Selected quad for the lemma: cause_n

Word A Word B Word C Word D Occurrence Frequency Band MI MI Band Prominent
cause_n woe_n word_n world_n 176 4 5.1765 4 false
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ID Title Author Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication) STC Words Pages
A69777 The intercourses of divine love betwixt Christ and his Church, or, The particular believing soul metaphorically expressed by Solomon in the first chapter of the Canticles, or song of songs : opened and applied in several sermons, upon that whole chapter : in which the excellencies of Christ, the yernings of his gospels towards believers, under various circumstances, the workings of their hearts towards, and in, communion with him, with many other gospel propositions of great import to souls, are handles / by John Collinges ... Collinges, John, 1623-1690. 1683 (1683) Wing C5324; ESTC R16693 839,627 984

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heresy_n so_o as_o we_o be_v not_o to_o wonder_v if_o the_o thing_n that_o have_v be_v still_o be_v while_o the_o state_n of_o the_o church_n be_v yet_o militant_a we_o be_v not_o indeed_o to_o cause_v they_o or_o be_v the_o author_n or_o abettor_n of_o they_o but_o neither_o be_v we_o to_o be_v discourage_v or_o condemn_v church_n for_o they_o who_o may_v be_v comely_a though_o they_o have_v something_o of_o this_o blackness_n thus_o cause_v i_o shall_v shut_v up_o this_o discourse_n with_o a_o few_o word_n of_o exhortation_n 1._o to_o all_o such_o as_o own_v themselves_o christian_n and_o glory_n in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o son_n and_o daughter_n of_o the_o church_n that_o they_o will_v answer_v that_o name_n and_o relation_n and_o not_o be_v a_o cause_n of_o the_o spouse_n blackness_n or_o appear_v blackness_n there_o be_v two_o way_n by_o which_o we_o may_v be_v so_o 1._o by_o a_o loose_a and_o scandalous_a conversation_n 2._o by_o be_v angry_a with_o our_o brethren_n by_o the_o 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time_n he_o ought_v to_o lie_v under_o conviction_n of_o his_o duty_n to_o run_v though_o it_o be_v his_o misery_n that_o at_o present_a he_o can_v run_v br._n second_o we_o may_v from_o hence_o learn_v one_o great_a reason_n why_o many_o move_v not_o at_o all_o after_o gȯd_n and_o also_o of_o that_o uneven_a pace_n which_o be_v discernible_a even_o in_o the_o best_a of_o god_n people_n the_o great_a part_n of_o the_o world_n move_v not_o after_o christ_n at_o all_o one_o man_n run_v after_o his_o sensual_a satisfaction_n anoher_o after_o sensible_a enjȯyment_n make_v haste_n to_o be_v rich_a few_o after_o christ●_n what_o be_v the_o reason_n the_o scripture_n lay_v the_o fault_n upon_o the_o immediate_a proximate_a cause_n that_o be_v man_n be_v perverse_a will_n he_o will_v not_o come_v to_o christ_n that_o he_o may_v live_v but_o there_o be_v a_o high_a cause_n for_o no_o more_o will_v any_o other_o soul_n have_v do_v if_o the_o lord_n have_v not_o draw_v it_o and_o make_v it_o partaker_n of_o his_o powerful_a special_a grace_n have_v it_o please_v the_o lord_n to_o have_v do_v as_o much_o for_o those_o other_o soul_n they_o will_v have_v come_v they_o will_v have_v run_v likewise_o but_o you_o will_v say_v then_o man_n damnation_n be_v from_o god_n and_o be_v not_o cause_v so_o much_o from_o their_o not_o run_v as_o from_o god_n not_o draw_v i_o have_v before_o speak_v to_o this_o objection_n but_o it_o come_v again_o a_o cross_n i_o i_o will_v add_v but_o a_o word_n or_o two_o or_o rather_o repeat_v what_o i_o have_v already_o say_v in_o the_o case_n the_o objection_n be_v indeed_o considerable_a if_o 1._o god_n do_v not_o in_o some_o degree_n draw_v every_o soul_n to_o who_o the_o gospel_n be_v preach_v 2._o if_o the_o sinner_n do_v to_o his_o utmost_a obey_v those_o drawing_n and_o god_n yet_o deny_v his_o further_a and_o more_o effectual_a grace_n but_o as_o i_o have_v before_o show_v you_o there_o be_v no_o soul_n that_o live_v under_o the_o preach_n 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the_o good_a use_n of_o common_a grace_n merit_v nothing_o at_o the_o hand_n of_o god_n yet_o god_n do_v never_o deny_v his_o special_a grace_n but_o where_o common_a grace_n be_v first_o wilful_o abuse_v and_o thus_o the_o destruction_n of_o sinner_n lie_v at_o their_o own_o door_n not_o because_o that_o if_o they_o will_v they_o may_v repent_v believe_v and_o turn_v to_o god_n but_o because_o that_o if_o they_o will_v they_o may_v make_v such_o a_o use_n of_o the_o common_a grace_n of_o god_n as_o in_o the_o use_n of_o it_o god_n will_v not_o be_v want_v to_o they_o in_o the_o give_v they_o that_o further_a power_n to_o spiritual_a act_n which_o they_o have_v not_o of_o themselves_o but_o
