be_v truth_n and_o be_v no_o lie_n joh._n 17.26_o i_o have_v declare_v unto_o they_o thy_o name_n and_o will_v declare_v it_o this_o afford_v sweet_a refresh_v nourishment_n i_o will_v instance_n only_o in_o two_o case_n 1._o when_o many_o thing_n be_v hear_v something_o at_o one_o time_n and_o something_o at_o another_o from_o the_o word_n and_o it_o may_v be_v something_o at_o this_o time_n which_o be_v not_o understand_v at_o least_o not_o so_o understand_v as_o that_o the_o heart_n be_v affect_v with_o it_o here_o be_v relief_n to_o be_v have_v he_o can_v and_o undertake_v to_o teach_v the_o heart_n jer._n 24.7_o and_o i_o will_v give_v they_o a_o heart_n to_o know_v i_o for_o they_o shall_v return_v unto_o i_o with_o their_o whole_a heart_n thus_o he_o teach_v david_n psal_n 51.6_o in_o the_o hide_a part_n thou_o shall_v make_v i_o to_o know_v wisdom_n 2._o when_o a_o person_n walk_v in_o darkness_n under_o many_o sad_a fear_n whether_o ever_o the_o foundation_n be_v well_o lay_v for_o soul-prosperity_n whether_o ever_o he_o be_v bring_v into_o a_o state_n of_o union_n with_o christ_n so_o as_o to_o receive_v the_o first_o principle_n of_o spiritual_a life_n from_o he_o here_o from_o this_o office_n of_o christ_n which_o be_v to_o reveal_v his_o father_n mind_n in_o all_o thing_n that_o we_o be_v concern_v to_o know_v there_o be_v relief_n to_o be_v have_v joh._n 14.19_o but_o you_o see_v i_o they_o be_v in_o christ_n their_o union_n be_v begin_v but_o they_o do_v not_o know_v it_o but_o christ_n undertake_v so_o as_o they_o will_v leave_v it_o to_o he_o to_o take_v his_o own_o time_n that_o one_o day_n they_o shall_v know_v it_o thus_o i_o have_v show_v you_o more_o large_o then_o at_o first_o i_o intend_v that_o there_o need_v no_o food_n for_o the_o soul_n to_o feed_v upon_o so_o as_o to_o prosper_v but_o christ_n alone_o for_o as_o all_o that_o be_v nourish_v in_o the_o meat_n be_v for_o the_o health_n and_o welfare_n of_o the_o body_n so_o all_o that_o be_v in_o christ_n be_v for_o the_o health_n and_o welfare_n of_o the_o soul_n i_o have_v very_o few_o word_n more_o to_o speak_v 4._o of_o the_o four_o and_o last_o point_n something_o by_o way_n of_o direction_n how_o to_o feed_v upon_o this_o food_n so_o as_o to_o receive_v that_o nourishment_n which_o our_o soul_n stand_v in_o need_n of_o i_o shall_v only_o mention_v these_o four_o particular_n 1._o we_o be_v to_o apply_v ourselves_o to_o this_o spiritual_a food_n with_o a_o spiritual_a appetite_n natural_a life_n desire_v natural_a food_n appetite_n unto_o it_o be_v call_v hunger_n as_o it_o desire_v meat_n and_o thirst_v as_o it_o desire_v drink_v so_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v where_o there_o be_v spiritual_a life_n after_o this_o spiritual_a food_n wherein_o we_o have_v both_o spiritual_a meat_n and_o spiritual_a drink_n joh._n 6.55_o for_o my_o flesh_n be_v meat_n indeed_o and_o my_o blood_n be_v drink_v indeed_o and_o our_o appetite_n after_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v quick_a and_o strong_a we_o shall_v be_v able_a to_o say_v as_o isa_n 26.9_o with_o my_o soul_n have_v i_o desire_v thou_o in_o the_o night_n and_o with_o my_o spirit_n will_v i_o seek_v thou_o early_o i_o e._n i_o have_v most_o affectionate_o desire_v thou_o in_o my_o most_o retire_a thought_n and_o so_o i_o resolve_v to_o do_v that_o be_v the_o sense_n for_o when_o the_o soul_n be_v say_v to_o do_v that_o which_o nothing_o else_o but_o the_o soul_n can_v do_v it_o import_v the_o strong_a and_o high_a act_n of_o the_o soul_n in_o do_v it_o now_o though_o that_o which_o have_v be_v say_v already_o may_v be_v sufficient_a thus_o to_o quicken_v this_o appetite_n that_o there_o be_v no_o other_o food_n for_o our_o soul_n but_o this_o that_o they_o must_v feed_v upon_o it_o or_o starve_v yet_o i_o shall_v far_o add_v this_o that_o we_o deliberate_o consider_v with_o ourselves_o what_o work_n god_n require_v of_o we_o every_o day_n and_o that_o we_o labour_v with_o our_o heart_n to_o do_v it_o as_o we_o ought_v the_o work_n of_o every_o day_n be_v great_a in_o respect_n of_o the_o inward_a exercise_n of_o grace_n when_o not_o clothe_v with_o any_o outward_a duty_n as_o to_o live_v by_o faith_n to_o sanctify_v god_n in_o our_o heart_n to_o walk_v in_o the_o fear_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o when_o we_o awake_v to_o