other_o in_o the_o fruit_n and_o increase_v of_o it_o when_o any_o christian_a flourish_v like_o a_o tree_n plant_v by_o the_o water_n side_n that_o bring_v forth_o his_o fruit_n in_o due_a season_n every_o christian_n ought_v to_o compare_v the_o growth_n of_o his_o own_o grace_n to_o the_o growth_n of_o the_o grace_n of_o such_o a_o christian_a 3._o they_o ought_v to_o compare_v the_o time_n of_o growth_n of_o the_o grace_n of_o such_o a_o christian_a with_o the_o time_n that_o their_o grace_n have_v have_v to_o grow_v 4._o to_o compare_v the_o mean_n of_o growth_n of_o grace_n a_o soul_n discern_v any_o grace_n exercise_v in_o any_o christian_n aught_o to_o consider_v what_o mean_v he_o have_v have_v to_o grow_v to_o that_o eminency_n in_o such_o a_o grace_n whether_o have_v i_o have_v the_o same_o mean_n whether_o have_v the_o mean_n be_v as_o effectual_a upon_o my_o heart_n as_o upon_o such_o a_o christian_a 5._o to_o compare_v the_o liveliness_n and_o activity_n of_o all_o those_o grace_n constant_o with_o the_o liveliness_n and_o activity_n of_o their_o own_o second_o they_o ought_v to_o compare_v the_o expression_n of_o their_o own_o grace_n in_o way_n of_o duty_n to_o god_n with_o the_o expression_n of_o the_o grace_n of_o other_o first_o in_o the_o quantity_n of_o the_o duty_n second_o in_o the_o quality_n of_o the_o duty_n first_o in_o the_o quantity_n of_o the_o duty_n in_o the_o number_n and_o bulk_n of_o they_o god_n sometime_o stand_v much_o upon_o quantity_n of_o duty_n to_o his_o people_n therefore_o upon_o a_o soul_n discern_v some_o christian_n to_o be_v much_o in_o duty_n it_o may_v be_v to_o spend_v much_o time_n in_o prayer_n they_o ought_v to_o compare_v themselves_o and_o their_o own_o duty_n with_o the_o duty_n of_o other_o only_o these_o two_o rule_n be_v to_o be_v observe_v in_o it_o first_o to_o observe_v whether_o the_o duty_n of_o any_o such_o christian_n be_v not_o extend_v too_o far_o that_o they_o do_v not_o place_v the_o opinion_n of_o all_o good_a in_o duty_n that_o they_o do_v not_o bind_v and_o stint_n god_n to_o such_o a_o length_n in_o duty_n now_o duty_n may_v be_v extend_v too_o far_o there_o may_v be_v excess_n in_o perform_v duty_n of_o prayer_n 1._o when_o ordinary_a duty_n be_v perform_v in_o excess_n by_o a_o soul_n without_o a_o extraordinary_a occasion_n 2._o when_o duty_n be_v extend_v beyond_o the_o soul_n ability_n and_o opportunity_n ability_n and_o opportunity_n be_v constant_a limitation_n set_v to_o all_o the_o duty_n god_n require_v second_o this_o rule_n also_o must_v be_v observe_v that_o a_o soul_n do_v keep_v a_o right_a proportion_n in_o all_o his_o measure_n of_o his_o own_o duty_n by_o other_o duty_n 1._o every_o soul_n upon_o discern_v any_o christian_n to_o excel_v in_o the_o quantity_n of_o duty_n aught_o to_o compare_v his_o own_o ability_n with_o other_o ability_n according_a as_o the_o lord_n give_v so_o he_o require_v to_o who_o much_o be_v give_v from_o he_o he_o expect_v much_o luke_n 12.48_o though_o the_o duty_n of_o one_o christian_n shall_v not_o be_v so_o much_o in_o quantity_n as_o the_o duty_n of_o another_o yet_o it_o may_v be_v as_o much_o consider_v the_o soul_n ability_n every_o way_n for_o the_o duty_n that_o he_o perform_v 2._o the_o soul_n must_v always_o look_v to_o proportion_v the_o occasion_n it_o must_v see_v upon_o what_o occasion_n such_o a_o christian_a be_v so_o much_o exercise_v in_o duty_n and_o see_v whether_o the_o same_o occasion_n be_v his_o soul_n in_o time_n of_o temptation_n or_o in_o time_n of_o violent_a corruption_n or_o in_o time_n of_o much_o inward_a bitterness_n of_o soul_n it_o ought_v to_o exercise_v the_o quantity_n of_o duty_n more_o than_o at_o another_o time_n if_o occasion_n come_v in_o extraordinary_a the_o lord_n require_v extraordinary_a duty_n as_o in_o 2_o cor._n 12.7_o 8_o when_o paul_n be_v urge_v with_o a_o extraordinary_a temptation_n a_o thorn_n prick_v he_o in_o the_o flesh_n than_o paul_n fall_v upon_o extraordinary_a duty_n he_o pray_v thrice_o that_o be_v often_o so_o in_o act._n 12_o when_o peter_n be_v in_o prison_n and_o likely_a to_o be_v bring_v to_o execution_n the_o church_n go_v to_o prayer_n without_o cease_v 2._o the_o soul_n must_v always_o proportion_v his_o own_o opportunity_n to_o the_o opportunity_n of_o those_o he_o discern_v to_o be_v much_o in_o duty_n opportunity_n be_v a_o talon_n as_o well_o as_o any_o thing_n else_o and_o the_o lord_n expect_v the_o improvement_n of_o that_o talon_n as_o well_o as_o other_o talent_n where_o the_o lord_n give_v opportunity_n for_o duty_n he_o require_v much_o duty_n 4._o the_o soul_n also_o be_v to_o proportion_v its_o necessity_n now_o the_o necessity_n of_o soul_n be_v various_a one_o need_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o food_n to_o maintain_v the_o life_n of_o his_o soul_n and_o another_o may_v be_v maintain_v with_o less_o 5._o there_o must_v be_v a_o proportion_n hold_v in_o the_o spiritual_a engagement_n and_o obligation_n wherein_o a_o soul_n stand_v engage_v to_o god_n 1._o the_o proportion_n must_v be_v observe_v in_o the_o soul_n reception_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o adoption_n from_o god_n the_o more_o full_o the_o spirit_n of_o adoption_n be_v come_v down_o into_o the_o heart_n the_o more_o near_o be_v the_o heart_n engage_v to_o duty_n and_o to_o great_a multiplication_n of_o duty_n in_o regard_n by_o the_o receipt_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n of_o adoption_n there_o be_v great_a ability_n convey_v into_o the_o soul_n for_o the_o duty_n 2._o the_o soul_n must_v hold_v proportion_n in_o his_o revelation_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n to_o the_o soul_n the_o more_o clear_a beam_n of_o divine_a light_n of_o truth_n the_o lord_n communicate_v to_o any_o soul_n the_o more_o deep_o be_v that_o soul_n engage_v to_o god_n &_o unto_o duty_n 3._o the_o soul_n must_v proportion_v the_o engagement_n of_o the_o lord_n make_v his_o person_n more_o conspicuous_a to_o the_o world_n the_o more_o conspicuous_o the_o lord_n set_v up_o any_o soul_n to_o be_v gaze_v upon_o by_o the_o world_n the_o more_o do_v the_o lord_n engage_v the_o soul_n to_o all_o kind_n of_o duty_n 4._o they_o must_v proportion_v the_o degree_n of_o communion_n that_o god_n vouchsafe_v to_o take_v the_o soul_n into_o with_o himself_o gradual_o according_a to_o the_o degree_n of_o communion_n the_o soul_n have_v with_o god_n so_o be_v the_o soul_n engagement_n to_o the_o multiplication_n of_o duty_n that_o be_v the_o first_o branch_n of_o this_o way_n of_o measure_v the_o soul_n must_v measure_v the_o