have_v all_o rule_v all_o and_o do_v all_o if_o by_o find_v he_o they_o have_v attain_v to_o be_v in_o favour_n with_o he_o and_o to_o have_v his_o presence_n with_o they_o 2_o the_o possibility_n nay_o probability_n of_o find_v god_n if_o he_o be_v but_o due_o seek_v be_v god_n not_o at_o all_o to_o be_v find_v or_o be_v he_o at_o such_o a_o vast_a distance_n from_o we_o that_o he_o can_v not_o be_v find_v without_o a_o very_a tedious_a inquisition_n we_o may_v hereby_o somewhat_o excuse_v our_o sloth_n in_o neglect_v to_o seek_v he_o but_o when_o he_o may_v be_v find_v and_o that_o without_o go_v very_o far_o he_o be_v so_o near_o we_o it_o be_v a_o madness_n to_o lose_v he_o for_o want_n of_o a_o little_a seek_v after_o he_o i_o shall_v comprehend_v the_o substance_n of_o the_o text_n in_o this_o brief_a but_o full_a proposition_n it_o be_v the_o duty_n and_o concern_v of_o all_o to_o seek_v the_o lord_n while_o he_o may_v be_v find_v to_o call_v upon_o he_o while_o he_o be_v near_o i_o say_v all_o be_v oblige_v and_o concern_v thus_o to_o do_v for_o the_o precept_n and_o exhortation_n be_v general_n extend_v to_o all_o sex_n age_n and_o condition_n of_o man_n that_o be_v without_o god_n unless_o we_o can_v imagine_v that_o there_o be_v some_o without_o god_n that_o need_v he_o not_o but_o can_v be_v well_o enough_o without_o he_o although_o the_o apostle_n represent_v this_o as_o the_o height_n of_o the_o misery_n of_o a_o unregenerate_a person_n that_o he_o be_v without_o god_n in_o the_o world_n ephes._n 2._o 12._o the_o foregoing_a proposition_n impli_v one_a that_o man_n in_o their_o natural_a condition_n be_v so_o without_o god_n as_o not_o to_o find_v he_o without_o seek_v they_o be_v at_o a_o remote_a distance_n from_o god_n not_o as_o to_o place_n that_o be_v utter_o impossible_a for_o he_o who_o fill_v heaven_n and_o earth_n with_o his_o immense_a essence_n can_v but_o be_v intimate_o present_a with_o every_o soul_n but_o as_o to_o state_n for_o the_o bend_v of_o their_o heart_n be_v direct_o contrary_a to_o the_o divine_a nature_n and_o will_n they_o be_v no_o more_o capable_a of_o admit_v the_o gracious_a influence_n of_o god_n than_o a_o lump_n of_o clay_n can_v take_v in_o the_o light_n of_o the_o sun_n though_o it_o shine_v never_o so_o bright_a round_o about_o it_o but_o this_o be_v not_o all_o the_o wretchedness_n of_o a_o unregenerate_a condition_n for_o man_n in_o that_o estate_n be_v not_o only_o without_o god_n who_o be_v the_o only_a original_a of_o their_o life_n and_o comfort_n the_o only_a foundation_n of_o their_o hope_n but_o be_v also_o ignorant_a where_o to_o find_v he_o if_o they_o understand_v but_o how_o to_o go_v direct_o to_o god_n they_o will_v not_o need_v long_o to_o seek_v he_o and_o this_o be_v one_o of_o the_o bitter_a fruit_n of_o the_o original_a apostasy_n of_o our_o first_o parent_n which_o have_v be_v continue_v and_o increase_v by_o our_o actual_a transgression_n it_o be_v the_o root_n of_o all_o those_o extreme_a mischief_n which_o follow_v sin_n either_o as_o natural_a consequence_n of_o it_o or_o penal_a chastisement_n for_o it_o whatever_o we_o at_o any_o time_n complain_v of_o may_v be_v just_o impute_v to_o this_o isa_n 59_o 2._o your_o iniquity_n of_o have_v separate_v between_o you_o and_o your_o god_n and_o your_o sin_n have_v hide_v his_o face_n from_o you_o that_o he_o will_v not_o hear_v 2_o that_o man_n while_o without_o god_n and_o thus_o at_o a_o distance_n from_o he_o do_v great_o and_o extreme_o stand_v in_o need_n of_o god_n and_o can_v in_o no_o wise_n be_v without_o he_o be_v it_o not_o for_o this_o we_o shall_v hear_v of_o no_o command_n issue_v out_o from_o god_n for_o the_o enjoin_v man_n to_o seek_v he_o for_o the_o good_a and_o wise_a god_n although_o his_o supremacy_n be_v unquestionable_a yet_o he_o love_v not_o to_o act_n arbitrary_o mere_o for_o the_o ostentation_n of_o his_o power_n but_o he_o be_v induce_v to_o act_n by_o the_o consideration_n of_o some_o holy_a righteous_a and_o good_a end_n which_o he_o will_v promote_v now_o this_o end_n can_v refer_v to_o himself_o for_o the_o infinite_a ever_o bless_v all_o sufficient_a god_n the_o lord_n of_o heaven_n and_o earth_n be_v utter_o uncapable_a of_o any_o addition_n to_o himself_o it_o must_v therefore_o be_v the_o convenience_n and_o necessity_n of_o poor_a sinful_a man_n that_o god_n consult_v in_o the_o give_v out_o of_o his_o command_n when_o god_n therefore_o say_v to_o man_n seek_v i_o we_o may_v assure_v ourselves_o that_o we_o have_v need_v so_o to_o do_v god_n know_v we_o have_v need_v possible_o foolish_a man_n may_v have_v other_o conceit_n in_o his_o head_n while_o with_o child_n he_o please_v himself_o in_o toy_n but_o when_o once_o with_o the_o prodigal_n he_o come_v to_o himself_o be_v awaken_v out_o of_o his_o please_a dream_n by_o a_o sight_n of_o sin_n fear_v of_o god_n wrath_n and_o the_o law_n be_v curse_n by_o a_o sense_n of_o judgement_n especial_o such_o as_o afflict_v the_o body_n or_o affright_v with_o black_a apprehension_n of_o death_n or_o deprive_v of_o those_o low_a comfort_n which_o be_v most_o set_v by_o than_o he_o clear_o descern_v and_o sensible_o experience_n the_o vanity_n and_o vexation_n of_o whatever_o be_v beside_o and_o below_o god_n and_o thereby_o learn_v that_o the_o satisfaction_n he_o so_o much_o needs_o be_v not_o where_o to_o be_v expect_v but_o in_o god_n only_o 3_o that_o man_n notwithstanding_o the_o need_n they_o stand_v in_o of_o god_n be_v very_o backward_o to_o seek_v he_o man_n will_v not_o be_v induce_v to_o seek_v god_n by_o the_o fair_a invitation_n and_o the_o most_o earnest_a entreaty_n they_o must_v be_v in_o a_o manner_n compel_v to_o seek_v god_n by_o strict_a command_n and_o severe_a threaten_n god_n will_v spare_v those_o do_v he_o not_o see_v that_o there_o will_v be_v no_o seek_v he_o without_o they_o nay_o experience_n show_v that_o all_o these_o will_v scarce_o do_v for_o man_n seldom_o seek_v god_n in_o good_a earnest_n till_o the_o incessant_a judgement_n of_o god_n do_v as_o it_o be_v drive_v they_o out_o of_o their_o sin_n their_o earthly_a comfort_n and_o themselves_o unto_o god_n this_o be_v one_o great_a piece_n of_o the_o misery_n of_o a_o apostate_n state_n that_o man_n be_v senseless_a of_o it_o and_o so_o do_v not_o concern_v themselves_o to_o seek_v unto_o he_o who_o only_o can_v save_v from_o it_o like_o man_n in_o high_a fever_n who_o great_o need_v the_o help_n of_o a_o physician_n yet_o be_v in_o rage_a frenzy_n they_o as_o much_o despise_v and_o reject_v it_o as_o be_v altogether_o unapprehensive_a of_o their_o own_o danger_n man_n be_v general_o so_o averse_a from_o seek_v god_n that_o the_o apostle_n observe_v out_o of_o scripture_n that_o there_o be_v none_o that_o seek_v after_o god_n