The sure trial of uprightness open'd in several sermons upon Psal. xviii, v. 23 ... / by William Bates.
         Bates, William, 1625-1699.
      
       
         
           1689
        
      
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             The sure trial of uprightness open'd in several sermons upon Psal. xviii, v. 23 ... / by William Bates.
             Bates, William, 1625-1699.
          
           [5], 142 p., [1] leaf of plates : port.
           
             Printed for Jonathan Robinson,
             London :
             1689.
          
           
             Reproduction of original in the Huntington Library.
          
        
      
    
     
       
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           Bible. -- O.T. -- Psalms XVIII, 23 -- Criticism, interpretation, etc.
           Sermons, English -- 17th century.
        
      
    
     
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                 GULIELMUS
                 BATESIUS
              
               ,
               S.
               S.
               Theol
               ▪
               Prof.
               Aetat
               :
               62
               ▪
               Nov
               :
               1687.
               
            
             
               
                 Sold
                 by
                 N.
                 Ranew
                 &
                 I.
                 Robinson
                 .
                 1688.
                 
              
            
          
        
      
       
         
         
           THE
           SURE
           TRIAL
           OF
           Uprightness
           ,
           Open'd
           in
           several
           SERMONS
           Upon
           PSAL.
           xviii
           .
           v.
           23.
           
           
             I
             was
             also
             upright
             before
             him
             :
             and
             have
             kept
             my self
             from
             mine
             Iniquity
             .
          
        
         
           By
           WILLIAM
           BATES
           ;
           D.
           D.
           
        
         
           LONDON
           ,
           Printed
           for
           
             Jonathan
             Robinson
          
           at
           the
           Golden
           Lion
           in
           St.
           Paul's
           Church-Yard
           ,
           1689.
           
        
      
       
         
         
         
           The
           PREFACE
           .
        
         
           'T
           IS
           the
           blessed
           Priviledg
           obtain'd
           by
           our
           Saviour
           for
           his
           People
           ,
           that
           sincere
           though
           imperfect
           Sanctification
           is
           graciously
           accepted
           of
           God
           the
           Judg
           of
           all
           .
           This
           sincere
           Holiness
           is
           strictly
           and
           indispensably
           requir'd
           
             by
             the
             Law
             of
             Faith
             ,
             in
             the
             hand
             of
             the
             Mediator
             :
          
           Without
           it
           we
           cannot
           partake
           of
           the
           Treasures
           of
           Mercy
           and
           of
           Glory
           that
           are
           reveal'd
           in
           the
           Gospel
           .
           'T
           is
           therefore
           a
           matter
           that
           infinitely
           concerns
           us
           ,
           both
           in
           respect
           of
           our
           present
           Peace
           and
           future
           Blessedness
           ,
           to
           make
           a
           true
           discovery
           of
           our
           Uprightness
           .
           And
           usually
           all
           the
           Fears
           and
           Inquiries
           about
           our
           Spiritual
           State
           issue
           in
           this
           ,
           whether
           we
           are
           upright
           or
           not
           ?
           The
           assurance
           of
           our
           Uprightness
           ,
           is
           a
           Fountain
           of
           Relief
           in
           all
           perplexing
           Jealousies
           about
           the
           Favour
           of
           God
           :
           for
           notwithstanding
           our
           Defects
           ,
           
             he
             will
             spare
             us
             ,
             as
             a
             Father
             spares
             his
             Son
             that
             serves
             him
             .
          
        
         
           This
           great
           Question
           of
           our
           sincerity
           may
           be
           clear'd
           by
           a
           due
           observing
           our
           Hearts
           and
           Ways
           :
           for
           Conscience
           is
           an
           inseparable
           Faculty
           
           of
           the
           Soul
           ,
           and
           even
           in
           the
           Heathen
           accus'd
           or
           excus'd
           ,
           as
           their
           Actions
           were
           exorbitant
           or
           regular
           according
           to
           the
           internal
           Law
           ,
           and
           consequently
           gave
           testimonies
           of
           their
           wickedness
           ,
           or
           moral
           Integrity
           .
           The
           Scripture
           indeed
           tell
           us
           ,
           
             The
             Heart
             of
             Man
             is
             deceitful
             above
             all
             things
             ,
             and
             desperately
             wicked
             ,
             who
             can
             know
             it
             ?
          
           But
           this
           primarily
           respects
           the
           discerning
           it
           by
           others
           ;
           as
           the
           Apostle
           saith
           ,
           
             Who
             knows
             the
             things
             of
             a
             Man
             ,
             save
             the
             Spirit
             of
             a
             Man
             which
             is
             in
             him
             ?
          
           There
           may
           be
           the
           affectation
           of
           the
           name
           of
           Religion
           ,
           joyn'd
           with
           a
           disaffection
           to
           the
           thing
           :
           there
           may
           be
           solemn
           Formality
           without
           cordial
           Godliness
           ;
           an
           acting
           of
           Piety
           and
           personating
           Devotion
           for
           vile
           Ends.
           But
           though
           the
           impure
           Artist
           under
           a
           Vail
           of
           Hypocrisy
           may
           be
           conceal'd
           from
           others
           ,
           yet
           he
           is
           not
           from
           the
           conviction
           of
           his
           own
           Mind
           .
        
         
           I
           shall
           add
           further
           ,
           that
           many
           from
           ignorance
           or
           carelesness
           ,
           may
           presume
           they
           are
           in
           a
           State
           of
           Salvation
           ,
           when
           they
           are
           
             in
             the
             Gall
             of
             Bitterness
             ,
             and
             Bond
             of
             Iniquity
             .
          
           There
           are
           many
           carnal
           Shifts
           made
           use
           of
           to
           palliate
           the
           evil
           condition
           of
           Mens
           Souls
           ,
           but
           their
           Security
           proceeds
           from
           the
           neglect
           of
           due
           examining
           their
           Hearts
           and
           Lives
           .
           It
           will
           be
           a
           vain
           excuse
           at
           the
           last
           
           Day
           ,
           
             to
             plead
             ,
             the
             Serpent
             beguil'd
             me
             :
          
           for
           't
           is
           not
           meerly
           our
           deceivableness
           ,
           but
           willingness
           to
           be
           deceiv'd
           ,
           that
           exposes
           us
           to
           mistake
           our
           spiritual
           Condition
           by
           the
           insinuations
           of
           Satan
           .
           As
           the
           wise
           Philosopher
           
           observes
           ,
           A
           Man
           is
           the
           first
           and
           principal
           Flatterer
           of
           himself
           ,
           and
           therefore
           apt
           to
           be
           deceived
           by
           other
           Flatterers
           .
           But
           if
           we
           take
           
             the
             Candle
             of
             the
             Lord
          
           ,
           and
           impartially
           search
           our selves
           ,
           though
           the
           Heart
           be
           such
           a
           dark
           Labyrinth
           ,
           that
           every
           secret
           turning
           cannot
           be
           discovered
           ;
           though
           all
           the
           Deflections
           and
           Errors
           of
           our
           Ways
           cannot
           be
           exactly
           known
           ,
           yet
           we
           may
           understand
           the
           habitual
           frame
           of
           our
           Hearts
           ,
           and
           the
           course
           of
           our
           Lives
           .
        
         
           'T
           is
           the
           End
           of
           the
           following
           Sermons
           ,
           to
           direct
           Men
           in
           the
           discussion
           of
           Conscience
           ,
           that
           they
           may
           not
           from
           an
           erring
           Mind
           ,
           and
           corrupt
           Heart
           ,
           deceive
           themselves
           in
           a
           Matter
           that
           so
           nearly
           concerns
           them
           ,
           and
           incur
           the
           double
           Punishment
           in
           proportion
           to
           their
           Guilt
           ,
           as
           our
           Saviour
           foretells
           ,
           
             When
             the
             Blind
             lead
             the
             Blind
             ,
             both
             fall
             into
             the
             Ditch
             .
          
        
         
           Many
           useful
           Rules
           are
           laid
           down
           by
           Divines
           ,
           whereby
           true
           Grace
           may
           be
           discern'd
           from
           Counterfeit
           :
           but
           the
           plainest
           Trial
           and
           Level
           to
           the
           perception
           of
           the
           lowest
           Christian
           ,
           is
           ,
           Whether
           there
           be
           a
           sincere
           
           respect
           to
           all
           God's
           Commands
           ,
           without
           the
           reservation
           of
           any
           known
           Sin
           ,
           how
           pleasant
           soever
           ,
           to
           the
           carnal
           Appetites
           ,
           or
           the
           exception
           against
           any
           known
           Duty
           that
           is
           displeasing
           to
           them
           .
           If
           Men
           would
           retire
           from
           the
           Vanities
           and
           Business
           of
           the
           World
           into
           themselves
           ,
           and
           search
           their
           Spirits
           with
           that
           seriousness
           that
           is
           due
           to
           so
           weighty
           a
           Matter
           ;
           if
           with
           a
           resolution
           to
           know
           the
           State
           of
           their
           Souls
           ,
           if
           Conscience
           were
           inquisitive
           as
           under
           God's
           Eye
           ,
           that
           has
           a
           full
           prospect
           into
           every
           Breast
           ,
           they
           might
           have
           an
           inward
           Testimony
           of
           their
           Sincerity
           or
           Deceitfulness
           .
           The
           Apostle
           refers
           the
           decision
           of
           our
           State
           with
           respect
           to
           God
           ,
           to
           the
           Testimony
           of
           the
           enlightned
           Conscience
           :
           
             If
             our
             Hearts
             condemn
             us
             not
             ,
          
           (
           of
           any
           habitual
           indulged
           Sin
           )
           
             then
             we
             have
             peace
             towards
             God.
             If
             our
             Hearts
             condemn
             us
             ,
             God
             is
             greater
             than
             our
             Hearts
             ,
             and
             knows
             all
             things
             .
          
           From
           the
           neglect
           of
           trying
           themselves
           ,
           many
           live
           in
           a
           Cloud
           of
           Delusion
           ,
           and
           from
           inward
           Darkness
           pass
           to
           outer
           Darkness
           for
           ever
           .
        
      
    
     
       
         
         
           The
           sure
           Trial
           of
           UPRIGHTNESS
           .
        
         
           
             PSAL.
             xviii
             .
             23.
             
          
           
             I
             was
             also
             upright
             before
             him
             :
             and
             have
             kept
             my self
             from
             mine
             Iniquity
             .
          
        
         
           THE
           Title
           of
           this
           Psalm
           declares
           the
           Occasion
           of
           it
           :
           David
           
             spake
             unto
             the
             Lord
             the
             words
             of
             this
             Song
             ,
             in
             the
             day
             that
             the
             Lord
             delivered
             him
             from
             the
             hand
             of
             all
             his
             Enemies
             ,
             and
             from
             the
             hand
             of
          
           Saul
           .
           'T
           is
           a
           clear
           Evidence
           of
           his
           Heavenly
           Mind
           ,
           that
           after
           his
           Victories
           and
           Triumphs
           ,
           when
           his
           Throne
           was
           establish'd
           in
           Peace
           ,
           he
           recounts
           the
           signal
           Acts
           of
           Divine
           Providence
           with
           holy
           Extasies
           of
           Praise
           and
           Thankfulness
           ,
           and
           leaves
           an
           everlasting
           
           Memorial
           of
           God's
           excellent
           Goodness
           to
           him
           .
           Carnal
           Persons
           in
           Extremities
           ,
           may
           be
           ardent
           in
           Requests
           for
           Deliverance
           ,
           but
           when
           't
           is
           obtain'd
           ,
           they
           retain
           but
           a
           cold
           remembrance
           of
           God's
           preserving
           Mercy
           ;
           nay
           ,
           they
           often
           pervert
           his
           Benefits
           :
           the
           affluence
           ,
           and
           ease
           ,
           and
           security
           of
           their
           Condition
           ,
           occasions
           the
           ungrateful
           forgetfulness
           of
           their
           Benefactor
           .
           Self-love
           kindles
           desires
           for
           what
           we
           want
           ,
           the
           Love
           of
           God
           inspires
           a
           holy
           Heat
           in
           Praises
           for
           what
           we
           enjoy
           .
        
         
           In
           the
           Psalm
           ,
           the
           inspir'd
           Composer
           displays
           the
           Divine
           Perfections
           in
           lofty
           Figures
           of
           Speech
           ,
           suitable
           to
           Sacred
           Poesy
           ,
           and
           in
           a
           relative
           endearing
           Way
           as
           manifested
           in
           his
           Preservation
           .
           He
           attributes
           such
           Titles
           to
           God
           ,
           as
           are
           significant
           of
           the
           Benefits
           he
           received
           :
           Sometimes
           God
           discovers
           the
           crafty
           and
           cruel
           Designs
           that
           are
           form'd
           against
           his
           People
           ,
           his
           Eye
           saves
           them
           ,
           and
           he
           is
           stil'd
           their
           Light
           :
           Sometimes
           he
           breaks
           the
           strength
           of
           their
           Enemies
           ,
           his
           Hand
           and
           Power
           saves
           them
           ,
           he
           is
           stil'd
           
             their
             Defence
          
           .
           Here
           the
           Psalmist
           ,
           with
           exuberant
           Affections
           ,
           multiplies
           the
           Divine
           Titles
           ,
           
             The
             Lord
             is
             my
             Rock
             ,
             and
             my
             Fortress
             ,
             and
             my
             Deliverer
             ;
             my
             Shield
             ,
             and
          
           
           
             my
             high
             Tower
             ,
             and
             my
             Refuge
             ,
             and
             my
             Salvation
             :
          
           A
           Rock
           is
           a
           Natural
           ,
           a
           Tower
           an
           Artificial
           Defence
           ;
           both
           are
           used
           to
           express
           the
           safe
           Protection
           he
           found
           in
           God.
           He
           then
           sets
           forth
           the
           extremity
           of
           his
           Danger
           ,
           to
           add
           a
           Luster
           to
           the
           Name
           of
           his
           Preserver
           :
           
             The
             Waves
             of
             Death
             compassed
             me
             ;
             the
             Floods
             of
             ungodly
             Men
             made
             me
             afraid
             :
          
           His
           ruin
           was
           imminent
           ,
           and
           seem'd
           to
           be
           inevitable
           :
           But
           in
           that
           distress
           ,
           his
           servent
           Prayer
           ,
           
             his
             crying
             to
             God
          
           pierc'd
           the
           Heavens
           ,
           God
           heard
           
             his
             Voice
             out
             of
             his
             Temple
             ,
          
           and
           speedily
           in
           the
           best
           Season
           came
           for
           his
           deliverance
           .
           
             He
             was
             seen
             upon
             the
             Wings
             of
             the
             Wind
             ;
             he
             rode
             upon
             a
             Cherub
             ,
          
           (
           those
           swifter
           Spirits
           )
           
             and
             did
             fly
          
           .
           He
           describes
           the
           Terrors
           of
           his
           coming
           against
           his
           Enemies
           :
           
             The
             Lord
             thundred
             from
             the
             Heavens
             ;
             he
             sent
             down
             his
             Arrows
             ,
             and
             scattered
             them
             :
             his
             Lightning
             discomfited
             them
             .
          
           The
           Acts
           of
           Justice
           reverst
           ,
           have
           the
           Ensign
           of
           Mercy
           on
           them
           :
           The
           drowning
           of
           the
           Egyptians
           in
           the
           Red
           Sea
           ,
           was
           the
           preserving
           of
           the
           Israelites
           .
           Briefly
           ,
           He
           ascribes
           his
           deliverance
           to
           the
           Favour
           of
           God
           as
           the
           sole
           Mover
           ,
           and
           the
           Power
           of
           God
           as
           the
           sole
           Worker
           of
           it
           .
           
             He
             delivered
             me
             ,
             because
             he
             delighted
             in
             me
             .
          
           His
           free
           and
           compassionate
           
           Love
           was
           primarily
           active
           ,
           and
           drew
           forth
           his
           Power
           in
           its
           most
           noble
           Exercise
           for
           the
           Salvation
           of
           David
           .
           Such
           an
           ingenuous
           and
           grateful
           Sense
           the
           Psalmist
           had
           of
           the
           Divine
           Mercy
           :
           this
           gave
           the
           sweetest
           relish
           of
           his
           deliverance
           ;
           this
           was
           his
           true
           triumph
           after
           the
           final
           conquest
           of
           his
           Enemies
           .
           Indeed
           his
           Enemies
           were
           unjust
           and
           cruel
           ,
           and
           God
           vindicated
           the
           justice
           of
           his
           Cause
           against
           them
           :
           therefore
           he
           saith
           ,
           
             The
             Lord
             rewarded
             me
             according
             to
             my
             Righteousness
             ;
             according
             to
             the
             cleanness
             of
             my
             Hands
             hath
             he
             recompensed
             me
             .
          
           He
           declares
           the
           Holiness
           of
           his
           Conversation
           :
           
             I
             have
             kept
             the
             Ways
             of
             the
             Lord
             ,
             and
             have
             not
             wickedly
             departed
             from
             my
             God.
          
           And
           as
           an
           eminent
           Instance
           of
           this
           ,
           he
           saith
           ,
           in
           the
           words
           of
           the
           Text
           ,
           
             I
             was
             upright
             also
             before
             him
             :
             and
             kept
             my self
             from
             mine
             Iniquity
             .
          
        
         
           In
           the
           Text
           there
           is
           a
           solemn
           Declaration
           of
           David's
           Uprightness
           ,
           by
           his
           attesting
           God
           the
           Searcher
           and
           Judg
           of
           the
           Heart
           ;
           
             I
             was
             upright
             before
             him
          
           :
           and
           by
           an
           infallible
           proof
           of
           it
           ,
           
             I
             kept
             my self
             from
             mine
             Iniquity
             .
          
        
         
           There
           is
           one
           Difficulty
           to
           be
           remov'd
           before
           I
           come
           to
           discourse
           upon
           the
           Proposition
           ,
           and
           that
           is
           ,
           how
           this
           Profession
           
           of
           Uprightness
           is
           reconcileable
           with
           David's
           Actions
           in
           the
           Matter
           of
           Uriah
           ?
           Whether
           we
           consider
           the
           Quality
           of
           his
           Sins
           ,
           the
           crimson
           Guilt
           ,
           and
           killing
           Circumstances
           that
           attended
           them
           ;
           especially
           the
           deliberate
           and
           cruel
           Contrivance
           of
           Uriah's
           Death
           :
           or
           whether
           we
           consider
           the
           fearful
           Interval
           between
           his
           Sin
           and
           Repentance
           :
           for
           like
           some
           fair
           Rivers
           that
           in
           their
           Current
           suddenly
           sink
           under
           Ground
           ,
           and
           are
           lost
           in
           their
           secret
           Passage
           ,
           till
           at
           a
           great
           distance
           they
           rise
           and
           flow
           again
           :
           thus
           it
           was
           with
           David
           ,
           he
           that
           was
           so
           conspicuous
           in
           holiness
           of
           Life
           ,
           sunk
           into
           a
           Gulf
           of
           Sensuality
           and
           Cruelty
           ,
           and
           for
           a
           long
           time
           was
           unrelenting
           and
           unreformed
           ,
           till
           by
           a
           speciall
           Message
           from
           God
           by
           the
           Prophet
           Nathan
           ,
           he
           was
           renewed
           to
           Repentance
           ,
           and
           restored
           to
           the
           forfeited
           Favour
           of
           God.
           
        
         
           To
           this
           Objection
           some
           Learned
           Interpreters
           answer
           ,
           That
           the
           Declaration
           of
           his
           Innocence
           and
           Integrity
           ,
           must
           be
           understood
           with
           a
           tacit
           Exception
           according
           to
           the
           Testimony
           of
           Scripture
           concerning
           him
           ,
           
             That
             he
             did
             that
             which
             was
             right
             in
             the
             Eyes
             of
             the
             Lord
             ,
             and
             turned
             not
             aside
             from
             any
             thing
             that
             he
             commanded
             him
             all
             the
             days
             of
             his
             Life
             ,
             save
             only
             in
          
           
           
             the
             Matter
             of
          
           Uriah
           .
           That
           Sin
           ,
           though
           a
           dreadful
           Provocation
           ,
           yet
           did
           not
           blast
           the
           Uprightness
           of
           the
           rest
           of
           his
           Life
           ,
           and
           make
           it
           unacceptable
           to
           God.
           2.
           
           This
           affirmation
           of
           David
           may
           refer
           to
           his
           afflicted
           State
           ,
           when
           his
           Conscience
           was
           tender
           and
           vigilant
           ,
           and
           his
           Passions
           so
           subdued
           ,
           that
           though
           Saul
           ,
           his
           most
           unrighteous
           and
           implacable
           Adversary
           ,
           was
           at
           his
           Mercy
           ,
           and
           he
           could
           as
           〈◊〉
           have
           cut
           off
           his
           Head
           ,
           as
           the
           Lap
           of
           his
           Garment
           ;
           though
           he
           was
           provok'd
           to
           take
           his
           full
           revenge
           on
           him
           ,
           and
           put
           an
           end
           to
           his
           own
           Fears
           ,
           yet
           he
           rejected
           the
           Motion
           with
           abhorrence
           ;
           
             God
             forbid
             I
             should
             lift
             up
             my
             Hand
             against
             the
             Lord
             's
             Anointed
             :
          
           He
           spared
           Saul
           ,
           and
           would
           not
           by
           such
           an
           irregular
           Act
           obtain
           the
           Kingdom
           ,
           though
           elected
           to
           it
           by
           God
           himself
           .
           By
           this
           we
           may
           take
           an
           estimate
           of
           his
           Integrity
           ,
           which
           God
           rewarded
           at
           last
           .
        
         
           The
           Proposition
           that
           I
           shall
           discourse
           of
           is
           this
           ,
           That
           the
           preserving
           a
           Man's
           self
           from
           his
           Iniquity
           ,
           is
           an
           undeceiving
           Evidence
           of
           Uprightness
           .
        
         
           In
           the
           managing
           the
           Doctrine
           ,
           three
           Things
           are
           to
           be
           considered
           and
           unfolded
           .
        
         
           
             
             1.
             
             What
             Sin
             may
             be
             denominated
             a
             Man's
             own
             .
          
           
             2.
             
             What
             the
             preserving
             ones
             self
             from
             that
             Sin
             implies
             .
          
           
             3.
             
             How
             this
             is
             an
             undeceiving
             Evidence
             of
             Uprightness
             .
          
        
         
           1.
           
           What
           Sin
           may
           be
           denominated
           a
           Man's
           own
           .
        
         
           In
           general
           ,
           every
           Sin
           that
           a
           Man
           commits
           may
           be
           stiled
           his
           own
           ,
           as
           't
           is
           the
           issue
           of
           his
           corrupt
           Nature
           ,
           and
           the
           Off-spring
           of
           his
           depraved
           Will.
           St.
           James
           expresses
           it
           ,
           
             Every
             Man
             is
             tempted
          
           ,
           (
           that
           is
           ,
           effectually
           )
           
             when
             he
             is
             drawn
             away
             of
             his
             own
             Lust.
          
           The
           Devil
           may
           sollicite
           and
           excite
           ,
           but
           without
           the
           consent
           of
           the
           Will
           he
           can
           never
           fasten
           Guilt
           upon
           us
           .
           Every
           actual
           Sin
           is
           in
           some
           degree
           voluntary
           :
           But
           some
           Sins
           ,
           in
           an
           eminent
           propriety
           and
           peculiar
           manner
           ,
           may
           be
           called
           our
           own
           ;
           such
           as
           there
           is
           a
           strong
           tendency
           to
           commit
           ,
           either
           from
           the
           natural
           I●●lination
           ,
           or
           Custom
           ,
           that
           is
           an
           accessary
           Nature
           ,
           or
           from
           special
           respects
           that
           engage
           the
           Will
           and
           Affections
           .
           As
           in
           the
           natural
           Body
           compos'd
           of
           various
           Members
           ,
           some
           are
           more
           dear
           and
           useful
           ,
           
           as
           the
           right
           Eye
           ,
           and
           the
           right
           Hand
           :
           So
           
             in
             the
             Body
             of
             the
             Sins
             of
             the
             Flesh
             ,
          
           as
           the
           corrupt
           Nature
           is
           stil'd
           by
           the
           Apostle
           ,
           from
           the
           variety
           and
           union
           of
           the
           vicious
           Affections
           ,
           there
           are
           some
           particular
           Lusts
           ,
           either
           for
           Pleasure
           or
           Profit
           ,
           are
           as
           
             the
             right
             Eye
             ,
             or
             right
             Hand
             ,
          
           in
           our
           Saviour's
           Language
           ,
           so
           dear
           to
           Men
           ,
           that
           they
           will
           lose
           Eternal
           Life
           rather
           than
           be
           separated
           from
           them
           .
        
         
           These
           reigning
           Sins
           ,
           that
           have
           a
           compleat
           dominion
           in
           the
           Unregenerate
           ,
           are
           of
           different
           kinds
           in
           several
           Persons
           .
           I
           will
           proceed
           in
           the
           discovery
           of
           them
           .
           1.
           
           By
           a
           direct
           Light
           ,
           from
           their
           Causes
           .
           2.
           
           By
           a
           reflex
           Light
           from
           their
           Effects
           .
           The
           Causes
           of
           special
           Sins
           are
           either
           Natural
           or
           Moral
           :
           The
           Natural
           are
           the
           different
           Temperaments
           of
           Mens
           Bodies
           ,
           and
           the
           Connexion
           of
           the
           Passions
           ,
           that
           so
           strongly
           draw
           the
           Will
           ,
           that
           we
           may
           as
           certainly
           understand
           what
           vicious
           Actions
           are
           naturally
           consequent
           ,
           as
           Astronomers
           foretel
           the
           Eclipses
           of
           the
           Lights
           of
           Heaven
           .
        
         
           I
           will
           begin
           with
           the
           consideration
           of
           the
           different
           Temperaments
           of
           Mens
           Bodies
           ,
           which
           are
           the
           secret
           Springs
           of
           their
           Inclinations
           and
           Aversions
           .
           'T
           is
           requisite
           to
           premise
           ,
           that
           Original
           Sin
           ,
           the
           
           Poison
           distilled
           through
           all
           the
           Faculties
           of
           Man
           by
           propagation
           ,
           is
           an
           universal
           supreme
           Evil
           :
           'T
           is
           a
           Seminary
           of
           all
           
           corrupt
           Desires
           ,
           from
           whence
           the
           Issues
           of
           actual
           Sins
           are
           derived
           :
           and
           that
           some
           are
           less
           inclin'd
           to
           notorious
           Sins
           than
           others
           ,
           is
           not
           from
           naked
           Nature
           ,
           but
           from
           the
           singular
           distinguishing
           Mercy
           of
           God.
           
        
         
           This
           Depravation
           so
           general
           and
           deplorable
           was
           observed
           by
           the
           wiser
           Heathens
           ,
           who
           were
           ignorant
           of
           the
           Cause
           of
           it
           ,
           the
           rebellious
           Sin
           of
           Adam
           ,
           the
           common
           Father
           and
           Representative
           of
           Mankind
           .
           This
           Corruption
           of
           Nature
           doth
           not
           extenuate
           ,
           but
           aggravate
           our
           Guilt
           :
           As
           the
           Psalmist
           with
           deep
           sorrow
           acknowledges
           his
           native
           inherent
           Pollution
           ;
           
             In
             Sin
             was
             I
             conceived
             ,
             and
             in
             Iniquity
             brought
             forth
             .
          
           I
           know
           many
           bold
           inquiring
           Wits
           have
           presum'd
           to
           examine
           the
           Decrees
           of
           God
           concerning
           the
           lapsed
           State
           of
           Mankind
           :
           but
           't
           is
           much
           safer
           *
           to
           admire
           the
           Divine
           Providence
           ,
           than
           to
           argue
           ;
           to
           believe
           the
           Revelation
           ,
           than
           to
           dispute
           against
           it
           .
        
         
         
           But
           although
           the
           *
           corrupt
           Nature
           virtually
           includes
           all
           Sin
           ,
           yet
           there
           is
           not
           an
           equal
           propensity
           to
           all
           in
           every
           Person
           :
           as
           in
           waste
           neglected
           Grounds
           ,
           some
           Weeds
           are
           ranker
           and
           rifer
           than
           others
           ,
           from
           the
           quality
           of
           the
           Soil
           ;
           so
           some
           kinds
           of
           Sin
           are
           more
           predominant
           and
           evident
           in
           the
           Lives
           of
           Man
           ,
           according
           to
           their
           peculiar
           Dispositions
           .
        
         
           For
           the
           unfolding
           this
           ,
           we
           are
           to
           consider
           ,
           That
           the
           Soul
           of
           Man
           in
           its
           state
           of
           Union
           ,
           has
           a
           continual
           dependance
           upon
           the
           Body
           ,
           both
           in
           its
           intellectual
           and
           moral
           Operations
           .
           Consider
           it
           as
           a
           Spirit
           ,
           and
           in
           its
           separate
           State
           ,
           't
           is
           capable
           of
           acting
           as
           freely
           and
           independently
           as
           those
           pure
           Intelligences
           that
           are
           distant
           from
           alliance
           with
           gross
           Matter
           :
           but
           consider
           the
           Spirit
           as
           a
           Soul
           consociated
           with
           a
           Body
           of
           Flesh
           ,
           there
           is
           a
           strange
           circling
           Influence
           between
           the
           Soul
           and
           the
           Body
           :
           The
           Dispositions
           of
           the
           Body
           suitably
           incline
           the
           Soul
           ,
           and
           the
           Inclinations
           of
           the
           Soul
           affect
           the
           Body
           .
           In
           the
           Intellectual
           Operations
           as
           the
           Animal
           Spirits
           are
           qualified
           ,
           some
           are
           of
           subtil
           and
           quick
           Wits
           ,
           others
           of
           stay'd
           and
           solid
           Minds
           ;
           some
           are
           fit
           for
           Contemplation
           ,
           others
           for
           Action
           .
           And
           in
           moral
           Actions
           the
           Soul
           works
           by
           the
           
           active
           Power
           of
           the
           sensitive
           Faculties
           ,
           and
           the
           Actions
           resemble
           the
           Instruments
           .
           The
           Complexion
           of
           our
           Minds
           as
           well
           as
           Manners
           is
           usually
           suitable
           to
           our
           natural
           Temperature
           .
           I
           will
           more
           distinctly
           unfold
           this
           .
           In
           the
           Humane
           Body
           there
           is
           the
           united
           Figure
           of
           the
           World
           ,
           the
           heavy
           Earth
           ,
           the
           liquid
           Water
           ,
           the
           subtil
           Air
           and
           active
           Fire
           enter
           into
           its
           Composition
           :
           from
           the
           mixture
           of
           these
           Ingredients
           results
           the
           Temperature
           of
           the
           Bodies
           ;
           and
           as
           the
           Qualities
           proper
           to
           them
           are
           predominant
           ,
           Men
           are
           denominated
           Sanguine
           or
           Melancholy
           ,
           Cholerick
           or
           Flegmatick
           :
           Such
           as
           the
           Constitution
           is
           ,
           such
           are
           the
           Inclinations
           ,
           and
           such
           are
           the
           Actions
           that
           flow
           from
           them
           .
           'T
           is
           observable
           ,
           that
           brute
           Creatures
           are
           either
           fierce
           or
           tame
           ,
           bold
           or
           fearful
           ,
           stupid
           or
           docile
           ,
           as
           their
           Blood
           is
           hotter
           or
           colder
           ,
           of
           a
           finer
           or
           thicker
           Contexture
           .
           And
           in
           Children
           there
           is
           an
           early
           disclosure
           of
           contrary
           Dispositions
           according
           to
           their
           Temperaments
           :
           thus
           some
           are
           soft
           and
           ductile
           ,
           others
           stiff
           and
           stubborn
           ;
           some
           are
           of
           a
           sweet
           pliable
           Temper
           ,
           drawn
           by
           Counsel
           and
           the
           Cords
           of
           Love
           ;
           others
           of
           a
           baser
           cast
           ,
           will
           not
           be
           led
           by
           Reason
           and
           Kindness
           ,
           but
           must
           be
           
           constrain'd
           by
           Fear
           ;
           some
           are
           of
           an
           ingenuous
           Disposition
           ,
           blushing
           at
           any
           thing
           that
           is
           indecent
           and
           disparaging
           ;
           others
           defy
           all
           Modesty
           ,
           and
           will
           not
           change
           Countenance
           though
           surpriz'd
           in
           a
           soul
           Action
           .
           As
           the
           inclination
           in
           Animals
           to
           Actions
           proper
           to
           their
           Kind
           ,
           is
           discovered
           by
           their
           Offers
           before
           they
           are
           fit
           for
           Action
           :
           Birds
           will
           attempt
           to
           fly
           before
           their
           Wings
           are
           form'd
           ;
           so
           in
           Children
           ,
           Inclinations
           to
           particular
           Vices
           appear
           according
           to
           their
           different
           Constitutions
           ,
           before
           their
           sensitive
           Faculties
           are
           capable
           of
           compleat
           Acts.
           
        
         
           More
           particularly
           ,
           those
           Persons
           in
           whose
           Complexion
           Blood
           is
           predominant
           ,
           are
           usually
           light
           and
           vain
           ,
           sensual
           and
           riotous
           ,
           insolent
           and
           aspiring
           ,
           bold
           and
           presumptuous
           :
           Those
           in
           whom
           Phlegm
           is
           the
           principal
           Ingredient
           ,
           are
           idle
           and
           slow
           ,
           cold
           and
           careless
           in
           things
           of
           Moment
           ;
           the
           most
           ardent
           Exhortations
           are
           lost
           upon
           them
           ,
           as
           Bags
           of
           Wool
           dead
           the
           force
           of
           Bullets
           ,
           in
           yielding
           without
           resistance
           .
           Those
           who
           are
           timerous
           and
           deeply
           tinctur'd
           with
           Melancholy
           ,
           are
           suspicious
           ,
           sowr
           and
           inexorable
           .
           The
           dark
           shadows
           of
           their
           Minds
           are
           believed
           as
           visible
           Testimonies
           of
           Dangers
           ;
           and
           their
           silent
           Suspicions
           as
           real
           Proofs
           .
           
           They
           are
           jealous
           of
           all
           Persons
           and
           Things
           :
           If
           in
           Conversation
           there
           be
           speech
           of
           the
           Vertues
           they
           are
           conscious
           to
           want
           ,
           or
           the
           Vices
           they
           are
           secretly
           guilty
           of
           ,
           they
           imagine
           't
           is
           directed
           to
           their
           Reproach
           .
           They
           are
           intractable
           ,
           and
           often
           revengeful
           ;
           for
           Melancholy
           is
           a
           viscous
           Humour
           that
           retains
           the
           Impressions
           of
           the
           Passions
           .
           Those
           who
           are
           Cholerick
           by
           Nature
           ,
           are
           heady
           ,
           various
           ,
           violent
           ,
           and
           create
           perpetual
           trouble
           to
           themselves
           and
           others
           .
           Such
           a
           Soul
           and
           such
           a
           Body
           united
           ,
           are
           like
           two
           Malefactors
           fastned
           with
           one
           Chain
           .
           In
           short
           ,
           according
           to
           the
           Elemental
           Crasis
           of
           our
           Bodies
           ,
           Objects
           affect
           our
           Senses
           ,
           and
           the
           Fancy
           with
           the
           lower
           Appetite
           ,
           are
           the
           Centre
           of
           the
           Senses
           ,
           and
           there
           is
           so
           near
           an
           activity
           and
           refeference
           between
           the
           Passions
           and
           the
           reasonable
           Faculties
           ,
           that
           the
           Understanding
           and
           Will
           receive
           Impressions
           accordingly
           ,
           as
           the
           Passions
           are
           excited
           and
           moved
           .
        
         
           'T
           is
           observable
           ,
           that
           the
           corrupt
           Nature
           in
           the
           Language
           of
           Scripture
           ,
           is
           usually
           call'd
           Flesh
           ,
           not
           only
           as
           't
           is
           transmitted
           by
           Carnal
           Propagation
           ,
           but
           as
           't
           is
           drawn
           forth
           by
           Carnal
           Objects
           ,
           and
           exercis'd
           by
           the
           Carnal
           Faculties
           .
           And
           
           as
           the
           same
           Constitution
           is
           heightned
           in
           some
           ,
           and
           is
           in
           a
           remisser
           degree
           in
           others
           ,
           so
           the
           Lusts
           proper
           to
           it
           are
           more
           or
           less
           exorbitant
           ;
           as
           the
           same
           sort
           of
           Vines
           produce
           a
           stronger
           or
           weaker
           Grape
           ,
           according
           to
           the
           quality
           of
           the
           Air
           and
           Soil
           wherein
           they
           are
           planted
           .
           That
           vicious
           Inclinations
           spring
           from
           the
           different
           Temperament
           of
           Mens
           Bodies
           ,
           there
           is
           pregnant
           proof
           in
           the
           visible
           diversity
           of
           Lusts
           that
           are
           peculiar
           in
           degrees
           of
           Eminence
           in
           some
           Families
           ,
           some
           Countries
           ,
           and
           the
           several
           Ages
           of
           Mens
           Lives
           .
           We
           often
           see
           hereditary
           Vices
           transmitted
           by
           descent
           :
           Some
           Families
           are
           voluptuous
           ,
           others
           vindictive
           ;
           some
           sordid
           and
           covetous
           ,
           others
           profuse
           ;
           some
           ambitious
           ,
           others
           servile
           ,
           resembling
           their
           Parents
           ,
           from
           whom
           the
           secret
           Seeds
           of
           those
           Dispositions
           are
           ingenerate
           in
           their
           Temper
           .
           So
           in
           different
           Climates
           ,
           according
           to
           the
           Impression
           made
           on
           the
           Natives
           by
           the
           Air
           and
           Diet
           ,
           they
           are
           distinguish'd
           by
           their
           *
           proper
           Vices
           (
           not
           so
           generally
           found
           in
           other
           Nations
           )
           as
           by
           their
           Countenances
           :
           some
           are
           formal
           and
           superstitious
           ,
           others
           wild
           and
           barbarous
           ;
           some
           are
           crafty
           and
           treacherous
           ,
           others
           are
           wanton
           and
           luxurious
           .
           As
           some
           Diseases
           reign
           in
           some
           
           Countries
           ,
           that
           are
           less
           frequent
           ,
           and
           not
           so
           fatal
           in
           other
           places
           .
           The
           Apostle
           tells
           us
           of
           the
           Cretians
           ,
           That
           
             they
             are
             always
             Lyars
             ,
             evil
             Beasts
             ,
             and
             slow
             Bellies
          
           ;
           their
           habitual
           Vices
           fastned
           this
           universal
           Character
           upon
           them
           .
        
         
           And
           according
           to
           the
           alteration
           made
           in
           the
           Bodies
           of
           Men
           in
           the
           several
           Ages
           of
           Life
           ,
           their
           vicious
           Affections
           run
           in
           several
           Channels
           :
           the
           Spring
           is
           the
           same
           ,
           corrupt
           Nature
           ;
           and
           the
           Issue
           will
           be
           the
           same
           ,
           the
           Lake
           of
           Fire
           ;
           but
           the
           Course
           is
           different
           .
           St.
           John
           distinguishes
           the
           Corrupt
           Inclinations
           that
           are
           predominant
           in
           the
           World
           ,
           under
           three
           Titles
           ,
           
             The
             Lusts
             of
             the
             Flesh
             ,
             and
             the
             Lusts
             of
          
           
           
             the
             Eyes
             ,
             and
             Pride
             of
             Life
             :
          
           These
           Lusts
           have
           their
           proper
           Seasons
           ,
           and
           successively
           take
           the
           Throne
           in
           Mens
           Hearts
           .
        
         
           In
           Youth
           ,
           the
           Lusts
           that
           in
           propriety
           are
           called
           the
           *
           
             Lusts
             of
             the
             Flesh
          
           ,
           imperiously
           reign
           .
           Youth
           is
           a
           kind
           of
           natural
           Drunkenness
           ,
           the
           Blood
           runs
           Races
           ,
           and
           with
           a
           Heat
           and
           Rapture
           hurries
           many
           into
           sensual
           Excess
           and
           Riots
           .
           Youth
           is
           highly
           presumptuous
           ,
           easily
           deceived
           ,
           and
           †
           refractory
           to
           Reason
           :
           the
           superior
           Faculties
           ,
           the
           Understanding
           and
           Will
           ,
           are
           basely
           servile
           to
           the
           Carnal
           Appetites
           .
           The
           wise
           Preacher
           intimates
           
           this
           in
           his
           bitter
           Irony
           ;
           Rejoice
           ,
           
           
             O
             young
             Man
             in
             thy
             Youth
             ,
             and
             let
             thy
             Heart
             chear
             thee
             in
             the
             days
             of
             thy
             Youth
             ,
             and
             walk
             in
             the
             ways
             of
             thy
             Heart
             ,
             and
             in
             the
             sight
             of
             thine
             Eyes
             :
             but
             know
             ,
             for
             all
             these
             things
             God
             will
             bring
             thee
             to
             judgment
             .
          