quantity_n of_o his_o duty_n second_o the_o soul_n must_v also_o measure_v and_o compare_v the_o quality_n of_o his_o own_o duty_n with_o the_o quality_n of_o the_o duty_n he_o perceive_v to_o be_v perform_v by_o other_o it_o be_v not_o the_o bulk_n only_a god_n accept_v but_o it_o be_v the_o manner_n the_o spirituality_n the_o exactness_n and_o exquisitness_n of_o the_o perform_v those_o duty_n that_o the_o lord_n especial_o look_v at_o the_o israelite_n seldom_o fail_v in_o the_o bulk_n of_o the_o duty_n the_o lord_n require_v they_o give_v he_o his_o ox_n and_o lamb_n and_o he_o goat_n and_o sheep_n and_o the_o like_a but_o they_o fail_v in_o the_o spirituality_n of_o those_o duty_n of_o worship_n that_o the_o lord_n require_v and_o therefore_o the_o lord_n call_v those_o obblation_n vain_a oblation_n so_o that_o though_o the_o quantity_n of_o a_o soul_n duty_n shall_v hold_v proportion_n with_o the_o quantity_n of_o the_o duty_n of_o other_o yet_o he_o must_v look_v whether_o the_o quality_n will_v hold_v proportion_n whether_o the_o spirituality_n of_o the_o duty_n will_v proportion_v with_o their_o duty_n whether_o there_o be_v as_o much_o inward_a adoration_n before_o god_n as_o much_o inward_a self_n abasement_n of_o spirit_n as_o much_o strength_n in_o pursue_v after_o communion_n with_o god_n neither_o be_v it_o sufficient_a for_o the_o quality_n of_o duty_n to_o hold_v proportion_n with_o the_o quality_n of_o the_o duty_n of_o some_o other_o christian_n but_o all_o the_o former_a rule_n also_o must_v be_v observe_v as_o far_o as_o they_o can_v be_v apply_v to_o this_o where_o the_o lord_n have_v furnish_v with_o more_o inward_a ability_n and_o inward_a strength_n there_o he_o look_v for_o the_o duty_n to_o excel_v in_o quality_n as_o well_o as_o quantity_n thus_o you_o have_v the_o three_o act_n of_o the_o soul_n open_v which_o be_v the_o compare_v of_o his_o own_o grace_n with_o the_o grace_n it_o discern_v in_o the_o heart_n and_o life_n of_o other_o christian_n four_o the_o soul_n may_v from_o compare_v himself_o with_o other_o christian_n and_o his_o grace_n and_o his_o duty_n with_o they_o endeavour_v to_o convict_v himself_o of_o all_o the_o evil_a that_o can_v be_v find_v out_o
believe_v say_v will_v i_o receive_v the_o lord_n jesus_n tender_v but_o alas_o i_o have_v such_o a_o curse_a deceitful_a heart_n that_o i_o dare_v not_o lest_o my_o heart_n delude_v i_o 5._o when_o the_o jealousy_n over_o the_o heart_n prevail_v so_o much_o as_o the_o soul_n spend_v all_o his_o thought_n in_o find_v out_o the_o uprightness_n of_o his_o heart_n in_o close_v before_o the_o soul_n venture_v upon_o a_o actual_a close_n with_o the_o lord_n jesus_n as_o tender_v when_o a_o soul_n through_o this_o jealousy_n set_v porce_v and_o gaze_v upon_o the_o many_o wind_n and_o turn_n of_o his_o own_o spirit_n and_o call_v to_o remembrance_n how_o wretched_o his_o heart_n delude_v he_o former_o and_o hereupon_o conclude_v with_o himself_o that_o he_o may_v not_o close_o till_o he_o can_v see_v the_o uprightness_n of_o his_o heart_n in_o close_v with_o the_o lord_n jesus_n and_o so_o thereupon_o afterward_o spend_v all_o his_o prayer_n and_o pour_v out_o all_o his_o desire_n to_o god_n for_o uprightness_n for_o integrity_n of_o heart_n in_o close_v and_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n forbear_v that_o actual_a close_n that_o the_o lord_n require_v without_o the_o least_o delay_n from_o every_o soul_n thus_o you_o see_v also_o how_o this_o jealousy_n come_v to_o work_v in_o a_o sinful_a way_n and_o become_v a_o sinful_a distemper_n and_o indeed_o when_o 〈◊〉_d come_v thus_o work_v it_o exceed_o darken_v the_o soul_n and_o prevent_v its_o discern_a what_o the_o promise_n hold_v forth_o 1._o in_o regard_n jealousy_n prevent_v the_o soul_n gaze_v upon_o the_o absolute_a promise_n that_o be_v tender_v to_o the_o soul_n now_o the_o soul_n must_v needs_o be_v keep_v from_o discern_v what_o the_o promise_n hold_v forth_o when_o it_o be_v keep_v from_o so_o much_o as_o look_v into_o the_o promise_n for_o though_o there_o be_v habitual_a divine_a light_n in_o the_o promise_n yet_o that_o be_v not_o useful_a till_o it_o be_v draw_v out_o into_o exercise_n habitual_a divine_a light_n in_o the_o understanding_n be_v like_o the_o eye_n when_o it_o be_v asleep_a or_o like_o the_o eye_n when_o it_o be_v shut_v it_o be_v the_o exercise_n of_o that_o that_o make_v the_o soul_n discern_v any_o thing_n that_o the_o lord_n discover_v in_o the_o promise_n and_o than_o it_o be_v the_o very_o gaze_v upon_o the_o promise_n that_o draw_v out_o that_o divine_a light_n former_o receive_v in_o exercise_n also_o 2._o this_o distemper_n of_o jealousy_n maintain_v perpetual_a fear_n in_o the_o soul_n of_o its_o false_a apply_v of_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n fear_n be_v always_o the_o companion_n of_o jealousy_n the_o more_o fearful_a the_o soul_n be_v the_o more_o jealous_a and_o the_o more_o jealous_a the_o soul_n be_v the_o more_o fearful_a and_o those_o fear_n be_v like_o a_o thick_a fog_n or_o mist_n that_o darken_v the_o divine_a light_n receive_v so_o that_o by_o this_o mean_v the_o soul_n be_v keep_v from_o discern_v any_o of_o those_o beam_n of_o divine_a light_n in_o any_o clearness_n that_o the_o promise_n of_o god_n hold_v forth_o and_o thereby_o the_o soul_n be_v keep_v from_o discern_v his_o union_n with_o the_o lord_n jesus_n that_o may_v be_v discern_v from_o the_o promise_n now_o this_o jealousy_n over_o the_o heart_n itself_o must_v be_v heal_v before_o the_o soul_n can_v receive_v clear_a satisfaction_n to_o itself_o of_o its_o union_n with_o christ_n two_o way_n the_o spirit_n of_o god_n usual_o heal_v this_o 1._o the_o spirit_n press_v with_o all_o urgency_n upon_o the_o soul_n the_o present_a immediate_a necessity_n of_o his_o yield_a obedience_n to_o the_o command_n of_o god_n without_o any_o pretence_n whatever_o of_o any_o delay_n and_o defer_v common_o upon_o these_o distemper_n of_o jealousy_n prevail_v the_o soul_n deny_v not_o the_o lord_n jesus_n tender_v only_o conceive_v himself_o to_o have_v sufficient_a ground_n to_o delay_n and_o defer_v a_o while_n till_o he_o see_v clear_o a_o more_o suitable_a uprightness_n in_o his_o heart_n to_o close_v now_o the_o spirit_n come_v upon_o the_o soul_n and_o press_v it_o upon_o his_o heart_n to_o be_v his_o duty_n immediate_o without_o the_o least_o delay_n hereby_o the_o soul_n begin_v to_o be_v draw_v to_o adventure_v to_o believe_v though_o it_o be_v with_o tremble_a lest_o his_o wretched_a heart_n shall_v deceive_v he_o 2._o the_o spirit_n discover_v to_o the_o