and_o he_o impute_v it_o to_o this_o that_o they_o understand_v not_o rom._n 3._o 11._o alas_o they_o know_v not_o their_o want_n of_o god_n they_o feel_v not_o their_o need_n of_o god_n they_o understand_v not_o the_o worth_n of_o god_n they_o have_v several_a thing_n to_o make_v god_n of_o to_o themselves_o to_o please_v themselves_o in_o the_o god_n of_o this_o world_n blind_v they_o that_o they_o see_v not_o their_o godless_a condition_n he_o harden_v they_o that_o they_o feel_v it_o not_o and_o hold_v they_o that_o they_o stir_v not_o out_o of_o it_o the_o lust_n of_o the_o flesh_n &_o the_o world_n find_v they_o several_a other_o thing_n to_o seek_v beside_o god_n who_o they_o most_o need_v 4_o that_o god_n may_v be_v find_v if_o due_o and_o timely_o fight_v while_o one_o observe_v what_o gross_a neglect_n there_o be_v of_o god_n in_o the_o world_n how_o few_o seek_v he_o and_o that_o man_n be_v for_o the_o most_o part_n whole_o intent_n upon_o the_o pursuit_n of_o other_o thing_n he_o have_v temptation_n to_o conceit_n that_o sure_o god_n be_v not_o at_o all_o to_o be_v find_v otherwise_o man_n will_v not_o be_v so_o desperate_o mad_a as_o never_o to_o concern_v themselves_o about_o seek_v he_o see_v without_o he_o they_o can_v but_o be_v utter_o and_o everlasting_o undo_v without_o remedy_n but_o this_o strange_a carelessness_n of_o god_n be_v rather_o the_o result_n of_o their_o senselessness_n of_o the_o need_n they_o stand_v in_o of_o god_n than_o of_o their_o despair_n of_o find_v he_o for_o the_o gâ—d_n of_o truth_n will_v never_o have_v command_v and_o encourage_v man_n to_o seek_v he_o if_o in_o seek_v they_o be_v likely_a to_o lose_v their_o labour_n no_o he_o never_o say_v neither_o to_o the_o seed_n of_o jacob_n nor_o to_o the_o seed_n of_o adam_n seek_v you_o i_o in_o vain_a isa_n 45._o 19_o
do_v this_o gate_n bring_v into_o this_o way_n of_o life_n whereas_o no_o other_o gate_n do_v none_o can_v be_v careless_a whether_o he_o make_v ingress_n and_o progress_n here_o but_o he_o who_o set_v light_n by_o life_n that_o life_n which_o for_o permanency_n and_o privilege_n do_v exceed_o transcend_v this_o or_o 2_o of_o the_o difficulty_n of_o go_v in_o and_o go_v on_o here_o a_o threefold_a difficulty_n be_v here_o mention_v one_a there_o be_v a_o difficulty_n in_o find_v this_o gate_n and_o this_o difficulty_n be_v so_o great_a that_o there_o be_v few_o overcome_v it_o most_o drop_n into_o destruction_n before_o they_o know_v where_o the_o gate_n of_o salvation_n lie_v 2_o there_o be_v a_o difficulty_n in_o enter_v this_o gate_n when_o it_o be_v find_v it_o be_v a_o strait_a gate_n and_o so_o not_o to_o be_v enter_v with_o any_o bulk_n in_o any_o posture_n a_o man_n must_v strip_v himself_o of_o all_o unnecessary_a lumber_n and_o compose_v his_o body_n into_o the_o most_o advantageous_a posture_n if_o he_o will_v get_v in_o at_o this_o strait_a gate_n 3_o there_o be_v a_o difficulty_n in_o hold_v on_o in_o the_o way_n which_o we_o have_v enter_v into_o through_o the_o gate_n this_o way_n be_v a_o narrow_a way_n such_o as_o will_v not_o leave_v we_o at_o liberty_n to_o do_v as_o we_o listen_v but_o will_v confine_v we_o within_o bound_n and_o tie_v we_o to_o good_a behaviour_n so_o that_o we_o shall_v be_v necessitate_v to_o conform_v our_o step_n unto_o our_o way_n doct._n one_a there_o be_v a_o way_n which_o lead_v unto_o life_n this_o be_v so_o clear_a a_o truth_n and_o so_o general_a acknowledge_v that_o christ_n do_v not_o think_v it_o needful_a to_o prove_v it_o no_o nor_o so_o much_o as_o to_o assert_v it_o neither_o he_o only_o suppose_v there_o be_v such_o a_o way_n all_o that_o he_o do_v direct_o assert_v be_v touch_v the_o narrowness_n of_o this_o way_n and_o the_o straitness_n of_o the_o gate_n which_o admit_v into_o it_o here_o we_o must_v inquire_v what_o this_o life_n be_v which_o have_v a_o way_n to_o it_o what_o this_o way_n be_v which_o least_n unto_o this_o life_n how_o this_o way_n lead_v unto_o this_o life_n quest_n one_a what_o be_v this_o life_n which_o have_v a_o way_n lead_v to_o it_o answer_n man_n have_v a_o double_a life_n one_a a_o life_n of_o the_o body_n in_o this_o world_n 2_o a_o life_n of_o the_o the_o soul_n which_o be_v either_o inchoat_fw-la and_o begin_v in_o this_o world_n or_o consummate_v and_o perfect_a in_o the_o other_o now_o this_o life_n of_o the_o body_n consist_v in_o the_o conjunction_n of_o the_o soul_n and_o body_n together_o and_o exert_v its_o self_n in_o natural_a vital_a animal_n operation_n whereby_o we_o eat_v drink_v and_o grow_v and_o breath_n see_v and_o hear_v smell_v and_o feel_v and_o talk_v and_o walk_v etc._n etc._n but_o this_o be_v not_o rhe_n life_n which_o we_o have_v to_o do_v with_o here_o for_o we_o be_v speak_v of_o a_o life_n which_o man_n general_o be_v without_o yea_o be_v at_o a_o great_a distance_n from_o and_o can_v arrive_v at_o but_o by_o pass_v through_o a_o long_a way_n but_o such_o a_o life_n be_v not_o this_o present_a bodily_a life_n for_o all_o on_o this_o side_n the_o grave_n have_v this_o life_n the_o life_n then_o which_o we_o have_v to_o inquire_v about_o be_v the_o life_n of_o the_o soul_n this_o man_n be_v without_o unless_o they_o be_v bear_v again_o to_o it_o and_o they_o be_v but_o few_o who_o be_v bear_v again_o nay_o man_n be_v at_o a_o distance_n from_o this_o life_n neither_o prize_v this_o nor_o desire_v it_o nor_o know_v the_o way_n to_o it_o nay_o it_o be_v not_o the_o life_n of_o the_o soul_n while_o it_o be_v yet_o in_o the_o body_n this_o vile_a body_n which_o we_o here_o inquire_v after_o for_o though_o these_o two_o life_n that_o of_o the_o soul_n here_o and_o that_o of_o the_o soul_n hereafter_o do_v agree_v much_o in_o their_o nature_n and_o qualitys_n they_o have_v the_o same_o subject_n the_o immortal_a soul_n which_o once_o be_v dead_a in_o trespass_n and_o sin_n eph._n 2._o 1._o the_o same_o principle_n christ_n who_o say_v of_o himself_o job_n 14._o 6._o i_o be_o the_o way_n the_o truth_n and_o the_o life_n who_o st._n paul_n profess_v to_o be_v his_o life_n gal._n 2._o 20._o i_o live_v yet_o not_o i_o but_o christ_n live_v in_o i_o col._n 3_o 4._o when_o christ_n who_o be_v our_o life_n etc._n etc._n the_o same_o effect_n influence_v upon_o all_o the_o faculty_n of_o the_o soul_n to_o raise_v and_o enlarge_v they_o better_v both_o mind_n and_o heart_n in_o all_o their_o operation_n the_o same_o excellency_n put_v upon_o noble_a design_n such_o as_o concern_v the_o glory_n of_o the_o great_a god_n and_o the_o welfare_n of_o precious_a soul_n and_o furnish_v with_o satisfactory_a delight_n such_o as_o be_v the_o result_n of_o god_n presence_n in_o the_o soul_n and_o the_o testimony_n of_o our_o conscience_n that_o according_a to_o our_o power_n we_o have_v keep_v close_o to_o god_n