their_o affliction_n they_o will_v seek_v i_o early_o thus_o do_v god_n people_n in_o the_o time_n of_o their_o affliction_n 26.16_o isa_n 26.16_o lord_n say_v the_o prophet_n in_o trouble_v they_o have_v visit_v thou_o they_o pour_v out_o a_o prayer_n when_o thy_o chastn_n be_v upon_o they_o and_o divers_a reason_n there_o be_v why_o all_o god_n people_n shall_v in_o their_o affliction_n betake_v themselves_o to_o god_n by_o prayer_n as_o 1._o all_o affliction_n come_v from_o god_n i_o form_n light_n say_v he_o 45.7_o isa_n 45.7_o and_o create_v darkness_n i_o make_v peace_n and_o create_v evil_a i_o the_o lord_n do_v all_o these_o thing_n shall_v there_o be_v evil_a in_o the_o city_n and_o the_o lord_n have_v not_o do_v it_o amos_n 3.6_o which_o word_n must_v be_v understand_v of_o the_o evil_a of_o affliction_n and_o punishment_n not_o of_o the_o evil_a of_o sin_n that_o be_v a_o evil_a whereof_o god_n who_o be_v perfect_o and_o infinite_o good_a can_v never_o be_v the_o author_n man_n may_v be_v instrument_n in_o our_o suffering_n they_o may_v be_v actor_n in_o subject_v we_o to_o affliction_n and_o in_o bring_v such_o evil_n upon_o we_o but_o it_o be_v god_n that_o employ_v they_o and_o make_v use_v of_o they_o to_o chasten_v his_o people_n for_o their_o sin_n this_o be_v that_o which_o the_o psalmist_n intend_v when_o he_o call_v wicked_a man_n god_n sword_n 17.13_o psal_n 17.13_o deliver_v my_o soul_n from_o the_o wicked_a say_v he_o which_o be_v thy_o sword_n the_o sword_n wherewith_o he_o thrust_v at_o wound_n and_o pierce_v chasten_v and_o correct_v his_o people_n when_o they_o have_v by_o their_o provocation_n incur_v his_o displeasure_n to_o the_o same_o purpose_v it_o be_v that_o he_o call_v assyria_n the_o rod_n of_o his_o anger_n 10.5_o isa_n 10.5_o and_o the_o staff_n in_o their_o hand_n his_o indignation_n that_o be_v the_o instrument_n of_o his_o indignation_n which_o he_o make_v use_v of_o to_o punish_v they_o for_o their_o sin_n hence_o also_o it_o be_v that_o he_o call_v the_o babylonian_n his_v battle-axe_n 51.20_o jer._n 51.20_o and_o weapon_n of_o war_n with_o which_o he_o break_v in_o piece_n the_o nation_n and_o destroy_v kingdom_n 2._o because_o god_n only_o can_v remove_v those_o affliction_n from_o his_o people_n which_o his_o hand_n have_v lay_v upon_o they_o this_o god_n assume_v to_o himself_o as_o his_o own_o prerogative_n 32.39_o deut._n 32.39_o i_o kill_v say_v he_o and_o i_o make_v alive_a i_o wound_v and_o i_o heal_v neither_o be_v there_o any_o that_o can_v deliver_v out_o of_o my_o hand_n to_o the_o same_o effect_n be_v that_o passage_n in_o the_o song_n of_o hannah_n where_o she_o say_v 2.6_o 1_o sam._n 2.6_o the_o lord_n kill_v and_o make_v alive_a he_o bring_v down_o to_o the_o grave_a and_o bring_v up_o and_o that_o of_o psal_n 68.20_o unto_o god_n the_o lord_n belong_v the_o issue_n from_o death_n hence_o god_n himself_o complain_v of_o man_n neglect_v to_o have_v recourse_n to_o he_o by_o prayer_n in_o their_o affliction_n who_o alone_o can_v relieve_v they_o by_o remove_v his_o afflict_a hand_n from_o they_o say_v 9.13_o jer._n 9.13_o the_o people_n turn_v not_o to_o he_o that_o smite_v they_o neither_o do_v they_o seek_v the_o lord_n of_o host_n 3._o our_o neglect_n to_o have_v recourse_n to_o god_n by_o prayer_n in_o our_o affliction_n blast_v all_o other_o mean_n which_o we_o make_v use_v of_o for_o our_o relief_n no_o question_n can_v be_v make_v of_o it_o but_o that_o ahaziah_n have_v take_v a_o dangerous_a fall_n from_o a_o lattice_n make_v use_v of_o all_o the_o best_a mean_n that_o can_v be_v have_v for_o his_o cure_n but_o because_o in_o that_o his_o affliction_n he_o seek_v not_o unto_o the_o true_a god_n the_o god_n of_o israel_n for_o heal_v but_o unto_o the_o god_n of_o ekron_n the_o prophet_n in_o the_o name_n of_o god_n tell_v he_o that_o he_o shall_v not_o come_v down_o from_o that_o bed_n on_o which_o he_o have_v go_v up_o 1.4_o 2_o king_n 1.4_o but_o shall_v sure_o die_v as_o according_o it_o fall_v out_o in_o the_o issue_n wherefore_o this_o be_v note_v as_o a_o great_a miscarriage_n in_o asa_n though_o otherwise_o a_o good_a man_n that_o in_o his_o disease_n 16.12_o 2_o chron._n 16.12_o even_o when_o it_o be_v very_o grievous_a he_o seek_v unto_o the_o physician_n and_o not_o unto_o god_n 4._o it_o concern_v we_o in_o our_o affliction_n to_o seek_v unto_o god_n by_o prayer_n in_o regard_n of_o the_o great_a need_n we_o have_v of_o his_o help_n and_o assistance_n many_o other_o way_n in_o the_o time_n of_o our_o affliction_n as_o one_a to_o teach_v we_o his_o meaning_n in_o those_o affliction_n with_o which_o he_o exercise_v we_o what_o he_o design_n in_o they_o and_o what_o at_o such_o a_o time_n he_o expect_v from_o we_o 2_o to_o sanctify_v affliction_n to_o we_o and_o to_o enable_v we_o to_o improve_v they_o to_o our_o spiritual_a advantage_n 3_o to_o support_v we_o under_o our_o affliction_n 4thly_a to_o give_v we_o patience_n under_o his_o afflict_a hand_n and_o to_o keep_v we_o from_o murmur_a repine_a discontent_n fret_v against_o god_n and_o all_o other_o sinful_a distemper_n which_o in_o regard_n of_o the_o corruption_n of_o our_o nature_n and_o the_o evil_a frame_n of_o our_o heart_n we_o be_v subject_a unto_o in_o our_o affliction_n these_o particular_n i_o have_v only_o mention_v leave_v it_o to_o every_o man_n to_o enlarge_v on_o they_o in_o his_o private_a meditation_n as_o he_o shall_v see_v cause_n use_v see_v we_o be_v upon_o so_o many_o consideration_n oblige_v and_o high_o concern_v to_o seek_v unto_o god_n in_o our_o affliction_n let_v we_o all_o be_v caution_v to_o take_v heed_n that_o we_o neglect_v not_o the_o duty_n of_o prayer_n while_o god_n afflict_a hand_n be_v upon_o we_o and_o when_o if_o ever_o this_o duty_n be_v both_o most_o seasonable_a and_o most_o necessary_a as_o soon_o as_o ever_o any_o affliction_n from_o the_o hand_n of_o god_n begin_v to_o light_v on_o we_o let_v we_o immediate_o betake_v ourselves_o unto_o god_n by_o prayer_n let_v this_o be_v the_o first_o thing_n we_o do_v and_o let_v we_o never_o think_v of_o make_v use_n of_o any_o other_o mean_n in_o order_n to_o our_o relief_n till_o this_o be_v do_v neither_o let_v we_o rest_v here_o but_o let_v we_o continue_v to_o pray_v without_o cease_v as_o long_o as_o god_n think_v good_a to_o continue_v his_o afflict_a hand_n upon_o we_o and_o we_o thus_o do_v with_o constancy_n and_o perseverance_n we_o need_v not_o question_v but_o that_o we_o shall_v see_v a_o good_a issue_n out_o of_o our_o affliction_n whatever_o they_o be_v in_o god_n appoint_a time_n but_o in_o all_o our_o affliction_n let_v we_o not_o only_o pray_v but_o labour_v to_o be_v sound_o humble_v for_o our_o sin_n which_o have_v be_v the_o meritorious_a cause_n of_o all_o our_o suffering_n let_v we_o earnest_o beg_v the_o pardon_n of_o they_o and_o strength_n against_o they_o for_o the_o future_a this_o be_v the_o best_a course_n that_o we_o can_v take_v in_o our_o affliction_n and_o the_o only_a course_n that_o can_v give_v we_o any_o security_n that_o we_o shall_v be_v in_o due_a time_n deliver_v out_o of_o our_o affliction_n and_o be_v deliver_v with_o such_o advantage_n to_o our_o soul_n as_o shall_v give_v we_o just_a cause_n to_o acknowledge_v that_o it_o have_v be_v good_a for_o we_o to_o have_v be_v afflict_v and_o that_o god_n have_v in_o faithfulness_n chasten_v we_o as_o david_n after_o his_o affliction_n profess_a and_o acknowledge_v psal_n 119.75_o now_o follow_v the_o five_o particular_a namely_o the_o issue_n of_o manasseh_n prayer_n god_n be_v entreat_v of_o he_o and_o hear_v his_o supplication_n and_o bring_v he_o again_o to_o jerusalem_n into_o his_o kingdom_n then_o manasseh_n know_v that_o the_o lord_n he_o be_v god_n most_o sad_a and_o doleful_a be_v the_o condition_n of_o manasseh_n while_o he_o be_v a_o captive_n in_o babylon_n he_o be_v bind_v with_o chain_n and_o fetter_v with_o iron_n he_o be_v confine_v to_o the_o dark_a and_o uncomfortable_a vault_n and_o cloister_n of_o a_o prison_n and_o though_o perhaps_o in_o regard_n that_o he_o be_v not_o of_o the_o common_a sort_n of_o prisoner_n but_o a_o king_n he_o may_v have_v better_a accommodation_n than_o many_o other_o yet_o which_o be_v worst_a of_o all_o he_o have_v small_a or_o no_o hope_n of_o be_v ever_o release_v or_o set_v at_o liberty_n again_o and_o which_o be_v the_o height_n of_o his_o misery_n he_o have_v no_o security_n for_o his_o life_n but_o be_v perpetual_o in_o danger_n and_o upon_o that_o account_n under_o fear_n of_o be_v draw_v out_o of_o prison_n and_o bring_v to_o execution_n every_o day_n and_o every_o hour_n this_o be_v his_o dismal_a