soul_n the_o independency_n of_o his_o own_o interest_n in_o the_o promise_n upon_o any_o act_n of_o his_o own_o consider_v in_o himself_o the_o spirit_n clear_v to_o the_o soul_n the_o lord_n engagement_n of_o himself_o as_o well_o to_o make_v the_o heart_n faithful_a and_o true_a and_o upright_o in_o receive_v the_o lord_n jesus_n tender_v as_o to_o give_v the_o lord_n jesus_n to_o the_o soul_n that_o will_v receive_v he_o the_o spirit_n it_o may_v be_v bring_v such_o a_o promise_n as_o that_o jer._n 31.33_o i_o will_v put_v my_o law_n in_o their_o inward_a part_n and_o write_v it_o in_o their_o heart_n and_o i_o will_v be_v their_o god_n and_o they_o shall_v be_v my_o people_n and_o reveal_v to_o the_o soul_n from_o thence_o the_o lord_n engagement_n of_o himself_o to_o put_v in_o faithfulness_n into_o the_o deceitful_a hypocritical_a heart_n whereby_o the_o close_a shall_v be_v in_o truth_n and_o sincerity_n notwithstanding_o all_o the_o wretched_a wickedness_n of_o his_o own_o heart_n strive_v to_o deceive_v he_o the_o five_o dark_a distemper_n be_v the_o soul_n measure_v and_o judge_v its_o self_n too_o too_o much_o by_o other_o christian_n distemper_n dark_a distemper_n by_o the_o grace_n and_o excellency_n that_o shine_v forth_o in_o other_o soul_n we_o shall_v open_v it_o to_o you_o how_o far_o it_o be_v lawful_a for_o a_o soul_n thus_o to_o measure_v himself_o by_o other_o christian_n and_o by_o the_o rule_n of_o their_o grace_n and_o then_o how_o this_o distemper_n come_v to_o prevail_v and_o how_o it_o work_v it_o must_v be_v conclude_v that_o there_o be_v a_o lawfulness_n in_o a_o soul_n measure_v himself_o by_o the_o rule_n and_o line_n of_o the_o grace_n of_o other_o christian_n to_o try_v his_o own_o heart_n and_o way_n by_o compare_v his_o own_o heart_n &_o way_n by_o the_o heart_n &_o way_n of_o other_o christian_n as_o far_o as_o he_o can_v discern_v there_o be_v seven_o or_o eight_o particular_a act_n that_o be_v not_o only_o lawful_a for_o a_o soul_n in_o this_o case_n but_o the_o soul_n be_v bind_v to_o they_o 1._o every_o soul_n allure_v towards_o the_o lord_n jesus_n aught_o with_o the_o great_a diligence_n and_o circumspection_n that_o be_v possible_a to_o have_v a_o full_a prospect_n a_o full_a view_n into_o the_o heart_n and_o life_n of_o other_o christian_n the_o lord_n have_v intend_v from_o eternity_n to_o propose_v the_o whole_a number_n of_o saint_n like_v so_o many_o glorious_a heavenly_a star_n set_v in_o the_o low_a region_n of_o the_o earth_n from_o whence_o the_o beam_n of_o his_o own_o excellency_n may_v shine_v forth_o they_o be_v set_v like_o so_o many_o sun_n in_o the_o firmament_n for_o all_o the_o world_n to_o gaze_v upon_o according_a to_o prov._n 4.18_o the_o righteous_a be_v like_o the_o sun_n that_o shine_v more_o and_o more_o until_o the_o perfect_a day_n yea_o further_o the_o precious_a beam_n of_o the_o lord_n own_o glory_n be_v appoint_v to_o shine_v forth_o through_o their_o light_n so_o that_o every_o soul_n neglect_v the_o behold_v of_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n himself_o in_o the_o precious_a glass_n that_o he_o have_v appoint_v for_o his_o people_n to_o see_v the_o reflection_n of_o his_o glory_n in_o when_o they_o neglect_v to_o make_v a_o diligent_a search_n into_o the_o heart_n of_o all_o christian_n within_o view_n 2._o every_o soul_n ought_v in_o the_o view_n that_o he_o take_v of_o the_o heart_n and_o life_n of_o saint_n and_o their_o grace_n to_o have_v a_o reflection_n upon_o his_o heart_n and_o life_n and_o his_o own_o grace_n every_o soul_n ought_v to_o look_v upon_o these_o saint_n as_o we_o look_v upon_o glass_n that_o we_o may_v discern_v our_o own_o face_n 3._o every_o christian_n ought_v to_o compare_v his_o own_o grace_n with_o the_o grace_n he_o discern_v in_o all_o christian_n within_o his_o view_n first_o they_o ought_v to_o measure_v the_o grace_n themselves_o second_o the_o expression_n of_o those_o grace_n in_o their_o duty_n first_o they_o ought_v to_o measure_v the_o grace_n themselves_o even_o the_o inward_a habit_n of_o grace_n so_o far_o as_o they_o can_v discern_v they_o in_o other_o 1._o they_o ought_v to_o compare_v the_o strength_n of_o their_o own_o grace_n with_o the_o strength_n and_o vigour_n of_o those_o grace_n they_o discern_v in_o other_o christian_n 2._o they_o ought_v to_o compare_v the_o strength_n of_o their_o own_o grace_n with_o the_o grace_n of_o
either_o in_o his_o heart_n or_o life_n 1._o to_o convince_v he_o of_o all_o his_o voluntary_a defect_n by_o discern_v how_o the_o principle_n of_o other_o christian_n be_v improve_v to_o the_o honour_n of_o god_n the_o soul_n may_v convince_v himself_o of_o his_o wilful_a defect_n that_o he_o that_o have_v receive_v the_o same_o principle_n shall_v walk_v so_o far_o contrary_a to_o god_n 2._o the_o soul_n may_v endeavour_v to_o convince_v itself_o of_o all_o his_o unsuitable_a walk_n to_o his_o profession_n by_o gaze_v upon_o the_o brightness_n of_o that_o principle_n of_o christianity_n profess_v by_o other_o christian_n that_o shine_v forth_o in_o their_o conversation_n 3._o the_o soul_n may_v endeavour_v to_o convince_v itself_o of_o his_o own_o unsutableness_n in_o his_o walk_n to_o his_o engagement_n unto_o god_n 4._o and_o last_o of_o his_o unsuitableness_n to_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o member_n of_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n v._o every_o soul_n ought_v to_o endeavour_v to_o break_v his_o own_o heart_n for_o any_o disproportion_n he_o can_v discern_v between_o his_o own_o life_n and_o the_o life_n of_o other_o christian_n between_o his_o own_o grace_n and_o their_o grace_n there_o be_v many_o precious_a soul-melting_a argument_n that_o a_o soul_n may_v help_v itself_o to_o towards_o the_o break_n of_o his_o own_o heart_n for_o any_o unsuitable_a walk_n towards_o jesus_n christ_n by_o measure_v his_o own_o life_n and_o grace_n with_o the_o grace_n of_o other_o christian_n 1._o the_o soul_n may_v be_v help_v to_o a_o clear_a sight_n of_o the_o transcendency_n of_o the_o riches_n of_o the_o lord_n grace_n in_o christ_n to_o his_o soul_n 2._o the_o soul_n may_v have_v a_o discovery_n of_o the_o superlative_a degree_n of_o the_o perverseness_n of_o his_o heart_n to_o god_n see_v the_o disproportion_n between_o himself_o and_o other_o christian_n he_o may_v say_v lord_n what_o a_o curse_a crooked_a hellish_a perverse_a heart_n have_v i_o 3._o the_o soul_n may_v have_v a_o discovery_n of_o the_o height_n of_o dishonour_n do_v to_o jesus_n christ_n by_o he_o when_o he_o shall_v see_v that_o those_o that_o he_o profess_v himself_o