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be_v all_o for_o self_n and_o not_o for_o god_n and_o be_v it_o possible_a then_o to_o please_v god_n when_o he_o do_v nothing_o at_o all_o not_o one_o thing_n for_o god_n but_o all_o for_o self_n every_o thing_n for_o self_n every_o duty_n that_o he_o perform_v be_v all_o for_o self_n every_o unbeliever_n be_v just_a judas_n like_v in_o john_n 12.6_o judas_n be_v a_o thief_n and_o have_v the_o bag_n and_o bare_a what_o be_v put_v therein_o he_o have_v christ_n bag_n and_o the_o disciple_n bag_n ay_o but_o he_o have_v another_o bag_n of_o his_o own_o so_o every_o unbeliever_n have_v a_o bag_n he_o seem_v to_o have_v a_o bag_n for_o god_n and_o for_o christ_n but_o he_o have_v a_o bag_n for_o self_n and_o he_o put_v all_o into_o that_o bag_n he_o may_v seem_v to_o do_v a_o great_a deal_n for_o god_n he_o may_v pray_v much_o and_o frequent_o and_o earnest_o he_o may_v read_v the_o word_n very_o much_o and_o attend_v very_o often_o upon_o the_o word_n preach_v he_o may_v be_v frequent_a in_o the_o ordinary_a duty_n of_o the_o worship_n and_o service_n of_o god_n nay_o let_v i_o say_v further_o he_o may_v be_v take_v up_o in_o extraordinary_a duty_n too_o as_o fast_v and_o prayer_n and_o the_o like_a and_o â—â—t_v still_o all_o for_o self_n and_o nothing_o at_o all_o for_o god_n look_v into_o zach._n 7.5_o 6._o say_v the_o lord_n there_o speak_v unto_o all_o the_o people_n of_o the_o land_n and_o to_o the_o priest_n say_v when_o you_o fast_v and_o mourn_v in_o the_o five_o and_o seven_o month_n even_o those_o seventy_o year_n do_v you_o at_o all_o fast_o unto_o i_o even_o unto_o i_o and_o when_o you_o do_v eat_v and_o when_o you_o do_v drink_v do_v you_o not_o eat_v for_o yourselves_o and_o drink_v for_o yourselves_o all_o for_o self_n thus_o it_o be_v with_o every_o unbeliever_n whatever_o he_o do_v he_o do_v for_o self_n he_o be_v compass_v about_o in_o the_o circle_n of_o self_n and_o can_v get_v a_o hair_n breadth_n beyond_o it_o and_o do_v you_o think_v that_o we_o can_v please_v god_n in_o any_o duty_n or_o service_n that_o we_o perform_v when_o the_o lord_n see_v and_o know_v that_o we_o do_v all_o for_o self_n do_v you_o think_v that_o god_n can_v accept_v of_o that_o service_n make_v it_o your_o own_o case_n suppose_v now_o you_o have_v a_o servant_n you_o give_v he_o meat_n and_o drink_v and_o wage_n and_o he_o work_v and_o labour_n and_o toil_v but_o all_o be_v for_o himself_o now_o though_o he_o labour_v and_o work_v yet_o be_v it_o please_v to_o you_o be_v it_o acceptable_a to_o you_o or_o suppose_v you_o have_v a_o factor_n and_o you_o send_v he_o to_o trade_n for_o you_o you_o trust_v he_o with_o your_o stock_n and_o he_o be_v diligent_a in_o his_o trade_n and_o follow_v his_o business_n but_o all_o his_o trade_n be_v for_o himself_o will_v you_o accept_v of_o this_o be_v this_o please_a to_o you_o no_o you_o will_v say_v he_o be_v a_o very_a unfaithful_a wretched_a servant_n and_o you_o can_v be_v please_v with_o he_o why_o this_o be_v the_o very_a case_n god_n have_v send_v we_o into_o the_o world_n to_o trade_n for_o he_o and_o to_o act_v for_o he_o now_o all_o that_o ever_o we_o do_v whilst_o we_o be_v in_o a_o state_n of_o unbelief_n be_v for_o self_n we_o do_v every_o thing_n for_o self_n true_o until_o 〈◊〉_d soul_n come_v to_o believe_v on_o christ_n all_o that_o he_o do_v be_v for_o himself_o he_o can_v get_v out_o of_o the_o circle_n of_o self_n but_o now_o when_o a_o soul_n come_v to_o receive_v christ_n by_o faith_n than_o he_o come_v to_o act_v for_o christ_n and_o to_o deny_v self_n never_o can_v deny_v himself_o before_o as_o it_o be_v with_o the_o apostle_n paul_n paul_n before_o his_o conversion_n