or_o touch_v and_o indeed_o this_o be_v the_o judgement_n of_o the_o great_a part_n of_o the_o world_n when_o they_o say_v who_o will_v show_v we_o any_o good_a this_o be_v all_o they_o understand_v by_o it_o who_o will_v gratify_v our_o sensitive_a appetite_n these_o be_v the_o thing_n they_o desire_v delight_n and_o rejoice_v in_o these_o man_n rejoice_v in_o nothing_o but_o in_o pleasure_n profit_n or_o honour_n such_o thing_n as_o either_o serve_v the_o lust_n of_o the_o eye_n or_o the_o lust_n of_o flesh_n or_o the_o pride_n of_o life_n 2._o a_o second_o eye_n by_o which_o we_o discern_v good_a and_o according_o judge_v of_o it_o be_v the_o eye_n of_o reason_n god_n have_v endue_v man_n with_o a_o reasonable_a soul_n which_o have_v several_a power_n and_o faculty_n among_o the_o rest_n the_o understanding_n by_o which_o i_o understand_v that_o power_n in_o man_n by_o which_o he_o apprehend_v thing_n and_o the_o reason_n of_o they_o and_o take_v the_o impression_n of_o notion_n that_o which_o be_v suit_v to_o this_o we_o call_v good_a and_o upon_o a_o much_o true_a notion_n than_o the_o other_o hence_o be_v some_o man_n thirst_n and_o desire_v of_o knowledge_n and_o knowledge_n be_v as_o sweet_a to_o they_o as_o wine_n be_v to_o the_o drunkard_n they_o discern_v a_o excellency_n in_o the_o mind_n and_o soul_n above_o what_o be_v or_o can_v be_v in_o the_o fleshly_a part_n of_o a_o man_n and_o delight_v more_o in_o understanding_n than_o the_o voluptuous_a man_n do_v in_o pleasure_n or_o the_o worldly_a man_n in_o wealth_n that_o be_v their_o good_a for_o which_o they_o contemn_v pleasure_n and_o all_o sensual_a satisfaction_n 3._o our_o three_o way_n of_o apprehend_v good_a be_v by_o the_o eye_n of_o say_v which_o the_o apostle_n tell_v we_o be_v the_o evidence_n of_o thing_n not_o see_v there_o be_v some_o who_o god_n have_v so_o far_o enlighten_v by_o the_o revelation_n of_o his_o will_n as_o they_o do_v not_o only_o know_v that_o they_o have_v body_n and_o a_o sensitive_a part_n which_o require_v satisfaction_n to_o its_o several_a crave_n and_o a_o more_o noble_a part_n which_o be_v the_o mind_n capable_a of_o understand_a thing_n and_o the_o reason_n and_o cause_n of_o they_o but_o soul_n a_o immortal_a part_n capable_a of_o the_o favour_n of_o god_n of_o a_o union_n and_o communion_n with_o he_o they_o know_v that_o the_o happiness_n of_o man_n can_v lie_v in_o nothing_o beneath_o the_o favour_n of_o god_n nothing_o beneath_o a_o union_n and_o communion_n with_o he_o they_o have_v read_v it_o in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n to_o which_o god_n have_v wrought_v in_o their_o heart_n a_o firm_a and_o full_a assent_n that_o no_o man_n come_v to_o the_o father_n but_o by_o christ_n there_o be_v no_o other_o name_n give_v under_o heaven_n no_o other_o way_n by_o which_o they_o can_v arrive_v at_o a_o true_a peace_n and_o happiness_n either_o in_o this_o life_n or_o in_o that_o which_o be_v to_o come_v and_o from_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o all_o their_o desire_n be_v after_o christ_n all_o their_o hope_n in_o he_o and_o he_o become_v their_o chief_a joy_n 2._o a_o second_o reason_n of_o their_o rejoice_n in_o christ_n more_o than_o other_o man_n lie_v in_o their_o different_a relation_n to_o he_o and_o interest_n in_o he_o or_o apprehension_n at_o least_o of_o that_o relation_n and_o interest_n i_o tell_v you_o before_o that_o although_o a_o apprehend_v good_a be_v the_o object_n of_o our_o love_n before_o we_o enjoy_v it_o the_o soul_n can_v but_o take_v some_o pleasure_n and_o complacency_n in_o what_o he_o apprehend_v under_o that_o notion_n yet_o while_o the_o soul_n come_v to_o have_v some_o relation_n to_o it_o some_o propriety_n and_o interest_n in_o it_o though_o it_o may_v move_v towards_o it_o by_o desire_n and_o hope_v yet_o it_o come_v not_o to_o a_o joy_n and_o rejoice_v in_o it_o till_o it_o come_v to_o have_v some_o apprehension_n that_o it_o have_v obtain_v it_o you_o may_v see_v this_o in_o other_o thing_n suppose_v a_o man_n of_o the_o world_n to_o fancy_v a_o great_a estate_n or_o a_o great_a degree_n of_o honour_n and_o dignity_n to_o be_v good_a or_o that_o a_o ingenious_a child_n fanci_v the_o like_a of_o knowledge_n both_o the_o one_o and_o the_o other_o may_v desire_v these_o thing_n at_o a_o distance_n the_o man_n of_o the_o world_n may_v wish_v he_o have_v such_o a_o estate_n and_o the_o scholar_n may_v wish_v he_o have_v such_o degree_n of_o learning_n and_o knowledge_n but_o till_o the_o one_o and_o the_o other_o have_v attain_v what_o they_o desire_v in_o some_o degree_n they_o can_v rejoice_v in_o it_o neither_o be_v their_o mind_n satisfy_v nor_o at_o rest_n it_o be_v the_o same_o case_n as_o to_o a_o spiritual_a man_n he_o be_v enlighten_v to_o see_v he_o have_v a_o soul_n of_o a_o further_a capacity_n than_o the_o most_o man_n understand_v their_o soul_n to_o be_v that_o he_o have_v some_o further_a want_n than_o the_o most_o understand_v that_o they_o have_v he_o believe_v the_o scripture_n and_o understand_v that_o he_o want_v peace_n and_o reconciliation_n with_o god_n he_o understand_v that_o there_o shall_v be_v a_o resurrection_n a_o day_n of_o judgement_n and_o that_o he_o must_v one_o day_n be_v in_o a_o happy_a or_o in_o a_o miserable_a eternity_n so_o as_o he_o want_v the_o security_n of_o a_o better_a life_n when_o this_o life_n shall_v be_v at_o a_o end_n upon_o this_o account_n he_o may_v be_v please_v with_o the_o thought_n of_o christ_n as_o he_o by_o who_o these_o good_a thing_n alone_o can_v be_v obtain_v he_o may_v desire_v christ_n he_o may_v hope_v in_o he_o but_o till_o he_o come_v to_o apprehend_v that_o he_o have_v obtain_v a_o part_n and_o interest_n in_o he_o it_o be_v impossible_a he_o shall_v rejoice_v in_o he_o and_o according_a to_o his_o apprehension_n of_o his_o interest_n so_o be_v his_o joy_n and_o rejoice_v in_o christ_n there_o must_v be_v some_o union_n betwixt_o the_o soul_n and_o its_o object_n before_o there_o can_v be_v any_o joy_n and_o rejoice_v 1._o there_o be_v a_o union_n of_o contemplation_n we_o can_v so_o much_o as_o contemplate_v a_o desirable_a object_n but_o our_o soul_n must_v have_v some_o union_n with_o it_o and_o there_o will_v a_o proportionable_a joy_n attend_v this_o indeed_o this_o will_v be_v of_o all_o other_o the_o weak_a in_o degree_n because_o this_o be_v the_o low_a degree_n of_o union_n imaginable_a thus_o a_o man_n may_v rejoice_v in_o the_o contemplation_n of_o a_o door_n of_o salvation_n open_v to_o mankind_n by_o christ_n before_o he_o have_v make_v any_o use_n of_o it_o at_o all_o to_o enter_v in_o thereat_o thus_o the_o angel_n at_o the_o birth_n of_o christ_n proclaim_v glad_a tiding_n and_o joy_n to_o all_o people_n 2._o there_o be_v a_o union_n of_o hope_n when_o the_o soul_n do_v not_o only_o contemplate_v some_o great_a and_o eminent_a good_a but_o apprehend_v it_o attainable_a by_o itself_o though_o not_o without_o some_o difficulty_n as_o this_o union_n of_o the_o soul_n with_o its_o object_n now_o be_v close_o and_o full_a than_o the_o other_o so_o the_o joy_n that_o result_v from_o it_o must_v necessary_o be_v more_o hence_o in_o scripture_n you_o read_v of_o the_o rejoice_v of_o hope_n which_o the_o apostle_n will_v have_v believer_n keep_v firm_a 3._o there_o be_v a_o union_n of_o sensible_a possession_n or_o which_o be_v the_o fame_n of_o faith_n and_o full_a persuasion_n which_o make_v thing_n unseen_a visible_a to_o we_o and_o as_o this_o of_o all_o other_o be_v the_o most_o full_a and_o perfect_a union_n so_o it_o cause_v the_o most_o full_a and_o perfect_a joy_n it_o most_o satisfy_v the_o soul_n and_o bring_v it_o most_o to_o its_o rest_n and_o cause_v the_o great_a triumph_n and_o festival_n in_o the_o soul_n even_o a_o peace_n which_o be_v past_o all_o understanding_n there_o be_v no_o believer_n but_o have_v obtain_v one_o of_o the_o two_o latter_a union_n with_o christ_n no_o unbeliever_n that_o have_v obtain_v more_o than_o the_o former_a a_o unbeliever_n may_v have_v hear_v that_o christ_n come_v into_o the_o world_n to_o save_v sinner_n to_o seek_v and_o to_o save_v that_o which_o be_v lose_v and_o may_v have_v a_o proportionable_a joy_n but_o alas_o how_o little_o must_v it_o be_v while_o he_o neither_o fee_v a_o need_n of_o he_o nor_o yet_o can_v have_v any_o apprehension_n that_o he_o have_v any_o share_n or_o interest_n in_o he_o it_o can_v be_v no_o more_o then_o as_o the_o rejoice_v of_o a_o understand_a man_n to_o hear_v that_o a_o able_a physician_n be_v come_v into_o the_o country_n before_o he_o be_v sensible_a of_o any_o need_n he_o have_v of_o he_o or_o have_v have_v any_o experience_n of_o his_o skill_n and_o ability_n
promise_n the_o only_a thing_n that_o i_o can_v fancy_v why_o a_o christian_a shall_v make_v a_o doubt_n here_o be_v because_o they_o may_v be_v consequent_a to_o the_o removal_n of_o some_o bodily_a distemper_n who_o influence_n upon_o the_o mind_n may_v cause_v those_o trouble_n that_o weakness_n or_o dulness_n such_o as_o melancholy_a etc._n etc._n but_o have_v god_n no_o hand_n in_o bring_v or_o remove_v such_o bodily_a cause_n if_o he_o have_v as_o certain_o there_o be_v no_o evil_a in_o our_o body_n more_o than_o in_o our_o city_n which_o he_o have_v not_o do_v why_o may_v not_o god_n both_o afflict_v we_o as_o to_o our_o spirit_n by_o send_v such_o distemper_n upon_o our_o body_n and_o also_o remove_v the_o former_a which_o be_v the_o effect_n by_o the_o removal_n of_o the_o latter_a which_o he_o have_v make_v to_o be_v the_o cause_n so_o that_o admit_v these_o thing_n consequent_a to_o the_o removal_n of_o some_o bodily_a distemper_n yet_o they_o be_v the_o effect_n of_o god_n and_o may_v be_v and_o aught_o to_o be_v look_v upon_o as_o the_o answer_n of_o our_o prayer_n 3._o the_o great_a difficulty_n of_o judgement_n in_o this_o case_n be_v as_o to_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v but_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o thing_n which_o concern_v this_o life_n which_o god_n give_v to_o the_o righteous_a as_o well_o as_o the_o wicked_a to_o the_o sinner_n cry_v unto_o he_o as_o well_o as_o unto_o his_o child_n how_o a_o christian_n shall_v discern_v that_o god_n when_o he_o give_v he_o in_o these_o mercy_n give_v they_o in_o as_o a_o god_n of_o truth_n and_o faithfulness_n remember_v his_o promise_n to_o his_o servant_n nor_o indeed_o be_v this_o judgement_n very_o easy_a to_o the_o most_o discern_a christian_n something_o i_o shall_v say_v in_o the_o case_n whether_o what_o will_v be_v satisfactory_a or_o no_o i_o can_v tell_v 1._o if_o they_o have_v be_v give_v in_o after_o prayer_n make_v with_o a_o spirit_n indifferent_a not_o too_o importunate_a i_o mean_v for_o the_o receive_n of_o they_o we_o may_v hope_v well_o we_o may_v observe_v in_o scripture_n that_o sometime_o common_a good_a thing_n have_v be_v wring_v out_o of_o the_o hand_n of_o god_n by_o too_o much_o impatience_n and_o importunity_n which_o have_v never_o prove_v blessing_n such_o be_v the_o quail_n num._n 11._o 31_o 32_o 33._o the_o text_n say_v while_o the_o flesh_n be_v yet_o between_o their_o tooth_n ere_o it_o be_v chew_v the_o wrath_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v kindle_v against_o the_o people_n such_o be_v the_o first_o king_n give_v to_o the_o israelite_n even_o saul_n the_o prophet_n say_v hosea_n 13._o 11._o i_o give_v thou_o a_o king_n in_o my_o anger_n but_o when_o a_o christian_a beg_v of_o god_n any_o good_a thing_n without_o too_o much_o impatience_n and_o importunity_n with_o a_o indifferency_n of_o spirit_n resign_v up_o himself_o to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n as_o to_o the_o receive_n of_o it_o and_o god_n after_o such_o a_o prayer_n give_v in_o the_o mercy_n i_o know_v not_o why_o we_o shall_v not_o conclude_v it_o a_o answer_n of_o prayer_n this_o i_o think_v be_v the_o case_n of_o hannah_n 1_o sam._n 1._o she_o be_v indeed_o grieve_v and_o trouble_v because_o god_n have_v deny_v to_o her_o the_o blessing_n of_o a_o child_n in_o this_o trouble_n she_o pray_v in_o a_o solemn_a manner_n we_o read_v not_o of_o any_o anger_n in_o her_o spirit_n against_o god_n any_o impatience_n or_o sinful_a importunity_n but_o she_o pray_v as_o a_o woman_n of_o a_o trouble_a spirit_n the_o lord_n give_v she_o a_o child_n it_o be_v but_o a_o mercy_n of_o a_o common_a nature_n wicked_a woman_n have_v child_n as_o well_o as_o other_o but_o it_o be_v give_v in_o after_o a_o solemn_a prayer_n she_o look_v upon_o the_o child_n as_o beg_v of_o god_n for_o this_o child_n say_v she_o i_o pray_v and_o the_o lord_n have_v give_v i_o my_o petition_n which_o i_o ask_v of_o he_o 2._o i_o shall_v add_v but_o one_o thing_n more_o viz._n when_o together_o with_o the_o good_a thing_n there_o be_v a_o heart_n give_v to_o the_o person_n to_o improve_v and_o make_v use_n of_o it_o for_o the_o honour_n and_o glory_n of_o god_n james_n let_v we_o know_v that_o god_n never_o give_v we_o in_o mercy_n in_o answer_n to_o our_o prayer_n and_o as_o evidence_n of_o his_o love_n and_o faithfulness_n that_o we_o may_v consume_v they_o upon_o our_o lust_n when_o he_o tell_v those_o to_o who_o he_o write_v james_n 4_o 5._o you_o ask_v and_o receive_v not_o because_o you_o ask_v amiss_o that_o you_o may_v consume_v it_o upon_o your_o lust_n when_o god_n give_v we_o in_o a_o outward_a mercy_n if_o he_o give_v it_o we_o in_o performance_n of_o his_o promise_n and_o in_o token_n of_o his_o love_n and_o favour_n he_o together_o with_o it_o give_v in_o a_o heart_n incline_v and_o ready_a to_o make_v use_n of_o it_o for_o the_o honour_n and_o glory_n of_o his_o name_n this_o be_v also_o exemplify_v in_o the_o case_n of_o hannah_n in_o the_o text_n beforementioned_a 1_o sam._n 1._o 27_o 28._o for_o this_o child_n say_v she_o i_o pray_v the_o lord_n have_v give_v i_o my_o petition_n which_o i_o ask_v of_o he_o therefore_o also_o i_o have_v lend_v he_o to_o the_o lord_n as_o long_o as_o he_o live_v he_o shall_v be_v lend_v unto_o the_o lord_n in_o the_o margin_n of_o your_o large_a bibles_n you_o will_v see_v it_o may_v be_v read_v he_o who_o i_o have_v obtain_v by_o petition_n shall_v be_v return_v to_o the_o lord_n you_o have_v another_o no_o less_o famous_a instance_n of_o it_o in_o david_n psal_n 116._o v._n 1._o i_o love_v the_o lord_n because_o he_o have_v hear_v my_o voice_n and_o supplication_n the_o lord_n have_v hear_v his_o voice_n v_o 1._o he_o have_v incline_v his_o ear_n unto_o he_o v_o 2._o the_o lord_n have_v deal_v gracious_o with_o he_o v_o 7._o he_o have_v deliver_v his_o soul_n from_o death_n his_o eye_n from_o tear_n and_o his_o foot_n from_o fall_v now_o mark_v the_o product_n of_o this_o he_o love_v the_o lord_n because_o of_o it_o v_o 2._o he_o resolve_v to_o call_v upon_o the_o lord_n so_o long_o as_o he_o live_v v_o 9_o to_o walk_v before_o the_o lord_n in_o the_o land_n of_o the_o live_n v_o 13._o to_o take_v the_o cup_n of_o salvation_n and_o to_o call_v upon_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n v_o 14._o to_o pay_v his_o vow_n v_o 16._o to_o be_v the_o lord_n servant_n v_o 17._o to_o offer_v the_o sacrifice_n of_o thanksgiving_n etc._n etc._n now_o where_o upon_o prayer_n for_o a_o more_o common_a mercy_n suppose_v life_n health_n riches_n success_n in_o business_n we_o find_v that_o the_o lord_n have_v give_v we_o both_o the_o thing_n which_o we_o ask_v of_o god_n and_o a_o heart_n to_o honour_n god_n with_o it_o and_o to_o make_v a_o due_a improvement_n of_o it_o we_o have_v there_o no_o reason_n to_o doubt_v but_o that_o it_o be_v give_v we_o in_o answer_n to_o our_o prayer_n and_o in_o testification_n of_o his_o faithfulness_n and_o love_n towards_o we_o this_o now_o be_v of_o great_a concern_v to_o we_o in_o order_n to_o our_o gladness_n and_o joy_n in_o he_o upon_o the_o receive_n a_o answer_n of_o our_o prayer_n for_o how_o shall_v we_o rejoice_v in_o he_o upon_o any_o such_o occasion_n unless_o we_o discern_v our_o good_a thing_n come_v from_o he_o this_o i_o think_v be_v enough_o to_o have_v speak_v to_o this_o question_n and_o upon_o this_o whole_a argument_n i_o shall_v now_o proceed_v as_o god_n give_v i_o opportunity_n to_o the_o other_o effect_n this_o mercy_n have_v upon_o the_o spouse_n we_o will_v remember_v thy_o love_n more_o than_o wine_n but_o of_o this_o hereafter_o sermon_n xxix_o cant._n 1._o 4._o we_o will_v remember_v thy_o love_n more_o than_o wine_n you_o hear_v in_o my_o last_o discourse_n the_o first_o effect_n that_o the_o belove_n favour_n show_v to_o his_o spouse_n in_o the_o quick_a return_n he_o make_v to_o her_o prayer_n and_o the_o royal_a favour_n he_o have_v bestow_v upon_o she_o in_o bring_v she_o into_o his_o chamber_n admit_v she_o to_o some_o more_o special_a and_o intimate_v degree_n of_o communion_n with_o himself_o have_v upon_o she_o it_o put_v gladness_n into_o her_o heart_n and_o bring_v she_o up_o to_o a_o exult_a and_o rejoice_v in_o he_o joy_n be_v but_o a_o passion_n cito_fw-la fit_n cito_fw-la perit_fw-la that_o do_v not_o last_v always_o it_o be_v like_o a_o land-flood_n that_o be_v sometime_o up_o but_o will_v in_o a_o short_a time_n abate_v ordinary_a joy_n do_v so_o but_o the_o spouse_n resolve_v to_o keep_v up_o here_o and_o to_o this_o end_n she_o say_v she_o will_v remember_v the_o love_n of_o christ_n and_o give_v they_o a_o
