chastn_n for_o the_o present_a seem_v to_o be_v joyous_a but_o grievous_a nevertheless_o afterward_o it_o yield_v the_o peaceable_a fruit_n of_o righteousness_n to_o they_o that_o be_v exercise_v thereby_o affliction_n be_v spiritual_a physic_n now_o physic_n we_o know_v at_o present_a often_o discompose_v and_o disturb_v nature_n and_o put_v the_o whole_a body_n out_o of_o frame_n it_o make_v the_o patient_a sick_a before_o it_o cure_v he_o and_o so_o it_o be_v with_o the_o physic_n of_o the_o soul_n you_o can_v discern_v the_o benefit_n of_o it_o till_o it_o have_v do_v work_v it_o make_v you_o sick_a for_o the_o present_a but_o afterward_o you_o come_v to_o see_v it_o be_v a_o good_a sickness_n that_o make_v way_n for_o health_n and_o end_v therein_o 7._o in_o the_o mean_a time_n that_o you_o see_v not_o that_o you_o in_o some_o measure_n profit_n by_o your_o affliction_n and_o that_o they_o be_v by_o degree_n do_v you_o good_a be_v very_o much_o your_o own_o fault_n 1._o you_o 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the_o usefulness_n of_o it_o in_o general_n i_o shall_v now_o descend_v to_o some_o particular_n and_o speak_v brief_o to_o they_o one_a by_o reflect_v on_o ourselves_o and_o take_v a_o view_n of_o our_o past_a action_n we_o come_v to_o know_v ourselves_o we_o understand_v the_o state_n and_o condition_n of_o our_o soul_n what_o case_n we_o be_v in_o and_o what_o opinion_n we_o ought_v to_o have_v of_o ourselves_o hereby_o we_o come_v to_o be_v acquaint_v with_o our_o spiritual_a concernment_n whether_o we_o be_v in_o the_o state_n of_o nature_n or_o in_o the_o state_n of_o grace_n whether_o we_o be_v in_o the_o way_n to_o heaven_n or_o in_o the_o way_n to_o hell_n hereby_o we_o come_v to_o know_v what_o our_o declining_n and_o decay_n what_o our_o advances_n and_o improvement_n in_o
must_v not_o expect_v that_o patience_n and_o forbearance_n at_o his_o hand_n which_o he_o be_v please_v to_o exercise_v towards_o those_o who_o live_v in_o dark_a age_n and_o time_n of_o ignorance_n barren_a tree_n may_v long_o stand_v before_o 3.10_o mat_n 3.10_o but_o now_o the_o axe_n be_v lay_v to_o the_o root_n of_o the_o tree_n and_o every_o tree_n that_o bring_v not_o forth_o good_a fruit_n shall_v be_v hew_v down_o and_o cast_v into_o the_o fire_n the_o main_a errand_n and_o design_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v that_o man_n be_v turn_v from_o darkness_n to_o light_n 26.18_o act_n 26.18_o and_o from_o the_o power_n of_o satan_n unto_o god_n to_o this_o purpose_n be_v that_o of_o the_o apostle_n 14._o rom._n 13.12_o 13_o 14._o the_o night_n be_v far_o spend_v the_o day_n be_v at_o hand_n let_v we_o therefore_o cast_v off_o the_o work_n of_o darkness_n and_o put_v on_o the_o armour_n of_o light_n let_v we_o walk_v honest_o as_o in_o the_o day_n not_o in_o riot_v and_o drunkenness_n not_o in_o chamber_v and_o wantonness_n not_o in_o strife_n and_o envy_v but_o put_v you_o on_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n and_o make_v no_o provision_n for_o the_o flesh_n to_o fulfil_v the_o lust_n thereof_o and_o again_o 12._o tit._n 2.11_o 12._o the_o grace_n of_o god_n that_o bring_v salvation_n have_v appear_v unto_o all_o man_n teach_v we_o that_o deny_v ungodliness_n and_o worldly_a lust_n we_o shall_v live_v sober_o righteous_o and_o godly_a in_o this_o present_a send_v world_n 19_o 2_o tim._n 2_o 19_o and_o let_v every_o one_o that_o name_v the_o name_n of_o christ_n depart_v from_o iniquity_n but_o this_o be_v that_o which_o the_o corrupt_a heart_n of_o man_n can_v least_o of_o all_o endure_v man_n be_v unwilling_a to_o see_v their_o sin_n but_o much_o more_o unwilling_a to_o forsake_v they_o whence_o else_o be_v those_o excuse_n which_o many_o frame_n when_o they_o be_v invite_v to_o come_v unto_o christ_n one_o be_v engage_v in_o this_o business_n and_o it_o must_v be_v 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nothing_o but_o sin_n can_v so_o bewitch_v and_o transport_v they_o that_o they_o shall_v with_o so_o much_o obstinacy_n stand_v in_o their_o own_o light_n wilful_o thrust_v away_o from_o themselves_o everlasting_a life_n and_o forsake_v their_o own_o mercy_n it_o be_v agree_v on_o that_o all_o man_n natural_o desire_v happiness_n it_o be_v nature_n language_n who_o will_v show_v we_o any_o good_a 4.6_o psal_n 4.6_o can_v man_n therefore_o reject_v eternal_a happiness_n and_o glory_n upon_o any_o other_o consideration_n than_o that_o the_o term_n on_o which_o it_o be_v offer_v seem_v to_o be_v too_o hard_o they_o must_v part_v with_o their_o sin_n if_o they_o will_v be_v happy_a and_o o_o how_o hard_o a_o say_n be_v this_o to_o flesh_n and_o blood_n the_o friendship_n which_o be_v between_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n and_o sin_n be_v so_o strict_a and_o entire_a can_v that_o light_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v welcome_a to_o he_o who_o errand_n from_o heaven_n be_v to_o make_v a_o everlasting_a separation_n between_o he_o and_o his_o sin_n most_o clear_a it_o be_v that_o wicked_a man_n while_o such_o can_v abide_v the_o light_n and_o that_o however_o they_o may_v endeavour_v to_o cover_v over_o their_o enmity_n against_o it_o with_o other_o pretension_n yet_o the_o true_a reason_n why_o they_o hate_v it_o be_v the_o wickedness_n of_o their_o heart_n and_o life_n they_o therefore_o hate_v it_o because_o their_o deed_n be_v evil_a as_o our_o saviour_n give_v we_o a_o account_n of_o the_o ground_n of_o their_o hatred_n thereof_o but_o it_o may_v here_o be_v object_v that_o the_o holy_a scripture_n elsewhere_o seem_v to_o give_v other_o reason_n of_o man_n not_o entertain_v the_o light_n of_o the_o gospel_n sometime_o they_o seem_v to_o impute_v it_o to_o the_o sublimity_n and_o to_o the_o mysterious_a nature_n of_o the_o great_a truth_n contain_v in_o the_o gospel_n 2.14_o 1_o cor._n 2.14_o the_o natural_a man_n receive_v not_o the_o thing_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n for_o they_o be_v foolishness_n unto_o he_o neither_o can_v he_o know_v they_o because_o they_o be_v spiritual_o discern_v sometime_o the_o scripture_n impute_v it_o to_o the_o subtlety_n and_o malice_n of_o satan_n darken_v the_o mind_n of_o man_n 4._o 2_o cor._n 4.3_o 4._o if_o our_o gospel_n be_v hide_v it_o be_v hide_v to_o they_o that_o be_v lose_v in_o who_o the_o god_n of_o this_o world_n have_v blind_v the_o mind_n of_o they_o which_o believe_v not_o lest_o the_o light_n of_o the_o glorious_a gospel_n of_o christ_n shall_v shine_v unto_o they_o and_o last_o otherwhile_o the_o scripture_n speak_v of_o god_n conceal_v the_o mystery_n of_o the_o gospel_n from_o some_o man_n so_o our_o saviour_n speak_v to_o his_o father_n say_v 11.25_o mat._n 11.25_o thou_o have_v hide_v these_o thing_n from_o the_o wise_a and_o prudent_a there_o be_v also_o these_o other_o reason_n of_o man_n not_o embrace_v the_o light_n of_o the_o gospel_n how_o be_v it_o that_o our_o saviour_n seem_v to_o lay_v the_o whole_a stress_n of_o this_o matter_n upon_o this_o that_o man_n deed_n be_v evil_a to_o this_o i_o answer_v 1._o that_o it_o be_v not_o necessary_a that_o we_o shall_v so_o understand_v our_o saviour_n as_o if_o he_o intend_v to_o make_v man_n sin_n the_o sole_a or_o only_a cause_n why_o he_o hate_v the_o light_n but_o one_o principal_a cause_n and_o that_o it_o be_v a_o principal_a cause_n thereof_o have_v already_o appear_v from_o what_o have_v be_v speak_v and_o will_v yet_o more_o full_o appear_v by_o what_o shall_v be_v further_o speak_v in_o answer_n to_o the_o objection_n wherefore_o 2._o though_o there_o may_v be_v some_o other_o cause_n of_o man_n hate_v the_o light_n and_o prefer_v darkness_n before_o it_o yet_o they_o may_v for_o the_o most_o part_n be_v some_o way_n or_o other_o resolve_v into_o this_o which_o our_o saviour_n here_o mention_v other_o thing_n may_v concur_v sometime_o but_o there_o be_v scarce_o any_o thing_n that_o have_v so_o 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upon_o the_o authority_n of_o god_n reveal_v they_o he_o both_o can_v and_o will_v most_o ready_o have_v assent_v to_o they_o because_o he_o have_v both_o a_o power_n and_o a_o readiness_n of_o mind_n to_o believe_v whatsoever_o truth_n god_n shall_v reveal_v and_o this_o be_v all_o that_o in_o these_o matter_n god_n require_v of_o we_o the_o deep_a thing_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v not_o propound_v to_o we_o to_o be_v perfect_o understand_v and_o comprehend_v by_o we_o but_o they_o be_v unfathomable_a by_o the_o long_a line_n of_o our_o reason_n all_o that_o god_n expect_v from_o we_o be_v that_o we_o give_v our_o assent_n to_o they_o and_o believe_v they_o and_o this_o only_a because_o he_o who_o can_v neither_o be_v deceive_v nor_o deceive_v have_v reveal_v they_o but_o as_o the_o case_n now_o stand_v with_o we_o since_o the_o fall_n though_o these_o thing_n be_v most_o clear_o reveal_v and_o as_o such_o propound_v to_o we_o yet_o we_o will_v not_o believe_v they_o they_o be_v 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will_v this_o make_v you_o how_o solicitous_a will_v you_o be_v of_o please_v he_o and_o how_o much_o afraid_a of_o offend_v he_o this_o constant_a sense_n of_o god_n presence_n and_o awe_n of_o his_o all-seeing_a eye_n upon_o our_o heart_n no_o man_n that_o have_v not_o have_v some_o experience_n of_o it_o can_v easy_o conceive_v what_o a_o influence_n it_o will_v have_v upon_o we_o to_o beget_v in_o we_o this_o holy_a circumspection_n it_o be_v our_o unmindfulness_n of_o god_n eye_n and_o presence_n that_o make_v we_o so_o heedless_a and_o unwatchful_a 3._o consider_v all_o your_o way_n and_o ponder_v your_o path_n as_o solomon_n counsel_n be_v weigh_v your_o word_n and_o action_n in_o the_o balance_n of_o the_o sanctuary_n 4.26_o prov._n 4.26_o examine_v they_o by_o the_o rule_n but_o let_v this_o be_v do_v most_o careful_o and_o exact_o when_o any_o matter_n of_o great_a and_o weighty_a consequence_n lie_v before_o you_o then_o be_v sure_a that_o