he_o do_v very_o much_o but_o yet_o all_o be_v for_o self_n he_o be_v very_o zealous_a for_o the_o law_n and_o he_o be_v very_o upright_o but_o all_o be_v for_o self_n but_o now_o when_o he_o come_v to_o believe_v on_o christ_n self_n be_v lay_v aside_o now_o say_v he_o i_o be_o nothing_o 2_o cor._n 12.11_o though_o i_o be_v nothing_o paul_n a_o apostle_n a_o eminent_a saint_n of_o christ_n and_o yet_o he_o be_v nothing_o now_o say_v he_o i_o be_o nothing_o i_o can_v do_v nothing_o i_o can_v pray_v i_o know_v not_o how_o to_o pray_v nor_o do_v no-nothing_a as_o i_o ought_v to_o do_v it_o i_o can_v so_o much_o as_o think_v a_o good_a thought_n say_v he_o now_o self_n be_v abase_v self_n be_v put_v down_o but_o now_o mark_v christ_n be_v lift_v up_o 1_o cor._n 15.10_o i_o labour_v more_o abundant_o than_o they_o all_o yet_o not_o i_o but_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n which_o be_v with_o i_o not_o i_o say_v he_o but_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n with_o i_o or_o in_o i_o so_o say_v he_o in_o philip._n 4.12_o 13._o i_o know_v how_o to_o abound_v and_o how_o to_o want_v i_o have_v learn_v in_o all_o state_n and_o condition_n therewith_o to_o be_v content_a i_o can_v do_v all_o thing_n say_v he_o through_o christ_n that_o strengthen_v i_o thus_o when_o he_o come_v to_o believe_v he_o exalt_v christ_n and_o abase_v self_n faith_n be_v a_o self-emptying_a grace_n it_o make_v the_o soul_n to_o be_v little_a or_o nothing_o and_o make_v christ_n to_o be_v all_o it_o have_v no_o strength_n in_o its_o self_n but_o do_v all_o in_o the_o strength_n of_o christ_n and_o till_o the_o soul_n come_v to_o believe_v on_o christ_n self_n be_v the_o chief_n agent_n in_o all_o that_o he_o do_v and_o therefore_o now_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o a_o man_n or_o woman_n ever_o to_o please_v god_n by_o all_o that_o he_o can_v do_v till_o he_o come_v to_o believe_v you_o know_v what_o
by_o a_o false_a compass_n and_o so_o steer_v his_o course_n wrong_v true_o thus_o it_o be_v with_o many_o professor_n they_o perform_v duty_n they_o go_v on_o with_o full_a sail_n in_o duty_n they_o perform_v duty_n every_o day_n and_o they_o attend_v upon_o the_o lord_n as_o they_o have_v opportunity_n to_o hear_v the_o word_n and_o read_v the_o word_n daily_o they_o go_v on_o amain_o ay_o but_o still_o they_o steer_v a_o wrong_a course_n they_o sail_v by_o a_o false_a compass_n and_o certain_o they_o will_v never_o come_v to_o the_o haven_n of_o rest_n but_o will_v run_v upon_o their_o own_o ruin_n at_o last_o therefore_o observe_v it_o the_o devil_n will_v allow_v a_o professor_n to_o go_v on_o in_o a_o course_n of_o duty_n to_o pray_v every_o day_n in_o his_o family_n and_o closet_n he_o will_v allow_v he_o to_o go_v on_o in_o a_o course_n of_o ordinance_n attend_v upon_o god_n daily_o so_o long_o as_o his_o duty_n and_o service_n be_v not_o touch_v with_o the_o loadstone_n if_o they_o be_v not_o do_v in_o faith_n he_o know_v what_o will_v be_v the_o issue_n of_o they_o he_o let_v he_o alone_o because_o he_o know_v he_o do_v but_o deceive_v himself_o and_o delude_v his_o own_o soul_n he_o look_v to_o come_v to_o such_o a_o haven_n but_o he_o will_v perish_v and_o miscarry_v for_o ever_o therefore_o brethren_n i_o pray_v consider_v whether_o it_o be_v not_o a_o matter_n of_o very_o great_a concernment_n for_o every_o one_o of_o we_o to_o look_v to_o it_o and_o be_v careful_a that_o all_o our_o duty_n and_o service_n be_v do_v in_o faith_n or_o else_o we_o can_v never_o please_v god_n well_o this_o be_v the_o question_n how_o shall_v we_o so_o perform_v our_o duty_n and_o service_n in_o faith_n as_o they_o may_v be_v please_v unto_o god_n