to_o be_v fellow_n member_n with_o so_o bear_v up_o the_o brightness_n of_o the_o image_n of_o jesus_n christ_n in_o their_o conversation_n and_o then_o reflect_v upon_o himself_o and_o see_v scarce_o so_o much_o as_o any_o spark_n of_o that_o glorious_a image_n of_o christ_n to_o shine_v forth_o in_o he_o 4._o from_o thence_o the_o soul_n may_v have_v a_o inward_a holy_a shame_n to_o seize_v upon_o it_o to_o see_v the_o growth_n and_o increase_n of_o the_o member_n of_o christ_n his_o brethren_n and_o see_v himself_o so_o barren_a so_o empty_a and_o poor_a vi_o every_o soul_n may_v and_o aught_o to_o pass_v the_o sentence_n of_o condemnation_n against_o his_o own_o soul_n from_o a_o discovery_n of_o any_o unsutableness_n in_o his_o heart_n and_o life_n to_o the_o heart_n and_o life_n of_o other_o christian_n vii_o a_o soul_n may_v measure_v himself_o so_o far_o by_o the_o grace_n of_o other_o as_o to_o draw_v quicken_a argument_n from_o thence_o to_o awaken_v his_o heart_n to_o more_o watchfulness_n diligence_n and_o circumspection_n 1._o from_o the_o sight_n of_o the_o grace_n of_o other_o christian_n excel_v his_o own_o a_o soul_n may_v and_o aught_o to_o propound_v to_o himself_o the_o lord_n separation_n of_o his_o soul_n as_o only_o peculiar_a to_o himself_o as_o well_o as_o the_o soul_n of_o those_o that_o so_o much_o excel_v he_o in_o grace_n 2._o a_o soul_n may_v from_o thence_o propound_v to_o himself_o the_o lord_n predestination_n of_o he_o to_o as_o full_a a_o a_o participation_n of_o the_o fullness_n of_o christ_n as_o any_o of_o those_o that_o he_o see_v excel_v he_o in_o grace_n from_o thence_o the_o soul_n may_v argue_v with_o god_n why_o shall_v other_o have_v such_o a_o large_a spark_n of_o grace_n from_o christ_n when_o i_o be_o so_o empty_a and_o poor_a and_o have_v scarce_o any_o thing_n of_o christ_n 3._o a_o soul_n may_v from_o hence_o find_v out_o this_o argument_n that_o the_o glory_n and_o honour_n of_o jesus_n christ_n as_o much_o depend_v upon_o his_o soul_n as_o upon_o the_o soul_n of_o other_o christian_n that_o so_o far_o excel_v he_o in_o grace_n 4._o the_o soul_n may_v from_o thence_o propound_v to_o himself_o a_o necessity_n of_o conformity_n between_o all_o the_o member_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o thereby_o awaken_v his_o heart_n to_o strive_v for_o the_o height_n of_o perfection_n or_o grace_n that_o he_o discern_v in_o any_o christian_n viii_o and_o last_o the_o soul_n may_v and_o aught_o to_o keep_v a_o constant_a view_n of_o the_o grace_n of_o all_o other_o christian_n within_o his_o sight_n with_o a_o constant_a reflection_n upon_o his_o own_o heart_n so_o as_o to_o provoke_v he_o to_o jealousy_n to_o a_o kind_n of_o emulation_n lest_o other_o christian_n shall_v magnify_v and_o exalt_v the_o name_n of_o jesus_n christ_n by_o a_o suitable_a conversation_n more_o than_o he_o thus_o you_o see_v how_o far_o it_o be_v lawful_a for_o any_o christian_n to_o measure_v himself_o by_o other_o christian_n by_o their_o heart_n and_o life_n their_o grace_n and_o duty_n the_o second_o thing_n to_o be_v open_v be_v when_o a_o soul_n measure_v himself_o by_o other_o christian_n become_v a_o dark_a sinful_a distemper_n or_o when_o a_o soul_n measure_v himself_o too_o too_o much_o by_o other_o christian_n so_o that_o by_o measure_v himself_o by_o other_o he_o keep_v himself_o from_o that_o bless_a heavenly_a light_n that_o shall_v shine_v into_o his_o heart_n whereby_o he_o may_v receive_v satisfaction_n of_o his_o union_n with_o christ_n there_o be_v four_o way_n how_o this_o measure_n a_o man_n self_n by_o other_o christian_n become_v a_o dark_a distemper_n i._o when_o a_o man_n make_v his_o conformity_n to_o the_o grace_n and_o duty_n of_o other_o christian_n to_o be_v the_o ground_n of_o his_o faith_n either_o in_o the_o first_o act_n of_o faith_n in_o consent_v to_o the_o bless_a will_n of_o god_n reveal_v or_o else_o in_o the_o renew_a exercise_n of_o faith_n again_o upon_o any_o occasion_n that_o be_v thus_o when_o the_o soul_n conceive_v himself_o to_o have_v good_a ground_n to_o hope_v that_o the_o lord_n be_v willing_a to_o accept_v his_o soul_n into_o union_n with_o christ_n when_o he_o see_v the_o same_o holiness_n and_o activity_n of_o spirit_n for_o god_n the_o same_o heavenliness_n and_o spirituality_n the_o same_o precious_a disposition_n work_v in_o their_o strength_n in_o his_o soul_n to_o god_n that_o he_o discern_v to_o be_v in_o other_o christian_n and_o on_o the_o contrary_a the_o soul_n conceive_v himself_o to_o have_v no_o good_a ground_n to_o believe_v the_o lord_n willingness_n to_o accept_v his_o loveless_a soul_n in_o christ_n when_o he_o discern_v a_o great_a disproportion_n between_o his_o heart_n and_o other_o christian_n when_o he_o behold_v his_o own_o heart_n dead_a and_o other_o christian_n lively_a his_o own_o heart_n shut_v up_o and_o other_o enlarge_v in_o all_o their_o faculty_n towards_o god_n this_o distemper_n be_v both_o exceed_a sinful_a and_o exceed_v dark_a when_o it_o grow_v once_o to_o this_o 1._o it_o be_v a_o proportion_v the_o love_n of_o god_n towards_o poor_a loveless_a soul_n according_a to_o the_o proportion_n of_o grace_n and_o holiness_n in_o that_o soul_n yea_o the_o soul_n by_o this_o make_v the_o eternal_a unchangeable_a love_n of_o god_n to_o be_v alterable_a various_a and_o changeable_a according_a to_o the_o alteration_n and_o variation_n of_o man_n heart_n 2._o it_o be_v a_o vail_n and_o eclipse_v at_o least_o if_o not_o a_o nullify_n the_o freedom_n of_o the_o lord_n love_v in_o christ_n to_o poor_a loveless_a despicable_a soul_n it_o be_v a_o make_v the_o lord_n love_v to_o depend_v upon_o the_o grace_n and_o holiness_n in_o soul_n and_o to_o be_v convey_v into_o soul_n upon_o that_o ground_n 3._o it_o make_v the_o soul_n nullify_v undervalue_v and_o wretched_o disparage_v all_o the_o precious_a promise_n in_o god_n bless_a book_n the_o soul_n make_v those_o unchangeable_a word_n of_o god_n insufficient_a to_o support_v and_o uphold_v a_o poor_a sink_n trouble_a lade_a soul_n and_o to_o satisfy_v it_o concern_v god_n will_v to_o receive_v it_o into_o union_n with_o himself_o in_o the_o lord_n jesus_n 4._o it_o be_v a_o depart_n from_o the_o precious_a spring_n of_o consolation_n dig_v by_o the_o omnipotent_a god_n for_o thirsty_a soul_n and_o a_o choose_v a_o poor_a empty_a dry_a brook_n ii_o when_o a_o soul_n in_o make_v a_o just_a parallel_n between_o himself_o and_o other_o make_v every_o defect_n that_o he_o behold_v in_o the_o proportion_n of_o his_o own_o grace_n and_o duty_n to_o the_o grace_n and_o duty_n of_o other_o christian_n to_o be_v a_o sufficient_a ground_n