word_n strict_a in_o their_o walk_n ready_a to_o exhort_v to_o reprove_v and_o admonish_v such_o as_o walk_v disorderly_a and_o not_o as_o become_v the_o gospel_n hypocrite_n and_o false_a brethren_n be_v no_o more_o able_a to_o bear_v this_o than_o they_o be_v able_a to_o obtain_v of_o themselves_o to_o do_v like_o they_o hence_o be_v their_o censure_n of_o they_o as_o person_n that_o be_v righteous_a overmuch_o needless_o strict_a and_o severe_a hence_o their_o envy_n and_o reproach_n and_o their_o watch_n for_o their_o halting_n and_o take_v all_o advantage_n to_o blazon_v their_o infirmity_n and_o to_o make_v they_o as_o odious_a and_o to_o look_v as_o black_a as_o they_o can_v 3._o another_o reason_n of_o it_o lie_v in_o the_o looseness_n of_o their_o principle_n both_o their_o principle_n of_o doctrine_n and_o faith_n and_o their_o practical_a principle_n direct_v their_o life_n and_o conversation_n false_a brethren_n be_v always_o loose_a in_o one_o or_o both_o these_o sort_n of_o principle_n than_o the_o sincere_a christian_a be_v the_o study_n of_o the_o hypocrite_n be_v to_o form_v his_o faith_n and_o to_o interpret_v the_o law_n of_o god_n into_o a_o consistency_n with_o his_o lust_n that_o he_o may_v keep_v his_o lust_n and_o yet_o protect_v himself_o from_o the_o check_n and_o reverberation_n of_o his_o conscience_n and_o flatter_v himself_o with_o hope_n of_o eternal_a salvation_n and_o also_o keep_v up_o his_o credit_n and_o reputation_n with_o the_o world_n the_o sincere_a christian_a have_v no_o other_o design_n then_o to_o form_v his_o faith_n according_a to_o the_o revelation_n of_o truth_n in_o the_o word_n and_o his_o conversation_n to_o the_o rule_n of_o life_n in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n the_o word_n be_v a_o lamp_n to_o his_o foot_n and_o a_o lantern_n to_o his_o path_n and_o from_o that_o he_o dare_v not_o start_v when_o the_o false_a prophet_n tell_v micajah_n that_o the_o prophet_n have_v all_o with_o one_o mouth_n prophesy_v good_a to_o ahab_n and_o suit_v his_o humour_n micajah_n answer_v they_o as_o the_o lord_n live_v whatsoever_o the_o lord_n bid_v i_o speak_v that_o will_v i_o speak_v the_o same_o be_v the_o language_n of_o every_o true_a christian_a whatsoever_o proposition_n of_o truth_n i_o find_v speak_v by_o holy_a man_n that_o be_v inspire_v by_o god_n in_o his_o word_n that_o â—nd_v nothing_o but_o that_o shall_v be_v a_o article_n of_o my_o faith_n what_o way_n soeâ—â—r_n god_n have_v prescribe_v i_o in_o his_o word_n to_o worship_n he_o in_o and_o by_o that_o will_v i_o do_v neither_o add_v thereunto_o nor_o yet_o diminish_v therefrom_o whatsoever_o rule_v god_n have_v give_v i_o for_o the_o order_n of_o his_o church_n to_o they_o i_o will_v adhere_v whatsoever_o law_n god_n have_v give_v i_o to_o guide_v my_o conversation_n to_o the_o observation_n of_o they_o i_o will_v keep_v thus_o he_o be_v in_o all_o thing_n tie_v up_o to_o a_o divine_a rule_n but_o now_o the_o false_a professor_n have_v loose_a principle_n he_o dare_v allow_v the_o judgement_n of_o his_o own_o natural_a reason_n in_o determine_v of_o truth_n as_o the_o object_n of_o his_o faith_n and_o of_o the_o tradition_n and_o practice_n and_o precept_n of_o man_n as_o the_o rule_n of_o his_o worship_n and_o the_o will_n of_o man_n as_o to_o the_o order_n and_o government_n of_o the_o church_n and_o from_o one_o of_o these_o three_o cause_n most_o ordinary_o proceed_v that_o opposition_n which_o be_v give_v to_o the_o strict_a servant_n of_o god_n from_o the_o anger_n of_o their_o mother_n child_n i_o come_v to_o the_o second_o member_n of_o the_o proposition_n 2._o this_o opposition_n be_v one_o great_a cause_n of_o the_o spouse_n appear_v black_a both_o the_o opposition_n which_o the_o particular_a christian_a have_v from_o his_o own_o impetuous_a lust_n and_o motion_n to_o sin_n and_o which_o that_o part_n of_o the_o church_n which_o be_v alone_o the_o spouse_n of_o christ_n have_v from_o false_a brethren_n and_o the_o opposition_n give_v she_o by_o they_o be_v a_o great_a cause_n of_o the_o church_n blackness_n or_o appear_v blackness_n the_o ground_n of_o it_o be_v 1._o partly_o that_o trouble_n and_o sadness_n which_o usual_o attend_v those_o conflict_n in_o the_o spirit_n of_o christian_n the_o time_n of_o war_n be_v a_o time_n of_o sadness_n in_o that_o part_n of_o the_o world_n which_o be_v the_o seat_n of_o it_o and_o the_o hour_n of_o this_o spiritual_a war_n and_o conflict_n be_v a_o sad_a time_n in_o the_o soul_n paul_n cry_v out_o o_o wretched_a man_n that_o i_o be_o who_o shall_v deliver_v i_o from_o this_o body_n of_o death_n hence_o be_v christian_n sad_a and_o heavy_a walking_n which_o the_o world_n count_v blackness_n 2._o partly_o from_o the_o prevailing_n of_o sin_n sometime_o in_o the_o soul_n david_n complain_v under_o the_o old_a testament_n that_o iniquity_n prevail_v against_o he_o and_o paul_n complain_v under_o the_o new_a testament_n not_o only_o of_o a_o war_n but_o of_o a_o victory_n in_o some_o skirmish_n that_o the_o law_n of_o his_o member_n get_v against_o the_o law_n of_o his_o mind_n so_o that_o he_o be_v bring_v into_o a_o captivity_n to_o the_o law_n of_o sin_n which_o be_v in_o his_o member_n rom._n 7._o 23_o now_o sin_n be_v that_o which_o make_v the_o soul_n real_o black_a and_o where_o any_o of_o the_o people_n of_o god_n in_o the_o view_n of_o the_o world_n so_o discolour_v himself_o the_o world_n need_v no_o provocation_n to_o call_v they_o black_a the_o eye_n that_o be_v direct_v by_o a_o soul_n full_a of_o malice_n envy_n and_o hatred_n spy_v the_o least_o miscarriage_n in_o the_o soul_n that_o be_v hate_v and_o aggravate_v they_o with_o the_o high_a aggravation_n and_o as_o this_o be_v true_a concern_v that_o opposition_n which_o the_o particular_a soul_n find_v from_o its_o inbred_a lust_n and_o corruption_n that_o make_v the_o believer_n black_a so_o it_o be_v as_o true_a that_o the_o opposition_n which_o that_o part_n of_o the_o church_n which_o be_v the_o true_a spouse_n of_o christ_n meet_v with_o from_o false_a brethren_n will_v make_v the_o church_n appear_v black_a this_o will_v appear_v from_o the_o several_a unlovely_a consequence_n of_o such_o opposition_n 1._o from_o hence_o be_v error_n and_o heresy_n schism_n and_o contention_n in_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n of_o these_o you_o read_v in_o the_o episty_n to_o the_o roman_n carinthian_o galatian_n than_o which_o nothing_o make_v a_o church_n appear_v more_o black_a in_o the_o eye_n of_o the_o world_n and_o they_o be_v more_o especial_o the_o reproach_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n by_o how_o much_o the_o gospel_n which_o be_v their_o rule_n in_o which_o they_o be_v instruct_v and_o to_o the_o rule_n of_o which_o they_o profess_v a_o submission_n be_v a_o gospel_n of_o peace_n and_o christ_n jesus_n which_o be_v their_o head_n and_o the_o author_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v the_o prince_n of_o peace_n error_n rise_v up_o in_o the_o church_n from_o man_n of_o corrupt_a principle_n the_o apostle_n tell_v we_o of_o perverse_a disputingâ—_n by_o man_n of_o corrupt_a mind_n 1_o tim._n 6._o 5._o and_o 2_o tim._n 3._o 8._o you_o have_v it_o again_o man_n of_o corrupt_a mind_n reprobate_a concern_v the_o faith_n hence_o also_o be_v schism_n and_o contention_n only_o by_o pride_n say_v solomon_n come_v contention_n the_o cause_n of_o 〈◊〉_d be_v general_o some_o corruption_n in_o church_n and_o deviation_n from_o that_o order_n which_o christ_n have_v set_v and_o establish_v which_o that_o part_n of_o the_o church_n which_o keep_v close_o to_o the_o word_n as_o its_o rule_n can_v bear_v with_o indeed_o sometime_o they_o be_v cause_v from_o man_n corrupt_a principle_n as_o to_o the_o faith_n and_o love_n of_o pre-eminence_n their_o rashness_n and_o want_v of_o judgement_n how_o far_a christian_n ought_v to_o preserve_v unity_n but_o i_o say_v general_o they_o be_v cause_v by_o such_o as_o be_v â—â—lse_a brethren_n who_o if_o they_o be_v not_o those_o who_o divide_v yet_o be_v those_o who_o give_v the_o cause_n of_o the_o division_n 2._o from_o hence_o be_v â—â—srepresentations_n of_o the_o servant_n of_o god_n 〈◊〉_d pharâ—â—â—â—ical_a generation_n that_o say_v unto_o other_o stand_v far_o from_o we_o we_o be_v 〈◊〉_d than_o you_o such_o as_o will_v be_v too_o pure_a and_o righteous_a ouâ—â—_n much_o that_o make_v a_o show_n of_o more_o than_o indeed_o thâ—yâ—ard_o hypocrite_n precision_n that_o be_v overnice_a etc._n etc._n such_o kind_n of_o charge_n and_o imputation_n as_o these_o proceed_v ordinary_o from_o mother_n child_n saâ—e_v professor_n and_o brethren_n such_o as_o have_v a_o form_n of_o godliness_n and_o deny_v the_o power_n of_o it_o such_o as_o be_v member_n oâ—_n the_o church_n but_o their_o heart_n be_v not_o perfect_a with_o god_n 3._o from_o hence_o three_o be_v
not_o be_v to_o her_o a_o mere_a sound_n much_o less_o the_o savour_n of_o death_n unto_o death_n but_o the_o savour_n of_o life_n unto_o life_n prop._n the_o great_a desire_n of_o a_o gracious_a soul_n be_v after_o a_o inward_a spiritual_a communion_n with_o christ_n in_o his_o word_n ȧnd_v ordinance_n this_o be_v a_o point_n not_o so_o well_o general_o understand_v by_o the_o crowd_n of_o professor_n suffer_v i_o therefore_o to_o spend_v a_o few_o word_n in_o the_o explication_n of_o it_o all_o communion_n import_v mutual_a and_o reciprocal_a communication_n it_o be_v a_o action_n wherein_o two_o person_n do_v communicate_v themselves_o each_o to_o other_o communion_n with_o god_n imply_v god_n communication_n of_o himself_o to_o his_o creature_n and_o the_o creatures_n communication_n of_o itself_o unto_o god_n to_o restrain_v my_o discourse_n to_o the_o present_a subject_n i_o be_o about_o there_o be_v a_o more_o external_a communion_n we_o have_v with_o god_n with_o reference_n to_o his_o word_n in_o the_o read_n it_o or_o hear_v it_o read_v or_o preach_v or_o meditate_v in_o it_o god_n then_o communicate_v his_o will_n to_o we_o by_o the_o help_n of_o letter_n word_n and_o syllable_n by_o which_o we_o understand_v thing_n or_o by_o the_o voice_n of_o his_o minister_n send_v in_o his_o name_n to_o open_v his_o mind_n and_o will_n unto_o we_o and_o we_o communicate_v with_o god_n give_v he_o the_o homage_n of_o our_o eye_n and_o ear_n our_o common_a sense_n and_o imagination_n this_o i_o call_v a_o more_o external_a communion_n and_o there_o be_v a_o more_o spiritual_a internal_a communion_n which_o a_o soul_n have_v with_o god_n in_o it_o i_o call_v it_o a_o communion_n because_o god_n in_o it_o do_v communicate_v himself_o to_o the_o soul_n and_o the_o soul_n communicate_v itself_o too_o god_n god_n speak_v by_o his_o word_n to_o the_o heart_n and_o the_o heart_n receive_v the_o divine_a impression_n and_o surrender_v up_o itself_o to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n in_o the_o other_o there_o be_v no_o more_o than_o a_o communication_n of_o the_o divine_a will_n on_o god_n part_n nor_o any_o more_o than_o the_o homage_n of_o our_o exterior_a sense_n our_o faculty_n of_o read_v and_o hear_v the_o service_n of_o our_o eye_n and_o ear_n our_o common_a sense_n and_o power_n of_o imagination_n and_o of_o our_o understanding_n receive_v the_o notion_n of_o truth_n in_o this_o communion_n with_o god_n in_o his_o word_n there_o be_v not_o only_o on_o god_n part_n a_o communication_n of_o god_n will_n but_o also_o of_o god_n power_n by_o which_o the_o soul_n be_v 1._o irradiate_v as_o to_o the_o understanding_n enable_v to_o see_v thing_n in_o another_o light_n more_o full_o and_o clear_o 2._o subdue_v as_o to_o the_o will_n so_o as_o the_o man_n be_v make_v willing_a and_o obedient_a to_o the_o heavenly_a revelation_n transform_v into_o the_o likeness_n of_o the_o word_n so_o convince_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o that_o it_o can_v no_o long_o withstand_v it_o whether_o it_o be_v a_o word_n of_o instruction_n which_o be_v the_o object_n of_o our_o faith_n or_o a_o word_n of_o reproof_n for_o conviction_n of_o sin_n or_o a_o word_n of_o consolation_n for_o refresh_v the_o soul_n the_o soul_n can_v no_o long_o deny_v or_o dispute_v or_o doubt_v of_o the_o proposition_n no_o long_o stand_v out_o against_o the_o precept_n no_o long_o refuse_v to_o be_v comfort_v the_o word_n of_o the_o lord_n come_v here_o to_o the_o inward_a part_n of_o the_o soul_n 2._o there_o be_v a_o further_a communication_n on_o man_n part_n of_o himself_o to_o god_n in_o the_o former_a communion_n he_o only_o lend_v god_n his_o eye_n to_o read_v his_o will_n his_o ear_n to_o hear_v it_o his_o imaginative_a power_n to_o think_v upon_o it_o his_o passive_a intellect_n or_o power_n to_o receive_v notion_n of_o truth_n here_o he_o communicate_v his_o whole_a soul_n to_o god_n his_o will_n and_o affection_n his_o whole_a man._n it_o be_v true_a here_o god_n speak_v first_o we_o do_v only_o velle_fw-la quum_fw-la volumus_fw-la agere_fw-la quum_fw-la agimur_fw-la as_o augustine_n express_v it_o that_o be_v we_o only_a will_n when_o we_o be_v make_v willing_a and_o act_v when_o we_o be_v first_o move_v and_o act_v there_o be_v some_o who_o be_v great_a patron_n for_o the_o power_n of_o man_n will_n as_o to_o thing_n spiritual_a that_o will_v elude_v those_o text_n about_o the_o teach_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o the_o teach_n of_o the_o anoint_v speak_v of_o