diligence_n to_o walk_v with_o god_n oh_o why_o be_v it_o whence_o be_v it_o that_o now_o it_o be_v not_o as_o once_o it_o be_v there_o be_v not_o that_o connaturalnesse_n as_o former_o the_o word_n work_v not_o on_o thou_o as_o former_o the_o sacrament_n work_v not_o on_o thou_o as_o former_o the_o word_n of_o threaten_v reveal_v wrath_n and_o thou_o tremble_v not_o the_o word_n of_o promise_n reveal_v goodness_n and_o thou_o love_v it_o not_o fidelity_n and_o thou_o believe_v it_o not_o the_o sacrament_n open_v the_o blood_n of_o a_o saviour_n and_o thou_o thirste_a not_o thou_o rejoic_a not_o thou_o be_v grow_v dull_a under_o all_o and_o bar_n ren_fw-it after_o all_o thy_o dead_a heart_n argue_v that_o thou_o be_v a_o die_a soul_n 5_o the_o same_o may_v be_v say_v for_o our_o conversation_n and_o way_n if_o they_o be_v now_o dead_a in_o respect_n of_o sinfulness_n or_o dead_a in_o respect_n of_o unprofitablenesse_n that_o we_o be_v now_o become_v as_o the_o heath_n that_o bring_v forth_o nothing_o or_o as_o the_o briar_n which_o bring_v forth_o thorn_n that_o we_o turn_v all_o religion_n into_o a_o discourse_n or_o censure_n or_o dispute_v we_o can_v eat_v and_o drink_v and_o talk_v and_o sin_n how_o have_v the_o shadow_n of_o death_n cover_v we_o how_o chill_n and_o languish_a be_v our_o grace_n turn_v well_o serious_o consider_v of_o these_o thing_n you_o who_o hear_v i_o this_o day_n and_o look_v to_o it_o that_o you_o be_v not_o a_o die_a people_n more_o fearful_a will_v your_o condition_n be_v than_o the_o condition_n of_o other_o for_o first_o you_o have_v more_o enliven_a mean_n then_o any_o people_n on_o the_o earth_n no_o city_n like_a unto_o you_o for_o public_a offer_n or_o for_o private_a opportunity_n you_o be_v even_o exalt_v unto_o heaven_n in_o the_o abundance_n and_o choice_n of_o spiritual_a help_n and_o therefore_o your_o decay_n will_v have_v more_o in_o the_o account_n then_o other_o man_n the_o more_o mean_n of_o strength_n and_o life_n accidental_o make_v die_v disease_n to_o be_v the_o more_o deadly_a 2_o we_o can_v but_o approve_v your_o flock_v to_o the_o word_n and_o service_n of_o god_n in_o season_n and_o out_o of_o season_n as_o if_o you_o will_v take_v the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n by_o force_n if_o now_o under_o so_o fair_a a_o complexion_n you_o shall_v be_v in_o a_o consumption_n that_o the_o vital_n of_o godliness_n shall_v slack_v and_o pine_v away_o in_o your_o heart_n and_o private_a walking_n this_o dissonancie_n will_v be_v not_o only_o shameful_a to_o your_o profession_n but_o also_o uncomfortable_a to_o your_o conscience_n 2_o again_o another_o way_n person_n may_v discern_v whether_o they_o be_v die_v and_o decay_v by_o a_o observation_n of_o the_o act_n or_o operation_n of_o their_o grace_n as_o if_o they_o be_v faint_a and_o more_o inconstant_a simile_n you_o see_v that_o the_o root_n be_v less_o able_a when_o but_o a_o little_a fruit_n appear_v on_o the_o tree_n and_o that_o the_o spring_n be_v fall_v when_o the_o stream_n scarce_o run_v which_o yet_o be_v wont_a to_o flow_v when_o grace_n be_v scarce_o active_a or_o be_v uneven_a in_o their_o general_a act_n sure_o there_o be_v some_o spiritual_a languor_n in_o thou_o o_o christian_n thy_o faith_n do_v not_o commit_v thing_n to_o god_n as_o heretofore_o and_o thy_o love_n be_v not_o so_o settle_v on_o christ_n as_o heretofore_o and_o thy_o patience_n can_v bear_v in_o any_o measure_n as_o heretofore_o and_o thy_o sorrow_n be_v dry_a and_o thy_o zeal_n be_v cool_v etc._n etc._n simile_n if_o thy_o eye_n can_v see_v so_o well_o but_o grow_v dark_a and_o thy_o foot_n can_v go_v so_o well_o but_o grow_v lame_a and_o thy_o shoulder_n can_v bear_v so_o well_o but_o grow_v weak_a it_o be_v a_o argument_n that_o natural_a vigour_n be_v decay_v the_o same_o may_v be_v say_v for_o our_o spiritual_a condition_n if_o grace_n exert_v not_o themselves_o in_o a_o former_a vigour_n etc._n etc._n note_n i_o pray_v you_o to_o observe_v that_o grace_n be_v give_v unto_o we_o for_o three_o end_n and_o use_n 1_o to_o be_v incline_v principle_n to_o gracious_a or_o holy_a act_n 2_o to_o be_v enlarge_n principle_n to_o pious_a performance_n 3_o to_o be_v cleanse_v &_o oppose_v principle_n of_o sinful_a corruption_n 1_o they_o be_v incline_v principle_n to_o gracious_a act_n the_o nature_n of_o man_n without_o grace_n be_v like_o a_o dead_a man_n who_o have_v no_o disposition_n to_o walk_v but_o when_o grace_n come_v into_o the_o soul_n it_o do_v enliven_v it_o and_o enable_v it_o and_o incline_v or_o dispose_v it_o unto_o holy_a operation_n to_o mind_n to_o will_v to_o desire_v to_o do_v heavenly_a work_n as_o you_o see_v in_o saint_n paul_n when_o convert_v that_o renew_v grace_n incline_v he_o quite_o to_o another_o way_n and_o to_o other_o act_n to_o pray_v to_o preach_v christ_n etc._n etc._n now_o where_o be_v that_o