may_v be_v pardon_v do_v not_o this_o sin_n lie_v in_o the_o way_n be_v this_o go_v all_o the_o rest_n be_v go_v too_o but_o whilst_o unbelief_n remain_v they_o also_o remain_v upon_o thou_o 2_o of_o all_o the_o sin_n that_o be_v upon_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n this_o be_v the_o most_o difficult_a sin_n to_o be_v remove_v and_o cure_v other_o sin_n lie_v more_o open_a to_o conviction_n but_o this_o have_v the_o most_o specious_a pretence_n to_o countenance_n and_o defend_v it_o man_n commit_v this_o sin_n out_o of_o a_o fear_n of_o sin_n they_o will_v not_o believe_v lest_o they_o shall_v presume_v they_o dare_v not_o believe_v because_o they_o be_v not_o qualify_v the_o strength_n of_o other_o sin_n meet_v in_o this_o sin_n of_o unbelief_n it_o be_v the_o strong_a fort_n wherein_o satan_n trust_v take_v a_o adulterer_n or_o a_o profane_a swearer_n and_o you_o have_v a_o fair_a open_a way_n to_o convince_v he_o of_o his_o sin_n show_v he_o the_o command_n he_o have_v violate_v and_o he_o have_v nothing_o to_o say_v in_o his_o own_o defence_n but_o the_o unbeliever_n have_v a_o thousand_o plausible_a defence_n 3_o this_o be_v the_o great_a damn_v sin_n of_o the_o world_n i_o do_v not_o say_v but_o all_o other_o sin_n deserve_v damnation_n for_o the_o wage_n of_o sin_n be_v death_n but_o this_o be_v the_o sin_n in_o the_o virtue_n whereof_o other_o sin_n damn_v and_o ruin_v the_o soul._n this_o be_v the_o condemnation_n john_n 3._o 19_o and_o as_o it_o be_v a_o damn_v sin_n so_o it_o be_v a_o sin_n which_o damn_v with_o aggravate_v damnation_n 2_o thess._n 1._o 8._o o_o then_o let_v we_o mourn_v over_o and_o tremble_v at_o this_o dreadful_a sin_n which_o oppose_v and_o so_o often_o frustrate_v the_o great_a design_n and_o main_a end_n of_o the_o whole_a gospel_n iv._o use_v for_o exhortation_n be_v it_o the_o main_a scope_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o bring_v man_n to_o christ_n by_o faith_n then_o be_v persuade_v hearty_o to_o comply_v with_o this_o great_a design_n of_o the_o father_n son_n and_o spirit_n minister_n ordinance_n and_o providence_n in_o open_v your_o heart_n to_o receive_v christ_n this_o day_n by_o faith_n unfeigned_a and_o oh_o that_o i_o can_v suitable_o press_v this_o great_a point_n which_o fall_v in_o so_o direct_o with_o the_o main_a stream_n and_o scope_n of_o the_o whole_a gospel_n and_o oh_o that_o whilst_o i_o be_o press_v it_o you_o will_v listen_v up_o a_o hearty_a cry_n to_o heaven_n lord_n give_v i_o faith_n whatever_o else_o thou_o deny_v i_o open_v my_o heart_n to_o christ_n under_o the_o gospel_n call_v i_o do_v not_o only_o press_v you_o to_o a_o general_a and_o common_a assent_n to_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n that_o christ_n be_v come_v in_o the_o flesh_n and_o lay_v down_o his_o life_n for_o sinner_n but_o unto_o a_o hearty_a evangelical_n consent_v to_o receive_v he_o upon_o gospel_n term_n to_o close_o with_o he_o in_o all_o his_o office_n subject_v heart_n and_o life_n unto_o his_o authority_n live_v entire_o upon_o he_o for_o righteousness_n and_o to_o he_o by_o holiness_n the_o value_n of_o such_o a_o faith_n as_o this_o be_v above_o all_o estimation_n for_o 1._o this_o be_v the_o grace_n which_o god_n have_v dignify_v and_o crown_v with_o glory_n and_o honour_n above_o all_o its_o fellow_n grace_n it_o be_v singular_a praise_n and_o encomium_n be_v in_o all_o the_o scripture_n this_o be_v call_v precious_a faith_n 2_o pet._n 1._o 1._o soul_n enrich_v faith_n james_n 2._o 5._o that_o be_v a_o miserable_a poor_a soul_n indeed_o that_o be_v destitute_a of_o it_o whatever_o the_o largess_n of_o providence_n have_v be_v to_o he_o and_o he_o be_v true_o rich_a to_o who_o god_n have_v give_v faith_n whatever_o he_o have_v deny_v he_o of_o the_o comfort_n of_o this_o life_n this_o christ_n call_v the_o work_n of_o god_n john_n 6._o 29._o this_o be_v the_o work_n of_o god_n that_o you_o believe_v why_o so_o be_v all_o other_o thing_n that_o your_o eye_n behold_v they_o be_v the_o work_n of_o god_n the_o earth_n the_o sea_n the_o sun_n moon_n and_o star_n they_o be_v his_o handiwork_n true_o they_o be_v so_o but_o this_o be_v the_o work_n the_o most_o eminent_a glorious_a and_o admirable_a work_n of_o god_n sine_fw-la pari_fw-la excel_v all_o his_o other_o work_n which_o your_o eye_n behold_v and_o 2._o that_o which_o exalt_v and_o dignify_v it_o not_o only_o above_o all_o the_o work_n of_o god_n hand_n but_o even_o above_o its_o fellow_n grace_n the_o work_n of_o his_o spirit_n be_v that_o high_a office_n unto_o which_o it_o be_v appoint_v in_o the_o justification_n of_o a_o sinner_n god_n have_v single_v out_o this_o grace_n from_o among_o all_o the_o other_o grace_n to_o be_v the_o instrument_n of_o receive_v and_o apply_v the_o righteousness_n of_o christ_n for_o the_o justification_n of_o a_o guilty_a soul_n rom._n 5._o 1._o you_o be_v never_o say_v to_o be_v justify_v by_o love_n hope_v or_o desire_v but_o by_o faith_n it_o be_v true_a all_o other_o grace_n be_v suppose_v in_o the_o person_n justify_v but_o none_o apprehend_v and_o apply_v the_o righteousness_n of_o christ_n for_o justification_n but_o this_o only_a and_o the_o justify_v act_n of_o faith_n be_v a_o receive_a act_n the_o glory_n of_o god_n be_v therein_o secure_v therefore_o it_o be_v of_o faith_n that_o it_o may_v be_v by_o grace_n 3._o the_o grace_n of_o faith_n which_o i_o be_o recommend_v to_o you_o this_o day_n be_v not_o only_o the_o instrument_n of_o your_o justification_n but_o it_o be_v also_o the_o bond_n of_o your_o union_n with_o christ_n eph._n 3._o 17._o that_o christ_n may_v dwell_v in_o your_o heart_n by_o faith._n it_o be_v the_o unite_n grace_n the_o marriage_n knot_n it_o be_v that_o which_o give_v interest_n in_o and_o title_n to_o the_o person_n and_o benefit_n of_o christ._n the_o great_a thing_n upon_o which_o the_o eye_n of_o all_o the_o awaken_v world_n be_v intent_o and_o solicitous_o fix_v whatever_o apprehension_n you_o have_v of_o a_o interest_n in_o christ_n and_o whatever_o his_o benefit_n be_v worth_a in_o your_o eye_n neither_o himself_n or_o they_o can_v ever_o be_v obtain_v without_o faith._n o_o brethren_n there_o be_v a_o day_n come_v when_o they_o that_o now_o sleight_n and_o neglect_v this_o interest_n and_o concern_v of_o their_o soul_n will_v glad_o part_v with_o ten_o thousand_o world_n for_o a_o good_a title_n to_o christ_n can_v it_o be_v purchase_v therewith_o but_o it_o be_v faith_n and_o nothing_o without_o faith_n that_o entitle_v you_o to_o christ_n and_o to_o his_o benefit_n 4._o that_o which_o shall_v yet_o more_o endear_v this_o grace_n of_o faith_n to_o you_o be_v this_o that_o it_o be_v the_o hand_n which_o receive_v your_o pardon_n from_o the_o hand_n of_o christ_n the_o messenger_n that_o bring_v a_o seal_a pardon_n to_o a_o tremble_a sinner_n act_v 10._o 43._o and_o by_o he_o all_o that_o believe_v be_v justify_v from_o all_o thing_n from_o which_o they_o can_v not_o be_v justify_v by_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n clear_v of_o all_o those_o sin_n from_o which_o the_o law_n can_v never_o