           actions
           in
           this
           World
           ;
           it
           enters
           into
           all
           our
           designs
           ,
           and
           mixes
           with
           all
           our
           endeavours
           .
           The
           Husbandman
           ploughs
           in
           all
           the
           Frosts
           and
           Snows
           to
           which
           he
           is
           exposed
           ,
           in
           hope
           of
           a
           fruitful
           Harvest
           .
           The
           Mariner
           sails
           through
           dangerous
           Seas
           ,
           often
           inrag'd
           with
           Storms
           and
           Tempests
           ,
           and
           among
           Rocks
           and
           Sands
           ,
           for
           a
           hopeful
           Venture
           .
           How
           much
           more
           should
           the
           Hope
           of
           Heaven
           make
           us
           active
           and
           ardent
           in
           seeking
           for
           it
           ;
           considering
           we
           have
           infinitely
           greater
           security
           of
           obtaining
           it
           ,
           the
           Word
           of
           God
           ,
           and
           the
           Object
           is
           above
           all
           comparison
           with
           the
           things
           of
           this
           World.
           Here
           the
           wisest
           and
           most
           diligent
           are
           uncertain
           to
           obtain
           their
           Ends
           ,
           the
           trifles
           which
           they
           earnestly
           expect
           ,
           and
           are
           certain
           after
           a
           while
           to
           lose
           them
           :
           But
           if
           we
           in
           the
           first
           place
           seek
           the
           Kingdom
           of
           God
           ,
           we
           shall
           certainly
           obtain
           it
           ,
           and
           't
           is
           unforfeitable
           for
           ever
           .
           I
           will
           conclude
           with
           the
           efficacy
           of
           this
           Argument
           declar'd
           by
           the
           Apostle
           ,
           
             The
             Grace
             of
             God
             that
             bringeth
             Salvation
             has
             appeared
             unto
             all
             Men
             ,
             teaching
             us
             ,
             that
             denying
             Ungodliness
             and
             worldly
             Lusts
             ,
             we
             should
             live
             godly
             ,
             righteously
             and
             soberly
             in
             this
             present
             World
             ,
             looking
             for
             that
             blessed
             hope
             ,
          
           
           
             the
             glorious
             appearance
             of
             the
             great
             God
             ,
             and
             our
             Saviour
             Jesus
             Christ.
             This
             will
             keep
             us
             stedfast
             and
             unmoveable
             ,
             always
             abounding
             in
             the
             work
             of
             the
             Lord.
             
          
        
         
           4.
           
           The
           Fear
           of
           God
           is
           a
           Grace
           of
           excellent
           efficacy
           to
           perfect
           Holiness
           in
           us
           :
           'T
           is
           the
           Apostle's
           direction
           ,
           
             perfecting
             Holiness
             in
             the
             fear
             of
             God.
          
           The
           Divine
           Wisdom
           has
           annex'd
           Rewards
           and
           Punishments
           to
           strengthen
           the
           authority
           of
           the
           Law
           ,
           to
           work
           upon
           Hope
           and
           Fear
           ,
           which
           are
           the
           secret
           springs
           of
           Humane
           Actions
           ;
           and
           for
           the
           Honour
           of
           his
           Goodness
           and
           Justice
           that
           are
           principally
           exercised
           in
           his
           Moral
           Government
           .
           That
           Hope
           may
           be
           a
           powerful
           motive
           to
           do
           our
           Duty
           ,
           and
           Fear
           a
           strong
           bridle
           to
           restrain
           from
           Sin
           ,
           the
           reward
           must
           exceed
           all
           the
           temptations
           of
           Profit
           ,
           or
           Pleasure
           ,
           or
           Honour
           ,
           that
           can
           accrue
           by
           transgressing
           the
           Law
           ,
           and
           the
           penalty
           of
           all
           the
           Evils
           that
           may
           be
           inflicted
           for
           obedience
           to
           it
           .
           From
           hence
           it
           is
           ,
           that
           divine
           Hope
           and
           godly
           Fear
           have
           such
           a
           commanding
           conquering
           power
           in
           the
           Hearts
           of
           true
           Believers
           ,
           and
           are
           so
           operative
           in
           their
           Lives
           ,
           that
           they
           will
           not
           neglect
           their
           Duty
           to
           avoid
           the
           greatest
           Evil
           ,
           nor
           commit
           a
           Sin
           to
           obtain
           the
           greatest
           Good.
           
        
         
           The
           Grace
           of
           Fear
           I
           have
           discours'd
           of
           in
           another
           place
           ,
           and
           shall
           be
           the
           
           shorter
           in
           the
           account
           of
           its
           nature
           ,
           and
           cleansing
           Vertue
           here
           .
           Fear
           introduces
           serious
           Religion
           ,
           preserves
           and
           improves
           it
           :
           'T
           is
           the
           Principle
           of
           Conversion
           to
           God
           ,
           and
           knocks
           at
           the
           door
           of
           the
           Soul
           ,
           that
           Divine
           Love
           may
           have
           admission
           into
           it
           :
           It
           arises
           from
           the
           conviction
           of
           Guilt
           ,
           and
           the
           apprehension
           of
           Judgment
           that
           follows
           .
           When
           Paul
           discoursed
           of
           
             Righteousness
             ,
             and
             Temperance
             ,
             and
             Judgment
             to
             come
             ,
             Felix
             trembled
             :
          
           The
           Prisoner
           ,
           with
           the
           assistance
           of
           Conscience
           ,
           made
           the
           Judge
           tremble
           .
           This
           Fear
           has
           more
           torment
           than
           reverence
           .
           According
           to
           the
           greatness
           and
           nearness
           of
           an
           Evil
           ,
           and
           the
           apprehensions
           of
           it
           ,
           the
           stronger
           is
           the
           Fear
           .
           In
           the
           turning
           of
           Sinners
           ,
           the
           impressions
           of
           it
           are
           different
           :
           Stronger
           degrees
           are
           requisite
           to
           rouse
           the
           obdurate
           ,
           and
           to
           make
           them
           fly
           from
           the
           Wrath
           to
           come
           .
           The
           Jaylor
           surprised
           with
           Terrors
           ,
           cryes
           out
           ,
           
             Sirs
             ,
             what
             shall
             I
             do
             to
             be
             saved
             ?
          
           'T
           is
           said
           ,
           
             The
             Lord
             open'd
             the
             heart
             of
             Lydia
             ,
          
           as
           with
           an
           oyl'd
           Key
           ;
           but
           an
           Earthquake
           was
           necessary
           to
           open
           the
           Jaylors
           .
           Till
           there
           is
           felt
           something
           more
           tormenting
           than
           carnal
           sweets
           are
           pleasing
           ,
           Men
           will
           not
           mortifie
           their
           Lusts.
           One
           will
           not
           suffer
           a
           part
           of
           his
           Body
           to
           be
           cut
           off
           ,
           unless
           an
           incureable
           Gangrene
           threatens
           speedy
           Death
           ▪
           The
           World
           is
           present
           and
           
           sensible
           ,
           and
           continually
           diverts
           men
           from
           the
           consideration
           of
           their
           Souls
           ,
           unless
           Eternal
           things
           are
           by
           a
           strong
           application
           impress'd
           on
           their
           Minds
           .
           Till
           urged
           by
           the
           Terrors
           of
           Everlasting
           Death
           ,
           they
           will
           reject
           the
           offers
           of
           Everlasting
           Life
           .
           While
           Carnal
           Men
           are
           in
           Prosperity
           ,
           they
           hate
           Instruction
           to
           prevent
           Sin
           ,
           and
           despise
           Reproof
           to
           correct
           Sin
           ,
           they
           slight
           the
           fearful
           report
           of
           Thunder
           ,
           and
           do
           no
           more
           tremble
           at
           the
           Torments
           of
           Hell
           ,
           threaten'd
           in
           the
           Word
           of
           God
           ,
           than
           at
           Squibs
           and
           Crackers
           ,
           the
           sport
           of
           Boys
           .
           But
           in
           sharp
           Afflictions
           ,
           and
           the
           approaches
           of
           Death
           ,
           when
           Conscience
           draws
           near
           to
           God's
           Tribunal
           ,
           it
           becomes
           bold
           ,
           and
           resumes
           the
           Government
           ,
           and
           calls
           them
           to
           an
           account
           for
           all
           their
           Rebellions
           ,
           and
           forces
           them
           to
           Confess
           what
           they
           would
           fain
           Conceal
           ,
           their
           fears
           of
           Eternal
           Judgment
           .
        
         
           2.
           
           
             Holy
             Fear
          
           preserves
           and
           increases
           Religion
           .
           This
           may
           be
           consider'd
           as
           it
           includes
           Reverence
           of
           God
           ,
           with
           Circumspection
           and
           Caution
           .
           The
           Fear
           of
           Reverence
           is
           an
           inseparable
           Affection
           and
           Character
           of
           a
           Saint
           :
           
             Hear
             the
             prayers
             of
             thy
             servants
             who
             desire
             to
             fear
             thy
             name
             .
          
           The
           desires
           include
           the
           sincerity
           of
           this
           Grace
           ,
           in
           opposition
           to
           Hypocrisie
           and
           pretences
           ,
           for
           they
           are
           the
           unfeigned
           
           Issues
           of
           the
           Soul
           :
           and
           the
           freeness
           of
           the
           Affection
           in
           opposition
           to
           Violence
           and
           Constraint
           .
           The
           Name
           of
           God
           implies
           his
           Excellent
           Attributes
           ,
           the
           proper
           Motives
           of
           Holy
           Fear
           .
           His
           Majesty
           is
           ador'd
           by
           the
           Angels
           
             in
             their
             humble
             posture
             before
             his
             high
             Throne
             .
          
           His
           
           Purity
           ,
           wherein
           God
           does
           so
           excel
           ,
           and
           we
           are
           so
           defective
           ,
           excites
           the
           most
           awful
           respects
           of
           him
           .
           
             Who
             would
             not
             fear
             thee
             ,
             for
             thou
             art
             holy
             ?
             Holy
             and
             reverend
             is
             his
             name
             .
          
           His
           Goodness
           to
           a
           Holy
           ingenuous
           Soul
           is
           a
           motive
           of
           fear
           :
           they
           shall
           
             fear
             the
             Lord
             and
             his
             goodness
             .
          
           If
           Fear
           declines
           and
           slumbers
           ,
           there
           is
           present
           danger
           of
           losing
           the
           purest
           sweetness
           of
           Love
           and
           Joy
           that
           proceed
           from
           intercourse
           and
           Communion
           with
           God.
           His
           Omniscience
           ,
           and
           the
           recompences
           of
           his
           Justice
           and
           Power
           keeps
           the
           Soul
           Cautious
           ,
           lest
           we
           should
           offend
           him
           .
           What
           Stupidity
           ,
           what
           fury
           ,
           to
           provoke
           so
           dreadful
           an
           Adversary
           ,
           who
           can
           dispatch
           a
           Sinner
           to
           the
           Grave
           and
           Hell
           in
           a
           Moment
           ?
           Some
           object
           ,
           that
           't
           is
           unsuitable
           to
           the
           gracious
           dispensation
           of
           the
           Gospel
           ,
           for
           the
           Children
           of
           God
           to
           reflect
           upon
           his
           Terrible
           Attributes
           ▪
           But
           are
           they
           wiser
           than
           God
           ,
           who
           uses
           this
           Discipline
           as
           Medicinal
           ,
           either
           to
           prevent
           ▪
           Sin
           ,
           or
           to
           correct
           them
           into
           their
           Duty
           :
           Are
           they
           more
           Evangelical
           than
           
           our
           Saviour
           ,
           who
           counsell'd
           his
           Disciples
           ,
           
             I
             say
             unto
             you
             my
             friends
             ,
             be
             not
             afraid
             of
             them
             that
             can
             kill
             the
             body
             ,
             and
             after
             that
             ,
             have
             no
             more
             that
             they
             can
             do
             ?
             But
             I
             will
             forewarn
             you
             whom
             you
             shall
             fear
             ,
             fear
             him
             which
             after
             he
             hath
             kill'd
             ,
             hath
             power
             to
             cast
             into
             hell
             ,
             I
             say
             unto
             you
             fear
             him
             .
          
           Are
           they
           more
           Spiritual
           than
           St.
           Paul
           ,
           who
           from
           the
           Consideration
           of
           our
           being
           accountable
           for
           all
           things
           done
           in
           the
           Body
           ,
           before
           the
           inlightned
           Tribunal
           of
           Christ
           ,
           infers
           ,
           
             Knowing
             therefore
             the
             terror
             of
             the
             Lord
             ,
             we
             perswade
             men
             .
          
           This
           Influenc'd
           him
           to
           a
           zealous
           discharge
           of
           his
           Duty
           .
        
         
           It
           may
           seem
           very
           difficult
           to
           reconcile
           the
           exercise
           of
           holy
           Fear
           ,
           with
           Faith
           ,
           and
           the
           Sanctified
           Affections
           of
           Love
           ,
           Hope
           ,
           and
           Joy.
           But
           it
           will
           appear
           they
           are
           very
           consistent
           .
        
         
           1.
           
           Fear
           is
           the
           product
           of
           Faith
           :
           and
           assurance
           of
           God's
           Favour
           is
           preserved
           by
           the
           Fear
           of
           his
           Displeasure
           .
           Fear
           is
           not
           contrary
           to
           Faith
           ,
           but
           to
           Presumption
           :
           
             Be
             not
             high-minded
             ,
             but
             fear
             .
          
           A
           jealousie
           of
           our selves
           ,
           lest
           we
           should
           provoke
           God
           ,
           is
           joyn'd
           with
           a
           more
           entire
           and
           pure
           Trust
           in
           his
           Grace
           and
           Mercy
           .
        
         
           2.
           
           The
           Love
           and
           Fear
           of
           God
           ,
           have
           a
           mutual
           Causality
           on
           each
           other
           .
           The
           Love
           of
           God
           excites
           Thoughts
           of
           his
           
           continual
           Presence
           and
           Perfections
           ,
           that
           cause
           an
           awful
           esteem
           of
           him
           ,
           by
           which
           Love
           is
           maintain'd
           .
           Desires
           proceed
           from
           Love
           ,
           and
           't
           is
           express'd
           in
           the
           forecited
           place
           ,
           
             thy
             Servants
             who
             desire
             to
             fear
             thy
             Name
             .
          
           The
           
             fear
             of
             the
             Lord
             is
             their
             Treasure
             ,
             not
             their
             Torment
             ,
          
           for
           their
           fear
           to
           Offend
           him
           ,
           is
           from
           their
           pure
           Love
           to
           Please
           him
           .
           Indeed
           servile
           Fear
           ,
           that
           is
           meerly
           from
           the
           consideration
           of
           his
           Anger
           and
           Power
           ,
           is
           consistent
           with
           the
           Love
           of
           Sin
           ,
           and
           inconsistent
           with
           the
           Love
           of
           God
           :
           't
           is
           a
           judicial
           and
           violent
           impression
           on
           Conscience
           ,
           that
           Carnal
           Men
           would
           sain
           deface
           ,
           that
           they
           might
           freely
           enjoy
           their
           desir'd
           Objects
           ,
           and
           't
           is
           by
           Fits
           ,
           for
           God
           sometimes
           thunders
           in
           the
           Conscience
           as
           well
           as
           in
           the
           Air.
           But
           filial
           Fear
           is
           the
           Habitual
           Constitution
           of
           a
           Saint
           ,
           he
           is
           voluntary
           and
           active
           to
           preserve
           it
           in
           continual
           Exercise
           .
        
         
           3.
           
           The
           Fear
           of
           God
           ,
           and
           Hope
           ,
           are
           joyn'd
           in
           Scripture
           ,
           and
           in
           the
           Hearts
           of
           Believers
           .
           
             The
             Lord
             delights
             in
             those
             that
             fear
             him
             ,
             and
             hope
             in
             his
             mercy
             .
          
           Fear
           and
           Hope
           contemper
           each
           other
           :
           Fear
           without
           Hope
           is
           slavish
           ,
           and
           Hope
           without
           Fear
           is
           secure
           .
           As
           the
           growth
           of
           things
           in
           Nature
           ,
           Flowers
           and
           Fruits
           ,
           is
           from
           the
           heat
           of
           the
           Days
           ,
           and
           the
           cold
           moisture
           of
           the
           Nights
           ,
           so
           growth
           in
           Grace
           is
           by
           the
           warm
           encouragements
           of
           Hope
           ,
           
           and
           the
           chilling
           influence
           of
           Fear
           .
           A
           regular
           Hope
           in
           the
           Promises
           ,
           is
           joyn'd
           with
           an
           humble
           Fear
           and
           Subjection
           to
           his
           Commands
           .
        
         
           4.
           
           Holy
           Fear
           is
           mixed
           with
           Joy.
           
             Serve
             the
             Lord
             with
             fear
             ,
             and
             rejoyce
             with
             trembling
             .
          
           Carnal
           Joy
           ,
           and
           Carnal
           Fear
           and
           Sorrow
           ,
           are
           contrary
           Extremes
           that
           proceed
           from
           contrary
           Causes
           .
           A
           prosperous
           State
           in
           this
           World
           ,
           and
           the
           Satisfaction
           of
           the
           Sensual
           Desires
           ,
           is
           the
           root
           from
           whence
           carnal
           Joy
           springs
           ,
           and
           is
           nourisht
           :
           and
           the
           being
           deprived
           of
           Temporal
           good
           things
           ,
           disabled
           by
           Sickness
           to
           enjoy
           them
           ,
           or
           the
           prospect
           of
           some
           imminent
           ▪
           Disaster
           ,
           are
           the
           cause
           of
           Fear
           and
           Guilt
           .
           But
           the
           exercise
           of
           Spiritual
           Joy
           and
           Holy
           Fear
           are
           consistent
           at
           the
           same
           time
           :
           for
           the
           serious
           reflection
           on
           the
           Divine
           Attributes
           ,
           excite
           both
           those
           Affections
           .
           We
           read
           that
           when
           
             Mary
             Magdalen
          
           ,
           with
           the
           other
           Mary
           ,
           came
           to
           the
           Sepulchre
           of
           Christ
           ,
           at
           the
           bright
           appearance
           of
           an
           Angel
           that
           declar'd
           his
           Resurrection
           ,
           
             they
             went
             away
             with
             fear
             and
             great
             joy
             .
          
           Sinful
           Affections
           are
           opposite
           to
           Grace
           ,
           but
           Gracious
           Affections
           are
           inseparable
           .
           The
           fear
           of
           offending
           God
           is
           a
           preservative
           of
           our
           Joy
           in
           him
           :
           as
           a
           Hedge
           of
           Thorns
           is
           a
           Fence
           to
           a
           Garden
           of
           Roses
           .
           In
           the
           Kingdom
           of
           Love
           and
           Joy
           ,
           the
           Reverent
           
           Fear
           of
           God
           is
           in
           its
           Exaltation
           .
        
         
           2.
           
           There
           is
           a
           Fear
           of
           Caution
           ,
           that
           is
           always
           joyn'd
           with
           the
           other
           ,
           and
           excites
           us
           to
           walk
           circumspectly
           and
           exactly
           ,
           that
           we
           may
           be
           always
           approved
           and
           accepted
           of
           God.
           
             The
             fear
             of
             the
             Lord
             is
             clean
             ,
          
           effectively
           .
           This
           will
           prevent
           secret
           Sins
           ,
           which
           are
           only
           known
           to
           God.
           
             Thou
             shalt
             not
             curse
             the
             deaf
             ,
             nor
             lay
             a
             stumbling-block
             before
             the
             blind
             ,
             but
             fear
             the
             Lord.
          
           Fear
           is
           an
           Internal
           Guardian
           ,
           that
           keeps
           the
           Heart
           pure
           ,
           of
           which
           God
           is
           the
           inspector
           and
           judge
           .
           It
           will
           not
           suffer
           us
           to
           Sin
           freely
           in
           Thought
           ,
           nor
           foully
           in
           Act.
           When
           Fear
           draws
           the
           Lines
           of
           our
           Duty
           ,
           our
           Steps
           will
           be
           Regular
           .
           Fear
           keeps
           us
           close
           to
           God
           ,
           by
           the
           perswasion
           of
           his
           All-seeing
           Eye
           ,
           and
           is
           oppos'd
           to
           the
           forgetfulness
           of
           God
           ,
           the
           cause
           of
           all
           the
           Errors
           of
           our
           Lives
           .
           Holy
           Fear
           will
           make
           us
           to
           perform
           our
           Duty
           in
           those
           degrees
           that
           are
           commanded
           ,
           to
           please
           God.
           'T
           is
           the
           Principle
           of
           Perseverance
           :
           thus
           God
           assures
           his
           People
           ,
           
             I
             will
             put
             my
             fear
             in
             their
             hearts
             ,
             and
             they
             shall
             never
             depart
             from
             me
             .
          
           The
           Causes
           of
           back-sliding
           are
           Allurements
           and
           Terrors
           :
           pleasant
           Temptations
           sometimes
           so
           strongly
           insinuate
           into
           the
           Affections
           ,
           that
           Love
           calls
           in
           Fear
           to
           its
           Assistance
           to
           repel
           
           them
           ;
           for
           strong
           Fear
           and
           Delight
           are
           inconsistent
           .
           If
           Terrors
           are
           objected
           to
           drive
           us
           from
           our
           Duty
           ,
           the
           greater
           Fear
           will
           over-rule
           the
           less
           ;
           the
           Fear
           of
           God
           will
           expel
           the
           fearfulness
           of
           Man
           :
           For
           the
           most
           flaming
           Anger
           of
           Men
           is
           more
           tolerable
           ,
           than
           a
           spark
           of
           his
           Displeasure
           .
        
         
           From
           hence
           't
           is
           evident
           ,
           that
           the
           Fear
           of
           God
           is
           the
           Fountain
           of
           heroick
           Courage
           ,
           and
           fortifies
           the
           Spirit
           ,
           that
           the
           threatenings
           of
           Men
           cannot
           supplant
           our
           constancy
           .
           If
           our
           residence
           were
           perpetual
           in
           this
           World
           ,
           it
           were
           a
           point
           of
           Wisdom
           to
           secure
           the
           Favour
           of
           Men
           ;
           but
           since
           we
           must
           shortly
           dye
           ,
           as
           surely
           as
           we
           live
           ,
           't
           is
           extreme
           folly
           ,
           by
           compliance
           and
           low
           respects
           to
           Men
           ,
           to
           lose
           our
           interest
           in
           God
           ,
           and
           provoke
           him
           ,
           with
           whom
           we
           must
           be
           either
           in
           his
           favourable
           and
           felicitating
           presence
           ,
           or
           in
           his
           terrible
           presence
           for
           ever
           .
           The
           Rage
           of
           Man
           cannot
           reach
           beyond
           the
           Grave
           ,
           but
           the
           Wrath
           of
           God
           extends
           to
           Eternity
           .
           
             'T
             is
             a
             fearful
             thing
             to
             fall
             into
             the
             hands
             of
             the
             living
             God
             ,
          
           who
           lives
           for
           ever
           ,
           and
           can
           punish
           for
           ever
           .
        
         
           Let
           us
           therefore
           be
           exhorted
           to
           
             pass
             the
             time
             of
             our
             sojourning
             in
             fear
             .
          
           Temptations
           are
           frequent
           ,
           and
           we
           are
           frail
           ,
           and
           are
           never
           safe
           without
           circumspection
           .
           
             The
             Fear
             of
             God
             is
             the
             beginning
             of
          
           
           Wisdom
           ;
           the
           principal
           part
           of
           it
           .
           Wisdom
           is
           not
           imployed
           about
           trivial
           things
           ,
           but
           affairs
           of
           moment
           .
           Now
           what
           is
           there
           of
           such
           consequence
           in
           the
           World
           ,
           as
           the
           directing
           the
           Soul
           to
           Eternal
           Blessedness
           ?
           How
           to
           escape
           the
           most
           imminent
           and
           destructive
           Evil
           ,
           and
           to
           obtain
           the
           most
           desirable
           Good.
           
        
         
           Indeed
           the
           Passion
           of
           Fear
           ,
           when
           exorbitant
           and
           overwhelming
           ,
           causes
           a
           wretched
           neglect
           of
           the
           means
           of
           Salvation
           .
           If
           a
           Ship
           springs
           a
           leak
           ,
           and
           the
           Waters
           pour
           faster
           into
           it
           ,
           than
           the
           Mariners
           can
           pump
           it
           out
           ,
           and
           they
           see
           nothing
           but
           the
           Sea
           ready
           to
           swallow
           them
           up
           ,
           their
           Hearts
           and
           Hands
           faint
           ,
           and
           they
           give
           over
           all
           labour
           .
           If
           Men
           are
           desperate
           ,
           they
           will
           be
           disobedient
           :
           But
           we
           can
           never
           raise
           our
           Fears
           of
           God
           too
           high
           ,
           if
           we
           retain
           a
           firm
           belief
           of
           his
           
             Mercy
             that
             rejoices
             over
             Judgment
          
           .
           This
           will
           not
           infringe
           our
           Liberty
           ,
           but
           inlarge
           it
           ;
           for
           't
           is
           the
           most
           ignominious
           slavery
           to
           be
           under
           the
           dominion
           of
           Sin
           ,
           and
           the
           just
           apprehensions
           of
           its
           terrible
           Consequences
           .
        
         
           The
           Fear
           of
           God
           ingages
           him
           to
           be
           our
           Friend
           ,
           and
           rescues
           us
           from
           all
           the
           perplexities
           to
           which
           we
           are
           lyable
           in
           this
           open
           slate
           .
           Many
           Sins
           are
           committed
           for
           the
           fear
           of
           the
           Anger
           of
           Men
           ,
           and
           presumption
           of
           the
           Mercy
           of
           God
           ;
           
           but
           't
           is
           often
           found
           that
           a
           Religious
           Constancy
           gains
           more
           Friends
           than
           Carnal
           Obsequiousness
           .
           
             When
             a
             Man's
             ways
             please
             the
             Lord
             ,
             he
             will
             make
             his
             enemies
             to
             be
             at
             peace
             with
             him
             .
          
        
         
           Especially
           in
           all
           acts
           of
           Worship
           ,
           this
           Grace
           should
           be
           in
           its
           highest
           exercise
           .
           'T
           is
           the
           Apostle's
           direction
           ,
           
             Let
             us
             draw
             near
             with
             reverence
             and
             godly
             fear
             ,
             for
             our
             God
             is
             a
             consuming
             fire
             .
          
           We
           must
           solemnly
           consider
           the
           Greatness
           of
           God
           ,
           
             who
             dwells
             in
             Light
             inaccessible
          
           ,
           and
           is
           a
           consuming
           Fire
           to
           all
           that
           disparage
           him
           by
           slight
           and
           careless
           Addresses
           .
           
             Shall
             not
             his
             Excellency
             make
             us
             afraid
             ?
          
           In
           Prayer
           let
           us
           draw
           near
           to
           his
           Throne
           in
           the
           deepest
           sense
           of
           our
           meanness
           and
           unworthiness
           ;
           and
           tremble
           at
           the
           hearing
           of
           his
           Word
           .
           This
           dispositin
           will
           make
           us
           acceptable
           in
           his
           Eyes
           .
           The
           Lord
           saith
           ,
           
             The
             Heaven
             is
             my
             throne
             ,
             and
             the
             Earth
             is
             my
             footstool
             ;
             to
             him
             will
             I
             look
             ,
             who
             is
             poor
             and
             of
             a
             contrite
             spirit
             ,
             and
             trembles
             at
             my
             word
             .
          
        
         
           And
           in
           times
           of
           Temptation
           ,
           when
           pleasing
           Lusts
           are
           imperious
           and
           violent
           ,
           then
           't
           is
           necessary
           to
           controul
           them
           by
           the
           fearful
           remembrance
           ,
           
             that
             for
             all
             these
             things
             God
             will
             bring
             us
             to
             Judgment
             .
          
           This
           will
           clear
           the
           Mind
           from
           the
           eclipses
           and
           clouds
           of
           the
           Carnal
           Passions
           ,
           and
           
           keep
           the
           Senses
           under
           the
           dominion
           of
           the
           superiour
           and
           surer
           Faculties
           .
        
         
           
             Blessed
             is
             the
             Man
             that
             fears
             always
             ,
          
           that
           is
           continually
           vigilant
           in
           secret
           and
           society
           ;
           who
           considers
           that
           God's
           Eyes
           are
           always
           upon
           him
           ,
           in
           order
           to
           Judgment
           ,
           and
           whose
           Eyes
           are
           always
           upon
           God
           ,
           in
           order
           to
           Acceptance
           .
        
      
       
         
         
           CHAP.
           X.
           
        
         
           
             The
             Promise
             ,
             that
             God
             will
             be
             our
             Father
             ,
             a
             powerful
             inducement
             to
             strive
             after
             the
             Perfection
             of
             Holiness
             .
             The
             dignity
             and
             happiness
             of
             the
             Relation
             .
             The
             Pardon
             of
             Sin
             ,
             an
             adoptive
             freedom
             in
             Prayer
             ,
             an
             interest
             in
             the
             Eternal
             Inheritance
             ,
             are
             the
             Priviledges
             of
             God's
             Children
             .
             The
             influence
             of
             this
             Relation
             to
             make
             us
             entirely
             holy
             considered
             .
             An
             Inquiry
             whether
             we
             are
             proceeding
             to
             Perfection
             .
             The
             vanquishing
             Sin
             ,
             an
             indication
             of
             the
             Power
             of
             Grace
             .
             The
             habitual
             frame
             of
             the
             Heart
             ,
             and
             fixed
             regularity
             of
             the
             Life
             ,
             discovers
             our
             progress
             in
             Holiness
             .
             According
             to
             our
             Love
             to
             God
             ,
             and
             things
             that
             have
             the
             nearest
             resemblance
             to
             him
             ,
             we
             may
             judge
             of
             our
             Spirituality
             .
             The
             Spiritual
             Law
             of
             God
             ,
             the
             Spiritual
             Worship
             of
             God
             ,
             the
             Spiritual
             Image
             of
             God
             in
             the
             Saints
             ,
             are
             the
             principal
             Objects
             of
             the
             Love
             of
             the
             Spiritually-minded
             .
             To
             preserve
             an
             equal
             temper
             of
             Mind
             in
             the
             changes
             of
             the
             present
             state
             ,
             discover
             excellent
             degrees
             of
             Holiness
             .
          
        
         
           I
           Am
           now
           come
           to
           the
           Third
           General
           Head
           ,
           the
           Motives
           to
           inforce
           the
           Duty
           of
           striving
           after
           pure
           and
           perfect
           
           Holiness
           ;
           the
           Promises
           specified
           in
           the
           antecedent
           Chapter
           ,
           
             That
             the
             Lord
             Almighty
             will
             receive
             us
             ,
             and
             we
             shall
             be
             his
             Sons
             and
             Daughters
             ;
             that
             he
             will
             dwell
             in
             us
             ,
             his
             living
             Temples
             ,
             and
             walk
             in
             us
             .
          
           This
           divine
           Relation
           and
           Communion
           the
           consequent
           of
           it
           ,
           should
           keep
           the
           state
           of
           Perfection
           always
           in
           our
           design
           and
           view
           ,
           and
           inspire
           us
           with
           unchangable
           resolutions
           to
           endeavour
           the
           obtaining
           it
           .
           I
           will
           consider
           the
           Dignity
           and
           Happiness
           of
           this
           Relation
           .
        
         
           1.
           
           The
           Dignity
           .
           Secular
           Nobility
           that
           is
           transfused
           from
           the
           Veins
           of
           Progenitors
           into
           the
           Veins
           of
           their
           Progeny
           ,
           derives
           its
           lustre
           from
           Flesh
           and
           Blood
           ;
           
             and
             the
             glory
             of
             the
             Flesh
             is
             like
             the
             flower
             of
             the
             Grass
             ,
          
           so
           despicably
           mean
           and
           fading
           .
           A
           Family
           that
           is
           distinguish'd
           by
           an
           illustrious
           Lineage
           ,
           if
           not
           qualified
           with
           internal
           vertuous
           Dispositions
           becoming
           their
           Extraction
           ,
           is
           of
           no
           value
           ,
           but
           in
           the
           vain
           fancies
           of
           Men
           :
           But
           the
           Relation
           to
           God
           as
           our
           Father
           ,
           confers
           an
           Honour
           substantial
           and
           durable
           ,
           in
           comparison
           whereof
           all
           the
           magnificent
           Titles
           in
           this
           World
           are
           but
           Shadows
           ,
           and
           Smoak
           ,
           and
           Dreams
           .
           We
           are
           in
           a
           state
           of
           Union
           with
           the
           incarnate
           Son
           of
           God
           ,
           and
           in
           that
           respect
           dignified
           above
           the
           Angles
           ;
           
             for
             their
             Lord
             is
             our
             Brother
             .
          
           We
           are
           made
           partakers
           of
           the
           
           Life
           and
           Likeness
           of
           God
           ,
           and
           Heirs
           of
           his
           Kingdom
           .
           This
           Dignity
           is
           truly
           divine
           ,
           and
           of
           more
           value
           than
           Soveraignty
           over
           the
           Principalities
           and
           Powers
           of
           Darkness
           .
           Our
           Saviour
           speaks
           to
           his
           Disciples
           ,
           
             In
             this
             rejoice
             not
             ,
             that
             Spirits
             are
             subject
             to
             you
             ,
             but
             rather
             rejoice
             that
             your
             names
             are
             written
             in
             Heaven
             .
          
        
         
           2.
           
           The
           Happiness
           of
           this
           Relation
           will
           appear
           in
           the
           Priviledges
           that
           are
           consequent
           ,
           and
           comprehensive
           of
           all
           Blessings
           .
        
         
           (
           1.
           )
           The
           title
           of
           a
           Son
           has
           annex'd
           to
           it
           the
           promise
           of
           the
           Pardon
           of
           Sin.
           This
           is
           declar'd
           by
           God
           himself
           ,
           
             I
             will
          
           
           
             spare
             them
             as
             a
             Father
             spares
             his
             Son
             that
             serves
             him
             .
          
           There
           are
           spots
           in
           the
           best
           of
           God's
           Children
           .
           'T
           is
           equally
           impossible
           ,
           there
           should
           be
           absolutely
           pure
           Vertues
           in
           the
           state
           of
           Grace
           ,
           as
           unmixed
           Elements
           in
           the
           state
           of
           Nature
           :
           But
           our
           Frailties
           lamented
           and
           striven
           against
           ,
           rather
           move
           his
           Compassion
           ,
           than
           severe
           Displeasure
           .
           Sins
           of
           a
           heinous
           Nature
           presumptuously
           committed
           ,
           retracted
           by
           Repentance
           ,
           are
           not
           excepted
           from
           his
           pardoning
           Mercy
           .
           Of
           this
           there
           is
           the
           most
           comfortable
           assurance
           in
           
           David's
           case
           :
           For
           after
           his
           complicated
           Sin
           ,
           when
           he
           was
           melted
           in
           Tears
           of
           Contrition
           ,
           God
           sealed
           his
           Pardon
           ,
           and
           sent
           the
           notice
           of
           it
           by
           Nathan
           the
           Prophet
           .
           
           God
           was
           so
           entirely
           reconcil'd
           to
           him
           ,
           that
           after
           his
           Death
           he
           gave
           this
           Testimony
           of
           him
           ,
           
             That
             David
             did
             that
             which
             was
             right
             in
             the
             sight
             of
             the
             Lord
             ,
             and
             turned
             not
             from
             any
             thing
             ,
             that
             he
             commanded
             him
             ,
             all
             the
             days
             of
             his
             Life
             ,
             except
             in
             the
             matter
             of
             Uriah
             :
          
           He
           would
           not
           name
           that
           Sin
           of
           so
           high
           a
           Provocation
           .
        
         
           The
           Pardon
           of
           Sin
           is
           attended
           with
           all
           the
           most
           excellent
           Blessings
           ,
           the
           testimonies
           of
           his
           Favour
           .
           Guilt
           seals
           the
           fountain
           ,
           and
           stops
           the
           current
           of
           Mercies
           ;
           it
           exposes
           us
           to
           the
           Terrors
           of
           the
           Lord.
           If
           Sin
           be
           pardon'd
           ,
           Peace
           of
           Conscience
           is
           a
           Rain-bow
           of
           Tranquility
           in
           the
           storms
           of
           outward
           Evils
           .
           If
           Guilt
           be
           not
           abolish'd
           ,
           a
           Sinner
           in
           the
           most
           shining
           Prosperity
           ,
           has
           fearful
           darkness
           within
           .
        
         
           (
           2.
           )
           This
           Relation
           gives
           us
           an
           adoptive
           freedom
           ,
           and
           joyful
           access
           to
           God
           in
           Prayer
           .
           God
           ,
           upon
           his
           Throne
           of
           Glory
           ,
           or
           his
           Throne
           of
           Judgment
           ,
           strikes
           us
           with
           Terror
           ;
           but
           upon
           the
           Throne
           of
           Grace
           ,
           as
           our
           Father
           ,
           invites
           our
           Addresses
           .
           The
           Apostle
           incourages
           
             us
             to
             come
             with
             boldness
             to
             the
             Throne
             of
             Grace
             ,
             or
             Grace
             upon
             the
             Throne
             ,
             dispensing
             Grace
             and
             Mercy
             in
             time
             of
             need
             .
          
           We
           stand
           in
           need
           of
           Mercy
           to
           pardon
           ,
           and
           Grace
           to
           preserve
           us
           from
           Sin
           ,
           of
           
           Counsel
           and
           Comfort
           in
           our
           various
           Exigencies
           ,
           and
           our
           Heavenly
           Father
           is
           able
           and
           ready
           to
           grant
           our
           Requests
           .
        
         
           'T
           is
           the
           Law
           of
           Heaven
           ,
           that
           Blessings
           are
           to
           be
           obtained
           by
           Prayer
           ;
           for
           that
           is
           the
           homage
           due
           to
           God's
           eternal
           Greatness
           ;
           't
           is
           the
           acknowledgment
           of
           his
           All-sufficiency
           ,
           that
           he
           can
           supply
           all
           our
           Wants
           ,
           satisfie
           our
           Desires
           ,
           allay
           our
           Sorrows
           ,
           subdue
           our
           Fears
           ;
           't
           is
           the
           glorifying
           his
           Mercy
           that
           inclines
           him
           to
           relieve
           the
           miserable
           ,
           and
           unworthy
           of
           his
           Benefits
           .
           The
           whole
           Trinity
           affords
           incouragement
           to
           our
           Faith
           in
           humble
           Prayer
           .
           The
           Mercy
           of
           the
           Father
           who
           receives
           them
           ,
           the
           Merits
           of
           the
           Son
           who
           presents
           them
           ,
           and
           the
           assistance
           of
           the
           Holy
           Spirit
           who
           indites
           them
           .
           If
           we
           come
           jealous
           as
           Strangers
           ,
           or
           fearful
           as
           Slaves
           ,
           and
           not
           with
           a
           Filial
           freedom
           and
           relyance
           ,
           we
           disparage
           his
           Love
           and
           Power
           .
           A
           regular
           trust
           ,
           of
           Benignity
           in
           the
           giver
           ,
           and
           distant
           from
           all
           presumption
           of
           Merits
           in
           the
           receiver
           ,
           is
           very
           honourable
           to
           God
           ,
           and
           beneficial
           to
           us
           .
           Our
           Saviour
           confirms
           our
           Hope
           by
           a
           powerful
           Argument
           ;
           
             If
             you
             that
             are
             evil
             know
             how
             to
             give
             good
             gifts
             to
             your
             Children
             ,
             how
             much
             more
             shall
             your
             heavenly
             Father
             give
             good
             things
             to
             them
             that
             ask
             him
             ?
          
           The
           deduction
           is
           with
           convincing
           force
           and
           evidence
           :
           If
           
           the
           Natural
           Love
           of
           a
           Father
           be
           so
           deeply
           planted
           in
           his
           Heart
           ,
           that
           't
           is
           prodigious
           if
           any
           deny
           necessary
           support
           to
           their
           Children
           ;
           can
           you
           suspect
           that
           God
           will
           not
           supply
           the
           wants
           of
           his
           Children
           ?
           An
           Earthly
           Parent
           may
           be
           unnatural
           ,
           or
           unable
           to
           relieve
           a
           Child
           ;
           but
           in
           our
           Heavenly
           Father
           ,
           Love
           and
           Power
           are
           truly
           infinite
           .
           The
           stedfast
           belief
           of
           this
           ,
           is
           the
           soveraign
           Cure
           of
           piercing
           Cares
           ,
           the
           great
           Composer
           of
           our
           distracted
           Passions
           .
           'T
           is
           the
           Apostle's
           Counsel
           ,
           
             Be
             in
             nothing
             careful
             ,
             but
             let
             your
             requests
             be
             made
             known
             with
             thanksgiving
             ,
             and
             the
             Peace
             of
             God
             that
             passes
             understanding
             ,
             shall
             keep
             your
             hearts
             .
          
           There
           is
           no
           Blessing
           so
           great
           ,
           no
           Evil
           so
           small
           ,
           but
           we
           may
           pray
           in
           Faith
           to
           God
           ,
           to
           bestow
           the
           one
           ,
           and
           remove
           the
           other
           .
           Unvaluable
           Priviledge
           !
           He
           protects
           them
           from
           Dangers
           ,
           relieves
           them
           in
           their
           Troubles
           ,
           and
           releases
           them
           out
           of
           Troubles
           .
           His
           Eye
           is
           intent
           upon
           the
           Righteous
           ;
           his
           Ear
           is
           open
           ,
           and
           inclined
           to
           hear
           their
           cry
           ;
           his
           Hand
           is
           as
           ready
           as
           powerful
           to
           deliver
           them
           from
           Death
           :
           David
           saith
           ,
           
             I
             have
             set
             the
             Lord
             always
             before
             me
             :
             He
             is
             at
             my
             right-hand
             ,
             I
             shall
             not
             be
             moved
             .
          
           In
           all
           his
           Combats
           ,
           God
           
           appear'd
           as
           his
           second
           :
           When
           his
           Dangers
           were
           extream
           ,
           
             the
             sorrows
             of
             Death
             incompassed
             him
             ,
          
           he
           dispatches
           a
           Prayer
           
           to
           Heaven
           for
           speedy
           relief
           ;
           and
           God
           appear'd
           in
           Arms
           for
           his
           defence
           .
        
         
           I
           shall
           add
           for
           our
           Direction
           and
           Comfort
           ,
           that
           the
           Love
           and
           Providence
           of
           God
           is
           often
           as
           visible
           to
           the
           inlightned
           Mind
           ,
           in
           denying
           some
           Petitions
           of
           his
           Children
           ,
           as
           in
           granting
           others
           .
           Sometimes
           
           they
           play
           for
           temporal
           things
           ,
           unbecoming
           their
           alliance
           with
           God
           ,
           and
           their
           interest
           in
           his
           special
           Favour
           .
           'T
           is
           recorded
           of
           that
           Wise
           
             Theban
             ,
             Epaminondas
          
           ,
           that
           when
           a
           Friend
           ,
           greatly
           in
           his
           Esteem
           ,
           requested
           his
           Favour
           to
           release
           a
           mean
           Fellow
           ,
           imprisoned
           for
           a
           Crime
           ,
           he
           denyed
           him
           ;
           and
           afterward
           released
           him
           at
           the
           desire
           of
           a
           despicable
           Person
           ;
           and
           gave
           this
           Reason
           ,
           
             That
             was
             not
             a
             Favour
             in
             proportion
             to
             the
             Dignity
             of
          
           Pelopidas
           ,
           
             but
             suitable
             to
             the
             Quality
             of
             the
             other
             Petitioner
             .
          
           Thus
           
             the
             Children
             of
             this
             World
          
           ,
           who
           believe
           no
           other
           Happiness
           ,
           but
           the
           enjoyment
           of
           temporal
           things
           ,
           sometimes
           obtain
           their
           Desires
           ▪
           
             but
             the
             Children
             of
             Light
          
           are
           not
           heard
           in
           their
           Prayers
           for
           them
           ;
           they
           being
           unsuitable
           to
           their
           Heavenly
           Dignity
           ,
           and
           not
           the
           sure
           signs
           of
           God's
           Favour
           .
        
         
           Sometimes
           ,
           by
           mistakes
           ,
           they
           pray
           for
           things
           prejudicial
           to
           their
           Salvation
           ▪
           and
           it
           would
           be
           a
           severe
           Judgment
           ,
           if
           God
           should
           bestow
           them
           .
           We
           read
           of
           
           the
           possess'd
           Person
           in
           the
           Gospel
           ,
           
             that
             the
             evil
             Spirit
             made
             use
             of
             his
             Tongue
             to
             request
             our
             Saviour
             ,
             that
             he
             would
             not
             torment
             him
          
           ;
           that
           is
           ,
           not
           expel
           him
           from
           his
           habitation
           .
           Thus
           the
           Carnal
           part
           ,
           incens'd
           by
           the
           Tempter
           ,
           is
           often
           clamorous
           to
           obtain
           as
           a
           Benefit
           ,
           that
           which
           would
           be
           hurtful
           to
           the
           Soul
           ,
           and
           God
           is
           merciful
           in
           the
           denyal
           .
           We
           know
           not
           what
           to
           ask
           ,
           but
           our
           Heavenly
           Father
           knows
           what
           to
           give
           .
        
         
           Sometimes
           God
           bestows
           equivalent
           or
           better
           Blessings
           than
           what
           his
           Children
           pray
           for
           .
           If
           God
           gives
           Contentment
           with
           Poverty
           ,
           't
           is
           equivalent
           to
           Riches
           ;
           if
           Patience
           with
           Sickness
           ,
           't
           is
           better
           than
           Health
           ;
           if
           eternal
           Life
           in
           Heaven
           ,
           't
           is
           infinitely
           better
           than
           a
           long
           Life
           on
           Earth
           .
           He
           did
           not
           preserve
           the
           Martyrs
           from
           
           the
           Flames
           ,
           nor
           forsake
           them
           in
           the
           Flames
           ,
           but
           in
           those
           fiery
           Chariots
           convey'd
           them
           to
           Heaven
           .
        
         
           Briefly
           ,
           God
           never
           denies
           or
           delays
           to
           grant
           the
           Petitions
           of
           his
           Children
           ,
           but
           for
           a
           greater
           Good
           to
           them
           :
           He
           always
           hears
           their
           main
           Desires
           ;
           that
           is
           ,
           bestows
           such
           Blessings
           as
           are
           most
           conducive
           for
           his
           Glory
           ,
           and
           their
           Good.
           This
           is
           the
           principal
           Petition
           of
           the
           Saints
           ,
           in
           conformity
           to
           Christ
           in
           his
           exigency
           ;
           
             he
             prayed
             to
             be
             saved
             from
             the
             approaching
             hour
             of
             his
             terrible
             sufferings
          
           ;
           but
           subordinately
           
           to
           a
           higher
           request
           ,
           
             Father
             glorify
             thy
             name
          
           .
        
         
           Lastly
           ,
           The
           Relation
           of
           Children
           to
           God
           ,
           is
           not
           an
           Empty
           Title
           ,
           but
           includes
           an
           Interest
           in
           the
           Eternal
           Inheritance
           .
           The
           Apostle
           infers
           ,
           
             If
             sons
             ,
             then
             heirs
             ,
             heirs
             of
             God
             ,
             co-heirs
             with
             Christ.
          
           The
           Sons
           of
           Earthly
           Parents
           cannot
           all
           inherit
           :
           the
           Eldest
           is
           the
           Heir
           ,
           to
           maintain
           the
           Splendour
           and
           State
           of
           the
           Family
           ;
           and
           the
           Younger
           have
           often
           but
           thin
           Provision
           .
           If
           a
           Kingdom
           be
           the
           Inheritance
           ,
           't
           is
           appropriated
           to
           one
           :
           the
           Throne
           is
           incommunicable
           .
           When
           Pharaoh
           made
           Joseph
           Viceroy
           of
           Egypt
           ,
           he
           reserv'd
           the
           Throne
           to
           himself
           :
           
             In
             the
             throne
             I
             will
             be
             greater
             than
             thou
             .
          
           But
           all
           the
           Saints
           are
           Kings
           .
           Our
           Saviour
           comforts
           his
           Disciples
           ,
           
             fear
             not
             little
             flock
             ,
             't
             is
             your
             Fathers
             good
             pleasure
             to
             give
             you
             the
             Kingdom
             :
          
           and
           his
           Power
           is
           equal
           to
           his
           Pleasure
           .
           They
           are
           the
           Children
           of
           the
           King
           and
           Kingdom
           of
           Heaven
           .
           
             The
             Kingdom
          
           ,
           with
           a
           Note
           of
           Excellency
           ,
           in
           Comparison
           of
           it
           ,
           all
           the
           Kingdoms
           of
           this
           World
           ,
           in
           their
           blazing
           Glory
           are
           but
           a
           faint
           Figure
           and
           a
           Foil
           .
           Transcendent
           Priviledge
           ▪
           Infinite
           Bounty
           !
           All
           the
           Conceptions
           we
           can
           form
           of
           Happiness
           are
           eminently
           in
           God.
           He
           is
           the
           Glory
           ,
           the
           Joy
           ,
           the
           Perfection
           ,
           the
           Satisfaction
           of
           
           Intelligent
           Creatures
           .
           He
           alone
           can
           fill
           the
           Capacity
           of
           Comprehensive
           Immortal
           Spirits
           .
           He
           is
           their
           Eternal
           and
           Entire
           Inheritance
           ,
           possess'd
           equally
           by
           all
           ,
           without
           diminution
           to
           any
           .
           As
           the
           Light
           of
           the
           World
           is
           enjoyed
           by
           all
           without
           prejudice
           to
           any
           :
           according
           to
           the
           Apostles
           Expression
           ,
           
             The
             Inheritance
             of
             the
             Saints
             in
             Light.
          
           The
           Eternal
           Enjoyment
           of
           God
           ,
           excludes
           all
           Fears
           of
           losing
           it
           :
           there
           is
           a
           perpetual
           security
           from
           all
           change
           and
           separation
           :
           and
           excludes
           all
           possible
           desires
           of
           a
           better
           State.
           Without
           Divine
           Revelation
           we
           could
           never
           have
           had
           any
           discovery
           of
           this
           Super-natural
           Blessedness
           .
           The
           Apostle
           prays
           for
           the
           Ephesians
           ,
           that
           
             the
             God
             of
             our
             Lord
             Jesus
             Christ
             ,
             the
             Father
             of
             Glory
             ,
             would
             give
             unto
             them
             the
             Spirit
             of
             Wisdom
             and
             Revelation
             ,
             in
             the
             knowledge
             of
             him
             ,
             the
             eyes
             of
             their
             understanding
             being
             inlightned
             ,
             that
             they
             may
             know
             what
             is
             the
             hope
             of
             his
             calling
             ,
             and
             what
             is
             the
             riches
             of
             the
             glory
             of
             his
             Inheritance
             in
             the
             Saints
             .
          
           God
           is
           infinitely
           Rich
           in
           his
           Perfections
           ,
           in
           Mercy
           ,
           in
           Wisdom
           and
           Power
           ,
           and
           as
           the
           Father
           said
           to
           his
           Son
           in
           the
           Gospel
           ,
           
             Son
             all
             that
             I
             have
             is
             thine
          
           ;
           so
           all
           his
           Attributes
           are
           exercis'd
           for
           the
           happiness
           of
           his
           Children
           .
        
         
           The
           difference
           is
           observable
           between
           an
           Earthly
           Inheritance
           ,
           and
           the
           Heavenly
           .
           
           For
           Estates
           and
           Honours
           ,
           conveyed
           by
           Descent
           ,
           are
           not
           possess'd
           till
           the
           death
           of
           the
           Fathers
           ,
           but
           we
           partake
           of
           the
           heavenly
           Inheritance
           because
           our
           Father
           lives
           :
           and
           we
           must
           dye
           that
           we
           may
           enjoy
           it
           :
           
             for
             flesh
             and
             blood
             cannot
             inherit
             the
             kingdom
             of
             Heaven
             .
             What
             manner
             of
             love
             is
             it
             ,
             that
             we
             should
             be
             the
             Sons
             of
             God
             ?
          
           When
           
           Pharaoh's
           Daughter
           compassionately
           preserved
           Moses
           ,
           an
           expos'd
           Infant
           ,
           and
           adopted
           him
           to
           be
           her
           Son
           ,
           't
           was
           rare
           and
           wonderful
           Goodness
           .
           The
           Priviledge
           was
           so
           high
           ,
           that
           the
           Self-denial
           of
           Moses
           is
           Recorded
           with
           this
           Illustrious
           proof
           of
           it
           ,
           that
           
             he
             refus'd
             to
             be
             call'd
             the
             son
             of
             Pharaohs
             daughter
             .
          
           But
           she
           had
           no
           Son
           of
           her
           own
           .
           Adoption
           is
           a
           Legal
           Supply
           ,
           for
           the
           want
           of
           Natural
           Progeny
           .
           But
           God
           had
           an
           Eternal
           Son
           the
           Heir
           of
           his
           Love
           and
           Glory
           ,
           the
           adequate
           Object
           of
           his
           Complacency
           ,
           yet
           he
           raised
           us
           to
           so
           near
           an
           Alliance
           .
           Men
           adopt
           Sons
           for
           their
           Support
           and
           Comfort
           ,
           and
           usually
           those
           in
           whom
           some
           praise-worthy
           qualities
           appear
           .
           God
           did
           not
           want
           a
           Son
           ,
           but
           we
           wanted
           a
           Father
           :
           
             in
             thee
             the
             fatherless
             find
             mercy
             .
          
           There
           was
           nothing
           in
           us
           but
           Sin
           and
           Misery
           ,
           an
           occasion
           of
           his
           Mercy
           .
        
         
           'T
           is
           added
           by
           the
           Apostle
           ,
           
             we
             are
             coheirs
             with
             Christ.
          
           This
           may
           seem
           to
           be
           a
           Usurpation
           upon
           his
           Prerogative
           ,
           who
           
           is
           invested
           with
           the
           Supremacy
           of
           Heaven
           .
           But
           this
           is
           easily
           clear'd
           ,
           by
           considering
           that
           Christ
           has
           a
           double
           Title
           to
           the
           Inheritance
           :
           1.
           
           A
           Natural
           Title
           as
           the
           Son
           of
           God
           ,
           in
           a
           transcendent
           and
           peculiar
           manner
           .
           From
           Eternity
           there
           was
           a
           mutual
           Possession
           of
           the
           Father
           and
           the
           Son
           ,
           wherein
           their
           Blessedness
           consists
           .
           This
           Title
           is
           singular
           and
           incommunicable
           .
           2.
           
           An
           acquir'd
           Title
           by
           his
           Meritorious
           Obedience
           and
           Sufferings
           .
           
             Therefore
             God
             has
             exalted
             him
             above
             all
          
           
           
             principality
             and
             power
             ,
             and
             might
             and
             dominion
             ,
             and
             every
             name
             that
             is
             nam'd
             ,
             not
             only
             in
             this
             world
             ,
             but
             in
             that
             to
             come
             .
          
           And
           such
           is
           his
           astonishing
           Love
           ,
           he
           associates
           us
           with
           him
           in
           this
           Title
           :
           he
           communicates
           a
           right
           to
           us
           in
           his
           Kingdom
           ,
           by
           the
           Merits
           of
           his
           Death
           ,
           and
           introduces
           us
           into
           Possession
           by
           his
           Mediation
           .
           His
           Glory
           is
           consistent
           with
           ours
           and
           inseparable
           from
           ours
           :
           for
           when
           the
           Head
           is
           Crown'd
           ,
           the
           Members
           Reign
           .
           The
           Saints
           sit
           down
           
             with
             him
             in
             his
             throne
          
           ,
           as
           
             he
             is
             set
             down
             on
             his
             Fathers
             Throne
             .
          
        
         
           2.
           
           Let
           us
           now
           consider
           how
           influential
           this
           Priviledge
           is
           ,
           to
           make
           us
           intirely
           Holy.
           
        
         
           1.
           
