his_o path_n be_v peace_n prov._n 3._o 17._o now_o you_o know_v where_o to_o go_v and_o unload_v any_o trouble_n that_o press_v your_o heart_n whatever_o prejudices_fw-la and_o scandal_v satan_n and_o his_o instrument_n cast_v upon_o religion_n this_o i_o will_v affirm_v of_o it_o that_o that_o man_n must_v necessary_o be_v a_o stranger_n to_o true_a pleasure_n and_o empty_a of_o real_a comfort_n who_o be_v a_o stranger_n to_o christ_n and_o the_o duty_n of_o communion_n with_o he_o it_o be_v true_a here_o be_v no_o allowance_n for_o sinful_a pleasure_n nor_o any_o want_n of_o spiritual_a pleasure_n bless_v god_n therefore_o for_o convert_v grace_n you_o that_o have_v it_o and_o list_v up_o a_o cry_n to_o heaven_n for_o it_o you_o that_o want_v it_o v._o inference_n last_o if_o there_o be_v so_o much_o delight_n and_o pleasure_n in_o our_o imperfect_a and_o often_o interrupt_a communion_n with_o god_n here_o o_o then_o what_o be_v heaven_n what_o be_v the_o immediate_a vision_n of_o his_o face_n in_o the_o perfect_a state_n 1_o cor._n 2._o 9_o eye_n have_v not_o see_v nor_o ear_n hear_v neither_o have_v enter_v into_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n the_o thing_n which_o god_n have_v prepare_v for_o they_o that_o love_v he_o you_o have_v hear_v glorious_a and_o ravish_a report_n in_o the_o gospel_n of_o that_o bless_a future_a state_n thing_n which_o the_o angle_n desire_v to_o look_v into_o you_o have_v feel_v and_o taste_v joy_n unspeakable_a and_o full_a of_o glory_n in_o the_o act_n of_o your_o faith_n and_o love_n upon_o christ_n yet_o all_o that_o you_o have_v hear_v and_o all_o that_o you_o have_v feel_v and_o taste_v in_o the_o way_n to_o glory_n fall_v so_o short_a of_o the_o perfection_n and_o blessedness_n of_o that_o state_n that_o heaven_n will_v and_o must_v be_v a_o great_a surprise_n to_o they_o that_o have_v now_o the_o great_a acquaintance_n with_o it_o though_o the_o present_a comfort_n of_o the_o saint_n be_v sometime_o as_o much_o as_o they_o can_v bear_v for_o they_o seem_v to_o reel_v and_o stagger_v under_o the_o weight_n of_o they_o cant._n 2._o 5._o stay_v i_o with_o flagon_n comfort_v i_o with_o apple_n i_o be_o sick_a of_o love_n yet_o i_o say_v these_o high_a tide_n of_o present_a joy_n be_v but_o shallows_o to_o the_o joy_n of_o his_o immediate_a presence_n 1_o cor._n 13._o 12._o and_o as_o they_o run_v not_o so_o deep_a so_o be_v they_o not_o constant_a and_o continue_a as_o they_o shall_v be_v above_o 2_o thes._n 4._o ult_n ever_o with_o the_o lord_n and_o thus_o much_o for_o information_n i._o use_v for_o exhortation_n the_o last_o improvement_n of_o this_o point_n will_v be_v by_o way_n of_o exhortation_n 1._o to_o believer_n 2._o to_o unbeliever_n first_o be_v the_o privilege_a state_n into_o which_o all_o believer_n be_v admit_v by_o conversion_n then_o strive_v to_o come_v up_o to_o the_o high_a attainment_n of_o communion_n with_o god_n in_o this_o world_n and_o be_v not_o content_v with_o just_a somuch_o grace_n as_o will_v secure_v you_o from_o hell_n but_o labour_n after_o such_o a_o height_n of_o grace_n and_o communion_n with_o god_n in_o the_o exercise_n thereof_o as_o may_v bring_v you_o into_o the_o suburb_n of_o heaven_n on_o earth_n forget_v the_o thing_n that_o be_v behind_o you_o as_o to_o satisfaction_n in_o they_o and_o press_v towards_o the_o mark_n for_o the_o prize_n of_o your_o high_a call_n it_o be_v great_o to_o your_o loss_n that_o you_o live_v at_o such_o a_o distance_n from_o god_n and_o be_v so_o seldom_o with_o he_o think_v not_o the_o able_a minister_n or_o choice_a book_n will_v ever_o be_v able_a to_o satisfy_v your_o doubt_n and_o comfort_v your_o heart_n whilst_o you_o let_v down_o your_o communion_n with_o god_n to_o a_o so_o low_a a_o degree_n o_o that_o you_o may_v be_v persuade_v now_o to_o hearken_v obedient_o to_o three_o or_o four_o necessary_a word_n of_o counsel_n i._o counsel_n make_v communion_n with_o god_n the_o very_a level_n and_o aim_v of_o your_o soul_n in_o all_o your_o approach_n to_o he_o in_o the_o ordinance_n and_o duty_n of_o religion_n set_a it_o upon_o the_o point_n of_o your_o compass_n let_v it_o be_v the_o very_a thing_n your_o soul_n design_n let_v the_o desire_n and_o hope_n of_o communion_n with_o god_n be_v the_o thing_n that_o draw_v you_o to_o every_o sermon_n and_o prayer_n psal._n 27._o 4._o one_o thing_n have_v i_o desire_v of_o the_o lord_n that_o will_v i_o seek_v after_o that_o i_o may_v see_v the_o beauty_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o inquire_v after_o he_o in_o his_o temple_n that_o be_v the_o mark_n david_n aim_v at_o and_o man_n success_n in_o duty_n be_v usual_o according_a to_o the_o spiritual_a aim_n and_o intention_n of_o their_o heart_n in_o they_o both_o sincerity_n and_o comfort_n lie_v much_o in_o man_n end_n ii_o counsel_n in_o all_o your_o approach_n to_o god_n beg_v and_o plead_v hard_a with_o he_o for_o the_o manifestation_n of_o his_o love_n and_o further_a communication_n of_o his_o grace_n hear_v o_o lord_n when_o i_o cry_v with_o my_o voice_n have_v mercy_n also_o upon_o i_o and_o answer_v i_o when_o thou_o say_v seek_v you_o my_o face_n my_o heart_n say_v unto_o thou_o thy_o face_n lord_n will_v i_o seek_v hide_v not_o thy_o face_n far_o from_o i_o put_v not_o thy_o servant_n away_o in_o anger_n psal_n 27._o 7_o 8_o 9_o how_o full_a and_o thick_a of_o plea_n and_o argument_n for_o communion_n with_o god_n be_v this_o prayer_n of_o david_n lord_n i_o be_o come_v in_o obedience_n to_o thy_o command_n thou_o say_v seek_v you_o my_o face_n thou_o bid_v i_o come_v to_o thou_o and_o will_v thou_o put_v away_o thy_o servant_n in_o anger_n thou_o have_v be_v my_o help_n i_o have_v have_v sweet_a experience_n of_o thy_o goodness_n thou_o do_v not_o use_v to_o put_v i_o off_o and_o turn_v i_o away_o empty_a iii_o counsel_n desire_v not_o comfort_v for_o comfort_n sake_n but_o comfort_n and_o refreshment_n for_o service_n and_o obedience_n sake_n that_o by_o it_o you_o may_v be_v strengthen_v to_o go_v on_o in_o the_o way_n of_o your_o duty_n with_o more_o cheerfulness_n psal._n 119._o 32._o then_o will_v i_o run_v the_o way_n of_o thy_o commandment_n when_o thou_o shall_v enlarge_v my_o heart_n as_o if_o he_o shall_v say_v o_o lord_n the_o comfort_n thou_o shall_v give_v i_o shall_v be_v return_v again_o in_o cheerful_a service_n to_o thou_o i_o desire_v they_o as_o oil_n to_o the_o wheel_n of_o obedience_n not_o food_n for_o my_o pride_n iv._o counsel_n as_o ever_o you_o expect_v to_o be_v owner_n of_o much_o comfort_n in_o the_o way_n of_o your_o communion_n with_o god_n see_v that_o you_o be_v strict_a and_o circumspect_a in_o the_o course_n of_o your_o conversation_n it_o be_v the_o looseness_n and_o carelessness_n of_o our_o heart_n and_o life_n which_o impoverish_v our_o spiritual_a comfort_n a_o little_a pride_n a_o little_a carelessness_n dash_v and_o frustrate_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o comfort_n which_o be_v very_o near_o we_o almost_o in_o our_o hand_n to_o allude_v to_o that_o hosea_n 7._o 1._o when_o i_o will_v have_v heal_v israel_n than_o the_o iniquity_n of_o ephraim_n be_v discover_v so_o here_o just_o when_o 〈◊〉_d desire_n of_o thy_o heart_n be_v come_v to_o the_o door_n some_o sin_n step_v in_o the_o way_n of_o it_o your_o iniquity_n say_v god_n have_v separate_v between_o you_o and_o you_o god_n and_o your_o sin_n have_v hide_v his_o face_n from_o you_o isa._n 59_o 2._o the_o comforter_n the_o holy_a spirit_n be_v sensible_a and_o tender_a he_o have_v quick_a resentment_n of_o your_o unkindness_n and_o offence_n as_o ever_o therefore_o you_o expect_v comfort_n from_o he_o beware_v of_o he_o and_o grieve_v he_o not_o second_o in_o the_o last_o place_n this_o point_n speak_v necessary_a counsel_n and_o advice_n to_o unbeliever_n to_o all_o that_o live_v estrange_v from_o the_o life_n of_o god_n and_o have_v do_v so_o from_o the_o womb_n psal._n 58._o 3._o to_o you_o the_o voice_n of_o the_o redeemer_n sound_v a_o summons_n once_o more_o behold_v i_o stand_v at_o the_o door_n and_o knock_n oh_o that_o at_o last_o you_o may_v be_v prevail_v with_o to_o comply_v with_o the_o merciful_a term_n propound_v by_o he_o will_v you_o shut_v out_o a_o saviour_n bring_v salvation_n pardon_v and_o peace_n with_o he_o christ_n be_v thy_o rightful_a owner_n and_o demand_v possession_n of_o thy_o soul_n if_o thou_o will_v now_o hear_v his_o voice_n thy_o former_a refusal_n shall_v never_o be_v object_v if_o thou_o still_o reject_v his_o gracious_a offer_n mercy_n may_v never_o more_o be_v tender_v to_o thou_o there_o be_v a_o call_n of_o christ_n which_o will_v be_v the_o last_o call_v and_o after_o that_o no_o more_o take_v heed_n what_o