clear_v they_o nor_o any_o repentance_n restitution_n or_o obedience_n of_o their_o own_o without_o faith_n o_o what_o a_o welcome_a messenger_n be_v faith_n and_o what_o joyful_a tiding_n do_v it_o bring_v you_o will_v say_v so_o if_o ever_o you_o have_v feel_v the_o efficacy_n of_o the_o law_n upon_o your_o conscience_n if_o ever_o you_o have_v lie_v as_o some_o sinner_n have_v with_o a_o cold_a sweat_a horror_n upon_o your_o pant_a bosom_n under_o the_o apprehension_n of_o the_o wrath_n god._n this_o fruit_n of_o faith_n be_v rather_o to_o be_v admire_v than_o express_v psal._n 32._o 1._o 5._o faith_n be_v not_o only_o the_o messenger_n that_o bring_v you_o a_o pardon_n from_o heaven_n but_o it_o be_v as_o i_o may_v say_v that_o heavenly_a herald_n that_o publish_v peace_n in_o the_o soul_n of_o a_o sinner_n o_o peace_n how_o sweet_a a_o word_n be_v thou_o how_o welcome_n to_o a_o poor_a condemn_a sinner_n beautiful_a upon_o the_o mountain_n be_v the_o foot_n of_o they_o that_o publish_v peace_n now_o it_o be_v faith_n that_o bring_v this_o bless_a news_n and_o publish_v it_o in_o the_o soul_n without_o which_o all_o the_o publisher_n of_o peace_n without_o we_o can_v administer_v but_o little_a support_n rom._n 5._o 1._o faith_n bring_v the_o soul_n out_o of_o the_o storm_n and_o tempest_n with_o which_o it_o be_v toss_v into_o a_o sweet_a rest_n and_o calm_v hebr._n 4._o 3._o we_o which_o have_v believe_v do_v enter_v into_o rest._n be_v the_o quiet_a harbour_n welcome_a to_o poor_a weather-beaten_a seaman_n after_o they_o have_v pass_v furious_a storm_n and_o many_o fear_n upon_o the_o rage_a
purchase_v you_o and_o may_v just_o condemn_v you_o upon_o the_o first_o denial_n or_o demur_n behold_v i_o stand_v this_o be_v the_o suitor_n 2._o his_o posture_n and_o action_n i_o stand_v at_o the_o door_n and_o knock_n 〈◊〉_d the_o word_n be_v in_o the_o preter_fw-la tense_n i_o have_v stand_v but_o be_v here_o join_v with_o another_o verb_n of_o the_o present_a tense_n it_o be_v fit_o translate_v i_o stand_v yet_o so_o as_o that_o it_o note_v a_o continue_a action_n i_o have_v stand_v and_o do_v still_o stand_v with_o unwearied_a patience_n i_o once_o stand_v personal_o and_o bodily_a among_o you_o in_o the_o day_n of_o my_o flesh_n and_o i_o still_o stand_v spiritual_o and_o representative_o in_o my_o ambassador_n at_o the_o door_n i._n e._n the_o mind_n and_o conscience_n the_o faculty_n and_o power_n which_o be_v introductive_a into_o the_o whole_a soul._n the_o word_n door_n be_v here_o improper_o put_v to_o signify_v those_o introductive_a faculty_n of_o the_o soul_n which_o be_v of_o a_o like_a use_n to_o it_o as_o the_o door_n be_v to_o the_o house_n this_o be_v the_o redeemer_n posture_n his_o action_n be_v knock_v i._n e._n his_o powerful_a essay_n and_o gracious_a attempt_n to_o open_v the_o heart_n to_o give_v he_o admission_n the_o word_n knock_n signify_v a_o strong_a and_o powerful_a knock_n 〈◊〉_d he_o stand_v patient_o and_o knock_v powerful_o by_o the_o word_n outward_o by_o the_o conviction_n motion_n impulse_n strive_n and_o instigation_n of_o his_o spirit_n inward_o 3._o the_o design_n and_o end_n of_o the_o suit_n it_o be_v for_o open_v i._n e._n consent_v receive_v embrace_v and_o hearty_a accept_n of_o he_o by_o faith_n act_n 16._o 14._o the_o lord_n open_v the_o heart_n of_o lydia_n i._n e._n persuade_v her_o soul_n to_o believe_v imply_v that_o the_o heart_n by_o nature_n be_v strong_o bar_v and_o lock_v up_o against_o christ_n and_o that_o nothing_o but_o a_o power_n from_o he_o can_v open_v it_o second_o the_o powerful_a argument_n and_o motive_n use_v by_o christ_n to_o obtain_v his_o suit_n and_o get_v a_o grant_n from_o the_o sinner_n heart_n and_o they_o be_v draw_v from_o two_o inestimable_a benefit_n accrue_v to_o the_o open_n or_o believe_v soul._n viz._n 1._o union_n 2._o communion_n with_o christ._n 1._o union_n i_o will_v come_v in_o to_o he_o that_o be_v i_o will_v unite_v myself_o with_o the_o open_n believe_a soul_n he_o shall_v be_v mystical_o one_o with_o i_o and_o i_o with_o he_o 2._o communion_n i_o will_v sup_v with_o he_o and_o he_o with_o i_o that_o be_v i_o will_v feast_v the_o believe_a soul_n with_o the_o delicate_n of_o heaven_n such_o comfort_n such_o joy_n such_o pleasure_n as_o none_o in_o the_o world_n but_o believer_n be_v capable_a of_o and_o to_o set_v home_o all_o these_o special_a benefit_n be_v propose_v by_o christ_n to_o all_o sort_n of_o sinner_n great_a and_o small_a old_a and_o young_a if_o any_o man_n hear_v my_o voice_n and_o open_v the_o door_n that_o so_o no_o soul_n may_v be_v discourage_v from_o believe_v by_o the_o greatness_n or_o multitude_n of_o his_o sin_n but_o the_o vile_a of_o sinner_n may_v see_v free_a grace_n triumph_v over_o all_o their_o unworthiness_n upon_o their_o consent_n to_o take_v christ_n according_a to_o the_o gracious_a offer_n of_o the_o gospel_n the_o word_n thus_o open_v afford_v many_o great_a and_o useful_a point_n of_o doctrine_n comprehend_v in_o they_o the_o very_a sum_n and_o substance_n of_o the_o gospel_n the_o first_o which_o arise_v from_o the_o solemn_a and_o remarkable_a preface_n behold_v will_v be_v this_o i._o doctrine_n that_o every_o offer_n of_o christ_n to_o the_o soul_n of_o sinner_n be_v record_v and_o witness_v with_o respect_n to_o the_o day_n of_o account_n and_o reckon_n â—_o here_o we_o shall_v inquire_v into_o three_o thing_n 1._o who_o be_v god_n witness_n to_o all_o gospel_n tender_v 2._o what_o be_v the_o object_n matter_n they_o witness_v to_o 3._o why_o god_n record_v every_o offer_n of_o christ_n and_o take_v witness_v thereof_o first_o who_o be_v god_n witness_n to_o all_o the_o tender_n and_o offer_v make_v of_o christ_n by_o the_o gospel_n and_o they_o will_v be_v find_v to_o be_v more_o than_o a_o strict_a legal_a number_n for_o 1._o his_o minister_n by_o who_o he_o make_v they_o be_v all_o witness_n as_o well_o as_o officer_n of_o christ_n to_o the_o people_n act_v 26._o 16._o i_o have_v appear_v unto_o thou_o for_o this_o purpose_n to_o make_v thou_o a_o minister_n and_o a_o witness_n here_o you_o see_v minister_n have_v a_o double_a office_n to_o propose_v and_o offer_n christ_n and_o then_o to_o bear_v witness_n for_o or_o against_o those_o to_o who_o he_o be_v thus_o offer_v they_o be_v express_o call_v god_n witness_n rev._n 11._o 6_o 7._o their_o labour_n witness_v their_o suffering_n witness_v their_o solemn_a appeal_n to_o god_n witness_n yea_o the_o very_a dust_n of_o their_o foot_n shake_v off_o against_o the_o refuser_n of_o christ_n turn_v to_o a_o testimony_n against_o they_o mark_v 6._o 11._o every_o groan_n and_o sigh_v every_o drop_n of_o sweat_n much_o more_o of_o blood_n be_v place_v in_o god_n book_n as_o marginal_a note_n by_o all_o their_o sermon_n and_o prayer_n and_o will_v be_v produce_v and_o read_v in_o the_o great_a day_n against_o all_o the_o refuser_n and_o despiser_n of_o christ._n 2._o the_o gospel_n itself_o which_o be_v preach_v to_o you_o be_v a_o testimony_n or_o witness_n for_o god_n for_o or_o against_o every_o one_o that_o hear_v it_o john_n 12._o 48._o he_o that_o reject_v i_o