you_o do_v nothing_o but_o upon_o 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a_o husband_n of_o your_o time_n as_o it_o be_v possible_a yet_o it_o can_v be_v but_o that_o much_o of_o it_o must_v have_v be_v lose_v notwithstanding_o all_o the_o care_n that_o have_v be_v take_v to_o prevent_v the_o loss_n of_o it_o much_o of_o our_o time_n run_v out_o in_o sleep_n much_o in_o eat_v and_o drink_v and_o other_o way_n of_o necessary_a refresh_n much_o in_o those_o unavoidable_a divertisement_n which_o every_o day_n we_o meet_v with_o how_o much_o of_o our_o time_n do_v these_o thing_n take_v up_o certain_o the_o far_a great_a part_n of_o every_o four_o and_o twenty_o hour_n be_v thus_o employ_v unless_o we_o be_v more_o provident_a than_o most_o man_n be_v yea_o unless_o we_o be_v extraordinary_a husband_n of_o time_n and_o rare_a pattern_n of_o the_o well-managing_a and_o improve_n thereof_o 3._o hereunto_o add_v the_o motive_n in_o the_o text_n let_v we_o redeem_v the_o time_n because_o the_o day_n be_v evil_a and_o evil_a they_o be_v both_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o evil_a of_o sin_n and_o the_o many_o temptation_n thereunto_o and_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o evil_a of_o affliction_n and_o punishment_n which_o our_o sin_n either_o have_v already_o bring_v upon_o we_o or_o threaten_v we_o with_o 1._o the_o day_n be_v evil_a in_o respect_n of_o sin_n and_o the_o many_o temptation_n thereunto_o never_o do_v as_o i_o think_v sin_n more_o abound_v than_o in_o these_o our_o day_n never_o be_v it_o more_o shameless_a and_o impudent_a never_o be_v there_o i_o think_v a_o great_a deluge_n of_o wickedness_n in_o city_n and_o country_n consider_v what_o mean_v there_o be_v to_o prevent_v it_o and_o never_o be_v there_o so_o many_o temptation_n to_o sin_n what_o by_o seducer_n that_o compass_n sea_n and_o land_n to_o make_v proselyte_n proselyte_n to_o rome_n and_o proselyte_n to_o i_o know_v not_o how_o many_o pernicious_a sect_n in_o great_a part_n create_v and_o foment_v by_o factor_n for_o rome_n and_o set_v a_o work_n and_o employ_v by_o they_o and_o what_o by_o other_o instrument_n which_o the_o devil_n have_v in_o all_o place_n to_o debauch_v man_n and_o make_v they_o atheist_n in_o opinion_n or_o in_o life_n and_o conversation_n either_o practical_a or_o speculative_a atheist_n or_o both_o be_v there_o ever_o such_o a_o atheistical_a age_n as_o we_o be_v when_o so_o many_o espouse_v and_o avow_v atheism_n when_o they_o blush_v not_o open_o to_o profess_v it_o when_o they_o plead_v for_o it_o when_o they_o dispute_v for_o it_o when_o they_o do_v all_o they_o can_v to_o spread_v and_o propagate_v it_o and_o when_o so_o many_o more_o live_v like_o perfect_a atheist_n frame_v their_o life_n no_o otherwise_o than_o they_o will_v or_o can_v do_v if_o they_o very_o believe_v that_o there_o be_v
that_o when_o other_o mean_n prove_v ineffectual_a for_o the_o reclaim_n of_o impenitent_a and_o obstinate_a sinner_n god_n be_v please_v to_o make_v use_n of_o affliction_n it_o be_v true_a god_n can_v effectual_o reclaim_v and_o convert_v the_o most_o stubborn_a and_o obstinate_a the_o most_o obdurate_a and_o hard-hearted_a sinner_n without_o affliction_n he_o need_v not_o take_v the_o rod_n in_o hand_n to_o do_v his_o work_n upon_o they_o he_o that_o make_v heart_n can_v remake_v they_o he_o can_v change_v and_o renew_v they_o when_o he_o please_v and_o how_o he_o please_v he_o can_v do_v it_o by_o mean_n and_o he_o can_v do_v it_o without_o mean_n he_o can_v create_v and_o infuse_v grace_n in_o a_o instant_a he_o can_v in_o the_o twinkle_n of_o a_o eye_n without_o the_o intervention_n or_o service_n of_o any_o create_a instrument_n transform_v the_o filthy_a the_o most_o loathsome_a and_o abominable_a sinner_n into_o a_o saint_n a_o devil_n into_o a_o angel_n of_o light_n there_o be_v nothing_o too_o hard_o for_o he_o who_o be_v omnipotent_a can_v do_v whatsoever_o he_o please_v but_o yet_o however_o ordinary_o he_o make_v use_v of_o affliction_n for_o humble_v and_o reclaim_v obstinate_a sinner_n when_o other_o mean_n prevail_v not_o and_o see_v he_o do_v make_v use_n of_o affliction_n we_o must_v conclude_v that_o he_o judge_v that_o the_o best_a and_o fit_a course_n for_o otherwise_o he_o will_v not_o make_v choice_n of_o it_o we_o may_v perhaps_o in_o favour_n to_o ourselves_o be_v apt_a to_o think_v this_o great_a work_n may_v be_v much_o better_o effect_v without_o affliction_n our_o carnal_a wisdom_n may_v apprehend_v that_o it_o will_v more_o conduce_v to_o the_o exalt_v and_o magnify_v of_o god_n power_n and_o goodness_n if_o this_o great_a work_n of_o change_v and_o renew_v the_o heart_n of_o obstinate_a sinner_n be_v effect_v by_o the_o immediate_a hand_n of_o god_n and_o the_o powerful_a operation_n of_o his_o spirit_n on_o the_o heart_n without_o the_o suffer_a the_o smart_n or_o durance_n of_o the_o sinner_n but_o alas_o who_o be_v we_o that_o we_o shall_v presume_v to_o oppose_v our_o foolish_a reason_n against_o his_o infinite_a wisdom_n whatever_o our_o dark_a selfish_a and_o partial_a reason_n may_v suggest_v to_o the_o contrary_a that_o must_v needs_o be_v the_o best_a and_o fit_a course_n that_o can_v be_v take_v which_o god_n have_v pitch_v on_o no_o better_a course_n can_v be_v think_v on_o no_o wise_a method_n can_v be_v devise_v for_o bring_v sinner_n to_o repentance_n and_o for_o work_v a_o change_n in_o they_o than_o that_o which_o he_o have_v make_v choice_n of_o when_o we_o have_v consider_v the_o matter_n this_o we_o must_v of_o necessity_n grant_v unless_o we_o will_v make_v ourselves_o wise_a than_o god_n unless_o we_o will_v take_v upon_o we_o to_o dictate_v and_o prescribe_v to_o he_o a_o better_a way_n than_o he_o have_v contrive_v now_o for_o the_o proof_n and_o confirmation_n of_o this_o point_n that_o god_n be_v please_v to_o make_v use_n of_o affliction_n for_o the_o reclaim_n of_o obstinate_a sinner_n when_o other_o mean_n prevail_v not_o i_o need_v not_o say_v much_o our_o own_o experience_n be_v a_o sufficient_a confirmation_n thereof_o there_o be_v no_o man_n that_o have_v observe_v god_n deal_n with_o the_o son_n of_o man_n but_o must_v have_v take_v notice_n that_o nothing_o be_v more_o ordinary_a in_o the_o course_n of_o god_n providence_n than_o to_o bring_v they_o home_o to_o himself_o by_o affliction_n who_o will_v not_o otherwise_o be_v reduce_v from_o the_o error_n of_o their_o way_n and_o as_o he_o take_v this_o course_n with_o wicked_a man_n to_o convert_v they_o so_o he_o take_v the_o same_o course_n with_o his_o child_n to_o recall_v they_o and_o to_o bring_v they_o into_o the_o right_a way_n again_o when_o they_o have_v go_v astray_o this_o be_v the_o course_n which_o he_o take_v with_o david_n as_o he_o himself_o acknowledge_v 119.67_o psal_n 119.67_o before_o i_o be_v afflict_v i_o go_v astray_o but_o now_o i_o keep_v thy_o word_n and_o again_o 71._o ver._n 71._o it_o be_v good_a for_o i_o that_o i_o have_v be_v afflict_v that_o i_o may_v learn_v thy_o statute_n he_o mean_v that_o he_o may_v so_o learn_v god_n statute_n as_o to_o practice_v they_o and_o frame_v his_o life_n and_o conversation_n according_a to_o they_o now_o to_o apply_v this_o truth_n brief_o use_v 1_o if_o god_n be_v please_v to_o make_v use_n of_o affliction_n for_o reclaim_v and_o reduce_v sinner_n when_o other_o mean_n will_v not_o prevail_v then_o if_o man_n be_v wise_a and_o if_o they_o will_v prevent_v and_o keep_v off_o affliction_n it_o concern_v they_o to_o improve_v those_o other_o mean_n which_o god_n make_v use_v of_o i_o mean_v instruction_n admonition_n reproof_n and_o warning_n humble_v themselves_o for_o their_o sin_n and_o reform_v their_o life_n that_o so_o god_n may_v not_o bring_v those_o affliction_n upon_o they_o which_o will_v be_v grievous_a to_o they_o what_o folly_n and_o madness_n be_v it_o when_o man_n will_v put_v god_n to_o lay_v sore_o and_o grievous_a thing_n upon_o they_o because_o they_o will_v not_o be_v wrought_v upon_o by_o gentle_a mean_n solomon_n say_v 17.10_o prov._n 17.10_o a_o reproof_n enter_v more_o into_o a_o wise_a man_n than_o a_o hundred_o stripe_n into_o a_o fool._n so_o then_o in_o the_o judgement_n of_o solomon_n he_o be_v a_o wise_a man_n into_o who_o a_o reproof_n enter_v that_o be_v on_o who_o it_o make_v impression_n and_o by_o who_o it_o be_v entertain_v and_o improve_v 12.1_o prov._n 12.1_o but_o he_o that_o hate_v reproof_n be_v brutish_a he_o be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v a_o wise_a man_n that_o he_o be_v scarce_o a_o man_n he_o be_v more_o like_o a_o brute_n than_o a_o man_n he_o understand_v not_o his_o own_o interest_n which_o be_v to_o take_v reproof_n to_o heart_n to_o be_v affect_v with_o they_o and_o to_o make_v a_o good_a use_n of_o they_o and_o not_o by_o reject_v they_o to_o draw_v those_o evil_n upon_o himself_o which_o he_o may_v avoid_v if_o he_o will_v consider_v this_o you_o that_o be_v now_o admonish_v reprove_v and_o warn_v but_o will_v not_o hearken_v do_v you_o know_v what_o you_o do_v as_o much_o as_o in_o you_o lie_v you_o put_v the_o rod_n into_o god_n hand_n to_o correct_v you_o severe_o and_o to_o make_v you_o smart_v sore_o to_o try_v if_o that_o course_n may_v not_o take_v better_a effect_n upon_o you_o than_o those_o mild_a course_n which_o he_o have_v hitherto_o take_v with_o you_o why_o shall_v you_o consult_v and_o procure_v sorrow_n suffering_n and_o smart_a to_o yourself_o how_o much_o better_o have_v it_o be_v for_o manasseh_n to_o have_v hearken_v to_o the_o message_n of_o the_o lord_n bring_v to_o he_o by_o the_o prophet_n and_o not_o by_o his_o disobedience_n and_o obstinacy_n to_o have_v procure_v the_o captain_n of_o the_o host_n of_o the_o king_n of_o assyria_n to_o be_v send_v against_o he_o to_o bind_v he_o with_o fetter_n and_o carry_v he_o to_o babylon_n when_o we_o suffer_v for_o our_o sin_n than_o we_o condemn_v and_o cry_v out_o against_o ourselves_o that_o we_o shall_v be_v so_o foolish_o obstinate_a as_o