easy_o be_v gather_v the_o reasonableness_n of_o this_o duty_n there_o be_v four_o thing_n that_o call_v to_o we_o for_o it_o and_o make_v it_o our_o duty_n 1._o the_o first_o be_v the_o honour_n and_o glory_n of_o god_n this_o be_v the_o great_a end_n of_o all_o our_o action_n for_o this_o cause_n we_o be_v bear_v for_o this_o cause_n we_o come_v into_o the_o world_n i_o have_v before_o tell_v you_o that_o we_o have_v no_o other_o way_n to_o glorify_v god_n but_o by_o the_o predication_n or_o speak_v of_o his_o greatness_n or_o goodness_n or_o some_o other_o of_o his_o attribute_n and_o by_o our_o holy_a life_n and_o conversation_n in_o obedience_n to_o his_o will_n now_o of_o all_o god_n attribute_n there_o be_v none_o wherein_o he_o more_o delight_v then_o in_o show_v mercy_n and_o whoso_o tell_v of_o god_n act_n of_o grace_n do_v eminent_o glorify_v god_n for_o the_o riches_n of_o his_o grace_n and_o goodness_n be_v discover_v in_o christ_n and_o as_o in_o his_o give_v of_o 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a_o foundation_n for_o those_o scandal_n which_o arise_v in_o it_o and_o be_v throw_v upon_o it_o from_o which_o it_o appear_v black_a last_o you_o that_o be_v the_o sincerer_n part_n of_o the_o church_n and_o have_v hear_v that_o you_o must_v expect_v that_o your_o mother_n child_n shall_v be_v angry_a with_o you_o that_o there_o shall_v be_v some_o bad_a fish_n in_o the_o drag-net_n with_o the_o good_a some_o tare_n in_o christ_n field_n of_o wheat_n some_o that_o will_v be_v spot_n in_o your_o assembly_n and_o that_o these_o if_o they_o do_v not_o make_v you_o black_a yet_o will_v make_v you_o appear_v black_a what_o remain_v but_o that_o you_o take_v care_n that_o neither_o the_o lust_n of_o your_o own_o heart_n which_o be_v in_o a_o sense_n your_o mother_n child_n make_v you_o black_a nor_o the_o opposition_n that_o you_o will_v meet_v with_o from_o such_o as_o be_v false_a brethren_n make_v you_o appear_v more_o black_a than_o indeed_o you_o be_v this_o care_n of_o you_o must_v 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the_o vineyard_n the_o spouse_n be_v yet_o apologize_v for_o her_o blackness_n of_o which_o she_o assign_v four_o cause_n 1._o her_o affliction_n the_o sun_n say_v she_o have_v look_v upon_o i_o 2._o her_o opposition_n both_o from_o within_o and_o without_o my_o mother_n child_n be_v angry_a with_o i_o these_o i_o have_v discourse_v and_o come_v now_o to_o the_o three_o cause_n assign_v by_o she_o express_v in_o these_o word_n they_o make_v i_o the_o keeper_n of_o the_o vineyard_n they_o that_o be_v my_o mother_n child_n before_o mention_v make_v i_o the_o keeper_n of_o the_o vineyard_n in_o my_o explication_n of_o the_o text_n i_o hint_v a_o double_a sense_n of_o the_o word_n the_o one_o literal_a the_o other_o metaphorical_a in_o the_o former_a it_o signify_v her_o intanglement_n in_o secular_a affair_n keep_v the_o vineyard_n be_v a_o secular_a employment_n a_o mean_a employment_n and_o a_o laborious_a employment_n thence_o you_o read_v that_o the_o general_n of_o the_o assyrian_a 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carry_v a_o truth_n in_o it_o hence_o arise_v two_o proposition_n prop._n 1._o that_o a_o submission_n to_o false_a worship_n and_o superstitious_a rite_n in_o the_o service_n of_o god_n will_v make_v the_o spouse_n of_o christ_n appear_v black_a prop._n 2._o that_o great_a entanglement_n in_o secular_a affair_n will_v make_v the_o spouse_n of_o christ_n black_a i_o shall_v speak_v short_o to_o the_o first_o and_o more_o large_o to_o the_o second_o which_o i_o rather_o think_v to_o be_v the_o