answ_n in_o answer_n to_o it_o there_o be_v some_o direction_n that_o i_o shall_v lay_v down_o that_o may_v be_v of_o general_a concernment_n and_o reach_v all_o the_o duty_n that_o we_o be_v to_o perform_v and_o show_v you_o 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believe_v in_o christ_n before_o we_o can_v perform_v any_o duty_n in_o faith_n therefore_o i_o say_v let_v we_o be_v sure_a of_o that_o that_o the_o work_n of_o faith_n be_v wrought_v effectual_o in_o our_o heart_n that_o we_o do_v real_o and_o true_o believe_v on_o christ_n be_v sure_a of_o that_o lay_v that_o for_o a_o foundation_n and_o the_o more_o clear_a that_o be_v the_o more_o sure_o we_o be_v of_o that_o that_o there_o be_v a_o real_a work_n of_o faith_n wrought_v in_o our_o heart_n we_o may_v be_v the_o more_o easy_o persuade_v that_o what_o we_o do_v we_o do_v in_o faith_n though_o that_o alone_o be_v not_o enough_o neither_o but_o without_o that_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o we_o to_o do_v any_o thing_n in_o faith_n so_o as_o to_o please_v god_n it_o be_v by_o faith_n that_o our_o person_n come_v to_o be_v accept_v without_o faith_n our_o person_n be_v not_o please_v unto_o god_n no_o it_o be_v through_o the_o belove_a that_o we_o must_v be_v accept_v in_o our_o person_n 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by_o faith_n wrought_v in_o the_o heart_n whereby_o we_o come_v to_o be_v make_v holy_a in_o god_n account_n for_o if_o so_o be_v that_o we_o be_v not_o make_v holy_a through_o faith_n than_o all_o that_o ever_o we_o do_v be_v unclean_a all_o that_o come_v from_o we_o be_v unclean_a look_v as_o the_o fountain_n or_o spring_n be_v so_o be_v all_o that_o issue_n from_o it_o every_o drop_n of_o water_n that_o come_v from_o it_o be_v according_o can_v you_o bring_v forth_o a_o clean_a thing_n out_o of_o a_o unclean_a none_o can_v do_v it_o do_v a_o bitter_a fountain_n send_v forth_o sweet_a water_n no_o it_o can_v be_v the_o fountain_n must_v first_o be_v make_v clean_a and_o sweet_a or_o else_o all_o the_o stream_n will_v be_v according_a as_o the_o fountain_n be_v a_o corrupt_a tree_n can_v bring_v forth_o good_a fruit_n make_v the_o tree_n good_a or_o the_o fruit_n can_v be_v good_a all_o that_o come_v from_o a_o man_n or_o woman_n that_o be_v in_o a_o state_n of_o unbelief_n be_v unclean_a and_o whatever_o duty_n or_o ordinance_n he_o touch_v be_v unclean_a and_o pollute_a and_o therefore_o can_v please_v god_n look_v as_o it_o be_v under_o the_o law_n if_o one_o that_o be_v legal_o or_o ceremonial_o unclean_a touch_v any_o thing_n it_o be_v unclean_a hag._n 2.12_o 13._o if_o one_o bear_v holy_a flesh_n in_o the_o skirt_n of_o his_o garment_n and_o with_o his_o skirt_n do_v touch_v bread_n or_o pottage_n or_o wine_n or_o oil_n or_o any_o meat_n shall_v it_o be_v holy_a and_o the_o priest_n answer_v and_o say_v no_o it_o shall_v be_v unclean_a so_o now_o whatever_o duty_n be_v perform_v under_o the_o new-testament_n if_o we_o be_v not_o believer_n if_o our_o heart_n be_v not_o purify_v by_o faith_n true_o then_o all_o that_o we_o touch_v be_v impure_a and_o unclean_a to_o we_o as_o the_o apostle_n say_v tit._n 1.15_o unto_o the_o pure_a all_o thing_n be_v pure_a but_o unto_o they_o that_o be_v defile_v who_o be_v those_o he_o explain_v it_o in_o the_o very_a next_o word_n and_o unbelieving_a be_v nothing_o pure_a they_o can_v do_v nothing_o that_o the_o infinite_a holy_a and_o pure_a god_n can_v be_v please_v with_o now_o there_o be_v no_o way_n for_o a_o soul_n to_o be_v make_v clean_o to_o lave_v a_o habitual_a holiness_n but_o through_o faith_n wrought_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o application_n and_o sprinkle_n