whence_o to_o draw_v a_o conclusion_n of_o his_o contrary_a state_n to_o the_o state_n of_o other_o christian_n that_o he_o behold_v to_o excel_v he_o in_o so_o a_o high_a a_o measure_n when_o it_o rise_v to_o this_o it_o become_v a_o sinful_a dark_a distemper_n and_o that_o will_v appear_v in_o divers_a thing_n 1._o this_o may_v prove_v a_o measure_n of_o god_n love_n by_o the_o act_n of_o his_o love_n 2._o it_o may_v be_v a_o argue_v mere_o from_o a_o soul_n want_v of_o light_a to_o discern_v god_n good_a will_n to_o he_o in_o christ_n 3._o it_o make_v the_o soul_n draw_v a_o conclusion_n of_o the_o total_a want_n of_o the_o be_v of_o grace_n while_o a_o soul_n thus_o conclude_v because_o he_o see_v no_o grace_n shine_v forth_o in_o himself_o as_o he_o do_v in_o other_o that_o therefore_o he_o be_v not_o belove_v of_o god_n in_o christ_n it_o may_v come_v to_o argue_v in_o this_o manner_n because_o i_o see_v my_o soul_n be_v not_o such_o a_o burn_a and_o shine_a light_n as_o such_o a_o christian_a therefore_o i_o be_o not_o so_o much_o as_o smoke_a flax_n 4._o this_o argument_n from_o the_o defect_n of_o grace_n may_v be_v a_o argument_n from_o the_o soul_n infirmity_n it_o may_v be_v but_o a_o argument_n from_o the_o tyranny_n that_o some_o lust_n have_v exercise_v over_o the_o heart_n to_o the_o conclude_v it_o be_v under_o the_o voluntary_a service_n of_o his_o lust_n 5._o it_o may_v be_v a_o reason_n from_o the_o want_n of_o fruitfulness_n in_o christianity_n to_o the_o want_n of_o christianity_n itself_o and_o the_o want_n of_o all_o fritfulness_n whatsoever_o now_o when_o the_o soul_n be_v about_o to_o draw_v such_o conclusion_n as_o these_o from_o its_o measure_n itself_o by_o other_o christian_n let_v these_o thing_n be_v observe_v 1._o he_o must_v first_o assure_v himself_o that_o the_o defect_n he_o behold_v in_o his_o own_o soul_n be_v a_o sinful_a defect_n four_o thing_n the_o soul_n must_v be_v assure_v the_o defect_n come_v not_o from_o before_o he_o can_v be_v assure_v the_o defect_n be_v sin_n first_o that_o it_o be_v not_o bare_o through_o the_o suspension_n of_o the_o influence_n of_o the_o comfort_a spirit_n of_o christ_n second_o it_o must_v be_v assure_v that_o the_o defect_n he_o behold_v in_o his_o own_o soul_n of_o the_o grace_n of_o other_o be_v not_o through_o the_o lord_n suspend_v the_o arbitrary_a influence_n of_o the_o quicken_a spirit_n of_o christ_n you_o must_v conceive_v there_o be_v influence_n that_o be_v for_o the_o soul_n be_v and_o influence_n that_o be_v for_o the_o soul_n well_o be_v these_o influence_n of_o the_o quicken_a spirit_n of_o christ_n that_o be_v for_o the_o soul_n be_v be_v never_o withdraw_v but_o the_o influence_n that_o be_v for_o the_o soul_n well_o be_v be_v communicate_v in_o various_a degree_n to_o various_a soul_n which_o therefore_o i_o call_v arbitrary_a influance_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n that_o be_v such_o as_o god_n dispose_v of_o according_a to_o his_o mere_a pleasure_n to_o the_o soul_n in_o divers_a degree_n at_o divers_a time_n and_o to_o divers_a soul_n in_o divers_a time_n three_o the_o soul_n must_v be_v assure_v that_o the_o defect_n he_o behold_v in_o his_o own_o soul_n in_o respect_n of_o the_o grace_n of_o other_o christian_n proceed_v not_o only_o from_o the_o defect_n of_o gift_n thar_z other_o furnish_v with_o the_o same_o grace_n enjoy_v above_o he_o gift_n be_v like_o a_o precious_a cundit-pipe_n that_o the_o lord_n have_v appoint_v to_o let_v out_o the_o stream_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o jesus_n christ_n through_o now_o if_o another_o soul_n have_v more_o abundance_n of_o those_o kind_n of_o gift_n more_o readiness_n of_o capacity_n quickness_n of_o understanding_n great_a depth_n in_o the_o apprehension_n of_o the_o thing_n of_o christ_n clearness_n of_o light_n more_o readiness_n of_o expression_n then_o thy_o soul_n may_v be_v deceive_v in_o judge_v a_o great_a degree_n of_o grace_n in_o such_o a_o soul_n than_o in_o thy_o soul_n in_o regard_n he_o have_v a_o great_a opportunity_n of_o expression_n of_o grace_n and_o a_o great_a aptness_n to_o hold_v forth_o grace_n receive_v than_o thou_o have_v four_o the_o soul_n must_v be_v assure_v that_o it_o be_v not_o from_o the_o defect_n of_o the_o mean_n and_o opportunity_n only_o without_o any_o negligence_n of_o any_o mean_n by_o the_o soul_n that_o his_o defect_n of_o grace_n proceed_v from_o 2._o the_o soul_n must_v be_v assure_v that_o those_o defect_n that_o he_o behold_v in_o himself_o be_v such_o defect_n as_o be_v altogether_o inconsistent_a with_o the_o state_n of_o the_o union_n of_o the_o soul_n with_o christ_n whatever_o give_v a_o true_a and_o sufficient_a demonstration_n of_o its_o cause_n must_v be_v a_o effect_n that_o proceed_v proper_o from_o such_o a_o cause_n only_o that_o can_v proceed_v from_o another_o cause_n 3._o the_o soul_n must_v be_v also_o sure_a that_o spiritual_a rashness_n and_o wilfulness_n or_o ignorance_n or_o temptation_n do_v not_o overcloud_v his_o judgement_n in_o his_o search_v out_o and_o try_v the_o defect_n in_o the_o soul_n therein_o i_o shall_v advise_v to_o three_o thing_n 1._o the_o soul_n ought_v to_o be_v sure_a that_o he_o trust_v not_o his_o own_o light_n alone_o 2._o the_o soul_n ought_v to_o bring_v all_o thing_n both_o in_o their_o substance_n and_o in_o their_o circumstance_n that_o be_v worthy_a to_o be_v weigh_v to_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o word_n alone_o 3._o a_o soul_n must_v endeavour_v that_o his_o judgement_n be_v settle_v by_o god_n that_o be_v thus_o the_o soul_n that_o have_v his_o judgement_n pass_v upon_o his_o own_o defect_n and_o the_o nature_n of_o they_o to_o be_v such_o as_o be_v inconsistent_a with_o the_o state_n of_o union_n with_o christ_n must_v endeavour_v to_o draw_v near_o to_o god_n to_o bring_v himself_o into_o the_o presence_n of_o the_o heart_n search_v god_n with_o a_o serious_a apprehension_n and_o meditation_n that_o all_o the_o secret_n of_o his_o spirit_n be_v open_a before_o god_n and_o then_o and_o there_o in_o this_o frame_n to_o view_v over_o again_o and_o meditate_v upon_o that_o judgement_n that_o he_o find_v himself_o ready_a to_o pass_v against_o his_o own_o soul_n and_o then_o observe_v whether_o his_o spirit_n then_o dare_v pass_v this_o conclusion_n against_o himself_o iii_o when_o a_o soul_n in_o measure_v himself_o by_o other_o make_v the_o defect_n of_o grace_n in_o himself_o to_o be_v the_o matter_n of_o discouragement_n of_o his_o soul_n and_o matter_n of_o impediment_n to_o the_o