be_v still_o with_o god_n set_v the_o lord_n always_o before_o we_o etc._n etc._n the_o external_a work_n of_o every_o day_n be_v great_a also_o the_o duty_n of_o religion_n the_o duty_n of_o our_o particular_a calling_n and_o relation_n all_o these_o aught_o to_o be_v do_v so_o as_o to_o approve_v the_o sincerity_n of_o our_o heart_n to_o god_n and_o find_v acceptance_n with_o his_o majesty_n 2_o cor._n 5.9_o wherefore_o we_o labour_v that_o whether_o present_a or_o absent_a we_o may_v be_v accept_v of_o he_o the_o apostle_n speak_v of_o epaphras_n that_o he_o labour_v earnest_o in_o his_o prayer_n col._n 4.12_o and_o we_o be_v require_v to_o do_v with_o our_o might_n whatsoever_o our_o hand_n find_v to_o do_v eccles_n 9.10_o now_o hard_a labour_n get_v a_o man_n a_o stomach_n make_v he_o both_o hungry_a and_o thirsty_a it_o will_v do_v so_o in_o a_o spiritual_a sense_n when_o we_o set_v ourselves_o to_o make_v something_o of_o religion_n to_o work_v and_o walk_v with_o god_n every_o day_n as_o we_o ought_v we_o shall_v be_v even_o constrain_v to_o cry_v out_o who_o be_v sufficient_a for_o these_o thing_n we_o shall_v see_v we_o need_v more_o spiritual_a food_n for_o the_o nourish_a and_o strengthen_v of_o our_o soul_n this_o will_v quicken_v our_o spiritual_a appetite_n after_o christ_n that_o we_o may_v be_v more_o and_o more_o strengthen_v in_o our_o inward_a man_n by_o his_o spirit_n eph._n 3.16_o that_o we_o may_v be_v strong_a in_o the_o lord_n and_o in_o the_o power_n of_o his_o might_n eph._n 6.10_o 2._o that_o in_o apply_v ourselves_o to_o this_o food_n we_o manage_v the_o matter_n for_o our_o soul_n as_o discreet_a person_n do_v in_o make_v provision_n for_o their_o family_n when_o the_o market-day_n come_v they_o consider_v whether_o there_o be_v breadcorn_n enough_o in_o the_o house_n or_o whether_o any_o thing_n else_o that_o be_v necessary_a be_v want_v and_o so_o according_a to_o their_o ability_n they_o provide_v so_o ought_v we_o to_o do_v in_o this_o case_n we_o ought_v to_o consider_v what_o our_o soul_n stand_v most_o in_o need_n of_o that_o they_o may_v prosper_v some_o day_n we_o may_v find_v we_o most_o of_o all_o want_n strength_n against_o one_o corruption_n some_o day_n more_o strength_n against_o another_o some_o day_n we_o stand_v in_o more_o need_n of_o one_o grace_n and_o sometime_o of_o another_o suppose_v of_o faith_n or_o repentance_n meekness_n or_o patience_n and_z according_o we_o ought_v to_o apply_v ourselves_o to_o our_o spiritual_a food_n the_o lord_n jesus_n for_o nourishment_n and_o strength_n in_o that_o particular_a christ_n expect_v this_o that_o we_o shall_v be_v sensible_a of_o our_o particular_a want_n we_o read_v luk._n 18.35_o 36._o that_o a_o blind_a man_n hear_v that_o christ_n pass_v by_o that_o way_n cry_v out_o have_v mercy_n upon_o i_o o_o son_n of_o david_n and_o vers_fw-la 40_o 41._o christ_n ask_v he_o what_o he_o will_v that_o he_o shall_v do_v unto_o he_o christ_n know_v what_o he_o will_v desire_v but_o he_o will_v have_v he_o to_o particularize_v his_o want_n thus_o we_o ought_v to_o apply_v ourselves_o to_o christ_n with_o a_o sense_n of_o what_o we_o want_v in_o particular_a and_o because_o as_o i_o tell_v you_o all_o in_o christ_n be_v some_o way_n or_o other_o for_o our_o spiritual_a food_n both_o christ_n in_o his_o person_n and_o christ_n in_o his_o office_n we_o shall_v apply_v ourselves_o to_o that_o in_o christ_n which_o may_v most_o of_o all_o relieve_v our_o faith_n in_o seek_v after_o that_o particular_a supply_n which_o for_o the_o present_a we_o see_v we_o need_v whether_o it_o be_v in_o his_o person_n or_o in_o his_o office_n either_o as_o priest_n or_o prophet_n or_o king_n when_o we_o know_v there_o be_v such_o a_o thing_n in_o such_o a_o cupboard_n when_o we_o go_v to_o it_o the_o next_o way_n to_o find_v what_o we_o seek_v for_o be_v to_o go_v to_o the_o box_n wherein_o it_o be_v 3._o what_o dispensation_n soever_o we_o be_v under_o what_o mercy_n soever_o we_o have_v receive_v or_o be_v receive_v what_o cross_n soever_o we_o be_v exercise_v withal_o or_o be_v likely_a to_o come_v upon_o we_o what_o ordinance_n soever_o we_o address_v our_o felve_n to_o god_n in_o we_o may_v spread_v the_o matter_n before_o god_n and_o tell_v he_o our_o case_n and_o our_o dependence_n upon_o he_o and_o pray_v most_o for_o the_o
