every_o false_a way_n psa_fw-la 119.104_o so_o vers_fw-la 106._o i_o have_v swear_v and_o i_o will_v perform_v it_o that_o i_o will_v keep_v thy_o righteous_a judgement_n psal_n 17_o 5._o hold_v up_o my_o go_n in_o thy_o path_n that_o my_o foot_n step_v slio_n not_o your_o prevail_a habit_n and_o consequent_o your_o state_n must_v be_v know_v by_o your_o behaviour_n in_o a_o time_n of_o trial_n than_o it_o must_v appear_v whether_o the_o interest_n of_o god_n or_o your_o own_o corruption_n be_v predominant_a in_o you_o whether_o his_o command_n or_o the_o inclination_n of_o the_o fâ—esh_n bear_v the_o great_a sway_n with_o you_o that_o be_v whether_o you_o be_v sincere_a christian_n or_o self-deceiving_a hypocrite_n it_o be_v true_a in_o lead_n the_o best_a of_o man_n through_o surprise_n or_o the_o violence_n of_o a_o temptation_n may_v be_v overtake_v even_o with_o gross_a sin_n but_o if_o they_o fall_v into_o it_o they_o do_v not_o lie_v in_o it_o but_o renew_v their_o repentance_n and_o double_a theiâ—_n waâ—er_o their_o will_n be_v habitual_o more_o against_o sin_n thâ—n_v for_o it_o they_o endeavour_v to_o be_v rid_v of_o it_o and_o therefore_o be_v not_o to_o be_v denominate_v worker_n of_o iniquity_n but_o with_o the_o unregenerate_a the_o case_n be_v otherwise_o they_o love_v their_o sin_n and_o be_v loath_a to_o leave_v they_o quest_n 6_o do_v you_o love_v to_o be_v plain_o deal_v with_o as_o to_o the_o great_a concern_v of_o your_o soul_n be_v you_o for_o awaken_n convince_a search_a light_n or_o have_v he_o rather_o sleep_v on_o and_o take_v your_o rest_n be_v you_o earnest_o desirous_a to_o know_v your_o duty_n better_a in_o order_n to_o practice_n have_v you_o no_o sin_n which_o you_o be_v not_o willing_a to_o find_v out_o have_v you_o discover_v none_o which_o you_o be_v not_o resolve_v to_o leave_v do_v you_o take_v it_o well_o to_o be_v prudent_o and_o faithful_o reprove_v he_o that_o hate_v reproof_n be_v brutish_a shall_v die_v sudden_o be_v destroy_v and_o that_o without_o remedy_n faithful_a be_v the_o wound_n of_o a_o friend_n let_v the_o righteous_a smite_v i_o it_o shall_v be_v a_o kindness_n and_o let_v he_o reprove_v i_o it_o shall_v be_v a_o excellent_a oâ—le_n etc._n etc._n psal_n 141.5_o it_o be_v a_o woeful_a sign_n when_o man_n desire_v to_o be_v foothe_v up_o and_o flatter_v in_o their_o evil_a way_n and_o woe_n be_v to_o those_o who_o humour_v they_o therein_o and_o daub_v with_o untempered_a mortar_n ezek._n 13.10_o joh._n 3.19_o 20._o this_o be_v the_o condemnation_n that_o light_n be_v come_v into_o the_o world_n etc._n etc._n for_o every_o one_o that_o do_v evil_a hate_v the_o light_n neither_o come_v to_o the_o light_n lâ—st_v his_o deed_n shall_v be_v reprove_v but_o a_o gracious_a soul_n be_v for_o a_o home_n and_o close_a application_n of_o the_o most_o search_a powerful_a convince_a truth_n and_o for_o judge_v himself_o impartial_o by_o they_o hypocrite_n indeed_o be_v forward_o to_o judge_n other_o they_o can_v espy_v mote_n in_o their_o brother_n eye_n buâ—_n o_o how_o favourable_a be_v they_o to_o themselves_o how_o ready_a to_o cloak_n and_o extenuate_v their_o own_o sin_n it_o be_v a_o sign_n your_o cause_n be_v naught_o when_o you_o will_v have_v it_o shuffle_v over_o without_o search_v quest_n 7._o do_v you_o earnest_o desire_v and_o endeavour_v after_o great_a degree_n of_o holiness_n both_o in_o heart_n and_o life_n be_v it_o put_v to_o your_o choice_n whether_o have_v you_o rather_o be_v as_o holy_a as_o abraham_n david_n daniel_n etc._n etc._n or_o any_o other_o of_o the_o most_o eminent_a saint_n you_o have_v hear_v or_o read_v of_o or_o as_o great_a and_o successful_a in_o the_o world_n as_o cesar_n alexander_n scipio_n or_o any_o the_o like_a etc._n etc._n this_o be_v a_o plain_a question_n but_o it_o be_v worth_a your_o while_n to_o put_v it_o close_o to_o your_o own_o conscienceâ—_n sensible_n thing_n be_v apt_a to_o make_v very_o strong_a impression_n upon_o we_o while_o spiritual_a object_n though_o infinite_o more_o excellent_a be_v but_o cold_o or_o indifferent_o regard_v if_o you_o be_v true_o gracious_a you_o will_v certain_o desire_v to_o be_v more_o yea_o to_o be_v perfect_o so_o and_o your_o desire_n will_v be_v second_v with_o answerable_a endeavour_n as_o for_o inward_a habitual_a holiness_n you_o will_v still_o be_v take_v pain_n with_o your_o own_o soul_n to_o bring_v they_o to_o a_o more_o full_a conformity_n to_o the_o bless_a god_n this_o you_o will_v aim_v at_o in_o all_o your_o religious_a exercise_n viz._n that_o you_o may_v get_v more_o knowledge_n of_o god_n more_o intimate_a acquaintance_n and_o communion_n with_o he_o through_o christ_n that_o your_o heart_n may_v be_v carry_v out_o more_o earnest_o purtly_a and_o strong_o towards_o he_o in_o short_a that_o you_o may_v be_v more_o inward_a with_o he_o and_o near_o to_o he_o and_o that_o whatever_o you_o find_v in_o yourselves_o contrary_a to_o he_o may_v be_v more_o and_o more_o root_v out_o mortify_v and_o destroy_v you_o will_v even_o hunger_n and_o thirst_n after_o righteousness_n mat._n 5.6_o all_o the_o affliction_n you_o meet_v with_o in_o the_o world_n will_v be_v as_o nothing_o to_o you_o if_o compare_v with_o the_o burden_n of_o remain_a corruption_n especial_o averseness_n from_o god_n as_o for_o holiness_n of_o life_n you_o will_v lay_v out_o yourselves_o for_o god_n your_o time_n your_o strength_n your_o all_o will_v be_v at_o his_o service_n as_o account_v that_o there_o be_v nothing_o else_o worth_a live_n for_o but_o the_o promote_a of_o his_o glory_n and_o the_o please_a of_o his_o will._n you_o will_v therefore_o endeavour_v to_o abound_v in_o the_o work_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o joyful_o embrace_v opportunity_n put_v into_o your_o hand_n to_o testify_v your_o love_n by_o obedience_n though_o the_o flesh_n shall_v be_v a_o loser_n or_o a_o sufferer_n by_o it_o yea_o you_o will_v seek_v for_o such_o opportunity_n and_o contrive_v with_o yourselves_o how_o you_o may_v be_v most_o serviceable_a to_o the_o honour_n and_o interest_n of_o your_o god_n but_o if_o as_o to_o these_o matter_n you_o be_v cold_a and_o careless_a you_o may_v well_o suspect_v yourselves_o to_o be_v false_a and_o unsound_a at_o the_o bottom_n quest_n 8._o do_v you_o hearty_o love_n and_o value_v all_o that_o be_v true_o godly_a as_o such_o be_v your_o delight_n in_o the_o excellent_a one_o of_o the_o earth_n do_v you_o love_v the_o society_n and_o converse_n of_o such_o person_n be_v you_o hearty_o concern_v for_o their_o welfare_n and_o ready_a to_o relieve_v their_o want_n and_o necessity_n how_o dwell_v the_o love_n of_o god_n in_o that_o man_n who_o shat_v up_o his_o bowel_n of_o compassion_n from_o his_o brother_n 1_o joh._n 3.17_o the_o heart_n of_o wicked_a man_n rise_v against_o those_o who_o be_v more_o strict_a and_o serious_a than_o themselves_o they_o can_v hardly_o afford_v they_o a_o good_a word_n or_o look_v but_o put_v nickname_n upon_o they_o and_o can_v wish_v they_o be_v root_v out_o of_o the_o earth_n other_o there_o be_v who_o though_o not_o so_o desperate_o malignant_a do_v yet_o think_v that_o less_o care_n and_o strictness_n may_v serve_v the_o turn_n and_o be_v offend_v to_o see_v they_o make_v so_o much_o ado_n about_o religion_n but_o all_o those_o who_o true_o love_v god_n love_v his_o holy_a image_n wherever_o they_o can_v discern_v it_o love_v those_o that_o be_v beget_v of_o he_o love_v those_o that_o love_v he_o as_o such_o so_o that_o love_n to_o the_o people_n of_o god_n be_v principal_o and_o ultimate_o refer_v unto_o god_n himself_o who_o be_v love_v in_o they_o and_o they_o for_o his_o sake_n 1_o joh._n 3.14_o we_o know_v that_o we_o have_v pass_v from_o death_n unto_o life_n because_o we_o love_v the_o brethren_n but_o then_o you_o must_v observe_v it_o be_v not_o every_o low_a degree_n of_o love_n to_o the_o godly_a even_o as_o such_o that_o will_v prove_v your_o sincerity_n but_o it_o must_v be_v such_o a_o prevail_a degree_n of_o love_n to_o they_o as_o will_v argue_v the_o predominancy_n of_o your_o love_n to_o god_n himself_o upon_o who_o account_n they_o be_v love_v take_v these_o together_o and_o they_o will_v help_v to_o prove_v and_o illustrate_v each_o other_o thus_o chap._n 5.2_o by_o this_o we_o know_v that_o we_o love_v the_o child_n of_o god_n when_o we_o love_v god_n and_o keep_v his_o commandment_n so_o then_o love_v to_o the_o brethren_n be_v a_o more_o remote_a mark_n of_o sincerity_n and_o must_v itself_o be_v try_v by_o this_o more_o immediate_a one_o viz._n love_n to_o god_n himself_o quest_n 9_o what_o way_n do_v your_o thought_n most_o natural_o turn_v for_o support_v in_o a_o hour_n of_o trouble_n whence_o do_v that_o fetch_v your_o great_a relief_n at_o