ancient_a disposition_n in_o thou_o unto_o good_a duty_n whence_o be_v that_o wonderful_a unwilling_a esse_fw-la and_o untowardlinesse_n of_o spirit_n in_o thou_o how_o come_v it_o to_o pass_v that_o if_o thou_o do_v serve_v the_o lord_n it_o be_v as_o if_o it_o be_v of_o constraint_n there_o be_v a_o kind_n of_o averseness_n and_o hang_v back_o thou_o do_v not_o mind_v he_o in_o any_o measure_n and_o his_o law_n be_v not_o in_o thy_o heart_n 2_o again_o they_o be_v enlarge_n principle_n they_o do_v not_o only_o enable_v a_o man_n to_o good_a performance_n for_o the_o matter_n but_o also_o for_o the_o manner_n they_o make_v we_o a_o willing_a people_n in_o the_o day_n of_o our_o offering_n and_o to_o delight_v to_o do_v the_o will_n of_o god_n and_o to_o be_v glad_a in_o go_v to_o the_o house_n of_o the_o lord_n but_o now_o there_o be_v not_o that_o relish_n of_o godliness_n there_o be_v not_o delightfulness_n of_o service_n there_o be_v not_o that_o liberty_n and_o alacrity_n of_o spirit_n thou_o be_v become_v a_o dull_a and_o heavy_a christian_a as_o if_o there_o be_v not_o that_o suitableness_n '_o twiâ—t_v thy_o heart_n and_o holy_a duty_n thou_o be_v grow_v very_o slothful_a and_o careless_a and_o negligent_a in_o thy_o work_n 3_o last_o they_o be_v cleanse_v and_o oppose_v principle_n of_o corruption_n therefore_o compare_v to_o water_v which_o wash_v out_o the_o spot_n and_o to_o fire_v which_o fetch_v off_o the_o rust_n and_o as_o our_o corrupt_a flesh_n be_v say_v to_o lust_n against_o the_o spirit_n so_o the_o renew_a spirit_n be_v say_v to_o lust_n against_o the_o flesh_n and_o they_o be_v contrary_a one_o to_o the_o other_o still_o in_o opposition_n and_o conflict_n and_o so_o the_o time_n have_v be_v that_o thou_o have_v find_v it_o that_o grace_n do_v humble_a and_o cleanse_v thy_o heart_n from_o the_o love_n of_o sin_n and_o raise_v tender_a fear_n about_o it_o and_o singular_a hatred_n and_o opposition_n of_o it_o yea_o the_o very_a thought_n of_o sin_n be_v a_o heavy_a burden_n to_o thou_o how_o often_o by_o reason_n of_o the_o rebellion_n in_o nature_n have_v thou_o cry_v out_o with_o saint_n paul_n o_o wretched_a man_n that_o i_o be_o who_o shall_v deliver_v i_o etc._n etc._n be_v it_o thus_o now_o why_o be_v it_o not_o thus_o now_o be_v sin_n quite_o subdue_v or_o think_v thou_o that_o grace_n and_o sin_n will_v ever_o be_v at_o truce_n nay_o but_o why_o do_v thou_o suffer_v those_o contemplative_a evil_n to_o lodge_v in_o thy_o mind_n or_o those_o delightful_a imagination_n to_o tickle_v and_o invegle_v thy_o affection_n nay_o how_o dare_v thou_o to_o be_v tamper_n with_o act_n if_o not_o sinful_a yet_o doubtful_a and_o as_o like_a sin_n as_o can_v be_v and_o which_o occasion_n sin_n yea_o and_o sin_n prevail_v much_o on_o thou_o as_o pride_n vanity_n etc._n etc._n and_o under_o all_o this_o thy_o heart_n smite_v thou_o not_o restrain_v thou_o not_o the_o time_n have_v be_v thou_o dare_v not_o have_v be_v or_o do_v this_o for_o a_o world_n etc._n etc._n object_n but_o if_o the_o case_n be_v so_o may_n some_o tender_a conscience_n reply_n than_o i_o fear_v my_o estate_n be_v not_o right_a for_o i_o never_o have_v so_o much_o ado_n with_o a_o sinful_a nature_n all_o my_o life_n as_o of_o late_a day_n and_o if_o the_o great_a power_n of_o sin_n show_v the_o more_o weaken_a estate_n of_o grace_n i_o be_o then_o the_o person_n in_o a_o die_a condition_n sol._n to_o this_o i_o answer_v brief_o 1_o you_o must_v distinguish_v betwixt_o the_o turbulence_n of_o sin_n and_o the_o prevalency_n of_o sin_n the_o spiritual_a condition_n be_v not_o decay_v because_o sin_n be_v more_o molest_v and_o rebel_a but_o because_o sin_n be_v more_o prevail_a and_o lead_v 2_o between_o sin_n in_o conflict_n and_o sin_n in_o subjection_n
will_v move_v slow_o and_o thy_o foot_n like_o those_o of_o a_o sick_a man_n will_v move_v stagger_o and_o weary_o there_o will_v be_v much_o a_o do_v to_o do_v a_o little_a good_a thy_o service_n will_v be_v like_o the_o thin_a ray_n of_o gold_n which_o can_v hardly_o be_v discern_v for_o the_o multitude_n of_o ash_n and_o dross_n now_o this_o be_v a_o sad_a thing_n when_o at_o the_o most_o it_o be_v the_o most_o that_o a_o man_n can_v do_v to_o believe_v or_o to_o grieve_v for_o sin_n or_o to_o love_n god_n and_o fear_v he_o or_o to_o pray_v unto_o he_o whereas_o heretofore_o he_o be_v able_a to_o believe_v and_o rejoice_v to_o mourn_v and_o lament_v etc._n etc._n 3_o a_o damp_n upon_o our_o communion_n with_o god_n there_o be_v a_o double_a communion_n one_o be_v direct_v which_o be_v our_o active_a communion_n with_o god_n another_o be_v reflexive_a which_o be_v god_n gracious_a communion_n with_o we_o now_o by_o a_o die_a in_o our_o spiritual_a condition_n there_o arise_v a_o cloud_n and_o a_o damp_n upon_o this_o reciprocal_a communion_n we_o can_v so_o behave_v ourselves_o to_o god_n and_o god_n