           'T
           is
           most
           worthy
           of
           observation
           ,
           that
           God
           ,
           who
           might
           by
           meer
           Empire
           and
           Authority
           command
           us
           to
           do
           our
           
           Duty
           ,
           is
           pleased
           by
           gracious
           inducements
           to
           endear
           our
           Duty
           to
           us
           .
           He
           might
           by
           Dominion
           and
           Power
           Constrain
           us
           ,
           but
           he
           is
           pleased
           by
           the
           sweetest
           Affections
           to
           allure
           us
           .
           A
           wise
           Prince
           ,
           according
           to
           the
           Rules
           of
           true
           Policy
           ,
           will
           rather
           govern
           by
           Love
           than
           Fear
           :
           for
           his
           Safety
           and
           Tranquility
           is
           more
           preserv'd
           by
           it
           .
           Fear
           may
           secure
           him
           from
           open
           Rebellions
           and
           Assaults
           :
           but
           Love
           from
           secret
           Underminings
           ,
           from
           Treachery
           and
           Poison
           .
           'T
           is
           true
           ,
           there
           is
           no
           such
           Motive
           inclines
           God
           to
           allure
           our
           Love
           ,
           but
           his
           design
           is
           to
           gain
           our
           hearts
           to
           Obey
           him
           ,
           that
           he
           may
           Crown
           our
           Obedience
           .
           Fear
           restrains
           us
           from
           provoking
           him
           ,
           but
           Love
           makes
           us
           Active
           and
           Chearful
           to
           please
           him
           .
           Now
           what
           can
           be
           a
           more
           powerful
           Obligation
           to
           Love
           him
           ,
           than
           the
           receiving
           us
           into
           the
           high
           and
           dear
           Relation
           of
           his
           Children
           ?
           If
           we
           look
           up
           to
           God
           ,
           and
           down
           upon
           our selves
           ,
           we
           shall
           be
           struck
           with
           equal
           Admiration
           and
           Confusion
           .
           There
           is
           a
           rare
           and
           most
           affecting
           Example
           of
           humble
           Thankfulness
           Recorded
           in
           Scripture
           ,
           when
           David
           said
           to
           
             Mephibosheth
             ,
             Fear
          
           
           
             not
             ,
             I
             will
             surely
             shew
             thee
             kindness
             for
             Jonathan
             thy
             fathers
             sake
             ,
             and
             will
             restore
             thee
             the
             land
             of
             Saul
             thy
             father
             ,
             and
             thou
             shalt
             eat
             bread
             at
             my
             table
             continually
          
           ;
           he
           bowed
           himself
           and
           said
           ,
           
             What
             is
             thy
             Servant
          
           ,
           
           
             that
             thou
             shouldst
             look
             on
             such
             a
             dead
             Dog
             as
             I
             am
             ?
             Mephibosheth
          
           was
           of
           Royal
           Extraction
           ,
           and
           the
           Son
           of
           Jonathan
           ,
           who
           infinitely
           deserv'd
           of
           David
           ,
           yet
           how
           does
           he
           vilifie
           himself
           to
           magnifie
           the
           King's
           Favour
           ?
           What
           an
           extream
           disparity
           is
           there
           between
           the
           Kindness
           of
           David
           ,
           and
           the
           condescending
           compassionate
           Love
           of
           God
           ?
           
             He
             is
             the
             High
             and
             Holy
             One
             ;
             we
             were
             Enemies
             to
             him
             ,
          
           and
           had
           our
           Portion
           with
           Dragons
           ,
           yet
           he
           has
           received
           us
           into
           his
           Family
           ,
           and
           adopted
           us
           into
           the
           Line
           of
           Heaven
           .
        
         
           2.
           
           Consider
           ,
           the
           Promises
           so
           exceeding
           great
           and
           precious
           ,
           so
           stable
           and
           sure
           ,
           are
           conditional
           ,
           and
           not
           to
           be
           obtain'd
           without
           consent
           to
           the
           terms
           specified
           in
           them
           .
           The
           Promises
           of
           the
           Gospel
           are
           most
           free
           in
           their
           original
           and
           rise
           ,
           the
           Love
           of
           God
           ;
           but
           their
           performance
           is
           suspended
           upon
           such
           terms
           ,
           as
           the
           bountiful
           God
           requires
           of
           us
           .
           'T
           is
           true
           ,
           his
           Grace
           assists
           us
           to
           perform
           them
           ,
           and
           the
           performance
           is
           for
           the
           full
           and
           final
           Glory
           of
           his
           Grace
           :
           But
           the
           Conditions
           are
           indispensably
           requir'd
           .
           The
           terms
           of
           the
           Gospel
           are
           as
           strictly
           enjoyn'd
           to
           our
           obtaining
           Salvation
           ,
           as
           the
           terms
           of
           the
           Law
           were
           to
           preserve
           the
           happy
           Life
           of
           Man
           in
           Paradise
           .
           'T
           is
           not
           within
           the
           compass
           of
           Omnipotence
           ,
           to
           admit
           us
           to
           
           partake
           of
           Adoption
           and
           Communion
           with
           God
           ,
           without
           our
           being
           cleansed
           from
           Sin
           ,
           and
           being
           changed
           into
           the
           Image
           of
           God.
           It
           would
           disparage
           the
           unspotted
           Holiness
           of
           God
           to
           take
           one
           into
           Sonship
           ,
           and
           to
           manifest
           his
           complacential
           Love
           in
           him
           ,
           that
           continues
           in
           the
           state
           of
           polluted
           Nature
           .
           While
           Men
           are
           alienated
           from
           the
           Life
           of
           God
           ,
           they
           cannot
           have
           a
           Filial
           Relation
           to
           him
           :
           For
           God
           cannot
           deny
           himself
           ,
           neither
           can
           there
           be
           Communion
           with
           him
           .
           We
           are
           directed
           to
           
             draw
             near
             to
             God
             ,
             and
             he
             will
             draw
             near
             to
             us
          
           ;
           but
           we
           
             must
             cleanse
             our
             hands
             ,
             and
             purifie
             our
             hearts
             .
          
           St.
           John
           declares
           the
           Heavenly
           Priviledge
           of
           Christians
           ,
           
             Truly
             our
             Communion
             is
             with
             the
             Father
             ,
             and
             with
             Jesus
             Christ
          
           ;
           and
           he
           declares
           the
           terms
           of
           it
           ,
           
             If
             we
             walk
             in
             the
             light
             ,
             as
             he
             is
             in
             the
             light
             ,
             we
             have
             fellowship
             one
             with
             another
             .
          
           Communion
           implies
           freedom
           and
           fruition
           ,
           a
           mutual
           intercourse
           of
           Mercies
           and
           Duties
           ;
           the
           Soul
           ascends
           to
           God
           by
           acts
           of
           Faith
           and
           Love
           ,
           and
           God
           descends
           into
           the
           Soul
           by
           excitations
           of
           Grace
           ,
           and
           influences
           of
           Joy.
           There
           can
           be
           no
           Love
           without
           Likeness
           ,
           nor
           Fellowship
           without
           Love.
           According
           to
           the
           degrees
           of
           our
           Holiness
           ,
           the
           more
           exact
           is
           our
           resemblance
           of
           God
           ,
           and
           the
           more
           clear
           and
           comfortable
           is
           the
           evidence
           of
           our
           
           Filial
           Relation
           to
           him
           .
           Fire
           is
           more
           clearly
           discovered
           by
           Flame
           ,
           than
           by
           a
           little
           Heat
           ;
           so
           Grace
           is
           most
           conspicuous
           in
           the
           view
           of
           Conscience
           ,
           by
           its
           radiant
           Operations
           .
        
         
           The
           Spirit
           of
           Adoption
           is
           the
           Spirit
           of
           Regeneration
           :
           
             'T
             is
             from
             his
             testimony
             with
             our
             Spirits
             ,
             that
             we
             have
             the
             comfortable
             assurance
             ,
             that
             we
             are
             the
             Children
             of
             God.
          
           The
           Spirit
           first
           works
           before
           he
           witnesses
           ,
           and
           his
           testimony
           is
           always
           in
           conformity
           to
           the
           Rule
           of
           the
           Word
           ,
           wherein
           the
           infallible
           Characters
           of
           the
           Children
           of
           God
           are
           laid
           down
           .
           The
           testimony
           is
           argumentative
           and
           declarative
           from
           those
           divine
           Dispositions
           that
           constitute
           the
           Children
           of
           God.
           
        
         
           God
           is
           terrible
           to
           the
           Conscience
           ,
           and
           distastful
           to
           the
           Affections
           of
           the
           unholy
           .
           The
           bright
           and
           serene
           face
           of
           the
           Heavens
           is
           pleasant
           to
           the
           sight
           ,
           but
           a
           black
           Cloud
           charg'd
           with
           Thunder-bolts
           ,
           and
           that
           threatens
           Storms
           ,
           is
           look'd
           on
           with
           fear
           .
           The
           Countenance
           of
           God
           is
           a
           refreshing
           Light
           to
           his
           obedient
           Children
           ,
           but
           is
           a
           tormenting
           Fire
           to
           the
           unsanctified
           .
           They
           are
           averse
           from
           the
           society
           of
           the
           Saints
           in
           the
           Ordinances
           ,
           because
           God
           is
           peculiarly
           present
           with
           them
           .
           They
           are
           unwilling
           to
           retire
           from
           the
           Vanities
           and
           Business
           of
           the
           World
           ,
           lest
           Conscience
           ,
           God's
           Deputy
           ,
           should
           remember
           
           them
           of
           their
           neglected
           Duties
           to
           God
           ;
           and
           above
           all
           things
           they
           are
           afraid
           to
           dye
           ,
           because
           then
           ,
           
             the
             Spirit
             returns
             to
             God
             that
             gave
             it
             .
          
        
         
           Now
           if
           the
           Paternal
           Relation
           of
           God
           be
           the
           ground
           of
           his
           most
           dear
           and
           beneficent
           Affection
           to
           us
           ,
           shall
           it
           not
           be
           the
           motive
           of
           our
           dutiful
           Affection
           to
           him
           ?
           
             If
             I
             be
             a
             Father
             ,
             where
             is
             my
             honour
             ?
          
           We
           are
           commanded
           to
           
             follow
             God
             as
             dear
             Children
          
           :
           The
           obligation
           is
           clearly
           Natural
           ,
           from
           our
           Heavenly
           Original
           and
           End.
           We
           are
           excited
           by
           our
           Relation
           ;
           
             As
             obedient
             Children
             ,
             not
             fashioning
             our selves
             according
             to
             the
             former
             Lusts
             in
             your
             ignorance
             ;
             but
             as
             he
             who
             has
             called
             us
             is
             holy
             ,
             so
             be
             ye
             holy
             in
             all
             manner
             of
             Conversation
             .
          
           And
           we
           are
           exhorted
           to
           
             be
             blameless
             and
             harmless
             ,
             the
             Sons
             of
             God
             without
             rebuke
             ,
             in
             the
             midst
             of
             a
             crooked
             and
             perverse
             generation
             ,
             shining
             as
             Lights
             in
             the
             World.
          
           If
           we
           are
           cold
           and
           careless
           in
           our
           Duty
           ,
           how
           justly
           may
           we
           be
           upbraided
           with
           that
           Question
           of
           Confusion
           ,
           
             Do
             you
             thus
             requite
             the
             Lord
             ,
             O
             foolish
             People
             and
             unwise
             ?
             Is
             he
             not
             thy
             Father
             ,
             that
             bought
             thee
             ,
             and
             made
             thee
             ?
          
           Is
           any
           thing
           more
           contrary
           to
           natural
           Conscience
           and
           supernatural
           Grace
           ,
           than
           for
           those
           who
           are
           in
           title
           and
           relation
           the
           Children
           of
           God
           ,
           to
           renounce
           that
           Relation
           by
           a
           course
           of
           Life
           directly
           opposite
           
           to
           it
           ?
           To
           be
           called
           a
           Child
           of
           God
           ,
           is
           a
           title
           of
           the
           highest
           Honour
           ;
           and
           what
           a
           vile
           degeneracy
           is
           it
           ,
           what
           a
           stain
           and
           infamy
           is
           it
           ,
           for
           
             such
             to
             mind
             earthly
             things
          
           ,
           to
           set
           their
           Affections
           on
           perishing
           Vanities
           ,
           that
           defile
           and
           debase
           them
           ?
           'T
           is
           a
           title
           of
           the
           most
           perfect
           Liberty
           ;
           
             If
             the
             Son
             make
             you
             free
             ,
             you
             are
             free
             indeed
             .
          
           What
           a
           disparagement
           is
           it
           to
           Believers
           to
           be
           fastened
           by
           the
           Chains
           and
           Charms
           of
           their
           Lusts
           ,
           in
           a
           most
           ignominious
           slavish
           bondage
           ?
           'T
           is
           a
           title
           of
           Consecration
           ;
           
             Holiness
             to
             the
             Lord
             is
             ingraven
             in
             their
             foreheads
             ,
          
           the
           visible
           profession
           of
           Christians
           :
           Now
           can
           they
           conform
           themselves
           according
           to
           the
           custom
           of
           this
           World
           ,
           
             which
             lyes
             in
             wickedness
          
           ,
           unless
           all
           Filial
           Affections
           to
           God
           be
           dead
           ,
           or
           very
           languishing
           in
           their
           Breasts
           ?
           A
           sacred
           Ambition
           ,
           an
           active
           Zeal
           to
           adorn
           the
           Gospel
           ,
           to
           live
           becoming
           the
           dignity
           and
           purity
           of
           our
           Divine
           Relation
           ,
           is
           the
           great
           Duty
           incumbent
           on
           us
           .
        
         
           To
           conclude
           this
           part
           ,
           there
           may
           be
           sincere
           Grace
           in
           a
           Person
           ,
           but
           through
           neglect
           of
           improving
           it
           to
           degrees
           of
           eminence
           ,
           a
           Child
           of
           Light
           
             may
             walk
             in
             Darkness
          
           ,
           and
           be
           deprived
           of
           the
           Sense
           of
           God's
           present
           Love
           ,
           and
           the
           joyful
           Hope
           of
           future
           Happiness
           :
           He
           may
           fear
           that
           in
           every
           Affliction
           here
           ,
           there
           is
           
           Anger
           without
           any
           mixture
           of
           Favour
           ,
           and
           in
           the
           approaches
           to
           Eternity
           be
           in
           distracting
           Doubts
           about
           his
           Future
           State
           ,
           and
           an
           anxious
           Expectation
           of
           an
           uncertain
           Sentence
           .
           'T
           is
           our
           Interest
           ,
           as
           well
           as
           Duty
           ,
           to
           strive
           to
           excel
           in
           Holiness
           .
        
         
           I
           shall
           now
           apply
           this
           Doctrine
           ;
           1.
           
           By
           inquiring
           whether
           we
           are
           proceeding
           to
           Perfection
           .
           2.
           
           Propound
           Directions
           how
           we
           should
           follow
           it
           .
        
         
           1.
           
           I
           shall
           lay
           down
           some
           Rules
           whereby
           we
           may
           discern
           ,
           whether
           we
           are
           proceeding
           to
           Perfection
           .
           'T
           is
           requisite
           to
           premise
           ,
           there
           may
           be
           an
           easie
           mistake
           in
           the
           Judgment
           ,
           about
           the
           truth
           and
           strength
           of
           Grace
           in
           Mens
           Souls
           ▪
           Indeed
           ,
           there
           are
           clear
           and
           plain
           Rules
           in
           Scripture
           to
           judge
           of
           our
           Spiritual
           State
           ,
           but
           the
           dark
           and
           crooked
           Hearts
           of
           Men
           misapply
           them
           .
           Carnal
           Men
           are
           apt
           to
           mistake
           Presumption
           for
           Faith
           ,
           and
           think
           the
           bolder
           they
           are
           in
           presuming
           without
           a
           Promise
           ,
           the
           stronger
           they
           are
           in
           believing
           .
           They
           mistake
           a
           fruitless
           sorrow
           for
           Sin
           to
           be
           Repentance
           .
           They
           sin
           and
           repent
           ,
           and
           after
           Repentance
           they
           sin
           ;
           and
           walking
           in
           a
           circle
           of
           Repentings
           and
           Relapsings
           ,
           take
           not
           one
           step
           towards
           Heaven
           .
           But
           real
           Saints
           are
           often
           complaining
           of
           their
           want
           of
           Grace
           ,
           
           and
           condemning
           themselves
           for
           their
           not
           improving
           the
           Means
           of
           Grace
           .
           Their
           desires
           are
           ardent
           and
           ascending
           to
           Perfection
           ,
           and
           they
           judge
           of
           their
           defects
           by
           that
           Measure
           .
           He
           that
           Sails
           before
           the
           Wind
           in
           a
           River
           ,
           and
           sees
           men
           walking
           on
           the
           Shore
           ,
           to
           his
           Eye
           they
           seem
           to
           stand
           still
           ,
           because
           of
           the
           swift
           motion
           of
           the
           Boat.
           Thus
           the
           Saints
           judge
           of
           their
           Imperfections
           ,
           by
           the
           swiftness
           of
           their
           desires
           after
           compleat
           Holiness
           .
           I
           shall
           lay
           down
           two
           general
           Rules
           of
           Trial
           ,
           concerning
           growth
           in
           Grace
           ;
           and
           proceed
           to
           particular
           discoveries
           .
        
         
           1.
           
           The
           Vanquisting
           of
           Sin
           ,
           is
           a
           certain
           indication
           of
           the
           Power
           of
           Grace
           .
           During
           the
           present
           Life
           ,
           from
           its
           first
           rise
           ,
           to
           its
           last
           fall
           ,
           the
           Corruption
           of
           Nature
           in
           some
           degrees
           remains
           in
           the
           Saints
           .
           
             The
             flesh
             lusts
             against
             the
             spirit
             ,
             and
             the
             spirit
             against
             the
             flesh
             ,
             that
             we
             cannot
             do
             the
             things
             we
             would
             .
          
           Now
           the
           strength
           of
           Sin
           is
           discover'd
           ,
           by
           the
           readiness
           of
           the
           heart
           to
           a
           Temptation
           .
           Some
           are
           entangled
           at
           the
           first
           sight
           of
           a
           pleasant
           Object
           .
           The
           Tempter
           needs
           not
           raise
           a
           battery
           against
           them
           ,
           for
           the
           treacherous
           Party
           within
           opens
           the
           Gates
           of
           the
           Senses
           to
           receive
           his
           Temptations
           .
           Others
           ,
           though
           unrenewed
           by
           Sanctifying
           Grace
           ,
           yet
           there
           is
           in
           them
           such
           a
           resistance
           between
           
             the
             Law
             of
          
           
           
             the
             Mind
             ,
             and
             the
             Law
             of
             the
             Members
             ,
          
           such
           a
           conflict
           between
           Conviction
           and
           Corruption
           ,
           that
           they
           resolve
           to
           forsake
           Sin
           ,
           and
           by
           Restraining
           Grace
           ,
           are
           in
           some
           Instances
           kept
           from
           doing
           it
           :
           but
           ordinarily
           when
           Temptations
           are
           very
           inviting
           ,
           they
           consent
           and
           commit
           Sin.
           Nay
           the
           Saints
           are
           sometimes
           surpriz'd
           and
           soil'd
           by
           the
           Tempter
           :
           David
           by
           a
           sudden
           glance
           was
           overcome
           ,
           and
           fell
           into
           a
           Sin
           of
           a
           very
           foul
           Nature
           .
           Pet●●
           at
           the
           challenge
           of
           a
           Servant
           denied
           his
           Master
           ,
           and
           was
           almost
           frozen
           to
           death
           with
           Fear
           ,
           'till
           the
           compassionate
           Eye
           of
           our
           Saviour
           warm'd
           and
           melted
           him
           into
           tears
           of
           Repentance
           .
        
         
           To
           prevent
           Mistakes
           ,
           it
           must
           be
           consider'd
           ,
           that
           the
           ceasing
           from
           the
           acts
           of
           Sin
           ,
           does
           not
           always
           proceed
           from
           victorious
           Grace
           .
           In
           the
           absence
           of
           alluring
           Objects
           there
           is
           a
           ceasing
           from
           the
           vicious
           acts
           ,
           but
           the
           sinful
           Affections
           may
           be
           then
           most
           intense
           :
           as
           Hunger
           is
           more
           sharp
           in
           a
           time
           of
           Famine
           ,
           when
           there
           is
           no
           Food
           to
           satisfie
           it
           ;
           and
           Thirst
           in
           a
           Wilderness
           where
           there
           are
           no
           Springs
           or
           Fruits
           to
           refresh
           it
           ,
           is
           more
           burning
           and
           tormenting
           .
           Sometimes
           through
           Impotence
           or
           Age
           ,
           Men
           are
           disabled
           from
           doing
           the
           Sin
           they
           still
           Love.
           As
           a
           Disease
           causes
           such
           a
           distast
           of
           pleasing
           Meats
           and
           Drinks
           ,
           that
           an
           
           intemperate
           Person
           is
           forced
           to
           abstain
           from
           them
           .
           Sometimes
           a
           Man
           from
           his
           Constitution
           may
           be
           averse
           from
           a
           particular
           lust
           without
           a
           Spiritual
           Change
           in
           the
           Heart
           .
           Some
           are
           frightned
           from
           Sin
           by
           the
           Terrors
           of
           Conscience
           ,
           they
           dare
           not
           drink
           the
           pleasant
           Wines
           ,
           from
           an
           abhorrence
           of
           the
           dregs
           at
           the
           bottom
           ,
           and
           others
           are
           allur'd
           from
           a
           Sin
           by
           a
           new
           Temptation
           .
           But
           Spiritual
           Mortification
           consists
           in
           this
           ,
           the
           Carnal
           Affections
           ,
           are
           Spiritualiz'd
           ;
           Sensual
           Love
           is
           fast●ed
           upon
           the
           Beauty
           of
           Holiness
           ,
           Covetous
           Desires
           change
           their
           Objects
           and
           are
           ardent
           after
           the
           Treasures
           of
           Heaven
           ,
           and
           the
           dearest
           Lusts
           are
           kill'd
           .
        
         
           Now
           the
           more
           easie
           ,
           frequent
           and
           clear
           the
           victory
           over
           Sin
           is
           in
           proportion
           ,
           Grace
           is
           advanc'd
           in
           the
           Soul
           ,
           and
           its
           power
           is
           seen
           .
           Every
           Renewed
           Person
           is
           a
           Soldier
           under
           the
           illuminating
           Conduct
           and
           Empire
           of
           the
           Spirit
           ;
           and
           acquires
           new
           strength
           by
           every
           new
           Victory
           over
           the
           Carnal
           part
           .
           Sometimes
           the
           Carnal
           Appetite
           so
           strongly
           sollicits
           the
           Will
           to
           consent
           to
           a
           proposal
           ,
           that
           't
           is
           wavering
           ,
           and
           although
           the
           Inclination
           does
           not
           proceed
           to
           the
           act
           of
           Sin
           ,
           and
           the
           Conception
           be
           Abortive
           ,
           the
           Victory
           is
           then
           imperfect
           ,
           and
           o●tain'd
           with
           difficulty
           .
           There
           are
           lingering
           Inclinations
           still
           wo●king
           in
           our
           
           Hearts
           ,
           towards
           present
           and
           sensible
           things
           ,
           but
           when
           Grace
           is
           in
           the
           Throne
           ,
           it
           enables
           a
           Man
           freely
           and
           readily
           to
           resist
           those
           enticing
           Objects
           that
           ravish
           the
           Carnal
           Affections
           .
           We
           have
           an
           admirable
           Instance
           of
           this
           in
           Joseph
           ,
           when
           tempted
           to
           Folly
           by
           his
           Mistress
           ,
           he
           presently
           and
           constantly
           rejected
           her
           Importunity
           ,
           and
           repeated
           Sollicitations
           ;
           and
           as
           Paul
           easily
           shook
           the
           Viper
           from
           his
           Hand
           into
           the
           Fire
           without
           hurt
           ,
           so
           he
           preserved
           his
           Purity
           untainted
           :
           This
           argued
           the
           dominion
           Grace
           had
           over
           the
           sensual
           Appetite
           .
        
         
           The
           more
           frequent
           our
           prevalency
           over
           Temptations
           is
           ,
           argues
           the
           strength
           of
           Sin
           is
           broken
           ,
           and
           the
           firmer
           radication
           and
           vigour
           of
           the
           Divine
           Nature
           .
           
             As
             the
             house
             of
             Saul
             grew
             weaker
             every
             day
             ,
             the
             house
             of
             David
             grew
             stronger
             .
          
           As
           the
           old
           Man
           decays
           ,
           the
           new
           Man
           increases
           in
           strength
           .
        
         
           The
           more
           compleat
           the
           victory
           is
           over
           Sin
           ,
           the
           more
           clear
           indication
           we
           have
           of
           the
           power
           of
           Grace
           .
           The
           compleatness
           either
           implies
           the
           extent
           of
           the
           victory
           over
           the
           whole
           body
           of
           Sin
           ,
           all
           the
           Lusts
           of
           the
           desiring
           and
           angry
           Appetites
           ,
           when
           no
           Sin
           is
           indulged
           ,
           though
           pleasant
           and
           profitable
           ,
           and
           though
           it
           may
           seem
           never
           so
           small
           ;
           for
           the
           Command
           of
           God
           is
           strict
           and
           severe
           against
           
           every
           Sin
           ,
           as
           it
           was
           against
           the
           
             Amalekites
             ,
             all
             must
             be
             destroyed
             .
          
           Indeed
           ,
           no
           Sin
           is
           truly
           subdued
           ,
           but
           all
           are
           in
           some
           degrees
           mortified
           .
           Or
           the
           compleatness
           of
           the
           victory
           implies
           ,
           not
           only
           the
           abstaining
           from
           the
           outward
           act
           ,
           but
           the
           mortifying
           of
           the
           inward
           Affections
           ,
           the
           first
           seeds
           of
           Sin.
           
        
         
           In
           short
           ,
           the
           excellent
           degree
           of
           Grace
           is
           most
           evident
           in
           destroying
           the
           select
           and
           superiour
           Lust
           ,
           that
           leads
           and
           animates
           many
           other
           ;
           as
           the
           honour
           and
           greatness
           of
           a
           Victory
           is
           from
           the
           strength
           of
           the
           Enemy
           that
           is
           vanquished
           .
           And
           the
           power
           of
           Grace
           is
           discovered
           ,
           in
           securing
           us
           from
           being
           foil'd
           by
           sudden
           unexpected
           Temptations
           .
           We
           read
           of
           the
           Tempter
           ,
           
             He
             came
             to
             our
             Saviour
             ,
             but
             found
             nothing
             in
             him
             ,
             and
             could
             not
             fasten
             any
             impression
             on
             him
             .
          
           'T
           is
           true
           ,
           't
           is
           morally
           impossible
           to
           attain
           to
           this
           Perfection
           ,
           to
           be
           always
           watchful
           in
           this
           state
           of
           frail
           Flesh
           ;
           then
           militant
           Holiness
           would
           be
           triumphant
           :
           But
           it
           should
           be
           our
           earnest
           endeavour
           to
           be
           so
           fortified
           by
           holy
           Resolutions
           ,
           and
           so
           vigilant
           ,
           that
           though
           we
           are
           surrounded
           by
           innumerable
           Enemies
           ,
           we
           may
           not
           be
           surprised
           by
           them
           .
           The
           present
           reward
           of
           subduing
           Carnal
           Lusts
           ,
           exceeds
           all
           Carnal
           Satisfaction
           .
           What
           sweeter
           reflection
           can
           there
           be
           of
           Conscience
           ,
           
           the
           only
           true
           and
           internal
           Comforter
           ,
           than
           upon
           Innocence
           and
           Victory
           ?
        
         
           2.
           
           The
           discovery
           of
           our
           progress
           in
           Holiness
           ,
           is
           made
           by
           the
           habitual
           frame
           of
           the
           Heart
           ,
           and
           the
           fixed
           regularity
           of
           the
           Life
           .
           There
           cannot
           be
           a
           true
           Judgment
           of
           a
           Christian
           ,
           either
           when
           he
           is
           best
           disposed
           ,
           or
           when
           he
           is
           worst
           disposed
           .
           One
           that
           has
           less
           Grace
           ,
           may
           sometimes
           in
           the
           use
           of
           the
           Ordinances
           ,
           feel
           high
           and
           holy
           Affections
           in
           an
           unusual
           manner
           :
           An
           excellent
           Saint
           ,
           in
           time
           of
           temptation
           ,
           may
           feel
           the
           power
           of
           Corruption
           strangely
           great
           .
           A
           strong
           Man
           in
           a
           fainting
           Fit
           is
           weaker
           than
           another
           ;
           a
           weak
           Man
           in
           a
           Fever
           is
           stronger
           than
           two
           .
           But
           we
           may
           judge
           of
           the
           degrees
           of
           Grace
           by
           the
           spiritual
           frame
           of
           the
           Heart
           ,
           and
           the
           actions
           flowing
           from
           it
           .
           The
           character
           and
           denomination
           of
           Men
           in
           Scripture
           is
           from
           two
           Principles
           ,
           the
           Flesh
           and
           Spirit
           .
           The
           Apostle
           tells
           us
           ,
           
             That
             they
             that
             are
             after
             the
             Flesh
             ,
             do
             mind
             the
             things
             of
             the
             Flesh
             ,
             and
             they
             that
             are
             after
             the
             Spirit
             ,
             the
             things
             of
             the
             Spirit
             .
          
           Those
           who
           are
           not
           distinguish'd
           from
           the
           Carnal
           in
           the
           Resurrection
           of
           Grace
           ,
           shall
           not
           be
           separated
           from
           them
           in
           the
           Resurrection
           of
           Glory
           .
        
         
           The
           Carnal
           are
           under
           the
           prevalent
           influences
           of
           the
           outward
           Senses
           ;
           their
           
           Minds
           and
           Wills
           ,
           their
           Imaginations
           and
           Affections
           ,
           their
           Discourses
           and
           Actions
           ,
           are
           all
           pointed
           on
           the
           Earth
           ;
           their
           weak
           Eyes
           are
           dazzled
           with
           the
           false
           lustre
           of
           worldly
           things
           ;
           their
           Hearts
           are
           ravish'd
           with
           them
           .
           With
           what
           an
           accent
           and
           emphasis
           do
           they
           express
           their
           desires
           ,
           
             Who
             will
             shew
             us
             any
             good
             ?
          
           The
           World
           is
           the
           principal
           Object
           of
           their
           Esteem
           and
           Love
           ;
           they
           labour
           continually
           ;
           they
           sweat
           and
           freeze
           ,
           and
           move
           in
           a
           circle
           of
           toilsome
           Employments
           ;
           their
           desires
           are
           uncessant
           and
           unsatisfied
           without
           obtaining
           it
           ;
           and
           their
           acquiring
           one
           thing
           ,
           kindles
           desires
           after
           another
           :
           But
           how
           slow
           and
           slack
           are
           their
           endeavours
           after
           eternal
           things
           ?
           They
           use
           God
           to
           enjoy
           the
           World.
           
        
         
           But
           the
           Saints
           are
           spiritual
           in
           their
           Principles
           ,
           Objects
           and
           Ends.
           God
           is
           a
           pure
           Spirit
           ,
           and
           the
           more
           we
           are
           spiritualiz'd
           ,
           the
           more
           we
           partake
           of
           the
           Divine
           Nature
           ,
           and
           are
           pleasing
           in
           his
           sight
           .
           This
           discovers
           it self
           by
           our
           Esteem
           ,
           Affections
           and
           Conversations
           :
           When
           the
           Mind
           is
           purified
           from
           Carnal
           Prejudices
           and
           Passions
           ,
           then
           the
           beauty
           and
           goodness
           of
           God
           ,
           all
           his
           amiable
           excellencies
           ,
           appear
           ,
           and
           powerfully
           attract
           the
           Thoughts
           and
           Affections
           .
           The
           Christian
           that
           can
           say
           with
           the
           Spirit
           of
           
           the
           Psalmist
           ,
           
             Whom
             have
             I
             in
             Heaven
             but
             thee
             ,
             and
             there
             is
             none
             upon
             Earth
             I
             desire
             beside
             thee
          
           ;
           and
           in
           the
           Expression
           of
           the
           Church
           ,
           
             The
             Lord
             is
             my
             portion
             ,
             saith
             my
             Soul
             ,
          
           he
           is
           spiritually-minded
           .
           He
           places
           his
           Happiness
           in
           the
           Favour
           and
           Fruition
           of
           God
           :
           His
           temporal
           affairs
           are
           subordinate
           to
           his
           main
           design
           :
           He
           prosecutes
           with
           the
           greatest
           resolution
           ,
           diligence
           and
           delight
           ,
           his
           blessed
           End
           :
           He
           uses
           the
           World
           to
           enjoy
           God
           :
           Riches
           is
           principally
           valued
           by
           him
           ,
           as
           he
           sees
           God's
           Love
           in
           them
           ,
           and
           shews
           his
           Glory
           by
           them
           .
           Now
           't
           is
           an
           infallible
           Rule
           ,
           as
           we
           are
           affected
           towards
           God
           ,
           and
           those
           things
           that
           have
           the
           nearest
           resemblance
           to
           him
           ,
           accordingly
           we
           may
           judge
           of
           the
           degrees
           of
           our
           Spirituality
           .
        
         
           More
           particularly
           ,
        
         
           1.
           
           The
           Divine
           Law
           is
           a
           clear
           Glass
           ,
           wherein
           the
           Wisdom
           ,
           the
           Rectitude
           ,
           the
           Goodness
           and
           Holiness
           of
           God
           are
           evident
           ;
           and
           consequently
           according
           to
           our
           Valuations
           and
           Love
           to
           it
           ,
           there
           is
           a
           sure
           sign
           of
           a
           Divine
           Temper
           ,
           and
           its
           prevalency
           in
           the
           Soul.
           David
           ,
           the
           Man
           after
           God's
           own
           Heart
           ,
           declares
           it
           to
           be
           his
           
             incomparable
             Treasure
             ,
             his
             dearest
             Enjoyment
             :
          
           'T
           was
           the
           pleasing
           Object
           of
           his
           Mind
           and
           Will
           :
           
             'T
             was
             his
             meditation
             all
             the
             day
             .
          
           He
           expresses
           his
           Love
           to
           it
           
           in
           the
           highest
           degree
           ,
           by
           intimating
           't
           is
           inexpressible
           .
           
             Oh
             how
             I
             love
             thy
             Law
             !
             He
             loved
             it
             ,
             because
             't
             was
             pure
             .
          
           The
           Holiness
           of
           God
           so
           conspicuously
           shin'd
           in
           its
           Precepts
           ,
           that
           it
           was
           as
           strong
           an
           ingagement
           to
           his
           Affections
           ,
           as
           the
           Majesty
           of
           God
           by
           its
           Sanction
           ,
           oblig'd
           his
           Conscience
           to
           obey
           it
           .
        
         
           2.
           
           When
           the
           Worship
           of
           God
           ,
           in
           its
           purity
           and
           simplicity
           ,
           is
           the
           Object
           of
           our
           Esteem
           and
           Love
           ,
           't
           is
           the
           effect
           of
           a
           spiritual
           frame
           of
           Soul.
           During
           the
           Levitical
           Dispensation
           ,
           the
           Service
           of
           God
           was
           perform'd
           with
           Pomp
           and
           Lustre
           ,
           suitable
           to
           the
           Church
           in
           its
           minority
           ,
           when
           Faith
           did
           need
           the
           assistance
           of
           the
           Senses
           :
           But
           now
           the
           Church
           is
           come
           to
           mature
           Age
           ,
           and
           brought
           to
           nearer
           Communion
           with
           God
           ,
           the
           gaudy
           allurements
           of
           Sense
           are
           taken
           away
           .
           Men
           are
           naturally
           under
           the
           dominion
           of
           Sense
           ;
           of
           this
           there
           is
           the
           most
           clear
           and
           palpable
           Proof
           in
           the
           Heathen
           World
           ,
           that
           would
           rather
           worship
           visible
           Idols
           ,
           than
           the
           true
           invisible
           God.
           'T
           is
           a
           certain
           indication
           of
           Mens
           Carnal
           Minds
           ,
           that
           they
           are
           pleased
           with
           Carnal
           Service
           ,
           that
           lavishly
           runs
           out
           in
           Formalities
           ,
           which
           by
           sympathy
           works
           upon
           them
           .
           This
           affects
           the
           Eye
           ,
           and
           is
           far
           more
           easie
           than
           Spiritual
           inward
           Worship
           ,
           that
           issues
           from
           the
           strength
           of
           the
           
           Soul
           ,
           and
           is
           performed
           with
           attention
           and
           ardency
           .
           This
           is
           very
           disparaging
           to
           the
           Nature
           of
           God
           ;
           for
           it
           proceeds
           from
           the
           conceiving
           of
           him
           to
           be
           like
           themselves
           ,
           (
           who
           are
           not
           Heavenly
           and
           Spiritual
           )
           to
           be
           pleased
           with
           an
           Earthly
           Bodily
           Service
           .
           The
           introducing
           Theatrical
           Ceremonies
           into
           the
           Service
           of
           God
           ,
           is
           directly
           opposite
           to
           the
           simplicity
           of
           the
           Gospel
           .
           Whatever
           pretences
           are
           made
           ,
           that
           they
           set
           a
           gloss
           upon
           the
           plainness
           of
           Christian
           Worship
           ,
           and
           make
           it
           more
           amiable
           and
           venerable
           ,
           they
           are
           like
           the
           artificial
           Painting
           of
           natural
           Beauty
           ,
           that
           corrupts
           and
           does
           not
           commend
           it
           .
           The
           productions
           of
           Humane
           Minds
           are
           imperfect
           at
           first
           ,
           and
           are
           polish'd
           ,
           and
           arrive
           to
           perfection
           by
           degrees
           :
           But
           Divine
           Institutions
           are
           compleat
           in
           their
           kind
           at
           first
           ,
           and
           the
           more
           they
           recede
           from
           their
           original
           ,
           they
           lose
           of
           their
           purity
           and
           perfection
           .
           How
           acceptable
           those
           parts
           of
           Worship
           are
           ,
           (
           not
           chosen
           and
           commanded
           by
           God
           )
           we
           may
           clearly
           understand
           by
           considering
           ,
           that
           the
           enjoyning
           such
           new
           Rites
           ,
           is
           a
           tacit
           presumption
           that
           the
           Reason
           of
           Man
           knows
           better
           how
           God
           should
           be
           honour'd
           than
           himself
           does
           ;
           and
           how
           unprofitable
           they
           are
           to
           us
           ,
           is
           evident
           ;
           for
           being
           used
           without
           his
           Warrant
           and
           Promise
           ,
           we
           cannot
           expect
           the
           
           conveyance
           of
           his
           Grace
           ,
           and
           obtaining
           his
           Favour
           by
           them
           .
           Only
           Spiritual
           Religion
           ,
           the
           inward
           reality
           ,
           is
           of
           value
           in
           his
           esteem
           .
           When
           the
           Understanding
           is
           spiritually
           inlightened
           ,
           it
           esteems
           the
           simplicity
           of
           Gospel-worship
           to
           be
           its
           true
           Beauty
           :
           'T
           is
           like
           the
           nakedness
           of
           Paradise
           ,
           the
           indication
           of
           the
           unstained
           Purity
           of
           our
           first
           Parents
           in
           that
           state
           .
        
         
           'T
           is
           true
           ,
           in
           the
           Worship
           of
           God
           ,
           we
           are
           to
           glorifie
           him
           with
           our
           Bodies
           ,
           to
           behave
           our selves
           in
           such
           a
           manner
           ,
           as
           may
           express
           Reverence
           ,
           and
           excite
           Affection
           ;
           but
           the
           joining
           Humane
           Devices
           upon
           that
           pretence
           ,
           is
           the
           snare
           of
           Conscience
           ,
           and
           has
           been
           fatal
           to
           the
           Peace
           of
           the
           Church
           .
        
         
           3.
           
           The
           Mind
           ,
           when
           spiritually
           illuminated
           ,
           sees
           the
           true
           worth
           of
           the
           Saints
           ,
           though
           in
           an
           obscure
           condition
           ,
           and
           accordingly
           honours
           and
           loves
           them
           .
           'T
           is
           the
           character
           of
           one
           that
           
             shall
             dwell
          
           
           
             in
             the
             holy
             hill
             of
             God
             ,
             that
             in
             his
             Eyes
             a
             vile
             person
             is
             contemned
             ;
             but
             he
             honours
             them
             that
             fear
             the
             Lord.
          
           Carnal
           Men
           are
           struck
           with
           outward
           Splendour
           ,
           but
           inward
           Beauty
           is
           not
           within
           their
           prospect
           .
           They
           despise
           the
           holy
           ,
           who
           are
           poor
           and
           mean
           in
           their
           outward
           circumstances
           .
           But
           the
           Spiritual
           Man
           looks
           upon
           those
           who
           are
           lofty
           and
           lawless
           ,
           with
           Contempt
           ,
           as
           beneath
           Men
           ,
           in
           an
           
           ignominious
           bondage
           to
           their
           Lusts
           :
           But
           the
           godly
           ,
           who
           are
           dignified
           with
           the
           glorious
           Titles
           of
           the
           Saints
           ,
           and
           Sons
           of
           God
           ,
           are
           most
           precious
           and
           dear
           to
           him
           .
           It
           is
           easie
           to
           know
           a
           Picture
           well
           drawn
           ,
           if
           we
           are
           acquainted
           with
           the
           Person
           whom
           it
           represents
           :
           Those
           who
           know
           what
           Holiness
           is
           in
           God
           ,
           know
           what
           it
           is
           in
           Men.
           Holiness
           is
           the
           essential
           purity
           of
           his
           Nature
           ,
           whereby
           he
           is
           infinitely
           opposite
           to
           all
           Moral
           Evil.
           Accordingly
           ,
           those
           who
           are
           undefiled
           with
           sinful
           Evils
           ,
           are
           certainly
           his
           Children
           .
           David
           stiles
           them
           ,
           
             The
             excellent
             in
             whom
             is
             all
             his
             delight
             .
          
           It
           argues
           a
           clearer
           Spirit
           ,
           and
           more
           sacred
           Temper
           ,
           to
           discover
           the
           shining
           excellencies
           of
           the
           Saints
           ,
           notwithstanding
           their
           eclipse
           by
           the
           interposing
           medium
           of
           their
           Afflictions
           .
           The
           Apostle
           tells
           us
           of
           some
           
             that
             wandred
             in
             sheeps-skins
             and
             goats-skins
             ,
          
           
           
             being
             destitute
             ,
             afflicted
             ,
             tormented
             ,
             confined
             to
             dens
             and
             caves
             ,
             of
             whom
             the
             World
             was
             not
             worthy
             .
          
        
         
           The
           Divine
           Image
           is
           renewed
           in
           the
           Saints
           ,
           and
           shines
           in
           their
           Lives
           ,
           and
           makes
           them
           amiable
           in
           God's
           Eyes
           ,
           and
           so
           dear
           to
           him
           ,
           that
           he
           gives
           them
           in
           charge
           to
           the
           Angels
           ,
           
             the
             Armies
             of
             Light
          
           ,
           those
           bright
           and
           vigilant
           Guardians
           ,
           to
           secure
           them
           from
           Evil.
           They
           are
           
             glorious
             within
          
           ,
           tho'
           often
           disguised
           
           and
           shaded
           by
           Poverty
           ,
           and
           Afflictions
           .
           Without
           an
           internal
           Light
           their
           value
           is
           not
           known
           .
        
         
           3.
           
           To
           preserve
           an
           equal
           temper
           of
           Mind
           ,
           and
           tenor
           of
           Conversation
           ,
           in
           the
           various
           turns
           and
           changes
           of
           the
           present
           state
           ,
           argues
           an
           excellent
           degree
           of
           Holiness
           .
           The
           condition
           of
           Men
           in
           this
           World
           ,
           is
           like
           the
           Sea
           ,
           the
           Theatre
           of
           Inconstancy
           .
           Their
           Affections
           are
           like
           the
           Wind
           ,
           some
           are
           Turbid
           ,
           others
           Serene
           and
           Chearful
           ;
           some
           Warm
           and
           Comforting
           ,
           others
           Cold
           and
           Sharp
           ;
           some
           Placid
           and
           Gentle
           ,
           others
           Stormy
           and
           Furious
           ;
           and
           't
           is
           as
           difficult
           to
           regulate
           the
           Affections
           ,
           as
           to
           order
           those
           discordant
           Spirits
           in
           the
           Air.
           They
           are
           the
           most
           depraved
           Faculties
           in
           Man
           :
           there
           are
           some
           sparks
           of
           Light
           and
           Purity
           in
           the
           Natural
           Conscience
           ,
           but
           the
           Passions
           are
           the
           Fountains
           of
           Sin
           and
           Folly.
           By
           their
           unruly
           Insurrection
           ,
           the
           understanding
           is
           depos'd
           ,
           and
           Men
           are
           brought
           into
           a
           brutish
           Servitude
           .
           They
           are
           sometimes
           Jealous
           to
           Rage
           ,
           Sad
           to
           Despair
           ,
           Dead
           with
           Fear
           ,
           Drunk
           with
           Joy
           and
           fond
           Hopes
           of
           conceited
           Happiness
           .
           To
           free
           us
           from
           their
           Vanity
           and
           Tyranny
           ,
           is
           the
           most
           Noble
           effect
           of
           Grace
           .
        
         
         
           Now
           these
           dark
           Powers
           are
           never
           more
           unruly
           and
           turbulent
           ,
           than
           in
           the
           change
           of
           Conditions
           ,
           whether
           Prosperous
           or
           Calamitous
           .
           The
           observation
           of
           Hippocrates
           ,
           that
           the
           change
           of
           Seasons
           breeds
           Diseases
           in
           the
           Body
           ,
           is
           equally
           true
           in
           the
           change
           of
           Mens
           Conditions
           with
           respect
           to
           the
           distempers
           of
           the
           Mind
           :
           especially
           if
           two
           Circumstances
           are
           joyn'd
           ,
           that
           the
           Changes
           be
           great
           and
           sudden
           :
           as
           't
           is
           an
           insufferable
           violence
           to
           Nature
           to
           pass
           immediately
           from
           one
           Extreme
           to
           another
           .
           'T
           is
           argued
           on
           both
           sides
           whether
           sudden
           and
           great
           Calamities
           do
           more
           disorder
           the
           Mind
           by
           Despair
           ,
           or
           sudden
           and
           great
           Prosperity
           ,
           by
           vain
           Presumption
           .
           This
           may
           be
           said
           ,
           that
           Afflictions
           are
           more
           apt
           to
           restore
           Reason
           that
           was
           lost
           in
           Prosperity
           ,
           as
           is
           visible
           by
           frequent
           Experience
           :
           and
           in
           sudden
           Prosperity
           many
           have
           lost
           the
           Understanding
           they
           had
           in
           a
           low
           Condition
           .
        
         
           'T
           is
           a
           point
           of
           high
           and
           holy
           Wisdom
           ,
           little
           understood
           and
           less
           practis'd
           ,
           to
           manage
           Prosperity
           with
           Humility
           and
           Discretion
           ,
           and
           bear
           Adversity
           with
           Patience
           ,
           to
           possess
           the
           Soul
           ,
           and
           guide
           it
           by
           clear
           and
           steddy
           Rules
           becoming
           every
           Condition
           .
           St.
           Paul
           declares
           ,
           
             I
             have
          
           
           
           
             learn'd
             in
             whatsoever
             state
             I
             am
             ,
             to
             be
             content
             :
             I
             know
             how
             to
             be
             abased
             ,
             and
             I
             know
             how
             to
             abound
             :
             every
             where
             and
             in
             all
             things
             I
             am
             instructed
             both
             to
             be
             full
             and
             to
             be
             hungry
             ,
             both
             to
             abound
             ,
             and
             to
             suffer
             need
             .
          
           In
           Prosperity
           he
           was
           lowly
           and
           temperate
           ,
           ready
           to
           resign
           all
           at
           the
           first
           call
           of
           the
           Giver
           .
           In
           Adversity
           he
           was
           content
           ,
           as
           if
           he
           had
           a
           secret
           Treasure
           ,
           a
           conceal'd
           Fountain
           issuing
           from
           within
           ,
           he
           was
           Rich
           in
           his
           deep
           Poverty
           ;
           for
           't
           is
           not
           acquiring
           Possessions
           ,
           but
           the
           retrenching
           our
           Desires
           ,
           that
           makes
           us
           truly
           Rich.
           All
           the
           Gold
           and
           Silver
           of
           the
           West-Indies
           ,
           and
           the
           Pearls
           and
           Jewels
           of
           the
           East
           ,
           cannot
           truly
           enrich
           the
           Soul.
           This
           Lesson
           he
           had
           learnt
           in
           the
           School
           of
           Heaven
           ,
           and
           by
           Experience
           and
           Exercise
           made
           it
           Familiar
           to
           him
           ,
           as
           our
           Saviour
           
             learnt
             obedience
             by
             his
             Sufferings
          
           .
        
         
           This
           is
           a
           Duty
           as
           difficult
           as
           excellent
           :
           therefore
           a
           wise
           and
           holy
           Man
           either
           conscious
           of
           his
           own
           weakness
           ,
           or
           suspicious
           of
           his
           strength
           ,
           so
           earnestly
           deprecated
           
           the
           Extremes
           :
           
             Give
             me
             neither
             poverty
             nor
             riches
             ,
             feed
             me
             with
             food
             convenient
             for
             me
             ,
             lest
             I
             be
             full
             and
             deny
             thee
             ,
             and
             say
             ,
             who
             is
             the
             Lord
             ?
             Or
             lest
             I
             be
             poor
             and
             steal
             ,
             and
             take
             the
             name
             of
             the
             Lord
             in
             vain
             .
          
           He
           was
           not
           without
           doubt
           or
           
           danger
           ,
           lest
           he
           should
           be
           corrupted
           by
           Prosperity
           ,
           or
           foil'd
           by
           Adversity
           .
           There
           is
           great
           hazard
           in
           either
           ,
           but
           more
           in
           Fulness
           than
           in
           Want
           ,
           as
           was
           touch'd
           on
           before
           .
           He
           that
           rows
           in
           a
           Shallop
           near
           the
           shore
           ,
           needs
           not
           the
           Skill
           and
           Courage
           of
           a
           Pilot
           that
           directs
           a
           Ship
           through
           Tempestuous
           Seas
           ,
           and
           with
           his
           ill-govern'd
           Ship
           must
           sink
           to
           the
           bottom
           .
           The
           Temptations
           of
           Prosperity
           are
           more
           numerous
           :
           a
           swarm
           of
           Flyes
           come
           to
           sweet
           things
           :
           and
           are
           very
           grateful
           to
           the
           sensual
           Appetites
           :
           the
           Temptations
           of
           Adversity
           are
           troublesome
           and
           grievous
           ,
           and
           at
           their
           appearance
           Nature
           recoils
           from
           them
           :
           and
           accordingly
           the
           Tempter
           manages
           them
           :
           he
           insinuates
           into
           the
           Heart
           like
           a
           Serpent
           by
           Pleasures
           ,
           and
           transfuses
           his
           poison
           indiscernibly
           ,
           but
           like
           a
           Roaring
           Lion
           he
           pursues
           the
           Afflicted
           .
           Experience
           instructs
           us
           that
           many
           have
           made
           an
           easie
           forfeiture
           of
           their
           Integrity
           ,
           when
           Prosperous
           ,
           and
           in
           sharp
           Afflictions
           have
           been
           recover'd
           .
           But
           in
           heavy
           Calamities
           ,
           we
           are
           apt
           either
           to
           be
           fir'd
           with
           Discontent
           ,
           and
           constructively
           to
           dispute
           with
           God
           about
           the
           Righteousness
           of
           his
           proceedings
           :
           or
           to
           faint
           and
           languish
           by
           bleeding
           inwardly
           :
           Vexation
           and
           immoderate
           Sorrow
           hinder
           the
           free
           
           Exercise
           of
           Reason
           and
           Religion
           ,
           and
           Mens
           sufferings
           occasionally
           increase
           their
           sins
           .
           As
           when
           Physick
           does
           not
           work
           well
           ,
           it
           improves
           the
           Disease
           ,
           and
           brings
           Death
           more
           speedily
           and
           painfully
           .
        
         
           Now
           't
           is
           rare
           to
           a
           wonder
           to
           see
           a
           Person
           wisely
           to
           manage
           these
           wide
           extreams
           :
           and
           that
           there
           is
           not
           such
           a
           variation
           of
           Scenes
           in
           the
           Passions
           according
           to
           External
           accidents
           .
           If
           the
           Sun
           should
           make
           a
           search
           ,
           it
           would
           discover
           but
           few
           among
           the
           numberless
           number
           of
           Christians
           ,
           that
           enjoy
           prosperity
           without
           Insolence
           ,
           or
           suffer
           Adversity
           without
           Impatience
           ,
           or
           such
           dejection
           as
           exceeds
           the
           Rule
           of
           the
           Passions
           .
           To
           endure
           the
           burning
           Line
           and
           frozen
           Pole
           ,
           without
           distempering
           the
           Blood
           and
           Humours
           ,
           proceeds
           from
           a
           sound
           and
           firm
           Constitution
           .
           To
           receive
           no
           hurtful
           impressions
           by
           great
           changes
           of
           Condition
           ,
           discovers
           a
           habit
           of
           Excellent
           Grace
           and
           Vertue
           in
           the
           Soul.
           Thus
           when
           a
           Person
           retains
           an
           humble
           Mind
           with
           rising
           Honour
           ,
           when
           Affability
           ,
           Modesty
           and
           Condescension
           are
           joyn'd
           with
           Courtly
           Dignity
           ,
           't
           is
           the
           effect
           of
           great
           Vertue
           and
           Victory
           over
           the
           Natural
           Passions
           .
           'T
           is
           said
           by
           
           the
           
             Psalmist
             ,
             The
             Sun
             knows
             its
             going
             down
             :
          
           when
           arrived
           at
           the
           Meridian
           Circle
           ,
           and
           shining
           in
           his
           richest
           Beams
           ,
           the
           revolution
           is
           certain
           ,
           and
           he
           sets
           in
           the
           Evening
           .
           So
           when
           those
           who
           are
           in
           their
           highest
           elevation
           of
           Honour
           ,
           understand
           themselves
           ,
           and
           with
           sober
           and
           sad
           thoughts
           consider
           they
           must
           shortly
           decline
           ,
           and
           set
           in
           the
           dark
           Grave
           ,
           't
           is
           the
           effect
           of
           excellent
           Vertue
           .
           When
           those
           who
           from
           a
           mean
           Condition
           ,
           come
           to
           abound
           in
           Riches
           ,
           
             do
             not
             set
             their
             hearts
             on
             them
             ,
          
           remembering
           they
           often
           take
           Wings
           and
           fly
           to
           the
           Heavens
           ,
           and
           the
           Possessors
           must
           shortly
           fall
           to
           the
           Earth
           ,
           when
           they
           do
           not
           furnish
           provisions
           for
           their
           Lusts
           and
           Licentiousness
           ,
           but
           use
           them
           with
           discretion
           ,
           when
           they
           employ
           them
           for
           Sacred
           and
           Merciful
           Uses
           ,
           considering
           they
           are
           not
           Proprietors
           but
           Stewards
           ,
           when
           they
           consider
           their
           Receipts
           and
           Expences
           ,
           and
           the
           strict
           Account
           they
           must
           give
           of
           all
           ,
           this
           adorns
           the
           Gospel
           .
        
         
           And
           in
           the
           sudden
           Fall
           from
           a
           Prosperous
           ,
           into
           a
           Calamitous
           Condition
           ,
           when
           a
           Man
           looks
           upward
           to
           the
           Soveraign
           Disposer
           of
           all
           Events
           ,
           with
           meek
           Submission
           ,
           and
           resign
           themselves
           
           to
           the
           Will
           and
           Wisdom
           of
           God
           ▪
           whose
           end
           is
           to
           refine
           ,
           not
           consume
           them
           ,
           by
           a
           Fiery
           Trial
           :
           When
           they
           are
           more
           sollicitous
           to
           have
           their
           Affliction
           sanctified
           than
           removed
           ,
           and
           bless
           God
           for
           taking
           ,
           as
           well
           as
           giving
           his
           Benefits
           ;
           this
           is
           the
           effect
           of
           Excellent
           Grace
           ,
           and
           has
           a
           Rich
           Reward
           attending
           it
           .
        
      
       
         
         
           CHAP.
           XI
           .
        
         
           
             Strictness
             in
             judging
             our selves
             ,
             and
             Candour
             in
             judging
             others
             ,
             a
             sign
             of
             excellent
             Holiness
             .
             Preferring
             the
             Testimony
             of
             an
             unreproaching
             Conscience
             before
             the
             Praise
             of
             Men
             ,
             an
             Argument
             of
             excellent
             Grace
             .
             The
             serious
             performance
             of
             Religious
             Duties
             in
             secret
             ,
             a
             sign
             of
             a
             Heavenly
             Spirit
             .
             The
             forgiving
             Injuries
             ,
             and
             overcoming
             Evil
             with
             Good
             ,
             the
             effect
             of
             eminent
             Grace
             .
             The
             more
             receptive
             Persons
             are
             of
             Spiritual
             Admonition
             ,
             to
             prevent
             or
             recover
             them
             from
             Sin
             ,
             the
             more
             holy
             .
             The
             deliberate
             desire
             of
             Death
             ,
             that
             we
             may
             be
             perfectly
             holy
             ,
             argues
             an
             excellent
             degree
             of
             Holiness
             .
             Directions
             to
             follow
             Holiness
             in
             our
             early
             Age
             ,
             with
             Zeal
             ,
             with
             Alacrity
             ,
             and
             unfainting
             Perseverance
             .
             The
             Answer
             to
             Objections
             against
             striving
             after
             perfect
             Holiness
             .
             That
             't
             is
             impossible
             to
             obtain
             it
             .
             That
             thè
             Duty
             is
             extreamly
             difficult
             .
             That
             't
             is
             unnecessary
             .
             Other
             Arguments
             propounded
             to
             excite
             us
             to
             this
             Duty
             .
             The
             Gospel
             the
             perfect
             Rule
             of
             Holiness
             .
             Examples
             of
             Perfection
             to
             raise
             us
             to
             the
             best
             heigth
             .
             The
             Example
             of
             our
             Heavenly
             Father
             ,
             of
             our
             Redeemer
             ,
             of
             the
             Angels
             ,
             of
             excellent
             Saints
             ▪
             propounded
             .
             Our
             present
             
             Peace
             ,
             and
             future
             Glory
             ,
             are
             increased
             by
             our
             excelling
             in
             Holiness
             .
          