by_o st._n john_n by_o assert_v that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o constant_a concomitancy_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n with_o the_o preach_v of_o the_o gospel_n that_o whosoever_o will_n may_v be_v willing_a and_o obedient_a and_o believe_v and_o repent_v and_o be_v obedient_a i_o shall_v hearken_v much_o to_o this_o notion_n if_o the_o author_n of_o it_o can_v give_v i_o a_o good_a account_n how_o it_o be_v then_o that_o of_o two_o person_n hear_v the_o same_o sermon_n and_o sit_v under_o the_o same_o ministration_n of_o the_o spirit_n one_o man_n only_o hear_v it_o think_v upon_o it_o a_o little_a and_o receive_v some_o notion_n of_o it_o to_o fit_v his_o tongue_n with_o discourse_n another_o have_v his_o heart_n change_v by_o it_o and_o transform_v into_o the_o image_n of_o god_n and_o whole_o change_v as_o to_o his_o will_n and_o affection_n and_o his_o whole_a conversation_n that_o it_o be_v so_o be_v demonstrable_o true_a i_o will_v know_v whence_o it_o be_v unless_o they_o will_v make_v man_n a_o god_n unto_o himself_o that_o be_v the_o first_o cause_n of_o true_o good_a and_o spiritual_a motion_n now_o this_o internal_a communion_n with_o god_n in_o his_o word_n which_o in_o scripture_n be_v call_v the_o teach_v of_o the_o spirit_n and_o the_o teach_v of_o the_o anoint_v be_v such_o as_o few_o be_v acquaint_v with_o be_v little_o know_v in_o the_o world_n and_o therefore_o some_o count_n it_o cant_v and_o so_o unwary_o blaspheme_v the_o teacher_n and_o can_v understand_v any_o thing_n else_o by_o it_o than_o ministerial_a teach_v other_o again_o can_v understand_v no_o teach_v of_o the_o spirit_n in_o and_o by_o ordinance_n but_o dream_v that_o soul_n under_o the_o teach_n of_o the_o spirit_n must_v live_v above_o duty_n and_o ordinance_n and_o so_o turn_v it_o into_o mere_a enthusiasm_n immediate_a impression_n which_o they_o pretend_v to_o from_o the_o holy_a spirit_n of_o god_n it_o may_v be_v therefore_o worth_a our_o while_n to_o understand_v it_o a_o little_a you_o read_v of_o it_o prophesy_v of_o old_a isa_n 54._o 17._o that_o the_o child_n of_o the_o church_n shall_v be_v all_o teach_v of_o the_o lord_n you_o read_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n of_o word_n which_o the_o holy_a ghost_n teach_v 1_o cor._n 2._o 14._o yea_o it_o teach_v we_o not_o word_n only_o but_o thing_n 1_o john_n 2._o 27._o but_o the_o anoint_v which_o you_o have_v receive_v in_o he_o abide_v in_o you_o and_o you_o need_v not_o that_o any_o man_n shall_v teach_v you_o but_o as_o the_o same_o anoint_v teach_v you_o all_o thing_n and_o be_v truth_n and_o be_v no_o lie_n yea_o it_o be_v christ_n own_o promise_n joh._n 14._o 26._o but_o the_o comforter_n which_o the_o father_n will_v send_v in_o my_o name_n he_o shall_v teach_v you_o all_o thing_n and_o bring_v to_o your_o remembrance_n whatsoever_o you_o have_v hear_v from_o i_o so_o as_o that_o there_o be_v a_o teach_v of_o the_o spirit_n be_v out_o of_o all_o doubt_n the_o only_a question_n be_v 1._o 1._o whether_o this_o be_v concomitant_a with_o ministerial_a teach_n and_o superad_v to_o they_o which_o we_o maintain_v against_o those_o who_o be_v for_o immediate_a teach_n in_o rapture_n and_o by_o immediate_a impression_n or_o a_o thing_n separate_v from_o they_o and_o to_o which_o ministerial_a teach_n be_v rather_o hindrance_n than_o any_o furtherance_n which_o be_v what_o we_o deny_v for_o though_o we_o limit_v not_o the_o holy_a one_o of_o israel_n but_o say_v that_o as_o he_o do_v of_o old_a thus_o teach_v his_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n so_o he_o may_v by_o more_o immediate_a impression_n and_o revelation_n teach_v his_o people_n still_o what_o they_o be_v to_o do_v or_o to_o avoid_v yet_o we_o say_v that_o the_o book_n of_o scripture_n be_v finish_v and_o seal_v no_o such_o revelation_n be_v by_o any_o to_o be_v expect_v and_o if_o any_o man_n think_v he_o have_v any_o such_o impression_n revelation_n or_o extraordinary_a teach_n they_o must_v be_v prove_v by_o the_o word_n with_o which_o if_o they_o do_v not_o agree_v they_o proceed_v not_o from_o the_o holy_a spirit_n of_o god_n neither_o have_v they_o any_o light_n in_o they_o second_o 2._o whether_o the_o teach_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v any_o thing_n more_o than_o ministerial_a teach_n in_o
reason_n of_o one_o part_n of_o the_o world_n that_o have_v pretend_v to_o more_o learning_n and_o knowledge_n than_o other_o and_o the_o profane_a scoff_v and_o mock_n of_o a_o more_o silly_a part_n of_o it_o at_o the_o great_a mystery_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n some_o by_o wisdom_n know_v not_o god_n be_v under_o the_o mere_a conduct_n of_o reason_n and_o tie_v up_o themselves_o to_o the_o mere_a information_n of_o that_o natural_a eye_n some_o know_a less_o have_v blaspheme_v god_n and_o the_o holy_a thing_n of_o god_n count_v their_o own_o ignorance_n a_o sufficient_a excuse_n for_o their_o blasphemy_n none_o know_v the_o thing_n of_o god_n aright_o but_o he_o that_o be_v under_o the_o teach_v of_o the_o spirit_n take_v the_o first_o principle_n of_o all_o religion_n viz._n that_o the_o holy_a scripture_n be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n no_o soul_n know_v this_o as_o he_o ought_v to_o know_v it_o but_o he_o that_o be_v under_o a_o further_o teach_v than_o that_o of_o the_o church_n or_o of_o reason_n much_o less_o do_v it_o know_v the_o momentous_a proposition_n that_o be_v contain_v in_o those_o holy_a write_n to_o all_o knowledge_n there_o be_v require_v 1._o a_o sufficient_a revelation_n 2._o a_o sufficiency_n in_o our_o faculty_n to_o receive_v and_o comprehend_v the_o revelation_n the_o holy_a scripture_n be_v a_o sufficient_a revelation_n of_o all_o truth_n there_o be_v no_o mystery_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n to_o be_v admit_v but_o what_o be_v there_o reveal_v but_o we_o want_v a_o visive_a faculty_n a_o sufficiency_n in_o our_o understanding_n to_o apprehend_v and_o to_o conceive_v they_o till_o the_o lord_n by_o the_o finger_n of_o his_o spirit_n touch_v our_o ear_n and_o say_v ephatha_n be_v open_v when_o peter_n make_v his_o confession_n of_o christ_n for_o which_o christ_n bless_v he_o christ_n add_v flesh_n and_o blood_n have_v not_o reveal_v it_o to_o he_o 2_o second_o the_o spirit_n teach_v by_o a_o special_a application_n of_o the_o word_n to_o the_o conscience_n the_o word_n as_o write_v be_v no_o more_o direct_v to_o one_o man_n than_o to_o another_o it_o equal_o concern_v all_o man_n when_o we_o preach_v we_o be_v like_o benhadad_n archer_n we_o draw_v bow_n at_o adventure_n and_o let_v the_o lord_n arrow_n fly_v who_o be_v it_o that_o direct_v they_o betwixt_o the_o joint_n of_o one_o harness_n more_o than_o another_o that_o when_o we_o reprove_v sin_n and_o denounce_v the_o judgement_n of_o god_n against_o it_o say_v to_o this_o or_o that_o sinner_n thou_o be_v the_o man_n or_o when_o we_o display_v the_o grace_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o open_v the_o promise_v of_o god_n teach_v one_o soul_n to_o apply_v they_o while_o another_o refuse_v the_o comfort_n of_o they_o all_o special_a application_n of_o the_o word_n to_o the_o soul_n which_o indeed_o be_v the_o true_a teach_v be_v from_o the_o holy_a spirit_n of_o god_n it_o be_v the_o spirit_n that_o be_v promise_v joh._n 16._o 8._o to_o convince_v the_o world_n of_o sin_n righteousness_n and_o judgement_n it_o be_v the_o spirit_n which_o convince_v the_o soul_n of_o truth_n of_o wrath_n of_o love_n indeed_o of_o any_o thing_n of_o spiritual_a revelation_n it_o be_v the_o spirit_n that_o make_v the_o word_n stick_v to_o the_o soul_n all_o the_o minister_n on_o earth_n can_v make_v a_o threaten_a to_o stick_v to_o the_o heart_n of_o a_o hard_a and_o impenitent_a sinner_n nor_o a_o promise_n stick_v to_o a_o break_a and_o contrite_a heart_n until_o the_o spirit_n come_v and_o join_v with_o the_o ministration_n of_o the_o word_n we_o sometime_o meditate_v of_o the_o lord_n terror_n and_o compose_v discourse_n with_o the_o best_a art_n we_o be_v able_a and_o in_o the_o vanity_n of_o our_o heart_n be_v it_o may_v be_v sometime_o say_v within_o ourselves_o sure_o this_o sermon_n will_v alarm_n some_o sinner_n open_v some_o blind_a eye_n another_o time_n we_o study_v the_o grace_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o with_o the_o best_a art_n we_o can_v compose_v discourse_n to_o affect_v soul_n with_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o love_n of_o god_n in_o jesus_n christ_n and_o be_v ready_a to_o think_v sure_o this_o discourse_n will_v affect_v some_o soul_n and_o bring_v they_o to_o love_v and_o admire_v jesus_n christ_n to_o seek_v to_o he_o for_o pardon_n and_o forgiveness_n to_o receive_v he_o as_o the_o saviour_n of_o man_n as_o their_o saviour_n we_o go_v about_o our_o work_n and_o when_o we_o have_v do_v we_o see_v cause_n to_o return_v unto_o the_o lord_n that_o send_v we_o mourning_n and_o say_v we_o have_v labour_v in_o vain_a and_o spend_v our_o strength_n for_o nothing_o and_o in_o vain_a the_o spirit_n of_o the_o lord_n move_v not_o upon_o the_o face_n of_o our_o water_n there_o be_v not_o one_o soul_n wash_v from_o its_o filthiness_n the_o angel_n come_v not_o and_o trouble_v the_o water_n though_o our_o people_n lie_v from_o year_n to_o year_n at_o the_o pool_n yet_o possible_a not_o a_o soul_n be_v cure_v of_o its_o infirmity_n the_o word_n be_v but_o a_o dead_a letter_n it_o be_v the_o spirit_n that_o quicken_v who_o he_o please_v the_o word_n the_o minister_n teach_v we_o by_o communicate_v notion_n but_o the_o spirit_n only_o teach_v by_o particular_a and_o effectual_a application_n of_o notion_n to_o our_o soul_n advantage_n 3._o three_o the_o spirit_n teach_v by_o evident_a demonstration_n there_o be_v a_o threefold_a demonstration_n of_o thing_n 1._o the_o demonstration_n of_o sense_n thus_o it_o be_v demonstrable_a that_o the_o fire_n burn_v that_o snow_n be_v white_a all_o know_v that_o spiritual_a thing_n come_v under_o no_o such_o demonstration_n 2._o the_o demonstration_n of_o reason_n thus_o a_o proper_a effect_n be_v a_o demonstration_n of_o the_o cause_n some_o proposition_n in_o religion_n be_v indeed_o capable_a of_o this_o demonstration_n the_o creation_n demonstrate_v a_o creator_n etc._n etc._n but_o alas_o there_o be_v very_o few_o thing_n in_o religion_n that_o fall_n under_o the_o demonstration_n of_o reason_n most_o proposition_n of_o that_o nature_n depend_v upon_o revelation_n and_o theâ—truth_n of_o they_o be_v to_o be_v judge_v from_o thence_o that_o christ_n be_v the_o eternal_a son_n of_o god_n that_o he_o take_v upon_o he_o our_o nature_n die_v for_o sinner_n in_o short_a all_o the_o main_a proposition_n of_o religion_n all_o proposition_n immediate_o concern_v our_o salvation_n all_o article_n of_o faith_n be_v thing_n which_o fall_v not_o under_o the_o demonstration_n of_o reason_n 3._o there_o be_v therefore_o three_o a_o demonstration_n of_o the_o spirit_n st._n paul_n tell_v we_o his_o preach_v be_v in_o the_o demonstration_n of_o the_o spirit_n that_o be_v attend_v with_o the_o demonstration_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o let_v scoffer_n say_v what_o they_o will_v if_o this_o demonstration_n of_o the_o spirit_n attend_v not_o all_o our_o preach_v we_o do_v but_o beat_v the_o air_n and_o labour_n in_o vain_a logician_n right_o tell_v we_o of_o two_o sort_n of_o argument_n the_o one_o they_o call_v topic_n the_o other_o demonstration_n the_o difference_n of_o they_o lie_v in_o the_o effect_n they_o have_v upon_o our_o mind_n the_o former_a make_v a_o thing_n only_o probable_a to_o we_o the_o other_o make_v it_o certain_a if_o a_o notion_n appear_v only_o probable_a to_o we_o we_o have_v some_o doubt_n and_o fear_n and_o suspicion_n about_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o nothing_o be_v demonstrate_v to_o we_o but_o that_o of_o the_o truth_n of_o which_o we_o have_v no_o further_a doubt_n against_o which_o we_o can_v make_v no_o objection_n now_o nothing_o but_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n thus_o teach_v the_o gift_n of_o minister_n be_v various_a the_o discourse_n of_o some_o may_v be_v mere_a word_n oratorial_n discourse_n these_o of_o all_o other_o have_v lest_o influence_n upon_o any_o but_o airy_a soul_n other_o more_o mind_n their_o work_n and_o know_v that_o nothing_o but_o the_o word_n of_o god_n lay_v hold_v on_o the_o conscience_n endeavour_v to_o prove_v what_o they_o say_v by_o holy_a writ_n and_o some_o in_o this_o be_v more_o happy_a than_o other_o as_o they_o be_v more_o skill_v in_o the_o scripture_n and_o the_o true_a sense_n of_o they_o other_o be_v more_o rational_a in_o their_o discourse_n man_n of_o great_a part_n good_a reason_n though_o the_o second_o sort_n of_o these_o best_a discharge_n their_o office_n yet_o the_o effect_n of_o the_o best_a be_v to_o make_v a_o thing_n but_o probable_a to_o the_o soul_n the_o soul_n will_v find_v out_o some_o distinction_n excuse_n and_o evasion_n until_o it_o come_v under_o this_o teach_v of_o the_o spirit_n it_o be_v a_o easy_a thing_n to_o make_v it_o probable_a to_o the_o soul_n that_o it_o be_v in_o a_o road_n and_o highway_n to_o hell_n and_o eternal_a destruction_n that_o sin_n be_v the_o