though_o we_o may_v in_o some_o case_n take_v the_o liberty_n of_o humble_a and_o reverend_a expostulation_n with_o god_n yet_o we_o must_v take_v heed_n of_o any_o unmeet_a reflection_n upon_o his_o justice_n or_o goodness_n and_o still_o remember_v our_o distance_n from_o he_o that_o god_n be_v in_o heaven_n and_o we_o be_v upon_o earth_n as_o solomon_n speak_v eccles_n 5.2_o and_o that_o he_o give_v not_o account_n of_o any_o of_o his_o matter_n as_o elihu_n excellent_o represent_v he_o to_o job_n chap._n 33.13_o so_o then_o all_o these_o sort_n of_o complaint_n be_v allow_v we_o the_o complaint_n condemn_v in_o the_o text_n be_v that_o which_o either_o proceed_v from_o or_o be_v join_v with_o impatience_n under_o god_n hand_n and_o discontent_n with_o his_o providence_n it_o be_v the_o complaint_n of_o a_o unquiet_a and_o sinful_o disturb_a spirit_n which_o the_o scripture_n sometime_o express_v by_o murmur_a so_o here_o the_o word_n in_o the_o original_a may_v proper_o enough_o be_v translate_v and_o so_o the_o same_o word_n be_v render_v numb_a 11.1_o now_o the_o evil_a and_o unreasonableness_n of_o this_o kind_n of_o complaint_n under_o the_o hand_n of_o god_n may_v appear_v several_a way_n 1._o it_o be_v long_o before_o god_n take_v the_o rod_n in_o hand_n to_o correct_v he_o bear_v long_o even_o with_o the_o vile_a of_o sinner_n and_o exercise_v much_o patience_n towards_o they_o he_o be_v slow_a to_o anger_n and_o of_o great_a mercy_n psal_n 145.8_o he_o be_v merciful_a and_o gracious_a long-suffering_a and_o abundant_a in_o goodness_n exod._n 34.6_o he_o take_v no_o delight_n in_o severity_n further_o than_o we_o provoke_v he_o thereunto_o he_o do_v noâ—_n afflict_v willing_o nor_o grieve_v the_o child_n of_o man_n lam._n 3.33_o and_o shall_v noâ—_n this_o consideration_n be_v of_o force_n to_o suppress_v all_o our_o discontent_a complain_n and_o murmur_n that_o god_n be_v so_o unwilling_a to_o use_v severity_n against_o we_o that_o he_o be_v so_o hardly_o draw_v on_o to_o chaste_a we_o and_o that_o he_o never_o do_v it_o till_o we_o have_v give_v he_o much_o cause_n so_o to_o handle_v we_o 2._o when_o we_o by_o our_o many_o provocation_n have_v put_v the_o rod_n into_o his_o hand_n he_o be_v soon_o prevail_v with_o to_o lay_v it_o aside_o again_o he_o be_v not_o of_o that_o implacable_a temper_n that_o he_o can_v never_o be_v reconcile_v to_o those_o against_o who_o he_o have_v once_o take_v up_o any_o displeasure_n upon_o our_o humble_a submission_n to_o his_o correction_n and_o sincere_a resolution_n and_o endeavour_n to_o reform_v what_o have_v be_v amiss_o he_o be_v gracious_o incline_v to_o lay_v aside_o his_o displeasure_n he_o be_v ready_a to_o forgive_v 86.5_o psal_n 86.5_o most_o ready_a to_o show_v mercy_n as_o soon_o as_o we_o be_v in_o any_o measure_n fit_a for_o mercy_n he_o do_v not_o always_o chide_v 103.9_o psal_n 103.9_o nor_o keep_v his_o anger_n for_o ever_o be_v this_o only_a david_n particular_a experience_n and_o be_v it_o not_o we_o also_o do_v not_o we_o find_v how_o easy_a he_o be_v to_o be_v entreat_v and_o how_o ready_a to_o pardon_v have_v we_o not_o have_v manifold_a experiment_n thereof_o in_o the_o course_n of_o our_o life_n and_o shall_v not_o this_o persuade_v we_o quiet_o and_o patient_o to_o submit_v to_o his_o correction_n while_o he_o be_v please_v to_o keep_v we_o under_o his_o chastn_a hand_n 3._o while_o he_o judge_v it_o fit_a to_o correct_v we_o he_o lay_v no_o more_o upon_o we_o than_o our_o sin_n deserve_v when_o we_o be_v most_o severe_o handle_v and_o be_v apt_a to_o complain_v we_o have_v hard_a measure_n yet_o even_o then_o do_v not_o his_o severity_n in_o the_o least_o exceed_v the_o demerit_n of_o our_o sin_n god_n do_v we_o no_o wrong_n nor_o be_v it_o possible_a that_o he_o shall_v for_o his_o will_n be_v the_o rule_n and_o measure_n of_o righteousness_n the_o lord_n be_v righteous_a in_o all_o his_o way_n and_o holy_a in_o all_o his_o work_v psal_n 145.17_o the_o just_a lord_n will_v not_o do_v iniquity_n zeph._n 3.5_o what_o cause_v then_o be_v there_o or_o can_v there_o be_v of_o complain_v where_o no_o wrong_n be_v do_v with_o this_o the_o church_n of_o god_n silence_v herself_o and_o stop_v she_o own_o mouth_n when_o under_o the_o most_o dreadful_a effect_n of_o god_n displeasure_n 1.18_o lam._n 1.18_o the_o lord_n be_v righteous_a say_v she_o for_o i_o have_v rebel_v against_o his_o commandment_n and_o with_o this_o god_n stop_v the_o mouth_n of_o his_o people_n why_o cry_v thou_o for_o thy_o affliction_n 30.15_o jer._n 30.15_o because_o thy_o sin_n be_v increase_v have_v i_o do_v these_o thing_n unto_o thou_o 4._o when_o god_n afflict_v most_o grievous_o his_o severity_n be_v far_o short_a of_o what_o our_o sin_n deserve_v under_o the_o heavy_a weight_n of_o punishment_n ezra_n acknowledgement_n in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o church_n must_v be_v we_o 9.13_o ezra_n 9.13_o we_o be_v punish_v less_o than_o our_o iniquity_n deserve_v our_o sin_n deserve_v not_o only_o all_o the_o temporal_a plague_n and_o judgement_n which_o we_o be_v capable_a of_o undergo_a but_o hell_n the_o unutterable_a and_o endless_a torment_n of_o the_o lake_n that_o burn_v with_o fire_n and_o brimstone_n wherefore_o whatever_a our_o suffering_n be_v in_o this_o world_n so_o long_o as_o we_o be_v on_o this_o side_n hell_n so_o little_a cause_n have_v we_o to_o complain_v that_o we_o have_v great_a cause_n to_o be_v thankful_a that_o it_o be_v not_o far_o worse_o with_o we_o than_o it_o be_v 5._o how_o much_o soever_o god_n be_v please_v to_o afflict_v we_o yet_o still_o we_o enjoy_v many_o mercy_n in_o the_o mean_a time_n by_o which_o the_o bitterness_n of_o our_o affliction_n be_v much_o allay_v and_o the_o smart_a of_o they_o much_o abate_v for_o one_o or_o two_o cross_n we_o be_v compass_v about_o with_o variety_n of_o blessing_n in_o sickness_n we_o have_v the_o pity_n and_o compassion_n of_o friend_n and_o acquaintance_n we_o have_v all_o that_o service_n and_o assistance_n that_o many_o hand_n about_o we_o can_v afford_v we_o we_o have_v all_o those_o mean_n of_o relief_n that_o either_o love_n or_o art_n can_v supply_v we_o with_o and_o all_o this_o beside_o those_o inward_a and_o powerful_a support_v which_o we_o have_v more_o immediate_o from_o god_n again_o if_o it_o so_o be_v that_o god_n afflict_v we_o in_o one_o of_o our_o relation_n we_o have_v matter_n of_o comfort_n in_o divers_a other_o of_o they_o if_o we_o have_v loss_n in_o our_o temporal_a estate_n yet_o our_o spiritual_a and_o better_a concernment_n be_v safe_a and_o untouched_a if_o man_n be_v at_o variance_n with_o we_o yet_o we_o have_v peace_n with_o god_n how_o sad_o soever_o we_o may_v in_o our_o affliction_n represent_v thing_n to_o ourselves_o god_n never_o stir_v up_o all_o his_o wrath_n against_o we_o at_o once_o nor_o suffer_v his_o whole_a displeasure_n to_o arise_v god_n never_o so_o mingle_v the_o cup_n which_o he_o put_v into_o our_o hand_n but_o that_o there_o be_v some_o ingredient_n of_o a_o benign_a and_o friendly_a nature_n to_o qualify_v the_o malignity_n of_o the_o rest_n the_o malignity_n do_v i_o say_v there_o be_v indeed_o no_o real_a malignity_n in_o any_o of_o the_o ingredient_n of_o that_o spiritual_a physic_n which_o god_n administer_v to_o he_o all_o thing_n have_v a_o kind_n and_o beneficial_a influence_n for_o promote_a our_o good_a and_o further_a our_o high_a interest_n and_o where_o now_o be_v there_o any_o place_n leave_v for_o complain_v amid_o so_o many_o mercy_n can_v we_o yet_o find_v in_o our_o heart_n to_o complain_v be_v it_o so_o that_o some_o thing_n be_v not_o only_o unacceptable_a but_o very_o grievous_a to_o we_o shall_v we_o receive_v good_a at_o the_o hand_n of_o god_n and_o shall_v we_o not_o receive_v evil_a shall_v we_o bear_v nothing_o at_o the_o hand_n of_o he_o who_o be_v so_o good_a and_o gracious_a so_o kind_a and_o bountiful_a to_o we_o many_o other_o way_n let_v we_o not_o suffer_v two_o or_o three_o affliction_n so_o to_o embitter_v our_o spirit_n and_o vitiate_v our_o palate_n as_o that_o we_o shall_v not_o relish_v the_o sweetness_n of_o any_o of_o those_o mercy_n which_o in_o our_o most_o afflict_a condition_n we_o still_o enjoy_v 6._o add_v to_o all_o this_o that_o god_n have_v a_o sovereignty_n of_o power_n and_o dominion_n over_o his_o creature_n by_o virtue_n whereof_o he_o may_v deal_v with_o they_o as_o he_o please_v according_a to_o this_o his_o absolute_a power_n though_o the_o creature_n have_v never_o sin_v yet_o god_n may_v expose_v it_o to_o such_o misery_n as_o exceed_v not_o the_o benefit_n of_o that_o be_v he_o have_v give_v it_o he_o that_o make_v the_o creature_n out_o of_o nothing_o as_o he_o may_v turn_v it_o into_o