will_v not_o so_o behave_v himself_o to_o we_o as_o in_o former_a day_n note_n 1_o for_o our_o communion_n with_o god_n it_o will_v grow_v more_o strange_a less_o confident_a and_o more_o gainlesse_a small_a for_o heart_n lesser_a for_o trust_n and_o least_o of_o all_o for_o benefit_n and_o success_n 2_o for_o god_n communion_n with_o we_o it_o will_v be_v eclipse_v both_o in_o the_o effective_a and_o assist_a part_n of_o it_o as_o also_o in_o the_o affective_a and_o comfort_a part_n of_o it_o he_o will_v not_o give_v thou_o his_o hand_n or_o his_o eye_n as_o former_o david_n find_v upon_o his_o great_a decay_n not_o only_o a_o cloud_n in_o god_n face_n but_o also_o a_o strangeness_n in_o god_n spirit_n 51._o psal_n 51._o psal_n 5â—_n 12._o we_o do_v by_o our_o notorious_a decay_n debar_v ourselves_o of_o much_o help_n from_o god_n and_o of_o all_o manifest_v favour_n for_o the_o present_a desertion_n be_v ever_o the_o consequent_a of_o decay_v 4_o a_o vexation_n and_o restlessness_n in_o the_o conscience_n when_o we_o take_v our_o leave_n of_o grace_n we_o must_v take_v our_o leave_n of_o peace_n and_o comfort_n a_o dead_a man_n many_o time_n rest_v in_o peace_n but_o a_o die_a christian_n be_v never_o without_o trouble_n the_o remain_a grace_n serve_v most_o to_o trouble_v we_o for_o our_o decay_n in_o grace_n spiritual_a comfort_n usual_o attend_v we_o either_o upon_o great_a grief_n for_o sin_n or_o upon_o great_a progress_v in_o duty_n and_o spiritual_a trouble_n usual_o follow_v we_o either_o upon_o great_a adventuring_n in_o sin_n or_o upon_o great_a remission_n in_o holiness_n for_o conscience_n will_v trouble_v we_o as_o well_o for_o lose_v what_o be_v good_a as_o for_o commit_v what_o be_v evil_a 5_o a_o great_a silence_n in_o heaven_n the_o decay_a christian_n shall_v either_o hear_v of_o much_o displeasure_n from_o god_n or_o little_a and_o no_o good_a from_o he_o the_o ordinance_n to_o which_o he_o now_o more_o perfunctory_o apply_v himself_o shall_v either_o be_v dumb_a and_o speak_v no_o encouragement_n or_o bitter_a and_o speak_v no_o strength_n or_o peace_n his_o prayer_n which_o now_o be_v more_o cold_a and_o formal_a shall_v either_o have_v no_o answer_n or_o else_o the_o answer_n be_v more_o fear_n and_o trouble_v in_o spirit_n god_n seem_v to_o have_v no_o mind_n to_o speak_v unto_o that_o man_n who_o now_o have_v scarce_o any_o mind_n to_o speak_v unto_o his_o god_n 6_o a_o strange_a suspicion_n of_o the_o reality_n of_o a_o spiritual_a condition_n if_o grace_n be_v often_o put_v in_o dispute_n when_o the_o christian_a can_v perceive_v it_o to_o thrive_v how_o much_o more_o questionable_a will_v it_o be_v when_o the_o same_o christian_n perceive_v it_o to_o abate_v and_o decay_v usual_o it_o must_v be_v more_o than_o mere_a grace_n which_o must_v assure_v we_o of_o grace_n forasmuch_o as_o nothing_o resemble_v hypocrisy_n more_o than_o to_o be_v formal_a in_o our_o duty_n and_o with_o it_o to_o be_v wither_v in_o our_o disposition_n a_o die_a christian_a look_n very_o like_a to_o a_o dead_a hypocrite_n 7_o to_o all_o these_o may_v be_v add_v other_o evil_n as_o horrid_a temptation_n external_a misery_n fear_n of_o death_n etc._n etc._n but_o i_o may_v not_o insist_v on_o every_o thing_n q_n but_o here_o it_o be_v demand_v how_o may_v we_o know_v whether_o we_o be_v in_o a_o die_a condition_n or_o not_o a._n i_o know_v no_o better_a way_n to_o discern_v this_o then_o by_o a_o just_a comparison_n of_o thing_n present_a with_o thing_n past_a as_o also_o by_o a_o faithful_a observation_n of_o our_o own_o spirit_n and_o grace_n thus_o then_o 1_o look_v first_o upon_o your_o judgement_n and_o minding_n 2_o upon_o your_o will_n and_o affection_n 3_o upon_o your_o heart_n and_o conscience_n 4_o upon_o your_o worship_n and_o service_n 5_o upon_o your_o way_n and_o conversation_n so_o may_v you_o discern_v whether_o you_o be_v die_v or_o not_o 1_o for_o your_o judgement_n and_o mind_n former_o in_o these_o there_o be_v strong_a endeavour_n to_o know_v the_o truth_n of_o god_n and_o to_o search_v out_o the_o mystery_n of_o salvation_n and_o admirable_a appretiation_n of_o holiness_n and_o god_n favour_n and_o sweet_a meditation_n on_o the_o will_n of_o god_n the_o mind_n be_v eminent_o take_v up_o with_o god_n and_o christ_n and_o grace_n and_o obedience_n and_o heaven_n be_v it_o so_o now_o or_o rather_o do_v not_o worldly_a thing_n seem_v great_a in_o our_o eye_n be_v not_o our_o minding_n more_o for_o inferior_a good_a then_o for_o spiritual_a good_a divine_a study_n be_v they_o not_o rare_a and_o poor_a and_o transient_a glance_n where_o be_v that_o study_n to_o know_v god_n or_o to_o see_v his_o favour_n in_o christ_n unto_o thou_o where_o be_v that_o reverend_a regard_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n where_o be_v that_o diligence_n to_o know_v the_o estate_n of_o thy_o soul_n where_o be_v