the_o cry_n of_o such_o soul_n will_v be_v hear_v above_o the_o cry_n of_o all_o the_o other_o miserable_a wretch_n that_o be_v cast_v away_o it_o will_v be_v more_o tolerable_a for_o sodom_n and_o gomorrah_n than_o for_o capernaum_n matth._n 11._o 23._o oh_o friend_n you_o little_o know_v the_o smart_a reflection_n of_o conscience_n in_o hell_n upon_o such_o hour_n as_o you_o now_o enjoy_v such_o woo_n charm_a voice_n and_o allurement_n to_o christ_n as_o you_o now_o hear_v there_o be_v many_o thousand_o of_o soul_n in_o hell_n that_o come_v thither_o out_o of_o the_o dark_a heathenish_a part_n of_o the_o world_n where_o they_o never_o hear_v of_o christ_n but_o your_o misery_n will_v be_v far_o beyond_o they_o your_o reflection_n more_o sharp_a and_o bitter_a therefore_o delay_v no_o long_o lest_o you_o perish_v with_o peculiar_a aggravation_n of_o misery_n 3ly_n try_v the_o patience_n of_o christ_n no_o further_o i_o beseech_v you_o for_o as_o much_o as_o you_o see_v every_o day_n the_o patience_n of_o christ_n end_v towards_o other_o patience_n come_v down_o and_o justice_n ascend_v the_o stage_n to_o triumph_v over_o the_o abuser_n of_o mercy_n you_o doubt_n only_o read_v in_o scripture_n of_o the_o finish_n and_o end_v of_o god_n patience_n with_o man_n but_o you_o may_v see_v it_o every_o day_n with_o your_o own_o eye_n if_o you_o look_v into_o scripture_n you_o may_v find_v the_o patience_n of_o god_n end_v towards_o multitude_n of_o sinner_n who_o possible_o have_v the_o same_o presumption_n and_o vain_a hope_n for_o the_o continuance_n of_o it_o that_o you_o now_o have_v if_o you_o look_v into_o 1_o pet._n 3._o 19_o 20._o you_o shall_v there_o find_v that_o christ_n go_v and_o preach_v to_o the_o spirit_n in_o prison_n which_o sometime_o be_v disobedient_a when_o once_o the_o long-suffering_a of_o god_n wait_v in_o the_o day_n of_o noah_n the_o meaning_n of_o it_o be_v this_o that_o in_o the_o day_n before_o the_o flood_n christ_n by_o his_o spirit_n strive_v with_o disobedient_a and_o rebellious_a sinner_n in_o the_o ministry_n of_o noah_n who_o then_o be_v live_v man_n and_o woman_n as_o now_o we_o be_v but_o now_o be_v spirit_n in_o prison_n i._n e._n damn_a soul_n in_o hell_n for_o their_o disobedience_n and_o true_o brethren_n you_o may_v frequent_o behold_v the_o glass_n of_o patience_n run_v down_o the_o very_a last_o sand_n in_o it_o spend_v upon_o other_o whenever_o you_o see_v a_o wicked_a christless_a man_n or_o woman_n die_v you_o see_v the_o end_n of_o god_n patience_n with_o that_o man_n or_o woman_n and_o all_o this_o for_o a_o warn_n to_o you_o that_o you_o adventure_v not_o to_o trifle_v and_o dally_v with_o it_o as_o they_o do_v 4ly_n last_o do_v not_o try_v god_n patience_n any_o long_a if_o you_o love_v your_o soul_n for_o this_o reason_n because_o when_o man_n grow_v bold_a and_o encourage_v themselves_o in_o sin_n upon_o the_o account_n of_o god_n forbearance_n and_o long-suffering_a towards_o they_o there_o can_v be_v a_o more_o certain_a sign_n that_o his_o patience_n be_v very_o near_o its_o end_n towards_o that_o soul._n it_o be_v time_n for_o god_n to_o put_v a_o end_n to_o his_o patience_n when_o it_o be_v make_v a_o encouragement_n to_o sin_n god_n can_v suffer_v so_o vile_a a_o abuse_n of_o his_o glorious_a patience_n nor_o endure_v to_o see_v it_o turn_v into_o wantonness_n this_o quick_o bring_v up_o sin_n to_o its_o finish_n act_n and_o perfection_n and_o then_o patience_n be_v just_a upon_o finish_v also_o that_o patience_n be_v thus_o abuse_v appear_v from_o eccles._n 8._o 11._o and_o when_o it_o be_v so_o abuse_a look_n for_o a_o sudden_a change_n o_o therefore_o beware_v of_o provoke_a god_n for_o now_o the_o day_n of_o patience_n be_v certain_o near_o its_o end_n with_o such_o sinner_n prov._n 1._o 24_o 25_o 26._o because_o i_o have_v calledâ—_n and_o you_o refuse_v i_o have_v stretch_v out_o my_o hand_n and_o no_o man_n regard_v but_o you_o have_v set_v at_o nought_o all_o my_o counsel_n and_o will_v none_o of_o my_o reproof_n i_o also_o will_v laugh_v at_o your_o calamity_n and_o mock_v when_o your_o fear_n come_v when_o your_o fear_n come_v as_o desolation_n and_o your_o destruction_n come_v as_o a_o whirlwind_n ah_o when_o sinner_n scolt_v and_o mock_v at_o the_o threaten_n of_o god_n and_o bear_v themselves_o up_o upon_o his_o patience_n as_o that_o which_o will_v never_o crack_v under_o they_o then_o look_v out_o for_o a_o whirlwind_n a_o sudden_a tempest_n of_o wrath_n which_o shall_v hurry_v such_o soul_n into_o hell._n then_o misery_n come_v like_o a_o storm_n blow_v furious_o from_o all_o quarter_n well_o the_o heaven_n be_v yet_o clear_a over_o you_o but_o a_o storm_n be_v nigh_o and_o may_v be_v certain_o presage_v from_o such_o vite_fw-la abuse_n of_o the_o glorious_a patience_n of_o christ_n towards_o you_o that_o be_v the_o first_o exhortation_n try_v not_o the_o patience_n of_o christ_n by_o any_o further_a delay_n ii_o exhortation_n second_o admire_v christ_n patience_n and_o forbearance_n of_o you_o until_o now_o that_o he_o have_v not_o cut_v you_o off_o in_o your_o sin_n but_o lengthen_v out_o his_o patience_n unto_o this_o day_n and_o bring_v about_o your_o salvation_n by_o his_o long-suffering_a towards_o you_o here_o now_o i_o must_v change_v my_o voice_n and_o turn_v it_o unto_o those_o who_o heart_n the_o lord_n have_v open_v stand_v amaze_v at_o the_o riches_n of_o his_o grace_n towards_o you_o and_o see_v that_o you_o account_v this_o long-suffering_a of_o god_n to_o be_v your_o salvation_n for_o in_o plain_a truth_n it_o be_v so_o your_o salvation_n be_v bind_v up_o in_o christ_n forbearance_n if_o christ_n have_v not_o bear_v as_o he_o do_v you_o have_v not_o be_v where_o you_o be_v i_o can_v hearty_o wish_v that_o all_o the_o time_n you_o can_v redeem_v from_o the_o necessary_a employment_n you_o have_v in_o the_o world_n may_v now_o be_v spend_v in_o a_o humble_a thankful_a admiration_n of_o this_o admirable_a grace_n and_o patience_n of_o christ_n and_o answerable_a duty_n to_o the_o intention_n and_o end_n thereof_o to_o this_o end_n i_o shall_v subjoin_v divers_a weighty_a consideration_n which_o methinks_v shall_v melt_v every_o heart_n wherein_o the_o least_o drachm_n of_o save_a grace_n be_v find_v bethink_v yourselves_o of_o the_o great_a and_o manifold_a provocation_n you_o have_v give_v the_o consid._n lord_n to_o put_v a_o end_n to_o all_o further_a patience_n towards_o you_o not_o only_o in_o the_o day_n of_o your_o vanity_n and_o unregeneracy_n but_o enen_fw-la since_o your_o reconciliation_n to_o he_o do_v you_o not_o believe_v thousand_o of_o sinner_n be_v now_o in_o the_o depth_n of_o hell_n who_o never_o provoke_v the_o lord_n at_o a_o high_a rate_n than_o you_o have_v do_v be_v you_o not_o herd_v once_o among_o the_o vile_a of_o sinner_n 1_o cor._n 6._o 11._o and_o such_o be_v some_o of_o you_o as_o vile_a as_o the_o vile_a among_o they_o yet_o you_o be_v wash_v in_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n and_o your_o companion_n roar_v in_o the_o low_a hell_n or_o if_o your_o life_n be_v more_o clean_a sure_a your_o heart_n and_o nature_n be_v as_o filthy_a as_o they_o and_o certain_o your_o sin_n since_o the_o time_n of_o reconciliation_n