sinner_n it_o make_v man_n serious_a it_o call_v in_o their_o mind_n from_o the_o world_n and_o the_o thing_n thereof_o and_o make_v they_o reflect_v upon_o themselves_o and_o consider_v 2._o affliction_n bring_v man_n to_o the_o sight_n of_o their_o sin_n which_o be_v a_o further_o step_v towards_o their_o reclaim_n the_o affliction_n which_o god_n lay_v upon_o a_o man_n be_v ofttimes_o such_o as_o to_o its_o kind_a nature_n and_o circumstance_n that_o it_o evident_o point_v at_o a_o man_n sin_n and_o plain_o show_v the_o sinner_n what_o the_o sin_n be_v which_o god_n correct_v he_o for_o to_o make_v man_n see_v and_o discern_v their_o sin_n and_o the_o better_a to_o convince_v they_o of_o their_o sin_n god_n often_o as_o it_o be_v write_v the_o sin_n upon_o the_o punishment_n and_o that_o in_o such_o fair_a and_o legible_a character_n as_o that_o all_o may_v read_v it_o especial_o the_o sinner_n himself_o who_o be_v best_a acquaint_v with_o his_o own_o sin_n and_o so_o can_v best_o discern_v how_o exact_o god_n suit_n the_o punishment_n thereunto_o a_o most_o famous_a and_o remarkable_a instance_n hereof_o we_o have_v in_o adonibezek_n 7._o judg._n 1.6_o 7._o who_o have_v cut_v off_o the_o thumb_n and_o great_a toe_n of_o threescore_o and_o ten_o king_n have_v at_o length_n his_o own_o thumb_n and_o great_a toe_n cut_v off_o which_o make_v he_o acknowledge_v the_o righteous_a judgement_n of_o god_n herein_o say_v as_o i_o have_v do_v so_o god_n have_v requite_v i_o but_o though_o affliction_n be_v not_o such_o as_o evident_o point_v at_o the_o sin_n and_o present_o make_v man_n see_v it_o and_o acknowledge_v it_o whether_o they_o will_v or_o no_o yet_o do_v they_o conduce_v to_o the_o bring_n of_o we_o to_o the_o sight_n of_o our_o sin_n divers_a way_n one_a affliction_n make_v man_n sensible_a of_o god_n displeasure_n when_o they_o be_v afflict_v they_o apprehend_v god_n to_o be_v angry_a with_o they_o though_o perhaps_o they_o can_v see_v what_o it_o be_v by_o which_o they_o have_v provoke_v he_o they_o say_v within_o themselves_o sure_o god_n be_v much_o displease_v with_o we_o or_o else_o such_o or_o such_o a_o affliction_n have_v never_o befall_v we_o 2_o this_o make_v they_o search_v and_o inquire_v after_o the_o cause_n of_o their_o affliction_n the_o sin_n by_o which_o god_n have_v be_v so_o much_o provoke_v to_o displeasure_n against_o they_o this_o be_v a_o work_n that_o man_n take_v little_a content_a in_o it_o be_v a_o work_n which_o they_o be_v most_o averse_a from_o man_n care_v not_o how_o little_a and_o how_o seldom_o they_o look_v into_o themselves_o they_o have_v much_o rather_o be_v abroad_o than_o at_o home_n but_o however_o affliction_n put_v they_o upon_o this_o unacceptable_a work_n search_v after_o their_o sin_n they_o will_v rather_o than_o still_o smart_a under_o the_o hand_n of_o god_n that_o afflict_v they_o 3_o affliction_n make_v man_n willing_a to_o find_v out_o their_o sin_n and_o they_o make_v they_o search_v after_o their_o sin_n as_o those_o that_o have_v a_o mind_n to_o find_v they_o man_n feel_v the_o smart_n of_o the_o rod_n and_o earnest_o desire_v to_o be_v free_v from_o it_o and_o to_o be_v at_o ease_n will_v search_v after_o their_o sin_n narrow_o and_o diligent_o they_o will_v search_v after_o they_o with_o all_o their_o heart_n as_o the_o prophet_n speak_v in_o another_o case_n they_o will_v search_v after_o they_o with_o a_o earnest_a desire_n to_o find_v they_o and_o never_o be_v at_o rest_n till_o they_o do_v find_v they_o because_o they_o know_v till_o then_o they_o may_v not_o hope_v to_o be_v free_v from_o their_o affliction_n 4thly_a affliction_n do_v also_o open_v man_n eye_n to_o see_v that_o which_o before_o they_o can_v not_o or_o will_v not_o see_v man_n be_v not_o willing_a to_o see_v their_o sin_n they_o willing_o overlook_v they_o or_o close_v their_o eye_n that_o they_o may_v not_o see_v they_o but_o affliction_n make_v they_o see_v and_o acknowledge_v those_o their_o error_n and_o miscarriage_n which_o they_o will_v never_o be_v convince_v of_o or_o acknowledge_v till_o the_o hand_n of_o god_n be_v upon_o they_o the_o child_n that_o be_v correct_v will_v confess_v and_o acknowledge_v his_o fault_n under_o the_o rod_n which_o he_o will_v never_o own_v or_o acknowledge_v before_o 24.4_o 2_o sam._n 24.4_o when_o david_n command_v the_o people_n to_o be_v number_v he_o see_v not_o or_o will_v not_o see_v the_o evil_a of_o that_o action_n though_o joab_n and_o the_o captain_n of_o the_o host_n see_v it_o and_o utter_o dislike_v the_o thing_n and_o as_o for_o joab_n though_o he_o be_v none_o of_o the_o best_a man_n otherwise_o yet_o it_o be_v say_v of_o he_o 21.6_o 1_o chron._n 21.6_o that_o the_o word_n of_o the_o king_n be_v abominable_a to_o he_o but_o whatever_o joab_n and_o the_o captain_n of_o the_o host_n think_v of_o this_o action_n david_n be_v resolute_a and_o will_v have_v it_o do_v and_o his_o word_n prevail_v against_o joab_n and_o against_o the_o captain_n of_o the_o host_n as_o we_o read_v in_o the_o place_n beforementioned_a thus_o far_o david_n will_v not_o be_v convince_v of_o the_o sinfulness_n of_o his_o command_v the_o people_n to_o be_v number_v but_o afterward_o when_o his_o heart_n have_v smite_v he_o and_o especial_o after_o that_o seventy_o thousand_o of_o his_o people_n have_v be_v sweep_v away_o by_o the_o pestilence_n 10._o ver._n 10._o than_o he_o see_v his_o miscarriage_n and_o cry_v out_o i_o have_v sin_v and_o i_o have_v do_v wicked_o 17._o ver._n 17._o but_o these_o sheep_n what_o have_v they_o do_v let_v thy_o hand_n be_v against_o i_o and_o against_o my_o father_n house_n thus_o we_o have_v see_v how_o affliction_n be_v mean_n of_o bring_v man_n to_o the_o sight_n of_o their_o sin_n and_o how_o many_o way_n they_o conduce_v thereunto_o 3._o by_o affliction_n man_n come_v to_o be_v acquaint_v with_o the_o evil_a the_o heinous_a nature_n and_o danger_n of_o sin_n before_o the_o sinner_n be_v afflict_v he_o make_v light_a of_o sin_n he_o think_v there_o be_v no_o great_a evil_a or_o danger_n in_o those_o sin_n which_o he_o indulge_v himself_o in_o but_o when_o god_n severe_o correct_v he_o for_o those_o thing_n which_o he_o look_v upon_o as_o small_a matter_n and_o very_o pardonable_a offence_n such_o venial_a sin_n as_o he_o think_v no_o man_n need_v question_n but_o that_o they_o be_v pardon_v in_o course_n and_o remit_v as_o often_o and_o as_o easy_o as_o commit_v i_o say_v when_o god_n severe_o correct_v he_o for_o those_o thing_n than_o he_o begin_v to_o have_v other_o thought_n of_o they_o then_o he_o understand_v that_o there_o be_v much_o more_o evil_a and_o malignity_n in_o they_o than_o he_o be_v aware_a of_o then_o he_o begin_v to_o be_v sensible_a of_o the_o danger_n of_o allow_v himself_o in_o they_o thus_o by_o affliction_n god_n rectify_v his_o judgement_n and_o correct_v his_o error_n and_o mistake_v about_o the_o nature_n and_o danger_n of_o sin_n the_o unclean_a person_n as_o long_o as_o he_o escape_v unpunished_a be_v apt_a to_o think_v he_o may_v safe_o enough_o gratify_v his_o lust_n by_o addict_v himself_o to_o that_o abominable_a sin_n but_o when_o he_o feel_v that_o his_o bone_n be_v full_a of_o the_o sin_n of_o his_o youth_n when_o he_o have_v bring_v upon_o