in_o obedience_n the_o same_o permanency_n neither_o of_o they_o ever_o have_v any_o end_n yet_o these_o two_o life_n differ_v much_o in_o degree_n more_o than_o the_o life_n of_o a_o man_n differ_v from_o the_o life_n of_o a_o new_a bear_v child_n yea_o more_o than_o the_o life_n of_o a_o grow_v man_n differ_v from_o the_o life_n of_o a_o child_n in_o the_o womb_n it_o neither_o have_v such_o high_a operation_n nor_o such_o high_a comfort_n it_o be_v oft_o so_o secret_a and_o so_o hardly_o discernible_a either_o by_o the_o man_n who_o enjoy_v it_o or_o by_o other_o that_o christ_n rather_o count_v it_o a_o tendency_n to_o life_n than_o life_n itself_o it_o be_v so_o exceed_o below_o that_o life_n which_o shall_v be_v in_o righteousness_n peace_n joy_n and_o glory_n the_o great_a perfection_n of_o this_o life_n that_o it_o scarce_o deserve_v to_o bear_v the_o same_o name_n the_o life_n then_o which_o we_o be_v here_o inquire_v of_o be_v the_o life_n of_o the_o soul_n after_o it_o be_v uncase_v of_o the_o body_n this_o be_v the_o great_a life_n whereunto_o the_o life_n of_o grace_n receive_v in_o regeneration_n serve_v but_o as_o a_o way_n this_o be_v that_o which_o all_o god_n people_n find_v &_o feel_v a_o want_n yea_o a_o need_n of_o which_o they_o all_o pant_v and_o breathe_v after_o it_o make_v the_o soul_n happy_a immediate_o after_o death_n and_o the_o body_n too_o as_o well_o as_o the_o soul_n soon_o after_o the_o resurrection_n 2_o what_o be_v this_o way_n which_o lead_v to_o this_o life_n ans_fw-fr the_o way_n itself_o be_v obedience_n and_o self-denial_n comply_v with_o god_n will_v and_o deny_v our_o own_o it_o be_v but_o go_v back_o the_o same_o way_n which_o man_n take_v when_o he_o fall_v from_o this_o life_n we_o have_v not_o be_v to_o seek_v for_o this_o life_n if_o adam_n have_v continue_v in_o the_o state_n wherein_o he_o be_v create_v have_v he_o thus_o do_v both_o he_o himself_o have_v be_v confirm_v in_o holiness_n and_o righteousness_n and_o all_o his_o posterity_n after_o he_o have_v probable_o be_v bear_v in_o the_o same_o state_n but_o he_o be_v tempt_v by_o satan_n close_v with_o the_o temptation_n and_o instead_o of_o comply_v with_o god_n will_n gratify_v his_o own_o and_o thereby_o ruin_v not_o only_a himself_o but_o we_o too_o thus_o we_o be_v tell_v by_o one_o man_n sin_n enter_v into_o the_o world_n etc._n etc._n rom._n 5._o 12._o a_o double_a death_n enter_v by_o adam_n sin_n one_a a_o death_n of_o the_o soul_n as_o to_o eternal_a life_n this_o be_v the_o immediate_a result_n of_o his_o sin_n for_o by_o it_o he_o do_v as_o it_o be_v cut_v his_o own_o throat_n and_o thereby_o utter_o strip_v himself_o of_o spiritual_a life_n 2_o a_o death_n of_o the_o body_n as_o to_o this_o temporal_a life_n this_o follow_v upon_o his_o sin_n also_o yet_o not_o so_o speedy_o for_o the_o seed_n of_o death_n be_v only_o then_o sow_o which_o must_v have_v time_n to_o ripen_v now_o the_o way_n to_o get_v out_o of_o this_o death_n into_o which_o we_o be_v plunge_v and_o to_o attain_v again_o that_o life_n which_o we_o have_v through_o sin_n and_o folly_n lose_v be_v to_o take_v a_o quite_o contrary_a course_n and_o whatever_o temptation_n we_o have_v to_o do_v with_o either_o from_o the_o world_n or_o satan_n more_o to_o consider_v what_o be_v god_n will_n than_o our_o own_o and_o rather_o to_o do_v what_o god_n bid_v we_o than_o what_o our_o own_o lust_n incline_v we_o to_o this_o be_v the_o way_n the_o only_a way_n though_o christ_n when_o inward_o receive_v into_o the_o soul_n as_o a_o new_a life_n be_v the_o principle_n incline_v and_o enable_v we_o
in_o our_o soul_n which_o former_o they_o have_v and_o hereby_o the_o soul_n be_v more_o easy_o to_o be_v reduce_v under_o the_o command_n of_o christ_n and_o under_o the_o law_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o life_n which_o be_v in_o christ_n 4_o we_o keep_v close_o under_o the_o influence_n of_o the_o quicken_a spirit_n all_o life_n be_v from_o god_n and_o the_o near_o we_o be_v to_o god_n the_o near_o we_o be_v to_o life_n now_o the_o distance_n we_o be_v in_o at_o any_o time_n from_o god_n be_v not_o of_o place_n but_o of_o state_n we_o can_v possible_o be_v any_o where_o where_o god_n be_v not_o present_a for_o god_n fill_v heaven_n and_o earth_n jer._n 23._o 24._o but_o he_o be_v not_o present_a to_o we_o we_o have_v no_o sensible_a experience_n of_o his_o presence_n in_o we_o because_o our_o mind_n be_v averse_a from_o he_o the_o way_n then_o to_o find_v and_o feel_v the_o warmth_n of_o the_o sun_n of_o righteousness_n be_v to_o turn_v to_o it_o not_o by_o change_a our_o place_n but_o by_o change_a the_o posture_n of_o our_o soul_n our_o back_n be_v towards_o god_n while_o we_o follow_v our_o lust_n then_o we_o turn_v to_o god_n when_o we_o put_v ourselves_o in_o the_o way_n of_o duty_n 3_o as_o a_o condition_n upon_o which_o god_n have_v suspend_v the_o give_v of_o life_n eternal_a life_n be_v the_o gift_n of_o god_n he_o may_v give_v it_o out_o unto_o who_o he_o please_v upon_o what_o term_n he_o please_v rom._n 6._o 23._o and_o that_o he_o have_v make_v obedience_n the_o term_n of_o eternal_a life_n be_v evident_a christ_n tell_v the_o young_a man_n mat._n 19_o 17._o if_o thou_o will_v enter_v into_o life_n keep_v the_o commandment_n paul_n say_v god_n will_v render_v to_o every_o one_o according_a to_o their_o work_n to_o they_o who_o by_o patient_v continuance_n in_o welldoing_a seek_v for_o glory_n and_o honour_n and_o immortality_n eternal_a life_n rom._n 2._o 7._o john_n say_v man_n come_v to_o have_v right_a to_o the_o tree_n of_o life_n by_o do_v god_n command_v rev._n 22._o 14._o the_o difference_n betwixt_o the_o old_a and_o new_a covenant_n do_v not_o lie_v here_o that_o the_o one_o require_v work_n and_o the_o other_o do_v not_o but_o they_o both_o require_v work_n only_o with_o this_o difference_n the_o old_a covenant_n require_v good_a work_n from_o we_o to_o be_v do_v by_o ourselves_o the_o other_o require_v good_a work_n in_o we_o to_o be_v do_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n and_o therefore_o by_o our_o work_n we_o shall_v be_v try_v at_o the_o great_a day_n whether_o we_o be_v fit_a for_o life_n or_o we_o be_v not_o as_o be_v evident_a mat._n 25._o use_v one_a be_v there_o a_o way_n to_o life_n then_o none_o be_v exclude_v by_o god_n from_o eternal_a life_n see_v god_n have_v not_o set_v this_o where_o it_o can_v be_v come_v at_o but_o have_v leave_v a_o way_n to_o it_o which_o who_o ever_o take_n can_v miss_v of_o eternal_a life_n there_o be_v a_o way_n to_o eternal_a life_n this_o way_n be_v declare_v what_o it_o be_v and_o how_o it_o lie_v we_o be_v loud_o call_v by_o god_n into_o this_o way_n continual_o call_v by_o all_o providence_n and_o ordinance_n now_o therefore_o