        
         
           4.
           
           TO
           be
           strict
           and
           severe
           in
           judging
           our selves
           ,
           to
           be
           can
           did
           and
           favourable
           to
           others
           ,
           argues
           a
           Man
           to
           be
           a
           proficient
           in
           practical
           Religion
           .
           The
           Divine
           Nature
           planted
           in
           the
           Saints
           ,
           is
           as
           contrary
           to
           Sin
           ,
           as
           Life
           is
           to
           Death
           ;
           and
           according
           as
           Grace
           is
           more
           lively
           in
           them
           ,
           there
           is
           a
           quicker
           perception
           ,
           a
           more
           feeling
           sense
           of
           Sin
           ,
           and
           a
           stronger
           detestation
           of
           it
           .
           For
           the
           clearer
           apprehensions
           we
           have
           of
           the
           Majesty
           and
           Purity
           of
           the
           Law-giver
           ,
           the
           more
           extensive
           understanding
           of
           the
           perfection
           of
           the
           Law
           ,
           the
           Rule
           of
           our
           Duty
           and
           Judgment
           ,
           the
           more
           intimate
           and
           exact
           inspection
           of
           our
           Hearts
           and
           Actions
           ,
           the
           more
           deeply
           we
           are
           affected
           with
           our
           Defects
           and
           Defilements
           .
           How
           does
           Agur
           (
           whose
           Wisdom
           and
           Holiness
           appears
           in
           his
           choice
           of
           a
           Mediocrity
           before
           Riches
           )
           vilifie
           himself
           ,
           
             Surely
             I
             am
             more
             brutish
             than
             any
             Man
             ,
             and
             have
             not
             the
             understanding
             of
             a
             Man
             ;
             I
             neither
             learned
             Wisdom
             ,
             nor
             have
             the
             Understanding
             of
             the
             holy
             .
          
           With
           what
           an
           emphasis
           does
           he
           express
           it
           ,
           
             Surely
             I
             have
             not
          
           :
           It
           was
           not
           a
           superficial
           acknowledgment
           ,
           but
           proceeded
           from
           the
           depth
           of
           his
           Soul.
           How
           does
           the
           Psalmist
           aggravate
           
           his
           being
           surpriz'd
           by
           a
           strong
           Temptation
           ?
           
             So
             foolish
             was
             I
             ,
             and
             so
             like
             a
             beast
             before
             thee
             .
          
           The
           Prophet
           Isaiah
           ,
           after
           his
           vision
           of
           God
           upon
           a
           high
           Throne
           ,
           and
           all
           the
           Sanctities
           of
           Heaven
           about
           him
           in
           a
           posture
           of
           Reverence
           ,
           how
           does
           he
           break
           forth
           in
           perplexity
           !
           Wo
           
           
             is
             me
             ,
             for
             I
             am
             a
             Man
             of
             unclean
             Lips
             ,
             and
             dwell
             with
             a
             people
             of
             unclean
             Lips
             ;
             for
             mine
             Eyes
             have
             seen
             the
             King
             ,
             the
             Lord
             of
             Hosts
             .
          
           St.
           Paul
           ,
           tho'
           the
           most
           exact
           observer
           and
           example
           of
           the
           Duty
           of
           Christians
           ,
           who
           never
           shed
           a
           Tear
           for
           his
           Sufferings
           ,
           how
           passionately
           does
           he
           complain
           of
           the
           reliques
           of
           Sin
           ?
           
             O
             wretched
             Man
             that
             I
             am
             ,
             who
             shall
             deliver
             me
             from
             this
             body
             of
             death
             ?
          
           A
           scratch
           in
           a
           piece
           of
           Canvas
           is
           hardly
           discovered
           ;
           but
           if
           a
           Picture
           be
           drawn
           upon
           it
           ,
           't
           is
           very
           visible
           .
           When
           the
           Image
           of
           God
           is
           drawn
           in
           the
           Soul
           ,
           the
           least
           Sins
           are
           observ'd
           .
        
         
           But
           with
           what
           allays
           does
           the
           Apostle
           speak
           of
           the
           fierce
           Zeal
           of
           the
           Jews
           ,
           against
           the
           Doctrine
           of
           the
           Gospel
           ,
           and
           the
           professors
           of
           it
           ?
           
             I
             bear
             them
             record
          
           ,
           
           
             they
             have
             a
             Zeal
             for
             God
             ,
             but
             not
             according
             to
             knowledge
             .
          
           He
           distinguishes
           between
           the
           sincerity
           of
           their
           Zeal
           ,
           and
           the
           error
           of
           it
           in
           the
           mistaken
           Object
           .
           But
           he
           detests
           his
           own
           persecuting
           the
           Church
           ,
           (
           though
           capable
           of
           the
           same
           
           allays
           ,
           )
           as
           Fury
           and
           Madness
           .
           If
           there
           be
           any
           mitigating
           Circumstance
           ,
           as
           involuntary
           Ignorance
           ,
           sudden
           Surprize
           ,
           or
           a
           strong
           Temptation
           ,
           (
           as
           in
           
           Peter's
           case
           ,
           his
           Mind
           was
           so
           intent
           upon
           avoiding
           the
           present
           danger
           ,
           that
           he
           did
           not
           consider
           his
           Duty
           to
           his
           Master
           ;
           and
           this
           qualified
           his
           Sin
           to
           be
           an
           Infirmity
           ,
           and
           not
           treacherous
           Infidelity
           )
           if
           there
           be
           no
           design'd
           depravedness
           ,
           and
           pestilent
           perverseness
           of
           Mind
           ,
           Charity
           will
           make
           an
           indulgent
           allowance
           for
           it
           .
           It
           is
           the
           inseparable
           property
           and
           excellency
           of
           that
           Grace
           ,
           
             It
             bears
             all
             things
             ,
             believes
             all
             things
             ,
             hopes
             all
             things
             ,
             endures
             all
             things
          
           ;
           so
           far
           as
           is
           consistent
           with
           Wisdom
           and
           Discretion
           .
           He
           that
           hates
           
           nothing
           in
           a
           Sinner
           but
           his
           Sin
           ,
           has
           made
           a
           good
           progress
           to
           perfection
           .
        
         
           There
           are
           many
           that
           dilate
           and
           disperse
           their
           sight
           to
           discover
           the
           faults
           of
           others
           ,
           but
           do
           not
           contract
           it
           to
           look
           inward
           ,
           and
           see
           their
           own
           .
           They
           are
           sharp
           in
           observing
           and
           aggravating
           other
           Mens
           Sins
           ,
           to
           be
           esteem'd
           zealous
           ;
           and
           sometimes
           Hypocrisie
           is
           spun
           so
           fine
           ,
           as
           to
           seem
           to
           be
           uncounterfeit
           Holiness
           :
           But
           they
           cannot
           conceal
           themselves
           from
           God
           and
           Conscience
           .
           The
           sincere
           Christian
           sees
           his
           own
           spots
           ,
           and
           the
           sense
           of
           them
           inclines
           him
           to
           be
           favourable
           to
           those
           
             who
             are
             overtaken
             with
             a
             fault
             .
          
           To
           
           overcome
           our
           own
           Passions
           ,
           and
           meekly
           to
           bear
           the
           Passions
           of
           others
           ,
           is
           the
           effect
           of
           victorious
           Grace
           .
           The
           deep
           shadow
           of
           Humility
           sets
           a
           lustre
           upon
           all
           other
           Graces
           ,
           and
           makes
           them
           amiable
           in
           God's
           sight
           .
        
         
           5.
           
           To
           prefer
           the
           testimony
           of
           an
           unreproaching
           Conscience
           in
           the
           sight
           of
           God
           ,
           before
           the
           esteem
           and
           praise
           of
           Men
           ,
           is
           an
           argument
           of
           excellent
           Grace
           .
           There
           are
           many
           whose
           Vertue
           had
           never
           appear'd
           so
           bright
           in
           publick
           view
           ,
           and
           gone
           so
           far
           ,
           had
           not
           Vanity
           attended
           it
           :
           For
           the
           relish
           of
           Praise
           they
           will
           do
           praise-worthy
           things
           .
           Their
           Goodness
           is
           defective
           in
           the
           principle
           ;
           and
           when
           the
           spring
           is
           down
           ,
           their
           Religion
           is
           at
           an
           end
           .
           Their
           Works
           appear
           in
           their
           true
           colours
           ,
           to
           the
           inlightened
           Conscience
           ;
           for
           no
           Man
           can
           deliberately
           deceive
           himself
           .
           Now
           in
           many
           Instances
           it
           is
           evident
           ,
           that
           the
           Judgment
           of
           God
           ,
           and
           of
           the
           World
           are
           opposite
           ;
           
             That
             which
             is
             highly
             esteemed
             among
             Men
             ,
             is
             abominable
             in
             God's
             sight
             ;
             and
             what
             is
             pleasing
             to
             God
             ,
             is
             despised
             by
             Men.
          
           Now
           when
           a
           person
           ,
           with
           Religious
           Constancy
           ,
           proceeds
           in
           the
           way
           of
           Holiness
           ,
           and
           of
           his
           universal
           Duty
           ,
           though
           he
           is
           exposed
           to
           the
           imputation
           of
           Folly
           ,
           and
           consequently
           the
           scorn
           of
           the
           World
           ,
           and
           will
           not
           neglect
           his
           Duty
           to
           preserve
           
           his
           Fame
           ,
           but
           fully
           and
           finally
           perseveres
           in
           his
           Obedience
           to
           God
           ,
           he
           is
           a
           confirm'd
           Saint
           :
           For
           't
           is
           evident
           ,
           he
           loves
           Goodness
           for
           its
           own
           sake
           ,
           without
           mercenary
           mixtures
           ;
           and
           despises
           all
           temporal
           respects
           that
           are
           inconsistent
           with
           it
           .
           The
           Apostle
           declares
           ,
           
             'T
             is
             a
             small
             thing
             with
             me
             to
             be
             judged
             by
             Man's
             judgment
             :
          
           His
           ambitious
           labour
           was
           to
           be
           accepted
           of
           the
           Lord
           ,
           whose
           favourable
           testimony
           of
           his
           fidelity
           ,
           would
           be
           his
           eternal
           honour
           ,
           before
           the
           glorious
           and
           immense
           Theatre
           of
           Angels
           and
           Men
           ,
           at
           the
           great
           day
           .
           He
           chose
           to
           be
           among
           God's
           treasures
           ,
           though
           despis'd
           as
           the
           off-scouring
           of
           the
           World.
           The
           inward
           testimony
           of
           Conscience
           ,
           which
           is
           the
           sweetest
           Friend
           or
           sorest
           Enemy
           ,
           is
           incomparably
           more
           valuable
           ,
           and
           to
           be
           preferr'd
           before
           all
           the
           painted
           air
           ,
           the
           vain
           applause
           of
           this
           World.
           'T
           was
           
           Job's
           resolution
           ,
           when
           his
           undiscerning
           and
           severe
           ▪
           Friends
           tax'd
           him
           for
           Hypocrisie
           ,
           
             My
             heart
             shall
             not
             reproach
             me
             so
             long
             as
             I
             live
             .
          
           There
           is
           such
           a
           convincing
           evidence
           of
           this
           Rule
           to
           judge
           Men
           by
           ,
           that
           the
           Roman
           Philosopher
           says
           ,
           
             Whoever
             despises
             the
             Fame
             and
             Reputation
          
           
           
             of
             a
             good
             Man
             ,
             to
             preserve
             his
             Conscience
             inviolate
             ,
             has
             attain'd
             to
             an
             heroick
             degree
             of
             Goodness
             .
          
        
         
         
           6.
           
           The
           serious
           ,
           constant
           and
           delightful
           performance
           of
           Religious
           Duties
           in
           secret
           ,
           is
           a
           sure
           testimony
           of
           a
           holy
           and
           heavenly
           Spirit
           .
           The
           Duties
           of
           Prayer
           and
           Praise
           in
           society
           ,
           are
           perform'd
           many
           times
           from
           custom
           ,
           and
           false
           respects
           to
           the
           eyes
           of
           Men
           ;
           and
           are
           fashional
           without
           the
           exercise
           of
           holy
           Affections
           ,
           the
           life
           of
           those
           Duties
           .
           Our
           Saviour
           tells
           us
           ,
           
             That
             the
             light
             of
             the
             Body
             is
             the
             Eye
             ,
             if
             thine
             Eye
             be
             evil
             ,
             thy
             whole
             Body
             is
             full
             of
             darkness
             :
          
           Without
           purity
           of
           Intention
           ,
           our
           Religion
           ,
           tho'
           varnish'd
           with
           a
           specious
           appearance
           ,
           is
           vain
           .
           But
           the
           exercise
           of
           Religion
           conceal'd
           from
           publick
           view
           ,
           is
           not
           lyable
           to
           the
           temptations
           of
           Vanity
           .
           Our
           Saviour
           commands
           us
           to
           
             pray
             in
             secret
             ,
             and
             ●e
             that
             sees
             in
             secret
             ,
             shall
             reward
             us
             openly
             .
          
           The
           secrecy
           contributes
           to
           the
           free
           exercise
           of
           holy
           Affections
           in
           that
           Duty
           .
           The
           Prophet
           Jeremy
           tells
           the
           obstinate
           
             Jews
             ,
             If
          
           
           
             ye
             will
             not
             hear
             ,
             my
             Soul
             shall
             weep
             in
             secret
             places
             for
             your
             Pride
             ,
             and
             mine
             Eye
             shall
             weep
             sore
             ,
             and
             run
             down
             with
             tears
             ,
             because
             the
             Lord's
             flock
             is
             carried
             away
             into
             captivity
             .
          
           His
           Sorrow
           was
           not
           counterfeit
           or
           shallow
           ,
           but
           Eyes
           and
           Heart
           were
           engaged
           ;
           the
           privacy
           contributed
           to
           the
           measure
           .
        
         
           'T
           is
           true
           ,
           there
           may
           be
           formality
           in
           secret
           Duties
           ;
           a
           Prayer
           may
           be
           repeated
           
           in
           the
           Closet
           without
           reverence
           and
           solemnity
           ,
           without
           a
           holy
           heat
           of
           desires
           ,
           as
           if
           the
           bodily
           service
           were
           accepted
           :
           But
           such
           Worship
           ,
           instead
           of
           propitiating
           God
           ,
           provokes
           his
           displeasure
           .
           Heaven
           is
           brass
           to
           all
           cold
           Petitioners
           ,
           their
           Prayers
           cannot
           pierce
           through
           it
           .
           'T
           is
           observable
           ,
           that
           secrecy
           is
           a
           counsellor
           and
           incentive
           to
           a
           vicious
           person
           to
           do
           Evil
           :
           He
           chooses
           the
           silent
           and
           dark
           night
           as
           the
           fittest
           season
           :
           When
           he
           is
           secure
           no
           ray
           of
           Light
           can
           discover
           what
           is
           done
           ,
           he
           is
           effectually
           tempted
           to
           satisfie
           his
           Lusts.
           On
           the
           contrary
           ,
           a
           real
           Saint
           chooses
           to
           serve
           God
           in
           secret
           ;
           for
           then
           he
           glorifies
           him
           as
           God
           ,
           the
           Inspector
           and
           Judge
           of
           the
           Heart
           ,
           and
           the
           privacy
           of
           his
           Worship
           ,
           is
           to
           Conscience
           an
           evidence
           of
           his
           Sincerity
           ,
           and
           of
           an
           excellent
           degree
           of
           Grace
           .
           Constancy
           is
           requisite
           in
           the
           performance
           of
           Religious
           Duties
           in
           secret
           .
           Many
           when
           they
           feel
           present
           Pain
           ,
           or
           fear
           imminent
           Dangers
           ,
           will
           address
           their
           Requests
           to
           God
           in
           secret
           ;
           but
           when
           freed
           from
           Trouble
           ,
           they
           neglect
           their
           Duty
           .
           But
           Prayer
           is
           a
           Duty
           of
           daily
           revolution
           ;
           the
           Natural
           Life
           may
           be
           as
           well
           preserved
           without
           Breathing
           ,
           as
           the
           Spiritual
           without
           Prayer
           .
           And
           since
           we
           have
           always
           peculiar
           Wants
           ,
           and
           are
           often
           surprised
           with
           new
           Necessities
           ,
           which
           are
           not
           fit
           
           to
           be
           discover'd
           to
           others
           ,
           we
           should
           esteem
           the
           Precept
           to
           be
           our
           Priviledge
           ,
           to
           present
           our selves
           to
           our
           Heavenly
           Father
           ,
           and
           to
           pour
           forth
           our
           Souls
           into
           his
           Bosom
           ,
           with
           an
           Assurance
           of
           his
           gracious
           hearing
           our
           Request
           .
        
         
           Some
           by
           the
           Constraint
           of
           Natural
           Conscience
           dare
           not
           omit
           secret
           Devotion
           :
           but
           they
           are
           brought
           to
           it
           as
           a
           troublesome
           task
           ,
           and
           are
           glad
           when
           't
           is
           done
           .
           These
           are
           in
           the
           state
           of
           Carnal
           Nature
           .
           But
           when
           there
           is
           a
           Sympathy
           between
           the
           Heart
           and
           the
           Duty
           ,
           and
           the
           sweetness
           of
           Paradise
           is
           tasted
           in
           Communion
           with
           God
           ,
           't
           is
           an
           evidence
           the
           Divine
           Nature
           is
           prevalent
           .
           Those
           happy
           Souls
           are
           in
           Heaven
           already
           :
           for
           in
           Heaven
           there
           is
           an
           Everlasting
           tenor
           of
           serving
           and
           praising
           God.
           In
           short
           ,
           Internal
           Religion
           is
           the
           immediate
           and
           unfeigned
           issue
           of
           the
           Soul
           ,
           
             whose
             praise
             is
             not
             of
             men
          
           ;
           that
           cannot
           by
           their
           most
           searching
           Sight
           dive
           into
           the
           Heart
           ,
           but
           of
           God
           ,
           who
           is
           the
           maker
           and
           searcher
           of
           the
           Heart
           .
           Briefly
           as
           between
           Friends
           ,
           Conversation
           increases
           Love
           ,
           and
           Love
           increases
           Conversation
           ,
           so
           between
           God
           and
           a
           Saint
           ,
           Communion
           increases
           Love
           ,
           and
           Love
           Communion
           .
        
         
           7.
           
           To
           forgive
           Injuries
           ,
           and
           
             overcome
             Evil
             with
             Good
          
           ,
           discovers
           a
           Christian
           to
           be
           divinely
           Excellent
           .
           Love
           is
           the
           
           brightest
           Beam
           of
           the
           divine
           Beauty
           ,
           wherein
           God
           doth
           most
           delight
           and
           excel
           .
           The
           returning
           good
           for
           evil
           is
           the
           noblest
           effect
           of
           Love
           ,
           wherein
           our
           nearest
           resemblance
           of
           God
           consists
           .
           We
           have
           the
           Example
           of
           it
           in
           the
           highest
           degree
           of
           Perfection
           in
           our
           Suffering
           Saviour
           .
           If
           ever
           any
           one
           had
           a
           right
           to
           Revenge
           Injuries
           ,
           our
           Saviour
           had
           .
           His
           Innocence
           was
           entire
           ,
           nay
           ,
           his
           beneficent
           Goodness
           to
           his
           Enemy
           ,
           was
           infinitely
           obliging
           :
           the
           Miseries
           he
           suffer'd
           were
           Extreme
           ,
           a
           Death
           equally
           Ignominious
           and
           Cruel
           :
           the
           Dignity
           of
           his
           Person
           was
           truly
           Infinite
           ..
           Yet
           in
           the
           extremity
           of
           his
           Sufferings
           ,
           when
           the
           sense
           of
           Injuries
           is
           most
           quick
           and
           exasperating
           ,
           in
           the
           midst
           of
           their
           scornful
           Insultings
           ,
           he
           earnestly
           prayed
           for
           their
           Pardon
           ;
           
             Father
             forgive
             them
             ,
             they
             know
          
           
           
             not
             what
             they
             do
          
           .
           He
           might
           have
           call'd
           upon
           the
           righteous
           Judge
           of
           the
           World
           ,
           the
           Revenger
           of
           opprest
           Innocence
           ,
           to
           have
           destroyed
           them
           by
           Fire
           from
           Heaven
           :
           but
           he
           Addresses
           his
           request
           by
           that
           Title
           that
           was
           most
           endearing
           him
           to
           God
           ,
           
             Father
             forgive
             them
          
           ,
           't
           is
           the
           desire
           of
           thy
           Son
           ,
           dying
           in
           Obedience
           to
           thy
           Will
           ,
           
             they
             know
             not
             the
             greatness
             of
             their
             guilt
             .
          
           Now
           the
           more
           we
           are
           conform'd
           to
           our
           meek
           and
           forgiving
           Saviour
           ,
           the
           more
           we
           approach
           to
           Perfection
           .
           
           And
           the
           more
           the
           Corrupt
           Nature
           in
           us
           is
           provokt
           and
           fierce
           upon
           Revenge
           ,
           the
           doing
           Good
           for
           Evil
           is
           the
           more
           sure
           proof
           of
           excellent
           Vertue
           and
           clear
           Victory
           over
           our selves
           .
        
         
           8.
           
           The
           more
           receptive
           persons
           are
           of
           Spiritual
           Counsel
           and
           Admonition
           ,
           for
           the
           preventing
           or
           recovery
           from
           Sin
           ,
           they
           are
           the
           more
           Holy.
           'T
           is
           
           David's
           desire
           ,
           
             Let
             the
             righteous
             smite
             me
             ,
             it
             shall
          
           
           
             be
             a
             kindness
             ,
             and
             let
             him
             reprove
             me
             ,
             it
             shall
             be
             an
             excellent
             oil
             which
             shall
             not
             break
             my
             head
             .
          
           There
           is
           no
           Counsel
           so
           truly
           valuable
           ,
           as
           that
           which
           proceeds
           from
           Wisdom
           and
           Love
           in
           matters
           of
           Importance
           .
           If
           a
           Friend
           discovers
           by
           indications
           and
           symptoms
           ,
           a
           disease
           that
           insensibly
           has
           seiz'd
           on
           us
           ,
           does
           not
           his
           compassionate
           Advice
           endear
           him
           to
           us
           ?
           How
           much
           rather
           should
           we
           meekly
           and
           thankfully
           receive
           a
           prudent
           and
           seasonable
           reproof
           of
           a
           Spiritual
           Friend
           ,
           for
           the
           healing
           our
           Souls
           ,
           whose
           Diseases
           are
           far
           more
           dangerous
           ,
           and
           less
           discernable
           than
           those
           of
           the
           Body
           .
           'T
           is
           the
           most
           sacred
           and
           beneficial
           Office
           of
           Friendship
           ,
           and
           like
           the
           Compassionate
           Love
           of
           the
           Angel
           to
           Lot
           ,
           in
           leading
           him
           out
           of
           Sodom
           .
           And
           as
           the
           most
           Excellent
           Metal
           Gold
           ,
           is
           most
           pliant
           and
           easily
           wrought
           on
           ,
           so
           the
           most
           Excellent
           Tempers
           are
           most
           receptive
           of
           holy
           Counsels
           .
        
         
         
           Yet
           the
           Natural
           Man
           is
           very
           averse
           from
           a
           meek
           submission
           to
           reproof
           for
           Sin.
           A
           vicious
           Self-love
           ,
           of
           which
           Pride
           is
           the
           production
           ,
           makes
           us
           to
           overvalue
           our
           Reputation
           :
           now
           to
           reprove
           ,
           implies
           a
           Superiority
           ,
           which
           occasions
           Impatience
           and
           Disdain
           .
           Though
           the
           Duty
           be
           perform'd
           with
           Prudence
           and
           Tenderness
           ,
           and
           respective
           Modesty
           ,
           yet
           't
           is
           usually
           very
           unacceptable
           .
           Men
           will
           excuse
           and
           extenuate
           ,
           and
           sometimes
           defend
           their
           Sins
           ;
           nay
           ,
           sometimes
           recoil
           with
           Indignation
           upon
           a
           faithful
           Reprover
           .
           'T
           is
           as
           dangerous
           to
           give
           an
           Admonition
           to
           some
           proud
           Spirits
           ,
           as
           't
           is
           to
           take
           a
           Thorn
           out
           of
           a
           Lions
           Foot.
           'T
           is
           therefore
           evident
           ,
           that
           when
           a
           just
           Reproof
           is
           receiv'd
           with
           Meekness
           and
           Acceptance
           ,
           there
           is
           a
           great
           Love
           of
           Holiness
           ,
           as
           when
           one
           takes
           a
           very
           unpleasant
           Medicine
           ,
           it
           argues
           an
           earnest
           desire
           of
           Health
           .
           He
           is
           an
           Excellent
           Saint
           ,
           that
           when
           Conscience
           has
           not
           by
           its
           directive
           Office
           prevented
           his
           Falling
           into
           Sin
           ,
           and
           a
           sincere
           Friend
           endeavors
           to
           restore
           him
           ,
           is
           not
           angry
           at
           the
           Reproof
           ,
           but
           sorry
           he
           deserves
           it
           .
        
         
           Lastly
           ,
           The
           deliberate
           desire
           of
           Death
           ,
           that
           we
           may
           arrive
           at
           the
           state
           of
           perfect
           Holiness
           ,
           is
           the
           effect
           of
           excellent
           Grace
           .
           There
           is
           no
           desire
           more
           natural
           
           and
           strong
           ,
           than
           of
           the
           enjoyment
           and
           continuance
           of
           Life
           :
           There
           is
           no
           fear
           more
           insuperable
           ,
           than
           of
           certain
           and
           inevitable
           Death
           .
           Those
           who
           do
           not
           fear
           it
           at
           a
           distance
           ,
           are
           struck
           with
           Terrors
           at
           the
           aspect
           and
           approaches
           of
           it
           .
           Carnal
           Men
           ,
           whose
           Heaven
           is
           here
           ,
           at
           the
           fearful
           apprehensions
           and
           foresight
           of
           it
           ,
           are
           ready
           to
           sink
           into
           Despair
           .
           Nay
           ,
           holy
           Men
           ,
           who
           have
           the
           prospect
           of
           Coelestial
           Happiness
           beyond
           Death
           ,
           and
           believe
           that
           the
           pangs
           of
           Death
           are
           throws
           for
           their
           deliverance
           to
           Eternal
           Life
           ,
           are
           apt
           to
           shrink
           at
           the
           thoughts
           of
           their
           Dissolution
           .
           If
           the
           change
           from
           an
           earthly
           to
           a
           heavenly
           state
           ,
           were
           not
           by
           our
           
             being
             uncloth'd
          
           ,
           but
           
             to
             be
             cloth'd
             upon
             with
             Glory
             ,
          
           (
           which
           St.
           Paul
           declares
           to
           be
           the
           desire
           of
           Nature
           )
           the
           hopes
           of
           seeing
           Christ
           in
           his
           Glory
           ,
           and
           being
           transformed
           into
           his
           Likeness
           ,
           would
           so
           inflame
           their
           Affections
           ,
           that
           they
           would
           be
           impatient
           of
           being
           absent
           from
           him
           .
           But
           the
           necessity
           of
           dying
           ,
           that
           we
           may
           ascend
           into
           his
           reviving
           presence
           ,
           is
           so
           bitter
           ,
           that
           Divine
           Grace
           is
           requisite
           to
           induce
           us
           to
           consent
           to
           it
           .
           St.
           Peter
           was
           an
           ardent
           lover
           of
           Christ
           ,
           and
           appeals
           to
           our
           Saviour's
           omnisciency
           for
           a
           testimony
           of
           it
           ,
           
             Lord
             ,
             thou
             that
             knowest
             all
             things
             ,
             knowest
             that
             I
             love
             thee
          
           ;
           yet
           our
           Saviour
           immediately
           tells
           him
           ,
           When
           
           
             thou
             shalt
             be
             old
             thou
             shalt
             stretch
             out
             thy
             hands
             ,
             and
             another
             shall
             carry
             thee
             where
             thou
             wouldst
             not
             ,
          
           signifying
           his
           Death
           .
           The
           circumstance
           ,
           
             when
             thou
             ar●
             old
          
           ,
           implies
           an
           unwillingness
           to
           dye
           ,
           when
           the
           natural
           term
           of
           Life
           was
           near
           expiring
           .
           Yet
           Peter
           had
           been
           a
           spectator
           of
           our
           Saviour's
           glorious
           Transfiguration
           ,
           and
           of
           his
           triumphant
           Ascent
           to
           Heaven
           from
           Mount
           Olivet
           .
           The
           best
           of
           us
           have
           reason
           to
           joyn
           in
           the
           language
           and
           desire
           of
           the
           Spouse
           ,
           
             Draw
             us
             to
             thy
             blessed
             presence
             ,
             and
             we
             will
             run
             after
             thee
             :
          
           So
           strong
           is
           the
           band
           of
           natural
           Love
           ,
           that
           fastens
           the
           Soul
           and
           Body
           ,
           and
           such
           a
           reluctancy
           there
           is
           against
           a
           Dissolution
           .
           But
           St.
           Paul
           declares
           ,
           
             I
             desire
             to
             be
             dissolved
             ,
             and
             to
             be
             with
             Christ
             ,
             which
             is
             far
             better
             :
          
           He
           was
           contented
           to
           live
           for
           the
           Service
           of
           Christ
           ,
           but
           desirous
           to
           dye
           to
           enjoy
           his
           Presence
           in
           the
           Sanctuary
           of
           Life
           above
           .
           This
           was
           his
           fixed
           and
           unsatisfied
           desire
           .
           How
           few
           are
           arriv'd
           to
           such
           a
           heigth
           of
           Spirituality
           ?
           This
           desire
           is
           the
           fruit
           of
           Faith
           ,
           with
           respect
           to
           the
           Reality
           and
           Glory
           of
           the
           Eternal
           State
           ,
           and
           our
           interest
           in
           it
           .
           According
           as
           the
           revelation
           of
           the
           invisible
           Kingdom
           is
           in
           our
           Minds
           ,
           such
           is
           its
           attractive
           power
           in
           our
           Hearts
           .
           'T
           is
           the
           effect
           of
           Divine
           Love
           in
           a
           degree
           of
           eminence
           .
           To
           vanquish
           the
           Terrors
           of
           
           Death
           ,
           that
           are
           insuperable
           to
           Humane
           Resolutions
           ,
           and
           with
           a
           clear
           and
           chearful
           Spirit
           to
           leave
           the
           Body
           in
           the
           Grave
           ,
           that
           we
           may
           for
           ever
           be
           freed
           from
           Sin
           ,
           and
           made
           like
           to
           Christ
           in
           Purity
           and
           Glory
           ,
           is
           the
           effect
           of
           Love
           stronger
           than
           Death
           .
        
         
           2.
           
           Use
           ,
           is
           to
           excite
           us
           to
           
             follow
             Holiness
          
           ;
           to
           make
           it
           the
           great
           design
           ,
           study
           and
           endeavour
           of
           our
           Lives
           
             to
             grow
             in
             Grace
          
           .
           'T
           is
           true
           ,
           the
           beginning
           ,
           the
           prosecution
           ,
           and
           perfection
           of
           Holiness
           is
           from
           God
           ;
           but
           't
           is
           by
           the
           subordinate
           concurrence
           of
           the
           renewed
           Mind
           and
           Will
           ,
           the
           leading
           Faculties
           ,
           that
           we
           are
           advancing
           towards
           Perfection
           .
           God
           gives
           Vertue
           to
           the
           Seeds
           ,
           Temper
           to
           the
           Seasons
           ,
           and
           Form
           to
           the
           Fruits
           ;
           but
           Men
           are
           to
           plant
           and
           water
           the
           Fruits
           of
           the
           Earth
           .
           Without
           God
           our
           Endeavours
           are
           weak
           and
           ineffectual
           ,
           but
           by
           his
           Blessing
           are
           successful
           .
           I
           will
           first
           set
           down
           Directions
           how
           we
           should
           follow
           Holiness
           :
           Secondly
           ,
           Answer
           the
           Carnal
           Allegations
           against
           our
           striving
           after
           Perfection
           :
           Thirdly
           ,
           Proceed
           to
           add
           other
           Motives
           to
           enforce
           the
           Duty
           :
           Fourthly
           ,
           Propound
           the
           Means
           that
           may
           be
           effectual
           for
           this
           excellent
           End.
           
        
         
           1.
           
           We
           must
           in
           our
           early
           Age
           follow
           Holiness
           .
           Men
           commonly
           deceive
           Conscience
           ,
           
           and
           elude
           their
           Duty
           by
           delays
           :
           They
           are
           unwilling
           to
           be
           holy
           too
           soon
           ,
           and
           in
           an
           excellent
           degree
           :
           They
           presume
           there
           will
           be
           time
           enough
           hereafter
           for
           to
           reform
           themselves
           ;
           after
           their
           Voluptuous
           Affections
           are
           satisfied
           ,
           after
           their
           Worldly
           Acquisitions
           ,
           they
           will
           forsake
           their
           Sins
           ,
           and
           become
           holy
           .
           But
           this
           is
           unaccountable
           Folly
           ,
           rather
           a
           Delirium
           than
           Discourse
           .
           There
           are
           innumerable
           Contradictions
           ,
           of
           which
           the
           Lives
           of
           Men
           are
           compounded
           ;
           they
           complain
           as
           if
           Time
           were
           intolerably
           short
           ,
           and
           waste
           it
           as
           if
           it
           were
           intolerably
           long
           :
           They
           use
           all
           Arts
           ,
           that
           Months
           may
           seem
           as
           Hours
           ,
           and
           Years
           pass
           as
           Days
           .
           But
           in
           no
           Instance
           is
           this
           Folly
           more
           visible
           ,
           than
           in
           neglecting
           the
           
             working
             out
             their
             own
             Salvation
          
           ,
           till
           Time
           and
           Grace
           are
           past
           ,
           when
           no
           person
           can
           assure
           himself
           of
           the
           next
           Minute
           :
           They
           presume
           upon
           such
           a
           remote
           possibility
           ,
           that
           after
           the
           best
           of
           their
           days
           are
           spent
           in
           the
           Vanities
           and
           Business
           of
           the
           World
           ,
           there
           will
           be
           time
           to
           
             do
             the
             one
             thing
             necessary
          
           .
           How
           many
           are
           dispatch'd
           to
           the
           Grave
           and
           Hell
           in
           the
           midst
           of
           their
           hopes
           of
           long
           Life
           ,
           and
           their
           resolutions
           of
           future
           Repentance
           ?
           Death
           often
           steals
           upon
           Men
           unobserv'd
           ,
           and
           sometimes
           unfelt
           .
           Now
           since
           Time
           is
           so
           short
           and
           slippery
           ,
           and
           
           Life
           is
           dying
           every
           day
           ,
           it
           is
           astonishing
           that
           so
           many
           are
           careless
           of
           securing
           future
           Blessedness
           .
        
         
           But
           suppose
           their
           Time
           is
           lengthened
           out
           ,
           how
           is
           the
           difficulty
           increas'd
           of
           their
           being
           renewed
           ,
           and
           reformed
           in
           their
           Hearts
           and
           Conversations
           ?
           The
           natural
           vicious
           Inclinations
           by
           custom
           in
           Sin
           are
           confirm'd
           Habits
           ;
           their
           Passions
           are
           more
           violent
           ,
           the
           power
           and
           liberty
           of
           the
           Mind
           is
           broken
           ,
           and
           cannot
           reduce
           them
           under
           the
           empire
           of
           Reason
           .
           Men
           think
           there
           will
           be
           an
           ebbing
           and
           retiring
           of
           their
           Carnal
           Affections
           in
           Age
           ,
           when
           the
           sensitive
           Faculties
           are
           disabled
           from
           the
           gross
           acts
           of
           Sin
           ;
           but
           vicious
           desires
           are
           not
           cur'd
           by
           Impotence
           .
           The
           love
           to
           Sin
           increases
           by
           the
           repeated
           pleasure
           of
           it
           :
           
             Can
             the
             Aethiopian
             change
             his
             skin
             ,
             or
             the
             Leopard
             his
             spots
             ,
             then
             may
             ye
             that
             are
             accustomed
             to
             do
             evil
             ,
             do
             well
             .
          
           By
           Custom
           Mens
           Lusts
           are
           more
           rebellious
           to
           Reason
           ,
           more
           untractable
           to
           Discipline
           ,
           more
           a
           verse
           from
           holy
           Counsel
           .
        
         
           The
           good
           or
           the
           evil
           Habits
           of
           one
           Age
           ,
           are
           with
           their
           Vertues
           and
           Vices
           transfus'd
           to
           the
           next
           .
           'T
           is
           extraordinary
           when
           an
           evil
           Child
           becomes
           a
           sober
           modest
           Youth
           ,
           or
           a
           dissolute
           Youth
           becomes
           a
           religious
           Man.
           Childhood
           is
           as
           the
           Seed
           ,
           in
           whose
           Vertue
           the
           Tree
           of
           
           Life
           is
           contain'd
           .
           The
           Characters
           that
           are
           cut
           in
           the
           Bark
           ,
           when
           the
           Tree
           grows
           ,
           deeply
           and
           visibly
           remain
           .
           'T
           is
           as
           painful
           as
           Death
           ,
           to
           change
           a
           sinful
           Life
           of
           many
           Years
           ,
           and
           begin
           a
           contrary
           course
           of
           Actions
           .
           There
           are
           two
           branches
           of
           Folly
           visible
           in
           the
           World
           ,
           Men
           will
           not
           do
           when
           they
           can
           ,
           and
           afterwards
           cannot
           do
           when
           they
           would
           .
        
         
           Besides
           ,
           the
           Holy
           Spirit
           is
           griev'd
           and
           quench'd
           by
           their
           resisting
           his
           pure
           motions
           ;
           and
           if
           he
           be
           withdrawn
           ,
           't
           is
           impossible
           they
           should
           be
           renewed
           by
           a
           serious
           Repentance
           .
           'T
           is
           as
           reasonable
           to
           expect
           ,
           that
           the
           Sun
           should
           cross
           the
           order
           of
           Nature
           ,
           and
           rise
           in
           the
           West
           ,
           as
           that
           the
           
             Sun
             of
             Righteousness
             should
             arise
             with
             healing
             in
             his
             wings
             ,
          
           upon
           an
           habitual
           obstinate
           Sinner
           in
           the
           hour
           of
           Death
           .
           They
           are
           usually
           left
           to
           hardness
           and
           stupidity
           ,
           to
           presumption
           or
           to
           despair
           .
           Some
           are
           as
           insensible
           ;
           some
           presume
           to
           obtain
           an
           easie
           entrance
           into
           the
           Kingdom
           of
           Life
           ,
           and
           their
           disappointment
           exceedingly
           exasperates
           their
           sad
           exclusion
           ;
           others
           who
           were
           fearless
           of
           the
           last
           Enemy
           when
           afar
           of
           ,
           in
           his
           approaches
           ,
           they
           remember
           what
           they
           have
           been
           ,
           and
           apprehend
           what
           they
           must
           be
           without
           a
           miraculous
           change
           ;
           and
           Conscience
           ,
           like
           a
           Pulse
           ,
           beats
           quick
           and
           faint
           ,
           the
           prognostick
           of
           Eternal
           
           Death
           .
           The
           Consideration
           ,
           
             they
             are
             come
             to
             the
             end
             of
             their
             days
             ,
             and
             shall
             lose
             the
             end
             of
             their
             desires
             and
             hopes
             ,
          
           Eternal
           Happiness
           ,
           cuts
           them
           more
           terribly
           than
           the
           pangs
           of
           Death
           .
           The
           reflection
           on
           their
           wasting
           the
           treasure
           of
           Time
           ,
           without
           any
           improvement
           for
           their
           Souls
           ,
           is
           a
           pricking
           thorn
           in
           their
           Eyes
           ,
           and
           forces
           out
           just
           but
           unprofitable
           tears
           .
           How
           doleful
           is
           the
           separation
           of
           Soul
           and
           Body
           here
           ,
           and
           how
           woful
           will
           their
           union
           be
           at
           the
           last
           day
           ?
           
             O
             that
             Men
             were
             wise
             to
             consider
             their
             latter
             end
             ,
          
           that
           they
           would
           call
           Death
           to
           counsel
           ;
           with
           what
           evidence
           and
           efficacy
           would
           it
           convince
           them
           of
           the
           necessity
           of
           a
           timely
           preparation
           for
           Eternity
           ?
           'T
           is
           too
           late
           to
           go
           to
           buy
           Oyl
           ,
           when
           the
           Bridegroom
           is
           coming
           .
        
         
           2.
           
           Let
           us
           follow
           Holiness
           zealously
           .
           Desires
           without
           consequent
           Endeavours
           ,
           are
           pretences
           ;
           ineffectual
           Resolutions
           contradict
           themselves
           .
           What
           fire
           ,
           vigour
           ,
           and
           activity
           ,
           does
           the
           Apostle
           express
           ?
           
             If
             by
             any
             means
             I
             may
             attain
             to
             the
             resurrection
             of
             the
             dead
             .
             I
             follow
             after
             it
             ,
             that
             I
             may
             apprehend
             that
             for
             which
             I
             am
             apprehended
             of
             Christ.
             Brethren
             ,
             I
             count
             not
             my self
             to
             have
             apprehended
             ;
             but
             this
             one
             thing
             I
             do
             ,
             forgetting
             those
             things
             that
             are
             behind
             ,
             and
             reaching
             forth
             unto
             those
             things
             that
             are
             before
             ,
             I
             press
             forward
          
           
           
             to
             the
             mark
             ,
             for
             the
             prize
             of
             the
             high
             calling
             in
             Christ.
          
           I
           follow
           ,
           as
           the
           Huntsman
           pursues
           the
           Game
           ,
           with
           full
           speed
           .
           It
           should
           excite
           Compassion
           and
           Indignation
           ,
           to
           see
           the
           Love
           of
           this
           vain
           perishing
           World
           to
           be
           more
           active
           and
           zealous
           ,
           than
           the
           Love
           of
           the
           blessed
           eternal
           World.
           That
           the
           Tempter
           with
           such
           wretched
           wages
           ,
           the
           trifles
           of
           Time
           ,
           should
           induce
           Men
           to
           be
           his
           Slaves
           ;
           and
           God
           with
           the
           glorious
           Reward
           of
           an
           everlasting
           Kingdom
           ,
           should
           not
           perswade
           them
           to
           be
           his
           Sons
           ,
           to
           be
           like
           him
           in
           Holiness
           .
           That
           Men
           should
           so
           violently
           run
           down
           the
           Hill
           to
           the
           Earth
           ,
           and
           be
           so
           remiss
           and
           slow
           in
           their
           ▪
           motion
           upward
           to
           Heaven
           .
           The
           vain-glorious
           ,
           excited
           by
           the
           edge
           of
           Ambition
           ,
           will
           venture
           on
           present
           Death
           ,
           with
           fond
           hopes
           of
           future
           Fame
           :
           Strange
           purchase
           !
           The
           covetous
           ,
           with
           the
           most
           eager
           application
           of
           means
           ,
           strive
           to
           heap
           up
           uncertain
           Riches
           :
           The
           voluptuous
           ,
           with
           vehement
           Affections
           ,
           follow
           Pleasures
           .
           But
           to
           obtain
           the
           highest
           Honour
           ,
           Coelestial
           Treasure
           ,
           to
           enjoy
           the
           purest
           Delights
           ,
           Men
           think
           lazy
           formality
           ,
           and
           slack
           endeavours
           sufficient
           .
           Whereas
           the
           most
           serious
           Thoughts
           ,
           flagrant
           Desires
           ,
           steddy
           Resolutions
           ,
           and
           all
           possible
           Industry
           ,
           are
           requisite
           in
           our
           holy
           Calling
           ,
           that
           we
           may
           have
           an
           
           abundant
           entrance
           into
           the
           Kingdom
           of
           God.
           
        
         
           3.
           
           Let
           us
           follow
           Holiness
           with
           alacrity
           and
           chearfulness
           .
           Our
           Saviour
           tells
           us
           ,
           
             'T
             is
             his
             meat
             and
             drink
             to
             do
             his
             Father's
             will.
          
           The
           practise
           of
           Holiness
           is
           vital
           and
           nourishing
           ,
           and
           pleasant
           to
           the
           taste
           .
           There
           is
           a
           high
           relish
           in
           Victory
           of
           any
           kind
           ,
           but
           especially
           over
           our
           most
           dangerous
           Enemies
           ;
           it
           replenishes
           with
           cordial
           Contentment
           ;
           what
           Joy
           arises
           from
           subduing
           unruly
           Passions
           :
           Suppose
           Anger
           has
           often
           foil'd
           me
           ,
           and
           like
           an
           unmanaged
           and
           unbridled
           Horse
           ,
           has
           hurried
           me
           into
           dangers
           ;
           if
           by
           Divine
           Grace
           ,
           by
           Circumspection
           and
           Care
           ,
           by
           Resolution
           and
           Striving
           ,
           I
           finally
           overcome
           it
           ,
           and
           all
           its
           former
           Victories
           ,
           what
           a
           spring
           of
           Joy
           rushes
           into
           the
           Soul
           ?
           If
           the
           Graces
           of
           the
           Spirit
           are
           more
           radiant
           and
           vigorous
           in
           their
           exercise
           ,
           the
           Reward
           is
           such
           a
           clear
           serenity
           of
           Mind
           ,
           as
           is
           the
           reflection
           of
           Paradise
           ,
           a
           Heaven
           upon
           Earth
           .
           Prosperity
           in
           a
           Calling
           makes
           Men
           diligent
           and
           delightful
           in
           it
           .
           But
           when
           the
           practise
           of
           Religion
           is
           constrain'd
           and
           tedious
           ,
           God
           receives
           no
           Honour
           ,
           and
           Man
           receives
           no
           Praise
           ,
           nor
           Joy
           ,
           as
           the
           Reward
           of
           it
           .
        
         
           4.
           
           Let
           us
           with
           unfainting
           perseverance
           strive
           after
           perfect
           Holiness
           .
           There
           are
           
           tinctures
           of
           Original
           Sin
           cleaving
           to
           the
           best
           Saints
           defects
           in
           their
           Graces
           and
           best
           Duties
           :
           There
           are
           many
           degrees
           of
           ascent
           before
           we
           come
           to
           the
           highest
           point
           of
           Perfection
           .
           Let
           us
           strive
           with
           our
           utmost
           possibility
           ,
           to
           anticipate
           Heaven
           .
           We
           must
           not
           be
           satisfied
           with
           some
           attainments
           ,
           and
           presume
           we
           are
           perfect
           .
           We
           must
           be
           contending
           ,
           till
           our
           Conquest
           over
           Sin
           be
           clear
           and
           compleat
           .
           The
           reflection
           upon
           our
           progress
           will
           
           give
           new
           Spirits
           to
           proceed
           to
           new
           work
           .
           
             To
             him
             that
             continues
             in
             well-doing
             ,
             Glory
             and
             Immortality
             is
             the
             reward
             .
          
           Perseverance
           is
           the
           Crown
           of
           Christianity
           .
        
         
           2.
           
           I
           now
           come
           to
           answer
           the
           Allegations
           ,
           that
           are
           brought
           to
           discourage
           Men
           from
           endeavours
           after
           perfect
           Holiness
           .
           I
           have
           in
           the
           Preface
           Answered
           some
           of
           the
           principal
           Objections
           ,
           I
           will
           consider
           some
           others
           ,
           to
           remove
           the
           most
           plausible
           Pretences
           .
        
         
           The
           first
           Objection
           against
           the
           Divine
           Command
           ,
           of
           being
           
             perfect
             as
             our
             Heavenly
             Father
             is
             perfect
             ,
          
           is
           the
           impossibility
           of
           obeying
           it
           .
           How
           can
           sinful
           Dust
           and
           Ashes
           be
           perfect
           ,
           as
           the
           holy
           God
           is
           ?
           To
           this
           a
           clear
           Answer
           may
           be
           given
           .
        
         
         
           1.
           
           'T
           is
           true
           ,
           if
           a
           Law
           be
           absolutely
           impossible
           it
           cancels
           it self
           :
           For
           there
           can
           be
           no
           authority
           in
           a
           superiour
           to
           command
           ,
           nor
           obligation
           on
           a
           Subject
           to
           obey
           ,
           in
           a
           matter
           that
           is
           not
           capable
           of
           his
           choice
           .
           Absolute
           impossibility
           quenches
           desire
           ,
           and
           causes
           despair
           ;
           and
           that
           enervates
           the
           strength
           of
           the
           Soul
           ,
           and
           cuts
           the
           sinews
           of
           Industry
           .
           Now
           we
           cannot
           suppose
           that
           God
           ,
           whose
           Wisdom
           ,
           Rectitude
           and
           Goodness
           ,
           are
           essential
           and
           unchangable
           ,
           should
           command
           reasonable
           Creatures
           any
           thing
           utterly
           impossible
           ;
           for
           then
           the
           cause
           of
           their
           Sin
           and
           Misery
           would
           not
           rise
           from
           themselves
           ,
           but
           they
           would
           be
           fatally
           lost
           and
           undone
           for
           ever
           .
        
         
           2.
           
           The
           Command
           signifies
           not
           a
           resemblance
           of
           equality
           ,
           for
           in
           that
           sense
           there
           is
           
             none
             holy
             as
             the
             Lord
          
           ,
           but
           of
           analogy
           and
           conformity
           to
           his
           holy
           Nature
           ,
           of
           which
           intellectual
           Creatures
           are
           capable
           .
        
         
           3.
           
           In
           the
           present
           state
           our
           Conformity
           is
           not
           entire
           ,
           our
           Graces
           are
           not
           pure
           ,
           our
           Vertues
           not
           refin'd
           without
           allay
           :
           But
           this
           is
           from
           our
           culpable
           impotence
           .
           And
           it
           cannot
           be
           imagined
           ,
           that
           God
           should
           reverse
           this
           Law
           ,
           and
           dissolve
           the
           obligation
           of
           it
           ,
           because
           we
           have
           contracted
           a
           sinful
           disability
           to
           perform
           it
           .
           Besides
           ,
           God
           is
           pleased
           to
           ▪
           offer
           divine
           
           assistance
           to
           enable
           us
           to
           be
           like
           God
           in
           the
           kind
           of
           Holiness
           ,
           though
           not
           in
           the
           perfection
           of
           degrees
           .
           And
           though
           we
           cannot
           attain
           to
           Perfection
           here
           ,
           we
           may
           be
           ascending
           to
           it
           .
           The
           Apostle
           exhorts
           Christians
           
             to
             strive
             for
             the
             comprehension
             of
             the
             heigth
             and
             depth
             ,
             and
             length
             and
             bredth
             of
             the
             love
             of
             Christ
             ,
             that
             passes
             knowledge
             :
          
           That
           is
           ,
           we
           must
           be
           adding
           new
           degrees
           of
           Light
           in
           our
           Minds
           .
           We
           
             cannot
             know
             as
             we
             are
             known
             ,
          
           till
           we
           come
           to
           the
           full
           inlightned
           state
           above
           ;
           and
           we
           
             cannot
             be
             holy
             as
             God
             is
             holy
             ,
          
           till
           we
           come
           to
           his
           transforming
           presence
           in
           Heaven
           ,
           but
           we
           must
           be
           aspiring
           to
           it
           .
           We
           have
           the
           most
           excellent
           incouragement
           to
           this
           Duty
           :
           For
           if
           we
           are
           zealous
           in
           our
           desires
           and
           endeavours
           ,
           God
           will
           pardon
           our
           imperfections
           ,
           and
           accept
           us
           as
           if
           they
           were
           perfect
           :
           But
           those
           who
           are
           settled
           in
           their
           defects
           ,
           and
           lye
           still
           in
           their
           laziness
           ,
           will
           be
           justly
           condemned
           .
        
         
           2.
           
           'T
           is
           objected
           ,
           That
           
             this
             Duty
             is
             at
             least
             extreamly
             difficult
             .
          
           To
           this
           I
           answer
           ;
        
         
           1.
           
           Difficulty
           is
           an
           unreasonable
           pretence
           in
           matters
           of
           indispensable
           Duty
           ,
           and
           infinite
           consequence
           .
           Our
           Saviour
           commands
           us
           
             to
             strive
             to
             enter
             in
             at
             the
             strait
             gate
             ;
             for
             strait
             is
             the
             gate
             ,
             and
             narrow
             is
             the
             way
             ,
          
           (
           't
           is
           hard
           to
           find
           ,
           and
           
           hard
           to
           keep
           )
           
             but
             that
             only
             leads
             to
             Eternal
             Life
             .
             The
             Kingdom
             of
             Heaven
             is
             to
             be
             taken
             by
             violence
             ,
             and
             the
             Wrath
             to
             come
             escap'd
             by
             flight
             .
          
           'T
           is
           better
           to
           take
           pains
           than
           to
           suffer
           Pains
           :
           The
           Cords
           of
           Duty
           are
           more
           easie
           than
           the
           Chains
           of
           Darkness
           .
        
         
           2.
           
           There
           is
           nothing
           in
           Religion
           insuperable
           to
           the
           Love
           of
           God
           ,
           and
           of
           our
           Souls
           .
           Love
           is
           not
           cold
           and
           idle
           ,
           but
           ardent
           and
           active
           in
           pursuit
           of
           its
           Object
           .
           There
           are
           many
           Instances
           that
           resolved
           Diligence
           will
           overcome
           great
           obstacles
           to
           the
           designs
           of
           Men.
           Demosthenes
           the
           Athenian
           ,
           was
           the
           most
           unqualified
           for
           an
           Orator
           of
           a
           thousand
           :
           His
           Breath
           was
           so
           short
           ,
           that
           he
           could
           not
           speak
           out
           a
           full
           Sentence
           ;
           his
           Voice
           and
           Pronunciation
           was
           so
           harsh
           ,
           and
           his
           Action
           so
           ungrateful
           and
           offensive
           to
           the
           most
           delicate
           Senses
           ,
           the
           Eye
           and
           Ear
           ,
           that
           the
           first
           time
           he
           spake
           in
           the
           publick
           Assembly
           ,
           he
           was
           entertained
           with
           Derision
           ,
           and
           the
           second
           with
           Disdain
           by
           the
           People
           ;
           yet
           by
           unwearied
           Industry
           and
           Exercise
           ,
           he
           corrected
           his
           defects
           ,
           and
           became
           the
           most
           Eloquent
           and
           Perfect
           Orator
           that
           ever
           flourish'd
           in
           Greece
           .
           Now
           can
           there
           be
           any
           so
           difficult
           heigth
           in
           Religion
           ,
           but
           a
           strong
           resolution
           ,
           join'd
           with
           consequent
           endeavours
           ,
           and
           the
           supernatural
           assistance
           of
           
           the
           Holy
           Spirit
           ,
           will
           gradually
           attain
           to
           ?
        
         
           To
           naked
           Nature
           ,
           the
           Commands
           of
           
             plucking
             out
             the
             right
             Eye
             ,
             and
             cutting
             off
             the
             right
             Hand
             ,
          
           are
           extreamly
           hard
           :
           Carnal
           Men
           pretend
           they
           can
           as
           easily
           stop
           the
           circulation
           of
           the
           Blood
           ,
           as
           mortifie
           their
           sensual
           Inclinations
           .
           But
           by
           the
           Grace
           of
           God
           't
           is
           not
           only
           possible
           ,
           but
           pleasant
           ,
           to
           
             abstain
             from
             fleshly
             Lusts
             that
             war
             against
             the
             Soul.
             I
             can
             do
             all
             things
             through
             Christ
             that
             strengthens
             me
             ,
          
           saith
           the
           Apostle
           ;
           the
           word
           implies
           ,
           
             I
             can
             easily
          
           :
           St.
           John
           declares
           ,
           his
           
             Commands
             are
             not
             grievous
             :
             The
             yoke
             of
             Christ
             is
             a
             gracious
             yoke
             .
          