again_o have_v here_o make_v thou_o to_o differ_v no_o pious_a soul_n that_o understand_v itself_o but_o will_v here_o cry_v out_o grace_n grace_n powerful_a distinguish_a grace_n so_o as_o this_o doctrine_n be_v consonant_a to_o the_o experience_n and_o judgement_n of_o the_o best_a of_o man_n the_o other_o contrary_n to_o their_o experience_n and_o reason_n and_o therefore_o not_o like_a to_o prevail_v much_o in_o the_o world_n with_o any_o who_o either_o understand_v what_o grace_n and_o holiness_n be_v nor_o what_o the_o state_n of_o man_n be_v since_o the_o fall_n i_o can_v only_o wish_v that_o those_o who_o so_o glory_n in_o a_o power_n they_o have_v to_o come_v to_o christ_n and_o to_o walk_v with_o he_o and_o run_v after_o he_o and_o to_o encounter_v and_o overcome_v the_o great_a lion_n in_o the_o way_n will_v let_v we_o see_v it_o by_o their_o strict_a and_o close_o walk_v with_o god_n without_o put_v such_o a_o sense_n upon_o the_o commandment_n of_o god_n as_o the_o pharisee_n do_v of_o old_a who_o christ_n confute_v mat._n 5._o according_a to_o which_o they_o may_v indeed_o be_v keep_v by_o virtue_n of_o that_o common_a grace_n of_o god_n which_o he_o deny_v to_o no_o man_n this_o be_v enough_o to_o have_v speak_v doctrinal_o upon_o this_o subject_a sermon_n xviii_o canticle_n 1._o 4._o draw_v i_o and_o we_o will_v run_v after_o thou_o i_o proceed_v to_o the_o application_n of_o the_o proposition_n which_o i_o large_o open_v and_o confirm_v in_o my_o last_o exercise_n viz._n that_o no_o soul_n come_v to_o or_o run_v after_o christ_n till_o it_o be_v first_o draw_v not_o only_o sweet_o allure_v but_o powerful_o by_o god_n incline_v i_o come_v now_o to_o apply_v it_o 1_o this_o in_o the_o first_o place_n may_v inform_v you_o of_o the_o vanity_n both_o of_o the_o arminian_n and_o popish_a tenet_n as_o to_o this_o great_a point_n arminian_n think_v it_o hard_o to_o be_v account_v enemy_n to_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n yea_o they_o will_v profess_v themselves_o to_o own_o special_a grace_n but_o by_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n they_o understand_v no_o more_o than_o exciting_a grace_n the_o grace_n of_o god_n in_o the_o gospel_n which_o have_v appear_v to_o all_o man_n and_o by_o special_a grace_n they_o only_o mean_v that_o further_a grace_n which_o be_v give_v to_o they_o who_o have_v first_o make_v a_o good_a use_n of_o the_o power_n god_n have_v create_v in_o their_o will_n they_o say_v that_o wherever_o the_o gospel_n be_v preach_v there_o go_v alongwith_o it_o such_o a_o presence_n of_o the_o spirit_n that_o if_o man_n will_v they_o may_v without_o any_o further_a influence_n of_o divine_a grace_n upon_o one_o more_o than_o another_o repent_v and_o believe_v etc._n etc._n that_o god_n when_o he_o call_v they_o by_o his_o gospel_n give_v to_o sinner_n not_o only_o necessary_a but_o sufficient_a grace_n for_o faith_n and_o obedience_n and_o serious_o command_v they_o to_o believe_v and_o obey_v under_o the_o promise_n of_o eternal_a life_n if_o they_o do_v these_o thing_n and_o the_o contrary_a threaten_n of_o eternal_a death_n if_o they_o do_v not_o this_o calling_n they_o say_v be_v in_o scripture_n call_v a_o election_n unto_o grace_n differ_v from_o that_o unto_o gloty_n and_o eternal_a salvation_n this_o calling_n be_v effect_v and_o perfect_v by_o the_o preach_a of_o the_o gospel_n and_o the_o virtue_n of_o the_o spirit_n conjoin_v with_o it_o and_o that_o with_o a_o gracious_a and_o serious_a intention_n on_o god_n part_n of_o 17._o work_v faith_n in_o all_o those_o who_o be_v so_o call_v whether_o they_o believe_v and_o be_v save_v in_o the_o issue_n or_o pertinacious_o refuse_v faith_n and_o eternal_a salvation_n for_o they_o tell_v we_o there_o be_v a_o effectual_a call_n so_o call_v rather_o from_o the_o event_n than_o from_o the_o intention_n of_o god_n proper_o so_o call_v which_o call_v obtain_v its_o save_a effect_n not_o from_o any_o precise_a intention_n of_o god_n to_o save_v man_n or_o because_o it_o be_v so_o make_v by_o the_o secret_a and_o singular_a wisdom_n of_o god_n that_o it_o effectual_o agree_v with_o the_o will_n of_o he_o that_o be_v call_v or_o because_o in_o and_o by_o it_o the_o will_n of_o he_o who_o be_v call_v be_v so_o determine_v to_o faith_n by_o a_o irresistible_a and_o a_o almighty_a power_n not_o less_o than_o that_o of_o creation_n or_o raise_v the_o dead_a that_o it_o can_v but_o believe_v and_o obey_v but_o because_o man_n do_v not_o put_v in_o a_o bar_n which_o he_o may_v do_v to_o the_o call_v of_o god_n nor_o resist_v divine_a grace_n they_o tell_v we_o there_o be_v another_o sufficient_a grace_n which_o be_v ineffectual_a which_o through_o a_o failure_n on_o man_n part_n have_v not_o a_o save_a effect_n but_o be_v unfruitful_a and_o obtain_v not_o its_o due_a and_o desire_a effect_n only_o through_o man_n voluntary_a and_o vincible_a fault_n hence_o they_o will_v tell_v you_o that_o they_o attribute_v all_o to_o grace_n they_o make_v that_o the_o beginning_n the_o reason_n of_o the_o progress_n and_o perfection_n of_o all_o good_a so_o that_o without_o prevent_v exciting_a follow_v and_o cooperate_a grace_n the_o regenerate_a man_n himself_o can_v neither_o will_n nor_o do_v any_o good_a nor_o resist_v any_o temptation_n but_o they_o mean_v by_o grace_n nothing_o but_o the_o mean_n of_o grace_n and_o such_o a_o assistance_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n as_o always_o attend_v it_o and_o one_o as_o well_o as_o another_o have_v that_o sit_v under_o the_o gospel_n for_o that_o which_o we_o call_v special_a grace_n or_o distinguish_a grace_n the_o draw_v of_o the_o text_n by_o which_o god_n powerful_o influence_v the_o soul_n of_o some_o not_o of_o other_o and_o work_v faith_n and_o disposition_n to_o new_a obedience_n in_o they_o they_o deny_v any_o such_o thing_n and_o so_o attribute_v to_o the_o will_n of_o man_n all_o the_o change_n of_o the_o heart_n which_o we_o call_v conversion_n or_o regeneration_n hence_o they_o will_v tell_v you_o that_o god_n never_o so_o work_v in_o any_o soul_n but_o man_n may_v hinder_v and_o final_o resist_v his_o operation_n this_o be_v their_o opinion_n which_o how_o contrary_a it_o be_v to_o truth_n and_o how_o absurd_a it_o be_v i_o have_v show_v you_o in_o my_o former_a discourse_n what_o bradwardin_n say_v of_o the_o pelagian_n may_v be_v apply_v 38._o to_o these_o teacher_n they_o make_v god_n pauperculum_fw-la mercatorem_fw-la like_o a_o poor_a pedlar_n that_o indeed_o carry_v about_o his_o grace_n and_o persuade_v man_n to_o receive_v it_o but_o man_n be_v make_v the_o buyer_n thus_o say_v that_o grave_a author_n god_n shall_v rather_o gratiam_fw-la svam_fw-la commutare_fw-la ac_fw-la vendere_fw-la quam_fw-la dare_fw-mi commute_v and_o sell_v his_o grace_n rather_o than_o bestow_v and_o give_v it_o doubtless_o the_o will_n of_o god_n be_v the_o efficient_a cause_n of_o every_o good_a thing_n that_o be_v do_v the_o first_o mover_n in_o every_o good_a motion_n the_o begetter_n and_o preserver_n of_o it_o amantissima_fw-la genitrix_fw-la &_o vivifica_fw-la conservatrix_fw-la as_o bradwardin_n express_v it_o l._n 1._o cap._n 9_o and_o maintain_v it_o from_o reason_n and_o the_o concession_n even_o of_o philosopher_n they_o will_v tell_v we_o they_o will_v grant_v this_o that_o god_n be_v the_o first_o cause_n and_o mover_n as_o to_o all_o good_a and_o that_o all_o this_o be_v of_o his_o grace_n but_o he_o move_v we_o only_o by_o external_a call_n and_o the_o common_a assistance_n of_o his_o spirit_n they_o much_o delight_n in_o those_o term_n aid_n and_o assistance_n of_o his_o spirit_n by_o which_o they_o plain_o grant_v the_o will_n of_o man_n the_o first_o cause_n and_o make_v the_o spirit_n but_o a_o aid_a assist_a cause_n again_o how_o be_v the_o conversion_n of_o a_o sinner_n from_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n who_o grace_n it_o seem_v extend_v no_o further_a before_o conversion_n to_o the_o person_n to_o be_v convert_v than_o to_o the_o person_n that_o still_o continue_v in_o its_o hardness_n and_o inconvert_v state_n so_o as_o it_o be_v not_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n that_o cause_v the_o soul_n to_o differ_v for_o as_o to_o that_o there_o be_v no_o difference_n the_o same_o administration_n of_o grace_n both_o to_o those_o who_o heart_n be_v change_v and_o to_o those_o who_o heart_n be_v not_o change_v they_o tell_v we_o grace_n and_o in_o the_o same_o degree_n of_o administration_n may_v be_v yea_o be_v resist_v by_o many_o of_o those_o to_o who_o it_o be_v administer_v this_o opinion_n must_v be_v faulty_a either_o 1._o by_o maintain_v that_o god_n do_v not_o serious_o and_o efficacious_o will_v the_o salvation_n of_o any_o soul_n the_o contrary_a to_o which_o in_o word_n they_o affirm_v and_o instead_o of_o it_o say_v he_o serious_o will_v the_o salvation_n
be_v this_o thou_o believe_v soul_n who_o in_o my_o eye_n art_n more_o beautiful_a and_o lovely_a than_o any_o other_o soul_n in_o the_o world_n if_o thou_o be_v in_o any_o thing_n ignorant_a of_o my_o will_n and_o where_o to_o meet_v i_o and_o how_o to_o enjoy_v fellowship_n and_o communion_n with_o i_o do_v not_o stray_v from_o the_o rule_n of_o my_o word_n nor_o vary_v from_o the_o example_n of_o those_o who_o i_o give_v for_o shepherd_n to_o my_o people_n keep_v close_o to_o they_o to_o their_o doctrine_n and_o to_o my_o ordinance_n administer_v by_o they_o there_o thou_o shall_v find_v i_o there_o i_o rest_v at_o noon_n these_o two_o verse_n thus_o open_v afford_v we_o several_a proposition_n of_o doctrine_n as_o matter_n of_o further_a discourse_n prop._n 1._o christ_n be_v he_o and_o only_o he_o who_o the_o believe_a soul_n love_v prop._n 2._o though_o there_o may_v be_v a_o time_n when_o such_o a_o soul_n may_v conceal_v and_o disow_v its_o love_n to_o christ_n yet_o there_o will_v be_v a_o time_n when_o it_o will_v break_v forth_o and_o she_o will_v acknowledge_v it_o prop._n 3._o a_o gracious_a soul_n desire_v nothing_o more_o than_o a_o quiet_a full_a and_o sweet_a communion_n with_o christ_n prop._n 4._o christ_n have_v shade_n where_o he_o rest_v and_o feed_v his_o flock_n under_o the_o great_a and_o most_o scorch_a affliction_n prop._n 5._o though_o a_o pious_a soul_n never_o slight_v a_o communion_n with_o christ_n yet_o she_o never_o prize_v it_o at_o a_o high_a rate_n then_o in_o a_o hour_n of_o great_a trial_n and_o temptation_n prop._n 6._o god_n people_n will_v especial_o in_o time_n of_o trial_n and_o great_a temptation_n be_v prone_a to_o fall_v into_o sin_n and_o error_n to_o the_o scandal_n of_o their_o profession_n prop._n 7._o sin_n and_o scandal_n be_v the_o two_o great_a thing_n which_o a_o gracious_a soulfear_n prop._n 8._o the_o believe_a soul_n be_v of_o all_o other_o soul_n the_o most_o beautiful_a in_o christ_n eye_n prop._n 9_o the_o beauty_n of_o this_o soul_n be_v not_o perfect_a it_o may_v in_o some_o thing_n be_v ignorant_a prop._n 10._o the_o sure_a way_n for_o a_o soul_n to_o get_v a_o perfect_a instruction_n in_o the_o thing_n that_o concern_v its_o spiritual_a good_a and_o to_o keep_v and_o to_o enjoy_v communion_n with_o christ_n be_v to_o feed_v its_o self_n by_o the_o tent_n of_o christ_n shepherd_n and_o to_o live_v according_a to_o the_o example_n and_o direction_n of_o his_o holy_a servant_n record_v in_o holy_a writ_n i_o begin_v with_o the_o first_o of_o which_o i_o shall_v speak_v but_o brief_o prop._n 1._o jesus_n christ_n be_v he_o who_o the_o soul_n love_v with_o a_o singular_a love_n i_o put_v in_o the_o term_n singular_a because_o as_o i_o tell_v you_o the_o phrase_n import_v it_o love_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o the_o adhaesion_n or_o cleave_v of_o the_o soul_n to_o a_o object_n out_o of_o a_o goodness_n and_o suitableness_n which_o it_o have_v discern_v in_o it_o with_o a_o complacency_n which_o the_o soul_n take_v in_o it_o which_o be_v such_o as_o if_o the_o soul_n want_v it_o it_o desire_v it_o if_o it_o enjoy_v it_o it_o be_v glad_a and_o rejoice_v in_o it_o which_o be_v first_o consider_v it_o follow_v that_o look_v how_o many_o object_n as_o there_o be_v that_o have_v in_o they_o any_o goodness_n or_o suitableness_n to_o our_o state_n so_o many_o object_n of_o our_o love_n there_o be_v in_o the_o world_n and_o 2._o that_o look_v how_o much_o goodness_n and_o suitableness_n to_o we_o we_o apprehend_v in_o one_o object_n more_o than_o in_o another_o so_o much_o we_o love_v one_o thing_n more_o than_o another_o or_o one_o person_n more_o than_o another_o 2._o there_o be_v also_o a_o love_n that_o flow_v from_o union_n and_o relation_n of_o which_o we_o be_v not_o able_a to_o give_v a_o perfect_a account_n the_o parent_n love_v the_o child_n and_o the_o husband_n love_v the_o wife_n and_o the_o wife_n the_o husband_n not_o always_o out_o of_o judgement_n the_o husband_n discern_v in_o the_o wife_n a_o suitableness_n to_o he_o be_v not_o always_o the_o cause_n of_o love_n nor_o be_v the_o child_n love_n to_o the_o mother_n or_o father_n always_o rational_a flow_v from_o a_o apprehension_n of_o the_o suitableness_n of_o the_o parent_n to_o it_o but_o rather_o from_o a_o impetus_fw-la of_o nature_n a_o unaccountable_a complacency_n in_o those_o who_o god_n have_v make_v correlate_n cause_v by_o the_o god_n of_o nature_n who_o have_v make_v they_o one_o flesh_n who_o so_o deliberate_o consider_v this_o will_v easy_o understand_v a_o double_a reason_n of_o the_o believer_n love_v to_o christ_n 1._o the_o first_o be_v that_o union_n which_o be_v betwixt_o the_o believe_a soul_n and_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n which_o be_v wrought_v by_o faith_n this_o produce_v this_o second_o union_n which_o be_v that_o of_o love_n by_o faith_n christ_n be_v unite_v to_o the_o soul_n and_o become_v a_o member_n of_o his_o body_n and_o that_o be_v follow_v by_o this_o union_n of_o love_n the_o soul_n in_o the_o same_o hour_n wherein_o it_o be_v unite_v by_o faith_n to_o christ_n be_v teach_v of_o god_n to_o love_v the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n it_o be_v a_o piece_n of_o its_o regeneration_n which_o continual_o follow_v justification_n and_o be_v indeed_o coevous_a with_o it_o so_o that_o as_o in_o the_o natural_a union_n the_o same_o day_n the_o man_n become_v a_o father_n or_o the_o woman_n a_o mother_n there_o be_v a_o new_a emanation_n of_o affection_n and_o love_n the_o man_n or_o woman_n that_o before_o know_v nothing_o of_o the_o heart_n of_o a_o parent_n now_o begin_v to_o feel_v it_o and_o in_o the_o moral_a union_n betwixt_o the_o husband_n and_o wife_n the_o same_o day_n that_o they_o be_v marry_v to_o each_o other_o there_o flow_v a_o reciprocal_a affection_n each_o to_o other_o so_o as_o they_o then_o begin_v to_o know_v the_o heart_n of_o a_o husband_n and_o a_o wife_n of_o which_o they_o know_v little_a or_o nothing_o before_o so_o it_o be_v upon_o the_o spiritual_a union_n as_o the_o god_n of_o nature_n influence_v the_o soul_n of_o person_n who_o he_o have_v give_v one_o to_o another_o in_o natural_a and_o moral_a relation_n ordinary_o for_o a_o reciprocal_a usefulness_n one_o to_o another_o so_o the_o god_n of_o grace_n influence_v the_o soul_n put_v into_o a_o spiritual_a relation_n to_o christ_n that_o the_o believer_n upon_o his_o union_n with_o christ_n do_v find_v his_o heart_n cleave_v to_o and_o take_v a_o complacency_n in_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n and_o begin_v thus_o to_o know_v the_o heart_n of_o a_o believer_n and_o look_v as_o it_o be_v in_o the_o moral_a relation_n betwixt_o the_o wife_n and_o the_o husband_n though_o the_o man_n may_v have_v hear_v such_o report_n of_o the_o virtue_n and_o excellency_n of_o the_o woman_n before_o he_o have_v marry_v she_o as_o have_v enforce_v from_o he_o a_o complacency_n in_o she_o yet_o this_o bear_v no_o proportion_n to_o that_o delight_n and_o complacency_n he_o take_v in_o she_o when_o she_o be_v once_o marry_v to_o he_o so_o although_o a_o soul_n upon_o the_o large_a discourse_n he_o have_v hear_v of_o christ_n and_o of_o his_o love_n to_o mankind_n and_o what_o he_o have_v do_v and_o be_v ready_a to_o do_v for_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n may_v have_v some_o good_a thought_n of_o he_o and_o some_o kind_n of_o complacency_n in_o his_o thought_n of_o he_o yet_o there_o be_v a_o vast_a difference_n betwixt_o this_o and_o that_o complacency_n which_o the_o soul_n take_v in_o christ_n when_o it_o be_v once_o by_o faith_n unite_v to_o he_o and_o among_o other_o habit_n of_o grace_n have_v that_o of_o love_n to_o god_n infuse_v into_o his_o soul_n according_a to_o that_o rom._n 5._o 5._o the_o love_n of_o god_n be_v shed_v abroad_o in_o our_o heart_n by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n which_o be_v give_v unto_o we_o i_o know_v there_o be_v a_o dispute_v raise_v by_o some_o whether_o the_o natural_a man_n love_n to_o god_n differ_v from_o the_o believer_n love_n to_o god_n specifical_o or_o only_o gradual_o i_o do_v not_o think_v that_o these_o spiritual_a habit_n fall_v under_o those_o logical_a measure_n i_o be_o sure_a it_o be_v a_o love_n flow_v quite_o from_o another_o cause_n the_o natural_a man_n love_n be_v no_o more_o than_o a_o natural_a plant_n cultivate_v by_o reason_n the_o other_o be_v be_v a_o fruit_n of_o the_o spirit_n so_o as_o they_o differ_v further_o than_o gradual_o but_o whether_o we_o shall_v call_v it_o specifical_o or_o no_o or_o want_v a_o logical_a term_n to_o express_v the_o difference_n i_o shall_v not_o think_v it_o worth_a my_o time_n to_o inquire_v 2._o a_o second_o reason_n of_o the_o believer_n love_n and_o so_o