and_o receive_v not_o my_o word_n have_v one_o that_o judge_v he_o the_o word_n that_o i_o have_v speak_v the_o same_o shall_v judge_v he_o in_o the_o last_o day_n and_o this_o be_v the_o sense_n of_o christ_n word_n matth._n 24._o 14._o and_o this_o gospel_n of_o the_o kingdom_n shall_v be_v preach_v in_o all_o the_o world_n for_o a_o witness_n to_o all_o nation_n and_o then_o shall_v the_o end_n come_v ah_o lord_n what_o a_o solemn_a record_n be_v here_o every_o sermon_n you_o hear_v yea_o every_o reproof_n persuasion_n and_o conviction_n be_v a_o witness_n for_o god_n to_o cast_v and_o condemn_v every_o soul_n in_o judgement_n that_o comply_v not_o obedient_o with_o the_o call_v of_o the_o gospel_n so_o many_o sermon_n so_o many_o witness_n 3._o every_o man_n own_o conscience_n be_v a_o witness_n for_o god_n that_o he_o have_v a_o fair_a offer_n once_o make_v he_o the_o very_a conscience_n of_o the_o heathen_n that_o never_o see_v a_o bible_n that_o have_v no_o other_o preacher_n but_o the_o sun_n moon_n and_o star_n and_o other_o work_n of_o nature_n yet_o of_o they_o the_o apostle_n say_v rom._n 2._o 15._o that_o they_o show_v the_o work_n of_o the_o law_n write_v in_o their_o heart_n their_o conscience_n also_o bear_v witness_n and_o their_o thought_n the_o mean_a while_n accuse_v or_o excuse_v one_o another_o certain_o if_o such_o vigour_n and_o activity_n be_v put_v into_o the_o conscience_n of_o heathen_n who_o can_v only_o read_v the_o will_n of_o god_n by_o the_o dim_a moonlight_n of_o natural_a reason_n how_o much_o more_o vigorous_a and_o active_a will_n conscience_n be_v in_o its_o accuse_a office_n against_o all_o that_o live_v under_o the_o bright_a beam_n of_o gospel_n light_n their_o conscience_n will_v be_v swift_a witness_n and_o will_v ring_v sad_a peal_n in_o their_o ear_n another_o day_n you_o shall_v know_v that_o there_o have_v be_v a_o prophet_n among_o you_o ezek._n 2._o 5._o this_o single_a witness_n be_v instead_o of_o a_o thousand_o witness_n for_o god._n 4._o the_o example_n of_o all_o those_o that_o do_v believe_v and_o obey_v the_o gospel_n be_v so_o many_o witness_n for_o god_n against_o the_o despiser_n and_o neglecter_n of_o the_o great_a salvation_n every_o mourn_a tremble_a soul_n among_o you_o be_v a_o witness_n against_o all_o the_o dead_a heart_a unbelieving_a disobedient_a one_o that_o sit_v with_o they_o under_o the_o same_o ordinance_n hence_o it_o be_v say_v 1_o cor._n 6._o 7._o know_v you_o not_o that_o the_o saint_n shall_v judge_v the_o world_n they_o shall_v be_v assessor_n with_o christ_n in_o the_o great_a day_n and_o condemn_v the_o world_n by_o their_o example_n as_o noah_n do_v the_o old_a world_n and_o thus_o matth._n 21._o 32._o john_n come_v unto_o you_o in_o the_o way_n of_o righteousness_n and_o you_o believe_v he_o not_o but_o the_o publican_n and_o harlot_n believe_v he_o and_o you_o when_o you_o have_v see_v it_o repent_v not_o afterward_o that_o you_o may_v believe_v he_o q._n d._n what_o shift_n do_v you_o make_v to_o quiet_v your_o conscience_n and_o stifle_v your_o conviction_n when_o you_o see_v publican_n the_o worst_a of_o man_n and_o harlot_n the_o worst_a of_o woman_n repent_v
bear_v and_o baptise_a christian_n and_o that_o be_v enough_o they_o think_v to_o save_v they_o matth._n 3._o 9_o we_o have_v abraham_n to_o our_o father_n they_o think_v it_o sufficient_a that_o abraham_n blood_n run_v in_o their_o vein_n though_o there_o be_v not_o a_o spark_n of_o abraham_n faith_n kindle_v in_o their_o soul_n the_o lord_n forgive_v the_o sin_n of_o those_o man_n that_o lead_v poor_a soul_n into_o such_o fatal_a mistake_n o_o if_o man_n be_v but_o aware_a of_o the_o necessity_n of_o a_o great_a and_o further_a work_n to_o pass_v upon_o their_o soul_n than_o their_o baptism_n common_a powerless_a profession_n or_o the_o similar_v work_n which_o appear_v upon_o formal_a hypocrite_n heaven_n and_o earth_n will_v ring_v with_o their_o cry_n but_o ignorance_n of_o the_o nature_n and_o necessity_n of_o special_a regenerate_a grace_n like_o a_o do_v of_o opium_n cast_v the_o conscience_n of_o many_o into_o this_o deep_a sleep_n 2_o freedom_n from_o grosser_n sin_n and_o pollution_n of_o the_o world_n still_n and_o quiet_v the_o conscience_n of_o thousand_o they_o have_v have_v a_o civil_a sober_a and_o fair_a education_n and_o though_o there_o be_v no_o grace_n and_o regeneration_n yet_o what_o saint_n do_v they_o seem_v to_o themselves_o be_v adorn_v with_o sobriety_n and_o civility_n this_o still_v the_o conscience_n of_o the_o pharisee_fw-mi luke_n 18._o 11._o god_n i_o thank_v thou_o that_o i_o be_o not_o as_o other_o man_n be_v extortioner_n unjust_a adulterer_n or_o even_o as_o this_o publican_n thus_o like_o delicate_a agag_n they_o spruce_a up_o themselves_o with_o moral_a homilitical_a virtue_n wherein_o many_o thousand_o heathen_n be_v more_o gay_a than_o themselves_o but_o justice_n will_v hew_v they_o to_o piece_n as_o agag_n be_v for_o all_o their_o moral_a ornament_n and_o endowment_n 3_o the_o strict_a performance_n of_o the_o external_a duty_n of_o religion_n quiet_v the_o conscience_n of_o many_o they_o question_v not_o but_o those_o that_o do_v so_o well_o shall_v fare_v well_o and_o that_o god_n will_v never_o damn_v man_n and_o woman_n that_o keep_v their_o church_n and_o say_v their_o prayer_n as_o they_o do_v thus_o the_o carnal_a jew_n delude_v themselves_o cry_v the_o temple_n of_o the_o lord_n the_o temple_n of_o the_o lord_n as_o malefactor_n in_o some_o of_o our_o neighbour_a kingdom_n fly_v to_o the_o church_n from_o the_o hand_n of_o justice_n so_o do_v these_o but_o god_n will_v pluck_v they_o from_o the_o horn_n of_o the_o altar_n and_o convince_v they_o that_o the_o empty_a name_n of_o religion_n be_v no_o security_n from_o damnation_n 4_o many_o conscience_n be_v still_v and_o quiet_v in_o a_o natural_a sinful_a state_n by_o misinterpret_v the_o voice_n of_o providence_n it_o may_v be_v god_n prosper_v your_o earthly_a affair_n succeed_v and_o smile_v upon_o your_o undertake_n and_o this_o you_o conclude_v must_v be_v a_o token_n of_o his_o love_n and_o favour_n but_o alas_o this_o be_v a_o great_a mistake_n the_o lord_n give_v you_o better_a evidence_n of_o his_o love_n than_o these_o for_o who_o prosper_v more_o in_o the_o world_n than_o wicked_a man_n and_o who_o be_v more_o cross_v than_o the_o people_n of_o god_n read_v job_n 21._o and_o psal._n 73._o and_o compare_n both_o with_o eccles._n 9_o 1._o and_o you_o will_v quick_o find_v the_o vanity_n of_o all_o hope_n build_v upon_o such_o a_o foundation_n however_o by_o such_o thing_n as_o these_o be_v the_o god_n of_o this_o world_n blind_v the_o eye_n of_o multitude_n ii_o inference_n if_o every_o conviction_n be_v a_o knock_n of_o christ._n how_o deep_o be_v all_o soul_n concern_v in_o the_o success_n and_o issue_n of_o they_o conviction_n be_v a_o embryo_n of_o the_o new_a creature_n if_o it_o go_v out_o its_o full_a time_n and_o come_v to_o a_o perfect_a new_a birth_n it_o bring_v forth_o salvation_n to_o your_o soul_n if_o it_o miscarry_v final_o you_o be_v final_o lose_v it_o be_v of_o infinite_a