sense_n the_o church_n of_o god_n have_v three_o thing_n commit_v to_o her_o trust_n the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n the_o ordinance_n of_o worship_n the_o rule_n of_o discipline_n the_o admission_n of_o corruption_n in_o any_o of_o these_o make_v a_o church_n black_a as_o it_o be_v a_o breach_n of_o trust_n and_o a_o deviation_n from_o the_o divine_a rule_n this_o be_v sufficient_o prove_v by_o the_o message_n christ_n send_v to_o the_o seven_o church_n of_o asia_n he_o let_v the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n know_v that_o he_o have_v something_o against_o she_o because_o she_o have_v leave_v she_o first_o love_n rev._n 2._o 4._o v_o 13._o he_o reflect_v upon_o the_o church_n of_o pergamus_n because_o she_o have_v those_o in_o she_o who_o hold_v the_o doctrine_n of_o balaam_n and_o of_o the_o nicolaitan_n v_o 20._o he_o reflect_v on_o the_o church_n of_o thyatira_n for_o suffer_v the_o woman_n jezabel_n to_o seduce_v the_o servant_n of_o god_n to_o commit_v fornication_n and_o to_o eat_v thing_n offer_v to_o idol_n nor_o be_v any_o thing_n plain_o in_o the_o whole_a story_n of_o the_o jewish_a church_n than_o that_o the_o admission_n of_o corruption_n in_o the_o worship_n and_o order_n of_o that_o church_n be_v that_o which_o make_v it_o black_a and_o defile_v and_o look_v unlovely_a in_o the_o eye_n of_o god_n and_o be_v at_o last_o the_o cause_n of_o its_o ruin_n and_o destruction_n but_o because_o christian_n may_v not_o so_o distinct_o understand_v either_o wherein_o the_o nature_n of_o worship_n lie_v or_o wherein_o the_o difference_n lie_v betwixt_o that_o which_o be_v true_a and_o false_a i_o shall_v in_o a_o few_o conclusion_n lay_v down_o what_o i_o conceive_v to_o be_v truth_n in_o this_o case_n and_o then_o pass_v on_o to_o the_o handle_n of_o the_o proposition_n arise_v from_o the_o other_o sense_n of_o the_o word_n 1._o worship_n be_v a_o homage_n perform_v to_o god_n immediate_o in_o consideration_n of_o his_o excellency_n this_o be_v aquinas_n and_o other_o of_o the_o schoolmen_n notion_n about_o worship_n and_o it_o be_v a_o very_a good_a one_o 2._o this_o homage_n be_v either_o the_o homage_n of_o the_o outward_a or_o inward_a man_n the_o homage_n of_o the_o inward_a man_n lie_v in_o the_o exercise_n of_o our_o faith_n love_n fear_v the_o exercise_n of_o
good_a and_o virtuous_a habit_n so_o as_o to_o the_o church_n that_o church_n do_v not_o keep_v its_o own_o vineyard_n that_o do_v not_o beside_o purge_v itself_o of_o error_n and_o scandal_n take_v care_n also_o that_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n be_v due_o preach_v and_o publish_v and_o the_o ordinance_n of_o god_n pure_o administer_v this_o be_v now_o for_o the_o spouse_n to_o keep_v or_o not_o to_o keep_v she_o own_o vineyard_n now_o i_o say_v the_o spouse_n of_o christ_n whether_o the_o individual_a spouse_n which_o be_v every_o true_o gracious_a soul_n or_o the_o collective_a spouse_n which_o be_v the_o church_n of_o god_n be_v very_o prone_a to_o neglect_v the_o keep_n of_o its_o own_o vineyard_n 3._o this_o need_v no_o other_o evidence_n than_o the_o experience_n of_o all_o christian_n and_o all_o church_n and_o that_o in_o all_o age_n 1._o i_o say_v first_o the_o experience_n of_o particular_a christian_n for_o who_o live_v and_o sin_v not_o against_o god_n the_o righteous_a fall_v 7_o time_n in_o a_o day_n now_o though_o it_o be_v true_a that_o many_o of_o the_o sin_n of_o god_n people_n be_v sin_n of_o pure_a infirmity_n either_o through_o ignorance_n or_o impotency_n to_o resist_v the_o temptation_n yet_o both_o this_o ignorance_n and_o impotency_n be_v often_o occasion_v through_o a_o neglect_n or_o not_o improvement_n of_o the_o mean_n of_o knowledge_n and_o better_a information_n and_o through_o our_o not_o prepare_v ourselves_o to_o the_o spiritual_a fight_n put_v on_o the_o whole_a armour_n of_o god_n as_o we_o ought_v to_o have_v do_v avoid_v occasion_n to_o sin_n abstain_v from_o the_o appearance_n of_o evil_a and_o give_v no_o advantage_n to_o the_o adversary_n all_o which_o be_v our_o duty_n and_o enjoin_v we_o by_o the_o apostle_n 2._o nor_o second_o either_o be_v there_o or_o ever_o