have_v have_v special_a aggravation_n in_o they_o enough_o to_o put_v a_o end_n to_o all_o further_a mercy_n towards_o you_o light_a and_o love_n have_v aggravate_v these_o sin_n and_o yet_o the_o lord_n will_v not_o cast_v you_o off_o how_o often_o have_v you_o be_v upon_o the_o very_a brink_n of_o hell_n consid._n in_o the_o day_n of_o your_o unregeneracy_n every_o sickness_n and_o every_o danger_n of_o life_n which_o you_o escape_v in_o those_o day_n be_v a_o marvellous_a escape_n from_o the_o everlasting_a wrath_n of_o god._n have_v thy_o disease_n prevail_v one_o degree_n further_o thou_o have_v be_v past_o hope_n and_o out_o of_o the_o reach_n of_o mercy_n arm_v now_o doubtless_o some_o of_o you_o can_v remember_v when_o in_o such_o and_o such_o a_o disease_n you_o be_v like_o a_o ship_n ride_v in_o a_o furious_a storm_n by_o one_o cable_n and_o two_o or_o three_o of_o the_o strand_n of_o that_o cable_n be_v snap_v asunder_o so_o it_o have_v be_v with_o you_o the_o thread_n of_o life_n how_o weak_a soever_o have_v hold_v till_o the_o bond_n of_o union_n betwixt_o christ_n and_o your_o soul_n be_v fasten_v and_o the_o eternal_a hazard_n over_o this_o be_v admirable_a grace_n how_o often_o have_v death_n come_v up_o into_o your_o window_n enter_v into_o your_o house_n consid._n fetch_v off_o your_o near_a relation_n but_o have_v no_o commission_n to_o carry_v you_o out_o with_o they_o because_o the_o lord_n have_v a_o design_n of_o mercy_n upon_o your_o soul_n this_o can_v but_o affect_v a_o
psal._n 51._o 8._o make_v i_o to_o hear_v joy_n and_o gladness_n that_o the_o bone_n which_o thou_o have_v break_v may_v rejoice_v restore_v unto_o i_o the_o joy_n of_o thy_o salvation_n vers_fw-la 12._o i_o can_v here_o omit_v to_o detect_v a_o great_a mistake_n here_o even_o among_o god_n own_o people_n many_o of_o they_o understand_v not_o what_o communion_n there_o shall_v be_v with_o god_n under_o the_o manifestation_n of_o his_o displeasure_n for_o sin_n they_o know_v that_o the_o affectionate_a melt_n of_o their_o soul_n into_o love_n praise_n etc._n etc._n to_o be_v communion_n with_o god_n but_o that_o the_o shame_n grief_n and_o sorrow_n produce_v in_o they_o by_o the_o manifestation_n of_o god_n displeasure_n i_o say_v that_o even_o in_o these_o thing_n there_o may_v be_v communion_n with_o god_n they_o understand_v not_o but_o let_v i_o tell_v thou_o that_o even_o such_o thing_n as_o these_o be_v the_o choice_a fruit_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o adoption_n and_o that_o in_o they_o thy_o soul_n have_v as_o real_a and_o beneficial_a communion_n with_o god_n as_o in_o the_o great_a transport_n of_o spiritual_a joy_n and_o comfort_n o'tis_fw-la a_o bless_a frame_n to_o be_v before_o the_o lord_n as_o ezra_n be_v after_o conviction_n of_o thy_o looseness_n carelessness_n and_o spiritual_a defilement_n the_o consequent_n of_o those_o sin_n say_v with_o he_o o_o my_o god_n i_o be_o ashamed_a and_o even_o blush_v to_o lift_v up_o my_o face_n unto_o thou_o ezra_n 9_o 6._o shame_n and_o blush_a be_v as_o excellent_a sign_n of_o communion_n with_o god_n as_o the_o sweet_a smile_n last_o there_o be_v representation_n and_o special_a contemplation_n of_o the_o omniscience_n of_o god_n produce_v sincerity_n comfort_n in_o appeal_n and_o recourse_n to_o it_o in_o doubt_n of_o our_o own_o uprightness_n and_o this_o also_o be_v a_o choice_n and_o excellent_a method_n of_o communion_n with_o god._n 1_o when_o the_o omniscience_n of_o god_n strong_o oblige_v the_o soul_n to_o sincerity_n and_o uprightness_n as_o it_o do_v david_n psal._n 139._o 11_o 12._o compare_v with_o psal._n 18._o 23._o i_o be_v also_o upright_o before_o he_o the_o consideration_n that_o he_o be_v always_o before_o the_o eye_n of_o god_n be_v his_o preservative_n from_o iniquity_n yea_o from_o his_o own_o iniquity_n 2._o when_o it_o produce_v comfort_n in_o appeal_n to_o it_o as_o it_o do_v in_o hezekiah_n 2_o king_n 20._o 3._o remember_v now_o o_o lord_n that_o i_o have_v walk_v before_o thou_o in_o truth_n and_o with_o a_o perfect_a heart_n so_o job_n 10._o 7._o he_o also_o appeal_v to_o this_o attribute_n thou_o know_v that_o i_o be_o not_o wicked_a so_o do_v jeremiah_n chap._n 12._o 3._o but_o thou_o o_o lord_n know_v i_o thou_o have_v see_v i_o and_o try_v my_o heart_n towards_o thou_o 3._o when_o we_o have_v recourse_n to_o it_o under_o doubt_n and_o fear_n of_o our_o own_o uprightness_n thus_o do_v david_n psal._n 139._o 23._o search_v i_o o_o god_n and_o try_v my_o heart_n prove_v i_o and_o see_v my_o reins_o see_v if_o there_o be_v any_o way_n of_o wickedness_n in_o i_o in_o all_o these_o attribute_n of_o god_n christian_n have_v real_a and_o sweet_a communion_n with_o he_o which_o be_v the_o first_o thing_n to_o be_v open_v communion_n with_o god_n in_o the_o meditation_n of_o his_o attribute_n second_o the_o next_o method_n of_o communion_n with_o god_n be_v in_o the_o exercise_n of_o our_o grace_n in_o the_o various_a duty_n of_o religion_n in_o prayer_n hear_v sacrament_n etc._n etc._n in_o all_o which_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o lord_n influence_n the_o grace_n of_o his_o people_n and_o they_o return_v the_o fruit_n thereof_o in_o some_o measure_n to_o he_o as_o god_n have_v plant_v various_a grace_n in_o regenerate_a soul_n so_o he_o have_v appoint_v various_a duty_n to_o exercise_n and_o draw_v forth_o those_o grace_n and_o when_o they_o do_v so_o then_o have_v his_o people_n sweet_a actual_a communion_n with_o he_o and_o 1._o to_o begin_v with_o the_o first_o grace_n that_o show_v itself_o in_o the_o soul_n of_o a_o christian_a to_o wit_n repentance_n and_o sorrow_n for_o sin_n in_o the_o exercise_n of_o this_o grace_n of_o repentance_n the_o soul_n pour_v out_o itself_o before_o the_o lord_n with_o much_o bitterness_n and_o brokenness_n of_o heart_n cast_v forth_o its_o sorrow_n which_o sorrow_n be_v as_o so_o much_o seed_n sow_v and_o in_o return_n thereto_o the_o lord_n usual_o send_v a_o answer_n of_o peace_n psal._n 32._o 4_o 5._o i_o say_v i_o will_v confess_v my_o transgression_n and_o thou_o forgave_v the_o iniquity_n of_o my_o sin_n here_o be_v a_o voice_n of_o sorrow_n send_v up_o and_o a_o voice_n of_o peace_n come_v down_o which_o be_v real_a communion_n betwixt_o god_n and_o man_n in_o the_o exercise_n of_o repentace_n 2_o as_o there_o be_v season_n in_o duty_n wherein_o the_o saint_n exercise_v their_o repentance_n and_o the_o lord_n return_v peace_n so_o likewise_o the_o lord_n help_v they_o in_o their_o duty_n to_o act_v their_o faith_n in_o return_n whereunto_o they_o find_v from_o the_o lord_n inward_a support_n rest_n and_o refreshment_n psal._n 27._o 13._o i_o have_v faint_v unless_o i_o have_v believe_v and_o ofttimes_o a_o assurance_n of_o the_o mercy_n they_o have_v act_v their_o faith_n about_o 1_o john_n 5._o i4_n 3_o the_o lord_n many_o time_n draw_v forth_o eminent_a degree_n of_o our_o love_n to_o he_o in_o the_o course_n of_o our_o duty_n the_o heart_n be_v fill_v with_o love_n to_o christ._n the_o strength_n of_o the_o soul_n be_v draw_v forth_o to_o christ_n in_o love_n and_o this_o the_o lord_n repay_v in_o kind_n love_v for_o love_n john_n 14._o 21._o he_o that_o love_v i_o my_o father_n will_v love_v he_o and_o we_o will_v come_v and_o make_v our_o abode_n with_o he_o here_o be_v sweet_a communion_n with_o god_n in_o the_o exercise_n of_o love_n o_o what_o a_o rich_a trade_n do_v christian_n drive_v this_o way_n in_o their_o duty_n and_o exercise_n of_o grace_n 4_o to_o mention_v no_o more_o in_o the_o duty_n of_o passive_a obedience_n christian_n be_v enable_v to_o exercise_v their_o patience_n meekness_n and_o long_o suffer_v for_o christ_n in_o return_n to_o which_o the_o lord_n give_v they_o the_o singular_a consolation_n of_o his_o spirit_n double_a return_n of_o joy_n the_o spirit_n of_o glory_n and_o of_o god_n rest_v upon_o they_o 1_o pet._n 4._o 13_o 14._o the_o lord_n strengthen_v they_o with_o passive_a fortitude_n with_o