if_o we_o will_v not_o take_v this_o way_n and_o for_o want_v of_o take_v it_o ruin_v ourselves_o can_v we_o say_v that_o it_o be_v god_n fault_n that_o we_o come_v short_a of_o life_n can_v we_o clear_v ourselves_o either_o by_o pretend_v ignorance_n as_o if_o we_o know_v not_o the_o way_n when_o the_o lord_n have_v show_v thou_o o_o man_n what_o be_v good_a and_o what_o do_v the_o lord_n by_o god_n require_v of_o thou_o etc._n etc._n mic._n 6._o 8._o or_o by_o plead_v impotence_n we_o can_v not_o walk_v in_o it_o this_o can_v be_v for_o if_o it_o be_v a_o way_n it_o must_v be_v passable_a and_o though_o we_o can_v walk_v in_o this_o way_n of_o ourselves_o by_o our_o own_o strength_n yet_o by_o the_o help_n of_o god_n we_o may_v and_o god_n be_v never_o backward_o seasonable_o to_o give_v in_o convenient_a help_n to_o those_o who_o hearty_o desire_v it_o of_o he_o 2_o be_v there_o a_o way_n to_o life_n let_v every_o one_o take_v heed_n how_o they_o come_v short_a of_o life_n have_v man_n case_n be_v desperate_a and_o now_o that_o he_o have_v once_o fall_v from_o life_n there_o be_v no_o more_o possibility_n of_o his_o return_n to_o it_o again_o then_o there_o be_v for_o the_o devil_n there_o be_v no_o way_n leave_v to_o life_n for_o they_o it_o will_v have_v be_v a_o trouble_v ourselves_o to_o no_o purpose_n shall_v we_o have_v strive_v to_o get_v to_o life_n what_o use_n can_v there_o be_v of_o any_o care_n or_o endeavour_n in_o such_o a_o case_n all_o will_v have_v be_v superfluous_a but_o now_o that_o there_o be_v a_o way_n to_o life_n a_o way_n open_v to_o we_o by_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n and_o we_o may_v attain_v to_o life_n if_o we_o do_v but_o for_o ourselves_o what_o we_o may_v and_o aught_o we_o be_v great_o concern_v to_o look_v to_o it_o that_o we_o come_v not_o short_a of_o life_n for_o all_o this_o through_o our_o own_o unbelief_n carelessness_n and_o sloth_n it_o be_v sad_a to_o lose_v life_n and_o to_o be_v utter_o and_o everlasting_o undo_v for_o want_n of_o it_o but_o it_o will_v be_v far_o sad_a to_o lose_v it_o when_o it_o have_v be_v prepare_v and_o offer_v a_o way_n have_v be_v make_v to_o it_o and_o the_o way_n declare_v and_o we_o call_v into_o it_o be_v the_o good_a never_o so_o valuable_a that_o we_o come_v short_a of_o the_o evil_a never_o so_o intolerable_a that_o we_o be_v plunge_v into_o yet_o if_o the_o one_o can_v not_o be_v by_o we_o attain_v the_o other_o can_v not_o be_v by_o we_o avoid_v we_o comfort_v ourselves_o with_o this_o that_o how_o grievous_a soever_o our_o suffering_n be_v yet_o it_o can_v not_o be_v help_v but_o as_o the_o case_n be_v here_o if_o we_o lose_v life_n and_o plung_v ourselves_o into_o a_o endless_a death_n we_o shall_v be_v utter_o deprive_v even_o of_o this_o comfort_n we_o can_v never_o be_v able_a to_o say_v that_o it_o can_v not_o be_v help_v there_o be_v no_o remedy_n it_o can_v never_o be_v otherwise_o then_o it_o be_v no_o than_o we_o shall_v be_v make_v to_o remember_v and_o to_o acknowledge_v that_o it_o may_v have_v be_v far_o otherwise_o we_o may_v have_v be_v as_o full_a of_o happiness_n as_o we_o be_v now_o of_o misery_n have_v we_o but_o take_v the_o right_a way_n and_o that_o we_o miss_v the_o way_n be_v not_o so_o much_o ignorance_n as_o wilfulness_n or_o at_o the_o best_a carelessness_n this_o be_v that_o which_o will_v make_v hell-fire_n burn_v hot_a and_o its_o pain_n torment_v more_o intolerable_o when_o we_o be_v make_v to_o remember_v what_o fair_a warning_n we_o have_v against_o it_o how_o we_o be_v tell_v that_o the_o way_n we_o take_v be_v the_o ready_a road_n to_o it_o how_o we_o be_v serious_o invite_v and_o that_o frequent_o into_o another_o way_n which_o we_o be_v assure_v will_v lead_v we_o into_o a_o state_n of_o as_o great_a blessedness_n as_o we_o be_v capable_a of_o doct._n 2._o the_o entrance_n into_o the_o way_n of_o life_n be_v through_o a_o gate_n a_o strait_a gate_n if_o you_o ask_v what_o gate_n be_v this_o it_o be_v the_o gate_n of_o regeneration_n for_o this_o be_v the_o passage_n through_o which_o we_o turn_v out_o of_o the_o way_n of_o destruction_n into_o the_o way_n of_o salvation_n while_o we_o be_v in_o our_o old_a nature_n our_o motion_n be_v earth-ward_n and_o hellward_n for_o that_o way_n do_v our_o inclination_n lead_v we_o but_o when_o we_o have_v attain_v a_o new_a nature_n a_o divine_a nature_n our_o bent_n be_v alter_v and_o by_o this_o we_o be_v carry_v heaven-ward_n and_o god-ward_o our_o outward_a man_n be_v keep_v within_o bound_n by_o the_o law_n and_o our_o inward_a man_n be_v enlarge_v and_o raise_v carry_v towards_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v spiritual_a and_o eternal_a by_o the_o spirit_n qu._n but_o what_o be_v regeneration_n which_o be_v the_o gate_n into_o the_o way_n of_o life_n it_o be_v such_o a_o alteration_n wrought_v in_o the_o soul_n by_o the_o powerful_a operation_n of_o god_n spirit_n whereby_o the_o soul_n which_o be_v dead_a in_o trespass_n and_o sin_n pass_n from_o death_n to_o life_n 1_o joh._n 3._o 14._o it_o come_v to_o have_v new_a sense_n new_a motion_n it_o come_v to_o have_v different_a apprehension_n from_o what_o it_o have_v before_o wealth_n honour_n pleasure_n it_o count_v thing_n of_o worth_n and_o use_n now_o it_o look_v upon_o they_o but_o as_o vanity_n and_o vexation_n the_o way_n of_o sin_n it_o look_v upon_o as_o way_n of_o
credit_n and_o delight_n now_o it_o can_v see_v nothing_o in_o they_o but_o sorrow_n and_o shame_n the_o counsel_n of_o god_n it_o do_v despise_v as_o advise_v it_o to_o its_o prejudice_n now_o it_o esteem_v they_o as_o the_o most_o advantageous_a the_o anger_n of_o god_n it_o slight_v as_o a_o thing_n which_o only_o melancholy_a fool_n fear_v now_o it_o can_v think_v of_o it_o without_o dread_n grace_v it_o look_v upon_o as_o a_o inglorious_a useless_a thing_n now_o it_o esteem_v it_o most_o honourable_a most_o serviceable_a it_o come_v to_o have_v different_a affection_n from_o what_o it_o have_v before_o as_o its_o light_n be_v change_v so_o be_v its_o like_n it_o have_v new_a object_n for_o its_o love_n desire_v hope_v delight_n for_o its_o hatred_n fear_v anger_n grief_n other_o thing_n other_o person_n other_o occasion_n raise_v these_o from_o what_o do_v before_o qu._n but_o what_o make_v regeneration_n to_o be_v a_o strait_a gate_n answer_n one_a it_o have_v difficulty_n in_o it_o which_o can_v be_v master_v by_o any_o power_n within_o we_o but_o require_v a_o power_n above_o we_o no_o less_o power_n be_v require_v to_o raise_v we_o from_o the_o death_n of_o sin_n to_o the_o life_n of_o faith_n than_o be_v exert_v on_o christ_n to_o raise_v he_o from_o the_o dead_a ephe._n 1._o 19_o 20._o in_o regeneration_n we_o be_v raise_v above_o ourselves_o and_o we_o have_v not_o