           Vain
           Mirth
           ,
           and
           loose
           Desires
           ,
           are
           usually
           indulged
           in
           the
           spring
           of
           our
           Age
           :
           therefore
           the
           Apostle
           emphatically
           warns
           Timothy
           ,
           though
           a
           mortified
           young
           Man
           ,
           
             Flee
             youthful
             Lusts.
          
           
        
         
           In
           the
           maturer
           Age
           ,
           the
           ●●●sual
           Passions
           are
           cooler
           ,
           less
           vigorous
           and
           active
           ,
           and
           youthful
           Lusts
           are
           changed
           for
           other
           ▪
           Lusts
           that
           are
           not
           so
           scandalous
           ,
           and
           leave
           not
           such
           a
           visible
           stain
           ,
           but
           are
           as
           destructive
           to
           the
           Soul.
           'T
           is
           very
           observable
           in
           humane
           Nature
           ,
           that
           as
           the
           Affections
           in
           their
           sensible
           Operations
           decay
           ,
           the
           Understanding
           improves
           and
           recovers
           its
           ruling
           Power
           :
           't
           is
           visible
           in
           many
           Instances
           ,
           that
           Men
           in
           their
           staid
           Age
           despise
           those
           things
           that
           had
           a
           ravishing
           force
           upon
           them
           in
           their
           unsetled
           Youth
           .
           But
           when
           the
           Mind
           is
           tainted
           
           with
           a
           false
           esteem
           of
           present
           things
           ,
           (
           as
           't
           is
           in
           all
           those
           who
           are
           in
           a
           state
           of
           polluted
           Nature
           )
           it
           leads
           the
           Will
           and
           Affections
           to
           pursue
           Riches
           and
           Dignities
           .
           Carnal
           Wisdom
           is
           distinguish'd
           
           by
           St.
           James
           into
           three
           kinds
           ;
           't
           is
           
             earthly
             ,
             sensual
             ,
             devilish
          
           ,
           with
           respect
           to
           the
           tempting
           Objects
           in
           the
           World
           ,
           Riches
           ,
           Pleasures
           ,
           Honours
           .
           The
           Sensual
           Wisdom
           is
           in
           contriving
           and
           appointing
           the
           Means
           that
           may
           accomplish
           the
           Desires
           of
           the
           Flesh.
           After
           the
           Flesh
           is
           satiated
           ,
           the
           earthly
           Wisdom
           designs
           earthly
           Things
           ,
           and
           uses
           such
           Means
           as
           are
           fit
           to
           obtain
           them
           :
           to
           ascend
           in
           Power
           and
           Command
           ,
           or
           to
           raise
           Estates
           ,
           with
           wretched
           neglect
           of
           the
           Kingdom
           of
           Heaven
           and
           its
           Righteousness
           ,
           that
           should
           be
           sought
           in
           the
           first
           place
           ,
           and
           with
           the
           most
           ardent
           Affections
           and
           Endeavours
           .
           In
           conjunction
           with
           this
           ,
           the
           devilish
           Wisdom
           is
           practised
           ;
           for
           Pride
           and
           Ambition
           are
           Satan's
           Original
           Sin
           ,
           as
           Envy
           and
           Slander
           are
           his
           Actual
           Sins
           .
           He
           is
           continually
           vex'd
           at
           the
           recovery
           of
           fallen
           Man
           ,
           and
           is
           his
           constant
           Accuser
           .
           And
           whilst
           Men
           are
           eagerly
           contending
           for
           the
           World
           ,
           they
           are
           excited
           from
           Interest
           and
           Envy
           ,
           to
           blast
           and
           defeat
           their
           Concurrents
           that
           would
           be
           superior
           or
           equal
           to
           them
           .
           This
           worldly
           Wisdom
           ,
           though
           a
           more
           solemn
           Folly
           ,
           yet
           is
           as
           woful
           and
           pernicious
           as
           the
           sensual
           Wisdom
           ;
           for
           God
           is
           injuriously
           robb'd
           of
           his
           Right
           ,
           our
           highest
           Esteem
           and
           Affections
           ;
           
           and
           Men
           deceiv'd
           with
           the
           poor
           Pageant
           of
           the
           World
           ,
           neglect
           their
           last
           and
           blessed
           End
           ,
           and
           justly
           perish
           for
           ever
           .
        
         
           Old
           Age
           has
           its
           peculiar
           Vices
           .
           'T
           is
           true
           ,
           it
           mortifies
           the
           Affections
           to
           some
           Vanities
           .
           Vespasian
           the
           Roman
           Emperor
           was
           so
           tir'd
           with
           the
           Pomp
           of
           his
           Triumph
           ,
           that
           in
           the
           triumphant
           way
           ,
           he
           often
           reproach'd
           himself
           ,
           that
           being
           an
           Old
           Man
           he
           was
           engaged
           in
           such
           an
           empty
           and
           tedious
           Show
           .
           And
           Charles
           the
           Fifth
           ,
           in
           his
           declining
           Age
           ,
           prefer'd
           the
           Shade
           of
           a
           Cloyster
           before
           the
           Splendor
           of
           the
           Empire
           .
           But
           't
           is
           attended
           with
           other
           vicious
           Inclinations
           .
           Old
           Men
           are
           usually
           querulous
           ,
           impatient
           ,
           discontented
           ,
           suspicious
           ,
           vainly
           fearful
           of
           Contempt
           or
           Want
           :
           and
           from
           thence
           ,
           or
           some
           other
           secret
           Cause
           ,
           are
           covetous
           and
           sordid
           in
           sparing
           aginst
           all
           the
           Rules
           of
           Reason
           and
           Religion
           .
           Covetousness
           
           is
           stiled
           by
           the
           Apostle
           ,
           
             The
             Root
             of
             all
             Evil
          
           ;
           and
           as
           the
           Root
           in
           Winter
           retains
           the
           Sap
           ,
           when
           the
           Branches
           have
           lost
           their
           Leaves
           and
           Verdure
           ,
           so
           in
           Old
           Age
           ,
           the
           Winter
           of
           Life
           ,
           Covetousness
           preserves
           its
           vigour
           when
           other
           Vices
           are
           fallen
           off
           .
           Usually
           the
           nearer
           Men
           approach
           to
           the
           Earth
           ,
           they
           are
           more
           
           earthly-minded
           ,
           and
           which
           is
           strange
           to
           amazement
           ,
           at
           the
           Sun-set
           of
           Life
           ,
           are
           providing
           for
           a
           long
           Day
           .
           Briefly
           ,
           every
           Age
           has
           its
           special
           Vices
           suitable
           to
           the
           Constitution
           of
           Mens
           Bodies
           in
           them
           ,
           and
           we
           must
           accordingly
           make
           our
           enquiry
           to
           discover
           our
           own
           Sin.
           
        
         
           2.
           
           The
           Connexion
           of
           the
           Passions
           duly
           observ'd
           ,
           will
           discover
           the
           predominant
           Lust.
           The
           Passions
           are
           the
           Motions
           of
           the
           sensitive
           Appetite
           ,
           whereby
           the
           Soul
           approaches
           to
           an
           Object
           that
           is
           represented
           under
           the
           pleasant
           Colours
           of
           Good
           ,
           or
           flies
           from
           an
           apprehended
           Evil.
           They
           are
           call'd
           Passions
           ,
           because
           in
           those
           Motions
           there
           is
           a
           flowing
           or
           ebbing
           of
           the
           Spirits
           and
           Humours
           ,
           from
           whence
           a
           sensible
           change
           is
           caus'd
           in
           the
           Body
           ,
           and
           the
           Soul
           is
           in
           unquiet
           Agitations
           .
           'T
           is
           very
           difficult
           to
           know
           their
           Original
           ,
           though
           the
           sensible
           Operations
           are
           very
           evident
           :
           Consider
           the
           Soul
           as
           a
           Spirit
           ,
           't
           is
           exempt
           from
           them
           ;
           the
           Spirit
           ,
           as
           a
           Soul
           ,
           is
           liable
           to
           them
           .
           Whether
           they
           are
           derived
           from
           the
           Soul
           to
           the
           Body
           ,
           or
           from
           the
           Body
           to
           the
           Soul
           ,
           is
           hard
           to
           determine
           .
           They
           are
           of
           excellent
           use
           ,
           when
           subordinate
           to
           the
           direction
           of
           the
           renewed
           Mind
           ,
           and
           the
           Empire
           of
           the
           sanctified
           Will
           :
           When
           in
           
           their
           Rise
           ,
           Degrees
           ,
           and
           Continuance
           ,
           they
           are
           ordered
           by
           the
           Rule
           of
           true
           Judgment
           .
           What
           the
           Winds
           are
           in
           Nature
           ,
           they
           are
           in
           Man
           :
           If
           the
           Air
           be
           always
           calm
           without
           agitation
           ,
           it
           becomes
           unhealthful
           ,
           and
           unuseful
           for
           maintaining
           Commerce
           between
           the
           distant
           Parts
           of
           the
           World
           :
           moderate
           Winds
           purify
           the
           Air
           ,
           and
           serve
           for
           Navigation
           .
           
           And
           thus
           our
           voluble
           Passions
           are
           of
           excellent
           use
           ,
           and
           when
           sanctified
           ,
           transport
           the
           Soul
           to
           the
           Divine
           World
           ,
           to
           obtain
           Felicity
           above
           .
           But
           when
           they
           are
           exorbitant
           and
           tempestuous
           ,
           they
           cause
           fearful
           Disorders
           in
           Men
           ,
           and
           are
           the
           Causes
           of
           all
           the
           Sins
           and
           Miseries
           in
           the
           World.
           From
           hence
           it
           is
           that
           Sin
           in
           the
           Scripture
           is
           usually
           exprest
           by
           Lust
           ;
           
             The
             Lusts
             of
             the
             Flesh
          
           
           
             are
             manifest
             :
             those
             who
             are
             Christ's
             ,
             have
             crucified
             the
             Flesh
             ,
             with
             the
             Affections
             and
             Lusts
             thereof
             .
             Every
             Man
             that
             is
             tempted
             ,
          
           
           
             is
             tempted
             of
             his
             own
             Lust.
          
           The
           Reason
           is
           ,
           because
           the
           corrupt
           Desires
           of
           the
           Soul
           ,
           when
           inflam'd
           ,
           are
           the
           Springs
           of
           its
           Actings
           ,
           and
           strongly
           engage
           the
           Mind
           and
           Will
           ,
           and
           all
           the
           active
           Powers
           ,
           to
           procure
           their
           Satisfaction
           .
        
         
           Now
           Sin
           being
           the
           Obliquity
           of
           the
           desiring
           Faculty
           ,
           we
           may
           discover
           what
           
           is
           the
           predominant
           Sin
           ,
           by
           considering
           what
           Affection
           is
           most
           ardent
           and
           violent
           ,
           and
           consequently
           most
           depraved
           and
           disorder'd
           :
           and
           this
           we
           may
           ,
           by
           observing
           the
           connexion
           between
           them
           ;
           for
           they
           generate
           one
           another
           .
           As
           the
           Diseases
           of
           the
           Body
           ,
           tho
           the
           Disorder
           of
           Nature
           ,
           yet
           have
           certain
           Causes
           ,
           and
           a
           regular
           course
           in
           their
           Accession
           ,
           Inflammation
           ,
           and
           Revolution
           :
           as
           in
           the
           Changes
           of
           an
           Ague
           ,
           a
           shivering
           Cold
           is
           attended
           with
           a
           fiery
           Heat
           ,
           and
           that
           with
           an
           overflowing
           Sweat
           ;
           in
           like
           manner
           the
           irregular
           Passions
           are
           productive
           of
           one
           another
           .
           Love
           is
           the
           radical
           Affection
           ,
           and
           when
           it
           leads
           to
           a
           desir'd
           Object
           ,
           has
           always
           hatred
           in
           the
           Rear
           ,
           if
           disappointed
           and
           and
           crost
           in
           its
           Desires
           :
           So
           Joy
           in
           the
           fruition
           of
           a
           dear
           Object
           ,
           is
           attended
           with
           Grief
           ,
           that
           lies
           in
           Ambush
           ,
           and
           immediately
           seizes
           upon
           the
           Soul
           when
           the
           Object
           is
           withdrawn
           .
           And
           as
           in
           the
           Vibrations
           of
           a
           Pendulum
           ,
           the
           Motion
           is
           always
           as
           strong
           in
           proportion
           one
           way
           ,
           as
           it
           was
           the
           other
           ;
           so
           according
           to
           the
           excess
           of
           Love
           ,
           will
           be
           the
           excess
           of
           Grief
           .
           Of
           this
           we
           have
           an
           eminent
           Instance
           in
           David
           ,
           whose
           Sorrow
           for
           the
           Death
           of
           his
           rebellious
           Son
           was
           as
           immoderate
           ,
           
           as
           his
           Love
           the
           Cause
           of
           it
           .
        
         
           2.
           
           I
           shall
           now
           consider
           the
           moral
           Causes
           of
           habitual
           Sins
           ,
           the
           various
           Circumstances
           of
           our
           Lives
           that
           are
           influential
           to
           give
           a
           Custom
           to
           Nature
           ,
           and
           Viciousness
           to
           Custom
           .
           As
           the
           Sea
           has
           Rocks
           and
           Sands
           ,
           Gulphs
           and
           Currents
           ,
           Tempests
           and
           Calms
           ,
           so
           the
           present
           Life
           has
           symbolically
           in
           its
           different
           States
           ,
           that
           endanger
           us
           in
           our
           Passage
           to
           the
           next
           World.
           The
           different
           Conditions
           of
           Life
           I
           will
           consider
           under
           four
           Heads
           .
        
         
           
             1.
             
             The
             several
             Callings
             wherein
             Men
             are
             ingag'd
             .
          
           
             2.
             
             The
             opposite
             states
             of
             Prosperity
             or
             Adversity
             that
             are
             attended
             with
             suitable
             Temptations
             .
          
           
             3.
             
             The
             Society
             with
             whom
             we
             are
             conversant
             .
          
           
             4.
             
             The
             Quality
             of
             the
             Times
             wherein
             we
             live
             .
          
        
         
           1.
           
           Let
           us
           search
           for
           the
           predominant
           Sin
           in
           the
           Callings
           wherein
           ▪
           we
           are
           ingag'd
           ;
           for
           according
           to
           their
           Quality
           ,
           Temptations
           surround
           us
           ,
           and
           are
           likely
           to
           surprize
           us
           .
           The
           Spider
           spins
           his
           
           Web
           ,
           where
           Flies
           usually
           pass
           to
           entangle
           and
           destroy
           them
           :
           so
           the
           subtile
           Tempter
           lays
           his
           Snares
           in
           our
           Callings
           wherein
           we
           are
           conversant
           .
           John
           the
           Baptist
           therefore
           ,
           when
           the
           Publicans
           addrest
           to
           him
           for
           Instruction
           ,
           
             Master
             ,
             What
             shall
             we
             do
             ?
             said
             to
             them
             ,
             Exact
             no
             more
             than
             what
             is
             appointed
             you
             :
             And
             to
             the
             Souldiers
             he
             said
             ,
             Do
             Violence
             to
             no
             Man
             ,
             neither
             accuse
             any
             falsly
             ;
             and
             be
             content
             with
             your
             Wages
             :
          
           He
           warns
           them
           against
           Rapine
           ,
           and
           Force
           ,
           and
           injurious
           Accusing
           others
           ,
           of
           which
           Sins
           Publicans
           and
           Souldiers
           were
           usually
           guilty
           .
           I
           will
           ,
           to
           be
           the
           more
           instructive
           ,
           particularly
           consider
           some
           Callings
           ,
           and
           the
           Sins
           that
           evidently
           attend
           them
           .
        
         
           The
           Sacred
           Calling
           of
           Ministers
           does
           not
           secure
           them
           from
           Temptations
           ;
           but
           such
           is
           the
           corruption
           of
           their
           Hearts
           ,
           and
           of
           the
           World
           ,
           that
           it
           exposes
           them
           to
           dangerous
           Temptations
           .
           The
           Devil
           scales
           us
           on
           the
           Temple-side
           ,
           and
           often
           gets
           possession
           of
           our
           Hearts
           .
           Ministers
           are
           often
           guilty
           of
           a
           spiritless
           formality
           in
           the
           managing
           Holy
           Things
           .
           In
           the
           composing
           of
           Sermons
           ,
           the
           Mind
           is
           exercised
           about
           the
           Matter
           ,
           Order
           ,
           and
           Expressions
           ,
           without
           Holy
           Affections
           suitable
           to
           Divine
           Truths
           :
           partly
           ,
           because
           
           from
           Custom
           the
           most
           solemn
           and
           concerning
           Things
           pass
           through
           the
           Soul
           without
           serious
           Regard
           and
           Application
           ;
           and
           partly
           ,
           because
           the
           Ministerial
           Office
           obliging
           us
           to
           furnish
           our selves
           with
           the
           knowledg
           of
           the
           admirable
           Mysteries
           of
           Godliness
           for
           the
           instruction
           of
           others
           ,
           we
           are
           apt
           to
           make
           that
           the
           only
           End
           of
           our
           Studies
           ;
           like
           Vintners
           that
           buy
           great
           quantities
           of
           Wine
           for
           sale
           ,
           and
           not
           for
           their
           own
           use
           .
           There
           is
           not
           in
           many
           Ministers
           a
           spark
           of
           that
           Heavenly
           Fire
           which
           the
           reflexive
           Meditation
           on
           Spiritual
           and
           Eternal
           Truths
           inspires
           into
           the
           Soul
           ,
           which
           our
           Saviour
           came
           to
           kindle
           .
           Their
           Knowledg
           is
           not
           lively
           and
           operative
           ,
           but
           like
           a
           Winter's
           Sun
           that
           shines
           without
           vital
           Heat
           .
           If
           they
           are
           inrich'd
           with
           rare
           Talents
           ,
           they
           are
           apt
           to
           prophane
           that
           Holy
           Ordinance
           of
           Preaching
           ,
           by
           secret
           Aims
           and
           Desires
           of
           Vain-glory
           :
           The
           Temptation
           is
           more
           dangerous
           ,
           because
           esteem
           and
           praise
           for
           Intellectual
           Excellencies
           that
           are
           peculiar
           to
           Man
           ,
           and
           wherein
           the
           Eminence
           of
           his
           Nature
           consists
           ,
           is
           very
           pleasing
           ,
           even
           to
           those
           who
           are
           of
           an
           unspotted
           Conversation
           ,
           and
           free
           from
           Carnal
           Pollutions
           .
        
         
         
           Chrysostom
           confesses
           of
           himself
           ,
           That
           
           when
           he
           preach'd
           to
           a
           thin
           Auditory
           ,
           his
           words
           dy'd
           on
           his
           Lips
           ,
           and
           his
           Spirit
           was
           quench'd
           ;
           but
           when
           he
           was
           encompass'd
           with
           a
           numerous
           full
           Assembly
           ,
           his
           Spirit
           was
           enflam'd
           ,
           and
           he
           breath'd
           Fire
           .
           The
           attention
           and
           applause
           of
           the
           Hearers
           ,
           the
           regarding
           one
           another
           with
           Wonder
           ,
           as
           if
           never
           Man
           spake
           better
           ,
           the
           reigning
           over
           the
           Spirits
           of
           Men
           by
           powerful
           Oratory
           ,
           are
           apt
           to
           inspire
           vain-glorious
           Conceits
           into
           the
           Preachers
           .
           And
           many
           carried
           along
           by
           the
           Current
           of
           their
           injudicious
           Auditors
           ,
           are
           curious
           to
           bespangle
           their
           Discourses
           with
           light
           Ornaments
           ,
           to
           please
           the
           Ear
           ,
           and
           are
           not
           studious
           to
           preach
           Christ
           and
           him
           Crucified
           ,
           in
           a
           stile
           distant
           from
           all
           shadow
           of
           vanity
           ,
           to
           save
           the
           Soul.
           
        
         
           Another
           Temptation
           attending
           that
           Holy
           Calling
           is
           ,
           from
           Humane
           Passions
           ,
           which
           Ministers
           often
           bring
           up
           into
           the
           Pulpit
           with
           them
           ,
           and
           with
           a
           counterfeit
           Zeal
           vent
           their
           Animosities
           against
           those
           of
           whom
           they
           are
           jealous
           ,
           as
           diminishing
           their
           secular
           Interests
           .
           God
           under
           the
           Law
           severely
           forbids
           the
           offering
           up
           Sacrifices
           by
           common
           Fire
           ,
           but
           only
           by
           Celestial
           ,
           that
           was
           preserved
           Day
           
           and
           Night
           upon
           the
           Altar
           by
           the
           Priests
           :
           't
           is
           symbolical
           ,
           that
           the
           reprehension
           of
           Sinners
           by
           the
           Servants
           of
           God
           ,
           should
           not
           be
           exprest
           with
           heat
           of
           Anger
           against
           their
           Persons
           ,
           but
           with
           holy
           Zeal
           ;
           that
           Love
           to
           their
           Souls
           should
           be
           the
           pure
           Motive
           of
           the
           severest
           Rebukes
           .
        
         
           Lastly
           ,
           The
           great
           danger
           is
           ,
           lest
           Ministers
           have
           a
           respect
           more
           to
           the
           temporal
           Reward
           of
           their
           Office
           ,
           than
           the
           divine
           End
           of
           it
           .
           Therefore
           St.
           Peter
           with
           that
           Solemnity
           enjoins
           Evangelical
           Pastors
           ,
           
             to
             feed
             the
             Flock
             of
             God
             ,
             taking
          
           
           
             the
             oversight
             thereof
             ,
             not
             by
             constraint
             ,
             but
             willingly
             ;
             not
             for
             filthy
             Lucre
             ,
             but
             of
             a
             ready
             Mind
             :
             Neither
             to
             act
             as
             Lords
             over
             God's
             Heritage
             ,
             but
             to
             be
             Ensamples
             to
             the
             Flock
             .
          
           'T
           is
           true
           ,
           the
           Labourer
           is
           worthy
           of
           his
           Reward
           ;
           and
           
             if
             we
             sow
             Spiritual
          
           
           
             Things
             ,
             is
             it
             a
             great
             Matter
          
           (
           as
           the
           Apostle
           saith
           )
           
             if
             we
             reap
             your
             carnal
             Things
             ?
          
           But
           tho
           't
           is
           natural
           and
           regular
           to
           eat
           to
           live
           ,
           yet
           to
           live
           to
           eat
           is
           prodigiously
           brutish
           ;
           so
           't
           is
           a
           most
           guilty
           vile
           Intention
           to
           use
           the
           Sacred
           Ministry
           for
           obtaining
           secular
           Things
           .
           This
           will
           corrupt
           the
           Heart
           ,
           and
           hinder
           the
           discharging
           the
           Office
           with
           sincerity
           and
           constancy
           :
           For
           the
           End
           is
           the
           Rule
           and
           Measure
           of
           the
           Means
           ,
           and
           a
           worldly
           
           Minister
           will
           frame
           his
           Sermons
           ,
           and
           order
           his
           Affairs
           to
           obtain
           the
           World.
           If
           it
           be
           for
           his
           Secular
           Interest
           ,
           he
           will
           appear
           as
           an
           Apostle
           ,
           full
           of
           Zeal
           against
           Errors
           and
           Sins
           :
           but
           if
           the
           preaching
           the
           Doctrines
           of
           Truth
           and
           Holiness
           be
           prejudicial
           to
           his
           worldly
           Designs
           ,
           he
           will
           neglect
           his
           Duty
           to
           preserve
           the
           Minds
           of
           Men
           untainted
           from
           destructive
           Errors
           ,
           he
           will
           mollify
           the
           Threatnings
           of
           Scripture
           ,
           rebate
           their
           Edg
           ,
           and
           thereby
           harden
           the
           Hearts
           of
           presumptuous
           Sinners
           .
           As
           't
           is
           observed
           *
           of
           the
           Vines
           ,
           if
           they
           are
           supported
           upon
           crooked
           Stakes
           ,
           they
           will
           grow
           so
           ;
           so
           carnal
           Preachers
           will
           conform
           themselves
           according
           to
           the
           Humours
           of
           those
           upon
           whom
           they
           servilely
           depend
           .
        
         
           In
           Courts
           of
           Judicature
           ,
           the
           Temptations
           are
           intimated
           in
           the
           wise
           Advice
           of
           Jethro
           to
           
             Moses
             ,
             That
             he
             should
             chuse
             Men
             fearing
             God
             and
             hating
             Covetousness
             .
          
           Without
           the
           over-ruling
           Fear
           of
           God
           ,
           Judges
           will
           not
           do
           their
           Duty
           evenly
           and
           couragiously
           :
           Humane
           Respects
           will
           tempt
           them
           to
           bend
           the
           Rule
           to
           the
           obliquity
           of
           their
           Minds
           and
           Desires
           .
           When
           they
           are
           influenc'd
           by
           the
           Fear
           or
           Favour
           of
           Men
           ,
           they
           will
           part
           with
           Justice
           ,
           and
           Conscience
           ,
           and
           true
           Honour
           ,
           
           and
           their
           Souls
           .
           And
           how
           often
           does
           the
           weight
           of
           Gold
           turn
           the
           Scales
           in
           Judgment
           ,
           and
           preponderate
           the
           Reason
           of
           the
           Cause
           with
           those
           who
           are
           most
           solemnly
           obliged
           to
           universal
           rectitude
           in
           the
           discharge
           of
           their
           Office
           ?
           Judges
           should
           so
           impartially
           ,
           and
           with
           that
           noble
           Resolution
           perform
           their
           Duty
           ,
           as
           to
           disourage
           all
           Attempts
           to
           pervert
           them
           .
           Zeuxes
           having
           painted
           a
           Boy
           carrying
           some
           Grapes
           ,
           so
           coloured
           according
           to
           Nature
           ,
           that
           the
           Birds
           
           peck'd
           at
           them
           :
           An
           Observer
           said
           ,
           The
           Birds
           discredited
           the
           Picture
           ;
           for
           if
           the
           Boy
           had
           been
           drawn
           with
           equal
           Life
           ,
           they
           had
           not
           been
           so
           bold
           to
           fly
           at
           the
           Grapes
           ;
           a
           sign
           they
           fancied
           the
           Grapes
           true
           ,
           and
           the
           Boy
           painted
           .
           Thus
           whoever
           tempts
           those
           who
           sit
           in
           Judicature
           to
           unworthy
           Things
           ,
           disgraces
           their
           Dignity
           ,
           and
           constructively
           declares
           that
           he
           esteems
           them
           to
           have
           an
           appearance
           of
           Vertue
           without
           sincere
           Zeal
           for
           it
           .
           And
           how
           many
           who
           are
           pleaders
           ,
           by
           fallacious
           Colours
           commend
           a
           bad
           Cause
           and
           discredit
           a
           Good
           ,
           and
           thereby
           expose
           themselves
           to
           that
           terrible
           denunciation
           ,
           
             Wo
             be
             them
             that
             call
             Good
             Evil
             ,
             and
             Evil
             Good.
          
           A
           degenerous
           Mind
           ,
           and
           mercenary
           Tongue
           ,
           will
           plead
           any
           
           Cause
           to
           obtain
           the
           Ends
           of
           Avarice
           and
           Ambition
           :
           as
           if
           ,
           according
           to
           what
           an
           Italian
           Lawyer
           said
           of
           himself
           ,
           They
           were
           the
           Advocates
           of
           their
           Clients
           ,
           and
           not
           of
           Justice
           .
        
         
           In
           short
           ,
           every
           Calling
           has
           its
           Temptations
           :
           In
           the
           various
           ways
           of
           Commerce
           ,
           there
           are
           deceitful
           Arts
           which
           an
           upright
           Man
           observes
           and
           abhors
           .
           Some
           Callings
           expose
           to
           more
           Temptations
           than
           others
           ;
           so
           that
           without
           Circumspection
           and
           Care
           ,
           Men
           are
           undone
           in
           the
           way
           of
           their
           Callings
           .
           Some
           ingage
           Persons
           in
           such
           a
           throng
           of
           Business
           ,
           that
           from
           one
           rising
           of
           the
           Sun
           to
           another
           ,
           they
           never
           seriously
           remember
           God
           or
           their
           Souls
           .
           'T
           is
           therefore
           a
           Point
           of
           great
           Wisdom
           in
           the
           choice
           of
           a
           Calling
           ,
           with
           a
           free
           Judgment
           to
           consider
           what
           is
           least
           liable
           to
           Temptations
           ,
           and
           affords
           more
           freedom
           of
           serving
           God
           and
           regarding
           our
           Spiritual
           State
           ;
           for
           the
           Body
           is
           not
           the
           intire
           Man
           ,
           and
           the
           present
           Life
           is
           not
           his
           only
           Duration
           .
           The
           Apostle
           directs
           Christians
           to
           chuse
           such
           a
           State
           of
           Life
           ,
           that
           they
           may
           have
           an
           advantage
           of
           
             attending
             upon
             the
             Lord
             without
          
           
           distraction
           .
        
         
           I
           shall
           add
           ,
           That
           the
           several
           Relations
           wherein
           we
           stand
           ,
           as
           Husbands
           ,
           Parents
           ,
           
           Masters
           ,
           and
           Wives
           ,
           Children
           ,
           Servants
           ,
           have
           peculiar
           Temptations
           :
           and
           many
           whose
           general
           Conversation
           seems
           fair
           and
           blameless
           ,
           are
           not
           observant
           of
           their
           Relative
           Duties
           .
           A
           Husband
           may
           be
           harsh
           and
           unkind
           ,
           a
           Parent
           fond
           and
           viciously
           indulgent
           ,
           (
           't
           was
           Ely's
           Sin
           that
           brought
           Ruin
           upon
           his
           Family
           )
           a
           Master
           may
           be
           severe
           and
           rigorous
           .
           Superiors
           who
           are
           to
           instruct
           and
           govern
           Families
           by
           Holy
           Counsels
           and
           Examples
           ,
           often
           neglect
           their
           Duty
           ;
           and
           by
           their
           evil
           Carriage
           ,
           set
           a
           Copy
           which
           their
           Children
           and
           Servants
           transcribe
           ,
           and
           derive
           a
           woful
           Guilt
           upon
           themselves
           from
           their
           multiplied
           Sins
           .
           And
           how
           often
           are
           those
           in
           lower
           Relations
           careless
           of
           their
           proper
           Duties
           :
           Wives
           disrespectful
           ,
           and
           not
           observant
           of
           their
           Husbands
           ,
           Children
           disobedient
           ,
           Servants
           unfaithful
           ?
           If
           Conscience
           be
           inlightned
           and
           tender
           ,
           it
           will
           regard
           the
           whole
           compafs
           of
           our
           Duty
           ,
           it
           will
           see
           and
           feel
           our
           sinful
           neglects
           in
           any
           kind
           ,
           and
           make
           us
           careful
           according
           to
           the
           extent
           of
           its
           Obligation
           .
        
         
           2.
           
           The
           opposite
           States
           of
           Prosperity
           and
           Adversity
           ,
           have
           suitable
           Temptations
           adherent
           to
           them
           .
        
         
         
           Prosperity
           is
           beset
           with
           the
           thickest
           and
           most
           dangerous
           Temptations
           .
           In
           a
           Garden
           the
           Tempter
           lay
           in
           ambush
           ,
           and
           made
           use
           of
           the
           Fruit
           
             that
             was
             pleasant
             to
             the
             Taste
             ,
             and
             pleasant
             to
             the
             Eye
             ,
             and
             desireable
             for
             Knowledg
          
           ;
           and
           by
           those
           Allurements
           corrupted
           and
           ruin'd
           our
           first
           Parents
           ,
           to
           the
           loss
           of
           their
           Innocence
           and
           Felicity
           .
           Although
           Prosperity
           be
           a
           Blessing
           in
           it self
           ,
           yet
           't
           is
           often
           more
           destructive
           than
           Adversity
           ,
           by
           the
           inseparable
           and
           ingaging
           Snares
           that
           surround
           the
           Persons
           that
           enjoy
           it
           :
           Pride
           ,
           Luxury
           ,
           Security
           ,
           Impiety
           ,
           grow
           and
           flourish
           in
           Prosperity
           .
           Affliction
           calls
           home
           the
           wandring
           Spirit
           ,
           makes
           us
           reflect
           with
           solemnity
           upon
           our selves
           ,
           excites
           us
           to
           arm
           our
           Minds
           with
           Religious
           Resolutions
           against
           the
           World
           ;
           whereas
           Prosperity
           relaxes
           and
           dissolves
           the
           Spirit
           ,
           and
           foments
           the
           Lusts
           of
           the
           Flesh.
           Those
           who
           live
           in
           the
           Courts
           of
           Princes
           ,
           where
           the
           Height
           of
           Honour
           ,
           and
           the
           Centre
           of
           Pleasure
           are
           ,
           where
           Ambition
           ,
           Hypocrisy
           ,
           Avarice
           and
           Sensuality
           reign
           ,
           are
           encircled
           with
           dangerous
           Inchantments
           ,
           and
           usually
           are
           charm'd
           and
           corrupted
           by
           them
           .
           The
           Court
           Life
           is
           splendid
           to
           the
           Eye
           ,
           but
           very
           perilous
           ;
           like
           a
           Ship
           that
           is
           finely
           
           carv'd
           &
           painted
           ,
           but
           so
           leaky
           ,
           that
           without
           continual
           pumping
           it
           cannot
           be
           kept
           above
           Water
           ;
           so
           without
           the
           strictest
           guard
           over
           their
           Hearts
           and
           Senses
           ,
           the
           prosperous
           cannot
           escape
           the
           
             Shipwrack
             of
             a
             good
             Conscience
             ,
             and
             fall
             into
             many
             foolish
             Lusts
             that
             drown
             Men
             in
             Perdition
             .
          
           Yet
           this
           state
           of
           Life
           many
           aspire
           to
           as
           the
           most
           happy
           .
           When
           Lot
           separated
           from
           Abraham
           ,
           he
           chose
           the
           pleasant
           
           
             fruitful
             Country
             that
             was
             like
             the
             Garden
             of
             the
             Lord.
          
           Sad
           choice
           !
           the
           Land
           was
           the
           best
           ,
           but
           the
           Inhabitants
           the
           worst
           :
           Within
           a
           short
           time
           the
           cry
           of
           their
           Sins
           reach'd
           as
           high
           as
           the
           Throne
           of
           God
           ,
           and
           brought
           down
           showrs
           of
           Fire
           and
           Brimstone
           ,
           that
           turned
           that
           natural
           Paradise
           into
           an
           Hell.
           
        
         
           Riches
           has
           a
           Train
           of
           Temptations
           ,
           and
           Poverty
           is
           not
           exempt
           from
           them
           .
           'T
           was
           the
           wise
           Prayer
           of
           
             Agur
             ,
             Give
             me
          
           
           
             neither
             Poverty
             nor
             Riches
             ,
             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
             my
             God
             in
             vain
             .
          
           A
           full
           Estate
           intirely
           possesses
           the
           Heart
           ,
           and
           excludes
           the
           eternal
           World
           from
           the
           Thoughts
           and
           Affections
           :
           't
           is
           therefore
           wise
           Advice
           ,
           
             If
             Riches
             increase
             ,
             set
             not
             your
             Heart
             upon
             them
             ,
          
           intimating
           they
           are
           a
           
           Snare
           to
           the
           most
           in
           the
           corrupt
           State.
           They
           often
           induce
           in
           Mens
           Minds
           an
           ungrateful
           Oblivion
           of
           their
           Divine
           Benefactor
           ,
           as
           't
           is
           charg'd
           upon
           
             Israel
             ,
             Their
             Hearts
             were
             exalted
             ,
             therefore
             they
             have
             forgotten
             me
             .
          
           They
           incline
           Men
           to
           presume
           upon
           Self-sufficiency
           ,
           and
           to
           rob
           God
           of
           the
           Homage
           that
           is
           due
           from
           his
           Creatures
           ,
           an
           humble
           thankful
           dependance
           upon
           his
           Providence
           every
           day
           .
           The
           Psalmist
           saith
           ,
           
             They
             trust
             in
             their
             Wealth
             ,
             and
             boast
             themselves
             in
             the
             multitude
             of
             their
             Riches
             .
          
           They
           are
           engaging
           Snares
           to
           renounce
           Religion
           ,
           when-ever
           the
           Sincere
           ,
           and
           open
           profession
           of
           it
           ,
           exposes
           our
           Estates
           to
           hazard
           .
           Briefly
           ,
           as
           the
           Israelites
           made
           an
           Egyptian
           Idol
           of
           their
           Egyptian
           Jewels
           ;
           so
           worldly
           Things
           are
           abus'd
           for
           worldly
           Lusts.
           The
           most
           who
           enjoy
           Prosperity
           ,
           perish
           by
           the
           abuse
           of
           it
           :
           'T
           is
           a
           rare
           effect
           of
           Divine
           Grace
           to
           preserve
           the
           Heart
           and
           Conversation
           pure
           in
           such
           a
           contagious
           Air
           ,
           when
           a
           thousand
           fall
           at
           thy
           side
           ,
           and
           ten
           thousand
           at
           thy
           right
           Hand
           .
           And
           the
           contrary
           state
           of
           Poverty
           and
           Affliction
           in
           any
           kind
           ,
           if
           sharp
           ,
           has
           its
           peculiar
           Temptations
           ;
           Discontent
           ,
           and
           the
           use
           of
           unlawful
           Means
           to
           obtain
           what
           they
           want
           and
           desire
           ,
           is
           the
           Sin
           of
           the
           Poor
           .
           The
           Afflicted
           
           are
           ready
           to
           faint
           under
           the
           weight
           of
           Sorrow
           :
           The
           loss
           of
           one
           Comfort
           blasts
           all
           the
           Content
           of
           their
           Lives
           .
           There
           is
           a
           perpetual
           consumption
           of
           their
           Thoughts
           and
           Time
           in
           revolving
           the
           afflicting
           Circumstances
           of
           their
           Condition
           ,
           and
           they
           are
           apt
           to
           think
           as
           if
           God
           were
           regardless
           or
           very
           severe
           to
           them
           .
           Fearful
           depth
           !
           they
           wretchedly
           neglect
           the
           means
           that
           might
           alleviate
           their
           Sorrows
           ,
           and
           refuse
           to
           be
           comforted
           ,
           as
           if
           they
           were
           Persons
           consecrated
           to
           Calamity
           ;
           thus
           Life
           is
           linger'd
           out
           in
           continual
           Languishings
           ,
           or
           ended
           with
           deadly
           Grief
           .
        
         
           If
           the
           Affliction
           be
           singular
           and
           extraordinary
           ,
           Sorrow
           often
           increases
           to
           such
           dismal
           Degrees
           ,
           that
           most
           woful
           Effects
           proceed
           from
           that
           Passion
           .
           The
           Anguish
           of
           Spirit
           either
           breaks
           out
           in
           unkindly
           and
           unholy
           Expressions
           ,
           or
           inwardly
           festers
           with
           Repining
           ,
           vexatious
           Thoughts
           at
           their
           Condition
           .
           Stubborn
           Spirits
           are
           impatient
           of
           the
           Evils
           they
           suffer
           ,
           and
           insensible
           and
           undervaluing
           of
           the
           Blessings
           they
           possess
           .
           They
           neither
           look
           upward
           to
           the
           Hand
           of
           God
           that
           disposes
           all
           Evils
           ,
           nor
           inward
           to
           their
           Sins
           ,
           the
           most
           righteous
           procuring
           Cause
           of
           them
           :
           But
           serious
           Reflection
           would
           constrain
           them
           to
           acknowledg
           
           that
           God
           punishes
           them
           less
           than
           their
           Sins
           deserved
           ,
           and
           that
           their
           Dross
           needed
           the
           vehemence
           of
           the
           Fire
           to
           purge
           it
           away
           :
           A
           meek
           yielding
           our selves
           ,
           and
           a
           complying
           with
           the
           blessed
           Ends
           of
           his
           afflicting
           Providence
           ,
           will
           make
           us
           to
           understand
           by
           Experience
           ,
           that
           all
           our
           sharpest
           Sufferings
           were
           most
           wisely
           and
           divinely
           ordered
           by
           our
           Heavenly
           Father
           .
        
         
           3.
           