           The
           impotence
           of
           Men
           to
           obey
           Christ
           ,
           consists
           in
           their
           obstinacy
           .
           They
           are
           not
           infected
           by
           Fate
           ,
           nor
           determin'd
           by
           Destiny
           ,
           and
           constrain'd
           by
           strict
           Necessity
           to
           follow
           their
           sinful
           Courses
           ,
           but
           are
           chain'd
           to
           their
           alluring
           vicious
           Objects
           by
           the
           consent
           of
           their
           own
           Wills.
           
        
         
           I
           will
           ,
           to
           convince
           those
           who
           are
           Christians
           only
           in
           title
           and
           profession
           ,
           and
           pretend
           invincible
           impediments
           against
           performing
           their
           Duty
           ,
           propound
           the
           Moral
           Excellencies
           that
           shin'd
           in
           some
           Heathens
           in
           regulating
           the
           angry
           and
           desiring
           Appetites
           .
           Socrates
           ,
           who
           had
           a
           fiery
           Nature
           ,
           that
           inclin'd
           him
           to
           sudden
           Anger
           ,
           yet
           attain'd
           to
           such
           a
           constant
           
           equal
           Temper
           ,
           that
           when
           provok'd
           by
           Injuries
           ,
           his
           Countenance
           was
           more
           placid
           and
           serene
           ,
           his
           Voice
           more
           temperate
           ,
           his
           Words
           more
           kind
           and
           obliging
           .
           Plato
           ,
           surprized
           with
           Passion
           for
           a
           great
           Fault
           of
           his
           Servant
           ,
           took
           a
           Staff
           to
           beat
           him
           ,
           and
           having
           lift
           up
           his
           Hand
           for
           a
           stroke
           ,
           stop'd
           suddenly
           ;
           and
           a
           Friend
           
           coming
           in
           ,
           and
           wondring
           to
           see
           him
           in
           that
           posture
           ,
           said
           ,
           
             I
             chastise
             an
             angry
             Man
          
           ;
           reflecting
           with
           shame
           upon
           himself
           :
           Thus
           he
           disarm'd
           his
           Passion
           .
           When
           Alexander
           had
           conquer'd
           Darius
           ,
           and
           taken
           his
           Queen
           ,
           a
           Woman
           of
           exquisite
           Beauty
           ,
           he
           would
           not
           have
           her
           brought
           into
           his
           presence
           ,
           that
           his
           Vertue
           might
           not
           be
           violated
           by
           the
           sight
           of
           her
           .
           Scipio
           having
           taken
           a
           Town
           in
           Spain
           ,
           and
           among
           them
           a
           Noble
           Virgin
           very
           beautiful
           ,
           resign'd
           her
           untouch'd
           ,
           with
           her
           Ransom
           of
           great
           value
           ,
           to
           the
           Prince
           to
           whom
           she
           was
           contracted
           .
           If
           it
           be
           said
           ,
           that
           Vanity
           assisted
           Vertue
           in
           these
           Persons
           ,
           and
           one
           Carnal
           Passion
           vanquish'd
           another
           ,
           the
           Desire
           of
           Praise
           ,
           the
           Pride
           of
           Life
           ,
           the
           Lust
           of
           the
           Flesh
           :
           But
           shall
           not
           Divine
           Grace
           be
           more
           powerful
           than
           Humane
           Motives
           ?
           The
           impotence
           of
           Carnal
           Christians
           is
           not
           from
           the
           defect
           of
           assisting
           Grace
           ,
           but
           their
           culpable
           neglect
           of
           using
           it
           .
           But
           for
           the
           intire
           Conviction
           of
           Carnalists
           that
           are
           
           under
           the
           tyranny
           of
           the
           voluptuous
           Appetites
           ,
           and
           pretend
           they
           cannot
           resist
           the
           attractiveness
           ,
           and
           unbind
           the
           charms
           that
           fasten
           them
           to
           the
           Objects
           of
           their
           impure
           Desires
           ;
           let
           it
           be
           considered
           ,
           that
           a
           little
           contempt
           ,
           or
           coldness
           of
           the
           Person
           by
           whom
           they
           are
           charmed
           ,
           a
           favourable
           aspect
           upon
           a
           competitor
           ,
           will
           turn
           their
           Love
           into
           Disdain
           ,
           and
           break
           all
           society
           between
           them
           .
           And
           shall
           one
           Carnal
           Passion
           vanquish
           another
           ,
           and
           the
           Terrors
           of
           the
           Lord
           ,
           the
           Torments
           of
           an
           Everlasting
           Hell
           ,
           be
           ineffectual
           to
           restrain
           them
           ?
           The
           remembrance
           of
           this
           will
           cover
           them
           with
           Eternal
           Confusion
           in
           the
           next
           World.
           The
           Traveller
           complain'd
           of
           the
           roughness
           of
           the
           way
           ,
           when
           a
           Thorn
           in
           his
           Foot
           made
           it
           uneasie
           .
           Carnal
           Men
           complain
           ,
           't
           is
           a
           sad
           task
           to
           obey
           the
           Gospel
           ,
           but
           their
           Lusts
           make
           it
           so
           .
        
         
           3.
           
           'T
           is
           alledged
           ,
           that
           the
           
             striving
             after
             perfect
             Holiness
             is
             unnecessary
             ;
             by
             the
             Covenant
             of
             Grace
             a
             Man
             may
             be
             saved
             without
             it
             .
          
        
         
           Before
           I
           discover
           the
           falseness
           of
           this
           pretence
           ,
           I
           shall
           observe
           that
           Carnal
           Men
           ,
           that
           they
           may
           live
           easily
           ,
           endeavour
           to
           make
           their
           Principles
           correspondent
           with
           their
           Practices
           ,
           they
           bend
           the
           Rule
           to
           their
           depraved
           Appetites
           ,
           and
           will
           not
           order
           their
           Life
           by
           the
           holy
           
           Rule
           .
           The
           cursed
           and
           crafty
           Serpent
           will
           assist
           them
           in
           drawing
           false
           Conclusions
           from
           true
           Premisses
           ,
           and
           in
           opposing
           the
           Grace
           of
           the
           Gospel
           to
           its
           Precepts
           .
           When
           the
           Carnal
           Affections
           corrupt
           the
           Judgment
           ,
           the
           Mind
           will
           give
           license
           to
           the
           Affections
           ;
           the
           case
           of
           such
           is
           dangerous
           ,
           if
           not
           desperate
           .
           Thus
           the
           loose
           Opinion
           ,
           
             That
             Men
             may
             be
             saved
             without
             absolute
             Perfection
             ,
             therefore
             striving
             after
             it
             is
             unnecessary
             ,
          
           makes
           Men
           remiss
           in
           Religion
           ,
           and
           produces
           vain
           delusive
           hopes
           ,
           that
           end
           in
           fearful
           disappointments
           .
           To
           undeceive
           Men
           ,
           the
           following
           Considerations
           may
           be
           effectual
           .
        
         
           1.
           
           'T
           is
           true
           ,
           we
           must
           distinguish
           between
           the
           Preceptive
           Moral
           part
           of
           the
           Covenant
           of
           Works
           and
           of
           Grace
           ,
           and
           the
           Foederal
           .
           They
           agree
           in
           the
           former
           ,
           and
           differ
           in
           the
           latter
           .
           The
           Gospel
           injoyns
           perfect
           Obedience
           as
           well
           as
           the
           Law
           ;
           but
           the
           first
           makes
           it
           the
           Condition
           of
           the
           Covenant
           ,
           whereas
           the
           second
           makes
           provision
           for
           our
           Imperfections
           .
           According
           to
           the
           tenor
           of
           the
           first
           ,
           the
           transgressing
           of
           one
           Command
           was
           a
           violation
           of
           the
           Covenant
           ,
           and
           Death
           was
           the
           unavoidable
           consequence
           of
           Sin
           :
           for
           entire
           Obedience
           was
           the
           Condition
           of
           it
           .
           Adam
           sin'd
           once
           ,
           and
           must
           dye
           for
           ever
           :
           But
           to
           sin
           against
           
           the
           command
           of
           the
           Gospel
           and
           the
           Covenant
           is
           not
           the
           same
           :
           The
           Mediator
           interposes
           between
           the
           Righteous
           Judge
           and
           the
           Sinner
           ;
           and
           Faith
           in
           him
           ,
           notwithstanding
           the
           killing
           Law
           ,
           and
           the
           accusing
           Conscience
           ,
           secures
           us
           from
           revenging
           Justice
           .
           Only
           final
           Impenitence
           and
           Unbelief
           ,
           cut
           off
           from
           the
           benefit
           of
           the
           Gospel
           .
        
         
           2.
           
           Tho'
           the
           Gospel
           allays
           the
           severity
           and
           rigor
           of
           the
           Law
           ,
           and
           pardons
           our
           defects
           ,
           yet
           it
           as
           strictly
           requires
           our
           sincere
           earnest
           endeavours
           after
           Perfection
           ,
           as
           the
           Law
           requir'd
           exact
           Obedience
           .
           We
           are
           commanded
           to
           
             grow
             in
             Grace
          
           ,
           't
           is
           direct
           matter
           of
           Duty
           ,
           we
           are
           obliged
           
             to
             be
             holy
             ,
             as
             God
             is
             holy
             ,
             in
             all
             manner
             of
             Conversation
             :
          
           the
           Rule
           is
           inflexible
           ,
           and
           none
           can
           by
           dispensation
           or
           priviledge
           be
           exempted
           from
           serious
           and
           constant
           endeavours
           to
           be
           intirely
           like
           God.
           Those
           who
           are
           pleas'd
           with
           the
           pretence
           ,
           that
           perfect
           Holiness
           is
           unattainable
           here
           ,
           and
           indulge
           their
           imperfections
           ,
           are
           in
           the
           state
           of
           unrenewed
           Nature
           .
           They
           are
           sure
           they
           shall
           be
           bad
           always
           ,
           and
           therefore
           will
           not
           labour
           to
           be
           better
           .
           But
           the
           Consideration
           that
           we
           cannot
           attain
           to
           the
           highest
           pitch
           of
           Holiness
           ,
           is
           a
           spur
           and
           incitation
           to
           the
           Saints
           to
           greater
           diligence
           ,
           as
           
           appears
           by
           the
           example
           of
           St.
           Paul
           before
           cited
           .
        
         
           'T
           is
           true
           there
           are
           different
           ages
           of
           the
           Children
           of
           God
           ,
           some
           are
           as
           new
           born
           Babes
           ,
           in
           a
           state
           of
           Infancy
           and
           Infirmity
           ,
           others
           in
           their
           Minority
           ,
           others
           are
           arrived
           to
           more
           maturity
           :
           and
           as
           the
           crying
           of
           an
           Infant
           discovers
           life
           as
           well
           as
           active
           mirth
           ,
           so
           mourning
           for
           our
           Imperfections
           discovers
           the
           truth
           of
           Grace
           .
           And
           Saints
           of
           different
           Degrees
           are
           receiv'd
           into
           Glory
           :
           but
           none
           are
           who
           did
           not
           aim
           and
           endeavour
           to
           
             ●leanse
             themselves
             from
             all
             pollutions
             of
             flesh
             and
             spirit
             ,
             and
             to
             perfect
             holiness
             .
          
           For
           without
           sincerity
           we
           are
           not
           capable
           of
           the
           present
           favour
           of
           God
           ,
           nor
           future
           blessedness
           ,
           and
           sincerity
           is
           inconsistent
           with
           the
           wilful
           neglect
           of
           our
           Duty
           .
        
         
           Grace
           is
           a
           plant
           of
           Heaven
           ,
           productive
           of
           Fruits
           suitable
           to
           its
           quality
           ,
           and
           't
           is
           proper
           to
           its
           nature
           ,
           to
           be
           tending
           to
           Perfection
           .
           A
           Tree
           that
           ceases
           to
           grow
           before
           't
           is
           come
           to
           its
           perfection
           ,
           and
           brings
           not
           forth
           Fruit
           in
           its
           season
           ,
           withers
           and
           dyes
           .
           A
           Christian
           that
           is
           unfruitful
           has
           no
           Life
           ,
           but
           is
           expos'd
           to
           the
           just
           threatning
           of
           Excision
           and
           the
           Fire
           .
           He
           that
           limits
           himself
           in
           Religion
           ,
           is
           in
           a
           state
           of
           Death
           .
           I
           have
           ins●sted
           the
           longer
           upon
           this
           matter
           ,
           that
           by
           clearness
           and
           Conviction
           ,
           Men
           may
           be
           
           dis-enchanted
           from
           that
           pernicious
           perswasion
           ,
           that
           without
           using
           sincer●
           ▪
           endeavors
           to
           be
           perfectly
           Holy
           ,
           they
           may
           safely
           go
           to
           Heaven
           .
        
         
           3.
           
           I
           shall
           add
           to
           what
           has
           been
           discours'd
           of
           before
           ,
           some
           other
           Arguments
           and
           Motives
           to
           excite
           us
           to
           be
           intentive
           to
           this
           great
           work
           .
           I
           shall
           first
           consider
           the
           perfection
           of
           the
           Rule
           laid
           down
           in
           the
           Gospel
           .
        
         
           1.
           
           The
           Moral
           Law
           in
           its
           purity
           and
           perfection
           ,
           that
           forbids
           Sin
           in
           every
           kind
           and
           degree
           ,
           
             Thou
             shalt
             not
             Covet
          
           ,
           and
           Commands
           Holiness
           in
           the
           most
           Spiritual
           Sublimeness
           ,
           
             Thou
             shalt
             love
             the
             Lord
             with
             all
             thy
             mind
             ,
             heart
             ,
             soul
             and
             strength
             ,
          
           is
           the
           Rule
           of
           our
           Duty
           prescrib'd
           in
           the
           Gospel
           .
           'T
           is
           true
           ,
           that
           Personal
           perfect
           Obedience
           as
           the
           Condition
           of
           Life
           ,
           is
           abolish'd
           ,
           as
           was
           before
           observed
           :
           if
           that
           lives
           we
           must
           dye
           for
           ever
           .
           But
           the
           command
           binds
           without
           relaxation
           .
           There
           is
           no
           permission
           of
           the
           least
           Sin
           by
           the
           Gospel
           .
           The
           looking
           to
           the
           
             Brazen
             Serpent
          
           ,
           did
           not
           alter
           the
           deadly
           quality
           of
           the
           poison
           of
           the
           Fiery
           Serpent
           ,
           but
           stopt
           its
           deadly
           operation
           :
           Faith
           in
           Christ
           does
           not
           change
           the
           nature
           of
           Sin
           to
           make
           it
           Lawful
           ,
           but
           hinders
           its
           deadly
           malignity
           in
           Working
           .
           Our
           Saviour
           tells
           us
           ,
           
             He
             came
             not
             to
             destroy
             the
             Law
             ,
          
           
           
             but
             to
             fulfil
             it
             .
             And
             that
             heaven
             and
             earth
             should
             pass
             away
             ,
             before
             one
             tittle
             of
             it
             shall
             fail
          
           ;
           that
           is
           ,
           lose
           its
           binding
           Authority
           .
           'T
           is
           as
           unalterable
           as
           the
           Law-giver
           ,
           whose
           purity
           it
           represents
           .
        
         
           Not
           only
           the
           Mysterious
           and
           Supernatural
           Doctrines
           ,
           the
           Objects
           of
           Faith
           ,
           but
           Moral
           Duties
           ,
           the
           matters
           of
           Practice
           ,
           are
           fully
           reveal'd
           only
           in
           the
           Gospel
           .
           The
           Humane
           Understanding
           was
           Darkness
           to
           Supernatural
           Truths
           ,
           and
           dim
           with
           respect
           to
           the
           Rules
           of
           Life
           .
           Our
           Saviour
           has
           clear'd
           the
           Law
           from
           the
           false
           Glosses
           of
           the
           Pharisees
           ,
           who
           by
           favourable
           Explications
           ,
           and
           Correctives
           of
           its
           strictness
           ,
           instead
           of
           curbing
           their
           Lusts
           ,
           did
           cherish
           and
           foment
           them
           .
           But
           the
           Oracle
           speaks
           without
           ambiguity
           :
           the
           Interpretation
           of
           our
           Saviour
           is
           clear
           and
           decisive
           ,
           that
           the
           
             purifying
             the
             Heart
          
           ,
           as
           well
           as
           the
           
             cleansing
             the
             Hand
          
           ,
           is
           an
           Indispensable
           Duty
           ▪
           Holiness
           must
           be
           so
           pure
           ,
           that
           we
           must
           not
           only
           abstain
           from
           polluting
           acts
           ,
           but
           quench
           all
           polluting
           thoughts
           and
           desires
           :
           we
           must
           not
           only
           pardon
           externally
           the
           most
           provoking
           Injuries
           ,
           but
           internally
           quench
           all
           inclinations
           to
           revenge
           :
           now
           it
           will
           require
           our
           Noblest
           Care
           ,
           and
           most
           Excellent
           Endeavours
           to
           practice
           these
           high
           Rules
           .
        
         
         
           If
           there
           were
           an
           extract
           of
           the
           Corrupt
           Morals
           in
           the
           Philosophy
           of
           the
           Heathens
           ,
           it
           would
           be
           visible
           how
           defective
           it
           is
           to
           restore
           Man
           to
           his
           primitive
           Holiness
           .
           They
           were
           Idolaters
           ,
           not
           merely
           by
           Temptation
           ,
           but
           by
           Principle
           and
           Resolution
           :
           it
           was
           their
           Maxim
           that
           a
           Wise
           Man
           should
           Conform
           to
           the
           Worship
           practis'd
           in
           the
           places
           where
           they
           lived
           .
           Their
           Moral
           Philosophy
           ascended
           no
           higher
           than
           to
           instruct
           us
           how
           to
           act
           as
           Men
           :
           for
           it
           considers
           in
           them
           only
           Humane
           Qualities
           ,
           and
           directs
           their
           Actions
           in
           a
           respective
           order
           to
           Natural
           Felicity
           .
           To
           do
           justly
           ,
           to
           dye
           generously
           ,
           to
           allay
           the
           fiery
           agitations
           of
           the
           Passions
           ,
           that
           make
           Men
           miserable
           in
           themselves
           ,
           and
           vexatious
           to
           others
           ,
           is
           the
           highest
           pitch
           to
           which
           this
           Heathen
           Philosophy
           pretends
           .
           They
           had
           some
           glimmering
           confus'd
           Notions
           of
           their
           Duty
           towards
           God
           ,
           but
           like
           the
           thin
           appearance
           of
           some
           Stars
           in
           a
           dark
           Night
           ,
           without
           Efficacy
           .
        
         
           But
           the
           Gospel
           reveals
           our
           Duty
           so
           as
           it
           may
           be
           clearly
           known
           ,
           and
           strongly
           imprest
           on
           us
           .
           There
           are
           various
           Duties
           in
           the
           compass
           of
           a
           Christians
           practise
           ,
           and
           't
           is
           an
           advantage
           to
           have
           them
           reduc'd
           to
           some
           comprehensive
           Heads
           ,
           that
           may
           bring
           them
           often
           to
           our
           Minds
           .
           The
           Apostle
           gives
           us
           the
           bright
           sum
           of
           
           our
           Duty
           :
           
             The
             grace
             of
             God
             that
             brings
             salvation
             ,
             hath
             ●pp●●●'d
             unto
             all
             ●●n
             ,
             teaching
             us
             ,
             th●●
             d●nying
             ungodliness
             and
             worldly
             lusts
             ,
             〈◊〉
             should
             li●●
             godly
             ,
             righteously
             ●nd
             soberly
             in
             the
             pr●●●●t
             world
             ▪
          
           There
           is
           no
           Rule
           more
           e●●●●●●ve
           and
           influential
           into
           the
           Life
           of
           a
           Christian
           ,
           
             th●●
             to
             wal●
             worthy
             of
             God
             ,
          
           becoming
           our
           Relation
           to
           him
           〈◊〉
           ou●
           Heavenly
           Father
           ,
           and
           our
           Union
           with
           his
           Son
           as
           our
           Spiritual
           Head
           ,
           and
           the
           Supernatural
           Happiness
           reveal'd
           in
           his
           Word
           ▪
           We
           are
           commanded
           
             to
             ●●l●
             ci●●●mspectly
             and
             ●●●ctly
             ▪
             not
             as
             fools
             b●●
             〈◊〉
             wi●●
             .
          
           Sometime●
           there
           is
           a
           particular
           e●umeration
           of
           our
           Duties
           :
           
             Finally
             brethren
             ,
             whatsoever
             things
             are
             honest
             ,
             whatsoever
             things
             are
             j●s●
             ,
             whatsoever
             things
             are
             pure
             ,
             whatsoever
             things
             are
             lovely
             ,
             whatsoever
             things
             are
             of
             good
             r●port
             ,
             if
             ther●
             be
             any
             vertue
             ,
             any
             praise
             ,
             think
             on
             these
             things
             .
          
        
         
           From
           what
           has
           been
           said
           of
           the
           Obligation
           of
           the
           Evangelical
           ▪
           Rule
           ,
           't
           is
           evident
           how
           destructive
           the
           Doctrine
           of
           the
           Church
           of
           Rome
           is
           ,
           that
           many
           things
           prescribed
           in
           the
           Gospel
           ,
           are
           Counsels
           of
           Perfection
           ,
           not
           Universal
           Laws
           .
           A
           Doctrine
           fatally
           fruitful
           of
           many
           pernicious
           Consequences
           :
           of
           Spiritual
           Pride
           ,
           the
           poison
           of
           the
           Soul.
           They
           depress
           the
           Divine
           Law
           ,
           while
           they
           Assert
           a
           more
           Excellent
           Holiness
           in
           uncommanded
           
           Works
           ,
           and
           they
           exceed
           the
           rule
           in
           matters
           of
           Supererogation
           .
           It
           induces
           slothfulness
           :
           for
           they
           securely
           allow
           themselves
           in
           the
           neglect
           of
           their
           duty
           ,
           and
           not
           only
           contradict
           the
           Gospel
           in
           their
           Practises
           ,
           but
           supplant
           it
           in
           their
           Principles
           .
           And
           as
           they
           relax
           our
           obligation
           to
           the
           Precepts
           of
           the
           Law
           ,
           so
           by
           other
           Doctrines
           they
           release
           Men
           from
           the
           fear
           of
           the
           Sanction
           and
           Penalty
           ▪
           for
           the
           Doctrine
           of
           Purgatory
           takes
           away
           the
           fear
           of
           Hell
           ,
           and
           the
           Doctrine
           of
           Indulgences
           the
           fear
           of
           Purgatory
           .
        
         
           2.
           
           The
           Gospel
           propounds
           to
           us
           Examples
           of
           Perfection
           to
           raise
           us
           to
           the
           best
           heighth
           .
        
         
           1.
           
           We
           are
           Commanded
           to
           be
           
             perfect
             as
             our
             heavenly
             Father
             is
             perfect
             .
          
           There
           are
           some
           Attributes
           of
           God
           ,
           that
           are
           not
           the
           Object
           of
           our
           Desires
           and
           Imitation
           ,
           but
           of
           our
           highest
           Reverence
           and
           Veneration
           .
           Such
           are
           his
           Eternity
           ,
           Immensity
           ,
           Omnipotence
           ,
           Immutability
           .
           There
           are
           other
           Attributes
           ,
           his
           Moral
           Perfections
           ,
           that
           are
           imitable
           :
           Holiness
           ,
           Goodness
           ,
           Justice
           ,
           Truth
           ;
           which
           are
           purely
           and
           fully
           declar'd
           in
           his
           Law
           ,
           and
           visibly
           in
           the
           Works
           of
           Providence
           .
           This
           Command
           as
           was
           before
           explain'd
           ,
           is
           to
           be
           understood
           ,
           not
           of
           an
           equality
           ,
           but
           resemblance
           .
           He
           is
           Essentially
           ▪
           Transcendently
           and
           Unchangeably
           Holy
           ,
           
           the
           Original
           of
           Holiness
           in
           understanding
           Creatures
           .
           There
           is
           a
           greater
           disproportion
           between
           the
           Holiness
           of
           God
           ,
           and
           the
           unspotted
           Holiness
           of
           the
           Angels
           ,
           than
           between
           the
           Celerity
           of
           the
           motion
           of
           the
           Sun
           in
           the
           Heavens
           ,
           and
           the
           slow
           motion
           of
           the
           shadow
           upon
           the
           Dial
           that
           is
           regulated
           by
           it
           .
           It
           should
           be
           our
           utmost
           Aim
           ,
           our
           most
           earnest
           Endeavour
           ,
           to
           imitate
           the
           Divine
           Perfection
           .
           As
           Wax
           is
           to
           the
           S●al
           ,
           so
           is
           the
           Spirit
           of
           Man
           to
           his
           End
           ,
           the
           same
           Characters
           are
           ingraved
           in
           it
           .
           The
           Soul
           is
           God-like
           ,
           when
           the
           principal
           leading
           Powers
           ,
           the
           Understanding
           and
           Will
           ;
           are
           influenc'd
           by
           him
           .
        
         
           The
           Heathen
           Deities
           were
           distinguished
           by
           their
           Vices
           ,
           Intemperance
           ,
           Impurity
           ,
           and
           Cruelty
           ,
           and
           their
           Idolaters
           sin●d
           boldly
           under
           their
           Patronage
           .
           The
           true
           God
           commands
           us
           ,
           
             to
             be
             holy
             ,
             as
             God
             is
             holy
             ;
             to
             be
             followers
             of
             him
             as
             dear
             Children
             :
          
           For
           Love
           produces
           desires
           and
           endeavours
           of
           likeness
           .
        
         
           2.
           
           The
           Life
           of
           Christ
           is
           a
           Globe
           of
           Precepts
           ,
           a
           Model
           of
           Perfection
           ,
           set
           before
           us
           for
           our
           imitation
           .
           This
           in
           some
           respect
           is
           more
           proportionable
           to
           us
           ;
           for
           in
           him
           were
           united
           the
           Perfections
           of
           God
           ,
           with
           the
           Infirmities
           of
           a
           Man.
           
             He
             was
             h●ly
             ,
             harmless
             ,
             und●filed
             ,
             and
             separate
             from
             Sinners
             .
          
           His
           Purity
           was
           absolute
           ,
           
           and
           every
           Graoe
           in
           the
           most
           Divine
           degree
           was
           express'd
           in
           his
           Actions
           .
           His
           Life
           and
           Death
           were
           a
           compounded
           Miracle
           of
           Obedience
           to
           God
           ,
           and
           Love
           to
           Men.
           Whatever
           his
           Father
           order'd
           him
           to
           undertake
           ,
           or
           undergo
           ,
           he
           entirely
           consented
           to
           ▪
           
             He
             willingly
             took
             on
             him
             the
             form
             of
             a
             Servant
             ▪
          
           't
           was
           not
           put
           upon
           him
           by
           compulsion
           .
           In
           his
           Life
           ▪
           Humility
           towards
           Men
           ▪
           infinite
           descen●s
           below
           him
           ,
           Self-denial
           ,
           Zeal
           for
           the
           Honour
           of
           God
           ,
           ardent
           Desires
           for
           the
           Salvation
           and
           Welfare
           of
           Men
           ,
           were
           as
           visible
           as
           the
           Flame
           discovers
           Fire
           .
           In
           his
           Sufferings
           ,
           Obedience
           and
           Sacrifice
           were
           united
           .
           The
           willingness
           of
           his
           Spirit
           was
           victorious
           over
           the
           repugnance
           of
           the
           Natural
           Will
           in
           the
           Garden
           ;
           
             Not
             my
             Will
             ,
             but
             thine
             be
             done
             ,
          
           was
           his
           un●lterable
           choice
           .
           His
           Patience
           was
           i●●●perable
           to
           all
           Injuries
           :
           He
           was
           betrayed
           by
           a
           Disciple
           for
           a
           vile
           Price
           ,
           and
           a
           Mu●therer
           was
           preferr'd
           before
           him
           ▪
           He
           was
           scorn'd
           as
           a
           false
           Prophet
           ,
           as
           a
           feigned
           King
           ,
           and
           deceitful
           S●viour
           :
           He
           was
           spit
           on
           ,
           scourg'd
           ,
           crown'd
           with
           Thorns
           ,
           and
           crucified
           ;
           and
           in
           the
           heigth
           of
           his
           Sufferings
           never
           express'd
           a
           spark
           of
           Anger
           against
           his
           Enemies
           ,
           nor
           the
           least
           degree
           of
           Impatience
           ,
           that
           might
           lessen
           the
           value
           of
           his
           Obedience
           .
           Now
           consider
           ,
           it
           was
           one
           principal
           Reason
           of
           
           his
           Obedience
           ,
           to
           instruct
           and
           oblige
           us
           to
           conform
           to
           his
           Pattern
           ,
           the
           certain
           and
           constant
           Rule
           of
           our
           Duty
           .
           We
           may
           not
           securely
           follow
           the
           best
           Saints
           ,
           who
           sometimes
           through
           Ignorance
           and
           Infirmity
           ,
           deviate
           from
           the
           narrow
           way
           ;
           but
           our
           Saviour
           
             is
             the
             Way
             ,
             the
             Truth
             ,
             and
             the
             Life
             .
          
           What
           he
           said
           after
           his
           wa●hing
           the
           Disciples
           Feet
           ,
           (
           an
           Action
           wherein
           there
           was
           such
           an
           admirable
           mixture
           of
           Humility
           and
           Love
           ,
           that
           't
           is
           not
           possible
           to
           conceive
           which
           excell'd
           ;
           for
           they
           were
           both
           in
           the
           highest
           Perfection
           ,
           )
           
             I
             have
             given
             you
             an
             Example
             ,
             that
             what
             I
             have
             done
             to
             you
             ,
             so
             do
             you
             ,
          
           is
           applicable
           to
           all
           the
           kinds
           of
           Vertues
           and
           Graces
           exhibited
           in
           his
           Practice
           .
           He
           instructs
           us
           to
           do
           by
           his
           Doings
           ,
           and
           to
           suffer
           by
           his
           Sufferings
           .
           
             He
             suffered
             for
          
           
           
             us
             ▪
             leaving
             an
             Example
             ,
             that
             we
             may
             follow
             his
             steps
             .
          
           He
           levels
           the
           way
           ,
           and
           makes
           it
           like
           a
           Carpet
           ,
           by
           going
           before
           us
           .
           Those
           Duties
           which
           are
           very
           harsh
           to
           sensible
           Nature
           ,
           he
           instructs
           us
           in
           ,
           by
           his
           Preaching
           ,
           and
           by
           his
           Passion
           .
           How
           can
           we
           decline
           them
           ,
           when
           perform'd
           by
           him
           ,
           in
           whom
           the
           glorious
           Deity
           was
           personally
           united
           to
           the
           tender
           Humanity
           ?
           His
           Life
           was
           a
           continual
           Lecture
           of
           Mortification
           .
           'T
           is
           the
           Observation
           of
           the
           Natural
           Historian
           ,
           that
           
             the
             tender
             Providence
             of
             Nature
             is
          
           
           
             admirable
             ,
             in
             preparing
             Medicines
             for
             us
          
           
           
             in
             beautiful
             fragrant
             Flowers
             ,
             that
             we
             might
             not
             refuse
             the
             Remedy
             ,
             as
             more
             distastful
             than
             our
             Diseases
             .
          
           But
           how
           astonishing
           is
           the
           Love
           of
           God
           ,
           who
           sent
           his
           Son
           for
           our
           Redemption
           from
           Eternal
           Death
           ,
           and
           in
           his
           Example
           has
           sweeten'd
           those
           Remedies
           that
           are
           requisite
           for
           the
           Cure
           of
           our
           distemper'd
           Passions
           :
           the
           taking
           up
           the
           Cross
           ,
           submitting
           to
           Poverty
           and
           Persecution
           ,
           are
           made
           tolerable
           ,
           by
           considering
           that
           in
           enduring
           them
           ,
           we
           follow
           our
           Redeemer
           .
           Can
           any
           Motive
           more
           ingage
           and
           incourage
           our
           Obedience
           ,
           than
           the
           perswasive
           Pa●tern
           ,
           and
           commandingly
           Exemplary
           of
           
           our
           Soveraign
           and
           Saviour
           ?
           Can
           we
           be
           averse
           from
           our
           Duty
           ,
           when
           our
           Law-giver
           teaches
           us
           Obedience
           by
           his
           own
           practice
           ?
           Can
           any
           Invitation
           be
           more
           attractive
           ,
           than
           to
           do
           that
           for
           Love
           to
           him
           ,
           which
           he
           did
           for
           Love
           to
           us
           and
           our
           Salvation
           ?
           We
           are
           his
           Subjects
           by
           the
           dearest
           Titles
           ,
           and
           our
           own
           Consen●
           ;
           we
           are
           dedicated
           to
           his
           Honour
           ;
           and
           as
           the
           Apostle
           tells
           the
           
             Galathians
             ,
             If
             you
             are
             circumcised
             ,
             you
             are
             debtors
             to
             keep
             the
             whole
             Law
             ,
          
           by
           the
           same
           Reason
           ,
           if
           we
           are
           baptized
           ,
           we
           are
           obliged
           to
           obey
           the
           Law
           of
           Faith
           ;
           to
           order
           our
           Lives
           according
           to
           the
           Doctrine
           and
           Example
           of
           Christ.
           An
           unholy
           Christian
           ,
           is
           a
           Contradiction
           
           so
           direct
           and
           palpable
           ,
           that
           one
           word
           destroys
           another
           ;
           as
           if
           one
           should
           say
           ,
           a
           living
           Carcass
           ,
           or
           a
           cold
           Calenture
           .
           We
           must
           adorn
           the
           Gospel
           of
           Christ
           by
           the
           sacred
           splendour
           of
           our
           Actions
           .
           An
           innocent
           Life
           from
           gross
           notorious
           Sins
           ,
           is
           a
           poor
           Perfection
           ;
           we
           must
           shew
           forth
           the
           Vertues
           of
           him
           ,
           
             who
             has
             called
             us
             to
             his
             Kingdom
             and
             Glory
             .
          
           Men
           usually
           observe
           what
           is
           ●minently
           better
           ,
           or
           extreamly
           worse
           ,
           in
           any
           kind
           :
           The
           excellent
           Goodness
           of
           Christians
           recommends
           the
           Goodness
           of
           the
           Gospel
           ,
           and
           convinces
           Infidels
           ,
           that
           it
           came
           from
           the
           Fountain
           of
           Goodness
           .
        
         
           The
           Primitive
           Christians
           endur'd
           the
           Fiery
           Tryal
           with
           insuperable
           Constancy
           ;
           and
           the
           most
           powerful
           Argument
           that
           inspir'd
           their
           Courage
           ,
           despising
           Life
           and
           Death
           ,
           was
           ,
           that
           Christ
           was
           their
           Leader
           in
           those
           terrible
           Conflicts
           ;
           he
           was
           their
           Spectator
           ,
           when
           
           they
           incounter'd
           fierce
           Beasts
           ,
           and
           fiercer
           Tyrants
           ,
           for
           the
           defence
           of
           his
           Truth
           ,
           and
           Glory
           of
           his
           Name
           ;
           and
           while
           they
           were
           suffering
           for
           him
           ,
           he
           was
           preparing
           Immortal
           Crowns
           for
           them
           .
           This
           St.
           Cyprian
           ,
           in
           his
           
             Pastoral
             Letters
          
           to
           the
           Christians
           in
           Africa
           ,
           represents
           
           with
           such
           powerful
           Eloquence
           ,
           that
           kindled
           in
           their
           Breasts
           a
           Love
           to
           Christ
           
             stronger
             than
             Death
          
           .
        
         
           3.
           
           The
           Angels
           are
           propounded
           to
           us
           as
           a
           Pattern
           for
           our
           Imitation
           .
           Our
           Saviour
           directs
           our
           desires
           ,
           that
           
             the
             Will
             of
             God
             may
             be
             done
             in
             Earth
             ,
             as
             't
             is
             done
             in
             Heaven
             .
          
           The
           Will
           of
           God
           is
           either
           Decretive
           or
           Preceptive
           :
           The
           Decretive
           extends
           to
           all
           Events
           ;
           nothing
           falls
           out
           at
           Random
           ,
           nothing
           by
           rash
           Chance
           and
           Casualty
           ,
           but
           all
           things
           come
           to
           pass
           
             according
             to
             the
             Counsel
             of
             his
             Will
          
           ;
           by
           his
           Efficiency
           or
           Pormission
           .
           The
           Preceptive
           Will
           of
           God
           is
           the
           Rule
           of
           our
           Duty
           ▪
           
             This
             is
             the
             Will
             of
             God
             ,
             even
             yo●r
             Sanctification
             :
          
           This
           is
           intended
           here
           ▪
           for
           't
           is
           to
           be
           performed
           in
           conformity
           to
           the
           Obedience
           of
           the
           Angels
           .
           But
           ●●s
           comprehensive
           of
           our
           resign'd
           submission
           to
           the
           Will
           and
           Wisdom
           of
           God
           in
           the
           disposals
           of
           Providence
           ,
           as
           well
           as
           to
           our
           active
           subjection
           to
           his
           Commands
           ▪
           We
           are
           equally
           obliged
           to
           acknowledge
           and
           honour
           his
           Sovereignty
           and
           Do●inion
           in
           ordering
           all
           things
           ,
           as
           to
           yi●●d
           Obedience
           to
           his
           Sovereignty
           declar'd
           in
           his
           Laws
           .
           The
           Psalmist
           addresses
           himself
           to
           the
           Angels
           ,
           as
           our
           Pattern
           ;
           
             Bless
             the
             Lord
             ye
             his
             Angels
             that
             excel
             in
             strength
             ,
             that
             do
             his
             Commandments
             ,
             hearkening
             to
             the
             voice
             of
             his
             Word●
             ▪
          
           The
           
           Angels
           are
           the
           eldest
           off-spring
           of
           God's
           Power
           ,
           Glorious
           ,
           Heavenly
           and
           Immortal
           Spirits
           .
           The
           Title
           of
           Angels
           signifies
           their
           Office
           ;
           their
           Nature
           we
           do
           not
           fully
           know
           .
           We
           can
           tell
           what
           they
           are
           not
           ,
           
             not
             Fl●sh
             nor
             Blood
          
           ;
           but
           negatives
           do
           not
           afford
           Knowledge
           .
           'T
           is
           not
           Knowledge
           to
           declare
           what
           things
           are
           not
           ,
           but
           what
           they
           are
           .
           Their
           excellency
           is
           discovered
           in
           Scripture
           ,
           in
           that
           the
           highest
           degree
           of
           our
           Perfection
           is
           express'd
           by
           likeness
           to
           the
           Angels
           .
           The
           Perfection
           of
           Beauty
           in
           Stephen
           is
           set
           forth
           ,
           
             They
             saw
             his
             Face
             ,
             as
             the
             Face
             of
          
           
           
             an
             Angel.
          
           Excellent
           Wisdom
           in
           
             David
             ;
             My
             Lord
             the
             King
             is
             wise
             as
             an
             Angel
             of
          
           
           God.
           Perfect
           Eloquence
           ▪
           
             Tho'
             I
             speak
          
           
           
             with
             the
             Tongues
             of
             Men
             and
             Angels
             .
          
           And
           the
           Apostle
           ,
           in
           asserting
           the
           infinite
           dignity
           of
           the
           Mediator
           ,
           proves
           it
           by
           this
           Argument
           that
           he
           is
           above
           the
           Angels
           ;
           
             To
             whi●h
             of
             the
             Angels
             did
             he
             s●y
             ,
             thou
             ●●t
             my
             Son
             ?
          
           that
           is
           ,
           in
           a
           high
           and
           peculiar
           manner
           :
           Now
           if
           they
           had
           not
           been
           in
           the
           highest
           order
           of
           Creatures
           ,
           the
           Argument
           had
           not
           been
           conclusive
           ;
           yet
           they
           are
           infinite
           descents
           below
           God
           ▪
           
             The
             Heavens
             are
             not
             clean
             in
             his
             sight
             ,
             the
             Stars
             are
             not
             pure
             befor●
             him
             .
             The
             Seraphims
             v●il
             their
             Faces
             and
             their
             Feet
             in
             his
             glorious
             presence
             ,
             and
             cry
             one
             to
             another
             ,
             Holy
             ,
             holy
             ,
             holy
             ,
             Lord
             God
             of
             Hosts
             ,
          
           
           
             the
             whole
             Earth
             is
             full
             of
             thy
             Glory
             :
          
           His
           separate
           and
           transcendent
           Attributes
           are
           the
           Foundation
           of
           their
           Humility
           and
           Subjection
           .
        
         
           2.
           
           They
           received
           their
           Being
           from
           his
           meer
           Pleasure
           .
           This
           most
           free
           Favour
           infinitely
           binds
           them
           to
           his
           Service
           .
           A
           derived
           Being
           has
           dependant
           operations
           .
        
         
           3.
           
           They
           are
           confirm'd
           in
           their
           state
           of
           ever-flourishing
           Fe●●city
           ,
           by
           pecullar
           Grace
           .
           In
           the
           morning
           of
           the
           Creation
           Heaven
           shin'd
           with
           innumerable
           Sta●●
           the
           Angels
           of
           Light
           ,
           of
           whom
           a
           vast
           number
           are
           by
           their
           Rebellion
           ,
           become
           wandering
           Stars
           ,
           
             to
             whom
             is
             reserv'd
             the
             blackness
             of
             darkness
             for
             ever
             .
          
           How
           dreadful
           was
           their
           Fall
           ?
           From
           what
           Felicity
           into
           what
           Woe
           ?
           Now
           the
           good
           Angels
           are
           in
           a
           supernatural
           state
           ,
           without
           the
           least
           danger
           of
           Change
           and
           Separation
           from
           the
           blessed
           Presence
           of
           God.
           The
           Grace
           of
           Confirmation
           renews
           their
           obligation
           to
           the
           Divine
           Goodness
           ;
           they
           are
           not
           safe
           in
           themselves
           ,
           but
           their
           fidelity
           is
           secur'd
           by
           the
           continual
           influence
           of
           the
           Holy
           Spirit
           .
           In
           them
           is
           perfect
           Light
           ,
           and
           perfect
           Love
           ,
           the
           fountains
           of
           their
           Obedience
           .
           The
           matter
           wherein
           their
           Obedience
           is
           exercis'd
           is
           secret
           to
           us
           ;
           the
           Laws
           and
           admirable
           Order
           in
           Heaven
           ,
           are
           not
           fully
           discovered
           :
           But
           
           we
           are
           assur'd
           ,
           they
           continually
           magnifie
           and
           celebrate
           the
           Perfections
           of
           God.
           In
           this
           lower
           World
           ,
           they
           are
           ministring
           
             Spirits
             to
             the
             Heirs
             of
             Salvation
             ,
          
           the
           adopted
           Children
           of
           God.
           The
           highest
           Angels
           are
           not
           exempted
           from
           this
           Service
           ,
           nor
           the
           lowest
           Saints
           excluded
           from
           the
           Benefit
           of
           it
           .
           How
           many
           unforeseen
           and
           inevitable
           dangers
           ,
           as
           to
           Humane
           prevention
           ,
           do
           they
           prevent
           ?
           The
           evil
           Angels
           would
           destroy
           the
           Saints
           ,
           from
           a
           Principle
           of
           Revenge
           and
           Despite
           against
           the
           high
           and
           everlasting
           Judge
           ,
           and
           are
           hindered
           by
           the
           interposing
           of
           the
           good
           Angels
           .
           
             Michael
             overcome
             the
             Devil
             ,
             in
             the
             contention
             about
             the
             Body
             of
             Moses
             .
          
           The
           Devils
           have
           totally
           lost
           their
           Moral
           Excellency
           ,
           and
           their
           Natural
           Excellency
           ,
           their
           Lustre
           and
           Power
           are
           lessen'd
           .
           But
           of
           what
           Power
           they
           have
           to
           do
           Mischief
           ,
           there
           are
           terrible
           Proofs
           recorded
           in
           Scripture
           :
           They
           raised
           the
           Storm
           that
           overthrew
           the
           House
           ,
           wherein
           
           Job's
           Children
           were
           suddenly
           destroy'd
           ;
           and
           struck
           his
           Body
           with
           loathsome
           and
           tormenting
           Boiles
           .
        
         
           The
           good
           Angels
           inspire
           holy
           thoughts
           ,
           and
           excite
           holy
           affections
           in
           the
           Saints
           :
           For
           certainly
           they
           have
           an
           inspiring
           Faculty
           for
           Good
           ,
           as
           the
           Devils
           have
           for
           Evil.
           Satan
           put
           it
           into
           Judas
           his
           Heart
           to
           betray
           Christ.
           They
           execute
           Vengeance
           
           
           
           
           
           
           
           
           
           
           
           
           
           upon
           the
           wicked
           :
           
             The
             Angel
             of
             the
             Lord
             destroyed
             in
             one
             night
             ,
             〈◊〉
             hundred
             fourscore
             and
             five
             thousand
             of
             the
             Assyrian
             Army
             .
          
           When
           the
           Saints
           leave
           the
           World
           ,
           the
           Angels
           guard
           them
           through
           the
           Air
           ,
           the
           dominions
           of
           Satan
           ,
           and
           secure
           them
           from
           the
           spiritual
           Pharaoh
           ,
           who
           pursues
           them
           in
           their
           passage
           to
           the
           Coelestial
           Canaan
           .
        
         
           At
           the
           last
           day
           they
           shall
           
             gather
             the
             Elect
             from
             all
             the
             quarters
             of
             the
             World
             ▪
          
           before
           the
           Tribunal
           of
           Christ
           ;
           and
           after
           the
           Judgment
           is
           past
           ,
           they
           
             shall
             cast
             the
             Wicked
             into
             everlasting
             Fire
             .
          
        
         
           The
           perfection
           of
           their
           Obedience
           is
           signified
           :
           They
           obey
           God
           readily
           without
           delay
           or
           reluctancy
           .
           Delay
           is
           a
           vertual
           denial
           of
           Obedience
           .
           The
           Angel
           told
           
             Zacharias
             ,
             I
             am
             Gabriel
             that
             stand
             in
             the
             presence
             of
             God
             :
          
           It
           implies
           his
           prepared
           disposition
           to
           receive
           and
           perform
           all
           his
           Commands
           .
           'T
           is
           said
           ,
           
             they
             hearken
             to
             the
             voice
             of
             his
             Word
             :
          
           the
           first
           signification
           of
           his
           Will
           puts
           them
           in
           motion
           .
           They
           entirely
           obey
           him
           ;
           there
           is
           no
           allay
           ,
           no
           mixture
           of
           Contraries
           in
           their
           Principles
           ,
           nothing
           suspends
           or
           breaks
           the
           entireness
           of
           their
           activity
           in
           God's
           Service
           .
           They
           obey
           him
           with
           all
           their
           Powers
           ,
           and
           the
           utmost
           efficacy
           of
           them
           .
           'T
           is
           said
           ,
           
             He
             makes
             his
             Angels
             Spirits
             ,
             his
             Ministers
             a
             flam●
             of
             Fire
             :
          
           
           to
           signifi●
           their
           celerity
           and
           vigout
           in
           doing
           God's
           Will.
           They
           fly
           like
           the
           Wind
           ,
           to
           rescue
           the
           Saints
           from
           imminent
           destructive
           Evils
           ;
           and
           like
           a
           flame
           of
           Fire
           ,
           are
           quick
           and
           terrible
           to
           consume
           the
           wicked
           .
           They
           fully
           perform
           his
           Commands
           :
           The
           two
           Angels
           that
           were
           sent
           to
           preserve
           L●t
           ,
           from
           the
           destruction
           of
           Sodom
           ,
           while
           he
           lingred
           ,
           they
           took
           him
           by
           the
           Hand
           ,
           and
           brought
           him
           out
           of
           the
           City
           ,
           and
           would
           not
           destroy
           it
           till
           he
           was
           safe
           .
           They
           freely
           and
           chearfully
           obey
           God
           ,
           esteeming
           his
           Service
           their
           Glory
           and
           Felicity
           .
           They
           are
           stil'd
           
             Thrones
             and
             Dominions
             ,
             Principalities
             and
             Powers
          
           ;
           but
           they
           are
           more
           pleased
           in
           the
           title
           of
           
             his
             Angels
          
           ;
           that
           is
           ,
           Messengers
           ,
           and
           in
           the
           relation
           of
           his
           Servants
           .
           They
           esteem
           it
           their
           highest
           Exaltation
           and
           Happiness
           to
           obey
           God.
           They
           with
           as
           much
           diligence
           and
           delight
           watch
           over
           the
           meanest
           Saints
           ,
           though
           never
           so
           obscure
           and
           despicable
           in
           the
           World
           ,
           as
           those
           who
           are
           in
           Royal
           Dignity
           ;
           because
           they
           in
           it
           obey
           the
           Orders
           of
           God.
           They
           are
           steddy
           and
           uniform
           in
           their
           Duty
           ,
           above
           all
           temptations
           from
           Hopes
           or
           Fears
           that
           may
           slacken
           their
           Endeavours
           ,
           and
           unstring
           the
           bent
           of
           their
           Resolutions
           in
           his
           Service
           .
           There
           is
           an
           eternal
           constancy
           in
           their
           Obedience
           .
        
         
         
           It
           may
           be
           said
           ,
           this
           Example
           is
           above
           our
           level
           in
           the
           present
           state
           :
           Our
           wings
           are
           broke
           ,
           we
           flag
           ,
           and
           cannot
           reach
           so
           high
           a
           flight
           .
           We
           sometimes
           conceive
           more
           clearly
           ,
           sometimes
           more
           darkly
           of
           our
           Duty
           :
           We
           are
           sometimes
           declining
           ,
           sometimes
           reviving
           and
           returning
           to
           our
           Duty
           :
           We
           do
           not
           practice
           Obedience
           with
           that
           degree
           of
           diligence
           as
           't
           is
           commanded
           .
           The
           weakness
           of
           the
           Flesh
           controuls
           the
           willingness
           of
           the
           Spirit
           .
           How
           should
           it
           upbraid
           us
           that
           we
           fall
           so
           short
           in
           the
           imitation
           of
           Angelical
           Obedience
           ,
           who
           are
           under
           equal
           ,
           nay
           peculiar
           ,
           Obligations
           to
           please
           God
           ?
           The
           Grace
           of
           God
           in
           our
           Redemption
           ,
           is
           more
           illustriously
           visible
           than
           in
           their
           Creation
           :
           The
           Goodness
           of
           God
           was
           most
           free
           in
           making
           the
           Angels
           ;
           but
           't
           is
           merciful
           in
           saving
           Man
           from
           extream
           Misery
           ,
           the
           desert
           of
           his
           Disobedience
           .
           The
           Divine
           Power
           made
           the
           Angels
           ,
           but
           Men
           are
           redeemed
           by
           the
           dearest
           Price
           ,
           the
           Blood
           of
           the
           Son
           of
           God.
           In
           this
           God
           commended
           his
           Love
           to
           us
           ,
           
             that
             when
             we
             were
             Sinners
             ,
             he
             gave
             his
             Son
             to
             dye
             for
             us
             .
          
           Now
           Beneficence
           is
           magnified
           by
           the
           principle
           and
           motive
           of
           it
           ;
           Gifts
           are
           endear'd
           by
           the
           Affection
           of
           the
           Giver
           ,
           and
           ingenuous
           Thankfulness
           chiefly
           respects
           it
           .
           All
           the
           precious
           Benefits
           ,
           and
           vital
           Influences
           ,
           that
           we
           receive
           ,
           
           are
           from
           the
           dearest
           Love
           of
           God
           :
           Supposing
           the
           Angels
           receive
           as
           great
           Favours
           from
           his
           bountiful
           Hand
           ,
           yet
           there
           is
           a
           clearer
           discovery
           of
           his
           Heart
           ,
           his
           tender
           and
           compassionate
           Love
           in
           our
           Salvation
           .
           How
           should
           this
           Consideration
           inspire
           our
           Prayers
           with
           a
           holy
           Heat
           ,
           that
           God
           would
           inlighten
           our
           Minds
           to
           know
           his
           holy
           ,
           acceptable
           and
           perfect
           Will
           ,
           and
           incline
           our
           Wills
           to
           choose
           it
           ,
           and
           enable
           us
           to
           do
           it
           ,
           as
           the
           Angels
           ,
           the
           most
           illuminate
           and
           zealous
           Servants
           of
           God
           ?
        
         
           4.
           
           The
           Scripture
           has
           lighted
           up
           excellent
           Examples
           of
           Holiness
           in
           the
           Lives
           of
           the
           Saints
           upon
           Earth
           ,
           for
           our
           direction
           and
           imitation
           .
           There
           is
           a
           great
           advantage
           by
           looking
           on
           Examples
           ;
           they
           are
           more
           instructive
           than
           naked
           Pre●●pts
           ,
           and
           more
           clearly
           convey
           the
           knowledge
           of
           our
           Duty
           .
           A
           Work
           done
           in
           our
           sight
           by
           another
           ,
           directs
           us
           better
           in
           the
           practise
           of
           it
           ,
           is
           more
           acceptable
           ,
           and
           of
           more
           powerful
           efficacy
           to
           reform
           us
           ,
           than
           Counsel
           and
           Admonition
           by
           words
           .
           A
           Reproof
           ,
           if
           spoken
           with
           an
           imperious
           air
           ,
           wherein
           Vanity
           has
           a
           visible
           ascendant
           ,
           is
           heard
           with
           distaste
           ,
           and
           often
           with
           disdain
           ;
           but
           an
           excellent
           Example
           is
           a
           silent
           Reproof
           ,
           not
           directed
           immediately
           to
           irregular
           Persons
           ,
           but
           discovers
           what
           ought
           to
           be
           done
           ,
           and
           
           leaves
           the
           application
           to
           themselves
           ,
           and
           the
           impression
           is
           more
           quick
           and
           penetrating
           than
           of
           words
           .
           In
           difficult
           Precepts
           ,
           no
           Argument
           is
           more
           effectual
           than
           Examples
           ;
           for
           the
           possibility
           of
           doing
           them
           is
           confirm'd
           by
           Instances
           in
           others
           ;
           and
           the
           pretence
           of
           Infirmity
           is
           taken
           away
           .
           The
           Command
           binds
           us
           to
           our
           Duty
           ,
           Examples
           incourage
           us
           to
           performance
           .
           The
           pattern
           of
           the
           Angels
           ,
           who
           are
           pure
           Spirits
           ,
           is
           not
           so
           influential
           upon
           us
           ,
           as
           the
           pattern
           of
           the
           Saints
           ,
           that
           is
           more
           correspondent
           and
           proportionate
           to
           our
           present
           state
           ;
           as
           the
           Light
           of
           the
           Stars
           ,
           that
           are
           so
           vastly
           distant
           ,
           is
           not
           so
           useful
           in
           managing
           our
           Affairs
           ,
           as
           the
           Light
           of
           a
           Candle
           that
           is
           near
           us
           .
           The
           Saints
           are
           nearly
           allied
           to
           us
           ;
           they
           are
           clothed
           with
           the
           same
           frail
           garment
           of
           Flesh
           ,
           they
           had
           like
           Passions
           ,
           and
           were
           in
           the
           same
           contagious
           World
           ,
           yet
           they
           were
           holy
           and
           heavenly
           in
           their
           Affections
           and
           Actions
           :
           They
           lived
           in
           civil
           Conversation
           with
           Men
           ,
           and
           spiritual
           Communion
           with
           God.
           This
           will
           take
           away
           the
           pretence
           of
           Infirmity
           ;
           for
           we
           have
           the
           same
           word
           of
           Grace
           ,
           and
           spirit
           of
           Grace
           ,
           to
           strengthen
           us
           .
        
         
           The
           practise
           of
           Holiness
           is
           regular
           and
           uniform
           ,
           wherein
           the
           Saints
           resemble
           one
           another
           ;
           yet
           there
           is
           a
           conspicuous
           singularity
           
           of
           active
           or
           suffering
           Graces
           in
           some
           Saints
           ,
           that
           eminently
           distinguish
           them
           from
           others
           ;
           and
           these
           we
           should
           especially
           regard
           .
           