all_o might_n in_o the_o inner-man_n unto_o all_o long-suffering_a but_o the_o reward_n of_o that_o long-suffering_a be_v joyfulness_n col._n 1._o 11._o this_o be_v the_o trade_n they_o drive_v with_o heaven_n three_o beside_o communion_n with_o god_n in_o the_o contemplation_n of_o his_o attribute_n and_o grace_n exercise_v in_o the_o course_n of_o duty_n there_o be_v another_o method_n of_o communion_n with_o god_n in_o the_o way_n of_o his_o providence_n for_o therein_o also_o his_o people_n walk_v with_o he_o to_o give_v a_o taste_n of_o this_o let_v we_o consider_v providence_n in_o a_o fourfold_a aspect_n upon_o the_o people_n of_o god._n 1._o there_o be_v afflictive_a providence_n rod_n and_o rebuke_n wherewith_o the_o lord_n chasten_v his_o child_n this_o be_v the_o discipline_n of_o his_o house_n in_o answer_n whereunto_o gracious_a soul_n return_v meek_a and_o childlike_a submission_n a_o fruit_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o adoption_n they_o be_v bring_v to_o accept_v the_o punishment_n of_o their_o iniquity_n and_o herein_o lie_v communion_n with_o god_n under_o the_o rod_n this_o return_n to_o the_o rod_n may_v not_o be_v present_o make_v for_o there_o be_v much_o stubborness_n unmortified_a in_o the_o best_a heart_n heb._n i2_n 7._o but_o this_o be_v the_o fruit_n it_o shall_v yield_v and_o when_o it_o do_v there_o be_v real_a communion_n between_o god_n and_o the_o afflict_a soul._n let_v not_o christian_n mistake_v themselves_o if_o when_o god_n be_v smite_v they_o be_v humble_v search_a and_o blessing_n god_n for_o the_o discovery_n of_o sin_n make_v by_o their_o affliction_n admire_v his_o wisdom_n in_o time_v moderate_v and_o choose_v the_o rod_n kiss_v it_o with_o a_o childlike_a submission_n and_o say_v it_o be_v good_a for_o i_o that_o i_o have_v be_v afflict_v that_o soul_n have_v real_a communion_n with_o god_n though_o it_o may_v be_v for_o a_o time_n without_o joy_n 2_o there_o be_v time_n wherein_o providence_n straighten_v the_o people_n of_o god_n when_o the_o water_n of_o comfort_n ebb_n and_o run_v very_o low_a want_v pinch_n if_o then_o the_o soul_n return_v filial_a dependence_n upon_o fatherly_a care_n say_v with_o david_n psal._n 23._o 1._o the_o lord_n be_v my_o shepherd_n i_o shall_v not_o want_v it_o belong_v to_o he_o to_o provide_v and_o to_o i_o to_o depend_v i_o
satan_n stand_v at_o his_o right-hand_a to_o resist_v he_o it_o be_v well_o for_o thou_o christian_n that_o thou_o have_v a_o advocate_n stand_v at_o god_n right-hand_a to_o resist_v and_o frustrate_v his_o attempt_n upon_o thou_o otherwise_o satan_n will_v this_o way_n destroy_v your_o communion_n with_o god_n and_o make_v that_o which_o be_v now_o your_o delight_n to_o be_v your_o terror_n many_o way_n do_v the_o devil_n oppose_v the_o saint_n communion_n with_o god._n sometime_o he_o labour_v to_o divert_v they_o from_o it_o this_o business_n shall_v fall_v in_o or_o that_o occasion_n fall_v out_o on_o purpose_n to_o divert_v thy_o soul_n approach_v to_o god_n but_o if_o he_o can_v prevail_v there_o than_o he_o labour_v to_o distract_v your_o thought_n and_o break_v they_o into_o a_o thousand_o vanity_n or_o if_o he_o succeed_v not_o there_o than_o he_o attack_n you_o in_o your_o return_n from_o duty_n with_o spiritual_a pride_n security_n etc._n etc._n these_o fierce_a opposition_n of_o hell_n discover_v the_o worth_n and_o excellency_n of_o communion_n with_o god._n vii_o excellency_n it_o be_v the_o end_n of_o all_o ordinance_n and_o duty_n of_o religion_n god_n have_v institute_v every_o ordinance_n and_o duty_n whether_o public_a or_o private_a to_o beget_v and_o maintain_v communion_n betwixt_o himself_o and_o our_o soul_n what_o be_v ordinance_n duty_n and_o grace_n but_o perspective_n glass_n to_o give_v we_o a_o sight_n of_o god_n and_o help_v we_o to_o communion_n with_o he_o god_n never_o intend_v his_o ordinance_n to_o be_v our_o rest_n but_o medium_n and_o instrument_n of_o communion_n with_o himself_o who_o be_v our_o true_a rest_n when_o we_o go_v into_o a_o boat_n it_o be_v not_o with_o a_o intention_n to_o dwell_v and_o rest_v there_o but_o to_o ferry_v we_o over_o the_o water_n where_o our_o business_n lie_v if_o a_o man_n miss_v of_o communion_n with_o god_n in_o the_o best_a ordinance_n or_o duty_n it_o yield_v he_o little_a comfort_n he_o come_v back_o from_o it_o like_o a_o man_n that_o have_v travel_v a_o great_a many_o mile_n to_o meet_v a_o dear_a friend_n upon_o special_a and_o important_a business_n but_o meet_v with_o disappointment_n and_o return_v sad_a and_o dissatisfy_v god_n appoint_v ordinance_n to_o be_v meet_v place_n with_o our_o god_n in_o this_o world_n exod._n 25._o 21_o 22._o thou_o shall_v put_v the_o mercy-seat_n above_o upon_o the_o ark_n and_o in_o the_o ark_n thou_o shall_v pâ—â—_n the_o testimony_n that_o i_o shall_v give_v thou_o and_o there_o i_o will_v meet_v with_o thou_o and_o i_o will_v commune_v with_o thou_o from_o above_o the_o mercy-seat_n from_o between_o the_o two_o cherubim_n it_o be_v not_o the_o sight_n of_o the_o golden_a cherubim_n or_o of_o the_o ark_n overlay_v with_o pure_a gold_n that_o can_v have_v satisfy_v moses_n have_v not_o the_o special_a presence_n of_o god_n be_v there_o and_o he_o have_v have_v communion_n with_o they_o o_o god_n say_v david_n my_o soul_n thirst_v for_o thou_o that_o i_o may_v see_v thy_o beauty_n and_o thy_o glory_n so_o as_o i_o have_v see_v thou_o in_o the_o sanctuary_n psal._n 63._o 1_o 2._o magnificent_a structure_n artificial_a ornament_n of_o the_o place_n of_o worship_n be_v of_o little_a account_n with_o a_o gracious_a soul._n it_o be_v the_o presence_n of_o god_n and_o communion_n with_o he_o which_o be_v the_o beauty_n and_o glory_n the_o saint_n desire_v to_o behold_v viii_o excellency_n it_o be_v the_o evidence_n of_o our_o union_n with_o christ_n and_o interest_n in_o he_o all_o union_n with_o christ_n must_v evidence_n its_o self_n by_o a_o life_n of_o communion_n with_o he_o or_o our_o pretension_n to_o it_o be_v vain_a and_o groundless_a there_o be_v many_o of_o you_o i_o wish_v there_o be_v more_o inquire_v after_o evidence_n and_o sign_n of_o your_o union_n with_o christ_n why_o here_o be_v a_o evidence_n that_o can_v never_o fail_v you_o do_v you_o live_v in_o communion_n with_o he_o may_v your_o life_n be_v call_v a_o walk_n with_o god_n as_o enoch_n be_v then_o you_o may_v be_v sure_a you_o have_v union_n with_o he_o and_o this_o be_v so_o sure_a a_o sign_n as_o death_n itself_o which_o use_v to_o discover_v the_o vanity_n of_o false_a sign_n will_v never_o be_v able_a to_o destroy_v 2_o king_n 20._o 2_o 3._o remember_v now_o o_o lord_n say_v hezechiah_n that_o i_o have_v walk_v before_o thou_o in_o truth_n and_o in_o a_o perfect_a heart_n o_o professor_n it_o will_v be_v a_o dreadful_a thing_n whatever_o ungrounded_a hope_n and_o false_a comfort_n you_o now_o have_v to_o find_v they_o shrink_v away_o from_o you_o as_o certain_o they_o will_v do_v at_o death_n and_o all_o upon_o this_o account_n i_o have_v be_v a_o man_n of_o knowledge_n i_o have_v be_v frequent_a in_o the_o external_a duty_n of_o religion_n but_o my_o heart_n be_v not_o in_o they_o i_o have_v no_o communion_n with_o the_o lord_n in_o they_o and_o now_o god_n be_v a_o terror_n to_o my_o soul._n i_o be_o go_v to_o his_o awful_a bar_n and_o have_v not_o one_o sound_a evidence_n to_o carry_v a_o long_a with_o i_o that_o be_v a_o remarkable_a place_n gal._n 5._o 25._o if_o we_o live_v in_o the_o spirit_n let_v we_o also_o walk_v in_o the_o spirit_n that_o be_v let_v we_o evidence_n the_o life_n of_o grace_n in_o we_o by_o exercise_v that_o grace_n in_o a_o life_n of_o communion_n with_o god._n when_o all_o be_v say_v this_o be_v the_o sure_a evidence_n of_o our_o union_n with_o christ_n and_o no_o gift_n or_o performance_n whatsoever_o can_v amount_v to_o a_o evidence_n of_o our_o union_n with_o christ_n without_o it_o ix_o excellency_n it_o be_v ease_n in_o all_o pain_n sweet_a and_o