that_o sweet_a delight_n thou_o take_v once_o to_o know_v jesus_n christ_n as_o thou_o 2_o for_o your_o will_n and_o affection_n time_n be_v that_o thy_o will_n be_v a_o flexible_a will_n easy_a to_o obedience_n submissive_a to_o the_o divine_a will_n cheerful_a in_o the_o duty_n of_o godliness_n much_o close_n with_o divine_a promise_n ravish_v with_o love_n to_o christ_n fearful_a to_o offend_v careful_a to_o please_v desirous_a of_o nothing_o more_o than_o god_n love_a kindness_n strict_o hate_v all_o evil_a joyful_a in_o this_o alone_a that_o god_n be_v thy_o portion_n flood_n of_o tear_n swell_v thy_o grief_n heavenly_a delight_n satisfy_v thy_o soul_n mercy_n be_v blessed_v threaten_n fear_v etc._n etc._n if_o in_o stead_n of_o these_o thy_o will_n grow_v weary_a and_o surly_a hard_a to_o be_v persuade_v often_o clatter_v with_o the_o divine_a will_n impatient_a of_o strict_a obedience_n indifferent_a to_o please_v slow_a to_o hearken_v to_o the_o counsel_n of_o god_n and_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n and_o the_o threat_n of_o god_n be_v of_o small_a efficacy_n sin_n be_v not_o so_o watch_v and_o loathe_a god_n alone_o be_v not_o so_o delightful_a and_o sufficient_a thy_o heart_n grow_v more_o insensible_a of_o sin_n and_o hardly_o mournful_a thy_o delight_n be_v less_o in_o heavenly_a thing_n ah_o now_o how_o be_v the_o mighty_a fall_v how_o be_v the_o noble_a plant_n degenerate_v etc._n etc._n 3_o for_o your_o heart_n and_o conscience_n compare_v they_o now_o with_o what_o former_o they_o be_v how_o quick_a be_v conscience_n to_o direct_v how_o apt_a be_v conscience_n to_o check_v how_o tender_a be_v conscience_n to_o offend_v how_o unquiet_a be_v conscience_n till_o peace_n be_v make_v how_o exact_a be_v conscience_n to_o obey_v be_v it_o so_o now_o thou_o can_v sin_v and_o conscience_n strike_v not_o god_n strike_v thou_o but_o conscience_n strike_v thou_o not_o conscience_n strike_v thou_o and_o thou_o care_v not_o conscience_n be_v grow_v sleepy_a and_o drowsy_a almost_o dead_a and_o scare_v thou_o can_v omit_v duty_n or_o perform_v they_o careless_o slip_n and_o fall_v and_o lie_v and_o either_o conscience_n say_v nothing_o or_o thou_o reforme_v nothing_o 4_o and_o for_o thy_o worship_n and_o service_n of_o god_n how_o precious_a be_v the_o ordinance_n unto_o thou_o how_o delightful_a thou_o have_v rather_o have_v spend_v a_o day_n with_o they_o than_o a_o hundred_o day_n in_o other_o employment_n what_o secret_a impression_n make_v the_o power_n of_o they_o upon_o thy_o heart_n what_o grief_n what_o joy_n what_o degree_n of_o persuasion_n what_o expectation_n of_o hope_n what_o furtherance_n unto_o holy_a duty_n what_o conflicting_n with_o and_o conquest_n over_o sin_n and_o temptation_n what_o more_o serious_a care_n and_o
lord_n pardon_v all_o the_o sin_n of_o thy_o unconverted_a condition_n upon_o thy_o initial_a repentance_n so_o he_o will_v pardon_v all_o the_o sin_n of_o thy_o convert_a condition_n upon_o renew_a repentance_n and_o therefore_o he_o call_v upon_o backslide_v and_o decline_a people_n to_o return_v unto_o he_o and_o promise_v both_o to_o heal_v they_o hos_n 14._o 4._o and_o to_o 4._o hos_fw-la 14._o 4._o love_v they_o free_o ibid._n which_o be_v as_o much_o as_o to_o pardon_v they_o but_o see_v the_o pardon_n express_o micah_n 7._o 18._o mic._n 7._o 18._o 18._o who_o be_v a_o god_n like_o unto_o thou_o that_o pardon_v iniquity_n and_o pass_v by_o the_o transgression_n of_o the_o remnant_n of_o his_o beritage_n etc._n etc._n 3_o if_o thou_o will_v set_v upon_o the_o strengthen_n work_n the_o lord_n will_v work_v in_o thou_o sufficient_a strength_n for_o the_o work_n there_o be_v a_o difference_n betwixt_o a_o man_n in_o his_o conversion_n there_o indeed_o he_o be_v without_o all_o strength_n he_o can_v do_v nothing_o and_o the_o christian_a in_o his_o restauration_n there_o be_v now_o some_o live_a ability_n in_o he_o which_o can_v yet_o do_v a_o little_a act_v a_o little_a strive_v a_o little_a at_o least_o in_o bewailing_n and_o desire_n now_o if_o thou_o do_v in_o any_o sincere_a degree_n set_v upon_o the_o right_n and_o full_a mean_n of_o thy_o recovery_n the_o lord_n god_n will_v come_v in_o with_o his_o own_o strength_n he_o will_v strengthen_v what_o he_o have_v wrought_v in_o thou_o and_o will_v work_v the_o will_n and_o the_o deed_n in_o thou_o his_o own_o work_n in_o thou_o object_n but_o than_o you_o will_v reply_v what_o mean_n may_v a_o decay_a christian_a use_n to_o recover_v and_o strengthen_v himself_o again_o sol._n i_o conjecture_v that_o the_o best_a course_n be_v this_o 1_o a_o serious_a consideration_n of_o mean_n seven_o mean_n their_o condition_n this_o be_v the_o counsel_n which_o christ_n give_v to_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n decay_v in_o her_o first_o love_n remember_v from_o 2_o revel_v 2_o whence_o thou_o be_v fall_v