be_v any_o church_n of_o god_n upon_o the_o earth_n that_o keep_v its_o own_o vineyard_n as_o it_o ought_v to_o have_v do_v the_o church_n of_o the_o jew_n be_v the_o only_a church_n god_n have_v upon_o the_o earth_n until_o the_o time_n of_o john_n the_o baptist_n whosoever_o read_v their_o story_n in_o the_o book_n of_o moses_n the_o book_n of_o king_n and_o chronicle_n or_o in_o the_o write_n of_o the_o prophet_n will_v find_v that_o they_o do_v not_o keep_v their_o own_o vineyard_n never_o have_v any_o church_n a_o trust_n more_o clear_o commit_v to_o they_o they_o can_v have_v no_o long_a dispute_n about_o any_o thing_n of_o the_o reveal_v will_n of_o god_n if_o any_o question_n do_v arise_v they_o have_v a_o infallible_a rule_n deut._n 17._o for_o the_o determination_n of_o it_o yet_o as_o i_o tell_v you_o before_o as_o the_o ten_o tribe_n make_v a_o total_a defection_n after_o the_o reign_v of_o david_n and_o solomon_n both_o who_o reign_v make_v up_o but_o 80_o year_n in_o the_o latter_a part_n of_o which_o in_o solomon_n time_n towards_o the_o latter_a end_n of_o his_o reign_n they_o also_o admit_v very_o great_a corruption_n so_o in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o judah_n they_o lose_v what_o be_v commit_v to_o their_o trust_n many_o time_n and_o seldom_o keep_v it_o 60_o year_n together_o in_o any_o degree_n of_o purity_n so_o that_o in_o josiahs_n time_n the_o book_n of_o the_o law_n be_v throw_v about_o and_o hide_v in_o the_o rubbish_n and_o find_v by_o the_o repairer_n of_o the_o house_n of_o the_o lord_n as_o you_o find_v in_o the_o story_n of_o the_o book_n of_o the_o king_n now_o that_o this_o be_v their_o most_o wilful_a neglect_n appear_v by_o their_o frequent_a reduction_n though_o not_o perfect_a to_o the_o divine_a rule_n when_o asa_n jehosaphat_n hezekiah_n joash_n josiah_n attempt_v it_o and_o the_o plain_a revelation_n which_o they_o have_v of_o the_o will_n of_o god_n both_o from_o the_o letter_n of_o the_o law_n their_o way_n for_o decision_n of_o doubt_n about_o it_o and_o the_o prophet_n which_o god_n favour_v they_o with_o all_o the_o while_n that_o kingdom_n remain_v after_o that_o church_n be_v destroy_v and_o the_o christian_a church_n set_v up_o all_o the_o apostolical_a epistle_n give_v a_o proof_n of_o the_o proneness_n of_o church_n to_o neglect_v the_o keep_n of_o their_o own_o vineyard_n and_o of_o the_o lord_n watchman_n to_o sleep_v while_o the_o enemy_n sow_v tare_n the_o same_o be_v also_o evidence_v by_o all_o ecclesiastical_a history_n and_o from_o the_o history_n of_o all_o modern_a church_n their_o deviation_n in_o doctrine_n worship_n &_o discipline_n etc._n etc._n testify_v it_o 4._o nor_o be_v the_o reason_n of_o this_o aptness_n in_o we_o to_o neglect_v the_o keep_n of_o our_o own_o vineyard_n hard_o to_o be_v assign_v 1._o the_o first_o be_v the_o laboriousness_n of_o the_o work_n and_o the_o crossness_n of_o it_o to_o the_o genius_n of_o flesh_n and_o blood_n for_o a_o christian_n to_o keep_v his_o heart_n with_o all_o diligence_n be_v no_o easy_a work_n it_o lie_v much_o in_o a_o christian_n denial_n of_o himself_o take_v up_o the_o cross_n mortify_v his_o member_n as_o to_o which_o our_o flesh_n incessant_o cry_v in_o the_o language_n of_o peter_n master_n spare_v thyself_o so_o that_o he_o who_o do_v it_o row_n as_o we_o say_v both_o against_o wind_n and_o tide_n it_o require_v much_o knowledge_n and_o judgement_n to_o keep_v a_o man_n self_n unspotted_a from_o error_n but_o a_o great_a degree_n of_o self_n denial_n for_o any_o man_n to_o keep_v himself_o unspotted_a from_o the_o pollution_n of_o the_o world_n through_o lust_n upon_o this_o account_n it_o be_v that_o our_o saviour_n compare_v the_o way_n ●o_o heaven_n to_o a_o narrow_a way_n a_o strait_a gate_n and_o tell_v we_o that_o it_o be_v as_o easy_a for_o a_o camel_n to_o go_v through_o the_o eye_n of_o a_o needle_n as_o for_o a_o rich_a man_n to_o enter_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n our_o work_n be_v compare_v by_o our_o saviour_n to_o a_o cut_n off_o the_o right_a hand_n and_o pluck_v out_o of_o a_o right_a eye_n in_o work_n of_o great_a labour_n and_o difficnlty_n we_o be_v very_o