concernment_n therefore_o to_o every_o man_n and_o woman_n to_o be_v tender_a over_o those_o conviction_n their_o conscience_n go_v big_a with_o all_o it_o be_v true_a conviction_n and_o conversion_n be_v two_o thing_n there_o may_v be_v conviction_n without_o conversion_n though_o there_o can_v be_v no_o conversion_n without_o conviction_n the_o blossom_n upon_o the_o tree_n in_o the_o spring_n of_o the_o year_n can_v proper_o be_v call_v fruit_n they_o be_v rather_o the_o rudiment_n of_o fruit_n or_o something_o in_o order_n to_o fruit_n if_o they_o open_v kind_o and_o knit_v or_o set_v firm_o perfect_a fruit_n follow_v they_o but_o if_o a_o blast_n or_o a_o frosty_a morning_n kill_v they_o no_o fruit_n be_v to_o be_v expect_v thus_o it_o be_v here_o great_a care_n therefore_o aught_o to_o be_v take_v about_o the_o preservation_n and_o success_n of_o conviction_n both_o by_o 1._o the_o soul_n itself_o that_o be_v under_o they_o 2._o and_o by_o all_o other_o that_o be_v concern_v about_o they_o 1._o what_o care_n shall_v the_o soul_n itself_o have_v upon_o who_o conviction_n be_v wrought_v have_v a_o care_n friend_n how_o you_o quench_v they_o divert_v or_o hinder_v the_o operation_n of_o they_o lest_o you_o hinder_v as_o much_o as_o in_o you_o lie_v the_o very_a conception_n of_o christ_n in_o your_o soul_n by_o they_o i_o remember_v it_o be_v say_v in_o exod._n 21._o 22._o if_o mâ—n_z strive_v and_o hurt_v a_o woman_n with_o child_n and_o mischief_n follow_v life_n shall_v be_v give_v for_o life_n the_o life_n of_o your_o soul_n be_v bind_v up_o in_o the_o life_n of_o your_o conviction_n i_o know_v it_o be_v hard_o for_o man_n and_o woman_n to_o dwell_v with_o their_o own_o conviction_n guilt_n and_o wrath_n be_v sad_a subject_n for_o man_n thought_n to_o dwell_v upon_o but_o yet_o it_o be_v far_o better_a to_o dwell_v with_o the_o thought_n of_o sin_n and_o wrath_n here_o than_o to_o lie_v swelter_a under_o they_o in_o hell_n for_o ever_o you_o may_v be_v rid_v of_o your_o conviction_n and_o your_o salvation_n together_o be_v not_o too_o eager_a after_o peace_n a_o good_a trouble_n be_v better_a than_o a_o false_a peace_n and_o upon_o the_o other_o side_n beware_v that_o your_o conviction_n and_o trouble_n turn_v not_o into_o discouragement_n to_o faith_n this_o will_v cross_v the_o proper_a intention_n of_o they_o they_o be_v christ_n knock_n for_o entrance_n and_o be_v never_o intend_v to_o be_v bar_n or_o stumble_a block_n in_o your_o way_n to_o he_o not_o stop_n but_o step_n in_o your_o way_n to_o christ._n 2_o let_v all_o other_o that_o be_v concern_v about_o convince_a soul_n beware_v what_o counsel_n they_o give_v and_o what_o rule_v they_o prescribe_v lest_o they_o render_v they_o abortive_a and_o destroy_v all_o in_o the_o bud_n there_o be_v two_o error_n too_o common_o commit_v one_o in_o excess_n persuade_v soul_n under_o trouble_n of_o conscience_n that_o there_o be_v no_o come_n for_o they_o to_o christ_n unless_o they_o be_v so_o and_o so_o prepare_v humble_v just_a at_o such_o a_o degree_n this_o be_v dangerous_a counsel_n it_o over-heat_n the_o trouble_n of_o conscience_n and_o keep_v the_o soul_n from_o its_o proper_a present_a duty_n and_o remedy_n i_o be_o sure_a paul_n and_o silas_n take_v no_o such_o course_n with_o the_o convince_a jailor_n nor_o peter_n with_o the_o three_o thousand_o wound_a conscience_n act_n 2._o nor_o do_v i_o find_v where_o god_n have_v state_v the_o time_n and_o degree_n of_o spiritual_a trouble_n so_o that_o there_o must_v be_v no_o address_n to_o christ_n in_o the_o way_n of_o faith_n until_o they_o have_v suffer_v they_o so_o long_o and_o to_o such_o a_o height_n if_o they_o have_v embitter_v sin_n to_o the_o soul_n and_o make_v it_o see_v the_o necessity_n of_o a_o saviour_n i_o think_v they_o can_v move_v too_o soon_o after_o christ_n in_o the_o way_n of_o faith._n let_v not_o man_n set_v bound_n where_o god_n set_v none_o there_o be_v another_o error_n commit_v in_o defect_n when_o promise_n and_o comfort_n be_v present_o apply_v before_o the_o nature_n of_o faith_n be_v know_v or_o one_o act_n of_o recumbency_n put_v forth_o towards_o christ_n these_o hasty_a comfort_n come_v to_o nothing_o they_o will_v not_o they_o can_v stand_v it_o be_v a_o dangerous_a thing_n to_o apply_v gospel_n cordial_n and_o pour_v out_o the_o precious_a ointment_n of_o the_o promise_n upon_o they_o that_o be_v never_o heartsick_a for_o sin_n when_o upon_o every_o sleight_n trouble_n which_o be_v but_o as_o a_o early_a dew_n the_o peculiar_a consolation_n of_o penitent_a and_o believe_a soul_n be_v hand-over-head_n apply_v to_o they_o how_o many_o such_o unskilful_a empiric_n be_v there_o in_o every_o place_n such_o as_o the_o prophet_n jeremy_n complain_v of_o they_o have_v heal_v the_o hurt_n of_o the_o daughter_n of_o my_o people_n
the_o sincerity_n of_o christ_n in_o those_o gracious_a offer_n he_o make_v unto_o come_v soul_n be_v satisfy_v he_o speak_v his_o very_a heart_n in_o they_o to_o thou_o the_o devil_n labour_v to_o sow_v jealousy_n and_o beget_v suspicion_n in_o the_o heart_n of_o poor_a convince_a sinner_n that_o they_o will_v not_o find_v such_o a_o welcome_a entertainment_n with_o christ_n as_o he_o seem_v to_o promise_v they_o in_o those_o encourage_v scripture_n matth._n 11._o 28_o 29._o john_n 6._o 37._o but_o that_o something_o else_o lie_v hide_v in_o those_o scripture_n as_o a_o mystery_n which_o they_o understand_v not_o and_o so_o by_o shake_v the_o assent_v act_n labour_n to_o hinder_v the_o accept_n act_n of_o faith_n this_o be_v a_o case_n as_o common_a as_o it_o be_v sad_a the_o lord_n help_v poor_a soul_n to_o avoid_v this_o snare_n lest_o in_o stead_n of_o honour_v christ_n by_o a_o resolve_a adherence_n to_o he_o they_o make_v he_o a_o liar_n and_o impute_v insincerity_n to_o the_o god_n of_o truth_n for_o he_o that_o believe_v not_o have_v make_v he_o a_o liar_n iv._o direction_n four_o look_v up_o to_o god_n for_o power_n to_o enable_v you_o to_o come_v to_o christ_n in_o this_o supernatural_a and_o difficult_a work_n of_o faith._n doubt_v think_v faith_n be_v of_o the_o growth_n of_o thy_o own_o heart_n no_o man_n can_v come_v unto_o i_o say_v christ_n except_o my_o father_n which_o have_v send_v i_o draw_v he_o there_o be_v a_o legal_a spirit_n work_v under_o evangelical_n pretence_n in_o many_o soul_n they_o look_v within_o they_o to_o find_v that_o which_o be_v quite_o above_o they_o the_o apostle_n point_v you_o to_o the_o fountain_n of_o faith_n in_o eph._n 2._o 8._o it_o be_v not_o of_o yourselves_o it_o be_v the_o gift_n of_o god._n it_o be_v one_o of_o the_o great_a difficulty_n in_o the_o world_n to_o believe_v for_o if_o the_o power_n of_o god_n must_v be_v own_v as_o the_o cause_n of_o every_o new_a degree_n of_o faith_n in_o the_o great_a believer_n in_o the_o world_n as_o be_v plain_a luke_n 17._o 5._o the_o apostle_n say_v unto_o the_o lord_n increase_v our_o faith._n how_o much_o more_o be_v the_o production_n of_o faith_n itself_o and_o the_o first_o vital_a act_n thereof_o to_o be_v ascribe_v to_o the_o almighty_a power_n of_o god_n v._o direction_n five_o keep_v thy_o