serious_o consider_v take_v to_o heart_n peruse_v and_o judge_v over_o thy_o estate_n what_o it_o be_v former_o what_o it_o be_v now_o what_o strength_n then_o what_o weakness_n now_o how_o much_o glory_n god_n have_v then_o what_o dishonour_n god_n have_v now_o what_o good_a thou_o do_v then_o what_o evil_a thou_o do_v now_o what_o peace_n in_o conscience_n then_o what_o wound_n in_o conscience_n now_o what_o estimation_n among_o the_o saint_n then_o what_o strengthen_v of_o the_o hand_n and_o open_v of_o the_o mouth_n of_o the_o wicked_a now_o and_o this_o be_v a_o excellent_a mean_n to_o work_v upon_o thy_o spirit_n or_o rather_o to_o work_v of_o thy_o spirit_n david_n consider_v his_o way_n and_o turn_v his_o foot_n to_o god_n testimony_n 2_o a_o deep_a humiliation_n which_o will_v follow_v upon_o this_o thou_o must_v break_v through_o all_o business_n and_o pleasure_n and_o impediment_n and_o retire_v thyself_o in_o a_o more_o solemn_a manner_n more_o than_o once_o or_o twice_o and_o set_v thyself_o before_o the_o lord_n and_o fall_v down_o before_o his_o footstool_n with_o shame_n and_o confusion_n of_o face_n with_o bitter_a weep_n and_o lamentation_n with_o sound_a judge_n and_o condemnation_n of_o thyself_o ah_o how_o thou_o shall_v exquisite_o afflict_v thy_o soul_n that_o thou_o shall_v be_v so_o mad_a and_o vile_a to_o lose_v a_o god_n to_o lose_v any_o thing_n of_o the_o grace_n of_o a_o god_n for_o a_o sin_n sake_n or_o a_o world_n sake_n that_o the_o lord_n shall_v show_v thou_o more_o love_n than_o another_o and_o intrust_v thou_o with_o grace_n the_o least_o dram_n where_o of_o be_v more_o precious_a than_o all_o the_o world_n and_o yet_o thou_o shall_v decline_v from_o the_o lord_n not_o answer_v this_o trust_n not_o use_v those_o talent_n which_o have_v yield_v so_o much_o profit_n and_o comfort_n be_v improve_v but_o decay_n in_o they_o and_o fall_v behind_o hand_n yea_o even_o under_o mighty_a mean_n of_o strength_n always_o continue_v unto_o thou_o and_o these_o thing_n shall_v cut_v and_o grieve_v and_o afflict_v and_o humble_a thy_o soul_n exceed_o 3_o a_o solid_a resolution_n thou_o must_v with_o full_a purpose_n of_o heart_n resolve_v not_o to_o rest_v in_o thy_o decay_a condition_n but_o to_o shake_v off_o all_o the_o cause_n and_o occasion_n of_o thy_o decay_n if_o any_o wickedness_n have_v get_v into_o thy_o heart_n thou_o must_v put_v it_o far_o away_o from_o thy_o tabernacle_n and_o if_o the_o morsel_n have_v be_v sweet_a thou_o must_v cast_v they_o out_o with_o godly_a sorrow_n as_o bitter_a as_o gall_v and_o wormwood_n if_o carelessness_n and_o slothfulness_n of_o spirit_n have_v cause_v thy_o decay_n thou_o must_v with_o the_o church_n in_o the_o canticle_n stand_v no_o long_a upon_o how_o shall_v i_o rise_v and_o put_v on_o my_o coat_n but_o rise_v thou_o must_v and_o get_v out_o of_o thy_o slothful_a bed_n and_o thrust_v from_o thou_o a_o neglect_v and_o negligent_a disposition_n or_o if_o the_o world_n have_v cause_v thy_o decay_n either_o in_o the_o profit_n of_o it_o and_o gain_n or_o in_o the_o honour_n of_o it_o and_o respect_n or_o in_o the_o friendship_n of_o it_o and_o acquaintance_n thou_o must_v resolve_v to_o bid_v they_o all_o farewell_n think_v on_o it_o o_o christian_a what_o get_v he_o for_o profit_n who_o lose_v in_o his_o grace_n or_o for_o honour_n who_o abase_v himself_o in_o his_o grace_n or_o for_o love_n who_o lose_v himself_o in_o the_o favour_n of_o his_o god_n ah_o poor_a soul_n thou_o may_v curse_v the_o day_n that_o ever_o thou_o know_v what_o do_v belong_v to_o thy_o drudging_n in_o the_o world_n and_o unto_o thy_o great_a friend_n in_o the_o world_n and_o thy_o society_n with_o such_o and_o such_o person_n at_o first_o thou_o do_v converse_v with_o they_o with_o a_o regret_a spirit_n then_o with_o a_o silent_a spirit_n then_o with_o a_o yield_a spirit_n many_o many_o a_o day_n have_v thou_o come_v home_o with_o conscience_n accuse_v and_o smite_v of_o thou_o unto_o which_o have_v thou_o hearken_v thou_o have_v be_v much_o preserve_v well_o well_o if_o ever_o thou_o will_v recover_v thy_o spiritual_a strength_n thou_o must_v peremptory_o resolve_v on_o it_o to_o sever_v from_o wicked_a society_n better_a far_o to_o be_v a_o poor_a man_n and_o a_o rich_a christian_a then_o to_o thrive_v any_o way_n and_o be_v decay_v in_o grace_n 4_o a_o active_a reformation_n remember_v say_v christ_n from_o whence_o thou_o be_v fall_v and_o do_v thy_o first_o work_n so_o say_v i_o now_o go_v to_o thy_o old_a work_n again_o be_v trade_v for_o thy_o soul_n set_v up_o prayer_n again_o and_o read_v again_o and_o hear_v again_o and_o holy_a meditation_n and_o conference_n again_o and_o solemn_a humiliation_n again_o stir_v up_o those_o coal_n and_o cinder_n of_o grace_n there_o be_v life_n yet_o in_o thou_o oh_o act_n thy_o life_n faith_n can_v do_v something_o for_o thou_o though_o it_o