only_o a_o impotency_n to_o it_o but_o a_o reluctancy_n against_o it_o we_o be_v so_o far_o from_o help_v forward_o this_o work_n that_o we_o oppose_v and_o hinder_v it_o we_o can_v alter_v our_o own_o bent_n and_o motion_n if_o this_o be_v do_v in_o we_o it_o must_v be_v do_v by_o one_o without_o we_o one_o above_o we_o 2_o it_o have_v trouble_n in_o it_o which_o we_o can_v bear_v up_o under_o without_o much_o patience_n here_o be_v the_o cut_v of_o the_o foreskin_n of_o the_o flesh_n which_o will_v not_o be_v without_o wound_n and_o blood_n the_o plough_v up_o the_o fallow_a ground_n of_o the_o heart_n which_o can_v be_v do_v without_o much_o rend_n and_o tear_v bring_v out_o a_o man_n child_n unto_o god_n which_o can_v be_v without_o the_o pang_n of_o the_o new_a birth_n here_o be_v cut_v of_o a_o right_a hand_n pluck_v out_o a_o right_a eye_n which_o can_v never_o be_v do_v without_o smart_n the_o trouble_n be_v occasion_v in_o get_v one_a separate_a from_o lust_n 2_o free_a from_o satan_n slavery_n use_v one_a for_o examination_n let_v we_o hereby_o try_v ourselves_o whether_o we_o be_v in_o the_o way_n to_o life_n or_o no_o man_n general_o presume_v they_o be_v and_o do_v not_o take_v it_o well_o at_o the_o hand_n of_o any_o to_o question_v whether_o they_o be_v or_o no._n to_o be_v sure_a it_o be_v the_o concernment_n of_o all_o to_o look_v to_o it_o that_o they_o indeed_o be_v but_o may_v we_o not_o be_v allow_v to_o ask_v those_o who_o conceit_n they_o be_v get_v into_o the_o way_n of_o life_n how_o come_v they_o there_o what_o gate_n pass_v they_o in_o at_o to_o that_o way_n be_v it_o a_o wide_a gate_n or_o a_o strait_a one_o we_o be_v tell_v by_o christ_n that_o the_o gate_n which_o bring_v into_o the_o way_n of_o life_n be_v a_o strait_a gate_n and_o sure_a through_o such_o a_o gate_n we_o can_v get_v we_o do_v not_o know_v how_o it_o be_v very_o suspicious_a we_o be_v not_o yet_o in_o the_o way_n if_o we_o know_v nothing_o at_o all_o of_o the_o straitness_n of_o the_o gate_n if_o we_o have_v not_o find_v difficulty_n and_o trouble_v in_o get_v through_o it_o here_o it_o be_v that_o the_o devil_n utter_o lose_v his_o interest_n in_o we_o if_o he_o let_v we_o now_o go_v we_o be_v go_v for_o ever_o and_o will_v he_o be_v content_v quiet_o to_o part_n with_o his_o prey_n here_o the_o strong_a man_n arm_v be_v dispossess_v of_o his_o house_n luke_n 11._o 21_o 22._o and_o can_v you_o think_v he_o will_v come_v out_o of_o his_o possession_n without_o tear_v can_v there_o be_v such_o a_o great_a tug_v betwixt_o god_n spirit_n and_o satan_n whether_o shall_v have_v possession_n of_o the_o soul_n and_o the_o soul_n know_v nothing_o of_o this_o all_o the_o while_n use_v 2._o for_o exhortation_n let_v we_o strive_v to_o enter_v in_o at_o this_o gate_n what_o though_o it_o be_v a_o strait_a gate_n not_o to_o be_v pass_v through_o without_o difficulty_n and_o trouble_v it_o immediate_o bring_v into_o the_o way_n of_o life_n and_o whoever_o be_v get_v in_o at_o this_o gate_n they_o be_v sure_a of_o life_n out_o of_o danger_n of_o death_n i_o do_v not_o say_v that_o they_o have_v attain_v this_o assurance_n so_o that_o they_o be_v deliver_v from_o all_o fear_n of_o final_o miscarry_v forthwith_o after_o they_o be_v regenerate_v but_o this_o i_o say_v they_o be_v in_o a_o sure_a state_n whether_o they_o think_v themselves_o sure_a or_o they_o do_v not_o now_o that_o they_o be_v enter_v in_o at_o the_o gate_n bring_v unto_o the_o life_n of_o christ_n their_o salvation_n be_v undertake_v by_o christ_n himself_o who_o will_v finish_v that_o good_a work_n which_o he_o have_v already_o begin_v phil._n 1._o 6._o that_o god_n who_o have_v bring_v we_o in_o at_o the_o gate_n will_v bring_v we_o on_o in_o the_o way_n till_o he_o have_v bring_v we_o to_o the_o end_n of_o our_o hope_n the_o salvation_n of_o our_o soul_n again_o if_o we_o be_v get_v in_o at_o the_o gate_n we_o have_v reason_n to_o bless_v god_n for_o it_o both_o consider_v the_o great_a difficulty_n of_o this_o the_o main_a difficulty_n of_o the_o work_n of_o man_n salvation_n lie_v in_o the_o get_n through_o the_o strait_a gate_n and_o also_o consider_v the_o great_a advantage_n by_o this_o we_o be_v not_o only_o put_v in_o a_o possibility_n or_o probability_n of_o salvation_n but_o even_o in_o a_o certainty_n of_o it_o that_o work_n be_v begin_v which_o god_n have_v undertake_v to_o finish_v in_o spite_n of_o all_o opposition_n that_o shall_v be_v make_v either_o by_o lust_n within_o or_o satan_n and_o the_o world_n without_o use_v 3._o for_o consolation_n who_o ever_o have_v get_v so_o far_o as_o to_o get_v beyond_o the_o strait_a gate_n they_o be_v in_o the_o way_n of_o life_n and_o need_v not_o fear_v but_o they_o shall_v arrive_v at_o the_o end_n of_o this_o way_n life_n itself_o the_o great_a difficulty_n be_v over_o what_o be_v behind_o be_v easy_a in_o comparison_n this_o little_a which_o god_n have_v do_v already_o in_o bring_v through_o the_o gate_n and_o advance_v to_o life_n be_v but_o a_o earnest_n of_o what_o god_n will_v further_o do_v doct._n 3._o the_o way_n of_o life_n be_v a_o narrow_a way_n to_o keep_v in_o it_o there_o be_v require_v one_a care_n that_o we_o observe_v our_o way_n those_o who_o have_v but_o a_o narrow_a way_n to_o go_v in_o may_v soon_o step_v aside_o if_o they_o take_v not_o great_a heed_n to_o themselves_o 2_o jndustry_n that_o we_o take_v pain_n with_o ourselves_o to_o set_v our_o step_n right_a otherwise_o we_o shall_v either_o sit_v down_o in_o the_o way_n or_o turn_v out_o of_o 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for_o fear_n of_o provoke_a god_n and_o violate_v our_o own_o conscience_n 3_o by_o pressure_n of_o affliction_n which_o the_o lord_n do_v various_o exercise_v his_o people_n with_o in_o this_o way_n for_o the_o mortify_a their_o lust_n the_o practise_v of_o their_o grace_n that_o they_o may_v live_v in_o a_o sense_n of_o their_o own_o sinfulness_n weakness_n apprehensive_a of_o the_o world_n scorn_n and_o malice_n raise_v by_o faith_n to_o expect_v comfort_n and_o help_v from_o god_n in_o a_o time_n of_o need_n maugre_o the_o world_n and_o hell_n 4_o by_o the_o discomfort_n of_o desertion_n when_o we_o be_v leave_v whole_o in_o the_o dark_a without_o