exercise_n of_o his_o faith_n in_o christ_n that_o be_v when_o the_o soul_n by_o look_v upon_o some_o other_o christian_n and_o behold_v many_o precious_a gracious_a holy_a disposition_n shine_v forth_o like_v so_o many_o star_n in_o the_o low_a orb_n when_o he_o see_v much_o holy_a fire_n drop_v down_o from_o heaven_n into_o their_o heart_n that_o drop_v forth_o in_o their_o conversation_n and_o look_v upon_o himself_o and_o see_v a_o defect_n in_o all_o see_v his_o own_o heart_n overgrow_v with_o dulness_n stupidness_n blockishness_n carelessness_n forgetfulness_n of_o god_n regardlesness_n of_o communion_n with_o god_n in_o christ_n and_o the_o soul_n make_v these_o defect_n of_o grace_n apprehend_v in_o himself_o matter_n of_o discouragement_n to_o his_o soul_n to_o beat_v it_o off_o and_o to_o keep_v it_o back_o from_o the_o exercise_n of_o faith_n then_o this_o distemper_n of_o judge_v themselves_o by_o other_o prevail_v too_o far_o 1._o it_o be_v a_o join_n with_o the_o wretched_a corrupt_a opposite_a heart_n against_o christ_n and_o the_o furnish_n the_o soul_n with_o matter_n of_o cavil_n and_o scruple_n against_o the_o bless_a tender_n of_o receive_v the_o love_n of_o jesus_n christ_n 2._o by_o this_o the_o soul_n make_v that_o part_n of_o his_o duty_n that_o he_o seem_v to_o perform_v to_o be_v nothing_o but_o disobedience_n the_o soul_n by_o look_v upon_o the_o grace_n that_o shine_v forth_o in_o any_o christian_n seem_v to_o do_v a_o part_n of_o his_o duty_n because_o it_o be_v one_o thing_n command_v and_o in_o reflect_v upon_o his_o own_o heart_n in_o the_o sight_n of_o those_o grace_n seem_v to_o do_v another_o part_n of_o his_o duty_n but_o both_o these_o be_v make_v disobedience_n when_o the_o soul_n make_v the_o defect_n of_o grace_n he_o find_v in_o himself_o when_o he_o look_v upon_o the_o grace_n of_o other_o discouragement_n to_o himself_o in_o exercise_v faith_n 3._o the_o soul_n cross_v god_n in_o his_o high_a end_n which_o be_v to_o make_v the_o excellency_n of_o jesus_n christ_n shine_v forth_o in_o the_o soul_n of_o his_o people_n iv_o the_o four_o case_n wherein_o a_o soul_n do_v measure_v himself_o too_o much_o by_o other_o so_o as_o it_o become_v a_o sinful_a distemper_n be_v when_o the_o
disproportion_n a_o soul_n find_v out_o between_o himself_o and_o other_o christian_n his_o grace_n and_o their_o grace_n his_o duty_n and_o their_o duty_n be_v make_v a_o sufficient_a ground_n for_o the_o soul_n to_o draw_v a_o final_a conclusion_n of_o his_o own_o estate_n from_o as_o thus_o when_o a_o soul_n argue_v in_o this_o manner_n i_o see_v there_o be_v none_o of_o those_o precious_a working_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n in_o my_o spirit_n that_o i_o behold_v and_o see_v apparent_a be_v in_o the_o spirit_n of_o such_o and_o such_o christian_n they_o have_v their_o heart_n so_o powerful_o draw_v by_o jesus_n christ_n to_o close_v with_o he_o in_o a_o way_n of_o union_n that_o they_o be_v enable_v by_o a_o mighty_a power_n from_o god_n to_o believe_v but_o say_v the_o soul_n i_o do_v not_o find_v that_o god_n draw_v my_o heart_n and_o come_v with_o a_o mighty_a power_n to_o constrain_v my_o soul_n to_o close_v with_o the_o lord_n jesus_n tender_v and_o therefore_o sure_o god_n never_o intend_v good_a to_o my_o soul_n that_o this_o be_v a_o dark_a and_o sinful_a distemper_n will_v appear_v in_o divers_a thing_n for_o there_o may_v be_v many_o disproportion_n between_o one_o christian_n and_o another_o that_o be_v not_o sinful_a disproportion_n 1._o there_o may_v be_v a_o disproportion_n without_o a_o man_n sin_n in_o the_o manner_n and_o order_n and_o degree_n yea_o in_o the_o very_o be_v of_o all_o the_o working_n of_o god_n in_o the_o soul_n before_o the_o actual_a union_n of_o the_o soul_n with_o christ_n by_o any_o act_n of_o believe_v first_o there_o may_v be_v a_o disproportion_n in_o the_o fear_n of_o conscience_n that_o other_o christian_n have_v have_v upon_o they_o before_o their_o actual_a consent_n to_o the_o lord_n christ_n tender_v and_o the_o fear_n of_o conscience_n that_o thou_o have_v hitherto_o have_v second_o a_o disproportion_n may_v be_v in_o the_o grief_n of_o mind_n for_o sin_n that_o other_o christian_n have_v have_v upon_o they_o for_o sin_n before_o their_o union_n with_o christ_n and_o the_o grief_n of_o mind_n thy_o soul_n have_v hitherto_o have_v upon_o thâ—â—_n three_o there_o may_v be_v a_o disproportion_n in_o the_o effect_n that_o fear_v of_o conscience_n and_o grief_n of_o mind_n do_v natural_o produce_v in_o soul_n as_o doubtfulness_n and_o multitude_n of_o scruple_n and_o objection_n against_o thy_o own_o soul_n these_o indeed_o be_v the_o common_a effect_n that_o grief_n of_o mind_n and_o the_o fear_n of_o conscience_n produce_v and_o there_o may_v be_v a_o great_a disproportion_n between_o thy_o doubt_n and_o the_o doubt_n of_o other_o christian_n and_o yet_o no_o sin_n neither_o as_o appear_v in_o this_o because_o neither_o fear_n of_o conscience_n nor_o doubt_n of_o mind_n nor_o scruple_n and_o objection_n against_o the_o soul_n do_v in_o the_o least_o commend_v any_o soul_n to_o god_n as_o all_o thing_n be_v sin_n before_o union_n with_o christ_n so_o be_v the_o fear_n of_o conscience_n and_o grief_n of_o mind_n sin_n and_o all_o those_o doubt_n and_o objection_n sin_n and_o therefore_o have_v not_o the_o least_o virtue_n in_o they_o to_o commend_v a_o soul_n to_o god_n 2._o there_o may_v be_v a_o disproportion_n in_o the_o degree_n of_o grace_n without_o sin_n first_o there_o may_v have_v be_v a_o difference_n in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o growth_n of_o his_o grace_n and_o the_o grace_n of_o other_o by_o which_o he_o measure_v himself_o it_o may_v be_v he_o yet_o remain_v but_o a_o green_a tender_a plant_n in_o the_o house_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o measure_n himself_o by_o a_o old_a flourish_a green_a olive_n in_o god_n house_n second_o there_o may_v be_v a_o difference_n in_o the_o help_n and_o mean_n of_o growth_n the_o field_n be_v not_o blame_v because_o it_o be_v not_o so_o fruitful_a as_o the_o garden_n when_o the_o garden_n be_v daily_o water_v and_o dress_v 3._o there_o may_v be_v a_o disproportion_n in_o the_o act_n of_o grace_n and_o yet_o no_o sin_n first_o in_o regard_n there_o may_v not_o be_v the_o same_o necessity_n to_o occasion_n to_o act_v grace_n in_o thou_o that_o be_v in_o other_o the_o occasion_n be_v like_o the_o wind_n to_o the_o ship_n that_o set_v the_o ship_n a_o go_v they_o be_v but_o the_o heavenly_a wind_n as_o it_o be_v that_o blow_n upon_o grace_n that_o set_v grace_n a_o