             Enoch
             walked
             with
             God
          
           :
           His
           Life
           was
           a
           continual
           regard
           of
           God
           ▪
           therefore
           he
           was
           translated
           into
           his
           glorious
           Presence
           .
           Abraham's
           Faith
           was
           illustrious
           ,
           in
           that
           without
           reluctancy
           ,
           he
           address'd
           himself
           to
           offer
           up
           his
           beloved
           Son
           ;
           a
           Command
           so
           heavy
           ,
           that
           God
           would
           not
           permit
           his
           performing
           it
           .
           Moses
           Self-denial
           was
           truly
           admirable
           ,
           in
           choosing
           to
           live
           in
           a
           solitary
           naked
           Desert
           ,
           rather
           than
           in
           the
           Egyptian
           Court
           ,
           wherein
           was
           the
           heigth
           of
           Pomp
           ,
           and
           the
           centre
           of
           Pleasure
           .
           Job's
           Patience
           was
           unparallel'd
           ,
           when
           encompass'd
           with
           the
           sharpest
           Affliction
           .
           Daniel
           prefer'd
           a
           Den
           of
           Lyons
           to
           Darius's
           Palace
           ,
           rather
           than
           neglect
           one
           day
           his
           desired
           Duty
           of
           Prayer
           to
           God.
           Whom
           would
           it
           not
           inflame
           ,
           to
           read
           the
           Narrative
           of
           the
           Tryals
           of
           the
           excellent
           Saints
           recorded
           in
           the
           11th
           to
           the
           Hebrews
           ?
           They
           were
           persecuted
           and
           patient
           ,
           afflicted
           and
           resign'd
           ;
           they
           were
           victorious
           over
           the
           blandishments
           of
           the
           alluring
           World
           ,
           and
           the
           terrors
           of
           the
           enraged
           World
           :
           From
           those
           Instances
           ,
           the
           Apostle
           exhorts
           us
           to
           
             run
             our
             race
             with
             Patience
             ,
             looking
             to
             Jesus
             the
             author
             and
             finisher
             of
             our
             Faith.
          
           The
           Knowledge
           that
           is
           in
           
           our
           view
           from
           the
           practice
           of
           others
           ,
           will
           make
           Obedience
           more
           easie
           ,
           and
           best
           lead
           us
           to
           practice
           .
           These
           excellent
           Examples
           should
           make
           us
           blush
           with
           Shame
           ,
           and
           bleed
           with
           Grief
           ,
           that
           notwithstanding
           there
           is
           a
           more
           copious
           communication
           of
           Grace
           by
           the
           Gospel
           ,
           than
           under
           the
           Law
           ,
           and
           a
           more
           clear
           revelation
           of
           the
           glorious
           Reward
           ,
           we
           are
           so
           many
           degrees
           below
           them
           .
           Nothing
           
           will
           convince
           us
           more
           of
           our
           Negligence
           ,
           than
           comparative
           and
           exemplary
           Instruction
           .
           There
           is
           an
           envious
           Emulation
           among
           those
           that
           are
           in
           Publick
           
           Places
           ;
           't
           is
           not
           so
           pleasing
           to
           see
           many
           below
           them
           ,
           as
           't
           is
           uneasie
           and
           grievous
           to
           see
           any
           above
           them
           .
           This
           seems
           to
           be
           one
           of
           those
           Plants
           ,
           that
           in
           its
           native
           Soil
           is
           poisonous
           ,
           but
           transplanted
           into
           another
           Climate
           ,
           and
           under
           another
           Heaven
           ,
           is
           not
           only
           innocent
           ,
           but
           healthful
           .
           'T
           is
           a
           noble
           Emulation
           worthy
           the
           breast
           of
           a
           Saint
           ,
           to
           strive
           to
           excel
           others
           in
           Holiness
           .
        
         
           5.
           
           Our
           present
           Joy
           ,
           and
           future
           Glory
           ,
           are
           improved
           according
           as
           we
           rise
           to
           Perfection
           here
           .
           The
           Life
           of
           a
           Saint
           may
           be
           compar'd
           to
           the
           Labour
           of
           the
           Bees
           ,
           who
           all
           the
           day
           either
           fly
           from
           their
           Hives
           to
           the
           Flowers
           ,
           or
           from
           the
           Flowers
           to
           their
           Hives
           ;
           and
           all
           their
           art
           and
           exercise
           is
           ,
           where
           there
           is
           fragrancy
           or
           
           sweetness
           .
           In
           divine
           Worship
           the
           Soul
           ascends
           to
           God
           ,
           by
           holy
           thoughts
           and
           ardent
           desires
           ,
           and
           God
           descends
           into
           the
           Soul
           ,
           by
           the
           communication
           of
           Grace
           and
           Comfort
           .
        
         
           'T
           is
           true
           ,
           the
           Carnal
           Man
           cannot
           see
           nor
           taste
           the
           divine
           delight
           ,
           that
           a
           Saint
           has
           real
           Experience
           of
           ;
           for
           a
           lower
           Nature
           is
           incapable
           of
           the
           perceptions
           and
           enjoyments
           of
           an
           higher
           :
           A
           Plant
           cannot
           apprehend
           the
           pleasure
           of
           Sense
           ,
           nor
           a
           Beast
           the
           pleasures
           of
           Reason
           ;
           and
           Reason
           must
           be
           prepared
           and
           elevated
           to
           enjoy
           the
           pleasures
           of
           Holiness
           ,
           which
           makes
           all
           the
           charming
           Contents
           of
           this
           World
           insipid
           and
           nauseous
           :
           For
           according
           to
           the
           excellency
           of
           the
           Objects
           ,
           and
           the
           capacity
           and
           vigour
           of
           the
           Faculties
           exercised
           upon
           them
           ,
           such
           is
           the
           delight
           that
           results
           from
           their
           union
           .
           The
           holy
           Soul
           is
           a
           Heaven
           inlightened
           with
           the
           Beams
           of
           the
           Sun
           of
           Righteousness
           ;
           a
           Paradise
           planted
           with
           immortal
           Fruits
           ,
           the
           Graces
           of
           the
           sanctifying
           Spirit
           ;
           and
           God
           walks
           in
           it
           ,
           communicating
           the
           sense
           of
           his
           Love.
           
        
         
           Are
           not
           Life
           ,
           and
           Light
           ,
           and
           Liberty
           ,
           productive
           and
           preservative
           of
           Joy
           ?
           And
           consequently
           ,
           as
           the
           natural
           Life
           ,
           the
           more
           lively
           and
           vigorous
           ,
           the
           more
           pleasant
           it
           is
           ,
           so
           the
           spiritual
           .
           The
           more
           we
           are
           like
           God
           ,
           the
           more
           we
           are
           loved
           
           of
           him
           ,
           and
           the
           more
           clear
           revelations
           of
           his
           Love
           are
           communicated
           to
           us
           .
           The
           more
           we
           are
           freed
           from
           the
           chains
           of
           Sin
           ,
           and
           bondage
           of
           Satan
           ,
           the
           more
           joyful
           and
           glorious
           is
           our
           Liberty
           .
           Indeed
           ,
           the
           Saints
           are
           sometimes
           in
           darkness
           ,
           but
           their
           Sorrows
           are
           from
           their
           defects
           in
           Holiness
           ;
           from
           their
           not
           improving
           the
           means
           of
           Grace
           ,
           whereby
           they
           might
           rise
           to
           Perfection
           :
           For
           as
           when
           Sadness
           oppresses
           us
           ,
           the
           vital
           Spirits
           retire
           to
           the
           Heart
           ,
           and
           are
           shut
           up
           in
           their
           springs
           ,
           that
           Nature
           does
           not
           perform
           its
           operations
           with
           delight
           ;
           so
           when
           the
           Holy
           Spirit
           ,
           the
           Eternal
           Comforter
           ,
           is
           grieved
           ,
           by
           our
           quenching
           his
           pure
           Motions
           ,
           he
           withdraws
           his
           comforting
           Influences
           ,
           and
           the
           Soul
           is
           left
           desolate
           .
           The
           Experience
           of
           all
           the
           Saints
           is
           a
           demonstration
           ,
           that
           Religion
           the
           more
           it
           fastens
           us
           to
           our
           Duty
           ,
           and
           to
           God
           ,
           by
           the
           bands
           of
           Love
           ,
           the
           happier
           we
           are
           ;
           and
           that
           the
           state
           of
           a
           renewed
           Christian
           ,
           is
           so
           far
           from
           being
           gloomy
           and
           melancholy
           ,
           that
           't
           is
           the
           joyful
           beginning
           of
           Heaven
           .
        
         
           By
           excelling
           in
           Holiness
           ,
           our
           future
           Glory
           will
           be
           increas'd
           .
           The
           life
           and
           order
           of
           Government
           consists
           in
           the
           dispensing
           Rewards
           and
           Punishments
           .
           God
           will
           recompence
           the
           wicked
           according
           to
           the
           Rule
           of
           Justice
           and
           their
           Desert
           ;
           
           and
           the
           future
           Happiness
           of
           the
           Saints
           will
           be
           in
           degrees
           ,
           according
           to
           the
           degrees
           of
           their
           Holiness
           .
           Not
           as
           if
           there
           were
           any
           Merit
           in
           our
           Works
           to
           procure
           the
           Eternal
           Reward
           ,
           which
           is
           the
           Gift
           of
           his
           most
           free
           Love
           ;
           but
           his
           Love
           rewards
           us
           according
           to
           his
           Promise
           ,
           that
           
             they
             who
             sow
             bountifully
             ,
             shall
             reap
             bountifully
          
           ;
           and
           in
           proportion
           ,
           as
           the
           Graces
           of
           the
           Saints
           are
           exercised
           here
           ,
           their
           Glory
           will
           be
           in
           Heaven
           .
           In
           this
           the
           Goodness
           of
           God
           is
           admirable
           ,
           he
           works
           all
           in
           us
           ,
           and
           rewards
           his
           own
           work
           :
           His
           Service
           is
           the
           best
           ;
           for
           he
           that
           commands
           ,
           works
           ;
           and
           he
           that
           obeys
           ,
           reigns
           .
           If
           we
           respect
           the
           Glory
           of
           God
           ,
           and
           our
           own
           ,
           let
           us
           endeavour
           to
           be
           compleat
           in
           Holiness
           .
        
         
           'T
           is
           true
           ,
           God
           bestows
           his
           Favours
           as
           a
           free
           Lord
           ,
           and
           liberal
           Benefactor
           ,
           variously
           ;
           but
           he
           distributes
           Rewards
           in
           the
           next
           Life
           as
           a
           Governour
           ,
           according
           to
           the
           inviolate
           Rule
           establish'd
           by
           his
           Wisdom
           in
           his
           Word
           .
           As
           the
           quality
           of
           the
           Reward
           is
           according
           to
           the
           kind
           of
           our
           Works
           ,
           so
           the
           degrees
           are
           according
           to
           the
           measure
           of
           them
           .
           To
           imagine
           that
           a
           Carnal
           Man
           may
           be
           saved
           without
           Holiness
           ,
           is
           as
           unreasonable
           ,
           as
           to
           think
           that
           a
           Man
           may
           be
           made
           miserable
           without
           Sin.
           It
           is
           to
           
           attribute
           an
           irregular
           Clemency
           to
           him
           .
           We
           must
           distinguish
           between
           the
           desert
           of
           the
           Reward
           ,
           and
           the
           order
           of
           dispensing
           it
           .
           There
           is
           no
           possibility
           or
           shadow
           of
           Merit
           ;
           for
           the
           Grace
           of
           Obedience
           is
           antecedent
           to
           the
           Grace
           of
           the
           Reward
           .
        
      
       
         
         
           CHAP.
           XII
           .
        
         
           
             The
             effectual
             means
             to
             rise
             to
             Perfection
             in
             Holiness
             .
             Unfeigned
             Faith
             in
             our
             Saviour
             ,
             who
             is
             the
             efficient
             and
             exemplary
             cause
             of
             inherent
             Holiness
             .
             Prayer
             a
             means
             to
             obtain
             an
             increase
             of
             Holiness
             .
             Frequent
             and
             attentive
             hearing
             ,
             reading
             and
             meditation
             of
             the
             Word
             ,
             a
             means
             of
             growth
             in
             Grace
             .
             The
             Word
             must
             be
             mix'd
             with
             Faith
             ,
             and
             an
             earnest
             desire
             to
             improve
             Grace
             by
             it
             .
             It
             must
             be
             laid
             up
             in
             the
             Mind
             and
             Memory
             .
             It
             must
             be
             sincerely
             received
             .
             The
             Religious
             Use
             of
             the
             Sacrament
             of
             the
             Lord's
             Supper
             ,
             an
             excellent
             means
             to
             increase
             Grace
             .
             Repentance
             ,
             Faith
             and
             Love
             ,
             are
             improved
             by
             it
             .
             The
             renewing
             our
             Covenant
             with
             Christ
             in
             that
             Ordinance
             ,
             is
             of
             great
             use
             for
             the
             advancing
             of
             Grace
             .
             The
             Religious
             Observation
             of
             the
             Lord's
             day
             ,
             makes
             us
             more
             holy
             .
             The
             frequent
             discussion
             of
             Conscience
             is
             very
             instrumental
             to
             increase
             Holiness
             .
             It
             must
             be
             distinct
             in
             comparing
             our
             Actions
             with
             the
             Rule
             ,
             serious
             and
             sincere
             as
             previous
             to
             divine
             Judgment
             ,
             with
             resolution
             to
             reform
             what
             is
             amiss
             ,
             and
             frequent
             .
          
        
         
           I
           Will
           now
           proceed
           to
           declare
           the
           means
           that
           are
           effectual
           for
           our
           obtaining
           Holiness
           in
           degrees
           of
           eminence
           .
        
         
         
           1.
           
           Unfeigned
           Faith
           in
           the
           Lord
           Jesus
           Christ
           ,
           who
           is
           the
           meritorious
           ,
           efficient
           and
           exemplary
           Cause
           of
           inherent
           Holiness
           ,
           and
           Actions
           flowing
           from
           it
           .
           The
           Death
           of
           Christ
           was
           our
           Ransom
           ,
           not
           only
           to
           release
           us
           from
           the
           Curse
           of
           the
           Law
           ,
           but
           the
           dominion
           of
           Sin
           :
           These
           were
           inseparable
           in
           the
           design
           of
           our
           Redeemer
           ;
           and
           are
           in
           the
           accomplishment
           of
           it
           :
           None
           are
           pardon'd
           ,
           but
           they
           are
           sanctified
           .
           If
           the
           reimpression
           of
           the
           Image
           of
           God
           in
           us
           ,
           had
           been
           only
           requisite
           for
           the
           restoring
           us
           to
           his
           Favour
           ,
           our
           Saviour's
           dying
           had
           been
           unnecessary
           ;
           his
           Instruction
           and
           Example
           ,
           with
           the
           sanctifying
           Spirit
           's
           Operations
           ,
           had
           been
           sufficient
           :
           But
           till
           our
           Guilt
           was
           expiated
           ,
           the
           Fountain
           was
           sealed
           ,
           no
           emanations
           of
           Divine
           Grace
           flow'd
           forth
           .
           
             Christ
             gave
             himself
             for
             us
             ,
             that
             he
             might
             redeem
             us
             from
             all
             iniquity
             ,
             and
             purifie
             us
             to
             himself
             a
             peculiar
             People
             ,
             zealous
             of
             good
             works
             .
          
        
         
           Christ
           is
           the
           efficient
           Cause
           of
           our
           Holiness
           .
           We
           receive
           from
           God
           ,
           the
           Author
           of
           Nature
           ,
           the
           Natural
           Life
           ,
           with
           all
           its
           Faculties
           ;
           and
           by
           the
           concurrence
           previous
           and
           concomitant
           of
           his
           powerful
           Providence
           ,
           we
           act
           in
           the
           order
           of
           Nature
           :
           But
           the
           Supernatural
           Life
           is
           conveyed
           to
           us
           from
           the
           Son
           of
           God
           ,
           the
           Mediator
           ;
           
             Of
             his
             fulness
             we
          
           
           
             receive
             Grace
             for
             Grace
          
           :
           Our
           increase
           is
           from
           our
           Head
           ,
           the
           Fountain
           of
           Spiritual
           Sense
           and
           Action
           .
           The
           Holy
           Spirit
           ,
           who
           inspires
           us
           with
           the
           divine
           Life
           ,
           confirms
           and
           improves
           it
           was
           purchased
           by
           his
           Sufferings
           ,
           and
           is
           confer'd
           in
           his
           Exaltation
           .
           As
           in
           the
           operation
           of
           the
           sensitive
           Faculties
           ,
           though
           the
           Eye
           be
           clear
           and
           qualified
           for
           sight
           ,
           yet
           't
           is
           necessary
           there
           be
           a
           supervenient
           Light
           to
           irradiate
           the
           Air
           ,
           and
           actuate
           the
           visive
           Spirits
           ,
           that
           there
           may
           be
           a
           discovery
           of
           Objects
           :
           Thus
           after
           the
           Soul
           is
           renewed
           by
           habitual
           Grace
           ,
           there
           is
           necessary
           the
           exciting
           assisting
           Grace
           of
           the
           Spirit
           ,
           to
           draw
           it
           forth
           into
           exercise
           every
           hour
           .
           The
           Sun
           is
           the
           heart
           of
           the
           World
           from
           which
           all
           vital
           cherishing
           Influences
           are
           derived
           :
           Thus
           from
           
             the
             Sun
             of
             Righteousness
             with
             healing
             in
             his
             wings
             ,
          
           continual
           Influences
           proceed
           ;
           without
           which
           ,
           the
           Life
           of
           Grace
           would
           languish
           and
           decay
           .
           In
           this
           there
           is
           a
           disparity
           between
           the
           visible
           Sun
           ,
           and
           the
           spiritual
           :
           though
           the
           fruitfulness
           of
           every
           Plant
           is
           from
           his
           vital
           Heat
           ,
           and
           descending
           Influences
           ,
           yet
           the
           quality
           and
           kinds
           of
           the
           Fruits
           ,
           is
           from
           the
           Sap
           that
           distinguishes
           them
           :
           Grapes
           are
           from
           the
           Vine
           ,
           and
           Peaches
           and
           Apples
           are
           from
           several
           Trees
           ;
           but
           every
           Grace
           in
           the
           Saints
           is
           from
           the
           descending
           influences
           of
           Christ.
           
           Now
           Faith
           is
           the
           means
           by
           which
           we
           receive
           the
           emanations
           of
           Grace
           from
           Christ.
           The
           Apostle
           tells
           us
           ,
           
             The
             Life
             that
             I
             live
             in
             the
             flesh
             is
             by
             Faith
             in
             the
             Son
             of
             God.
          
           The
           first
           plantation
           of
           Holiness
           ,
           and
           the
           highest
           perfection
           of
           it
           attainable
           in
           the
           present
           Life
           ,
           is
           by
           Faith
           ,
           that
           unites
           us
           to
           Christ.
           A
           sincere
           reliance
           on
           him
           for
           continual
           supplies
           of
           Grace
           ,
           gives
           vertue
           and
           efficacy
           to
           the
           means
           prescribed
           in
           the
           Word
           .
           We
           are
           commanded
           to
           
             grow
             in
             Grace
             ,
             and
             in
             the
             experimental
             knowledge
             of
             our
             Lord
             and
             Saviour
             Jesus
             Christ
             ,
          
           the
           effectual
           means
           to
           obtain
           it
           .
        
         
           3.
           
           Contemplate
           our
           Saviour
           as
           the
           exemplary
           Cause
           of
           our
           Holiness
           .
           His
           Pattern
           is
           not
           only
           a
           powerful
           one
           (
           which
           is
           considered
           before
           )
           but
           means
           to
           bring
           us
           to
           Perfection
           .
           We
           are
           directed
           to
           
             look
             to
             Jesus
             ,
             the
             author
             and
             finisher
             of
             our
             Faith
             ,
             that
             we
             may
             run
             the
             race
             set
             before
             us
             ,
          
           till
           we
           come
           to
           its
           period
           and
           perfection
           .
           In
           the
           Gospel
           there
           is
           a
           divine
           representation
           of
           the
           Obedience
           and
           Sufferings
           of
           our
           Saviour
           ,
           wherein
           every
           Grace
           that
           adorns
           the
           Children
           of
           God
           ,
           is
           exactly
           represented
           ,
           and
           all
           the
           Afflictions
           and
           tender
           Tryals
           ,
           wherewith
           God
           exercises
           them
           in
           order
           to
           their
           Glory
           ,
           were
           consecrated
           by
           his
           Example
           .
           This
           is
           not
           a
           dead
           Object
           proposed
           to
           our
           
           view
           ,
           but
           has
           a
           vital
           efficacy
           to
           transform
           us
           into
           his
           Likeness
           ;
           as
           the
           sight
           of
           the
           Brazen
           Serpent
           conveyed
           a
           healing
           Vertue
           to
           the
           wounded
           Israelites
           .
           The
           Apostle
           tells
           us
           ,
           that
           
             we
             all
             with
             open
          
           
           
             Face
             ,
             beholding
             as
             in
             a
             glass
             ,
             the
             Glory
             of
             the
             Lord
             ,
             are
             changed
             into
             the
             same
             image
             ,
             from
             Glory
             to
             Glory
             ,
             as
             by
             the
             Spirit
             of
             the
             Lord.
          
           The
           Gospel
           is
           the
           Glass
           ,
           wherein
           there
           is
           a
           permanent
           Image
           of
           Christ
           in
           his
           Life
           and
           Death
           ,
           a
           full
           manifestation
           of
           all
           his
           Vertues
           ;
           and
           this
           sight
           ,
           by
           the
           operation
           of
           the
           Spirit
           ,
           changes
           us
           into
           his
           Likeness
           ,
           
             from
             Glory
             to
             Glory
          
           ;
           that
           is
           ,
           by
           several
           degrees
           of
           Grace
           to
           a
           full
           conformity
           to
           him
           in
           Glory
           .
           As
           a
           Painter
           often
           fixes
           his
           Eye
           upon
           the
           Object
           ,
           to
           form
           in
           his
           Imagination
           the
           Idea
           ,
           that
           guides
           his
           Hand
           in
           the
           designing
           and
           colouring
           the
           Face
           ,
           that
           the
           Copy
           may
           resemble
           the
           truth
           of
           Nature
           in
           the
           original
           :
           So
           we
           should
           consider
           the
           Holiness
           and
           Perfection
           of
           our
           Saviour's
           Actions
           ,
           and
           draw
           the
           first
           Lines
           of
           Resolution
           to
           imitate
           him
           ,
           and
           every
           day
           endeavour
           to
           fill
           and
           compleat
           them
           in
           Actions
           ,
           till
           Christ
           be
           form'd
           in
           us
           .
           Let
           us
           often
           compare
           our
           Lives
           with
           the
           Life
           of
           Christ
           ,
           that
           we
           may
           see
           our
           Imperfections
           in
           his
           Excellencies
           ,
           which
           will
           discover
           them
           ,
           and
           how
           to
           correct
           them
           .
        
         
         
           Now
           ,
           in
           that
           particulars
           are
           most
           instructive
           ,
           I
           will
           consider
           two
           Examples
           of
           our
           Saviour
           for
           our
           Imitation
           ,
           in
           Duties
           of
           difficult
           practice
           .
           The
           first
           is
           ,
           the
           Duty
           of
           Admonition
           ,
           wherein
           great
           Prudence
           is
           requisite
           ,
           mix'd
           with
           tender
           Love
           ,
           lest
           the
           Reproof
           be
           taken
           for
           a
           Reproach
           ,
           and
           the
           Person
           be
           provok'd
           and
           not
           reform'd
           ;
           and
           with
           Zeal
           that
           may
           give
           efficacy
           to
           our
           Counsel
           .
           A
           Reproof
           must
           be
           managed
           like
           binding
           of
           a
           wounded
           part
           ,
           which
           must
           be
           neither
           too
           strait
           ,
           nor
           too
           slack
           ,
           lest
           it
           should
           oppress
           and
           exasperate
           the
           Wound
           ,
           or
           lest
           there
           be
           not
           a
           close
           application
           of
           the
           Medicine
           .
           Of
           this
           mixture
           of
           Affections
           we
           have
           a
           clear
           discovery
           in
           our
           Saviour's
           carriage
           towards
           his
           Enemies
           ▪
           'T
           is
           related
           in
           the
           Gospel
           ,
           
             That
             a
             Man
          
           
           
             with
             a
             wither'd
             hand
             was
             present
             in
             the
             Synagogue
             ;
             and
             some
             watched
             whether
             our
             Saviour
             would
             heal
             him
             on
             the
             Sabbath-day
             ,
             that
             they
             might
             accuse
             him
             of
             profaning
             it
             :
             And
             when
             he
             propounded
             the
             question
             ,
             whether
             it
             were
             lawful
             to
             do
             good
             or
             evil
             on
             the
             Sabbath-day
             ?
             they
             maliciously
             held
             their
             peace
             :
             which
             occasion'd
             his
             looking
             on
             them
             with
             Anger
             ,
             being
             grieved
             for
             the
             hardness
             of
             their
             Hearts
             .
          
           This
           exact
           Pattern
           we
           should
           follow
           ,
           joining
           mild
           Severity
           with
           melting
           Compassion
           ,
           in
           reproving
           offenders
           .
        
         
         
           The
           other
           instance
           is
           ,
           how
           to
           Compose
           our
           Spirits
           ,
           and
           resign
           our
           Wills
           to
           God
           ,
           in
           the
           approaches
           of
           very
           afflicting
           Evils
           .
           Our
           Saviour
           in
           the
           apprehension
           of
           his
           impendent
           Suffering
           ,
           exprest
           a
           great
           perplexity
           ,
           
             Now
             is
             my
             soul
             troubled
             ,
             and
             what
             shall
             I
             say
             .
          
           The
           fearful
           expectation
           of
           the
           just
           and
           heavy
           punishment
           due
           for
           our
           Sins
           ,
           perplex'd
           his
           Holy
           and
           Humane
           Nature
           :
           he
           address'd
           a
           Request
           to
           God
           ,
           
             Father
             save
             me
             from
             this
             hour
             ,
          
           but
           it
           was
           with
           a
           Revocation
           ,
           
             but
             for
             this
             cause
             came
             I
             to
             this
             hour
             :
          
           it
           was
           subordinate
           to
           his
           main
           desire
           ,
           
             Father
             ,
             glorifie
             thy
             Name
          
           .
           When
           he
           was
           
           seized
           by
           his
           bloody
           Enemies
           ,
           and
           Peter
           struck
           with
           his
           Sword
           one
           of
           them
           ,
           he
           repress'd
           his
           rash
           Zeal
           with
           that
           Consideration
           ,
           
             The
             Cup
             which
             my
             Father
             has
             given
             shall
             I
             not
             drink
             of
             it
             ?
          
           He
           regarded
           his
           Soveraign
           Will
           in
           giving
           it
           ,
           and
           with
           
           Submission
           drank
           of
           the
           dregs
           of
           it
           .
           How
           instructive
           is
           this
           to
           us
           ,
           to
           take
           the
           hottest
           and
           bitterest
           Potion
           that
           God
           our
           Father
           and
           Physician
           prepares
           for
           us
           .
        
         
           2.
           
           Prayer
           is
           an
           Effectual
           Means
           to
           obtain
           an
           increase
           of
           Spiritual
           Blessings
           .
           'T
           is
           the
           Law
           of
           Heaven
           ,
           that
           Blessings
           are
           to
           be
           obtain'd
           by
           Prayer
           ,
           for
           this
           is
           most
           Honourable
           to
           God
           ,
           and
           Beneficial
           to
           us
           .
           'T
           is
           the
           Supreme
           Act
           of
           Religious
           
           Worship
           ,
           discover'd
           by
           the
           Light
           of
           Nature
           to
           the
           Heathens
           .
           Prayer
           is
           the
           Homage
           due
           to
           his
           Eternal
           Greatness
           ,
           the
           most
           glorious
           acknowledgement
           of
           his
           All-sufficiency
           :
           that
           he
           is
           Able
           and
           Willing
           to
           relieve
           our
           Poverty
           from
           his
           immense
           Treasures
           ,
           notwithstanding
           our
           unworthiness
           :
           for
           
             we
             are
             less
             than
             the
          
           
           
             least
             of
             his
             mercies
          
           ,
           and
           deserve
           the
           severe
           inflictions
           of
           his
           Justice
           .
           'T
           is
           the
           setting
           our
           Seal
           to
           his
           Truth
           ,
           
             that
             he
             is
             a
             God
             hearing
             Prayer
             .
          
           'T
           is
           very
           beneficial
           to
           us
           :
           for
           it
           engages
           us
           to
           receive
           his
           Benefits
           with
           Adoration
           and
           Thankfulness
           ,
           and
           prepares
           us
           to
           receive
           new
           Favours
           ;
           and
           by
           our
           obtaining
           Blessings
           in
           this
           way
           ,
           we
           have
           a
           more
           Clear
           and
           Comfortable
           Sense
           of
           his
           Love
           ,
           that
           gives
           the
           sweetest
           Tincture
           and
           Relish
           to
           them
           .
        
         
           'T
           is
           true
           ,
           Prayer
           is
           not
           requir'd
           to
           inform
           God
           ,
           or
           to
           incline
           him
           to
           be
           Gracious
           ,
           and
           sometimes
           from
           his
           exuberant
           Goodness
           he
           prevents
           our
           desires
           ,
           but
           we
           cannot
           regularly
           expect
           his
           Blessings
           without
           the
           Sense
           of
           our
           Wants
           ,
           and
           Prayer
           to
           supply
           them
           .
        
         
           Now
           all
           Blessings
           are
           originally
           from
           God
           ,
           but
           some
           are
           immediately
           from
           him
           .
           As
           the
           Sun
           inlightens
           the
           World
           by
           its
           presence
           in
           the
           Day
           ,
           and
           the
           Moon
           and
           Stars
           inlighten
           it
           in
           the
           Night
           ,
           by
           
           Light
           borrowed
           from
           the
           Sun.
           St.
           James
           tells
           us
           ,
           
             Every
             good
             and
             perfect
             gift
             descends
             from
             above
             ,
             from
             the
             Father
             of
             Lights
             :
          
           All
           Blessings
           in
           the
           order
           of
           Nature
           ,
           the
           Qualities
           of
           the
           Body
           ,
           Beauty
           ,
           Strength
           ,
           Health
           ;
           or
           the
           Endowments
           of
           the
           Mind
           ,
           Knowledge
           ,
           Wit
           ,
           Eloquence
           are
           his
           Gifts
           ;
           all
           Temporary
           Talents
           ,
           Riches
           ,
           Power
           ,
           Dignity
           are
           from
           him
           ,
           by
           the
           mediation
           of
           second
           Causes
           :
           but
           there
           are
           more
           precious
           and
           perfect
           Gifts
           that
           come
           from
           him
           immediately
           as
           
             the
             Father
             of
             Lights
          
           ,
           Sanctifying
           Graces
           ,
           and
           Spiritual
           Comforts
           ,
           by
           the
           Illumination
           ,
           and
           Infusion
           of
           the
           Holy
           Spirit
           .
        
         
           The
           first
           sort
           of
           Blessings
           we
           are
           not
           to
           pray
           for
           absolutely
           ,
           for
           they
           may
           be
           pernicious
           ,
           by
           our
           abuse
           of
           them
           ,
           to
           our
           Souls
           ,
           and
           are
           often
           bestowed
           upon
           Reprobate
           Sinners
           .
           But
           the
           other
           kind
           ,
           saving
           Graces
           ,
           deserve
           our
           most
           ardent
           desires
           .
           
             As
             the
             hart
             pants
             after
             the
             water-brooks
             ,
          
           
           our
           Souls
           should
           seek
           after
           the
           Favour
           of
           God
           ;
           and
           Sanctifying
           Grace
           ,
           the
           infallible
           Testimony
           and
           effect
           of
           it
           .
           We
           must
           pray
           for
           them
           unsatisfiedly
           ,
           not
           content
           with
           any
           thing
           else
           ,
           nor
           without
           excellent
           degrees
           of
           them
           .
           David
           breaks
           out
           his
           ardent
           desires
           ,
           
             O
             that
             my
             wayes
             were
             directed
             according
             to
             thy
             Statutes
             .
          
           O
           that
           my
           Soul
           may
           be
           baptiz'd
           
           with
           the
           Holy
           Ghost
           as
           with
           Fire
           ,
           to
           purifie
           and
           refine
           me
           from
           all
           my
           dross
           :
           that
           as
           Gold
           taken
           from
           a
           vein
           of
           Earth
           ,
           receives
           such
           a
           lustre
           from
           the
           Fire
           ,
           as
           if
           it
           were
           the
           sole
           product
           of
           
           Fire
           ,
           so
           my
           renovation
           by
           the
           Spirit
           may
           be
           so
           intire
           ,
           that
           all
           Carnality
           may
           be
           abolish'd
           .
        
         
           Our
           Prayers
           should
           be
           for
           our
           perseverance
           in
           well-doing
           .
           Perseverance
           is
           a
           most
           free
           Gift
           of
           God
           ,
           a
           new
           Grace
           superadded
           to
           what
           we
           have
           received
           ,
           without
           it
           we
           shall
           forsake
           God
           every
           Hour
           .
           God
           promises
           to
           give
           the
           sanctifying
           
           Spirit
           as
           a
           permanent
           Principle
           of
           Holiness
           in
           his
           People
           ,
           to
           cause
           them
           to
           walk
           in
           his
           Statutes
           ,
           and
           declares
           ,
           
             for
             this
             I
             will
             be
             enquired
             of
             by
             the
             house
             of
             Israel
             .
          
           We
           must
           imitate
           Jacob
           ,
           who
           wrestled
           with
           the
           Angel
           ,
           and
           would
           not
           let
           him
           go
           
             till
             he
             had
             blest
             him
          
           .
           This
           is
           an
           Emblem
           of
           fervent
           Prayer
           ,
           wherein
           we
           strive
           with
           the
           strength
           and
           sinews
           of
           our
           Souls
           ,
           and
           as
           it
           were
           offer
           violence
           to
           the
           King
           of
           Heaven
           to
           bestow
           Spiritual
           Blessings
           upon
           us
           .
        
         
           Carnal
           Men
           are
           intemperate
           ,
           greedy
           and
           passionate
           ,
           in
           their
           desires
           of
           Temporal
           Blessings
           ;
           tho'
           Reason
           ,
           Religion
           ,
           and
           Experience
           of
           their
           Vanity
           ,
           should
           regulate
           them
           :
           They
           are
           impatient
           and
           insatiable
           ,
           and
           will
           bear
           no
           denial
           nor
           
           delay
           but
           with
           regret
           ,
           and
           reluctancy
           .
           But
           how
           remiss
           and
           cold
           are
           their
           desires
           for
           spiritual
           and
           eternal
           Blessings
           ,
           they
           invite
           a
           denial
           .
           Their
           Prayers
           are
           defective
           in
           the
           Principle
           ,
           they
           do
           not
           understand
           the
           value
           ,
           and
           their
           want
           of
           them
           .
           Divine
           Grace
           ,
           the
           gift
           of
           God's
           saving
           Mercy
           ,
           the
           dear
           purchase
           of
           the
           Sufferings
           of
           Christ
           ,
           the
           precious
           fruit
           of
           his
           Holy
           Spirit
           ,
           are
           of
           little
           price
           in
           their
           esteem
           .
           Our
           Saviour
           tells
           the
           Samaritan
           Woman
           ,
           
             If
             thou
             knewest
             the
             gift
             of
             God
             ,
             and
             who
             it
             is
             that
             asks
             thee
             ,
             Give
             me
             to
             drink
             ,
             thou
             wouldst
             have
             asked
             of
             him
             ,
             and
             he
             would
             have
             given
             thee
             living
             water
             .
          
        
         
           We
           are
           encouraged
           to
           be
           earnest
           and
           resolved
           Suppliants
           for
           the
           Graces
           of
           God's
           Spirit
           ,
           because
           we
           are
           assur'd
           he
           is
           most
           willing
           to
           bestow
           them
           .
           Our
           Saviour
           sometimes
           encourages
           us
           from
           the
           resemblance
           of
           a
           Father
           ,
           who
           cannot
           so
           unnaturalize
           himself
           ,
           and
           devest
           his
           tender
           Affections
           ,
           as
           to
           renounce
           his
           own
           off-spring
           ,
           to
           deny
           a
           Child
           necessary
           Food
           for
           his
           subsistence
           :
           
             Will
             he
             give
             him
             a
             stone
             for
             bread
             ,
             or
             a
             serpent
             for
             a
             fish
             ?
             If
             ye
             then
             ,
             being
             evil
             ,
             know
             how
             to
             give
             good
             gifts
             to
             your
             children
             ,
             how
             much
             more
             shall
             your
             heavenly
             Father
             give
             the
             holy
             Spirit
             to
             them
             that
             ask
             it
             ?
          
           Sometimes
           he
           excites
           us
           to
           pray
           ,
           and
           not
           to
           
           faint
           ,
           from
           the
           Parable
           of
           an
           incompassionate
           Stranger
           ,
           a
           Judge
           that
           was
           overcome
           by
           importunity
           to
           afford
           relief
           to
           one
           in
           distress
           .
           God
           delights
           to
           hear
           and
           answer
           those
           Prayers
           that
           are
           for
           his
           best
           Blessings
           .
           When
           Solomon
           prayed
           for
           Wisdom
           to
           Rule
           his
           People
           ,
           God
           was
           so
           pleas'd
           ,
           that
           he
           gave
           him
           Wisdom
           in
           an
           Eminent
           Degree
           ,
           and
           as
           an
           accession
           ,
           Riches
           and
           Honour
           .
           If
           we
           imitate
           Solomon
           in
           his
           Prayer
           ,
           we
           shall
           have
           his
           Acceptance
           .
           St.
           James
           directs
           us
           ,
           
             If
             any
             man
             wants
             wisdom
             ,
             let
             him
             ask
             it
             of
             God
             ,
             who
             gives
             liberally
             and
             upbraids
             no
             man
             :
          
           the
           Wisdom
           to
           manage
           Afflictions
           ,
           that
           may
           be
           for
           his
           Glory
           and
           our
           Spiritual
           Advantage
           .
           He
           gives
           Liberally
           ,
           which
           either
           respects
           the
           Affection
           of
           the
           Giver
           ,
           or
           the
           Measure
           of
           the
           Gift
           ,
           or
           the
           repeated
           Acts
           of
           Giving
           :
           
             and
             upbraids
             not
          
           ,
           neither
           with
           their
           unworthiness
           ,
           nor
           the
           frequency
           of
           their
           Addresses
           .
           Liberality
           among
           men
           is
           a
           costly
           Vertue
           ,
           and
           but
           few
           have
           a
           Natural
           Generosity
           ,
           or
           Christian
           Mercy
           and
           Means
           to
           express
           and
           exercise
           it
           .
           The
           Necessities
           of
           others
           do
           not
           affect
           Men
           with
           so
           quick
           a
           sense
           ,
           as
           the
           parting
           with
           their
           Money
           to
           relieve
           them
           .
           As
           the
           Balsam
           Tree
           does
           not
           drop
           its
           healing
           Liquor
           ,
           till
           the
           Bark
           is
           Cut.
           Sometimes
           the
           great
           number
           of
           Suiters
           is
           a
           
           pretence
           to
           excuse
           from
           the
           exercise
           of
           Bounty
           .
           None
           of
           these
           can
           be
           Conceived
           of
           God.
           There
           is
           nothing
           more
           Divine
           in
           the
           Deity
           ,
           and
           becoming
           his
           Nature
           ,
           than
           his
           Inclination
           to
           do
           good
           .
           As
           the
           Mother
           with
           equal
           Pleasure
           nourishes
           the
           Child
           with
           her
           Milk
           ,
           as
           the
           Child
           draws
           it
           .
           For
           the
           breast
           is
           uneasie
           till
           emptied
           .
           God
           much
           more
           rejoices
           in
           doing
           Good
           ,
           than
           we
           in
           receiving
           it
           .
        
         
           We
           are
           also
           assur'd
           of
           obtaining
           Spiritual
           Blessings
           by
           the
           Intercession
           of
           the
           Mediator
           .
           The
           dignity
           of
           his
           Person
           ,
           who
           is
           higher
           than
           the
           Heavens
           ,
           the
           Son
           of
           his
           Love
           ,
           the
           Merits
           of
           his
           Obedience
           and
           Sufferings
           assure
           us
           of
           his
           Power
           with
           God.
           He
           takes
           us
           by
           the
           hand
           ,
           and
           brings
           as
           to
           the
           Father
           ,
           perfumes
           and
           presents
           our
           Requests
           to
           obtain
           a
           favourable
           Reception
           .
           When
           we
           are
           under
           impressions
           of
           Fear
           ,
           that
           God
           will
           deny
           our
           Prayers
           for
           Spiritual
           Blessings
           ,
           't
           is
           as
           if
           there
           were
           no
           Love
           in
           the
           Mediator
           ,
           nor
           prevalency
           in
           his
           Mediation
           .
        
         
           Besides
           ,
           the
           Spirit
           of
           Holiness
           is
           plenteously
           Conveyed
           under
           the
           Dispensation
           of
           the
           Gospel
           .
           The
           gift
           of
           the
           Spirit
           ,
           in
           the
           richest
           degrees
           ,
           was
           reserved
           as
           an
           Honour
           to
           Christ
           in
           his
           Ascension
           .
        
         
         
           'T
           is
           said
           ,
           
             The
             Holy
             Ghost
             was
             not
             yet
             given
             ,
             because
             Jesus
             was
             not
             yet
             glorified
             .
          
           The
           Blood
           of
           Christ
           was
           liberally
           shed
           ,
           that
           the
           Spirit
           might
           be
           liberally
           poured
           forth
           .
           But
           the
           bestowing
           of
           the
           Spirit
           ,
           was
           at
           the
           Triumphant
           Ascension
           of
           Christ.
           
             Thou
             hast
             ascended
             on
             high
             ,
             thou
             hast
             led
             captivity
             captive
             ,
             and
             received
             gifts
             for
             men
             :
          
           that
           is
           ,
           from
           the
           Father
           ,
           as
           the
           Reward
           of
           his
           Victory
           ,
           that
           he
           might
           dispense
           them
           to
           Men.
           The
           Principal
           Gift
           is
           the
           Holy
           Ghost
           ,
           comprehensive
           of
           all
           good
           things
           .
           The
           Promise
           is
           perform'd
           under
           the
           Gospel
           ,
           
             I
             will
             pour
             forth
             of
             my
             Spirit
             ,
          
           the
           Spirit
           
             of
             grace
             and
             supplication
             ,
             upon
             all
             flesh
             .
          
           There
           were
           some
           Sprinklings
           of
           it
           under
           the
           Law
           ,
           and
           confin'd
           to
           a
           separate
           Nation
           ,
           but
           now
           showers
           are
           poured
           down
           upon
           all
           Nations
           ,
           to
           purifie
           them
           ,
           and
           make
           them
           fruitful
           in
           Good
           Works
           .
           The
           Apostle
           declares
           the
           admirable
           Efficacy
           of
           the
           Gospel
           ,
           
             The
             Law
             of
             the
             Spirit
             of
             Life
             has
             freed
             me
             from
             the
             Law
             of
             Sin
             and
          
           
           Death
           .
           The
           Spirit
           of
           the
           Fiery
           Law
           ,
           so
           call'd
           with
           respect
           to
           its
           Original
           and
           Operations
           ,
           convinc'd
           of
           Sin
           ,
           and
           constrain'd
           Conscience
           to
           inflict
           tormenting
           impressions
           on
           the
           Soul
           the
           Presages
           of
           Future
           Judgment
           :
           but
           afforded
           no
           Spiritual
           Grace
           to
           obey
           it
           .
           Therefore
           't
           is
           said
           
             to
             be
             weak
             and
             unprofitable
          
           .
           But
           the
           
           
           Gospel
           conveys
           Supernatural
           Strength
           ,
           to
           obtain
           Supernatural
           Happiness
           .
           'T
           is
           foretold
           concerning
           the
           state
           of
           the
           Church
           in
           the
           times
           of
           the
           Gospel
           ,
           
             He
             that
          
           
           
             is
             feeble
             among
             them
             shall
             be
             as
             David
             ,
             and
             the
             house
             of
             David
             shall
             be
             as
             God
             ,
             as
             the
             Angel
             of
             the
             Lord
             before
             them
             .
          
           Add
           farther
           the
           Holy
           Spirit
           directs
           our
           desires
           ,
           and
           
             God
             knows
             the
             mind
             of
             the
             Spirit
             ,
             who
             makes
             intercession
             for
             us
             according
             to
             the
             will
             of
             God.
          
           Christ
           is
           our
           Advocate
           in
           Heaven
           ,
           and
           the
           Spirit
           in
           our
           Hearts
           ,
           by
           inflaming
           our
           Affections
           ,
           and
           exciting
           in
           us
           filial
           Trust
           in
           the
           Divine
           Mercy
           .
           
             They
             that
             wait
             on
             the
             Lord
             ,
             shall
             renew
             their
             strength
             .
          
           If
           we
           are
           impotent
           in
           resisting
           Temptations
           ,
           and
           in
           doing
           the
           Will
           of
           God
           ,
           when
           Divine
           Assistance
           is
           ready
           upon
           our
           desires
           to
           confirm
           us
           ,
           our
           Impotence
           is
           voluntary
           and
           does
           not
           excuse
           us
           from
           Consequent
           Sin
           ,
           but
           is
           an
           antecedent
           Sin.
           The
           sharpest
           Reproof
           we
           read
           from
           our
           Saviour
           to
           his
           Disciples
           was
           for
           their
           guilty
           Impotence
           :
           
             Jesus
             answer'd
             and
             said
             ,
             O
             faithless
             and
             perverse
             generation
             ,
             How
             long
             shall
             I
             be
             with
             you
             ?
             How
             long
             shall
             I
             suffer
             you
             ?
          
           He
           had
           given
           them
           Power
           to
           heal
           Diseases
           ,
           and
           expel
           Evil
           Spirits
           ,
           but
           they
           had
           not
           used
           the
           means
           of
           Prayer
           and
           Fasting
           ,
           that
           was
           requisite
           for
           the
           exercise
           of
           that
           Power
           .
           How
           justly
           do
           we
           deserve
           
           that
           stinging
           Reproach
           ,
           who
           ,
           notwithstanding
           the
           Gospel
           is
           the
           ministration
           of
           the
           Spirit
           ,
           do
           not
           by
           continual
           fervent
           Prayer
           apply
           our selves
           to
           God
           ,
           to
           partake
           of
           a
           rich
           abundance
           of
           Grace
           from
           the
           Holy
           Spirit
           ?
        
         
           I
           shall
           only
           add
           ,
           that
           as
           Prayer
           is
           a
           means
           to
           obtain
           more
           Grace
           by
           impatration
           ,
           so
           by
           the
           exercise
           of
           Grace
           in
           Prayer
           't
           is
           increas'd
           .
           Frequent
           Prayer
           has
           a
           cleansing
           Vertue
           ,
           in
           that
           as
           those
           who
           often
           come
           into
           the
           King's
           Presence
           to
           speak
           to
           him
           ,
           are
           careful
           to
           be
           in
           decent
           Habits
           ,
           that
           they
           may
           not
           be
           disparag'd
           in
           his
           sight
           ;
           so
           those
           who
           draw
           near
           to
           God
           ,
           will
           cleanse
           themselves
           from
           Sin
           ,
           that
           they
           may
           be
           prepar'd
           to
           appear
           before
           his
           Holy
           Majesty
           .
           Humility
           ,
           Faith
           ,
           Reverence
           ,
           Love
           ,
           Zeal
           ,
           Resignation
           to
           the
           Divine
           Will
           ,
           Compassion
           to
           the
           Afflicted
           ,
           and
           other
           excellent
           Graces
           ,
           are
           exercised
           in
           Prayer
           ,
           as
           the
           sphere
           of
           their
           activity
           ;
           and
           as
           acquir'd
           Habits
           so
           infused
           ,
           are
           improved
           by
           exercise
           .
           Frequent
           shooting
           not
           only
           makes
           persons
           more
           skilful
           in
           directing
           the
           Arrow
           to
           the
           Mark
           ,
           but
           more
           able
           to
           draw
           a
           stronger
           Bow.
           None
           are
           more
           holy
           in
           Conversation
           ,
           than
           those
           that
           give
           themselves
           to
           Prayer
           .
           Our
           Saviour
           prayed
           himself
           into
           Heaven
           ,
           and
           a
           Divine
           Lustre
           appear'd
           in
           his
           Countenance
           .
           
           By
           our
           drawing
           near
           to
           God
           ,
           the
           beauty
           of
           Holiness
           will
           be
           impress'd
           upon
           us
           ,
           and
           brighten
           our
           Conversations
           .
           Briefly
           ,
           according
           to
           the
           raised
           operations
           of
           Grace
           in
           Prayer
           ,
           we
           shall
           obtain
           more
           excellent
           degrees
           of
           it
           from
           Heaven
           ;
           for
           in
           bestowing
           the
           first
           Grace
           ,
           God
           is
           a
           pure
           Giver
           ,
           but
           in
           dispensing
           new
           degrees
           of
           Grace
           ,
           he
           is
           a
           Rewarder
           ,
           according
           to
           the
           Promise
           ,
           
             To
             him
             that
             hath
             shall
             be
             given
             .
          
        
         
           3.
           
           Frequent
           and
           attentive
           Hearing
           and
           Reading
           the
           Word
           ,
           and
           serious
           Meditation
           of
           it
           ,
           is
           a
           means
           appointed
           by
           the
           Divine
           Wisdom
           and
           Goodness
           ,
           for
           our
           growth
           in
           Grace
           .
           The
           conception
           and
           propagation
           ,
           the
           sustaining
           and
           increasing
           the
           Spiritual
           Life
           ,
           is
           by
           the
           Word
           of
           Truth
           :
           'T
           is
           therefore
           compar'd
           to
           those
           things
           that
           are
           the
           productive
           and
           preserving
           Causes
           of
           the
           Natural
           Life
           :
           'T
           is
           the
           incorruptible
           Seed
           and
           Food
           ,
           to
           beget
           and
           nourish
           the
           Spiritual
           Life
           :
           'T
           is
           Milk
           for
           Babes
           ,
           Wine
           for
           the
           faint
           ,
           and
           strong
           Meat
           to
           confirm
           those
           of
           maturer
           Age.
           There
           is
           an
           objective
           Vertue
           in
           it
           ,
           whereby
           't
           is
           apt
           and
           sufficient
           to
           regenerate
           us
           ,
           and
           to
           increase
           the
           vigour
           and
           activity
           of
           the
           new
           Life
           .
           The
           Apostle
           calls
           it
           ,
           
             The
             Power
             of
             God
             to
             our
             Salvation
             .
             The
             word
             of
             Grace
             is
             able
             to
             build
             us
             up
             to
             an
             inheritance
          
           
           
             among
             them
             that
             are
             sanctified
          
           .
           'T
           is
           
           a
           kind
           of
           Miracle
           in
           Nature
           ,
           that
           a
           
           Sience
           of
           a
           good
           Tree
           grafted
           into
           a
           sowre
           Stock
           ,
           draws
           the
           vital
           Moisture
           from
           the
           Root
           ,
           and
           converts
           it
           for
           the
           producing
           generous
           and
           pleasant
           Fruit
           :
           The
           ingrafted
           Word
           being
           a
           Divine
           Doctrine
           ,
           over-rules
           the
           Carnal
           Nature
           ,
           and
           makes
           the
           Mind
           ,
           Will
           ,
           Affections
           and
           Actions
           ,
           holy
           and
           heavenly
           ,
           answerable
           to
           its
           quality
           .
           The
           Commands
           of
           it
           are
           clear
           and
           pure
           ,
           directing
           us
           in
           our
           universal
           Duty
           ;
           the
           Promises
           are
           precious
           ,
           encouraging
           us
           by
           the
           prospect
           of
           the
           Reward
           ;
           the
           Threatenings
           terrible
           ,
           to
           preserve
           us
           from
           Sin.
           There
           is
           an
           instrumental
           fitness
           in
           the
           Word
           preached
           to
           perfect
           the
           Image
           of
           God
           in
           us
           ;
           for
           the
           manner
           of
           conveying
           the
           Revelation
           to
           us
           ,
           has
           a
           congruity
           to
           work
           upon
           the
           subject
           to
           whom
           't
           is
           revealed
           .
           The
           first
           insinuation
           of
           Sin
           was
           by
           the
           Ear
           ;
           the
           first
           inspiration
           of
           Grace
           is
           by
           it
           :
           Through
           the
           Ear
           was
           the
           entrance
           of
           Death
           ;
           't
           is
           now
           the
           gate
           of
           Life
           .
           In
           
             Heaven
             we
             shall
             know
             God
             by
             sight
             ,
             now
             by
             hearing
             .
          
           When
           a
           Minister
           of
           the
           Gospel
           is
           inlightened
           from
           Heaven
           ,
           and
           zealous
           for
           the
           Salvation
           of
           Souls
           ,
           he
           is
           fitter
           for
           this
           Work
           ,
           than
           if
           an
           Angel
           were
           a
           ministring
           Spirit
           in
           this
           sense
           ,
           and
           imployed
           in
           this
           holy
           Office
           :
           For
           
           he
           that
           Preaches
           has
           the
           same
           interest
           in
           the
           Doctrine
           declar'd
           by
           him
           ;
           his
           everlasting
           Happiness
           is
           nearly
           concern'd
           ;
           and
           therefore
           is
           most
           likely
           to
           affect
           others
           .
           When
           a
           holy
           fire
           is
           kindled
           in
           the
           Breast
           ,
           it
           will
           inflame
           the
           Lips
           ;
           the
           Mind
           convinces
           the
           Mind
           ,
           and
           the
           Heart
           perswades
           the
           Heart
           .
           But
           we
           must
           consider
           ,
           that
           as
           the
           Instrument
           cannot
           effect
           that
           for
           which
           't
           is
           made
           ,
           without
           't
           is
           directed
           and
           applyed
           for
           that
           end
           ;
           so
           without
           a
           superiour
           influence
           of
           the
           Holy
           Spirit
           ,
           that
           gives
           vital
           Power
           to
           the
           preaching
           of
           the
           Word
           ,
           't
           is
           without
           efficacy
           .
           What
           our
           Saviour
           speaks
           of
           the
           Natural
           Life
           ,
           is
           applicable
           to
           the
           Spiritual
           ,
           
             Man
             lives
             not
             by
             Bread
             alone
             ,
             but
             by
             every
             Word
             that
             proceeds
             from
             God's
             mouth
             .
          
           A
           Minister
           ,
           with
           all
           his
           Reason
           and
           Rhetorick
           ,
           cannot
           turn
           a
           Soul
           from
           Sin
           to
           Holiness
           ,
           without
           the
           Omnipotent
           Operation
           of
           the
           Spirit
           .
           The
           Apostle
           tells
           the
           Thessalonians
           ,
           that
           
             the
             Gospel
             came
             not
             to
             them
             in
             Word
             only
             ,
             but
             also
             in
             Power
             ,
             and
             in
             the
             Holy
             Ghost
             :
          
           The
           Gospel
           then
           comes
           only
           in
           Word
           ,
           when
           it
           pierces
           no
           further
           than
           the
           Ear
           ,
           that
           is
           the
           sense
           to
           try
           Words
           ,
           and
           distinguish
           different
           Sounds
           and
           Voices
           :
           But
           the
           Truth
           of
           God
           ,
           directed
           and
           animated
           by
           the
           Spirit
           ,
           doth
           not
           stop
           at
           the
           Ear
           ,
           the
           door
           of
           the
           Soul
           ,
           but
           passes
           into
           the
           Understanding
           
           and
           the
           Heart
           ,
           that
           make
           a
           change
           so
           real
           and
           great
           in
           the
           qualities
           of
           Men
           ,
           as
           is
           express'd
           by
           substantial
           productions
           :
           'T
           is
           therefore
           said
           ,
           
             We
             are
             begotten
             and
             born
             again
             by
             the
             incorruptible
             seed
             of
             the
             Word
             .
          
        
         
           The
           Word
           becomes
           effectual
           for
           the
           increase
           of
           Holiness
           when
           't
           is
           mix'd
           with
           Faith
           ,
           which
           binds
           the
           Conscience
           to
           entire
           Obedience
           .
           'T
           is
           the
           Word
           of
           God
           ,
           
             our
             King
             ,
             Law-giver
             ,
             and
             Judge
          
           ;
           the
           Rule
           of
           our
           present
           Duty
           ,
           and
           of
           future
           Judgment
           ,
           in
           the
           great
           day
           of
           decision
           .
           The
           Divine
           Law
           is
           universal
           and
           unchangable
           ,
           and
           the
           Duties
           of
           it
           are
           not
           necessary
           for
           some
           ,
           and
           needless
           for
           others
           ,
           but
           must
           be
           obeyed
           without
           partiality
           ,
           notwithstanding
           the
           repugnance
           of
           the
           Carnal
           Passions
           :
           When
           't
           is
           seriously
           believed
           and
           considered
           ,
           the
           hearers
           are
           induced
           to
           receive
           it
           with
           preparation
           and
           resolution
           of
           yielding
           to
           it
           .
           There
           is
           no
           Truth
           more
           evident
           nor
           injur'd
           than
           this
           ,
           that
           perfect
           Obedience
           is
           due
           to
           the
           Will
           of
           God
           ,
           declar'd
           in
           his
           Word
           :
           This
           all
           profess
           in
           the
           general
           ,
           but
           contradict
           in
           particulars
           ,
           when
           a
           Temptation
           crosses
           the
           Precept
           .
           Now
           the
           first
           act
           of
           Obedience
           to
           the
           Truth
           ,
           is
           the
           believing
           it
           with
           so
           stedfast
           an
           assent
           ,
           wrought
           by
           the
           Spirit
           ,
           that
           it
           
           purifies
           the
           Heart
           ,
           and
           reforms
           the
           whole
           Man
           ,
        
         
           2.
           