           We
           must
           search
           for
           our
           peculiar
           Sin
           in
           the
           Society
           with
           whom
           we
           are
           conversant
           .
           Our
           Company
           that
           we
           choose
           ,
           and
           are
           frequently
           engaged
           with
           ,
           discovers
           us
           to
           others
           and
           may
           to
           our selves
           .
           'T
           is
           a
           true
           Glass
           that
           by
           reflexion
           makes
           visible
           the
           Countenance
           and
           Complexion
           of
           our
           Minds
           .
           Love
           proceeds
           from
           Likeness
           ,
           and
           the
           Election
           of
           Friends
           from
           a
           correspondence
           in
           the
           Tempers
           of
           Men.
           'T
           is
           true
           ,
           there
           may
           be
           Foreign
           Motives
           of
           Friendship
           and
           Commerce
           ,
           with
           others
           from
           our
           Secular
           Affairs
           and
           Interests
           ;
           but
           Inclination
           is
           the
           internal
           Cause
           of
           Friendship
           .
           'T
           is
           visible
           ,
           that
           Carnality
           in
           its
           various
           kinds
           ,
           cements
           Friendships
           :
           the
           Intemperate
           ,
           the
           Lascivious
           ,
           the
           Worldly
           ,
           are
           endear'd
           to
           one
           another
           by
           
           the
           resemblance
           in
           their
           Minds
           and
           Manners
           .
           Besides
           ,
           Examples
           if
           often
           in
           our
           view
           ,
           and
           especially
           of
           those
           whom
           we
           love
           ,
           have
           a
           strange
           Power
           to
           change
           us
           into
           their
           Likeness
           .
           'T
           is
           the
           Observation
           of
           the
           wise
           Man
           ,
           
             He
             that
             has
             fellowship
             with
             a
             proud
             Man
             ,
             will
             be
             like
             him
             .
          
           The
           vicious
           Affections
           of
           the
           Heart
           
           transpire
           in
           Words
           and
           Actions
           ,
           and
           insensibly
           infect
           others
           :
           and
           in
           familiar
           Society
           the
           Contagious
           Evil
           the
           more
           strongly
           infects
           ,
           being
           immediately
           conveyed
           .
           If
           our
           intimate
           Friends
           are
           worldly
           Wise
           ,
           who
           
             mind
             earthly
             Things
          
           ,
           sagacious
           to
           forecast
           Advantages
           ,
           and
           active
           to
           accomplish
           their
           Designs
           ,
           we
           may
           judg
           of
           the
           strain
           of
           our
           Affections
           ;
           for
           if
           our
           
             Conversations
             were
             in
             Heaven
          
           ,
           if
           our
           frequent
           and
           serious
           Discourses
           were
           of
           Things
           above
           ,
           how
           to
           improve
           Spiritual
           Riches
           ,
           our
           Company
           would
           be
           ungrareful
           to
           them
           :
           without
           Sympathy
           there
           can
           be
           no
           complacence
           in
           Society
           .
           The
           Garlick
           and
           Onions
           of
           the
           Egyptian
           Earth
           ,
           is
           more
           tasteful
           to
           their
           Palats
           than
           the
           Bread
           of
           Angels
           .
           Besides
           ,
           by
           constant
           familiarity
           our
           Minds
           are
           apt
           to
           be
           corrupted
           to
           value
           the
           World
           as
           our
           substantial
           Felicity
           ,
           and
           our
           Hearts
           to
           be
           corrupted
           with
           the
           love
           of
           it
           ,
           
           which
           is
           of
           the
           Spring
           of
           Mens
           Sins
           and
           Misery
           .
           Thus
           if
           we
           are
           Associates
           with
           the
           Voluptuous
           ,
           there
           will
           steal
           into
           the
           Heart
           an
           allowance
           of
           Sensuality
           ,
           and
           a
           dislike
           of
           Holiness
           as
           a
           sowr
           Severity
           .
           If
           unregenerate
           Men
           ,
           though
           of
           a
           civil
           Conversation
           ,
           be
           our
           chosen
           and
           familiar
           Friends
           ,
           our
           Zeal
           for
           Religion
           will
           decline
           ,
           and
           lukewarmness
           be
           insensibly
           infus'd
           into
           us
           .
           Briefly
           ,
           as
           the
           Wax
           receives
           the
           Figure
           of
           the
           Seal
           that
           is
           applied
           to
           it
           ,
           our
           Minds
           receive
           a
           likeness
           from
           the
           Impressions
           of
           Examples
           .
           Therefore
           a
           Prudence
           discreet
           and
           severe
           is
           necessary
           in
           the
           choice
           of
           our
           Society
           .
           In
           the
           Humane
           Life
           there
           is
           no
           mistake
           more
           dangerous
           than
           in
           the
           choice
           of
           Friends
           with
           whom
           we
           are
           usually
           conversant
           .
           'T
           is
           a
           comprehensive
           Rule
           ,
           and
           most
           useful
           for
           the
           guiding
           us
           safely
           to
           Heaven
           ,
           to
           select
           the
           Wise
           and
           Holy
           to
           be
           our
           bosom-Friends
           .
           As
           a
           Ring
           touch'd
           by
           a
           Loadstone
           drawsanother
           by
           an
           imprest
           Virtue
           ,
           so
           in
           holy
           Society
           there
           is
           Divine
           Grace
           attractive
           of
           the
           Hearts
           of
           others
           .
           
             He
             that
             walks
             with
             the
             Wise
             ,
             shall
             be
             wise
             ;
             but
             a
             Companion
             of
             Fools
             shall
             be
             afflicted
             :
          
           That
           is
           the
           penal
           Consequence
           of
           being
           corrupted
           by
           them
           .
           The
           Sensual
           and
           Luxurious
           ,
           by
           their
           
           converse
           ,
           pervert
           good
           Dispositions
           in
           others
           ,
           and
           heighten
           evil
           Inclinations
           into
           Habits
           :
           They
           are
           Satan's
           Instruments
           to
           draw
           Men
           into
           his
           Snares
           ,
           more
           familiar
           Devils
           to
           tempt
           and
           destroy
           Souls
           .
           He
           that
           chuses
           evil
           Company
           ,
           is
           like
           one
           that
           voluntarily
           frequents
           a
           House
           infected
           with
           the
           Plague
           ;
           who
           is
           either
           a
           Fool
           and
           disvalues
           Life
           ,
           or
           desperate
           and
           seeks
           Death
           .
        
         
           4.
           
           We
           must
           consider
           the
           Quality
           of
           the
           Times
           we
           live
           in
           ,
           to
           discover
           what
           Sin
           is
           predominant
           in
           us
           .
           There
           are
           
             Evil
             Days
          
           in
           the
           Apostle's
           Language
           ,
           with
           respect
           to
           the
           Temptations
           and
           Troubles
           that
           are
           concomitant
           with
           them
           ,
           
             and
             a
             wise
             circumspect
             walking
          
           is
           requisite
           to
           preserve
           our
           Innocence
           and
           Purity
           .
           Sometimes
           those
           who
           are
           dignified
           with
           Titles
           and
           Powers
           ,
           are
           leaders
           in
           Sin
           ,
           and
           their
           publick
           Practices
           are
           so
           commandingly
           exemplary
           ,
           that
           they
           easily
           prevail
           upon
           many
           to
           follow
           them
           ;
           for
           that
           is
           the
           way
           to
           insinuate
           into
           their
           favour
           ,
           and
           obtain
           secular
           Advantages
           and
           Rewards
           .
           From
           hence
           it
           is
           that
           some
           ,
           as
           if
           the
           opposite
           Forms
           of
           Religion
           were
           but
           different
           fashions
           of
           the
           same
           stuff
           ,
           will
           put
           on
           a
           new
           Livery
           according
           to
           the
           
           Master
           they
           serve
           .
           They
           have
           a
           politick
           Faith
           ,
           you
           may
           coin
           them
           a
           Philip
           and
           Mary
           ,
           or
           an
           Elizabeth
           ,
           as
           the
           Mintage
           of
           the
           Times
           vary
           .
           But
           the
           Example
           of
           the
           High
           and
           Noble
           is
           no
           safe
           Rule
           :
           A
           Rule
           of
           Gold
           ,
           tho
           of
           value
           for
           the
           Matter
           ,
           yet
           if
           crooked
           ,
           't
           is
           useless
           as
           a
           Rule
           .
           In
           some
           Ages
           the
           Poison
           sheds
           it self
           into
           the
           whole
           Body
           of
           a
           Nation
           ,
           that
           rarely
           any
           are
           untainted
           .
           The
           old
           World
           was
           drown'd
           in
           sensuality
           ,
           and
           Noah
           only
           escap'd
           .
           And
           in
           the
           next
           Age
           ,
           how
           did
           Idolatry
           ,
           like
           an
           overspreading
           Leprosy
           infect
           the
           World
           ,
           and
           Abraham
           hardly
           escap'd
           .
           In
           Jeremy's
           Time
           the
           Land
           mourn'd
           for
           Oaths
           and
           Curses
           ;
           Men
           were
           turn'd
           breathing
           Devils
           ,
           and
           spake
           the
           Language
           of
           Hell
           before
           they
           came
           there
           .
           Sometimes
           all
           Degrees
           are
           so
           corrupt
           ,
           that
           Vices
           pass
           for
           Vertues
           ,
           the
           rage
           of
           Duelling
           for
           Heroick
           Valour
           ,
           Luxury
           and
           Sensuality
           for
           innocent
           and
           amiable
           Qualities
           ;
           and
           Holiness
           ,
           tho
           a
           Divine
           Excellency
           ,
           and
           the
           very
           Beauty
           of
           the
           Deity
           ,
           is
           despised
           and
           derided
           :
           
             Thus
             Men
             glory
             in
             their
             Shame
             ,
             and
             are
             ashamed
             of
             their
             Glory
             .
          
           Now
           there
           is
           no
           Tyranny
           more
           violent
           than
           of
           a
           corrupt
           Custom
           ,
           no
           Contagion
           more
           catching
           than
           of
           National
           
           Sins
           .
           The
           Apostle
           reminds
           the
           Ephesians
           ,
           that
           in
           their
           Heathen
           State
           
             they
             walk'd
             according
             to
             the
             Course
             of
             the
             World.
          
           We
           are
           therefore
           strictly
           commanded
           ,
           
             not
             to
             be
             conform'd
             to
             the
             World
             ,
             but
             transform'd
             by
             the
             renewing
             of
             our
             Minds
             ,
             that
             we
             may
             prove
             what
             is
             the
             Good
             ,
             the
             acceptable
             and
             perfect
             Will
             of
             God.
          
           'T
           is
           the
           eminent
           effect
           of
           Grace
           to
           resist
           the
           Torrent
           of
           the
           Times
           ,
           and
           to
           value
           the
           Conscience
           of
           our
           Duty
           before
           all
           Worldly
           Respects
           :
           accordingly
           't
           is
           recorded
           to
           the
           everlasting
           Honour
           of
           
             Jehoshaphat
             ,
             That
             he
             walked
             in
             the
             Commandments
             of
             God
             ,
             and
             not
             according
             to
             the
             Doings
             of
             Israel
             .
          
        
         
           2.
           
           I
           come
           to
           show
           how
           the
           peculiar
           Sin
           may
           be
           discovered
           from
           its
           Effects
           ,
           and
           the
           discovery
           from
           hence
           is
           more
           sensible
           ,
           than
           from
           the
           Causes
           :
           for
           Divine
           Grace
           may
           controul
           the
           Efficacy
           of
           the
           Causes
           ,
           that
           a
           Christian
           may
           abhor
           the
           Sin
           to
           which
           there
           are
           strong
           Temptations
           ,
           but
           Effects
           emergent
           from
           inward
           Lusts
           ,
           discover
           the
           habitual
           frame
           of
           the
           Heart
           .
        
         
           1.
           
           The
           Sin
           that
           is
           frequently
           and
           easily
           committed
           ,
           and
           difficulty
           retracted
           ,
           is
           a
           Man's
           peculiar
           Sin.
           
        
         
           1.
           
           Frequently
           .
           Single
           Acts
           do
           not
           denominate
           a
           Person
           ,
           but
           Habits
           that
           
           proceed
           from
           repeated
           Acts
           ,
           are
           characteristical
           .
           Noah's
           single
           Act
           of
           Drunkenness
           ,
           which
           might
           proceed
           from
           his
           ignorance
           of
           the
           strength
           of
           the
           Wine
           ,
           or
           the
           weakness
           of
           his
           Brain
           ,
           did
           not
           argue
           his
           being
           addicted
           to
           it
           :
           but
           frequent
           relapses
           into
           that
           Sin
           ,
           denominates
           a
           Man
           a
           Drunkard
           .
           A
           train
           of
           sinful
           Actions
           is
           from
           a
           disposition
           strongly
           bent
           to
           them
           .
           If
           a
           Man
           be
           of
           a
           cholerick
           Nature
           ,
           Anger
           will
           be
           his
           quotidian
           ;
           if
           of
           a
           Sanguine
           ,
           licentious
           Mirth
           will
           be
           his
           tertian
           .
           'T
           is
           the
           Character
           of
           Man
           in
           his
           unregenerate
           polluted
           State
           ,
           
             he
             commits
             Sin
          
           ,
           't
           is
           his
           Trade
           ;
           and
           as
           any
           particular
           Lust
           has
           dominion
           in
           his
           Heart
           ,
           such
           is
           the
           course
           of
           his
           Life
           .
           When
           the
           Inclination
           leads
           to
           a
           Calling
           ,
           a
           Man
           applies
           himself
           continually
           to
           it
           ;
           for
           the
           Work
           produces
           Delight
           ,
           and
           the
           Delight
           strongly
           inclines
           him
           to
           work
           :
           Thus
           according
           to
           the
           tendency
           of
           our
           corrupt
           Natures
           is
           the
           constant
           practice
           of
           Sin.
           We
           may
           as
           surely
           judg
           of
           the
           active
           Powers
           of
           the
           Soul
           by
           the
           Actions
           that
           proceed
           from
           them
           ,
           as
           of
           the
           vigour
           of
           the
           Sap
           in
           the
           Root
           ,
           by
           the
           number
           of
           the
           Fruits
           of
           the
           Tree
           .
           'T
           is
           said
           of
           the
           Scoffers
           ,
           
             they
             walk
             after
             their
             own
             Lusts
             :
          
           which
           
           implies
           the
           habitual
           practice
           of
           Sin
           ,
           the
           license
           and
           pleasure
           they
           take
           in
           a
           carnal
           Course
           .
        
         
           2.
           
           The
           Sin
           that
           is
           easily
           committed
           is
           our
           own
           .
           As
           the
           Divine
           Nature
           in
           a
           Saint
           makes
           him
           fit
           for
           every
           good
           Work
           ,
           but
           especially
           for
           the
           exercise
           of
           that
           Grace
           that
           is
           eminently
           regent
           in
           his
           Heart
           ,
           upon
           the
           first
           Call
           of
           Conscience
           ,
           he
           applies
           himself
           to
           his
           Duty
           :
           so
           the
           corrupt
           Nature
           prepares
           Men
           for
           evil
           Works
           ,
           and
           its
           special
           tendency
           is
           presently
           inflam'd
           by
           a
           suitable
           Object
           .
           This
           Indication
           is
           clear
           ,
           with
           respect
           to
           the
           Sins
           of
           the
           desiring
           and
           angry
           Appetites
           .
           The
           more
           quick
           and
           speedy
           the
           Power
           of
           a
           Temptation
           is
           ,
           the
           more
           strong
           is
           the
           vicious
           Inclination
           .
           When
           Achan
           saw
           a
           goodly
           Babylonish
           Garment
           and
           a
           Wedg
           of
           Gold
           ,
           he
           coveted
           them
           and
           took
           them
           :
           the
           immediate
           rise
           of
           his
           Affection
           upon
           the
           presence
           of
           the
           Object
           ,
           his
           presumptuous
           Sacrilege
           ,
           notwithstanding
           the
           terrible
           Interdict
           ,
           was
           a
           convincing
           sign
           of
           his
           worldly
           Mind
           .
           So
           't
           is
           said
           of
           the
           young
           Man
           in
           the
           Proverbs
           ,
           that
           was
           enticed
           by
           the
           blandishments
           of
           the
           Harlot
           ,
           
             he
             went
             straitway
             after
             her
          
           .
           When
           the
           alluring
           Object
           presently
           inveigles
           the
           Senses
           ,
           and
           
           easily
           obtains
           the
           consent
           of
           the
           Will
           ,
           we
           may
           truly
           infer
           what
           Passion
           reigns
           in
           the
           Heart
           .
           So
           a
           Man
           that
           is
           soon
           angry
           ,
           whose
           Passion
           like
           Tinder
           takes
           fire
           at
           a
           Spark
           ,
           a
           small
           Occasion
           may
           understand
           what
           his
           Nature
           is
           .
           A
           Man
           of
           
             a
             cool
             Spirit
          
           ,
           of
           meek
           and
           mortified
           Passions
           ,
           is
           not
           easily
           incensed
           .
        
         
           3.
           
           The
           Sin
           that
           is
           difficultly
           retracted
           .
           There
           are
           Principles
           of
           Conscience
           in
           laps'd
           Nature
           ,
           concerning
           Good
           and
           Evil
           that
           cannot
           be
           rased
           out
           ,
           and
           are
           improv'd
           and
           heightned
           by
           revealed
           Light
           ;
           from
           hence
           there
           is
           often
           an
           internal
           Conflict
           between
           the
           convinced
           Mind
           ,
           and
           the
           corrupt
           Heart
           :
           But
           the
           darling
           Lust
           controuls
           the
           Efficacy
           of
           those
           Principles
           ,
           for
           Nature
           and
           Custom
           are
           of
           all
           things
           most
           hardly
           to
           be
           chang'd
           .
           Properties
           inherent
           in
           the
           nature
           of
           things
           are
           inseparable
           :
           Thus
           wallowing
           in
           the
           Mire
           is
           natural
           to
           a
           Swine
           ,
           and
           though
           wash'd
           ,
           will
           return
           to
           it
           .
           When
           a
           Lust
           is
           deeply
           rooted
           in
           Nature
           ,
           
             Men
             cannot
             cease
             from
             Sin.
          
           We
           have
           a
           sad
           Instance
           of
           this
           in
           St.
           Austin
           ,
           before
           his
           intire
           and
           blessed
           Conversion
           .
           He
           declares
           in
           his
           Confessions
           ,
           how
           extream
           hard
           it
           was
           to
           divorce
           himself
           from
           sensual
           Delights
           ;
           they
           were
           incarnated
           
           in
           his
           Nature
           ,
           ingrafted
           into
           his
           Affections
           ,
           and
           the
           separation
           from
           them
           was
           as
           the
           fleaing
           him
           alive
           .
           When
           he
           prayed
           for
           Chastity
           ,
           it
           was
           with
           a
           restriction
           ,
           
             Make
             me
             chast
             ,
             but
             not
             too
             soon
             :
          
           In
           the
           vigour
           of
           his
           Age
           ,
           the
           sinning
           Season
           ,
           he
           was
           averse
           to
           be
           weaned
           from
           those
           poisonous
           Breasts
           .
           'Till
           Divine
           Grace
           chang'd
           his
           Nature
           ,
           he
           could
           never
           rescue
           himself
           from
           the
           Intanglements
           of
           his
           Iniquity
           .
        
         
           Custom
           in
           Sin
           usually
           proceeds
           from
           Inclination
           ;
           and
           with
           as
           strong
           a
           sway
           determines
           the
           corrupt
           Will
           as
           Original
           Nature
           .
           
             Can
             the
             Ethiopian
             change
             his
             Skin
             ,
             and
             the
             Leopard
             his
             Spots
             ?
             then
             may
             you
             who
             are
             accustom'd
             to
             do
             Evil
             do
             Good.
          
           Dreadful
           difficulty
           !
           some
           habitual
           Sinners
           are
           secure
           and
           stupid
           ,
           and
           of
           such
           depraved
           obstinacy
           ,
           that
           they
           will
           not
           resolve
           to
           cleanse
           themselves
           from
           their
           Defilements
           .
           In
           others
           there
           are
           some
           sparks
           of
           Religious
           Fear
           ;
           but
           notwithstanding
           the
           stings
           of
           Conscience
           ,
           continue
           in
           the
           practice
           of
           Sin.
           The
           charming
           Lust
           so
           long
           indulg'd
           ,
           is
           imperious
           and
           peremptory
           ;
           and
           till
           Omnipotent
           Grace
           unbinds
           the
           Charm
           ,
           they
           are
           never
           releas'd
           from
           the
           circle
           of
           confessing
           their
           Sins
           when
           their
           Desires
           are
           
           sated
           ,
           and
           committing
           them
           with
           new
           Heat
           and
           Rapture
           upon
           the
           returning
           Temptation
           .
           Though
           Convictions
           be
           heightned
           into
           Resolutions
           ,
           the
           next
           Temptation
           hinders
           the
           Effect
           :
           They
           rescind
           their
           solemn
           and
           sacred
           Engagements
           ,
           perfidiously
           break
           double
           Chains
           ,
           the
           Law
           of
           God
           with
           their
           own
           Vows
           ,
           grieve
           his
           Spirit
           and
           wound
           their
           own
           ;
           from
           hence
           't
           is
           evident
           that
           such
           Sins
           are
           properly
           Mens
           own
           .
        
         
           2.
           
           That
           Lust
           to
           which
           others
           are
           subservient
           ,
           has
           the
           supremacy
           in
           the
           Heart
           .
           In
           all
           the
           Dominions
           of
           Satan
           ,
           there
           is
           some
           special
           Lust
           that
           is
           his
           Viceroy
           ,
           and
           keeps
           possession
           for
           him
           .
           There
           is
           an
           Order
           in
           the
           Kingdom
           of
           Darkness
           ,
           one
           Sin
           wants
           the
           assistance
           and
           countenance
           of
           another
           sometimes
           to
           disguise
           and
           palliate
           it
           ,
           or
           for
           the
           doing
           it
           .
           The
           reigning
           Sin
           has
           ,
           as
           it
           were
           ,
           its
           Court
           and
           Council
           ,
           its
           Guard
           and
           Attendants
           .
           To
           illustrate
           this
           by
           its
           contrary
           ,
           't
           is
           observable
           there
           is
           a
           concatenation
           of
           Vertues
           ,
           and
           the
           superior
           Vertue
           is
           assisted
           by
           other
           Vertues
           in
           its
           Exercise
           :
           as
           Justice
           in
           dispensing
           what
           is
           due
           to
           others
           ,
           is
           assisted
           by
           Fortitude
           and
           Temperance
           ,
           which
           regulate
           Fear
           and
           Desire
           ,
           that
           often
           hinder
           its
           most
           noble
           Exercise
           :
           and
           the
           Actions
           
           immediately
           flowing
           from
           Courage
           or
           Temperance
           ,
           are
           ascribed
           to
           Justice
           ,
           to
           which
           they
           are
           subservient
           ;
           for
           the
           End
           and
           Intention
           constitutes
           the
           Kinds
           in
           the
           ranks
           of
           moral
           Things
           ,
           either
           Vertues
           or
           Vices
           .
           'T
           is
           the
           Observation
           of
           the
           Philosopher
           ,
           that
           one
           who
           does
           an
           Act
           of
           Robbery
           that
           he
           may
           have
           Mony
           to
           corrupt
           a
           Woman
           ,
           is
           not
           so
           much
           Covetous
           as
           Incontinent
           .
           Joseph's
           Brethren
           sold
           him
           into
           Egypt
           ,
           dipt
           his
           Garment
           in
           Blood
           to
           deceive
           their
           Father
           ,
           and
           thereby
           contracted
           a
           Crimson
           Guilt
           :
           but
           Cruelty
           and
           Hypocrisy
           were
           subordinate
           to
           their
           Envy
           :
           They
           hated
           him
           ,
           because
           the
           Father's
           Love
           to
           them
           was
           faint
           in
           comparison
           to
           the
           warm
           Beams
           reflected
           upon
           Joseph
           .
        
         
           2.
           
           The
           Darling
           Corruption
           ingrosses
           the
           Thoughts
           .
           There
           is
           a
           natural
           levity
           and
           featheriness
           in
           the
           Mind
           ,
           a
           strange
           inconsistency
           and
           discurrency
           of
           the
           Thoughts
           ,
           but
           Love
           will
           fasten
           them
           intensely
           upon
           its
           Object
           .
           From
           hence
           it
           is
           that
           habitual
           and
           delightful
           Thoughts
           are
           the
           best
           discovery
           of
           our
           Hearts
           and
           our
           spiritual
           State.
           Words
           and
           Actions
           may
           be
           over-rul'd
           and
           counterfeit
           for
           divers
           Reasons
           ,
           but
           Thoughts
           are
           the
           invisible
           productions
           of
           the
           Soul
           ,
           and
           without
           
           fear
           or
           mask
           ,
           without
           restraint
           or
           disguise
           ,
           undissemblingly
           discover
           the
           Disposition
           of
           the
           Heart
           .
           Thoughts
           are
           the
           Immediate
           Off-spring
           of
           the
           Soul
           ;
           and
           as
           the
           Waters
           that
           immediately
           flow
           from
           the
           Spring
           are
           strongest
           of
           the
           Mineral
           ,
           so
           the
           Thoughts
           are
           most
           deeply
           tinctur'd
           with
           the
           Affections
           .
           A
           Saint
           is
           therefore
           described
           by
           his
           meditating
           
           
             in
             the
             Law
             of
             God
             Day
             and
             Night
             ,
          
           which
           is
           the
           natural
           and
           necessary
           Effect
           of
           his
           Delight
           in
           it
           .
           Uncounterfeit
           Religion
           
           and
           Holiness
           consists
           in
           the
           order
           of
           Love
           ,
           as
           St.
           Austin
           briefly
           and
           fully
           describes
           it
           .
           The
           Will
           is
           carried
           to
           its
           Object
           and
           End
           by
           the
           Motion
           of
           Love
           ,
           and
           Love
           applies
           the
           Mind
           intirely
           to
           the
           Object
           to
           which
           it
           is
           strongly
           inclin'd
           .
           When
           the
           Heart
           is
           corrupt
           ,
           the
           ordinary
           Current
           of
           the
           Thoughts
           is
           in
           the
           Channel
           of
           our
           Lusts.
           The
           contriving
           Thoughts
           ,
           the
           Devices
           of
           the
           Mind
           ,
           the
           contemplative
           Thoughts
           and
           inward
           Musings
           are
           conversant
           about
           the
           beloved
           Lust
           that
           engages
           the
           Mind
           to
           it
           .
           Thus
           when
           Covetousness
           is
           the
           reigning
           Passion
           ,
           the
           Mind
           is
           in
           continual
           exercise
           to
           compass
           secular
           Ends
           :
           't
           is
           full
           of
           Projects
           how
           to
           order
           the
           Means
           most
           successfully
           to
           increase
           Riches
           ,
           and
           how
           to
           remove
           
           what-ever
           may
           obstruct
           the
           main
           Design
           .
           The
           Spirit
           is
           captivated
           ,
           and
           like
           a
           drudg
           in
           a
           Mill
           is
           continually
           grinding
           for
           the
           satisfaction
           of
           the
           earthly
           Appetite
           .
           When
           the
           more
           sensual
           voluptuous
           Passions
           are
           predominant
           ,
           the
           contriving
           Thoughts
           are
           to
           make
           Provisions
           
           
             for
             the
             Flesh
             to
             satisfy
             the
             Lusts
             thereof
             .
          
           The
           Understanding
           is
           debased
           to
           be
           the
           Pander
           and
           Caterer
           for
           the
           intemperate
           and
           incontinent
           Appetites
           .
           The
           ambitious
           Spirit
           lays
           the
           Scene
           how
           to
           obtain
           his
           desired
           Honour
           ,
           and
           forecasts
           how
           to
           ascend
           to
           some
           place
           of
           Eminence
           :
           so
           Anger
           sowred
           into
           Revenge
           ,
           envies
           at
           the
           Excellencies
           and
           Advancements
           of
           others
           ,
           turns
           the
           Mind
           to
           plot
           Mischief
           .
        
         
           The
           contemplative
           Thoughts
           and
           Musings
           of
           the
           Mind
           ,
           are
           also
           fix'd
           on
           the
           darling
           Lust.
           As
           a
           Holy
           Believer
           in
           whose
           Heart
           the
           desire
           of
           enjoying
           God
           in
           Heaven
           is
           the
           supreme
           Affection
           ,
           frequently
           ascends
           in
           his
           Mind
           thither
           ,
           and
           by
           solemn
           serious
           Thoughts
           substantiates
           his
           future
           Happiness
           ,
           and
           has
           an
           unspeakable
           glorious
           Joy
           in
           the
           lively
           hopes
           of
           it
           :
           Thus
           the
           unrenewed
           Heart
           turns
           the
           Thoughts
           to
           the
           desired
           Object
           ,
           either
           in
           representing
           it
           in
           all
           its
           Charms
           ,
           or
           in
           
           reflections
           upon
           the
           enjoyment
           of
           what
           is
           past
           ,
           or
           in
           expectation
           of
           what
           is
           to
           come
           ,
           and
           pleases
           it self
           with
           the
           Supposition
           instead
           of
           Fruition
           .
           A
           proud
           Person
           entertains
           vain-glorious
           thoughts
           of
           his
           own
           Worth
           ,
           and
           worships
           the
           vain
           Idol
           himself
           :
           In
           his
           Mind
           he
           repeats
           the
           Ecchoes
           of
           Praise
           ,
           that
           his
           foolish
           Flatterers
           lavish
           upon
           him
           .
           'T
           is
           recorded
           of
           Nebuchadnezzar
           ,
           that
           as
           he
           walk'd
           in
           his
           Palace
           ,
           he
           said
           ,
           
             Is
             not
             this
             great
          
           Babylon
           
             that
             I
             have
             built
             ,
             for
             the
             House
             of
             the
             Kingdom
             ,
             by
             the
             might
             of
             my
             Power
             ,
             and
             for
             the
             Honour
             of
             my
             Majesty
             ?
          
           His
           high
           towring
           words
           were
           the
           Expression
           of
           his
           Thoughts
           ,
           and
           discover'd
           Pride
           to
           be
           the
           reigning
           passion
           of
           his
           Heart
           .
           The
           sensual
           Wretch
           surveys
           his
           Carnal
           Paradise
           ,
           and
           personates
           the
           Pleasures
           of
           Sin
           by
           impure
           Imaginations
           :
           his
           fancy
           runs
           riotously
           over
           tempting
           Beauties
           :
           by
           an
           active
           Contemplation
           he
           contracts
           a
           new
           Stain
           ,
           and
           induces
           a
           new
           Guilt
           upon
           himself
           :
           he
           commits
           the
           same
           Sin
           a
           thousand
           times
           ,
           by
           renewing
           the
           pleasant
           Thoughts
           of
           it
           ,
           and
           by
           carnal
           complacence
           in
           the
           remembrance
           .
        
         
           In
           the
           silence
           of
           the
           Night
           ,
           when
           a
           Curtain
           of
           Darkness
           is
           drawn
           over
           the
           
           visible
           World
           ,
           and
           the
           Soul
           not
           diverted
           by
           sensible
           Objects
           ,
           is
           most
           free
           in
           its
           Operations
           ,
           then
           the
           Thoughts
           are
           conversant
           about
           the
           beloved
           Sin.
           'T
           is
           said
           of
           the
           Malicious
           and
           Revengeful
           ,
           
             They
             plot
             mischief
             upon
             their
             Beds
             .
          
           The
           rich
           Fool
           was
           contriving
           how
           to
           bestow
           his
           Fruits
           and
           Goods
           ,
           and
           entertaining
           himself
           with
           the
           thoughts
           of
           festival
           voluptuous
           living
           ,
           in
           the
           Night
           wherein
           his
           Soul
           was
           required
           .
           And
           in
           the
           Morning
           the
           Virgin
           Thoughts
           are
           prostituted
           to
           the
           beloved
           Lust.
           In
           the
           time
           of
           Divine
           Worship
           ,
           when
           the
           pure
           Majesty
           and
           special
           Presence
           of
           God
           should
           unite
           the
           Thoughts
           ,
           and
           compose
           the
           Soul
           to
           a
           holy
           solemn
           Frame
           ,
           then
           the
           beloved
           Lust
           will
           be
           so
           impudent
           and
           outragious
           as
           to
           break
           into
           the
           Mind
           the
           Chamber
           of
           Presence
           ,
           and
           seat
           it self
           there
           .
           As
           Lot's
           Wife
           led
           by
           an
           Angel
           out
           of
           Sodom
           ,
           turn'd
           a
           lingring
           Eye
           towards
           it
           ,
           so
           the
           Carnal
           Heart
           even
           in
           religious
           Service
           and
           Addresses
           to
           God
           ,
           reflects
           upon
           the
           sinful
           Object
           ,
           that
           has
           an
           attractive
           force
           upon
           it
           .
           'T
           is
           charg'd
           against
           those
           fine
           Hypocrites
           in
           
             Ezekiel
             ;
             They
             sit
             before
          
           
           
             thee
             as
             my
             People
             ,
             and
             hear
             thy
             words
             ,
             but
             they
             will
             not
             do
             them
             :
             for
             with
             their
             Mouth
             they
             shew
             much
             love
             ,
             but
             their
             Heart
             goeth
          
           
           
             after
             their
             Covetousness
          
           .
           'T
           is
           reckon'd
           as
           an
           high
           Aggravation
           of
           their
           Guilt
           ,
           
             Yea
             in
             my
             House
             have
             I
             found
             their
          
           
           
             Wickedness
             ,
             saith
             the
             Lord.
          
           The
           familiar
           Lust
           will
           haunt
           Men
           in
           the
           Divine
           Presence
           .
           This
           makes
           them
           cold
           and
           careless
           in
           Holy
           Duties
           ;
           this
           makes
           their
           Devotion
           so
           faint
           and
           dilute
           ,
           that
           God
           is
           infinitely
           provok'd
           by
           them
           .
           In
           short
           ,
           the
           darling
           Lust
           does
           so
           intirely
           and
           intensely
           fix
           the
           Mind
           upon
           it
           ,
           that
           Mens
           Accounts
           are
           dreadfully
           increast
           by
           the
           swarms
           of
           wicked
           Thoughts
           that
           defile
           their
           Souls
           :
           and
           in
           the
           Day
           of
           Judgment
           ,
           that
           is
           called
           the
           
             Day
             of
             Revelation
          
           ,
           there
           will
           be
           a
           discovery
           made
           to
           their
           everlasting
           Confusion
           .
        
         
           4.
           
           The
           Sin
           Men
           desire
           to
           conceal
           from
           others
           ,
           and
           from
           Conscience
           ,
           and
           are
           apt
           to
           defend
           or
           extenuate
           ,
           and
           are
           impatient
           of
           reproof
           for
           it
           ,
           has
           a
           special
           Interest
           in
           their
           Affections
           .
           Every
           Sinner
           is
           a
           Master
           of
           this
           Art
           ,
           to
           counterfeit
           the
           Vertues
           he
           wants
           ,
           and
           dissemble
           the
           Vices
           that
           he
           allows
           .
           'T
           is
           the
           Observation
           of
           
             Solomon
             ,
             God
             made
             Man
             upright
             ,
             but
             he
             sought
             out
             many
             Inventions
          
           ;
           especially
           to
           palliate
           and
           hide
           ,
           or
           to
           excuse
           his
           Faults
           .
           Sin
           in
           its
           native
           deformity
           is
           so
           foul
           ,
           that
           Men
           employ
           a
           great
           deal
           
           of
           Art
           and
           Study
           ,
           either
           to
           conceal
           it
           under
           a
           Vail
           of
           Darkness
           ,
           or
           a
           deceitful
           Mask
           of
           Vertue
           ,
           or
           by
           various
           Excuses
           to
           lessen
           its
           Guilt
           and
           Ignominy
           .
           Adam
           patch'd
           up
           an
           Apron
           of
           Fig-Leaves
           to
           cover
           his
           Nakedness
           ,
           a
           resemblance
           of
           his
           care
           to
           hide
           his
           Sin.
           David
           could
           not
           expect
           to
           deceive
           God
           ;
           but
           to
           hide
           his
           Adultery
           with
           Bathsheba
           from
           Men
           ,
           he
           sends
           for
           Uriah
           from
           the
           Army
           ,
           that
           he
           might
           have
           gone
           home
           to
           his
           Wife
           .
           'T
           is
           observ'd
           of
           Caesar
           and
           Pompey
           ,
           whose
           ambitious
           Spirits
           aspir'd
           to
           Sovereign
           Power
           ,
           they
           made
           use
           of
           some
           Ensigns
           of
           Royalty
           ,
           to
           accustom
           the
           People
           by
           degrees
           to
           them
           ,
           yet
           were
           crafty
           to
           hide
           their
           Design
           .
           Caesar
           sometimes
           appeared
           publickly
           with
           a
           Wreath
           of
           Lawrel
           on
           his
           Head
           ;
           but
           lest
           the
           People
           from
           his
           wearing
           that
           appearance
           of
           a
           Crown
           ,
           should
           be
           jealous
           of
           his
           Intention
           ,
           pretended
           it
           was
           only
           to
           supply
           his
           want
           of
           Hair
           ,
           and
           cover
           his
           baldness
           ▪
           Pompey
           wore
           a
           white
           Fillet
           curiously
           wrought
           about
           his
           Leg
           ,
           in
           pretence
           that
           his
           Leg
           was
           hurt
           ;
           but
           in
           truth
           ,
           because
           it
           was
           a
           Diadem
           ,
           a
           Royal
           Ornament
           ,
           *
           for
           which
           he
           was
           reproach'd
           by
           some
           strict
           Observer
           .
           There
           are
           innumerable
           Arts
           us'd
           to
           cover
           Mens
           respective
           Sins
           .
           I
           shall
           
           only
           instance
           in
           one
           that
           is
           usually
           practis'd
           :
           How
           do
           many
           ,
           like
           the
           crafty
           Lapwing
           that
           flutters
           at
           a
           distance
           from
           its
           Nest
           ,
           appear
           zealous
           against
           the
           visible
           Sins
           of
           others
           ,
           that
           under
           that
           shadowy
           Deceit
           they
           may
           hide
           their
           own
           ?
           Their
           Words
           feather'd
           with
           severe
           censure
           fly
           abroad
           ,
           wounding
           the
           Reputation
           of
           others
           for
           lesser
           Faults
           ,
           that
           they
           may
           not
           be
           suspected
           to
           be
           guilty
           of
           worse
           Sins
           secretly
           cherish'd
           by
           them
           .
        
         
           But
           if
           the
           beloved
           Sin
           be
           evident
           ,
           Satan
           assists
           the
           corrupt
           Mind
           to
           frame
           such
           colourable
           Pretences
           either
           to
           defend
           or
           excuse
           it
           ,
           that
           it
           may
           not
           appear
           in
           a
           ghastly
           manner
           ,
           attended
           with
           strict
           Judgment
           and
           an
           everlasting
           Hell.
           When
           a
           Lust
           has
           enticed
           and
           drawn
           away
           the
           Will
           ,
           the
           Mind
           is
           ingag'd
           to
           give
           colour
           to
           the
           Consent
           ,
           and
           either
           directly
           ,
           or
           in
           an
           oblique
           way
           to
           represent
           the
           Sin
           that
           it
           may
           appear
           less
           odious
           and
           more
           amiable
           .
           Sometimes
           the
           Understanding
           is
           so
           perverted
           by
           the
           impression
           of
           Pleasure
           ,
           that
           Conscience
           allows
           Concupiscence
           .
           'T
           is
           a
           repeated
           Observation
           of
           a
           *
           wise
           Philosopher
           ,
           that
           Vices
           were
           disguis'd
           under
           the
           resemblance
           of
           Vertues
           ,
           and
           Vertues
           disparag'd
           under
           the
           names
           of
           Vices
           ;
           from
           whence
           the
           Understanding
           
           and
           Will
           ,
           the
           Mind
           and
           Manners
           were
           depraved
           ,
           and
           shame
           was
           cast
           upon
           the
           Vertuous
           ,
           and
           boldness
           given
           to
           the
           Vicious
           .
           Profuseness
           is
           stil'd
           Magnificence
           ,
           Violence
           ,
           Valour
           ,
           Dissoluteness
           ,
           Gentility
           ,
           Fraud
           and
           Craft
           ,
           Prudence
           .
           On
           the
           contrary
           ,
           Sincerity
           is
           blasted
           with
           the
           name
           of
           Folly
           ,
           Patience
           reputed
           Stupidity
           ,
           and
           Conscience
           Superstition
           .
           The
           Proud
           will
           set
           off
           the
           the
           lofty
           Humour
           and
           Carriage
           as
           a
           decent
           greatness
           of
           Spirit
           ,
           and
           vilify
           the
           Humble
           as
           low
           and
           sordid
           .
           The
           Cholerick
           will
           ingage
           Reason
           to
           justify
           his
           Passion
           ;
           he
           will
           alledge
           the
           Provocation
           would
           anger
           an
           Angel.
           The
           Luke-warm
           in
           Religion
           ,
           will
           represent
           lukewarmness
           as
           a
           discreet
           Temperament
           between
           the
           vicious
           Extreams
           of
           a
           Wild-fire
           Zeal
           ,
           and
           a
           prophane
           coldness
           and
           neglect
           .
           The
           Earthly-minded
           will
           put
           flattering
           Colours
           on
           Covetousness
           ,
           to
           make
           it
           appear
           a
           praise-worthy
           Vertue
           ,
           a
           prudent
           provision
           for
           time
           to
           come
           .
           If
           Men
           are
           quite
           destitute
           of
           defence
           ,
           they
           will
           by
           a
           mild
           construction
           extenuate
           the
           guilt
           of
           their
           darling
           Sin.
           The
           incontinent
           Person
           will
           make
           a
           Canopy
           for
           his
           Lust
           ,
           as
           only
           a
           humane
           Frailty
           .
           The
           Intemperate
           will
           excuse
           his
           Excess
           ,
           
           as
           free
           Mirth
           and
           harmless
           Society
           .
           Many
           Apologies
           are
           made
           for
           the
           Sins
           Men
           indulgently
           commit
           ;
           some
           will
           plead
           in
           excuse
           ,
           a
           prone
           necessity
           of
           Nature
           ;
           some
           ,
           the
           Custom
           of
           the
           Places
           they
           live
           in
           ;
           some
           ,
           their
           unsettled
           Youth
           ;
           any
           thing
           that
           may
           lessen
           the
           turpitude
           in
           the
           view
           of
           Conscience
           ,
           or
           in
           the
           Opinion
           of
           others
           .
           Now
           pleading
           argues
           Love
           ,
           and
           Love
           denominates
           the
           Sin
           to
           be
           their
           own
           .
           *
           From
           hence
           it
           is
           that
           so
           many
           contract
           a
           desperate
           hardness
           ,
           and
           are
           irrecoverably
           depraved
           .
           But
           if
           Men
           cannot
           hide
           or
           excuse
           their
           beloved
           Sin
           ,
           they
           are
           impatient
           of
           reproof
           for
           it
           ,
           and
           with
           secret
           Discontent
           ,
           or
           stormy
           Passions
           ,
           reject
           Admonition
           .
           Some
           of
           fair
           Tempers
           and
           Conversation
           ,
           if
           a
           Minister
           or
           Friend
           be
           faithful
           to
           their
           Souls
           ,
           and
           with
           holy
           Zeal
           urges
           the
           divorcing
           Command
           of
           God
           between
           them
           and
           their
           pleasant
           Sins
           ,
           and
           represents
           sincerely
           the
           Guilt
           of
           their
           sinful
           course
           of
           Life
           ,
           they
           become
           fierce
           and
           vehement
           ,
           and
           recoil
           upon
           their
           Reprovers
           ,
           as
           arrogating
           imperious
           Authority
           ,
           or
           for
           Rigour
           and
           Severity
           ,
           or
           importinence
           in
           admonishing
           them
           ;
           and
           sometimes
           recriminate
           ,
           that
           the
           Reprover
           is
           as
           bad
           or
           worse
           himselfl
           :
           ike
           a
           River
           
           that
           passes
           without
           noise
           ,
           till
           it
           meets
           with
           the
           Arches
           of
           a
           Bridg
           that
           stops
           its
           free
           Current
           ,
           then
           it
           swells
           and
           roars
           .
           In
           short
           ,
           the
           indulgent
           Sinner
           will
           endeavour
           to
           defend
           his
           bosom-Sin
           ,
           or
           to
           subdue
           his
           Conscience
           that
           it
           may
           not
           torment
           him
           for
           it
           .
        