himself_o those_o infirmity_n and_o disease_n those_o exquisite_a and_o torment_a pain_n which_o be_v the_o natural_a attendant_n and_o proper_a fruit_n of_o that_o sin_n then_o he_o begin_v to_o understand_v that_o there_o be_v much_o more_o evil_a and_o danger_n in_o that_o sin_n than_o he_o be_v apprehensive_a of_o so_o the_o drunkard_n be_v apt_a to_o think_v there_o be_v little_a evil_n or_o danger_n in_o that_o excess_n which_o he_o often_o indulge_v himself_o in_o but_o when_o he_o find_v that_o he_o have_v thereby_o ruin_v himself_o and_o his_o distress_a family_n that_o he_o have_v bring_v both_o himself_o and_o such_o as_o depend_v on_o he_o to_o a_o morsel_n of_o bread_n and_o moreover_o that_o he_o have_v overthrow_v the_o state_n of_o his_o body_n impair_v his_o health_n waste_v his_o strength_n treasure_v up_o in_o his_o decline_a and_o half-rotten_a carcase_n matter_n for_o all_o manner_n of_o disease_n almost_o extinguish_v natural_a heat_n and_o even_o drown_v nature_n by_o the_o continual_a dropping_n of_o his_o excess_n and_o by_o all_o this_o bring_v himself_o to_o the_o brink_n of_o the_o pit_n then_o at_o length_n he_o become_v sensible_a of_o the_o great_a evil_n and_o the_o woeful_a consequent_n of_o his_o intemperate_a course_n then_o he_o cry_v out_o against_o himself_o that_o he_o shall_v ever_o be_v such_o a_o beast_n as_o he_o have_v be_v that_o he_o shall_v by_o his_o excess_n ruin_v his_o family_n and_o destroy_v
and_o reform_v than_o many_o time_n we_o discover_v more_o of_o the_o pride_n stubbornness_n and_o incorrigibleness_n of_o our_o heart_n than_o ever_o we_o do_v before_o thus_o it_o be_v with_o ephraim_n when_o god_n in_o order_n to_o his_o humiliation_n and_o reformation_n lay_v his_o hand_n upon_o he_o when_o i_o will_v have_v heal_v israel_n 7.1_o hosea_n 7.1_o than_o the_o iniquity_n of_o ephraim_n be_v discover_v 3._o though_o god_n correction_n have_v for_o the_o present_a put_v some_o little_a stop_n to_o your_o sin_n yet_o it_o may_v be_v afterward_o you_o quick_o return_v to_o they_o again_o and_o if_o we_o return_v to_o sin_n we_o need_v not_o count_v it_o strange_a that_o god_n shall_v return_v to_o afflict_v we_o 4._o though_o there_o shall_v be_v no_o new_a provocation_n yet_o god_n may_v afflict_v we_o again_o for_o prevention_n he_o see_v the_o secret_a frame_n and_o disposition_n of_o your_o heart_n if_o there_o be_v but_o a_o readiness_n and_o preparation_n of_o heart_n to_o return_v to_o sin_n again_o upon_o any_o occasion_n or_o temptation_n offer_v god_n who_o search_v the_o heart_n discern_v this_o evil_a frame_n thereof_o and_o judge_v it_o necessary_a to_o stop_v the_o break_n forth_o thereof_o by_o some_o affliction_n or_o other_o to_o be_v sure_a god_n never_o return_v to_o chasten_v and_o renew_v his_o witness_n against_o we_o but_o when_o there_o be_v need_n and_o therefore_o this_o we_o may_v certain_o conclude_v that_o whensoever_o he_o take_v the_o rod_n again_o into_o his_o hand_n there_o be_v a_o cause_n whether_o we_o discern_v it_o or_o no._n wherefore_o if_o we_o must_v needs_o complain_v let_v we_o complain_v against_o ourselves_o let_v we_o complain_v of_o the_o desperate_a wickedness_n of_o our_o heart_n and_o the_o stubbornness_n of_o corrupt_a nature_n that_o call_v for_o so_o many_o blow_v let_v we_o complain_v of_o the_o strength_n of_o sin_n within_o we_o that_o need_v so_o many_o affliction_n to_o break_v the_o power_n of_o it_o and_o subdue_v it_o let_v we_o complain_v that_o after_o we_o have_v suffer_v so_o much_o we_o shall_v still_o be_v so_o bad_a that_o so_o many_o rod_n must_v be_v wear_v out_o upon_o we_o and_o yet_o we_o be_v little_a the_o better_a object_n 6._o but_o my_o affliction_n be_v such_o as_o i_o see_v not_o how_o they_o can_v ever_o do_v i_o any_o good_n if_o i_o see_v any_o probable_a ground_n of_o hope_n that_o they_o may_v prove_v beneficial_a to_o my_o soul_n and_o that_o i_o may_v be_v a_o gainer_n by_o they_o in_o the_o end_n than_o i_o think_v i_o can_v bear_v they_o more_o quiet_o but_o when_o i_o can_v discern_v no_o tendency_n that_o they_o have_v to_o my_o good_a how_o can_v i_o shuse_v but_o complain_v of_o my_o hard_a lot_n that_o i_o shall_v be_v more_o grievous_o afflict_v than_o many_o other_o in_o such_o way_n as_o from_o which_o no_o advantage_n can_v redound_v unto_o i_o answ_n 1._o if_o it_o shall_v so_o be_v as_o you_o apprehend_v that_o no_o benefit_n can_v accrue_v to_o you_o or_o be_v ever_o intend_v you_o by_o your_o affliction_n if_o god_n shall_v lay_v his_o hand_n on_o you_o mere_o because_o it_o please_v he_o so_o to_o deal_v with_o you_o if_o he_o have_v no_o other_o end_n in_o afflict_v you_o than_o only_o to_o use_v his_o sovereignty_n and_o absolute_a dominion_n over_o you_o yet_o in_o that_o case_n ought_v you_o quiet_o to_o submit_v you_o be_v his_o creature_n the_o work_n of_o his_o hand_n and_o he_o make_v you_o for_o himself_o 4.11_o prov._n 16.4_o rev._n 4.11_o for_o his_o pleasure_n you_o be_v and_o be_v create_v and_o have_v make_v you_o for_o himself_o and_o for_o his_o own_o pleasure_n have_v you_o any_o reason_n to_o complain_v of_o wrong_n do_v you_o if_o he_o deal_v with_o you_o as_o he_o please_v what_o be_v you_o that_o you_o shall_v think_v to_o be_v exempt_v from_o the_o common_a condition_n of_o all_o creature_n which_o be_v to_o be_v in_o subjection_n to_o their_o creator_n and_o to_o be_v absolute_o at_o his_o disposal_n 2._o but_o yet_o this_o be_v not_o the_o case_n god_n be_v not_o wont_a to_o afflict_v we_o mere_o to_o exercise_v his_o dominion_n over_o we_o he_o chasten_v we_o for_o our_o profit_n 12.10_o heb._n 12.10_o that_o he_o may_v make_v we_o partaker_n of_o his_o holiness_n this_o we_o be_v sure_o be_v his_o design_n in_o his_o chastisement_n and_o the_o assurance_n which_o he_o have_v give_v we_o hereof_o in_o the_o general_n shall_v quiet_v we_o even_o when_o we_o can_v discover_v the_o particular_a end_n of_o his_o correction_n for_o the_o present_a much_o less_o perceive_v wherein_o our_o affliction_n be_v advantageous_a to_o we_o 3._o whereas_o you_o say_v you_o see_v not_o how_o you_o can_v receive_v any_o benefit_n by_o your_o affliction_n why_o shall_v you_o make_v yourself_o wise_a than_o god_n do_v not_o he_o much_o better_o understand_v what_o course_n be_v fit_a to_o do_v you_o good_a than_o you_o do_v will_v you_o so_o disparage_v his_o wisdom_n as_o to_o say_v he_o take_v a_o wrong_a course_n and_o that_o unless_o he_o shall_v think_v of_o deal_n with_o you_o in_o another_o manner_n you_o shall_v never_o be_v the_o better_a for_o his_o chastisement_n if_o you_o grant_v that_o god_n be_v infinite_o wise_a and_o good_a you_o must_v believe_v that_o the_o course_n which_o he_o take_v with_o you_o be_v best_a and_o shall_v not_o fail_v in_o the_o issue_n to_o procure_v unto_o you_o all_o that_o good_a which_o he_o intend_v you_o thereby_o 4._o what_o if_o it_o shall_v so_o be_v that_o your_o affliction_n shall_v already_o have_v do_v you_o much_o good_a though_o you_o discern_v it_o not_o this_o be_v a_o thing_n that_o often_o be_v we_o be_v in_o the_o dark_a and_o the_o benefit_n which_o we_o have_v receive_v and_o be_v still_o receive_v by_o our_o affliction_n be_v hide_v from_o our_o eye_n even_o they_o who_o most_o complain_v of_o the_o fruitlesness_n of_o their_o affliction_n yea_o that_o they_o be_v the_o worse_a for_o they_o rather_o than_o the_o better_a do_v many_o time_n by_o their_o very_a complaint_n discover_v the_o benefit_n which_o by_o their_o affliction_n they_o have_v receive_v their_o complaint_n show_v that_o since_o they_o have_v be_v afflict_v they_o have_v have_v a_o deep_a sense_n of_o the_o power_n and_o prevalency_n of_o sin_n in_o themselves_o and_o of_o the_o hardness_n of_o their_o heart_n and_o of_o the_o obstinacy_n and_o rebellion_n of_o their_o corrupt_a nature_n they_o have_v never_o so_o clear_a a_o sight_n or_o so_o lively_a a_o sense_n of_o these_o thing_n neither_o do_v they_o ever_o so_o much_o take_v they_o to_o heart_n as_o since_o the_o hand_n of_o god_n have_v lie_v heavy_a on_o they_o now_o these_o be_v such_o evident_a and_o signal_n fruit_n and_o benefit_n of_o affliction_n as_o aught_o to_o be_v