eye_n of_o expectation_n upon_o that_o almighty_a power_n pray_v and_o plead_v with_o the_o lord_n assiduous_o and_o importunate_o for_o the_o exerting_fw-mi of_o that_o power_n upon_o thy_o soul_n and_o give_v not_o over_o thy_o suit_n till_o thou_o feel_v that_o power_n come_v upon_o thou_o the_o time_n of_o believe_v be_v a_o time_n of_o earnest_a plead_n thou_o own_o danger_n and_o necessity_n and_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o lord_n improve_n they_o will_v abundant_o furnish_v thou_o with_o plea_n and_o argument_n to_o enforce_v this_o suit._n such_o as_o these_o 1._o lord_n i_o have_v thy_o call_n and_o invitation_n yea_o i_o have_v thy_o command_n to_o encourage_v i_o to_o believe_v it_o be_v not_o presumption_n therefore_o in_o thy_o poor_a creature_n to_o come_v after_o thou_o have_v invite_v and_o command_v i_o have_v thou_o not_o encourage_v i_o i_o dare_v not_o have_v move_v towards_o thou_o lord_n who_o word_n be_v it_o 1_o joh._n 3._o 23._o be_v it_o not_o thy_o own_o this_o make_v my_o faith_n a_o act_n of_o obedience_n 2._o yea_o lord_n i_o have_v thy_o promise_n as_o well_o as_o thy_o command_n make_v upon_o no_o other_o condition_n but_o my_o come_n to_o thou_o bless_v jesus_n have_v not_o thou_o say_v john_n 6._o 37._o he_o that_o come_v unto_o i_o i_o will_v in_o no_o wise_a cast_v out_o a_o invitation_n be_v much_o but_o thy_o promise_n be_v more_o 3._o o_o my_o god_n i_o have_v not_o only_o thy_o command_n make_v it_o my_o duty_n to_o believe_v and_o thy_o promise_n to_o encourage_v i_o to_o that_o duty_n but_o i_o have_v the_o example_n of_o other_o sinner_n that_o come_v unto_o thou_o long_o ago_o and_o thou_o do_v not_o reject_v they_o nor_o do_v i_o abuse_v those_o example_n in_o draw_v encouragement_n from_o they_o for_o it_o be_v thy_o very_a design_n in_o record_v they_o that_o they_o may_v be_v so_o many_o pattern_n to_o all_o that_o shall_v hereafter_o believe_v on_o thou_o 1_o tim._n 1._o 16._o 4._o o_o my_o god_n i_o be_o shut_v up_o under_o a_o plain_a necessity_n i_o have_v no_o other_o way_n to_o take_v thus_o stand_v the_o case_n with_o i_o i_o be_o beat_v off_o from_o all_o other_o refuge_n there_o be_v no_o help_n for_o i_o in_o angel_n nor_o man_n in_o duty_n or_o self-righteousness_n in_o thou_o only_o my_o soul_n can_v find_v rest_n i_o be_o shut_v up_o to_o thou_o as_o to_o the_o only_a door_n of_o hope_n gal._n 3._o 23._o here_o i_o must_v speed_v or_o perish_v my_o soul_n be_v burden_a and_o weary_a i_o know_v not_o how_o to_o dispose_v of_o it_o but_o into_o thy_o hand_n nor_o where_o to_o lay_v the_o burden_n of_o my_o guilt_n but_o upon_o thou_o if_o i_o miss_v here_o i_o be_o go_v for_o ever_o 5._o lord_n i_o be_o willing_a to_o renounce_v and_o abandon_v all_o other_o hope_n refuge_n and_o righteousness_n and_o to_o stick_v to_o and_o rely_v upon_o thou_o only_o duty_n can_v justify_v i_o tear_n can_v wash_v i_o reformation_n can_v save_v i_o nothing_o but_o thy_o righteousness_n can_v answer_v my_o end_n i_o come_v to_o thou_o a_o poor_a naked_a creature_n say_v as_o the_o church_n hos._n 14._o 3._o asshur_n shall_v not_o save_v we_o etc._n etc._n for_o in_o thou_o do_v the_o fatherless_a find_v mercy_n thus_o plead_v it_o with_o god_n and_o still_o remember_v you_o be_v plead_v for_o life_n yea_o for_o your_o eternal_a life_n vi_o direction_n six_o labour_v to_o make_v a_o resolve_a adventure_n upon_o christ_n amid_o all_o those_o encouragement_n let_v the_o issue_n be_v what_o it_o will_v resolve_v to_o venture_v though_o you_o have_v not_o the_o least_o degree_n of_o assurance_n that_o you_o shall_v be_v accept_v and_o pardon_v this_o be_v that_o brave_a and_o noble_a act_n of_o faith_n which_o carry_v the_o soul_n to_o christ_n much_o as_o hester_n come_v to_o the_o king_n yet_o will_v i_o go_v in_o to_o the_o king_n and_o if_o i_o perish_v i._o perish_v hest._n 4._o 16._o it_o pity_v i_o to_o think_v how_o the_o save_a act_n of_o faith_n be_v gross_o mistake_v in_o the_o world_n the_o generality_n think_v it_o be_v enough_o for_o they_o to_o believe_v that_o christ_n die_v for_o sinner_n and_o therefore_o for_o they_o as_o well_o as_o any_o other_o but_o you_o see_v faith_n be_v another_o matter_n o_o there_o be_v great_a difficulty_n and_o mighty_a wrestle_n in_o the_o work_n of_o believe_v it_o be_v a_o great_a matter_n for_o a_o poor_a convince_a sinner_n in_o the_o face_n of_o so_o much_o guilt_n and_o viâ—eâ—ess_n and_o amid_o such_o manifold_a damp_n and_o discouragement_n from_o satan_n to_o cast_v and_o adventure_v himself_o upon_o christ_n and_o that_o upon_o such_o self-denying_a term_n but_o the_o pinch_n of_o necessity_n will_v bring_v the_o soul_n to_o this_o for_o now_o it_o reason_n with_o itself_o as_o the_o leper_n do_v 2_o king_n 7._o 4_o 5._o if_o we_o go_v to_o the_o camp_n of_o the_o assyrian_n we_o can_v but_o die_v and_o if_o we_o abide_v here_o we_o must_v certain_o die_v thus_o here_o if_o i_o sit_v still_o in_o the_o state_n of_o nature_n and_o still_o continue_v demur_v and_o delay_v my_o damnation_n be_v unavoidable_a to_o hell_n i_o must_v go_v and_o if_o i_o cast_v myself_o upon_o christ_n i_o can_v but_o be_v reject_v but_o he_o have_v say_v he_o will_v not_o cast_v out_o those_o that_o come_v unto_o he_o in_o this_o way_n of_o faith_n there_o be_v a_o possibility_n of_o salvation_n yea_o there_o dawn_v from_o it_o a_o strong_a probability_n this_o therefore_o be_v my_o only_a way_n to_o he_o i_o will_v go_v and_o if_o i_o perish_v i_o perish_v vii_o direction_n seven_o never_o measure_v the_o grace_n of_o god_n nor_o the_o mercy_n of_o christ_n by_o the_o rule_n of_o your_o own_o narrow_a conception_n and_o apprehension_n of_o he_o but_o believe_v they_o to_o be_v far_o great_a than_o your_o contract_a and_o narrow_a understanding_n represent_v they_o to_o you_o our_o cast_v of_o the_o pardon_v power_n and_o mercy_n of_o god_n into_o the_o mould_n of_o our_o own_o thought_n disfigure_n and_o alter_v they_o so_o that_o they_o look_v not_o like_o themselves_o but_o with_o a_o very_a discourage_a aspect_n upon_o our_o soul_n by_o this_o satan_n keep_v off_o many_o a_o soul_n from_o come_v to_o christ_n the_o lord_n know_v how_o to_o forgive_v thou_o though_o thou_o scarce_o know_v how_o to_o forgive_v thyself_o for_o the_o