           With
           Faith
           there
           must
           be
           joyn'd
           an
           earnest
           desire
           to
           grow
           in
           Holiness
           .
           This
           is
           declar'd
           by
           St.
           
             Peter
             ,
             As
             new
             born
             babes
             desire
             the
             sincere
             milk
             of
             the
             Word
             ,
             that
             ye
             may
             grow
             thereby
             .
          
           In
           the
           Natural
           Life
           there
           is
           an
           inseparable
           Appetite
           of
           Food
           to
           maintain
           it
           ;
           the
           inward
           sense
           of
           its
           necessities
           ,
           causes
           a
           hunger
           and
           thirst
           after
           suitable
           supplies
           to
           preserve
           and
           improve
           it
           .
           This
           is
           experimented
           in
           every
           one
           that
           is
           born
           of
           the
           Spirit
           ;
           they
           attend
           and
           apply
           the
           Word
           of
           God
           to
           them
           ,
           not
           merely
           to
           prevent
           the
           sharp
           reflections
           of
           Conscience
           ,
           for
           the
           impious
           neglect
           of
           their
           Duty
           ,
           for
           that
           proceeds
           from
           Fear
           ,
           not
           from
           Desire
           ,
           but
           to
           grow
           in
           Knowledge
           and
           Holiness
           ;
           not
           in
           an
           aiery
           flashy
           Knowledge
           ,
           that
           is
           only
           fruitful
           to
           increase
           Guilt
           and
           Punishment
           ,
           but
           substantial
           and
           saving
           Knowledge
           ,
           that
           is
           influential
           upon
           practice
           .
           Hearing
           is
           in
           order
           to
           doing
           ,
           and
           doing
           is
           the
           way
           to
           Happiness
           .
           'T
           is
           
             not
             the
             forgetful
             hearer
             ,
             but
             the
             doer
             of
             the
             Word
             shall
             be
             blessed
             in
             his
             deed
             .
          
           The
           bare
           knowledge
           of
           Evil
           does
           no
           hurt
           ,
           nor
           the
           bare
           knowledge
           of
           our
           Duty
           without
           practice
           ,
           does
           no
           Good.
           Feeding
           ,
           without
           digesting
           the
           Food
           ,
           and
           turning
           it
           into
           Blood
           and
           Spirits
           ,
           
           affords
           no
           Nourishment
           nor
           Strength
           .
           The
           most
           diligent
           hearing
           ,
           and
           comprehensive
           knowledge
           of
           our
           Duty
           ,
           without
           practice
           is
           not
           profitable
           .
           The
           enemy
           of
           our
           Souls
           is
           content
           that
           Divine
           Truths
           should
           be
           in
           our
           Understandings
           ,
           if
           he
           can
           intercept
           their
           passage
           into
           our
           Hearts
           and
           Conversations
           .
           He
           practices
           over
           continually
           the
           first
           Temptation
           ,
           to
           induce
           us
           by
           Guile
           to
           choose
           the
           Tree
           of
           Knowledge
           before
           the
           Tree
           of
           Life
           .
           We
           are
           therefore
           commanded
           to
           
             be
             doers
             of
             the
             Word
             ,
             not
             hearers
             only
             ,
             deceiving
             our
             own
             Souls
             .
          
        
         
           3.
           
           That
           the
           Spiritual
           Life
           may
           be
           increased
           by
           the
           Word
           ,
           it
           must
           be
           laid
           up
           in
           the
           Mind
           and
           Memory
           ,
           and
           hid
           in
           the
           Heart
           .
           David
           says
           ,
           
             I
             have
             hid
             thy
             Word
             in
             my
             Heart
             ,
             that
             I
             may
             not
             sin
             against
             thee
             .
          
           His
           Affection
           to
           the
           Word
           caused
           his
           continual
           Meditation
           of
           it
           ,
           that
           it
           might
           be
           a
           living
           Root
           of
           the
           Fruits
           of
           Holiness
           in
           their
           season
           .
           If
           there
           were
           the
           same
           care
           and
           diligence
           in
           remembring
           and
           observing
           the
           Rules
           of
           Life
           prescrib'd
           by
           the
           Wisdom
           of
           God
           in
           the
           Scriptures
           ,
           as
           Men
           use
           in
           remembring
           and
           practising
           Rules
           for
           the
           recovery
           of
           the
           Health
           of
           their
           Bodies
           ,
           and
           't
           is
           justly
           requisite
           there
           should
           be
           more
           ,
           (
           since
           the
           Life
           of
           the
           Soul
           infinitely
           excels
           the
           
           Life
           of
           the
           Body
           )
           how
           holy
           and
           blessed
           would
           they
           be
           ?
        
         
           The
           Advice
           of
           the
           Roman
           Physician
           that
           is
           conducive
           for
           the
           Health
           of
           the
           Body
           ,
           is
           applicable
           to
           the
           Soul
           ;
           After
           
           
             a
             full
             Meal
             abstain
             from
             laborious
             Actions
             ,
             that
             the
             heat
             of
             the
             Spirits
             may
             be
             concentered
             in
             the
             Stomach
             for
             Digestion
             ;
             otherwise
             ,
             if
             diverted
             and
             imployed
             in
             Labour
             ,
             the
             Stomach
             will
             be
             filled
             with
             Crudities
             .
          
           Thus
           after
           hearing
           the
           Word
           ,
           our
           thoughts
           should
           not
           be
           scattered
           in
           the
           World
           ;
           but
           we
           should
           recollect
           and
           revolve
           it
           in
           our
           Minds
           ,
           that
           it
           may
           be
           digested
           into
           practice
           .
           'T
           is
           said
           of
           the
           Virgin
           
             Mary
             ,
             She
             kept
             th●se
             sayings
             ,
             and
          
           
           
             pondered
             them
             in
             her
             heart
          
           .
        
         
           There
           are
           powerful
           Motives
           to
           ingage
           us
           to
           a
           conscientious
           attendance
           upon
           this
           Duty
           .
           Our
           Saviour
           tells
           us
           ,
           
             He
             that
             hears
             me
          
           ,
           that
           is
           ,
           with
           subjection
           of
           Soul
           ,
           
             hath
             Eternal
             Life
          
           .
           And
           in
           one
           Instance
           he
           has
           declar'd
           ,
           how
           much
           approv'd
           and
           acceptable
           it
           was
           to
           him
           :
           For
           when
           Martha
           was
           imployed
           about
           entertaining
           him
           ,
           and
           Mary
           was
           attentive
           to
           receive
           his
           Instructions
           ,
           he
           said
           ,
           
             Mary
             has
             chose
             the
             better
             part
             ,
             that
             shall
             not
             be
             taken
             from
             her
             .
          
           His
           feeding
           Mary
           was
           more
           pleasing
           to
           him
           ,
           than
           to
           be
           fed
           by
           Martha
           .
           But
           how
           many
           neglect
           and
           despise
           this
           Duty
           ?
           Some
           pretend
           they
           know
           enough
           ;
           
           such
           ,
           if
           they
           do
           not
           want
           Instructers
           ▪
           want
           Remembrancers
           of
           their
           Duty
           .
           Others
           are
           infected
           with
           Pride
           ,
           and
           a
           worse
           Leprosie
           than
           
           Naaman's
           ,
           of
           whom
           we
           read
           ,
           that
           when
           the
           Prophet
           sent
           him
           a
           Message
           ,
           that
           
             he
             should
             go
             and
             wash
             in
             Jordan
             seven
             times
             ,
             and
             he
             should
             be
             clean
             ;
             he
             was
             wroth
             ,
             and
             said
             ,
             Are
             not
             Abana
             and
             Pharpar
             ,
             Rivers
             of
             Damascus
             ,
             better
             than
             the
             Rivers
             of
             Israel
             ?
             May
             I
             not
             wash
             in
             them
             ,
             and
             be
             clean
             ?
          
           So
           there
           are
           some
           ,
           who
           being
           directed
           to
           wash
           themselves
           often
           in
           the
           waters
           of
           Life
           ,
           the
           Scriptures
           of
           Divine
           Inspiration
           ,
           are
           apt
           to
           think
           ,
           Are
           not
           the
           Rivers
           of
           Greece
           and
           Rome
           ,
           the
           eloquent
           Discourses
           of
           Philosophers
           ,
           better
           ,
           more
           perfective
           of
           their
           Minds
           and
           Actions
           ,
           than
           the
           plain
           Rules
           of
           the
           Word
           ?
           But
           this
           proceeds
           from
           affected
           Ignorance
           ,
           and
           wilful
           perverseness
           ;
           for
           not
           only
           supernatural
           Doctrines
           ,
           necessary
           to
           be
           believed
           ,
           are
           only
           revealed
           in
           the
           Scripture
           ,
           but
           the
           Rules
           of
           Moral
           Duties
           ,
           necessary
           for
           practice
           ,
           are
           clearly
           and
           compleatly
           only
           laid
           down
           in
           it
           .
        
         
           Besides
           ,
           as
           every
           thing
           in
           Nature
           has
           its
           Vertue
           by
           the
           appointment
           of
           God
           ,
           and
           works
           for
           that
           end
           for
           which
           it
           was
           ordain'd
           ;
           so
           the
           preaching
           of
           the
           Gospel
           was
           appointed
           to
           begin
           and
           maintain
           the
           Life
           of
           the
           Soul
           ,
           and
           powerfully
           works
           
           to
           that
           end
           .
           The
           attendance
           〈…〉
           has
           a
           Blessing
           annex'd
           ,
           and
           the
           neglect
           exposes
           to
           Divine
           Displeasure
           ;
           
             He
             that
             withdraws
             his
             Ear
             from
             hearing
             the
             Law
             ,
             his
             Prayer
             shall
             be
             an
             abomination
             .
          
           And
           let
           it
           be
           seriously
           ponder'd
           ,
           there
           is
           a
           time
           coming
           ,
           when
           only
           Prayer
           can
           relieve
           them
           .
        
         
           I
           shall
           add
           ,
           that
           the
           serious
           reading
           the
           Scripture
           ,
           that
           there
           may
           be
           an
           impression
           of
           the
           Characters
           of
           its
           Purity
           on
           the
           Soul
           ,
           is
           a
           Duty
           of
           daily
           revolution
           .
           We
           are
           commanded
           ,
           that
           
             the
             Word
             of
             God
             should
             dwell
             richly
             in
             us
             ,
             in
             all
             wisdom
             ▪
          
           As
           the
           Soul
           quickens
           the
           Body
           by
           its
           residence
           ,
           and
           directs
           it
           in
           all
           its
           motions
           ;
           so
           the
           Word
           should
           be
           in
           the
           Soul
           an
           inward
           principle
           of
           Life
           ,
           to
           direct
           and
           excite
           ,
           and
           enable
           it
           for
           the
           performance
           of
           every
           Duty
           .
           This
           Advice
           of
           the
           Apostle
           is
           comprehensive
           ,
           of
           all
           other
           Precepts
           ,
           and
           the
           effectual
           means
           of
           obtaining
           Perfection
           .
           Our
           Reading
           must
           be
           with
           observation
           ,
           and
           applying
           the
           Word
           for
           our
           Good.
           There
           is
           a
           great
           difference
           between
           sailing
           on
           ▪
           the
           water
           for
           Pleasure
           ,
           and
           divin●
           in
           it
           for
           Pearls
           :
           Some
           read
           the
           Scriptures
           ▪
           to
           please
           their
           Minds
           in
           the
           History
           of
           the
           Creation
           ,
           and
           the
           Wonders
           of
           God's
           powerful
           Providence
           ,
           and
           the
           various
           Events
           in
           the
           Kingdoms
           of
           the
           World
           ,
           
           recorded
           in
           them
           .
           But
           there
           must
           be
           diligent
           Enquiry
           for
           Spiritual
           Treasures
           to
           enrich
           the
           Soul.
           
        
         
           How
           Careless
           are
           the
           most
           of
           this
           Duty
           ?
           There
           are
           above
           Eight
           Thousand
           Hours
           in
           a
           Year
           ,
           and
           how
           few
           are
           employed
           in
           Reading
           the
           Scriptures
           ,
           that
           direct
           us
           in
           the
           Everlasting
           Way
           ?
           The
           common
           pretence
           is
           necessary
           Business
           :
           but
           all
           Excuses
           are
           vain
           against
           the
           Command
           of
           God.
           Is
           the
           
             working
             o●
             our
             Salvation
          
           an
           indifferent
           idle
           matter
           ?
           Must
           the
           principal
           Affair
           of
           our
           Life
           ,
           be
           subordinate
           to
           lower
           Concerns
           ?
           The
           infinite
           business
           of
           Governing
           a
           Kingdom
           ,
           is
           no
           exemption
           to
           Princes
           from
           Reading
           the
           Word
           of
           God
           :
           for
           the
           
             Command
             is
             to
             him
             that
             sits
             on
             the
             Throne
             ▪
             to
             read
             the
             Law
             of
             God
             all
             the
             days
             of
             〈…〉
             Life
             ,
             that
             he
             may
             fear
             the
             Lord
             ,
             and
             do
             〈…〉
             Statutes
             .
          
        
         
           3.
           
           The
           Word
           must
           be
           sincerely
           received
           as
           't
           is
           sincerely
           deliver'd
           .
           The
           Rule
           is
           ,
           
             to
             lay
             aside
             all
             superfluity
             of
             naughtiness
             ,
             and
             receiv●
             the
             engrafted
             word
             ,
             that
             is
             able
             to
             save
             our
             Souls
             .
          
           There
           is
           no
           food
           more
           easily
           turn'd
           into
           Blood
           tha●
           Milk
           :
           but
           if
           the
           Stomach
           be
           foul
           ,
           〈◊〉
           sowers
           and
           corrupts
           ,
           and
           is
           hurtful
           to
           the
           Body
           .
           The
           Word
           of
           Grace
           ,
           if
           received
           into
           a
           sincere
           Heart
           ,
           is
           very
           nutritive
           ,
           it
           Confirms
           and
           Comforts
           the
           
           Soul
           :
           but
           if
           there
           be
           false
           Principles
           ,
           Carnal
           Habits
           ,
           Sensual
           Affections
           ,
           it
           proves
           dangerous
           .
           A
           Carnal
           Man
           will
           set
           the
           Grace
           of
           the
           Gospel
           against
           the
           Precepts
           ,
           and
           apply
           the
           Promises
           without
           regarding
           the
           Conditions
           of
           them
           ,
           and
           from
           holy
           Premisses
           draw
           sinful
           Conclusions
           .
        
         
           Briefly
           ,
           Hearing
           the
           Word
           is
           not
           an
           Arbitrary
           ,
           but
           an
           indispensable
           Duty
           .
           The
           Psalmist
           puts
           the
           question
           ,
           
             He
             that
             planted
             the
             ear
             ,
             shall
             not
             he
             hear
             ?
          
           and
           it
           may
           be
           said
           with
           the
           same
           Conviction
           ,
           
             He
             that
             gives
             us
             the
             faculty
             of
             hearing
             ,
             shall
             not
             he
             be
             heard
             ?
          
           But
           we
           must
           not
           rest
           in
           the
           bare
           hearing
           ,
           for
           't
           is
           an
           introductive
           preparing
           Duty
           in
           order
           to
           practise
           .
           There
           may
           be
           an
           increase
           in
           Knowledge
           ,
           some
           Convictions
           like
           a
           flash
           of
           Lightening
           ,
           some
           melting
           of
           the
           Affections
           ,
           like
           a
           dash
           of
           Rain
           ,
           soon
           over
           ;
           some
           Resolution
           ▪
           of
           Obedience
           ,
           but
           without
           sincere
           practise
           ,
           the
           
             Man
             is
             a
             Hearer
             only
             ,
             and
             deceives
             himself
             .
          
           Every
           Sermon
           that
           he
           hears
           will
           ,
           notwithstanding
           his
           vain
           Hopes
           ,
           be
           an
           argument
           against
           him
           at
           the
           Day
           of
           Judgment
           .
           The
           Residence
           of
           the
           practical
           Truths
           is
           rather
           in
           the
           Heart
           than
           in
           the
           Head
           :
           if
           they
           are
           only
           in
           the
           Head
           ,
           they
           
             are
             kept
             in
             unrighteousness
          
           :
           yet
           there
           is
           no
           deceit
           more
           Common
           .
           Men
           think
           they
           are
           
           enrich'd
           with
           the
           Ideas
           and
           Notions
           of
           Divine
           Truths
           in
           their
           Minds
           ,
           without
           the
           habits
           of
           Graces
           in
           their
           Hearts
           .
           Briefly
           ,
           The
           End
           and
           Work
           of
           the
           Evangelical
           Ministry
           is
           the
           Perfection
           of
           the
           Saints
           ▪
           as
           the
           Apostle
           declares
           ,
           
             We
             warn
             every
             man
             ,
             and
             teach
             every
             man
             ,
             that
             we
             may
             present
             every
             man
             perfect
             in
             Christ
             Jesus
             .
          
           This
           testimony
           is
           given
           of
           Ep●phras
           ,
           a
           Servant
           of
           Christ
           ,
           
             That
             he
             always
             labour'd
             fervently
             in
             Prayer
             ,
             that
             the
             Colossians
             might
             be
             perfect
             and
             compleat
             in
             all
             the
             will
             of
             God.
             
          
        
         
           3.
           
           The
           Religious
           Use
           of
           the
           Sacrament
           ,
           of
           the
           Lord's
           Supper
           ,
           is
           an
           excellent
           Means
           for
           the
           Increase
           of
           Grace
           .
           The
           state
           of
           Grace
           is
           represented
           under
           the
           Similitude
           of
           a
           New
           Man
           ,
           born
           from
           Heaven
           ,
           and
           partaker
           of
           a
           Spiritual
           Life
           ,
           that
           Consists
           in
           Holiness
           and
           Joy.
           This
           Spiritual
           Life
           supposes
           a
           Spiritual
           Nourishment
           to
           preser●●e
           it
           ,
           and
           a
           Spiritual
           Appetite
           ,
           and
           that
           a
           Spiritual
           Eating
           and
           Drinking
           .
           Our
           Saviour
           denominates
           himself
           by
           the
           Character
           of
           Life
           :
           
             I
             am
             the
             way
             ,
             the
             truth
             ,
             and
             the
             life
          
           ;
           he
           being
           the
           Principle
           and
           Preserver
           of
           the
           Spiritual
           Life
           .
           In
           the
           Sacrament
           ,
           he
           is
           the
           
             Bread
             of
             Life
          
           :
           there
           are
           the
           Sacred
           Memorials
           of
           his
           Crucifixion
           ,
           of
           his
           Body
           and
           Blood
           ,
           
             which
             are
             meat
             indeed
             ,
             and
             are
             drink
             indeed
             ,
          
           that
           
           afford
           a
           more
           substantial
           and
           excellent
           Nourishment
           for
           the
           Life
           of
           the
           Soul
           ,
           than
           the
           perishing
           Food
           that
           supports
           the
           Body
           .
           Our
           Saviour
           tells
           the
           
             Jews
             ,
             Your
             fathers
             eat
             Mann●
             in
             the
             wilderness
             ,
          
           
           
             and
             are
             dead
          
           :
           the
           
             Bread
             of
             Angels
          
           could
           not
           preserve
           them
           from
           Death
           ,
           but
           the
           
             Bread
             of
             God
          
           is
           the
           Principle
           of
           Eternal
           Life
           .
           He
           is
           pleased
           to
           deal
           familiarly
           with
           us
           ,
           suitably
           to
           our
           Composition
           and
           Capacity
           ,
           and
           humbles
           himself
           in
           a
           Sacramental
           Union
           with
           the
           Elements
           ,
           that
           sight
           may
           assist
           Faith.
           
        
         
           This
           is
           a
           positive
           Institution
           ,
           that
           derives
           its
           Authority
           and
           Goodness
           from
           the
           Precept
           of
           our
           Soveraign
           and
           Saviour
           .
           It
           was
           his
           dying
           Charge
           to
           his
           Disciples
           ,
           to
           which
           a
           special
           and
           most
           reverent
           observance
           is
           due
           .
           'T
           is
           revocable
           in
           its
           Nature
           ,
           but
           not
           to
           cease
           without
           the
           Will
           of
           the
           Legislator
           ,
           either
           expresly
           declar'd
           ,
           or
           vertually
           by
           the
           ceasing
           of
           the
           end
           of
           it
           .
           As
           the
           Ceremonial
           Law
           is
           abolish'd
           by
           the
           same
           Authority
           that
           ordain'd
           it
           ,
           the
           end
           of
           the
           Institution
           being
           obtain'd
           .
           But
           this
           Ordinance
           is
           by
           our
           Saviour
           commanded
           to
           continue
           till
           his
           Second
           Coming
           in
           Glory
           ,
           the
           end
           of
           it
           being
           the
           revival
           of
           the
           memory
           of
           his
           Death
           .
        
         
           I
           will
           not
           insist
           upon
           the
           several
           Conformities
           between
           the
           Natural
           Food
           and
           
           the
           Spiritual
           ;
           for
           the
           principal
           Comparison
           and
           resemblance
           is
           in
           the
           End
           for
           which
           food
           is
           necessary
           and
           appointed
           ,
           without
           which
           there
           can
           be
           no
           subsisting
           Life
           :
           but
           consider
           how
           the
           Life
           of
           the
           Soul
           is
           strengthened
           in
           this
           Ordinance
           ,
           which
           is
           not
           a
           naked
           sign
           of
           his
           Sufferings
           for
           us
           ,
           but
           the
           seal
           of
           the
           Covenant
           of
           Grace
           ,
           and
           wherein
           our
           Saviour
           ,
           though
           his
           bodily
           Presence
           be
           confin'd
           to
           Heaven
           ,
           yet
           does
           really
           and
           spiritually
           exhibit
           himself
           with
           all
           his
           saving
           Benefits
           to
           sincere
           Believers
           .
           Consider
           how
           Repentance
           ,
           Faith
           and
           Love
           are
           increas'd
           by
           this
           Ordinance
           .
        
         
           1.
           
           Repentance
           is
           a
           Vital
           ,
           Operative
           Grace
           ,
           not
           only
           in
           mortifying
           Sin
           ,
           but
           in
           bringing
           forth
           many
           excellent
           Fruits
           suitable
           to
           it
           .
           All
           the
           Terrors
           at
           Mount
           Sinai
           in
           giving
           the
           Law
           ,
           cannot
           make
           such
           an
           impression
           on
           the
           Conscience
           of
           the
           righteous
           and
           fearful
           Anger
           of
           God
           for
           Sin
           ,
           as
           the
           infliction
           of
           Wrath
           upon
           our
           dying
           Saviour
           .
           He
           receiv'd
           into
           his
           Breast
           the
           Arrows
           of
           the
           Almighty
           ,
           that
           drank
           up
           his
           Blood
           and
           Spirits
           ,
           though
           in
           himself
           he
           was
           perfectly
           Holy.
           
             Surely
             he
             has
             born
             our
             griefs
             ,
             and
             carried
             our
             sorrows
             :
             he
             was
             wounded
             for
             our
             transgressions
             ,
             and
             bruised
             for
             our
             iniquities
             ,
             the
             chastisement
             of
             our
             peace
             was
             upon
             him
             ,
             and
             with
             his
             stripes
             we
             are
             heal'd
             .
          
           We
           read
           
           that
           Nathan
           was
           sent
           from
           God
           to
           David
           ,
           when
           insensible
           of
           his
           Guilt
           of
           Murder
           and
           Adultery
           ,
           to
           awaken
           him
           to
           review
           his
           Sin
           :
           he
           for
           that
           end
           us'd
           a
           very
           moving
           Parable
           ,
           of
           a
           Rich
           Man
           that
           had
           many
           Flocks
           ,
           yet
           to
           entertain
           a
           Stranger
           ,
           rob'd
           a
           Poor
           Man
           of
           his
           only
           Lamb
           ,
           and
           drest
           it
           for
           him
           .
           This
           David
           so
           resented
           ,
           that
           he
           threatned
           the
           severest
           Revenge
           for
           such
           an
           unrighteous
           and
           unmerciful
           action
           .
           And
           when
           Nathan
           turned
           the
           point
           of
           the
           Parable
           against
           his
           Breast
           ,
           charging
           him
           ,
           
             Thou
             art
             the
             man
          
           ,
           in
           what
           Agonies
           and
           Confusion
           was
           he
           surpriz'd
           ,
           as
           his
           mournful
           Complaint
           declares
           .
           When
           we
           read
           in
           the
           Narrative
           of
           our
           Saviour's
           Sufferings
           ,
           of
           the
           Treachery
           of
           Judas
           ,
           the
           Malice
           of
           the
           Priests
           ,
           the
           Fury
           of
           the
           People
           ,
           the
           Cowardise
           of
           Pilate
           ,
           and
           the
           Cruelty
           of
           the
           Soldiers
           ,
           how
           apt
           are
           we
           to
           conceive
           Indignation
           against
           his
           Murderers
           ?
           but
           when
           Conscience
           ,
           like
           the
           true
           Prophet
           ,
           shall
           with
           a
           piercing
           Reproach
           charge
           us
           that
           our
           Sins
           Condemn'd
           and
           Crucified
           him
           ,
           how
           will
           this
           open
           the
           Springs
           of
           Godly
           Sorrow
           ,
           and
           
             looking
             on
             him
             whom
             we
             have
             pierced
             ,
          
           cause
           us
           to
           Mourn
           ,
           as
           those
           
             that
             mourn
             for
             ▪
             a
             first-born
             ?
          
           How
           will
           the
           Contemplation
           of
           him
           in
           his
           Sufferings
           ,
           excite
           Indignation
           with
           Zeal
           and
           Revenge
           against
           our
           
           selves
           ,
           for
           our
           choosing
           and
           committing
           those
           Sins
           that
           were
           the
           meritorious
           Cause
           of
           his
           Sufferings
           ?
           Since
           he
           bore
           our
           Sins
           ,
           't
           is
           just
           we
           should
           simpathize
           in
           his
           Sorrows
           .
           How
           instructive
           and
           exemplary
           was
           insensible
           Nature
           ,
           as
           if
           capable
           of
           Knowledge
           and
           Affection
           in
           the
           time
           of
           his
           Sufferings
           ?
           It
           was
           disorder'd
           in
           the
           Heavens
           ,
           and
           simpathiz'd
           in
           the
           Elements
           .
           The
           Sun
           was
           obscur'd
           against
           all
           possibility
           of
           Nature
           ;
           for
           the
           Moon
           was
           opposite
           ,
           and
           in
           the
           Full
           ,
           and
           in
           the
           twinkling
           of
           an
           Eye
           past
           half
           the
           Circle
           of
           the
           Heavens
           ;
           and
           being
           empty
           of
           Light
           towards
           the
           Earth
           ,
           by
           its
           interposition
           ,
           ▪
           hid
           the
           body
           of
           the
           Sun
           behind
           it
           .
           The
           Air
           was
           as
           dark
           at
           mid-day
           ,
           as
           at
           mid-night
           .
           The
           Earth
           trembled
           ;
           the
           Rocks
           rent
           .
           Have
           the
           Rocks
           softer
           Bowels
           than
           obdurate
           Sinners
           ?
           'T
           is
           a
           greater
           prodigy
           ,
           that
           those
           whose
           Sins
           made
           his
           Death
           necessary
           ,
           are
           unaffected
           with
           it
           ,
           than
           that
           Nature
           seemed
           to
           have
           changed
           its
           Principles
           and
           Properties
           to
           signifie
           its
           resentment
           of
           it
           .
           God's
           Anger
           darkens
           the
           Sun
           ,
           and
           shakes
           the
           Earth
           ;
           and
           shall
           sinful
           Men
           be
           unrelenting
           ?
        
         
           If
           by
           Faith
           and
           Consideration
           ▪
           we
           transport
           our selves
           to
           Mount
           Calvary
           ,
           and
           with
           the
           blessed
           Virgin
           ,
           stand
           at
           the
           foot
           of
           the
           Cross
           when
           our
           Saviour
           was
           
           dying
           ,
           we
           shall
           feel
           the
           working
           of
           her
           Affections
           ,
           
             when
             a
             Sword
             p●erc'd
             through
             her
             Soul.
          
           Now
           in
           the
           Sacrament
           there
           is
           a
           representation
           of
           Christ
           Crucified
           before
           our
           Eyes
           ,
           which
           is
           the
           most
           powerful
           motive
           of
           Godly
           Sorrow
           ,
           and
           the
           inseparable
           consequent
           of
           it
           ,
           the
           destructive
           hatred
           of
           Sin
           ;
           and
           of
           holy
           Resolutions
           ,
           that
           as
           he
           dyed
           for
           Sin
           ,
           we
           will
           dye
           to
           it
           .
        
         
           2.
           
           Faith
           ,
           that
           is
           the
           Root
           from
           whence
           other
           Graces
           spring
           and
           flourish
           ,
           is
           increas'd
           and
           confirm'd
           by
           the
           use
           of
           this
           Ordinance
           .
           As
           by
           the
           looking
           on
           the
           mysterious
           Brazen
           Serpent
           ,
           there
           was
           an
           Antidote
           conveyed
           to
           heal
           the
           Israelites
           stung
           by
           the
           Fiery
           Serpents
           ;
           so
           by
           the
           looking
           on
           Jesus
           in
           his
           Sufferings
           ,
           our
           wounded
           Spirits
           are
           healed
           .
           The
           dignity
           of
           his
           Person
           ,
           the
           depth
           of
           his
           Sufferings
           ,
           and
           his
           voluntary
           yielding
           of
           himself
           to
           them
           ,
           are
           the
           supports
           of
           Faith.
           The
           Sin-Offerings
           under
           the
           Law
           were
           entirely
           consumed
           in
           their
           Consecration
           to
           Divine
           Justice
           ,
           and
           no
           part
           was
           reserved
           to
           be
           eaten
           by
           the
           Offerers
           :
           To
           signifie
           their
           Imperfection
           and
           Inefficacy
           to
           reconcile
           God
           to
           Sinners
           ,
           and
           to
           pacifie
           their
           accusing
           Consciences
           .
           The
           Beasts
           by
           substitution
           suffer'd
           Death
           for
           those
           who
           offer'd
           them
           ,
           but
           could
           not
           purchase
           Life
           for
           them
           .
           Our
           Saviour
           is
           
           as
           truly
           given
           to
           us
           to
           communicate
           Life
           ,
           as
           he
           was
           given
           for
           us
           in
           his
           Death
           .
           When
           he
           offer'd
           himself
           the
           most
           solemn
           Sacrifice
           on
           the
           Cross
           ,
           he
           was
           not
           consum'd
           :
           His
           Body
           and
           Blood
           are
           the
           Feast
           of
           Love
           upon
           his
           Sacrifice
           ,
           the
           clearest
           assuring
           sign
           of
           God's
           being
           reconcil'd
           to
           us
           .
           
             The
             Blood
             of
             the
             Lamb
             ,
             the
             true
             Win●
             ,
             has
             rejoic'd
             the
             Heare
             of
             God
             and
             Man.
          
           Our
           High
           Priest
           continually
           presents
           his
           Father
           ,
           in
           the
           Coelestial
           Sanctuary
           ,
           his
           bloody
           Sacrifice
           ,
           of
           which
           there
           is
           a
           Commemoration
           on
           the
           Holy
           Table
           .
           If
           God
           remember
           our
           Sins
           ,
           we
           remember
           his
           anointed
           Priest
           to
           expiate
           them
           .
           If
           the
           timerous
           Conscience
           be
           in
           anxiety
           for
           the
           number
           and
           heinousness
           of
           Sins
           ,
           and
           the
           number
           of
           Sinner●
           who
           must
           perish
           for
           ever
           without
           this
           Miracle
           of
           Mercy
           ,
           as
           if
           one
           Sacrifice
           were
           not
           sufficient
           to
           abolish
           their
           Gui●●
           ;
           let
           it
           be
           consider'd
           that
           his
           Death
           is
           of
           infinite
           value
           ;
           and
           what
           is
           infinite
           cannot
           be
           divided
           ;
           he
           was
           intirely
           offer'd
           for
           every
           penitent
           unfeigned
           Believer
           .
           The
           weakest
           has
           as
           full
           an
           Interest
           and
           Benefit
           in
           it
           ,
           as
           if
           it
           had
           been
           offer'd
           solely
           for
           him
           ,
           and
           may
           apply
           and
           appropriate
           it
           to
           himself
           with
           as
           true
           solid
           Comfort
           ,
           as
           if
           he
           had
           been
           present
           at
           our
           Saviour's
           Crucifixion
           ,
           and
           heard
           him
           speaking
           the
           words
           of
           Life
           ,
           
             I
             give
             my self
             for
             thee
          
           .
           
           His
           Blood
           
             cleanses
             from
             all
             Sin
             ,
             and
             is
             a
             propitiation
             for
             the
             Sins
             of
             the
             world
             .
          
           These
           are
           no
           fictions
           of
           Fancy
           ,
           but
           the
           real
           operations
           of
           the
           Holy
           Spirit
           ,
           who
           brings
           to
           our
           remembrance
           the
           Death
           of
           Christ
           in
           that
           lively
           Sacramental
           Representation
           ,
           and
           seals
           the
           pardoning
           Mercy
           of
           God
           to
           our
           Souls
           ,
           and
           conveys
           all
           the
           precious
           Fruits
           of
           it
           to
           us
           .
           A
           lively
           Faith
           on
           our
           suffering
           Saviour
           ,
           makes
           him
           ours
           by
           an
           intimate
           and
           inseparable
           union
           and
           fruition
           .
           
             We
             dwell
             in
             him
             ,
             and
             he
             in
             us
             .
          
           How
           many
           drooping
           Souls
           have
           been
           raised
           ,
           how
           many
           wounded
           Spirits
           have
           been
           healed
           ,
           how
           many
           cloudy
           Souls
           have
           been
           inlightened
           in
           that
           Ordinance
           ?
           Here
           the
           comforting
           Spirit
           breaths
           ,
           our
           Saviour
           shews
           his
           reviving
           Countenance
           ,
           God
           speaks
           Peace
           to
           his
           People
           .
           A
           Believer
           tasts
           the
           hidden
           Manna
           ,
           and
           the
           Love
           of
           Christ
           ,
           
             that
             is
             sweeter
             than
             Wine
          
           .
           The
           bruised
           Reed
           becomes
           a
           strong
           Pillar
           in
           the
           Temple
           of
           God
           ,
           the
           smoaking
           Flax
           is
           cherish'd
           into
           a
           purer
           and
           more
           pleasant
           Light
           ,
           than
           springs
           from
           the
           Sun
           in
           its
           brightness
           .
        
         
           3.
           
           Love
           to
           Christ
           is
           increas'd
           by
           partaking
           of
           this
           Ordinance
           ,
           wherein
           his
           bloody
           Death
           is
           represented
           .
           Greater
           Love
           could
           not
           be
           express'd
           than
           in
           his
           dying
           for
           us
           ,
           and
           lesser
           Love
           could
           not
           
           have
           saved
           us
           from
           perishing
           for
           ever
           .
           He
           dyed
           not
           only
           to
           satisfie
           his
           Father's
           Justice
           ,
           but
           his
           own
           Love
           to
           us
           .
           'T
           is
           said
           by
           the
           Prophet
           ,
           
             He
             shall
             see
             of
             the
             travel
             of
             his
             Soul
             ,
             and
             be
             satisfied
             :
          
           The
           travel
           of
           his
           Soul
           implies
           his
           Affection
           and
           Affliction
           ,
           the
           strength
           of
           his
           Love
           ,
           and
           his
           immense
           Sorrows
           .
           Now
           nothing
           is
           more
           repugnant
           to
           the
           Principle
           so
           deeply
           engraven
           in
           Humane
           Nature
           ,
           than
           not
           to
           return
           Love
           for
           Love.
           Our
           Saviour
           ,
           by
           the
           dearest
           titles
           ,
           deserves
           our
           Love
           ;
           not
           only
           for
           his
           high
           Perfections
           ,
           but
           his
           deep
           Sufferings
           .
           
             He
             was
             without
             Form
             and
             Comeliness
             in
             the
             Eyes
             of
             the
             Carnal
             VVorld
             ,
             when
             disfigured
             by
             his
             Sufferings
             .
          
           But
           can
           he
           be
           less
           lovely
           in
           his
           Sufferings
           ,
           wherein
           he
           declar'd
           his
           dearest
           Love
           ?
           Astonishing
           Love
           appeared
           in
           his
           dying
           Countenance
           ,
           flam'd
           in
           his
           quenched
           Eyes
           ;
           flowed
           from
           his
           pierced
           Side
           .
           To
           a
           spiritual
           Eye
           ,
           he
           is
           as
           amiable
           with
           his
           Crown
           of
           Thorns
           ▪
           as
           with
           his
           Crown
           of
           Glory
           .
        
         
           Our
           Love
           to
           Christ
           ,
           like
           Fire
           out
           of
           its
           sphere
           ,
           must
           be
           preserved
           by
           renewing
           its
           Fewel
           ,
           or
           it
           will
           decline
           .
           Now
           there
           is
           nothing
           more
           proper
           to
           feed
           it
           than
           Christ's
           Love
           to
           us
           ,
           and
           in
           this
           Ordinance
           the
           sacred
           Fire
           is
           maintained
           :
           The
           Eye
           affects
           the
           Heart
           .
           The
           mournings
           ,
           the
           longings
           and
           delights
           of
           Love
           
           are
           most
           sensible
           in
           spiritual
           Communion
           with
           our
           Saviour
           at
           this
           Feast
           .
           The
           inflamed
           Spouse
           ,
           in
           a
           Rapture
           of
           Admiration
           and
           Complacency
           ,
           breaks
           forth
           ,
           
             I
             am
             my
             beloved's
             ,
             and
             he
             is
             mine
             .
          
           St.
           Paul
           ,
           who
           was
           rap'd
           up
           to
           the
           third
           Heavens
           ,
           and
           heard
           unspeakable
           things
           ,
           declares
           Christ
           crucified
           to
           be
           the
           most
           excellent
           Object
           of
           his
           Knowledge
           ,
           his
           most
           precious
           Treasure
           ,
           and
           dearest
           Joy.
           
        
         
           'T
           is
           true
           ,
           the
           carnal
           receiver
           of
           the
           Elements
           is
           a
           stranger
           to
           this
           Love
           and
           Joy
           ,
           that
           is
           only
           felt
           by
           Faith
           and
           Experience
           .
           There
           are
           many
           Christians
           in
           title
           ,
           that
           never
           felt
           any
           vital
           emanations
           from
           Christ
           in
           this
           Ordinance
           .
           The
           most
           content
           themselves
           with
           Sacramental
           Communion
           without
           Spiritual
           ,
           and
           feel
           no
           correspondent
           Affections
           to
           his
           extream
           Sufferings
           for
           us
           .
           But
           if
           there
           be
           a
           spark
           of
           Life
           in
           the
           Soul
           ,
           if
           all
           be
           not
           cold
           and
           dead
           within
           ,
           the
           remembrance
           of
           Christ's
           bleeding
           and
           dying
           Love
           will
           inexpressibly
           endear
           him
           to
           us
           .
        
         
           Now
           our
           Sanctification
           was
           a
           principal
           end
           of
           his
           Death
           .
           The
           Apostle
           declares
           ,
           that
           
             Christ
             loved
             his
             Church
             ,
             and
             gave
             himself
             for
             it
             ,
             that
             he
             might
             sanctifie
             and
             cleanse
             it
             by
             the
             washing
             of
             the
             water
             ,
             and
             by
             the
             word
             :
             That
             he
             might
             present
             to
          
           
           
             himself
             a
             glorious
             Church
             ,
             not
             having
             spot
             or
             wrinkle
             ,
             or
             any
             such
             thing
             ;
             but
             that
             it
             should
             be
             holy
             and
             without
             blemish
             .
          
           Can
           we
           allow
           any
           Sin
           in
           our
           Hearts
           and
           Lives
           ▪
           and
           defeat
           the
           design
           of
           his
           Love
           ,
           and
           disparage
           the
           vertue
           of
           his
           Sufferings
           ?
           Can
           we
           endure
           any
           Sin
           to
           reign
           in
           us
           ,
           that
           was
           the
           cause
           of
           his
           Death
           ▪
           so
           full
           of
           Ignominy
           and
           Torment
           ?
           He
           has
           declared
           how
           precious
           our
           Sanctification
           is
           in
           his
           esteem
           ;
           't
           is
           one
           of
           the
           richest
           Veins
           in
           the
           whole
           Mine
           of
           Grace
           ,
           and
           can
           we
           slight
           it
           ?
           Can
           we
           imagine
           that
           his
           Death
           obtain'd
           for
           us
           an
           impure
           Indulgence
           for
           our
           Lusts
           ,
           when
           the
           end
           of
           it
           was
           our
           absolute
           Purity
           ?
           Can
           we
           content
           our selves
           with
           low
           degrees
           of
           Holiness
           ,
           when
           he
           paid
           so
           dear
           a
           Price
           for
           our
           Perfection
           ?
           The
           comfortable
           assurance
           
             that
             he
             was
             crucified
             for
             us
             ▪
             arises
             from
             our
             being
             crucified
             with
             him
             ▪
             to
             all
             the
             Vanities
             of
             the
             world
             .
          
           Indeed
           ,
           the
           external
           receiving
           this
           Ordinance
           ,
           is
           not
           beneficial
           to
           an
           Unbelieve●
           ▪
           no
           more
           than
           that
           the
           setting
           a
           Feast
           before
           a
           dead
           Body
           ,
           that
           is
           uncapable
           of
           feeding
           and
           nourishment
           :
           Men
           must
           believe
           before
           they
           can
           receive
           spiritual
           nourishment
           by
           it
           ;
           and
           have
           the
           Life
           of
           Grace
           ,
           before
           they
           can
           feed
           on
           the
           Bread
           of
           Life
           :
           But
           the
           unfeigned
           Believer
           finds
           his
           inward
           Man
           renewed
           by
           it
           .
        
         
         
           I
           will
           add
           to
           what
           has
           been
           said
           ,
           that
           in
           this
           Ordinance
           the
           Covenant
           of
           the
           Gospel
           is
           sealed
           by
           the
           contracting
           Parties
           ;
           God
           ratifies
           his
           Promise
           of
           Grace
           ,
           and
           we
           seal
           our
           Duty
           of
           Obedience
           .
           'T
           is
           true
           ,
           we
           are
           bound
           by
           an
           antecedent
           right
           ,
           and
           higher
           obligation
           than
           our
           own
           consent
           ;
           the
           Command
           of
           God
           binds
           us
           to
           take
           this
           Covenant
           ,
           and
           to
           keep
           it
           :
           
             We
             are
             bought
             with
             a
             price
             ,
             and
             are
             not
             our
             own
             .
          
           Now
           if
           the
           Blood
           of
           the
           Son
           of
           God
           be
           our
           Ransom
           from
           the
           bondage
           of
           Sin
           and
           Death
           ,
           and
           we
           in
           the
           Sacrament
           partake
           of
           his
           Blood
           ,
           and
           by
           that
           solemn
           Right
           dedicate
           our selves
           to
           him
           ,
           
             That
             whether
             we
             live
             ,
             we
             live
             to
             the
             Lord
             ;
             or
             whether
             we
             dye
             ,
             we
             dye
             to
             him
             ,
          
           how
           constraining
           is
           this
           to
           make
           us
           diligent
           in
           accomplishing
           the
           sacred
           ends
           of
           Christ's
           Institution
           ?
           How
           just
           is
           it
           that
           since
           he
           dyed
           for
           our
           Salvation
           ,
           we
           should
           live
           to
           his
           Glory
           ;
           and
           when
           we
           renew
           our
           Right
           in
           the
           Blessings
           of
           the
           Covenant
           ,
           we
           should
           sincerely
           renew
           our
           Obligations
           to
           the
           Duties
           of
           it
           ?
           If
           after
           our
           holy
           Engagement
           ,
           we
           renounce
           our
           Allegiance
           to
           our
           Prince
           and
           Saviour
           ,
           by
           entertaining
           his
           Enemies
           ,
           the
           Lusts
           of
           the
           Flesh
           ,
           we
           incur
           a
           double
           Guilt
           ,
           not
           only
           by
           transgressing
           the
           Law
           of
           God
           ,
           but
           by
           violating
           our
           Oath
           of
           Fidelity
           ;
           
           and
           double
           Guilt
           will
           bring
           double
           Damnation
           .
        
         
           That
           the
           renewing
           our
           Co●●●ant
           a●
           the
           Lord's
           Supper
           may
           be
           more
           effectual
           ,
           let
           us
           consider
           ,
        
         
           (
           1.
           )
           That
           holy
           Resolutions
           and
           Engagements
           are
           the
           immediate
           Principle
           of
           Obedience
           .
           Till
           the
           Convictions
           of
           our
           Duty
           are
           wrought
           into
           Resolution●
           ,
           they
           are
           of
           no
           efficacy
           .
        
         
           (
           2.
           )
           They
           must
           proceed
           from
           the
           d●liberate
           Judgment
           ,
           and
           determin'd
           Will.
           The
           Apostle
           declares
           ,
           
             The
             love
             of
             Chri●●
             constrains
             us
             ,
             we
             thus
             judge
             ,
             if
             one
             dyed
             for
             all
             ,
             then
             were
             all
             dead
          
           ;
           and
           the
           consequence
           is
           strong
           ,
           
             that
             we
             should
             live
             〈◊〉
             him
             ,
             who
             dyed
             for
             us
             .
          
           Empty
           valleit●●●
           are
           no
           volitions
           ;
           faint
           and
           wave●●●●
           Purposes
           have
           no
           force
           .
           Believers
           a●●
           exhorted
           ,
           
             with
             full
             purpose
             of
             H●art
             〈◊〉
          
           
           
             ●leave
             to
             the
             Lord.
          
           
        
         
           (
           3.
           )
           The
           renewing
           our
           holy
           Enga●●ments
           are
           very
           necessary
           for
           persevera●●●
           in
           our
           Duty
           .
           Our
           Hearts
           are
           false
           ▪
           〈◊〉
           foolish
           ,
           and
           apt
           to
           fly
           from
           God
           ;
           th●●
           are
           as
           changable
           as
           the
           Weather
           ,
           and
           〈◊〉
           Temptations
           are
           presented
           ,
           apt
           to
           〈◊〉
           fir'd
           with
           Carnal
           Desires
           ,
           or
           frozen
           w●●●
           Carnal
           Fears
           ,
           and
           to
           desert
           our
           Dut●
           Therefore
           't
           is
           necessary
           to
           fix
           them
           by
           repeated
           Vows
           of
           Obedience
           .
           We
           〈◊〉
           
           directed
           to
           
             arm
             our selves
             with
             the
             same
             Minds
          
           ;
           that
           is
           ,
           with
           firm
           Resolutions
           to
           cease
           from
           Sin.
           The
           
             girdle
             of
             Truth
          
           ,
           is
           a
           principal
           part
           of
           our
           spiritual
           Armour
           ,
           that
           fastens
           it
           upon
           us
           .
           Stedfast
           Engagements
           to
           obey
           God
           ▪
           are
           powerful
           to
           excite
           every
           Grace
           in
           its
           season
           ,
           to
           rise
           up
           in
           defiance
           against
           our
           spiritual
           Enemies
           .
           David
           says
           ,
           
             I
             have
             sworn
             and
             will
             perform
             it
             ,
             that
             I
             will
             keep
             thy
             Precepts
             .
          
           By
           the
           solemn
           and
           frequent
           renewing
           our
           Vows
           of
           Obedience
           ,
           the
           Tempter
           is
           discourag'd
           ,
           and
           flyes
           from
           us
           .
           Let
           us
           every
           Morning
           next
           our
           Hearts
           ,
           resolve
           to
           walk
           with
           God
           all
           the
           day
           .
        
         
           (
           4.
           )
           God
           is
           well
           pleased
           with
           our
           sincere
           Resolutions
           to
           keep
           close
           to
           him
           .
           
             Who
             is
             this
             that
             engages
             his
             Heart
             to
             close
             with
             Men
             ?
          
           He
           is
           the
           Inspector
           and
           Judge
           of
           our
           Hearts
           ,
           and
           notwithstanding
           ou●
           Infirmities
           ,
           accepts
           our
           sincerity
           .
        
         
           (
           5.
           )
           There
           are
           peculiar
           Circumstances
           that
           enforce
           the
           inviolable
           observation
           of
           our
           Sacramental
           Vows
           .
           Our
           original
           and
           permanent
           Obligation
           that
           we
           contracted
           in
           our
           Baptism
           ,
           in
           the
           presence
           of
           the
           Church
           ,
           when
           we
           were
           listed
           under
           our
           Redeemer's
           Colours
           to
           oppose
           his
           Enemies
           and
           ours
           ,
           Satan
           in
           combination
           with
           the
           Flesh
           and
           the
           World
           ,
           should
           have
           a
           strong
           and
           constant
           influence
           
           into
           our
           Lives
           .
           Our
           understanding
           and
           voluntary
           renewings
           of
           this
           at
           the
           Lord's
           Supper
           ,
           makes
           it
           more
           binding
           .
           'T
           is
           mentioned
           before
           ,
           that
           God
           is
           pleased
           ,
           by
           an
           admirable
           Condescension
           ,
           to
           be
           a
           party
           in
           the
           Covenant
           ,
           and
           binds
           himself
           to
           bestow
           his
           most
           free
           Favours
           ,
           and
           takes
           pleasure
           in
           performing
           what
           is
           promised
           .
           'T
           is
           becoming
           his
           Wisdom
           to
           glorifie
           his
           Moral
           Perfections
           in
           his
           Transactions
           with
           Man
           ;
           not
           only
           his
           Mercy
           ,
           but
           his
           Truth
           ,
           in
           saving
           us
           .
           The
           
           
             Lord
             thy
             God
             he
             is
             God
             ,
             the
             faithful
             God
             ,
             which
             keepeth
             Covenant
             and
             Mercy
             with
             them
             that
             love
             him
             ,
             and
             keep
             his
             Commandments
             .
          
           The
           Attribute
           of
           Faithfulness
           is
           set
           next
           the
           Deity
           ,
           as
           very
           dear
           and
           pleasing
           to
           him
           .
           He
           engages
           himself
           partly
           for
           our
           Comfort
           ,
           to
           dispel
           the
           Clouds
           of
           Fear
           ,
           that
           are
           apt
           to
           rise
           in
           our
           Bosoms
           from
           the
           sense
           of
           our
           many
           and
           mighty
           Sins
           ;
           therefore
           his
           Mercy
           is
           secur'd
           to
           us
           by
           a
           Covenant
           ,
           and
           that
           Covenant
           establish'd
           by
           an
           Oath
           ,
           the
           sure
           evidence
           't
           is
           irrevocable
           ,
           and
           seal'd
           by
           the
           Blood
           of
           the
           Mediator
           ;
           and
           partly
           ,
           to
           instruct
           us
           by
           his
           Example
           ,
           to
           maintain
           our
           Integrity
           ,
           which
           we
           engage
           in
           sealing
           our
           part
           of
           the
           Covenant
           .
        
         
           'T
           is
           said
           of
           God
           ,
           that
           
             he
             cannot
             Lye
          
           ,
           from
           the
           Veracity
           of
           his
           Nature
           ,
           and
           the
           unchangeableness
           of
           his
           Will
           ,
           and
           
           he
           reckons
           of
           his
           People
           
             they
             will
             not
             Lye
          
           ,
           from
           that
           Divine
           Disposition
           that
           is
           proper
           to
           them
           .
           Now
           that
           God
           is
           pleased
           in
           that
           Ordinance
           to
           give
           us
           the
           clearest
           and
           strongest
           Assurance
           of
           his
           Pardoning
           Mercy
           ,
           should
           make
           us
           very
           observant
           and
           exact
           in
           performing
           the
           Condition
           of
           it
           :
           What
           our
           Saviour
           said
           to
           the
           Man
           ,
           heal'd
           Miraculously
           of
           his
           Lameness
           ,
           is
           vertually
           signified
           in
           every
           Pardon
           we
           receive
           ,
           
             Go
             away
             ,
             sin
             no
             more
             ,
             lest
             a
             worse
             thing
             befal
             you
             .
          
           Sin
           is
           extremely
           aggravated
           ,
           when
           Perfidiousness
           and
           Ingratitude
           are
           mix'd
           with
           Disobedience
           .
           Our
           Resolutions
           against
           Sin
           ,
           are
           preventing
           Physick
           ,
           but
           in
           breaking
           them
           ,
           the
           Remedy
           increases
           the
           Disease
           ,
           and
           accelerates
           Death
           ,
           more
           painfully
           and
           suddenly
           .
           
             I
             will
             hear
             what
             God
             the
             Lord
             will
             speak
             ,
             he
             will
             speak
             peace
             to
             his
             people
             ,
             but
             let
             them
             not
             return
             to
             folly
             .
          
           To
           sin
           against
           the
           Law
           is
           a
           high
           provocation
           ,
           but
           to
           sin
           against
           special
           Love
           ,
           grieves
           the
           Holy
           Spirit
           ,
           and
           deeply
           wounds
           our
           Spirits
           .
        
         
           Now
           since
           
             our
             hearts
             are
             deceitful
             above
             all
             things
             ,
          
           and
           since
           our
           Resolutions
           are
           fleet
           and
           fading
           ,
           let
           us
           earnestly
           pray
           for
           Divine
           Grace
           to
           Establish
           them
           ,
           and
           entirely
           depend
           upon
           it
           .
           'T
           is
           more
           easie
           to
           raise
           a
           Fortification
           in
           time
           of
           Peace
           ,
           than
           to
           defend
           it
           in
           time
           of
           
           War.
           In
           the
           absence
           of
           a
           Temptation
           ,
           we
           readily
           purpose
           to
           abstain
           from
           Sin
           ,
           but
           when
           they
           assault
           us
           ,
           how
           often
           are
           we
           surpriz'd
           ,
           and
           vanquish'd
           .
           David
           resolves
           ,
           
             I
             will
             keep
             thy
             Statutes
          
           ,
           but
           to
           
           keep
           his
           Resolution
           inviolate
           ,
           he
           prays
           ,
           
             O
             forsake
             me
             not
             utterly
          
           .
           He
           Promises
           ,
           
             I
             will
             take
             heed
             to
             my
             ways
             ,
             that
             I
             sin
             not
          
           
           
             with
             my
             tongue
             ,
             I
             will
             keep
             my
             mouth
             as
             with
             a
             bridle
             :
          
           but
           he
           Addresses
           himself
           to
           God
           for
           assistance
           ,
           
             Set
             a
             watch
             before
             my
          
           
           
             mouth
             ,
             and
             keep
             the
             door
             of
             my
             lips
             .
          
           Our
           Resolutions
           are
           Light
           and
           Feathery
           ,
           soon
           scatter'd
           by
           a
           storm
           of
           Fear
           :
           't
           is
           as
           dangerous
           to
           trust
           in
           a
           Heart
           of
           Flesh
           ,
           as
           in
           an
           Arm
           of
           Flesh.
           Nothing
           is
           more
           unstable
           than
           Water
           ,
           but
           when
           pour'd
           into
           a
           strong
           Cistern
           ,
           't
           is
           as
           sure
           as
           that
           that
           contains
           it
           .
           Thus
           Divine
           Grace
           preserves
           our
           unstable
           Heart
           from
           slipping
           .
        
         
           4.
           