sensible_a ease_n to_o a_o trouble_a soul._n look_v as_o the_o breathe_n of_o a_o vein_n cool_v ease_v and_o refresh_v a_o severish_a body_n so_o the_o open_n of_o the_o soul_n by_o act_n of_o communion_n with_o god_n give_v sensible_a ease_n to_o a_o burden_a soul_n grief_n be_v ease_v by_o groan_n heaven-ward_n many_o soul_n be_v deep_o lade_v with_o their_o own_o fear_n care_n and_o distress_n no_o refreshment_n for_o such_o a_o soul_n no_o such_o anodine_n in_o the_o whole_a world_n as_o communion_n with_o god_n be_v psal._n 32._o 1_o 2_o 3._o how_o do_v trouble_n boil_v in_o david_n soul_n night_n and_o day_n god_n hand_n be_v heavy_a on_o he_o his_o soul_n as_o elihu_n speak_v be_v like_o bottle_n full_a of_o new_a wine_n he_o must_v speak_v to_o god_n that_o he_o may_v be_v refresh_v and_o so_o he_o do_v and_o be_v refresh_v by_o it_o i_o say_v i_o will_v confess_v my_o transgression_n unto_o the_o lord_n and_o thou_o forgave_v the_o iniquity_n of_o my_o sin_n it_o will_v grieve_v one_o to_o see_v how_o many_o poor_a distress_a soul_n carry_v their_o trouble_n up_o and_o down_o the_o world_n make_v their_o complaint_n to_o one_o and_o another_o but_o no_o ease_n away_o to_o thy_o god_n poor_a christian_a get_v thou_o into_o thy_o closet_n pour_v out_o thy_o soul_n before_o he_o and_o that_o ease_n which_o thou_o seek_v in_o vain_a elsewhere_o will_v there_o be_v find_v or_o nowhere_o x._o excellency_n it_o be_v food_n to_o the_o soul_n and_o the_o most_o delicious_a pleasant_a proper_a and_o satisfy_a food_n that_o ever_o it_o taste_v it_o be_v hide_v manna_n rev._n 2._o 17._o by_o these_o thing_n o_o lord_n do_v man_n live_v and_o in_o they_o be_v the_o life_n of_o their_o soul_n isa._n 38._o 16._o a_o regenerate_a soul_n can_v live_v without_o it_o their_o body_n can_v live_v as_o well_o without_o bread_n or_o breath_n as_o their_o soul_n without_o communion_n with_o god_n it_o be_v more_o than_o their_o necessary_a food_n here_o they_o find_v what_o they_o true_o call_v marrow_n and_o fatness_n psal._n 63._o 5_o 6._o o_o the_o satisfaction_n and_o support_n they_o suck_v out_o of_o spiritual_a thing_n by_o thought_n and_o meditation_n upon_o they_o to_o be_v spiritual_o mind_v be_v life_n and_o peace_n rom._n 8._o 6._o the_o delicate_n upon_o prince_n table_n be_v husk_n and_o chaff_n to_o this_o crow_n and_o vulture_n can_v live_v upon_o the_o carrion_n of_o this_o world_n but_o a_o renew_a soul_n can_v subsist_v long_o without_o god._n let_v such_o a_o soul_n be_v divert_v for_o a_o time_n from_o its_o usual_a refreshment_n this_o way_n and_o he_o shall_v find_v something_o within_o pain_n he_o like_o the_o suck_a and_o draw_v of_o a_o empty_a stomach_n it_o be_v angel_n food_n it_o be_v that_o your_o soul_n must_v live_v upon_o throughout_o eternity_n and_o most_o happy_o too_o xi_o excellency_n it_o be_v the_o guard_n of_o the_o soul_n against_o the_o assault_n of_o temptation_n it_o be_v like_o a_o shield_n advance_v against_o the_o fiery_a dart_n of_o that_o wicked_a one_o your_o
and_o from_o enslave_v fear_n the_o spirit_n of_o life_n which_o be_v in_o christ_n jesus_n have_v make_v i_o free_a from_o the_o law_n of_o sin_n and_o death_n rom._n 8._o 2._o and_o here_o be_v freedom_n indeed_o if_o the_o son_n make_v you_o free_a then_o be_v you_o free_a indeed_o john_n 8._o 36._o and_o here_o be_v freedom_n from_o fear_n luke_n 1._o 74_o 75._o those_o that_o will_v not_o endure_v any_o restraint_n from_o their_o lust_n they_o will_v have_v their_o freedom_n to_o sin_n a_o freedom_n they_o shall_v have_v such_o as_o it_o be_v rom._n 6._o 20._o when_o you_o be_v the_o servant_n of_o sin_n you_o be_v free_a from_o righteousness_n let_v none_o therefore_o be_v prejudice_v at_o the_o way_n of_o duty_n and_o strict_a godliness_n the_o law_n of_o christ_n be_v the_o perfect_a law_n of_o liberty_n james_n 1._o 25._o not_o liberty_n to_o sin_n but_o liberty_n from_o sin_n xvii_o excellency_n it_o be_v a_o mercy_n purchase_v by_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n for_o believer_n and_o one_o of_o the_o principal_a mercy_n settle_v upon_o they_o by_o the_o new_a covenant_n grant_v a_o peculiar_a mercy_n which_o none_o but_o the_o redeem_a of_o the_o lord_n partake_v of_o a_o mercy_n which_o cost_v the_o blood_n of_o christ_n to_o purchase_v it_o i_o do_v not_o deny_v but_o there_o be_v thousand_o of_o other_o mercy_n bestow_v upon_o the_o unregenerate_a they_o have_v health_n wealth_n child_n honour_n pleasure_n and_o all_o the_o delight_n of_o this_o life_n but_o for_o communion_n with_o god_n and_o the_o pleasure_n that_o result_v therefrom_o they_o be_v uncapable_a of_o these_o no_o sup_v with_o christ_n upon_o such_o excellent_a privilege_n and_o mercy_n as_o these_o till_o the_o heart_n be_v open_v to_o he_o by_o faith_n you_o can_v come_v nigh_o to_o god_n until_o you_o be_v first_o make_v nigh_o by_o reconciliation_n eph._n 2._o 13._o heb._n 10._o 19_o 20_o 21_o 22._o what_o will_v your_o life_n christian_n be_v worth_a to_o you_o if_o this_o mercy_n be_v cut_v off_o from_o you_o there_o will_v be_v little_a sweetness_n or_o savour_n in_o all_o your_o outward_a mercy_n be_v it_o not_o for_o this_o mercy_n that_o sweeten_v they_o all_o and_o there_o be_v this_o difference_n among_o many_o other_o betwixt_o this_o mercy_n and_o all_o outward_a mercy_n you_o may_v be_v cut_v off_o from_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o those_o you_o can_v from_o this_o no_o prison_n can_v keep_v out_o the_o comforter_n o_o bless_v god_n for_o this_o invaluable_a mercy_n xviii_o excellency_n it_o be_v natural_a to_o the_o new_a creature_n the_o inclination_n and_o instinct_n of_o the_o new_a creature_n lead_v to_o communion_n with_o god._n it_o be_v as_o natural_a to_o the_o new_a creature_n to_o desire_v it_o and_o work_v after_o it_o as_o it_o be_v to_o the_o newborn_a babe_n to_o make_v to_o the_o breast_n 1_o pet_n 2._o 2_o as_o new_o bear_v babe_n desire_v the_o sincere_a milk_n of_o the_o word_n that_o you_o may_v grow_v thereby_o there_o be_v a_o law_n upon_o the_o regenerate_a part_n which_o inward_o and_o powerful_o oblige_v it_o to_o act_n of_o duty_n and_o converse_n with_o god_n in_o they_o communion_n with_o god_n be_v a_o thing_n that_o rise_v out_o of_o the_o principle_n of_o grace_n you_o know_v all_o creature_n in_o this_o low_a world_n act_n according_a to_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n the_o sun_n will_v rise_v and_o the_o sea_n will_v flow_v at_o its_o appoint_a time_n and_o the_o gracious_a soul_n will_v make_v towards_o its_o god_n in_o the_o time_n and_o season_n of_o communion_n with_o he_o they_o be_v not_o force_v on_o to_o those_o duty_n by_o the_o fright_v of_o conscience_n and_o the_o fear_n of_o hell_n so_o much_o as_o by_o the_o natural_a inclination_n of_o the_o new_a creature_n two_o thing_n demonstrate_v communion_n with_o god_n to_o be_v co-natural_a to_o the_o regenerate_a part_n call_v the_o inner-man_n and_o the_o hidden-man_n of_o the_o heart_n viz._n 1._o the_o restlessness_n of_o a_o gracious_a soul_n without_o it_o cant._n 3._o 2._o the_o church_n in_o the_o first_o verse_n have_v seek_v she_o belove_v but_o find_v he_o not_o do_v she_o sit_v down_o satisfy_v in_o his_o absence_n no_o no_o i_o will_v rise_v now_o and_o go_v about_o the_o city_n in_o the_o street_n and_o in_o the_o broad_a way_n i_o will_v seek_v he_o who_o my_o soul_n love_v 2._o the_o satisfaction_n and_o pleasure_n the_o rest_n and_o delight_n which_o the_o soul_n find_v and_o feel_v in_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o communion_n with_o god_n plain_o show_v it_o to_o be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o new_a nature_n psal._n 63._o 5._o my_o soul_n shall_v be_v satisfy_v whilst_o i_o think_v on_o thou_o and_o when_o it_o be_v thus_o than_o duty_n become_v easy_a and_o pleasant_a to_o the_o soul_n 1_o john_n 5._o 3._o his_o commandment_n be_v not_o grievous_a yea_o and_o such_o a_o soul_n