of_o the_o virtue_n of_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n upon_o the_o conscience_n so_o a_o man_n or_o woman_n come_v to_o be_v make_v clean_o in_o heb._n 9.13_o say_v the_o apostle_n there_o for_o if_o the_o blood_n of_o bull_n and_o goat_n and_o the_o ash_n of_o a_o heifer_n sprinkle_v the_o unclean_a sanctify_v to_o the_o purify_n of_o the_o flesh_n that_o be_v the_o holy_a water_n under_o the_o law_n that_o be_v sprinkle_v upon_o the_o unclean_a do_v purify_v he_o and_o make_v he_o clean_o and_o if_o the_o sprinkle_n of_o that_o water_n do_v purify_v from_o ceremonial_a uncleanness_n how_o much_o more_o shall_v the_o blood_n of_o christ_n verse_n 14._o who_o through_o the_o eternal_a spirit_n offer_v up_o himself_o to_o god_n purge_v your_o conseience_n from_o dead_a work_n to_o serve_v the_o live_a god_n two_o thing_n the_o apostle_n do_v plain_o hint_n to_o we_o in_o this_o scripture_n namely_o 1._o that_o all_o our_o work_n that_o we_o perform_v before_o we_o be_v cleanse_v by_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n they_o be_v all_o but_o dead_a work_n unholy_a and_o unclean_a and_o then_o 2._o it_o imply_v thus_o much_o that_o we_o come_v to_o be_v cleanse_v from_o our_o dead_a work_n by_o the_o sprinkle_n of_o
the_o blood_n of_o christ_n upon_o we_o and_o that_o by_o the_o eternal_a spirit_n the_o spirit_n of_o god_n this_o be_v the_o way_n and_o the_o only_a way_n whereby_o a_o man_n or_o woman_n come_v to_o be_v habitual_o clean_a and_o holy_a by_o faith_n in_o christ_n whereby_o the_o soul_n be_v not_o only_o justify_v from_o the_o gild_n of_o sin_n but_o there_o be_v the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n convey_v and_o communicate_v to_o the_o soul_n whereby_o there_o be_v a_o principle_n of_o holiness_n of_o habitual_a holiness_n put_v upon_o the_o soul_n well_o this_o be_v now_o the_o first_o general_a rule_n and_o therefore_o i_o say_v brethren_n and_o friend_n it_o be_v of_o great_a concernment_n to_o we_o to_o look_v to_o that_o if_o we_o will_v act_v faith_n in_o our_o duty_n so_o as_o to_o please_v god_n we_o must_v first_o of_o all_o look_n that_o there_o be_v a_o work_n of_o faith_n wrought_v in_o our_o heart_n that_o we_o do_v true_o believe_v on_o christ_n and_o to_o that_o end_n we_o shall_v be_v venture_v to_o lean_v the_o weight_n of_o our_o soul_n upon_o christ_n and_o upon_o his_o blood_n and_o righteousness_n as_o it_o be_v tender_v and_o hold_v forth_o to_o we_o in_o the_o gospel_n and_o to_o this_o end_n also_o let_v we_o wrestle_v with_o the_o lord_n and_o beg_v for_o the_o spirit_n of_o faith_n to_o be_v give_v out_o to_o we_o christ_n have_v promise_v that_o our_o heavenly_a father_n will_v give_v the_o holy_a ghost_n to_o they_o that_o ask_v he_o this_o be_v the_o first_o rule_n to_o look_v that_o we_o be_v true_a believer_n 2._o second_o as_o faith_n do_v possess_v the_o soul_n with_o habitual_a holiness_n so_o it_o be_v by_o faith_n also_o that_o a_o soul_n come_v to_o be_v cleanse_v from_o actual_a gild_n therefore_o the_o second_o rule_n to_o act_v in_o faith_n in_o our_o duty_n and_o performance_n be_v to_o put_v away_o all_o gild_n all_o sinful_a uncleanness_n from_o we_o when_o we_o come_v to_o perform_v any_o service_n or_o offer_v up_o any_o sacrifice_n to_o the_o lord_n if_o a_o man_n or_o woman_n come_v before_o the_o lord_n in_o the_o guilt_n of_o any_o know_a sin_n that_o he_o live_v in_o if_o he_o do_v not_o put_v that_o away_o it_o make_v all_o his_o duty_n unclean_a and_o not_o please_v to_o god_n a_o man_n can_v act_v in_o faith_n so_o long_o as_o he_o come_v know_o with_o any_o guilt_n upon_o his_o conscience_n live_v in_o the_o neglect_n of_o any_o know_a duty_n