he_o we_o be_v always_o confident_a vers_fw-la 6._o again_o vers_fw-la 8._o we_o be_v confident_a i_o say_v and_o willing_a rather_o to_o be_v absent_a from_o the_o body_n and_o to_o be_v present_a with_o the_o lord_n q.d._n we_o do_v not_o run_v as_o at_o uncertainty_n nor_o fight_v as_o man_n that_o beat_v the_o air_n but_o know_v who_o we_o have_v trust_v and_o that_o he_o will_v not_o fail_v our_o trust_n this_o be_v the_o faith_n we_o walk_v by_o at_o present_a till_o we_o come_v to_o the_o world_n of_o immediate_a sight_n and_o fruition_n verse_n 7._o and_o now_o let_v we_o return_v to_o the_o word_n of_o the_o text_n and_o consider_v more_o distinct_o both_o the_o literal_a and_o real_a importance_n of_o they_o now_o he_o that_o have_v wrought_v we_o i._n e._n make_v form_v or_o fit_v we_o the_o word_n signify_v to_o fashion_v or_o polish_v a_o thing_n which_o be_v rude_a or_o unshape_a before_n and_o so_o it_o be_v use_v by_o the_o septuagint_n exod._n 35.33_o 1_o king_n 6.36_o for_o the_o selfsame_a thing_n viz._n that_o bless_a state_n in_o which_o mortality_n shall_v be_v swallow_v up_o of_o life_n whereof_o he_o have_v be_v speak_v just_o before_o vers_n 4._o or_o if_o you_o understand_v it_o of_o those_o desire_n and_o groan_n heaven-ward_n which_o be_v wrought_v in_o the_o soul_n of_o believer_n it_o come_v all_o to_o a_o sense_n for_o none_o but_o those_o who_o be_v prepare_v for_o heaven_n do_v right_o and_o judicious_o desire_v it_o as_o shall_v be_v show_v more_o at_o large_a hereafter_o be_v god_n even_o he_o that_o have_v provide_v that_o glory_n for_o we_o vers_fw-la 1._o have_v also_o fit_v we_o for_o it_o the_o order_n and_o tenor_n of_o the_o word_n be_v very_o remarkable_a god_n be_v not_o the_o subject_a but_o the_o predicate_v of_o this_o proposition_n it_o be_v not_o thus_o express_v now_o god_n have_v wrought_v we_o for_o this_o tho_o that_o have_v be_v true_a but_o the_o same_o truth_n be_v speak_v with_o a_o more_o pierce_a emphasis_n and_o majesty_n as_o the_o word_n be_v here_o place_v he_o that_o have_v wrought_v we_o be_v god_n q._n d._n will_v you_o know_v the_o reason_n of_o our_o confidence_n hope_n and_o earnest_a desire_n after_o heaven_n why_o we_o be_v wrought_v for_o it_o do_v you_o ask_v how_o we_o come_v to_o be_v so_o or_o who_o have_v thus_o wrought_v we_o it_o be_v god_n that_o have_v do_v it_o who_o always_o act_n like_o himself_o therefore_o this_o work_n be_v divine_a beseem_v its_o great_a author_n such_o as_o none_o but_o he_o can_v effect_v the_o finger_n of_o god_n be_v plain_a in_o it_o and_o for_o that_o reason_n we_o doubt_v not_o but_o the_o issue_n will_v be_v answerable_o glorious_a and_o excellent_a the_o same_o way_n of_o expression_n you_o have_v chap._n 1.21_o now_o he_o which_o stablish_v we_o with_o you_o in_o christ_n and_o have_v anoint_v we_o be_v god._n as_o for_o the_o real_a importance_n of_o the_o word_n the_o only_a remain_a difficulty_n if_o that_o be_v any_o be_v what_o divine_a work_n the_o apostle_n here_o speak_v of_o in_o answer_n to_o this_o i_o shall_v only_o take_v notice_n of_o the_o three_o follow_v particular_n which_o be_v most_o full_a and_o comprehensive_a in_o the_o case_n 1._o god_n as_o he_o be_v our_o creator_n and_o the_o god_n of_o nature_n have_v give_v we_o immortal_a soul_n furnish_v with_o faculty_n to_o prepare_v for_o a_o better_a life_n he_o have_v make_v they_o pure_a spiritual_a noble_a intellectual_a substance_n noâ—_n consist_v of_o any_o contrary_a principle_n which_o by_o act_v upon_o or_o against_o each_o other_o may_v infer_v the_o dissolution_n of_o the_o whole_a now_o in_o that_o he_o have_v give_v the_o soul_n such_o a_o nature_n it_o be_v manifest_a that_o he_o design_v it_o for_o a_o eternal_a state_n because_o he_o do_v nothing_o in_o vain_a but_o always_o fit_v his_o creature_n for_o the_o respective_a end_n whereunto_o he_o have_v appoint_v they_o and_o since_o both_o gracâ—_n and_o glory_n presuppose_v nature_n that_o be_v the_o fundamental_a capacity_n of_o the_o subject_a therefore_o this_o particular_a may_v well_o enough_o be_v take_v in_o though_o it_o can_v reasonable_o he_o imagine_v that_o this_o be_v the_o main_a much_o less_o the_o only_a thing_n intend_v in_o the_o text._n the_o soul_n of_o the_o vilâ—â—_n man_n yea_o even_o the_o devil_n themselves_o be_v thus_o faâ—_n wrought_v for_o a_o everlasting_a state_n but_o it_o be_v not_o mâ—â—â—_n immortality_n but_o a_o glorious_a and_o bless_a immortality_n that_o be_v here_o speak_v of_o so_o that_o to_o be_v wrought_v for_o this_o selfsame_a thing_n must_v needs_o signify_v something_o peculiar_a unto_o true_a believer_n for_o they_o only_o have_v a_o right_n to_o the_o heavenly_a glory_n and_o beside_o the_o greek_a word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d seem_v not_o so_o natural_o to_o signify_v the_o create_v of_o a_o soul_n as_o some_o subsequent_a work_n upon_o it_o already_o create_v to_o which_o it_o be_v natural_a essence_n be_v presuppose_v not_o produce_v by_o it_o 2._o as_o our_o redeemer_n and_o the_o god_n of_o govern_v reconcile_a grace_n he_o have_v open_v the_o way_n to_o heaven_n for_o we_o and_o so_o deal_v with_o we_o upon_o term_n of_o mercy_n and_o compassion_n in_o order_n to_o our_o recovery_n from_o that_o sinful_a and_o miserable_a state_n into_o which_o we_o have_v bring_v ourselves_o to_o this_o end_n the_o eternal_a son_n of_o god_n in_o the_o fullness_n of_o time_n sanctify_v a_o portion_n of_o humane_a nature_n and_o take_v it_o into_o union_n with_o the_o divine_a and_o in_o it_o fulfil_v all_o righteousness_n perfect_o obey_v the_o law_n offer_v up_o himself_o a_o sacrifice_n to_o satisfy_v divine_a justice_n conquer_v satan_n death_n and_o hell_n die_v arise_v ascend_v and_o be_v glorify_v that_o we_o may_v cheerful_o and_o believe_o follow_v he_o thus_o human_a nature_n in_o the_o person_n of_o our_o great_a mediator_n be_v wrought_v through_o â—ariety_n of_o labour_n and_o suffering_n till_o it_o arrive_v to_o the_o high_a advancement_n that_o from_o hence_o we_o may_v be_v assure_v how_o great_a thing_n be_v intend_v for_o we_o if_o we_o do_v not_o reject_v the_o counsel_n of_o god_n against_o ourselves_o he_o that_o spare_v not_o his_o own_o son_n but_o deliver_v he_o up_o for_o we_o all_o how_o shall_v he_o not_o with_o he_o also_o free_o give_v we_o all_o thing_n rom._n 8.32_o he_o be_v go_v before_o to_o prepare_v a_o place_n for_o we_o and_o to_o take_v possession_n etc._n etc._n his_o arm_n be_v ever_o open_a to_o receive_v return_v sinner_n the_o more_o weary_a and_o heavy_a lade_v with_o the_o burden_n of_o sin_n the_o fit_a for_o he_o to_o exercise_v his_o office_n upon_o he_o will_v cast_v out_o none_o that_o sincere_o come_v to_o he_o none_o be_v exclude_v who_o do_v not_o by_o wilful_a and_o final_a impenitency_n exclude_v themselves_o on_o his_o part_n all_o thing_n be_v ready_a what_o then_o remain_v but_o that_o we_o thankful_o lie_v hold_v on_o this_o tree_n of_o life_n and_o by_o faith_n feed_v thereon_o that_o we_o may_v live_v for_o ever_o 3._o as_o he_o be_v our_o sanctifier_n and_o the_o applyer_n and_o perfect_a of_o all_o to_o fit_v we_o for_o glory_n he_o work_v in_o the_o soul_n of_o his_o people_n those_o holy_a qualification_n tendency_n and_o affection_n whereby_o the_o heavenly_a state_n become_v con-natural_a and_o agreeable_a to_o they_o or_o rather_o they_o to_o it_o to_o live_v and_o have_v a_o be_v in_o a_o furture_n state_n be_v oâ—â—_n thing_n to_o be_v happy_a therein_o another_o mere_a immortality_n fit_v you_o for_o the_o former_a immediate_o but_o only_o in_o a_o more_o remote_a sense_n for_o the_o latter_a o_o sir_n it_o be_v but_o cold_a comfort_n to_o know_v that_o your_o soul_n be_v immortal_a if_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n you_o be_v utter_o in_o the_o dark_a whether_o it_o shall_v be_v well_o or_o ill_o with_o they_o hereafter_o live_v they_o must_v to_o all_o eternity_n but_o if_o a_o great_a deal_n of_o care_n be_v not_o take_v in_o time_n that_o life_n be_v like_a to_o prove_v worse_o than_o death_n therefore_o you_o know_v that_o eternal_a life_n be_v usual_o take_v in_o the_o best_a sense_n mat._n 25.46_o the_o righteous_a into_o lisâ—_n eternal_a rom._n 6.23_o the_o gist_n of_o god_n be_v eternal_a lisâ—_n those_o in_o hell_n live_v too_o because_o they_o can_v not_o because_o they_o will_v not_o die_v know_v then_o that_o you_o soul_n be_v no_o less_o capable_a of_o exquisite_a torment_n and_o misery_n than_o of_o joy_n and_o blessedness_n in_o another_o world_n their_o everlasting_a weal_n or_o woe_n depend_v moâ—â—_n direct_o and_o near_o upon_o moral_a quality_n than_o upon_o their_o natural_a essence_n as_o wicked_a man_n be_v shilling_n