prone_a you_o know_v to_o be_v remiss_a and_o negligent_a 2._o but_o this_o be_v not_o all_o the_o native_a corruption_n and_o inclination_n in_o man_n heart_n to_o deviate_v from_o the_o holy_a and_o right_a way_n of_o god_n be_v a_o great_a cause_n i_o must_v confess_v that_o as_o to_o the_o church_n keep_v its_o vineyard_n i_o can_v apprehend_v such_o a_o difficulty_n in_o it_o as_o to_o truth_n a_o man_n indeed_o can_v believe_v what_o he_o list_v but_o the_o church_n notwithstanding_o this_o may_v keep_v the_o doctrine_n of_o say_v if_o particular_a person_n that_o be_v otherwise_o persuade_v in_o some_o point_n then_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o church_n be_v will_v but_o learn_v what_o the_o apostle_n direct_v in_o that_o case_n have_v thou_o say_v have_v it_o to_o thyself_o rom._n 14._o and_o not_o think_v themselves_o oblige_v to_o publish_v to_o the_o disturbance_n of_o a_o church_n what_o be_v their_o own_o particular_a opinion_n as_o to_o ordinance_n relate_v to_o worship_n and_o government_n what_o difficulty_n can_v there_o be_v in_o keep_v strict_o to_o the_o divine_a rule_n and_o do_v that_o alone_a which_o god_n word_n require_v the_o question_n concern_v that_o will_v be_v very_o few_o if_o man_n do_v not_o lay_v hold_n upon_o some_o general_a passage_n and_o apply_v they_o to_o their_o own_o fancy_n be_v man_n but_o fix_v in_o this_o to_o adhere_v to_o the_o divine_a rule_n without_o diminish_v it_o or_o without_o add_v to_o it_o unless_o in_o case_n where_o such_o addition_n be_v apparent_o necessary_a certain_o this_o be_v all_o to_o be_v require_v in_o order_n to_o the_o church_n keep_v its_o own_o vineyard_n as_o to_o the_o ordinance_n commit_v to_o it_o but_o the_o corruption_n of_o man_n heart_n incline_v he_o to_o interpret_v the_o will_n of_o god_n in_o a_o consistency_n to_o his_o own_o reason_n make_v all_o the_o difficulty_n in_o the_o church_n keep_v the_o doctrine_n of_o faith_n and_o the_o wild_a humour_n that_o have_v always_o possess_v man_n to_o worship_n god_n according_a to_o their_o own_o fancy_n and_o to_o create_v decency_n and_o matter_n of_o order_n according_a to_o their_o own_o pleasure_n and_o to_o conform_v their_o altar_n to_o that_o of_o damascus_n have_v be_v all_o along_o in_o the_o story_n of_o the_o church_n the_o cause_n of_o the_o church_n neglect_v to_o keep_v its_o proper_a vineyard_n 3._o three_o it_o be_v much_o cause_v from_o the_o mixture_n of_o the_o world_n in_o our_o conversation_n this_o be_v true_a both_o as_o to_o the_o neglect_n of_o the_o particular_a christian_a &_o as_o to_o the_o neglect_n of_o the_o church_n also_o as_o to_o the_o particular_a christian_a we_o be_v but_o flesh_n and_o have_v sense_n to_o be_v gratify_v with_o pleasure_n
profit_n honour_n etc._n etc._n as_o well_o as_o with_o the_o supply_n of_o our_o necessity_n we_o live_v in_o and_o converse_v with_o the_o world_n which_o be_v full_a of_o object_n that_o gratify_v our_o sensitive_a appetite_n in_o these_o thing_n these_o be_v continual_a temptation_n to_o we_o to_o remit_v at_o least_o the_o care_n of_o our_o own_o soul_n &_o to_o neglect_v our_o own_o vineyard_n the_o church_n also_o while_o it_o be_v militant_a here_o on_o earth_n &_o consider_v as_o visible_a have_v in_o it_o a_o great_a mixture_n of_o the_o world_n though_o not_o of_o the_o pagen_n world_n there_o must_v be_v a_o profession_n of_o christ_n in_o all_o the_o member_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n yet_o of_o that_o world_n which_o lie_v in_o wickedness_n and_o it_o be_v this_o mixture_n of_o hypocrite_n with_o such_o as_o be_v the_o sincere_a servant_n of_o god_n that_o cause_v the_o church_n neglect_n of_o its_o vineyard_n all_o the_o remissness_n in_o a_o church_n of_o its_o care_n as_o to_o the_o doctrine_n worship_n and_o discipline_n of_o christ_n proceed_v from_o this_o mixture_n of_o person_n who_o be_v no_o more_o than_o visible_a with_o such_o as_o be_v sincere_a and_o true_a member_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n 4._o a_o four_o cause_n of_o this_o neglect_n be_v man_n foolish_a presumption_n that_o they_o be_v well_o enough_o the_o work_n of_o every_o particular_a