or_o live_v in_o the_o commission_n of_o any_o know_a sin_n if_o he_o live_v in_o it_o he_o can_v act_v in_o faith_n faith_n will_v purge_v and_o cleanse_v the_o soul_n from_o sin_n that_o he_o will_v put_v away_o all_o guilt_n when_o he_o come_v to_o draw_v near_o to_o god_n see_v what_o be_v say_v in_o job_n 11.13_o 14_o 15._o if_o thou_o prepare_v thy_o heart_n and_o stretch_v out_o thy_o hand_n towards_o he_o if_o iniquity_n be_v in_o thy_o hand_n put_v it_o far_o away_o and_o let_v not_o wickedness_n dwell_v in_o thy_o tabernacle_n for_o then_o shall_v thou_o lift_v up_o thy_o face_n without_o spot_n etc._n etc._n when_o you_o come_v to_o stretch_v out_o your_o hand_n towards_o god_n in_o prayer_n or_o when_o you_o come_v to_o draw_v near_o to_o he_o in_o any_o duty_n then_o say_v he_o if_o there_o be_v iniquity_n in_o your_o hand_n put_v it_o far_o away_o do_v not_o come_v to_o god_n in_o prayer_n or_o in_o any_o ordinance_n in_o any_o know_a sin_n that_o you_o do_v allow_v yourselves_o in_o for_o if_o you_o do_v you_o can_v perform_v those_o duty_n in_o faith_n and_o so_o they_o can_v be_v please_v unto_o god_n therefore_o be_v sure_a that_o you_o put_v away_o all_o evil_n from_o you_o as_o now_o for_o example_n to_o show_v you_o the_o application_n of_o this_o rule_n that_o you_o may_v know_v how_o to_o make_v use_n of_o it_o for_o every_o duty_n suppose_v now_o you_o go_v to_o prayer_n if_o you_o will_v pray_v in_o faith_n so_o as_o to_o please_v god_n you_o must_v not_o allow_v yourselves_o in_o any_o know_a sin_n no_o say_v david_n in_o psal_n 66.18_o if_o i_o regard_v iniquity_n in_o my_o heart_n the_o lord_n will_v not_o hear_v i_o i_o can_v make_v a_o prayer_n in_o faith_n if_o you_o have_v make_v a_o thousand_o prayer_n though_o you_o be_v a_o believer_n in_o the_o main_a yet_o all_o those_o prayer_n that_o you_o have_v put_v up_o in_o such_o a_o way_n with_o the_o guilt_n of_o any_o know_a sin_n upon_o you_o that_o you_o allow_v yourself_o in_o and_o go_v on_o in_o your_o prayer_n have_v not_o be_v put_v up_o in_o faith_n and_o so_o god_n will_v not_o regard_v they_o therefore_o be_v sure_a of_o that_o when_o you_o come_v to_o pray_v see_v that_o you_o do_v not_o allow_v yourself_o in_o any_o know_a sin_n so_o if_o you_o come_v to_o hear_v the_o word_n if_o you_o will_v hear_v in_o faith_n so_o as_o to_o please_v god_n in_o it_o you_o must_v put_v away_o all_o evil_a out_o of_o your_o hand_n in_o jam_fw-la 1.21_o say_v the_o apostle_n there_o lay_v aside_o all_o filthiness_n and_o superfluity_n of_o naughtiness_n and_o receive_v with_o meekness_n the_o engraft_a word_n which_o be_v able_a to_o save_v your_o soul_n do_v you_o desire_v to_o hear_v the_o word_n in_o faith_n so_o as_o it_o may_v be_v a_o save_a word_n to_o your_o soul_n then_o lay_v aside_o all_o filthiness_n and_o superfluity_n of_o naughtiness_n allow_v yourself_o in_o no_o know_a sin_n when_o you_o come_v to_o draw_v near_o to_o god_n in_o any_o ordinance_n so_o the_o apostle_n peter_n 1_o pet._n 2_o 1_o 2._o say_v the_o apostle_n there_o laying_z aside_o all_o malice_n and_o guile_n and_o hypocrisy_n and_o envy_n and_o evil-speaking_a as_o newborn_a babe_n desire_v the_o sincere_a milk_n of_o the_o word_n that_o you_o may_v grow_v thereby_o do_v you_o desire_v to_o hear_v the_o word_n so_o as_o you_o may_v please_v god_n in_o your_o hear_n then_o let_v there_o be_v no_o envy_n nor_o malice_n nor_o hypocrisy_n allow_v in_o your_o heart_n for_o else_o you_o can_v receive_v the_o word_n so_o as_o to_o be_v milk_n to_o your_o soul_n so_o as_o to_o grow_v and_o profit_v by_o it_o and_o so_o also_o if_o you_o come_v to_o any_o other_o ordinance_n as_o to_o the_o lords-supper_n you_o must_v come_v