work_n and_o various_a grace_n must_v and_o aught_o to_o work_v according_a to_o the_o variety_n of_o occasion_n now_o according_a to_o the_o necessity_n of_o the_o soul_n so_o god_n bind_v himself_o in_o covenant_n to_o provide_v for_o the_o soul_n second_o the_o grace_n of_o other_o christian_n may_v be_v act_v by_o a_o extraordinary_a influence_n of_o the_o quicken_a spirit_n of_o christ_n i_o call_v it_o extraordinary_a in_o regard_n it_o be_v that_o which_o be_v not_o common_a at_o all_o time_n to_o all_o christian_n that_o have_v some_o of_o the_o influence_n of_o the_o quicken_a spirit_n of_o christ_n so_o that_o by_o some_o extraordinary_a gale_n from_o heaven_n his_o grace_n may_v be_v act_v and_o through_o thy_o want_n of_o those_o quickning_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n thy_o grace_n may_v not_o be_v so_o act_v and_o yet_o not_o sin_n three_o there_o may_v be_v a_o difference_n in_o the_o outward_a excitation_n and_o quicken_a unto_o the_o act_n of_o grace_n a_o soul_n stand_v not_o only_o in_o necessity_n of_o the_o inward_a breathe_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n but_o of_o the_o outward_a excitation_n too_o in_o regard_n it_o be_v through_o the_o outward_a excitation_n that_o the_o lord_n have_v appoint_v those_o inward_a breathe_n of_o his_o quicken_a spirit_n now_o if_o other_o christian_n by_o who_o thy_o soul_n do_v measure_n itself_o shall_v enjoy_v more_o excitation_n that_o be_v that_o they_o have_v more_o bellows_o blow_v upon_o grace_n in_o their_o heart_n than_o thou_o though_o there_o may_v be_v difference_n in_o the_o act_n the_o bare_a disproportion_n may_v not_o be_v thy_o sin_n second_o there_o may_v be_v many_o sinful_a disproportion_n that_o yet_o destroy_v not_o the_o be_v of_o the_o soul_n union_n with_o christ_n 1._o there_o may_v be_v a_o disproportion_n in_o faith_n itself_o first_o there_o may_v be_v a_o want_n of_o most_o of_o the_o high_a and_o excellent_a operation_n of_o faith_n and_o yet_o not_o the_o be_v of_o union_n destroy_v second_o faith_n may_v be_v oppress_v with_o doubt_v and_o distrust_n and_o yet_o not_o be_v suppress_v three_o there_o may_v be_v the_o want_n of_o almost_o all_o steadfastness_n stability_n and_o constancy_n in_o the_o act_n of_o faith_n so_o that_o a_o soul_n can_v seldom_o keep_v his_o heart_n in_o a_o believe_a frame_n one_o moment_n and_o yet_o that_o sinful_a defect_n may_v not_o nullify_v the_o union_n with_o christ_n 2._o there_o may_v be_v a_o sinful_a disproportion_n in_o all_o the_o spiritual_a life_n of_o the_o soul_n and_o yet_o the_o union_n with_o christ_n hold_v that_o be_v all_o the_o principle_n of_o spiritual_a motion_n towards_o god_n may_v be_v unactive_a when_o thou_o see_v other_o full_a of_o life_n and_o activity_n and_o yet_o this_o sinful_a disproportion_n do_v not_o destroy_v the_o union_n now_o it_o appear_v to_o be_v a_o sad_a distemper_n thus_o to_o measure_v the_o soul_n by_o other_o 1._o in_o regard_n there_o be_v such_o a_o disproportion_n between_o the_o one_o and_o other_o christian_n that_o can_v possible_o be_v find_v out_o discover_v nothing_o but_o the_o heinousness_n of_o the_o soul_n sin_n in_o its_o neglect_n of_o union_n with_o christ_n now_o from_o hence_o to_o conclude_v god_n intend_v no_o good_a to_o the_o soul_n be_v contrary_a to_o the_o bless_a will_n of_o god_n reveal_v isa_n 55.7_o where_o god_n have_v promise_v abundant_o to_o pardon_v to_o multiply_v to_o pardon_v 2._o in_o regard_v when_o the_o great_a disproportion_n between_o the_o one_o and_o other_o christian_n be_v find_v out_o yet_o thou_o be_v one_o of_o those_o that_o jesus_n christ_n now_o come_v to_o woo_v and_o persuade_v and_o beseech_v to_o be_v one_o with_o his_o father_n now_o i_o shall_v show_v you_o the_o ground_n of_o this_o distemper_n upon_o which_o it_o be_v build_v or_o whence_o it_o arise_v in_o soul_n i._o it_o be_v common_o build_v upon_o this_o principle_n that_o the_o lord_n maintain_v a_o proportion_n in_o his_o gift_n and_o grace_n unto_o his_o people_n now_o what_o a_o dark_a blind_a principle_n be_v this_o for_o the_o clear_n of_o it_o 1._o you_o must_v conceive_v the_o lord_n do_v equal_o dispense_v to_o all_o his_o people_n soul_n all_o kind_n of_o grace_n he_o leave_v suitable_a disposition_n in_o the_o heart_n to_o yield_v obedience_n to_o all_o his_o bless_a will_n thus_o far_o the_o lord_n proportion_v grace_n but_o then_o the_o lord_n do_v not_o proportion_v the_o
degree_n of_o grace_n first_o in_o regard_n of_o the_o concord_n and_o agreement_n in_o the_o whole_a body_n of_o christ_n that_o be_v necessary_a to_o be_v attain_v it_o be_v for_o the_o better_n of_o the_o union_n of_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n that_o christian_n have_v particular_a different_a grace_n as_o the_o apostle_n say_v 1_o cor._n 12.25_o 26._o second_o it_o it_o necessary_a to_o preserve_v the_o beauty_n and_o comeliness_n of_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n that_o the_o whole_a body_n shall_v be_v so_o compact_v together_o that_o one_o member_n shall_v not_o receive_v all_o the_o excellency_n of_o the_o other_o member_n three_o that_o there_o may_v be_v a_o full_a manifestation_n of_o the_o absolute_a freedom_n of_o god_n in_o the_o manifestation_n of_o all_o his_o grace_n the_o lord_n will_v not_o only_o have_v the_o glory_n of_o his_o free_a love_n in_o dispense_n grace_n to_o who_o he_o please_v but_o the_o glory_n of_o his_o free_a grace_n in_o dispense_n it_o in_o what_o manner_n and_o degree_n he_o please_v 2._o from_o the_o necessity_n of_o different_a degree_n of_o grace_n arise_v a_o necessity_n of_o the_o dispensation_n of_o various_a gift_n ii_o the_o second_o distemper_n upon_o which_o this_o principle_n do_v arise_v be_v this_o that_o the_o soul_n do_v conceive_v there_o must_v be_v a_o large_a portion_n of_o grace_n go_v before_o the_o soul_n attain_v unto_o the_o assurance_n of_o faith_n that_o he_o be_v unite_v to_o the_o lord_n christ_n and_o thence_o the_o soul_n seek_v into_o the_o life_n and_o heart_n of_o other_o christian_n and_o measure_n himself_o by_o those_o think_v upon_o a_o sight_n of_o a_o conformity_n in_o himself_o to_o they_o in_o their_o grace_n and_o duty_n he_o may_v then_o proceed_v to_o the_o act_n of_o faith_n in_o a_o way_n of_o assurance_n and_o then_o have_v some_o confidence_n of_o his_o union_n with_o christ_n and_o hence_o so_o long_o as_o the_o soul_n conceive_v a_o defect_n in_o himself_o in_o those_o grace_n he_o behold_v to_o be_v in_o other_o christian_n he_o sit_v down_o discourage_v from_o the_o exercise_n of_o faith_n