soul-prosperity_n in_o several_a sermon_n by_o that_o eminent_a servant_n of_o christ_n mr._n william_n benn_n late_o of_o dorchester_n in_o dorsetshire_n london_n print_v for_o awnsham_n churchil_n at_o the_o black_a swan_n near_o amen-corner_n and_o william_n churchil_n bookseller_n in_o dorchester_n 1683._o to_o the_o worshipful_a thomas_n grove_n esq_n of_o fern_n in_o the_o county_n of_o wilts_n the_o author_n of_o this_o treatise_n be_v a_o person_n that_o great_o honour_v you_o and_o one_o who_o you_o high_o esteem_v and_o love_v i_o therefore_o presume_v as_o be_v one_o entrust_v by_o the_o author_n to_o publish_v what_o be_v prepare_v for_o the_o press_n to_o tender_v it_o to_o your_o patronage_n the_o subject_n speak_v its_o own_o worth_n the_o present_a season_n its_o usefulness_n as_o for_o yourself_o you_o be_v a_o gentleman_n so_o universal_o know_v that_o you_o be_v above_o my_o character_n that_o the_o god_n of_o all_o grace_n will_v give_v you_o a_o great_a increase_n of_o grace_n and_o peace_n in_o your_o old_a age_n and_o bless_v your_o house_n be_v the_o hearty_a prayer_n of_o sir_n your_o much_o oblige_a servant_n joshua_n churchil_n to_o the_o reader_n neither_o the_o author_n of_o the_o ensue_a discourse_n do_v stand_v in_o need_n of_o any_o testimony_n from_o i_o among_o those_o to_o who_o he_o be_v know_v nor_o will_v the_o discourse_n itself_o need_v any_o recommendation_n unto_o they_o that_o shall_v peruse_v it_o provide_v they_o be_v any_o way_n serious_a in_o religion_n it_o be_v therefore_o rather_o for_o compliance_n with_o the_o request_n of_o other_o then_o from_o any_o inclination_n in_o myself_o that_o i_o prefix_v these_o few_o line_n unto_o what_o do_v ensue_v but_o yet_o i_o must_v say_v also_o that_o the_o high_a esteem_n which_o i_o have_v of_o the_o author_n whilst_o he_o live_v for_o the_o gift_n and_o grace_n of_o god_n that_o be_v eminent_a in_o he_o and_o the_o seasonableness_n of_o the_o subject_a matter_n treat_v of_o in_o this_o discourse_n make_v i_o more_o willing_a to_o this_o compliance_n then_o otherwise_o i_o shall_v have_v be_v i_o shall_v therefore_o offer_v a_o few_o thing_n to_o the_o reader_n which_o he_o may_v esteem_v or_o reject_v as_o he_o shall_v see_v cause_n the_o author_n of_o this_o discourse_n as_o be_v well_o know_v be_v some_o while_n since_o enter_v into_o his_o rest_n and_o he_o be_v so_o after_o his_o painful_a faithful_a and_o successful_a labour_n in_o the_o vineyard_n of_o christ_n for_o above_o fifty_o year_n and_o i_o shall_v say_v no_o more_o concern_v he_o but_o that_o as_o he_o be_v eminent_o furnish_v with_o all_o ministerial_a ability_n so_o it_o be_v but_o a_o joint_a testimony_n of_o all_o that_o know_v he_o that_o his_o singular_a and_o almost_o unparlleled_a perseverance_n in_o prayer_n as_o for_o all_o other_o concern_v for_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n so_o for_o the_o success_n of_o his_o own_o ministry_n be_v that_o which_o both_o strengthen_v he_o to_o his_o work_n and_o give_v he_o success_n in_o it_o among_o who_o he_o labour_v and_o i_o mention_v this_o only_a as_o a_o encouragement_n to_o a_o just_a expectation_n of_o use_n and_o fruit_n from_o this_o part_n of_o his_o labour_n in_o that_o it_o have_v a_o eminent_a share_n in_o those_o fervent_a prayer_n wherewith_o all_o his_o endeavour_n in_o this_o kind_n be_v accompany_v the_o subject-matter_n here_o insist_v on_o by_o he_o be_v of_o the_o high_a importance_n unto_o all_o who_o design_n and_o business_n it_o be_v to_o live_v unto_o god_n for_o it_o be_v not_o any_o one_o single_a grace_n who_o exercise_n be_v direct_v nor_o any_o one_o single_a duty_n which_o be_v press_v and_o exhort_v unto_o but_o the_o entire_a management_n and_o act_n of_o the_o principle_n of_o spiritual_a life_n in_o our_o whole_a walk_n before_o god_n be_v declare_v and_o express_v in_o this_o discourse_n for_o in_o these_o thing_n do_v our_o soul_n live_v in_o they_o do_v their_o prosperity_n consist_v no_o soul_n can_v prosper_v but_o in_o the_o due_a exercise_n of_o all_o grace_n whereby_o the_o habit_n of_o they_o be_v strengthen_v and_o the_o due_a performance_n of_o all_o those_o duty_n wherein_o they_o be_v exercise_v to_o have_v a_o guide_n in_o these_o thing_n such_o a_o guide_n as_o evidence_v himself_o go_v before_o every_o step_n in_o the_o way_n direct_v and_o encourage_v other_o to_o