in_o faith_n to_o it_o and_o partake_v in_o faith_n or_o else_o we_o can_v please_v god_n by_o it_o now_o this_o be_v one_o way_n whereby_o we_o come_v to_o partake_v in_o faith_n namely_o by_o cleanse_v ourselves_o say_v the_o apostle_n 1_o cor._n 5.7_o 8._o speak_v by_o way_n of_o allusion_n to_o the_o passover_n christ_n our_o passover_n be_v sacrifice_v for_o we_o let_v we_o therefore_o keep_v the_o feast_n not_o with_o the_o old_a leaven_n of_o malice_n and_o wickedness_n but_o with_o the_o unleavened_a bread_n of_o sincerity_n and_o truth_n if_o we_o draw_v near_o to_o god_n in_o this_o ordinance_n we_o must_v cleanse_v ourselves_o in_o jam._n 4.8_o draw_v near_o to_o god_n and_o god_n will_v draw_v near_o to_o you_o and_o how_o shall_v we_o draw_v near_o to_o god_n so_o as_o god_n may_v draw_v near_o to_o we_o mark_v what_o follow_v cleanse_v your_o hand_n you_o sinner_n and_o purify_v your_o heart_n you_o double-minded_n here_o be_v the_o way_n for_o we_o to_o draw_v near_o to_o god_n in_o a_o way_n of_o faith_n for_o it_o be_v proper_o the_o work_n of_o faith_n to_o purge_v the_o heart_n and_o to_o purge_v the_o hand_n that_o be_v the_o second_o direction_n that_o may_v serve_v as_o a_o general_n direction_n to_o help_v we_o to_o draw_v near_o to_o god_n in_o any_o duty_n or_o ordinance_n so_o as_o to_o please_v god_n 3._o the_o three_o way_n to_o perform_v duty_n so_o as_o to_o please_v god_n be_v this_o it_o be_v the_o proper_a work_n of_o faith_n to_o empty_a the_o soul_n of_o itself_o now_o if_o you_o will_v draw_v near_o to_o god_n in_o any_o duty_n or_o ordinance_n so_o as_o to_o please_v god_n then_o come_v with_o self-emptyings_a for_o faith_n be_v a_o self-emptying_a grace_n that_o be_v the_o proper_a work_n of_o faith_n to_o empty_a the_o soul_n of_o itself_o now_o there_o be_v two_o thing_n that_o faith_n do_v empty_a the_o soul_n of_o in_o the_o performance_n of_o holy_a duty_n the_o one_o be_v it_o empty_v the_o soul_n of_o the_o sense_n of_o its_o own_o sufficiency_n and_o ability_n to_o perform_v holy_a duty_n and_o also_o it_o empty_v the_o soul_n of_o the_o sense_n of_o its_o own_o worthiness_n to_o receive_v any_o mercy_n from_o the_o lord_n in_o any_o duty_n or_o ordinance_n these_o two_o thing_n faith_n do_v empty_a the_o soul_n of_o and_o so_o you_o shall_v find_v it_o that_o where_o faith_n have_v be_v act_v and_o
to_o come_v and_o partake_v of_o the_o lords-table_n then_o we_o must_v have_v some_o ground_n to_o hope_n and_o persuade_v ourselves_o that_o we_o have_v some_o right_n to_o it_o or_o else_o we_o can_v partake_v in_o faith_n object_n but_o you_o will_v say_v this_o may_v be_v a_o ground_n of_o discouragement_n to_o many_o a_o gracious_a heart_n many_o a_o gracious_a soul_n be_v exercise_v with_o scruple_n of_o conscience_n and_o may_v question_v whether_o they_o have_v a_o right_n or_o no_o and_o such_o by_o this_o direction_n must_v be_v force_v to_o withhold_v from_o it_o answ_n for_o answer_v brief_o we_o be_v to_o know_v that_o every_o doubt_n and_o scruple_n and_o question_v that_o christian_n may_v have_v about_o their_o come_n to_o this_o ordinance_n be_v not_o sufficient_a for_o they_o to_o withdraw_v from_o it_o or_o to_o withhold_v their_o presence_n in_o it_o no_o they_o be_v not_o present_o therefore_o to_o withdraw_v and_o withhold_v from_o the_o participation_n of_o it_o what_o shall_v they_o do_v then_o you_o will_v say_v answ_n brief_o i_o pray_v mind_n it_o because_o it_o may_v concern_v some_o that_o be_v scrupulous_a and_o to_o be_v exercise_v with_o question_n and_o doubt_n whether_o they_o have_v right_a to_o it_o or_o no_o therefore_o such_o be_v serious_o to_o consider_v what_o the_o ground_n of_o their_o