have_v a_o command_n more_o than_o another_o in_o it_o to_o make_v our_o address_n to_o god_n nor_o any_o to_o which_o any_o promise_n be_v make_v nor_o concern_v which_o it_o can_v be_v say_v god_n have_v in_o it_o more_o manifest_v himself_o to_o people_n seek_v he_o yet_o there_o be_v two_o sort_n of_o place_n in_o which_o we_o have_v more_o advantage_n than_o in_o other_o for_o a_o communion_n with_o god_n 1._o place_n of_o solitude_n 2._o place_n where_o 2_o or_o 3_o meet_v together_o or_o a_o great_a number_n of_o god_n people_n so_o meet_v to_o pray_v or_o in_o any_o manner_n to_o worship_n god_n 1._o the_o first_o give_v we_o advantage_n by_o free_v we_o from_o the_o noise_n business_n and_o distraction_n of_o the_o world_n hence_o you_o read_v of_o jsaac_n go_v into_o the_o field_n for_o meditation_n and_o our_o saviour_n go_v so_o often_o up_o to_o a_o mountain_n for_o prayer_n mar._n 6._o 46._o matth._n 14._o 23._o 2._o the_o second_o give_v we_o advantage_n as_o from_o the_o promise_n of_o god_n make_v to_o the_o assembly_n of_o his_o people_n so_o from_o the_o influence_n that_o the_o affection_n of_o pious_a soul_n in_o holy_a duty_n have_v one_o upon_o another_o of_o which_o it_o be_v a_o hard_a thing_n to_o give_v a_o account_n but_o it_o be_v no_o more_o than_o i_o believe_v any_o good_a christian_a will_v find_v upon_o his_o or_o her_o experience_n that_o their_o heart_n be_v otherwise_o affect_v when_o they_o be_v in_o a_o society_n of_o serious_a christian_n pray_v to_o god_n or_o perform_v any_o act_n of_o worship_n then_o when_o they_o be_v alone_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o you_o find_v serious_a christian_n so_o covetous_a of_o opportunity_n to_o withdraw_v into_o their_o closert_n or_o when_o they_o may_v join_v with_o other_o serious_a and_o conscientious_a christian_n in_o more_o public_a worship_n if_o any_o shall_v for_o the_o further_a explication_n of_o this_o notion_n ask_v i_o from_o whence_o a_o more_o full_a free_a and_o uninterrupted_a communion_n with_o god_n be_v to_o be_v adjudge_v and_o determine_v i_o answer_v short_o i_o have_v before_o tell_v you_o that_o all_o communion_n speak_v a_o mutual_a or_o reciprocal_a communication_n of_o two_o or_o more_o each_o to_o other_o god_n communicate_v himself_o to_o the_o soul_n in_o his_o influence_n of_o grace_n the_o soul_n communicate_v itself_o to_o god_n in_o the_o act_n and_o exercise_n of_o its_o gracious_a habit_n so_o as_o the_o fullness_n freedom_n and_o more_o near_a communion_n with_o god_n be_v to_o be_v judge_v from_o several_a thing_n 1._o first_o from_o the_o attention_n of_o the_o soul_n thought_n in_o the_o duty_n a_o soul_n have_v more_o or_o less_o communion_n with_o god_n in_o a_o duty_n as_o his_o thought_n more_o or_o less_o deviate_v and_o wander_v from_o the_o thing_n he_o be_v about_o when_o there_o be_v a_o mere_a bodily_a service_n perform_v either_o by_o the_o lip_n or_o knee_n or_o eye_n the_o duty_n be_v but_o a_o mere_a formality_n the_o soul_n have_v no_o communion_n with_o god_n in_o it_o in_o pray_v the_o man_n do_v not_o pray_v nor_o in_o hear_v hear_v nor_o in_o sing_v sing_v as_o to_o this_o the_o best_a of_o god_n people_n must_v cry_v god_n be_v merciful_a to_o we_o sinner_n so_o that_o the_o degree_n of_o perfection_n attainable_a in_o this_o life_n as_o to_o this_o thing_n be_v but_o comparative_a some_o may_v have_v more_o of_o this_o attention_n than_o other_o or_o more_o at_o one_o time_n then_o at_o another_o but_o none_o be_v perfect_a in_o this_o thing_n only_o the_o pious_a soul_n as_o in_o other_o thing_n so_o in_o this_o thing_n be_v strive_v after_o perfection_n press_v forward_o towards_o the_o mark_n and_o daily_o humble_v himself_o for_o his_o imperfection_n and_o fly_v to_o christ_n intercession_n and_o advocation_n and_o exercise_v faith_n on_o his_o more_o perfect_a righteousness_n a_o second_o thing_n wherein_o a_o full_a communion_n with_o god_n on_o the_o soul_n part_n lie_v be_v fervency_n of_o spirit_n this_o chief_o respect_v the_o duty_n of_o prayer_n and_o praise_n the_o effectual_a prayer_n must_v be_v servant_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d a_o prayer_n which_o set_v the_o whole_a soul_n on_o work_n and_o while_o we_o sing_v we_o must_v make_v melody_n in_o our_o heart_n to_o the_o lord_n eph._n 5._o 19_o prayer_n be_v oft_o time_n in_o scripture_n express_v under_o the_o notion_n of_o cry_v wrestle_v with_o god_n pour_v out_o of_o the_o heart_n before_o the_o lord_n psal_n 142._o 2._o psal_n 62._o 8._o david_n call_v this_o a_o press_v hard_o after_o god_n psal_n 63._o 8._o some_o think_v it_o be_v a_o metaphor_n from_o hound_n pursue_v their_o game_n in_o view_n 3._o a_o three_o thing_n be_v a_o freedom_n of_o spirit_n this_o be_v as_o i_o take_v it_o that_o which_o david_n call_v largeness_n of_o heart_n psal_n 119._o five_o 32._o i_o will_v run_v the_o way_n of_o thy_o commandment_n when_o thou_o shall_v enlarge_v my_o heart_n there_o be_v no_o good_a man_n but_o find_v his_o heart_n more_o free_a to_o duty_n and_o in_o duty_n at_o one_o time_n then_o at_o another_o there_o be_v a_o straitness_n of_o heart_n which_o at_o some_o time_n be_v the_o great_a grievance_n and_o encumbrance_n of_o pious_a soul_n it_o be_v cause_v sometime_o from_o immoderate_a sorrow_n sometime_o from_o fear_n sometime_o from_o one_o cause_n sometime_o from_o another_o but_o what_o ever_o the_o cause_n be_v it_o certain_o abate_v the_o soul_n communion_n with_o god_n at_o least_o its_o communication_n of_o itself_o too_o god_n and_o by_o consequence_n a_o freedom_n of_o spirit_n a_o readiness_n of_o heart_n to_o duty_n with_o a_o liberty_n not_o of_o tongue_n only_o but_o of_o spirit_n also_o for_o without_o the_o latter_a the_o former_a be_v but_o hypocrisy_n advantage_v and_o promove_v the_o soul_n communion_n with_o god_n 4._o a_o four_o thing_n which_o make_v the_o soul_n communion_n with_o god_n more_o full_a be_v a_o ability_n more_o strong_o to_o exercise_v its_o say_v upon_o god_n without_o doubt_v whether_o it_o be_v in_o a_o strong_a adherence_n or_o more_o firm_a persuasion_n 5._o on_o god_n part_n the_o soul_n communion_n be_v more_o full_a when_o it_o receive_v from_o god_n more_o influence_n of_o grace_n testify_v his_o acceptance_n of_o the_o soul_n address_n unto_o he_o or_o fill_v it_o with_o the_o sensible_a manifestation_n of_o his_o love_n or_o enable_v it_o more_o full_o to_o communicate_v itself_o unto_o god_n that_o it_o can_v be_v more_o attent_a in_o its_o thought_n more_o fervent_a in_o spirit_n more_o free_a to_o and_o in_o its_o performance_n or_o exercise_v its_o faith_n more_o powerful_o and_o strong_o this_o i_o conceive_v to_o be_v enough_o to_o have_v speak_v in_o the_o explication_n of_o the_o proposition_n hint_v you_o both_o wherein_o this_o more_o full_a and_o free_a communion_n with_o god_n be_v discernible_a and_o also_o what_o those_o time_n or_o place_n be_v where_o and_o when_o it_o may_v most_o ordinary_o and_o probable_o be_v obtain_v which_o i_o conceive_v be_v the_o thing_n which_o the_o spouse_n in_o the_o text_n express_v her_o desire_n towards_o and_o which_o she_o beg_v that_o her_o belove_a will_v instruct_v she_o as_o to_o that_o this_o be_v the_o desire_n of_o every_o good_a christian_a appear_v 1._o from_o its_o deprecation_n of_o those_o thing_n which_o will_v hinder_v it_o and_o avoid_v they_o so_o far_o as_o it_o can_v those_o thing_n that_o hinder_v it_o be_v 1._o intestine_a lust_n and_o motion_n to_o sin_n vanity_n of_o thought_n etc._n etc._n 2._o diabolical_a suggestion_n now_o there_o be_v no_o two_o thing_n which_o the_o pious_a soul_n more_o deprecate_v then_o these_o two_o worldly_a distraction_n observe_v david_n how_o he_o bewail_v his_o dwell_n in_o meshek_n and_o have_v his_o habitation_n in_o the_o tent_n of_o kedar_n and_o how_o bitter_o in_o three_o several_a psalm_n he_o bewail_v his_o be_v banish_v from_o jerusalem_n psalm_n 42._o psal_n 84._o psal_n 63._o so_o psal_n 120._o v._n 5._o how_o sad_o do_v st._n paul_n bewail_v his_o body_n of_o death_n rom._n 7._o 24._o 2._o from_o its_o thirsting_n after_o time_n and_o opportunity_n of_o communion_n with_o god_n of_o which_o also_o you_o have_v instance_n in_o all_o the_o psalm_n before_o mention_v psal_n 86._o 11._o he_o pray_v for_o a_o heart_n unite_v to_o fear_v the_o lord_n name_n psal_n 86._o 11._o and_o rejoice_v in_o a_o fix_a heart_n psal_n 57_o 7._o psal_n 208._o v._n 1._o reason_n nor_o indeed_o can_v it_o possible_o be_v otherwise_o as_o will_v appear_v to_o any_o soul_n that_o understand_v what_o communion_n with_o god_n be_v that_o which_o be_v the_o object_n of_o any_o rational_a soul_n desire_v must_v come_v under_o the_o notion_n of_o good_a and_o
absurd_a and_o false_a be_v suppose_v in_o order_n to_o the_o form_n of_o a_o true_a conclusion_n but_o in_o the_o text_n it_o be_v certain_a that_o it_o do_v our_o lord_n in_o say_v if_o thou_o know_v not_o suppose_v that_o the_o spouse_n may_v not_o know_v and_o therefore_o he_o direct_v she_o in_o the_o latter_a part_n of_o the_o text._n it_o be_v certain_a that_o the_o term_n know_v in_o scripture_n do_v not_o always_o signify_v the_o comprehend_v the_o thing_n speak_v of_o in_o our_o understanding_n it_o sometime_o signify_v to_o approve_v sometime_o to_o attend_v to_o what_o we_o know_v sometime_o to_o experience_n i_o take_v here_o the_o first_o and_o most_o natural_a signification_n of_o the_o term_n to_o be_v the_o sense_n if_o if_o thou_o know_v not_o that_o be_v if_o thou_o be_v ignorant_a if_o thou_o be_v at_o a_o loss_n at_o a_o loss_n for_o what_o i_o tell_v you_o that_o to_o perfect_a the_o sense_n we_o must_v supply_v something_o from_o the_o forego_n verse_n from_o the_o matter_n of_o the_o spouse_n petition_v she_o have_v desire_v he_o to_o tell_v she_o where_o he_o feed_v his_o flock_n where_o he_o make_v they_o to_o rest_v at_o noon_n where_o she_o may_v have_v the_o best_a free_a and_o least_o interrupt_a fellowship_n and_o communion_n with_o he_o especial_o in_o a_o time_n of_o great_a distress_n and_o affliction_n to_o this_o he_o answer_v o_o thou_o fair_a among_o woman_n if_o thou_o know_v not_o that_o be_v if_o thou_o know_v not_o where_o i_o feed_v my_o flock_n nor_o where_o i_o make_v they_o to_o rest_v at_o noon_n go_v thy_o way_n etc._n etc._n the_o word_n may_v lead_v i_o to_o a_o more_o general_a discourse_n of_o the_o imperfection_n of_o a_o believer_n state_n in_o this_o life_n or_o to_o a_o more_o particular_a discourse_n concern_v those_o grain_n of_o ignorance_n which_o may_v be_v allow_v a_o gracious_a soul_n but_o as_o the_o first_o be_v too_o general_a so_o the_o latter_a be_v too_o hard_a a_o task_n until_o the_o world_n be_v better_o agree_v than_o it_o yet_o be_v about_o the_o number_n of_o fundamental_a truth_n necessary_a to_o be_v know_v and_o believe_v in_o order_n to_o eternal_a life_n and_o salvation_n beside_o i_o think_v my_o text_n consider_v as_o a_o answer_n to_o the_o precede_a petition_n guide_v i_o to_o another_o thing_n the_o spouse_n request_n be_v to_o be_v instruct_v how_o she_o may_v enjoy_v a_o full_a and_o free_a communion_n with_o her_o lord_n especial_o in_o a_o time_n of_o trial_n and_o distress_n with_o reference_n to_o this_o petition_n her_o lord_n answer_v she_o if_o thou_o know_v not_o suppose_v she_o may_v as_o to_o this_o at_o some_o time_n be_v ignorant_a and_o at_o a_o loss_n the_o proposition_n be_v plain_a prop._n that_o even_o the_o best_a of_o god_n people_n the_o fair_a among_o woman_n may_v sometime_o be_v at_o a_o great_a loss_n where_o and_o how_o to_o maintain_v their_o desire_a communion_n with_o christ_n i_o shall_v open_v the_o proposition_n in_o three_o conclusion_n then_o confirm_v and_o apply_v it_o 1._o the_o soul_n communion_n with_o christ_n lie_v in_o their_o reciprocal_a communication_n of_o themselves_o each_o to_o other_o all_o communion_n be_v make_v up_o of_o a_o mutual_a communication_n of_o two_o or_o more_o person_n i_o have_v discourse_v the_o nature_n of_o communion_n large_o in_o some_o of_o my_o former_a discourse_n and_o therefore_o shall_v say_v little_a of_o it_o now_o only_o i_o say_v all_o communion_n lie_v in_o a_o mutual_a and_o reciprocal_a communication_n thus_o two_o friend_n have_v communion_n each_o with_o other_o by_o frequent_a meeting_n together_o mutual_a discourse_n and_o communication_n of_o the_o secret_n of_o each_o other_o heart_n one_o to_o another_o the_o subject_n in_o this_o communion_n be_v soul_n clothe_v with_o body_n and_o their_o communion_n be_v bodily_a but_o now_o the_o soul_n consider_v with_o christ_n as_o its_o correlate_n in_o this_o communion_n be_v spirit_n and_o their_o communion_n be_v more_o spiritual_a the_o soul_n perform_v its_o part_n in_o it_o by_o the_o secret_a exercise_n of_o the_o power_n god_n have_v give_v it_o upon_o christ_n as_o the_o object_n by_o spiritual_a meditation_n the_o exercise_n of_o faith_n love_n hope_v desire_v joy_n and_o delight_n etc._n etc._n by_o give_v up_o its_o will_n to_o his_o will_n assent_v to_o what_o he_o dictate_v in_o his_o word_n consent_v to_o what_o he_o there_o command_v etc._n etc._n christ_n communicate_v himself_o to_o the_o soul_n by_o the_o secret_a influence_n of_o his_o spirit_n open_v and_o enlighten_v the_o understanding_n bow_v and_o incline_v the_o will_n influence_v the_o affection_n convince_a strengthen_v quicken_a comfort_v the_o soul_n indeed_o there_o be_v a_o more_o external_a communion_n with_o god_n but_o separate_v from_o this_o it_o signify_v nothing_o to_o the_o soul_n advantage_n so_o we_o be_v say_v to_o have_v communion_n with_o god_n in_o read_v and_o hear_v his_o word_n pray_v receive_v the_o sacrament_n the_o soul_n have_v in_o these_o no_o further_a fellowship_n &_o communion_n with_o god_n than_o it_o in_o they_o exercise_v these_o more_o inward_a power_n in_o more_o external_a act_n by_o the_o advantage_n of_o the_o bodily_a member_n so_o far_o as_o it_o pour_v out_o itself_o to_o god_n in_o prayer_n by_o the_o word_n of_o the_o lip_n or_o open_v its_o heart_n to_o god_n in_o hear_v the_o word_n receive_v it_o with_o faith_n and_o love_n and_o meekness_n etc._n etc._n so_o far_o and_o no_o further_o have_v the_o soul_n in_o these_o duty_n any_o communion_n with_o god_n nor_o do_v god_n communicate_v himself_o to_o the_o soul_n that_o be_v not_o make_v to_o believe_v and_o obey_v what_o it_o hear_v further_a than_o to_o let_v it_o know_v his_o will_n with_o the_o advantage_n of_o such_o argument_n as_o his_o minister_n be_v enable_v to_o use_v by_o virtue_n of_o those_o gift_n which_o he_o have_v give_v they_o to_o fit_v they_o for_o their_o ministration_n 2._o there_o can_v be_v no_o union_n between_o christ_n and_o that_o soul_n with_o who_o christ_n have_v not_o a_o constant_a communion_n communion_n be_v the_o daughter_n of_o union_n according_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o union_n wherever_o communion_n whole_o cease_v the_o union_n be_v dissolve_v indeed_o where_o the_o communion_n be_v voluntary_a not_o from_o a_o natural_a cause_n there_o may_v be_v great_a