         
           5.
           
           The
           Sin
           that
           the
           enlightned
           Conscience
           reflects
           upon
           ,
           with
           anguish
           and
           bitter
           remorse
           ,
           is
           usually
           that
           which
           has
           been
           indulg'd
           ,
           and
           whereby
           God
           has
           been
           most
           dishonour'd
           ▪
           There
           is
           so
           deep
           an
           impression
           of
           the
           Deity
           in
           the
           Soul
           ,
           and
           our
           duty
           and
           accountableness
           ,
           that
           it
           cannot
           be
           utterly
           defac'd
           :
           and
           though
           the
           rebellious
           Will
           and
           Affections
           controul
           it
           for
           a
           time
           ,
           yet
           it
           remains
           for
           the
           Conviction
           and
           Punishment
           of
           Delinquents
           .
           Conscience
           is
           a
           Spy
           in
           our
           Bosoms
           ,
           and
           observes
           in
           order
           to
           a
           discovery
           ;
           and
           what
           is
           written
           in
           its
           Register
           cannot
           be
           razed
           out
           .
           'T
           is
           true
           ,
           a
           Spirit
           of
           Slumber
           sometimes
           seizes
           upon
           the
           Wicked
           ,
           and
           Conscience
           is
           so
           stupified
           ,
           that
           they
           sin
           without
           reflection
           and
           remorse
           ;
           but
           there
           are
           times
           wherein
           Conscience
           is
           rous'd
           up
           like
           a
           Lion
           ,
           and
           tears
           
             them
             in
             pieces
          
           according
           to
           the
           fearful
           Threatning
           .
           This
           is
           sometimes
           done
           by
           the
           powerful
           preaching
           of
           the
           
           Word
           :
           The
           Apostle
           describes
           
             the
             Word
             of
             God
          
           by
           its
           admirable
           efficacy
           ;
           
             'T
             is
             quick
             and
             powerful
             ,
             and
             sharper
             than
             any
             two-edged
             Sword
             ,
             piercing
             even
             to
             the
             dividing
             asunder
             the
             Soul
             and
             Spirit
             ,
             and
             of
             the
             Joints
             and
             Marrow
             ,
             and
             is
             a
             discerner
             of
             the
             Thoughts
             and
             Intents
             of
             the
             Heart
             ▪
          
           When
           the
           Word
           by
           a
           piercing
           Application
           discovers
           the
           bosom-Sin
           ,
           and
           the
           fearful
           Judgment
           that
           attends
           it
           ,
           so
           that
           the
           Guilty
           cannot
           obscure
           the
           Evidence
           of
           the
           one
           ,
           nor
           avoid
           the
           terror
           of
           the
           other
           ,
           then
           Conscience
           bleeds
           afresh
           that
           was
           seared
           before
           .
           There
           is
           recorded
           a
           wonderful
           Instance
           of
           this
           in
           the
           
             Acts
             of
             the
             Apostles
          
           ;
           when
           Paul
           the
           Prisoner
           
             reason'd
             of
             Righteousness
             ,
             Temperance
             ,
             &
             Judgment
             to
             come
             ,
          
           Felix
           trembled
           :
           The
           discoursing
           
           of
           those
           Vertues
           that
           were
           directly
           contrary
           to
           his
           habitual
           Enormities
           ,
           ript
           up
           his
           Conscience
           to
           the
           quick
           ,
           and
           struck
           into
           consternation
           that
           lofty
           Sinner
           .
           From
           hence
           it
           is
           that
           many
           decline
           a
           sharp
           and
           searching
           Ministry
           ,
           which
           is
           always
           the
           Token
           of
           a
           guilty
           Heart
           .
           The
           Word
           shining
           upon
           the
           Conscience
           
           (
           like
           the
           reflection
           of
           the
           Sun
           upon
           the
           Waters
           that
           made
           them
           appear
           like
           Blood
           )
           makes
           Sins
           to
           appear
           in
           their
           crimson
           Guilt
           ,
           their
           bloody
           Aggravations
           .
           
           Our
           Saviour
           tells
           us
           ,
           that
           
             the
             evil
          
           
           
             Doer
             neither
             loves
             or
             comes
             to
             the
             Light
             ,
             lest
             his
             Deeds
             should
             be
             reproved
             .
          
           When
           a
           powerful
           Preacher
           ,
           as
           a
           second
           Conscience
           ,
           as
           if
           he
           knew
           the
           Hearts
           and
           Ways
           of
           Men
           ,
           sets
           their
           Sins
           in
           order
           before
           their
           Eyes
           ,
           and
           closely
           applies
           the
           Threatnings
           of
           Divine
           Vengeance
           to
           them
           ,
           Conscience
           often
           joins
           with
           him
           ,
           and
           as
           a
           faithful
           Eccho
           repeats
           the
           terrible
           Truths
           to
           their
           conviction
           and
           anxiety
           ▪
        
         
           In
           times
           of
           Affliction
           ,
           
             when
             our
             Sins
             find
             us
             out
             ,
             we
             usually
             find
             out
             our
             Sins
             .
          
           In
           full
           Prosperity
           Men
           are
           strangers
           at
           Home
           ,
           and
           rarely
           look
           inward
           :
           they
           will
           not
           endure
           the
           Inquisition
           and
           Judicature
           of
           Conscience
           :
           Wealth
           and
           Wickedness
           harden
           them
           against
           the
           most
           serious
           Counsels
           ,
           the
           most
           solemn
           Reproofs
           and
           ardent
           Exhortations
           :
           they
           are
           blind
           to
           the
           Sun
           ,
           and
           deaf
           to
           Thunder
           ;
           but
           a
           sharp
           Affliction
           clears
           the
           Eyes
           ,
           unlocks
           the
           Ears
           ,
           opens
           the
           Heart
           ,
           and
           pricks
           the
           tender
           Vein
           .
           The
           awaken'd
           Penitent
           will
           make
           an
           exact
           search
           to
           find
           out
           the
           Achan
           ,
           the
           troubler
           of
           the
           Soul
           ,
           and
           the
           special
           Sin
           is
           so
           in
           the
           interpretation
           of
           the
           vigilant
           and
           afflicted
           Conscience
           .
           The
           bitter
           remembrance
           of
           that
           Sin
           is
           answerable
           to
           its
           Guilt
           ;
           
           the
           more
           it
           was
           indulg'd
           ,
           the
           more
           the
           Law
           of
           God
           was
           despis'd
           ,
           the
           more
           it
           wounds
           the
           Spirit
           :
           when
           the
           Pleasure
           is
           past
           ,
           nothing
           remains
           but
           the
           Sting
           and
           Poison
           .
           Joseph's
           Brethren
           ,
           who
           so
           long
           had
           been
           insensible
           of
           their
           treacherous
           selling
           him
           to
           Bondage
           and
           Misery
           ;
           yet
           in
           their
           Fears
           Conscience
           remembers
           it
           with
           aggravations
           of
           their
           unnatural
           Cruelty
           :
           
             And
             they
             said
             one
             to
             another
             ,
             We
             are
             verily
             guilty
             concerning
             our
             Brother
             ,
             in
             that
             we
             saw
             the
             anguish
             of
             his
             Soul
             ,
             when
             he
             besought
             us
             ,
             and
             we
             would
             not
             hear
             ;
             therefore
             is
             this
             distress
             come
             upon
             us
             .
          
        
         
           Lastly
           ,
           Consider
           the
           several
           kinds
           of
           Sins
           to
           find
           out
           your
           own
           :
           some
           are
           of
           Omission
           ,
           some
           of
           Commission
           ;
           some
           are
           Spiritual
           and
           Inward
           ;
           some
           are
           Carnal
           ,
           and
           acted
           with
           Noise
           and
           Notice
           ;
           some
           distinctly
           flow
           from
           visible
           Causes
           ;
           some
           spring
           from
           an
           unsuspected
           Fountain
           .
           There
           are
           many
           of
           a
           civil
           compos'd
           Conversation
           ,
           who
           are
           careless
           of
           spiritual
           Duties
           ,
           of
           holy
           Communion
           with
           God
           by
           raised
           solemn
           Thoughts
           ,
           and
           ardent
           desires
           ,
           of
           watchfulness
           over
           their
           Hearts
           ,
           to
           regulate
           their
           Aims
           and
           Affections
           by
           the
           pure
           Law
           ,
           and
           are
           insensible
           of
           their
           Neglect
           and
           Guilt
           .
           The
           unrenewed
           Nature
           has
           a
           strong
           reluctance
           
           against
           spiritual
           Duties
           .
           Many
           are
           righteous
           to
           Men
           ,
           and
           unrighteous
           towards
           God
           ;
           they
           do
           not
           pay
           those
           Duties
           that
           are
           indispensibly
           required
           from
           reasonable
           Creatures
           to
           the
           blessed
           Creator
           :
           the
           highest
           Love
           for
           his
           Perfections
           and
           Benefits
           ,
           an
           obedient
           respect
           to
           his
           Commands
           in
           their
           Actions
           ,
           a
           resigned
           submission
           to
           his
           Will
           and
           Wisdom
           ,
           an
           entire
           trust
           in
           his
           fatherly
           Providence
           ,
           and
           zeal
           for
           his
           Glory
           .
           Many
           rob
           him
           of
           that
           Time
           that
           is
           consecrated
           to
           his
           Service
           :
           the
           Lord's
           Day
           ,
           (
           though
           't
           is
           our
           Priviledg
           as
           well
           as
           Duty
           to
           keep
           it
           Holy
           )
           when
           the
           Publick
           Worship
           is
           at
           an
           end
           ,
           as
           if
           the
           remainder
           were
           unsanctified
           ,
           they
           wretchedly
           waste
           in
           complemental
           Visits
           ,
           in
           civil
           Matters
           ,
           in
           Discourses
           impertinent
           to
           the
           solemn
           Work
           of
           it
           .
           Many
           who
           are
           diligent
           to
           provide
           for
           their
           Families
           ,
           yet
           are
           as
           bad
           as
           Infidels
           in
           neglecting
           to
           instruct
           their
           Children
           and
           Servants
           in
           the
           saving
           Doctrine
           of
           the
           Gospel
           ,
           to
           command
           them
           to
           be
           circumspect
           in
           their
           Ways
           ,
           to
           set
           before
           them
           a
           living
           Pattern
           of
           Holiness
           ,
           and
           carelesly
           suffer
           their
           precious
           Souls
           to
           perish
           for
           ever
           .
           How
           many
           who
           ▪
           are
           not
           guilty
           of
           open
           rebellious
           Sins
           against
           the
           Law
           ,
           yet
           neglect
           the
           
           great
           indispensible
           Duty
           of
           the
           Gospel
           ,
           an
           humble
           ,
           unfeigned
           ,
           entire
           closing
           with
           Christ
           as
           their
           Prince
           and
           Saviour
           .
           They
           presume
           upon
           their
           moral
           Vertues
           ,
           of
           the
           safety
           and
           goodness
           of
           their
           Condition
           :
           they
           never
           had
           a
           feeling
           sense
           of
           their
           want
           of
           the
           imputed
           Righteousness
           of
           Christ
           to
           reconcile
           them
           to
           God
           ,
           nor
           of
           the
           Holy
           Spirit
           to
           make
           them
           partakers
           of
           the
           Divine
           Nature
           ;
           as
           if
           only
           the
           Prophane
           ,
           Riotous
           ,
           notorious
           Sinners
           ,
           had
           need
           of
           his
           most
           precious
           Merits
           and
           Mediation
           to
           abolish
           their
           Guilt
           ,
           and
           save
           them
           from
           Hell
           ,
           and
           of
           the
           Holy
           Spirit
           to
           sanctify
           them
           .
           From
           hence
           it
           is
           that
           many
           civil
           Persons
           remain
           in
           an
           unrenewed
           State
           ,
           and
           are
           the
           natural
           Subjects
           of
           Satan
           ,
           and
           die
           in
           their
           Sins
           .
           Some
           are
           regular
           in
           a
           course
           of
           Religious
           Duties
           ,
           they
           pray
           ,
           hear
           the
           Word
           ,
           receive
           the
           Sacrament
           ,
           but
           without
           those
           Holy
           Affections
           that
           are
           the
           Life
           of
           Religious
           Duties
           ,
           yet
           content
           themselves
           with
           the
           external
           bodily
           Service
           ,
           which
           is
           neither
           pleasing
           to
           God
           nor
           profitable
           to
           their
           Souls
           .
           Some
           cherish
           a
           secret
           Pride
           that
           they
           are
           not
           so
           bad
           as
           others
           ;
           some
           a
           vain
           presumption
           of
           the
           Divine
           Favour
           ,
           because
           they
           serve
           God
           in
           a
           purer
           way
           of
           Worship
           than
           
           others
           ,
           when
           they
           neglect
           substantial
           Religion
           that
           recommends
           us
           to
           his
           gracious
           Eye
           .
           Some
           will
           severely
           reflect
           upon
           the
           visible
           Sins
           of
           others
           ,
           whilst
           there
           is
           an
           unperceiv'd
           consumption
           of
           the
           spiritual
           Life
           in
           themselves
           .
           This
           may
           seem
           to
           proceed
           from
           the
           hatred
           of
           Sin
           ,
           when
           the
           real
           inward
           Motive
           is
           to
           quiet
           Conscience
           by
           an
           appearance
           of
           Zeal
           against
           Sin
           ,
           and
           make
           it
           inobservant
           of
           their
           inward
           voluntary
           Defects
           .
           The
           most
           excellent
           Things
           may
           be
           counterfeit
           ,
           Satan
           may
           transform
           himself
           into
           an
           Angel
           of
           Light
           ;
           sinful
           Affections
           may
           be
           varnish'd
           and
           gilded
           ,
           so
           as
           to
           be
           mistaken
           for
           Divine
           Graces
           .
           Briefly
           ,
           the
           Heart
           is
           an
           everlasting
           Deceiver
           ,
           and
           without
           a
           perpetual
           watchfulness
           ,
           we
           are
           in
           danger
           of
           close
           Corruptions
           that
           will
           blast
           our
           Sincerity
           .
           To
           find
           out
           our
           Sin
           ,
           't
           is
           requisite
           to
           search
           where
           we
           may
           think
           there
           is
           little
           reason
           to
           expect
           the
           finding
           it
           .
        
         
           2.
           
           I
           will
           now
           consider
           what
           the
           preserving
           himself
           from
           his
           peculiar
           Sin
           implies
           .
        
         
           1.
           
           An
           abstaining
           from
           the
           practice
           of
           that
           Sin.
           When
           David
           had
           an
           opportunity
           to
           destroy
           Saul
           ,
           his
           unrighteous
           and
           
           implacable
           Enemy
           ,
           and
           secure
           himself
           ,
           when
           excited
           to
           it
           by
           Abishai
           ,
           who
           would
           have
           dispatch'd
           him
           at
           a
           Blow
           ,
           yet
           he
           rejected
           the
           Temptation
           with
           abhorrence
           ;
           
             The
             Lord
             forbid
             that
             I
             should
          
           
           
             stretch
             forth
             my
             Hand
             against
             the
             Lord
             's
             Anointed
          
           ;
           thus
           he
           preserv'd
           his
           Innocence
           and
           Integrity
           .
        
         
           Our
           Saviour
           tells
           us
           ,
           
             He
             that
             commits
          
           
           
             Sin
             ,
             is
             a
             Servant
             of
             Sin
             :
          
           an
           indulgent
           course
           of
           Sin
           denominates
           a
           Person
           a
           Slave
           of
           Sin
           ,
           and
           a
           Rebel
           against
           God
           ,
           and
           is
           utterly
           inconsistent
           with
           Sincerity
           .
           'T
           is
           true
           ,
           an
           upright
           Man
           may
           fall
           by
           suddain
           surreption
           ,
           by
           an
           insinuating
           Infirmity
           into
           a
           foul
           Sin
           ,
           from
           which
           he
           has
           a
           setled
           aversation
           ,
           and
           keeps
           himself
           in
           the
           general
           Course
           of
           his
           Life
           :
           and
           that
           single
           Act
           of
           Sin
           is
           a
           blemish
           of
           his
           Integrity
           ,
           but
           retracted
           by
           a
           speedy
           Repentance
           ,
           does
           not
           denominate
           him
           a
           Hypocrite
           .
           One
           may
           be
           pale
           from
           an
           accidental
           surprize
           by
           fear
           ,
           or
           red
           through
           a
           suddain
           flush
           of
           Blood
           from
           Anger
           ,
           yet
           not
           be
           so
           by
           Complexion
           ;
           for
           the
           Complexions
           ,
           Pale
           and
           Sanguine
           ,
           are
           drawn
           by
           the
           Pencil
           of
           Nature
           ,
           the
           lively
           Characters
           of
           the
           predominant
           Humours
           ,
           and
           are
           usually
           visible
           in
           the
           Countenance
           .
        
         
         
           But
           although
           an
           upright
           Person
           keeps
           himself
           from
           the
           gross
           Acts
           of
           Sins
           that
           are
           clearly
           against
           natural
           Conscience
           ,
           and
           supernatural
           Grace
           ;
           yet
           whilst
           we
           are
           cloth'd
           with
           Flesh
           ,
           the
           Body
           of
           Sin
           does
           not
           finally
           expire
           ,
           and
           Temptations
           are
           as
           importunate
           as
           Flys
           about
           us
           ,
           (
           from
           whom
           the
           Tempter
           has
           his
           Title
           )
           that
           't
           is
           morally
           impossible
           to
           be
           absolutely
           undefiled
           :
           therefore
           Uprightness
           requires
           that
           we
           should
           carefully
           consider
           our
           weak
           side
           ,
           what
           Passions
           we
           are
           most
           inclinable
           to
           by
           our
           Temper
           ,
           and
           so
           diligently
           fortify
           our selves
           against
           them
           ,
           that
           they
           may
           not
           have
           dominion
           over
           us
           ;
           and
           though
           we
           cannot
           arrive
           ,
           yet
           we
           may
           advance
           towards
           the
           compleat
           conquest
           of
           Sin.
           And
           in
           our
           endeavours
           against
           the
           Sins
           to
           which
           we
           are
           most
           inclinable
           ,
           and
           that
           often
           foil
           us
           ,
           Constancy
           is
           inseparable
           from
           Sincerity
           .
           If
           we
           neglect
           the
           humbling
           of
           our
           Souls
           for
           unavoidable
           Infirmities
           ▪
           the
           earnest
           seeking
           for
           the
           Divine
           Mercy
           and
           Grace
           ,
           and
           a
           careful
           watching
           against
           them
           ,
           we
           so
           far
           decline
           from
           Uprightness
           .
        
         
           2.
           
           It
           implies
           the
           mortifying
           the
           inward
           Affection
           to
           that
           Sin.
           The
           Rule
           of
           our
           Duty
           requires
           this
           :
           
             Cleanse
             your
          
           
           
             Hands
             ye
             Sinners
             ,
             purify
             your
             Hearts
             ye
          
           
           double-minded
           .
           The
           Will
           is
           the
           proper
           Principle
           of
           Sin
           ,
           and
           from
           the
           depravation
           of
           the
           free
           Faculty
           actual
           Sins
           proceed
           .
           As
           the
           Love
           of
           the
           Subject
           is
           the
           Strength
           of
           the
           Prince
           ,
           so
           the
           Love
           of
           any
           Sin
           preserves
           its
           Dominion
           .
           There
           may
           be
           a
           concurrence
           of
           Circumstances
           to
           hinder
           the
           actual
           commission
           of
           Sin
           ,
           of
           which
           the
           Heart
           is
           guilty
           .
           An
           unclean
           Person
           ,
           when
           separated
           from
           the
           Object
           of
           his
           impure
           Desires
           ,
           may
           languish
           in
           his
           Lusts
           ,
           and
           by
           contemplative
           commission
           be
           guilty
           before
           God.
           A
           malicious
           Person
           may
           keep
           the
           Fire
           of
           Malice
           in
           his
           Breast
           ,
           without
           the
           least
           discovery
           by
           a
           Spark
           or
           Smoak
           in
           his
           Words
           or
           Actions
           ,
           waiting
           for
           an
           opportunity
           that
           he
           may
           take
           his
           full
           Revenge
           ,
           and
           is
           a
           Murderer
           in
           his
           Wishes
           .
           The
           rapacious
           desire
           of
           anothers
           Goods
           
           without
           actual
           Robbery
           ,
           induces
           the
           Guilt
           of
           Thest.
           There
           may
           be
           an
           invincible
           Bar
           between
           the
           sinful
           Affection
           and
           the
           Object
           .
        
         
           Sickness
           or
           Age
           may
           so
           waste
           the
           vigour
           of
           the
           Body
           ,
           that
           we
           cannot
           perform
           the
           gross
           Acts
           of
           Sin
           :
           But
           this
           Abstinence
           has
           no
           moral
           Value
           ,
           for
           it
           only
           proceeds
           from
           the
           disability
           of
           the
           Instrumental
           
           Faculties
           .
           If
           one
           in
           a
           Consumption
           leaves
           his
           Revelling
           and
           Licentiousness
           ,
           't
           is
           no
           sign
           of
           Divine
           Grace
           ,
           but
           of
           wasted
           Nature
           .
           As
           in
           a
           sick
           Person
           the
           Appetite
           fails
           ,
           
             the
             Soul
             abhors
          
           
           
             dainty
             Meat
          
           ;
           but
           if
           he
           recovers
           ,
           his
           Appetite
           revives
           ,
           and
           is
           more
           craving
           for
           his
           Abstinence
           :
           Thus
           many
           who
           could
           not
           enjoy
           their
           pleasant
           Lusts
           in
           the
           time
           of
           Diseases
           ,
           being
           restored
           to
           strength
           ,
           their
           vicious
           Affections
           are
           reincited
           by
           new
           Temptations
           ,
           and
           with
           greater
           excess
           act
           over
           their
           old
           Sins
           ,
           as
           if
           they
           would
           pay
           Interest
           for
           their
           impatient
           forbearance
           .
           An
           old
           Sinner
           may
           retain
           and
           cherish
           the
           Fire
           of
           Lust
           in
           his
           Heart
           ,
           when
           Age
           has
           snow'd
           upon
           his
           Head
           :
           As
           in
           Mount
           Aetna
           the
           sulphurious
           Fire
           and
           Snow
           are
           near
           together
           .
           But
           as
           the
           Philosopher
           observes
           ,
           If
           a
           young
           Eye
           were
           put
           into
           an
           old
           Man's
           Head
           ,
           he
           would
           see
           as
           clearly
           as
           ever
           .
           So
           if
           natural
           strength
           were
           restor'd
           in
           an
           unconverted
           Sinner
           ,
           he
           would
           be
           as
           ardent
           and
           active
           in
           prosecuting
           his
           carnal
           Desires
           as
           before
           .
        
         
           Terrors
           of
           Conscience
           may
           stop
           the
           current
           of
           Mens
           Lusts
           :
           Fear
           has
           Torment
           ,
           and
           is
           inconsistent
           with
           the
           Pleasures
           of
           Sin
           :
           the
           fear
           of
           visible
           Vengeance
           ,
           
           that
           sometimes
           strikes
           the
           Wicked
           ,
           or
           the
           apprehension
           of
           Judgment
           to
           come
           ,
           may
           controul
           the
           licentious
           Appetites
           from
           breaking
           forth
           into
           actual
           commission
           of
           Sins
           .
           But
           as
           when
           the
           Lions
           spared
           Daniel
           ,
           it
           was
           not
           from
           the
           change
           of
           their
           wild
           devouring
           Nature
           ,
           for
           they
           destroyed
           his
           Accusers
           immediately
           ,
           but
           from
           the
           suspending
           their
           hurtful
           Power
           :
           so
           when
           a
           strong
           fear
           lays
           a
           restraint
           upon
           the
           active
           Powers
           ,
           yet
           inward
           Lust
           is
           the
           same
           ,
           and
           would
           licentiously
           commit
           Sin
           ,
           were
           the
           Restraint
           
           taken
           away
           .
        
         
           The
           keeping
           ones
           self
           from
           Sin
           ,
           that
           is
           the
           sign
           of
           Uprightness
           proceeds
           from
           the
           mortification
           of
           
             the
             Flesh
             ,
             with
             the
             Affections
             and
             Lusts
             thereof
             .
          
           The
           Apostle
           tells
           us
           ,
           
             Carnal
             Circumcision
             ,
             without
             the
             Circumcision
             of
             the
             Heart
             ,
             was
             of
             no
             avail
             to
             obtain
             the
             Favour
             of
             God
             :
          
           So
           the
           outward
           forbearance
           of
           Sin
           without
           inward
           Purity
           ,
           can
           never
           commend
           us
           to
           the
           Divine
           Acceptance
           .
           A
           Rebel
           may
           be
           driven
           from
           the
           Frontiers
           ,
           but
           so
           long
           as
           he
           keeps
           the
           Royal
           City
           ,
           he
           is
           unsubdued
           :
           So
           if
           a
           Lust
           keeps
           possession
           of
           the
           Heart
           ,
           tho
           the
           executive
           Powers
           may
           be
           retained
           or
           disabled
           from
           the
           outward
           Acts
           ,
           it
           still
           reigns
           .
        
         
         
           3.
           
           I
           shall
           now
           prove
           that
           the
           keeping
           a
           Man's
           Self
           from
           his
           special
           Sin
           ,
           is
           an
           undeceiving
           evidence
           of
           Sincerity
           .
        
         
           1.
           
           God
           approves
           it
           :
           
             I
             was
             upright
             before
             him
             .
             God
             has
             not
             Eyes
             of
             Flesh
             ,
             he
             doth
             not
             see
             as
             Man
             sees
             .
          
           The
           deepest
           Breast
           is
           as
           clear
           as
           Christal
           in
           his
           sight
           .
           He
           
             weighs
             the
             Spirits
             of
             Men
          
           ,
           and
           exactly
           knows
           what
           is
           true
           Gold
           ,
           and
           what
           is
           counterfeit
           .
           He
           is
           the
           Searcher
           and
           Judg
           of
           our
           Hearts
           ,
           and
           his
           approbation
           is
           the
           strongest
           Seal
           of
           our
           Uprightness
           .
           As
           God
           said
           to
           
             Abraham
             ,
             Now
             I
             know
          
           
           
             thou
             fearest
             me
             ,
             in
             that
             thou
             hast
             not
             withheld
             thy
             Son
             ,
             thine
             only
             Son
             from
             me
             .
          
           So
           if
           we
           Sacrifice
           at
           his
           Command
           ,
           the
           Sin
           that
           is
           as
           dear
           to
           us
           as
           Isaac
           was
           to
           his
           Father
           ,
           the
           Sin
           of
           our
           Love
           and
           Delight
           ,
           the
           Sin
           that
           is
           ours
           by
           Choice
           and
           Custom
           ,
           then
           we
           shall
           hear
           the
           blessed
           Testimony
           from
           Heaven
           ,
           that
           we
           love
           God
           in
           sincerity
           ;
           he
           will
           own
           us
           as
           his
           Friends
           .
           Sincere
           Christians
           can
           appeal
           to
           God
           in
           the
           Psalmist's
           Language
           ,
           and
           with
           his
           Affections
           ;
           
             Lord
             ,
             search
             me
             ,
             and
             try
             me
             ,
             and
             see
             whether
             there
             be
             any
             way
             of
             Wickedness
             in
             me
             :
          
           they
           are
           not
           conscious
           of
           any
           indulged
           course
           of
           
           Sin
           ,
           which
           would
           make
           them
           fearful
           of
           his
           pure
           and
           piercing
           Eye
           .
        
         
           2.
           
           It
           will
           appear
           that
           the
           keeping
           our selves
           from
           our
           peculiar
           Sins
           ,
           is
           an
           infallible
           proof
           of
           Uprightness
           ,
           by
           considering
           in
           what
           it
           consists
           .
           In
           Scripture
           Uprightness
           is
           equivalent
           to
           Perfection
           and
           Integrity
           ,
           and
           opposite
           to
           Guilt
           .
        
         
           1.
           
           'T
           is
           equivalent
           to
           Perfection
           ;
           Mark
           
           
             the
             perfect
             Man
             ,
             and
             behold
             the
             Upright
             ;
             for
             the
             End
             of
             that
             Man
             is
             Peace
             .
          
           The
           absolute
           perfection
           of
           Holiness
           is
           not
           attainable
           upon
           Earth
           ,
           none
           are
           refin'd
           to
           a
           height
           of
           Purity
           without
           Mixtures
           and
           Allays
           :
           But
           according
           to
           the
           mitigation
           of
           the
           Gospel
           ,
           the
           Saints
           ,
           whose
           Aims
           ,
           Desires
           ,
           and
           Endeavours
           are
           to
           obtain
           Perfection
           ,
           are
           accepted
           in
           the
           Blessed
           Mediator
           as
           perfect
           .
           Now
           the
           indulgence
           of
           any
           darling
           Sin
           ,
           is
           utterly
           inconsistent
           with
           Perfection
           in
           the
           mild
           sense
           of
           the
           Gospel
           ,
           and
           consequently
           with
           Uprightness
           .
           This
           will
           be
           more
           evident
           ,
           by
           considering
           ,
           that
           Uprightness
           is
           equivalent
           with
           Integrity
           .
           The
           Psalmist
           prays
           ,
           
             Let
             Integrity
             and
             Uprightness
             preserve
             me
             .
          
           Integrity
           implies
           an
           uniform
           equal
           respect
           to
           all
           the
           Divine
           Commands
           .
           When
           Conscience
           of
           our
           Duty
           to
           God
           ,
           and
           the
           reverence
           of
           his
           
           Authority
           shining
           in
           his
           Law
           ,
           inclines
           us
           to
           obey
           all
           his
           Will
           ,
           we
           are
           upright
           .
           Partial
           Obedience
           that
           divides
           the
           Precepts
           ,
           and
           complies
           with
           those
           that
           are
           agreeing
           with
           our
           Carnal
           Affections
           and
           Interest
           ,
           and
           neglects
           the
           rest
           ,
           is
           an
           inconsistent
           with
           Sincerity
           as
           Death
           and
           Life
           .
           As
           the
           Soul
           in
           the
           natural
           Man
           is
           a
           vital
           Principle
           from
           whence
           all
           the
           Actions
           of
           Life
           and
           Sense
           proceed
           ;
           so
           renewing
           Grace
           is
           a
           Principle
           of
           Universal
           Obedience
           .
           Herod
           
             did
             many
             things
             gladly
             ,
             upon
             the
             preaching
             of
          
           John
           
             the
             Baptist
          
           :
           but
           he
           would
           not
           part
           with
           Herodias
           ,
           his
           charming
           Lust
           still
           had
           dominion
           in
           his
           Heart
           .
           The
           young
           Man
           observed
           other
           Commands
           of
           the
           Law
           ,
           but
           when
           our
           Saviour
           tried
           his
           Integrity
           ,
           by
           commanding
           him
           
             to
             sell
             all
             ,
             and
             to
             give
             it
             to
             the
             Poor
             ,
             and
             he
             should
             have
             Treasure
             in
             Heaven
          
           ;
           't
           is
           said
           ,
           
             he
             went
             away
             sorrowful
          
           :
           Covetousness
           was
           his
           bosom-Sin
           ,
           and
           blasted
           the
           sincerity
           of
           his
           Obedience
           .
        
         
           Uprightness
           is
           opposite
           to
           Guile
           .
           Our
           Saviour
           gives
           this
           Testimony
           of
           
             Nathanael
             ,
             Behold
             an
             Israelite
             indeed
             ,
             in
             whom
             there
             is
             no
             guile
          
           ;
           a
           genuine
           Son
           of
           Israel
           ,
           whose
           Character
           was
           Sincerity
           .
           Guile
           implies
           a
           reserved
           Affection
           for
           a
           
           particular
           Sin
           ,
           under
           a
           pretence
           of
           religious
           observing
           the
           Divine
           Law.
           The
           Scripture
           sets
           forth
           by
           Conjugal
           Love
           ,
           the
           dearest
           resemblance
           of
           the
           Mutual
           Love
           between
           Christ
           and
           his
           Church
           .
           If
           a
           Wife
           should
           take
           another
           besides
           her
           Husband
           into
           her
           Embraces
           ,
           she
           is
           an
           Adulteress
           ,
           false
           to
           her
           Husband
           ;
           and
           all
           her
           amiable
           attractive
           society
           with
           him
           ,
           is
           but
           the
           fine
           Hypocrisy
           and
           pretence
           of
           Love.
           Thus
           when
           one
           bosom-Sin
           is
           retain'd
           ,
           the
           Heart
           is
           false
           to
           God
           ,
           notwithstanding
           the
           most
           specious
           Devotion
           :
           the
           indulgent
           practice
           of
           one
           Sin
           impeaches
           our
           Integrity
           .
        
         
           To
           this
           I
           shall
           add
           select
           Examples
           of
           Uprightness
           recorded
           in
           Scripture
           .
           'T
           is
           said
           of
           
             Noah
             ,
             he
             was
             a
             just
             Man
             ,
             and
             perfect
             in
             his
             Generations
             :
             for
             when
             the
             whole
             World
             lay
             in
             wickedness
             ,
             he
             preserv'd
             himself
             unspotted
             from
             their
             Pollutions
             :
          
           this
           was
           a
           noble
           Testimony
           of
           his
           Uprightness
           in
           the
           esteem
           of
           God.
           Joseph
           repell'd
           the
           impure
           Sollicitations
           of
           his
           Mistress
           with
           indignation
           ;
           
             How
             shall
             I
             do
             this
             great
             Wickedness
             ,
             and
             sin
             against
             God
             ?
             David
          
           when
           old
           ,
           and
           his
           Blood
           and
           Spirits
           so
           frozen
           ,
           that
           no
           Cloaths
           could
           warm
           him
           ,
           that
           a
           fair
           young
           Virgin
           
           lying
           in
           his
           Bosom
           was
           not
           blemish'd
           by
           him
           ,
           was
           not
           from
           Divine
           Grace
           ,
           but
           wasted
           Nature
           :
           But
           that
           Joseph
           in
           the
           vigour
           of
           his
           Age
           ,
           the
           sinning
           Season
           ,
           kept
           himself
           undefiled
           ,
           was
           the
           sure
           symptom
           of
           Sincerity
           .
           Job
           has
           this
           Testimony
           from
           God
           ,
           that
           
             he
             was
             a
             perfect
             upright
             Man
             :
          
           and
           in
           the
           depth
           of
           his
           Affliction
           ,
           he
           tells
           his
           suspicious
           Friends
           ,
           
             Till
             I
             die
             ,
             I
             will
             not
             remove
             my
             Integrity
          
           
           
             from
             me
             :
             my
             Heart
             shall
             not
             reproach
             me
             so
             long
             as
             I
             live
          
           ;
           that
           is
           ,
           of
           reigning
           Hypocrisy
           of
           which
           they
           had
           accused
           him
           .
           His
           Uprightness
           he
           proves
           by
           an
           Induction
           :
           He
           preserv'd
           himself
           from
           the
           Sin
           of
           his
           Age
           :
           In
           his
           Youth
           ,
           when
           sensual
           Lusts
           are
           impetuous
           ,
           he
           
             made
             a
             Covenant
             with
             his
             Eyes
             not
             to
             look
             upon
             a
             Maid
             :
          
           and
           for
           this
           Reason
           ,
           because
           he
           was
           under
           
             the
             inspection
             and
             observance
             of
             God.
          
           He
           kept
           himself
           from
           the
           Sins
           of
           his
           Calling
           :
           he
           was
           a
           Magistrate
           ,
           and
           in
           the
           exercise
           of
           his
           Office
           ,
           
             his
             Foot
             never
             hasted
             to
             deceit
             ,
             and
             no
             Blot
             cleav'd
             to
             his
             Hand
             :
          
           Upon
           this
           he
           appeals
           to
           the
           inlightned
           Tribunal
           Above
           ,
           
             Let
             me
             be
             weighed
             in
             the
             Ballance
             ,
             that
             God
             may
             know
             my
             Integrity
             .
          
           He
           kept
           himself
           from
           the
           Sins
           of
           his
           Condition
           ;
           for
           tho
           high
           in
           Dignity
           ,
           yet
           so
           humble
           ,
           
             that
             he
          
           
           
             despised
             not
             the
             Cause
             of
             his
             Man-Servant
             or
             Maid-Servant
             that
             contended
             with
             him
             :
          
           tho
           in
           full
           Prosperity
           ,
           yet
           so
           compassionate
           ,
           that
           as
           a
           
             Father
             he
             fed
             the
             Poor
             ,
             and
             clothed
             the
             Naked
             .
          
           He
           was
           so
           sensible
           of
           his
           dependent
           mutable
           State
           here
           ,
           
             that
             Gold
             was
             not
             his
             Hope
             ,
             nor
             the
             fine
             Gold
             his
             Confidence
             :
          
           and
           so
           Heavenly
           and
           Spiritual
           in
           his
           Mind
           and
           Affections
           ,
           
             that
             he
             did
             not
             rejoice
             because
             his
             Wealth
             was
             great
             ,
             and
             because
             his
             Hand
             had
             gotten
             much
             .
          
           This
           Reflection
           upon
           the
           Temper
           of
           his
           Heart
           ,
           and
           his
           Deportment
           in
           his
           prosperous
           State
           ,
           was
           the
           main
           assurance
           of
           his
           Integrity
           .
        
         
           
             The
             APPLICATION
             .
          
           
             1.
             
             Let
             us
             be
             excited
             to
             make
             a
             Judgment
             of
             our selves
             by
             this
             Rule
             .
             The
             true
             Decision
             of
             our
             Spiritual
             State
             ,
             results
             from
             the
             Testimony
             of
             Conscience
             concerning
             our
             Uprightness
             or
             Insincerity
             .
             