not_o to_o hearken_v to_o good_a counsel_n when_o time_n be_v whereby_o we_o may_v have_v prevent_v our_o suffering_n but_o so_o it_o be_v that_o in_o thing_n of_o this_o nature_n we_o seldom_o learn_v wit_n till_o we_o have_v buy_v it_o and_o pay_v dear_o for_o it_o use_v 2._o if_o god_n be_v please_v to_o make_v use_n of_o affliction_n to_o reclaim_v and_o reduce_v sinner_n when_o other_o mean_n will_v not_o prevail_v then_o let_v such_o as_o be_v afflict_v be_v careful_a that_o they_o do_v not_o impatient_o murmur_v and_o fret_v against_o the_o lord_n who_o correct_v they_o for_o 1._o they_o may_v thank_v themselves_o that_o they_o be_v correct_v they_o have_v be_v the_o author_n and_o procurer_n of_o their_o own_o suffering_n if_o they_o will_v have_v be_v humble_v and_o reform_v by_o gentle_a mean_n there_o will_v have_v be_v no_o need_n of_o those_o severe_a course_n which_o now_o be_v take_v with_o they_o god_n be_v not_o forward_o to_o correct_v he_o take_v no_o such_o delight_n in_o correct_v as_o to_o take_v the_o rod_n in_o hand_n when_o there_o be_v no_o need_n of_o it_o he_o do_v not_o afflict_v willing_o he_o never_o do_v it_o but_o when_o there_o be_v great_a cause_n for_o it_o and_o our_o obstinate_a perseverance_n in_o our_o sin_n against_o all_o other_o mean_n make_v correction_n necessary_a 2._o they_o have_v so_o little_a reason_n to_o fret_v and_o murmur_v against_o god_n for_o correct_v they_o that_o they_o have_v great_a cause_n to_o be_v thankful_a to_o god_n for_o his_o care_n of_o they_o and_o that_o he_o do_v not_o
though_o we_o may_v in_o some_o case_n take_v the_o liberty_n of_o humble_a and_o reverend_a expostulation_n with_o god_n yet_o we_o must_v take_v heed_n of_o any_o unmeet_a reflection_n upon_o his_o justice_n or_o goodness_n and_o still_o remember_v our_o distance_n from_o he_o that_o god_n be_v in_o heaven_n and_o we_o be_v upon_o earth_n as_o solomon_n speak_v eccles_n 5.2_o and_o that_o he_o give_v not_o account_n of_o any_o of_o his_o matter_n as_o elihu_n excellent_o represent_v he_o to_o job_n chap._n 33.13_o so_o then_o all_o these_o sort_n of_o complaint_n be_v allow_v we_o the_o complaint_n condemn_v in_o the_o text_n be_v that_o which_o either_o proceed_v from_o or_o be_v join_v with_o impatience_n under_o god_n hand_n and_o discontent_n with_o his_o providence_n it_o be_v the_o complaint_n of_o a_o unquiet_a and_o sinful_o disturb_a spirit_n which_o the_o scripture_n sometime_o express_v by_o murmur_a so_o here_o the_o word_n in_o the_o original_a may_v proper_o enough_o be_v translate_v and_o so_o the_o same_o word_n be_v render_v numb_a 11.1_o now_o the_o evil_a and_o unreasonableness_n of_o this_o kind_n of_o complaint_n under_o the_o hand_n of_o god_n may_v appear_v several_a way_n 1._o it_o be_v long_o before_o god_n take_v the_o rod_n in_o hand_n to_o correct_v he_o bear_v long_o even_o with_o the_o vile_a of_o sinner_n and_o exercise_v much_o patience_n towards_o they_o he_o be_v slow_a to_o anger_n and_o of_o great_a mercy_n psal_n 145.8_o he_o be_v merciful_a and_o gracious_a long-suffering_a and_o abundant_a in_o goodness_n exod._n 34.6_o he_o take_v no_o delight_n in_o severity_n further_o than_o we_o provoke_v he_o thereunto_o he_o do_v noâ—_n afflict_v willing_o nor_o grieve_v the_o child_n of_o man_n lam._n 3.33_o and_o shall_v noâ—_n this_o consideration_n be_v of_o force_n to_o suppress_v all_o our_o discontent_a complain_n and_o murmur_n that_o god_n be_v so_o unwilling_a to_o use_v severity_n against_o we_o that_o he_o be_v so_o hardly_o draw_v on_o to_o chaste_a we_o and_o that_o he_o never_o do_v it_o till_o we_o have_v give_v he_o much_o cause_n so_o to_o handle_v we_o 2._o when_o we_o by_o our_o many_o provocation_n have_v put_v the_o rod_n into_o his_o hand_n he_o be_v soon_o prevail_v with_o to_o lay_v it_o aside_o again_o he_o be_v not_o of_o that_o implacable_a temper_n that_o he_o can_v never_o be_v reconcile_v to_o those_o against_o who_o he_o have_v once_o take_v up_o any_o displeasure_n upon_o our_o humble_a submission_n to_o his_o correction_n and_o sincere_a resolution_n and_o endeavour_n to_o reform_v what_o have_v be_v amiss_o he_o be_v gracious_o incline_v to_o lay_v aside_o his_o displeasure_n he_o be_v ready_a to_o forgive_v 86.5_o psal_n 86.5_o most_o ready_a to_o show_v mercy_n as_o soon_o as_o we_o be_v in_o any_o measure_n fit_a for_o mercy_n he_o do_v not_o always_o chide_v 103.9_o psal_n 103.9_o nor_o keep_v his_o anger_n for_o ever_o be_v this_o only_a david_n particular_a experience_n and_o be_v it_o not_o we_o also_o do_v not_o we_o find_v how_o easy_a he_o be_v to_o be_v entreat_v and_o how_o ready_a to_o pardon_v have_v we_o not_o have_v manifold_a experiment_n thereof_o in_o the_o course_n of_o our_o life_n and_o shall_v not_o this_o persuade_v we_o quiet_o and_o patient_o to_o submit_v to_o his_o correction_n while_o he_o be_v please_v to_o keep_v we_o under_o his_o chastn_a hand_n 3._o while_o he_o judge_v it_o fit_a to_o correct_v we_o he_o lay_v no_o more_o upon_o we_o than_o our_o sin_n deserve_v when_o we_o be_v most_o severe_o handle_v and_o be_v apt_a to_o complain_v we_o have_v hard_a measure_n yet_o even_o then_o do_v not_o his_o severity_n in_o the_o least_o exceed_v the_o demerit_n of_o our_o sin_n god_n do_v we_o no_o wrong_n nor_o be_v it_o possible_a that_o he_o shall_v for_o his_o will_n be_v the_o rule_n and_o measure_n of_o righteousness_n the_o lord_n be_v righteous_a in_o all_o his_o way_n and_o holy_a in_o all_o his_o work_v psal_n 145.17_o the_o just_a lord_n will_v not_o do_v iniquity_n zeph._n 3.5_o what_o cause_v then_o be_v there_o or_o can_v there_o be_v of_o complain_v where_o no_o wrong_n be_v do_v with_o this_o the_o church_n of_o god_n silence_v herself_o and_o stop_v she_o own_o mouth_n when_o under_o the_o most_o dreadful_a effect_n of_o god_n displeasure_n 1.18_o lam._n 1.18_o the_o lord_n be_v righteous_a say_v she_o for_o i_o have_v rebel_v against_o his_o commandment_n and_o with_o this_o god_n stop_v the_o mouth_n of_o his_o people_n why_o cry_v thou_o for_o thy_o affliction_n 30.15_o jer._n 30.15_o because_o thy_o sin_n be_v increase_v have_v i_o do_v these_o thing_n unto_o thou_o 4._o when_o god_n afflict_v most_o grievous_o his_o severity_n be_v far_o short_a of_o what_o our_o sin_n deserve_v under_o the_o heavy_a weight_n of_o punishment_n ezra_n acknowledgement_n in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o church_n must_v be_v we_o 9.13_o ezra_n 9.13_o we_o be_v punish_v less_o than_o our_o iniquity_n deserve_v our_o sin_n deserve_v not_o only_o all_o the_o temporal_a plague_n and_o judgement_n which_o we_o be_v capable_a of_o undergo_a but_o hell_n the_o unutterable_a and_o endless_a torment_n of_o the_o lake_n that_o burn_v with_o fire_n and_o brimstone_n wherefore_o whatever_a our_o suffering_n be_v in_o this_o world_n so_o long_o as_o we_o be_v on_o this_o side_n hell_n so_o little_a cause_n have_v we_o to_o complain_v that_o we_o have_v great_a cause_n to_o be_v thankful_a that_o it_o be_v not_o far_o worse_o with_o we_o than_o it_o be_v 5._o how_o much_o soever_o god_n be_v please_v to_o afflict_v we_o yet_o still_o we_o enjoy_v many_o mercy_n in_o the_o mean_a time_n by_o which_o the_o bitterness_n of_o our_o affliction_n be_v much_o allay_v and_o the_o smart_a of_o they_o much_o abate_v for_o one_o or_o two_o cross_n we_o be_v compass_v about_o with_o variety_n of_o blessing_n in_o sickness_n we_o have_v the_o pity_n and_o compassion_n of_o friend_n and_o acquaintance_n we_o have_v all_o that_o service_n and_o assistance_n that_o many_o hand_n about_o we_o can_v afford_v we_o we_o have_v all_o those_o mean_n of_o relief_n that_o either_o love_n or_o art_n can_v supply_v we_o with_o and_o all_o this_o beside_o those_o inward_a and_o powerful_a support_v which_o we_o have_v more_o immediate_o from_o god_n again_o if_o it_o so_o be_v that_o god_n afflict_v we_o in_o one_o of_o our_o relation_n we_o have_v matter_n of_o comfort_n in_o divers_a other_o of_o they_o if_o we_o have_v loss_n in_o our_o temporal_a estate_n yet_o our_o spiritual_a and_o better_a concernment_n be_v safe_a and_o untouched_a if_o man_n be_v at_o variance_n with_o we_o yet_o we_o have_v peace_n with_o god_n how_o sad_o soever_o we_o may_v in_o our_o affliction_n represent_v thing_n to_o ourselves_o god_n never_o stir_v up_o all_o his_o wrath_n against_o we_o at_o once_o nor_o suffer_v his_o whole_a displeasure_n to_o arise_v god_n never_o so_o mingle_v the_o cup_n which_o he_o put_v into_o our_o hand_n but_o that_o there_o be_v some_o ingredient_n of_o a_o benign_a and_o friendly_a nature_n to_o qualify_v the_o malignity_n of_o the_o rest_n the_o malignity_n do_v i_o say_v there_o be_v indeed_o no_o real_a malignity_n in_o any_o of_o the_o ingredient_n of_o that_o spiritual_a physic_n which_o god_n administer_v to_o he_o all_o thing_n have_v a_o kind_n and_o beneficial_a influence_n for_o promote_a our_o good_a and_o further_a our_o high_a interest_n and_o where_o now_o be_v there_o any_o place_n leave_v for_o complain_v amid_o so_o many_o mercy_n can_v we_o yet_o find_v in_o our_o heart_n to_o complain_v be_v it_o so_o that_o some_o thing_n be_v not_o only_o unacceptable_a but_o very_o grievous_a to_o we_o shall_v we_o receive_v good_a at_o the_o hand_n of_o god_n and_o shall_v we_o not_o receive_v evil_a shall_v we_o bear_v nothing_o at_o the_o hand_n of_o he_o who_o be_v so_o good_a and_o gracious_a so_o kind_a and_o bountiful_a to_o we_o many_o other_o way_n let_v we_o not_o suffer_v two_o or_o three_o affliction_n so_o to_o embitter_v our_o spirit_n and_o vitiate_v our_o palate_n as_o that_o we_o shall_v not_o relish_v the_o sweetness_n of_o any_o of_o those_o mercy_n which_o in_o our_o most_o afflict_a condition_n we_o still_o enjoy_v 6._o add_v to_o all_o this_o that_o god_n have_v a_o sovereignty_n of_o power_n and_o dominion_n over_o his_o creature_n by_o virtue_n whereof_o he_o may_v deal_v with_o they_o as_o he_o please_v according_a to_o this_o his_o absolute_a power_n though_o the_o creature_n have_v never_o sin_v yet_o god_n may_v expose_v it_o to_o such_o misery_n as_o exceed_v not_o the_o benefit_n of_o that_o be_v he_o have_v give_v it_o he_o that_o make_v the_o creature_n out_o of_o nothing_o as_o he_o may_v turn_v it_o into_o