acknowledge_v with_o all_o thankfulness_n 5._o so_o it_o be_v that_o ofttimes_o it_o seem_v good_a to_o the_o most_o wise_a god_n for_o a_o while_n to_o conceal_v from_o we_o his_o intention_n in_o afflict_v we_o to_o the_o end_n that_o he_o may_v thereby_o make_v we_o the_o more_o solicitous_a about_o his_o meaning_n therein_o and_o that_o he_o may_v quicken_v we_o to_o a_o more_o diligent_a enquiry_n and_o search_v after_o the_o cause_n of_o our_o affliction_n and_o that_o we_o may_v the_o more_o earnest_o and_o importunate_o seek_v unto_o he_o and_o beg_v of_o he_o that_o he_o will_v be_v please_v to_o show_v we_o why_o he_o contend_v with_o we_o and_o lay_v his_o afflict_a hand_n on_o we_o as_o also_o to_o help_v we_o to_o profit_v by_o our_o affliction_n wherefore_o if_o at_o any_o time_n we_o can_v discern_v god_n end_n in_o afflict_v we_o much_o less_o see_v that_o we_o profit_n by_o our_o affliction_n this_o shall_v awaken_v we_o and_o affect_v we_o so_o much_o the_o more_o this_o shall_v stir_v we_o up_o to_o make_v a_o more_o narrow_a search_n after_o those_o sin_n by_o which_o we_o have_v incur_v god_n displeasure_n against_o we_o it_o shall_v incite_v we_o to_o pray_v the_o more_o that_o god_n will_v enable_v we_o to_o improve_v our_o affliction_n to_o those_o end_n for_o which_o god_n lay_v they_o on_o we_o this_o be_v the_o use_n that_o we_o shall_v make_v of_o it_o when_o we_o can_v neither_o perceive_v that_o our_o affliction_n do_v we_o any_o good_a nor_o understand_v why_o god_n afflict_v we_o and_o not_o present_o conclude_v that_o we_o shall_v never_o be_v the_o better_a for_o our_o affliction_n 6._o the_o chief_a benefit_n to_o be_v attain_v by_o affliction_n be_v to_o be_v expect_v afterward_o rather_o than_o in_o the_o time_n of_o our_o lie_v under_o the_o chastning_n of_o god_n so_o much_o the_o apostle_n have_v give_v we_o to_o understand_v heb._n 12.11_o no_o
chastn_n for_o the_o present_a seem_v to_o be_v joyous_a but_o grievous_a nevertheless_o afterward_o it_o yield_v the_o peaceable_a fruit_n of_o righteousness_n to_o they_o that_o be_v exercise_v thereby_o affliction_n be_v spiritual_a physic_n now_o physic_n we_o know_v at_o present_a often_o discompose_v and_o disturb_v nature_n and_o put_v the_o whole_a body_n out_o of_o frame_n it_o make_v the_o patient_a sick_a before_o it_o cure_v he_o and_o so_o it_o be_v with_o the_o physic_n of_o the_o soul_n you_o can_v discern_v the_o benefit_n of_o it_o till_o it_o have_v do_v work_v it_o make_v you_o sick_a for_o the_o present_a but_o afterward_o you_o come_v to_o see_v it_o be_v a_o good_a sickness_n that_o make_v way_n for_o health_n and_o end_v therein_o 7._o in_o the_o mean_a time_n that_o you_o see_v not_o that_o you_o in_o some_o measure_n profit_n by_o your_o affliction_n and_o that_o they_o be_v by_o degree_n do_v you_o good_a be_v very_o much_o your_o own_o fault_n 1._o you_o 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affliction_n cast_v off_o your_o prejudices_fw-la have_v good_a thought_n of_o god_n method_n of_o cure_n firm_o believe_v that_o the_o course_n which_o he_o take_v with_o you_o be_v the_o best_a and_o fit_a to_o do_v you_o good_a arise_v and_o be_v do_v what_o you_o can_v towards_o the_o promote_a of_o god_n design_n in_o afflict_v you_o search_v your_o heart_n try_v your_o way_n endeavour_v to_o get_v a_o sight_n of_o your_o sin_n a_o true_a hatred_n of_o they_o serious_a and_o firm_a resolution_n to_o forsake_v they_o renew_v these_o your_o resolution_n often_o still_o endeavour_v to_o confirm_v and_o strengthen_v they_o more_o and_o more_o and_o above_o all_o be_v earnest_a and_o uncessant_a in_o prayer_n to_o god_n that_o he_o will_v be_v please_v to_o bless_v your_o endeavour_n and_o then_o say_v if_o you_o see_v any_o cause_n of_o complain_v that_o your_o affliction_n be_v such_o as_o can_v never_o do_v you_o any_o good_n the_o nine_o sermon_n lam_n 3.40_o let_v we_o search_v and_o try_v our_o way_n and_o turn_v again_o to_o the_o lord_n i_o be_o now_o fall_v upon_o the_o second_o part_n of_o the_o text_n set_v before_o we_o our_o duty_n in_o time_n of_o affliction_n let_v we_o search_v and_o try_v our_o way_n and_o turn_v again_o to_o the_o lord_n the_o duty_n be_v twofold_a first_o that_o we_o search_v and_o try_v our_o way_n and_o second_o that_o we_o turn_v unto_o the_o lord_n the_o former_a of_o these_o duty_n as_o it_o be_v first_o in_o the_o order_n of_o the_o text_n so_o it_o be_v in_o nature_n we_o must_v search_v after_o our_o sin_n find_v they_o out_o and_o discover_v they_o and_o then_o turn_v away_o from_o they_o it_o be_v impossible_a that_o we_o shall_v forsake_v they_o until_o we_o have_v a_o sight_n of_o they_o he_o who_o see_v not_o his_o sin_n what_o shall_v he_o else_o do_v but_o still_o go_v on_o bold_o and_o fearless_o in_o the_o practice_n of_o they_o what_o have_v he_o to_o hinder_v he_o or_o reduce_v he_o i_o shall_v speak_v 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say_v no_o more_o than_o that_o it_o be_v a_o perfection_n which_o only_a man_n and_o angel_n be_v capable_a of_o all_o other_o creature_n even_o those_o of_o they_o which_o be_v most_o perfect_a in_o their_o kind_a and_o seem_v to_o have_v as_o it_o be_v some_o shadow_n and_o resemblance_n of_o reason_n in_o they_o yet_o fall_v short_a of_o this_o excellent_a perfection_n they_o can_v review_v what_o they_o have_v do_v or_o take_v into_o consideration_n the_o quality_n of_o their_o past_a action_n they_o can_v reckon_v with_o themselves_o and_o call_v themselves_o to_o a_o account_n of_o they_o and_o indeed_o they_o need_v not_o do_v it_o for_o they_o be_v under_o no_o other_o rule_n or_o law_n beside_o that_o of_o their_o nature_n and_o those_o natural_a instinct_n which_o god_n have_v put_v into_o they_o by_o these_o they_o be_v rule_v and_o sway_v and_o according_a to_o these_o they_o act_n they_o be_v under_o the_o command_n of_o no_o moral_a law_n and_o consequent_o their_o 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condemn_v himself_o according_a to_o the_o moral_a nature_n and_o quality_n of_o his_o action_n here_o he_o can_v rebuke_v and_o admonish_v as_o there_o shall_v be_v cause_n recall_v and_o reduce_v himself_o where_o he_o have_v go_v astray_o and_o lie_v strict_a and_o severe_a charge_n and_o injunction_n on_o himself_o of_o great_a care_n and_o watchfulness_n for_o the_o future_a as_o in_o respect_n of_o his_o former_a negligence_n and_o remissness_n shall_v be_v necessary_a a_o most_o excellent_a and_o never-sufficiently-admired_n faculty_n of_o man_n soul_n what_o a_o rich_a treasure_n have_v we_o herein_o if_o we_o know_v how_o to_o value_v it_o and_o make_v use_n of_o it_o but_o alas_o how_o little_a improvement_n do_v we_o make_v to_o ourselves_o of_o this_o noble_a faculty_n and_o this_o bring_v i_o to_o the_o second_o thing_n the_o great_a usefulness_n of_o self-reflection_n i_o have_v already_o in_o what_o have_v be_v speak_v on_o the_o former_a head_n say_v something_o of_o the_o usefulness_n of_o it_o in_o general_n i_o shall_v now_o descend_v to_o some_o particular_n and_o speak_v brief_o to_o they_o one_a by_o reflect_v on_o ourselves_o and_o take_v a_o view_n of_o our_o past_a action_n we_o come_v to_o know_v ourselves_o we_o understand_v the_o state_n and_o condition_n of_o our_o soul_n what_o case_n we_o be_v in_o and_o what_o opinion_n we_o ought_v to_o have_v of_o ourselves_o hereby_o we_o come_v to_o be_v acquaint_v with_o our_o spiritual_a concernment_n whether_o we_o be_v in_o the_o state_n of_o nature_n or_o in_o the_o state_n of_o grace_n whether_o we_o be_v in_o the_o way_n to_o heaven_n or_o in_o the_o way_n to_o hell_n hereby_o we_o come_v to_o know_v what_o our_o declining_n and_o decay_n what_o our_o advances_n and_o improvement_n in_o