will_v be_v constant_a and_o assiduous_a in_o those_o duty_n that_o which_o be_v natural_a be_v constant_a as_o well_o as_o pleasant_a what_o be_v the_o reason_n hypocrite_n throw_v up_o the_o duty_n of_o religion_n in_o time_n of_o difficulty_n but_o because_o they_o have_v not_o a_o inward_a principle_n agreeable_a to_o they_o the_o motive_n to_o duty_n lie_v without_o they_o not_o within_o they_o xix_o excellency_n it_o be_v the_o occupation_n and_o trade_n of_o all_o sanctify_a person_n and_o the_o rich_a trade_n that_o be_v ever_o drive_v by_o man_n this_o way_n they_o grow_v rich_a in_o spiritual_a treasure_n the_o revenue_n of_o it_o be_v better_a than_o silver_n and_o gold_n there_o be_v many_o of_o you_o have_v trade_v long_o for_o this_o world_n and_o it_o come_v to_o little_a and_o have_v you_o gain_v your_o design_n you_o have_v gain_v but_o trifle_n this_o be_v the_o rich_a and_o profitable_a occupation_n phil._n 3._o 20._o our_o conversation_n be_v in_o heaven_n our_o commerce_n and_o trade_n lie_v that_o way_n so_o that_o word_n signify_v there_o be_v few_o christian_n that_o have_v drive_v this_o soul-enriching_a trade_n any_o considerable_a time_n but_o can_v show_v some_o spiritual_a treasure_n which_o they_o have_v get_v by_o it_o psal._n 119._o 50._o this_o i_o have_v because_o i_o keep_v thy_o precept_n as_o merchant_n can_v show_v the_o gold_n and_o silver_n the_o land_n and_o house_n the_o rich_a good_n and_o furniture_n which_o they_o have_v get_v by_o their_o successful_a adventure_n abroad_o and_o tell_v their_o friend_n so_o much_o i_o get_v by_o such_o a_o voyage_n and_o so_o much_o by_o another_o so_o christian_n have_v invaluable_a treasure_n though_o their_o humility_n conceal_v they_o which_o they_o have_v get_v by_o this_o heavenly_a trade_n of_o communion_n with_o god._n their_o soul_n be_v weak_a and_o by_o communion_n with_o god_n they_o have_v get_v strength_n psal._n 13_o 8._o 3._o i_o cry_v and_o thou_o strengthn_v i_o with_o strength_n in_o my_o soul._n they_o have_v get_v peace_n by_o it_o a_o treasure_n inestimable_a psal._n 119._o 165._o great_a peace_n have_v they_o that_o love_v thy_o law_n and_o nothing_o shall_v offend_v they_o they_o have_v get_v purity_n by_o it_o psal._n 119._o 3._o they_o do_v no_o iniquity_n that_o walk_v in_o thy_o way_n o_o what_o rich_a return_n be_v here_o nay_o they_o get_v sometime_o full_a assurance_n by_o it_o the_o riches_n of_o both_o the_o indies_n will_v not_o purchase_v from_o a_o christian_a the_o least_o of_o these_o mercy_n these_o be_v the_o rich_a reward_n of_o our_o pain_n in_o the_o duty_n of_o religion_n in_o keep_v thy_o commandment_n there_o be_v great_a reward_n xx._n excellency_n it_o be_v oil_n to_o the_o wheel_n of_o obedience_n which_o make_v the_o soul_n go_v on_o cheerful_o in_o the_o way_n of_o the_o lord_n psal._n 119._o 32._o then_o will_v i_o run_v the_o way_n of_o thy_o commandment_n when_o thou_o shall_v enlarge_v my_o heart_n non_fw-la tardat_fw-la uncta_fw-la rota_fw-la oil_v wheel_n run_v trig_n and_o nimble_a how_o prompt_a and_o ready_a for_o any_o duty_n of_o obedience_n be_v a_o soul_n under_o the_o influence_n of_o communion_n with_o god_n then_o as_o isaiah_n have_v get_v a_o sight_n of_o god_n here_o be_o i_o lord_n send_v i_o isa._n 6._o 8._o now_o the_o soul_n can_v turn_v its_o hand_n to_o duty_n of_o 1._o active_a and_o 2._o passive_a obedience_n i._o hereby_o the_o soul_n be_v prepare_v and_o fit_v for_o the_o duty_n of_o active_a obedience_n to_o which_o it_o apply_v itself_o with_o pleasure_n and_o delight_n psal._n 43._o 3_o 4._o then_o will_v i_o go_v unto_o the_o altar_n of_o god_n unto_o god_n my_o exceed_a joy_n or_o as_o it_o be_v in_o the_o hebrew_n the_o gladness_n of_o my_o joy_n it_o go_v to_o prayer_n as_o a_o hungry_a man_n to_o a_o feast_n or_o as_o a_o covetous_a man_n to_o his_o
liberty_n and_o efficacy_n of_o the_o gospel_n that_o it_o may_v set_v no_o more_o in_o your_o day_n nor_o in_o the_o day_n of_o your_o posterity_n sermon_n iii_o revel_v 3._o 20._o behold_v i_o stand_v at_o the_o door_n and_o knock_n etc._n etc._n have_v finish_v christ_n solemn_a preface_n and_o clear_v the_o manner_n of_o his_o presence_n in_o his_o church_n and_o ordinance_n i_o now_o come_v to_o a_o three_o observation_n which_o be_v necessary_o imply_v in_o these_o word_n behold_v i_o stand_v at_o the_o door_n and_o knock_n and_o that_o sad_a truth_n therein_o imply_v be_v this_o doctrine_n that_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n be_v natural_o lock_v up_o and_o fast_o bar_v against_o jesus_n christ_n their_o only_a saviour_n if_o it_o be_v not_o so_o what_o need_n be_v there_o of_o all_o that_o pain_n and_o patience_n use_v and_o exercise_v by_o christ_n in_o wait_v patient_o and_o knock_v importunate_o for_o entrance_n into_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n to_o keep_v a_o clear_a method_n in_o this_o point_n three_o thing_n must_v be_v state_v in_o the_o doctrinal_a part_n 1._o how_o it_o appear_v the_o heart_n of_o man_n be_v thus_o shut_v up_o 2._o what_o be_v those_o lock_n and_o bar_n that_o shut_v they_o up_o 3._o that_o no_o power_n of_o man_n can_v remove_v these_o bar_n first_o that_o all_o heart_n be_v natural_o shut_v and_o make_v fast_o against_o christ_n be_v a_o sad_a but_o certain_a truth_n we_o read_v john_n 1._o 11_o 12._o he_o come_v unto_o his_o own_o and_o his_o own_o receive_v he_o not_o etc._n etc._n he_o come_v unto_o his_o own_o people_n from_o who_o stock_n he_o spring_v up_o a_o people_n to_o who_o he_o have_v be_v prefigure_v in_o all_o the_o sacrifice_n and_o type_n of_o the_o law_n and_o in_o who_o they_o may_v all_o clear_o discern_v the_o accomplishment_n of_o they_o all_o his_o doctrine_n and_o his_o miracle_n plain_o tell_v they_o who_o he_o be_v and_o whence_o he_o come_v yet_o few_o discern_v or_o receive_v he_o as_o the_o son_n of_o god._n christ_n find_v the_o door_n of_o man_n heart_n general_o shut_v against_o he_o save_v only_o a_o few_o who_o heart_n be_v open_v by_o the_o almighty_a power_n of_o god_n in_o the_o way_n of_o faith_n vers_fw-la 12._o these_o indeed_o receive_v he_o but_o all_o the_o rest_n exclude_v and_o deny_v entrance_n to_o the_o son_n of_o god._n so_o again_o in_o john_n 5._o from_o 33._o to_o 40._o christ_n reason_n with_o they_o and_o give_v undeniable_a demonstration_n that_o he_o be_v the_o messiah_n come_v to_o save_v they_o prove_v it_o from_o the_o testimony_n of_o john_n vers_fw-la 33._o you_o send_v unto_o john_n and_o he_o bare_a witness_n unto_o the_o truth_n tell_v they_o the_o design_n of_o his_o come_n among_o they_o be_v their_o salvation_n vers_fw-la 34._o show_v they_o the_o great_a seal_n of_o heaven_n his_o uncontrollable_a miracle_n vess_n 36._o the_o work_n that_o i_o do_v bear_v witness_n of_o i_o that_o the_o father_n have_v send_v i_o and_o if_o that_o be_v not_o enough_o he_o remind_v they_o of_o the_o immediate_a testimony_n give_v of_o he_o from_o heaven_n vers_fw-la 37._o the_o father_n himself_o which_o have_v send_v i_o bath_n bear_v witness_n of_o i_o he_o do_v so_o at_o his_o baptism_n matth._n 3._o 17._o and_o lo_o a_o voice_n from_o heaven_n say_v this_o be_v my_o belove_a son_n in_o who_o i_o be_o well_o please_v and_o so_o again_o at_o his_o transfiguration_n upon_o the_o holy_a mount_n math._n 17._o 5._o while_o be_v yet_o speak_v behold_v a_o bright_a cloud_n overshadow_a they_o and_o behold_v a_o voice_n out_o of_o the_o cloud_n which_o say_v this_o be_v my_o belove_a son_n in_o who_o i_o be_o well_o please_v hear_v you_o he_o he_o bid_v they_o search_v the_o scripture_n and_o critical_o examine_v his_o perfect_a correspondence_n to_o they_o vers_n 39_o enough_o one_o will_v think_v to_o open_v the_o door_n of_o every_o man_n understanding_n and_o heart_n to_o receive_v he_o with_o full_a satisfaction_n and_o yet_o after_o all_o behold_v the_o unreasonable_a obstinacy_n and_o resistance_n of_o their_o heart_n against_o he_o vers_n 40._o