nothing_o again_o if_o he_o please_v so_o continue_v it_o in_o be_v he_o may_v lay_v any_o such_o pain_n or_o anguish_n upon_o it_o without_o relation_n to_o sin_n we_o see_v what_o anguish_n the_o unreasonable_a creature_n endure_v which_o yet_o be_v not_o capable_a of_o sin_n and_o why_o may_v not_o god_n inflict_v the_o like_a on_o any_o rational_a creature_n though_o no_o sin_n have_v occasion_v it_o or_o make_v way_n for_o it_o it_o be_v not_o easy_a to_o give_v a_o reason_n why_o he_o may_v not_o for_o even_o a_o innocent_a creature_n be_v a_o creature_n however_o must_v of_o necessity_n be_v in_o subjection_n to_o the_o power_n and_o dominion_n of_o the_o creator_n from_o who_o it_o receive_v its_o be_v it_o be_v true_a such_o evil_n can_v not_o then_o have_v the_o nature_n of_o punishment_n because_o punishment_n proper_o so_o call_v have_v relation_n to_o sin_n but_o yet_o there_o can_v be_v no_o injustice_n in_o such_o a_o dispensation_n no_o more_o than_o when_o by_o many_o torment_a and_o linger_a pain_n god_n take_v away_o the_o life_n of_o brute_n beast_n who_o nature_n be_v not_o a_o subject_a capable_a of_o sin_n or_o moral_n evil._n now_o in_o such_o a_o case_n the_o creature_n will_v have_v no_o just_a cause_n to_o complain_v or_o murmur_v because_o no_o injury_n can_v possible_o be_v do_v it_o by_o god_n use_v that_o just_a and_o rightful_a power_n and_o dominion_n which_o he_o have_v over_o the_o work_n of_o his_o hand_n whence_o we_o may_v thus_o argue_v to_o our_o present_a purpose_n if_o god_n absolute_a power_n over_o the_o work_n of_o his_o hand_n be_v such_o as_o call_v for_o humble_a submission_n to_o his_o providence_n and_o silent_a bear_n of_o whatever_o he_o inflict_v how_o much_o more_o shall_v his_o justice_n strike_v we_o dumb_a and_o effectual_o restrain_v we_o from_o all_o murmur_a or_o mutter_v against_o he_o if_o we_o ought_v not_o to_o complain_v or_o murmur_v though_o we_o have_v no_o sin_n how_o much_o less_o reason_n have_v we_o to_o do_v it_o when_o we_o have_v so_o much_o upon_o this_o consideration_n it_o be_v that_o the_o church_n take_v up_o her_o resolution_n of_o patient_a submission_n to_o the_o hand_n of_o god_n 7.9_o micah_n 7.9_o i_o will_v bear_v the_o indignation_n of_o the_o lord_n because_o i_o have_v sin_v against_o he_o now_o i_o come_v to_o apply_v what_o have_v be_v speak_v use_v 1_o let_v we_o in_o all_o our_o affliction_n observe_v the_o frame_n of_o our_o heart_n and_o be_v humble_v for_o all_o the_o secret_a grudge_n and_o rise_n of_o our_o spirit_n against_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n and_o especial_o if_o the_o inward_a distemper_n of_o our_o soul_n shall_v be_v at_o any_o time_n so_o great_a as_o to_o break_v forth_o and_o vent_v themselves_o in_o any_o unmeet_a language_n if_o our_o inward_a discontent_n and_o heartburning_n shall_v discover_v themselves_o by_o complain_v and_o murmur_v against_o god_n and_o by_o make_v such_o representation_n of_o he_o to_o other_o as_o if_o he_o have_v deal_v hardly_o with_o we_o and_o as_o if_o we_o may_v have_v expect_v other_o measure_n at_o his_o hand_n this_o be_v a_o miscarriage_n which_o we_o be_v very_o apt_a to_o run_v into_o when_o our_o affliction_n be_v severe_a and_o last_a when_o they_o smart_v much_o and_o continue_v long_o but_o however_o it_o fare_v with_o we_o the_o sinfulness_n of_o our_o murmur_a against_o god_n be_v so_o great_a that_o no_o circumstance_n of_o our_o suffering_n can_v render_v it_o excusable_a and_o therefore_o we_o can_v be_v sufficient_o humble_v for_o it_o to_o the_o end_n we_o may_v the_o better_o discover_v the_o evil_a of_o it_o and_o see_v what_o reason_n there_o be_v why_o we_o shall_v be_v humble_v for_o it_o let_v we_o first_o look_v upon_o it_o in_o its_o cause_n and_o the_o root_n whence_o it_o spring_v then_o let_v we_o behold_v it_o as_o it_o be_v in_o itself_o and_o consider_v it_o in_o its_o formal_a nature_n and_o last_o let_v we_o view_v it_o in_o its_o effect_n and_o consequent_n 1._o let_v we_o look_v upon_o it_o in_o its_o root_n we_o loath_a and_o abhor_v some_o thing_n the_o more_o when_o we_o know_v whence_o they_o be_v and_o what_o give_v birth_n to_o they_o the_o wicked_a offspring_n for_o the_o curse_a mother_n that_o bear_v it_o and_o bring_v it_o forth_o now_o the_o root_n of_o our_o murmur_a be_v our_o pride_n we_o have_v entertain_v too_o good_a a_o opinion_n of_o ourselves_o we_o think_v we_o have_v deserve_v better_a thing_n at_o the_o hand_n of_o god_n and_o therefore_o we_o murmur_v and_o complain_v as_o if_o we_o be_v injure_v be_v we_o thorough_o sensible_a of_o our_o sinfulness_n be_v we_o convince_v that_o we_o be_v worthy_a of_o far_o sore_a evil_n than_o those_o which_o we_o groan_v under_o instead_o of_o murmur_a we_o will_v not_o only_o accept_v of_o the_o punishment_n of_o our_o sin_n as_o the_o phrase_n be_v levit._fw-la 26.41_o take_v in_o good_a part_n meek_o and_o patient_o bear_v whatsoever_o god_n lay_v on_o we_o but_o from_o our_o heart_n acknowledge_v that_o we_o be_v merciful_o and_o kind_o deal_v with_o in_o that_o no_o more_o be_v inflict_v on_o we_o 2._o if_o we_o behold_v it_o as_o it_o be_v in_o itself_o and_o consider_v the_o formal_a nature_n of_o it_o our_o murmur_a be_v in_o effect_n nothing_o else_o but_o a_o degree_n of_o insurrection_n and_o rebellion_n against_o god_n as_o discontent_a subject_n or_o mutinous_a soldier_n sharpen_v their_o tongue_n against_o their_o prince_n or_o general_n and_o thereby_o heighten_v their_o own_o and_o other_o man_n discontent_n to_o dispose_v they_o to_o make_v resistance_n so_o when_o we_o murmur_v against_o god_n we_o set_v our_o mouth_n against_o heaven_n do_v what_o in_o we_o lie_v to_o strengthen_v in_o ourselves_o and_o instil_v into_o other_o principle_n of_o disaffection_n against_o the_o high_a majesty_n and_o to_o withdraw_v they_o with_o who_o we_o converse_v from_o their_o obedience_n and_o loyalty_n 3._o let_v we_o view_v it_o in_o the_o effect_n and_o consequent_n of_o it_o we_o be_v so_o far_o from_o ease_v ourselves_o by_o murmur_v that_o it_o both_o increase_v and_o prolong_v our_o affliction_n one_a it_o increase_v they_o for_o our_o unquietness_n and_o stubborness_n under_o god_n hand_n provoke_v he_o to_o lay_v more_o load_n upon_o we_o that_o be_v all_o we_o gain_v by_o our_o untowardness_n as_o the_o child_n that_o struggle_v swell_v and_o murmur_n when_o he_o be_v correct_v do_v but_o thereby_o procure_v to_o himself_o the_o more_o stripe_n beside_o our_o fret_a and_o murmur_v do_v of_o itself_o make_v those_o our_o affliction_n much_o more_o grievous_a which_o may_v be_v undergo_v with_o ease_n if_o with_o humble_a silence_n and_o patience_n we_o submit_v ourselves_o to_o the_o chastisement_n of_o our_o heavenly_a father_n 2_o it_o also_o prolong_v our_o affliction_n for_o our_o murmur_a divert_v we_o and_o take_v we_o off_o from_o apply_v ourselves_o to_o that_o course_n which_o if_o any_o thing_n will_v put_v a_o speedy_a end_n to_o our_o trouble_n and_o that_o be_v the_o course_n which_o we_o be_v put_v upon_o in_o the_o text_n namely_o a_o serious_a reflection_n upon_o ourselves_o and_o a_o diligent_a search_n and_o enquiry_n after_o the_o sin_n which_o have_v procure_v our_o affliction_n and_o a_o turn_n from_o they_o unto_o god_n who_o we_o have_v forsake_v as_o long_o as_o we_o be_v take_v up_o in_o murmur_v this_o work_n be_v not_o mind_v and_o so_o our_o affliction_n be_v protract_v and_o draw_v out_o to_o a_o great_a length_n than_o they_o shall_v have_v be_v if_o in_o stead_n of_o murmur_v against_o god_n we_o have_v seasonable_o and_o narrow_o search_v into_o our_o heart_n and_o way_n find_v out_o our_o sin_n judge_v ourselves_o for_o they_o and_o forsake_v they_o thus_o we_o see_v what_o reason_n we_o have_v to_o be_v humble_v for_o this_o sin_n but_o though_o in_o these_o respect_v all_o that_o be_v guilty_a of_o it_o have_v cause_n to_o be_v humble_v yet_o have_v they_o most_o reason_n to_o be_v humble_v for_o murmur_v who_o have_v least_o reason_n to_o murmur_v such_o as_o be_v 1._o great_a and_o notorious_a sinner_n who_o offence_n and_o enormity_n have_v be_v such_o that_o whatsoever_o they_o suffer_v unless_o they_o be_v wilful_o blind_a or_o strange_o partial_a to_o themselves_o they_o must_v be_v enforce_v to_o confess_v that_o they_o suffer_v just_o shall_v they_o complain_v of_o hard_a measure_n who_o be_v so_o bad_a that_o no_o punishment_n be_v severe_a enough_o for_o they_o and_o yet_o these_o be_v ofttimes_o as_o ready_a to_o complain_v as_o any_o else_o 2._o those_o who_o have_v draw_v such_o affliction_n upon_o themselves_o as_o in_o which_o they_o may_v plain_o read_v their_o sin_n write_v in_o legible_a character_n