doubt_n and_o scruple_n be_v whether_o it_o be_v sufficient_a and_o warrantable_a to_o cause_v a_o withdrawment_n from_o this_o ordinance_n among_o other_o the_o ground_n of_o scruple_n in_o this_o case_n may_v be_v reduce_v to_o three_o head_n first_o possible_o some_o do_v question_n and_o scruple_n their_o come_n to_o this_o ordinance_n for_o fear_v they_o shall_v eat_v and_o drink_v unworthy_o and_o so_o eat_v and_o drink_v their_o own_o damnation_n that_o be_v my_o fear_n say_v one_o and_o therefore_o i_o dare_v not_o come_v i_o fear_v i_o may_v not_o come_v i_o pray_v now_o therefore_o consider_v this_o brief_o for_o i_o may_v not_o enlarge_v but_o consider_v this_o whether_o a_o man_n question_n whether_o he_o shall_v eat_v and_o drink_v unworthy_o be_v a_o sufficient_a ground_n and_o warrant_v for_o he_o to_o withhold_v from_o the_o lords-table_n i_o pray_v mind_n and_o consider_v what_o the_o apostle_n say_v 1_o cor._n 11.27_o 28._o wherefore_o whosoever_o shall_v eat_v this_o bread_n and_o drink_v this_o cup_n of_o the_o lord_n unworthy_o shall_v be_v guilty_a of_o the_o body_n and_o blood_n of_o the_o lord_n let_v a_o man_n examine_v himself_o and_o so_o let_v he_o eat_v mark_v do_v the_o apostle_n say_v that_o he_o that_o fear_v that_o he_o shall_v eat_v and_o drink_v unworthy_o shall_v therefore_o withhold_v no_o but_o let_v he_o be_v the_o more_o solicitous_a and_o careful_a to_o examine_v himself_o and_o prepare_v himself_o that_o he_o may_v not_o partake_v unworthy_o of_o it_o that_o the_o apostle_n do_v intimate_v the_o apostle_n do_v not_o give_v a_o liberty_n upon_o it_o to_o withhold_v therefore_o i_o say_v that_o be_v not_o a_o sufficient_a ground_n because_o we_o fear_v we_o shall_v partake_v unworthy_o but_o therefore_o we_o shall_v be_v the_o more_o solicitous_a and_o careful_a to_o examine_v ourselves_o and_o to_o be_v prepare_v ourselves_o the_o more_o to_o partake_v of_o this_o ordinance_n second_o ordinary_o some_o do_v fear_n and_o doubt_n whether_o they_o may_v partake_v of_o this_o ordinance_n or_o no_o by_o reason_n they_o find_v themselves_o so_o weak_a in_o grace_n oh_o say_v one_o my_o faith_n be_v so_o weak_a and_o my_o other_o grace_n so_o weak_a that_o i_o fear_v i_o shall_v but_o sin_n if_o i_o shall_v come_v to_o the_o lords-table_n now_o i_o pray_v consider_v whether_o this_o be_v a_o sufficient_a scruple_n or_o no_o for_o i_o pray_v mark_n consider_v the_o end_n of_o this_o ordinance_n and_o for_o who_o it_o be_v appoint_v what_o be_v it_o appoint_v for_o those_o that_o be_v perfect_a in_o grace_n for_o those_o that_o be_v perfect_a in_o faith_n and_o other_o grace_n be_v it_o not_o appoint_v rather_o to_o be_v a_o mean_n to_o perfect_a and_o strengthen_v our_o grace_n therefore_o the_o weak_a we_o apprehend_v our_o grace_n to_o be_v the_o more_o need_n we_o have_v to_o draw_v near_o to_o christ_n in_o this_o ordinance_n for_o the_o further_a communication_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o grace_n to_o we_o that_o we_o may_v be_v strengthen_v in_o our_o inward_a man_n and_o have_v our_o grace_n increase_v that_o be_v the_o second_o scruple_n three_o the_o three_o scruple_n may_v be_v this_o which_o common_o be_v the_o great_a of_o all_o but_o suppose_v that_o i_o have_v no_o grace_n at_o all_o as_o i_o question_v whether_o i_o have_v any_o grace_n in_o truth_n or_o no_o upon_o examination_n of_o myself_o i_o can_v find_v that_o i_o have_v any_o faith_n be_v it_o for_o i_o to_o come_v to_o this_o ordinance_n mark_v i_o pray_v in_o a_o word_n brief_o a_o soul_n sometime_o under_o temptation_n may_v be_v ready_a to_o conclude_v it_o have_v no_o grace_n at_o all_o but_o i_o pray_v consider_v thus_o much_o though_o