accompany_v and_o follow_v he_o in_o the_o same_o course_n and_o way_n be_v of_o great_a concernment_n unto_o such_o humble_a teachable_a soul_n as_o design_n a_o prosperous_a condition_n in_o the_o profession_n of_o religion_n wherein_o we_o be_v engage_v and_o the_o design_n of_o this_o discourse_n with_o the_o management_n of_o it_o to_o direct_v unto_o a_o soul_n prosperity_n have_v weight_n add_v to_o they_o from_o the_o season_n wherein_o by_o the_o guidance_n of_o divine_a providence_n they_o be_v now_o publish_v for_o we_o be_v fall_v into_o a_o time_n wherein_o the_o spiritual_a disease_n decay_n and_o thriftlesness_n of_o many_o professor_n of_o religion_n do_v evidence_n themselves_o to_o the_o world_n and_o complaint_n of_o the_o want_n of_o soul-prosperity_n be_v hear_v from_o the_o most_o who_o sincere_o inspect_v the_o inward_a state_n of_o religion_n this_o day_n in_o themselves_o and_o other_o it_o can_v therefore_o want_v that_o beauty_n which_o season_n give_v unto_o a_o word_n of_o truth_n the_o manner_n of_o handle_v both_o doctrine_n and_o application_n in_o this_o discourse_n be_v such_o as_o become_v both_o the_o author_n of_o it_o and_o the_o subject_a treat_v on_o for_o it_o be_v do_v with_o that_o gravity_n and_o soundness_n of_o speech_n as_o can_v be_v reprove_v with_o that_o plainness_n and_o perspicuity_n which_o as_o it_o exclude_v all_o countenance_n from_o ornament_n of_o speech_n so_o there_o be_v nothing_o in_o it_o that_o may_v be_v expose_v to_o contempt_n among_o they_o that_o understand_v spiritual_a thing_n or_o know_v in_o any_o measure_n how_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v teach_v and_o that_o which_o give_v life_n to_o the_o whole_a be_v a_o open_a evidence_n that_o the_o author_n do_v both_o express_v his_o own_o experience_n and_o give_v the_o character_n of_o his_o own_o mind_n in_o the_o endeavour_n after_o soul-prosperity_n wherein_o his_o attainment_n and_o success_n be_v eminent_a above_o the_o most_o and_o if_o the_o reader_n be_v one_o who_o be_v engage_v in_o the_o same_o design_n he_o will_v find_v that_o as_o face_n answer_v unto_o face_n in_o water_n so_o his_o heart_n will_v answer_v the_o heart_n of_o the_o author_n in_o his_o expression_n of_o his_o own_o experience_n and_o practice_n and_o it_o be_v nothing_o but_o the_o edification_n of_o believer_n in_o faith_n and_o holiness_n that_o be_v aim_v at_o without_o the_o least_o alliance_n unto_o any_o of_o those_o controversy_n in_o religion_n wherewith_o the_o profession_n of_o it_o be_v perplex_v in_o the_o world_n for_o though_o these_o and_o such_o thing_n as_o these_o here_o treat_v of_o be_v despise_v and_o reproach_v by_o man_n of_o corrupt_a mind_n and_o profane_a spirit_n unto_o who_o the_o whole_a practice_n and_o power_n of_o godliness_n with_o the_o manner_n of_o its_o declaration_n according_a to_o the_o scripture_n be_v folly_n and_o matter_n of_o contempt_n yet_o none_o have_v yet_o suppose_v that_o it_o will_v admit_v of_o a_o question_n in_o christian_a religion_n whether_o believer_n ought_v serious_o endeavour_v the_o spiritual_a prosperity_n of_o their_o own_o soul_n but_o with_o such_o as_o by_o who_o these_o thing_n be_v either_o despise_v or_o neglect_v we_o be_v not_o now_o concern_v as_o for_o those_o who_o will_v endeavour_v to_o be_v find_v of_o christ_n in_o peace_n in_o what_o way_n soever_o he_o shall_v please_v to_o visit_v his_o church_n or_o the_o world_n the_o season_n wherein_o we_o live_v the_o whole_a power_n of_o temptation_n which_o we_o be_v exercise_v withal_o the_o state_n present_a of_o most_o professor_n all_o circumstance_n &_o call_v of_o providence_n do_v make_v the_o subject-matter_n of_o the_o duty_n propose_v in_o this_o discourse_n more_o than_o ordinary_a necessary_a for_o their_o more_o serious_a consideration_n john_n owen_n advertisement_n if_o this_o treatise_n find_v acceptance_n mr._n g._n h._n and_o j._n c._n friend_n of_o the_o reverend_a author_n entrust_v with_o his_o paper_n and_o who_o attest_v these_o to_o be_v his_o own_o will_v be_v ready_a to_o publish_v other_o of_o his_o tract_n sermon_n i._n 3_o epist_n of_o john_n vers_n 2._o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d beloved_n i_o wish_v above_o all_o thing_n that_o thou_o may_v prosper_v and_o be_v in_o health_n even_o as_o thy_o soul_n prosper_v there_o be_v two_o thing_n among_o many_o other_o both_o which_o be_v infallible_o certain_a and_o exceed_v comfortable_a to_o all_o those_o that_o live_v by_o faith_n