business_n otherwise_o you_o wâ—â—_n confound_v perplex_v and_o entangle_v yourselves_o to_o no_o purpose_n difficult_a case_n be_v not_o to_o be_v resolve_v without_o a_o orderly_o proceedure_v of_o thought_n about_o they_o confusion_n be_v the_o great_a enemy_n to_o all_o true_a knowledge_n of_o what_o kind_n soever_o take_v care_n that_o you_o do_v not_o begin_v at_o the_o wrong_a end_n first_o let_v preliminary_n be_v well_o adjust_v before_o you_o come_v to_o the_o point_n itself_o under_o this_o head_n take_v your_o work_n in_o the_o follow_a order_n 1._o understand_v aright_o what_o you_o be_v to_o inquire_v after_o lest_o you_o mistake_v the_o question_n the_o thing_n to_o be_v know_v be_v whether_o you_o be_v so_o far_o wrought_v for_o heaven_n that_o if_o it_o shall_v please_v god_n immediate_o to_o require_v your_o soul_n of_o you_o it_o will_v go_v well_o with_o they_o in_o another_o state_n that_o be_v whether_o the_o condition_n of_o your_o soul_n be_v such_o that_o come_v life_n come_v death_n they_o be_v safe_a now_o here_o â—â—ls_v plain_a that_o you_o may_v easy_o deceive_v yourselves_o by_o state_v the_o question_n too_o high_a or_o too_o low_a if_o you_o only_o inquire_v whether_o there_o be_v any_o good_a in_o you_o which_o have_v a_o tendency_n towards_o this_o great_a work_n of_o regeneration_n you_o than_o fall_v short_a in_o the_o point_n for_o i_o have_v tell_v you_o before_o that_o there_o may_v be_v very_o deep_a conviction_n of_o the_o necessity_n of_o this_o renew_n change_n yea_o and_o some_o saint_n essay_n resolution_n or_o endeavour_n towards_o it_o which_o be_v only_o the_o effect_n of_o common_a grace_n and_o if_o they_o be_v rest_v in_o do_v as_o certain_o end_v in_o destruction_n as_o down_o right_a profaneness_n do_v again_o there_o be_v various_a degree_n and_o measure_n of_o grace_n among_o the_o people_n of_o god_n themselves_o all_o that_o be_v sincere_a be_v not_o of_o the_o same_o stature_n or_o stand_n some_o have_v receive_v more_o talent_n a_o great_a stock_n of_o grace_n than_o other_o if_o therefore_o you_o inquire_v immediate_o whether_o you_o have_v attain_v to_o such_o or_o such_o measure_n to_o which_o some_o other_o who_o perhaps_o be_v above_o you_o have_v arrive_v you_o than_o lay_v a_o snare_n for_o your_o own_o comfort_n and_o peace_n by_o carry_v the_o question_n too_o high_a at_o first_o your_o present_a business_n be_v to_o examine_v whether_o your_o grace_n be_v sincire_fw-la as_o for_o the_o degree_n of_o they_o let_v that_o be_v inquire_v into_o afterward_o it_o be_v likely_a you_o be_v not_o so_o good_a as_o the_o best_a nor_o so_o bad_a as_o the_o worst_a the_o question_n be_v whether_o of_o the_o two_o you_o be_v more_o like_a to_o in_o the_o main_a do_v not_o â—hâ—â—cy_n yourselves_o saint_n because_o you_o be_v not_o so_o vile_a 〈◊〉_d the_o vile_a for_o among_o unregenerate_a person_n themselves_o all_o be_v not_o alike_o scandalous_a and_o harden_v in_o sin_n noâ—_n yet_o must_v you_o conclude_v that_o you_o be_v graceless_a because_o some_o other_o our-stâ—ip_a you_o in_o holiness_n there_o be_v aâ—_n infant_n as_o well_o as_o a_o more_o strong_a and_o confirm_a state_n of_o grace_n 2._o study_v well_o the_o rule_n by_o which_o you_o be_v to_o try_v yourselves_o search_v the_o scripture_n to_o the_o law_n and_o to_o the_o testimony_n by_o this_o you_o must_v try_v the_o spirit_n and_o the_o doctrine_n of_o other_o man_n how_o much_o more_o near_o do_v it_o concern_v you_o to_o examine_v your_o own_o heart_n and_o life_n thereby_o acquaint_v yourselves_o well_o with_o the_o tenor_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n upon_o what_o term_n pardon_v and_o life_n be_v offer_v to_o poor_a sinner_n what_o be_v essentiaâ—â—_n necessary_a to_o the_o be_v of_o a_o sincere_a christian_a as_o such_o and_o what_o be_v further_a requisite_a to_o his_o establishment_n comfort_n and_o wellbeing_a in_o the_o sacred_a record_n you_o may_v find_v the_o nature_n of_o those_o grace_n which_o qualify_v and_o fit_a man_n for_o eternal_a life_n and_o also_o the_o example_n of_o many_o who_o be_v go_v to_o heaven_n before_o we_o what_o their_o heart_n be_v set_v upon_o how_o they_o live_v and_o how_o they_o die_v here_o you_o may_v learn_v what_o you_o ought_v to_o be_v where_o to_o place_v your_o affection_n how_o to_o regulate_v your_o life_n that_o you_o may_v be_v happy_a you_o may_v see_v the_o character_n by_o which_o the_o heir_n of_o heaven_n must_v be_v know_v and_o also_o the_o opposite_a description_n of_o those_o who_o shall_v be_v exclude_v from_o that_o felicity_n he_o be_v unfit_a to_o be_v a_o judge_n who_o be_v ignorant_a of_o the_o law_n or_o rule_n of_o judgement_n it_o therefore_o much_o concern_v you_o to_o converse_v much_o with_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o to_o understand_v the_o true_a spiritual_a sense_n and_o meaning_n of_o they_o which_o be_v able_a to_o make_v you_o wise_a to_o salvation_n from_o hence_o you_o must_v take_v your_o measure_n in_o judge_v of_o the_o sincerity_n of_o your_o faith_n repentance_n love_n obedience_n etc._n etc._n that_o so_o you_o may_v not_o take_v up_o with_o the_o empty_a name_n of_o grace_n instead_o of_o the_o thing_n itself_o as_o too_o many_o through_o sloth_n and_o affect_a ignorance_n do_v and_o here_o you_o must_v remember_v that_o the_o commandment_n of_o god_n be_v exceed_o broad_a extend_v not_o only_a to_o the_o government_n of_o our_o outward_a action_n and_o behaviour_n hâ—â—_n also_o to_o the_o inward_a principle_n from_o whence_o those_o action_n flow_v viz._n all_o the_o faculty_n and_o power_n of_o our_o soul_n understanding_n will_n imagination_n affection_n sense_n appetite_n habit_n disposition_n etc._n etc._n must_v be_v mind_v and_o govern_v by_o the_o rule_n and_o that_o in_o all_o circumstance_n at_o all_o time_n and_o in_o all_o place_n without_o exception_n the_o tree_n must_v be_v make_v good_a that_o the_o fruit_n may_v be_v so_o god_n have_v imprint_v his_o holy_a image_n upon_o his_o word_n and_o make_v use_v of_o it_o as_o a_o instrument_n to_o work_v a_o suitable_a impression_n upon_o we_o 3._o you_o be_v next_o to_o examine_v strict_o your_o own_o heart_n and_o life_n and_o compare_v they_o with_o the_o rule_n or_o try_v they_o by_o it_o remember_v i_o be_o now_o speak_v only_o in_o general_n to_o prepare_v you_o for_o those_o particular_a question_n which_o be_v design_v as_o a_o further_a help_n for_o the_o discovery_n of_o your_o case_n only_o at_o present_a let_v i_o tell_v you_o you_o be_v not_o to_o judge_n of_o the_o state_n of_o your_o soul_n by_o what_o be_v unusual_a and_o extraordinary_a with_o you_o but_o by_o the_o habitual_a bent_n of_o your_o heart_n and_o the_o state_v ordinary_a course_n and_o tenor_n of_o your_o life_n a_o hypocrite_n may_v have_v some_o transient_a affection_n and_o emotion_n of_o soul_n towards_o spiritual_a thing_n and_o some_o seem_a fit_n of_o religion_n for_o a_o while_n and_o yet_o afterward_o return_v with_o the_o dog_n to_o his_o vomit_n again_o herod_n hear_v john_n baptist_n glad_o and_o do_v many_o thing_n those_o on_o the_o rock_n hear_v the_o word_n and_o anon_o with_o joy_n receive_v it_o but_o have_v not_o root_v in_o themselves_o mat._n 13._o observe_v here_o a_o live_a principle_n of_o grace_n be_v a_o root_v principle_n fix_v in_o the_o heart_n and_o there_o keep_v alive_a by_o the_o same_o power_n which_o implant_v it_o it_o be_v say_v of_o he_o that_o be_v bear_v of_o god_n that_o his_o seed_n remain_v in_o â—â—in_n joh._n 3_o 9_o in_o short_a the_o will_n be_v the_o man_n and_o the_o sincerity_n of_o its_o resolution_n must_v be_v know_v by_o suitable_a endeavour_n and_o the_o sincerity_n of_o those_o endeavour_n by_o their_o success_n of_o which_o more_o hereafter_o or_o if_o you_o take_v â—t_a the_o other_o way_n by_o the_o main_a drift_n and_o course_n of_o your_o life_n you_o may_v know_v what_o be_v the_o prevail_a habit_n and_o disposition_n of_o your_o soul_n for_o man_n will_v act_v according_a to_o their_o predominant_a habit_n and_o by_o these_o you_o may_v know_v your_o state_n that_o be_v by_o reduce_v all_o to_o the_o scripture-rule_n as_o have_v be_v say_v already_o thus_o must_v you_o try_v and_o judge_v yourselves_o 4._o you_o be_v then_o to_o proceed_v to_o sentence_n which_o iâ—_n nothing_o else_o but_o the_o conclusion_n that_o must_v be_v draw_v from_o the_o foregoing_a premise_n viz._n the_o law_n and_o fact_n compare_v together_o here_o again_o keep_v your_o heart_n close_o to_o the_o work_n and_o bring_v it_o to_o a_o issue_n soon_o or_o late_a this_o must_v be_v do_v and_o the_o soon_o the_o better_a if_o upon_o a_o thorough_a enquiry_n thou_o find_v thyself_o to_o be_v yet_o in_o 〈◊〉_d unregenerate_a state_n pass_v sentence_n according_o it_o will_v signify_v