can_v see_v comfort_n for_o thou_o yet_o it_o can_v see_v help_n and_o strength_n for_o thou_o godly_a sorrow_n can_n mourna_fw-la little_a set_v it_o to_o work_v perhaps_o it_o may_v quick_o rise_v to_o a_o flood_n upon_o particular_a survey_v and_o so_o set_v repentance_n on_o work_n yea_o and_o all_o thy_o soul_n thy_o mind_n thy_o judgement_n thy_o memory_n thy_o affection_n to_o work_v in_o all_o the_o duty_n of_o thy_o general_n and_o particular_a condition_n 5_o ardent_a supplication_n for_o it_o be_v the_o lord_n who_o must_v show_v this_o power_n in_o thy_o weakness_n psal_n 86._o o_o turn_n unto_o i_o and_o have_v 16._o psal_n 86._o 16._o mercy_n upon_o i_o give_v thy_o strength_n unto_o thy_o servant_n beseech_v he_o to_o pity_v thou_o beseech_v he_o to_o succour_v and_o help_v thou_o to_o be_v thy_o strength_n and_o thy_o salvation_n to_o beat_v down_o and_o weaken_v the_o sin_n which_o have_v so_o much_o weaken_v thou_o to_o crucify_v thy_o heart_n to_o the_o world_n which_o have_v so_o much_o crucify_v thy_o heart_n unto_o thy_o god_n to_o breath_n upon_o thy_o grace_n as_o he_o do_v upon_o the_o dry_a bone_n to_o stir_v up_o and_o revive_v they_o by_o his_o almighty_a spirit_n to_o put_v his_o hand_n of_o power_n upon_o thy_o hand_n of_o weakness_n as_o the_o prophet_n do_v upon_o the_o king_n etc._n etc._n yea_o and_o never_o give_v he_o over_o till_o then_o that_o though_o thou_o have_v be_v a_o backslide_a child_n yet_o he_o be_v a_o gracious_a father_n though_o thou_o have_v be_v unfruitful_a yet_o he_o be_v faithful_a though_o thou_o be_v weaken_v yet_o he_o be_v the_o everlasting_a god_n the_o creator_n of_o the_o end_n of_o the_o earth_n who_o faint_v not_o who_o can_v give_v power_n to_o the_o
of_o good_a so_o but_o withal_o ever_o and_o anon_o he_o be_v do_v of_o some_o evil_n his_o weaken_a grace_n can_v bear_v he_o up_o against_o strong_a occasion_n and_o temptation_n his_o gold_n lie_v much_o in_o the_o ash_n simile_n and_o like_o a_o lame_a man_n he_o be_v not_o only_o halt_v in_o his_o best_a motion_n but_o ever_o and_o anon_o quite_o down_o the_o snuff_n get_v above_o his_o candle_n 4_o for_o delightfulness_n he_o be_v almost_o a_o stranger_n to_o exact_v christian_n and_o do_v not_o honour_v they_o so_o much_o as_o former_o but_o secret_o fear_v their_o company_n and_o judgement_n he_o be_v perhaps_o more_o ashamed_a or_o else_o more_o afraid_a of_o they_o his_o conscience_n be_v yet_o so_o apprehensive_a that_o he_o interpret_v every_o glance_n as_o a_o secret_a check_n of_o his_o decay_n thus_o be_v it_o not_o with_o the_o strengthen_v christian_a who_o grace_n be_v high_a carefulness_n great_a usefulness_n large_a godliness_n even_o and*_n great_a delight_n take_v 1._o psal_n 16._o 1._o up_o among_o the_o best_a and_o choice_a christian_n he_o himself_o still_o grow_v better_a and_o other_o by_o he_o 5_o in_o respect_n of_o consolation_n the_o decline_a sun_n create_v the_o long_o and_o dark_a shadow_n and_o the_o decay_a christian_n bring_v on_o himself_o either_o the_o sharp_a terror_n or_o deep_a grief_n the_o sick_a bed_n be_v full_a of_o pain_n neither_o his_o own_o spirit_n nor_o god_n spirit_n speak_v peace_n unto_o he_o he_o who_o of_o bad_a begin_v to_o be_v good_a may_v have_v much_o tranquillity_n but_o he_o who_o of_o good_a become_v less_o good_a ever_o become_v more_o undelightfull_a to_o god_n and_o most_o unquiet_a with_o himself_o simile_n the_o ship_n which_o go_v out_o in_o low_a ebb_n fall_v foul_a on_o the_o sand_n so_o christian_n who_o ebb_n in_o grace_n shall_v always_o flow_v with_o sorrow_n but_o it_o be_v otherwise_o with_o the_o strengthen_v christian_a for_o rise_a grace_n breed_v strong_a comfort_n and_o long_o there_o be_v not_o only_o not_o trouble_v accusation_n but_o a_o most_o surpass_a excusation_n in_o conscience_n he_o have_v a_o better_a heart_n and_o shall_v therefore_o find_v a_o more_o quiet_a spirit_n for_o conscience_n speak_v peace_n answerable_a to_o our_o being_n more_o good_a and_o do_v of_o it_o alas_o that_o thou_o shall_v still_o walk_v like_o a_o benoni_n a_o child_n of_o sorrow_n whereas_o the_o other_o christian_a life_n like_o a_o barnabas_n a_o son_n of_o consolation_n 6_o in_o respect_n of_o affliction_n the_o weaken_a in_o active_a grace_n be_v ever_o most_o weak_a in_o passive_a duty_n general_o he_o have_v more_o cross_n and_o or_o himself_o less_o wisdom_n and_o strength_n to_o bear_v they_o because_o he_o be_v grow_v worse_o therefore_o his_o affliction_n be_v increase_v and_o because_o his_o ability_n be_v sink_v therefore_o the_o affliction_n crush_v and_o prick_v he_o much_o the_o more_o samson_n who_o can_v easy_o break_v through_o many_o cord_n and_o bar_n yet_o when_o weaken_v a_o few_o philistine_n be_v too_o hard_o for_o he_o he_o can_v be_v so_o patient_a nor_o yet_o so_o confident_a nor_o yet_o so_o diligent_a in_o a_o suffer_a