you_o will_v not_o come_v unto_o i_o that_o you_o may_v have_v life_n not_o a_o soul_n will_v open_v with_o all_o the_o reason_n and_o demonstration_n in_o the_o world_n till_o the_o almighty_a power_n of_o god_n be_v pur_fw-mi forth_o to_o that_o end_n if_o another_o come_v in_o his_o own_o name_n say_v he_o vers_n 43._o he_o will_v you_o receive_v any_o body_n rather_o than_o the_o son_n of_o god_n every_o cheat_n can_v impose_v upon_o you_o easy_o it_o be_v to_o i_o only_o your_o heart_n have_v such_o strong_a aversation_n now_o there_o be_v a_o twosold_a shut_v up_o of_o the_o heart_n against_o jesus_n christ._n 1._o natural_a 2._o judicial_a first_o natural_a every_o soul_n come_v into_o this_o world_n shut_v up_o and_o fast_o close_v against_o the_o lord_n jesus_n the_o very_a will_n of_o man_n which_o be_v the_o free_a and_o most_o arbitrary_a faculty_n comeâ—_n into_o the_o world_n bar_v and_o bolt_v against_o christ_n rom._n 8._o 7._o the_o carnal_a mind_n be_v enmity_n against_o god_n for_o it_o be_v not_o subject_a unto_o the_o law_n of_o god_n neither_o indeed_o can_v be_v phil._n 2._o 13._o it_o be_v god_n that_o work_v in_o you_o both_o to_o will_v and_o to_o do_v of_o his_o own_o good_a pleasure_n this_o be_v a_o dismal_a effect_n of_o the_o fall_n who_o feel_v not_o strong_a aversation_n violent_a rebellion_n and_o obstinate_a resistance_n in_o his_o own_o heart_n when_o move_a towards_o christ_n in_o the_o first_o weak_a and_o tremble_a act_n of_o faith_n second_o there_o be_v a_o judicial_a shut_v up_o of_o the_o heart_n against_o christ._n this_o be_v a_o sore_a and_o tremendous_a stroke_n of_o god_n punish_v former_a rebellion_n psal._n 81._o 11_o 12._o israel_n will_v have_v none_o of_o i_o so_o i_o give_v they_o up_o to_o their_o own_o heart_n lust_n this_o look_n like_o a_o prelude_n of_o damnation_n a_o very_a near_o preparation_n to_o ruin_v israel_n will_v have_v none_o of_o i_o there_o be_v the_o natural_a shut_v up_o of_o the_o heart_n so_o i_o give_v they_o up_o there_o be_v the_o judicial_a shut_v up_o of_o the_o heart_n they_o will_v not_o hear_v they_o shall_v not_o hear_v oh_o fearful_a judgement_n thus_o the_o lord_n give_v up_o the_o heathen_n rom._n 1._o 26._o they_o have_v abuse_v their_o natural_a light_n and_o now_o their_o mind_n be_v judicial_o darken_v give_v up_o to_o a_o sottish_a and_o injudicious_a mind_n not_o able_a to_o distinguish_v duty_n from_o sin_n safety_n from_o danger_n a_o mind_n that_o shall_v elect_v the_o worst_a thing_n and_o reprobate_a the_o best_a this_o be_v the_o reprobate_a mind_n unto_o which_o god_n give_v they_o up_o what_o sad_a word_n can_v the_o lord_n speak_v than_o this_o unless_o it_o be_v take_v he_o devil_n it_o be_v true_a those_o that_o god_n shut_v up_o he_o can_v open_v and_o those_o who_o justice_n shut_v up_o mercy_n can_v set_v free_a but_o it_o be_v beyond_o all_o the_o power_n of_o angel_n and_o man_n to_o do_v it_o job_n 12._o 14._o he_o shut_v up_o a_o man_n and_o there_o can_v be_v no_o open_n these_o two_o closure_n of_o the_o heart_n be_v not_o always_o find_v together_o in_o the_o same_o subject_n and_o bless_v be_v god_n they_o be_v not_o christ_n meet_v with_o many_o a_o repulse_n and_o endure_v with_o much_o patience_n the_o gainsaying_n of_o sinner_n before_o he_o pronounce_v that_o dreadful_a sentence_n upon_o they_o isa._n 6._o 9_o 10._o go_v and_o tell_v this_o people_n hear_v you_o indeed_o but_o understand_v not_o and_o see_v you_o indeed_o but_o perceive_v not_o make_v the_o heart_n of_o this_o people_n fat_a &_o c._n but_o when_o it_o come_v to_o this_o once_o dreadful_a be_v the_o case_n of_o such_o soul_n and_o none_o be_v in_o great_a danger_n of_o this_o spiritual_a judicial_a stroke_n of_o god_n than_o those_o that_o have_v sit_v long_o under_o the_o light_n rebel_a against_o it_o that_o be_v the_o first_o thing_n the_o heart_n of_o man_n by_o nature_n be_v lock_v and_o shut_v up_o against_o christ._n second_o in_o the_o next_o place_n let_v we_o examine_v what_o those_o lock_n and_o bar_n be_v which_o oppose_v and_o forbid_v christ_n entrance_n into_o the_o heart_n of_o poor_a sinner_n and_o they_o will_v be_v find_v to_o be_v 1._o ignorance_n 2._o unbelief_n 3._o pride_n 4._o custom_n in_o sin_n 5._o presumption_n 6._o prejudices_fw-la against_o the_o way_n of_o holiness_n bar_n enough_o to_o secure_v the_o soul_n in_o satan_n possession_n and_o frustrate_v all_o the_o design_n of_o mercy_n except_o a_o almighty_a power_n from_o heaven_n break_v they_o asunder_o first_o bar._n the_o first_o bar_n make_v fast_o
now_o for_o no_o less_o than_o the_o prize_n of_o eternal_a life_n it_o be_v now_o for_o all_o or_o none_o for_o life_n or_o death_n for_o heaven_n or_o hell_n the_o power_n of_o hell_n be_v now_o all_o in_o arm_n to_o destroy_v conviction_n and_o secure_v the_o possession_n of_o the_o soul_n against_o christ_n as_o when_o a_o granado_n fall_v into_o a_o garrison_n the_o first_o care_n of_o the_o defendant_n be_v to_o stifle_v and_o choke_v it_o before_o it_o break_v whilst_o christ_n be_v speak_v by_o his_o spirit_n in_o one_o ear_n the_o devil_n be_v whisper_v in_o the_o other_o and_o the_o thing_n he_o whisper_v to_o quench_v conviction_n be_v usual_o such_o as_o these_o it_o be_v time_n enough_o yet_o what_o need_v such_o haste_n enjoy_v thy_o pleasure_n a_o little_a long_o thou_o may_v come_v to_o christ_n and_o be_v save_v at_o last_o if_o that_o will_v not_o do_v than_o he_o change_v his_o voice_n to_o what_o purpose_n will_v thou_o go_v to_o christ_n it_o be_v now_o too_o late_o the_o time_n of_o grace_n be_v over_o have_v thou_o come_v to_o he_o in_o thy_o youth_n and_o obey_v his_o first_o call_n it_o have_v be_v somewhat_o but_o now_o it_o be_v â—o_o no_o purpose_n if_o this_o will_v not_o quiet_a the_o soul_n than_o he_o say_v thy_o sin_n be_v too_o great_a to_o be_v pardon_v there_o be_v no_o hope_n for_o such_o a_o prodigious_a sinner_n as_o thou_o be_v if_o the_o lord_n help_v the_o soul_n to_o overcome_v this_o by_o discover_v to_o it_o the_o riches_n of_o mercy_n pardon_v the_o great_a of_o sinner_n then_o he_o represent_v the_o multitude_n which_o be_v in_o the_o same_o case_n with_o the_o convince_a sinner_n come_v fear_v not_o if_o it_o go_v ill_a with_o thou_o it_o will_v be_v as_o bad_a for_o million_o of_o man_n and_o woman_n if_o thou_o go_v to_o hell_n thousand_o will_v go_v with_o thou_o but_o if_o the_o soul_n be_v loath_a to_o be_v damn_v for_o company_n than_o he_o bid_v it_o look_v upon_o the_o train_n of_o trouble_n and_o affliction_n that_o come_v along_o with_o christ_n and_o will_v certain_o follow_v he_o if_o the_o door_n be_v open_v to_o let_v he_o in_o if_o christ_n come_v in_o reproach_n loss_n and_o suffering_n will_v certain_o come_v in_o with_o he_o troop_n of_o misery_n and_o calamity_n follow_v he_o himself_o have_v tell_v thou_o so_o and_o be_v thou_o mad_a to_o ruin_v all_o thy_o comfort_n in_o the_o world_n and_o plunge_v thyself_o into_o a_o sea_n of_o trouble_n for_o what_o thy_o eye_n never_o see_v but_o if_o the_o soul_n reply_n these_o be_v more_o tolerable_a than_o damnation_n better_a my_o flesh_n suffer_v for_o a_o time_n than_o my_o soul_n be_v cast_v away_o for_o ever_o then_o he_o represent_v the_o insuperable_a difficulty_n of_o religion_n what_o a_o hard_a thing_n it_o be_v to_o be_v save_v how_o many_o painful_a duty_n and_o act_n of_o mortification_n the_o soul_n must_v pass_v through_o thus_o you_o see_v what_o a_o alarm_n conviction_n give_v to_o the_o power_n of_o hell._n 9_o every_o effectual_a knock_n of_o christ_n be_v follow_v on_o and_o new_a conviction_n revive_v old_a and_o former_a one_o and_o the_o lord_n never_o leave_v knock_v till_o the_o door_n be_v open_v if_o one_o sermon_n will_v not_o do_v another_o shall_v if_o one_o wound_n be_v plaster_v and_o heal_v by_o the_o art_n of_o satan_n a_o fresh_a wound_n shall_v be_v make_v if_o a_o former_a conviction_n vanish_v the_o next_o shall_v be_v seal_v