               If
               our
               Hearts
               condemn
               us
               not
            
             of
             predominant
             Hypocrisy
             ,
             some
             indulged
             habitual
             Sin
             ,
             
               then
               have
               we
               Confidence
               towards
               God
               ,
            
             that
             we
             are
             accepted
             of
             him
             .
             If
             Conscience
             be
             inlightned
             and
             faithful
             in
             the
             Trial
             ,
             a
             Man
             cannot
             deliberately
             deceive
             himself
             :
             he
             must
             know
             whether
             
             his
             Resolutions
             and
             Endeavours
             be
             to
             obey
             
               all
               the
               Will
               of
               God
            
             ;
             or
             ,
             whether
             ,
             like
             an
             intermitting
             Pulse
             ,
             that
             sometimes
             beats
             regularly
             and
             then
             faulters
             ,
             he
             is
             zealous
             in
             some
             Duties
             ,
             and
             cold
             or
             careless
             in
             others
             ?
             Saul
             would
             offer
             Sacrifice
             ,
             but
             not
             obey
             the
             Divine
             Command
             to
             destroy
             all
             the
             Amalekites
             :
             for
             his
             Partiality
             and
             Hypocrisy
             he
             was
             rejected
             of
             God.
             But
             't
             is
             the
             Character
             of
             David
             ,
             he
             was
             a
             
               Man
               after
               God's
               own
               Heart
               ,
               in
               that
               he
               did
               all
               his
               Will.
            
             'T
             is
             not
             the
             Authority
             of
             the
             Lawgiver
             ,
             but
             other
             Motives
             that
             sway
             those
             who
             observe
             some
             Commands
             and
             are
             respectless
             of
             others
             .
             A
             Servant
             that
             readily
             goes
             to
             a
             Fair
             or
             a
             Feast
             when
             sent
             by
             his
             Master
             ,
             and
             neglects
             other
             Duties
             ,
             does
             not
             his
             Master's
             Command
             from
             Obedience
             ,
             but
             his
             own
             Choice
             .
             Sincere
             Obedience
             is
             to
             the
             Royalty
             of
             the
             Divine
             Law
             ,
             and
             is
             commensurate
             to
             its
             Purity
             and
             Extent
             .
          
           
             There
             are
             two
             Requisites
             to
             make
             a
             certain
             Sign
             of
             a
             thing
             :
             1.
             
             If
             the
             Sign
             be
             never
             without
             the
             Thing
             signified
             .
             2.
             
             If
             the
             Thing
             be
             never
             without
             the
             Sign
             .
             The
             Redness
             of
             the
             Sky
             is
             but
             a
             Contingent
             Sign
             of
             fair
             Weather
             ,
             because
             the
             appearance
             of
             it
             in
             the
             Morning
             
             is
             often
             followed
             with
             Storms
             and
             Rain
             ;
             and
             sometimes
             a
             fair
             day
             is
             without
             that
             visible
             Sign
             .
             But
             Day-light
             is
             an
             infallible
             sign
             of
             the
             Sun
             's
             being
             risen
             :
             for
             its
             ascending
             in
             the
             Horizon
             always
             causes
             day
             ,
             and
             without
             the
             presence
             of
             the
             Sun
             ,
             all
             inferiour
             Lights
             can
             never
             cause
             Day
             .
             Thus
             the
             abstaining
             from
             the
             beloved
             Lust
             is
             a
             sure
             sign
             of
             Uprightness
             :
             For
             't
             is
             inconsistent
             with
             Hypocrisy
             ,
             and
             the
             inseparable
             Effect
             of
             Sincerity
             .
             'T
             is
             inconsistent
             with
             Hypocrisy
             :
             till
             Divine
             Grace
             cleanses
             the
             Heart
             ,
             alters
             the
             Taste
             of
             our
             Appetites
             ,
             and
             purifies
             our
             Affections
             ,
             we
             shall
             never
             detest
             and
             forsake
             our
             own
             Sins
             that
             are
             flesh'd
             in
             our
             Natures
             .
          
           
             'T
             is
             true
             ,
             there
             may
             be
             an
             abstaining
             from
             some
             Sins
             ,
             when
             the
             Heart
             is
             not
             sincere
             towards
             God
             :
             for
             some
             particular
             Sins
             are
             opposite
             to
             the
             respective
             Tempers
             of
             Men
             ,
             and
             the
             Averseness
             from
             them
             is
             not
             the
             Effect
             of
             Supernatural
             Grace
             ,
             but
             of
             natural
             Constitution
             .
             As
             that
             Meat
             that
             is
             delicious
             to
             one
             Palate
             ,
             to
             another
             is
             distasteful
             ;
             so
             the
             Sins
             that
             have
             a
             Temperamental
             Relish
             to
             some
             ,
             are
             disagreeing
             to
             others
             .
          
           
             'T
             is
             observ'd
             of
             those
             who
             are
             stung
             with
             a
             Tarantula
             ,
             the
             sweetest
             Musick
             
             does
             not
             move
             them
             till
             those
             Notes
             are
             struck
             that
             are
             harmonious
             with
             their
             Distemper
             ,
             and
             then
             delightfully
             transported
             ,
             they
             fall
             a
             dancing
             till
             their
             Strength
             is
             spent
             .
             Thus
             Temptations
             are
             prevalent
             according
             to
             the
             Complexional
             Lusts
             of
             Human
             Nature
             .
             But
             when
             there
             is
             no
             Harmony
             and
             Agreement
             between
             the
             Objects
             without
             and
             the
             Affections
             within
             ,
             the
             Tempter
             loses
             his
             design
             .
             Avoluptuous
             Brute
             ,
             whose
             Heart
             is
             always
             smothering
             or
             flaming
             with
             impure
             Desires
             ,
             may
             have
             no
             Inclination
             to
             Covetousness
             :
             a
             covetous
             Wretch
             ,
             whose
             Soul
             cleaves
             to
             the
             Earth
             ,
             may
             feel
             no
             Temptation
             at
             the
             sight
             of
             an
             exquisite
             Beauty
             .
             Some
             are
             made
             Captives
             by
             one
             Passion
             and
             some
             by
             another
             .
             In
             the
             mysterious
             Fable
             ,
             Perseus
             who
             encounter'd
             the
             Terrors
             of
             Medusa
             ,
             was
             easily
             overcome
             by
             the
             Beauty
             of
             Andromeda
             .
             
             Vertue
             victorious
             over
             Fear
             is
             often
             corrupted
             by
             Pleasure
             .
          
           
             Besides
             ,
             some
             Lusts
             are
             of
             a
             repugnant
             Nature
             .
             This
             difference
             is
             observable
             between
             Errors
             and
             Truth
             ,
             Vices
             and
             Vertues
             .
             Errors
             are
             inconsistent
             and
             irreconcileable
             ,
             and
             at
             War
             among
             themselves
             :
             but
             Truth
             has
             an
             universal
             Consent
             
             and
             mutual
             Dependance
             in
             all
             its
             parts
             :
             there
             is
             no
             Contrariety
             between
             natural
             and
             supernatural
             Verities
             .
             Vices
             are
             sometimes
             so
             contrary
             in
             their
             Ends
             and
             Exercise
             ,
             that
             they
             fall
             foul
             upon
             one
             another
             ,
             that
             none
             can
             be
             so
             universally
             wicked
             ,
             as
             to
             commit
             all
             Sins
             ,
             but
             if
             he
             be
             addicted
             to
             one
             must
             forsake
             the
             other
             .
             But
             there
             is
             a
             Connexion
             between
             the
             Graces
             of
             the
             Holy
             Spirit
             ;
             tho
             different
             in
             their
             Objects
             and
             Natures
             ,
             yet
             they
             have
             the
             same
             Tendency
             ,
             the
             Glory
             of
             God
             and
             our
             own
             Salvation
             ,
             and
             are
             united
             in
             the
             Subject
             .
             There
             is
             but
             one
             way
             to
             Heaven
             ,
             as
             there
             can
             be
             but
             one
             straight
             way
             to
             a
             place
             :
             but
             there
             are
             innumerable
             Deviations
             from
             it
             ,
             as
             many
             
               crooked
               ways
            
             to
             Hell
             as
             there
             are
             sinful
             Lusts
             that
             bring
             Men
             thither
             .
             The
             Prophet
             tells
             us
             ,
             
               All
               we
               like
               Sheep
               have
               gone
               astray
               ,
               every
               one
               in
               his
               own
               way
               .
            
             There
             are
             many
             By-paths
             that
             lead
             to
             Destruction
             .
          
           
             We
             must
             also
             observe
             to
             prevent
             Mistakes
             ,
             there
             may
             be
             a
             forsaking
             of
             a
             particular
             Sin
             that
             has
             been
             delightful
             and
             predominant
             ,
             without
             Sincerity
             towards
             God
             :
             for
             another
             Lust
             may
             have
             got
             possession
             of
             the
             Heart
             and
             take
             the
             Throne
             .
             There
             is
             an
             alternate
             Succession
             
             of
             Appetites
             in
             the
             corrupt
             Nature
             ,
             according
             to
             the
             Change
             of
             Mens
             Tempers
             or
             Interests
             in
             the
             World.
             As
             Seeds
             sown
             in
             that
             order
             in
             a
             Garden
             ,
             that
             't
             is
             always
             full
             of
             the
             Fruits
             in
             Season
             :
             so
             original
             Sin
             that
             is
             sown
             in
             our
             Nature
             ,
             is
             productive
             of
             divers
             Lusts
             ,
             some
             in
             the
             Spring
             ,
             others
             in
             the
             Summer
             of
             our
             Age
             ,
             some
             in
             the
             Autumn
             ,
             others
             in
             the
             Winter
             .
             Sensual
             Lusts
             flourish
             in
             Youth
             ,
             but
             when
             mature
             Age
             has
             cool'd
             these
             Desires
             ,
             Worldly
             Lusts
             succeed
             ;
             In
             old
             Age
             there
             is
             no
             relish
             of
             Sensuality
             ,
             but
             Covetousness
             reigns
             imperiously
             .
             And
             as
             the
             Conditions
             and
             Interests
             of
             Men
             alter
             ,
             so
             their
             Affections
             change
             ;
             they
             are
             not
             constant
             to
             their
             Bosom-Sins
             .
             Now
             he
             that
             expels
             one
             Sin
             ,
             and
             entertains
             another
             ,
             continues
             in
             a
             State
             of
             Sin
             ;
             't
             is
             but
             exchanging
             of
             one
             Familiar
             for
             another
             ;
             or
             to
             borrow
             the
             Prophet's
             Expression
             ,
             
               'T
               is
               as
               if
               one
               should
               fly
               from
               a
               Lion
               and
               meet
               with
               a
               Bear
               ,
               that
               will
               as
               certainly
               devour
               him
               .
            
          
           
             2.
             
             The
             forsaking
             our
             respective
             Sin
             is
             the
             inseparable
             Effect
             of
             Uprightness
             .
             It
             has
             been
             proved
             before
             ,
             that
             if
             the
             Heart
             be
             divided
             between
             Obedience
             to
             the
             Divine
             Law
             ,
             and
             Inclination
             to
             any
             
             Sin
             ,
             't
             is
             false
             to
             God.
             Repenting
             Ephraim
             said
             ,
             
               What
               have
               I
               to
               do
               any
               more
               with
            
             
             Idols
             ?
             an
             Expression
             of
             vehement
             detestation
             :
             Idolatry
             had
             been
             the
             reigning
             Sin
             of
             that
             Tribe
             ,
             and
             therefore
             the
             renouncing
             of
             Idols
             was
             a
             clear
             convincing
             Sign
             of
             their
             sound
             Conversion
             .
             It
             is
             impossible
             that
             sincere
             Love
             to
             God
             ,
             and
             the
             habitual
             allowance
             of
             a
             known
             Sin
             should
             be
             in
             the
             same
             Heart
             ,
             as
             for
             the
             Ark
             of
             God
             and
             the
             Idol
             of
             the
             Philistins
             to
             be
             plac'd
             on
             the
             same
             Altar
             :
             Uprightness
             is
             consistent
             with
             Frailties
             ,
             but
             not
             with
             chosen
             Lusts.
             As
             Loyalty
             to
             the
             Prince
             is
             consistent
             with
             some
             Actions
             contravening
             his
             Laws
             ,
             that
             proceed
             from
             Ignorance
             or
             Surprize
             :
             But
             Loyalty
             is
             inconsistent
             with
             Rebellion
             that
             is
             open
             Treason
             ,
             or
             with
             treasonable
             Designs
             that
             are
             secret
             Rebellion
             .
             So
             any
             Sin
             that
             Men
             presumptuously
             live
             in
             ,
             or
             consent
             to
             in
             their
             Hearts
             ,
             is
             absolutely
             inconsistent
             with
             Uprightness
             .
          
           
             2.
             
             Let
             us
             be
             excited
             to
             keep
             our selves
             with
             all
             Diligence
             from
             our
             Iniquity
             .
             This
             is
             the
             Master-piece
             of
             Mortification
             ,
             the
             noble
             effect
             of
             renewing
             Grace
             ,
             and
             very
             difficult
             to
             the
             corrupt
             Nature
             .
             
             To
             enforce
             this
             Duty
             ,
             I
             will
             propound
             those
             Motives
             and
             Means
             as
             are
             very
             conducing
             for
             our
             performance
             of
             it
             .
          
           
             The
             Motives
             are
             ,
          
           
             1.
             
             Habitual
             indulged
             Lusts
             are
             irreconcileable
             with
             the
             state
             of
             Grace
             ;
             they
             render
             the
             Sinner
             ,
             till
             forsaken
             ,
             uncapable
             of
             God's
             pardoning
             Mercy
             here
             ,
             and
             the
             heavenly
             Glory
             hereafter
             .
             The
             Gospel
             is
             a
             gracious
             Act
             of
             Oblivion
             for
             the
             restoring
             of
             Rebellious
             Sinners
             to
             the
             Favour
             of
             God
             :
             but
             the
             Pardon
             is
             obtained
             upon
             Conditions
             that
             are
             indespensable
             .
             Mercy
             is
             assured
             to
             penitent
             Believers
             for
             all
             their
             Sins
             of
             Ignorance
             ,
             and
             those
             Frailties
             that
             are
             the
             Causes
             of
             their
             daily
             Sorrow
             and
             Watchfulness
             ,
             and
             for
             all
             presumptuous
             Sins
             retracted
             by
             Repentance
             :
             but
             the
             Saviour
             of
             the
             World
             excludes
             the
             impenitent
             and
             unreform'd
             from
             Mercy
             ;
             
               unless
               ye
               repent
               ,
               ye
               shall
               all
               likewise
               perish
               .
            
             Now
             when
             Repentance
             is
             sound
             and
             solemn
             ,
             the
             Spirit
             is
             deeply
             wounded
             for
             that
             Sin
             whereby
             God
             has
             been
             most
             dishonoured
             ,
             and
             his
             Law
             violated
             :
             The
             remembrance
             of
             it
             opens
             a
             full
             stream
             of
             Tears
             ,
             &
             excits
             a
             holy
             Hatred
             :
             and
             according
             to
             the
             degrees
             of
             Sorrow
             and
             Revenge
             ,
             there
             will
             be
             care
             to
             preserve
             our selves
             from
             that
             Sin.
             
             The
             Psalmist
             saith
             ,
             
               Blessed
               is
               the
               Man
               to
               whom
               the
               Lord
               imputes
               no
               Iniquity
               ,
               in
               whose
               Spirit
               there
               is
               no
               Guile
            
             ;
             implying
             ,
             that
             one
             reserved
             Lust
             which
             is
             a
             certain
             Argument
             of
             Deceit
             in
             the
             fairest
             Professors
             of
             Religion
             ,
             is
             a
             Bar
             against
             the
             Pardon
             of
             our
             Sins
             .
             The
             Tenor
             of
             the
             unchangeable
             Covenant
             of
             Grace
             is
             ,
             
               I
               will
               write
               my
               Laws
               in
               their
               Hearts
               ;
               and
               I
               will
               be
               merciful
               to
               their
               Unrighteousness
               ,
               and
               their
               Sins
               and
               Iniquities
               I
               will
               remember
               no
               more
               :
            
             God
             promises
             to
             reconcile
             their
             Affections
             to
             his
             Commands
             .
             The
             Law
             may
             be
             written
             in
             the
             Mind
             and
             Memory
             of
             an
             unsanctified
             Person
             ,
             for
             the
             Ideas
             of
             the
             most
             repugnant
             things
             are
             consistent
             in
             those
             Faculties
             ;
             but
             the
             Heart
             is
             not
             capable
             of
             contrary
             Objects
             :
             the
             Love
             of
             God's
             Law
             expels
             the
             predominant
             Love
             of
             Sin.
             Now
             since
             the
             Promise
             of
             Pardon
             is
             in
             Conjunction
             with
             inward
             Sanctification
             ,
             which
             implies
             an
             universal
             Aversion
             from
             Sin
             ,
             't
             is
             evident
             that
             indulged
             habitual
             Lusts
             are
             not
             capable
             of
             Pardon
             :
             whatever
             quality
             the
             Sin
             be
             of
             ,
             whether
             of
             Omission
             or
             Commission
             ,
             the
             allowance
             makes
             it
             destructive
             to
             Sinners
             .
             As
             from
             what
             Corner
             soever
             a
             blasting
             Wind
             comes
             ,
             whether
             from
             the
             East
             or
             the
             North
             ,
             it
             destroys
             
             the
             Fruits
             .
             If
             but
             one
             selected
             Sin
             remains
             in
             the
             Affections
             and
             Practice
             ,
             it
             contracts
             the
             Malignity
             of
             all
             the
             rest
             ,
             and
             will
             prove
             deadly
             to
             the
             Soul.
             
          
           
             'T
             is
             not
             a
             presumptuous
             reliance
             on
             the
             Merits
             of
             Christ
             will
             
               save
               Men
               with
               their
               Sins
            
             .
          
           
             The
             Atonement
             made
             to
             Divine
             Justice
             by
             the
             precious
             Sacrifice
             of
             the
             Lamb
             of
             God
             ,
             was
             never
             designed
             for
             the
             reconciling
             God
             to
             those
             who
             with
             depraved
             Obstinacy
             continue
             in
             their
             Sins
             :
             't
             is
             utterly
             inconsistent
             with
             the
             Divine
             Wisdom
             ,
             Holiness
             ,
             Justice
             ,
             and
             Truth
             ,
             to
             appoint
             a
             Sacrifice
             for
             the
             Expiation
             of
             final
             Impenitency
             :
             Such
             out-sin
             the
             Death
             of
             Christ
             ,
             I
             will
             not
             say
             as
             to
             its
             infinite
             Merit
             ,
             but
             as
             to
             the
             Application
             and
             intended
             Benefit
             of
             it
             .
             The
             Value
             of
             his
             Death
             to
             abolish
             the
             Guilt
             ,
             and
             the
             Vertue
             of
             it
             to
             mortify
             the
             Power
             of
             Sin
             are
             inseparable
             .
             The
             precicious
             Balm
             has
             a
             fragrant
             Smell
             that
             revives
             the
             Spirits
             ,
             but
             without
             applying
             its
             Substance
             to
             the
             Wound
             the
             Scent
             will
             not
             heal
             it
             .
             The
             Soul
             must
             feel
             the
             Power
             of
             Christ's
             Sufferings
             to
             kill
             our
             Sins
             ,
             otherwise
             the
             pleasing
             belief
             of
             his
             Righteousness
             will
             not
             justify
             us
             before
             God.
             The
             Mercy-Seat
             sprinkled
             
             with
             his
             Blood
             affords
             Protection
             from
             the
             Avenger
             to
             all
             relenting
             ,
             returning
             Sinners
             ;
             but
             Justice
             will
             tear
             the
             presumptuous
             Sinner
             from
             the
             Horns
             of
             the
             Altar
             .
          
           
             The
             most
             rigorous
             Penance
             will
             not
             avail
             without
             mortifying
             the
             Affection
             to
             Sin
             :
             the
             most
             severe
             Discipline
             to
             the
             Body
             ,
             is
             but
             like
             a
             Mountebanck's
             applying
             the
             Salve
             to
             the
             Weapon
             without
             dressing
             the
             Wound
             ,
             that
             cannot
             work
             a
             found
             Cure.
             
          
           
             The
             dispensing
             of
             the
             Treasure
             of
             
               Merits
               to
               penitent
               Pay-Masters
            
             ,
             and
             
               giving
               mercenary
               Bills
               of
               Exchange
            
             to
             receive
             Righteousness
             from
             others
             ,
             is
             so
             wretched
             and
             transparent
             a
             Fallacy
             ,
             that
             were
             not
             the
             Minds
             of
             Men
             prodigiously
             stupified
             ,
             it
             is
             impossible
             they
             should
             believe
             it
             will
             avail
             them
             before
             the
             Judgment-Seat
             of
             God.
             
          
           
             Let
             our
             Prayers
             be
             never
             so
             frequent
             and
             earnest
             ,
             they
             are
             of
             no
             prevalency
             with
             God
             whilst
             the
             beloved
             Sin
             is
             retain'd
             .
             The
             Condition
             of
             our
             favourable
             Audience
             is
             set
             down
             by
             Solomon
             in
             his
             Divine
             Prayer
             at
             the
             Dedication
             of
             the
             Temple
             ;
             
               What
               Prayer
               or
               Supplication
            
             
             
               soever
               be
               made
               by
               any
               Man
               ,
               or
               by
               all
               the
               People
               of
            
             Israel
             ,
             
               which
               shall
               know
               every
            
             
             
               Man
               the
               Plague
               of
               his
               own
               Heart
               ,
               and
               spread
               forth
               his
               hand
               to
               Heaven
               ;
               then
               hear
               thou
               in
               Heaven
               ,
               and
               hearing
               forgive
               .
            
             If
             they
             shall
             be
             sensible
             of
             the
             Bosom-Sin
             ,
             of
             its
             pestilential
             Malignity
             ,
             and
             with
             repenting
             Sorrow
             acknowledg
             and
             forsake
             it
             ,
             they
             are
             prepared
             Objects
             of
             Mercy
             .
             David
             saith
             ,
             
               If
               I
               regard
               Iniquity
               in
               my
               Heart
               ,
               the
               Lord
               will
               not
               hear
               my
               Prayer
               .
            
             God
             sees
             through
             all
             the
             Disguises
             of
             Hypocrites
             ,
             and
             has
             a
             bright
             prospect
             into
             the
             Heart
             ,
             if
             any
             insinuating
             Infirmity
             be
             cherish'd
             there
             ,
             it
             will
             make
             him
             averse
             from
             our
             Persons
             and
             Requests
             .
          
           
             'T
             is
             not
             the
             performance
             of
             religious
             and
             charitable
             Duties
             ,
             that
             will
             purchase
             Indulgence
             for
             a
             beloved
             Sin.
             The
             most
             costly
             Sacrifices
             ,
             the
             most
             liberal
             Charities
             ,
             are
             neither
             pleasing
             to
             God
             nor
             profitable
             to
             us
             without
             an
             unfeigned
             renouncing
             of
             our
             Sins
             .
             'T
             is
             a
             carnal
             Shift
             that
             many
             use
             to
             excuse
             the
             Practice
             of
             a
             chosen
             Sin
             ,
             by
             the
             doing
             some
             good
             things
             :
             many
             strict
             Observers
             of
             the
             Rituals
             of
             Religion
             ,
             are
             dissolute
             Epicures
             :
             as
             if
             they
             might
             compensate
             for
             their
             voluntary
             Defects
             in
             one
             Duty
             by
             their
             care
             in
             another
             .
             But
             if
             Conscience
             be
             not
             so
             far
             stupified
             that
             it
             can
             
             neither
             hear
             ,
             nor
             see
             ,
             nor
             speak
             ,
             't
             is
             impossible
             but
             the
             guilty
             Deceiver
             must
             be
             terrified
             with
             the
             words
             of
             St.
             
               James
               ,
               That
               whosoever
               shall
               keep
               the
               whole
               Law
               ,
               yet
               offend
               in
               one
               point
               ,
               he
               is
               guilty
               of
               all
               :
            
             The
             most
             strict
             Observance
             of
             one
             Precept
             will
             not
             excuse
             Disobedience
             to
             another
             :
             the
             voluntary
             continued
             Transgression
             of
             any
             Command
             involves
             a
             Man
             under
             the
             Guilt
             of
             breaking
             the
             entire
             Law
             ,
             the
             Divine
             Authority
             being
             despised
             that
             makes
             it
             binding
             .
             I
             will
             instance
             in
             one
             kind
             of
             Sins
             .
             Many
             that
             have
             increas'd
             their
             Estates
             by
             Craft
             and
             Circumvention
             ,
             
             or
             by
             Violence
             and
             Rapine
             ,
             will
             bequeath
             part
             to
             pious
             uses
             ,
             presuming
             by
             a
             kind
             of
             Composition
             with
             God
             to
             be
             discharged
             of
             their
             guilty
             Gains
             .
             St.
             Austin
             observes
             that
             some
             in
             his
             time
             thought
             it
             to
             be
             Obedience
             to
             the
             Command
             of
             our
             Saviour
             ,
             
               Make
               your selves
               Friends
               of
               the
               Mammon
               of
               Unrighteousness
               ,
               that
               when
               ye
               fail
               they
               may
               receive
               you
               into
               everlasting
               Habitations
               .
            
             This
             is
             to
             defile
             and
             debase
             the
             Name
             of
             the
             Righteous
             and
             Holy
             God
             ,
             't
             is
             to
             make
             him
             altogether
             like
             to
             corrupt
             Men
             ,
             as
             if
             he
             would
             be
             brib'd
             to
             patronize
             their
             Wickedness
             .
             And
             in
             other
             cases
             ,
             thus
             monstrously
             Carnal
             Men
             
             bend
             the
             Rule
             of
             Rectitude
             to
             the
             Obliquity
             of
             their
             Desires
             .
             They
             are
             willing
             to
             deceive
             themselves
             ,
             and
             imagine
             that
             only
             Ministers
             of
             a
             preciser
             strain
             will
             terrify
             them
             with
             eternal
             Judgment
             for
             one
             retained
             Sin
             ;
             they
             desire
             and
             are
             apt
             to
             believe
             such
             a
             Mercy
             ,
             as
             will
             bring
             them
             to
             Heaven
             with
             their
             Sins
             in
             their
             Bosoms
             .
             But
             the
             Apostle
             warns
             us
             ,
             
               Be
               not
               deceived
               ,
               God
               is
               not
               mocked
               ;
               as
               a
               Man
               sows
               ,
               so
               shall
               he
               reap
               .
            
          
           
             There
             are
             sure
             and
             tender
             Mercies
             for
             the
             Upright
             ;
             but
             strict
             and
             certain
             Justice
             for
             the
             Wicked
             .
             Sincerity
             is
             so
             amiable
             and
             pleasing
             in
             God's
             Eyes
             ,
             that
             he
             graciously
             passes
             by
             many
             Infirmities
             upon
             that
             account
             .
             It
             is
             said
             of
             
               Asa
               ,
               that
               his
               Heart
               was
               perfect
               all
               his
            
             
             days
             ,
             and
             notwithstanding
             some
             gross
             Faults
             ,
             God
             accepted
             him
             .
             But
             when
             the
             Heart
             is
             corrupted
             by
             the
             love
             of
             some
             pleasant
             or
             profitable
             Sin
             ,
             it
             renders
             a
             Person
             with
             the
             most
             specious
             Services
             odious
             in
             God's
             sight
             .
             In
             short
             ,
             indulged
             known
             Sins
             that
             Men
             habitually
             commit
             in
             hopes
             of
             an
             easie
             Absolution
             ,
             are
             not
             the
             Spots
             of
             God's
             Children
             .
             'T
             is
             so
             directly
             contrary
             to
             the
             
               Divine
               Nature
            
             ,
             to
             that
             holy
             ingenuous
             Fear
             of
             offending
             our
             heavenly
             Father
             
             resulting
             from
             it
             ,
             that
             only
             the
             Wicked
             are
             capable
             of
             such
             a
             disposition
             .
             Presumptuous
             Sins
             are
             a
             contumelious
             abuse
             of
             Divine
             Mercy
             ,
             and
             exasperate
             that
             high
             and
             tender
             attribute
             to
             the
             confusion
             of
             Sinners
             at
             the
             last
             .
             
               Do
               good
               ,
               O
            
             
             
               Lord
               ,
               unto
               those
               that
               be
               good
               ,
               and
               to
               them
               that
               are
               upright
               in
               Heart
               .
               As
               for
               such
               as
               turn
               aside
               to
               their
               crooked
               Ways
               ,
               the
               Lord
               shall
               lead
               them
               forth
               with
               the
               workers
               of
               Iniquity
               .
            
          
           
             2.
             
             We
             may
             ,
             by
             Divine
             Grace
             ,
             subdue
             the
             strongest
             Lusts
             ,
             that
             from
             our
             Nature
             and
             Temper
             ,
             or
             from
             Custom
             ,
             and
             the
             Interests
             of
             the
             Carnal
             State
             have
             rule
             over
             us
             .
             The
             New
             Covenant
             assures
             Believers
             ,
             that
             
               Sin
               shall
               not
               have
               Dominion
               over
               them
               ,
               because
               they
               are
               not
               under
               the
               Law
               but
               under
               Grace
               .
            
             The
             Law
             strictly
             forbids
             Sin
             ,
             but
             the
             Gospel
             furnishes
             with
             strength
             to
             subdue
             it
             .
             'T
             is
             true
             ,
             inherent
             Corruption
             has
             so
             devested
             Men
             of
             spiritual
             Strength
             ,
             that
             they
             cannot
             free
             themselves
             from
             the
             Power
             and
             Infection
             of
             Sin
             :
             and
             when
             any
             Lust
             is
             fomented
             by
             Temptations
             ,
             and
             has
             been
             frequently
             gratified
             ,
             't
             is
             more
             hard
             to
             be
             subdued
             .
          
           
             The
             Apostle
             speaks
             of
             some
             ,
             
               whose
               Eyes
               were
               full
               of
               Adultery
               ,
               that
               could
            
             
             
               not
               cease
               from
               Sin
            
             :
             they
             were
             in
             a
             state
             of
             Carnality
             ,
             and
             lov'd
             to
             be
             so
             :
             When
             Lust
             is
             imperious
             ,
             and
             the
             Will
             servile
             ,
             Men
             cannot
             wean
             themselves
             from
             the
             poison'd
             Breasts
             .
             This
             disability
             consists
             in
             the
             depraved
             obstinacy
             of
             the
             Will
             ,
             that
             aggravates
             their
             Sin
             and
             Judgment
             .
             Yet
             so
             foolish
             are
             Sinners
             ,
             as
             to
             use
             this
             Plea
             to
             make
             them
             excusable
             for
             their
             habitual
             Lusts
             :
             Conscience
             checks
             them
             ,
             and
             some
             faint
             Desires
             they
             have
             to
             avoid
             their
             Sins
             ,
             but
             they
             cannot
             change
             their
             Natures
             .
             They
             colour
             Licentiousness
             with
             the
             pretence
             of
             Necessity
             :
             they
             complain
             of
             their
             Chains
             ,
             to
             let
             loose
             the
             Reins
             of
             their
             exorbitant
             Desires
             in
             a
             course
             of
             Sin.
             But
             natural
             Corruption
             that
             involves
             us
             under
             Guilt
             ,
             cannot
             make
             us
             innocent
             .
             'T
             is
             true
             ,
             if
             in
             our
             original
             Condition
             ,
             the
             humane
             Will
             had
             been
             stamp'd
             by
             Fate
             with
             an
             unalterable
             inclination
             to
             Sin
             ,
             we
             could
             not
             have
             been
             guilty
             :
             for
             if
             there
             be
             no
             Principles
             of
             Liberty
             ,
             all
             the
             Names
             of
             Good
             and
             Evil
             are
             cancell'd
             ,
             and
             all
             moral
             
             Means
             ,
             Instructions
             ,
             Persuasions
             ,
             Threatnings
             ,
             are
             but
             lost
             labour
             .
             In
             Brutes
             there
             are
             some
             natural
             Resemblances
             of
             Vertue
             and
             Vice
             ,
             yet
             not
             worthy
             of
             Reward
             or
             Punishment
             ;
             only
             
             so
             far
             as
             by
             Imagination
             they
             are
             capable
             of
             Instruction
             and
             Discipline
             ,
             and
             by
             coming
             near
             to
             Reason
             ,
             have
             a
             little
             imitation
             of
             Liberty
             ,
             they
             are
             rewarded
             or
             punished
             .
             But
             Man
             in
             the
             condition
             wherein
             he
             was
             created
             ,
             had
             perfect
             freedom
             ,
             becoming
             the
             dignity
             of
             the
             reasonable
             Creature
             ,
             and
             was
             enrich'd
             with
             all
             the
             Graces
             of
             which
             Original
             Righteousness
             was
             compounded
             :
             the
             harmonious
             Orders
             ,
             and
             coherent
             Dispositions
             of
             the
             Soul
             and
             Body
             qualified
             him
             for
             his
             Duty
             .
             But
             in
             the
             state
             wherein
             his
             voluntary
             Sin
             has
             sunk
             him
             ,
             the
             Body
             is
             often
             distemper'd
             by
             the
             annoyance
             of
             the
             Mind
             ,
             and
             the
             Soul
             pays
             an
             unnatural
             and
             injurious
             Tribute
             to
             the
             vicious
             Appetites
             of
             the
             Body
             :
             And
             when
             Corruption
             is
             heightned
             by
             Custom
             ,
             and
             the
             natural
             Propensity
             inflam'd
             by
             Temptations
             ,
             any
             Lust
             becomes
             more
             irresistible
             :
             So
             that
             without
             a
             new
             Nature
             inspir'd
             from
             Above
             ,
             they
             cannot
             rescue
             themselves
             from
             the
             Bondage
             of
             Sin.
             
          
           
             Now
             the
             moral
             Impotence
             in
             Men
             to
             vanquish
             their
             Lusts
             ,
             tho
             it
             will
             be
             no
             Apology
             at
             the
             Day
             of
             Judgment
             ,
             yet
             it
             will
             discourage
             them
             from
             making
             resistance
             :
             for
             who
             will
             attempt
             an
             impossibility
             ?
             Despair
             of
             Success
             relaxes
             
             the
             active
             Powers
             ,
             cuts
             the
             Nerves
             of
             our
             Endeavours
             ,
             and
             blunts
             the
             edg
             of
             Industry
             .
             'T
             is
             related
             of
             the
             West-Indians
             ,
             that
             upon
             the
             first
             incursion
             of
             the
             Spaniards
             into
             their
             Country
             ,
             they
             tamely
             yielded
             to
             their
             Tyranny
             ;
             for
             seeing
             them
             clad
             in
             Armour
             which
             their
             Spears
             could
             not
             pierce
             ,
             they
             fancied
             them
             to
             be
             the
             Children
             of
             the
             Sun
             ,
             invulnerable
             and
             immortal
             .
             But
             an
             Indian
             carrying
             a
             Spaniard
             over
             a
             River
             ,
             resolved
             to
             try
             whether
             he
             were
             mortal
             ,
             and
             plung'd
             him
             under
             Water
             so
             long
             till
             he
             was
             drown'd
             .
             From
             that
             Experiment
             they
             took
             courage
             ,
             and
             resolv'd
             to
             kill
             their
             Enemies
             who
             were
             capable
             of
             dying
             ,
             and
             recover
             their
             dear
             Liberty
             lost
             by
             so
             foolish
             a
             Conceit
             .
             Thus
             Men
             will
             languish
             in
             a
             worse
             Servitude
             ,
             if
             they
             fancy
             the
             Lusts
             of
             the
             Flesh
             ,
             their
             intimate
             Enemies
             to
             be
             insuperable
             .
             Fear
             congeals
             the
             Spirits
             ,
             and
             disables
             from
             noble
             Enterprises
             ,
             which
             Hope
             persuades
             and
             Courage
             executes
             .
             Now
             we
             have
             an
             Army
             of
             Conquerors
             to
             encourage
             us
             in
             the
             Spiritual
             War
             with
             the
             Flesh
             ,
             the
             World
             ,
             and
             Satan
             ,
             Enemies
             in
             combination
             against
             us
             :
             How
             many
             Saints
             have
             preserv'd
             themselves
             unspotted
             from
             the
             most
             alluring
             Temptations
             ?
             they
             were
             not
             
             Statues
             ,
             without
             sensible
             Faculties
             ,
             but
             ordered
             them
             according
             to
             the
             Rule
             of
             Life
             ;
             they
             were
             not
             without
             a
             conflict
             of
             Carnal
             Passions
             ,
             but
             by
             the
             Holy
             Spirit
             subdued
             them
             :
             and
             though
             some
             obtain'd
             a
             clearer
             Victory
             than
             others
             ,
             yet
             all
             were
             victorious
             by
             Divine
             Grace
             .
             The
             Examples
             of
             so
             many
             Holy
             and
             Heavenly
             Men
             ,
             prove
             as
             clearly
             and
             convincingly
             ,
             that
             the
             strongest
             Lusts
             may
             be
             subdued
             ,
             as
             the
             walking
             of
             Diogenes
             demonstrated
             there
             was
             progressive
             motion
             against
             the
             Sophistical
             Arguments
             of
             
               Zeno.
               I
               can
               do
               all
               things
               ,
               saith
               the
               Apostle
               ,
               through
               Christ
               that
               strengthens
               me
               .
            
             To
             Omnipotent
             Grace
             all
             things
             are
             easy
             .
             Our
             Saviour
             speaking
             of
             the
             extream
             difficulty
             of
             a
             Rich
             Man's
             Salvation
             ;
             
               That
               't
               is
               as
               easy
               for
               a
               Camel
               to
               go
               through
               the
               Eye
               of
               a
               Needle
               ,
               as
               for
               a
               Rich
               Man
               to
               enter
               into
               the
               Kingdom
               of
               Heaven
               ,
            
             presently
             mitigates
             the
             Difficulty
             ;
             
               what
               is
               impossible
               to
               Men
               ,
               is
               possible
               to
               God.
            
             He
             can
             sanctify
             a
             Rich
             Man
             ,
             that
             his
             Humility
             shall
             be
             as
             low
             ,
             as
             his
             Estate
             is
             rais'd
             above
             others
             ;
             that
             his
             Affection
             shall
             be
             Heavenly
             in
             the
             affluence
             of
             the
             World
             ;
             that
             trust
             in
             God
             shall
             be
             his
             dearest
             Treasure
             .
             Divine
             Grace
             is
             a
             sure
             Fountain
             of
             Assistance
             to
             
             all
             that
             sincerely
             seek
             it
             .
             'T
             is
             the
             Promise
             of
             God
             ,
             
               Ephraim
               shall
               say
               ,
               What
               have
               I
               to
               do
               any
               more
               with
               Idols
               ?
            
             The
             Idols
             that
             charm'd
             their
             Imaginations
             ,
             should
             be
             rejected
             with
             deep
             abhorrence
             .
             Our
             Saviour
             cur'd
             the
             Paralitick
             Person
             that
             for
             38
             Years
             had
             been
             in
             a
             desperate
             Case
             ,
             incurable
             by
             natural
             Remedies
             :
             an
             Emblem
             of
             the
             Efficacy
             of
             Divine
             Grace
             in
             curing
             the
             most
             inveterate
             Habits
             of
             Sin.
             There
             are
             recorded
             some
             eminent
             Instances
             of
             the
             Power
             of
             Grace
             in
             changing
             the
             Nature
             of
             Men.
             Nicodemus
             came
             to
             our
             Saviour
             conceal'd
             ,
             at
             first
             by
             Night
             ,
             as
             being
             asham'd
             or
             afraid
             of
             Observation
             in
             the
             Day
             :
             
               But
               when
               he
               was
               born
               again
               by
               the
               renovation
               of
               the
               Spirit
               ,
            
             what
             an
             admirable
             change
             was
             wrought
             in
             him
             ?
             with
             a
             holy
             heat
             of
             Affection
             he
             defended
             our
             Saviour
             when
             alive
             ,
             in
             the
             presence
             of
             the
             Pharisees
             ,
             his
             unrighteous
             and
             implacable
             Enemies
             :
             he
             brought
             costly
             Preparations
             for
             his
             Funeral
             when
             dead
             :
             And
             these
             two
             glorious
             effects
             of
             his
             Valour
             ,
             are
             recorded
             by
             St.
             John
             with
             this
             addition
             ,
             
               This
               is
               that
            
             Nicodemus
             
               that
               came
            
             
             
               to
               Jesus
               by
               Night
            
             .
             No
             Passion
             is
             more
             ungovernable
             than
             Fear
             ,
             yet
             even
             the
             Apostles
             did
             not
             express
             such
             fidelity
             
             and
             fervency
             for
             the
             Honour
             of
             their
             Master
             .
             Another
             Instance
             is
             of
             the
             Jaylor
             that
             kept
             the
             Apostles
             Prisoners
             :
             he
             was
             of
             a
             harsh
             cruel
             Temper
             ,
             a
             quality
             adherent
             to
             his
             Office
             ;
             but
             Grace
             so
             intenerated
             and
             softned
             his
             Heart
             ,
             that
             
               he
               took
               them
               the
               same
               hour
               of
               the
               Night
               ,
               and
               washed
               their
               Stripes
               ▪
            
             Acts
             16.
             33.
             