towards_o eternity_n your_o continuance_n on_o earth_n be_v like_a to_o be_v but_o short_a at_o long_a and_o by_o reason_n of_o its_o uncertainty_n may_v prove_v much_o short_a than_o you_o be_v willing_a to_o imagine_v or_o hear_v of_o do_v you_o not_o see_v other_o daily_o drop_v into_o the_o grave_a before_o your_o eye_n even_o such_o as_o be_v as_o likely_a for_o life_n as_o yourselves_o and_o how_o little_a do_v you_o know_v how_o soon_o your_o turn_n may_v come_v and_o what_o if_o your_o glass_n shall_v be_v run_v before_o your_o work_n be_v do_v where_o be_v you_o then_o it_o may_v be_v when_o the_o fear_n of_o death_n and_o judgement_n be_v upon_o you_o you_o will_v then_o cry_v out_o for_o more_o time_n but_o how_o little_a reason_n have_v you_o to_o expect_v that_o such_o cry_n shall_v be_v regard_v from_o person_n who_o have_v trifle_v away_o so_o much_o time_n already_o to_o no_o purpose_n o_o labour_n so_o to_o number_v your_o day_n as_o to_o apply_v your_o heart_n to_o wisdom_n 6._o consider_v how_o easy_a the_o yoke_n of_o christ_n be_v how_o light_a his_o burden_n mat._n 11.30_o i_o know_v indeed_o that_o the_o hearâ—_n of_o unregenerate_a man_n be_v deep_o prejudice_v against_o the_o way_n of_o serious_a godliness_n partly_o through_o their_o own_o corruption_n and_o partly_o through_o the_o malice_n and_o subtlety_n of_o the_o devil_n and_o therefore_o such_o prejudices_fw-la must_v needs_o be_v most_o unworthy_a and_o unreasonable_a how_o shall_v there_o be_v any_o reason_n or_o truth_n against_o the_o god_n of_o truth_n and_o reason_n his_o service_n be_v perfect_a freedom_n his_o commandment_n be_v not_o grievous_a here_o let_v i_o reason_v the_o case_n a_o little_a with_o you_o bring_v forth_o your_o strong_a argument_n what_o be_v there_o that_o offend_v you_o in_o the_o holy_a way_n of_o god_n do_v you_o fear_v they_o will_v tend_v to_o your_o loss_n or_o disadvantage_n in_o the_o world_n why_o be_v you_o yet_o to_o learn_v that_o a_o man_n life_n consist_v not_o in_o the_o abundance_n of_o the_o thing_n which_o he_o possess_v luk._n 12.15_o our_o heavenly_a father_n know_v how_o far_o we_o have_v need_n of_o these_o thing_n and_o be_v able_a to_o furnish_v a_o table_n in_o the_o wilderness_n if_o we_o crust_v he_o not_o with_o our_o soul_n we_o be_v undo_v but_o if_o we_o do_v iâ—_n it_o not_o very_o absurd_a to_o distrust_v he_o as_o to_o our_o outward_a concern_v what_o a_o preposterous_a kind_n of_o solicitude_n be_v this_o if_o i_o have_v tell_v you_o earthly_a thing_n and_o you_o believe_v not_o how_o shall_v you_o believe_v if_o i_o tell_v you_o of_o heavenly_a thing_n job_n 1.12_o i_o only_o allude_v to_o it_o nor_o be_v there_o want_v promise_n to_o rest_v upon_o this_o matter_n seek_v first_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o all_o these_o thing_n shall_v be_v add_v mat._n 6.33_o 1_o tim._n 4.8_o godliness_n be_v profitable_a unto_o all_o thing_n have_v the_o promise_n of_o the_o life_n that_o now_o be_v etc._n etc._n psal_n 37.3_o trust_v in_o the_o lord_n and_o do_v good_a so_o shall_v thou_o dwell_v in_o the_o land_n and_o very_o thou_o shall_v be_v feed_v beside_o the_o promise_n of_o aâ—â—_n hundred_o fold_v to_o those_o who_o forsake_v their_o worldly_a enjoyment_n for_o his_o name_n be_v sake_n mat._n 19.29_o do_v you_o apprehend_v that_o it_o will_v tend_v to_o your_o dishonour_n to_o engage_v strict_o in_o the_o holy_a way_n of_o god_n answ_n it_o be_v a_o very_a small_a matter_n to_o be_v judge_v of_o man_n judgement_n those_o that_o honour_n god_n he_o will_v honour_v but_o they_o that_o despise_v he_o shall_v be_v light_o esteem_v do_v you_o think_v that_o a_o life_n of_o holiness_n be_v irksome_a or_o unpleasant_a answ_n if_o you_o consider_v the_o duty_n enjoin_v the_o promise_v annex_v the_o support_v and_o assistance_n vouchsafe_v to_o the_o godly_a the_o experience_n and_o testimony_n of_o those_o who_o have_v try_v the_o pleasure_n of_o both_o kind_n yea_o or_o the_o true_a notion_n of_o pleasure_n itself_o you_o will_v find_v abundant_a reason_n to_o conclude_v that_o there_o be_v no_o joy_n comparable_a to_o those_o of_o the_o godly_a but_o that_o wisdom_n excel_v folly_n as_o much_o as_o light_n do_v darkness_n the_o way_n of_o holiness_n be_v way_n of_o pleasantness_n prov._n 3.17_o thus_o you_o must_v by_o serious_a consideration_n endeavour_v to_o dispossess_v those_o prejudices_fw-la which_o be_v root_v in_o the_o heart_n of_o unregenerate_a man_n against_o religion_n there_o be_v enough_o to_o be_v say_v to_o show_v how_o vain_a and_o frivolous_a their_o objection_n be_v therefore_o let_v your_o reason_n be_v full_o satisfy_v in_o the_o case_n do_v not_o stand_v in_o your_o own_o light_n plead_v not_o for_o your_o disease_n nor_o argue_v in_o the_o dark_a against_o thing_n which_o you_o know_v not_o first_o try_v and_o then_o judge_v it_o be_v not_o cavil_v against_o your_o duty_n which_o will_v serve_v to_o excuse_v you_o from_o it_o 7._o consider_v what_o great_a encouragement_n you_o have_v humble_o to_o expect_v the_o assistance_n of_o special_a grace_n if_o you_o careful_o improve_v the_o ability_n and_o help_n that_o be_v already_o grant_v you_o it_o be_v likely_a that_o satan_n and_o your_o own_o corrupt_a heart_n may_v suggest_v to_o you_o that_o it_o be_v to_o no_o purpose_n to_o trouble_v your_o thought_n about_o these_o thing_n because_o special_a grace_n be_v the_o gift_n of_o god_n who_o diâ—â—_n with_o his_o own_o as_o he_o please_v but_o to_o this_o i_o answer_v though_o it_o be_v true_a that_o grace_n be_v a_o free_a gift_n else_o it_o be_v not_o grace_n yet_o it_o do_v not_o therefore_o follow_v that_o you_o must_v sit_v still_o in_o a_o sluggish_a stupidity_n and_o expect_v to_o be_v save_v without_o any_o care_n or_o concern_v of_o your_o own_o about_o iâ—_n be_v not_o the_o mercy_n of_o common_a providence_n as_o food_n raiment_n friend_n health_n etc._n etc._n the_o gift_n of_o god_n will_v you_o therefore_o argue_v that_o no_o care_n be_v to_o be_v take_v about_o these_o thing_n how_o then_o come_v it_o to_o pass_v that_o your_o thought_n and_o endeavour_n be_v employ_v early_o and_o late_o in_o the_o world_n and_o for_o it_o it_o seem_v you_o be_v most_o willing_a to_o be_v impose_v upon_o and_o to_o have_v a_o cloak_n for_o your_o sloth_n in_o spiritual_a matter_n though_o you_o will_v laugh_v at_o he_o who_o shall_v argue_v at_o the_o same_o rate_n as_o to_o temporal_a concern_v therefore_o to_o be_v plain_a with_o you_o i_o must_v tell_v you_o you_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o expect_v the_o help_n of_o special_a grace_n while_o through_o mere_a sloth_n and_o perverseness_n you_o will_v not_o excite_v your_o natural_a faculty_n nor_o strike_v in_o with_o conviction_n and_o other_o help_n of_o common_a grace_n which_o be_v vouchsafed-you_a but_o rather_o you_o may_v just_o fear_v lest_o you_o shall_v be_v give_v up_o to_o a_o reprobate_a sense_n to_o blindness_n of_o mind_n and_o hardness_n of_o heart_n for_o the_o turn_n away_o of_o the_o simple_a shall_v slay_v they_o prov._n 1.32_o but_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n you_o be_v not_o destitute_a of_o encouragement_n if_o in_o good_a earnest_n you_o fall_v to_o the_o work_n it_o may_v be_v you_o will_v say_v that_o yâ—_n have_v no_o full_a proper_a promise_n to_o depend_v upon_o for_o special_a grace_n though_o you_o shall_v improve_v the_o common_a help_n that_o be_v give_v you_o but_o here_o let_v i_o ask_v you_o be_v there_o not_o many_o dreadful_a threatening_n to_o the_o slothful_a neglector_n of_o this_o great_a salvation_n be_v you_o not_o earnest_o inviteâ—_n to_o come_v in_o and_o accept_v of_o christ_n be_v not_o the_o god_n with_o who_o you_o have_v to_o do_v mereâ—ful_a and_o gracious_a be_v not_o the_o great_a redeemer_n full_a of_o compassion_n be_v you_o not_o command_v to_o seek_v the_o lord_n while_o he_o may_v be_v sound_a and_o to_o call_v upon_o he_o while_o he_o be_v near_a isa_n 55_o 6_o â—_o and_o be_v there_o not_o a_o great_a deal_n of_o encouragement_n in_o all_o this_o his_o god_n set_v you_o about_o needless_a unpregnable_n wâ—â—â—_n will_v he_o not_o be_v sound_a of_o they_o that_o see_v he_o doâ—h_v not_o he_o love_v holiness_n better_o than_o you_o and_o will_v he_o not_o be_v as_o ready_a to_o vouchsafe_v the_o sanâ—â—â—_n you_o influenceâ—_n of_o his_o grace_n as_o you_o be_v ardaly_a to_o desâ—â—e_v 〈◊〉_d bâ—â—â—r_n after_o they_o what_o iniquity_n have_v you_o â—â—â—u_fw-mi 〈◊〉_d in_o â—im_n â—hat_n you_o shoulâ—_n entertain_v such_o mean_a low_a narrow_a 〈◊〉_d oughts_z of_o his_o goodness_n where_o be_v the_o man_n and_o what_o be_v his_o name_n that_o can_v say_v lord_n i_o do_v to_o my_o utmost_a improve_v the_o help_n thou_o give_v i_o and_o yer_z thou_o râ—â—â—â—â—'st_v to_o