wait_v and_o still_o our_o expectation_n be_v frustrate_v but_o our_o long_a wait_a shall_v turn_v to_o our_o great_a advantage_n in_o the_o end_n and_o we_o shall_v then_o see_v that_o if_o we_o have_v obtain_v our_o mercy_n soon_o we_o shall_v have_v have_v less_o mercy_n in_o they_o god_n mercy_n be_v then_o most_o sweet_a and_o yield_v most_o full_a content_a and_o satisfaction_n when_o they_o be_v full_o ripe_a and_o come_v in_o their_o proper_a season_n it_o be_v with_o they_o as_o with_o fruit_n if_o it_o be_v pluck_v before_o it_o be_v ripe_a it_o be_v either_o whole_o unsavoury_a or_o much_o less_o acceptable_a we_o lose_v much_o of_o the_o comfort_n of_o our_o mercy_n unless_o we_o can_v be_v content_v to_o wait_v for_o they_o till_o they_o come_v to_o maturity_n object_n 4._o though_o my_o affliction_n be_v very_o sharp_a say_v another_o and_o such_o as_o will_v try_v the_o patience_n of_o any_o man_n yet_o i_o think_v i_o can_v bear_v they_o without_o much_o complain_n if_o the_o instrument_n of_o my_o suffering_n be_v any_o other_o than_o such_o as_o they_o be_v to_o suffer_v by_o the_o hand_n of_o such_o base_a and_o unworthy_a person_n be_v a_o circumstance_n which_o i_o can_v think_v of_o without_o indignation_n answ_n but_o 1._o this_o have_v ofttimes_o be_v the_o lot_n of_o the_o best_a men._n no_o worse_a man_n than_o david_n complain_v that_o he_o be_v the_o song_n of_o the_o drunkard_n psal_n 69.12_o and_o that_o the_o abject_n gather_v themselves_o together_o against_o he_o psal_n 35.15_o and_o job_n say_v that_o those_o have_v he_o in_o derision_n who_o father_n he_o will_v have_v disdain_v to_o have_v set_v with_o the_o dog_n of_o his_o flock_n chap._n 30.1_o we_o be_v not_o better_a than_o these_o holy_a man_n who_o meet_v with_o this_o measure_n in_o the_o world_n 2._o god_n may_v take_v what_o instrument_n he_o please_v to_o correct_v you_o with_o be_v it_o meet_v the_o child_n shall_v choose_v the_o rod_n with_o which_o the_o father_n shall_v chasten_v he_o 3._o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v doubt_v but_o that_o he_o make_v use_v of_o the_o fit_a instrument_n shall_v the_o vessel_n that_o needs_o scour_v complain_v against_o he_o that_o scour_v it_o that_o he_o use_v such_o filthy_a rough_a and_o grate_a material_n rather_o than_o some_o clean_a near_o smooth_a and_o gentle_a thing_n if_o he_o shall_v make_v use_n of_o such_o material_n as_o these_o they_o will_v do_v no_o good_a he_o know_v those_o other_o be_v fit_a to_o get_v off_o the_o dirt_n and_o filth_n which_o stick_v so_o fast_o that_o gentle_a mean_n will_v not_o remove_v they_o so_o god_n on_o purpose_n make_v use_v of_o foul_a and_o rugged_a instrument_n as_o fit_a to_o rub_v off_o that_o sinful_a corruption_n and_o filth_n that_o cleave_v so_o fast_o unto_o our_o nature_n to_o be_v short_a if_o we_o may_v be_v allow_v to_o choose_v the_o instrument_n by_o which_o god_n shall_v chasten_v we_o we_o will_v be_v sure_a to_o choose_v those_o from_o who_o hand_n we_o may_v smart_v least_o and_o who_o will_v consequent_o do_v we_o least_o good_n it_o be_v well_o for_o we_o if_o we_o can_v think_v it_o so_o that_o when_o god_n see_v cause_n to_o correct_v we_o he_o have_v a_o right_a to_o choose_v his_o rod._n but_o here_o some_o may_v say_v the_o baseness_n of_o the_o abject_a and_o contemptible_a condition_n of_o the_o person_n from_o who_o i_o suffer_v do_v not_o so_o much_o trouble_v i_o as_o that_o they_o be_v those_o from_o who_o i_o deserve_v better_a thing_n i_o have_v oblige_v they_o by_o whatever_o kindness_n i_o be_v capable_a of_o confer_v on_o they_o and_o when_o they_o have_v serve_v themselves_o of_o i_o they_o kick_v at_o i_o it_o be_v not_o what_o i_o suffer_v from_o they_o but_o their_o ingratitude_n that_o i_o be_o impatient_a of_o endure_v answ_n ingratitude_n indeed_o be_v a_o odious_a sin_n in_o whosoever_o it_o be_v find_v and_o usual_o god_n some_o time_n or_o other_o meet_v with_o the_o ungrateful_a person_n and_o pay_v he_o in_o his_o own_o coin_n whoso_o reward_v evil_a for_o good_a 17.13_o pro._n 17.13_o evil_n shall_v not_o depart_v from_o his_o house_n it_o be_v seldom_o see_v but_o that_o first_o or_o last_o he_o that_o have_v be_v notorious_o ungrateful_a to_o his_o benefactor_n have_v the_o same_o measure_n return_v into_o his_o bosom_n by_o those_o who_o have_v receive_v kindness_n from_o he_o but_o however_o such_o odious_a person_n as_o these_o god_n make_v use_v of_o and_o many_o time_n he_o make_v they_o the_o instrument_n of_o his_o correction_n rather_o than_o other_o because_o he_o see_v no_o other_o so_o fit_a for_o his_o purpose_n 1._o it_o may_v be_v sometime_o in_o the_o good_a office_n we_o do_v other_o we_o look_v more_o upon_o man_n than_o upon_o god_n we_o look_v more_o after_o man_n due_a resentment_n of_o our_o kindness_n and_o their_o thankful_a acknowledgement_n of_o they_o and_o the_o answerable_a return_v they_o shall_v make_v we_o than_o after_o god_n acceptance_n of_o we_o therein_o be_v our_o eye_n more_o upon_o god_n and_o less_o upon_o man_n do_v we_o show_v kindness_n and_o perform_v office_n of_o love_n to_o man_n in_o obedience_n to_o god_n and_o satisfy_v ourselves_o with_o his_o acceptance_n for_o the_o present_a and_o encourage_v ourselves_o with_o the_o expectation_n of_o those_o reward_n of_o our_o sincere_a obedience_n which_o he_o have_v promise_v hereafter_o we_o shall_v neither_o be_v so_o often_o disappoint_v of_o those_o return_v which_o we_o expect_v from_o man_n neither_o shall_v we_o be_v so_o much_o trouble_v at_o disappointment_n in_o that_o kind_n when_o we_o meet_v with_o they_o if_o man_n prove_v thankful_a we_o shall_v take_v it_o well_o and_o bless_v god_n for_o it_o if_o they_o prove_v unthankful_a we_o shall_v quiet_v ourselves_o in_o god_n acceptance_n of_o what_o we_o have_v do_v as_o the_o chief_a thing_n which_o we_o look_v after_o 2._o god_n may_v sometime_o correct_v we_o by_o the_o ingratitude_n of_o man_n that_o he_o may_v thereby_o mind_v we_o of_o our_o ingratitude_n towards_o himself_o wherefore_o when_o man_n ingratitude_n be_v so_o grievous_a and_o afflict_a to_o we_o let_v we_o reflect_v upon_o ourselves_o and_o think_v how_o much_o more_o displease_v our_o ingratitude_n must_v needs_o be_v unto_o god_n who_o have_v do_v a_o thousand_o time_n more_o for_o we_o than_o ever_o we_o do_v for_o any_o person_n live_v who_o we_o look_v upon_o as_o most_o oblige_v by_o we_o if_o we_o therefore_o think_v we_o have_v just_a cause_n to_o complain_v of_o man_n ingratitude_n towards_o we_o how_o much_o great_a cause_n have_v god_n to_o complain_v of_o our_o ingratitude_n towards_o he_o in_o who_o we_o live_v and_o move_v and_o have_v our_o be_v and_o from_o who_o sole_a bounty_n we_o have_v receive_v whatever_o good_a thing_n we_o have_v at_o any_o time_n enjoy_v or_o do_v enjoy_v and_o yet_o notwithstanding_o all_o these_o obligation_n what_o have_v our_o whole_a life_n be_v but_o one_o continue_a course_n of_o provocation_n and_o a_o uninterrupted_a series_n of_o those_o many_o ill_a requital_n which_o we_o have_v make_v he_o if_o we_o justify_v ourselves_o and_o say_v we_o can_v be_v just_o charge_v with_o unthankfulness_n towards_o god_n we_o hereby_o plain_o discover_v that_o we_o have_v never_o take_v a_o just_a account_n either_o of_o our_o receipt_n from_o he_o or_o of_o the_o return_v which_o he_o have_v have_v from_o we_o object_n 5._o but_o i_o have_v a_o continual_a succession_n and_o series_n of_o affliction_n god_n follow_v i_o with_o one_o trial_n after_o another_o when_o one_o affliction_n be_v but_o just_a over_o present_o another_o be_v in_o a_o readiness_n to_o seize_v upon_o i_o i_o have_v no_o soon_o obtain_v a_o little_a time_n to_o recover_v breath_n but_o i_o be_o again_o alarm_v to_o prepare_v myself_o for_o a_o new_a conflict_n this_o be_v that_o which_o tire_v out_o my_o patience_n and_o make_v i_o even_o weary_a of_o myself_o answ_n 1._o it_o be_v possible_a that_o former_a affliction_n though_o many_o and_o great_a have_v not_o sufficient_o humble_v you_o nor_o mortify_a sin_n in_o you_o though_o something_o may_v have_v be_v do_v upon_o you_o yet_o god_n have_v not_o accomplish_v his_o whole_a work_n upon_o you_o so_o that_o what_o have_v be_v begin_v by_o former_a trial_n he_o see_v good_a to_o carry_v on_o yet_o further_o by_o what_o he_o still_o further_o exercise_v you_o with_o 2._o it_o be_v possible_a that_o by_o your_o unmeet_a and_o sinful_a carriage_n and_o the_o stir_n and_o break_v forth_o of_o corruption_n in_o your_o affliction_n you_o may_v have_v give_v god_n just_a occasion_n of_o bring_v other_o affliction_n upon_o you_o when_o be_v under_o god_n hand_n he_o expect_v we_o shall_v be_v humble_v
grace_n be_v whether_o we_o go_v forward_o or_o backward_o whether_o it_o be_v better_a with_o we_o to_o day_n than_o it_o be_v yesterday_o and_o this_o week_n than_o it_o be_v last_a week_n or_o worse_o hereby_o we_o come_v to_o know_v the_o sin_n that_o most_o prevail_v in_o we_o and_o where_o our_o weakness_n principal_o lie_v hereby_o we_o come_v to_o know_v our_o want_n and_o defect_n our_o emptiness_n and_o poverty_n in_o spiritual_a thing_n and_o of_o how_o great_a concernment_n and_o advantage_n be_v it_o to_o know_v ourselves_o and_o how_o little_o will_v it_o avail_v we_o to_o know_v much_o abroad_o while_o we_o be_v stranger_n at_o home_n to_o understand_v the_o world_n and_o to_o be_v thorough_o conversant_a in_o all_o the_o matter_n of_o it_o perfect_o acquaint_v with_o all_o the_o affair_n and_o transaction_n thereof_o to_o know_v all_o the_o secret_n of_o nature_n and_o to_o have_v exact_o dive_v into_o and_o find_v out_o all_o the_o hide_a cause_n of_o thing_n to_o 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believer_n have_v in_o their_o estate_n they_o seldom_o reflect_v to_o any_o purpose_n on_o themselves_o they_o seldom_o take_v any_o pain_n by_o diligent_a search_n and_o inquiry_n to_o satisfy_v themselves_o touch_n their_o condition_n hence_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o though_o they_o be_v sound_a for_o the_o main_a though_o they_o be_v in_o the_o right_a way_n to_o heaven_n and_o be_v still_o go_v on_o in_o it_o slow_o and_o leisurely_o yet_o they_o be_v full_a of_o fear_n doubt_n and_o dissatisfaction_n and_o if_o they_o have_v sometime_o a_o little_a comfort_n in_o their_o estate_n yet_o they_o present_o lose_v it_o again_o but_o now_o frequent_a and_o serious_a reflection_n on_o themselves_o and_o a_o exact_a inquiry_n into_o their_o estate_n and_o a_o review_v of_o matter_n as_o they_o stand_v within_o they_o and_o a_o take_v a_o account_n of_o themselves_o how_o will_v it_o after_o some_o time_n by_o degree_n so_o clear_o up_o their_o condition_n to_o they_o as_o all_o their_o fear_n will_v be_v banish_v all_o the_o cloudiness_n and_o darkness_n of_o their_o mind_n will_v be_v scatter_v and_o their_o doubt_n and_o dissatisfaction_n vanish_v for_o we_o must_v take_v it_o for_o grant_v that_o though_o there_o may_v be_v