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what_o christ_n have_v tell_v he_o about_o his_o deny_v he_o thrice_o before_o the_o cock_n crew_n twice_o till_o christ_n look_v upon_o he_o and_o much_o more_o in_o david_n who_o after_o he_o have_v defile_v bathsheba_n and_o murder_v uriah_n continue_v in_o his_o sin_n about_o a_o year_n not_o repent_v for_o he_o repent_v not_o till_o nathan_n reprove_v he_o and_o nathan_n reprove_v he_o not_o till_o a_o child_n be_v bear_v of_o his_o adultery_n with_o bathsheba_n 2._o sam._n 12._o 14._o but_o god_n will_v order_v it_o so_o that_o by_o some_o ordinance_n or_o some_o providence_n he_o shall_v be_v excite_v and_o enable_v to_o recover_v himself_o again_o either_o dure_v his_o life_n time_n or_o however_o at_o his_o death_n he_o shall_v recover_v himself_o so_o as_o to_o be_v able_a and_o ready_a to_o forsake_v every_o sin_n he_o have_v live_v in_o to_o discharge_v every_o duty_n he_o have_v neglect_v to_o overcome_v every_o lust_n he_o have_v be_v keep_v under_o by_o to_o exercise_v every_o grace_n he_o have_v be_v deficient_a in_o but_o how_o do_v it_o appear_v that_o those_o who_o be_v build_v on_o christ_n neither_o do_v nor_o can_v fall_v either_o total_o or_o final_o i_o shall_v not_o go_v about_o to_o evidence_n either_o of_o these_o distinct_o but_o shall_v handle_v they_o conjoint_o one_a that_o life_n and_o grace_n which_o christian_n receive_v upon_o their_o union_n to_o christ_n as_o their_o foundation_n head_n and_o root_n be_v resemble_v to_o such_o thing_n as_o abide_v if_o they_o do_v not_o grow_v and_z flourish_z it_o be_v like_o a_o well_o of_o water_n which_o usual_o be_v not_o dry_v up_o though_o the_o summer_n be_v very_o droughty_a john_n 4._o 14._o a_o well_o of_o water_n spring_a up_o into_o everlasting_a life_n it_o be_v like_o a_o tree_n plant_v by_o the_o water_n which_o live_v and_o grow_v and_o flourish_v when_o other_o be_v quite_o dead_a for_o want_v of_o rain_n jere._n 17._o 8_o it_o be_v like_a seed_n which_o have_v take_v root_n in_o good_a ground_n and_o therefore_o abide_v and_o thrive_v and_o bring_v forth_o fruit_n st._n mat._n 13._o 23._o st._n luke_n 8._o 15._o but_o you_o will_v say_v all_o these_o thing_n have_v their_o end_n few_o fountain_n but_o in_o time_n they_o quite_o fail_v no_o tree_n how_o commodious_o soever_o plant_v but_o in_o time_n die_v no_o seed_n but_o when_o it_o have_v bring_v forth_o as_o much_o fruit_n as_o it_o will_v die_v itself_o and_o its_o fruit_n will_v in_o time_n decay_n yet_o let_v it_o be_v consider_v that_o all_o these_o last_o full_a as_o long_o as_o it_o can_v be_v expect_v they_o shall_v do_v according_a to_o their_o nature_n and_o if_o they_o last_v not_o always_o it_o be_v because_o their_o nature_n be_v but_o to_o continue_v for_o a_o time_n now_o it_o be_v the_o nature_n of_o save_a grace_n to_o continue_v for_o ever_o for_o it_o be_v everlasting_a life_n as_o it_o be_v call_v st._n jobn_n 3._o 36._o he_o that_o believe_v on_o the_o son_n have_v everlasting_a life_n 1._o john_n 5._o 11._o god_n have_v give_v to_o we_o eternal_a life_n 2_o those_o who_o be_v thus_o unite_v unto_o christ_n be_v such_o as_o god_n have_v choose_v to_o salvation_n and_o therefore_o they_o can_v fall_v away_o total_o &_o final_o if_o they_o can_v they_o will_v miss_v of_o that_o salvation_n which_o they_o be_v choose_v to_o and_o so_o god_n election_n will_v be_v frustrate_v whoever_o be_v unite_v to_o christ_n be_v choose_v of_o god_n be_v evident_a because_o all_o those_o be_v effectual_o call_v union_n to_o christ_n be_v the_o immediate_a result_n of_o effectual_a vocation_n and_o none_o be_v thus_o call_v by_o god_n but_o such_o as_o he_o have_v
evil._n john_n 17._o 5._o and_o this_o he_o beg_v not_o only_o for_o his_o disciple_n that_o then_o attend_v he_o but_o for_o all_o that_o shall_v believe_v on_o he_o through_o their_o word_n verse_n 2._o therefore_o it_o can_v be_v pretend_v that_o this_o prayer_n be_v make_v for_o some_o few_o and_o not_o for_o all_o christ_n member_n now_o if_o the_o prayer_n of_o a_o righteous_a man_n be_v so_o effectual_a jam._n 5._o 6._o shall_v we_o think_v that_o the_o prayer_n of_o christ_n who_o be_v the_o holy_a one_o of_o god_n the_o son_n of_o god_n that_o it_o shall_v prevail_v 〈◊〉_d nothing_o may_v christian_n be_v confident_a that_o if_o they_o ask_v any_o thing_n according_a to_o god_n will_v he_o hear_v they_o 1_o joh_n 5._o 14._o and_o may_v they_o not_o be_v as_o confident_a that_o if_o christ_n ask_v any_o thing_n he_o shall_v not_o be_v deny_v he_o himself_o be_v so_o john_n 11._o 41._o 42._o i_o know_v that_o thou_o hear_v i_o always_o and_o st._n paul_n upon_o this_o account_n be_v very_o confident_a that_o none_o can_v rise_v up_o against_o he_o to_o condemn_v he_o or_o otherwise_o hurt_v he_o because_o christ_n intercede_v for_o he_o among_o other_o rom_n 8._o 34._o 8_o this_o be_v the_o great_a thing_n which_o those_o who_o be_v unite_v to_o christ_n do_v most_o prize_n love_n and_o desire_v seek_v and_o pray_v for_o that_o they_o may_v be_v establish_v in_o what_o be_v good_a 1._o pet._n 5._o 10._o peter_n beg_v no_o more_o for_o the_o disperse_a jew_n than_o every_o sincere_a christian_a beg_v for_o himself_o that_o they_o may_v be_v keep_v from_o the_o evil_a of_o temptation_n mat_n 6._o 13_o christ_n teach_v they_o thus_o to_o pray_v by_o his_o spirit_n that_o they_o may_v be_v make_v to_o go_v in_o the_o path_n of_o his_o commandment_n psal_n 119._o 35._o make_v i_o to_o go_v etc._n etc._n incline_v my_o heart_n etc._n etc._n turn_v away_o my_o eye_n etc._n etc._n now_o shall_v not_o he_o who_o fulfil_v the_o desire_n of_o such_o as_o fear_v he_o psal_n 145._o 19_o answer_v they_o in_o these_o which_o be_v so_o every_o way_n agreeable_a to_o his_o will_n when_o they_o desire_v to_o be_v keep_v close_o to_o god_n and_o god_n desire_v it_o too_o shall_v the_o devil_n or_o the_o world_n or_o the_o flesh_n be_v able_a to_o hinder_v it_o when_o god_n bid_v they_o ask_v seek_v knock_v and_o encourage_v they_o to_o this_o by_o tell_v they_o they_o shall_v receive_v find_v and_o get_v open_v mat._n 7._o 7._o and_o when_o they_o follow_v his_o counsel_n and_o obey_v his_o command_n and_o take_v heart_n by_o his_o encouragement_n will_v he_o disappoint_v they_o 9_o god_n be_v engage_v by_o covenant_n to_o keep_v they_o from_o fall_v and_o therefore_o he_o be_v engage_v to_o do_v his_o utmost_a towards_o this_o and_o he_o be_v able_a to_o do_v what_o he_o have_v engage_v to_o do_v judas_n 24._o now_o unto_o he_o who_o be_v able_a to_o keep_v you_o from_o fall_v etc._n etc._n this_o be_v the_o tenure_n of_o the_o new_a covenant_n which_o god_n have_v enter_v into_o with_o every_o one_o who_o be_v real_o unite_v to_o christ_n to_o put_v his_o law_n in_o their_o inward_a part_n and_o write_v it_o in_o their_o heart_n etc._n etc._n jere._n 31._o 33._o that_o he_o will_v neither_o depart_v from_o they_o nor_o they_o from_o he_o jere._n 32._o 39_o 40._o they_o shall_v fear_v he_o for_o ever_o etc._n etc._n that_o he_o will_v cause_v they_o to_o walk_v in_o his_o statute_n and_o keep_v his_o judgement_n and_o do_v they_o ezek_n 36._o 27._o that_o he_o will_v betrothe_v they_o to_o himself_o for_o ever_o etc._n etc._n hose_n 2._o 19_o 20._o that_o the_o mountain_n shall_v soon_o depart_v