creature_n load_v with_o many_o infirmity_n do_v it_o for_o the_o present_a i_o can_v think_v of_o any_o better_a way_n than_o this_o even_o in_o the_o spiritual_a outgoing_n and_o act_n of_o the_o principle_n of_o godliness_n immediate_o upon_o god_n himself_o so_o as_o to_o compose_v our_o affection_n thought_n purpose_n desire_n resolution_n and_o all_o the_o inward_a working_n of_o our_o heart_n in_o a_o suitable_a proportion_n to_o those_o glorious_a discovery_n that_o god_n have_v make_v of_o his_o name_n as_o infinite_o holy_a wise_a just_a and_o gracious_a present_v every_o where_o see_v all_o thing_n observe_v all_o thing_n order_v all_o thing_n according_a to_o the_o counsel_n of_o his_o own_o will_n the_o instance_n the_o prophet_n isaiah_n give_v make_v for_o this_o for_o when_o he_o have_v call_v they_o to_o their_o duty_n to_o sanctify_v god_n in_o their_o heart_n he_o direct_v they_o how_o to_o do_v it_o let_v he_o be_v your_o fear_n and_o let_v he_o be_v your_o dread_n thus_o the_o prophet_n habakkuk_n sanctify_v god_n name_n in_o his_o heart_n draw_v in_o all_o his_o hope_n and_o all_o his_o comfort_n into_o god_n alone_o resolve_v to_o rejoice_v in_o he_o when_o he_o have_v nothing_o else_o to_o rejoice_v in_o hab._n 3.17_o 18._o according_a to_o phil._n 4.4_o rejoice_v in_o the_o lord_n always_o and_o again_o i_o say_v rejoice_v this_o be_v that_o which_o be_v require_v in_o the_o first_o and_o great_a commandment_n wherein_o indeed_o if_o we_o consider_v it_o well_o we_o shall_v find_v all_o the_o other_o command_v wrap_v up_o for_o always_o before_o we_o do_v any_o thing_n amiss_o against_o god_n we_o either_o think_v amiss_o of_o god_n or_o think_v not_o of_o he_o at_o all_o therefore_o as_o ever_o we_o desire_v our_o soul_n shall_v prosper_v let_v we_o be_v careful_a at_o all_o time_n in_o all_o place_n thus_o to_o sanctify_v god_n name_n in_o our_o heart_n and_o whatever_o our_o condition_n be_v how_o sad_a soever_o it_o be_v with_o we_o still_o both_o think_v well_o and_o speak_v well_o of_o god_n as_o such_o a_o god_n ought_v to_o be_v speak_v of_o and_o think_v of_o satan_n have_v baffle_v many_o eminent_a person_n when_o they_o have_v be_v under_o trial_n with_o temptation_n contrary_a to_o this_o jeremiah_n in_o his_o distress_n let_v we_o fall_v such_o sad_a word_n as_o these_o chap._n 15.18_o why_o be_v my_o pain_n perpetual_a and_o my_o wound_n incurable_a which_o refuse_v to_o be_v heal_v will_v thou_o be_v altogether_o unto_o i_o as_o a_o liar_n and_o as_o water_n that_o fail_v and_o david_n be_v as_o we_o say_v under_o hatch_n say_v in_o his_o haste_n though_o upon_o second_o thought_n he_o call_v in_o his_o word_n again_o that_o he_o have_v serve_v a_o hard_a master_n and_o that_o all_o his_o exercise_v himself_o unto_o godliness_n have_v be_v in_o vain_a psal_n 73.13.14_o it_o concern_v we_o therefore_o as_o we_o desire_v our_o soul_n shall_v prosper_v so_o to_o exercise_v the_o principle_n of_o godliness_n we_o have_v receive_v that_o even_o when_o the_o deal_n of_o god_n with_o we_o be_v most_o contrary_a to_o our_o desire_n and_o hope_n to_o think_v of_o god_n according_a to_o that_o representation_n which_o he_o make_v of_o himself_o exod._n 34.6_o 7_o the_o lord_n the_o lord_n god_n merciful_a and_o gracious_a etc._n etc._n we_o may_v observe_v that_o david_n when_o he_o act_v like_o a_o man_n after_o god_n own_o heart_n do_v so_o psal_n 119.68_o thou_o be_v good_a and_o do_v good_a yet_o how_o it_o be_v with_o he_o in_o his_o outward_a condition_n we_o see_v vers_fw-la 61._o the_o band_n of_o the_o wicked_a have_v rob_v i_o and_o vers_fw-la 28._o my_o soul_n melt_v for_o heaviness_n so_o psal_n 31._o aster_n he_o have_v express_v his_o sad_a condition_n vers_fw-la 9_o 10_o i_o be_o in_o trouble_n my_o eye_n be_v consume_v with_o grief_n my_o life_n be_v spend_v with_o grief_n and_o my_o year_n with_o sigh_v yet_o he_o break_v out_o into_o admiration_n vers_fw-la 19_o o_o how_o great_a be_v thy_o goodness_n which_o thou_o have_v lay_v up_o for_o they_o that_o fear_v thou_o and_o yet_o he_o see_v but_o little_a of_o it_o lay_v out_o upon_o he_o psal_n 52.1_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n endure_v