that_o this_o also_o be_v a_o vile_a principle_n of_o darkness_n must_v be_v also_o make_v appear_v yet_o first_o for_o the_o clear_n of_o it_o i_o must_v premise_v two_o thing_n i._o that_o the_o very_a act_n of_o faith_n in_o a_o way_n of_o full_a assurance_n of_o the_o lord_n accept_v the_o soul_n to_o be_v one_o with_o he_o in_o christ_n be_v a_o most_o superlative_a degree_n of_o grace_n ii_o that_o every_o soul_n that_o attain_v unto_o that_o assurance_n of_o faith_n to_o receive_v with_o a_o fullness_n of_o confidence_n the_o lord_n good_a will_n concern_v his_o own_o soul_n to_o accept_v he_o to_o be_v one_o with_o he_o in_o the_o lord_n christ_n do_v attain_v a_o large_a portion_n of_o all_o kind_n of_o grace_n also_o there_o be_v the_o special_a working_n of_o the_o love_n of_o god_n in_o the_o spirit_n of_o holiness_n wherever_o there_o be_v this_o assurance_n unto_o faith_n of_o the_o soul_n union_n with_o christ_n to_o make_v it_o clear_a 1._o there_o be_v a_o large_a portion_n of_o knowledge_n ignorance_n of_o god_n be_v the_o mother_n of_o all_o vice_n the_o very_a womb_n wherein_o unbelief_n be_v conceive_v withal_o its_o brat_n withal_o its_o scruple_n and_o objection_n whatever_o and_o according_a to_o the_o degree_n wherein_o that_o ignorance_n of_o god_n be_v heal_v so_o be_v the_o degree_n of_o the_o soul_n attain_v towards_o the_o assurance_n of_o faith_n 2._o there_o be_v a_o large_a portion_n of_o spiritual_a life_n beget_v in_o the_o soul_n 3._o there_o be_v a_o large_a portion_n of_o contentment_n in_o god_n and_o christ_n 4._o there_o be_v a_o large_a portion_n of_o love_n to_o god_n in_o jesus_n christ_n communicate_v to_o he_o love_n beget_v love_n and_o according_a to_o the_o degree_n wherein_o a_o soul_n apprehend_v the_o love_n of_o god_n to_o his_o soul_n in_o christ_n so_o be_v the_o answerable_a degree_n of_o the_o working_n of_o love_n towards_o god_n in_o christ_n again_o 5._o there_o be_v a_o large_a portion_n of_o raisedness_n of_o spirit_n above_o all_o thing_n below_o i_o give_v but_o a_o taste_n of_o the_o large_a portion_n of_o grace_n which_o of_o necessity_n must_v be_v in_o soul_n where_o faith_n of_o assurance_n be_v attain_v but_o now_o to_o speak_v more_o direct_o to_o the_o principle_n itself_o notwithstanding_o this_o yet_o the_o principle_n itself_o be_v a_o dark_a principle_n i._o in_o regard_n there_o be_v no_o necessity_n of_o a_o large_a portion_n of_o grace_n go_v before_o the_o soul_n assurance_n of_o faith_n to_o prepare_v the_o soul_n for_o assurance_n only_o in_o this_o sense_n that_o the_o habit_n of_o grace_n prepare_v the_o soul_n for_o the_o act_n of_o grace_n so_o the_o habit_n of_o faith_n be_v receive_v before_o there_o be_v a_o act_n of_o faith_n and_o so_o a_o soul_n may_v be_v say_v to_o be_v prepare_v for_o assurance_n unto_o faith_n ii_o there_o be_v no_o necessity_n of_o any_o large_a portion_n of_o grace_n to_o give_v the_o soul_n any_o better_a ground_n to_o act_v faith_n in_o fullness_n of_o assurance_n and_o confidence_n the_o only_a ground_n of_o the_o soul_n confidence_n of_o the_o lord_n will_v to_o accept_v his_o loveless_a soul_n into_o union_n with_o christ_n be_v the_o lord_n word_n wherein_o he_o reveal_v that_o his_o bless_a will_n now_o the_o lord_n word_n speak_v as_o plain_o and_o reveal_v his_o will_n as_o clear_o to_o the_o soul_n not_o have_v the_o least_o portion_n of_o grace_n to_o accept_v his_o loveless_a soul_n into_o union_n with_o christ_n as_o it_o do_v to_o those_o that_o have_v the_o large_a portion_n of_o grace_n iii_o there_o be_v no_o necessity_n of_o any_o portion_n of_o grace_n to_o make_v the_o act_n of_o faith_n of_o assurance_n to_o be_v the_o soul_n duty_n even_o when_o a_o soul_n be_v a_o rebel_n when_o he_o be_v a_o enemy_n the_o lord_n do_v as_o strict_o command_v he_o from_o heaven_n to_o give_v credit_n to_o his_o bless_a word_n reveal_v his_o good_a will_n to_o accept_v his_o loveless_a soul_n if_o he_o will_v be_v one_o with_o he_o in_o christ_n as_o he_o do_v command_v the_o soul_n to_o believe_v it_o after_o the_o communication_n of_o all_o grace_n iv_o those_o very_a portion_n of_o grace_n great_a or_o small_a that_o be_v attain_v to_o when_o the_o soul_n have_v assurance_n unto_o faith_n they_o be_v all_o attain_v through_o the_o soul_n believe_v with_o that_o fullness_n of_o assurance_n faith_n be_v the_o alpha_n and_o omega_n of_o sanctification_n and_o of_o the_o whole_a work_n of_o grace_n the_o six_o and_o last_o dark_a distemper_n be_v distemper_n dark_a distemper_n the_o soul_n unconstancy_n this_o unconstancy_n be_v of_o two_o kind_n the_o one_o in_o the_o thought_n and_o imagination_n the_o second_o be_v the_o unconstancy_n of_o the_o soul_n determination_n and_o conclusion_n natural_o we_o be_v unstable_a as_o water_n seldom_o stay_v a_o moment_n in_o the_o same_o place_n for_o the_o right_a understanding_n of_o this_o distemper_n there_o must_v be_v divers_a thing_n open_v i._o we_o must_v know_v it_o be_v not_o a_o strict_a close_a unmovable_a adherence_n to_o their_o determination_n of_o truth_n that_o be_v once_o draw_v up_o in_o a_o soul_n that_o these_o command_n require_v from_o any_o soul_n that_o may_v be_v as_o bad_a a_o distemper_n on_o the_o other_o hand_n therefore_o observe_v there_o be_v three_o case_n in_o which_o a_o soul_n may_v be_v too_o much_o settle_v and_o adhere_v too_o fast_o to_o his_o own_o conclusion_n 1._o when_o the_o soul_n stick_v fast_o to_o any_o conclusion_n without_o spiritual_a divine_a light_n compel_v and_o constrain_a the_o soul_n to_o it_o 2._o when_o a_o soul_n be_v so_o take_v with_o any_o determination_n that_o he_o have_v draw_v up_o in_o his_o own_o spirit_n concern_v truth_n that_o his_o own_o spirit_n will_v not_o suffer_v he_o to_o take_v a_o right_a view_n of_o any_o thing_n that_o the_o scripture_n seem_v to_o propound_v to_o the_o contrary_n 3._o when_o a_o soul_n be_v so_o affect_v with_o any_o determination_n draw_v up_o in_o his_o own_o spirit_n that_o he_o have_v a_o prejudicial_a opinion_n against_o whatever_o seem_v to_o contradict_v that_o his_o own_o determination_n ii_o you_o must_v know_v there_o be_v case_n wherein_o there_o must_v and_o aught_o to_o be_v alteration_n and_o change_n in_o a_o soul_n own_o determination_n concern_v truth_n and_o concern_v the_o state_n of_o his_o own_o soul_n and_o those_o case_n be_v especial_o two_o 1._o where_o there_o be_v clear_a evidence_n concern_v the_o object_n convey_v into_o a_o soul_n 2._o when_o there_o be_v a_o clear_a evidence_n in_o regard_n of_o the_o soul_n itself_o which_o we_o common_o call_v a_o clear_a