           The
           Religious
           observation
           of
           the
           Lords
           Day
           is
           an
           Excellent
           means
           for
           the
           increase
           of
           Holiness
           .
           'T
           is
           worthy
           of
           our
           serious
           Observing
           ,
           that
           the
           Fourth
           Commandment
           is
           enforc'd
           with
           a
           Note
           of
           Excitation
           ,
           
             Remember
             thou
             keep
             holy
             the
             Sabbath
             day
             ,
          
           to
           impress
           the
           sense
           of
           our
           Duty
           upon
           Conscience
           ,
           and
           to
           co●fine
           our
           transgressing
           Nature
           ,
           that
           is
           so
           apt
           to
           alienate
           that
           time
           that
           is
           Sacred
           to
           God
           ,
           and
           the
           Interest
           of
           our
           Souls
           ,
           to
           Carnal
           and
           Profane
           Uses
           .
           'T
           is
           sanctified
           
           and
           set
           apart
           by
           the
           Lord
           of
           our
           Persons
           and
           Time
           ,
           for
           the
           celebrating
           the
           most
           Excellent
           Works
           of
           his
           Power
           and
           Goodness
           in
           Creation
           and
           Redemption
           .
           He
           that
           gave
           us
           our
           Beings
           ,
           and
           rais'd
           us
           from
           the
           Dust
           ,
           to
           an
           Honour
           little
           lower
           than
           the
           Angels
           ,
           those
           Heavenly
           Spirits
           ,
           and
           has
           ransom'd
           us
           from
           our
           woful
           Bondage
           ;
           he
           that
           dignified
           us
           with
           the
           Impression
           of
           his
           own
           Image
           ,
           and
           the
           Assumption
           of
           ours
           .
           The
           Morality
           of
           the
           Command
           is
           perpetual
           that
           one
           day
           of
           seven
           be
           Consecrated
           and
           Separated
           for
           Divine
           Worship
           :
           but
           the
           designation
           of
           the
           Day
           to
           the
           Jewes
           ,
           was
           in
           remembrance
           of
           their
           Deliverance
           from
           Egypt
           ,
           and
           to
           Christians
           ,
           in
           remembrance
           of
           our
           Deliverance
           from
           the
           Tyranny
           of
           the
           spiritual
           Pharaoh
           ,
           Satan
           and
           his
           infernal
           Army
           ,
           Benefits
           exceeding
           those
           of
           Creation
           ,
           and
           rescuing
           from
           the
           Bondage
           of
           Egypt
           .
           Indeed
           every
           Day
           we
           should
           Redeem
           Time
           from
           business
           and
           pleasures
           for
           the
           immediate
           Service
           of
           God
           :
           but
           on
           the
           Lord's
           Day
           ,
           we
           must
           be
           entirely
           Conversant
           in
           Holy
           Duties
           ,
           Publick
           and
           Private
           ,
           and
           abstain
           from
           Common
           Works
           unless
           of
           Necessity
           and
           Mercy
           .
           The
           Religious
           Rest
           of
           the
           Fourth
           Commandment
           ,
           is
           to
           be
           observed
           by
           Christians
           so
           far
           as
           't
           is
           requisite
           for
           our
           attendance
           on
           
           the
           Service
           of
           God.
           'T
           is
           not
           only
           our
           Duty
           ,
           but
           our
           heavenly
           Priviledge
           ,
           that
           being
           tir'd
           in
           the
           dust
           and
           toil
           of
           the
           World
           ,
           we
           have
           a
           freedom
           ,
           and
           are
           call'd
           to
           draw
           near
           to
           God
           ,
           with
           the
           promise
           that
           
             he
             will
             draw
             near
             to
             us
             ,
          
           that
           when
           we
           pay
           our
           Homage
           ,
           we
           shall
           receive
           infinite
           Blessings
           :
           for
           then
           in
           the
           Communion
           of
           Saints
           we
           present
           our
           requests
           with
           a
           filial
           freedom
           to
           God
           ,
           and
           we
           receive
           his
           Precepts
           for
           the
           ordering
           our
           Lives
           to
           please
           him
           :
           and
           by
           a
           Temporal
           Holy
           Rest
           ,
           are
           prepar'd
           for
           an
           Eternal
           Glorious
           Rest.
           
        
         
           The
           observing
           this
           Command
           enables
           us
           to
           do
           the
           rest
           :
           for
           the
           Duties
           of
           it
           are
           Divine
           and
           Spiritual
           ,
           and
           have
           a
           powerful
           influence
           in
           the
           Souls
           of
           Men
           :
           for
           the
           exercise
           of
           Grace
           ,
           by
           a
           proper
           efficacy
           increases
           it
           ,
           and
           in
           their
           sanctifying
           that
           day
           ,
           God
           sanctifies
           them
           ,
           and
           liberally
           bestows
           the
           Treasures
           of
           Grace
           and
           Joy
           ,
           the
           consequent
           Blessing
           of
           the
           divine
           Institution
           .
        
         
           The
           Profaners
           of
           that
           Holy
           Time
           ,
           do
           vertually
           renounce
           their
           Allegiance
           to
           the
           Cr●ator
           and
           Redeemer
           ,
           they
           will
           not
           attend
           upon
           his
           Oracles
           ,
           but
           despise
           the
           Persons
           and
           Office
           of
           the
           Ministers
           of
           Christ
           ,
           and
           their
           Contempt
           reflects
           
           upon
           him
           .
           They
           make
           
             the
             Sabbath
             their
             delight
          
           ,
           in
           another
           sense
           than
           the
           Commandment
           intends
           :
           they
           make
           it
           a
           Play-day
           .
           Others
           who
           are
           call'd
           and
           counted
           Christians
           ,
           who
           are
           good
           in
           every
           thing
           ,
           but
           wherein
           they
           should
           be
           best
           ;
           they
           are
           Just
           and
           Merciful
           ,
           Temperate
           and
           Chaste
           ,
           Affable
           and
           Obliging
           to
           Men
           ,
           but
           wretchedly
           neglect
           the
           duties
           of
           Piety
           to
           God
           ,
           and
           the
           sanctifying
           his
           day
           .
           That
           precious
           and
           dear
           interval
           to
           a
           Saint
           ,
           from
           the
           business
           of
           the
           World
           ,
           is
           a
           galling
           restraint
           to
           Carnal
           Men
           from
           their
           secular
           Employments
           .
           'T
           is
           true
           ,
           they
           will
           go
           to
           the
           publick
           Worship
           either
           for
           seculary
           respects
           ,
           Custom
           ,
           or
           the
           Coertion
           of
           the
           Laws
           ,
           or
           the
           impulse
           of
           Conscience
           ,
           that
           will
           not
           be
           quiet
           without
           some
           Religion
           ,
           but
           they
           are
           glad
           when
           't
           is
           done
           ,
           and
           by
           vain
           discourses
           dash
           out
           of
           their
           minds
           ,
           the
           instructions
           of
           the
           Word
           of
           God.
           They
           spend
           a
           great
           part
           of
           the
           day
           as
           if
           it
           were
           unsanctified
           time
           ,
           in
           curious
           dressing
           ,
           in
           Luxurious
           Feasting
           ,
           in
           Complemental
           Visits
           ,
           in
           Idleness
           ,
           and
           sometimes
           in
           Actions
           worse
           than
           Idleness
           .
           The
           certain
           Cause
           of
           this
           Profaneness
           is
           ,
           they
           are
           not
           partakers
           of
           the
           divine
           Nature
           ,
           that
           inclines
           the
           Soul
           to
           God
           ,
           and
           raises
           our
           esteem
           of
           Communion
           with
           him
           as
           a
           Heaven
           upon
           Earth
           ,
           and
           from
           hence
           
           it
           follows
           ,
           that
           they
           come
           and
           go
           from
           the
           Publick
           Ordinances
           ,
           neither
           cleansed
           from
           Sin
           ,
           nor
           chang'd
           into
           the
           divine
           Image
           .
           But
           those
           who
           conscientiously
           employ
           that
           day
           in
           Duties
           proper
           to
           it
           ,
           in
           Prayer
           and
           Hearing
           ,
           and
           Reading
           the
           Scriptures
           ,
           and
           spiritual
           Books
           ,
           in
           holy
           Conference
           ,
           whereby
           Light
           and
           Heat
           is
           mutually
           Communicated
           among
           the
           Saints
           ,
           and
           in
           the
           Meditation
           of
           Eternal
           things
           ,
           whereby
           Faith
           removes
           the
           Vail
           ,
           and
           looks
           into
           the
           Sanctuary
           of
           Life
           and
           Glory
           ;
           as
           Moses
           by
           Conversing
           with
           God
           in
           the
           Mount
           ,
           came
           down
           with
           a
           shining
           Countenance
           ,
           so
           a
           divine
           Lustre
           will
           appear
           in
           their
           Conversations
           in
           the
           following
           Week
           .
        
         
           5.
           
           The
           frequent
           discussion
           of
           Conscience
           ,
           and
           review
           of
           our
           Ways
           ,
           is
           an
           effectual
           Means
           of
           rising
           to
           Perfection
           in
           Holiness
           .
           This
           Duty
           is
           difficult
           and
           distastful
           to
           Carnal
           Persons
           :
           for
           Sense
           is
           prevalent
           and
           fastens
           their
           Thoughts
           upon
           External
           Objects
           ,
           that
           they
           are
           unfit
           for
           reflecting
           upon
           themselves
           ,
           for
           the
           proper
           and
           most
           excellent
           operations
           of
           the
           Reasonable
           Soul
           ,
           wherein
           they
           are
           rais'd
           to
           the
           Rank
           of
           Angelical
           Spirits
           ,
           and
           to
           a
           resemblance
           of
           the
           Deity
           ,
           who
           Eternally
           Contemplates
           with
           Infinite
           Delight
           ,
           the
           Perfections
           of
           his
           Nature
           ,
           and
           the
           Copy
           of
           them
           in
           his
           Works
           .
           They
           
           are
           insensible
           of
           the
           Nobility
           of
           their
           Nature
           ,
           and
           cannot
           sequester
           themselves
           from
           Worldly
           things
           ,
           and
           enter
           into
           the
           Retirements
           of
           their
           Souls
           .
           They
           are
           afraid
           and
           unwilling
           to
           look
           into
           their
           Hearts
           ,
           lest
           they
           should
           be
           Convinc'd
           and
           over-argued
           by
           Conscience
           of
           their
           woful
           Condition
           .
           Home
           is
           too
           hot
           for
           them
           .
           Their
           study
           is
           to
           Charm
           their
           Cares
           ,
           and
           not
           to
           be
           disturb'd
           in
           their
           Security
           .
        
         
           But
           the
           Duty
           is
           indispensable
           requir'd
           of
           us
           .
           We
           are
           commanded
           to
           stand
           
           
             in
             awe
             and
             sin
             not
             ,
             and
             commune
             with
             our
             own
             hearts
             :
             to
             search
             and
             try
             our
             wayes
             ,
          
           
           
             and
             turn
             to
             the
             Lord
             :
             to
             prove
             our
             own
          
           
           work
           .
           The
           benefit
           resulting
           from
           it
           ,
           is
           worth
           our
           Care
           ,
           and
           should
           make
           us
           to
           digest
           all
           difficulties
           in
           the
           performance
           .
           David
           declares
           ,
           
             I
             thought
             on
          
           
           
             my
             wayes
             ,
             and
             turned
             my
             feet
             to
             thy
             testimonies
             .
          
           He
           first
           reflected
           on
           his
           ways
           ,
           and
           then
           reform'd
           them
           .
           Conscience
           must
           be
           awaken'd
           by
           Grace
           ,
           or
           Judgment
           to
           Self-reflection
           .
        
         
           The
           examen
           of
           Conscience
           either
           regards
           our
           spiritual
           State
           ,
           or
           our
           Actions
           in
           their
           Moral
           Qualities
           of
           Good
           and
           Evil.
           The
           first
           is
           of
           infinite
           moment
           ,
           that
           we
           may
           understand
           whether
           we
           are
           in
           the
           state
           of
           polluted
           Nature
           ,
           or
           
           in
           a
           renewed
           state
           ,
           and
           consequently
           ,
           whether
           in
           the
           present
           Favour
           of
           God
           ,
           or
           under
           his
           Displeasure
           ,
           and
           accordingly
           what
           we
           may
           expect
           in
           the
           next
           World
           ,
           a
           blessed
           or
           miserable
           Eternity
           .
        
         
           But
           as
           was
           before
           observed
           ,
           Men
           are
           very
           averse
           from
           the
           severe
           tryal
           of
           their
           state
           ,
           for
           fear
           the
           issue
           will
           be
           perplexing
           ;
           the
           exact
           inquiry
           into
           their
           Lives
           is
           like
           the
           Torment
           on
           the
           Rack
           :
           Or
           if
           sometimes
           they
           turn
           their
           thoughts
           inward
           to
           consider
           themselves
           ,
           they
           do
           it
           slightly
           ,
           not
           with
           sincere
           Judgment
           ;
           and
           though
           their
           spiritual
           state
           be
           uncertain
           ,
           or
           apparently
           evil
           ,
           yet
           they
           are
           resolved
           not
           to
           doubt
           of
           it
           .
           This
           neglect
           is
           fatal
           to
           many
           ,
           who
           comfort
           themselves
           with
           their
           Company
           ,
           because
           the
           most
           are
           in
           no
           better
           condition
           than
           they
           are
           .
        
         
           This
           I
           shall
           not
           insist
           on
           ,
           but
           consider
           the
           survey
           of
           Mens
           Actions
           .
           Conscience
           is
           the
           centre
           of
           the
           Soul
           ,
           to
           which
           all
           Moral
           Good
           and
           Evil
           has
           a
           tendency
           ;
           't
           is
           an
           internal
           supervisor
           and
           guardian
           ,
           which
           a
           Man
           always
           carries
           in
           his
           Bosom
           .
           To
           perform
           its
           Office
           ,
           it
           must
           ,
        
         
           1.
           
           Be
           inlightened
           with
           the
           clear
           knowledge
           of
           the
           Divine
           Law
           in
           its
           Precepts
           ;
           for
           Duties
           unknown
           cannot
           be
           practised
           ,
           and
           Sins
           unknown
           and
           unconsider'd
           cannot
           be
           loathed
           and
           forsaken
           .
           The
           Law
           
           like
           a
           clear
           and
           equal
           glass
           (
           that
           reflects
           the
           Beams
           according
           to
           their
           incidence
           )
           discovers
           the
           beauties
           and
           spots
           of
           the
           Soul.
           There
           are
           contain'd
           in
           it
           general
           Rules
           that
           respect
           all
           ,
           and
           particular
           Precepts
           that
           concern
           the
           several
           relations
           of
           Men.
           
        
         
           2.
           
           The
           discussion
           of
           Conscience
           that
           it
           may
           be
           effectual
           ,
           must
           in
           the
           manner
           of
           it
           ,
           be
           regulated
           by
           the
           matter
           of
           the
           discussion
           ,
           that
           is
           ,
           good
           and
           evil
           Actions
           ,
           which
           are
           of
           eternal
           Consequence
           ;
           and
           the
           end
           of
           it
           ,
           the
           making
           us
           better
           .
           Accordingly
           it
           must
           be
           ,
        
         
           (
           1.
           )
           Distinct
           in
           comparing
           our
           Actions
           with
           the
           Rule
           ,
           that
           we
           may
           understand
           the
           defects
           of
           our
           best
           Duties
           ,
           and
           the
           aggravations
           of
           our
           Sins
           :
           The
           Law
           enjoyns
           the
           Substance
           and
           Circumstances
           of
           our
           Duties
           ,
           and
           forbids
           all
           kinds
           and
           degrees
           of
           Sin.
           The
           more
           particular
           the
           discussion
           is
           ,
           the
           more
           perfect
           .
        
         
           (
           2.
           )
           It
           must
           be
           serious
           ,
           and
           with
           sincere
           Judgment
           ,
           as
           previous
           to
           our
           Tryal
           at
           God's
           Tribunal
           .
           This
           Consideration
           will
           excite
           the
           Conscience
           ,
           which
           is
           the
           directive
           and
           applicative
           Mind
           ,
           to
           be
           vigilant
           and
           impartial
           in
           sifting
           our selves
           ,
           that
           no
           Sin
           of
           omission
           or
           commission
           may
           be
           past
           over
           ;
           for
           what
           a
           high
           strain
           of
           Folly
           is
           it
           ,
           to
           be
           subtle
           to
           conceal
           any
           Sin
           from
           our selves
           ,
           which
           are
           open
           
           to
           the
           all-seeing
           Eyes
           of
           God
           ?
           Men
           are
           apt
           to
           be
           insensible
           of
           Sins
           of
           omission
           ,
           but
           there
           is
           no
           mere
           Sin
           of
           omission
           ;
           for
           it
           proceeds
           from
           a
           dislike
           of
           the
           commanded
           Duty
           ,
           which
           exposes
           to
           Judgment
           .
           The
           more
           the
           Mind
           is
           mended
           and
           renewed
           ,
           it
           discovers
           the
           Sins
           that
           were
           undiscern'd
           .
        
         
           (
           3.
           )
           There
           must
           be
           a
           fixed
           resolution
           to
           reform
           our
           Lives
           ,
           wherein
           we
           have
           been
           culpable
           .
           The
           Soul
           can
           never
           recover
           its
           lapse
           from
           above
           ,
           but
           by
           returning
           thither
           ;
           that
           is
           ,
           by
           a
           real
           performance
           of
           the
           Duties
           of
           the
           Law
           ,
           that
           fully
           represent
           the
           Law-giver's
           Will
           and
           Soveraignty
           .
           Now
           the
           reflecting
           upon
           our
           Hearts
           and
           Lives
           ,
           to
           improve
           the
           Good
           ,
           and
           correct
           the
           Evil
           in
           them
           ,
           is
           very
           useful
           for
           that
           end
           .
        
         
           (
           4.
           )
           It
           must
           be
           frequent
           ,
           lest
           we
           become
           ignorant
           and
           forgetful
           of
           our selves
           .
           
           Some
           of
           the
           wiser
           Heathens
           made
           a
           scrutiny
           of
           their
           Actions
           every
           day
           .
           'T
           is
           related
           of
           Sextius
           a
           Philosopher
           ,
           that
           in
           the
           end
           of
           the
           day
           ,
           he
           throughly
           examin'd
           the
           Actions
           of
           it
           ,
           
             What
             Evil
             have
             I
             cur'd
             ?
             What
             Vice
             have
             I
             resisted
             ?
             In
             what
             am
             I
             become
             better
             ?
             Seneca
          
           tells
           us
           it
           was
           his
           daily
           practice
           ,
           to
           give
           an
           account
           of
           his
           Actions
           before
           the
           Judicatory
           of
           Conscience
           .
           The
           Author
           of
           the
           Golden
           Verses
           gives
           Counsel
           in
           order
           to
           
           proficiency
           in
           Vertue
           ,
           to
           revise
           in
           our
           thoughts
           at
           night
           ,
           
             Wherein
             have
             I
             transgress'd
          
           ,
           
           
             what
             have
             I
             done
             ,
             what
             have
             I
             omitted
             ?
          
           In
           doing
           this
           ,
           we
           shall
           preserve
           Conscience
           more
           tender
           and
           sensible
           ;
           for
           continuance
           in
           Sin
           hardens
           it
           .
           This
           will
           be
           a
           preventive
           Medicine
           ;
           for
           if
           the
           sting
           of
           Remorse
           follows
           our
           omissions
           of
           Good
           ,
           and
           commissions
           of
           Evil
           ,
           and
           a
           divine
           Joy
           is
           felt
           in
           remembrance
           of
           our
           progress
           in
           Holiness
           ,
           this
           will
           be
           a
           constant
           motive
           to
           restrain
           us
           from
           disorderly
           Actions
           ,
           and
           to
           form
           us
           to
           Perfection
           .
           Besides
           ,
           there
           is
           a
           great
           difference
           between
           the
           habits
           of
           the
           Body
           ,
           and
           of
           the
           Mind
           ;
           the
           first
           wear
           and
           decay
           by
           continual
           use
           ,
           the
           habits
           of
           the
           Mind
           by
           frequent
           practice
           ,
           whether
           vicious
           or
           vertuous
           ,
           increase
           and
           are
           confirm'd
           .
           And
           since
           in
           the
           most
           excellent
           Saints
           there
           remain
           Sins
           of
           unavoidable
           weakness
           ,
           the
           renewing
           our
           Repentance
           every
           day
           is
           necessary
           to
           obtain
           the
           pardon
           of
           our
           Sins
           ,
           which
           is
           promised
           to
           all
           that
           mourn
           and
           strive
           against
           Sin
           :
           We
           are
           commanded
           
             not
             to
             let
             the
             Sun
             go
             down
             on
             our
             wrath
             ,
          
           much
           less
           on
           God's
           .
        
         
           In
           short
           ,
           let
           us
           every
           Morning
           consider
           the
           Duty
           of
           the
           day
           ,
           which
           is
           a
           valuable
           part
           of
           our
           Lives
           ,
           and
           the
           proper
           seasons
           of
           doing
           it
           ,
           and
           charge
           our
           Souls
           with
           a
           diligent
           regard
           to
           it
           .
           'T
           is
           prudent
           
           Advice
           how
           to
           make
           slothful
           Servants
           
           industrious
           ;
           in
           the
           Morning
           to
           prescribe
           their
           Work
           ,
           in
           the
           Evening
           to
           require
           an
           account
           what
           is
           done
           ,
           or
           left
           undone
           ,
           and
           to
           commend
           or
           censure
           ,
           to
           reward
           or
           punish
           ,
           according
           to
           their
           diligence
           or
           neglect
           .
           There
           are
           rarely
           found
           Servants
           of
           so
           depraved
           a
           temper
           ,
           so
           rebellious
           to
           Authority
           and
           Reason
           ,
           so
           untractable
           ,
           but
           they
           will
           mend
           by
           this
           managing
           .
           If
           this
           Duty
           be
           constantly
           practised
           in
           a
           due
           manner
           ,
           it
           will
           be
           of
           infinite
           profit
           to
           us
           .
           We
           read
           in
           the
           process
           of
           the
           Creation
           ,
           that
           God
           revis'd
           the
           Works
           of
           every
           day
           ,
           and
           
             saw
             they
             were
             Good
          
           ,
           and
           in
           the
           end
           ,
           
             saw
             they
             were
             very
             good
             ,
             and
             ordain'd
             a
             Sabbath
             ,
          
           a
           sign
           of
           his
           complacence
           in
           his
           Works
           .
           Thus
           if
           in
           the
           review
           of
           our
           Actions
           we
           find
           our
           Conversation
           has
           been
           in
           godly
           sincerity
           ,
           that
           we
           have
           been
           faithful
           to
           God
           and
           our
           Souls
           in
           striving
           after
           Perfection
           ,
           this
           reflection
           will
           produce
           Rest
           
             and
             Joy
             unspeakable
          
           ;
           Joy
           that
           centres
           in
           the
           Heart
           ,
           and
           is
           united
           to
           the
           substance
           of
           the
           Soul
           ;
           Joy
           that
           will
           flourish
           in
           Adversity
           ,
           when
           Carnal
           Joy
           withers
           ;
           a
           Joy
           that
           will
           not
           leave
           us
           at
           Death
           ,
           but
           pass
           with
           us
           into
           the
           eternal
           World.
           This
           
             Oyl
             of
             Gladness
          
           will
           make
           us
           more
           active
           and
           chearful
           in
           our
           universal
           Duty
           :
           But
           if
           we
           
           have
           been
           slack
           and
           careless
           in
           Religion
           ;
           if
           Sins
           have
           been
           easily
           entertain'd
           ,
           and
           easily
           excus'd
           ,
           the
           remembrance
           will
           imbitter
           Sin
           ,
           and
           make
           us
           more
           vigilant
           for
           the
           future
           .
        
         
           To
           make
           this
           Duty
           more
           profitable
           ,
           we
           should
           compare
           our selves
           with
           our selves
           ,
           and
           with
           others
           .
        
         
           1.
           
           With
           our selves
           ,
           that
           we
           may
           understand
           whether
           we
           are
           advancing
           towards
           Perfection
           .
           Sometimes
           there
           is
           a
           gradual
           declension
           in
           the
           Saints
           themselves
           ,
           not
           observed
           .
           When
           Sampson
           had
           lost
           his
           mysterious
           Hair
           ,
           upon
           the
           preserving
           of
           which
           his
           Strength
           depended
           ,
           and
           the
           Philistines
           had
           seized
           him
           ,
           he
           
             awoke
             out
             of
             his
             sleep
             ,
             and
             said
             ,
             I
             will
             go
             out
             as
             at
             other
             times
             before
             ,
             and
             shake
             my self
             ;
             and
             he
             wist
             not
             that
             the
             Lord
             was
             departed
             from
             him
             .
          
           Thus
           many
           decline
           in
           their
           valuations
           and
           affections
           to
           things
           spiritual
           ,
           and
           are
           less
           circumspect
           in
           their
           Conversations
           ,
           less
           fervent
           in
           their
           desires
           of
           Grace
           ,
           and
           faithful
           in
           the
           improvement
           of
           it
           than
           formerly
           ;
           and
           this
           deserves
           Heart-breaking
           Sorrow
           .
        
         
           2.
           
           Besides
           ,
           the
           comparing
           our selves
           with
           others
           who
           have
           excell'd
           us
           in
           Holiness
           ,
           and
           have
           been
           more
           watchful
           to
           abstain
           from
           Sin
           ,
           and
           more
           zealous
           in
           doing
           Good
           ,
           is
           very
           useful
           .
           This
           will
           wash
           off
           the
           colour
           of
           the
           common
           Excuse
           ,
           
           
             That
             without
             the
             Holiness
             of
             an
             Angel
             ,
             't
             is
             impossible
             to
             be
             preserved
             undefiled
             in
             the
             midst
             of
             sensual
             Temptations
             :
          
           But
           as
           the
           Philosopher
           demonstrated
           the
           possibility
           of
           Motion
           ,
           by
           walking
           before
           a
           captious
           Caviller
           that
           denyed
           it
           ,
           so
           when
           many
           Saints
           that
           have
           the
           same
           frail
           Natures
           ,
           and
           are
           surrounded
           with
           the
           same
           Temptations
           ,
           keep
           themselves
           pure
           in
           their
           Dispositions
           and
           Actions
           ,
           when
           they
           are
           regular
           in
           Duties
           of
           civil
           Conversation
           with
           Men
           ,
           and
           in
           holy
           Communion
           with
           God
           ,
           and
           we
           that
           have
           the
           same
           Spirit
           of
           Grace
           ,
           and
           Word
           of
           Grace
           ,
           to
           instruct
           and
           assist
           us
           ,
           fall
           so
           short
           of
           their
           attainments
           ,
           how
           will
           the
           comparison
           upbraid
           us
           ,
           and
           cover
           us
           with
           confusion
           ?
        
         
           I
           shall
           add
           ,
           that
           the
           deceitfulness
           of
           the
           Heart
           is
           discovered
           in
           this
           ,
           Men
           are
           very
           apt
           to
           please
           themselves
           in
           the
           comparison
           with
           those
           who
           are
           notoriously
           worse
           ,
           but
           averse
           from
           considering
           those
           who
           are
           eminently
           better
           .
           But
           this
           will
           be
           of
           no
           avail
           in
           the
           day
           of
           Judgment
           ;
           for
           the
           Law
           of
           God
           is
           the
           Rule
           to
           which
           we
           must
           conform
           ,
           not
           the
           Examples
           of
           others
           .
           Besides
           ,
           how
           can
           any
           expect
           ,
           that
           the
           Wickedness
           of
           others
           should
           excuse
           them
           in
           Judgment
           ,
           and
           not
           fear
           that
           the
           Holiness
           of
           others
           shall
           accuse
           and
           condemn
           them
           ?
        
      
       
         
         
           CHAP.
           XIII
           .
        
         
           
             Continual
             watchfulness
             requisite
             for
             our
             advancing
             to
             Perfection
             .
             This
             respects
             the
             preventing
             Evil
             ,
             and
             doing
             Good.
             The
             Malice
             ,
             the
             Craft
             ,
             the
             Diligence
             and
             Numbers
             of
             our
             Spiritual
             Enemies
             .
             We
             are
             very
             receptive
             of
             Temptations
             .
             Watchfulness
             respects
             our
             doing
             Good
             in
             its
             season
             ,
             and
             with
             its
             proper
             Circumstances
             .
             A
             due
             regard
             to
             the
             Duties
             of
             our
             several
             Relations
             ,
             is
             necessary
             in
             order
             to
             the
             perfecting
             of
             Holiness
             .
             Domestick
             ,
             sacred
             ,
             and
             civil
             Relations
             considered
             .
             The
             last
             Counsel
             ,
             Let
             our
             progress
             towards
             Heaven
             be
             with
             the
             same
             Zeal
             as
             at
             our
             first
             entrance
             into
             it
             ,
             and
             the
             same
             Seriousness
             ,
             as
             when
             we
             come
             to
             the
             end
             of
             it
             .
          
        
         
           7.
           
           COntinual
           Watchfulness
           is
           requisite
           ,
           that
           we
           may
           be
           rising
           towards
           Perfection
           in
           Holiness
           .
           The
           state
           of
           Sin
           in
           Scripture
           is
           represented
           by
           a
           deep
           Sleep
           ,
           that
           is
           the
           true
           Image
           of
           Death
           ;
           
             Awake
             thou
             that
             sleepest
             ,
             and
             arise
          
           
           
             from
             the
             dead
             ,
             and
             Christ
             shall
             give
             thee
             Light.
          
           The
           spiritual
           Sleep
           is
           understood
           by
           comparison
           with
           the
           natural
           .
           In
           the
           natural
           ,
           the
           Instruments
           of
           Sense
           and
           
           Motion
           are
           bound
           up
           ;
           the
           apprehensive
           Faculties
           that
           discover
           dangers
           ,
           and
           the
           active
           Powers
           that
           resist
           or
           avoid
           them
           ,
           are
           suspended
           from
           their
           exercise
           .
           Now
           spiritual
           Security
           is
           call'd
           a
           Sleep
           ,
           as
           it
           implies
           ignorance
           of
           dangers
           that
           threaten
           the
           Soul
           ,
           and
           unpreparedness
           to
           prevent
           them
           .
           Accordingly
           ,
           in
           opposition
           to
           carnal
           security
           ,
           Watchfulness
           consists
           in
           two
           things
           ;
           in
           the
           foresight
           of
           approaching
           Evils
           ,
           and
           furnishing
           our selves
           with
           means
           ,
           and
           using
           them
           for
           our
           safety
           .
           There
           is
           the
           Life
           of
           Grace
           in
           every
           regenerate
           Person
           ,
           but
           Watchfulness
           implies
           the
           lively
           exercise
           and
           activity
           of
           Grace
           :
           In
           the
           present
           state
           ,
           the
           spirit
           of
           Slumber
           is
           apt
           to
           steal
           upon
           us
           ;
           
             even
             the
             wise
             Virgins
             slumber'd
             and
             slept
             .
          
           The
           three
           Disciples
           at
           Christ's
           Transfiguration
           in
           the
           Mount
           ,
           when
           it
           might
           be
           imagin'd
           there
           could
           be
           no
           inclination
           in
           them
           ,
           and
           no
           temptation
           to
           sleep
           ,
           for
           that
           the
           glorious
           Light
           would
           powerfully
           excite
           and
           actuate
           the
           visive
           Spirits
           ,
           yet
           fell
           asleep
           ;
           and
           at
           his
           private
           Passion
           in
           the
           Garden
           ,
           when
           there
           was
           the
           greatest
           cause
           of
           their
           sorrow
           and
           simpathy
           ,
           yet
           were
           siez'd
           with
           unwelcome
           heaviness
           ;
           for
           which
           our
           meek
           Redeemer
           so
           gently
           reprov'd
           them
           ,
           
             Could
             ye
             not
             watch
             with
             me
             thus
             one
             hour
             ?
          
           The
           
           best
           are
           liable
           to
           relapses
           into
           security
           ,
           till
           they
           shall
           be
           awakened
           and
           raised
           by
           the
           Omnipotent
           Voice
           of
           the
           Son
           of
           God
           at
           the
           last
           day
           ,
           to
           Immortality
           and
           Perfection
           .
        
         
           Watchfulness
           may
           be
           consider'd
           either
           with
           respect
           to
           the
           preventing
           Evil
           ,
           or
           the
           doing
           Good.
           With
           respect
           to
           the
           preventing
           Evil
           ,
           there
           are
           such
           Motives
           as
           should
           make
           us
           very
           circumspect
           ,
           lest
           we
           be
           overtaken
           and
           overcome
           by
           Temptations
           .
        
         
           1.
           
           If
           we
           consider
           the
           Subtilty
           and
           Strength
           ,
           the
           Malice
           and
           Diligence
           ,
           with
           the
           mighty
           numbers
           of
           our
           Spiritual
           Enemies
           ,
           there
           is
           great
           reason
           we
           should
           not
           only
           be
           awake
           ,
           but
           watchful
           to
           oppose
           them
           .
        
         
           (
           1.
           )
           The
           Tempter
           is
           surprizingly
           subtle
           ,
           and
           understands
           all
           the
           arts
           of
           circumventing
           and
           corrupting
           us
           .
           He
           knows
           the
           several
           Characters
           of
           Mens
           Dispositions
           ,
           the
           commixture
           of
           their
           Humours
           ,
           all
           the
           radical
           Causes
           of
           their
           different
           Inclinations
           ,
           and
           of
           those
           Lusts
           that
           have
           dominion
           in
           them
           .
           He
           knows
           the
           various
           impressions
           of
           Nature
           ,
           from
           the
           Sex
           ,
           the
           Age
           ,
           the
           Country
           ;
           from
           inherent
           or
           external
           Causes
           ;
           from
           Health
           or
           Sickness
           ,
           Nobility
           ,
           Obscurity
           ,
           Riches
           ,
           Poverty
           ,
           Prosperity
           ,
           Adversity
           :
           He
           
           tempts
           to
           Sensuality
           in
           Youth
           ,
           and
           Covetousness
           in
           Old
           Age
           ;
           like
           the
           possess'd
           person
           in
           the
           Gospel
           ,
           that
           was
           sometimes
           cast
           into
           the
           Fire
           ,
           and
           sometimes
           into
           the
           Water
           .
           Men
           often
           exchange
           their
           Lusts
           ,
           and
           deceive
           themselves
           ;
           as
           if
           a
           dead
           Palsie
           were
           the
           Cure
           of
           a
           burning
           Fever
           .
           Sometime
           he
           will
           try
           to
           cool
           the
           Zeal
           of
           the
           Saints
           ,
           who
           are
           serious
           in
           working
           out
           their
           Salvation
           ,
           by
           suggesting
           that
           their
           diligence
           is
           not
           necessary
           :
           But
           if
           he
           cannot
           recall
           them
           to
           their
           former
           security
           ,
           by
           the
           allurements
           of
           Sense
           ,
           he
           will
           discourage
           their
           Hopes
           ,
           and
           represent
           God
           as
           irreconcileable
           ,
           and
           damp
           their
           Resolutions
           in
           seeking
           his
           Favour
           ,
           and
           doing
           their
           Duty
           .
           Thus
           by
           stratagem
           and
           ambush
           ,
           or
           by
           open
           assault
           ,
           he
           attempts
           to
           ruine
           their
           Souls
           .
        
         
           (
           2.
           )
           His
           strength
           is
           superiour
           to
           ours
           ▪
           Evil
           Spirits
           are
           stil'd
           ,
           
             Principalities
             and
             Powers
             ,
             and
             spiritual
             Wickednesses
             .
          
           We
           are
           frail
           Flesh
           and
           Blood
           :
           But
           we
           are
           encouraged
           ,
           that
           by
           our
           vigilancy
           ,
           and
           the
           assistance
           of
           the
           Holy
           Spirit
           ,
           we
           shall
           be
           preserved
           against
           his
           utmost
           Power
           and
           Cruelty
           :
           
             For
             greater
             is
             he
          
           
           
             that
             is
             in
             the
             Saints
             ,
             than
             he
             that
             is
             in
             the
             World.
             
          
        
         
           (
           3.
           )
           His
           Malice
           is
           deadly
           :
           Nothing
           can
           allay
           his
           Torment
           ,
           but
           the
           involving
           
           Men
           under
           his
           Judgment
           and
           Misery
           .
        
         
           (
           4.
           )
           His
           Activity
           and
           Diligence
           is
           equal
           to
           his
           Malice
           .
           The
           
             Spirits
             of
             Darkness
          
           never
           slumber
           nor
           sleep
           :
           They
           are
           not
           capable
           of
           weakness
           or
           weariness
           ,
           as
           our
           faint
           Flesh
           is
           .
           He
           is
           restless
           in
           following
           his
           pernicious
           designs
           .
           What
           is
           recorded
           of
           Martellus
           ,
           the
           Roman
           
           General
           ,
           is
           applicable
           to
           Satan
           ,
           
             If
             he
             obtains
             a
             Victory
             ,
             he
             fiercely
             insults
             and
             pursues
             it
             ;
             if
             he
             be
             repuls'd
             ,
             he
             returns
             afresh
             .
          
           His
           Spight
           is
           never
           spent
           :
           He
           tempted
           our
           Saviour
           with
           distrust
           of
           God's
           Providence
           ,
           with
           Presumption
           and
           Vain-glory
           ;
           and
           being
           foil'd
           in
           all
           attempts
           ,
           't
           is
           said
           ,
           
             he
             departed
             for
             a
             season
          
           ,
           and
           afterward
           made
           use
           of
           Peter
           as
           his
           Instrument
           ,
           to
           make
           him
           decline
           his
           Sufferings
           for
           the
           Salvation
           of
           Men.
           
        
         
           (
           5.
           )
           He
           has
           a
           mighty
           number
           of
           
             Principalities
             and
             Powers
             ,
             and
             spiritual
             Wickednesses
             ,
          
           under
           his
           Commands
           :
           There
           was
           a
           legion
           in
           one
           Man.
           St.
           Peter
           earnestly
           excites
           us
           to
           watchfulness
           ;
           
             for
             our
             adversary
             the
             Devil
             ,
             with
             innumerable
             infernal
             Spirits
             ,
             goes
             about
             seeking
             whom
             he
             may
             devour
             .
          
           He
           is
           the
           most
           formidable
           and
           least
           fear'd
           Enemy
           in
           the
           World
           :
           We
           are
           surrounded
           with
           invisible
           Enemies
           ,
           sooner
           felt
           than
           seen
           ,
           
           and
           usually
           not
           discerned
           but
           by
           the
           Wounds
           they
           give
           us
           ;
           and
           yet
           the
           Senses
           of
           Men
           are
           unguarded
           ,
           and
           all
           the
           Gates
           are
           open
           ,
           to
           give
           them
           an
           easie
           entrance
           into
           their
           Souls
           .
           And
           tho'
           their
           operations
           in
           destroying
           Souls
           are
           secret
           ,
           yet
           the
           deadly
           effects
           of
           their
           Hatred
           are
           visible
           ;
           for
           how
           few
           are
           there
           in
           whom
           the
           signs
           of
           the
           Spiritual
           Life
           appear
           ?
        
         
           2.
           
           The
           World
           is
           the
           store-house
           of
           his
           Temptations
           ;
           the
           Men
           of
           the
           World
           to
           allure
           us
           to
           Sin
           ,
           or
           terrifie
           us
           from
           our
           Duty
           .
           The
           things
           of
           the
           World
           are
           suitable
           to
           our
           vicious
           Appetites
           ,
           and
           foment
           them
           ;
           like
           Food
           that
           is
           pleasant
           ,
           but
           unwholsome
           ,
           and
           seeds
           the
           Disease
           .
           He
           puts
           a
           gloss
           and
           flattering
           colours
           upon
           earthly
           things
           ,
           to
           give
           them
           a
           lustre
           in
           our
           Imaginations
           .
        
         
           3.
           
           In
           our
           depraved
           state
           ,
           we
           are
           very
           receptive
           of
           his
           Temptations
           .
           The
           Innocence
           of
           the
           first
           Adam
           did
           not
           secure
           him
           from
           seduction
           .
           The
           Carnal
           Affections
           are
           like
           Gun-powder
           ,
           a
           spark
           sets
           all
           a-fire
           ;
           and
           we
           cannot
           easily
           quench
           the
           unruly
           Flame
           when
           't
           is
           inspir'd
           by
           the
           Tempter
           .
           'T
           is
           true
           ,
           he
           cannot
           immediately
           act
           upon
           the
           Soul
           :
           But
           as
           in
           Paradise
           ,
           he
           made
           use
           of
           the
           Serpent
           to
           deceive
           the
           Woman
           ,
           and
           of
           
           the
           Woman
           ,
           by
           her
           blandishments
           ,
           to
           allure
           Adam
           ,
           so
           he
           makes
           use
           of
           the
           carnal
           part
           in
           every
           one
           ,
           which
           proves
           as
           fatal
           as
           the
           Serpent
           ,
           and
           the
           Woman
           were
           .
           All
           the
           corrupt
           Appetites
           ,
           and
           disorder'd
           Affections
           ,
           are
           manag'd
           by
           him
           ,
           and
           draw
           Men
           with
           unforc'd
           consent
           to
           yield
           to
           him
           .
           He
           knows
           the
           insidious
           party
           within
           us
           that
           will
           admit
           his
           Temptations
           .
           When
           the
           Heart
           is
           dejected
           and
           sorrowful
           ,
           he
           sends
           in
           Terrors
           and
           Griefs
           ,
           knowing
           that
           his
           Faction
           within
           are
           ready
           to
           receive
           them
           .
           When
           't
           is
           cheerful
           and
           lively
           ,
           he
           sends
           in
           vain
           Thoughts
           ,
           excites
           the
           Carnal
           Affections
           ,
           which
           are
           ready
           to
           comply
           with
           his
           design
           ,
           and
           betray
           the
           Soul
           to
           Folly
           and
           Security
           .
           Now
           considering
           our
           Enemies
           without
           ,
           and
           the
           deceitful
           Heart
           as
           the
           traytor
           within
           ,
           that
           keeps
           correspondence
           with
           the
           Tempter
           ,
           our
           danger
           is
           infinite
           .
           We
           are
           not
           by
           priviledge
           exempted
           from
           Temptations
           ,
           nor
           invulnerable
           in
           our
           encounters
           with
           the
           Powers
           of
           Darkness
           ;
           but
           by
           vigilance
           ,
           and
           managing
           the
           Armour
           of
           God
           ,
           we
           are
           victorious
           .
           There
           is
           no
           Saint
           on
           Earth
           but
           may
           fall
           as
           foully
           as
           David
           did
           ,
           without
           a
           constant
           jealousie
           over
           his
           Heart
           and
           Ways
           .
           'T
           is
           said
           ,
           
             While
             the
             Husband-man
             slept
             ,
             the
             envious
          
           
           Man
           
             sowed
             Tares
          
           .
           He
           did
           not
           by
           Force
           enter
           into
           the
           Field
           .
           'T
           is
           not
           so
           much
           from
           Impotence
           ,
           as
           Carelesness
           ,
           that
           Temptations
           are
           let
           into
           the
           Heart
           ,
           and
           Corruptions
           break
           out
           .
           'T
           is
           not
           so
           much
           the
           stock
           of
           Habitual
           Grace
           that
           secures
           us
           ,
           but
           Grace
           in
           its
           vigorous
           Exercise
           .
           Surely
           David
           in
           his
           Youth
           had
           seen
           as
           exquisite
           Beauties
           as
           Bathsheba
           ,
           and
           was
           preserv'd
           by
           Watchfulness
           :
           but
           the
           neglect
           of
           his
           Duty
           was
           fatal
           to
           his
           Purity
           and
           Peace
           .
           Therefore
           the
           Duty
           is
           so
           often
           inculcated
           upon
           us
           .
        
         
           We
           must
           be
           watchful
           to
           fly
           from
           Temptations
           :
           He
           that
           prays
           ,
           
             Lead
             me
             not
             into
             Temptation
          
           ,
           and
           leads
           himself
           into
           it
           ,
           mocks
           God
           ,
           despises
           the
           danger
           ,
           plays
           upon
           the
           hole
           of
           the
           Asp
           ,
           and
           walks
           upon
           the
           brink
           of
           a
           Precipice
           .
           He
           provokes
           God
           justly
           to
           desert
           him
           .
           If
           a
           General
           commands
           a
           Soldier
           to
           fight
           a
           single
           Combat
           with
           an
           Enemy
           ,
           he
           will
           furnish
           him
           with
           Armour
           of
           proof
           ,
           and
           secure
           him
           from
           Treachery
           :
           but
           if
           one
           be
           Fool-hardy
           ,
           and
           engages
           himself
           ,
           he
           may
           dearly
           pay
           for
           his
           rashness
           .
           If
           by
           the
           order
           of
           Providence
           ,
           one
           be
           brought
           into
           tempting
           Circumstances
           ,
           he
           may
           Pray
           in
           Faith
           for
           Divine
           Assistance
           ,
           that
           the
           
             Lord
             will
          
           
           
             be
             at
             his
             right
             hand
             ,
             and
             he
             shall
             not
             be
             moved
             :
          
           but
           if
           one
           ventures
           into
           Temptation
           he
           will
           hardly
           escape
           .
        
         
           We
           are
           directed
           to
           be
           
             sober
             and
             vigilant
          
           against
           our
           spiritual
           Enemies
           .
           Vigilance
           discovers
           the
           Temptations
           ,
           and
           Temperance
           substracts
           the
           Materials
           of
           them
           .
           Adam
           by
           Intemperance
           stain'd
           his
           Innocence
           ,
           and
           forfeited
           his
           Felicity
           .
        
         
           We
           must
           be
           
             clad
             with
             the
             armour
             of
             Light
             ,
             to
             oppose
             the
             powers
             of
             darkness
             .
          
           Strange
           Armour
           that
           is
           transparent
           and
           may
           be
           seen
           through
           .
           The
           Graces
           of
           the
           Spirit
           are
           Armour
           and
           Ornament
           ,
           the
           Strength
           and
           Beauty
           of
           the
           Soul.
           They
           are
           call'd
           ,
           
             The
             Armour
             of
             God
          
           ,
           for
           he
           furnishes
           us
           with
           them
           ,
           and
           teaches
           us
           to
           use
           them
           ,
           and
           makes
           us
           Victorious
           .
           We
           must
           not
           only
           Watch
           but
           Pray
           against
           Temptations
           .
           We
           are
           preserved
           by
           the
           Intercession
           of
           Christ
           in
           Heaven
           ,
           and
           the
           Spirits
           Illumination
           and
           Protection
           in
           our
           Spiritual
           Warfare
           .
           There
           are
           some
           things
           that
           directly
           strengthen
           our
           Enemies
           ,
           all
           tempting
           Objects
           that
           excite
           and
           influence
           Fleshly
           Lusts
           that
           
             war
             against
             the
             Soul.
          
           Some
           things
           indirectly
           strengthen
           them
           ;
           whatever
           diverts
           us
           from
           Prayer
           ,
           and
           other
           Holy
           Ordinances
           ,
           disarms
           us
           ;
           whatever
           
           distracts
           the
           Mind
           ,
           and
           dissolves
           the
           firmness
           of
           the
           Will
           ,
           exposes
           us
           more
           easily
           to
           be
           overcome
           .
           To
           be
           careless
           and
           secure
           ,
           as
           if
           we
           were
           in
           a
           safe
           Sea
           ,
           when
           there
           are
           so
           many
           visible
           Shipwrecks
           ,
           is
           unaccountable
           Folly.
           
        
         
           'T
           is
           our
           Duty
           and
           Wisdom
           to
           keep
           a
           Jealous
           Watch
           over
           our
           Hearts
           ,
           to
           suppress
           the
           fix'd
           Inclinations
           to
           Sin
           ;
           Thoughts
           and
           Desires
           are
           the
           Seeds
           of
           Action
           :
           and
           to
           guard
           our
           Senses
           ,
           that
           we
           may
           not
           be
           suddenly
           corrupted
           .
           
           Lot's
           Wife
           by
           a
           lingering
           Look
           after
           Sodom
           ,
           was
           turn'd
           into
           a
           Pillar
           of
           Salt
           ,
           to
           make
           us
           fearful
           ,
           by
           her
           Example
           ,
           of
           the
           occasions
           of
           Sin.
           Especially
           we
           must
           direct
           our
           Care
           to
           prevent
           our
           being
           surpriz'd
           ,
           against
           the
           Sins
           that
           so
           easily
           encompass
           us
           ,
           and
           whereby
           we
           have
           been
           often
           foil'd
           .
           If
           a
           besieged
           City
           has
           one
           part
           of
           the
           Walls
           weaker
           ,
           and
           more
           liable
           to
           be
           taken
           ,
           Care
           will
           be
           taken
           to
           strengthen
           it
           ,
           and
           to
           double
           the
           Guards
           there
           .
        
         
           Let
           us
           be
           watchful
           against
           small
           Sins
           ,
           if
           we
           desire
           to
           be
           preserv'd
           from
           greater
           :
           for
           we
           are
           train'd
           on
           by
           sins
           of
           weaker
           evidence
           to
           sins
           of
           greater
           Guilt
           .
           Some
           are
           so
           Confirm'd
           in
           Holiness
           ,
           that
           the
           Devil
           does
           not
           tempt
           them
           to
           transgress
           the
           Law
           in
           a
           notorious
           manner
           ,
           
           but
           lays
           Snares
           for
           them
           in
           things
           of
           lesser
           moment
           .
           Besides
           ,
           there
           are
           Sinners
           of
           different
           degrees
           ,
           yet
           they
           all
           finally
           perish
           .
           Some
           with
           a
           full
           Career
           throw
           themselves
           head-long
           into
           Hell.
           Others
           go
           slowly
           step
           by
           step
           ,
           but
           certainly
           drop
           into
           it
           .
        
         
           To
           Conclude
           ,
           if
           we
           desire
           to
           be
           preserv'd
           from
           Sin
           ,
           let
           us
           avoid
           engaging
           Company
           :
           many
           Persons
           would
           resist
           the
           force
           of
           Natural
           Inclination
           ,
           but
           when
           that
           is
           excited
           by
           the
           Examples
           of
           others
           ,
           they
           are
           easily
           vanquish'd
           .
           A
           pure
           Stream
           passing
           through
           a
           Sink
           will
           run
           thick
           and
           muddy
           .
           On
           the
           contrary
           ,
           Society
           with
           the
           Saints
           is
           a
           happy
           Advantage
           to
           make
           us
           like
           them
           .
           As
           Waters
           that
           pass
           through
           Medicinal
           Minerals
           ,
           derive
           a
           Healing
           Tincture
           from
           them
           .
           In
           short
           ,
           the
           present
           World
           is
           a
           continual
           Temptation
           ,
           and
           we
           should
           always
           be
           employed
           in
           those
           things
           ,
           either
           in
           our
           General
           or
           Particular
           Callings
           ,
           that
           either
           directly
           or
           virtually
           may
           preserve
           us
           from
           its
           Contagion
           .
           We
           are
           in
           a
           state
           of
           Warfare
           :
           though
           not
           always
           in
           Fight
           ,
           yet
           always
           in
           the
           Field
           expos'd
           to
           our
           Spiritual
           Enemies
           
             that
             War
             against
             our
             Souls
          
           :
           and
           our
           Vigilance
           and
           Care
           should
           be
           accordingly
           .
        
         
         
           2.
           
           The
           Duty
           of
           Watchfulness
           respects
           the
           doing
           good
           in
           its
           season
           ,
           and
           with
           the
           Circumstances
           proper
           to
           it
           .
           
             To
             him
             that
             orders
             his
             Conversation
             aright
             ,
             I
             will
             shew
             the
             Salvation
             of
             God.
          
           Order
           in
           an
           Army
           contributes
           to
           Victory
           more
           than
           Numbers
           .
           The
           acceptable
           Performance
           of
           a
           Duty
           ,
           must
           depend
           upon
           its
           season
           .
           The
           Beauty
           of
           it
           is
           impair'd
           ,
           when
           done
           out
           of
           its
           proper
           time
           .
           I
           will
           instance
           in
           one
           Duty
           very
           influential
           unto
           a
           Holy
           Life
           .
           We
           are
           commanded
           to
           
             Watch
             unto
             Prayer
          
           ,
           that
           is
           ,
           to
           preserve
           a
           Holy
           Frame
           of
           Spirit
           suitable
           to
           this
           Duty
           :
           and
           
             to
             redeem
             time
          
           from
           the
           Vanity
           and
           Business
           of
           the
           World
           for
           Prayer
           .
           This
           Duty
           is
           as
           necessary
           for
           the
           Spiritual
           Life
           ,
           as
           breathing
           for
           the
           Natural
           :
           and
           't
           is
           a
           part
           of
           Wisdom
           so
           to
           order
           our
           Affairs
           that
           we
           may
           have
           chosen
           Hours
           for
           Communion
           with
           God.
           And
           we
           are
           to
           watch
           in
           Prayer
           against
           distraction
           and
           indevotion
           .
           We
           are
           
             commanded
             to
             draw
             near
             to
             God
             with
             reverence
             and
             godly
             fear
             ;
             for
             our
             God
             is
             a
             Consuming
             Fire
             ,
          
           to
           those
           who
           disparage
           his
           Majesty
           by
           Coldness
           and
           Carelesness
           in
           his
           Service
           .
           There
           must
           be
           a
           strict
           Guard
           to
           prevent
           the
           excursion
           of
           our
           Thoughts
           in
           Divine
           Worship
           .
           The
           Soul
           should
           ascend
           to
           
           God
           on
           wings
           of
           Fire
           ,
           with
           all
           possible
           Ardency
           of
           Affections
           :
           
             The
             effectual
             fervent
             Prayer
             of
             a
             righteous
             Man
             avails
             much
             .
          
           Watchfulness
           respects
           both
           the
           time
           and
           degrees
           of
           our
           Duties
           .
           We
           are
           commanded
           ,
           as
           we
           have
           opportunity
           ,
           
             to
             do
             good
             unto
             all
             Men
             ,
             especially
             to
             the
             houshold
             of
             Faith
          
           ;
           and
           
             to
             shew
             Mercy
             with
             chearfulness
          
           .
           We
           should
           not
           lose
           the
           golden
           opportunity
           of
           relieving
           the
           Objects
           of
           Charity
           ,
           and
           be
           diligent
           in
           our
           Business
           ,
           and
           to
           cut
           off
           superfluous
           Expences
           ,
           that
           we
           may
           be
           liberal
           .
           We
           should
           be
           careful
           to
           keep
           every
           Grace
           in
           its
           vigorous
           exercise
           .
           In
           short
           ,
           the
           Soul
           is
           a
           principle
           of
           Life
           to
           the
           Body
           ,
           from
           its
           first
           Being
           to
           its
           last
           Breath
           ,
           guides
           its
           motions
           ,
           prevents
           the
           dangers
           to
           which
           't
           is
           liable
           ,
           provides
           for
           its
           welfare
           :
           How
           much
           more
           reasonable
           is
           it
           ,
           that
           it
           should
           be
           a
           Soul
           to
           it self
           ,
           vigilant
           and
           active
           ,
           to
           improve
           every
           Advantage
           for
           its
           Happiness
           and
           Perfection
           .
        
         
           6.
           
           A
           due
           regard
           to
           the
           Duties
           of
           our
           several
           Relations
           is
           very
           necessary
           ,
           in
           order
           to
           our
           perfecting
           of
           Holiness
           .
           Relations
           may
           be
           consider'd
           under
           three
           general
           Heads
           ;
           Domestical
           ,
           Sacred
           ,
           Civil
           .
           Domestical
           ,
           between
           Husband
           and
           Wife
           ,
           Parents
           and
           Children
           ,
           Masters
           
           and
           Servants
           .
           There
           is
           a
           general
           Duty
           that
           binds
           all
           Relations
           ,
           and
           particular
           Relative
           to
           their
           several
           states
           .
           There
           is
           Superiority
           in
           a
           Husband
           ,
           Sovereignty
           in
           Parents
           ,
           Authority
           in
           Masters
           ,
           but
           it
           must
           be
           temper'd
           with
           Discretion
           ,
           Indulgence
           and
           Humanity
           ,
           in
           the
           exercise
           of
           it
           .
           The
           mutual
           Duty
           of
           Husband
           and
           Wife
           is
           Love
           ,
           wherein
           the
           Society
           ,
           Sweetness
           and
           Felicity
           ,
           of
           Marriage
           consists
           .
           In
           this
           is
           included
           the
           bearing
           with
           the
           Infirmities
           of
           one
           another
           ,
           that
           allays
           the
           fierce
           Passions
           ,
           that
           are
           the
           cause
           of
           Strife
           ,
           and
           makes
           the
           patient
           party
           better
           .
           The
           exercise
           of
           this
           Affection
           is
           distinguish'd
           ;
           the
           Love
           of
           the
           Husband
           is
           counselling
           and
           comforting
           ,
           providing
           and
           protecting
           ;
           the
           Love
           of
           the
           Wife
           ,
           obsequious
           and
           assisting
           .
           His
           Superiority
           and
           her
           Subjection
           must
           be
           sweeten'd
           with
           Love.
           The
           Husband
           must
           not
           be
           bitter
           ,
           nor
           the
           Wife
           sowre
           .
           The
           Husband
           must
           govern
           the
           Wife
           ,
           as
           the
           Soul
           does
           the
           Body
           ,
           with
           wisdom
           and
           tenderness
           .
           There
           is
           a
           servile
           Subjection
           ,
           from
           fear
           of
           Punishment
           ,
           or
           hope
           of
           Gain
           ,
           and
           a
           liberal
           Subjection
           ,
           full
           of
           freedom
           ,
           from
           Love
           ;
           and
           this
           is
           of
           Wives
           to
           Husbands
           ,
           and
           of
           Children
           to
           Parents
           .
           The
           Wife
           ▪
           tho'
           inferiour
           ▪
           is
           a
           fellow-ruler
           with
           him
           over
           
           Children
           and
           Servants
           .
           She
           is
           subject
           as
           his
           Vicegerent
           ,
           always
           preserving
           Love
           and
           Reverence
           in
           Affection
           ,
           and
           expressing
           Meekness
           and
           Obedience
           in
           Actions
           .
           She
           ,
           as
           his
           Deputy
           ,
           is
           to
           dispose
           things
           for
           his
           Credit
           and
           Profit
           .
           Prudence
           is
           requisite
           in
           both
           ,
           that
           they
           may
           deposite
           their
           Cares
           in
           each
           others
           Bosoms
           ,
           and
           trust
           their
           secret
           Thoughts
           as
           securely
           as
           in
           their
           own
           Hearts
           .
           The
           principal
           Duty
           of
           Husbands
           and
           Wives
           is
           ,
           a
           tender
           Care
           for
           the
           Good
           of
           each
           others
           Souls
           :
           The
           Husband
           should
           lead
           her
           in
           the
           way
           to
           Eternal
           Life
           ,
           by
           his
           Counsel
           and
           Example
           ;
           and
           the
           Wife
           by
           her
           humble
           and
           holy
           Conversation
           ,
           recommend
           Religion
           to
           his
           Mind
           and
           Affections
           .
        