condition_n his_o weaken_a grace_n can_v neither_o administer_v strength_n nor_o yet_o subdue_v those_o working_n of_o impatience_n so_o that_o he_o be_v almost_o sink_v and_o split_v with_o calamity_n his_o decay_a ship_n can_v scarce_o abide_v any_o foul_a weather_n but_o when_o personal_a sickness_n come_v and_o the_o apprehension_n of_o death_n at_o which_o time_n his_o conscience_n be_v thorough_o waken_v ah_o how_o bitter_a how_o terrible_a be_v the_o thought_n and_o dispute_n of_o his_o heart_n at_o such_o a_o time_n much_o like_o those_o of_o he_o who_o apprehend_v his_o condition_n not_o to_o be_v good_a oh_o how_o the_o pulse_n of_o his_o disturb_v and_o disturb_a conscience_n work_v what_o reflection_n on_o his_o former_a way_n what_o comparison_n of_o his_o former_a flourishing_n with_o present_a decay_n what_o fear_n of_o approach_v before_o the_o lord_n what_o smart_a sentence_n on_o himself_o what_o sudden_a and_o vehement_a exclamation_n oh_o lord_n say_v he_o i_o will_v not_o yet_o die_v i_o be_o fall_v much_o from_o my_o god_n lord_n spare_v i_o a_o little_a that_o i_o may_v recover_v my_o strength_n my_o decay_a strength_n before_o i_o go_v hence_o and_o shall_v be_v no_o more_o see_v it_o be_v not_o so_o with_o the_o strengthen_v christian_a but_o as_o in_o active_a duty_n he_o be_v more_o forward_o so_o in_o passive_a duty_n he_o be_v more_o sufficient_a in_o loss_n in_o cross_n yea_o in_o death_n itself_o he_o be_v more_o submissive_a and_o confident_a he_o can_v with_o job_n be_v as_o willing_a to_o receive_v evil_a at_o the_o hand_n of_o god_n as_o good_a and_o do_v not_o only_o rejoice_v in_o his_o favour_n but_o in_o his_o stroke_n and_o be_v as_o ready_a to_o go_v to_o his_o father_n as_o to_o serve_v god_n his_o good_a master_n 7_o in_o respect_n of_o god_n manifestation_n the_o lord_n be_v please_v diverse_o to_o manifest_v himself_o to_o his_o people_n sometime_o in_o admirable_a motion_n and_o suggestion_n of_o his_o spirit_n sometime_o in_o more_o quick_a excitation_n of_o their_o spirit_n sometime_o in_o singular_a confirmation_n of_o they_o with_o assistance_n for_o extraordinary_a work_n sometime_o by_o secret_a impression_n of_o his_o favour_n and_o love_n upon_o their_o conscience_n which_o do_v revive_v their_o heart_n as_o wine_n and_o satisfy_v their_o soul_n as_o with_o marrow_n so_o david_n speak_v psal_n 63._o but_o now_o the_o weaken_a christian_a he_o darken_v this_o heaven_n over_o his_o head_n he_o have_v not_o that_o comfortable_a sight_n of_o god_n that_o assurance_n of_o his_o favour_n that_o joy_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n david_n lose_v the_o joy_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o the_o voice_n of_o gladness_n the_o arm_n of_o god_n be_v 51._o psal_n 51._o not_o so_o reveal_v in_o he_o for_o do_v of_o good_a nor_o the_o face_n of_o god_n so_o open_a unto_o he_o at_o all_o whereas_o the_o strengthen_v christian_n find_v it_o otherwise_o he_o have_v a_o better_a heart_n and_o a_o fair_a day_n his_o communion_n be_v sweet_a with_o the_o lord_n he_o still_o seek_v the_o lord_n and_o often_o find_v he_o enjoy_v he_o in_o his_o power_n and_o enjoy_v he_o in_o his_o graciousness_n the_o lord_n meet_v he_o that_o work_v righteousness_n and_o remember_v he_o who_o remember_v the_o lord_n in_o their_o way_n now_o think_v on_o these_o thing_n o_o thou_o fall_v and_o decay_a christian_n and_o rest_v not_o in_o thy_o weakness_n but_o recover_v and_o strengthen_v thy_o spiritual_n again_o three_o thing_n i_o will_v let_v fall_n thing_n three_o thing_n which_o perhaps_o may_v fetch_v and_o quicken_v thou_o again_o 1_o though_o thou_o be_v far_o sink_v yet_o thou_o may_v be_v raise_v again_o 2_o if_o thou_o do_v rise_v again_o the_o lord_n will_v gracious_o pardon_v thy_o decay_n 3_o if_o thou_o will_v set_v upon_o the_o strengthen_n work_n the_o lord_n will_v work_v in_o thou_o sufficient_a strength_n 1_o thou_o may_v be_v raise_v and_o strengthen_v again_o and_o that_o may_v appear_v thus_o unto_o thou_o 1_o repentance_n be_v possible_a for_o any_o sin_n which_o be_v commit_v and_o if_o renew_a repentance_n be_v possible_a than_o a_o recovery_n again_o be_v possible_a for_o as_o much_o as_o our_o recovery_n again_o consist_v very_o much_o in_o a_o renew_a repentance_n 2_o yea_o and_o we_o have_v example_n of_o weaken_a christian_n strengthen_v again_o as_o we_o know_v in_o david_n exceed_o wound_v but_o yet_o recover_v and_o peter_n grievous_o fall_v but_o gracious_o rise_v again_o 2_o if_o thou_o do_v strengthen_v thy_o condition_n the_o lord_n will_v merciful_o pardon_v thy_o former_a decay_n i_o confess_v that_o there_o may_v be_v sore_a ground_n of_o fear_n to_o entangle_v and_o depress_v the_o spirit_n of_o a_o decay_a christian_a for_o his_o sin_n by_o which_o he_o have_v decay_v may_v perhaps_o be_v heinous_a for_o the_o kind_n and_o