continual_o this_o be_v the_o first_o way_n propose_v wherein_o we_o ought_v to_o exercise_v ourselves_o unto_o godliness_n 2._o i_o proceed_v to_o the_o second_o thing_n propose_v how_o these_o principle_n of_o godliness_n ought_v to_o be_v exercise_v as_o they_o be_v to_o be_v draw_v forth_o and_o clothe_v as_o it_o be_v with_o the_o external_n duty_n of_o religion_n or_o any_o thing_n else_o wherein_o the_o visible_a part_n of_o religion_n so_o far_o as_o it_o may_v be_v make_v visible_a to_o man_n do_v consist_v and_o here_o note_v two_o thing_n as_o to_o external_n duty_n of_o religion_n 1._o that_o we_o ought_v to_o exercise_v ourselves_o in_o they_o all_o 2._o that_o these_o principle_n of_o godliness_n ought_v to_o be_v exercise_v in_o they_o all_o 1._o for_o the_o former_a those_o that_o real_o mind_n as_o we_o all_o ought_v to_o mind_v the_o prosperity_n of_o our_o soul_n must_v compass_v they_o all_o and_o take_v they_o all_o in_o in_o their_o walk_n though_o not_o all_o at_o once_o nor_o all_o it_o may_v be_v every_o day_n but_o all_o in_o their_o season_n it_o be_v a_o dangerous_a yea_o a_o desperate_a thing_n to_o perform_v one_o duty_n that_o we_o may_v dispense_v with_o ourselves_o in_o the_o neglect_n of_o another_o as_o to_o perform_v duty_n in_o conjunction_n with_o other_o and_o give_v ourselves_o on_o that_o account_n a_o dispensation_n to_o neglect_v personal_a and_o private_a duty_n it_o be_v our_o duty_n as_o 1_o tim._n 5.21_o to_o do_v all_o thing_n without_o partiality_n especial_o all_o thing_n in_o religion_n this_o i_o desire_v may_v be_v consider_v there_o be_v no_o duty_n or_o ordinance_n of_o god_n own_o appointment_n which_o he_o have_v not_o bless_v at_o one_o time_n or_o other_o to_o some_o one_o or_o other_o of_o his_o people_n so_o as_o sometime_o they_o have_v find_v he_o in_o one_o when_o they_o have_v not_o find_v he_o in_o another_o as_o for_o instance_n god_n have_v be_v find_v in_o prayer_n private_a prayer_n psal_n 34.6_o this_o poor_a man_n cry_v unto_o the_o lord_n and_o he_o save_v he_o out_o of_o all_o his_o trouble_n in_o pray_v with_o other_o act._n 4.31_o and_o when_o they_o have_v pray_v the_o place_n be_v shake_v and_o they_o be_v all_o fill_v with_o the_o holy_a ghost_n in_o private_a read_n of_o the_o word_n as_o the_o eunuch_n act._n 8.27_o 28._o in_o hear_v the_o word_n act._n 2.37_o 1_o cor._n 14.24_o 25._o while_o the_o two_o disciple_n that_o go_v to_o emmaus_n be_v discourse_v of_o christ_n christ_n himself_o draw_v near_o to_o they_o and_o go_v with_o they_o luk._n 24.15_o and_o their_o heart_n burn_v within_o they_o while_o he_o talk_v with_o they_o by_o the_o way_n and_o open_v the_o scripture_n to_o they_o vers_n 32._o so_o in_o sing_v 2_o chron._n 20.22_o and_o when_o they_o begin_v to_o sing_v the_o lord_n set_v ambushment_n against_o the_o child_n of_o ammon_n etc._n etc._n that_o be_v he_o cut_v they_o off_o sudden_o as_o when_o man_n be_v cut_v off_o by_o their_o enemy_n that_o lie_v in_o ambush_n against_o they_o and_o so_o accomplish_v what_o be_v foretell_v vers_fw-la 17_o you_o shall_v not_o need_v to_o fight_v in_o this_o battle_n stand_v still_o and_o see_v the_o salvation_n of_o the_o lord_n memorable_a be_v that_o story_n of_o the_o protestant_n of_o mountaban_n in_o france_n who_o when_o they_o be_v besiege_v be_v compel_v to_o take_v up_o arm_n in_o their_o own_o defence_n always_o when_o they_o go_v out_o to_o fight_v go_v out_o sing_v of_o psalm_n which_o be_v so_o terrible_a to_o the_o enemy_n that_o in_o the_o end_n when_o they_o hear_v they_o sing_v which_o they_o usual_o begin_v before_o the_o portcullis_n be_v draw_v up_o and_o the_o gate_n open_v their_o heart_n fail_v they_o and_o away_o they_o will_v run_v cry_v out_o they_o come_v they_o come_v and_o as_o this_o be_v true_a that_o there_o be_v no_o duty_n but_o that_o at_o some_o time_n or_o other_o god_n have_v be_v find_v in_o it_o by_o some_o or_o other_o so_o they_o have_v sometime_o find_v he_o in_o one_o when_o they_o can_v not_o find_v he_o in_o another_o cant._n 3.1_o compare_v with_o ver_fw-la 4_o she_o seek_v he_o in_o private_a duty_n and_o find_v he_o not_o then_o she_o go_v to_o the_o public_a and_o find_v he_o who_o her_o soul_n love_v daniel_n be_v certain_o a_o man_n of_o much_o prayer_n dan._n 6.10_o and_o no_o doubt_n find_v very_o frequent_o sensible_a acceptance_n with_o god_n but_o yet_o it_o seem_v god_n reserve_v the_o full_a