many_o great_a weakness_n in_o believer_n and_o frequent_a relapse_n into_o sin_n yet_o the_o constant_a bent_n unfeigned_a desire_n and_o serious_a endeavour_n of_o the_o soul_n be_v in_o all_o thing_n to_o please_v god_n now_o wheresoever_o this_o be_v and_o indeed_o without_o this_o there_o be_v no_o true_a grace_n i_o say_v wheresoever_o this_o be_v a_o diligent_a and_o frequent_a inquiry_n into_o ourselves_o will_v discover_v it_o and_o discover_v it_o so_o clear_o as_o a_o man_n can_v but_o own_o it_o and_o ready_o acknowledge_v that_o amid_o many_o and_o great_a weakness_n there_o have_v be_v all_o along_o some_o sincere_a and_o unfeigned_a desire_n and_o endeavour_v to_o please_v god_n in_o all_o thing_n whence_o we_o may_v conclude_v that_o as_o it_o can_v easy_o be_v but_o that_o a_o sound_n and_o sincere_a christian_a who_o make_v frequent_a reflection_n on_o and_o inquiry_n into_o himself_o shall_v evident_o discern_v his_o own_o sincerity_n so_o have_v discern_v it_o he_o can_v but_o have_v comfort_n in_o it_o at_o least_o according_a to_o the_o measure_n of_o the_o clearness_n of_o his_o discovery_n of_o it_o wherefore_o i_o say_v it_o again_o one_o great_a cause_n why_o many_o true_a believer_n have_v so_o little_a comfort_n in_o their_o estate_n be_v this_o that_o they_o so_o seldom_o have_v any_o serious_a reflection_n on_o themselves_o or_o apply_v themselves_o to_o make_v a_o diligent_a inquiry_n into_o their_o estate_n this_o this_o be_v a_o great_a reason_n why_o they_o walk_v so_o heavy_o and_o uncomfortable_o why_o they_o be_v so_o often_o overwhelm_v with_o fear_n and_o perplexity_n why_o instead_o of_o continual_a thanksgiving_n unto_o god_n for_o his_o rich_a grace_n and_o unspeakable_a mercy_n vouchsafe_v they_o their_o mouth_n be_v full_a of_o complaint_n and_o their_o discourse_n make_v up_o of_o little_a else_o than_o sad_a discovery_n of_o their_o inward_a trouble_n and_o dissatisfaction_n and_o the_o conflict_n they_o continual_o have_v with_o doubt_v and_o unbelief_n how_o much_o sound_a comfort_n and_o refresh_n do_v we_o lose_v by_o be_v such_o stranger_n at_o home_n what_o peace_n and_o joy_n in_o believe_v what_o increase_v of_o faith_n and_o further_a degree_n of_o establishment_n may_v we_o attain_v if_o we_o be_v better_o acquaint_v with_o and_o more_o conversant_a in_o this_o self-reflection_n 2._o we_o hereby_o come_v to_o have_v the_o comfort_n of_o all_o our_o good_a action_n there_o be_v a_o inward_a peace_n joy_n content_a and_o satisfaction_n which_o usual_o attend_v sincere_a obedience_n notwithstanding_o the_o infirmity_n accompany_v we_o in_o the_o performance_n thereof_o and_o the_o manifold_a imperfection_n of_o it_o but_o much_o of_o this_o comfort_n be_v lose_v for_o want_n of_o look_v back_o and_o review_v what_o we_o have_v do_v and_o in_o what_o manner_n with_o what_o sincere_a desire_n to_o be_v accept_v with_o god_n therein_o with_o what_o sense_n of_o and_o mourning_n over_o the_o corruption_n cleave_v to_o our_o best_a action_n though_o we_o can_v be_v rid_v of_o it_o with_o what_o watchfulness_n and_o opposition_n make_v against_o the_o sin_n that_o dwell_v in_o we_o which_o will_v interpose_v and_o mingle_v itself_o with_o every_o good_a thing_n we_o take_v in_o hand_n with_o every_o duty_n we_o perform_v these_o thing_n more_o or_o less_o be_v to_o be_v find_v and_o may_v be_v observe_v in_o every_o sound_a christian_a and_o matter_n of_o very_a great_a comfort_n they_o be_v to_o he_o who_o can_v discover_v they_o in_o himself_o but_o alas_o neglect_v to_o review_v our_o action_n when_o they_o be_v over_o instead_o of_o the_o comfort_n we_o may_v have_v in_o way_n of_o obedience_n too_o often_o nothing_o but_o trouble_v and_o inward_a regret_n follow_v when_o we_o have_v do_v our_o best_a we_o question_v our_o sincerity_n in_o all_o that_o we_o have_v do_v for_o the_o working_n of_o our_o corrupt_a nature_n and_o the_o sinful_a imperfection_n of_o our_o service_n come_v to_o our_o remembrance_n and_o be_v fresh_a in_o our_o memory_n but_o the_o opposition_n we_o make_v against_o they_o be_v either_o hide_v from_o our_o eye_n or_o forget_v and_o all_o this_o for_o want_n of_o a_o serious_a reflection_n on_o what_o have_v past_a and_o a_o careful_a review_v of_o our_o action_n together_o with_o the_o manner_n of_o they_o and_o all_o their_o concomitant_a circumstance_n as_o reflect_v on_o our_o way_n and_o review_v our_o action_n we_o never_o want_v matter_n of_o humiliation_n so_o the_o upright_a and_o sound_a christian_n never_o want_v matter_n of_o comfort_n also_o in_o the_o sincerity_n of_o his_o heart_n these_o two_o
but_o this_o by_o the_o way_n in_o the_o word_n that_o i_o have_v read_v which_o be_v a_o part_n of_o ezra_n address_n unto_o god_n by_o humble_a and_o affectionate_a confession_n of_o their_o sin_n he_o spread_v and_o lay_v open_v the_o aggravation_n of_o it_o together_o with_o the_o danger_n and_o sad_a issue_n of_o it_o if_o they_o shall_v still_o continue_v in_o it_o the_o aggravation_n thereof_o be_v these_o three_o 1._o the_o great_a severity_n that_o god_n have_v former_o show_v against_o they_o for_o their_o sin_n which_o be_v set_v forth_o and_o express_v in_o the_o first_o word_n after_o all_o that_o be_v come_v upon_o we_o for_o our_o evil_a deed_n and_o for_o our_o great_a trespass_n 2._o the_o merciful_a tenderness_n and_o compassion_n that_o god_n however_o even_o in_o that_o severity_n be_v please_v to_o manifest_v towards_o they_o in_o the_o next_o word_n see_v that_o thou_o our_o god_n have_v punish_v we_o less_o than_o our_o iniquity_n deserve_v 3._o the_o singular_a favour_n god_n have_v show_v they_o in_o rescue_v they_o from_o under_o those_o calamity_n which_o their_o sin_n have_v bring_v upon_o they_o in_o the_o clause_n follow_v and_o have_v give_v we_o such_o a_o deliverance_n as_o this_o these_o be_v the_o thing_n by_o which_o their_o sin_n will_v be_v great_o heighten_v after_o so_o much_o severity_n compassion_n and_o kindness_n to_o have_v return_v to_o folly_n and_o to_o have_v break_v god_n commandment_n again_o be_v to_o have_v do_v as_o bad_a as_o they_o can_v as_o the_o prophet_n speak_v and_o to_o have_v give_v their_o sin_n all_o the_o aggravation_n that_o they_o be_v capable_a of_o then_o as_o for_o the_o danger_n they_o expose_v themselves_o to_o that_o be_v no_o less_o than_o utter_a ruin_n and_o destruction_n after_o this_o mixture_n of_o severe_a and_o merciful_a providence_n shall_v we_o again_o break_v thy_o commandment_n will_v thou_o not_o be_v angry_a with_o we_o till_o thou_o have_v consume_v we_o so_o that_o there_o shall_v be_v no_o remnant_n nor_o escape_v they_o have_v indeed_o already_o break_v god_n commandment_n in_o a_o grievous_a manner_n and_o sin_v against_o he_o with_o a_o high_a hand_n by_o those_o unlawful_a marriage_n his_o meaning_n therefore_o be_v shall_v we_o again_o break_v thy_o commandment_n as_o we_o have_v do_v shall_v we_o still_o continue_v in_o our_o sin_n and_o obstinate_o refuse_v to_o be_v reduce_v to_o obedience_n if_o we_o shall_v still_o perverse_o and_o irreclaimable_o go_v on_o in_o our_o trespass_n will_v thou_o not_o be_v angry_a with_o we_o till_o thou_o have_v consume_v we_o of_o these_o particular_n in_o order_n as_o they_o lie_v in_o the_o text._n i_o begin_v with_o the_o aggravation_n of_o their_o sin_n the_o first_o of_o which_o be_v the_o great_a severity_n god_n have_v former_o show_v against_o they_o for_o their_o past_a transgression_n after_o all_o that_o be_v come_v upon_o we_o for_o our_o evil_a deed_n and_o for_o our_o great_a trespass_n shall_v we_o again_o break_v thy_o commandment_n here_o divers_a thing_n be_v observable_a 1._o that_o ezra_n and_o all_o those_o who_o join_v with_o he_o in_o this_o confession_n of_o their_o sin_n do_v endeavour_v to_o aggravate_v their_o sin_n by_o call_v in_o and_o lay_v together_o all_o those_o circumstance_n by_o which_o the_o heinousness_n of_o they_o may_v the_o better_o appear_v and_o this_o they_o do_v to_o the_o end_n their_o heart_n may_v be_v the_o more_o affect_v with_o they_o and_o the_o more_o sound_o humble_v for_o they_o as_o also_o that_o they_o may_v be_v the_o more_o willing_a to_o forsake_v they_o and_o this_o be_v the_o property_n of_o all_o true_a penitent_n they_o ever_o desire_v to_o be_v thorough_o apprehensive_a of_o the_o evil_a of_o their_o sin_n and_o therefore_o they_o aggravate_v they_o to_o the_o utmost_a in_o their_o confession_n charge_v themselves_o full_o with_o they_o and_o lay_v as_o much_o load_n upon_o themselves_o as_o they_o can_v they_o think_v they_o can_v never_o speak_v enough_o against_o themselves_o nor_o sufficient_o discover_v and_o represent_v the_o evil_a of_o their_o way_n insomuch_o that_o sometime_o they_o rather_o exceed_v than_o come_v short_a herein_o charge_v themselves_o more_o heavy_o than_o there_o be_v cause_n for_o but_o hypocrite_n unhumble_v and_o impenitent_a sinner_n be_v of_o a_o different_a temper_n these_o instead_o of_o aggravate_v their_o sin_n be_v wont_a to_o extenuate_v and_o palliate_v they_o if_o they_o be_v force_v to_o confess_v they_o it_o be_v for_o the_o most_o part_n but_o by_o half_n that_o they_o do_v it_o if_o they_o can_v but_o acknowledge_v they_o have_v offend_v yet_o they_o will_v do_v it_o with_o a_o apology_n or_o with_o a_o addition_n of_o something_o that_o may_v qualify_v and_o lessen_v their_o sin_n they_o be_v indeed_o sometime_o overtake_v but_o it_o be_v very_o rare_o it_o be_v when_o they_o be_v draw_v aside_o by_o ill_a company_n or_o overpower_v by_o the_o strength_n 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cover_v as_o much_o of_o a_o man_n shame_n as_o be_v possible_a be_v ever_o a_o infallible_a argument_n that_o the_o sinner_n be_v never_o due_o humble_v for_o that_o sin_n for_o which_o he_o have_v still_o so_o much_o kindness_n and_o affection_n 2._o another_o thing_n observable_a be_v that_o ezra_n and_o those_o other_o holy_a man_n that_o together_o with_o he_o make_v this_o