             A
             visible
             and
             suddain
             effect
             of
             the
             Spirit
             of
             Love
             and
             Power
             ,
             and
             of
             a
             sound
             Mind
             .
             'T
             is
             recorded
             of
             many
             who
             
             used
             
               curious
               Arts
               ,
               they
               brought
               their
               magical
               Books
               ,
               though
               counted
               worth
               fifty
               thousand
               pieces
               of
               Silver
               ,
               and
               burnt
               them
               :
               so
               mightily
               grew
               the
               Word
               of
               God
               ,
               and
               prevail'd
               .
            
             How
             insuperable
             soever
             Sin
             is
             to
             naked
             Nature
             ,
             it
             may
             be
             subdued
             by
             Grace
             .
             St.
             John
             gives
             an
             honourable
             Testimony
             of
             the
             Christians
             to
             whom
             he
             wrote
             :
             
               My
               little
               Children
               ,
               ye
               are
               of
               God
               ,
               and
               have
               overcome
               the
               evil
               One
               :
               for
               the
               Spirit
               that
               is
               in
               you
               is
               greater
               than
               that
               which
               is
               in
               the
               World.
            
             The
             Holy
             Spirit
             is
             not
             only
             greater
             in
             himself
             than
             the
             Tempter
             ,
             but
             as
             fortifying
             weak
             Christians
             is
             superior
             to
             the
             Evil
             Spirit
             ,
             with
             all
             his
             Train
             of
             Artillery
             ,
             the
             manifold
             Temptations
             which
             the
             World
             affords
             in
             his
             War
             against
             our
             Souls
             .
             Satan
             takes
             advantage
             ,
             not
             only
             
             from
             our
             Security
             ,
             but
             our
             Pusillanimity
             :
             we
             are
             therefore
             
               commanded
               to
               resist
               the
               Devil
               ,
               and
               he
               will
               flee
               from
               us
               .
            
             What
             is
             observed
             of
             the
             Crocodile
             ,
             is
             applicable
             to
             the
             great
             Enemy
             of
             our
             Salvation
             :
             He
             is
             terrible
             in
             his
             Assaults
             
             upon
             the
             faint-hearted
             ,
             but
             flies
             from
             those
             who
             are
             watchful
             to
             resist
             his
             Temptations
             .
          
           
             To
             excite
             Christians
             to
             make
             serious
             and
             hopeful
             Trials
             for
             the
             subduing
             the
             strongest
             Corruptions
             ,
             I
             will
             select
             two
             Examples
             of
             the
             vertuous
             Heathens
             ,
             who
             restrain'd
             Anger
             and
             Lust
             ,
             that
             are
             the
             most
             rebellious
             Passions
             against
             the
             Empire
             of
             the
             Mind
             .
             Socrates
             by
             natural
             Temper
             was
             Cholerick
             ,
             yet
             he
             had
             so
             far
             reduc'd
             his
             Passions
             under
             the
             command
             of
             Reason
             ,
             that
             upon
             any
             violent
             Provocation
             ,
             his
             Countenance
             was
             more
             placid
             and
             calm
             ,
             his
             Voice
             more
             temperate
             ,
             and
             his
             Words
             more
             obliging
             :
             Thus
             by
             wise
             Counsel
             and
             Circumspection
             ,
             he
             obtain'd
             a
             happy
             Victory
             over
             himself
             .
          
           
             The
             other
             is
             of
             young
             Scipio
             ,
             the
             Roman
             General
             in
             Spain
             ,
             who
             when
             a
             Virgin
             of
             exquisite
             Beauty
             was
             presented
             to
             him
             among
             other
             Captives
             ,
             religiously
             abstained
             from
             touching
             her
             ,
             and
             restor'd
             
             her
             to
             the
             Prince
             to
             whom
             she
             was
             espous'd
             .
             How
             do
             such
             Examples
             of
             the
             poor
             Pagans
             ,
             who
             in
             the
             glimmerings
             of
             Nature
             exprest
             such
             Vertues
             ,
             upbraid
             Christians
             who
             are
             Servants
             to
             their
             Corruptions
             in
             the
             Light
             of
             Divine
             Revelation
             ?
             If
             by
             the
             practice
             of
             Philosophy
             they
             kept
             themselves
             from
             the
             Dominion
             of
             their
             Carnal
             Appetites
             ,
             shall
             not
             Christians
             by
             a
             supernatural
             Aid
             obtain
             a
             clearer
             Victory
             over
             them
             ?
             In
             vain
             do
             Men
             pretend
             want
             of
             strength
             to
             vanquish
             their
             stubborn
             Lusts
             ;
             for
             if
             they
             sincerely
             seek
             for
             Divine
             Grace
             ,
             and
             are
             faithful
             in
             the
             use
             of
             Means
             proper
             to
             that
             End
             ,
             they
             shall
             obtain
             a
             blessed
             freedom
             from
             the
             Power
             of
             Sin.
             
          
           
             3.
             
             The
             subduing
             the
             ruling
             Lust
             ,
             will
             make
             the
             Victory
             over
             other
             Sins
             more
             easy
             .
             Our
             Commission
             against
             Sin
             ,
             is
             like
             that
             of
             Saul
             against
             the
             Amalekites
             ,
             to
             destroy
             them
             all
             :
             if
             any
             one
             be
             spared
             ,
             it
             will
             prove
             as
             fatal
             to
             us
             as
             the
             Amalekite
             that
             dispatch'd
             Saul
             ,
             who
             suffer'd
             him
             to
             live
             when
             the
             whole
             Lineage
             was
             doom'd
             to
             utter
             Excision
             .
             Now
             amongst
             the
             divers
             Lusts
             that
             war
             against
             the
             Soul
             ,
             some
             are
             the
             Leaders
             that
             give
             vigour
             to
             the
             rest
             ,
             that
             recall
             them
             when
             withdrawn
             ,
             rally
             them
             when
             
             scattered
             ;
             and
             renew
             the
             Fight
             against
             us
             .
             As
             the
             Vertues
             of
             the
             sanctified
             Mind
             ,
             so
             the
             Passions
             of
             the
             carnal
             Appetite
             assist
             one
             another
             :
             therefore
             when
             the
             corrupt
             Passion
             that
             was
             so
             dangerously
             influential
             upon
             the
             rest
             ,
             is
             subdued
             by
             Divine
             Grace
             ,
             they
             necessarily
             decline
             ,
             and
             are
             easily
             mortified
             .
          
           
             The
             Temperamental
             Lust
             is
             the
             Root
             from
             whence
             many
             others
             spring
             and
             are
             fed
             ,
             and
             the
             eradicating
             of
             that
             takes
             away
             the
             Strength
             and
             Life
             of
             other
             vicious
             Affections
             .
             The
             King
             of
             Syria
             commanded
             his
             Captains
             not
             to
             fight
             against
             Small
             or
             Great
             ,
             but
             only
             against
             the
             King
             of
             Israel
             ;
             and
             after
             he
             was
             slain
             ,
             the
             Victory
             over
             his
             Army
             was
             presently
             obtain'd
             .
             Let
             us
             direct
             our
             Zeal
             against
             the
             leading
             Lust
             ,
             for
             all
             the
             servile
             Lusts
             must
             fall
             and
             die
             with
             it
             .
             When
             Mithridates
             the
             King
             of
             Pontus
             ,
             a
             
             fierce
             implacable
             Enemy
             of
             the
             Romans
             was
             kill'd
             ,
             their
             Joy
             was
             exuberant
             in
             Sacrifices
             and
             Feasts
             ,
             esteeming
             that
             an
             Army
             of
             Enemies
             were
             extinguish'd
             in
             his
             Death
             .
          
           
             Besides
             ,
             one
             Victory
             inspires
             Courage
             to
             atchieve
             another
             .
             When
             David
             was
             to
             encounter
             with
             Goliah
             ,
             he
             derived
             Confidence
             from
             his
             Experience
             ▪
             
             
               The
               Lord
               that
               delivered
               me
               out
               of
               the
               Paw
            
             
             
               of
               the
               Lion
               ,
               and
               out
               of
               the
               Paw
               of
               the
               Bear
               ,
               he
               will
               deliver
               me
               out
               of
               the
               Hand
               of
               this
               Philistine
               .
            
             The
             visible
             Expresses
             of
             the
             Divine
             Power
             in
             conquering
             the
             former
             Enemies
             of
             the
             Church
             ,
             were
             the
             support
             of
             their
             Faith
             :
             
               Awake
               ,
               awake
               ,
               O
               Arm
               of
               the
            
             
             
               Lord
               ,
               and
               put
               on
               strength
               ;
               art
               thou
               not
               it
               that
               hath
               cut
            
             Rahab
             ,
             
               and
               wounded
               the
               Dragon
            
             ?
             Pharaoh
             
               and
               the
               Egyptian
               Army
            
             .
             In
             our
             Spiritual
             Warfare
             ,
             experience
             of
             the
             Divine
             Assistance
             is
             a
             Cordial
             that
             fortifies
             the
             Spirits
             :
             If
             the
             strongest
             and
             fiercest
             of
             our
             Corruptions
             lie
             bleeding
             ready
             to
             expire
             ,
             we
             shall
             not
             fear
             the
             rest
             .
             The
             same
             Grace
             that
             has
             subdued
             the
             reigning
             Lust
             ,
             will
             make
             an
             impression
             of
             Obedience
             upon
             other
             Affections
             that
             are
             less
             powerful
             in
             us
             .
          
           
             4.
             
             Consider
             how
             dearly
             our
             Sins
             cost
             our
             Saviour
             ,
             his
             Sacred
             Blood
             ,
             to
             reconcile
             us
             to
             God
             ,
             and
             to
             set
             us
             free
             from
             their
             Dominion
             .
             This
             is
             an
             Argument
             purely
             Evangelical
             ,
             and
             most
             worthy
             the
             Breast
             of
             a
             Christian.
             He
             dearly
             purchas'd
             a
             Title
             to
             our
             Love
             ,
             and
             the
             serious
             contemplation
             of
             his
             Passion
             ,
             has
             an
             admirable
             efficacy
             to
             inspire
             the
             Flame
             ,
             and
             consequently
             to
             make
             Sin
             odious
             ▪
             that
             must
             be
             expiated
             and
             purged
             
             away
             by
             such
             bitter
             Sufferings
             .
             Our
             Sins
             brought
             our
             Saviour
             to
             the
             Cross
             ,
             and
             can
             we
             entertain
             them
             in
             our
             Hearts
             with
             the
             Crimson
             Guilt
             that
             cleaves
             to
             them
             ?
             Can
             we
             live
             in
             the
             practice
             of
             them
             ,
             and
             crucify
             him
             afresh
             ?
             He
             
               came
               to
               redeem
               us
               from
               all
               Iniquity
               ,
               and
               purify
               us
               to
               himself
               ,
               a
               peculiar
               People
               zealous
               of
               good
               Works
               .
            
             How
             can
             we
             defeat
             the
             End
             ,
             and
             disparage
             the
             efficacy
             of
             his
             Death
             ?
             How
             can
             we
             violate
             such
             dear
             Obligations
             ?
             To
             cherish
             any
             Sin
             ,
             is
             the
             most
             ungracious
             and
             unkind
             return
             to
             his
             bleeding
             dying
             Love
             ,
             who
             valued
             our
             Souls
             more
             than
             his
             most
             precious
             Life
             .
             Were
             it
             not
             visible
             by
             daily
             Experience
             ,
             that
             many
             are
             so
             prodigiously
             wicked
             ,
             it
             would
             raise
             our
             wonder
             how
             it
             is
             possible
             ,
             that
             any
             Christian
             to
             whom
             the
             Love
             of
             the
             Son
             of
             God
             in
             dying
             for
             our
             Sins
             is
             revealed
             ,
             should
             indulge
             himself
             in
             any
             Sin.
             If
             we
             did
             frequently
             ,
             and
             with
             solemnity
             and
             seriousness
             remember
             the
             Death
             of
             our
             Saviour
             ,
             and
             his
             blessed
             Intention
             in
             it
             ,
             we
             should
             find
             that
             change
             in
             our
             Hearts
             in
             regard
             of
             our
             Sins
             ,
             as
             Amnon
             did
             in
             his
             Affections
             to
             his
             Sister
             Tamar
             :
             His
             incestuous
             Love
             to
             her
             at
             first
             was
             a
             secret
             Fire
             that
             consum'd
             him
             ;
             but
             after
             
             he
             had
             dishonour'd
             her
             ,
             and
             polluted
             himself
             ,
             his
             Hatred
             of
             her
             was
             more
             extream
             than
             his
             Love
             before
             :
             Thus
             the
             Sins
             that
             have
             been
             as
             near
             to
             us
             as
             our
             Bosoms
             ,
             as
             pleasant
             as
             our
             corrupt
             Inclinations
             ,
             as
             familiar
             and
             intimate
             as
             Custom
             ,
             that
             have
             deeply
             defil'd
             our
             Souls
             ,
             we
             should
             with
             stronger
             detestation
             reject
             them
             ,
             than
             ever
             with
             delight
             we
             committed
             them
             .
          
           
             5.
             
             The
             blessed
             Reward
             of
             Uprightness
             is
             a
             powerful
             Motive
             to
             excite
             us
             to
             keep
             our selves
             from
             our
             Sins
             .
             The
             Firmament
             is
             not
             sowed
             thicker
             with
             Stars
             ,
             than
             the
             Scripture
             with
             precious
             Promises
             to
             the
             Upright
             .
             They
             have
             a
             peculiar
             Interest
             in
             the
             Love
             of
             God
             that
             is
             the
             Fountain
             of
             Felicity
             :
             
               The
               Prayer
            
             
             
               of
               the
               Upright
               is
               his
               delight
               .
            
             He
             is
             most
             graciously
             ready
             to
             supply
             all
             their
             Wants
             ,
             satisfy
             their
             Desires
             ,
             allay
             their
             Sorrows
             ,
             overcome
             their
             Fears
             .
             The
             
             
               Lord
               is
               a
               Sun
               and
               a
               Shield
               :
               He
               will
               give
               Grace
               and
               Glory
               ,
               and
               no
               good
               thing
               will
               he
               withhold
               from
               those
               that
               walk
               uprightly
               .
            
             A
             comprehensive
             Promise
             of
             the
             Blessings
             of
             Time
             and
             Eternity
             .
          
           
             The
             highest
             Honour
             is
             the
             Reward
             of
             subduing
             our
             rebellious
             Lusts.
             
               He
               that
            
             
             
               is
               slow
               to
               Anger
               ,
               is
               better
               than
               the
               Mighty
               :
            
             
             
               and
               he
               that
               ruleth
               his
               Spirit
               ,
               than
               he
               that
               taketh
               a
               City
               .
            
             The
             Quality
             of
             the
             Enemy
             makes
             the
             Victory
             more
             illustrious
             .
             Now
             the
             rebellious
             Passions
             that
             war
             against
             the
             Soul
             ,
             are
             Enemies
             infinitely
             more
             dangerous
             than
             those
             who
             destroy
             the
             Bodies
             and
             Estates
             of
             Men.
             The
             Conquest
             of
             Armies
             and
             Cities
             is
             atchieved
             by
             Boldness
             and
             Strength
             ,
             that
             are
             not
             the
             peculiar
             Excellencies
             of
             Man
             ,
             for
             the
             Horse
             and
             the
             Lion
             are
             superior
             to
             him
             in
             those
             respects
             :
             but
             the
             reducing
             his
             unruly
             Affections
             into
             Holy
             Order
             ,
             is
             the
             Effect
             of
             Divine
             Grace
             ,
             wherein
             we
             resemble
             God.
             How
             many
             of
             the
             famous
             Heroes
             ,
             in
             the
             World's
             account
             ,
             were
             worse
             than
             wild
             Beasts
             ,
             Enemies
             to
             Humanity
             ,
             that
             unnaturally
             and
             barbarously
             spilt
             the
             Blood
             of
             thousands
             to
             purple
             their
             usurp'd
             Royalty
             ?
             But
             in
             subduing
             the
             tyrannous
             Passions
             of
             Lust
             and
             Anger
             under
             the
             Sovereignty
             of
             the
             renewed
             Mind
             ,
             there
             is
             the
             happy
             union
             of
             Innocence
             and
             Victory
             .
          
           
             There
             are
             degrees
             in
             the
             exaltation
             of
             the
             Saints
             ,
             as
             the
             Passions
             their
             inward
             Enemies
             which
             they
             subdued
             ,
             were
             more
             stubborn
             ,
             and
             hardly
             to
             be
             overcome
             .
             In
             some
             there
             is
             such
             a
             concord
             of
             Humours
             ,
             such
             a
             placid
             mild
             Temper
             ,
             that
             
             they
             enjoy
             a
             pacifick
             possession
             of
             themselves
             :
             But
             this
             is
             the
             Benefit
             of
             Nature
             ,
             
             not
             of
             victorious
             Grace
             .
             Where
             there
             is
             little
             Resistance
             ,
             there
             is
             no
             Honour
             to
             overcome
             ;
             where
             there
             is
             no
             Matter
             of
             Triumph
             ,
             there
             is
             no
             Glory
             in
             triumphing
             .
             But
             when
             in
             the
             natural
             Temper
             there
             are
             Seeds
             of
             Incitation
             to
             fierce
             Anger
             and
             inordinate
             Lust
             ,
             and
             when
             those
             Propensities
             are
             inflam'd
             by
             Temptations
             ,
             if
             we
             subdue
             those
             disorderly
             and
             violent
             Passions
             ,
             't
             is
             the
             most
             noble
             Effect
             of
             Divine
             Grace
             .
             On
             the
             contrary
             ,
             the
             Sinner
             that
             yields
             himself
             to
             the
             sway
             of
             the
             Carnal
             Appetites
             ,
             is
             
               the
               Servant
               of
               Corruption
            
             :
             is
             defil'd
             and
             
             debas'd
             in
             such
             a
             manner
             ,
             that
             he
             is
             sunk
             below
             the
             Beasts
             that
             perish
             :
             For
             what
             is
             baser
             than
             Corruption
             ,
             except
             the
             Sinner
             that
             obeys
             it
             ?
          
           
             The
             Peace
             and
             Joy
             that
             is
             the
             Reward
             of
             Victory
             over
             our
             Sins
             ,
             cannot
             be
             understood
             but
             by
             Experience
             .
             What
             a
             savour
             of
             Life
             is
             the
             Death
             of
             a
             reigning
             Sin
             ?
             What
             an
             Angelical
             Comfort
             was
             it
             to
             Joseph
             and
             the
             blessed
             Mother
             of
             Christ
             ,
             when
             the
             Advice
             was
             brought
             from
             Heaven
             to
             them
             in
             
               Egypt
               ;
               Arise
               ,
               for
               they
               are
               dead
               that
               sought
               the
               young
               Child's
               Life
               ?
            
             What
             Consolation
             
             does
             it
             afford
             ,
             when
             the
             Holy
             Spirit
             witnesses
             with
             our
             Spirits
             ,
             that
             the
             Enemy
             in
             our
             Bosoms
             ,
             that
             sought
             the
             Life
             of
             our
             Souls
             ,
             is
             mortified
             by
             Repentance
             ?
             The
             Psalmist
             tells
             us
             ,
             
               Light
               is
            
             
             
               sown
               for
               the
               Righteous
               ,
               and
               Joy
               for
               the
               upright
               in
               Heart
               .
            
             The
             present
             sense
             of
             God's
             Favour
             ,
             and
             the
             future
             Hope
             of
             Glory
             ,
             sheds
             abroad
             that
             bright
             serenity
             in
             their
             Breasts
             ,
             that
             is
             a
             reflection
             of
             Heaven
             .
          
           
             In
             our
             Extremity
             ,
             when
             a
             good
             and
             quiet
             Conscience
             will
             be
             more
             valuable
             than
             Crowns
             and
             Scepters
             ,
             and
             solid
             Comfort
             more
             worth
             than
             the
             World
             ,
             how
             refreshing
             will
             the
             inward
             Testimony
             be
             of
             our
             Uprightness
             ?
             When
             Hezekiah
             was
             under
             the
             Sentence
             of
             Death
             ,
             and
             his
             Kingdom
             could
             afford
             him
             no
             Comfort
             ,
             this
             allayed
             his
             Sorrows
             ,
             
               Remember
               ,
               O
               Lord
               ,
               that
               I
               have
            
             
             
               walk'd
               before
               thee
               with
               an
               upright
               Heart
               .
            
             This
             Testimony
             of
             Conscience
             will
             calm
             our
             Agonies
             ,
             and
             expel
             the
             Terrors
             of
             that
             last
             Enemy
             :
             this
             when
             we
             are
             ready
             to
             die
             ,
             will
             assure
             us
             that
             our
             Redeemer
             lives
             .
             The
             two
             substantial
             Joys
             ,
             (
             how
             Divine
             !
             )
             the
             one
             from
             the
             reflection
             upon
             the
             past
             Life
             ,
             the
             other
             from
             the
             prospect
             of
             Eternal
             Life
             ,
             are
             
             the
             blessed
             Reward
             of
             Uprightness
             .
             In
             short
             ,
             the
             sum
             of
             Felicity
             is
             expresly
             assur'd
             to
             them
             :
             
               The
               Upright
               shall
               dwell
               in
               thy
               presence
               ,
               where
               is
               fulness
               of
               Joy
               ,
               and
               Rivers
               of
               Pleasure
               flow
               for
               ever
               .
            
          
           
             6.
             
             Consider
             the
             woful
             Effects
             of
             indulging
             the
             Lusts
             ,
             that
             by
             Pleasure
             or
             Profit
             bribe
             Men
             to
             give
             consent
             to
             their
             Commission
             .
             The
             naked
             Light
             of
             Reason
             discovers
             Sin
             ,
             and
             makes
             it
             uneasy
             to
             Conscience
             :
             but
             a
             strong
             Light
             arm'd
             with
             Terrors
             ,
             the
             Law
             of
             God
             ,
             with
             the
             Doom
             annex'd
             to
             the
             Precept
             against
             rebellious
             Sinners
             ,
             makes
             it
             fearful
             .
             The
             Command
             is
             peremptory
             and
             universal
             ,
             with
             respect
             to
             all
             Temptations
             and
             Allurements
             to
             Sin
             ,
             be
             they
             as
             dear
             and
             difficult
             to
             be
             parted
             with
             ,
             as
             the
             
               right
               Eye
            
             ,
             or
             
               right
               Hand
            
             ,
             the
             most
             useful
             and
             precious
             Instruments
             of
             Life
             ,
             yet
             they
             must
             with
             abhorrence
             be
             cast
             from
             us
             ,
             or
             
               the
               whole
               Man
               will
               be
               cast
               into
            
             
             
               Hell
               Fire
               ,
               where
               the
               Worm
               dies
               not
               ,
               and
               the
               Fire
               is
               not
               quenched
               .
            
             This
             terrible
             
             Threatning
             is
             sadly
             repeated
             by
             our
             Saviour
             three
             times
             ,
             to
             make
             the
             more
             powerful
             impression
             upon
             Sinners
             .
          
           
             The
             guilty
             accusing
             Conscience
             begins
             the
             everlasting
             Hell
             here
             .
             Our
             Saviour
             
             saith
             ,
             That
             
               a
               Woman
               when
               she
               is
               in
               travail
               ,
               hath
               sorrow
               because
               her
               hour
               is
               come
               ;
               but
               as
               soon
               as
               she
               is
               delivered
               ,
               she
               remembreth
               no
               more
               the
               anguish
               ,
               for
               joy
               that
               a
               Man
               is
               born
               into
               the
               World
               :
            
             But
             a
             Sinner
             ,
             after
             he
             hath
             brought
             forth
             his
             Sin
             with
             pleasure
             ,
             is
             struck
             with
             horror
             at
             the
             monstrous
             Birth
             .
             When
             Conscience
             is
             strongly
             awaken'd
             ,
             it
             arraigns
             and
             condemns
             without
             partiality
             :
             the
             Sinner
             is
             the
             Executioner
             of
             the
             Sentence
             upon
             himself
             .
             The
             Torment
             of
             the
             Spirit
             is
             invisible
             to
             others
             ,
             and
             in
             that
             the
             liker
             Hell
             ,
             and
             unavoidable
             .
             'T
             is
             as
             the
             cruel
             practice
             of
             the
             Tyrant
             ,
             related
             by
             the
             Poet
             ,
             who
             fasten'd
             a
             dead
             Body
             and
             a
             Living
             together
             ,
             that
             the
             putrefaction
             and
             stench
             of
             the
             one
             ,
             might
             cause
             a
             lingring
             death
             in
             the
             other
             :
             this
             is
             a
             little
             resemblance
             of
             the
             Effect
             of
             the
             guilty
             Conscience
             charg'd
             with
             
               dead
               Works
            
             ,
             and
             inseparable
             from
             the
             Sinner
             .
             All
             the
             Pleasures
             of
             the
             World
             cannot
             stupify
             the
             Sense
             ,
             or
             mitigate
             the
             Torments
             of
             the
             wounded
             Spirit
             .
          
           
             In
             the
             approaches
             of
             Death
             ,
             the
             Sins
             Men
             have
             indulgently
             committed
             ,
             return
             to
             the
             Memory
             ,
             and
             the
             ghastly
             Apparition
             strikes
             them
             into
             consternation
             :
             the
             Thoughts
             are
             fearfully
             transferr'd
             
             from
             the
             sick
             Body
             to
             the
             guilty
             Soul
             ,
             from
             the
             consideration
             of
             the
             first
             Death
             to
             the
             second
             ,
             that
             immediately
             attends
             it
             .
             In
             vain
             they
             desire
             to
             live
             ,
             for
             Time
             is
             irrevocably
             past
             ,
             and
             the
             Season
             of
             Mercy
             expir'd
             :
             in
             vain
             they
             desire
             to
             die
             intirely
             ,
             and
             put
             an
             end
             to
             their
             Misery
             ,
             for
             Immortality
             is
             the
             inseparable
             but
             fatal
             Privilege
             of
             their
             Nature
             .
             If
             they
             look
             upward
             ,
             revenging
             Justice
             is
             ready
             to
             pass
             a
             heavy
             Doom
             ;
             if
             beneath
             ,
             a
             fearful
             Depth
             is
             ready
             to
             swallow
             them
             up
             .
             Who
             can
             express
             the
             Agonies
             and
             Throws
             of
             the
             guilty
             Conscience
             ,
             the
             dismal
             Degrees
             of
             the
             tormenting
             Passions
             in
             the
             Wicked
             ,
             under
             the
             apprehensions
             of
             Eternal
             Judgment
             ?
             Yet
             the
             most
             fearful
             Apprehensions
             are
             not
             commensurate
             to
             the
             prepared
             Plagues
             by
             vindictive
             Justice
             for
             impenitent
             Sinners
             .
             
               Who
               knows
               the
               Power
               of
               God's
               Wrath
               ?
            
             The
             chosen
             Expressions
             in
             Scripture
             to
             represent
             it
             ,
             will
             be
             verified
             in
             higher
             degrees
             ,
             than
             can
             be
             inflicted
             from
             the
             most
             vehement
             and
             terrible
             things
             in
             the
             World.
             Fire
             is
             so
             tormenting
             to
             Sense
             ,
             that
             no
             Man
             can
             endure
             the
             point
             of
             the
             Flame
             of
             a
             Candle
             upon
             his
             Flesh
             :
             
               Who
               then
               can
               dwell
               with
               devouring
               Fire
               ,
               and
               with
               everlasting
               burning
               ?
            
          
           
           
             Besides
             ,
             the
             Damned
             are
             not
             only
             passive
             ,
             but
             active
             in
             their
             wretched
             State
             :
             there
             is
             a
             Hell
             of
             Rancor
             and
             Indignation
             within
             ,
             and
             of
             Fire
             and
             Brimstone
             without
             them
             :
             What
             furious
             Reflections
             will
             they
             make
             upon
             their
             votary
             Madness
             ,
             that
             for
             the
             seeming
             Pleasures
             of
             Sin
             that
             were
             but
             for
             a
             season
             ,
             they
             should
             continue
             their
             Rebellion
             against
             the
             Omnipotent
             Deity
             ,
             and
             bring
             upon
             themselves
             his
             fierce
             and
             unchangeable
             Displeasure
             .
             This
             infinitely
             aggravates
             their
             Misery
             :
             after
             a
             Million
             of
             Years
             ,
             the
             intire
             Sum
             remains
             that
             revenging
             Justice
             will
             exact
             for
             ever
             .
             The
             Righteous
             Judg
             will
             never
             so
             far
             be
             reconciled
             as
             to
             annihilate
             them
             .
             Perfection
             of
             Misery
             !
             Desperate
             Sorrow
             !
             A
             Life
             in
             Torments
             that
             never
             dies
             ,
             a
             Death
             that
             never
             ends
             .
          
           
             Now
             it
             is
             impossible
             for
             Men
             that
             have
             reasonable
             Minds
             to
             choose
             the
             Pleasures
             of
             Sin
             ,
             that
             are
             like
             Bubbles
             on
             the
             Water
             that
             presently
             break
             and
             vanish
             ,
             when
             attended
             with
             Misery
             that
             admits
             no
             Ease
             or
             End
             ?
             Is
             there
             any
             possible
             Comparison
             between
             them
             ?
             The
             serious
             belief
             of
             Hell
             cannot
             consist
             with
             the
             knowledg
             and
             purpose
             of
             Sin
             ,
             and
             the
             delightful
             Practice
             of
             it
             :
             Either
             
             the
             belief
             of
             it
             will
             infuse
             and
             impress
             such
             efficacious
             Vertue
             into
             Mens
             Minds
             that
             will
             restrain
             them
             from
             Sin
             ,
             or
             the
             habitual
             course
             of
             Sin
             will
             extinguish
             or
             eclipse
             the
             belief
             of
             the
             Punishment
             .
          
           
             'T
             is
             recorded
             of
             Craesus
             ,
             when
             pursued
             by
             the
             Army
             of
             the
             Persians
             ,
             he
             fill'd
             a
             straight
             Passage
             between
             the
             Mountains
             with
             Boughs
             of
             Trees
             and
             set
             fire
             to
             them
             ,
             and
             thereby
             secur'd
             his
             Retreat
             :
             If
             Men
             were
             so
             wise
             as
             to
             set
             the
             Fire
             of
             Hell
             between
             the
             Temptations
             of
             Sin
             and
             their
             Affections
             ,
             it
             would
             be
             a
             sure
             defence
             from
             their
             Spiritual
             Enemies
             .
             But
             the
             Scene
             of
             Torments
             prepared
             for
             unreform'd
             Sinners
             ,
             is
             little
             understood
             and
             less
             believed
             by
             Men
             whilst
             they
             are
             in
             Prosperity
             :
             tho
             the
             Saviour
             of
             the
             World
             has
             in
             great
             Mercy
             revealed
             them
             in
             such
             Expressions
             ,
             as
             may
             terrify
             even
             secure
             Carnalists
             ,
             that
             only
             live
             to
             Sense
             .
             Infidelity
             lies
             at
             the
             bottom
             ,
             and
             renders
             the
             most
             terrible
             Truths
             ineffectual
             .
             There
             is
             such
             a
             Riddle
             in
             the
             Tempers
             of
             Men
             ,
             they
             are
             not
             sensible
             of
             Divine
             Mercies
             till
             deprived
             of
             them
             ,
             nor
             of
             Divine
             Judgments
             till
             they
             feel
             them
             .
             But
             if
             right
             Reason
             were
             attended
             to
             ,
             they
             
             must
             be
             convinced
             of
             unseen
             Rewards
             and
             Punishment
             to
             be
             dispensed
             in
             the
             next
             State.
             For
             the
             Light
             of
             Nature
             discovers
             an
             essential
             Difference
             between
             Moral
             Good
             and
             Evil
             :
             From
             hence
             proceeds
             the
             Reflections
             of
             Conscience
             either
             approving
             or
             condemning
             our
             own
             Actions
             ,
             and
             making
             a
             Judgment
             upon
             the
             Actions
             of
             others
             by
             that
             common
             Rule
             ,
             according
             to
             which
             all
             acknowledg
             that
             Men
             ought
             to
             live
             .
             This
             Truth
             is
             so
             engraven
             in
             the
             Humane
             Nature
             ,
             that
             even
             the
             most
             wicked
             Sinners
             ,
             who
             endeavour
             if
             it
             were
             possible
             to
             make
             Conscience
             so
             blind
             as
             not
             to
             see
             ,
             and
             stupid
             as
             not
             to
             feel
             ,
             yet
             cannot
             totally
             exclude
             the
             Application
             of
             it
             to
             themselves
             ,
             and
             will
             acknowledg
             the
             Obligation
             of
             it
             in
             the
             general
             ,
             and
             with
             respect
             to
             others
             .
             Now
             the
             Law
             of
             God
             written
             in
             Mans
             Heart
             necessarily
             infers
             a
             Judgment
             upon
             the
             Transgressors
             of
             it
             ,
             and
             the
             Judgment
             includes
             a
             Punishment
             becoming
             the
             Majesty
             of
             the
             Lawgiver
             that
             ordains
             it
             ,
             and
             the
             extent
             of
             his
             Power
             that
             executes
             it
             .
             Divine
             Revelation
             makes
             this
             Truth
             much
             more
             clear
             and
             certain
             .
             The
             Apostle
             tells
             us
             ,
             
               If
               we
               live
               after
               the
               Flesh
               ,
               we
               shall
               die
               :
            
             and
             will
             God
             cease
             to
             be
             holy
             ,
             and
             just
             ,
             and
             true
             ,
             
             that
             impenitent
             Sinners
             may
             escape
             Punishment
             ?
          
           
             But
             there
             are
             some
             poisonous
             Principles
             infus'd
             into
             the
             Hearts
             of
             Men
             ,
             that
             encourage
             them
             in
             their
             Sins
             ,
             notwithstanding
             their
             Assent
             to
             the
             Doctrine
             of
             a
             future
             Judgment
             .
          
           
             Some
             cannot
             perswade
             themselves
             ,
             that
             God
             will
             be
             so
             strict
             and
             severe
             ,
             that
             for
             a
             single
             forbidden
             Pleasure
             ,
             when
             they
             respect
             other
             Commands
             of
             his
             Law
             ,
             he
             will
             condemn
             them
             for
             ever
             .
             The
             secret
             Presumption
             that
             one
             Transgression
             will
             not
             provoke
             their
             Judg
             to
             extream
             Wrath
             ,
             hardens
             them
             in
             a
             sinful
             course
             .
             But
             St.
             James
             declares
             ,
             
               He
               that
               offends
               in
               one
               Point
               is
               guilty
               of
               all
               .
            
             One
             known
             allowed
             Sin
             that
             a
             Man
             habitually
             commits
             ,
             involves
             him
             in
             the
             Guilt
             of
             Rebellion
             against
             the
             Divine
             Authority
             that
             made
             the
             Law.
             It
             was
             observ'd
             before
             ,
             Herod
             did
             somethings
             according
             to
             John's
             Divine
             Instructions
             ,
             but
             he
             would
             not
             part
             with
             Herodias
             ,
             and
             that
             one
             Sin
             denominated
             him
             wicked
             .
             Many
             are
             like
             him
             ,
             they
             observe
             some
             Rules
             of
             Religion
             ,
             perform
             some
             Duties
             ,
             are
             zealous
             against
             some
             Sins
             ,
             but
             there
             is
             an
             Herodias
             ,
             a
             Sin
             pleasant
             to
             the
             Taste
             of
             their
             Temper
             ,
             that
             they
             will
             not
             relinquish
             ,
             
             and
             without
             any
             Promise
             ,
             nay
             against
             the
             Threatnings
             of
             God
             ,
             they
             believe
             he
             will
             be
             merciful
             to
             them
             notwithstanding
             their
             Wickedness
             .
             This
             Presumption
             is
             an
             unnatural
             abuse
             of
             God's
             Mercy
             .
             This
             exasperates
             that
             high
             and
             tender
             Attribute
             :
             For
             what
             can
             be
             more
             provoking
             than
             to
             imagine
             that
             the
             Divine
             Mercy
             should
             encourage
             Sin
             ,
             and
             protect
             unceform'd
             Sinners
             from
             the
             Arrests
             of
             Vindictive
             Justice
             ?
          
           
             The
             Blood
             that
             Ahab
             spar'd
             in
             Benhadad
             induc'd
             a
             deadly
             Guilt
             ,
             as
             that
             he
             spilt
             of
             Naboth
             ;
             as
             God
             spake
             by
             the
             Prophet
             to
             him
             ,
             
               Because
               thou
               hast
               spared
               that
               Man
               ,
               whom
               I
               appointed
               to
               Destruction
               ,
               thy
               Life
               shall
               go
               for
               his
               Life
               :
            
             The
             Application
             is
             easy
             ,
             to
             spare
             the
             Life
             of
             Sin
             will
             cost
             the
             Life
             of
             the
             Sinner
             .
             One
             Lust
             that
             adhering
             Custom
             ,
             or
             the
             closer
             Nature
             ,
             or
             any
             carnal
             Interest
             so
             endears
             to
             Men
             ,
             that
             they
             do
             not
             sincerely
             desire
             and
             endeavour
             to
             mortify
             and
             forsake
             ,
             will
             be
             fatal
             to
             them
             for
             ever
             .
          
           
             Some
             habitual
             Sinners
             when
             terrified
             with
             the
             Apprehension
             of
             future
             Judgment
             ,
             (
             for
             God
             sometimes
             thunders
             in
             the
             Conscience
             as
             well
             as
             in
             the
             Air
             )
             endeavour
             to
             quiet
             their
             Fears
             by
             presuming
             
             that
             the
             Death
             of
             Christ
             will
             reconcile
             offended
             Justice
             ,
             and
             his
             Blood
             cleanse
             them
             from
             all
             Sin.
             They
             will
             lean
             upon
             the
             Cross
             to
             save
             them
             from
             falling
             into
             the
             bottomless
             Pit
             ,
             but
             not
             crucify
             one
             Lust
             on
             it
             .
             The
             Vanity
             of
             this
             has
             been
             shewed
             before
             :
             I
             shall
             only
             add
             ,
             that
             't
             is
             most
             opprobrious
             to
             the
             Son
             of
             God
             ,
             and
             most
             destructive
             to
             Sinners
             ;
             for
             't
             is
             to
             make
             him
             the
             Minister
             of
             Sin
             ,
             as
             if
             he
             came
             into
             the
             World
             to
             compose
             a
             Church
             of
             rotten
             and
             corrupt
             Members
             ,
             and
             unite
             it
             to
             himself
             :
             Such
             a
             Mystieal
             Body
             would
             be
             more
             monstrous
             than
             Nebuthadnezzar's
             Image
             ,
             of
             which
             the
             Head
             was
             Gold
             ,
             and
             Feet
             were
             Miry
             Clay
             .
             And
             this
             will
             be
             most
             destructive
             to
             their
             Souls
             ;
             for
             by
             turning
             the
             remedy
             of
             Sin
             into
             an
             occasion
             of
             sinning
             ,
             they
             derive
             a
             woful
             Guilt
             from
             the
             Death
             of
             Christ
             instead
             of
             the
             precious
             Benefits
             purchased
             by
             it
             for
             true
             Believers
             .
             For
             an
             unreformed
             Sinner
             to
             oppose
             the
             Blood
             of
             Christ
             to
             the
             Fears
             of
             Damnation
             ,
             renders
             his
             Condition
             desperate
             .
          
           
             The
             most
             who
             continue
             in
             a
             sinful
             course
             ,
             strive
             to
             elude
             the
             Warnings
             of
             Conscience
             ,
             by
             resolving
             that
             after
             the
             Season
             of
             sinning
             is
             past
             ,
             they
             will
             reform
             ,
             and
             apply
             themselves
             to
             seek
             the
             
             Favour
             and
             Grace
             of
             God.
             But
             how
             hazardous
             ,
             how
             incongruous
             is
             the
             delay
             of
             serious
             Repentance
             ?
             How
             hazardous
             ?
             The
             Lives
             of
             Sinners
             are
             forfeited
             in
             Law
             ,
             their
             time
             is
             a
             Reprieve
             depending
             meerly
             upon
             the
             Favour
             of
             the
             Judg
             ,
             how
             can
             they
             have
             a
             Warrant
             for
             a
             day
             ?
             But
             they
             are
             young
             ,
             and
             strong
             ,
             and
             think
             the
             day
             of
             Death
             and
             their
             last
             Account
             to
             be
             at
             a
             great
             distance
             .
             Vain
             Security
             !
             as
             if
             Death
             were
             not
             in
             every
             place
             ;
             and
             every
             hour
             ,
             as
             near
             Rebellious
             Sinners
             as
             their
             Sins
             that
             deserve
             it
             :
             
               If
               thou
               doest
               Evil
            
             ,
             says
             God
             to
             
               Cain
               ,
               Sin
               is
               at
               the
               Door
               .
            