person_n in_o keep_v the_o vineyard_n of_o his_o own_o soul_n be_v so_o contrary_a to_o the_o grain_n of_o flesh_n and_o blood_n that_o not_o only_o the_o natural_a man_n but_o even_o the_o sanctify_a man_n in_o regard_n of_o that_o corruption_n which_o be_v yet_o in_o he_o be_v ready_a to_o take_v up_o with_o short_a measure_n of_o it_o and_o to_o think_v his_o vineyard_n be_v well_o enough_o keep_v when_o indeed_o it_o be_v not_o man_n be_v loath_a to_o be_v righteous_a over_o much_o and_o be_v very_o apt_a to_o think_v that_o a_o little_a be_v enough_o we_o be_v very_o apt_a to_o think_v that_o we_o do_v enough_o duty_n and_o consider_v not_o the_o mark_n which_o we_o be_v to_o press_v after_o the_o measure_n of_o the_o stature_n of_o the_o fullness_n of_o christ_n it_o be_v something_o natural_a to_o we_o to_o think_v we_o may_v not_o only_o do_v but_o overdo_v what_o god_n require_v of_o we_o when_o alas_o when_o we_o have_v do_v all_o we_o can_v we_o be_v unprofitable_a servant_n servant_n so_o that_o what_o we_o do_v be_v but_o our_o duty_n unprofitable_a servant_n so_o that_o what_o we_o do_v come_v much_o short_a of_o our_o duty_n perfection_n be_v what_o we_o be_v all_o bind_v to_o aim_v at_o and_o strive_v after_o but_o withal_o it_o be_v what_o no_o man_n attain_v not_o as_o though_o i_o have_v already_o attain_v or_o be_v already_o perfect_a say_v the_o apostle_n you_o know_v in_o work_n that_o be_v not_o natural_o please_v to_o we_o we_o be_v well_o please_v to_o think_v we_o have_v do_v enough_o thus_o it_o be_v in_o the_o business_n of_o religion_n and_o holiness_n they_o be_v thing_n which_o please_v not_o flesh_n and_o blood_n so_o as_o we_o be_v well_o please_v when_o we_o can_v satisfy_v ourselves_o and_o think_v that_o we_o need_v do_v no_o more_o nor_o go_v any_o further_a and_o as_o it_o be_v with_o particular_a christian_n so_o it_o be_v with_o church_n all_o which_o have_v not_o pastor_n and_o governor_n according_a to_o god_n own_o heart_n nor_o be_v all_o the_o member_n of_o they_o member_n of_o christ_n now_o those_o who_o be_v not_o so_o be_v no_o great_a lover_n of_o nor_o zealous_a for_o the_o perfection_n of_o purity_n but_o can_v take_v up_o with_o measure_n short_a of_o those_o which_o christ_n have_v make_v and_o give_v hence_o be_v that_o neglect_n of_o the_o keep_v their_o own_o vineyard_n which_o be_v but_o too_o obvious_a in_o all_o church_n and_o hence_o be_v those_o obvious_a declination_n in_o that_o duty_n which_o man_n owe_v to_o god_n and_o in_o the_o purity_n of_o church_n every_o age_n be_v still_o decline_v and_o grow_v worse_o than_o the_o former_a while_o a_o party_n in_o the_o church_n still_o study_v more_o and_o more_o to_o wriggle_v their_o neck_n out_o of_o the_o yoke_n of_o christ_n and_o to_o get_v rid_v of_o some_o ingrateful_a thing_n to_o flesh_n and_o blood_n which_o a_o former_a age_n retain_v for_o as_o no_o particular_a person_n at_o first_o run_v up_o to_o the_o high_a degree_n of_o wickedness_n so_o seldom_o do_v any_o church_n at_o first_o apostatise_v to_o that_o degree_n but_o gradual_o decline_v 5._o none_o shall_v need_v to_o inquire_v whence_o it_o be_v that_o this_o neglect_v of_o our_o own_o vineyard_n make_v we_o to_o appear_v thus_o black_a who_o but_o consider_v that_o this_o neglect_n be_v contrary_a to_o the_o divine_a rule_n which_o oblige_v we_o to_o keep_v our_o heart_n with_o all_o diligence_n prov._n 423._o to_o strive_v after_o perfection_n and_o to_o go_v on_o unto_o it_o and_o also_o oblige_v all_o church_n to_o keep_v that_o which_o be_v 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loss_n and_o ignorance_n happen_v divers_a way_n i_o shall_v instance_n in_o some_o more_o principal_a cause_n 1._o the_o prevail_a of_o sin_n and_o corruption_n in_o the_o soul_n the_o guile_n of_o sin_n always_o cause_v weakness_n and_o blindness_n how_o weak_a be_v thy_o heart_n say_v the_o lord_n see_v thou_o do_v all_o these_o thing_n zech._n 16_o 30._o weakness_n be_v the_o cause_n of_o sin_n and_o it_o be_v the_o effe_a ct_n of_o sin_n it_o argue_v weakness_n in_o a_o soul_n to_o do_v those_o thing_n which_o god_n have_v forbid_v and_o which_o will_v certain_o end_v