difference_n in_o the_o degree_n of_o it_o but_o whole_o interrupt_v it_o can_v be_v hence_o god_n and_o christ_n have_v a_o constant_a communion_n with_o the_o believe_a soul_n this_o be_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n give_v to_o they_o and_o dwell_v and_o work_v in_o they_o and_o the_o seed_n of_o god_n abide_v in_o they_o our_o union_n with_o christ_n be_v preserve_v by_o the_o same_o mean_n by_o which_o it_o be_v at_o first_o make_v which_o be_v by_o god_n first_o communication_n of_o his_o power_n and_o goodness_n to_o the_o soul_n and_o the_o soul_n communication_n of_o itself_o by_o faith_n to_o he_o thus_o the_o union_n be_v first_o make_v between_o god_n and_o the_o soul_n thus_o it_o be_v and_o must_v be_v maintain_v and_o uphold_v the_o reason_n why_o we_o say_v the_o soul_n once_o in_o a_o state_n of_o grace_n can_v fall_v from_o it_o either_o final_o or_o total_o be_v not_o from_o the_o ability_n and_o certainty_n of_o their_o own_o will_n however_o renew_v and_o sanctify_a but_o from_o the_o more_o constant_a and_o certain_a influence_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o grace_n which_o be_v give_v to_o the_o soul_n dwell_v in_o it_o and_o work_v in_o it_o christ_n have_v not_o only_o promise_v to_o come_v to_o they_o that_o love_v he_o and_o keep_v his_o commandment_n but_o to_o make_v his_o abode_n with_o he_o hence_o the_o union_n between_o christ_n &_o the_o soul_n be_v not_o only_o compare_v to_o the_o moral_a union_n between_o the_o husband_n and_o wife_n eph._n 5._o 30._o but_o to_o the_o natural_a union_n between_o the_o vine_n and_o the_o branch_n john_n 15._o 1._o betwixt_o which_o while_o they_o remain_v unite_v there_o be_v a_o constant_a communication_n and_o in_o very_a deed_n do_v not_o the_o soul_n of_o a_o believer_n daily_o receive_v divine_a influence_n and_o communication_n it_o must_v wither_v and_o die_v as_o natural_o as_o the_o branch_n do_v when_o the_o union_n be_v break_v betwixt_o it_o and_o the_o vine_n and_o this_o our_o saviour_n teach_v we_o john_n 15._o 4._o as_o the_o branch_n can_v bring_v forth_o fruit_n unless_o it_o abide_v in_o the_o vine_n so_o no_o more_o can_v you_o except_o you_o abide_v in_o i_o 3._o although_o the_o soul_n communion_n with_o christ_n can_v never_o be_v whole_o interrupt_v and_o break_v yet_o it_o may_v be_v more_o of_o less_o and_o sometime_o indiscern_v by_o the_o soul_n i_o
at_o peace_n with_o god_n all_o that_o can_v be_v say_v to_o relieve_v the_o child_n of_o god_n under_o this_o complaint_n to_o ease_v he_o under_o this_o burden_n be_v this_o that_o this_o misery_n which_o befall_v he_o be_v but_o what_o be_v common_a to_o the_o very_o best_a of_o man_n it_o be_v a_o privilege_n reserve_v for_o the_o saint_n in_o glory_n to_o live_v in_o a_o not_o interrupt_v communion_n with_o god_n to_o be_v ever_o with_o the_o lord_n behold_v his_o face_n to_o live_v in_o the_o sense_n of_o such_o a_o constant_a communion_n with_o christ_n as_o do_v afford_v the_o soul_n a_o perfect_a satisfaction_n the_o sublunary_a saint_n be_v often_o cry_v out_o tell_v i_o o_o thou_o who_o my_o soul_n love_v where_o though_o u._fw-mi feed_v this_o dispensation_n indeed_o will_v speak_v thou_o sensible_o miserable_a and_o sad_a but_o it_o will_v not_o speak_v thou_o to_o have_v no_o relation_n to_o christ_n 3_o i_o shall_v shut_v up_o this_o discourse_n with_o a_o word_n or_o two_o of_o exhortation_n plead_v with_o you_o to_o do_v what_o in_o you_o lie_v to_o avoid_v such_o a_o state_n and_o to_o keep_v yourselves_o within_o the_o knowledge_n where_o christ_n feed_v where_o he_o make_v his_o flock_n to_o rest_v at_o noon_n 1._o consider_v first_o that_o as_o the_o spiritual_a life_n of_o any_o soul_n lie_v in_o its_o union_n and_o communion_n with_o christ_n so_o the_o comfort_n of_o his_o life_n lie_v in_o his_o sense_n of_o this_o communion_n and_o knowledge_n how_o at_o all_o time_n and_o in_o all_o condition_n to_o support_n and_o to_o maintain_v it_o our_o saviour_n tell_v we_o that_o as_o the_o branch_n can_v bring_v forth_o fruit_n unless_o it_o abide_v in_o the_o vine_n so_o neither_o can_v we_o except_o we_o abide_v in_o he_o john_n 15._o 4._o that_o soul_n which_o have_v no_o communion_n with_o christ_n be_v as_o certain_o dead_a as_o the_o body_n be_v that_o have_v no_o communion_n with_o the_o head_n or_o the_o branch_n that_o have_v no_o communion_n with_o the_o stock_n now_o it_o be_v true_a sense_n be_v not_o necessary_a to_o spiritual_a life_n we_o live_v say_v the_o apostle_n by_o faith_n not_o by_o sight_n but_o the_o comfort_n of_o the_o soul_n do_v depend_v upon_o sense_n and_o knowledge_n it_o be_v true_a as_o to_o a_o christian_n comfort_n not_o to_o live_v and_o not_o to_o know_v that_o we_o live_v be_v much_o the_o same_o thing_n as_o to_o its_o happiness_n it_o be_v not_o but_o i_o say_v as_o to_o his_o comfort_n it_o be_v what_o quiet_a can_v a_o christian_n have_v in_o his_o breast_n what_o peace_n in_o his_o conscience_n what_o joy_n in_o the_o holy_a ghost_n that_o feel_v no_o intercourse_n be_v sensible_a of_o no_o inward_a communion_n betwixt_o his_o soul_n and_o christ_n 2._o hence_o consider_v second_o that_o to_o the_o waky_a christian_a there_o be_v no_o great_a misery_n upon_o the_o earth_n then_o what_o arise_v from_o his_o apprehension_n of_o his_o have_a no_o communion_n with_o christ_n all_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o the_o world_n will_v be_v nothing_o of_o satisfaction_n to_o such_o a_o soul_n it_o be_v a_o evil_a nullis_fw-la medicabilis_fw-la herbis_fw-la i_o say_v with_o a_o waky_a soul_n it_o will_v be_v thus_o some_o soul_n be_v in_o a_o profound_a sleep_n they_o never_o think_v of_o eternity_n never_o consider_v their_o latter_a end_n they_o be_v ignorant_a and_o know_v not_o the_o relation_n that_o christ_n have_v to_o a_o state_n of_o eternal_a happiness_n that_o as_o eternal_a life_n be_v the_o gift_n of_o god_n so_o it_o be_v through_o christ_n for_o that_o the_o father_n have_v give_v into_o his_o hand_n the_o power_n of_o eternal_a life_n and_o he_o give_v it_o to_o whosoever_o he_o please_v now_o these_o soul_n though_o they_o have_v no_o fellowship_n no_o communion_n at_o all_o yet_o they_o have_v no_o misery_n no_o grief_n from_o it_o but_o i_o say_v to_o the_o soul_n that_o be_v awake_a to_o consider_v the_o grave_a the_o eternity_n to_o which_o he_o be_v hasten_v it_o be_v the_o great_a burden_n imaginable_a to_o lie_v under_o apprehension_n that_o his_o fellowship_n be_v not_o with_o the_o father_n and_o with_o the_o son_n jesus_n christ_n 3._o three_o consider_v that_o of_o all_o evil_n those_o lie_v heavy_a and_o most_o sad_o upon_o the_o soul_n concern_v which_o the_o man_n or_o woman_n be_v conscious_a that_o he_o himself_o have_v be_v accessary_a to_o they_o and_o a_o cause_n of_o they_o let_v a_o good_a christian_a be_v at_o loss_n for_o his_o communion_n with_o god_n let_v the_o cause_n of_o it_o be_v what_o it_o will_v he_o be_v sad_a enough_o but_o if_o his_o heart_n smite_v he_o that_o he_o himself_o have_v be_v the_o cause_n of_o it_o oh_o insupportable_a burden_n of_o that_o reflection_n he_o can_v bear_v the_o thought_n of_o his_o destroy_v his_o soul_n by_o his_o own_o hand_n of_o this_o you_o may_v make_v a_o easy_a judgement_n by_o consider_v the_o frame_n of_o your_o spirit_n under_o such_o accident_n though_o of_o a_o much_o light_a nature_n it_o be_v sad_a enough_o for_o a_o man_n to_o lose_v his_o estate_n for_o a_o mother_n to_o lose_v her_o child_n but_o for_o the_o man_n to_o think_v that_o he_o lose_v his_o estate_n through_o his_o own_o supine_n negligence_n or_o for_o a_o mother_n to_o think_v she_o have_v be_v the_o death_n of_o her_o child_n these_o be_v wound_n heal_v usual_o with_o great_a difficulty_n so_o for_o a_o soul_n to_o think_v it_o have_v lose_v its_o communion_n with_o its_o dear_a lord_n by_o its_o own_o supine_n negligence_n or_o any_o voluntary_a act_n of_o its_o own_o which_o it_o may_v have_v avoid_v this_o make_v a_o deep_a wound_n in_o the_o soul_n but_o will_v some_o say_v what_o shall_v what_o can_v we_o do_v to_o uphold_v our_o communion_n with_o christ_n and_o to_o maintain_v a_o sense_n of_o it_o let_v i_o here_o speak_v two_o word_n the_o first_o to_o such_o as_o have_v their_o belove_a in_o view_n and_o do_v yet_o enjoy_v desire_v communion_n with_o he_o 2._o to_o such_o as_o have_v lose_v this_o view_n in_o order_n to_o their_o recovery_n of_o it_o to_o the_o first_o i_o say_v 1._o be_v much_o with_o he_o who_o your_o soul_n love_v what_o the_o prophet_n say_v of_o god_n presence_n of_o providence_n be_v as_o true_a concern_v the_o presence_n of_o god_n in_o gracious_a influence_n 2._o chron._n 15._o 2._o the_o lord_n be_v with_o you_o while_o you_o be_v with_o he_o if_o you_o seek_v he_o he_o will_v be_v find_v of_o you_o soul_n that_o be_v much_o with_o god_n seldom_o lose_v their_o sight_n of_o he_o ordinary_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n and_o woman_n first_o withdraw_v the_o communication_n of_o themselves_o unto_o he_o through_o levity_n and_o wantonness_n than_o christ_n withdraw_v both_o in_o justice_n to_o punish_v in_o they_o that_o levity_n and_o in_o wisdom_n to_o make_v they_o to_o seek_v after_o he_o hos_fw-la 5._o 15._o i_o will_v go_v and_o return_v to_o my_o place_n until_o they_o acknowledge_v their_o offence_n and_o seek_v my_o face_n in_o their_o affliction_n they_o will_v seek_v i_o early_o that_o soul_n be_v seldom_o or_o never_o at_o a_o loss_n to_o know_v where_o christ_n feed_v his_o flock_n that_o keep_v a_o constant_a correspondence_n with_o he_o be_v much_o in_o prayer_n especial_o secret_a prayer_n much_o in_o heavenly_a meditation_n and_o contemplation_n when_o the_o spouse_n after_o her_o loss_n cant._n 3._o 1_o 2_o have_v find_v she_o belove_v i_o hold_v he_o say_v she_o and_o will_v not_o let_v he_o go_v how_o do_v the_o soul_n hold_v christ_n so_o as_o she_o will_v not_o let_v he_o go_v but_o by_o faith_n and_o constant_a and_o frequent_a act_n of_o fellowship_n and_o communion_n with_o he_o 2._o second_o take_v heed_n of_o grieve_v the_o holy_a spirit_n it_o be_v the_o apostle_n counsel_n eph._n 4._o 30._o grieve_v not_o the_o holy_a spirit_n by_o which_o you_o be_v seal_v to_o the_o day_n of_o redemption_n we_o maintain_v our_o fellowship_n with_o christ_n by_o the_o spirit_n that_o take_v of_o christ_n and_o give_v to_o we_o and_o again_o it_o take_v of_o we_o and_o give_v to_o christ_n by_o the_o spirit_n we_o pray_v by_o its_o assistance_n we_o exercise_v faith_n love_n etc._n etc._n christ_n by_o his_o spirit_n communicate_v himself_o to_o we_o and_o we_o by_o the_o spirit_n do_v communicate_v our_o soul_n to_o he_o take_v heed_n therefore_o you_o grieve_v not_o this_o spirit_n either_o by_o any_o presumptuous_a sinning_n or_o by_o quench_v its_o motion_n or_o resist_v its_o operation_n let_v every_o knock_n every_o motion_n and_o impulse_n every_o impression_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n be_v very_o valuable_a to_o and_o regardable_a in_o the_o eye_n of_o your_o soul_n 3._o three_o maintain_v in_o
and_o their_o natural_a power_n and_o faculty_n i_o therefore_o add_v 3._o that_o this_o may_v seem_v plausible_a to_o those_o who_o either_o do_v not_o consider_v or_o will_v not_o allow_v those_o two_o contrary_a principle_n which_o be_v in_o every_o renew_a soul_n but_o to_o those_o who_o believe_v and_o consider_v this_o it_o can_v gal._n 3._o 17._o for_o the_o flesh_n lust_v against_o the_o spirit_n and_o the_o spirit_n against_o the_o flesh_n and_o these_o be_v contrary_a the_o one_o to_o the_o other_o so_o that_o you_o can_v do_v the_o thing_n which_o you_o will_v especial_o when_o we_o consider_v also_o the_o advantage_n which_o the_o flesh_n have_v in_o we_o against_o the_o spirit_n vicious_a habit_n and_o inclination_n be_v natural_a to_o the_o soil_n of_o our_o heart_n it_o be_v a_o common_a observation_n quod_fw-la sponte_fw-la prodit_fw-la laetius_fw-la prodit_fw-la what_o a_o soil_n natural_o bring_v forth_o it_o bring_v forth_o more_o vigorous_o and_o certain_o than_o what_o it_o be_v make_v to_o bring_v forth_o by_o art_n and_o cultivation_n the_o heart_n of_o every_o man_n natural_o incline_v to_o motion_n and_o action_n contrary_a to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n hence_o self-denial_n be_v the_o first_o thing_n necessary_a to_o christ_n disciple_n this_o make_v more_o than_o a_o concourse_n of_o common_a providence_n necessary_a to_o a_o spiritual_a act_n now_o in_o our_o natural_a motion_n there_o be_v no_o opposition_n and_o therefore_o a_o ordinary_a conservative_n power_n of_o common_a providence_n be_v sufficient_a to_o their_o production_n nature_n give_v no_o opposition_n to_o they_o but_o this_o reason_n differ_v very_o little_a from_o the_o first_o therefore_o i_o shall_v not_o further_o enlarge_v upon_o this_o head_n 4._o last_o if_o we_o can_v exercise_v gracious_a habit_n without_o any_o supernatural_a influence_n exciting_a and_o quicken_a and_o also_o assist_v and_o cooperate_n then_o we_o may_v from_o ourselves_o begin_v and_o carry_v on_o a_o supernatural_a act_n for_o suppose_v one_o endue_v with_o the_o habit_n of_o grace_n he_o be_v only_o by_o these_o furnish_v with_o a_o power_n to_o believe_v to_o love_n god_n etc._n etc._n the_o question_n be_v whence_o he_o act_v and_o exercise_v these_o power_n if_o this_o be_v from_o himself_o than_o the_o supernatural_a act_n begin_v and_o be_v carry_v on_o from_o himself_o and_o god_n shall_v give_v only_o to_o will_n but_o not_o to_o do_v the_o apostle_n tell_v we_o in_o 2_o cor._n 3._o 5._o that_o we_o be_v not_o sufficient_a of_o ourselves_o to_o think_v any_o thing_n as_o of_o ourselves_o but_o our_o sufficiency_n be_v from_o god_n if_o it_o be_v answer_v that_o as_o in_o natural_a action_n god_n uphold_v the_o natural_a power_n and_o faculty_n of_o the_o soul_n so_o in_o the_o renew_a nature_n he_o uphold_v the_o spiritual_a power_n this_o be_v too_o short_a for_o the_o question_n be_v whence_o a_o christian_a be_v incline_v to_o this_o or_o that_o individual_a good_a action_n and_o why_o more_o at_o one_o time_n than_o another_o for_o there_o be_v a_o never-ceasing_a influence_n of_o god_n uphold_v the_o principle_n and_o power_n of_o the_o renew_a nature_n yet_o experience_n tell_v we_o there_o be_v not_o at_o all_o time_n the_o same_o power_n and_o vigour_n to_o act_v beside_o in_o all_o god_n influence_n and_o concurse_n of_o providence_n with_o his_o creature_n his_o influence_n be_v according_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o second_o cause_n with_o which_o he_o concur_v but_o when_o god_n concur_v with_o a_o spiritual_a habit_n or_o power_n in_o the_o soul_n he_o concur_v with_o a_o second_o cause_n which_o be_v supernatural_a not_o a_o native_a quality_n in_o the_o rational_a soul_n but_o adventitious_a superinduce_v quality_n therefore_o a_o ordinary_a concourse_n of_o providence_n be_v not_o sufficient_a and_o as_o the_o second_o cause_n with_o which_o he_o concur_v be_v supernatural_a so_o the_o effect_n to_o be_v produce_v be_v of_o that_o nature_n also_o to_o all_o this_o may_v be_v add_v the_o mention_n so_o often_o make_v in_o scripture_n of_o the_o spirit_n dwell_v in_o we_o help_v our_o infirmity_n work_v in_o we_o and_o st._n paul_n tell_v we_o that_o he_o