meet_v his_o sin_n full-but_z as_o they_o say_v yet_o meet_v it_o so_o disguise_v he_o take_v no_o notice_n of_o it_o but_o let_v it_o pass_v as_o a_o man_n do_v the_o malefactor_n he_o be_v look_v after_o when_o he_o find_v he_o not_o in_o that_o apparel_n by_o which_o he_o be_v describe_v in_o all_o these_o respect_v a_o diligent_a and_o narrow_a search_n be_v necessary_a if_o we_o be_v in_o earnest_n and_o true_o desirous_a to_o find_v out_o our_o sin_n from_o what_o have_v be_v speak_v touch_v the_o difficulty_n of_o discover_v our_o sin_n we_o may_v infer_v 1._o that_o some_o convenient_a time_n must_v be_v set_v apart_o for_o this_o work_n when_o a_o man_n may_v whole_o apply_v himself_o thereunto_o and_o when_o he_o may_v have_v nothing_o to_o distract_v or_o hinder_v he_o if_o a_o man_n will_v find_v out_o his_o sin_n he_o must_v search_v narrow_o and_o careful_o as_o have_v be_v say_v he_o must_v look_v into_o every_o corner_n of_o his_o heart_n he_o must_v survey_v and_o 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sincere_a willingness_n to_o forsake_v it_o for_o though_o sin_n must_v be_v find_v out_o before_o it_o can_v be_v forsake_v yet_o a_o man_n must_v be_v willing_a to_o forsake_v it_o before_o he_o can_v ready_o find_v it_o out_o the_o reason_n be_v because_o so_o long_o as_o a_o man_n be_v unwilling_a to_o leave_v his_o sin_n he_o will_v be_v unwilling_a to_o find_v it_o and_o so_o will_v never_o seek_v narrow_o and_o strict_o after_o it_o when_o once_o we_o be_v full_o convince_v of_o the_o evil_a and_o danger_n of_o sin_n when_o once_o we_o hate_v it_o unfeigned_o and_o be_v resolve_v to_o do_v our_o utmost_a to_o be_v rid_v of_o it_o then_o shall_v we_o search_v after_o it_o with_o a_o mind_n to_o find_v it_o then_o shall_v we_o make_v the_o most_o diligent_a and_o impartial_a inquiry_n into_o ourselves_o that_o it_o may_v not_o escape_v our_o eye_n 3._o we_o may_v also_o further_o infer_v that_o when_o we_o address_v ourselves_o to_o this_o work_n we_o must_v be_v suspicious_a and_o jealous_a of_o ourselves_o we_o be_v too_o willing_a to_o favour_v ourselves_o and_o to_o indulge_v ourselves_o in_o some_o particular_a sin_n which_o have_v get_v a_o interest_n in_o our_o affection_n and_o we_o be_v furnish_v with_o many_o colour_n and_o artifices_fw-la to_o cover_v they_o over_o and_o hide_v the_o evil_a of_o they_o from_o our_o eye_n it_o be_v therefore_o fafe_a and_o needful_a that_o we_o shall_v suspect_v our_o false_a and_o deceitful_a heart_n and_o preserve_v a_o continual_a jealousy_n of_o ourselves_o lest_o we_o shall_v be_v too_o favourable_a and_o kind_a to_o those_o sin_n which_o lie_v near_a our_o heart_n whether_o they_o be_v profitable_a or_o pleasurable_a sin_n or_o of_o what_o other_o nature_n or_o quality_n soever_o 4._o we_o may_v likewise_o hence_o be_v inform_v how_o much_o it_o concern_v we_o to_o implore_v god_n assistance_n in_o this_o business_n that_o while_o we_o apply_v ourselves_o to_o search_v and_o 〈◊〉_d way_n he_o will_v be_v please_v to_o search_v and_o try_v we_o as_o david_n prayer_n be_v psal_n 139.23_o that_o he_o will_v discover_v our_o siâ—â—_n to_o we_o and_o give_v we_o a_o sight_n of_o they_o than_o he_o will_v help_v we_o against_o the_o deceitfulness_n of_o our_o heart_n and_o against_o our_o self-love_n that_o he_o will_v enable_v we_o to_o search_v so_o narrow_o and_o impartial_o as_o we_o may_v not_o overlook_v our_o sin_n and_o more_o especial_o that_o he_o will_v be_v please_v to_o discover_v to_o we_o those_o particular_a sin_n for_o which_o he_o do_v afflict_v we_o without_o this_o our_o recourse_n to_o god_n in_o prayer_n and_o his_o assistance_n obtain_v all_o our_o search_n will_v be_v to_o little_a purpose_n now_o in_o the_o next_o place_n the_o time_n of_o affliction_n be_v a_o proper_a season_n for_o this_o duty_n for_o 1._o then_o god_n by_o his_o chastisement_n do_v as_o it_o be_v summon_v we_o to_o reflect_v and_o inquire_v after_o the_o cause_n within_o ourselves_o the_o rod_n of_o god_n have_v a_o voice_n 6.9_o micah_n 6.9_o and_o it_o call_v upon_o we_o for_o this_o duty_n every_o providence_n of_o god_n have_v its_o proper_a language_n by_o which_o it_o remember_v we_o of_o something_o that_o be_v expect_v from_o we_o mercy_n call_v for_o joy_n and_o thankfulness_n and_o affliction_n for_o reflection_n and_o consideration_n 7.14_o eccl._n 7.14_o in_o the_o day_n of_o prosperity_n be_v joyful_a but_o in_o the_o day_n of_o adversity_n consider_v we_o must_v then_o consider_v what_o god_n mean_v and_o intention_n may_v be_v in_o lay_v such_o affliction_n on_o we_o and_o what_o those_o our_o sin_n may_v be_v for_o which_o he_o so_o correct_v we_o 2._o it_o be_v then_o seasonable_a to_o search_v and_o try_v our_o way_n because_o that_o be_v the_o ready_a and_o most_o effectual_a course_n we_o can_v take_v for_o obtain_v the_o removal_n of_o our_o affliction_n i_o mean_v if_o we_o search_v and_o try_v our_o way_n in_o order_n to_o the_o find_v out_o of_o our_o sin_n that_o we_o may_v forsake_v they_o and_o according_o forsake_v they_o when_o we_o have_v find_v they_o out_o for_o the_o end_n of_o god_n chastisement_n be_v the_o take_v away_o of_o our_o sin_n isa_n 27.9_o and_o the_o cleanse_n and_o purify_n of_o we_o from_o the_o defilement_n thereof_o dan._n 12.10_o when_o god_n have_v his_o end_n we_o be_v turn_v from_o our_o evil_a way_n he_o have_v by_o many_o promise_v assure_v we_o that_o he_o will_v be_v at_o peace_n with_o we_o so_o jer._n 3.12_o return_v o_o backslide_v israel_n say_v the_o lord_n and_o i_o will_v not_o cause_v my_o anger_n to_o fall_v upon_o you_o when_o thou_o be_v in_o tribulation_n if_o thou_o turn_v to_o the_o lord_n thy_o god_n and_o shall_v be_v obedient_a to_o his_o voice_n he_o will_v not_o forsake_v thou_o neither_o destroy_v thou_o deut._n 4.30_o 31._o let_v the_o wicked_a forsake_v 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 isa_n 55.7_o neither_o particular_a person_n only_o but_o even_o whole_a nation_n return_v to_o the_o lord_n find_v mercy_n with_o he_o for_o the_o avert_n or_o remove_v of_o his_o judgement_n 8_o jer._n 18.7_o 8_o at_o what_o instant_a i_o shall_v speak_v concern_v a_o nation_n and_o concern_v a_o kingdom_n to_o pluck_v up_o and_o to_o pull_v down_o and_o to_o destroy_v it_o if_o that_o nation_n against_o who_o i_o have_v pronounce_v turn_v from_o their_o evil_n i_o will_v repent_v i_o of_o the_o evil_a that_o i_o think_v to_o do_v unto_o they_o hereupon_o the_o people_n of_o god_n sore_o smite_v and_o wound_v be_v encourage_v to_o return_v to_o he_o in_o confidence_n of_o healing_n if_o they_o return_v 6.1_o hosea_n 6.1_o come_v let_v we_o return_v unto_o the_o lord_n for_o he_o have_v tear_v and_o he_o will_v heal_v we_o he_o have_v smite_v and_o he_o will_v bind_v we_o up_o how_o sad_a and_o deplorable_a soever_o their_o present_a condition_n be_v they_o make_v no_o question_n but_o all_o their_o wound_n shall_v be_v heal_v and_o all_o their_o breach_n shall_v be_v make_v up_o if_o they_o return_v to_o god_n but_o now_o what_o must_v lay_v the_o foundation_n of_o their_o return_n or_o what_o must_v be_v the_o first_o step_n towards_o it_o but_o a_o diligent_a search_n after_o their_o sin_n by_o which_o they_o have_v depart_v from_o he_o the_o neglect_v hereof_o be_v that_o which_o continue_v and_o prolong_v our_o affliction_n whatever_o other_o mean_n we_o make_v use_v of_o to_o relieve_v ourselves_o thereby_o but_o of_o this_o more_o hereafter_o when_o i_o come_v to_o speak_v of_o the_o second_o duty_n