in_o the_o harm_n of_o the_o soul_n it_o be_v a_o weak_a thing_n wilful_o to_o sin_n against_o god_n and_o weakness_n be_v also_o the_o effect_n of_o sin_n this_o be_v cause_v from_o the_o sour_a reflection_n and_o reverberation_n of_o conscience_n when_o a_o man_n will_v medirate_n on_o god_n believe_v and_o hope_v joy_n rejoice_v and_o delight_n in_o god_n conscience_n throw_v his_o sin_n in_o his_o face_n and_o 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strange_a and_o horrid_a impression_n do_v the_o best_a of_o god_n people_n find_v some_o indeed_o of_o more_o strength_n and_o long_a continuance_n than_o other_o but_o there_o be_v scarce_o any_o who_o do_v not_o find_v they_o at_o some_o time_n and_o in_o some_o degree_n or_o other_o and_o although_o if_o they_o be_v mere_a impression_n not_o consent_v to_o by_o the_o soul_n but_o abhor_v by_o it_o they_o be_v not_o the_o soul_n guilt_n yet_o they_o must_v be_v the_o soul_n disturbance_n so_o as_o under_o they_o the_o soul_n will_v not_o know_v how_o to_o uphold_v and_o maintain_v a_o communion_n with_o god_n as_o at_o other_o time_n but_o its_o communion_n be_v break_v and_o interrupt_v and_o imperfect_a though_o the_o devil_n can_v stain_v the_o soul_n without_o its_o own_o concurrence_n yet_o he_o can_v trouble_v the_o soul_n if_o god_n permit_v he_o by_o his_o mere_a suggestion_n and_o impression_n and_o therefore_o we_o have_v need_n pray_v every_o day_n lead_v we_o not_o into_o temptation_n the_o devil_n in_o this_o case_n can_v do_v as_o much_o to_o a_o soul_n as_o a_o clamorous_a rail_a fellow_n can_v do_v to_o disturb_v our_o communion_n with_o our_o friend_n though_o we_o harken_v not_o much_o to_o he_o and_o chide_v he_o away_o yet_o he_o can_v make_v a_o noise_n and_o disturb_v our_o communion_n 3._o severe_a outward_a affliction_n may_v be_v a_o cause_n though_o affliction_n be_v not_o always_o indication_n of_o divine_a wrath_n for_o the_o apostle_n tell_v we_o that_o who_o he_o love_v he_o chasten_v and_o scourge_v every_o child_n who_o he_o receive_v yet_o oftentimes_o they_o be_v so_o and_o whether_o god_n end_v be_v to_o punish_v sin_n or_o no_o yet_o there_o be_v no_o soul_n but_o be_v conscious_a of_o so_o much_o daily_a guilt_n as_o give_v he_o cause_n to_o suspect_v they_o be_v the_o punishment_n of_o some_o guilt_n and_o i_o tell_v you_o before_o how_o apprehension_n of_o guilt_n very_o ordinary_o make_v the_o soul_n at_o a_o loss_n how_o to_o uphold_v and_o maintain_v its_o wont_a communion_n with_o god_n beside_o affliction_n usual_o excite_v passion_n particular_o those_o of_o fear_n and_o sorrow_n both_o opposite_a to_o the_o exercise_n of_o faith_n and_o joy_n and_o delight_n in_o god_n both_o distract_n the_o soul_n in_o the_o sweet_a meditation_n of_o god_n to_o this_o may_v be_v add_v that_o the_o soul_n in_o affliction_n as_o it_o stand_v in_o more_o need_n of_o the_o divine_a presence_n and_o influence_n so_o it_o be_v prone_a to_o expect_v more_o or_o to_o think_v it_o have_v nothing_o neither_o can_v the_o soul_n under_o the_o roiling_n and_o prevailing_n of_o passion_n so_o well_o discern_v christ_n communication_n of_o himself_o unto_o it_o and_o beside_o they_o hinder_v the_o soul_n in_o its_o motion_n and_o communication_n of_o itself_o to_o christ_n i_o be_o so_o trouble_v say_v the_o psalmist_n that_o i_o can_v speak_v the_o soul_n be_v so_o trouble_v that_o it_o can_v believe_v it_o can_v hope_v it_o can_v pray_v etc._n etc._n 4._o the_o last_o cause_n that_o i_o shall_v assign_v be_v distraction_n cause_v either_o from_o worldly_a care_n and_o business_n or_o from_o some_o false_a guide_n a_o soul_n overwhelm_v with_o business_n and_o care_n of_o the_o world_n will_v many_o time_n find_v itself_o at_o a_o loss_n how_o to_o maintain_v its_o communion_n with_o god_n there_o be_v such_o a_o opposition_n betwixt_o a_o communion_n with_o god_n and_o the_o world_n the_o first_o be_v whole_o a_o spiritual_a thing_n the_o other_o whole_o of_o the_o earth_n earthly_a that_o a_o man_n overwhelm_v in_o the_o world_n will_v find_v the_o maintain_n of_o this_o communion_n difficult_a and_o be_v more_o at_o a_o loss_n to_o it_o than_o another_o man_n