to_o labour_v after_o more_o though_o still_o it_o be_v god_n that_o work_v in_o they_o heb._n 13.20_o 21._o five_o and_o last_o the_o soul_n of_o believer_n be_v at_o their_o death_n make_v perfect_a in_o holiness_n somewhat_o have_v be_v speak_v of_o this_o already_o which_o be_v now_o to_o be_v further_o illustrate_v and_o prove_v the_o scripture_n assure_v we_o that_o the_o soul_n of_o the_o godly_a be_v separate_v from_o their_o body_n do_v pass_v into_o glory_n or_o into_o the_o presence_n of_o christ_n abraham_n bosom_n thus_o our_o lord_n tell_v the_o penitent_a thief_n luk._n 23.43_o to_o day_n shall_v thou_o be_v with_o i_o in_o paradise_n so_o the_o apostle_n in_o this_o context_n we_o be_v will_v rather_o to_o be_v absent_a from_o the_o body_n and_o to_o be_v present_a with_o the_o lord_n vers_fw-la 8._o we_o be_v also_o tell_v that_o the_o angel_n shall_v be_v our_o convoy_n to_o bring_v we_o thither_o luke_n 16.22_o now_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o no_o unclean_a thing_n nothing_o that_o defile_v can_v enter_v into_o the_o heavenly_a state_n from_o whence_o it_o follow_v that_o the_o soul_n of_o the_o faithful_a shall_v then_o be_v perfect_o free_v from_o all_o sinful_a weakness_n and_o therefore_o must_v need_v be_v perfect_o holy_a for_o it_o be_v nonsense_n to_o suppose_v a_o middle_a state_n in_o this_o case_n viz._n in_o a_o rational_a creature_n oblige_v by_o the_o law_n of_o its_o nature_n to_o a_o perfect_a conformity_n to_o the_o will_n of_o its_o creaton_n but_o what_o need_v further_a reason_v when_o we_o be_v plain_o tell_v of_o the_o spirit_n of_o just_a men-made_a perfect_a thus_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o when_o death_n have_v open_v the_o womb_n of_o time_n or_o draw_v aside_o the_o veil_n and_o let_v we_o into_o eternity_n all_o our_o sinful_a imperfection_n will_v be_v lest_o behind_o we_o and_o never_o trouble_v we_o more_o how_o weak_a soever_o our_o present_a insant-staâ—e_a on_o earth_n be_v there_o be_v nothing_o above_o but_o perfect_a holiness_n and_o love_n thus_o the_o day_n of_o death_n be_v the_o birthday_n of_o the_o gracious_a soul_n perfection_n this_o be_v our_o three_o birth_n as_o one_o speak_v and_o therefore_o no_o wonder_n if_o there_o be_v some_o pang_n and_o difficulty_n in_o it_o as_o there_o be_v in_o the_o birth_n of_o nature_n and_o in_o that_o of_o grace_n so_o in_o this_o of_o glory_n shall_v not_o the_o thought_n of_o this_o make_v death_n welcome_a it_o may_v be_v you_o will_v say_v death_n be_v a_o enemy_n to_o nature_n but_o be_v it_o not_o a_o conquer_a enemy_n have_v not_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n even_o in_o our_o nature_n overcome_v it_o have_v he_o not_o take_v away_o the_o sting_n of_o it_o and_o in_o so_o do_v gain_v we_o the_o victory_n 1_o cor._n 15.55_o etc._n etc._n yea_o by_o the_o power_n and_o wisdom_n of_o our_o mighty_a redeemer_n this_o enemy_n death_n be_v turn_v to_o our_o advantage_n to_o die_v be_v gain_v be_v in_o terrible_a to_o nature_n what_o be_v faith_n for_o but_o to_o conquer_v such_o fear_n must_v we_o not_o die_v in_o faith_n as_o well_o as_o live_v by_o be_v but_o to_o return_v to_o the_o point_n it_o be_v no_o wonder_n if_o such_o sinful_a imperfect_a creature_n as_o we_o be_v much_o at_o a_o loss_n in_o our_o apprehension_n concern_v a_o state_n of_o sin_n less_o perfection_n both_o as_o to_o the_o nature_n of_o it_o and_o the_o manner_n how_o it_o be_v bring_v about_o but_o for_o all_o this_o it_o be_v not_o hard_a to_o conceive_v that_o there_o be_v several_a thing_n which_o may_v great_o contribute_v thereto_o i_o will_v just_a name_n three_o particular_n 1._o these_o body_n will_v then_o be_v lay_v aside_o and_o who_o know_v not_o what_o heavy_a weight_n what_o prison_n what_o snare_n they_o have_v be_v to_o our_o soul_n body_n of_o sin_n and_o death_n god_n know_v rom._n 7.23_o 24._o 2._o and_o therefore_o those_o holy_a habit_n which_o have_v the_o command_a influence_n upon_o the_o heart_n and_o life_n of_o true_a believer_n but_o be_v miserable_o obscure_v and_o keep_v at_o a_o under_o by_o the_o mist_n and_o darkness_n of_o the_o aniâ—nal_a state_n shall_v then_o display_v themselves_o and_o appear_v in_o their_o own_o likeness_n which_o be_v not_o unintelligible_a especial_o if_o the_o nature_n of_o a_o habit_n consist_v in_o a_o secret_a deep_a imperceptible_a constant_a act_n of_o the_o soul_n and_o who_o can_v say_v it_o do_v not_o so_o 3_o the_o admission_n of_o the_o soul_n into_o the_o sight_n of_o the_o glorious_a god_n this_o be_v much_o to_o be_v consider_v in_o this_o matter_n it_o be_v easy_a to_o enlarge_v upon_o all_o these_o but_o to_o what_o purpose_n tu_fw-la ratiocinare_fw-la ego_fw-la credam_fw-la the_o physician_n of_o â—our_n soul_n know_v how_o to_o perfect_v their_o cure_n in_o way_n to_o â—us_o incomprehensible_a thus_o we_o have_v consider_v the_o several_a step_n whereby_o the_o work_n of_o grace_n be_v begin_v and_o carry_v on_o till_o it_o come_v to_o perfection_n i_o will_v only_o add_v that_o in_o this_o whole_a business_n no_o violence_n be_v do_v to_o our_o natural_a faculty_n grace_n presuppose_v nature_n which_o it_o heal_v and_o rectify_v but_o do_v not_o destroy_v though_o the_o working_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o this_o matter_n be_v powerful_a and_o efficacious_a yet_o they_o be_v also_o sweet_a and_o agreeable_a they_o will_v act_v most_o free_o when_o make_v free_a by_o grace_n it_o be_v so_o determine_v that_o it_o also_o determine_v itself_o that_o be_v it_o move_v spontaneous_o towards_o god_n or_o have_v receive_v the_o influx_n of_o his_o grace_n active_o concur_v therewith_o viz._n be_v first_o animate_v and_o quicken_v thereby_o and_o thus_o much_o for_o the_o explication_n of_o the_o doctrine_n chap._n v._n plain_a proof_n from_o scripture_n and_o thâ—_n nature_n of_o the_o thing_n that_o none_o caâ—â—_n come_v to_o heaven_n till_o they_o be_v wrought_v or_o prepare_v for_o it_o by_o divine_a grace_n though_o what_o have_v be_v already_o say_v in_o order_n 〈◊〉_d the_o open_n of_o the_o doctrine_n have_v at_o the_o saiâ—â—_n time_n carry_v the_o proof_n thereof_o along_o with_o it_o thâ—â—_n great_a truth_n have_v so_o much_o self-evidence_n in_o it_o thâ—â—_n one_o will_v think_v be_v once_o understand_v it_o can_v noâ—_n but_o be_v assent_v to_o yet_o because_o it_o be_v exceed_o common_a for_o man_n to_o bear_v up_o themselves_o with_o the_o hope_n of_o heaven_n though_o they_o be_v utter_a stranger_n to_o this_o great_a work_n of_o grace_n and_o withal_o because_o it_o be_v very_o dangerous_a sâ—â—_n to_o do_v therefore_o let_v i_o give_v you_o the_o proof_n of_o whâ—â—_n have_v be_v thus_o far_o explain_v and_o set_v before_o you_o man_n be_v slow_a of_o belief_n as_o to_o this_o great_a article_n 〈◊〉_d the_o christian_a doctrine_n than_o to_o most_o i_o may_v say_v aâ—â—y_a other_o as_o a_o learned_a man_n observe_v mr._n how_o be_v blessedness_n of_o the_o righteous_a pag._n 242._o but_o let_v god_n be_v true_a but_o every_o man_n a_o liar_n rom._n 3.4_o therefore_o 1._o none_o be_v choose_v to_o salvation_n but_o through_o sanctification_n of_o the_o spirit_n god_n eternal_a decree_n of_o election_n connect_v the_o end_n and_o the_o mean_n holiness_n and_o happiness_n grace_n and_o glory_n together_o the_o scripture_n be_v most_o full_a and_o plain_a in_o this_o case_n rom._n 8.29_o who_o he_o do_v foreknow_v they_o he_o also_o do_v predestinate_a to_o be_v conform_v to_o the_o image_n of_o his_o son_n and_o what_o follow_v they_o he_o also_o call_v justify_v glorify_v ephes_n 1.4_o according_a as_o he_o have_v choose_v we_o in_o he_o before_o the_o foundation_n of_o the_o world_n that_o we_o shall_v be_v holy_a and_o without_o blame_n before_o he_o in_o love_n 2_o tim._n 1.9_o who_o have_v save_v we_o and_o call_v we_o with_o a_o holy_a call_v not_o according_a to_o our_o work_n but_o according_a to_o his_o own_o purpose_n and_o grace_n which_o be_v give_v we_o in_o christ_n jesus_n before_o the_o world_n begin_v see_v more_o 2_o thess_n 2.13_o 1_o pet._n 1_o 2._o be_v it_o not_o plain_a from_o these_o scripture_n that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o thing_n as_o election_n of_o particular_a person_n to_o eternal_a life_n and_o that_o as_o god_n do_v decree_n to_o give_v eternal_a life_n upon_o certain_a condition_n so_o he_o do_v also_o decree_v to_o give_v those_o condition_n to_o certain_a person_n and_o the_o execution_n of_o the_o decree_n be_v ever_o answerable_a to_o the_o decree_n itself_o ephes_n 1.11_o be_v predestinate_v according_a to_o the_o purpose_n of_o he_o who_o work_v all_o thing_n after_o the_o counsel_n of_o his_o own_o will._n deny_v this_o and_o you_o may_v deny_v any_o thing_n will_v you_o reverse_v the_o decree_n of_o heaven_n or_o deny_v they_o