a_o soul_n can_v say_v that_o it_o do_v true_o believe_v on_o christ_n yet_o if_o so_o be_v there_o be_v a_o real_a hunger_a and_o thirst_v after_o christ_n a_o real_a desire_n after_o christ_n in_o such_o a_o case_n a_o soul_n be_v to_o come_v and_o partake_v of_o this_o ordinance_n bless_v be_v they_o that_o hunger_n and_o thirst_n after_o righteousness_n for_o they_o shall_v be_v fill_v therefore_o though_o you_o can_v say_v certain_o that_o you_o have_v faith_n real_o wrought_v in_o you_o yet_o notwithstanding_o if_o there_o be_v a_o real_a hunger_n and_o desire_v and_o thirst_n after_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o christ_n and_o communion_n with_o christ_n in_o such_o a_o case_n a_o soul_n may_v may_v come_v to_o partake_v of_o this_o ordinance_n and_o such_o a_o soul_n have_v a_o right_a to_o it_o this_o be_v now_o a_o three_o direction_n how_o we_o may_v come_v in_o faith_n to_o this_o ordinance_n namely_o to_o have_v some_o ground_n to_o persuade_v we_o to_o hope_v that_o we_o have_v a_o right_a to_o it_o otherwise_o we_o can_v come_v in_o faith_n four_o take_v a_o four_o direction_n which_o be_v this_o namely_o if_o we_o will_v act_v and_o exercise_v faith_n in_o this_o ordinance_n than_o we_o must_v be_v careful_a to_o be_v find_v diligent_a in_o those_o thing_n that_o be_v require_v towards_o our_o preparation_n to_o it_o i_o pray_v mind_n it_o it_o be_v the_o proper_a nature_n of_o faith_n to_o put_v a_o soul_n upon_o diligence_n in_o apply_v its_o self_n to_o the_o mean_n for_o the_o obtain_n of_o any_o end_n it_o be_v the_o proper_a nature_n of_o faith_n to_o put_v a_o soul_n upon_o the_o diligent_a use_n of_o mean_n tend_v thereunto_o this_o be_v the_o proper_a nature_n of_o faith_n indeed_o presumption_n if_o it_o have_v any_o hope_n of_o any_o blessing_n or_o mercy_n presumption_n lead_v a_o man_n to_o neglect_v the_o mean_n but_o the_o proper_a work_n and_o nature_n of_o faith_n be_v to_o lead_v a_o soul_n to_o the_o diligent_a use_n of_o the_o mean_n to_o obtain_v the_o mercy_n or_o blessing_n it_o hope_v for_o i_o can_v give_v you_o divers_a instance_n in_o scripture_n for_o this_o how_o faith_n do_v put_v a_o soul_n upon_o the_o diligent_a use_n of_o mean_n that_o be_v require_v for_o such_o a_o end_n i_o remember_v it_o be_v say_v in_o 2_o chron._n 20._o concern_v jehoshaphat_n he_o be_v invade_v by_o a_o foreigns_n enemy_n and_o thereupon_o he_o set_v himself_o to_o seek_v the_o lord_n in_o wrestle_v by_o prayer_n well_o the_o lord_n be_v please_v to_o give_v he_o a_o gracious_a answer_n by_o the_o prophet_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o the_o congregation_n vers_fw-la 14_o 15._o and_o he_o say_v harken_v you_o judah_n and_o you_o inhabitant_n of_o jerusalem_n thus_o say_v the_o lord_n be_v not_o afraid_a nor_o dismay_v by_o reason_n of_o this_o great_a multitude_n for_o the_o battle_n be_v not_o you_o but_o the_o lord_n verse_n 17._o you_o shall_v not_o need_v to_o fight_v in_o the_o battle_n set_v yourselves_o stand_v you_o still_o and_o see_v the_o salvation_n of_o the_o lord_n with_o you_o o_o judah_n and_o jerusalem_n fear_v not_o be_v not_o dismay_v to_o morrow_n go_v out_o against_o they_o the_o lord_n will_v be_v with_o you_o now_o jehoshaphat_n have_v this_o promise_n his_o faith_n do_v carry_v he_o out_o to_o set_v himself_o in_o battel-aray_n as_o if_o they_o be_v to_o fight_v for_o it_o he_o will_v not_o neglect_v the_o mean_n that_o god_n have_v appoint_v so_o you_o read_v of_o paul_n in_o act_n 27._o paul_n be_v in_o danger_n by_o sea_n in_o a_o great_a storm_n in_o danger_n to_o be_v wreck_v and_o it_o be_v say_v the_o angel_n of_o the_o lord_n come_v to_o he_o vers_n 23_o 24._o for_o