but_o this_o by_o the_o way_n in_o the_o word_n that_o i_o have_v read_v which_o be_v a_o part_n of_o ezra_n address_n unto_o god_n by_o humble_a and_o affectionate_a confession_n of_o their_o sin_n he_o spread_v and_o lay_v open_v the_o aggravation_n of_o it_o together_o with_o the_o danger_n and_o sad_a issue_n of_o it_o if_o they_o shall_v still_o continue_v in_o it_o the_o aggravation_n thereof_o be_v these_o three_o 1._o the_o great_a severity_n that_o god_n have_v former_o show_v against_o they_o for_o their_o sin_n which_o be_v set_v forth_o and_o express_v in_o the_o first_o word_n after_o all_o that_o be_v come_v upon_o we_o for_o our_o evil_a deed_n and_o for_o our_o great_a trespass_n 2._o the_o merciful_a tenderness_n and_o compassion_n that_o god_n however_o even_o in_o that_o severity_n be_v please_v to_o manifest_v towards_o they_o in_o the_o next_o word_n see_v that_o thou_o our_o god_n have_v punish_v we_o less_o than_o our_o iniquity_n deserve_v 3._o the_o singular_a favour_n god_n have_v show_v they_o in_o rescue_v they_o from_o under_o those_o calamity_n which_o their_o sin_n have_v bring_v upon_o they_o in_o the_o clause_n follow_v and_o have_v give_v we_o such_o a_o deliverance_n as_o this_o these_o be_v the_o thing_n by_o which_o their_o sin_n will_v be_v great_o heighten_v after_o so_o much_o severity_n compassion_n and_o kindness_n to_o have_v return_v to_o folly_n and_o to_o have_v break_v god_n commandment_n again_o be_v to_o have_v do_v as_o bad_a as_o they_o can_v as_o the_o prophet_n speak_v and_o to_o have_v give_v their_o sin_n all_o the_o aggravation_n that_o they_o be_v capable_a of_o then_o as_o for_o the_o danger_n they_o expose_v themselves_o to_o that_o be_v no_o less_o than_o utter_a ruin_n and_o destruction_n after_o this_o mixture_n of_o severe_a and_o merciful_a providence_n shall_v we_o again_o break_v thy_o commandment_n will_v thou_o not_o be_v angry_a with_o we_o till_o thou_o have_v consume_v we_o so_o that_o there_o shall_v be_v no_o remnant_n nor_o escape_v they_o have_v indeed_o already_o break_v god_n commandment_n in_o a_o grievous_a manner_n and_o sin_v against_o he_o with_o a_o high_a hand_n by_o those_o unlawful_a marriage_n his_o meaning_n therefore_o be_v shall_v we_o again_o break_v thy_o commandment_n as_o we_o have_v do_v shall_v we_o still_o continue_v in_o our_o sin_n and_o obstinate_o refuse_v to_o be_v reduce_v to_o obedience_n if_o we_o shall_v still_o perverse_o and_o irreclaimable_o go_v on_o in_o our_o trespass_n will_v thou_o not_o be_v angry_a with_o we_o till_o thou_o have_v consume_v we_o of_o these_o particular_n in_o order_n as_o they_o lie_v in_o the_o text._n i_o begin_v with_o the_o aggravation_n of_o their_o sin_n the_o first_o of_o which_o be_v the_o great_a severity_n god_n have_v former_o show_v against_o they_o for_o their_o past_a transgression_n after_o all_o that_o be_v come_v upon_o we_o for_o our_o evil_a deed_n and_o for_o our_o great_a trespass_n shall_v we_o again_o break_v thy_o commandment_n here_o divers_a thing_n be_v observable_a 1._o that_o ezra_n and_o all_o those_o who_o join_v with_o he_o in_o this_o confession_n of_o their_o sin_n do_v endeavour_v to_o aggravate_v their_o sin_n by_o call_v in_o and_o lay_v together_o all_o those_o circumstance_n by_o which_o the_o heinousness_n of_o they_o may_v the_o better_o appear_v and_o this_o they_o do_v to_o the_o end_n their_o heart_n may_v be_v the_o more_o affect_v with_o they_o and_o the_o more_o sound_o humble_v for_o they_o as_o also_o that_o they_o may_v be_v the_o more_o willing_a to_o forsake_v they_o and_o this_o be_v the_o property_n of_o all_o true_a penitent_n they_o ever_o desire_v to_o be_v thorough_o apprehensive_a of_o the_o evil_a of_o their_o sin_n and_o therefore_o they_o aggravate_v they_o to_o the_o utmost_a in_o their_o confession_n charge_v themselves_o full_o with_o they_o and_o lay_v as_o much_o load_n upon_o themselves_o as_o they_o can_v they_o think_v they_o can_v never_o speak_v enough_o against_o themselves_o nor_o sufficient_o discover_v and_o represent_v the_o evil_a of_o their_o way_n insomuch_o that_o sometime_o they_o rather_o exceed_v than_o come_v short_a herein_o charge_v themselves_o more_o heavy_o than_o there_o be_v cause_n for_o but_o hypocrite_n unhumble_v and_o impenitent_a sinner_n be_v of_o a_o different_a temper_n these_o instead_o of_o aggravate_v their_o sin_n be_v wont_a to_o extenuate_v and_o palliate_v they_o if_o they_o be_v force_v to_o confess_v they_o it_o be_v for_o the_o most_o part_n but_o by_o half_n that_o they_o do_v it_o if_o they_o can_v but_o acknowledge_v they_o have_v offend_v yet_o they_o will_v do_v it_o with_o a_o apology_n or_o with_o a_o addition_n of_o something_o that_o may_v qualify_v and_o lessen_v their_o sin_n they_o be_v indeed_o sometime_o overtake_v but_o it_o be_v very_o rare_o it_o be_v when_o they_o be_v draw_v aside_o by_o ill_a company_n or_o overpower_v by_o the_o strength_n of_o temptation_n that_o they_o be_v not_o the_o only_a person_n that_o be_v faulty_a in_o that_o kind_n that_o some_o other_o that_o will_v be_v esteem_v much_o better_a than_o themselves_o be_v much_o more_o blame-worthy_a that_o there_o be_v no_o man_n but_o must_v have_v his_o allowance_n and_o that_o it_o will_v go_v hard_a with_o we_o all_o if_o all_o our_o action_n shall_v be_v narrow_o scan_v and_o the_o like_a these_o and_o such_o like_a be_v the_o excuse_n which_o they_o plead_v and_o the_o defence_n they_o make_v for_o themselves_o when_o they_o shall_v take_v shame_n to_o themselves_o and_o own_o their_o excess_n and_o exorbitance_n in_o their_o full_a magnitude_n judge_v themselves_o that_o they_o may_v not_o be_v judge_v of_o the_o lord_n these_o partial_a and_o favourable_a lame_a and_o imperfect_a confession_n of_o sin_n when_o some_o little_a part_n be_v own_v but_o much_o more_o be_v deny_v when_o figleaf_n and_o specious_a pretence_n be_v studious_o seek_v out_o to_o cover_v as_o much_o of_o a_o man_n shame_n as_o be_v possible_a be_v ever_o a_o infallible_a argument_n that_o the_o sinner_n be_v never_o due_o humble_v for_o that_o sin_n for_o which_o he_o have_v still_o so_o much_o kindness_n and_o affection_n 2._o another_o thing_n observable_a be_v that_o ezra_n and_o those_o other_o holy_a man_n that_o together_o with_o he_o make_v this_o confession_n do_v impute_v all_o those_o misery_n and_o calamity_n which_o they_o have_v suffer_v in_o the_o captivity_n unto_o their_o sin_n they_o do_v own_o their_o suffering_n as_o the_o fruit_n of_o their_o sin_n and_o acknowledge_v their_o transgression_n to_o have_v be_v the_o meritorious_a cause_n and_o procurer_n of_o their_o affliction_n after_o all_o say_v they_o that_o be_v come_v upon_o we_o for_o our_o evil_a deed_n and_o for_o our_o great_a trespass_n they_o be_v convince_v and_o do_v yield_v and_o assent_v that_o god_n intention_n in_o bring_v those_o evil_n upon_o they_o be_v to_o punish_v they_o for_o their_o sin_n this_o conviction_n and_o acknowledgement_n be_v necessary_a for_o they_o and_o be_v for_o we_o all_o in_o reference_n to_o our_o affliction_n and_o yet_o it_o be_v very_o difficult_a to_o attain_v it_o it_o be_v necessary_a because_o without_o it_o we_o can_v neither_o be_v patient_a under_o our_o affliction_n nor_o profit_n by_o they_o nor_o rational_o expect_v a_o good_a issue_n out_o of_o they_o one_a unless_o we_o be_v convince_v that_o our_o suffering_n have_v relation_n to_o our_o sin_n and_o own_v they_o as_o the_o fruit_n of_o our_o sin_n we_o shall_v hardly_o be_v able_a to_o undergo_v with_o patience_n what_o be_v inflict_v on_o we_o to_o be_v sure_a we_o shall_v want_v one_o of_o the_o most_o effectual_a argument_n to_o work_v patience_n in_o we_o it_o be_v the_o sense_n of_o our_o sin_n deserve_v whatsoever_o be_v come_v upon_o we_o and_o a_o acknowledgement_n of_o the_o righteous_a hand_n of_o god_n in_o bring_v such_o affliction_n on_o we_o for_o our_o sin_n that_o humble_v and_o subdue_v our_o heart_n to_o god_n compose_v and_o quiet_v our_o tumultuous_a spirit_n and_z gives_z check_n to_o all_o the_o rise_n of_o our_o rebellious_a nature_n against_o god_n providence_n it_o be_v the_o sense_n that_o eli_n have_v of_o his_o own_o gild_n and_o of_o the_o just_a desert_n of_o his_o own_o sin_n and_o the_o sin_n of_o his_o family_n that_o make_v he_o so_o patient_a quiet_a and_o silent_a when_o that_o heavy_a sentence_n be_v by_o samuel_n pronounce_v against_o he_o and_o he_o as_o that_o he_o have_v not_o a_o word_n to_o say_v more_o than_o only_o to_o profess_v his_o humble_a and_o meek_a submission_n to_o the_o good_a pleasure_n of_o god_n it_o be_v the_o lord_n say_v he_o 3.18_o 1_o sam._n 3.18_o let_v he_o do_v what_o seem_v he_o good_a and_o this_o be_v that_o which_o the_o spirit_n