face_n in_o a_o glass_n we_o need_v not_o say_v who_o shall_v ascend_v into_o heaven_n the_o word_n be_v high_a uâ—_n whereby_o we_o must_v search_v ourselves_o and_o whether_o we_o will_v attend_v to_o it_o or_o no_o we_o must_v stand_v or_o fall_v by_o it_o at_o last_o joh._n 12.48_o the_o word_n that_o i_o have_v speak_v the_o same_o shall_v judge_v he_o in_o the_o last_o day_n '_o this_o be_v one_o of_o those_o book_n that_o shall_v be_v open_v and_o the_o small_a sentence_n will_v pass_v according_a to_o what_o be_v write_v therein_o rev._n 20_o 12._o they_o shall_v be_v judge_v according_a to_o their_o work_n the_o matter_n of_o fact_n be_v record_v in_o their_o book_n conscience_n the_o matter_n of_o right_n in_o god_n law_n and_o the_o conclusion_n in_o his_o decree_n as_o mr._n baxter_n upon_o the_o place_n motive_n 4._o we_o be_v express_o command_v thus_o to_o examine_v and_o try_v ourselves_o yea_o it_o be_v mention_v as_o a_o great_a absurdity_n that_o a_o christian_n shall_v be_v ignorant_a of_o himself_o 2_o cor._n 13.5_o examine_v yourselves_o whether_o you_o be_v in_o the_o faith_n prove_v your_o own_o self_n know_v you_o not_o your_o own_o self_n etc._n etc._n as_o if_o he_o have_v say_v be_v there_o any_o thing_n near_o to_o you_o than_o yourselves_o any_o thing_n that_o you_o be_v more_o concern_v to_o know_v than_o your_o spiritual_a estate_n that_o be_v whether_o christ_n be_v in_o you_o or_o no._n be_v the_o way_n to_o heaven_n and_o hell_n so_o much_o alike_o that_o a_o man_n can_v know_v whither_o he_o be_v go_v if_o he_o will_v if_o the_o end_n be_v so_o vast_o different_a sure_o there_o must_v be_v a_o proportionable_a difference_n in_o the_o way_n that_o lead_v to_o they_o motive_n 5._o you_o have_v comfortable_a encouragement_n to_o expect_v the_o help_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n in_o this_o work_n of_o self-examination_n suppose_v you_o be_v yet_o in_o a_o unregenerate_a state_n it_o be_v true_a you_o have_v then_o no_o full_a proper_a covenant-right_a to_o the_o influence_n of_o the_o spirit_n yet_o you_o have_v great_a reason_n to_o hope_n that_o since_o he_o have_v be_v often_o strive_v with_o you_o to_o bring_v you_o to_o a_o sight_n and_o sense_n of_o your_o spiritual_a concern_v he_o will_v not_o deny_v the_o help_n of_o his_o grace_n if_o you_o set_v yourselves_o in_o good_a earnest_n to_o the_o work_n by_o the_o assistance_n already_o receive_v prov._n 1.23_o tâ—ru_n you_o at_o my_o reproof_n behold_v i_o will_v pour_v out_o my_o spirit_n unto_o you_o etc._n etc._n now_o it_o be_v the_o work_n of_o the_o spirit_n to_o lead_v man_n into_o their_o own_o heart_n to_o convince_v they_o of_o sin_n and_o to_o quicken_v illuminate_v and_o draw_v dead_a dark_a disaffect_v soul_n to_o the_o love_n of_o god_n and_o holiness_n but_o if_o you_o be_v already_o convert_v you_o have_v then_o a_o covenant-right_a to_o the_o help_n of_o the_o spirit_n you_o have_v fâ—ll_a and_o propâ—â—_n promise_v to_o plead_v in_o this_o matter_n he_o be_v the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n your_o head_n and_o therefore_o all_o the_o live_a member_n by_o virtue_n of_o their_o relation_n unto_o christ_n be_v also_o near_o relate_v to_o and_o interest_v in_o that_o holy_a spirit_n whole_a office_n it_o be_v to_o refresh_v and_o comfort_v those_o soul_n who_o he_o have_v first_o renew_v by_o his_o grace_n to_o discover_v to_o they_o the_o grace_n which_o he_o have_v give_v they_o to_o witness_v with_o their_o spirit_n that_o they_o be_v the_o child_n of_o god_n and_o so_o to_o enable_v they_o to_o rejoice_v therein_o motive_n 6._o think_v well_o how_o sad_a and_o wretched_a a_o case_n it_o be_v to_o be_v utter_o in_o the_o dark_a as_o to_o your_o spiritual_a state_n you_o can_v tell_v what_o a_o day_n may_v bring_v forth_o prov._n 27.1_o for_o aught_o you_o know_v you_o may_v be_v in_o hell_n the_o next_o hour_n because_o you_o be_v uncertain_a whether_o god_n be_v your_o friend_n or_o your_o enemy_n whether_o you_o have_v any_o save_a interest_n in_o christ_n whether_o you_o be_v sanctify_v by_o the_o spirit_n or_o not_o be_v not_o this_o a_o woeful_a case_n when_o thou_o lie_v down_o when_o thou_o rise_v up_o when_o thou_o go_v out_o or_o come_v in_o thou_o know_v not_o but_o that_o the_o very_o next_o moment_n the_o divine_a fury_n may_v rest_v upon_o thou_o can_v thou_o think_v of_o death_n and_o not_o tremble_v and_o of_o judgement_n and_o not_o be_v astonish_v when_o thou_o be_v invite_v to_o a_o funeral_n how_o can_v thou_o forbear_v think_v that_o it_o will_v quick_o be_v thy_o â—wn_a case_n and_o yet_o thou_o be_v ignorant_a what_o will_v become_v of_o thy_o immortal_a soul_n at_o that_o day_n methinks_v this_o shall_v make_v thou_o a_o terror_n to_o thyself_o and_o to_o all_o that_o be_v about_o thou_o motive_n 7._o consider_v how_o impatient_a thou_o be_v of_o be_v in_o suspense_n or_o at_o uncertainty_n in_o matter_n of_o far_o less_o consequence_n if_o thou_o have_v but_o a_o lawsuit_n in_o hand_n how_o uneasy_a till_o thou_o know_v the_o issue_n if_o a_o purchase_n to_o make_v how_o careful_a to_o see_v that_o the_o title_n be_v good_a and_o the_o conveyance_n firm_a and_o sure_a if_o thou_o be_v take_v with_o any_o threaten_a distemper_n how_o earnest_a and_o solicitous_a be_v thou_o to_o know_v what_o the_o physician_n think_v of_o thy_o distemper_n pray_v sir_n what_o think_v you_o do_v you_o ever_o see_v any_o in_o such_o a_o case_n before_o do_v they_o recover_v do_v you_o hope_v the_o distemper_n may_v go_v off_o but_o o_o how_o few_o be_v there_o that_o express_v any_o such_o care_n about_o their_o soul_n how_o few_o that_o will_v come_v to_o a_o minister_n and_o inquire_v of_o he_o o_o sir_n what_o shall_v i_o do_v to_o be_v save_v i_o fear_v i_o be_o not_o yet_o wrought_v for_o heaven_n i_o find_v my_o heart_n dead_a to_o spiritual_a thing_n but_o vigorous_a and_o sprightly_a in_o its_o pursuit_n after_o worldly_a vanity_n i_o find_v i_o be_o out_o of_o my_o element_n when_o engage_v in_o religious_a duty_n what_o think_v you_o be_v there_o any_o hope_n o_o help_v i_o speedy_o lest_o death_n overtake_v i_o unprepared_a for_o it_o o_o how_o seldom_o do_v we_o meet_v with_o any_o that_o show_v such_o a_o concern_n for_o their_o soul_n as_o this_o it_o be_v easy_a to_o heap_v up_o many_o more_o such_o consideration_n as_o these_o to_o excite_v you_o to_o this_o necessary_a work_n of_o selfreflection_n i_o shall_v only_o add_v as_o follow_v without_o the_o formality_n of_o make_v distinct_a head_n think_v with_o yourselves_o how_o common_a a_o thing_n it_o be_v for_o man_n to_o be_v mistake_v about_o their_o spiritual_a estate_n and_o withal_o how_o dangerous_a it_o be_v remember_v god_n himself_o will_v quick_o judge_v you_o and_o the_o way_n to_o escape_v the_o severity_n of_o his_o judgement_n be_v to_o enter_v into_o judgement_n with_o yourselves_o 1_o cor._n 11.31_o if_o we_o will_v judge_n ourselves_o we_o shall_v not_o be_v judge_v moreover_o either_o you_o be_v thus_o wrought_v for_o heaven_n by_o renew_v grace_n or_o not_o if_o you_o be_v the_o close_a tâ—â—al_n will_v great_o refresh_v and_o comfort_v you_o by_o discover_v that_o the_o work_n be_v already_o do_v then_o may_v you_o comfortable_o go_v on_o with_o the_o remain_a part_n of_o duty_n which_o be_v yet_o before_o you_o you_o may_v come_v with_o boldness_n to_o the_o throne_n of_o grace_n as_o child_n to_o a_o father_n you_o may_v read_v or_o hear_v the_o word_n of_o god_n with_o joy_n when_o the_o great_a promise_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v all_o your_o own_o you_o may_v come_v with_o confidence_n to_o the_o lord_n table_n when_o you_o know_v that_o christ_n himself_o and_o all_o his_o save_a benefit_n be_v you_o you_o may_v meditate_v delightful_o upon_o the_o heavenly_a inheritance_n when_o you_o know_v that_o you_o have_v a_o right_a to_o it_o this_o will_v support_v you_o under_o all_o the_o suffering_n of_o the_o present_a life_n and_o will_v make_v they_o appear_v light_a affliction_n indeed_o and_o beside_o all_o this_o it_o will_v much_o conduce_v to_o the_o credit_n of_o your_o profession_n by_o enable_v you_o to_o go_v on_o cheerful_o in_o the_o way_n of_o religion_n as_o man_n that_o do_v not_o repent_v of_o their_o choice_n not_o despair_n of_o their_o cause_n or_o of_o their_o god_n but_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n if_o you_o be_v unregenerate_a selfreflection_n be_v one_o of_o the_o first_o step_v in_o order_n to_o your_o recovery_n psal_n 119.59_o i_o think_v on_o my_o way_n and_o turn_v my_o foot_n unto_o thy_o testimony_n so_o do_v the_o prodigal_n when_o he_o come_v to_o himself_o luk._n 15.17_o when_o once_o man_n begin_v to_o be_v solicitous_a about_o the_o concern_v