confession_n do_v impute_v all_o those_o misery_n and_o calamity_n which_o they_o have_v suffer_v in_o the_o captivity_n unto_o their_o sin_n they_o do_v own_o their_o suffering_n as_o the_o fruit_n of_o their_o sin_n and_o acknowledge_v their_o transgression_n to_o have_v be_v the_o meritorious_a cause_n and_o procurer_n of_o their_o affliction_n after_o all_o say_v they_o that_o be_v come_v upon_o we_o for_o our_o evil_a deed_n and_o for_o our_o great_a trespass_n they_o be_v convince_v and_o do_v yield_v and_o assent_v that_o god_n intention_n in_o bring_v those_o evil_n upon_o they_o be_v to_o punish_v they_o for_o their_o sin_n this_o conviction_n and_o acknowledgement_n be_v necessary_a for_o they_o and_o be_v for_o we_o all_o in_o reference_n to_o our_o affliction_n and_o yet_o it_o be_v very_o difficult_a to_o attain_v it_o it_o be_v necessary_a because_o without_o it_o we_o can_v neither_o be_v patient_a under_o our_o affliction_n nor_o profit_n by_o they_o nor_o rational_o expect_v a_o good_a issue_n out_o of_o they_o one_a unless_o we_o be_v convince_v that_o our_o suffering_n have_v relation_n to_o our_o sin_n and_o own_v they_o as_o the_o fruit_n of_o our_o sin_n we_o shall_v hardly_o be_v able_a to_o undergo_v with_o patience_n what_o be_v inflict_v on_o we_o to_o be_v sure_a we_o shall_v want_v one_o of_o the_o most_o effectual_a argument_n to_o work_v patience_n in_o we_o it_o be_v the_o sense_n of_o our_o sin_n deserve_v whatsoever_o be_v come_v upon_o we_o and_o a_o acknowledgement_n of_o the_o righteous_a hand_n of_o god_n in_o bring_v such_o affliction_n on_o we_o for_o our_o sin_n that_o humble_v and_o subdue_v our_o heart_n to_o god_n compose_v and_o quiet_v our_o tumultuous_a spirit_n and_z gives_z check_n to_o all_o the_o rise_n of_o our_o rebellious_a nature_n against_o god_n providence_n it_o be_v the_o sense_n that_o eli_n have_v of_o his_o own_o gild_n and_o of_o the_o just_a desert_n of_o his_o own_o sin_n and_o the_o sin_n of_o his_o family_n that_o make_v he_o so_o patient_a quiet_a and_o silent_a when_o that_o heavy_a sentence_n be_v by_o samuel_n pronounce_v against_o he_o and_o he_o as_o that_o he_o have_v not_o a_o word_n to_o say_v more_o than_o only_o to_o profess_v his_o humble_a and_o meek_a submission_n to_o the_o good_a pleasure_n of_o god_n it_o be_v the_o lord_n say_v he_o 3.18_o 1_o sam._n 3.18_o let_v he_o do_v what_o seem_v he_o good_a and_o this_o be_v that_o which_o the_o spirit_n
of_o god_n call_v the_o accept_n of_o the_o punishment_n of_o our_o sin_n 26.41_o leu._n 26.41_o but_o if_o the_o sinner_n be_v not_o convince_v that_o he_o suffer_v for_o his_o sin_n and_o that_o his_o transgression_n have_v be_v the_o procurer_n of_o his_o affliction_n it_o can_v easy_o be_v but_o that_o his_o corrupt_a nature_n shall_v rebel_v against_o god_n and_o impatient_o rise_v up_o against_o his_o providence_n as_o unequal_a too_o rigorous_a &_o severe_a 2_o neither_o can_v a_o man_n profit_n by_o his_o affliction_n unless_o he_o be_v convince_v that_o his_o sin_n have_v be_v the_o cause_n of_o they_o and_o that_o god_n strike_v at_o they_o in_o his_o suffering_n who_o can_v think_v himself_o concern_v to_o amend_v and_o reform_v that_o upon_o the_o account_n of_o his_o affliction_n which_o he_o never_o discern_v to_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o they_o nor_o can_v be_v convince_v that_o they_o have_v any_o relation_n to_o it_o but_o let_v a_o man_n once_o be_v thorough_o apprehensive_a of_o the_o displeasure_n of_o god_n against_o he_o for_o his_o particular_a sin_n and_o see_v the_o hand_n of_o god_n in_o his_o affliction_n strike_v at_o those_o sin_n and_o then_o he_o will_v soon_o think_v himself_o high_o concern_v to_o rectify_v or_o remove_v out_o of_o the_o way_n that_o which_o have_v do_v he_o so_o much_o mischief_n he_o will_v think_v he_o can_v make_v too_o much_o haste_n to_o quit_v and_o be_v rid_v of_o that_o for_o which_o he_o sore_o smart_v already_o and_o may_v yet_o smart_v more_o unless_o by_o his_o speedy_a reformation_n he_o prevent_v it_o when_o god_n have_v send_v a_o plague_n among_o the_o israelite_n for_o their_o murmur_a moses_n be_v deep_o sensible_a of_o the_o fierce_a wrath_n of_o god_n against_o they_o for_o that_o sin_n say_v to_o aaron_n 16.46_o numb_a 16.46_o take_v a_o censer_n and_o put_v fire_n therein_o from_o off_o the_o altar_n and_o put_v on_o incense_n and_o go_v quick_o unto_o the_o congregation_n and_o make_v a_o atonement_n for_o they_o for_o there_o be_v wrath_n go_v out_o from_o the_o lord_n the_o plague_n be_v begin_v go_v quick_o say_v he_o for_o wrath_n be_v go_v out_o from_o the_o lord_n a_o lively_a sense_n of_o the_o anger_n and_o displeasure_n of_o god_n in_o your_o affliction_n for_o your_o sin_n will_v speed_v and_o quicken_v your_o endeavour_n to_o make_v your_o peace_n with_o god_n by_o answer_v the_o end_n of_o his_o correction_n 3_o neither_o can_v you_o rational_o expect_v to_o be_v free_v from_o your_o affliction_n in_o a_o way_n of_o mercy_n until_o they_o bring_v you_o to_o the_o sight_n of_o your_o sin_n and_o you_o look_v upon_o they_o as_o the_o punishment_n of_o sin_n for_o till_o that_o be_v do_v upon_o you_o your_o affliction_n be_v whole_o fruitless_a as_o have_v do_v no_o part_n of_o that_o work_n for_o effect_v of_o which_o god_n send_v they_o to_o understand_v why_o you_o be_v afflict_v and_o to_o see_v the_o sin_n which_o god_n strike_v at_o in_o your_o affliction_n be_v the_o first_o step_v towards_o god_n attain_v his_o end_n in_o afflict_v you_o if_o this_o be_v not_o do_v upon_o you_o nothing_o be_v do_v and_o therefore_o you_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o expect_v the_o removal_n of_o they_o unless_o it_o be_v to_o make_v way_n for_o some_o other_o more_o smart_a rod_n which_o may_v effectual_o work_v that_o in_o you_o which_o god_n intend_v but_o though_o in_o these_o respect_v it_o be_v most_o necessary_a to_o see_v and_o own_v our_o sin_n as_o the_o cause_n and_o procurer_n of_o our_o suffering_n yet_o to_o do_v it_o be_v as_o difficult_a as_o it_o be_v necessary_a for_o such_o be_v the_o pride_n and_o stubbornness_n of_o our_o heart_n that_o we_o be_v not_o easy_o bring_v to_o take_v shame_n to_o ourselves_o and_o to_o acknowledge_v our_o own_o particular_a sin_n to_o have_v be_v the_o cause_n of_o our_o suffering_n say_v to_o ourselves_o as_o god_n say_v to_o jerusalem_n 4.18_o jer._n 4.18_o thy_o way_n and_o thy_o do_n have_v procure_v these_o thing_n unto_o thou_o we_o be_v very_o unwilling_a to_o acknowledge_v our_o own_o gild_n and_o will_v much_o rather_o lay_v the_o cause_n of_o our_o suffering_n at_o any_o other_o door_n than_o our_o own_o and_o this_o we_o be_v especial_o apt_a to_o do_v in_o public_a and_o common_a calamity_n these_o we_o ascribe_v 1._o to_o chance_n or_o common_a providence_n in_o which_o we_o do_v not_o think_v ourselves_o particular_o touch_v or_o concern_v 2._o to_o the_o wickedness_n of_o some_o malicious_a and_o mischievous_a instrument_n that_o be_v the_o contriver_n and_o causer_n of_o our_o suffering_n 3._o to_o the_o sin_n of_o other_o the_o provocation_n of_o such_o and_o such_o profligate_v and_o abominable_a person_n draw_v down_o the_o judgement_n of_o god_n upon_o the_o place_n and_o not_o our_o own_o offence_n as_o for_o ourselves_o we_o suffer_v only_o in_o the_o crowd_n and_o because_o we_o be_v find_v among_o those_o who_o be_v to_o be_v punish_v or_o 4._o if_o we_o acknowledge_v our_o sin_n in_o the_o general_a to_o have_v be_v the_o meritorious_a cause_n of_o our_o suffering_n yet_o we_o descend_v not_o to_o particular_n we_o charge_v not_o ourselves_o with_o such_o and_o such_o sin_n for_o which_o god_n have_v be_v angry_a with_o we_o and_o so_o our_o own_v our_o sin_n only_o in_o general_a as_o the_o cause_n of_o our_o suffering_n be_v but_o a_o formal_a thing_n with_o which_o we_o be_v little_o affect_v it_o be_v little_a better_o than_o if_o we_o have_v say_v we_o believe_v indeed_o that_o we_o have_v deserve_v all_o that_o be_v come_v upon_o we_o but_o we_o know_v not_o how_o nor_o wherein_o ezra_n no_o doubt_n go_v a_o great_a deal_n further_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v question_v but_o that_o he_o have_v in_o his_o most_o passionate_a confession_n a_o eye_n upon_o the_o particular_a sin_n for_o which_o they_o suffer_v in_o babylon_n we_o may_v be_v sure_o they_o be_v not_o generality_n only_o that_o so_o deep_o affect_v he_o he_o have_v upon_o his_o heart_n the_o particular_a instance_n of_o their_o vile_a provocation_n together_o with_o the_o circumstance_n of_o they_o and_o so_o must_v we_o if_o we_o desire_v to_o be_v affect_v with_o god_n terrible_a providence_n as_o we_o ought_v and_o to_o take_v they_o to_o heart_n in_o a_o right_a manner_n though_o what_o i_o be_o now_o speak_v concern_v we_o all_o yet_o there_o may_v be_v those_o among_o we_o who_o may_v think_v themselves_o very_o little_o concern_v therein_o 1._o those_o who_o though_o they_o have_v be_v sufferer_n together_o with_o other_o yet_o have_v be_v free_a from_o all_o those_o foul_a and_o enormous_a offence_n and_o high_a provocation_n which_o many_o other_o have_v be_v guilty_a of_o and_o possible_o over_o and_o above_o their_o be_v free_a from_o the_o gild_n and_o stain_v of_o foul_a sin_n they_o have_v be_v such_o as_o have_v make_v a_o strict_a profession_n of_o religion_n than_o most_o other_o these_o person_n may_v be_v very_o inclinable_a to_o think_v that_o god_n do_v not_o particular_o intend_v the_o correct_v of_o they_o for_o their_o sin_n in_o the_o common_a judgement_n that_o light_v upon_o the_o place_n but_o that_o they_o suffer_v rather_o upon_o their_o neighbour_n account_v than_o their_o own_o 2._o of_o the_o same_o opinion_n perhaps_o may_v they_o be_v tempt_v to_o be_v who_o seem_v even_o as_o to_o outward_a thing_n to_o have_v gain_v by_o their_o affliction_n and_o to_o be_v in_o a_o better_a condition_n as_o to_o trade_n than_o they_o be_v in_o before_o it_o be_v easy_a for_o such_o if_o any_o such_o be_v to_o entertain_v themselves_o with_o a_o pleasant_a dream_n that_o god_n only_o empty_v they_o to_o the_o end_n he_o may_v fill_v they_o full_a than_o they_o be_v before_o and_o that_o he_o have_v no_o other_o design_n in_o pull_v down_o their_o house_n than_o that_o he_o may_v build_v they_o up_o fair_a but_o let_v neither_o the_o one_o nor_o the_o other_o deceive_v themselves_o they_o will_v but_o flatter_v themselves_o if_o they_o shall_v think_v that_o god_n do_v not_o aim_v at_o their_o sin_n in_o his_o severe_a providence_n as_o well_o as_o at_o the_o sin_n of_o their_o neighbour_n as_o for_o the_o former_a of_o these_o though_o they_o may_v have_v be_v free_a from_o the_o foul_a abomination_n and_o cry_a sin_n of_o the_o place_n and_o though_o they_o may_v have_v make_v a_o strict_a and_o high_a profession_n of_o religion_n yet_o even_o such_o may_v have_v be_v taint_v with_o the_o pollution_n of_o many_o sin_n which_o may_v have_v have_v no_o small_a influence_n in_o procure_v the_o heavy_a judgement_n of_o god_n upon_o the_o town_n and_o their_o sin_n in_o respect_n of_o their_o near_a relation_n to_o god_n and_o strict_a profession_n