             Damnation
             is
             ready
             to
             tread
             upon
             the
             Heels
             of
             Sinners
             ,
             and
             if
             Divine
             Clemency
             and
             Patience
             did
             not
             interpose
             ,
             would
             immediately
             seize
             upon
             them
             .
             God
             sometimes
             shoots
             from
             the
             Clouds
             ,
             and
             breaks
             the
             strongest
             Buildings
             into
             Ruins
             :
             it
             is
             not
             the
             Error
             of
             his
             Hand
             ,
             but
             his
             Pity
             ,
             that
             impenitent
             Sinners
             escape
             his
             visible
             Vengeance
             .
             But
             who
             can
             assure
             them
             of
             future
             time
             ?
          
           
             Besides
             ,
             suppose
             that
             Sinners
             who
             hate
             to
             be
             reform'd
             whilst
             present
             Temptations
             are
             so
             inviting
             ,
             had
             a
             Lease
             of
             Time
             ,
             can
             they
             command
             the
             Grace
             of
             God
             ?
             They
             now
             suppress
             the
             Motions
             
             of
             the
             Spirit
             ,
             and
             in
             effect
             say
             to
             him
             ,
             as
             Felix
             to
             St.
             Paul
             ,
             awakening
             his
             Conscience
             with
             a
             Sermon
             
               of
               Righteousness
               ,
               and
               Temperance
               ,
               and
               Judgment
               to
               come
               :
               Go
               away
               for
               the
               present
               ,
               when
               it
               is
               a
               convenient
               season
               I
               will
               call
               for
               thee
               .
            
             But
             will
             the
             holy
             Spirit
             assist
             them
             at
             Death
             who
             have
             always
             resisted
             him
             in
             their
             Lives
             ?
             Without
             his
             powerful
             quickning
             Grace
             ,
             they
             will
             be
             unrelenting
             in
             their
             guilty
             polluted
             State
             :
             and
             can
             they
             have
             any
             regular
             hope
             to
             obtain
             Repentance
             unto
             Life
             ,
             when
             they
             have
             so
             often
             quench'd
             his
             warm
             Excitations
             ?
             Delay
             proceeds
             from
             Hardness
             of
             Heart
             ,
             and
             merits
             final
             Desertion
             from
             God.
             
          
           
             How
             incongruous
             is
             it
             to
             expect
             ,
             that
             Divine
             Mercy
             will
             accept
             of
             a
             Death-bed
             Repentance
             ,
             that
             is
             meerly
             by
             constraint
             of
             Fear
             ,
             and
             a
             Resolution
             to
             live
             well
             when
             they
             know
             they
             can
             live
             no
             longer
             ?
             To
             continue
             in
             Sin
             upon
             this
             Conceit
             ,
             that
             God
             will
             easily
             be
             reconciled
             to
             Sinners
             at
             the
             last
             ;
             that
             Confession
             with
             the
             mixt
             Affections
             of
             Sorrow
             and
             Fear
             ,
             for
             the
             sensible
             Effects
             of
             Sin
             in
             Pains
             and
             Sickness
             ,
             and
             worse
             that
             immediately
             attend
             it
             in
             the
             next
             State
             ,
             will
             obtain
             a
             total
             and
             final
             acquittance
             from
             our
             Judg
             ,
             is
             an
             extream
             
             Dishonour
             to
             his
             ruling
             Wisdom
             ,
             his
             unspotted
             Holiness
             ,
             his
             incorruptible
             Justice
             ,
             and
             inviolable
             Truth
             .
             The
             Mercy
             of
             God
             that
             will
             justify
             all
             unfeignedly
             repenting
             believing
             Sinners
             for
             Christ's
             sake
             ,
             will
             justify
             God
             in
             the
             condemning
             wilful
             obstinate
             Sinners
             ,
             who
             render
             themselves
             eternally
             unworthy
             of
             it
             .
          
           
             To
             conclude
             the
             Motives
             ;
             if
             we
             desire
             the
             Favour
             of
             God
             that
             is
             better
             than
             Life
             ,
             if
             we
             fear
             his
             Wrath
             that
             is
             worse
             than
             Death
             ,
             if
             we
             would
             obtain
             Heaven
             ,
             or
             escape
             Hell
             ,
             let
             us
             mortify
             our
             respective
             Sins
             .
          
           
             I
             shall
             now
             propound
             the
             Means
             that
             are
             requisite
             for
             the
             preserving
             us
             from
             our
             special
             Sins
             .
             If
             the
             following
             Rules
             seem
             harsh
             and
             distasteful
             to
             the
             Carnal
             Mind
             ,
             it
             is
             to
             be
             considered
             ,
             that
             Medicines
             for
             the
             Recovery
             and
             Preservation
             of
             Health
             ,
             are
             not
             sweet
             Meats
             of
             a
             pleasant
             Relish
             .
          
           
             1.
             
             In
             order
             to
             the
             keeping
             our selves
             pure
             and
             upright
             ,
             we
             must
             be
             inquisitive
             to
             understand
             intimately
             and
             distinctly
             what
             are
             the
             Sins
             to
             which
             we
             are
             most
             liable
             :
             For
             he
             that
             doth
             not
             know
             what
             he
             should
             fear
             ,
             is
             careless
             ,
             and
             secure
             ,
             easily
             disorder'd
             and
             vanquish'd
             by
             a
             Temptation
             .
             Some
             Lusts
             
             are
             open
             and
             notorious
             in
             the
             gross
             Commission
             :
             others
             lie
             deep
             and
             are
             of
             a
             harder
             Disclosure
             .
             Ignorance
             is
             the
             strong
             defence
             of
             Sin
             ;
             it
             begins
             in
             inward
             Darkness
             :
             the
             Captive
             is
             kept
             securely
             in
             the
             Dungeon
             .
             The
             Understanding
             directs
             the
             Will
             ,
             the
             Will
             commands
             the
             Practice
             :
             if
             the
             Sin
             be
             undiscovered
             ,
             we
             are
             not
             acquainted
             with
             our
             danger
             ,
             and
             shall
             not
             avoid
             it
             .
             A
             principal
             part
             of
             our
             Knowledg
             is
             terminated
             upon
             our selves
             :
             what
             is
             the
             weakest
             part
             with
             respect
             to
             our
             Natures
             ,
             Minds
             and
             Affections
             :
             otherwise
             not
             provided
             of
             Defence
             ,
             we
             shall
             be
             overcome
             without
             Resistance
             .
          
           
             Now
             by
             applying
             the
             Rules
             that
             have
             been
             largely
             insisted
             on
             in
             explicating
             the
             Doctrinal
             Point
             ,
             we
             may
             understand
             our
             peculiar
             Sins
             .
             If
             we
             consider
             our
             Constitution
             ,
             we
             may
             know
             what
             Sins
             are
             suitable
             to
             our
             Tempers
             .
             Our
             frequent
             Lapses
             are
             a
             sensible
             Discovery
             how
             the
             weight
             of
             Nature
             inclines
             us
             .
             The
             reflecting
             upon
             the
             several
             Ages
             of
             Life
             and
             our
             Conditions
             in
             the
             World
             will
             be
             an
             Indication
             what
             Sins
             indanger
             our
             Souls
             :
             The
             Young
             are
             strongly
             dispos'd
             to
             Pleasures
             ,
             the
             Old
             to
             Avarice
             ,
             the
             Healthful
             and
             Prosperous
             to
             Intemperance
             in
             the
             use
             of
             Worldly
             Things
             ,
             
             the
             Sick
             and
             Afflicted
             to
             Impatience
             ,
             the
             Rich
             to
             Security
             ,
             the
             Poor
             to
             Envy
             .
          
           
             When
             the
             special
             Sin
             is
             found
             strip'd
             off
             its
             flattering
             Colours
             ,
             devest
             it
             of
             its
             alluring
             Dress
             ,
             that
             it
             may
             appear
             in
             its
             foul
             Deformity
             ,
             and
             kindle
             an
             Aversation
             in
             your
             Breasts
             against
             it
             .
             The
             correcting
             vicious
             Errors
             begins
             in
             the
             inlightned
             Mind
             ,
             that
             discovers
             them
             ,
             and
             
             our
             proneness
             to
             them
             .
             And
             since
             we
             are
             so
             apt
             to
             disguise
             our
             darling
             Sins
             ,
             and
             to
             be
             partial
             to
             our selves
             ,
             let
             us
             with
             the
             Psalmist
             ,
             pray
             to
             the
             Father
             of
             Lights
             ,
             
               That
               he
               would
               search
               us
               ,
               and
               try
               us
               ,
               and
               see
               whether
               there
               be
               any
               way
               of
               Wickedness
               in
               us
               ,
               to
               discover
               it
               to
               us
               by
               the
               Light
               of
               his
               Word
               ,
               and
               cover
               it
               with
               his
               pardoning
               Mercy
               ,
               and
               lead
               us
               in
               the
               way
               everlasting
               .
            
          
           
             2.
             
             Diligent
             Watchfulness
             and
             Circumspection
             is
             an
             effectual
             Means
             to
             keep
             our selves
             from
             the
             Sins
             that
             easily
             encompass
             us
             .
             This
             implies
             Prudence
             to
             discover
             dangers
             ,
             and
             the
             exercise
             of
             the
             Spiritual
             Powers
             to
             prevent
             and
             resist
             them
             .
             Watchfulness
             is
             a
             universal
             Duty
             of
             constant
             Revolution
             :
             There
             are
             respective
             Duties
             that
             belong
             to
             Persons
             according
             to
             their
             Relations
             ,
             and
             several
             Conditions
             :
             there
             are
             Duties
             of
             stated
             
             Times
             and
             Seasons
             :
             but
             the
             Duty
             of
             Watchfulness
             to
             prevent
             Sin
             ,
             extends
             to
             all
             in
             this
             frail
             State
             ,
             according
             to
             our
             Saviour's
             Command
             to
             his
             Disciples
             ,
             
               What
               I
               say
               unto
               you
               ,
               I
               say
               unto
               all
               ,
               Watch
               :
            
             And
             at
             all
             times
             ;
             for
             tho
             we
             are
             not
             always
             ingaged
             in
             actual
             Fight
             ,
             we
             are
             always
             in
             the
             Field
             ,
             liable
             to
             manifold
             Temptations
             ,
             that
             are
             ready
             to
             surprize
             us
             upon
             careless
             neglect
             of
             our
             Duty
             .
             Habitual
             Grace
             if
             it
             ▪
             be
             not
             drawn
             forth
             into
             Exercise
             by
             constant
             Watchfulness
             ,
             cannot
             fortify
             us
             against
             Sin.
             
          
           
             A
             Saint
             that
             is
             humble
             and
             watchful
             ,
             preserves
             himself
             from
             the
             Power
             and
             Infection
             of
             Sin
             ,
             that
             another
             who
             in
             degrees
             of
             Grace
             excels
             him
             ,
             but
             relaxes
             his
             Watch
             ,
             is
             sadly
             foiled
             by
             .
             Joseph
             ,
             a
             young
             Man
             ,
             by
             Vigilance
             ,
             and
             avoiding
             the
             Temptation
             ,
             kept
             himself
             untainted
             from
             the
             impure
             Sollicitations
             of
             his
             Mistress
             :
             David
             ,
             tho
             of
             great
             Experience
             in
             Religion
             ,
             and
             of
             eminent
             Holiness
             ,
             yet
             when
             he
             intermitted
             his
             Watch
             ,
             how
             suddenly
             was
             he
             surpriz'd
             ?
             From
             a
             careless
             glance
             ,
             Curiosity
             past
             into
             Complacence
             ,
             Complacence
             into
             Lust
             ,
             Lust
             into
             Adultery
             ,
             and
             is
             an
             eternal
             Example
             to
             excite
             our
             Fear
             and
             Caution
             .
             If
             there
             be
             not
             a
             continued
             Diligence
             ,
             the
             same
             holy
             Person
             
             that
             with
             Defiance
             and
             Indignation
             has
             resisted
             the
             Tempter
             at
             some
             times
             ,
             has
             been
             vanquish'd
             at
             other
             times
             .
             Lot
             was
             Righteous
             in
             Sodom
             ,
             but
             how
             foully
             and
             wofully
             he
             fell
             in
             the
             Mountain
             ?
          
           
             Now
             our
             chief
             care
             must
             be
             directed
             to
             avoid
             our
             special
             Sins
             .
             'T
             is
             a
             Fundamental
             Rule
             in
             the
             Christian
             Life
             ,
             that
             our
             weakest
             part
             is
             to
             be
             guarded
             with
             most
             Jealousy
             ,
             and
             fortified
             with
             the
             strongest
             defence
             :
             for
             the
             most
             frequent
             and
             dangerous
             Assaults
             are
             on
             the
             side
             that
             is
             most
             open
             to
             surprize
             .
             The
             subtile
             
             Tempter
             addresses
             his
             Insinuations
             in
             compliance
             to
             our
             Affections
             :
             he
             knew
             the
             softness
             of
             Adam
             towards
             his
             Wife
             ,
             and
             chose
             her
             to
             be
             the
             Instrument
             of
             persuading
             him
             to
             eat
             the
             forbidden
             Fruit.
             Every
             one
             has
             a
             carnal
             part
             ,
             that
             like
             Eve
             the
             Mother
             of
             our
             Miseries
             ,
             is
             prevalent
             to
             corrupt
             us
             ,
             and
             accordingly
             
             he
             suits
             his
             Temptations
             .
             'T
             was
             the
             crafty
             Counsel
             of
             Balaam
             to
             Balac
             ,
             not
             to
             encounter
             the
             Israelites
             with
             armed
             Souldiers
             ,
             but
             with
             the
             Allurements
             of
             Women
             ,
             by
             whom
             they
             were
             corrupted
             and
             seduced
             to
             Impurity
             and
             Idolatry
             ;
             and
             thereby
             provok'd
             God's
             Wrath
             ,
             and
             were
             devested
             of
             his
             Protection
             .
             When
             Ulisses
             was
             employed
             to
             discover
             Achilles
             ,
             
             who
             was
             conceal'd
             in
             the
             Habit
             of
             a
             Virgin
             amongst
             the
             Maids
             of
             Honour
             ,
             he
             carried
             a
             *
             pack
             of
             Toys
             ,
             and
             a
             Lance
             :
             
             and
             whilst
             the
             Women
             were
             looking
             upon
             the
             Ribbons
             ,
             and
             Lace
             ,
             and
             Glasses
             ,
             Achilles
             takes
             up
             the
             Lance
             ,
             that
             was
             suitable
             to
             his
             Martial
             Spirit
             ,
             and
             so
             was
             discovered
             ,
             and
             drawn
             to
             the
             Trojan
             War
             ,
             that
             prov'd
             fatal
             to
             him
             .
             Thus
             the
             Tempter
             is
             observant
             of
             our
             Inclinations
             :
             he
             will
             interpret
             a
             Blush
             ,
             a
             Glance
             ,
             a
             Smile
             ,
             a
             discontented
             Gesture
             ,
             any
             signs
             of
             our
             Affections
             ,
             and
             by
             proper
             Motives
             excites
             the
             desiring
             and
             angry
             Appetites
             ,
             and
             is
             usually
             succesful
             .
             His
             Advantage
             is
             chiefly
             from
             our
             Security
             .
             'T
             is
             easy
             to
             surprize
             a
             suspectless
             Enemy
             .
             St.
             Peter
             straitly
             warns
             us
             ,
             
               Be
               sober
               ,
               be
            
             
             
               vigilant
               ;
               because
               your
               Adversary
               the
               Devil
               ,
               as
               a
               roring
               Lion
               ,
               walketh
               about
               seeking
               whom
               he
               may
               devour
               .
            
             His
             Diligence
             is
             equal
             to
             his
             Malice
             .
             If
             we
             are
             not
             wise
             and
             watchful
             ,
             we
             shall
             fall
             into
             his
             Snares
             .
             There
             is
             a
             fearful
             Instance
             of
             it
             in
             Adam
             ,
             who
             lost
             the
             Image
             and
             Favour
             of
             God
             in
             an
             Hour
             ,
             that
             his
             Posterity
             cannot
             recover
             to
             all
             Ages
             ;
             yet
             there
             was
             no
             Corruption
             in
             his
             Nature
             ,
             he
             was
             furnish'd
             with
             sufficient
             Grace
             :
             he
             might
             easily
             have
             repell'd
             the
             Motion
             
             to
             the
             confusion
             of
             the
             Tempter
             ;
             but
             through
             carelesness
             he
             neglected
             his
             Duty
             to
             the
             Eternal
             Law-giver
             ,
             slighted
             the
             double
             Death
             ,
             that
             of
             the
             Soul
             and
             the
             Body
             ,
             that
             was
             threatned
             to
             deter
             him
             from
             Sin
             ,
             and
             Innocence
             did
             not
             preserve
             him
             from
             seduction
             .
             What
             Reason
             is
             there
             to
             make
             us
             watchful
             ,
             both
             against
             our
             Spiritual
             Enemies
             ,
             and
             our
             own
             drowsiness
             ,
             lest
             security
             steal
             upon
             us
             without
             observation
             ?
             for
             our
             Hearts
             are
             as
             ready
             to
             sin
             as
             Satan
             is
             to
             tempt
             :
             besides
             the
             impression
             from
             tempting
             Objects
             without
             us
             ,
             there
             is
             treacherous
             danger
             within
             :
             Our
             prime
             care
             must
             be
             to
             keep
             a
             severe
             Command
             over
             our
             Minds
             and
             Hearts
             ,
             to
             prevent
             the
             entrance
             of
             Sin.
             The
             Carnal
             Appetite
             allures
             the
             Will
             to
             consent
             to
             the
             actual
             Commission
             ▪
             by
             the
             mediation
             of
             the
             Mind
             that
             represents
             the
             Pleasures
             and
             Profits
             of
             Sin.
             Therefore
             Conscience
             must
             be
             a
             vigilant
             Sentinel
             to
             prevent
             ,
             as
             far
             as
             is
             possible
             ,
             the
             first
             springing
             Thoughts
             ,
             the
             first
             risings
             of
             the
             sinful
             Affections
             .
             Sinful
             Thoughts
             and
             Desires
             are
             possible
             Acts
             ,
             and
             are
             more
             odious
             to
             God
             than
             the
             gross
             Commission
             is
             to
             Men.
             The
             pernicious
             Inspirations
             of
             the
             Tempter
             are
             gradual
             :
             as
             one
             that
             
             kindles
             a
             Fire
             with
             a
             small
             Breath
             ,
             cherishes
             the
             faint
             Sparks
             till
             rais'd
             into
             a
             Flame
             ;
             so
             warm
             Desires
             are
             cherish'd
             by
             the
             Thoughts
             ,
             till
             they
             break
             forth
             into
             a
             wilder
             Flame
             .
             This
             is
             the
             most
             difficult
             part
             of
             our
             Duty
             ;
             we
             may
             more
             easily
             decline
             Temptations
             from
             without
             ,
             than
             keep
             a
             constant
             Guard
             within
             .
             But
             there
             is
             no
             *
             excuse
             for
             the
             neglect
             of
             this
             Duty
             ,
             the
             Consequence
             being
             of
             no
             less
             moment
             than
             Salvation
             .
             
               We
               are
               commanded
               to
               keep
               the
               Heart
               with
               all
               diligence
               ,
               for
               out
               of
               it
               are
               the
               Issues
               of
               Life
               ,
               and
               of
               Death
               also
               .
            
             As
             the
             elective
             Faculty
             is
             inclin'd
             and
             determin'd
             ,
             such
             will
             be
             the
             quality
             of
             our
             Actions
             ,
             either
             Holy
             and
             Good
             ,
             or
             Vicious
             and
             Evil
             ,
             and
             such
             will
             be
             the
             Reward
             in
             the
             next
             State.
             'T
             is
             true
             ,
             it
             is
             morally
             impossible
             for
             even
             the
             best
             Men
             to
             be
             so
             exact
             in
             their
             Watch
             ,
             but
             vain
             thoughts
             may
             suddainly
             spring
             into
             the
             Mind
             ,
             and
             indeliberate
             motions
             may
             rise
             in
             the
             Will
             ,
             (
             which
             should
             be
             matter
             of
             Sorrow
             )
             :
             but
             we
             may
             suppress
             those
             beginnings
             of
             Sin
             ,
             and
             prevent
             the
             morose
             Thoughts
             ,
             the
             musings
             of
             the
             Mind
             upon
             the
             Pleasure
             or
             Profit
             ,
             that
             makes
             the
             Temptation
             so
             strong
             as
             to
             overcome
             us
             .
             If
             a
             Watch
             be
             set
             at
             the
             Gates
             of
             
             a
             Town
             ,
             to
             prevent
             any
             Commerce
             with
             infected
             Places
             ,
             tho
             't
             is
             not
             possible
             to
             exclude
             Pestilential
             Vapours
             that
             mix
             with
             the
             Air
             ,
             and
             fly
             imperceptably
             about
             ,
             yet
             the
             Persons
             and
             Goods
             that
             come
             from
             infected
             Places
             may
             be
             excluded
             .
             
               A
               Child
               of
               God
               keeps
               himself
               ,
               that
               the
               wicked
               One
               touches
               him
               not
            
             ;
             that
             is
             ,
             receives
             no
             defiling
             Impressions
             ,
             by
             yielding
             to
             his
             Suggestions
             .
          
           
             Our
             next
             care
             must
             be
             to
             avoid
             the
             outward
             Temptations
             ,
             that
             are
             apt
             to
             excite
             those
             Lusts
             that
             are
             most
             natural
             to
             us
             .
             The
             Art
             of
             our
             Spiritual
             Enemy
             
             is
             to
             make
             use
             of
             Objects
             without
             ,
             to
             entice
             the
             Affections
             within
             us
             .
             The
             World
             affords
             variety
             of
             Temptations
             ,
             that
             through
             the
             Senses
             pierce
             the
             Heart
             and
             wound
             the
             Spirit
             .
             'T
             is
             therefore
             our
             Duty
             and
             Safety
             ,
             with
             the
             strictest
             Caution
             ,
             to
             guard
             our
             Senses
             .
             The
             most
             make
             no
             other
             use
             of
             their
             Senses
             than
             the
             Brutes
             ;
             it
             were
             well
             they
             made
             no
             worse
             .
             The
             Acts
             of
             the
             Understanding
             are
             immanent
             and
             invisible
             ,
             the
             Affections
             mix
             with
             sensible
             Objects
             ,
             and
             are
             actuated
             with
             Heat
             and
             Motion
             from
             them
             .
             For
             this
             Reason
             Holy
             Men
             have
             been
             so
             careful
             to
             lay
             a
             restraint
             upon
             the
             Senses
             .
             Job
             
               made
               a
               Covenant
               with
               his
               Eyes
               not
               to
            
             
             
               look
               upon
               a
               Maid
            
             .
             David
             
               prays
               ,
               Turn
               away
               mine
               Eyes
               from
               beholding
               Vanity
               .
            
             When
             Solomon
             had
             so
             earnestly
             press'd
             the
             Divine
             Counsel
             
               to
               keep
               the
               Heart
               with
               diligence
               ,
            
             he
             annexes
             most
             fitly
             for
             that
             end
             ;
             
               put
               away
               from
               thee
               a
               froward
               Mouth
               ,
               and
               perverse
               Lips
               put
               far
               from
               thee
               :
               Let
               thy
               Eyes
               look
               right
               on
               ,
               and
               let
               thy
               Eye-lids
               look
               strait
               before
               thee
               .
               Ponder
               the
               Path
               of
               thy
               Feet
               ,
               and
               let
               all
               thy
               Ways
               be
               establish'd
               :
               Turn
               not
               to
               the
               right
               Hand
               or
               the
               Left
               ;
               remove
               thy
               Foot
               from
               Evil.
            
             The
             sum
             of
             which
             Counsel
             is
             ,
             that
             we
             should
             so
             exactly
             guard
             our
             sensitive
             Faculties
             ,
             so
             order
             our
             Words
             ,
             our
             Looks
             ,
             our
             Ways
             ,
             as
             to
             preserve
             our selves
             from
             every
             evil
             thing
             .
             Our
             great
             Security
             is
             in
             flying
             from
             Temptations
             .
             Lot
             was
             strictly
             commanded
             
               not
               to
               look
               back
               on
            
             Sodom
             :
             His
             Wife
             ,
             by
             casting
             a
             lingring
             Eye
             towards
             it
             ,
             was
             
               turned
               into
               a
               Pillar
               of
               Salt
               ,
               to
               season
               the
               World
               by
               her
               Example
               ,
               to
               beware
               of
               the
               occasions
               of
               Sin.
               
            
          
           
             'T
             is
             extream
             Folly
             to
             enter
             into
             Temptation
             :
             for
             as
             near
             as
             the
             melting
             of
             Waxis
             when
             't
             is
             near
             the
             Flame
             ,
             so
             are
             the
             Carnal
             Affections
             of
             being
             enticed
             ,
             and
             the
             Will
             of
             consenting
             when
             near
             enflaming
             Objects
             .
             Our
             sad
             Experience
             may
             instruct
             us
             ,
             how
             prone
             our
             Hearts
             are
             to
             yield
             to
             inviting
             Occasions
             
             of
             Sin
             ,
             and
             how
             often
             we
             have
             been
             foil'd
             by
             venturing
             into
             the
             Confines
             of
             Temptation
             .
             Solomon
             observes
             ,
             
               Surely
               in
               vain
               is
               the
               Net
               spread
               in
               sight
               of
               any
               Bird.
            
             If
             the
             Toils
             be
             never
             so
             craftily
             
             laid
             ,
             and
             the
             Bait
             be
             very
             enticing
             ,
             yet
             a
             silly
             Bird
             has
             that
             foresight
             and
             caution
             ,
             that
             it
             will
             not
             be
             tempted
             to
             run
             into
             the
             Net
             ,
             but
             flie
             from
             the
             present
             Danger
             .
             What
             unaccountable
             folly
             is
             it
             in
             Men
             ,
             tho
             the
             Temptations
             of
             Sin
             are
             never
             so
             alluring
             to
             the
             Carnal
             Appetites
             ,
             not
             to
             make
             use
             of
             the
             Eye
             and
             Wing
             ,
             to
             fear
             and
             fly
             from
             the
             intanglements
             of
             Iniquity
             .
          
           
             Besides
             ,
             we
             forfeit
             the
             Divine
             Assistance
             ,
             by
             entertaining
             the
             Temptations
             of
             Sin.
             The
             Promise
             of
             preserving
             Grace
             is
             to
             us
             whilst
             we
             are
             faithful
             to
             God
             :
             
               He
               will
               keep
               us
               in
               all
               our
               Ways
               ,
            
             whilst
             we
             are
             constant
             in
             our
             Duty
             ,
             otherwise
             we
             cannot
             depend
             upon
             his
             gracious
             Presence
             and
             Assistance
             .
             If
             a
             Soldier
             be
             commanded
             by
             a
             General
             to
             fight
             a
             Duel
             with
             an
             Enemy
             ,
             he
             will
             arm
             him
             with
             Armour
             of
             Proof
             ,
             and
             secure
             him
             from
             Treachery
             :
             but
             if
             one
             from
             vain-Glory
             ,
             from
             Rage
             or
             Revenge
             ,
             against
             the
             Command
             of
             his
             Superior
             shall
             ingage
             in
             a
             Duel
             ,
             he
             fights
             with
             great
             hazard
             ,
             
             and
             if
             he
             conquers
             ,
             is
             punish'd
             for
             his
             Disobedience
             .
             Thus
             if
             in
             the
             regular
             Course
             of
             our
             Lives
             ,
             the
             Divine
             Providence
             so
             orders
             Things
             ,
             that
             Temptations
             approach
             us
             ,
             upon
             our
             earnest
             and
             constant
             Prayer
             ,
             we
             shall
             be
             furnish'd
             with
             
               the
               Armour
               of
               God
               ,
               the
               Shield
               of
               Faith
               ,
               the
               Sword
               of
               the
               Spirit
               ,
               the
               Helmet
               of
               Salvation
               .
            
             But
             if
             we
             run
             into
             Temptations
             ,
             we
             provoke
             him
             to
             desert
             us
             ;
             and
             if
             we
             are
             not
             overcome
             by
             them
             ,
             yet
             for
             our
             transgressing
             his
             Holy
             Command
             ,
             we
             are
             liable
             to
             his
             Displeasure
             .
          
           
             Confirming
             Grace
             is
             a
             continual
             emanation
             from
             the
             Holy
             Spirit
             ,
             without
             which
             we
             shall
             fall
             every
             Hour
             .
             'T
             is
             therefore
             extreamly
             hazardous
             to
             venture
             into
             Temptations
             :
             for
             the
             corrupt
             Nature
             that
             with
             weight
             and
             violence
             inclines
             us
             to
             sin
             is
             within
             ,
             and
             supernatural
             Strength
             to
             controul
             the
             combin'd
             Efficacy
             of
             the
             Inclination
             and
             the
             Occasion
             is
             from
             Above
             ,
             which
             is
             justly
             withdrawn
             when
             we
             
               grieve
               the
               Holy
               Spirit
            
             ,
             by
             conversing
             with
             the
             Temptations
             of
             Sin.
             
               The
               Fear
               of
               the
               Lord
               is
               clean
               ,
            
             effectively
             ,
             as
             it
             induces
             an
             Holy
             Caution
             and
             Circumspection
             to
             preserve
             our selves
             from
             the
             defiling
             captivating
             
             Snares
             of
             Sin.
             'T
             is
             a
             Petition
             more
             necessary
             than
             that
             for
             our
             daily
             Bread
             ;
             
               Lead
               us
               not
               into
               Temptation
            
             :
             Considering
             our
             inseparable
             Frailty
             ,
             and
             the
             Arts
             of
             our
             Spiritual
             Enemies
             to
             take
             every
             advantage
             over
             us
             ▪
             we
             should
             with
             all
             possible
             ardency
             of
             Affection
             pray
             ,
             that
             we
             be
             not
             expos'd
             to
             Temptations
             ,
             or
             not
             vanquish'd
             by
             them
             :
             but
             if
             we
             rashly
             expose
             our selves
             ,
             our
             Prayers
             will
             be
             an
             Indictment
             against
             us
             ,
             and
             we
             shall
             fall
             under
             Condemnation
             .
          
           
             3.
             
             Serious
             Resolutions
             ,
             and
             solemn
             Ingagements
             ,
             are
             of
             excellent
             efficacy
             to
             bind
             our
             deceitful
             Hearts
             from
             yielding
             to
             Sin.
             In
             the
             Christian
             Life
             a
             general
             Resolution
             is
             absolutely
             necessary
             of
             being
             faithful
             to
             God
             ,
             never
             to
             have
             correspondence
             with
             his
             Enemies
             ,
             but
             always
             to
             cleave
             to
             our
             Duty
             ,
             notwithstanding
             all
             the
             Allurements
             or
             Terrors
             of
             the
             World
             to
             supplant
             our
             Integrity
             ,
             and
             surprise
             our
             Constancy
             .
             David
             tells
             us
             ,
             
               I
               have
               sworn
               and
               will
               perform
               it
               ,
               that
               I
            
             
             
               will
               keep
               thy
               righteous
               Judgments
            
             .
             The
             Divine
             Law
             binds
             us
             antecedently
             to
             our
             consent
             ,
             but
             having
             taken
             the
             Oath
             of
             Fidelity
             to
             God
             ,
             there
             is
             superinduced
             a
             new
             Obligation
             to
             fasten
             us
             to
             his
             Service
             .
             After
             this
             ,
             to
             revolt
             from
             our
             
             Duty
             ,
             is
             Rebellion
             heightned
             with
             the
             Guilt
             of
             Perfidiousness
             .
             Besides
             ,
             solemn
             Engagements
             against
             particular
             Sins
             are
             necessary
             :
             Ephraim
             
               shall
               say
               ,
               What
               have
               I
               to
               do
               any
               more
               with
               Idols
               ?
            
             He
             had
             been
             inchanted
             with
             the
             love
             of
             Idols
             ,
             which
             he
             renounces
             with
             Indignation
             .
             A
             practical
             Decree
             ,
             a
             stedfast
             resolution
             to
             forsake
             our
             Sin
             ,
             will
             produce
             a
             diligent
             use
             of
             Means
             in
             order
             to
             that
             End.
             
          
           
             In
             resolving
             against
             Sin
             ,
             we
             must
             depend
             upon
             the
             present
             and
             perpetual
             Assistance
             of
             the
             Divine
             Grace
             ,
             without
             which
             our
             Resolutions
             will
             neither
             be
             sincere
             nor
             effectual
             .
             Carnal
             Men
             under
             Judgments
             ,
             do
             often
             relent
             and
             resolve
             against
             their
             Sins
             :
             from
             the
             convinced
             Mind
             ,
             transient
             Wishes
             ,
             and
             floating
             Purposes
             of
             Reformation
             arise
             :
             but
             till
             the
             Heart
             be
             renewed
             by
             Divine
             Grace
             ,
             the
             will
             is
             incompleat
             :
             There
             are
             secret
             and
             sometimes
             undiscern'd
             Affections
             to
             Sin
             ,
             that
             by
             new
             Temptations
             are
             drawn
             forth
             and
             betray
             them
             to
             Satan
             .
             'T
             is
             a
             charge
             against
             the
             Hypocrites
             in
             the
             Prophecy
             of
             
               Hosea
               ,
               They
               were
               like
               a
               deceitful
               Bow
               ,
            
             that
             being
             ill
             made
             ,
             or
             ill
             bent
             ,
             never
             sent
             the
             Arrow
             directly
             to
             the
             Mark
             :
             sometimes
             after
             the
             Carnal
             Faculties
             have
             been
             sated
             
             with
             the
             gross
             fruition
             ,
             Men
             renounce
             their
             Sins
             ,
             and
             promise
             they
             will
             never
             
               return
               more
               to
               folly
            
             :
             but
             those
             Resolutions
             are
             as
             insufficient
             to
             fortify
             them
             against
             the
             new
             incursion
             of
             tempting
             Objects
             ,
             as
             a
             Wall
             of
             Glass
             to
             resist
             the
             Battery
             of
             Cannon
             :
             for
             there
             is
             no
             permanent
             over-ruling
             Principle
             in
             the
             Heart
             ,
             that
             makes
             the
             Resolution
             stedfast
             against
             Sin.
             But
             suppose
             the
             Resolutions
             be
             sincere
             ,
             and
             proceed
             from
             a
             full
             bent
             of
             the
             Heart
             against
             Sin
             ,
             yet
             if
             Divine
             Grace
             do
             not
             ratify
             them
             ,
             a
             strong
             Temptation
             will
             break
             them
             ,
             as
             a
             gust
             of
             Wind
             breaks
             the
             Strings
             of
             a
             Cobweb
             .
             St.
             Peter
             consulting
             his
             Affection
             ,
             not
             his
             Strength
             ,
             presumptuously
             ingag'd
             to
             his
             Master
             ,
             
               Though
               all
               Men
               forsake
               thee
               ,
               I
               will
               not
               forsake
               thee
               :
            
             but
             in
             the
             time
             of
             Trial
             ,
             surpriz'd
             with
             so
             strong
             a
             fear
             ,
             that
             precluded
             serious
             recollection
             ,
             and
             distracted
             his
             Mind
             from
             the
             deliberare
             comparing
             of
             the
             evil
             of
             Sin
             with
             the
             instant
             Danger
             ,
             he
             most
             unworthily
             deny'd
             his
             Master
             ,
             and
             is
             a
             sad
             Instance
             how
             weak
             and
             wavering
             the
             best
             Men
             are
             ,
             without
             the
             continual
             Influences
             of
             the
             Holy
             Spirit
             to
             determine
             their
             Wills
             ,
             and
             make
             them
             with
             unfainting
             Courage
             persevere
             in
             their
             Duty
             .
          
           
           
             There
             is
             a
             vast
             difference
             between
             the
             sight
             of
             a
             Storm
             at
             Sea
             ,
             and
             a
             Ship
             in
             violent
             agitation
             by
             the
             Winds
             and
             Waves
             ,
             and
             the
             miserable
             Passengers
             with
             pale
             affrighted
             Countenances
             ,
             expecting
             present
             Death
             ,
             in
             a
             lively
             Picture
             ;
             and
             being
             in
             a
             real
             Ship
             ,
             in
             the
             midst
             of
             a
             real
             Tempest
             ,
             and
             in
             real
             danger
             of
             being
             swallowed
             up
             by
             the
             Ocean
             .
             The
             sight
             of
             such
             a
             Spectacle
             without
             fear
             ,
             is
             but
             painted
             Courage
             ,
             as
             the
             Object
             is
             upon
             which
             't
             is
             exercis'd
             :
             if
             one
             should
             presume
             that
             his
             Heart
             were
             impenetrable
             to
             Fear
             ,
             because
             he
             sees
             the
             representation
             of
             extream
             Danger
             without
             Fear
             ,
             it
             were
             egregious
             Folly
             ,
             and
             would
             be
             soon
             confuted
             if
             he
             were
             actually
             in
             extream
             danger
             of
             perishing
             in
             the
             raging
             Sea.
             Thus
             there
             is
             a
             great
             difference
             between
             Temptations
             represented
             in
             our
             Thoughts
             ,
             and
             when
             immediately
             and
             really
             before
             us
             :
             and
             between
             religious
             Resolutions
             when
             Temptations
             are
             at
             a
             distance
             ,
             and
             when
             actually
             incumbent
             on
             us
             .
             There
             may
             be
             such
             Resolutions
             conceiv'd
             in
             the
             Mind
             in
             the
             absence
             of
             Temptations
             ,
             that
             we
             may
             think
             our selves
             guarded
             safely
             against
             our
             Sins
             ;
             and
             yet
             at
             the
             first
             encounter
             of
             a
             strong
             Temptation
             ,
             our
             Resolutions
             may
             cool
             
             and
             faint
             ,
             and
             our
             Vows
             of
             Obedience
             may
             vanish
             as
             the
             
               morning
               Dew
               before
               the
               heart
               of
               the
               Sun
               :
            
             There
             is
             such
             a
             Ievity
             and
             featheriness
             in
             our
             Minds
             ,
             such
             a
             mutability
             and
             inconstancy
             in
             our
             Hearts
             .
             Therefore
             the
             Scripture
             doth
             so
             frequently
             inculcate
             the
             Duty
             of
             continual
             Trust
             in
             God
             ,
             to
             assist
             us
             by
             his
             Strength
             to
             overcome
             our
             Spiritual
             Enemies
             .
             Divine
             Grace
             raises
             our
             Thoughts
             into
             stedfast
             Resolutions
             against
             Sin
             ,
             turns
             our
             Resolutions
             into
             holy
             Actions
             ,
             our
             Actions
             into
             permanent
             Habits
             .
             
               God
               works
               in
               us
               ,
               to
               will
               and
               to
               do
               of
               his
               good
               Pleasure
               .
            
          
           
             4.
             
             If
             upon
             intermitting
             our
             Watch
             ,
             we
             fall
             into
             the
             Sin
             that
             we
             are
             prone
             to
             ,
             speedy
             and
             deep
             Repentance
             is
             necessary
             to
             recover
             the
             Favour
             of
             God
             ,
             and
             to
             preserve
             us
             for
             the
             future
             against
             it
             .
             Sins
             of
             Relapse
             more
             easily
             prevail
             then
             in
             the
             first
             Temptation
             ;
             because
             the
             tenderness
             and
             reluctancy
             of
             Conscience
             is
             lessened
             by
             the
             commission
             of
             Sin
             :
             they
             are
             more
             pernicious
             to
             the
             Soul
             ,
             for
             besides
             the
             inhancing
             of
             Guilt
             ,
             the
             unclean
             Spirit
             returns
             with
             more
             imperiousness
             from
             indignation
             that
             he
             was
             expell'd
             .
             If
             we
             have
             been
             effectually
             tempted
             to
             Sin
             ,
             let
             us
             presently
             retract
             
             it
             by
             Repentance
             :
             There
             will
             be
             a
             suspension
             of
             God's
             Favour
             ,
             whilst
             we
             continue
             without
             a
             due
             sense
             of
             our
             Sin
             ;
             
               Let
               not
               the
               Sun
               go
               down
               upon
               God's
               Wrath
               ,
            
             but
             with
             Prayers
             and
             Tears
             sue
             out
             his
             pardoning
             Mercy
             .
             The
             neglect
             of
             present
             Repentance
             is
             a
             step
             to
             final
             Impenitence
             ,
             that
             is
             unpardonable
             .
             Who
             can
             tell
             the
             degrees
             of
             Danger
             in
             continuing
             in
             Sin
             a
             day
             ?
             How
             many
             have
             been
             cut
             off
             in
             their
             early
             Sins
             ,
             and
             lost
             their
             Time
             ,
             and
             Hopes
             ,
             and
             Souls
             for
             ever
             ?
             But
             that
             which
             more
             specially
             belongs
             to
             the
             present
             Matter
             ,
             is
             this
             ,
             by
             the
             neglect
             of
             speedy
             Repentance
             ,
             Sin
             is
             more
             difficultly
             retracted
             .
             By
             continuance
             in
             
             Sin
             ,
             the
             Heart
             is
             more
             unwilling
             and
             unable
             to
             mortify
             it
             .
             The
             Habits
             of
             the
             Mind
             differ
             from
             the
             Habits
             of
             the
             Body
             :
             these
             wear
             out
             by
             continuance
             ,
             the
             others
             are
             more
             firm
             and
             powerful
             :
             they
             are
             second
             Inclinations
             ,
             and
             as
             violent
             as
             the
             first
             that
             are
             deeply
             set
             in
             corrupt
             Nature
             .
             The
             healing
             a
             fresh
             Wound
             is
             much
             more
             easy
             than
             an
             inveterate
             Ulcer
             :
             the
             healing
             the
             Soul
             ,
             and
             renewing
             it
             by
             Repentance
             ,
             is
             much
             more
             easy
             and
             safe
             ,
             presently
             after
             the
             wounding
             it
             by
             Sin
             ,
             then
             after
             
             continuance
             under
             the
             power
             and
             infection
             of
             Sin.
             