neglect_v no_o mean_n nor_o help_n in_o order_n thereto_o such_o resolution_n as_o these_o be_v most_o proper_a in_o your_o condition_n but_o if_o your_o heart_n still_o hang_v back_o let_v i_o ask_v you_o what_o will_v you_o resolve_v upon_o vita_fw-la humana_fw-la sine_fw-la proposito_fw-la vaga_fw-la est_fw-la &_o languida_fw-la will_v you_o put_v the_o matter_n to_o the_o venture_n and_o trouble_v your_o head_n no_o further_o about_o it_o but_o still_o go_v on_o at_o the_o old_a dull_a stupid_a rate_n if_o so_o this_o be_v wilful_o to_o destroy_v your_o own_o soul_n and_o who_o can_v you_o blame_v but_o yourselves_o will_v you_o sit_v down_o in_o despair_n this_o be_v to_o despise_v or_o undervalue_v the_o riches_n of_o gospel-grace_n that_o be_v set_v before_o you_o those_o that_o come_v to_o christ_n he_o will_v in_o no_o wise_a cast_v out_o again_o will_v you_o delay_v for_o a_o while_n and_o put_v off_o the_o thought_n of_o these_o thing_n till_o hereafter_o answ_n this_o indeed_o be_v the_o common_a case_n but_o almost_o as_o unreasonable_a as_o either_o of_o the_o other_o two_o your_o time_n be_v not_o in_o your_o own_o hand_n you_o know_v not_o how_o soon_o your_o soul_n may_v be_v require_v of_o you_o the_o long_a you_o delay_v the_o more_o difficult_a it_o be_v like_a to_o be_v and_o the_o spirit_n that_o shall_v help_v you_o will_v be_v grieve_v by_o your_o backwardness_n satan_n will_v have_v the_o fast_o hold_v of_o you_o and_o if_o death_n overtake_v you_o before_o the_o work_n be_v do_v you_o be_v damn_v therefore_o i_o say_v turn_v your_o thought_n which_o way_n you_o will_v all_o other_o resolution_n will_v be_v find_v mad_a and_o dangerous_a except_o that_o of_o the_o prodigal_n i_o will_v arise_v and_o go_v to_o my_o father_n so_o do_v you_o and_o here_o let_v i_o tell_v you_o it_o be_v needful_a that_o your_o resolution_n be_v firm_a and_o steady_a lest_o those_o difficulty_n which_o may_v afterward_o arise_v in_o your_o way_n shall_v discourage_v you_o and_o that_o they_o be_v speedy_a lest_o death_n overtake_v you_o unprepared_a and_o also_o that_o in_o this_o whole_a business_n you_o be_v sensible_a of_o your_o own_o weakness_n and_o insufficiency_n lest_o you_o miscarry_v through_o foolish_a self-confidence_n but_o of_o that_o more_o by_o and_o by_o direct_v 4._o see_v that_o your_o resolution_n be_v forthwith_o put_v into_o practice_n by_o this_o it_o must_v appear_v that_o they_o be_v true_a and_o hearty_a if_o the_o will_v be_v determine_v in_o the_o case_n suitable_a endeavour_n will_v ensue_v and_o here_o your_o work_n lie_v in_o the_o follow_a order_n 1._o humble_a yourselves_o deep_o in_o the_o presence_n of_o god_n for_o all_o that_o sin_n and_o folly_n which_o hitherto_o you_o have_v be_v guilty_a of_o consider_v the_o evil_a of_o sin_n as_o it_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o holy_a and_o pure_a nature_n and_o law_n of_o god_n call_v to_o remembrance_n your_o own_o sin_n and_o lay_v they_o to_o heart_n that_o they_o may_v not_o be_v lay_v to_o your_o charge_n in_o a_o particular_a manner_n bewail_v the_o corruption_n of_o your_o nature_n and_o more_o especial_o the_o estrangedness_n of_o your_o heart_n from_o god_n and_o enmity_n against_o he_o with_o that_o inordinate_a propension_n to_o the_o creature_n in_o which_o the_o heart_n of_o the_o old_a man_n do_v main_o consist_v proceed_v then_o to_o consider_v those_o actual_a transgression_n which_o have_v all_o along_o issue_v from_o this_o corruption_n viz._n your_o loss_n of_o precious_a time_n misimprovement_n of_o gospel_n ordinance_n and_o mean_n of_o grace_n your_o pride_n passion_n earthliness_n sensuality_n etc._n etc._n confess_v these_o thing_n humble_o and_o feel_o in_o the_o presence_n of_o god_n labour_v to_o melt_v into_o a_o ingenuous_a childlike_a sorrow_n for_o have_v carry_v it_o so_o unworthy_o to_o so_o good_a and_o gracious_a a_o father_n that_o sorrow_n for_o sin_n which_o proceed_v only_o from_o fear_n of_o punishment_n be_v the_o sorrow_n of_o a_o slave_n and_o may_v consist_v with_o as_o much_o love_n to_o sin_n as_o ever_o but_o godly_a sorrow_n be_v animate_v by_o holy_a love_n to_o god_n which_o raise_v in_o the_o soul_n a_o rational_a hearty_a grief_n for_o its_o transgression_n against_o he_o a_o hatred_n of_o sin_n and_o resolution_n against_o it_o for_o the_o future_a this_o be_v repentance_n from_o dead_a work_n and_o towards_o god_n he_o that_o cover_v his_o sin_n shall_v not_o prosper_v but_o he_o that_o confess_v and_o forsake_v they_o shall_v find_v mercy_n prov._n 28.13_o yea_o as_o matter_n now_o stand_v such_o be_v the_o wonderful_a condescension_n of_o the_o law_n of_o grace_n it_o be_v a_o act_n of_o justice_n and_o faithfulness_n as_o well_o as_o mercy_n to_o forgive_v sin_z wheresoever_o with_o true_a repentance_n it_o be_v confess_v 1_o joh._n 1.9_o if_o we_o confess_v our_o sin_n he_o be_v faithful_a and_o just_a to_o forgive_v we_o our_o sin_n etc._n etc._n therefore_o i_o say_v give_v glory_n to_o god_n by_o a_o humble_a acknowledgement_n of_o your_o sin_n lay_v yourselves_o low_a that_o his_o glory_n may_v â—â—e_v advance_v put_v your_o mouth_n in_o the_o dust_n if_o so_o be_v there_o may_v be_v hope_n justify_v his_o holy_a law_n though_o in_o so_o do_v you_o condemn_v yourselves_o say_v with_o the_o return_v prodigal_n luk._n 15.21_o father_n i_o have_v sin_v against_o heaven_n and_o in_o thy_o sight_n and_o be_o no_o more_o worthy_a to_o be_v call_v thy_o son_n etc._n etc._n 2._o thankful_o acknowledge_v the_o riches_n of_o freegrace_n in_o that_o god_n be_v yet_o please_v to_o offer_v you_o term_n of_o reconciliation_n and_o peace_n the_o golden_a sceptre_n be_v hold_v forth_o to_o you_o that_o you_o may_v touch_v it_o and_o live_v methinks_v this_o shall_v encourage_v you_o and_o put_v life_n and_o vigour_n into_o your_o proceed_n and_o draw_v out_o your_o very_a soul_n in_o sweet_a return_v of_o love_n to_o god_n lord_n be_v there_o yet_o hope_n be_v there_o any_o mercy_n for_o such_o a_o one_o as_o i_o behold_v i_o come_v in_o obedience_n to_o thy_o call_n blessed_n be_v god_n for_o jesus_n christ_n 3._o humble_o implore_v pardon_v mercy_n for_o your_o past_a sin_n and_o the_o help_n of_o divine_a grace_n for_o your_o present_a and_o future_a duty_n as_o the_o necessity_n of_o your_o case_n shall_v make_v you_o very_o earnest_a and_o importunate_a in_o these_o request_n so_o you_o have_v great_a encouragement_n give_v you_o to_o strengthen_v your_o faith_n and_o confidence_n in_o the_o divine_a goodness_n god_n delight_v in_o mercy_n and_o have_v proclaim_v his_o gracious_a name_n exod._n 34.6_o 9_o use_v this_o as_o a_o argument_n in_o prayer_n as_o the_o psalmist_n do_v psal_n 25.11_o for_o thy_o name_n sake_n o_o lord_n pardon_v my_o iniquity_n for_o it_o be_v great_a plead_v the_o merit_n and_o satisfaction_n of_o jesus_n christ_n the_o promise_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o assure_v yourselves_o god_n be_v as_o ready_a to_o forgive_v as_o you_o be_v to_o repent_v and_o forsake_v your_o sin_n he_o will_v not_o despise_v a_o break_a and_o a_o contrite_a heart_n psal_n 51.17_o and_o since_o the_o work_n that_o lie_v before_o you_o be_v holy_a and_o spiritual_a therefore_o trust_v not_o to_o your_o own_o resolution_n or_o strength_n pray_v hard_o for_o the_o help_n of_o the_o spirit_n â—ay_v your_o soul_n open_a to_o the_o influence_n of_o his_o grace_n yield_v yourselves_o to_o his_o conduct_n careful_o strike_v in_o with_o all_o his_o motion_n lord_n here_o be_o i_o what_o will_v thou_o have_v i_o to_o do_v teach_v i_o the_o way_n wherein_o i_o shall_v go_v incline_v my_o heart_n to_o thy_o testimony_n strengthen_v i_o with_o may_v in_o my_o inward_a man._n magnify_v thy_o power_n in_o my_o weakness_n speak_v lord_n for_o thy_o servant_n hear_v draw_v i_o and_o i_o will_v run_v after_o thou_o 4._o and_o now_o give_v up_o yourselves_o unfeigned_o to_o god_n in_o and_o through_o christ_n if_o you_o expect_v he_o shall_v be_v your_o god_n that_o be_v your_o portion_n happiness_n soul-satisfying_a good_a you_o must_v be_v his_o people_n devote_v to_o his_o love_n and_o service_n the_o covenant_n must_v be_v mutual_a else_o how_o shall_v it_o be_v a_o covenant_n let_v this_o be_v do_v with_o great_a freedom_n cheerfulness_n and_o resolution_n of_o spirit_n you_o will_v never_o have_v reason_n to_o repent_v of_o your_o choice_n he_o will_v be_v your_o shield_n and_o your_o exceed_a great_a reward_n 5._o live_v henceforth_o as_o become_v the_o covenant-people_n of_o god_n renounce_v your_o lust_n and_o corruption_n let_v the_o time_n pass_v of_o your_o life_n suffice_v you_o to_o have_v fulfil_v the_o inclination_n of_o the_o flesh_n remember_v you_o must_v now_o live_v at_o another_o rate_n than_o heretofore_o you_o have_v do_v the_o glory_n of_o god_n must_v be_v