some_o communion_n with_o god_n some_o drawing_n nigh_o in_o holy_a duty_n some_o good_a hope_n through_o grace_n of_o acceptance_n with_o god_n unto_o eternal_a life_n yet_o within_o a_o while_n overcome_v again_o with_o deadness_n and_o darkness_n strange_a flatness_n and_o coldness_n grow_v upon_o the_o face_n of_o the_o whole_a soul_n again_o so_o as_o it_o be_v nothing_o the_o same_o it_o be_v thus_o we_o see_v that_o though_o the_o state_n of_o grace_n be_v sure_a 2_o tim._n 2.19_o yet_o the_o working_n of_o grace_n be_v variable_a the_o nature_n of_o it_o be_v unchangeable_a but_o the_o degree_n of_o it_o be_v subject_a to_o many_o change_n the_o operation_n of_o it_o to_o many_o alteration_n so_o that_o though_o the_o principle_n of_o godliness_n be_v always_o like_o themselves_o yet_o the_o most_o godly_a soul_n that_o prosper_v most_o be_v not_o always_o like_o themselves_o 3._o as_o there_o may_v be_v such_o a_o sad_a and_o sudden_a change_n in_o the_o most_o prosperous_a soul_n that_o live_v so_o that_o may_v be_v lose_v in_o such_o a_o change_n which_o will_v not_o be_v recover_v but_o with_o very_a much_o difficulty_n a_o ship_n may_v easy_o be_v bear_v down_o the_o stream_n but_o it_o be_v hardly_o fetch_v up_o again_o a_o man_n may_v lose_v more_o strength_n in_o a_o few_o day_n sickness_n then_o can_v be_v recover_v in_o many_o day_n i_o have_v read_v of_o henry_n the_o first_o king_n of_o england_n a_o sober_a and_o temperate_a prince_n that_o he_o surfeit_v with_o eat_v a_o lamprey_n which_o cost_v he_o his_o life_n thus_o one_o intemperate_a meal_n may_v overthrow_v the_o temperance_n of_o a_o man_n whole_a life_n for_o the_o same_o history_n say_v of_o that_o king_n that_o he_o do_v seldom_o or_o never_o eat_v but_o when_o he_o be_v hungry_a or_o drink_v but_o when_o he_o be_v thirsty_a yet_o thus_o he_o come_v to_o his_o end_n thus_o it_o may_v be_v in_o this_o matter_n which_o we_o be_v speak_v of_o even_o the_o soul_n that_o mount_v aloft_o by_o the_o supply_n of_o grace_n as_o upon_o eagle_n wing_n if_o spiritual_a drowsiness_n creep_v by_o degree_n upon_o it_o and_o that_o it_o begin_v to_o dally_v with_o duty_n or_o to_o dally_v with_o sin_n it_o may_v cost_v much_o spiritual_a wrestle_n and_o strive_v with_o god_n much_o heart-humbling_a and_o mourn_v in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n before_o it_o recover_v its_o former_a height_n and_o heavenly_a temper_n if_o a_o watch_n be_v let_v fall_v and_o receive_v a_o bruise_n it_o must_v be_v all_o take_v asunder_o before_o it_o be_v bring_v to_o its_o former_a exactness_n and_o evenness_n of_o motion_n read_z the_o 5_o ch_z of_o the_o canticle_n at_o the_o beginning_n there_o you_o may_v perceive_v what_o hard_a work_n the_o church_n have_v in_o seek_v after_o christ_n before_o she_o find_v he_o again_o we_o read_v of_o david_n first_o day_n as_o his_o best_a day_n 2_o chron._n 17.3_o and_o though_o it_o may_v easy_o be_v prove_v that_o he_o recover_v his_o former_a stature_n both_o in_o grace_n and_o comfort_n yet_o it_o may_v as_o easy_o be_v prove_v that_o he_o find_v it_o no_o easy_a matter_n to_o recover_v either_o the_o one_o or_o the_o other_o and_o this_o his_o 7_o penitential_a psalm_n do_v sufficient_o prove_v 4._o yet_o for_o all_o this_o much_o may_v be_v do_v this_o way_n so_o as_o a_o prosper_a soul_n may_v continue_v in_o its_o prosperous_a state_n more_o than_o the_o most_o careful_a man_n in_o the_o world_n can_v do_v for_o the_o continuance_n of_o the_o prosperity_n of_o his_o worldly_a estate_n a_o man_n may_v be_v look_v to_o and_o take_v care_n for_o the_o well_o manage_v of_o his_o estate_n and_o yet_o whilst_o his_o eye_n be_v upon_o it_o he_o may_v see_v it_o upon_o the_o wing_n and_o fly_v away_o from_o he_o as_o the_o eagle_n towards_o heaven_n far_o enough_o out_o of_o his_o reach_n see_v job_n 1.14_o job_n servant_n with_o great_a care_n and_o diligence_n attend_v their_o master_n business_n for_o the_o secure_v his_o cattle_n and_o improve_n his_o ground_n each_o of_o they_o according_a to_o their_o place_n and_o yet_o you_o know_v how_o sudden_o all_o be_v lose_v so_o that_o it_o come_v to_o be_v a_o proverb_n as_o poor_a as_o job_n but_o there_o be_v more_o certainty_n of_o god_n prosper_v serious_a endeavour_n in_o mind_v