injury_n thou_o have_v do_v against_o he_o that_o be_v a_o very_a considerable_a scripture_n to_o this_o purpose_n in_o isa._n 55._o 7_o 8_o 9_o let_v the_o wicked_a for_o sake_n his_o way_n and_o the_o unrighteous_a man_n his_o thought_n and_o let_v he_o return_v unto_o the_o lord_n and_o he_o will_v have_v mercy_n upon_o he_o and_o to_o our_o god_n for_o he_o will_v abundant_o pardon_v for_o my_o thought_n be_v not_o your_o thought_n neither_o be_v your_o way_n my_o way_n say_v the_o lord_n for_o as_o the_o heaven_n be_v high_a than_o the_o earth_n so_o be_v my_o way_n high_a than_o your_o way_n and_o my_o thought_n than_o your_o thought_n man_n lie_v under_o a_o double_a misery_n one_o by_o reason_n of_o affliction_n another_o by_o reason_n of_o transgression_n concern_v both_o these_o god_n thought_n be_v not_o as_o we_o but_o far_o above_o what_o we_o can_v think_v either_o 1_o with_o simple_a cogitation_n i._n e._n we_o can_v think_v such_o thought_n to_o other_o under_o misery_n 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with_o some_o discouragement_n which_o may_v make_v you_o question_v whether_o christ_n have_v receive_v you_o or_o no_o whether_o he_o have_v any_o love_n for_o your_o soul_n or_o no_o yet_o hold_v on_o whether_o comfort_n come_v or_o come_v not_o though_o christ_n and_o comfort_n be_v inseparable_a yet_o christ_n and_o the_o sense_n of_o comfort_n be_v not_o so_o think_v not_o that_o all_o your_o trouble_n shall_v be_v over_o as_o soon_o as_o ever_o you_o believe_v because_o it_o be_v say_v heb._n 4._o 3._o we_o which_o have_v believe_v do_v enter_v into_o rest_n that_o scripture_n speak_v of_o a_o state_n of_o rest_n and_o not_o of_o the_o present_a or_o continue_a sense_n of_o rest_n the_o woman_n of_o canaan_n in_o matth._n 15._o 26_o 27._o do_v real_o believe_v in_o christ_n yet_o meet_v with_o sore_a trial_n under_o the_o first_o act_n of_o her_o faith_n yet_o this_o take_v she_o not_o off_o from_o the_o work_n of_o faith_n but_o rather_o quicken_v and_o inflame_v she_o the_o 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reserve_n of_o one_o lust_n that_o reserve_v will_v break_v off_o the_o treaty_n be_v honest_a with_o christ_n and_o say_v not_o of_o any_o sin_n the_o lord_n be_v merciful_a to_o i_o in_o this_o and_o be_v sure_a there_o be_v no_o secret_a purpose_n or_o reserve_v in_o thy_o heart_n for_o a_o retreat_n in_o time_n of_o danger_n but_o embark_v thyself_o with_o christ_n for_o storm_n and_o tempest_n trouble_n and_o affliction_n as_o well_o as_o peace_n and_o prosperity_n christ_n bestow_v himself_o whole_o upon_o you_o and_o he_o expect_v the_o same_o from_o you_o give_v up_o all_o or_o you_o will_v get_v nothing_o from_o he_o x._o direction_n ten_o close_v up_o your_o treaty_n with_o christ_n by_o a_o solemn_a covenant_n with_o he_o engage_v your_o self_n to_o be_v the_o lord_n 5._o one_o shall_v say_v i_o be_o the_o lord_n and_o another_o shall_v subscribe_v with_o his_o hand_n to_o the_o holy_a one_o of_o israel_n here_o you_o have_v two_o thing_n to_o do_v 1._o to_o give_v 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he_o and_o will_v sup_v with_o he_o and_o he_o with_o i_o if_o any_o man._n this_o expression_n extend_v the_o gracious_a offer_n of_o christ_n evangelio_n and_o bring_v it_o home_o to_o every_o hearer_n it_o be_v a_o proclamation_n with_o a_o si_fw-mi quis_fw-la if_o any_o man_n as_o if_o christ_n shall_v say_v i_o will_v have_v this_o offer_n of_o my_o grace_n to_o go_v round_o to_o every_o particular_a person_n if_o thou_o or_o thou_o or_o thou_o the_o great_a the_o vile_a of_o sinner_n of_o what_o quality_n or_o condition_n soever_o old_a or_o young_a profane_a or_o hypocritical_a will_v hear_v my_o voice_n and_o open_v to_o i_o i_o will_v come_v in_o to_o their_o soul_n and_o hereby_o all_o objection_n be_v obviate_v as_o for_o example_n i_o be_o the_o great_a of_o sinner_n say_v one_o i_o have_v be_v a_o self_n cozen_v hypocrite_n say_v another_o i_o have_v resist_v grace_n too_o long_o and_o doubt_v the_o time_n of_o mercy_n be_v past_a say_v a_o three_o the_o ground_n of_o all_o these_o and_o a_o thousand_o more_o objection_n be_v take_v away_o by_o the_o gracious_a extent_n of_o christ_n offer_n in_o the_o text_n for_o who_o be_v he_o that_o can_v limit_v where_o christ_n do_v not_o this_o give_v we_o a_o seven_o profitable_a and_o comfortable_a observation_n which_o be_v this_o vii_o doct._n that_o jesus_n christ_n will_v not_o refuse_v to_o come_v in_o to_o the_o soul_n of_o the_o vile_a sinner_n doct._n when_o once_o it_o be_v make_v hearty_o willing_a to_o open_v to_o he_o if_o any_o man_n open_a i_o will_v come_v in_o to_o he_o it_o be_v not_o unworthiness_n but_o unwillingness_n that_o bar_v any_o man_n from_o christ_n thousand_o have_v mist_n of_o
your_o soul_n fast_o by_o they_o to_o the_o way_n of_o holiness_n the_o lord_n know_v temptation_n will_v befall_v you_o discouragement_n enough_o you_o shall_v be_v sure_a to_o meet_v with_o but_o these_o enjoyment_n of_o god_n which_o you_o have_v meet_v with_o in_o prayer_n and_o hearing_n in_o meditation_n sacrament_n etc._n etc._n shall_v engage_v your_o heart_n for_o ever_o to_o the_o way_n of_o obedience_n you_o never_o find_v that_o sweetness_n in_o the_o way_n of_o sin_n which_o you_o have_v find_v in_o repentance_n and_o faith_n when_o a_o temptation_n come_v bait_v with_o sinful_a pleasure_n say_v as_o the_o olive-tree_n and_o the_o vine_n in_o jothams_n parable_n judge_n 9_o 9_o 10_o 11._o shall_v i_o leave_v such_o soul_n refresh_v comfort_n as_o these_o for_o the_o insipid_a pleasure_n of_o sin_n god_n forbid_v iii_o advice_n three_o be_v communicative_a of_o the_o spiritual_a comfort_n you_o enjoy_v for_o the_o benefit_n and_o refreshment_n of_o other_o the_o lord_n never_o intend_v you_o shall_v engross_v the_o comfort_n of_o his_o spirit_n to_o yourselves_o nor_o eat_v your_o pleasant_a morsel_n alone_o 2_o cor._n 1._o 4._o he_o comfort_v we_o that_o we_o may_v be_v able_a to_o comfort_v they_o that_o be_v in_o any_o trouble_n by_o the_o comfort_n wherewith_o we_o ourselves_o be_v comfort_v of_o god._n it_o be_v true_a religion_n lay_v not_o all_o open_a nor_o yet_o do_v it_o conceal_v and_o hide_v all_o there_o need_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o wisdom_n humility_n and_o caution_n to_o secure_v we_o from_o pride_n and_o vanity_n in_o spirit_n whilst_o we_o communicate_v our_o comfort_n to_o other_o as_o ostentation_n so_o also_o impropriation_n of_o our_o comfort_n be_v against_o scripture_n law_n he_o may_v be_v just_o suspect_v that_o open_v all_o and_o so_o may_v he_o too_o that_o conceal_v all_o spiritual_a comfort_n be_v not_o diminish_v but_o improve_v by_o a_o wise_a and_o humble_a communication_n iv._o advice_n four_o be_v much_o in_o renew_v the_o act_n and_o exercise_n of_o faith_n be_v frequent_a in_o that_o work_n your_o first_o faith_n have_v bring_v in_o your_o first_o comfort_n your_o renew_n and_o repeat_v those_o precious_a act_n of_o faith_n will_v bring_v you_o in_o great_a store_n of_o comfort_n than_o you_o yet_o enjoy_v we_o be_v not_o to_o look_v upon_o faith_n as_o a_o single_a but_o a_o continue_a act_n 1_o pet._n 2._o 4._o to_o who_o come_v as_o unto_o a_o live_a stone_n thy_o soul_n christian_n be_v to_o be_v in_o a_o continual_a motion_n towards_o christ_n the_o more_o you_o believe_v the_o more_o you_o will_v rejoice_v you_o see_v the_o door_n through_o which_o comfort_n come_v into_o your_o soul_n joy_n be_v the_o daughter_n of_o faith_n rom._n 15._o 13._o your_o present_a comfort_n be_v the_o first_o birth_n of_o faith_n but_o there_o be_v many_o comfort_n more_o in_o the_o womb_n of_o faith_n which_o will_v yet_o be_v bear_v to_o your_o soul_n if_o unbelief_n cause_v not_o a_o miscarriage_n v._o advice_n five_o take_v heed_n you_o be_v not_o a_o grief_n to_o christ_n who_o have_v already_o bring_v so_o much_o comfort_n to_o you_o it_o will_v be_v