of_o god_n call_v the_o accept_n of_o the_o punishment_n of_o our_o sin_n 26.41_o leu._n 26.41_o but_o if_o the_o sinner_n be_v not_o convince_v that_o he_o suffer_v for_o his_o sin_n and_o that_o his_o transgression_n have_v be_v the_o procurer_n of_o his_o affliction_n it_o can_v easy_o be_v but_o that_o his_o corrupt_a nature_n shall_v rebel_v against_o god_n and_o impatient_o rise_v up_o against_o his_o providence_n as_o unequal_a too_o rigorous_a &_o severe_a 2_o neither_o can_v a_o man_n profit_n by_o his_o affliction_n unless_o he_o be_v convince_v that_o his_o sin_n have_v be_v the_o cause_n of_o they_o and_o that_o god_n strike_v at_o they_o in_o his_o suffering_n who_o can_v think_v himself_o concern_v to_o amend_v and_o reform_v that_o upon_o the_o account_n of_o his_o affliction_n which_o he_o never_o discern_v to_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o they_o nor_o can_v be_v convince_v that_o they_o have_v any_o relation_n to_o it_o but_o let_v a_o man_n once_o be_v thorough_o apprehensive_a of_o the_o displeasure_n of_o god_n against_o he_o for_o his_o particular_a sin_n and_o see_v the_o hand_n of_o god_n in_o his_o affliction_n strike_v at_o those_o sin_n and_o then_o he_o will_v soon_o think_v himself_o high_o concern_v to_o rectify_v or_o remove_v out_o of_o the_o way_n that_o which_o have_v do_v he_o so_o much_o mischief_n he_o will_v think_v he_o can_v make_v too_o much_o haste_n to_o quit_v and_o be_v rid_v of_o that_o for_o which_o he_o sore_o smart_v already_o and_o may_v yet_o smart_v more_o unless_o by_o his_o speedy_a reformation_n he_o prevent_v it_o when_o god_n have_v send_v a_o plague_n among_o the_o israelite_n for_o their_o murmur_a moses_n be_v deep_o sensible_a of_o the_o fierce_a wrath_n of_o god_n against_o they_o for_o that_o sin_n say_v to_o aaron_n 16.46_o numb_a 16.46_o take_v a_o censer_n and_o put_v fire_n therein_o from_o off_o the_o altar_n and_o put_v on_o incense_n and_o go_v quick_o unto_o the_o congregation_n and_o make_v a_o atonement_n for_o they_o for_o there_o be_v wrath_n go_v out_o from_o the_o lord_n the_o plague_n be_v begin_v go_v quick_o say_v he_o for_o wrath_n be_v go_v out_o from_o the_o lord_n a_o lively_a sense_n of_o the_o anger_n and_o displeasure_n of_o god_n in_o your_o affliction_n for_o your_o sin_n will_v speed_v and_o quicken_v your_o endeavour_n to_o make_v your_o peace_n with_o god_n by_o answer_v the_o end_n of_o his_o correction_n 3_o neither_o can_v you_o rational_o expect_v to_o be_v free_v from_o your_o affliction_n in_o a_o way_n of_o mercy_n until_o they_o bring_v you_o to_o the_o sight_n of_o your_o sin_n and_o you_o look_v upon_o they_o as_o the_o punishment_n of_o sin_n for_o till_o that_o be_v do_v upon_o you_o your_o affliction_n be_v whole_o fruitless_a as_o have_v do_v no_o part_n of_o that_o work_n for_o effect_v of_o which_o god_n send_v they_o to_o understand_v why_o you_o be_v afflict_v and_o to_o see_v the_o sin_n which_o god_n strike_v at_o in_o your_o affliction_n be_v the_o first_o step_v towards_o god_n attain_v his_o end_n in_o afflict_v you_o if_o this_o be_v not_o do_v upon_o you_o nothing_o be_v do_v and_o therefore_o you_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o expect_v the_o removal_n of_o they_o unless_o it_o be_v to_o make_v way_n for_o some_o other_o more_o smart_a rod_n which_o may_v effectual_o work_v that_o in_o you_o which_o god_n intend_v but_o though_o in_o these_o respect_v it_o be_v most_o necessary_a to_o see_v and_o own_v our_o sin_n as_o the_o cause_n and_o procurer_n of_o our_o suffering_n yet_o to_o do_v it_o be_v as_o difficult_a as_o it_o be_v necessary_a for_o such_o be_v the_o pride_n and_o stubbornness_n of_o our_o heart_n that_o we_o be_v not_o easy_o bring_v to_o take_v shame_n to_o ourselves_o and_o to_o acknowledge_v our_o own_o particular_a sin_n to_o have_v be_v the_o cause_n of_o our_o suffering_n say_v to_o ourselves_o as_o god_n say_v to_o jerusalem_n 4.18_o jer._n 4.18_o thy_o way_n and_o thy_o do_n have_v procure_v these_o thing_n unto_o thou_o we_o be_v very_o unwilling_a to_o acknowledge_v our_o own_o gild_n and_o will_v much_o rather_o lay_v the_o cause_n of_o our_o suffering_n at_o any_o other_o door_n than_o our_o own_o and_o this_o we_o be_v especial_o apt_a to_o do_v in_o public_a and_o common_a calamity_n these_o we_o ascribe_v 1._o to_o chance_n or_o common_a providence_n in_o which_o we_o do_v not_o think_v ourselves_o particular_o touch_v or_o concern_v 2._o to_o the_o wickedness_n of_o some_o malicious_a and_o mischievous_a instrument_n that_o be_v the_o contriver_n and_o causer_n of_o our_o suffering_n 3._o to_o the_o sin_n of_o other_o the_o provocation_n of_o such_o and_o such_o profligate_v and_o abominable_a person_n draw_v down_o the_o judgement_n of_o god_n upon_o the_o place_n and_o not_o our_o own_o offence_n as_o for_o ourselves_o we_o suffer_v only_o in_o the_o crowd_n and_o because_o we_o be_v find_v among_o those_o who_o be_v to_o be_v punish_v or_o 4._o if_o we_o acknowledge_v our_o sin_n in_o the_o general_a to_o have_v be_v the_o meritorious_a cause_n of_o our_o suffering_n yet_o we_o descend_v not_o to_o particular_n we_o charge_v not_o ourselves_o with_o such_o and_o such_o sin_n for_o which_o god_n have_v be_v angry_a with_o we_o and_o so_o our_o own_v our_o sin_n only_o in_o general_a as_o the_o cause_n of_o our_o suffering_n be_v but_o a_o formal_a thing_n with_o which_o we_o be_v little_o affect_v it_o be_v little_a better_o than_o if_o we_o have_v say_v we_o believe_v indeed_o that_o we_o have_v deserve_v all_o that_o be_v come_v upon_o we_o but_o we_o know_v not_o how_o nor_o wherein_o ezra_n no_o doubt_n go_v a_o great_a deal_n further_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v question_v but_o that_o he_o have_v in_o his_o most_o passionate_a confession_n a_o eye_n upon_o the_o particular_a sin_n for_o which_o they_o suffer_v in_o babylon_n we_o may_v be_v sure_o they_o be_v not_o generality_n only_o that_o so_o deep_o affect_v he_o he_o have_v upon_o his_o heart_n the_o particular_a instance_n of_o their_o vile_a provocation_n together_o with_o the_o circumstance_n of_o they_o and_o so_o must_v we_o if_o we_o desire_v to_o be_v affect_v with_o god_n terrible_a providence_n as_o we_o ought_v and_o to_o take_v they_o to_o heart_n in_o a_o right_a manner_n though_o what_o i_o be_o now_o speak_v concern_v we_o all_o yet_o there_o may_v be_v those_o among_o we_o who_o may_v think_v themselves_o very_o little_o concern_v therein_o 1._o those_o who_o though_o they_o have_v be_v sufferer_n together_o with_o other_o yet_o have_v be_v free_a from_o all_o those_o foul_a and_o enormous_a offence_n and_o high_a provocation_n which_o many_o other_o have_v be_v guilty_a of_o and_o possible_o over_o and_o above_o their_o be_v free_a from_o the_o gild_n and_o stain_v of_o foul_a sin_n they_o have_v be_v such_o as_o have_v make_v a_o strict_a profession_n of_o religion_n than_o most_o other_o these_o person_n may_v be_v very_o inclinable_a to_o think_v that_o god_n do_v not_o particular_o intend_v the_o correct_v of_o they_o for_o their_o sin_n in_o the_o common_a judgement_n that_o light_v upon_o the_o place_n but_o that_o they_o suffer_v rather_o upon_o their_o neighbour_n account_v than_o their_o own_o 2._o of_o the_o same_o opinion_n perhaps_o may_v they_o be_v tempt_v to_o be_v who_o seem_v even_o as_o to_o outward_a thing_n to_o have_v gain_v by_o their_o affliction_n and_o to_o be_v in_o a_o better_a condition_n as_o to_o trade_n than_o they_o be_v in_o before_o it_o be_v easy_a for_o such_o if_o any_o such_o be_v to_o entertain_v themselves_o with_o a_o pleasant_a dream_n that_o god_n only_o empty_v they_o to_o the_o end_n he_o may_v fill_v they_o full_a than_o they_o be_v before_o and_o that_o he_o have_v no_o other_o design_n in_o pull_v down_o their_o house_n than_o that_o he_o may_v build_v they_o up_o fair_a but_o let_v neither_o the_o one_o nor_o the_o other_o deceive_v themselves_o they_o will_v but_o flatter_v themselves_o if_o they_o shall_v think_v that_o god_n do_v not_o aim_v at_o their_o sin_n in_o his_o severe_a providence_n as_o well_o as_o at_o the_o sin_n of_o their_o neighbour_n as_o for_o the_o former_a of_o these_o though_o they_o may_v have_v be_v free_a from_o the_o foul_a abomination_n and_o cry_a sin_n of_o the_o place_n and_o though_o they_o may_v have_v make_v a_o strict_a and_o high_a profession_n of_o religion_n yet_o even_o such_o may_v have_v be_v taint_v with_o the_o pollution_n of_o many_o sin_n which_o may_v have_v have_v no_o small_a influence_n in_o procure_v the_o heavy_a judgement_n of_o god_n upon_o the_o town_n and_o their_o sin_n in_o respect_n of_o their_o near_a relation_n to_o god_n and_o strict_a profession_n