and_o the_o hill_n be_v remove_v etc._n etc._n isai_n 54._o 9_o 10._o that_o his_o spirit_n shall_v not_o depart_v from_o they_o nor_o their_o seed_n isai_n 59_o 11._o indeed_o these_o promise_n seem_v to_o be_v make_v unto_o israel_n after_o the_o flesh_n but_o they_o be_v design_v for_o israel_n after_o the_o spirit_n the_o jew_n literal_a be_v but_o a_o type_n of_o the_o jew_n mystical_a and_o the_o promise_n which_o be_v make_v to_o they_o in_o the_o letter_n according_a to_o their_o more_o spiritual_a and_o high_a meaning_n belong_v to_o the_o true_a israel_n of_o god_n and_o we_o have_v the_o very_a same_o thing_n promise_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n though_o in_o other_o term_n that_o god_n will_v build_v his_o church_n so_o on_o a_o rock_n that_o hell_n gate_n with_o all_o the_o power_n and_o policy_n of_o hell_n can_v prevail_v against_o it_o mat._n 16._o 18._o and_o that_o the_o spirit_n which_o god_n give_v his_o people_n shall_v abide_v with_o they_o for_o ever_o john_n 14._o 16._o it_o be_v true_a also_o that_o these_o promise_n be_v not_o sensible_o make_v good_a to_o his_o people_n of_o a_o long_a while_n yet_o even_o then_o they_o be_v real_o make_v good_a though_o not_o so_o full_o as_o they_o shall_v be_v they_o cleave_v to_o god_n when_o their_o heart_n seem_v to_o wander_v from_o he_o they_o fear_v god_n when_o their_o heart_n seem_v most_o harden_v from_o his_o fear_n 10_o in_o those_o who_o be_v true_o unite_v unto_o christ_n sin_n be_v so_o mortify_v as_o never_o to_o recover_v life_n again_o and_o the_o soul_n be_v so_o quicken_v as_o never_o to_o die_v again_o no_o more_o than_o christ_n die_v after_o he_o once_o rise_v those_o who_o be_v real_o unite_v unto_o christ_n be_v baptise_a into_o his_o death_n so_o as_o they_o begin_v to_o die_v unto_o sin_n and_o though_o sin_n do_v no_o die_n forthwith_o in_o they_o no_o more_o than_o christ_n die_v immediate_o after_o he_o be_v nail_v on_o the_o cross_n yet_o they_o continue_v die_v by_o degree_n as_o christ_n do_v until_o they_o be_v quite_o dead_a and_o they_o be_v baptise_a into_o his_o resurrection_n so_o as_o to_o be_v raise_v to_o a_o new_a life_n which_o shall_v no_o more_o die_v than_o christ_n do_v after_o he_o be_v once_o raise_v and_o this_o be_v the_o importance_n of_o rom._n 6._o 3._o 11._o know_v you_o not_o that_o so_o many_o of_o we_o as_o be_v baptise_a into_o jesus_n christ_n be_v baptise_a into_o his_o death_n likewise_o reckon_v yourselves_o dead_a unto_o sin_n but_o alive_a to_o god_n and_o those_o who_o it_o be_v thus_o with_o can_v never_o fall_v either_o total_o or_o final_o 11_o those_o who_o thus_o fall_n evidence_n that_o whatever_o they_o seem_v they_o never_o real_o be_v unite_v unto_o christ_n for_o if_o they_o have_v be_v they_o will_v have_v keep_v to_o he_o it_o will_v appear_v that_o we_o be_v christ_n house_n if_o we_o hold_v on_o to_o the_o end_n heb._n 3._o 6._o we_o be_v partaker_n of_o christ_n if_o we_o hold_v to_o the_o end_n v._o 14._o it_o will_v appear_v that_o we_o be_v disciple_n indeed_o if_o we_o continue_v in_o christ_n word_n st._n john_n 8._o 31._o he_o say_v not_o we_o shall_v be_v partaker_n of_o christ_n or_o we_o shall_v be_v christ_n disciple_n but_o we_o be_v already_o if_o we_o have_v that_o in_o we_o which_o will_v make_v we_o steadfast_a it_o will_v appear_v that_o we_o be_v son_n if_o we_o abide_v in_o god_n house_n for_o ever_o five_o 35._o it_o be_v a_o certain_a sign_n that_o those_o be_v never_o of_o the_o true_a church_n of_o christ_n who_o at_o any_o time_n go_v out_o from_o it_o 1._o john_n 2._o 19_o but_o you_o will_v say_v what_o reason_n 〈◊〉_d there_o why_o those_o who_o be_v thus_o build_v on_o christ_n can_v fall_v neither_o total_o nor_o final_o i_o answer_v first_o because_o the_o foundation_n itself_o can_v fail_v it_o be_v the_o rock_n of_o age_n psa_n 26._o jesus_n christ_n be_v the_o same_o yesterday_o and_o to_o day_n and_o for_o ever_o heb._n 13_o 8._o he_o be_v a_o sure_a foundation_n isa_n 28._o 16._o 2_o the_o union_n between_o the_o soul_n and_o christ_n the_o foundation_n can_v be_v dissolve_v on_o christ_n part_n it_o can_v because_o he_o be_v altogether_o unchangeable_a on_o the_o soul_n part_v it_o can_v because_o though_o it_o be_v mutable_a in_o itself_o yet_o it_o be_v establish_v in_o christ_n there_o be_v a_o double_a reason_n of_o its_o establishment_n one_a from_o the_o nature_n of_o that_o life_n which_o spring_v up_o in_o it_o from_o the_o foundation_n of_o life_n christ_n unto_o who_o it_o be_v unite_v this_o continual_o spring_v up_o keep_v the_o will_n which_o otherwise_o will_v be_v fickle_a enough_o steady_o bend_v for_o god_n the_o same_o way_n heavenward_n hence_o it_o 〈…〉_o he_o who_o be_v bear_v of_o god_n can_v sin_v st._n john_n 3._o 9_o for_o there_o be_v no_o sin_n but_o what_o be_v voluntary_a now_o their_o will_n be_v already_o engage_v for_o god_n they_o may_v do_v what_o
the_o condition_n of_o lose_a man_n will_v be_v very_o deplorable_a if_o that_o god_n in_o who_o enjoyment_n his_o happiness_n consist_v can_v in_o no_o wise_a be_v find_v the_o undertake_n of_o christ_n also_o will_v be_v altogether_o in_o vain_a whatever_o he_o he_o have_v do_v or_o suffer_v even_o that_o painful_a shameful_a execrable_a death_n upon_o the_o câ—â—ss_n will_v be_v whole_o to_o no_o purpose_n if_o man_n can_v not_o be_v bring_v to_o god_n so_o as_o to_o find_v he_o for_o s._n peter_n tell_v we_o this_o be_v the_o great_a end_n of_o all_o that_o he_o may_v bring_v we_o unto_o god_n s._n pet_n 3._o 18._o doubtless_o then_o god_n may_v be_v find_v if_o he_o be_v but_o seek_v 1._o due_o if_o man_n seek_v he_o out_o of_o a_o feel_a sense_n of_o their_o want_n &_o need_v of_o he_o and_o out_o of_o a_o sincere_a desire_n to_o find_v he_o if_o they_o diligent_o inquire_v after_o he_o faithful_o follow_v the_o guide_n which_o lead_v to_o he_o and_o careful_o use_v the_o mean_n whereby_o he_o be_v draw_v nigh_o unto_o he_o have_v promise_v jer._n 29._o 13._o you_o shall_v seek_v i_o and_o find_v i_o when_o you_o shall_v search_v for_o i_o with_o all_o your_o heart_n which_o be_v as_o true_a of_o god_n readiness_n to_o be_v find_v when_o right_o seek_v to_o deliver_v from_o the_o bondage_n of_o sin_n as_o from_o the_o captivity_n of_o babylon_n 2_o god_n must_v be_v seek_v timely_a while_o he_o may_v be_v find_v before_o the_o proper_a season_n of_o find_v he_o be_v over_o prov._n 8._o 17._o those_o that_o seek_v i_o early_o shall_v find_v i_o for_o the_o five_o thing_n imply_v in_o the_o proposition_n be_v that_o the_o time_n of_o find_v god_n by_o seek_v he_o will_v not_o always_o last_o and_o one_a it_o will_v certain_o be_v end_v at_o death_n indeed_o there_o be_v a_o presence_n of_o god_n according_a to_o which_o he_o