soul-prosperity_n for_o if_o the_o occasion_n of_o sin_n be_v watch_v against_o one_o day_n as_o well_o as_o another_o if_o the_o first_o rise_n of_o sin_n be_v check_v and_o suppress_v if_o grace_n be_v exercise_v suitable_a to_o the_o providence_n of_o the_o day_n and_o communion_n with_o god_n in_o the_o duty_n of_o religion_n be_v make_v our_o great_a business_n of_o the_o day_n so_o far_o and_o so_o long_o as_o it_o be_v so_o so_o far_o and_o so_o long_a the_o soul_n will_v continue_v to_o prosper_v and_o why_o all_o this_o may_v not_o be_v do_v one_o day_n as_o well_o as_o another_o no_o reason_n can_v be_v give_v the_o promise_n of_o the_o assistance_n of_o the_o spirit_n for_o all_o this_o be_v ready_a one_o day_n as_o well_o as_o another_o and_o god_n be_v a_o god_n hear_v prayer_n for_o all_o this_o one_o day_n as_o well_o as_o another_o and_o therefore_o what_o be_v do_v one_o day_n may_v be_v do_v another_o it_o be_v say_v of_o enoch_n gen._n 5.22_o that_o though_o the_o age_n he_o live_v in_o be_v very_o corrupt_a yet_o he_o walk_v with_o god_n and_o live_v in_o some_o degree_n of_o eminency_n in_o the_o exercise_n of_o the_o principle_n of_o godliness_n above_o other_o of_o the_o servant_n of_o god_n that_o be_v his_o contemporary_n and_o he_o have_v this_o testimony_n the_o spirit_n of_o god_n witness_v together_o with_o his_o spirit_n that_o he_o please_v god_n heb._n 11.5_o and_o it_o be_v well_o know_v that_o the_o bless_a apostle_n paul_n as_o he_o begin_v so_o he_o continue_v fight_v a_o good_a fight_n finish_v his_o course_n keep_v the_o faith_n and_o live_v by_o faith_n to_o his_o die_a day_n as_o he_o say_v gal._n 2.20_o 2_o tim._n 4.6_o 7_o and_o though_o his_o outward_a condition_n be_v for_o the_o most_o part_n very_o low_a yet_o his_o spiritual_a condition_n be_v very_o thrive_a and_o flourish_a though_o the_o one_o perish_v daily_o yet_o the_o other_o be_v renew_v 2_o cor._n 4.16_o 5._o our_o labour_n and_o endeavour_n how_o much_o soever_o we_o abound_v therein_o will_v not_o be_v in_o vain_a but_o be_v abundant_o recompense_v in_o the_o bless_a fruit_n and_o effect_n thereof_o when_o a_o prosper_a soul_n be_v carry_v on_o with_o a_o full_a gale_n in_o its_o holy_a course_n the_o precious_a influence_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n in_o and_o by_o the_o ordinance_n of_o god_n will_v be_v fix_v and_o the_o word_n will_v be_v a_o abide_a word_n and_o not_o like_o those_o human_a ordinance_n the_o apostle_n speak_v of_o col._n 2.22_o which_o perish_v in_o the_o use_n and_o as_o the_o matter_n require_v the_o word_n which_o you_o hear_v at_o one_o time_n will_v be_v bring_v to_o remembrance_n at_o another_o time_n as_o joh._n 14.26_o and_o put_v the_o sword_n of_o the_o spirit_n into_o your_o hand_n so_o as_o to_o resist_v the_o assault_n of_o satan_n and_o discover_v a_o temptation_n in_o time_n of_o temptation_n before_o the_o heart_n be_v ensnare_v by_o it_o 2._o to_o keep_v the_o heart_n humble_a and_o heaven-ward_n under_o a_o confluence_n of_o all_o worldly_a comfort_n to_o keep_v it_o calm_n and_o well-composed_a under_o all_o provocation_n from_o man_n and_o affliction_n from_o god_n so_o as_o to_o run_v with_o patience_n the_o race_n that_o be_v set_v before_o we_o hold_v on_o till_o our_o course_n be_v finish_v to_o be_v much_o above_o distract_n fear_n in_o time_n of_o danger_n all_o of_o they_o be_v mighty_o subdue_v in_o the_o reverential_a fear_n and_o awe_n of_o god_n yea_o to_o have_v our_o thought_n of_o death_n full_a of_o comfort_n and_o our_o hope_n of_o eternal_a happiness_n full_a of_o well-grounded_n confidence_n to_o be_v able_a to_o live_v to_o god_n whilst_o we_o live_v and_o to_o die_v to_o god_n when_o we_o die_v these_o and_o many_o such_o like_a be_v the_o effect_n and_o bless_a consequence_n of_o this_o so_o far_o as_o it_o prosper_v so_o as_o all_o such_o who_o soul_n do_v prosper_v see_v cause_n daily_o not_o only_o to_o bless_v their_o god_n but_o also_o as_o it_o be_v isa_n 65.16_o to_o bless_v themselves_o in_o their_o god_n whatever_o their_o condition_n be_v therefore_o let_v not_o these_o consolation_n of_o god_n seem_v small_a unto_o we_o but_o engage_v we_o according_a as_o we_o be_v command_v deut._n 4.9_o to_o keep_v our_o soul_n diligent_o lest_o we_o forget_v the_o thing_n which_o our_o eye_n have_v see_v and_o lose_v those_o thing_n