          
           
             A
             deep
             Heart-breaking
             Sorrow
             will
             prevent
             relapses
             into
             Sin.
             When
             Conscience
             represents
             our
             Sin
             in
             its
             killing
             Circumstances
             ,
             as
             committed
             against
             the
             knowledg
             of
             the
             Divine
             Law
             ,
             and
             our
             Vows
             of
             Obedience
             ,
             against
             the
             tender
             Mercies
             ,
             and
             dreadful
             Justice
             of
             God
             :
             that
             for
             the
             low
             and
             despicable
             satisfaction
             of
             the
             sensual
             part
             ,
             we
             have
             made
             our selves
             unholy
             and
             unhappy
             :
             from
             hence
             the
             Soul
             is
             struck
             with
             a
             Sorrow
             so
             pungent
             ,
             that
             the
             love
             of
             Pleasure
             is
             mortified
             ,
             and
             the
             sweetest
             Sin
             is
             imbitter'd
             .
             The
             remembrance
             of
             that
             perplexing
             anguish
             will
             heighten
             the
             aversation
             and
             resolution
             against
             Sin
             :
             The
             Soul
             will
             fly
             with
             horror
             the
             occasions
             of
             offending
             God
             ,
             and
             recoil
             at
             the
             first
             glance
             of
             that
             Sin
             that
             cost
             it
             so
             dear
             ,
             and
             which
             if
             entertain'd
             ,
             will
             renew
             its
             Agonies
             .
             As
             one
             that
             narrowly
             escapes
             from
             being
             consum'd
             by
             Fire
             ,
             retains
             so
             strong
             an
             impression
             of
             the
             Terror
             ,
             that
             makes
             him
             always
             circumspect
             to
             avoid
             the
             like
             danger
             .
             
               David's
               broken
               Bones
               made
            
             him
             understand
             what
             a
             fearful
             Sin
             Adultery
             was
             ,
             and
             cautious
             ever
             after
             .
             But
             a
             slight
             Confession
             ,
             a
             superficial
             Sorrow
             ,
             a
             
             few
             sad
             Thoughts
             and
             Tears
             ,
             are
             soon
             forgot
             :
             when
             the
             Sinner
             presumes
             by
             a
             slight
             Repentance
             to
             obtain
             Reconciliation
             with
             God
             ,
             he
             is
             ready
             to
             answer
             the
             next
             Temptation
             ,
             and
             return
             to
             Folly.
             
          
           
             5.
             
             Fervent
             and
             constant
             Prayer
             for
             the
             renewing
             Grace
             of
             God
             ,
             is
             indispensably
             necessary
             to
             preserve
             us
             from
             our
             Sins
             .
             'T
             is
             by
             the
             Spirit
             of
             Holiness
             that
             
               we
               mortify
               the
               Deeds
               of
               the
               Body
               :
            
             that
             we
             put
             off
             the
             
               old
               Man
            
             ,
             and
             put
             on
             the
             new
             .
             Sanctifying
             Grace
             introduces
             a
             new
             Nature
             ,
             the
             Prolifick
             and
             Productive
             Principle
             of
             a
             new
             Life
             :
             it
             turns
             the
             current
             of
             the
             Affections
             from
             Sin
             to
             Holiness
             .
             This
             is
             as
             astonishing
             as
             the
             miraculous
             motion
             of
             the
             Shadow
             upon
             Ahaz
             Dial
             ,
             
               that
               went
               ten
               degrees
               backward
            
             .
             Unregenerate
             Morality
             may
             lop
             the
             Branches
             ,
             restrain
             from
             the
             gross
             Acts
             ,
             but
             sanctifying
             Grace
             strikes
             at
             the
             root
             of
             Sin
             ,
             the
             inward
             Affection
             .
             There
             are
             some
             Medicines
             that
             will
             stop
             the
             fits
             of
             the
             falling-Sickness
             for
             a
             time
             ,
             but
             not
             expelling
             the
             Cause
             ,
             the
             Disease
             invades
             Nature
             again
             :
             So
             moral
             Counsels
             ,
             and
             Politick
             Respects
             ,
             may
             stop
             the
             breaking
             forth
             of
             the
             Lusts
             of
             the
             Flesh
             ,
             but
             the
             inward
             Affection
             of
             Sin
             remaining
             will
             make
             us
             apt
             to
             fall
             by
             the
             Commission
             
             of
             it
             .
             Sanctifying
             Grace
             makes
             an
             inward
             universal
             Change
             in
             the
             Soul
             :
             he
             that
             was
             unclean
             in
             his
             Thoughts
             and
             Desires
             ,
             by
             the
             transforming
             Power
             of
             the
             Spirit
             ,
             
               loves
               Pureness
               of
               Heart
            
             ,
             delights
             in
             it
             ,
             and
             has
             a
             fixed
             Hatred
             against
             any
             thing
             that
             defiles
             :
             the
             Soul
             that
             
               cleaves
               to
               the
               Dust
            
             ,
             and
             pursues
             the
             acquisition
             of
             Earthly
             Things
             as
             his
             Treasure
             ,
             being
             refined
             and
             elevated
             by
             Grace
             ,
             seeks
             the
             things
             above
             ,
             with
             vigorous
             Enedavours
             .
          
           
             In
             this
             the
             Diseases
             of
             the
             Body
             differ
             from
             those
             of
             the
             Mind
             :
             the
             first
             ,
             notwithstanding
             
             the
             most
             earnest
             desire
             of
             Cures
             ,
             may
             be
             incurable
             :
             the
             other
             when
             the
             Desires
             are
             sincere
             of
             spiritual
             Healing
             ,
             are
             in
             the
             happy
             way
             of
             Cure
             ,
             for
             vicious
             Affections
             are
             the
             Diseases
             of
             the
             Soul.
             This
             Change
             of
             the
             Affections
             the
             Effect
             of
             supernatural
             Grace
             ,
             is
             obtain'd
             by
             fervent
             Prayer
             .
             Our
             Saviour
             assures
             us
             ,
             that
             
               our
               Heavenly
               Father
               will
               freely
               and
               abundantly
               give
               the
               holy
               Spirit
               to
               those
               who
               ask
               it
            
             with
             such
             ardent
             Affections
             ,
             as
             flow
             from
             their
             feeling
             sense
             of
             the
             want
             of
             his
             Influences
             .
             In
             humble
             Prayer
             we
             acknowledg
             our
             Unworthiness
             ,
             our
             Weakness
             ,
             our
             absolute
             necessity
             of
             Divine
             Grace
             to
             mortify
             
             our
             Lusts
             :
             in
             believing
             Prayer
             we
             glorify
             his
             Mercy
             ,
             and
             his
             Omniporence
             ,
             that
             he
             is
             both
             willing
             and
             powerful
             to
             make
             us
             victorious
             over
             our
             worst
             Enemies
             .
             The
             Prayer
             of
             Jehosaphat
             ,
             when
             invaded
             by
             a
             vast
             Army
             ,
             conspiring
             the
             Destruction
             of
             his
             Kingdom
             ,
             is
             a
             Copy
             to
             be
             transcribed
             by
             us
             :
             
               O
               our
               God
               ,
               we
               have
               no
               Might
               against
               this
               great
               Company
               that
               comes
               against
               us
               ,
               neither
               know
               we
            
             
             
               what
               to
               do
               ,
               but
               our
               Eyes
               are
               upon
               thee
               .
            
             Thus
             Satan
             ,
             the
             World
             ,
             and
             the
             Flesh
             ,
             are
             combin'd
             in
             warring
             against
             the
             Soul
             ,
             and
             we
             are
             utterly
             unable
             to
             resist
             them
             ,
             we
             must
             therefore
             address
             our selves
             
               to
               the
               God
               of
               all
               Grace
               ,
            
             to
             strengthen
             our
             inward
             Man.
             And
             since
             some
             Lusts
             have
             such
             strong
             Possession
             ,
             that
             like
             that
             stubborn
             sort
             of
             Spirits
             mention'd
             in
             the
             Gospel
             ,
             they
             cannot
             be
             expell'd
             but
             by
             Fasting
             and
             Prayer
             ,
             we
             must
             with
             the
             most
             zealous
             Devotion
             ,
             Prayer
             joyn'd
             with
             Fasting
             ,
             implore
             Grace
             to
             subdue
             them
             .
          
           
             Prayer
             must
             be
             continual
             :
             if
             we
             intermit
             this
             recourse
             to
             Heaven
             we
             shall
             presently
             find
             our selves
             like
             Sampson
             when
             his
             Hair
             was
             shav'd
             ,
             weak
             like
             other
             Men.
             Grace
             in
             the
             Saints
             is
             not
             like
             Light
             in
             the
             Sun
             ,
             that
             springs
             from
             it
             
             self
             ,
             but
             like
             the
             Light
             of
             a
             Lamp
             that
             is
             constantly
             fed
             with
             Supplies
             of
             Oil
             ,
             otherwise
             the
             weak
             Light
             will
             faint
             and
             dye
             .
             Inherent
             Grace
             is
             maintain'd
             by
             the
             continual
             Emanations
             from
             the
             holy
             Spirit
             :
             Nay
             the
             Habits
             of
             Grace
             are
             drawn
             forth
             into
             Act
             and
             vigorous
             Exercise
             ,
             by
             supervenient
             exciting
             Grace
             without
             which
             they
             would
             be
             ineffective
             and
             useless
             .
             As
             there
             cannot
             be
             actual
             Sight
             ,
             unless
             the
             Light
             in
             the
             Eye
             be
             irradiated
             by
             Light
             of
             the
             Air
             :
             So
             without
             special
             assisting
             Grace
             we
             cannot
             do
             any
             Spiritual
             Good
             nor
             avoid
             Evil
             :
             we
             shall
             be
             foil'd
             by
             every
             Temptation
             ,
             even
             the
             best
             will
             leave
             God
             ,
             and
             provoke
             God
             to
             leave
             them
             .
             Our
             Saviour
             therefore
             enjoyns
             his
             Disciples
             the
             double
             Duty
             ,
             
               Watch
               and
               pray
               ,
               lest
               ye
               enter
               into
               Temptation
               .
               David
            
             with
             his
             severe
             Resolutions
             to
             be
             circumspect
             ,
             joyn'd
             his
             fervent
             Requests
             to
             God
             :
             
               I
               said
               ,
               I
               will
               take
               heed
               to
               my
               ways
               ,
               that
               I
               sin
               not
               with
               my
               Tongue
               ,
               I
               will
               keep
               my
               Mouth
               with
               a
               Bridle
               ,
            
             
             
               while
               the
               wicked
               is
               before
               me
               .
               Set
               a
               Watch
               O
               Lord
               before
               my
               Mouth
               ,
               and
               keep
               the
               door
               of
               my
               Lips.
            
             His
             special
             Guidance
             is
             necessary
             to
             regulate
             our
             Tongues
             ,
             that
             we
             neither
             offend
             God
             ,
             nor
             justly
             provoke
             Men.
             
          
           
           
             Lastly
             :
             Faith
             in
             the
             Redeemer
             is
             a
             Soveraign
             effectual
             Means
             for
             the
             mortifying
             Sin.
             The
             Son
             of
             God
             incarnate
             is
             the
             Fountain
             of
             inherent
             as
             well
             as
             imputed
             Righteousness
             :
             Grace
             and
             Glory
             are
             conveyed
             to
             us
             by
             the
             Hands
             of
             the
             Mediator
             .
             The
             Supernatual
             Power
             to
             do
             Good
             ,
             and
             vanquish
             Evil
             is
             from
             him
             :
             
               Of
               our selves
               we
               cannot
               conceive
               a
               good
               Thought
               ,
               through
               Christ
               strengthening
               us
               we
               can
               do
               all
               things
               .
            
             Spiritual
             Blessings
             he
             purchas'd
             for
             us
             by
             his
             Humiliation
             ,
             and
             confers
             in
             his
             Exaltation
             .
             
               He
               gave
               himself
               for
               his
               Church
               ,
               that
               he
               might
               sanctify
            
             
             
               it
               ,
               and
               cleanse
               it
               by
               the
               washing
               of
               Water
            
             
             
               and
               the
               Word
            
             .
             Being
             risen
             and
             ascended
             ,
             he
             received
             of
             his
             Father
             Divine
             Gifts
             ,
             and
             gives
             Grace
             unto
             Men.
             
               He
               gives
               Repentance
            
             ,
             which
             principally
             consists
             in
             the
             mortifying
             Sin
             :
             
               he
               blesses
               us
               in
               turning
            
             
             
               us
               from
               our
               Iniquities
            
             .
          
           
             The
             Mortification
             of
             Sin
             is
             peculiarly
             attributed
             to
             his
             Death
             .
             1.
             
             With
             respect
             to
             its
             meritorious
             Causality
             ,
             that
             reconcil'd
             God
             to
             us
             ,
             and
             obtain'd
             of
             him
             the
             sanctifying
             Spirit
             that
             is
             the
             Seal
             of
             his
             Love
             ,
             to
             communicate
             
               the
               Divine
               Nature
               to
               us
               ,
               by
               which
               we
               escape
               the
               Corruption
               that
               is
               in
               the
               World
               through
               Lust.
            
             The
             Redemption
             of
             a
             Captive
             
             may
             illustrate
             the
             Redemption
             of
             Sinners
             :
             for
             as
             in
             restoring
             a
             Captive
             to
             Liberty
             ,
             there
             must
             be
             the
             payment
             of
             the
             Ransom
             ,
             and
             the
             breaking
             of
             his
             Chains
             ,
             so
             in
             redeeming
             a
             Sinner
             there
             was
             the
             price
             laid
             down
             ,
             the
             unvaluable
             Blood
             of
             the
             Son
             of
             God
             ,
             to
             procure
             our
             spiritual
             Freedom
             :
             for
             the
             ignominious
             and
             cruel
             Bondage
             under
             Satan
             ,
             was
             the
             penal
             Effect
             of
             the
             first
             Transgression
             :
             and
             the
             invisible
             Chains
             ,
             the
             Darkness
             of
             Mind
             ,
             the
             Hardness
             of
             Heart
             ,
             the
             Rebellion
             of
             Will
             ,
             the
             Disorder
             of
             Affections
             ,
             and
             all
             the
             vicious
             Habits
             that
             kept
             him
             in
             the
             Bondage
             of
             Satan
             ,
             are
             to
             be
             broken
             and
             removed
             .
             For
             this
             reason
             't
             is
             said
             ,
             
               God
               sending
               his
               Son
               in
               the
               likeness
               of
               sinful
               Flesh
               ,
               and
               for
               Sin
               condemning
               Sin
               in
               the
               Flesh
               :
            
             that
             is
             ,
             Christ
             dying
             as
             a
             Sacrifice
             for
             Sin
             ,
             reconciled
             God
             ,
             and
             the
             Fruit
             of
             that
             Reconciliation
             ,
             is
             the
             breaking
             the
             Tyrannous
             Empire
             of
             Sin
             under
             which
             we
             were
             involv'd
             ,
             that
             we
             may
             enjoy
             the
             Liberty
             of
             the
             Sons
             of
             God.
             Sin
             brought
             our
             Saviour
             to
             the
             Cross
             ,
             and
             he
             brought
             Sin
             to
             the
             Cross
             :
             when
             he
             dy'd
             naturally
             ,
             Sin
             dyed
             legally
             ,
             that
             is
             ,
             was
             condemn'd
             to
             lose
             its
             Power
             in
             the
             Hearts
             and
             Lives
             of
             Believers
             .
             The
             excellent
             Ends
             of
             our
             Saviour's
             Death
             
             are
             express'd
             by
             the
             Apostle
             ;
             
               He
               gave
               himself
               for
               us
               ,
               that
               he
               might
               redeem
               us
               from
               all
               Iniquity
               ,
               abolish
               the
               guilt
               of
               Sin
               ,
               and
               purify
               unto
               himself
               a
               peculiar
               People
               zealous
               of
               good
               Works
               .
            
             2.
             
             By
             way
             of
             Representation
             .
             As
             Christ
             died
             for
             Sin
             ,
             we
             must
             die
             to
             Sin
             :
             He
             expiated
             the
             guilt
             of
             all
             Sin
             for
             penitent
             Believers
             ;
             and
             a
             universal
             crucifixion
             of
             Sin
             is
             the
             imitation
             of
             his
             Death
             .
             The
             Apostle
             insists
             on
             this
             as
             a
             Truth
             of
             the
             clearest
             Evidence
             to
             Christians
             ,
             
               Know
               ye
               not
               that
               so
               many
               as
               were
               baptized
               into
               Jesus
               Christ
               ,
               were
               baptized
               into
               his
               Death
               ?
               Therefore
               we
               are
               buried
               with
               him
               in
               Baptism
               ;
               that
               as
               Christ
               was
               raised
               up
               from
               the
               Dead
               ,
               by
               the
               Glory
               of
               the
               Father
               ,
               even
               so
               we
               also
               should
               walk
               in
               newness
               of
               Life
               .
               For
               if
               we
               have
               been
               planted
               together
               in
               the
               likeness
               of
               his
               Death
               ,
               we
               shall
               be
               also
               in
               the
               likeness
               of
               his
               Resurrection
               .
               Knowing
               this
               ,
               that
               our
               Old
               Man
               is
               crucified
               with
               him
               ,
               that
               the
               Body
               of
               Sin
               might
               be
               destroyed
               ,
               that
               henceforth
               we
               should
               not
               serve
               Sin.
            
             The
             sum
             of
             which
             Reasoning
             is
             ,
             that
             our
             crucifying
             the
             corrupt
             Nature
             ,
             with
             all
             its
             various
             Affections
             and
             Lusts
             ,
             is
             a
             lively
             resemblance
             of
             the
             Death
             of
             Christ
             ,
             which
             was
             design'd
             both
             to
             be
             operative
             in
             us
             of
             the
             Death
             
             of
             Sin
             ,
             and
             to
             be
             significative
             of
             it
             .
             From
             whence
             it
             follows
             ,
             't
             is
             the
             indispensable
             Duty
             of
             all
             Christians
             to
             transcribe
             the
             Copy
             of
             his
             Death
             in
             their
             Hearts
             and
             Lives
             .
             3.
             
             The
             Death
             of
             Christ
             mortifies
             Sin
             by
             moral
             Influence
             ,
             as
             't
             is
             an
             Expression
             of
             God's
             transcendent
             Love
             to
             us
             ,
             and
             his
             Righteous
             and
             Holy
             severity
             against
             Sin
             ;
             both
             which
             are
             such
             powerful
             Motives
             to
             destroy
             Sin
             ,
             that
             whoever
             does
             not
             feel
             their
             Efficacy
             ,
             is
             dead
             as
             the
             Grave
             ,
             without
             the
             least
             vital
             Spark
             of
             grateful
             Love
             to
             Christ.
             
          
           
             Now
             the
             unfeigned
             belief
             of
             the
             meritorious
             and
             efficacious
             Sufferings
             of
             Christ
             ,
             is
             the
             means
             by
             which
             the
             Value
             of
             his
             Death
             is
             applied
             ,
             and
             the
             Vertue
             of
             it
             derived
             to
             us
             for
             the
             killing
             of
             our
             Sins
             .
             'T
             is
             by
             Faith
             we
             are
             united
             to
             him
             as
             our
             Head
             ,
             the
             Fountain
             of
             Spiritual
             Sense
             and
             Active
             Power
             .
             
               He
               dwells
               in
               our
               Hearts
               by
               Faith
               ,
            
             and
             by
             the
             eminent
             Operations
             of
             his
             Spirit
             ,
             strengthens
             the
             inner
             Man.
             Faith
             excites
             us
             to
             mortify
             the
             inhabiting
             Corruption
             ,
             by
             arguing
             from
             the
             Love
             of
             Christ
             in
             dying
             for
             us
             :
             He
             left
             Heaven
             for
             us
             ,
             shall
             not
             we
             leave
             Earth
             for
             him
             ?
             He
             denied
             his
             natural
             innocent
             Wills
             to
             submit
             to
             the
             
             Death
             of
             the
             Cross
             for
             our
             Salvation
             ;
             Shall
             not
             we
             deny
             our
             depraved
             rebellious
             Wills
             for
             his
             Glory
             ?
             And
             unless
             desperate
             Sinners
             ,
             who
             are
             fallen
             as
             low
             as
             Hell
             ,
             who
             can
             resist
             such
             melting
             Perswasions
             ?
             The
             Apostle
             speaks
             with
             the
             most
             feeling
             Expressions
             ;
             
               The
               Love
               of
               Christ
               constrains
               us
               ;
               has
               an
               absolute
               invincible
               Empire
               over
               us
               ,
               because
               we
               thus
               judg
               ,
               that
               if
               one
               died
               for
               all
               ,
               then
               were
               all
               dead
               ,
               that
               henceforth
               we
               should
               live
               to
               him
               who
               died
               for
               us
               .
            
             And
             't
             is
             the
             noble
             and
             sensible
             Effect
             of
             quickning
             Grace
             to
             mortify
             Sin.
             Faith
             as
             it
             obliges
             ,
             so
             it
             encourages
             to
             subdue
             our
             Sins
             ,
             by
             reflecting
             upon
             the
             End
             of
             Christ's
             Death
             ,
             which
             shall
             certainly
             be
             accomplish'd
             .
             St.
             Paul
             in
             his
             conflict
             with
             an
             uncessant
             Enemy
             ,
             was
             fortified
             by
             an
             Assurance
             from
             God
             ,
             
               My
               Grace
               is
               sufficient
               for
               thee
               :
            
             The
             Temptation
             was
             not
             presently
             removed
             ,
             but
             strength
             conveyed
             by
             which
             he
             was
             superior
             to
             it
             .
             Our
             special
             Sins
             so
             easily
             encompass
             us
             ,
             that
             considering
             our
             imminent
             danger
             ,
             we
             may
             fear
             the
             Issue
             of
             the
             Fight
             ;
             but
             the
             believing
             remembrance
             of
             our
             Saviour's
             Death
             ,
             inspires
             new
             Life
             and
             Heat
             into
             us
             ,
             knowing
             that
             he
             hath
             not
             died
             in
             vain
             .
             Faith
             raises
             the
             drooping
             Spirit
             ,
             by
             reflecting
             
             upon
             the
             compassionate
             willingness
             of
             Christ
             to
             relieve
             and
             strengthen
             us
             in
             the
             Holy
             War.
             When
             he
             was
             upon
             Earth
             ,
             he
             prayed
             his
             Father
             
               to
               keep
               us
               from
               the
               Evil
               of
               the
               World.
            
             This
             was
             the
             Copy
             of
             his
             continual
             Intercession
             for
             us
             in
             Heaven
             ;
             from
             whence
             we
             are
             infallibly
             assur'd
             ,
             that
             he
             is
             most
             tenderly
             inclin'd
             to
             assist
             us
             ,
             and
             preserve
             us
             from
             the
             malignant
             influence
             of
             the
             World.
             For
             these
             Reasons
             ,
             Faith
             in
             Christ
             has
             a
             cleansing
             Vertue
             ,
             a
             victorious
             Efficacy
             attributed
             to
             it
             :
             
               Faith
               purifies
               the
               Heart
               ,
               and
               overcomes
               the
               World.
            
             A
             sincere
             Believer
             that
             makes
             use
             of
             the
             Divine
             Ordinances
             ,
             Prayer
             ,
             hearing
             the
             Word
             ,
             the
             confirming
             Sacrament
             ,
             and
             other
             holy
             Means
             for
             the
             subduing
             his
             Corruptions
             ,
             shall
             certainly
             obtain
             a
             final
             Victory
             ,
             and
             the
             reward
             of
             it
             a
             triumphant
             Felicity
             .
          
        
         
           FINIS
           .
        
      
    
     
       
         
         
           Some
           ▪
           Divinity
           Books
           printed
           for
           ,
           and
           fold
           by
           
             Jonathan
             Robinson
          
           ,
           at
           the
           Golden
           Lion
           in
           St.
           Paul's
           Church-Yard
           .
        
         
           MR.
           Pool's
           Annotations
           on
           the
           whole
           Bible
           ,
           in
           which
           the
           whole
           Sacred
           Text
           is
           inserted
           ;
           in
           two
           Volumes
           ,
           in
           Folio
           .
           Useful
           for
           Families
           and
           Closets
           .
        
         
           Dr.
           Goodwin's
           Works
           :
           In
           two
           Volumes
           ,
           in
           
             Folio
             .
             Viz.
          
           on
           the
           
             Ephesians
             ,
             Revelations
          
           ,
           The
           Kowledg
           of
           God
           the
           Father
           ,
           Election
           ,
           &c.
           
        
         
           —
           His
           Treatise
           of
           the
           Punishment
           of
           Sin
           in
           Hell
           :
           In
           8o.
        
         
           Dr.
           Manton's
           Works
           ;
           In
           two
           Volumes
           ,
           in
           
             Folio
             .
             Viz.
          
           On
           the
           25th
           Chapter
           of
           St.
           Matthew
           .
           The
           17th
           of
           St.
           John.
           On
           the
           6th
           and
           8th
           Chapters
           of
           the
           Epistle
           to
           the
           Romans
           .
           On
           the
           5th
           Chapter
           of
           the
           2d
           to
           the
           Corinthians
           :
           And
           on
           the
           11th
           to
           the
           Hebrews
           .
           With
           a
           Treatise
           of
           the
           
             Life
             of
             Faith
          
           ,
           and
           Self-Denial
           .
           With
           several
           other
           Sermons
           .
        
         
           —
           His
           Treatise
           on
           the
           Lord's
           Prayer
           :
           In
           8o.
        
         
           Dr.
           Bates's
           Works
           .
           Viz.
           The
           Harmony
           of
           the
           Divine
           Attributes
           ,
           in
           the
           Contrivance
           and
           Accomplishment
           of
           our
           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.
           
        
         
           —
           His
           three
           Sermons
           ,
           at
           the
           Funerals
           of
           Dr.
           Jacomb
           ,
           Mr.
           Clarkson
           ,
           and
           Mr.
           Ashurst
           .
        
         
           Mr.
           Pearse's
           Preparation
           for
           Death
           .
        
         
           —
           His
           Best
           Match
           :
           Or
           ,
           the
           Soul's
           Espousal
           to
           Christ.
           
        
         
           —
           Last
           Legacy
           :
           Or
           Beam
           of
           Divine
           Glory
           ,
           &c.
           12o.
        
         
           Catechism
           made
           Practical
           .
           The
           Christian
           Instructed
           .
        
         
           I.
           In
           the
           Principles
           of
           the
           Christian
           Religion
           ;
           Positively
           ,
           in
           the
           Shorter
           Catechism
           .
        
         
           II.
           In
           what
           he
           is
           to
           Refuse
           ,
           and
           what
           to
           Hold
           Fast
           in
           the
           Greatest
           Points
           of
           Controversy
           ;
           and
           how
           to
           Confute
           Errors
           ,
           and
           to
           Defend
           the
           Truth
           .
        
         
           III.
           In
           the
           practice
           of
           several
           Duties
           .
           Viz.
           1.
           
           The
           Practical
           Improvement
           of
           the
           Holy
           Trinity
           .
           2.
           
           Baptism
           .
           3.
           
           Prayer
           .
           And
           ,
           4.
           
           Preparation
           for
           the
           Lord's
           Supper
           .
           12o.
        
         
         
           An
           Explanation
           of
           the
           Assembly's
           shorter
           Catechism
           .
           Price
           6d
           .
        
         
           Mr.
           Case's
           Treatise
           of
           Afflictions
           .
        
         
           The
           Epitome
           of
           the
           Bible
           in
           English
           Verse
           ,
           useful
           for
           Children
           ;
           price
           6
           d.
           Bound
           .
        
         
           A
           Present
           for
           Children
           .
           Being
           a
           Brief
           ,
           but
           faithful
           Account
           of
           many
           Remarkable
           and
           Excellent
           Things
           uttered
           by
           three
           young
           Children
           ,
           to
           the
           wonder
           of
           all
           that
           heard
           them
           .
           To
           which
           is
           added
           ,
           A
           Seasonable
           Exhortation
           to
           Parents
           for
           the
           Education
           of
           their
           Children
           .
           Published
           by
           
             William
             Bidbanck
          
           ,
           M.
           A.
           Price
           6.
           d.
           Bound
           .
        
         
           The
           Sacred
           Diary
           :
           Or
           ,
           Select
           Meditations
           for
           every
           Part
           of
           the
           Day
           ,
           and
           the
           Employments
           thereof
           .
           By
           
             William
             Gearing
          
           ,
           Rector
           of
           Christ-Church
           in
           Surry
           .
        
         
           The
           Barren
           Fig-tree
           :
           Or
           ,
           The
           Doom
           and
           Downfal
           of
           the
           Fruitless
           Professor
           .
           By
           
             John
             Bunyan
          
           .
        
         
           A
           new
           System
           of
           the
           Apocalyps
           ;
           or
           plain
           and
           methodical
           Illustrations
           of
           all
           the
           Visions
           in
           the
           Revelation
           of
           St.
           John.
           Written
           by
           a
           French
           Minister
           ,
           in
           the
           Year
           1685
           ,
           and
           finished
           but
           two
           days
           before
           the
           Dragoons
           plundred
           him
           of
           all
           except
           this
           Treatise
           .
        
         
           Murmurers
           Reproved
           :
           In
           a
           Sermon
           lately
           preached
           by
           Mr.
           Hopkins
           .
        
         
           England's
           Call
           to
           Thankfulness
           for
           Her
           great
           Deliverance
           from
           Popery
           and
           Arbitrary
           Power
           ,
           by
           the
           glorious
           Conduct
           of
           the
           Prince
           of
           Orange
           ,
           (
           now
           King
           of
           England
           )
           in
           the
           Year
           1688.
           
           In
           a
           Sermon
           preach'd
           in
           the
           Parish
           Church
           of
           Almer
           in
           Dorsetshire
           ,
           Feb.
           14.
           1689.
           
           By
           
             John
             Olliffe
          
           .
        
         
           The
           Easiness
           and
           Difficulty
           of
           the
           Christian
           Religion
           .
           In
           a
           Sermon
           preached
           before
           the
           Lord-Mayor
           and
           Court
           of
           Aldermen
           of
           the
           City
           of
           London
           ,
           at
           their
           Guild-hall
           Chappel
           ,
           on
           Sunday
           May
           26.
           1689.
           
           By
           
             Isaac
             Bringhurst
          
           ,
           D.
           D.
           Rector
           of
           Toddinton
           in
           Bedfordshire
           .
        
      
       
         Notes, typically marginal, from the original text
         
           Notes for div A26811-e180
           
             Plut.
             de
             adul
             .
          
        
         
           Notes for div A26811-e380
           
             
               〈◊〉
               〈◊〉
               〈◊〉
               〈◊〉
               〈◊〉
            
             .
             Pl●●
             .
          
           
             *
             Quaeris
             tu
             rationem
             ,
             ego
             expavesco
             altitudinem
             .
             Tu
             ratiocinare
             ,
             ego
             miror
             .
             Aug.
             Serm.
             7.
             de
             verb.
             Apost
             .
          
           
             *
             Stultus
             omnia
             vitia
             habet
             ,
             sed
             non
             in
             omnia
             natura
             pronus
             est
             :
             omnia
             in
             omnibus
             sunt
             ,
             sed
             non
             omnia
             in
             singulis
             extant
             .
             Omnia
             in
             omnibus
             insunt
             ;
             sed
             in
             quibusdam
             singula
             eminent
             .
             Senec.
             de
             benef
             .
             L.
             4.
             
          
           
             *
             Sunt
             tam
             civitatum
             quam
             singulorum
             hominum
             mores
             :
             gentes
             aliae
             iracundae
             ,
             aliae
             audaces
             quaedam
             timidae
             quaedam
             in
             vinum
             &
             recuerem
             pro
             niores
             .
             Liv.
             Hist.
             L.
             45.
             
          
           
             1.
             
             John
             2.
             
          
           
             *
             Istae
             voluptates
             duae
             gustûs
             &
             tactûs
             solae
             sunt
             hominibus
             communes
             cum
             bestiis
             ,
             &
             ideo
             in
             pecudum
             numero
             habetur
             ,
             quisquis
             est
             his
             serinis
             voluptatibus
             praevinctus
             .
             
               Aul.
               Gil.
            
             
          
           
             †
             ●aereus
             in
             vitium
             flecti
             monitoribus
             asper
             .
          
           
             Eccles.
             11.
             
          
           
             Conversis
             studiis
             aetas
             animusque
             virilis
             .
             Quaerit
             opes
             ,
             &
             amicitias
             ,
             inservit
             honori
             .
          
           
             In
             frigidis
             semibus
             vehementius
             inardescit
             .
          
           
             Ad
             ulteriora
             noscenda
             .
          
           
             Gal.
             5.
             
          
           
             Jam.
             1.
             
          
           
             Habet
             enim
             multitudo
             vim
             quandam
             talem
             ,
             utquemadmodum
             tibicen
             sine
             tibiis
             canere
             ,
             orator
             sine
             multitudine
             audiente
             eloquens
             esse
             non
             possit
             .
             Cicer.
             
          
           
             1
             Pet.
             5.
             2
             ,
             3.
             
          
           
             1
             Cor.
             9.
             11.
             
          
           
             *
             Pravitas
             ●●●tuminum
             ad
             similitudinem
             sui
             vitem
             configurat
             .
             Columel
             .
             L.
             4.
             
          
           
             Aves
             male
             existimare
             de
             tabula
             ,
             nō
             ad
             volaturas
             si
             puer
             similis
             esset
             .
             Plin.
             lib.
             35.
             
          
           
             1
             Cor.
             7.
             35.
             
          
           
             Gen.
             13.
             
          
           
             Prov.
             30.
             8
             ,
             9.
             
          
           
             Serpunt
             vitia
             ,
             &
             in
             proximum
             quemque
             transiliunt
             ,
             &
             contactu
             nocent
             .
          
           
             Psalm
             1.
             
          
           
             Definitio
             brevis
             &
             vera
             virtutis
             ,
             ordo
             est
             amoris
             .
          
           
             Rom.
             13.
             1.
             
          
           
             Ezek.
             33.
             31.
             
          
           
             Jer.
             23.
             11.
             
          
           
             *
             Pompeio
             candida
             fascia
             crus
             alligatum
             habenti
             ,
             dictum
             fuit
             ,
             non
             refert
             in
             qua
             parte
             corporis
             sit
             diadema
             .
             
               Aul.
               Gell.
            
             
          
           
             *
             Vitia
             nobis
             ▪
             sub
             virtutum
             nomine
             obrepunt
             .
             Temeritas
             sub
             titulo
             fortitudinis
             latet
             .
             Moderatio
             vocatur
             ignavia
             ,
             pro
             cauto
             timidus
             accipitur
             .
             In
             his
             magno
             periculo
             erratur
             .
             Senec.
             Fallit
             enim
             vitium
             specie
             virtutis
             &
             umbra
             .
             Juven
             .
             14
             Sat.
             
          
           
             *
             Hoc
             equae
             omnium
             est
             ,
             vitia
             sua
             excusare
             malint
             quam
             effugere
             .
             Senec.
             Epist.
             50
             ▪
             
          
           
             Per
             omnem
             saevitiam
             &
             libidinem
             Jus
             regium
             servili
             ingenio
             exercuit
             .
             Tacit.
             Lib.
             5.
             
             Hist.
             
          
           
             
               〈◊〉
               〈◊〉
               〈◊〉
               〈◊〉
               〈◊〉
            
             .
          
           
             John
             3.
             20.
             
          
           
             1
             Sam.
             26.
             11.
             
          
           
             John
             8.
             
          
           
             Jam.
             4.
             8.
             
          
           
             Latro
             est
             etiamantequam
             inquiret
             manus
             :
             fecit
             enim
             quisquis
             quantum
             voluit
             .
             Senec.
             
          
           
             Job
             33.
             
          
           
             Amari
             licet
             ,
             potiri
             non
             licet
             .
          
           
             Gen.
             22.
             12.
             
          
           
             Psal.
             37.
             37.
             
          
           
             Job
             31.
             4
             ,
             5
             ,
             6
             ,
             7.
             
          
           
             Victorque
             Medusae
             victus
             in
             Andromeda
             .
             Manil.
             
          
           
             Hosea
             41.
             
          
           
             1
             Kings
             8.
             38.
             
          
           
             Putant
             se
             ●acere
             quod
             praeceptum
             est
             ,
             dicunt
             enim
             rapereres
             alienas
             Mamona
             est
             iniquitatis
             :
             erogare
             inde
             aliquid
             maxime
             egentibus
             sanctis
             hoc
             est
             ,
             facere
             amicos
             de
             Mammona
             Iniquitatis
             Intellectus
             iste
             corrigendus
             est
             ,
             imo
             de
             tabulis
             cordisdelendus
             est
             .
             Noli
             talem
             pingere
             Deum
             .
             Aug.
             Ser.
             25.
             de
             Verb.
             Dom.
             
          
           
             2
             ▪
             Chron.
             15.
             17.
             
          
           
             Psal.
             125.
             4.
             
          
           
             Nec
             bonus
             quisque
             nec
             malus
             dici
             debeat
             ,
             nec
             esse
             valeat
             ,
             nisi
             volens
             .
          
           
             John
             7.
             19.
             
             John
             19.
             39.
             
          
           
             Act.
             19.
             19
             ,
             20.
             
          
           
             Terribilis
             contra
             sugaces
             haec
             bestia
             ,
             fugax
             contra
             sequentes
             .
             Plin.
             
          
           
             In
             uno
             Mithridate
             infinitos
             hostes
             periisse
             rati
             .
             Flor.
             
          
           
             1
             Sam.
             17.
             37.
             
          
           
             Isa.
             51.
             9
             ▪
             
          
           
             Prov.
             15.
             10.
             
          
           
             Psal.
             84.
             
          
           
             Prov.
             16.
             32.
             
          
           
             Magis
             extra
             vitia
             quam
             cum
             virtutibus
             .
             Tacit.
             Lib.
             1.
             de
             Claudio
             .
          
           
             1
             Pet.
             4.
             
          
           
             Psal.
             97.
             11.
             
          
           
             Isa.
             38.
             3.
             
          
           
             Mat.
             5.
             
          
           
             Mark
             9.
             
          
           
             Et
             hoc
             ipsum
             argumentum
             est
             in
             melius
             translati
             animi
             ,
             quod
             vitia
             suaquam
             adhuc
             ignorabat
             videt
             .
             Senec.
             Epist.
             6.
             
          
           
             Ea
             maxime
             quisque
             petitur
             ,
             qua
             patet
             .
             Senec.
             
          
           
             Numb
             .
             31.
             16.
             
          
           
             Arma
             ego
             femineis
             animum
             motura
             virilem
             mercibus
             inservi
             .
             Ovid.
             
          
           
             1
             Pet.
             5.
             8.
             
          
           
             *
             Multa
             sunt
             observanda
             pugnantibus
             ,
             si
             quidem
             nulla
             est
             negligentiae
             venia
             ,
             ubi
             de
             salute
             certatur
             .
             Veget.
             
          
           
             Eripiu●
             omnes
             animo
             sine
             vulnere
             vires
             :
             Haec
             sunt
             jucumdi
             causacibusque
             mali
             .
             Ovid.
             
          
           
             Prov.
             1.
             17.
             
          
           
             Psal.
             119.
             106.
             
          
           
             Omnia
             vitia
             penitus
             insidunt
             ,
             nisi
             dum
             surgunt
             oppressa
             sint
             :
             vehementius
             contra
             inveterata
             pugnandum
             est
             :
             nam
             vulnerum
             sanitas
             facilior
             est
             dum
             à
             sanguine
             recentia
             sunt
             ,
             ubi
             corrupta
             in
             malum
             necus
             s●
             verterunt
             difficilius
             curan
             tur
             .
             Senec.
             ad
             Marc.
             
          
           
             Pars
             sanitatis
             velle
             sanari
             fuit
             .
             Ita
             est
             paucos
             servitus
             plures
             Servitutem
             teneant
             .
             Senec.
             Epist.
             21.
             
          
           
             2
             Chron.
             20.
             
          
           
             Psal.
             143.
             3.
             
          
           
             Eph.
             4.
             8.
             
          
           
             Psal.
             68.
             
          
           
             Acts
             5.