will_v be_v find_v after_o death_n unsought_a for_o and_o undesired_a a_o terrible_a furious_a presence_n which_o fill_v the_o conscience_n of_o the_o impenitent_a sinner_n with_o a_o sense_n of_o gild_n and_o wrath_n and_o his_o heart_n with_o anguish_n and_o horror_n perplexity_n and_o despair_n it_o be_v this_o presence_n which_o kindle_v that_o fire_n that_o shall_v never_o be_v quench_v and_o which_o so_o affright_v the_o great_a and_o stout_a that_o they_o be_v not_o able_a to_o abide_v it_o but_o call_v to_o the_o mountain_n and_o rock_n to_o fall_v on_o they_o and_o hide_v they_o from_o it_o rev._n 6_o 16._o when_o the_o soul_n be_v once_o separate_v from_o this_o lumpish_a body_n which_o straiten_n its_o capacity_n and_o dull_v its_o sense_n and_o great_o unfit_v it_o for_o converse_v with_o any_o thing_n but_o this_o gross_a world_n than_o it_o come_v immediate_o to_o have_v to_o do_v with_o god_n himself_o who_o it_o have_v so_o much_o despise_v and_o hate_v and_o his_o presence_n they_o can_v in_o no_o wise_a possible_o avoid_v although_o by_o reason_n of_o the_o contrariety_n which_o be_v between_o god_n nature_n and_o they_o it_o be_v extreme_o torment_v to_o they_o like_o a_o fire_n that_o do_v continual_o scorch_v isa_n 33._o 14._o who_o among_o we_o shall_v dwell_v with_o everlasting_a burn_n but_o as_o for_o the_o amiable_a and_o gracious_a presence_n of_o god_n that_o presence_n which_o the_o soul_n need_v and_o desire_v with_o which_o it_o be_v so_o refresh_v and_o ravish_v this_o if_o it_o be_v not_o seek_v here_o can_v never_o be_v find_v hereafter_o after_o death_n the_o state_n of_o the_o soul_n be_v unalterable_a it_o be_v with_o man_n then_o as_o it_o be_v with_o the_o devil_n immediate_o after_o their_o fall_n their_o will_n be_v immutable_o fix_v to_o their_o former_a choice_n so_o that_o those_o who_o will_v not_o seek_v god_n now_o can_v then_o there_o be_v no_o such_o work_n as_o seek_v in_o the_o grave_a whither_o we_o go_v beside_o if_o there_o can_v be_v any_o seek_v god_n after_o death_n there_o can_v be_v no_o find_v he_o then_o see_v there_o be_v then_o a_o vast_a gulf_n fix_v between_o god_n and_o sinful_a soul_n s._n luke_n 16._o 26._o the_o romanist_n who_o suppose_v a_o purgatory_n after_o death_n and_o a_o seek_v and_o find_v god_n out_o of_o purgatory_n only_o assign_v this_o purgatory_n for_o those_o in_o the_o state_n of_o grace_n who_o have_v be_v sincere_o seek_v god_n during_o this_o life_n but_o have_v not_o find_v he_o be_v not_o sufficient_o purify_v and_o so_o not_o prepare_v for_o he_o 2_o it_o may_v possible_o be_v end_v during_o life_n there_o be_v those_o who_o have_v outlive_v the_o day_n of_o grace_n in_o which_o god_n offer_v himself_o to_o be_v find_v thus_o it_o be_v with_o pharaoh_n who_o god_n after_o the_o six_o plague_n reserve_v alive_a till_o he_o shall_v have_v a_o more_o seasonable_a opportunity_n for_o the_o glorify_v of_o himself_o in_o his_o destruction_n thus_o it_o be_v also_o with_o judas_n of_o who_o christ_n give_v this_o character_n some_o time_n before_o his_o death_n that_o he_o be_v a_o devil_n s._n joh._n 6._o 70._o a_o devil_n not_o only_o for_o the_o wickedness_n of_o his_o heart_n but_o also_o for_o the_o desperateness_n of_o his_o state_n devil_n may_v as_o soon_o find_v god_n as_o he_o there_o be_v those_o who_o while_n alive_a sin_n the_o sin_n unto_o death_n s._n john_n 5._o 19_o oppose_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n so_o obstinate_o and_o contumacious_o in_o its_o save_a work_n that_o at_o last_o it_o full_o and_o final_o resolve_v to_o leave_v they_o to_o themselves_o to_o go_v on_o to_o their_o own_o destruction_n god_n can_v never_o be_v find_v but_o when_o he_o set_v himself_o to_o be_v find_v say_v behold_v i_o behold_v i_o isa_n 65._o 1._o nay_o while_o he_o himself_o seek_v his_o servant_n psal_n 119._o 176._o and_o this_o be_v only_o so_o long_o as_o there_o be_v any_o hope_n that_o a_o sinner_n may_v be_v reclaim_v by_o any_o method_n of_o grace_n which_o god_n wisdom_n and_o justice_n will_v allow_v to_o be_v use_v towards_o he_o but_o if_o after_o a_o trial_n of_o all_o these_o in_o spite_n of_o instruction_n and_o reproof_n of_o mercy_n and_o judgement_n of_o what_o god_n can_v do_v mediate_o by_o his_o minister_n and_o of_o what_o god_n think_v fit_a to_o do_v immediate_o by_o his_o holy_a spirit_n the_o sinner_n persist_v obstinate_o and_o incorrigible_o in_o neglect_v and_o reject_v of_o god_n god_n say_v of_o he_o as_o he_o say_v of_o ephraim_n hos_n 4._o 17._o he_o be_v join_v to_o idol_n let_v he_o alone_o i_o see_v he_o will_v have_v none_o of_o i_o and_o i_o be_o resolve_v he_o shall_v not_o and_o let_v i_o tell_v you_o this_o be_v one_o of_o the_o great_a judgement_n a_o sinner_n be_v capable_a of_o on_o this_o side_n hell_n to_o be_v herein_o by_o god_n judicial_o condemn_v to_o his_o own_o sinful_a choice_n after_o this_o there_o can_v be_v no_o seek_v god_n so_o as_o to_o find_v he_o let_v a_o man_n live_v never_o so_o long_o have_v show_v you_o those_o thing_n that_o be_v imply_v in_o the_o first_o proposition_n i_o come_v now_o to_o the_o proposition_n itself_o and_o shall_v show_v you_o that_o it_o be_v the_o duty_n and_o concern_v of_o all_o to_o seek_v god_n so_o as_o to_o find_v he_o it_o be_v their_o duty_n for_o one_a it_o be_v the_o precept_n of_o god_n who_o we_o ought_v to_o obey_v psal_n 25._o 4._o seek_v you_o the_o lord_n and_o his_o strength_n seek_v his_o face_n evermore_o 2._o it_o be_v the_o practice_n of_o the_o saint_n who_o we_o ought_v to_o imitate_v this_o be_v the_o generation_n of_o they_o that_o seek_v he_o psal_n 24._o 6._o it_o need_v not_o be_v explain_v who_o god_n speak_v to_o isa_n 51._o 1._o you_o that_o seek_v the_o lord_n for_o it_o be_v to_o they_o that_o follow_v after_o righteousness_n 3._o the_o promise_n of_o god_n encourage_v to_o it_o and_o they_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v slight_v the_o promise_n assure_v of_o we_o that_o we_o shall_v find_v god_n if_o we_o search_v for_o he_o with_o all_o our_o heart_n jer._n 26._o 13._o and_o together_o with_o he_o every_o good_a thing_n beside_o psal_n 34._o 10._o they_o that_o seek_v the_o lord_n shall_v not_o want_v any_o good_a thing_n 4._o the_o providence_n of_o god_n call_v to_o this_o and_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v comply_v with_o mercy_n be_v therefore_o vouchsafe_v to_o man_n to_o this_o purpose_n god_n have_v set_v man_n the_o bound_n of_o their_o habitation_n that_o they_o shall_v seek_v the_o lord_n act._n 17._o 46._o 27._o judgement_n be_v inflict_v for_o this_o purpose_n upon_o this_o account_n god_n ill_o resent_v it_o that_o people_n turn_v not_o unto_o he_o that_o smite_v they_o neither_o do_v they_o seek_v the_o lord_n of_o