live_v yet_o not_o he_o but_o say_v he_o christ_n live_v in_o i_o gal._n 2._o 2d_o and_o that_o 1_o cor._n 15._o 10._o by_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n i_o be_o what_o i_o be_o and_o his_o grace_n which_o be_v bestow_v upon_o i_o be_v not_o in_o vain_a but_o i_o labour_v more_o abundant_o than_o they_o all_o yet_o not_o i_o but_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n that_o be_v with_o i_o but_o i_o have_v speak_v enough_o to_o the_o first_o conclusion_n i_o lay_v down_o prove_v that_o our_o exercise_n of_o grace_n depend_v upon_o the_o influence_n of_o christ_n and_o that_o consider_v he_o not_o as_o god_n only_o grant_v his_o ordinary_a concourse_n of_o providence_n to_o all_o his_o creature_n motion_n and_o action_n but_o consider_v he_o as_o mediator_n and_o from_o who_o the_o spirit_n of_o grace_n proceed_v there_o must_v be_v a_o double_a influence_n of_o christ_n to_o a_o spiritual_a act._n 1._o the_o first_o exciting_a move_a quicken_a and_o stir_v up_o the_o soul_n unto_o it_o 2._o assist_v the_o soul_n in_o it_o 2._o conclus_fw-la degree_n of_o exercise_n of_o grace_n depend_v upon_o the_o degree_n of_o those_o influence_n christ_n tell_v we_o that_o he_o come_v into_o the_o world_n that_o his_o people_n may_v have_v life_n and_o that_o they_o may_v have_v it_o more_o abundant_o joh._n 10._o 10._o the_o abounding_n of_o gracious_a act_n depend_v upon_o the_o abounding_n of_o spiritual_a life_n this_o be_v so_o obvious_a to_o every_o man_n common_a reason_n that_o i_o need_v not_o enlarge_v in_o a_o discourse_n to_o prove_v it_o every_o one_o will_v conclude_v that_o if_o without_o christ_n we_o can_v do_v nothing_o we_o can_v without_o he_o do_v great_a thing_n if_o we_o can_v think_v a_o good_a thought_n we_o can_v pray_v a_o good_a prayer_n nor_o do_v a_o act_n which_o must_v speak_v a_o great_a self-denial_n and_o mortification_n of_o our_o member_n 3._o conclus_fw-la as_o be_v the_o exercise_n of_o grace_n so_o be_v the_o smell_n of_o it_o i_o have_v before_o tell_v you_o that_o some_o divine_n say_v the_o exercise_n of_o grace_n be_v the_o smell_n of_o it_o i_o have_v rather_o by_o it_o understand_v the_o acceptation_n of_o such_o exercise_n of_o grace_n with_o god_n and_o the_o report_n of_o it_o among_o man_n which_o indeed_o depend_v upon_o the_o exercise_n and_o be_v more_o or_o less_o according_a to_o the_o exercise_n of_o it_o the_o more_o a_o soul_n live_v in_o the_o improvement_n and_o exercise_n of_o those_o bless_a habit_n with_o which_o god_n have_v endue_v it_o the_o more_o it_o glorifi_v god_n joh._n 15._o 8._o herein_o be_v my_o father_n glorify_v that_o you_o bear_v much_o fruit_n so_o shall_v you_o be_v my_o disciple_n abraham_n be_v strong_a in_o the_o faith_n give_v glory_n to_o god_n and_o the_o great_a be_v the_o sweet_a savour_n which_o the_o soul_n give_v in_o the_o world_n there_o be_v nothing_o in_o the_o exercise_n of_o gracious_a habit_n that_o be_v unlovely_a or_o unsavoury_a to_o that_o part_n of_o the_o world_n that_o have_v not_o through_o malice_n outlawed_a its_o reason_n they_o be_v not_o the_o exercise_n of_o grace_n but_o the_o break_n out_o of_o sin_n and_o corruption_n which_o give_v the_o soul_n of_o christian_n any_o ill_a report_n among_o the_o generality_n of_o the_o man_n of_o the_o world_n some_o few_o person_n indeed_o there_o be_v who_o have_v such_o a_o perfect_a root_a hatred_n of_o god_n in_o they_o that_o as_o they_o say_v of_o the_o basilisk_n that_o it_o have_v such_o a_o hatred_n and_o antipathy_n to_o man_n that_o it_o will_v fly_v upon_o the_o picture_n of_o a_o man_n so_o they_o will_v fly_v upon_o the_o image_n of_o god_n wherever_o they_o see_v it_o or_o think_v they_o see_v it_o but_o the_o number_n of_o these_o though_o in_o itself_o too_o great_a yet_o comparative_o be_v but_o small_a the_o generality_n of_o man_n and_o woman_n in_o the_o world_n be_v not_o so_o bad_a but_o a_o good_a man_n live_v uniform_o up_o to_o his_o principle_n have_v a_o fair_a quarter_n among_o they_o but_o among_o the_o people_n of_o god_n those_o who_o excel_v in_o virtue_n the_o exercise_n of_o grace_n always_o smell_v very_o sweet_a and_o among_o all_o man_n under_o the_o conduct_n of_o reason_n as_o be_v the_o exercise_n of_o these_o spiritual_a habit_n so_o be_v the_o christian_n smell_n more_o or_o less_o the_o ointment_n pour_v forth_o be_v that_o which_o perfume_v the_o house_n the_o reason_n be_v because_o that_o odoriferous_a quality_n be_v by_o the_o air_n as_o its_o vehicle_n convey_v to_o our_o sense_n so_o for_o man_n and_o woman_n in_o the_o world_n
it_o be_v wholesome_a against_o insection_n help_v woman_n in_o travel_n cure_v consumption_n quicken_v the_o appetite_n etc._n etc._n i_o shall_v not_o dwell_v upon_o this_o because_o i_o do_v not_o think_v it_o chief_o intend_a but_o christ_n in_o this_o sense_n be_v to_o the_o believe_a soul_n a_o bundle_n of_o myrrh_n heal_v all_o the_o soul_n disease_n ps_n 103._o 3._o he_o be_v that_o tree_n rev._n 22._o 2._o who_o leaf_n be_v for_o the_o heal_n of_o the_o nation_n he_o heal_v the_o break_a in_o heart_n psal_n 147._o 3._o what_o he_o do_v while_o he_o be_v upon_o the_o earth_n by_o his_o miraculous_a power_n as_o to_o man_n body_n mat._n 4._o 23._o heal_v all_o manner_n of_o sickness_n that_o he_o do_v now_o in_o heaven_n for_o the_o soul_n by_o his_o save_a efficacy_n 3._o myrrh_n be_v as_o i_o tell_v you_o a_o great_a preservative_n against_o putresaction_n which_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o their_o use_n of_o it_o about_o dead_a body_n either_o put_v it_o into_o the_o body_n after_o the_o egyptian_a method_n or_o outward_o anoint_v or_o embalm_v the_o body_n with_o it_o after_o the_o jewish_a method_n christ_n be_v the_o same_o to_o the_o soul_n where_o he_o dwell_v he_o preserve_v the_o soul_n against_o the_o putrefaction_n of_o lust_n and_o corruption_n the_o apostle_n speak_v this_o rom._n 6._o 3._o 3._o how_o shall_v we_o that_o be_v dead_a to_o sin_n live_v any_o long_a therein_o where_o he_o argue_v that_o the_o soul_n interest_n in_o christ_n arise_v from_o its_o justification_n preserve_v the_o soul_n against_o putrify_a lust_n that_o sin_n can_v have_v dominion_n over_o it_o because_o it_o be_v not_o under_o the_o law_n but_o under_o grace_n but_o i_o hasten_v to_o the_o four_o which_o in_o the_o judgement_n of_o interpreter_n be_v chief_o intend_v here_o 4._o myrrh_n whether_o in_o the_o herb_n spice_n or_o gum_n be_v exceed_v sweet_a hence_o you_o read_v of_o bed_n and_o garment_n presume_a with_o myrrh_n now_o the_o great_a quantity_n there_o be_v the_o strong_a the_o odour_n must_v be_v christ_n be_v a_o heap_n of_o sweet_n exceed_o sweet_a to_o 16_o the_o soul_n his_o mouth_n be_v most_o sweet_a cant._n 5._o 16._o his_o cheek_n be_v as_o sweet_a flower_n his_o lip_n drop_v sweet_a smell_a myrrh_n cant._n 5._o 13._o sweetness_n to_o the_o nostril_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o a_o smell_n that_o arise_v from_o some_o hide_a quality_n in_o the_o thing_n that_o emit_v it_o and_o convey_v to_o the_o nostril_n by_o the_o air_n gratify_v that_o outward_a sense_n there_o be_v a_o sweetness_n that_o be_v mental_a too_o a_o notion_n be_v as_o sweet_a to_o the_o 19_o scholar_n as_o a_o perfume_n be_v to_o a_o lady_n prov._n 13._o 19_o desire_v accomplish_v be_v sweet_a to_o the_o soul_n christ_n sweetness_n be_v mental_a sweetness_n he_o be_v sweetness_n not_o to_o the_o nostril_n but_o to_o the_o soul_n and_o so_o he_o be_v a_o bundle_n of_o sweet_n let_v i_o untie_v this_o bundle_n of_o myrrh_n a_o little_a and_o show_v you_o how_o christ_n be_v sweet_a i_o will_v open_v it_o to_o you_o in_o three_o thing_n 1._o he_o be_v exceed_o sweet_a in_o his_o action_n as_o our_o redeemer_n as_o to_o these_o he_o be_v a_o bundle_n of_o myrrh_n there_o be_v many_o of_o they_o his_o unite_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n to_o the_o humane_a nature_n in_o his_o incarnation_n his_o fulfil_n the_o law_n his_o death_n upon_o the_o cross_n his_o resurrection_n ascend_v sit_v at_o his_o father_n right_a hand_n make_v intercession_n for_o we_o the_o soul_n smell_v of_o all_o these_o by_o meditation_n and_o faith_n and_o the_o smell_n be_v like_a that_o of_o a_o bundle_n of_o myrrh_n shall_v i_o show_v you_o how_o 1._o for_o his_o incarnation_n with_o the_o manner_n of_o it_o he_o unite_v the_o divine_a and_o humane_a nature_n by_o a_o hypostatical_a union_n be_v conceive_v by_o the_o overshadow_a of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n in_o the_o womb_n of_o a_o virgin_n without_o the_o help_n of_o man_n mr._n ainsworth_n and_o other_o think_v this_o text_n have_v a_o special_a referenee_n to_o this_o this_o be_v christ_n now_o consider_v as_o wrap_v in_o swaddle_a clothes_n and_o lay_v in_o a_o manger_n the_o soul_n smell_v of_o this_o by_o a_o firm_a and_o steadfast_a divine_a faith_n believe_v the_o thing_n because_o god_n have_v say_v it_o in_o his_o word_n though_o it_o can_v see_v it_o by_o the_o evidence_n of_o reason_n and_o sense_n and_o the_o soul_n smell_v of_o it_o continual_o by_o meditation_n and_o o_o how_o sweet_a it_o be_v to_o a_o believe_a soul_n then_o say_v the_o soul_n first_o he_o that_o sanctify_v and_o i_o that_o be_o sanctify_v be_v both_o one_o i_o see_v christ_n be_v not_o ashamed_a to_o call_v i_o brother_n 2._o then_o faith_n the_o soul_n i_o see_v i_o have_v a_o merciful_a high-priest_n that_o know_v how_o to_o pity_v a_o poor_a piece_n of_o flesh_n hunger_a and_o thirst_v and_o full_a of_o infirmity_n 3._o again_o here_o be_v comfort_n say_v the_o poor_a soul_n to_o i_o i_o be_v bear_v a_o leper_n under_o the_o impute_a guilt_n of_o adam_n sin_n i_o be_v conceive_v in_o sin_n and_o bring_v forth_o in_o iniquity_n but_o my_o saviour_n be_v bear_v without_o sin_n the_o vessel_n be_v make_v pure_a by_o the_o overshadowing_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o no_o impure_a hand_n contribute_v to_o his_o conveyance_n into_o the_o world_n i_o be_v bear_v a_o child_n of_o wrath_n indebt_v to_o justice_n before_o i_o know_v what_o i_o do_v but_o he_o be_v bear_v a_o child_n of_o love_n he_o be_v bear_v with_o a_o knowledge_n of_o humane_a infirmity_n to_o know_v how_o to_o pity_v i_o but_o without_o sinful_a infirmity_n that_o he_o may_v be_v in_o a_o capacity_n to_o save_v and_o help_v i_o again_o say_v the_o soul_n then_o i_o see_v a_o perfect_a and_o sufficient_a saviour_n one_o meâ—rly_a god_n consider_v the_o justice_n of_o god_n that_o can_v give_v no_o remission_n without_o blood_n can_v not_o have_v save_v i_o because_o he_o can_v not_o have_v die_v for_o i_o and_o so_o have_v destroy_v he_o that_o have_v the_o power_n of_o death_n one_o mere_o man_n can_v not_o have_v save_v i_o for_o he_o can_v not_o have_v merit_v but_o a_o person_n that_o be_v god_n and_o man_n god_n and_o man_n in_o one_o person_n must_v needs_o be_v in_o a_o perfect_a capacity_n as_o man_n he_o die_v as_o god_n he_o merit_v nay_o the_o person_n that_o be_v god-man_n both_o die_v and_o merit_v how_o sweet_a be_v this_o to_o the_o soul_n torture_v itself_o with_o thought_n for_o the_o filthiness_n of_o its_o nature_n trouble_v with_o humane_a infirmity_n perplex_v with_o thought_n how_o christ_n shall_v be_v able_a to_o save_v it_o etc._n etc._n this_o be_v but_o one_o of_o his_o action_n 2._o he_o fulfil_v the_o law_n for_o we_o i_o be_o not_o of_o their_o mind_n that_o think_v that_o christ_n active_a obedience_n be_v not_o impute_v i_o think_v the_o apostle_n speak_v plain_a enough_o to_o the_o contrary_a rom._n 8._o 3_o 4._o and_o if_o not_o he_o yet_o the_o prophet_n by_o his_o knowledge_n he_o shall_v justify_v many_o you_o read_v that_o he_o be_v make_v righteousness_n for_o we_o and_o doubtless_o whatever_o some_o may_v fancy_v the_o obedience_n of_o the_o person_n which_o be_v god-man_n can_v not_o be_v a_o homage_n due_a from_o the_o humane_a nature_n of_o christ_n which_o be_v indeed_o but_o a_o creature_n christ_n fulfil_v the_o law_n be_v exceed_o sweet_a to_o the_o gracicious_a soul_n this_o poor_a soul_n when_o renew_v be_v but_o renew_v in_o part_n &_o in_o many_o thing_n offend_v and_o the_o sense_n of_o its_o daily_a backslide_n make_v it_o tremble_v how_o sweet_a be_v it_o now_o to_o the_o soul_n to_o be_v able_a to_o conclude_v thus_o to_o its_o self_n though_o there_o be_v much_o guile_n find_v in_o my_o heart_n and_o in_o my_o mouth_n yet_o in_o his_o mouth_n there_o be_v no_o guile_n find_v though_o i_o have_v be_v a_o absolom_n rebel_a against_o my_o heavenly_a father_n from_o my_o youth_n upward_o yet_o he_o be_v a_o adonijah_n a_o son_n that_o never_o displease_v his_o father_n 3._o look_v upon_o he_o in_o the_o lay_n down_o of_o his_o life_n how_o sweet_a be_v the_o meditation_n of_o it_o to_o a_o poor_a soul_n christ_n crucify_v be_v a_o bundle_n of_o myrrh_n indeed_o from_o hence_o the_o soul_n draw_v many_o precious_a smell_n hence_o it_o be_v that_o the_o soul_n smelis_fw-la spiritual_a life_n with_o all_o the_o consequence_n and_o dependency_n upon_o it_o hence_o it_o smell_v spiritual_a liberty_n with_o all_o the_o sweet_a fruit_n of_o it_o i_o say_v from_o hence_o it_o smell_v spiritual_a life_n to_o itself_o when_o it_o be_v almost_o suffocate_v with_o the_o apprehension_n of_o the_o