after_o the_o sharp_a and_o bitter_a persecution_n under_o the_o reign_n of_o queen_n mary_n follow_v that_o bless_a sunshine_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o the_o peaceable_a and_o undisturbed_a enjoyment_n thereof_o throughout_o all_o the_o long_a and_o prosperous_a or_o rather_o glorious_a reign_n of_o queen_n elizabeth_n and_o the_o continuance_n of_o it_o to_o we_o ever_o since_o even_o to_o this_o day_n notwithstanding_o all_o the_o destructive_a machination_n wicked_a plot_n and_o restless_a attempt_n of_o the_o enemy_n to_o deprive_v we_o of_o it_o and_o to_o put_v out_o our_o light_n in_o obscure_a darkness_n now_o some_o of_o the_o reason_n of_o this_o method_n of_o divine_a providence_n be_v these_o 1._o it_o conduce_v very_o much_o to_o the_o display_v and_o illustrate_v of_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n wisdom_n power_n and_o goodness_n who_o can_v so_o wonderful_o change_v the_o most_o dark_a and_o dismal_a state_n of_o thing_n who_o create_v darkness_n and_o form_n light_a isa_n 45.7_o who_o turn_v the_o shadow_n of_o death_n into_o the_o morning_n as_o the_o prophet_n speak_v amos_n 5.8_o who_o turn_v a_o town_n into_o ash_n and_o rubbish_n in_o the_o space_n of_o few_o hour_n make_v it_o a_o place_n meet_v for_o zim_n and_o okim_n to_o take_v up_o their_o abode_n in_o the_o merciless_a element_n where_o it_o rage_v scarce_o leave_v a_o lintel_n for_o the_o cormorant_n or_o bittern_n to_o lodge_v in_o or_o the_o remainder_n of_o a_o scorch_a window_n to_o sing_v in_o and_o then_o again_o within_o the_o space_n of_o few_o year_n out_o of_o the_o dust_n and_o ash_n to_o raise_v up_o a_o town_n for_o the_o accommodation_n of_o man_n and_o a_o church_n for_o the_o service_n of_o god_n and_o both_o with_o the_o addition_n of_o that_o beauty_n and_o lustre_n which_o have_v never_o be_v unless_o god_n have_v lay_v the_o foundation_n of_o that_o change_n for_o the_o better_a in_o ruin_n and_o desolation_n all_o beholder_n must_v needs_o acknowledge_v such_o admirable_a turn_n and_o vicissitude_n of_o thing_n to_o be_v the_o operation_n of_o his_o hand_n who_o be_v wonderful_a in_o counsel_n and_o excellent_a in_o work_v 2._o by_o dark_a providence_n by_o trouble_n and_o affliction_n god_n fit_v and_o prepare_v we_o for_o mercy_n our_o affliction_n when_o sanctify_v humble_v we_o lay_v we_o low_o make_v we_o reflect_v upon_o ourselves_o and_o consider_v our_o way_n make_v we_o repent_v reform_a and_o turn_v to_o he_o that_o smite_v we_o and_o all_o this_o tend_v to_o the_o render_v we_o meet_v to_o be_v partaker_n of_o the_o mercy_n which_o god_n have_v in_o store_n for_o we_o for_o while_o we_o go_v on_o impenitent_o in_o a_o course_n of_o sin_n blessing_n will_v be_v curse_v to_o we_o and_o abuse_v of_o mercy_n will_v increase_v our_o misery_n 3._o affliction_n commend_v god_n after-mercy_n and_o make_v they_o more_o sweet_a and_o acceptable_a to_o we_o as_o the_o darkness_n of_o the_o night_n commend_v the_o light_n of_o the_o morning_n a_o quiet_a and_o calm_a season_n after_o a_o storm_n how_o welcome_a how_o pleasant_a and_o delightsome_a be_v it_o such_o be_v the_o unspeakable_a goodness_n of_o god_n that_o he_o so_o much_o consult_v our_o comfort_n as_o to_o order_n and_o dispose_v of_o the_o circumstance_n of_o our_o mercy_n so_o as_o they_o may_v afford_v we_o most_o content_a and_o satisfaction_n 4._o great_a trouble_n and_o affliction_n go_v before_o great_a mercy_n dispose_v our_o heart_n to_o great_a thankfulness_n for_o they_o when_o mercy_n come_v in_o upon_o we_o in_o such_o a_o season_n and_o with_o such_o circumstance_n they_o great_o affect_v we_o and_o make_v deep_a impression_n on_o our_o heart_n so_o as_o we_o think_v we_o can_v never_o be_v thankful_a enough_o we_o can_v never_o bless_v god_n sufficient_o for_o they_o now_o to_o apply_v this_o brief_o the_o consideration_n of_o what_o have_v be_v say_v concern_v this_o method_n of_o god_n providence_n and_o the_o reason_n of_o it_o shall_v persuade_v we_o and_o prevail_v with_o we_o to_o bear_v affliction_n meek_o quiet_o and_o patient_o and_o with_o that_o composedness_n calmness_n and_o evenness_n of_o spirit_n which_o become_v christian_n who_o be_v no_o stranger_n to_o the_o usual_a way_n of_o god_n providence_n neither_o fret_v against_o the_o lord_n nor_o despond_v or_o cast_v away_o our_o confidence_n in_o he_o though_o it_o be_v night_n with_o you_o at_o present_a yet_o you_o may_v hope_v it_o will_v not_o be_v so_o always_o the_o day_n will_v return_v there_o be_v a_o interchangeable_a vicissitude_n of_o these_o providence_n after_o darkness_n light_n break_v forth_o and_o the_o long_o your_o night_n have_v be_v the_o near_a be_v the_o approach_n of_o the_o day_n wherefore_o in_o the_o most_o dark_a and_o disconsolate_a condition_n say_v with_o the_o church_n of_o god_n 9_o mic._n 7.7_o 8_o 9_o i_o will_v look_v unto_o the_o lord_n i_o will_v wait_v for_o the_o god_n of_o my_o salvation_n rejoice_v not_o against_o i_o o_o my_o enemy_n when_o i_o fall_v i_o shall_v arise_v when_o i_o sit_v in_o darkness_n the_o lord_n shall_v be_v a_o light_n unto_o i_o i_o will_v bear_v the_o indignation_n of_o the_o lord_n because_o i_o have_v sin_v against_o he_o until_o he_o plead_v my_o cause_n and_o execute_v judgement_n for_o i_o he_o will_v bring_v i_o forth_o to_o the_o light_n and_o i_o shall_v behold_v his_o righteousness_n so_o i_o have_v do_v with_o the_o first_o thing_n the_o prediction_n of_o great_a concussion_n and_o shake_n in_o the_o world_n before_o the_o come_n of_o the_o messiah_n 2._o i_o come_v now_o to_o the_o second_o particular_a the_o promise_n of_o his_o come_n and_o the_o desire_n of_o all_o nation_n shall_v come_v the_o desire_n of_o all_o nation_n that_o be_v christ_n the_o object_n of_o the_o desire_n of_o all_o nation_n or_o who_o all_o nation_n shall_v desire_v but_o then_o this_o must_v be_v understand_v of_o some_o of_o all_o nation_n of_o as_o many_o out_o of_o all_o nation_n as_o be_v dispose_v to_o receive_v he_o though_o other_o perhaps_o the_o generality_n of_o some_o nation_n may_v be_v so_o far_o from_o desire_v he_o that_o they_o may_v hate_v he_o blaspheme_v his_o name_n and_o persecute_v to_o the_o death_n all_o that_o acknowledge_v he_o for_o their_o saviour_n but_o if_o this_o sense_n be_v judge_v too_o straight_o then_o by_o the_o desire_n of_o all_o nation_n we_o may_v understand_v the_o desirable_a of_o all_o nation_n or_o he_o who_o have_v that_o in_o he_o which_o shall_v render_v he_o lovely_a and_o desirable_a to_o all_o nation_n and_o in_o respect_n whereof_o all_o nation_n may_v and_o shall_v desire_v he_o and_o so_o far_o as_o they_o know_v he_o and_o understand_v their_o own_o interest_n will_v desire_v he_o this_o description_n or_o character_n of_o christ_n be_v agreeable_a to_o what_o the_o scripture_n elsewhere_o say_v concern_v he_o the_o spouse_n have_v describe_v he_o and_o set_v forth_o his_o perfection_n and_o excellency_n say_v he_o be_v the_o thief_a among_o ten_o thousand_o cant._n 5.10_o and_o altogether_o lovely_a ver_fw-la 16._o and_o jacob_n prophetical_o speak_v of_o he_o under_o the_o name_n of_o shiloh_n say_v to_o he_o shall_v the_o gather_n of_o the_o people_n be_v gen._n 49.10_o that_o be_v all_o people_n and_o nation_n out_o of_o a_o high_a esteem_n of_o he_o and_o a_o earnest_a desire_n after_o he_o shall_v flow_v in_o to_o he_o so_o god_n speak_v of_o the_o come_n in_o of_o the_o gentile_n to_o the_o church_n in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o under_o the_o kingdom_n of_o the_o messiah_n say_v behold_v i_o will_v lift_v up_o my_o hand_n to_o the_o gentile_n and_o set_v up_o my_o standard_n to_o the_o people_n and_o they_o shall_v bring_v thy_o son_n in_o their_o arm_n and_o thy_o daughter_n shall_v be_v carry_v upon_o their_o shoulder_n isa_n 49.22_o in_o that_o day_n there_o shall_v be_v a_o root_n of_o jesseâ—_n which_o shall_v stand_v for_o a_o ensign_n to_o the_o people_n to_o it_o shall_v the_o gentile_n seek_v isa_n 11.10_o behold_v my_o servant_n who_o i_o uphold_v my_o elect_a in_o who_o my_o soul_n delight_v i_o have_v put_v my_o spirit_n upon_o he_o he_o shall_v bring_v forth_o judgement_n to_o the_o gentile_n i_o will_v give_v he_o for_o a_o covenant_n of_o the_o people_n for_o a_o light_n of_o the_o gentile_n isa_n 42.1_o it_o be_v a_o light_a thing_n that_o thou_o shall_v be_v my_o servant_n to_o raise_v up_o the_o tribe_n of_o jacob_n and_o to_o restore_v the_o preserve_v of_o israel_n i_o will_v also_o give_v thou_o for_o a_o light_n to_o the_o gentile_n that_o thou_o may_v be_v my_o salvation_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o earth_n isa_n 49.6_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o the_o church_n gather_v out_o of_o all_o nation_n be_v represent_v to_o st._n