a_o sad_a requital_n if_o after_o he_o have_v give_v you_o the_o joy_n of_o heaven_n to_o drink_v you_o shall_v give_v he_o that_o which_o be_v as_o wormwood_n and_o gall_n the_o lord_n write_v that_o caution_n upon_o thy_o soul_n reader_n eph._n 4._o 30._o and_o grieve_v not_o the_o holy_a spirit_n of_o god_n whereby_o you_o be_v seal_v to_o the_o day_n of_o redemption_n the_o argument_n of_o the_o apostle_n in_o this_o place_n strong_o infer_v caution_n from_o comfort_n christ_n have_v be_v all_o joy_n all_o peace_n rest_n and_o comfort_n to_o you_o take_v heed_n you_o be_v not_o a_o grief_n and_o shame_n to_o he_o the_o intermission_n of_o thy_o duty_n the_o fall_a and_o flat_v of_o thy_o affection_n in_o duty_n thy_o rash_a adventure_n upon_o sin_n will_v be_v a_o grief_n to_o the_o heart_n of_o christ_n who_o have_v fill_v thy_o heart_n with_o so_o much_o comfort_n and_o if_o you_o grieve_v he_o you_o can_v expect_v he_o shall_v comfort_v you_o a_o little_a sin_n may_v rob_v you_o of_o a_o great_a deal_n of_o comfort_n vi_o advice_n six_o be_v not_o stagger_v or_o deject_v if_o the_o first_o comfort_v christ_n give_v you_o shall_v afterward_o abate_v 〈◊〉_d be_v take_v away_o for_o a_o time_n this_o be_v a_o very_a common_a thing_n in_o the_o experience_n of_o most_o christian_n you_o must_v not_o think_v your_o first_o comfort_n be_v such_o fix_a settle_a thing_n that_o there_o be_v no_o hazard_n of_o lose_v they_o alas_o nothing_o be_v more_o volatile_a than_o the_o joy_n of_o a_o christian_a you_o will_v be_v apt_a to_o lose_v your_o first_o love_n rev._n 2._o 4._o and_o if_o you_o lose_v your_o first_o love_n no_o wonder_n that_o you_o lose_v your_o first_o comfort_n yet_o if_o it_o shall_v so_o fall_v out_o be_v not_o cast_v down_o and_o discourage_v christ_n be_v not_o go_v though_o comfort_n be_v go_v and_o though_o comfort_n be_v go_v it_o be_v not_o go_v for_o ever_o renew_v thy_o repentance_n faith_n and_o obedience_n and_o try_v if_o god_n will_v not_o renew_v thy_o comfort_n there_o be_v a_o former_a and_o there_o be_v a_o latter_a spring_n of_o joy_n god_n will_v make_v thy_o comfort_n spring_v again_o beside_o thy_o justification_n be_v steadfast_a though_o thy_o consolation_n be_v not_o so_o there_o be_v two_o thing_n belong_v to_o a_o christian_a one_o to_o his_o be_v viz._n union_n with_o christ_n another_o to_o his_o well_o be_v viz._n comfort_n from_o christ_n the_o latter_a be_v uncertain_a and_o contingent_a the_o former_a fix_a and_o steadfast_a vii_o advice_n seven_o be_v fill_v with_o compassion_n to_o other_o who_o want_v those_o comfort_n you_o enjoy_v especial_o such_o as_o god_n have_v knit_v to_o you_o in_o the_o bond_n of_o natural_a relation_n be_v thou_o a_o father_n or_o a_o mother_n to_o who_o god_n have_v give_v those_o comfort_n and_o soul_n refreshment_n that_o have_v be_v open_v in_o this_o discourse_n and_o have_v thou_o no_o compassion_n for_o thy_o poor_a child_n who_o never_o yet_o taste_v one_o drop_n of_o these_o spiritual_a consolation_n certain_o it_o will_v do_v a_o man_n little_a good_a to_o be_v feast_v abroad_o whilst_o his_o wife_n and_o child_n be_v starve_v at_o home_n say_v to_o they_o as_o paul_n in_o another_o case_n will_v to_o god_n you_o be_v all_o as_o i_o be_o except_o these_o corruption_n religion_n breed_v bowel_n of_o compassion_n o_o tell_v they_o what_o sweetness_n there_o be_v in_o the_o way_n of_o godliness_n counsel_n plead_v and_o pray_v that_o those_o that_o be_v you_o may_v also_o be_v christ_n viii_o advice_n eight_o as_o ever_o you_o expect_v the_o continuance_n or_o enlargement_n of_o your_o comfort_n see_v that_o you_o walk_v circumspect_o it_o be_v as_o much_o as_o all_o your_o comfort_n be_v worth_a to_o give_v way_n to_o a_o little_a carelessness_n that_o be_v a_o remarkable_a expression_n of_o the_o psalmist_n psal._n 85._o 8._o i_o will_v harken_v what_o god_n the_o lord_n will_v speak_v for_o he_o will_v speak_v peace_n to_o his_o people_n and_o to_o his_o saint_n but_o let_v not_o they_o return_v again_o to_o folly_n sin_n in_o this_o text_n be_v fit_o call_v by_o the_o name_n of_o folly_n for_o indeed_o it_o be_v the_o great_a folly_n and_o madness_n in_o the_o world_n to_o forfeit_v and_o divest_v ourselves_o of_o such_o sweet_a peace_n and_o comfort_n by_o return_v unto_o sin_n which_o have_v cost_v we_o so_o much_o sorrow_n and_o trouble_v before_o be_v you_o willing_a to_o be_v in_o your_o former_a darkness_n and_o fear_n tear_n and_o trouble_n to_o exchange_v the_o pleasant_a light_n you_o now_o enjoy_v for_o the_o horror_n you_o have_v former_o feel_v this_o you_o must_v do_v if_o you_o return_v again_o to_o folly_n ix_o advice_n nine_o long_o for_o heaven_n where_o the_o fullness_n of_o those_o joy_n be_v whereof_o these_o you_o taste_v be_v but_o the_o earnest_n and_o first-fruit_n one_o design_n of_o god_n in_o give_v they_o be_v to_o set_v we_o a_o longing_n after_o heaven_n to_o help_v our_o conception_n and_o raise_v our_o affection_n if_o these_o be_v so_o sweet_a what_o must_v they_o be_v rom._n 8._o 23._o we_o which_o have_v the_o first-fruit_n of_o the_o spirit_n even_o we_o ourselves_o groan_n within_o ourselves_o wait_v for_o the_o adoption_n to_o wit_n the_o redemption_n of_o our_o body_n we_o be_v not_o sit_v down_o satisfy_v and_o say_v we_o have_v enough_o in_o these_o first-fruit_n but_o they_o be_v give_v to_o set_v we_o agroan_v after_o fullness_n of_o those_o enjoyment_n this_o answer_v god_n end_n in_o give_v they_o x._o advice_n last_o improve_v every_o spiritual_a comfort_n you_o have_v from_o
of_o satan_n to_o think_v so_o but_o this_o be_v what_o i_o say_v that_o communion_n with_o god_n consist_v not_o in_o the_o mere_a performance_n of_o duty_n communion_n and_o duty_n of_o religion_n be_v two_o thing_n separable_a one_o from_o the_o other_o man_n may_v multiply_v duty_n and_o yet_o be_v stranger_n to_o communion_n with_o god_n in_o they_o even_o humiliation_n and_o fast_a day_n may_v be_v keep_v by_o soul_n that_o be_v estrange_v from_o communion_n with_o the_o lord_n zach._n 7._o 5._o speak_v unto_o all_o the_o people_n of_o the_o land_n and_o unto_o the_o priest_n say_v when_o you_o fast_v and_o mourn_v in_o the_o five_o and_o seven_o month_n even_o these_o seventy_o year_n do_v you_o at_o all_o fast_o unto_o i_o even_o unto_o i_o q._n d._n have_v your_o soul_n pure_a intention_n and_o respect_n in_o those_o duty_n to_o my_o glory_n have_v you_o special_a communion_n with_o i_o or_o i_o with_o you_o in_o those_o duty_n do_v you_o ever_o feel_v your_o soul_n in_o these_o day_n wound_v for_o sin_n or_o do_v you_o not_o fast_o out_o of_o custom_n and_o mourn_v for_o company_n god_n may_v be_v near_o in_o man_n mouth_n and_o at_o the_o same_o time_n far_o from_o their_o reins_o jer._n 12._o 2._o religious_a word_n may_v flow_v out_o of_o man_n lip_n when_o not_o one_o drop_n of_o religion_n touch_v their_o reins_o and_o heart_n that_o be_v the_o secret_a inward_a power_n of_o their_o soul_n you_o can_v therefore_o safe_o depend_v upon_o this_o christ_n reject_v this_o plea_n matth._n 7._o 22._o get_v a_o better_a evidence_n of_o