confession_n of_o our_o sin_n one_o to_o another_o call_v for_o jam._n 5._o 16_o 17._o be_v one_o of_o those_o holy_a thing_n which_o must_v not_o be_v cast_v before_o dog_n one_o of_o those_o pearl_n which_o must_v not_o be_v throw_v before_o swine_n thus_o you_o shall_v observe_v in_o st._n paul_n that_o in_o that_o part_n of_o his_o epistle_n where_o he_o write_v with_o reference_n to_o the_o saint_n he_o open_v himself_o and_o lay_v himself_o naked_a but_o where_o he_o speak_v of_o himself_o with_o relation_n to_o the_o false_a apostle_n there_o he_o magnify_v his_o office_n 4._o a_o four_o case_n be_v where_o a_o child_n of_o god_n can_v probable_o judge_v that_o by_o his_o confession_n of_o his_o sin_n and_o own_v of_o his_o blackness_n before_o man_n he_o may_v be_v advantage_v by_o their_o counsel_n or_o by_o their_o prayer_n there_o be_v two_o way_n by_o which_o a_o christian_a may_v be_v advantage_v by_o the_o confession_n of_o his_o sin_n unto_o man_n 1._o with_o respect_n to_o the_o obtain_n of_o his_o pardon_n 2._o with_o respect_n to_o his_o peace_n or_o the_o obtain_n a_o sense_n of_o his_o pardon_n 1._o i_o say_v with_o respect_n to_o his_o obtain_n pardon_v not_o that_o it_o be_v in_o the_o power_n of_o man_n to_o pardon_v sin_n he_o only_o can_v discharge_v a_o debt_n to_o who_o it_o be_v owe_v sin_n be_v a_o debt_n to_o the_o justice_n of_o god_n and_o who_o but_o god_n can_v remit_v this_o debt_n it_o be_v not_o in_o the_o power_n of_o pope_n or_o priest_n or_o minister_n to_o pardon_v sin_n or_o grant_v absolution_n to_o any_o but_o declarative_o he_o can_v indeed_o declare_v the_o will_n of_o god_n to_o pardon_v the_o sin_n of_o those_o that_o true_o repent_v and_o believe_v in_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n but_o that_o be_v all_o the_o minister_n can_v do_v in_o the_o remission_n of_o sin_n the_o act_n be_v god_n the_o minister_n absolution_n be_v valid_a or_o invalid_a as_o the_o person_n do_v or_o do_v not_o true_o repent_v and_o true_o believe_v but_o yet_o i_o say_v the_o confession_n of_o sin_n not_o only_o to_o minister_n but_o to_o private_a christian_n may_v be_v of_o great_a use_n and_o effect_n in_o order_n to_o the_o obtain_n of_o our_o pardon_n by_o virtue_n of_o that_o promise_n 1_o joh._n 5._o 16._o if_o a_o man_n see_v his_o brother_n sin_n a_o sin_n which_o be_v not_o unto_o death_n he_o shall_v ask_v and_o give_v he_o life_n who_o have_v not_o sin_v unto_o death_n now_o unless_o we_o know_v that_o our_o brother_n have_v sin_v how_o shall_v we_o ask_v for_o he_o and_o unless_o we_o have_v see_v he_o how_o shall_v we_o know_v it_o without_o his_o own_o confession_n of_o it_o we_o 2._o but_o second_o it_o must_v also_o be_v of_o great_a advantage_n to_o we_o with_o respect_n to_o our_o peace_n or_o sense_n of_o pardon_n and_o that_o be_v not_o only_o as_o the_o other_o by_o obtain_v their_o prayer_n for_o we_o but_o also_o by_o obtain_v their_o advice_n and_o counsel_n thus_o ofttimes_o a_o christian_n own_v and_o confess_v some_o particular_a sin_n either_o to_o a_o judicious_a and_o faithful_a minister_n or_o to_o some_o judicious_a and_o well_o experience_a christian_n prove_v a_o great_a ease_n and_o relief_n to_o his_o mind_n by_o their_o speak_n of_o some_o word_n in_o season_n or_o by_o some_o seasonable_a advice_n and_o counsel_n now_o in_o such_o a_o case_n as_o this_o a_o christian_a may_v be_v under_o the_o same_o obligation_n to_o confess_v his_o sin_n unto_o man_n that_o every_o one_o be_v to_o do_v what_o be_v of_o most_o proper_a spiritual_a advantage_n to_o his_o soul_n 3._o last_o there_o be_v some_o case_n wherein_o a_o child_n of_o god_n will_v own_v his_o blackness_n even_o bâ—fore_o the_o world_n 1_o when_o he_o can_v conceal_v it_o without_o deny_v the_o truth_n a_o christian_a be_v not_o bind_v to_o proclaim_v his_o sin_n to_o the_o man_n of_o the_o world_n when_o it_o may_v tend_v to_o the_o reproach_n and_o blaspheme_v of_o the_o name_n of_o god_n but_o if_o the_o case_n be_v so_o that_o he_o have_v fail_v in_o their_o sight_n and_o they_o come_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o it_o and_o charge_v he_o with_o it_o they_o must_v not_o tell_v a_o lie_n to_o cover_v their_o own_o shame_n when_o tamar_n gen._n 38._o 25._o send_v to_o her_o father_n in_o law_n the_o signet_n and_o bracelet_n and_o staff_n with_o that_o message_n by_o the_o man_n who_o these_o be_v i_o be_o with_o child_n discern_v i_o pray_v thou_o who_o be_v thâ—se_a judah_n acknowledge_v they_o and_o say_v she_o have_v be_v more_o righteous_a than_o i_o 2._o when_o the_o sin_n be_v know_v and_o be_v a_o eminent_a injury_n to_o our_o neighbour_n in_o case_n of_o all_o injury_n to_o man_n which_o be_v capable_a of_o reparation_n and_o satisfaction_n satisfaction_n be_v necessary_a in_o order_n to_o god_n pardon_n if_o we_o be_v able_a to_o make_v it_o but_o not_o confession_n in_o all_o case_n as_o now_o suppose_v a_o servant_n have_v steal_v from_o his_o master_n during_o his_o service_n with_o he_o and_o his_o master_n be_v one_o that_o be_v a_o enemy_n to_o religion_n and_o godliness_n afterward_o god_n change_v this_o servant_n heart_n he_o be_v certain_o bind_v to_o his_o ability_n to_o make_v his_o master_n reparation_n &_o full_a satisfaction_n but_o i_o do_v not_o know_v that_o he_o be_v bind_v to_o come_v to_o confess_v it_o unto_o he_o who_o probable_o will_v make_v no_o other_o use_n of_o it_o then_o to_o reproach_n and_o blaspheme_v the_o name_n of_o god_n and_o that_o way_n and_o course_n of_o religion_n in_o which_o he_o be_v engage_v but_o in_o case_n the_o thing_n be_v know_v than_o confession_n even_o to_o man_n may_v be_v our_o duty_n to_o take_v shame_n to_o our_o own_o soul_n and_o give_v glory_n unto_o god_n 3._o last_o a_o child_n of_o god_n will_v confess_v his_o sin_n even_o before_o man_n of_o the_o world_n where_o he_o see_v a_o probable_a opportunity_n to_o do_v other_o sinner_n good_a by_o it_o and_o this_o most_o common_o happen_v when_o man_n have_v be_v companion_n in_o sin_n one_o to_o and_o with_o another_o when_o man_n have_v be_v companion_n one_o to_o another_o in_o drunkenness_n these_o sabbath-breaking_a or_o any_o other_o course_n of_o sin_v a_o good_a man_n may_v sometime_o probable_o judge_v that_o his_o ow_n and_o confess_v with_o tear_n to_o his_o old_a companion_n his_o fellowship_n with_o they_o in_o sin_v may_v probable_o invite_v they_o to_o a_o fellowship_n with_o he_o in_o a_o consideration_n of_o he_o or_o their_o way_n in_o a_o sense_n of_o and_o godly_a sorrow_n for_o their_o sin_n and_o if_o he_o have_v any_o such_o hope_n any_o such_o prospect_n he_o will_v confess_v his_o blackness_n even_o to_o they_o thus_o i_o find_v some_o divine_v interpret_n that_o jam._n 5._o 15._o confess_v your_o sin_n one_o to_o another_o that_o those_o who_o have_v be_v colleague_n and_o companion_n in_o sin_n one_o to_o another_o shall_v confess_v and_o bewail_v their_o sin_n each_o to_o other_o though_o i_o must_v confess_v i_o rather_o think_v that_o text_n be_v to_o be_v understand_v of_o intimate_a serious_a christian_n confess_v their_o sin_n free_o one_o to_o another_o in_o order_n to_o the_o obtain_n of_o the_o benefit_n of_o each_o other_o prayer_n because_o of_o what_o follow_v and_o pray_v one_o for_o another_o these_o now_o be_v those_o case_n and_o time_n in_o and_o under_o which_o the_o spouse_n of_o christ_n will_v confess_v and_o acknowledge_v that_o she_o be_v black_a black_a through_o the_o prevailing_n of_o sin_n and_o corruption_n of_o this_o confession_n of_o sin_n we_o have_v plentiful_a instance_n in_o scripture_n both_o of_o such_o as_o be_v more_o public_a and_o such_o as_o be_v more_o private_a it_o be_v bring_v as_o one_o argument_n to_o prove_v the_o holy_a scripture_n to_o be_v no_o humane_a write_n but_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o that_o holy_a man_n write_v as_o they_o be_v inspire_v by_o god_n that_o they_o have_v publish_v their_o own_o fail_n and_o make_v their_o own_o sin_n to_o stand_v upon_o record_n to_o posterity_n which_o be_v not_o the_o way_n of_o ordinary_a writer_n who_o common_o write_v for_o their_o own_o honour_n and_o praise_n beside_o the_o scripture_n instance_n we_o have_v it_o in_o the_o daily_a practice_n of_o god_n people_n not_o only_o in_o their_o daily_a prayer_n they_o put_v up_o to_o almighty_a god_n but_o in_o their_o more_o private_a converse_v with_o minister_n and_o with_o fellow_n christian_n which_o be_v very_o full_a of_o these_o confession_n and_o abasement_n of_o themselves_o this_o freedom_n of_o god_n people_n in_o own_v and_o acknowledge_v their_o blackness_n proceed_v from_o several_a cause_n 1._o the_o soul_n
humiliation_n before_o it_o be_v bring_v home_o to_o christ_n the_o soul_n be_v enlighten_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o grace_n see_v the_o vileness_n and_o filthiness_n of_o its_o own_o heart_n to_o that_o degree_n that_o it_o be_v ashamed_a and_o think_v that_o it_o can_v abase_v itself_o enough_o in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n and_o from_o this_o disposition_n of_o the_o soul_n to_o abhor_v loath_a and_o shame_n itself_o proceed_v this_o freedom_n &_o willingness_n in_o the_o soul_n upon_o all_o occasion_n with_o respect_n have_v to_o christian_a prudence_n to_o vilify_v itself_o by_o the_o confession_n of_o its_o own_o blackness_n and_o infirmity_n 2._o it_o proceed_v also_o from_o the_o habit_n of_o humility_n give_v to_o and_o wrought_v in_o the_o heart_n of_o every_o believer_n this_o be_v one_o of_o the_o perfection_n of_o the_o new_a creature_n it_o differ_v from_o the_o other_o little_o more_o than_o as_o the_o disposition_n from_o the_o habit_n this_o teach_v the_o soul_n at_o all_o time_n a_o mean_a and_o low_a opinion_n of_o itself_o the_o hypocrite_n be_v always_o proud_a and_o look_n upon_o all_o his_o gift_n and_o good_a action_n with_o a_o multiply_a glass_n which_o make_v they_o appear_v more_o than_o they_o be_v and_o great_a than_o they_o be_v the_o humble_a soul_n look_v upon_o all_o as_o less_o in_o i_o say_v paul_n there_o dwell_v no_o good_a thing_n hence_o he_o can_v hardly_o be_v hear_v to_o say_v any_o thing_n but_o in_o diminution_n and_o defamation_n of_o himself_o 3._o it_o proceed_v also_o from_o this_o soul_n more_o perfect_a understanding_n the_o mark_n of_o perfection_n he_o know_v better_a than_o another_o what_o god_n require_v of_o he_o what_o degree_n of_o faith_n love_n zeal_n holiness_n this_o make_v he_o a_o better_a judge_n of_o his_o own_o imperfection_n and_o more_o ready_a to_o confess_v and_o bewail_v they_o the_o hypocrite_n and_o natural_a man_n understand_v not_o the_o breadth_n of_o the_o divine_a law_n what_o faith_n what_o holiness_n god_n require_v of_o he_o he_o be_v proud_a know_v nothing_o as_o the_o apostle_n speak_v of_o some_o 1_o tim._n 6._o 4._o not_o only_o his_o pride_n prompt_v he_o to_o exalt_v himself_o but_o his_o ignorance_n know_v nothing_o as_o he_o ought_v to_o know_v it_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o his_o want_n of_o freedom_n to_o this_o duty_n it_o be_v with_o such_o a_o man_n as_o it_o be_v with_o a_o sophister_n in_o the_o university_n a_o little_a knowledge_n that_o he_o have_v puff_v he_o up_o he_o think_v he_o know_v all_o thing_n but_o when_o he_o come_v to_o be_v master_n of_o art_n to_o have_v look_v into_o book_n a_o little_a more_o and_o to_o understand_v the_o compass_n of_o learn_v a_o little_a better_o than_o he_o complain_v of_o his_o ignorance_n and_o the_o small_a portion_n of_o knowledge_n which_o he_o have_v so_o the_o man_n that_o have_v but_o a_o mean_a and_o imperfect_a knowledge_n of_o the_o will_n of_o god_n he_o be_v proud_a and_o think_v he_o know_v all_o thing_n but_o when_o god_n come_v to_o open_v his_o eye_n and_o to_o let_v he_o see_v the_o mystery_n of_o divine_a knowledge_n he_o see_v more_o duty_n than_o he_o see_v before_o and_o consequent_o more_o sin_n and_o more_o defect_n in_o his_o own_o soul_n there_o be_v a_o vast_a difference_n betwixt_o that_o knowledge_n of_o duty_n &_o sin_n which_o be_v in_o the_o heart_n of_o a_o child_n of_o god_n under_o the_o illumination_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o grace_n and_o that_o which_o be_v in_o a_o soul_n not_o under_o that_o special_a illumination_n 4._o again_o a_o christian_n often_o compure_v himself_o with_o other_o and_o judge_v himself_o by_o their_o measure_n be_v often_o a_o great_a cause_n of_o this_o the_o natural_a man_n ordinary_o choose_v companion_n like_a unto_o himself_o and_o judge_v of_o himself_o by_o their_o measure_n see_v himself_o as_o the_o pharisee_fw-mi luk._n 18._o to_o exceed_v the_o drunkard_n in_o temperance_n and_o sobriety_n the_o extortioner_n in_o justice_n and_o mercy_n the_o adulterer_n in_o chastity_n the_o atheist_n in_o a_o formality_n of_o dutiness_n a_o form_n of_o godliness_n he_o see_v no_o blackness_n in_o himself_o to_o confess_v he_o be_v captain_n of_o his_o form_n but_o now_o the_o convert_a soul_n be_v come_v to_o be_v a_o companion_n of_o those_o that_o fear_v the_o lord_n he_o set_v before_o himself_o the_o example_n of_o the_o saint_n of_o god_n in_o holy_a writ_n and_o of_o those_o that_o be_v yet_o in_o the_o world_n that_o excel_v in_o virtue_n in_o the_o scripture_n he_o read_v of_o the_o faith_n of_o holy_a abraham_n who_o believe_v in_o hope_n against_o hope_n not_o stagger_v at_o the_o promise_n through_o unbely_n the_o patience_n of_o job_n who_o when_o he_o have_v lose_v all_o his_o estate_n all_o his_o child_n yet_o do_v not_o speak_v inadvised_o with_o his_o lip_n nor_o charge_n god_n foolish_o he_o read_v of_o david_n exceed_a love_n and_o delight_n for_o and_o in_o the_o law_n of_o the_o lord_n when_o he_o look_v among_o his_o new_a companion_n he_o see_v in_o one_o christian_n more_o tenderness_n of_o heart_n in_o another_o more_o faith_n in_o a_o three_o more_o zeal_n and_o activity_n for_o god_n than_o he_o can_v find_v in_o himself_o hence_o he_o cry_v out_o of_o his_o blackness_n and_o bewail_v his_o come_n so_o short_a of_o other_o 5._o again_o he_o live_v in_o a_o daily_a sense_n of_o his_o want_n and_o defect_n my_o sin_n say_v david_n be_v ever_o before_o i_o and_o so_o his_o tongue_n do_v but_o express_v the_o inward_a sense_n and_o apprehension_n of_o his_o soul_n 6._o last_o as_o all_o such_o soul_n will_v be_v sensible_a of_o their_o defect_n and_o want_n so_o they_o be_v continual_o desirous_a of_o a_o heal_n of_o their_o wound_n and_o a_o supply_n and_o relief_n which_o they_o know_v confession_n be_v the_o way_n to_o obtain_v as_o for_o confession_n unto_o god_n the_o wise_a man_n have_v tell_v we_o prov._n 28_o 13._o that_o he_o that_o cover_v his_o sin_n shall_v not_o prosper_v but_o who_o so_o confess_v and_o forsake_v they_o shall_v have_v mercy_n david_n tell_v we_o psal_n 32._o 3._o that_o when_o he_o keep_v silence_n his_o bone_n wax_v old_a through_o his_o roar_n all_o the_o day_n for_o say_v he_o day_n and_o night_n thy_o hand_n be_v heavy_a upon_o i_o my_o moisture_n be_v turn_v into_o the_o drought_n of_o summer_n what_o remedy_n do_v he_o find_v v_o 5._o i_o acknowledge_v my_o sin_n unto_o thou_o i_o say_v i_o will_v confess_v my_o transgression_n unto_o the_o lord_n and_o thou_o forgave_v the_o iniquity_n of_o my_o sin_n nor_o be_v this_o a_o particular_a favour_n to_o david_n but_o what_o other_o may_v expect_v upon_o the_o like_a application_n to_o god_n v._n 6._o for_o this_o shall_v every_o one_o that_o be_v godly_a prey_n unto_o thou_o in_o a_o time_n when_o thou_o may_v be_v find_v sure_o in_o the_o flood_n of_o great_a water_n they_o shall_v not_o come_v nigh_o unto_o he_o a_o godly_a man_n know_v that_o as_o the_o hide_v of_o his_o disease_n from_o the_o physician_n and_o his_o wound_n from_o the_o chirurgeon_n be_v not_o the_o way_n to_o be_v cure_v or_o heal_v so_o neither_o be_v the_o hide_v of_o the_o nakedness_n of_o his_o soul_n fâ—om_n god_n the_o way_n to_o have_v it_o cover_v for_o although_o in_o this_o there_o be_v a_o difference_n that_o our_o spiritual_a physician_n know_v our_o disease_n without_o our_o discovery_n of_o they_o to_o he_o which_o the_o earthly_a physician_n do_v not_o yet_o god_n notwithstanding_o his_o knowledge_n require_v our_o acknowledgement_n make_v the_o case_n the_o same_o and_o the_o reason_n be_v much_o the_o same_o for_o the_o confess_v of_o our_o sin_n especial_o in_o some_o case_n to_o a_o faithful_a minister_n or_o to_o private_a christian_n god_n send_v abraham_n to_o abimelech_n gen._n 20._o 7._o for_o faith_n he_o he_o be_v a_o prophet_n and_o he_o shall_v pray_v for_o thou_o &_o thou_o shall_v live_v genesâ—_n 20._o v_o 7_o and_o he_o send_v job_n friend_n to_o job_n job_n 42._o v_o 7._o and_o say_v he_o my_o servant_n job_n shall_v pray_v for_o you_o for_o he_o i_o will_v accept_v 1_o this_o in_o the_o first_o place_n let_v we_o see_v the_o difference_n between_o a_o child_n of_o god_n and_o one_o who_o be_v but_o a_o formal_a hypocrite_n a_o hypocrite_n general_o see_v nothing_o but_o whiteness_n in_o himself_o jehu_n can_v see_v and_o call_v jonadab_n to_o see_v his_o zeal_n for_o the_o lord_n god_n but_o he_o can_v see_v nothing_o of_o his_o own_o self_n end_v in_o all_o that_o he_o do_v the_o church_n of_o laodicea_n say_v i_o be_o rich_a and_o increase_v with_o good_n and_o have_v need_n of_o nothing_o though_o at_o the_o same_o time_n she_o be_v wretched_a