also_o high_a for_o the_o circumstance_n be_v against_o knowledge_n against_o the_o working_n of_o conscience_n against_o the_o working_n of_o his_o grace_n against_o the_o tender_a love_n of_o god_n in_o christ_n show_v to_o he_o more_o than_o to_o another_o so_o that_o his_o heart_n may_v strong_o misgive_v he_o whether_o the_o lord_n will_v ever_o look_v upon_o he_o more_o and_o accept_v of_o he_o into_o favour_n but_o this_o i_o say_v that_o be_v thy_o decay_n what_o they_o will_v either_o for_o the_o matter_n of_o they_o or_o cause_n of_o they_o or_o circumstance_n of_o they_o if_o thou_o do_v rise_v again_o by_o a_o renew_a repentance_n i_o assure_v thou_o that_o the_o lord_n will_v pardon_v thou_o and_o accept_v of_o thou_o in_o christ_n look_v as_o the_o
faint_a and_o to_o they_o that_o 28._o esay_n 40._o 28._o have_v no_o might_n he_o can_v increase_v strength_n yea_o and_o that_o yet_o there_o be_v something_o of_o his_o own_o in_o thou_o though_o very_o little_a yet_o something_o and_o that_o holiness_n which_o he_o do_v once_o implant_v by_o a_o mighty_a hand_n he_o be_v now_o as_o able_a to_o revive_v and_o strengthen_v it_o by_o his_o almighty_a power_n 6_o careful_a application_n now_o go_v to_o the_o heal_n and_o strengthen_v water_n thou_o have_v know_v the_o way_n of_o god_n and_o his_o go_n in_o the_o sanctuary_n how_o he_o have_v wrought_v wonder_n for_o the_o dead_a many_o a_o creple_n have_v get_v strength_n there_o and_o many_o a_o disconsolate_a soul_n have_v find_v comfort_n there_o in_o his_o word_n and_o in_o his_o sacrament_n there_o have_v his_o arm_n be_v reveal_v david_n grow_v by_o his_o great_a sinning_n into_o great_a languish_n but_o the_o lord_n send_v nathan_n the_o prophet_n unto_o he_o and_o his_o 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slavishnesse_n many_o give_v up_o their_o soul_n and_o faith_n to_o the_o religion_n of_o other_o and_o like_o wax_n be_v still_o fashion_v to_o the_o opinion_n of_o great_a person_n they_o be_v afraid_a of_o their_o displeasure_n and_o therefore_o even_o in_o point_n of_o religion_n will_v dance_v after_o their_o pipe_n 6_o a_o sordid_a and_o eminent_a love_n of_o the_o world_n for_o which_o demas_n forsake_v christ_n and_o judas_n sell_v his_o master_n and_o hymeneus_n make_v shipwreck_n of_o faith_n the_o unsatisfiable_a slave_n to_o the_o world_n will_v never_o be_v a_o faithful_a servant_n to_o truth_n he_o who_o have_v already_o pawn_v his_o soul_n will_v with_o as_o much_o ease_n sell_v off_o the_o truth_n spira_n for_o its_o sake_n abjure_v the_o truth_n but_o venture_v the_o loss_n of_o it_o and_o himself_o too_o 7_o many_o man_n be_v licentious_a and_o therefore_o unsteadfast_a corrupt_a doctrine_n give_v more_o scope_n than_o the_o true_a and_o heavenly_a we_o be_v apt_a to_o believe_v that_o soon_a which_o please_v we_o most_o erroneous_a point_n be_v more_o for_o pleasure_n and_o divine_a truth_n be_v more_o for_o strictness_n and_o simile_n therefore_o as_o those_o grecian_n if_o i_o forget_v not_o the_o story_n give_v up_o their_o weapon_n to_o enjoy_v their_o sport_n so_o many_o give_v up_o the_o truth_n to_o enjoy_v their_o easy_a and_o loose_a kind_n of_o walk_v use_v 2_o but_o for_o you_o i_o hope_v better_a thing_n though_o i_o thus_o speak_v hitherto_o you_o have_v hear_v the_o good_a truth_n and_o way_n of_o god_n and_o have_v hold_v they_o fast_o i_o have_v not_o find_v you_o as_o other_o people_n of_o so_o unsettle_a and_o inconstant_a spirit_n and_o therefore_o as_o christ_n say_v to_o the_o church_n of_o thyatira_n the_o same_o i_o will_v presume_v to_o say_v unto_o you_o revel_v 2._o 24._o 25._o i_o will_v 25._o rev._n 2._o 24._o 25._o put_v upon_o you_o no_o other_o burden_n but_o that_o which_o you_o have_v already_o holdfast_n what_o 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of_o bernard_n basil_n s._n bernard_n in_o psal_n qui_fw-la habitat_fw-la pag._n 283._o basil_n neque_fw-la enim_fw-la quae_fw-la habemus_fw-la ab_fw-la eo_fw-la seruare_fw-la aut_fw-la tenere_fw-la possumus_fw-la sine_fw-la eo_fw-la that_o god_n by_o who_o light_n alone_o we_o know_v the_o truth_n by_o his_o strength_n alone_o we_o keep_v it_o thus_o much_o for_o the_o text_n and_o now_o for_o the_o occasion_n and_o here_o i_o can_v be_v long_o neither_o my_o affection_n nor_o you_o will_v admit_v of_o large_a discourse_n only_o a_o word_n of_o you_o and_o a_o word_n to_o you_o of_o you_o so_o regardful_a have_v you_o be_v to_o my_o ministry_n so_o love_v to_o my_o person_n so_o faithful_a in_o your_o maintenance_n so_o cheerful_o encourage_v general_o from_o you_o all_o but_o chief_o from_o the_o chief_a that_o have_v it_o please_v the_o lord_n to_o have_v give_v i_o health_n the_o which_o i_o have_v scarce_o enjoy_v one_o whole_a year_n together_o since_o i_o have_v be_v here_o i_o 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