communion_n with_o god_n than_o this_o or_o you_o will_v certain_o come_v short_a of_o your_o expectation_n i_o know_v you_o not_o say_v christ_n there_o be_v never_o any_o spiritual_a acquaintance_n betwixt_o your_o soul_n and_o i_o i_o know_v you_o not_o in_o a_o way_n of_o approbation_n 2_o neither_o do_v all_o stir_n and_o work_n of_o the_o affection_n in_o duty_n infallible_o evidence_n and_o prove_v communion_n betwixt_o god_n and_o that_o soul_n for_o it_o be_v possible_a yea_o common_a to_o have_v the_o affection_n raise_v in_o a_o natural_a way_n and_o by_o external_a motive_n in_o the_o duty_n of_o religion_n this_o you_o see_v in_o that_o example_n ezck._n 33._o 32._o and_o lo_o thou_o be_v unto_o they_o as_o a_o very_a lovely_a song_n of_o one_o that_o have_v a_o pleasant_a voice_n and_o can_v play_v well_o on_o a_o instrument_n for_o they_o hear_v thy_o word_n but_o they_o do_v they_o not_o the_o sweet_a modulation_n of_o the_o prophet_n voice_n be_v like_o the_o skilful_a touch_n of_o a_o rare_a musical_a instrument_n which_o in_o a_o natural_a way_n move_v and_o excite_v their_o affection_n thus_o johns_n hearer_n rejoice_v in_o his_o ministry_n for_o a_o season_n i_o confess_v this_o be_v very_o apt_a to_o cast_v soul_n into_o a_o mistake_n of_o their_o condition_n they_o distinguish_v not_o betwixt_o the_o influence_n that_o come_v upon_o their_o affection_n from_o without_o from_o extrinsic_a thing_n and_o those_o that_o be_v pure_o inward_a divine_a and_o spiritual_a but_o then_o ii_o to_o show_v you_o positive_o what_o communion_n with_o god_n be_v here_o we_o must_v consider_v two_o thing_n 1._o what_o thing_n it_o presuppose_v in_o we_o 2._o wherein_o the_o nature_n of_o it_o consist_v first_o there_o be_v divers_a thing_n pre-required_n and_o presuppose_a unto_o all_o actual_a communion_n with_o god_n in_o duty_n and_o where_o these_o thing_n be_v want_v man_n can_v have_v no_o communion_n with_o god._n you_o may_v have_v communion_n with_o his_o people_n and_o communion_n with_o his_o ordinance_n but_o not_o communion_n with_o god_n and_o christ_n in_o they_o and_o these_o pre-requisites_a be_v three_o i_o union_n with_o christ_n be_v fundamental_o necessary_a to_o all_o communion_n with_o he_o all_o communion_n be_v found_v in_o union_n and_o where_o there_o be_v no_o union_n there_o can_v be_v no_o communion_n you_o know_v say_v a_o excellent_a person_n the_o member_n receive_v nothing_o from_o the_o head_n 84._o unless_o it_o be_v unite_v to_o it_o nor_o the_o branch_n from_o the_o root_n all_o be_v you_o and_o you_o be_v christ_n 1_o cor._n 3._o 23._o here_o be_v a_o vast_a possession_n but_o all_o found_v upon_o union_n as_o all_o communion_n be_v found_v upon_o union_n so_o all_o union_n terminate_v in_o communion_n and_o the_o close_o the_o union_n the_o full_a be_v the_o communion_n before_o our_o union_n with_o christ_n we_o be_v stranger_n unto_o god_n eph._n 2._o i3_n we_o live_v without_o god_n in_o the_o world_n it_o be_v in_o christ_n that_o we_o be_v make_v nigh_o it_o be_v in_o the_o belove_a we_o be_v make_v accept_v whilst_o we_o be_v in_o the_o state_n of_o alienation_n from_o christ_n we_o have_v no_o more_o to_o do_v with_o the_o communication_n of_o joy_n and_o peace_n with_o the_o seal_n and_o earnest_n of_o the_o spirit_n than_o a_o native_a indian_a have_v with_o the_o privilege_n of_o london_n if_o any_o man_n open_a to_o i_o say_v christ_n i_o will_v come_v in_o to_o he_o and_o sup_v with_o he_o and_o he_o with_o i_o ii_o communion_n with_o god_n presuppose_v the_o habit_n of_o grace_n implant_v in_o the_o soul_n by_o sanctification_n a_o find_v and_o sincere_a change_n of_o heart_n no_o sanctification_n no_o communion_n 1_o john_n 1._o 6._o if_o we_o say_v we_o have_v fellowship_n with_o he_o and_o walk_v in_o darkness_n we_o lie_v and_o do_v not_o the_o truth_n the_o apostle_n give_v the_o lie_n to_o such_o bold_a pretender_n the_o lord_n be_v nigh_o to_o all_o that_o call_v upon_o he_o unto_o all_o that_o call_v upon_o he_o in_o truth_n that_o latter_a clause_n restrain_v all_o spiritual_a communion_n unto_o upright_a soul_n for_o a_o hypocrite_n shall_v not_o come_v before_o he_o job_n 13._o 16._o iii_o communion_n with_o god_n do_v not_o only_o suppose_v grace_v implant_v but_o also_o implant_v grace_n excite_v grace_n in_o act_n for_o a_o man_n may_v have_v the_o habit_n of_o faith_n love_n and_o delight_n in_o he_o and_o yet_o be_v without_o actual_a communion_n with_o god_n for_o by_o this_o grace_n be_v awake_v and_o put_v into_o act_n a_o believer_n when_o he_o be_v asleep_a and_o act_v no_o grace_n be_v in_o a_o state_n of_o communion_n with_o god_n but_o if_o he_o will_v have_v actual_a communion_n his_o faith_n love_n and_o delight_n must_v be_v awake_v they_o must_v not_o lie_v asleep_a in_o the_o habit_n thou_o say_v seek_v my_o face_n my_o heart_n say_v unto_o thou_o thy_o face_n lord_n will_v i_o seek_v psal._n 27._o 8._o it_o be_v in_o order_n to_o actual_a communion_n with_o christ_n that_o the_o church_n so_o earnest_o beg_v fresh_a influence_n of_o the_o spirit_n to_o excite_v her_o grace_n into_o act_n cant._n 4._o i6_n awake_v o_o northwind_n and_o come_v thou_o south_n blow_v upon_o my_o garden_n that_o the_o spice_n thereof_o may_v flow_v out_o let_v my_o belove_a come_v into_o his_o garden_n and_o eat_v his_o pleasant_a fruit_n and_o though_o believer_n be_v not_o so_o to_o wait_v for_o influence_n of_o the_o spirit_n as_o mean_a time_n to_o neglect_v all_o proper_a outward_a mean_n of_o exciting_a their_o own_o grace_n engage_v their_o heart_n to_o approach_v unto_o god_n jer._n 30._o 21._o yet_o certain_o it_o be_v the_o work_n of_o god_n spirit_n and_o without_o he_o we_o can_v do_v nothing_o to_o any_o purpose_n the_o seaman_n may_v trim_v the_o sail_n weigh_v the_o anchor_n put_v all_o into_o a_o sail_a posture_n but_o till_o a_o gale_n come_v from_o heaven_n there_o be_v little_a or_o no_o motion_n the_o same_o spirit_n that_o plant_v the_o habit_n be_v he_o also_o that_o excite_v the_o act_n of_o grace_n these_o three_o thing_n therefore_o be_v pre-requisites_a unto_o all_o communion_n with_o god._n second_o next_o let_v we_o consider_v wherein_o this_o heavenly_a privilege_n of_o communion_n with_o god_n do_v consist_v and_o more_o general_o it_o will_v be_v find_v to_o lie_v in_o a_o spiritual_a correspondency_n betwixt_o christ_n and_o the_o soul._n god_n let_v forth_o influence_n upon_o our_o soul_n and_o we_o by_o the_o assistance_n of_o his_o spirit_n make_v return_n again_o unto_o god._n communion_n be_v a_o mutual_a action_n so_o in_o the_o text_n i_o will_v sup_v with_o he_o and_o he_o with_o i_o we_o cry_v to_o god_n and_o god_n answer_v that_o cry_n by_o the_o income_n of_o spiritual_a grace_n upon_o the_o soul_n psal._n i38_n 3._o in_o the_o day_n that_o i_o cry_v thou_o answer_v i_o and_o strengthn_v i_o with_o strength_n in_o my_o soul._n more_o particular_o there_o be_v many_o way_n or_o method_n wherein_o man_n have_v this_o spiritual_a correspondence_n or_o communion_n with_o god_n viz._n 1._o in_o the_o contemplation_n of_o his_o attribute_n 2._o in_o