more_o free_a from_o these_o encumbrance_n beside_o in_o the_o world_n christian_n be_v subject_a to_o distraction_n from_o false_a guide_n one_o saying_n lo_o christ_n be_v here_o another_o say_n lo_o he_o be_v there_o one_o tell_v we_o that_o the_o way_n to_o have_v communion_n with_o christ_n be_v to_o cast_v off_o duty_n and_o ordinance_n another_o prescribe_v a_o attendance_n upon_o they_o as_o the_o only_a mean_n of_o such_o communion_n one_o tell_v they_o that_o there_o be_v no_o other_o communion_n with_o christ_n then_o with_o christ_n mystical_a have_v and_o keep_v in_o the_o communion_n of_o his_o church_n whereas_o many_o may_v do_v so_o if_o we_o mean_v the_o visible_a church_n that_o have_v no_o communion_n with_o christ_n at_o all_o upon_o christ_n floor_n there_o be_v chaff_n as_o well_o as_o wheat_n which_o when_o christ_n come_v with_o his_o fan_n thorough_o to_o purge_v his_o floor_n shall_v be_v cast_v into_o unquenchable_a fire_n tare_n as_o well_o as_o wheat_n which_o must_v grow_v together_o until_o
reputation_n and_o reason_n which_o be_v the_o principle_n of_o the_o roman_a valour_n but_o these_o which_o i_o have_v show_v you_o 2._o as_o to_o the_o act_n of_o it_o they_o be_v all_o lawful_a resistance_n of_o sin_n he_o will_v resist_v unto_o blood_n but_o it_o still_o be_v in_o strive_v against_o sin_n heb._n 1._o 2._o 4._o and_o this_o he_o do_v by_o a_o lawful_a resistance_n this_o in_o the_o description_n i_o call_v a_o govern_v himself_o according_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o god_n word_n 2_o tim._n 2_o 5._o if_o a_o man_n strive_v for_o mastery_n yet_o be_v he_o not_o crown_v except_o he_o strive_v lawful_o all_o sin_n be_v a_o transgression_n of_o the_o law_n of_o god_n no_o christian_a fortitude_n can_v be_v show_v either_o in_o the_o encounter_v of_o a_o danger_n for_o not_o do_v what_o he_o ought_v to_o do_v or_o for_o the_o encounter_v of_o a_o danger_n rather_o than_o do_v what_o god_n have_v give_v he_o a_o freedom_n and_o liberty_n to_o do_v as_o to_o the_o first_o a_o man_n be_v not_o god_n martyr_n but_o the_o devil_n as_o to_o the_o second_o he_o can_v be_v a_o martyr_n for_o god_n but_o for_o his_o own_o humour_n god_n have_v leave_v he_o a_o liberty_n he_o need_v not_o suffer_v unless_o he_o will_n but_o now_o there_o may_v be_v several_a action_n as_o to_o which_o a_o good_a man_n do_v not_o see_v his_o liberty_n but_o lie_v under_o apprehension_n that_o they_o be_v unlawful_a the_o question_n be_v what_o a_o christian_a be_v to_o do_v as_o to_o they_o and_o whether_o a_o christian_a can_v show_v any_o christian_a fortitude_n in_o encounter_v danger_n rather_o then_o do_v they_o to_o which_o i_o short_o answer_v 1._o that_o it_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o every_o good_a man_n as_o to_o such_o action_n to_o use_v all_o the_o mean_n he_o can_v as_o to_o a_o true_a information_n of_o his_o own_o conscience_n read_v the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o other_o good_a book_n interpret_n the_o scripture_n which_o may_v right_o inform_v he_o keep_v his_o ear_n 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resistance_n only_o as_o god_n word_n do_v allow_v we_o a_o private_a person_n in_o the_o resistance_n of_o sin_n must_v not_o resist_v the_o power_n which_o be_v the_o ordinance_n of_o god_n rom._n 13._o 2._o it_o be_v one_o thing_n to_o do_v what_o such_o power_n command_v another_o thing_n by_o arm_n to_o resist_v god_n have_v not_o give_v the_o sword_n into_o any_o private_a hand_n and_o such_o a_o person_n draw_v it_o shall_v perish_v with_o it_o we_o must_v strive_v against_o sin_n but_o we_o must_v strive_v lawful_o not_o by_o ill_a language_n or_o boisterous_a action_n but_o by_o meek_a and_o patient_a suffer_v 3._o last_o the_o end_n of_o christian_a fortitude_n must_v be_v 1._o the_o glory_n of_o god_n 2._o the_o salvation_n of_o our_o own_o soul_n it_o be_v no_o christian_a valour_n to_o be_v valiant_a for_o any_o thing_n but_o the_o truth_n the_o honour_n and_o glory_n of_o god_n the_o cause_n and_o concern_v of_o god_n in_o the_o world_n and_o in_o a_o matter_n where_o 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