         
           The
           Soveraignty
           of
           Parents
           over
           Children
           must
           be
           mix'd
           with
           tender
           Affections
           ,
           not
           with
           Rigour
           .
           We
           are
           commanded
           ,
           
             Parents
             provoke
             not
             your
             Children
             to
             wrath
             ,
             lest
             they
             be
             discouraged
             .
          
           The
           Duty
           of
           Children
           ,
           is
           to
           reverence
           and
           obey
           their
           Parents
           ,
           in
           all
           things
           that
           are
           pleasing
           to
           God.
           There
           can
           be
           no
           dutiful
           Love
           without
           Fear
           ,
           nor
           Paternal
           Authority
           without
           Love.
           The
           religious
           and
           secular
           Government
           of
           the
           Family
           ,
           is
           in
           the
           Husband
           and
           Wife
           ,
           who
           are
           like
           the
           two
           great
           Luminaries
           in
           the
           
           Heavens
           ,
           the
           one
           rules
           in
           the
           absence
           of
           the
           other
           :
           But
           't
           is
           principally
           in
           the
           Husband
           .
           This
           testimony
           is
           given
           of
           Abraham
           ,
           that
           so
           endear'd
           him
           to
           the
           Favour
           and
           Friendship
           of
           God
           ,
           as
           to
           reveal
           his
           secret
           Counsels
           to
           him
           ;
           
             I
             know
             Abraham
             ,
             that
             he
             will
             command
             his
             Children
             and
             Servants
             ,
             and
             Houshold
             after
             him
             ,
             and
             they
             shall
             keep
             the
             way
             of
             the
             Lord.
             
          
        
         
           The
           Master
           must
           not
           be
           imperious
           ,
           austere
           and
           fierce
           ,
           but
           manage
           his
           Power
           with
           that
           Condescension
           and
           Lenity
           ,
           with
           that
           exact
           performance
           of
           what
           is
           due
           to
           his
           Servants
           ,
           as
           becomes
           one
           that
           is
           accountable
           to
           the
           universal
           Master
           ,
           before
           whom
           he
           must
           stand
           in
           an
           equal
           Line
           ,
           
             and
             with
             whom
             there
             is
             no
             acceptance
             of
             Persons
             .
          
           Servants
           must
           be
           humble
           ,
           incorrupt
           ,
           diligent
           and
           faithful
           .
           Our
           Saviour
           inquires
           ,
           
             Who
             is
             that
             wise
             and
             faithful
             Servant
             ?
          
           And
           the
           Master
           calling
           his
           Servants
           to
           an
           account
           ,
           says
           ,
           
             Well
             done
             good
             and
             faithful
             Servant
             .
          
           The
           Wisdom
           and
           Goodness
           of
           a
           Servant
           consists
           in
           his
           Fidelity
           .
           In
           short
           ,
           The
           neglect
           of
           Prayer
           ,
           holy
           Instruction
           ,
           and
           setting
           a
           Pattern
           of
           Holiness
           to
           the
           Family
           ,
           the
           not
           watching
           for
           the
           Souls
           of
           Children
           and
           Servants
           to
           restrain
           them
           from
           Evil
           ,
           and
           excite
           them
           to
           Good
           ,
           
           will
           be
           a
           terrible
           Accusation
           against
           many
           Parents
           and
           Masters
           at
           the
           Day
           of
           Judgment
           .
        
         
           The
           Provision
           for
           the
           Family
           is
           an
           indispensable
           Duty
           upon
           the
           Master
           of
           it
           .
           There
           is
           a
           Divine
           Alliance
           between
           the
           Precepts
           of
           the
           Law
           ,
           they
           are
           all
           to
           be
           obeyed
           in
           their
           season
           .
           The
           Duties
           of
           the
           first
           Table
           ,
           do
           not
           supersede
           our
           obedience
           to
           the
           Duties
           of
           the
           second
           .
           If
           an
           Eagle
           should
           only
           gaze
           on
           the
           brightness
           of
           the
           Sun
           ,
           and
           suffer
           its
           young
           ones
           to
           starve
           in
           the
           Nest
           ,
           it
           were
           prodigiously
           unnatural
           .
           He
           that
           by
           a
           pretence
           of
           serving
           God
           in
           Acts
           of
           immediate
           Worship
           ,
           neglects
           to
           provide
           for
           his
           Family
           ,
           is
           worse
           than
           an
           Infidel
           .
           But
           how
           will
           those
           ,
           who
           by
           wasting
           their
           Estates
           ,
           or
           Idleness
           ,
           Ruin
           their
           Families
           ,
           appear
           before
           the
           Judgment-Seat
           of
           God
           ?
        
         
           The
           Superiours
           in
           the
           Family
           must
           preserve
           Order
           and
           Tranquility
           in
           it
           .
           The
           Fire
           of
           Discord
           turns
           a
           House
           into
           a
           Little
           Hell
           ,
           full
           of
           the
           tormenting
           Passions
           ,
           Sorrow
           and
           Anguish
           ,
           Disdain
           and
           Despight
           ,
           Malice
           and
           Envy
           ,
           that
           blast
           the
           most
           flourishing
           Families
           .
           But
           when
           Religion
           ,
           that
           is
           
             pure
             and
             peaceable
          
           ,
           Governs
           the
           House
           ,
           it
           turns
           it
           into
           a
           Paradise
           ,
           where
           the
           God
           of
           Peace
           dwells
           ,
           
           and
           delights
           ,
           and
           dispenses
           the
           most
           precious
           Fruits
           of
           his
           Favour
           .
           Wisdom
           and
           Watchfulness
           are
           requisite
           to
           maintain
           an
           Harmonious
           Agreement
           in
           Families
           ▪
           wherein
           are
           Persons
           of
           different
           and
           contrary
           Tempers
           .
           Some
           are
           of
           such
           unnatural
           Dispositions
           ,
           that
           they
           love
           Jars
           and
           Dissentions
           ,
           as
           some
           Plants
           thrive
           on
           the
           top
           of
           the
           Alps
           ,
           where
           they
           are
           continually
           expos'd
           to
           Storms
           .
           There
           is
           such
           and
           Irregularity
           in
           the
           Dispositions
           of
           some
           ,
           that
           between
           those
           Persons
           there
           is
           fierce
           Hatred
           ,
           where
           intire
           Love
           is
           due
           :
           the
           Discord
           between
           Brothers
           is
           deeply
           wounding
           ,
           and
           hardly
           curable
           .
           The
           reason
           of
           it
           is
           evident
           ,
           for
           where
           by
           the
           Law
           of
           Nature
           ,
           the
           dearest
           Love
           is
           requir'd
           and
           expected
           ,
           the
           not
           obtaining
           it
           is
           so
           injurious
           and
           provoking
           ,
           that
           the
           Hatred
           in
           one
           ,
           is
           equal
           to
           the
           Love
           to
           which
           the
           other
           does
           not
           Correspond
           .
           The
           Spartan
           Magistrates
           ,
           Celebrated
           for
           their
           Wisdom
           and
           Justice
           ,
           being
           inform'd
           of
           frequent
           Quarrels
           between
           two
           Brothers
           ,
           likely
           to
           end
           in
           bloody
           Contentions
           ,
           they
           sent
           for
           their
           Father
           and
           punish'd
           him
           ,
           as
           more
           Culpable
           and
           Guilty
           ,
           in
           not
           timely
           Correcting
           them
           .
           Ruling
           Wisdom
           in
           the
           Father
           of
           the
           Family
           ,
           so
           as
           to
           conciliate
           Love
           with
           Respect
           ,
           Soverity
           
           mix'd
           with
           Sweetness
           (
           which
           rarely
           
           meet
           )
           are
           necessary
           to
           prevent
           ,
           or
           compose
           ▪
           Dissentions
           in
           those
           little
           Common-wealths
           .
        
         
           In
           order
           to
           this
           ,
           the
           prime
           Care
           must
           be
           to
           quench
           the
           first
           sparks
           that
           appear
           ,
           that
           are
           seeds
           pregnant
           with
           Fire
           :
           if
           they
           are
           blown
           up
           and
           fed
           with
           Materials
           ,
           they
           break
           forth
           into
           a
           sudden
           Flame
           .
           And
           in
           the
           second
           place
           ,
           to
           observe
           and
           imploy
           every
           one
           in
           the
           Family
           in
           what
           is
           proper
           for
           them
           .
           As
           the
           
           Stones
           in
           an
           Arch
           must
           be
           so
           cut
           and
           form'd
           ,
           that
           they
           may
           point
           one
           against
           another
           ,
           and
           support
           one
           another
           :
           thus
           there
           are
           variety
           of
           Tempers
           and
           Talents
           in
           a
           Family
           ,
           and
           't
           is
           the
           Wisdom
           of
           Superiours
           to
           observe
           and
           employ
           the
           several
           Persons
           for
           the
           good
           of
           the
           whole
        
         
           In
           short
           ,
           Authority
           is
           accepted
           with
           more
           easie
           submission
           in
           the
           Title
           of
           a
           Father
           ,
           than
           of
           a
           Master
           .
           Therefore
           as
           Seneca
           observes
           ,
           the
           Romans
           ,
           that
           they
           might
           prevent
           Envy
           towards
           Masters
           ,
           and
           Contempt
           of
           the
           Servants
           ,
           call'd
           the
           Master
           ,
           
             The
             Father
             of
             the
             Family
          
           .
        
         
           2.
           
           There
           is
           a
           Sacred
           Relation
           between
           Pastor
           and
           People
           .
           I
           shall
           but
           glance
           on
           the
           Duties
           belonging
           to
           them
           .
           
           Evangelical
           Pastors
           are
           compar'd
           to
           the
           Luminaries
           of
           Heaven
           ,
           that
           by
           their
           Light
           ,
           Heat
           and
           Influences
           are
           so
           beneficial
           to
           the
           lower
           World.
           If
           they
           are
           Clouded
           with
           Ignorance
           ,
           or
           Eclips'd
           by
           the
           Interposition
           of
           Earthly
           things
           ,
           they
           are
           useless
           .
           There
           are
           divers
           degrees
           of
           substantial
           Learning
           and
           Spiritual
           Skill
           ,
           but
           a
           sufficiency
           of
           Knowledge
           for
           the
           great
           work
           of
           saving
           Souls
           is
           requisite
           in
           all
           .
           Zeal
           united
           with
           Knowledge
           ,
           is
           an
           indispensable
           Qualification
           .
           When
           the
           Apostles
           were
           fill'd
           with
           the
           Holy
           Ghost
           ,
           descending
           in
           the
           significant
           Emblem
           of
           Fiery
           Tongues
           ,
           of
           what
           admirable
           Efficacy
           was
           their
           Preaching
           ?
           The
           first
           Sermon
           Converted
           Three
           Thousand
           ,
           that
           were
           Murderers
           of
           our
           Saviour
           ,
           and
           had
           the
           stains
           of
           his
           Blood
           fresh
           upon
           them
           .
           Tongues
           of
           Flesh
           are
           without
           Vigour
           ,
           and
           make
           no
           lasting
           Impression
           on
           the
           Hearers
           ,
           but
           Tongues
           of
           Fire
           have
           a
           Divine
           Force
           and
           Operation
           to
           dispel
           the
           Errors
           of
           Mens
           Minds
           ,
           and
           quicken
           their
           Affections
           ,
           to
           Refine
           and
           Purifie
           their
           Conversations
           .
           They
           must
           be
           
             diligent
             and
             watchful
             for
             the
             Souls
             of
             their
             people
             ,
             as
             those
             who
             must
             give
             an
             Account
             to
             the
             Supreme
             Pastor
             and
             Redeemer
             of
             Souls
             .
          
           And
           as
           they
           must
           Teach
           what
           they
           Learn
           from
           the
           
           Gospel
           ,
           so
           they
           must
           live
           as
           they
           Teach
           .
           If
           they
           are
           Sensual
           and
           Worldly
           ,
           how
           can
           their
           Prayers
           ascend
           with
           Acceptance
           to
           God
           ,
           and
           descend
           with
           a
           Blessing
           to
           the
           People
           ?
           There
           should
           be
           a
           singularity
           of
           Holiness
           ,
           distinguishing
           those
           who
           are
           Consecrated
           to
           Instruct
           and
           Govern
           the
           Church
           .
           Their
           Sins
           are
           aggravated
           from
           the
           quality
           of
           their
           Persons
           :
           this
           is
           signified
           in
           the
           Levitical
           Law
           ,
           that
           appointed
           the
           Expiatory
           Sacrifice
           for
           the
           Sin
           of
           the
           Priest
           ,
           should
           be
           as
           Costly
           as
           for
           the
           Sin
           of
           the
           whole
           Congregation
           .
           So
           if
           the
           tenor
           of
           their
           Lives
           be
           not
           Correspondent
           to
           their
           Sermons
           ,
           it
           will
           destroy
           the
           force
           of
           the
           most
           inflaming
           Eloquence
           ,
           and
           render
           the
           Doctrines
           of
           the
           greatest
           Purity
           without
           Efficacy
           .
           O
           that
           all
           who
           are
           engaged
           in
           this
           Holy
           ,
           and
           (
           without
           their
           Personal
           Holiness
           )
           dreadful
           Office
           ,
           would
           duely
           Consider
           the
           Account
           they
           must
           
           give
           of
           their
           managing
           of
           it
           ,
           to
           the
           great
           Shepherd
           at
           his
           Appearance
           .
        
         
           The
           Duty
           of
           the
           People
           is
           to
           Obey
           ,
           to
           Imitate
           ,
           to
           Honour
           their
           Faithful
           Pastors
           ▪
           otherwise
           ,
           every
           Sermon
           they
           Hear
           will
           be
           an
           Accusation
           and
           Argument
           against
           them
           in
           the
           Day
           of
           Judgment
           .
        
         
         
           3.
           
           The
           Civil
           Relation
           between
           the
           Magistrates
           and
           People
           bind
           them
           to
           the
           respective
           Duties
           of
           their
           different
           States
           .
           Magistrates
           Supreme
           and
           Subordinate
           ,
           in
           the
           Scale
           of
           Government
           ,
           are
           the
           Ministers
           of
           God
           for
           the
           good
           of
           the
           People
           .
           They
           derive
           their
           Authority
           from
           him
           ,
           and
           are
           stiled
           Gods
           ,
           by
           an
           Analogy
           and
           Deputation
           ,
           which
           necessarily
           infers
           they
           must
           Rule
           for
           his
           Glory
           .
           The
           end
           of
           the
           Magistracy
           should
           be
           the
           end
           of
           the
           Magistrates
           in
           the
           exercise
           of
           Government
           ,
           that
           their
           Subjects
           may
           
             lead
             a
             peaceable
             and
             quiet
             life
             ,
          
           
           
             in
             all
             godliness
             and
             honesty
          
           .
           The
           Prince
           ,
           as
           the
           Natural
           Head
           ,
           has
           the
           Supremacy
           in
           Place
           and
           Dignity
           over
           all
           the
           parts
           of
           the
           Body
           ,
           and
           is
           vigilant
           for
           their
           Preservation
           ,
           so
           being
           the
           Political
           Head
           ,
           highly
           exalted
           above
           all
           degrees
           in
           the
           Kingdom
           ,
           must
           be
           provident
           and
           solicitous
           for
           the
           Temporal
           Interest
           ,
           and
           the
           Eternal
           Benefit
           of
           his
           Subjects
           .
           He
           must
           make
           Laws
           Holy
           ,
           Just
           and
           Good
           ,
           as
           becomes
           his
           Lieutenancy
           to
           Christ
           ,
           and
           to
           Command
           the
           Execution
           of
           them
           .
           He
           is
           to
           consider
           that
           the
           Actions
           of
           Kings
           are
           Examples
           ,
           and
           their
           Examples
           Rules
           ,
           more
           influential
           unto
           the
           Lives
           of
           their
           Subjects
           than
           their
           Laws
           .
        
         
         
           Those
           who
           are
           in
           the
           Seat
           of
           Judicature
           ,
           must
           dispense
           Judgment
           with
           a
           clear
           Serenity
           ,
           with
           calm
           Tranquility
           of
           Mind
           ,
           without
           Partiality
           and
           Passions
           ;
           they
           must
           not
           Honour
           the
           Rich
           ,
           nor
           Favour
           the
           Poor
           ,
           but
           be
           true
           to
           their
           Light
           and
           Integrity
           .
        
         
           All
           that
           are
           Concern'd
           ,
           in
           their
           several
           Stations
           ,
           should
           dispense
           a
           vigorous
           Influence
           for
           the
           suppressing
           Vice
           ,
           and
           encouragement
           of
           Vertue
           :
           and
           according
           to
           the
           Apostles
           Rule
           ,
           
             should
             be
             a
             terror
             to
             evil
             doers
             ,
             and
             a
             praise
             to
             those
             who
             do
             well
             .
          
           Especially
           they
           should
           be
           cloth'd
           with
           Zeal
           in
           punishing
           Offenders
           ,
           that
           do
           not
           hide
           their
           horrid
           Abominations
           ,
           but
           commit
           them
           without
           fear
           of
           the
           Light
           of
           the
           Sun
           or
           of
           Nature
           ,
           and
           out-dare
           Satan
           :
           when
           Impudence
           and
           Incontinence
           ,
           and
           Intemperance
           ,
           triumph
           in
           the
           Ruins
           of
           Modesty
           ,
           Chastity
           ,
           and
           Sobriety
           .
           Seneca
           tells
           of
           some
           in
           old
           Rome
           ,
           that
           were
           not
           asham'd
           of
           the
           ●oulest
           Sins
           ,
           but
           when
           describ'd
           and
           represented
           on
           the
           Theatre
           ,
           
             gloried
             in
             their
             shame
          
           .
           This
           heighth
           of
           Villany
           
           was
           not
           limited
           to
           the
           Age
           of
           Nero
           ,
           but
           to
           this
           Extremity
           Vice
           is
           arriv'd
           in
           our
           Times
           .
           If
           by
           just
           Severity
           ,
           such
           Publick
           and
           Crying
           Wickedness
           be
           not
           supprest
           ,
           what
           reason
           is
           there
           to
           fear
           that
           
           the
           Righteous
           Judge
           of
           the
           World
           will
           make
           the
           Nation
           a
           spectacle
           of
           visible
           Vengeance
           ,
           and
           vindicate
           the
           Honour
           of
           his
           despis'd
           Deity
           ?
           How
           will
           Magistrates
           ,
           that
           are
           careless
           in
           the
           Execution
           of
           the
           Laws
           ,
           appear
           before
           the
           impartial
           Tribunal
           above
           ,
           when
           besides
           the
           guilt
           of
           their
           Sins
           by
           Personal
           Commission
           ,
           they
           shall
           be
           charg'd
           with
           the
           Sins
           ▪
           Committed
           by
           their
           Connivance
           ,
           such
           heap'd
           Damnation
           will
           sink
           them
           into
           the
           lowest
           Hell.
           
        
         
           The
           Duty
           of
           Subjects
           ,
           is
           the
           highest
           Reverence
           of
           the
           Sacred
           Authority
           wherewith
           Princes
           are
           Invested
           .
           They
           must
           pay
           Tribute
           for
           the
           support
           of
           the
           Government
           .
           They
           must
           Obey
           for
           God
           ,
           as
           Princes
           must
           Rule
           for
           God.
           But
           in
           Sinful
           things
           ,
           as
           Princes
           have
           no
           Power
           to
           Command
           ,
           so
           the
           Subjects
           are
           under
           no
           obligation
           to
           obey
           .
        
         
           To
           Conclude
           this
           Argument
           ,
           there
           is
           no
           Counsel
           more
           directive
           and
           profitable
           for
           our
           arriving
           to
           an
           excellent
           Degree
           of
           Holiness
           ,
           than
           this
           ▪
           :
           let
           our
           progress
           in
           the
           way
           to
           Heaven
           ,
           be
           with
           the
           same
           Zeal
           ,
           as
           we
           felt
           in
           our
           first
           entrance
           into
           it
           ,
           and
           with
           the
           same
           seriousness
           ,
           as
           when
           we
           shall
           come
           to
           the
           end
           of
           it
           .
           The
           first
           and
           last
           Actions
           of
           the
           Saints
           ,
           are
           usually
           the
           most
           Excellent
           .
           
           David's
           first
           and
           last
           Wayes
           
           were
           most
           Excellent
           ;
           see
           his
           Divine
           Frame
           near
           his
           End
           :
           
             Although
             my
             house
             be
             not
             so
             with
             God
             ,
             yet
             he
             hath
             made
             with
             me
             an
             everlasting
             Covenant
             ,
             order'd
             in
             all
             things
             ,
             and
             sure
             :
             this
             is
             all
             my
             desire
             ,
             although
             he
             make
             it
             not
             to
             grow
             .
          
           New
           
             Converts
             when
             call'd
             out
             of
             Darkness
             into
             the
             marvellous
             Light
             of
             the
             Gospel
             ,
             are
             more
             zealous
             in
             their
             opposition
             to
             Sin
             ,
          
           and
           more
           Active
           and
           Chearful
           in
           the
           Service
           of
           God.
           The
           bitterness
           of
           Repentance
           ,
           before
           Reconciliation
           ,
           Causes
           an
           Abhorrence
           of
           Sin.
           They
           remember
           the
           Prayers
           and
           Tears
           ,
           the
           Anxieties
           of
           Conscience
           ,
           th
           Restless
           Hours
           that
           Sin
           cost
           them
           .
           As
           one
           that
           is
           saved
           from
           Fire
           that
           was
           ready
           to
           devour
           him
           ,
           retains
           so
           strong
           an
           Impression
           of
           the
           danger
           that
           makes
           him
           fearful
           ever
           after
           .
           They
           are
           fill'd
           with
           the
           Affections
           of
           Love
           and
           Thankfulness
           to
           God
           ,
           and
           Glorifie
           Mercy
           that
           spar'd
           them
           ,
           when
           Justice
           might
           have
           destroy'd
           them
           .
           When
           no
           Eye
           had
           Compassion
           ,
           and
           no
           Relief
           was
           afforded
           in
           their
           extreme
           Misery
           :
           when
           they
           lothed
           themselves
           ,
           frighted
           with
           the
           Image
           of
           Satan
           printed
           on
           their
           Soul
           ,
           then
           God
           did
           regard
           them
           with
           tender
           Affection
           :
           when
           they
           fled
           from
           him
           ,
           then
           he
           did
           overtake
           
           them
           by
           preventing
           and
           prevailing
           Grace
           .
           They
           have
           the
           quickest
           Sense
           of
           their
           Obligations
           to
           the
           Redeemer
           ,
           and
           the
           most
           sensible
           Relishes
           of
           his
           Love
           ,
           in
           Communion
           with
           him
           .
           We
           read
           of
           the
           Lame
           Man
           from
           his
           Birth
           ,
           that
           upon
           his
           Miraculous
           Healing
           ,
           when
           he
           felt
           a
           new
           current
           of
           Spirits
           in
           his
           Nerves
           ,
           and
           his
           Feet
           and
           Arms
           were
           strengthen'd
           ,
           that
           
             he
             entred
             with
             the
             Apostles
             into
             the
             Temple
             ,
             Walking
             and
             Leaping
             and
             Praising
             of
             God.
          
           This
           is
           a
           resemblance
           of
           the
           Zealous
           Affections
           of
           new
           Converts
           ,
           when
           they
           feel
           such
           an
           admirable
           Change
           in
           them
           
             they
             run
             in
             the
             wayes
             of
             God's
             Commandments
             with
             enlarged
             hearts
             :
          
           they
           have
           such
           flashes
           of
           Illumination
           ,
           and
           Raptures
           of
           Joy
           ,
           that
           engage
           them
           in
           a
           Course
           of
           Obedience
           .
           The
           Holy
           Spirit
           inspires
           them
           with
           new
           Desires
           ,
           and
           affords
           new
           Pleasures
           to
           endear
           Religion
           to
           them
           .
           'T
           is
           not
           only
           their
           Work
           ,
           but
           Recreation
           and
           Reward
           .
           But
           a●as
           how
           often
           are
           the
           first
           Heats
           allayed
           ,
           and
           stronger
           Resolutions
           decline
           to
           Remisness
           .
           Our
           Saviour
           tells
           the
           Church
           of
           
             Ephesus
             ,
             I
             have
             somewhat
             against
             thee
             ,
             b●cause
             thou
             hast
             left
             thy
             first
             love
             ,
             Remember
             from
             whence
             thou
             art
             fallen
             ,
             and
             repent
             ,
             and
             do
             thy
             first
             works
             .
          
           
           'T
           is
           said
           of
           Jehosaphat
           ,
           that
           
             he
             walk'd
             in
             the
             first
             ways
             of
             his
             father
             David
             :
          
           intimating
           ,
           there
           was
           a
           visible
           declension
           in
           his
           Zeal
           .
           He
           was
           not
           so
           accurate
           in
           his
           Conversation
           afterward
           .
           The
           Converted
           are
           many
           times
           not
           so
           frequent
           and
           fervent
           in
           God's
           Service
           ,
           and
           though
           by
           the
           constraining
           Judgment
           of
           Conscience
           ,
           Duties
           are
           not
           totally
           omitted
           ,
           yet
           they
           are
           not
           perform'd
           with
           that
           Reverence
           and
           Delight
           as
           at
           first
           .
           They
           are
           more
           venturous
           to
           engage
           themselves
           in
           Temptations
           ,
           and
           more
           ready
           to
           comply
           with
           them
           .
           They
           are
           tir'd
           with
           the
           length
           of
           their
           Travel
           ,
           and
           the
           difficulties
           of
           their
           Way
           ,
           and
           drive
           on
           heavily
           .
           We
           should
           with
           Tears
           of
           Confusion
           remember
           the
           disparity
           between
           our
           Zealous
           Beginnings
           ,
           and
           slack
           Prosecution
           in
           Religion
           ;
           we
           should
           blush
           with
           Shame
           ,
           and
           tremble
           with
           Fear
           ,
           at
           the
           strange
           decay
           of
           Grace
           ,
           and
           recollect
           our selves
           ,
           and
           re-inforce
           our
           Will
           to
           proceed
           with
           Vigorous
           Constancy
           .
           And
           when
           the
           Saints
           are
           ready
           to
           enter
           into
           the
           Unchangeable
           State
           ,
           when
           
             the
             Spirit
             is
             to
             return
             to
             God
             that
             gave
             it
             ,
          
           how
           intire
           and
           intent
           are
           they
           to
           finish
           the
           Work
           of
           their
           Salvation
           ?
           How
           Spiritual
           and
           Heavenly
           are
           their
           Dispositions
           ?
           With
           what
           
           Solemnity
           do
           they
           prepare
           for
           the
           Divine
           Presence
           ?
           How
           exactly
           do
           they
           dress
           their
           Souls
           for
           Eternity
           ,
           and
           〈◊〉
           their
           Lamps
           ,
           that
           they
           may
           be
           admitted
           into
           the
           Joys
           of
           the
           Bridegroom
           ▪
           How
           is
           the
           World
           vilified
           in
           their
           Esteem
           ,
           and
           unsavoury
           to
           their
           Desires
           ?
           
             The
             Lord
             is
             exalted
             in
             that
             day
             .
          
        
         
           The
           nearer
           they
           approach
           to
           Heaven
           ▪
           the
           more
           its
           Attractive
           Force
           is
           〈◊〉
           When
           the
           Crown
           of
           Glory
           is
           in
           their
           view
           ,
           and
           they
           hear
           the
           Musick
           of
           Heaven
           ,
           and
           are
           refresh'd
           with
           the
           fragancy
           of
           Paradise
           ,
           what
           a
           blaze
           of
           Holy
           Affection
           breaks
           forth
           ?
           When
           Jacob
           was
           Blessing
           his
           Sons
           upon
           his
           Death-bed
           ,
           he
           in
           a
           sudden
           Rapture
           Addresses
           himself
           to
           God
           ,
           
             O
             Lord
             ,
             I
             have
             waited
             for
             thy
             salvation
             !
          
           As
           if
           his
           Soul
           had
           Ascended
           to
           Heaven
           before
           it
           lest
           the
           Body
           .
           
             O
             when
             shall
             I
             appear
             before
             God!
          
           was
           the
           fainting
           desire
           of
           the
           Psalmist
           .
           If
           Communion
           with
           God
           in
           the
           Earthly
           Tabernacle
           was
           so
           precious
           ,
           how
           much
           more
           is
           the
           immediate
           Fruition
           of
           him
           in
           the
           Coelestial
           Temple
           ?
           If
           
             one
             day
             in
             the
             Courts
             below
             be
             worth
             a
             thousand
             ,
          
           an
           
             hour
             in
             the
             Courts
             above
             is
             worth
             ten
             thousand
             .
          
        
         
           Let
           us
           therefore
           by
           our
           serious
           Thoughts
           often
           represent
           to
           our selves
           
           the
           approaches
           of
           Death
           and
           Judgment
           .
           This
           will
           make
           us
           Contrive
           and
           Contend
           for
           Perfection
           in
           Holiness
           .
           The
           Apostle
           Exhorts
           the
           Romans
           to
           
             Shew
             forth
             the
             Power
             of
             Godliness
             ,
          
           from
           the
           Consideration
           of
           the
           Day
           of
           Grace
           they
           Enjoy
           ,
           and
           the
           Day
           of
           Glory
           they
           Expect
           ;
           
             for
             now
             is
             Salvation
             nearer
             than
             when
             you
             believed
             .
          
           Let
           us
           do
           those
           things
           now
           ,
           which
           when
           we
           come
           to
           dye
           we
           shall
           wish
           we
           had
           done
           .
           Thus
           doing
           ,
           we
           shall
           be
           Transmitted
           from
           the
           Militant
           Church
           to
           the
           Triumphant
           ,
           with
           a
           Solemn
           Testimony
           of
           our
           having
           adorned
           the
           Gospel
           in
           our
           Lives
           ,
           with
           the
           Victorious
           Testimony
           of
           Conscience
           ,
           that
           
             we
             have
             fought
             the
             good
             fight
             ,
             kept
             the
             Faith
             ,
             and
             have
             finished
             our
             Course
             ,
          
           and
           received
           with
           the
           glorious
           Testimony
           of
           our
           Blessed
           Rewarder
           ,
           
             Well
             done
             good
             and
             faithful
             Servant
             ,
             Enter
             into
             the
             Joy
             of
             thy
             Lord.
             
          
        
      
       
         FINIS
         .
      
    
     
       
         
         
         
           BOOKS
           Writ
           by
           
             William
             Bates
          
           ,
           D.
           D.
           
        
         
           THE
           Harmony
           of
           the
           Divine
           Attributes
           ,
           in
           the
           Contrivance
           and
           Accomplishment
           of
           Man's
           Redemption
           by
           the
           Lord
           Jesus
           Christ
           :
           Or
           Discourses
           wherein
           is
           shewed
           ,
           how
           the
           Wisdom
           ,
           Mercy
           ,
           Justice
           ,
           Holiness
           ,
           Power
           ,
           and
           Truth
           of
           God
           ,
           are
           glorified
           in
           that
           great
           and
           blessed
           Work.
           
        
         
           Considerations
           of
           the
           Existence
           of
           God
           ,
           and
           of
           the
           Immortality
           of
           the
           Soul
           ,
           with
           the
           Recompences
           of
           the
           Future
           State.
           To
           which
           is
           now
           added
           ,
           the
           Divinity
           of
           the
           Christian
           Religion
           ,
           &c.
           
        
         
           The
           Four
           Last
           Things
           ,
           Death
           and
           Judgment
           ,
           Heaven
           and
           Hell
           ,
           practically
           considered
           and
           applied
           ,
           in
           Octavo
           .
           The
           same
           is
           also
           Printed
           in
           Twelves
           ,
           and
           proper
           to
           be
           given
           at
           Funerals
           .
        
         
           Ten
           Sermons
           Preach'd
           upon
           Several
           Occasions
           ,
           in
           Octavo
           .
        
         
           Sermons
           upon
           Psalm
           CXXX
           .
           verse
           4.
           
           
             But
             there
             is
             Forgivness
             with
             thee
             ;
             that
             thou
             mayest
             be
             feared
             ,
          
           in
           Octavo
           .
        
         
           The
           Danger
           of
           Prosperity
           discovered
           ,
           in
           several
           Sermons
           .
        
         
           The
           great
           Duty
           of
           Resignation
           in
           Times
           of
           Affliction
           ,
           &c.
           
        
         
         
           A
           Funeral-Sermon
           on
           Dr.
           
             Thomas
             Manson
          
           ,
           who
           deceased
           October
           18
           ,
           1677.
           
           With
           the
           last
           publick
           Sermon
           Dr.
           Manton
           preached
           .
        
         
           The
           sure
           Trial
           of
           Uprightness
           ,
           opened
           in
           several
           Sermons
           upon
           Psal.
           18.
           v.
           23.
           
        
         
           A
           Description
           of
           the
           blessed
           Place
           and
           State
           of
           the
           Saints
           above
           ,
           on
           John
           14.
           2.
           
           Preached
           at
           the
           Funeral
           of
           Mr.
           Clarkson
           .
        
         
           The
           way
           to
           the
           highest
           Honour
           ,
           on
           John
           12.
           26.
           
           Preached
           at
           the
           Funeral
           of
           Dr.
           Jacomb
           .
        
         
           The
           speedy
           Coming
           of
           Christ
           to
           Judgment
           ,
           on
           Rev.
           22.
           12.
           
           Preached
           at
           the
           Funeral
           of
           Mr.
           
             Benj.
             Asbhurst
          
           .
        
         
           A
           Sermon
           on
           the
           Death
           of
           the
           Late
           Queen
           Mary
        
         
      
       
         Notes, typically marginal, from the original text
         
           Notes for div A26810-e210
           
             In
             regno
             nati
             sumus
             ,
             parere
             Deo
             est
             regnare
             .
             In
             virtute
             posita
             est
             vera
             felicitas
             .
             Sen.
             de
             Vita
             Beata
             .
          
        
         
           Notes for div A26810-e1000
           
             Col.
             3.
             
          
           
             Isa.
             1.
             
          
           
             Job
             14.
             4.
             
          
           
             Isa.
             1.
             
          
           
             Jer.
             2.
             
          
           
             Jam.
             4.
             
          
           
             Jam.
             4.
             8.
             
          
           
             Gal.
             5.
             19
             ,
             20
             ,
             21.
             
             Col.
             3.
             5
             ,
             8.
             
          
           
             Psal.
             4●
             .
          
           
             Sen.
             de
             brevit
             .
             vit
             .
          
           
             Eccl.
             7.
             26
             ,
             27
             ,
             28.
             
          
           
             Prov.
             1.
             
          
           
             Nox
             &
             amor
             vinumque
             ,
             nihil
             moderabile
             suadent
             .
             Illa
             pudore
             caret
             ,
             liber
             amorque
             metu
             .
             Ovid.
             
          
           
             Ezek.
             36.
             
             ●1
             .
          
           
             Repugnante
             Natura
             nihil
             Medicina
             proficiet
             .
             Cels.
             
          
           
             Mark
             10.
             
             2●
             .
          
           
             2
             Pet.
             1.
             4.
             
          
        
         
           Notes for div A26810-e2190
           
             Nesci●
             utrum
             magis
             detestabile
             vitium
             sit
             ,
             ac
             deforme
             .
             Sen.
             de
             Ir.
             
          
           
             Idem
             esse
             sibi
             Consilium
             adversus
             hostem
             ,
             quod
             plerisque
             medicis
             contra
             vitia
             corporum
             :
             ●am●
             potius
             quam
             ferro
             superandi
             .
          
           
             Quare
             fert
             agri
             rabiem
             &
             phenetici
             verba
             ?
             Nempe
             quia
             nescire
             videntur
             quid
             faciant
             .
             
               S●n.
               l.
               3.
            
             de
             Ira.
             
          
           
             Ne
             iras
             care●tur
             .
             Ira
             enim
             perturbat
             artem
             :
             Et
             qua
             noceat
             tantum
             ,
             non
             qua
             careat
             aspicit
             .
             Sen.
             de
             Ir.
             
          
           
             Nec
             est
             quisquam
             cui
             tam
             valde
             innocentiae
             sua
             placeat
             ,
             ut
             non
             stare
             in
             conspectu
             Clementiam
             paratam
             Humanis
             erroribus
             gaudeat
             .
             Sen.
             de
             Clem.
             
          
           
             Job
             31.
             25
             ▪
             
          
           
             Avaro
             tam
             deest
             quod
             habet
             ,
             quam
             quod
             non
             habet
             .
          
           
             Mat.
             6.
             
          
           
             Luke
             17.
             
          
           
             Noli
             talem
             tibi
             pingere
             Deum
             .
             Aug.
             Serm.
             35.
             de
             Verb.
             Dom.
             
          
           
             Col.
             3.
             3.
             
          
           
             〈◊〉
             Thes.
             2.
             5.
             
          
           
             Crescentem
             sequitur
             cura
             pecuniam
             majorumque
             fames
             .
          
           
             Psal.
             89.
             6.
             
          
           
             Psal.
             73.
             25.
             
          
           
             Lam.
             3.
             
             Prov.
             18.
             10
             ,
             11.
             
          
           
             Luke
             10.
             14.
             
          
           
             Quid
             dignum
             stolidis
             mentibus
             imprecer
             ,
             Opes
             honores
             ambiant
             :
             Et
             cum
             falsa
             gravi
             mole
             parave●int
             ,
             tum
             vera
             cognoscant
             bona
             .
          
           
             Rev.
             3.
             
          
           
             Prov.
             3.
             9
             ,
             10.
             
          
           
             1
             Tim.
             6.
             18
             ,
             19.
             
          
        
         
           Notes for div A26810-e3780
           
             Infirmavis
             Oculorum
             ,
             non
             potest
             ne
             proximum
             aerem
             perrumpere
             ,
             sed
             resistit
             .
             Sen.
             lib.
             preternat
             quaest
             .
          
           
             Etiam
             ego
             ac
             tu
             simplicissime
             inter
             nos
             hodie
             loquimur
             ;
             ceteri
             libentias
             cum
             Fortuna
             nostra
             ,
             quam
             nobiscum
             .
             Tacit.
             Hist.
             l.
             1.
             
          
           
             Facit
             avidos
             nimis
             faelicitas
             ,
             nec
             tam
             temperatae
             cupiditates
             ,
             ut
             in
             eo
             quod
             contigit
             de
             sinant
             .
             Sen.
             
          
           
             Praemia
             virtutum
             ,
             quia
             velocius
             erat
             viciis
             adeptus
             .
             Tac.
             
          
           
             Isa.
             10.
             12
             ,
             13.
             
          
           
             Deut.
             8.
             17
             ,
             18.
             
          
           
             Neh.
             9.
             16
             ,
             17.
             
          
           
             Rev.
             3.
             
          
           
             Prov.
             6.
             16.
             
          
           
             〈…〉
             .
             12
             ,
             13
             ,
             14.
             
          
           
             Eccl.
             12.
             
          
           
             Audeo
             dicere
             .
             Aug.
             
          
           
             Quam
             quidem
             laudem
             sapientiae
             statuo
             esse
             maximam
             ,
             non
             aliunde
             pendere
             ,
             non
             extrinsecus
             aut
             bene
             aut
             male
             faciendi
             suspensas
             habere
             rationes
             .
             
               Cic.
               l.
               5.
               
               Ep.
               13.
               
            
             Nihil
             humilitate
             sublimius
             apud
             Deum
             .
             Hicr
             .
          
           
             Joh.
             2.
             
          
           
             Phil.
             2.
             3.
             
          
        
         
           Notes for div A26810-e5340
           
             Mat.
             21.
             32.
             
          
           
             John
             8
             41
             ,
             44.
             
          
           
             Luk.
             12.
             1
             ,
             2
             ,
             3.
             
          
           
             Mat.
             15.
             19.
             
          
           
             Vitiorum
             ministeria
             senue●unt
             .
             Sen.
             
          
        
         
           Notes for div A26810-e5910
           
             1
             Cor.
             1.
             
             〈◊〉
             ▪
             
          
           
             1
             Cor.
             1●
             .
          
           
             1
             John
             3.
             14.
             
          
           
             1
             Joh.
             5.
             2.
             
          
           
             Acts
             2.
             21.
             
          
           
             1
             John
             3.
             21.
             
          
           
             Jam.
             5.
             16.
             
          
           
             Heb.
             6.
             1.
             
          
           
             Joh.
             1.
             
             1●
             .
          
           
             Job
             9.
             22.
             
          
           
             Gen.
             6.
             
          
           
             Solus
             habet
             scelerum
             ,
             quicquid
             possedimus
             omnes
             .
             Claud.
             in
             Ruffinum
             .
          
           
             In
             uno
             Coesare
             multos
             Marios
             esse
             .
          
           
             Numb
             .
             12.
             
             〈◊〉
             ▪
             
          
           
             Facere
             plurima
             mediocriter
             &
             unum
             aliquid
             insigniter
             .
             
               Plin.
               Ep.
               29.
            
             
          
        
         
           Notes for div A26810-e7560
           
             Heb.
             11.
             
          
           
             Heb.
             11.
             
          
           
             Rom.
             5.
             1.
             
          
           
             Acts
             15.
             
          
           
             Heb.
             11.
             
          
           
             John
             3.
             2.
             
          
           
             2
             Cor.
             5.
             1.
             
          
           
             John
             1.
             5.
             
          
           
             1
             John
             3.
             3.
             
          
           
             Heb.
             6.
             
          
           
             John
             4.
             
          
           
             John
             1.
             18.
             
          
           
             Eph.
             3.
             4.
             
             Col.
             4.
             3.
             
          
           
             Eph.
             1.
             9.
             1
             
             Tim.
             3.
             9.
             
          
           
             Mark
             4.
             11.
             
          
           
             Rom.
             1.
             19
             ,
             20.
             
          
           
             1
             Cor.
             1.
             21.
             
          
           
             Eph.
             3.
             19.
             
          
           
             Quo
             intellectum
             Deum
             capiat
             homo
             ,
             qui
             ipsum
             intellectum
             quo
             eum
             vult
             capere
             non
             capiat
             ?
             Aug.
             lib.
             de
             Trin.
             c.
             1.
             
          
           
             Job
             11.
             7
             ,
             8
             ,
             9.
             
          
           
             Infinitusimmensus
             ,
             &
             soli
             sibi
             tantus
             ,
             quantus
             est
             notus
             ;
             nobis
             vero
             pectus
             angustum
             ,
             &
             ideo
             sic
             eum
             dignae
             utimamus
             ,
             cum
             inaestimabilem
             dicimus
             .
             
               M.
               Felix
            
             .
          
           
             Praemisit
             Deus
             naturam
             magistram
             ,
             sub
             missurus
             prophetiam
             ,
             ut
             facilius
             cred●s
             prophetiae
             discipulus
             naturae
             .
             Tert.
             
          
           
             2
             Tim.
             1.
             
          
           
             Aequanimitur
             imperitas
             in
             tuis
             ,
             insolentur
             in
             dei
             rebus
             ignarus
             .
             
               Hil.
               de
               Trin.
               l.
               2.
            
             
          
           
             Col.
             2.
             19.
             
          
           
             2
             Thes.
             2.
             
          
           
             1
             Joh.
             5.
             10.
             
          
           
             Eph.
             1.
             17.
             
          
           
             1
             Cor.
             10.
             
          
           
             2
             Cor.
             4.
             3
             ,
             4.
             
          
        
         
           Notes for div A26810-e9360
           
             1
             Joh.
             2.
             4.
             
          
           
             〈◊〉
             Joh.
             5.
             
          
           
             2
             Cor.
             4.
             
          
           
             Heb.
             11.
             
          
           
             1
             Cor.
             2.
             12.
             
          
           
             Sermons
             of
             the
             Forgiveness
             of
             Sins
             .
          
           
             1
             Joh.
             12.
             
          
           
             Acts
             5.
             31.
             
          
           
             Rom.
             3.
             25.
             
          
           
             John
             5.
             14.
             
          
           
             O
             virtus
             te
             Colui
             ut
             rem
             ,
             sed
             nomen
             inane
             es
             .
          
           
             Coelumque
             multum
             conquestus
             eripi
             sibi
             vitam
             immerenti
             .
             Suet.
             
               Psal.
               73.
            
             
          
           
             Non
             specie
             sed
             ordine
             placent
             nam
             vitiorum
             ,
             nostrorum
             non
             est
             author
             deus
             sed
             ordinator
             .
             Aug.
             
          
           
             Impudentem
             &
             gubernatorem
             ,
             &
             imperatorem
             esse
             ,
             qui
             cum
             alients
             oculis
             ei
             omni●
             agenda
             sunt
             ,
             postulat
             sibi
             aliorum
             cupita
             &
             vitos
             Committi
             .
             Liv.
             
          
           
             Luk.
             12.
             7.
             
          
           
             Deut.
             26.
             
          
           
             Psal.
             147.
             4.
             
          
           
             Isa.
             40.
             26.
             
          
           
             1
             Kings
             20.
             
          
           
             Mat.
             10.
             
          
           
             1
             Kin.
             22.
             
          
           
             2
             Chron.
             16.
             
          
           
             Exod.
             19.
             
             Zech.
             3.
             
          
           
             Mal.
             3.
             
          
           
             Gen.
             17.
             1.
             
          
           
             John
             16.
             20.
             
          
           
             Rom.
             8.
             28.
             
          
           
             2
             Cor.
             4.
             1.
             
          
           
             Phil.
             4.
             6
             ,
             7.
             
          
        
         
           Notes for div A26810-e11150
           
             Temperantiam
             dicimus
             ,
             amorem
             sese
             Deo
             integrum
             ,
             incorruptumque
             servantem
             ,
             fortitudinem
             ▪
             amorem
             omnia
             propter
             Deun
             .
             I
             le
             perferentem
             .
             Prudentiam
             amorem
             bene
             discernentem
             ea
             ,
             quibus
             adjuvemur
             ,
             tendere
             in
             Deum
             .
             
               Lib.
               de
               Mor.
               Eccl.
               11.
            
             
          
           
             1
             John
             3.
             23.
             1
             
             Tim.
             1.
             18.
             1
             
             Thess.
             4.
             2.
             
             Acts
             14.
             15.
             
          
           
             1
             Cor.
             13.
             
          
           
             Vidit
             ,
             honorans
             &
             consignans
             ,
             &
             dispungens
             bonitatem
             operum
             dignatione
             conspectus
             .
             
               Tert.
               l.
               2.
               
               Con.
               Marc.
               
            
          
           
             Isa.
             46.
             3.
             
          
           
             Lam.
             3.
             22.
             
          
           
             Rom.
             5.
             
          
           
             Mat.
             16.
             16.
             
          
           
             Isa.
             53.
             
          
           
             Gal.
             3.
             
          
           
             1
             Joh.
             4.
             7.
             
          
           
             Rom.
             5.
             
          
           
             1
             Cor.
             16.
             14.
             
          
           
             Irrumpent
             adulatio
             blanditiae
             ,
             pessimum
             veri
             affectus
             venenum
             ,
             &
             sua
             cuique
             utilitas
             .
             Tacit.
             
          
           
             Vultur
             est
             cadaver
             expectat
             .
          
           
             *
             'T
             is
             Aristotle's
             Rule
             ,
             Bonum
             amicum
             ad
             gaudia
             vocatum
             adesse
             debere
             ,
             ad
             adversa
             sponte
             .
             
               Eth.
               c.
               11.
            
             
          
           
             Florentes
             amicorum
             turba
             circum
             sedit
             :
             circa
             eversos
             ingens
             solitudo
             est
             :
             Et
             unde
             fugiunt
             ,
             unde
             probantur
             .
             
               Sen.
               Ep.
               9.
            
             
          
           
             1
             Pet.
             1.
             22.
             
          
           
             Lev.
             19.
             17.
             
          
           
             Haec
             prima
             lex
             in
             amicitia
             sanciatur
             :
             ut
             neque
             rogemus
             res
             turpes
             ,
             neque
             faciamus
             rogati
             .
          
        
         
           Notes for div A26810-e13450
           
             1
             Pet.
             1.
             21.
             
          
           
             Rom.
             5.
             
          
           
             1
             Pet.
             1.
             
             〈◊〉
             ,
             4.
             
          
           
             Isa.
             6.
             
          
        
         
           Notes for div A26810-e14820
           
             Mal.
             3.
             17.
             
          
           
             Magnum
             spectuculum
             videre
             Deum
             armatum
             pro
             te
             .
             
               Aug.
               Ps.
               34.
            
             
          
           
             Et
             cum
             oras
             ,
             magna
             ora
             ,
             id
             est
             ,
             ea
             quae
             sunt
             aeterna
             ,
             non
             quae
             caduca
             :
             Ista
             oratio
             ad
             Deum
             non
             pervenit
             ,
             non
             audit
             Deus
             ,
             nisi
             quod
             dignum
             ducit
             suis
             beneficiis
             .
             Amb.
             
          
           
             Martyres
             non
             eripuit
             ,
             nunquid
             deseruit
             ?
          
           
             Eph.
             1.
             21.
             
          
           
             2
             Sam.
             9.
             7
             ,
             8.
             
          
           
             Psal.
             15.
             4.
             
          
           
             Heb.
             11.
             37
             ,
             38.
             
          
           
             Phil.
             4.
             11
             ,
             12.
             
          
           
             Prov.
             30.
             8
             ,
             9.
             
          
        
         
           Notes for div A26810-e16490
           
             Isa.
             6.
             
          
           
             Rom.
             9.
             2.
             
          
           
             Perfec●orum
             est
             nihil
             odisse
             in
             peccatore
             praeter
             peccatum
             .
             Aug.
             
          
           
             Boni
             Viri
             famam
             propter
             Conscientiam
             .
             Sen.
             
          
           
             Jer.
             13.
             17.
             
          
           
             Luke
             23.
             
          
           
             Psal.
             141.
             5.
             
          
           
             Dixisti
             sufficit
             peristi
             .
             Aug.
             
          
           
             Exigo
             poenas
             ab
             homine
             iracundo
             .
             Oblitus
             servi
             quia
             alium
             quem
             potius
             castigaret
             invenerat
             .
             Sen.
             〈◊〉
             Ira
             ,
             lib.
             3.
             
          
           
             1
             Pet.
             〈◊〉
             .
          
           
             Visu
             ipso
             animos
             invitavit
             etiam
             deliciis
             auxilia
             per
             miscens
             .
             
               Plin.
               l.
               22.
            
             
          
           
             Dominus
             &
             Deus
             noster
             quicquid
             docuit
             fecit
             ,
             ut
             discipulus
             excusatus
             esse
             non
             possit
             ,
             qui
             discit
             &
             non
             facit
             .
             
               Cypr.
               Ep.
               56.
               l.
               1.
            
             
          
           
             Si
             vos
             acies
             vocaverit
             ,
             si
             certaminis
             vestri
             dies
             venerit
             ,
             militate
             fortiter
             dimicate
             constanter
             ,
             scientes
             vos
             sub
             oculis
             presen●●s
             domini
             dimicare
             ,
             &
             confessione
             nominis
             ejus
             ,
             ad
             ipsius
             gloriam
             perve●ire
             .
             Quis
             non
             pretiosam
             in
             conspectu
             Domini
             mortem
             non
             fortiter
             &
             constanter
             excipiat
             ,
             placiturus
             ejus
             oculie
             qui
             nos
             in
             confessione
             nominis
             sui
             de
             super
             spectans
             ,
             volentes
             comprobat
             ,
             ad
             juvat
             dimicantes
             ,
             vincentes
             coronat
             .
             Cypr.
             
          
           
             Acts
             6.
             15.
             
          
           
             2
             Sam.
             14.
             20.
             
          
           
             1
             Cor.
             13.
             1.
             
          
           
             Cur
             ergo
             ad
             excujationes
             proni
             ,
             quae
             fortiora
             sunt
             non
             intuemur
             ?
          
           
             Nemo
             eorum
             qui
             in
             republica
             versantur
             ,
             quos
             vincat
             ,
             sed
             a
             quibus
             vincitur
             ,
             aspicit
             :
             Et
             illis
             non
             tam
             jucundum
             est
             multos
             post
             se
             videre
             ,
             quam
             grave
             aliquem
             ante
             se.
             Sen.
             Ep.
             73.
             
          
        
         
           Notes for div A26810-e19200
           
             2
             Cor.
             3.
             18.
             
          
           
             Mark
             3.
             5.
             
          
           
             Joh.
             12.
             27
             ,
             28.
             
          
           
             Qui
             in
             se
             non
             habuit
             quod
             ab
             illo
             calice
             sanaretur
             ,
             ne
             tu
             dedignavis
             bibere
             ,
             cui
             opus
             est
             ut
             bib●●
             .
             Aug.
             
          
           
             Qui
             fingit
             sacros
             auro
             vel
             marmore
             vultus
             ,
             non
             facit
             ille
             Deos
             ,
             qui
             rogat
             ,
             ille
             facit
             .
          
           
             Psal.
             106.
             4.
             
          
           
             Nomen
             terrae
             in
             igni
             reliquit
             .
             Tert.
             
          
           
             Ezek.
             36.
             25
             ,
             26
             ,
             29
             ,
             30.
             
          
           
             Rom.
             8.
             
          
           
             Heb.
             7.
             18
             ,
             19.
             
          
           
             Zech.
             12.
             8.
             
          
           
             Acts
             20.
             30.
             
          
           
             Miraturque
             novas
             frondes
             ,
             &
             non
             sua
             p●ma
             .
          
           
             Post
             satietatem
             nihil
             agendum
             .
             Celsus
             .
          
           
             Luke
             2.
             19.
             
          
           
             John
             6.
             
          
           
             Acts
             11.
             
          
           
             Deut.
             7.
             9.
             
          
           
             Psal.
             119.
             8.
             
          
           
             Psal.
             39.
             1.
             
          
           
             Psal.
             141.
             3.
             
          
           
             Psal.
             4.
             4.
             
          
           
             Lam.
             3.
             40.
             
          
           
             Gal.
             6.
             4.
             
          
           
             Psal.
             119.
             
          
           
             Faciebat
             hoc
             Sextius
             ,
             ut
             consumma●a
             die
             antequam
             se
             ad
             nocturnam
             quietem
             recepisset
             ,
             interrogaret
             animum
             suum
             ,
             quod
             hodie
             malum
             sanasti
             ?
             Cui
             vitio
             obstitisti
             ?
             Qua
             parte
             melior
             es
             ?
             Quotidie
             apud
             me
             causam
             dico
             .
             Sen.
             de
             Ira.
             
          
           
             
               〈◊〉
               〈◊〉
               〈◊〉
               〈◊〉
               〈◊〉
            
             .
          
           
             Nulla
             est
             hominis
             nequissimi
             arctior
             custodia
             ,
             quem
             operis
             exactio
             .
          
        
         
           Notes for div A26810-e22020
           
             Eph.
             5.
             
             1●
             .
          
           
             John
             1.
             4.
             
          
           
             Nec
             bonam
             nec
             malam
             ferre
             fortunam
             potest
             ;
             seu
             vicit
             ,
             ●erociter
             insultat
             ,
             seu
             victus
             ,
             instruerat
             victoribus
             ce●tamen
             .
          
           
             Familiam
             Sua●●●
             coercuit
             ,
             quod
             plerisque
             non
             mitius
             arduum
             quam
             regere
             Provinceam
             :
             Testimonium
             Taciti
             de
             Agricola
             :
          
           
             Societas
             mixta
             lapidum
             fornicationi
             simillima
             est
             ,
             quae
             casura
             nisi
             invicem
             obstaretit
             ▪
             hoc
             ipso
             sustinetur
             .
             Sen
             :
          
           
             1
             Tim.
             5.
             17.
             
             Heb.
             13.
             7
             ,
             17.
             
          
           
             〈◊〉
             Tim.
             2.
             2.
             
          
           
             Plaudit
             &
             viciis
             suis
             fieri
             convicium
             gaudet
             .
          
           
             〈◊〉
             Sam.
             23.
             5.
             
             〈◊〉
             Pet.
             2.
             9.
             
             〈◊〉
             Chron.
             17.
             3.