want_v to_o yourselves_o what_o though_o indwelling_a sin_n stick_v very_o close_o to_o our_o nature_n it_o be_v not_o essential_a to_o they_o nor_o have_v any_o place_n in_o man_n primaeval_fw-fr state_n and_o the_o second_o adam_n come_v to_o heal_v those_o disease_n which_o the_o first_o have_v bring_v upon_o we_o therefore_o though_o it_o be_v good_a to_o be_v sensible_a of_o your_o own_o weakness_n and_o to_o feel_v the_o burden_n of_o sin_n that_o you_o may_v fly_v to_o christ_n yet_o you_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o faint_v or_o be_v discourage_v because_o you_o have_v he_o to_o fly_v to_o tempt_v 6._o be_v you_o perplex_v with_o troublesome_a scruple_n as_o to_o matter_n of_o practice_n that_o you_o dare_v scarce_o move_v forward_o in_o the_o way_n of_o your_o duty_n for_o fear_n of_o go_v wrong_n answ_n it_o be_v certain_a that_o our_o best_a service_n while_o we_o be_v here_o on_o earth_n will_v be_v attend_v with_o many_o sinful_a weakness_n and_o imperfection_n but_o necessary_a duty_n must_v not_o be_v leave_v unâ—one_v for_o fear_n of_o mis-doing_a it_o that_o which_o god_n require_v of_o we_o be_v that_o we_o cheaâ—_n full_o and_o quiet_o obey_v his_o will_n so_o far_o as_o we_o know_v it_o and_o sincere_o endeavour_v to_o understand_v it_o better_o thankful_o receive_v the_o gospel-pardon_n for_o our_o many_o fail_n and_o infirmity_n if_o we_o have_v the_o worthiness_n for_o so_o the_o gospel_n call_v it_o of_o faith_n repentance_n and_o sincere_a desire_n christ_n have_v the_o worthiness_n of_o perfect_a holiness_n and_o obedience_n for_o we_o and_o though_o it_o be_v our_o great_a duty_n to_o keep_v conscience_n tender_a that_o be_v to_o be_v 〈◊〉_d careful_a to_o please_v god_n and_o fearful_a of_o sin_v 〈◊〉_d we_o must_v remember_v that_o needless_a self-tormenting_a â—â—ruples_n be_v not_o at_o all_o please_a to_o god_n but_o great_a â—â—derances_n to_o our_o duty_n and_o device_n of_o satan_n to_o â—ake_v religion_n burdensome_a and_o uneasy_a to_o we_o and_o â—â—at_o if_o these_o and_o such_o other_o temptation_n cease_v not_o 〈◊〉_d be_v troublesome_a it_o be_v sometime_o necessary_a that_o we_o contemn_v they_o the_o devil_n say_v luther_n be_v a_o proud_a spirit_n and_o can_v endure_v to_o be_v slight_v he_o will_v use_v we_o work_n enough_o to_o do_v if_o we_o will_v but_o parley_v and_o â—â—gue_v the_o case_n with_o he_o to_o slight_v he_o be_v to_o resist_v â—â—â—m_n and_o then_o he_o fly_v from_o we_o tempt_v 7._o be_v you_o tempt_v to_o ensnare_v yourselves_o â—â—y_o rash_a vow_n and_o to_o make_v duty_n to_o yourselves_o â—hich_v god_n never_o enjoin_v you_o or_o to_o impose_v â—asks_n upon_o yourselves_o which_o he_o have_v not_o prescribe_v answ_n the_o use_n of_o vow_n be_v to_o bind_v we_o to_o the_o performance_n of_o that_o which_o god_n himself_o have_v bind_v â—s_a to_o by_o his_o law_n before_o that_o be_v to_o express_v our_o consent_n and_o resolution_n by_o a_o self-obligation_n to_o obey_v his_o will_n but_o not_o make_v a_o new_a religion_n to_o ourselves_o nor_o to_o injure_v our_o christian_a liberty_n by_o self-devised_n snare_n who_o have_v require_v this_o at_o your_o â—lands_n such_o sacred_a thing_n as_o vow_n be_v not_o to_o be_v trifle_v with_o our_o baptismal_a covenant_n and_o sacramental_a engagement_n at_o the_o lord_n table_n must_v be_v careful_o observe_v but_o vow_n about_o lesser_a matter_n be_v not_o to_o be_v make_v without_o great_a consideration_n and_o caution_n alteration_n of_o circumstance_n may_v make_v that_o sinful_a or_o however_o troublesome_a and_o inconvenient_a which_o at_o present_a appear_v and_o perhaps_o real_o be_v a_o duty_n good_a purpose_n and_o resolution_n be_v necessary_a and_o safe_a and_o may_v be_v change_v when_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o case_n require_v it_o that_o be_v when_o they_o cease_v to_o be_v useful_a to_o those_o end_n whereunto_o they_o be_v first_o intend_v but_o it_o be_v a_o dangerous_a thing_n after_o vow_n or_o promise_v make_v to_o god_n to_o make_v enquiry_n 〈◊〉_d though_o sometime_o even_o that_o must_v be_v do_v yet_o 〈◊〉_d great_a fear_n and_o tremble_a for_o god_n will_v not_o hold_v 〈◊〉_d guiltless_a that_o take_v his_o name_n in_o vain_a tempt_v 8._o be_v you_o tempt_v to_o grow_v weary_a of_o â—â—rious_a religion_n and_o to_o turn_v back_o again_o to_o your_o wâ—â—ted_a formality_n and_o negligence_n answ_n humble_a yourselves_o deep_o before_o god_n 〈◊〉_d those_o remnant_n of_o corruption_n which_o thus_o dispose_v you_o to_o revolt_v renew_v your_o covenant_n with_o he_o 〈◊〉_d christ_n plead_v the_o promise_n of_o his_o holy_a spirit_n 〈◊〉_d upon_o his_o assistance_n and_o grace_n make_v not_o a_o ligâ—â—â—_n matter_n of_o the_o least_o decay_n or_o declining_n in_o hoâ—â—ness_n for_o these_o tend_v to_o great_a gird_v up_o the_o loâ—â—_n of_o your_o mind_n consider_v the_o prize_n that_o be_v set_v before_o you_o and_o look_v to_o the_o example_n of_o those_o who_o by_o faith_n and_o patience_n inherit_v the_o promise_n shaving_n and_o difficulty_n will_v be_v soon_o over_o bâ—_n iâ—_n weary_a of_o well_o do_v you_o shall_v reap_v if_o you_o faint_a 〈◊〉_d gal._n 6.9_o whither_o will_v you_o fly_v in_o the_o hour_n of_o your_o extremity_n if_o the_o lord_n help_v you_o not_o then_o who_o can_v help_v you_o if_o you_o forsake_v he_o he_o will_v also_o forsake_v you_o tempt_v 9_o be_v there_o some_o belove_a sin_n which_o you_o be_v especial_o incline_v to_o and_o can_v scarce_o forbear_v or_o part_v with_o it_o answ_n fortify_v your_o mind_n with_o argument_n 〈◊〉_d your_o will_n with_o resolution_n against_o it_o avoid_v the_o occasion_n of_o it_o and_o resist_v the_o first_o strive_n and_o tendency_n towards_o it_o double_o your_o watch_n that_o you_o be_v not_o surprise_v by_o it_o single_v it_o out_o to_o run_v iâ—_n down_o mortify_v and_o destroy_v it_o as_o that_o which_o most_o dishonour_v god_n and_o endanger_v your_o own_o soul_n tempt_v 10._o be_v you_o tempt_v to_o place_v a_o undâ—â—â—_n conâ—idence_n in_o your_o own_o work_n or_o righteousness_n answ_n consider_v that_o if_o you_o thus_o go_v about_o to_o establish_v 〈◊〉_d righteousness_n of_o your_o own_o you_o take_v the_o way_n 〈◊〉_d â—â—se_n the_o benefit_n of_o christ_n righteousness_n if_o â—ardon_n and_o life_n be_v of_o grace_n they_o can_v be_v of_o work_v else_o grace_n be_v no_o more_o grace_n as_o we_o â—â—e_v creature_n we_o owe_v ourselves_o and_o all_o that_o we_o â—ave_n or_o can_v do_v to_o god_n the_o great_a angel_n in_o heaven_n can_v strict_o and_o proper_o merit_v any_o thing_n of_o god_n how_o much_o less_o such_o worm_n as_o we_o every_o â—â—â—y_v which_o we_o sincere_o perform_v be_v a_o great_a mercy_n receive_v and_o render_v we_o further_o indebt_v to_o that_o grace_n whereby_o we_o be_v enable_v thereto_o and_o beside_o we_o stand_v in_o need_n of_o pardon_n for_o the_o sinful_a weakness_n of_o our_o best_a service_n when_o we_o have_v do_v all_o we_o be_v but_o unprofitable_a servant_n eternal_a life_n be_v a_o free_a gift_n by_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n we_o be_v what_o we_o be_v ii_o we_o come_v now_o to_o the_o second_o branch_n of_o exhortation_n namely_o to_o those_o who_o be_v much_o in_o the_o dark_a as_o to_o the_o state_n of_o their_o soul_n not_o know_v what_o to_o think_v of_o themselves_o in_o reference_n to_o this_o great_a question_n viz._n whether_o they_o be_v pass_v from_o death_n to_o life_n that_o be_v whether_o they_o be_v wrought_v for_o heaven_n or_o no._n to_o such_o person_n i_o will_v offer_v the_o follow_a direction_n direct_v 1._o remember_v it_o be_v no_o new_a thing_n nor_o unusual_a among_o the_o people_n of_o god_n to_o be_v full_a of_o doubt_n fear_n and_o spiritual_a trouble_n do_v not_o think_v that_o your_o case_n be_v singular_a lest_o your_o spirit_n shall_v sink_v under_o it_o solamen_fw-la miseris_fw-la etc._n etc._n there_o have_v nothing_o befall_v you_o in_o this_o matter_n but_o what_o be_v common_a to_o man_n even_o to_o very_o good_a christian_n it_o may_v be_v satan_n will_v tempt_v you_o to_o think_v that_o none_o ever_o be_v so_o perplex_v with_o fear_n uncertainty_n and_o misgive_a thought_n as_o you_o but_o the_o scripture_n be_v very_o plain_a in_o the_o case_n that_o a_o true_o gracious_a person_n may_v sometime_o walk_v in_o darkness_n and_o have_v no_o light_n isa_n â—0_n 10_o read_v also_o the_o 88th_o psalm_n and_o see_v 〈◊〉_d that_o good_a man_n be_v afflict_v and_o even_o distraâ—â—_n with_o the_o terror_n of_o the_o almighty_a therefore_o in_o all_o this_o god_n deal_v no_o otherâ—â—â—_n with_o you_o than_o he_o have_v do_v with_o thousand_o 〈◊〉_d his_o dear_v child_n and_o as_o you_o ought_v not_o to_o â—â—spise_v the_o chastening_n of_o the_o lord_n so_o neither_o shoâ—â—â—_n you_o faint_v under_o they_o for_o who_o he_o love_v he_o