upon_o the_o soul_n and_o when_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o lord_n seal_v a_o conviction_n upon_o the_o conscience_n raze_v it_o out_o who_o can_v and_o here_o be_v the_o difference_n betwixt_o special_a and_o common_a conviction_n common_a conviction_n come_v and_o go_v they_o put_v the_o soul_n in_o a_o fright_n for_o a_o day_n or_o a_o month_n and_o then_o trouble_v it_o no_o more_o for_o ever_o but_o special_a conviction_n will_v be_v continue_v one_o thing_n back_n another_o for_o christ_n be_v in_o pursuit_n of_o the_o soul_n and_o will_v give_v it_o chase_n till_o at_o last_o he_o overtake_v and_o come_v up_o with_o it_o 10_o in_o the_o last_o place_n all_z the_o knocks_z of_o christ_n cease_v and_o end_v when_o the_o sinner_n day_n of_o grace_n be_v end_v this_o be_v of_o dreadful_a consideration_n when_o the_o time_n of_o mercy_n be_v over_o no_o more_o strive_n of_o the_o spirit_n with_o a_o man_n after_o that_o christ_n say_v to_o the_o drowsy_a sinner_n as_o he_o speak_v to_o the_o drowsy_a disciple_n in_o the_o garden_n sleep_v on_o now_o and_o take_v your_o rest_n so_o here_o i_o call_v thou_o in_o such_o a_o sermon_n but_o thou_o hear_v not_o by_o such_o a_o providence_n but_o thou_o obey_v not_o sleep_v on_o now_o and_o take_v thy_o rest_n my_o people_n will_v not_o hearken_v to_o my_o voice_n and_o israel_n will_v none_o of_o i_o so_o i_o give_v they_o up_o to_o their_o own_o heart_n lust_n to_o walk_v in_o their_o own_o counsel_n psal._n 81._o 11_o 12._o q._n d._n i_o have_v do_v with_o they_o the_o treaty_n be_v end_v i_o will_v make_v no_o more_o essay_n towards_o their_o conversion_n and_o salvation_n so_o i_o give_v they_o up_o methinks_v it_o sound_v as_o much_o as_o this_o take_v he_o sin_n take_v he_o devil_n i_o will_v have_v no_o more_o to_o do_v with_o he_o so_o hosea_n 4._o 17._o ephraim_n be_v join_v to_o idol_n let_v he_o alone_o his_o heart_n be_v glue_v fast_o to_o sin_n he_o be_v enamour_v upon_o other_o lover_n let_v he_o a_o lone_a o_o belove_a it_o be_v a_o dreadful_a thing_n for_o god_n to_o say_v let_v this_o man_n alone_o in_o his_o formality_n and_o that_o man_n in_o his_o carnal_a security_n let_v not_o this_o be_v misapply_v by_o poor_a tremble_a soul_n under_o conviction_n i_o know_v the_o fear_n of_o this_o judgement_n be_v upon_o their_o heart_n nothing_o make_v they_o tremble_v more_o than_o lest_o the_o day_n of_o grace_n be_v end_v with_o they_o but_o there_o be_v no_o ground_n for_o this_o fear_n whilst_o the_o spirit_n continue_v convince_v and_o the_o soul_n tremble_v lest_o his_o conviction_n shall_v prove_v ineffectual_a thus_o much_o of_o the_o nature_n instrument_n and_o manner_n of_o christ_n knock_v at_o the_o door_n of_o a_o sinner_n heart_n our_o way_n be_v now_o open_v to_o a_o fruitful_a application_n of_o this_o point_n which_o will_v wind_v up_o in_o divers_a necessary_a uses_n i._o use_v for_o information_n and_o first_o the_o point_n before_o we_o will_v be_v useful_a for_o information_n in_o the_o follow_a inference_n and_o deduction_n i._o inference_n into_o how_o deep_a a_o sleep_n have_v sin_n cast_v the_o soul_n of_o sinner_n that_o christ_n must_v stand_v so_o long_o and_o give_v such_o loud_o repeat_v knock_n before_o it_o will_v awake_v and_o open_a to_o he_o there_o be_v the_o spirit_n of_o a_o deep_a sleep_n fall_v upon_o man_n like_o that_o into_o which_o god_n cast_v adam_n god_n speak_v once_o yea_o twice_o but_o man_n regard_v it_o not_o it_o be_v the_o hard_a thing_n in_o the_o world_n to_o rouse_v and_o awaken_v a_o man_n out_o of_o his_o carnal_a security_n look_v over_o satan_n kingdom_n and_o you_o shall_v find_v a_o general_a stillness_n and_o quietness_n among_o his_o subject_n there_o be_v no_o trouble_n for_o sin_n no_o strive_n after_o salvation_n no_o cry_n out_o what_o shall_v we_o do_v to_o be_v save_v go_v into_o the_o crowd_n of_o carnal_a man_n and_o woman_n and_o you_o shall_v find_v they_o all_o intent_n and_o busy_a about_o other_o matter_n how_o long_o shall_v you_o be_v in_o their_o company_n before_o you_o hear_v one_o groan_n for_o sin_n or_o see_v one_o tear_n slide_v from_o their_o eye_n on_o that_o account_n oh_o what_o a_o marvellous_a thing_n be_v here_o do_v not_o their_o conscience_n know_v the_o guilt_n that_o lie_v upon_o they_o be_v they_o not_o aware_a of_o a_o day_n of_o reckon_v which_o approach_v yes_o yes_o these_o thing_n be_v not_o hide_v from_o their_o conscience_n what_o be_v then_o be_v use_v to_o keep_v they_o so_o still_o and_o quiet_a why_o there_o be_v divers_a rattle_n to_o still_o the_o conscience_n of_o sinner_n and_o they_o do_v it_o effectual_o there_o be_v five_o cause_n and_o occasion_n of_o this_o wonderful_a stillness_n in_o the_o soul_n of_o sinner_n 1._o ignorance_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o regenerate_a grace_n take_v that_o for_o regeneration_n which_o be_v none_o of_o it_o thus_o do_v the_o jew_n joh._n 8._o 55._o confident_o affirm_v god_n to_o be_v their_o god_n and_o yet_o they_o do_v not_o know_v he_o how_o many_o proor_a ignorant_a creature_n think_v there_o be_v no_o need_n of_o any_o other_o work_n of_o regeneration_n but_o what_o pass_v upon_o they_o in_o baptism_n they_o be_v
bear_v and_o baptise_a christian_n and_o that_o be_v enough_o they_o think_v to_o save_v they_o matth._n 3._o 9_o we_o have_v abraham_n to_o our_o father_n they_o think_v it_o sufficient_a that_o abraham_n blood_n run_v in_o their_o vein_n though_o there_o be_v not_o a_o spark_n of_o abraham_n faith_n kindle_v in_o their_o soul_n the_o lord_n forgive_v the_o sin_n of_o those_o man_n that_o lead_v poor_a soul_n into_o such_o fatal_a mistake_n o_o if_o man_n be_v but_o aware_a of_o the_o necessity_n of_o a_o great_a and_o further_a work_n to_o pass_v upon_o their_o soul_n than_o their_o baptism_n common_a powerless_a profession_n or_o the_o similar_v work_n which_o appear_v upon_o formal_a hypocrite_n heaven_n and_o earth_n will_v ring_v with_o their_o cry_n but_o ignorance_n of_o the_o nature_n and_o necessity_n of_o special_a regenerate_a grace_n like_o a_o do_v of_o opium_n cast_v the_o conscience_n of_o many_o into_o this_o deep_a sleep_n 2_o freedom_n from_o grosser_n sin_n and_o pollution_n of_o the_o world_n still_n and_o quiet_v the_o conscience_n of_o thousand_o they_o have_v have_v a_o civil_a sober_a and_o fair_a education_n and_o though_o there_o be_v no_o grace_n and_o regeneration_n yet_o what_o saint_n do_v they_o seem_v to_o themselves_o be_v adorn_v with_o sobriety_n and_o civility_n this_o still_v the_o conscience_n of_o the_o pharisee_fw-mi luke_n 18._o 11._o god_n i_o thank_v thou_o that_o i_o be_o not_o as_o other_o man_n be_v extortioner_n unjust_a adulterer_n or_o even_o as_o this_o publican_n thus_o like_o delicate_a agag_n they_o spruce_a up_o themselves_o with_o moral_a homilitical_a virtue_n wherein_o many_o thousand_o heathen_n be_v more_o gay_a than_o themselves_o but_o justice_n will_v hew_v they_o to_o piece_n as_o agag_n be_v for_o all_o their_o moral_a ornament_n and_o endowment_n 3_o the_o strict_a performance_n of_o the_o external_a duty_n of_o religion_n quiet_v the_o conscience_n of_o many_o they_o question_v not_o but_o those_o that_o do_v so_o well_o shall_v fare_v well_o and_o that_o god_n will_v never_o damn_v man_n and_o woman_n that_o keep_v their_o church_n and_o say_v their_o prayer_n as_o they_o do_v thus_o the_o carnal_a jew_n delude_v themselves_o cry_v the_o temple_n of_o the_o lord_n the_o temple_n of_o the_o lord_n as_o malefactor_n in_o some_o of_o our_o neighbour_a kingdom_n fly_v to_o the_o church_n from_o the_o hand_n of_o justice_n so_o do_v these_o but_o god_n will_v pluck_v they_o from_o the_o horn_n of_o the_o altar_n and_o convince_v they_o that_o the_o empty_a name_n of_o religion_n be_v no_o security_n from_o damnation_n 4_o many_o conscience_n be_v still_v and_o quiet_v in_o a_o natural_a sinful_a state_n by_o misinterpret_v the_o voice_n of_o providence_n it_o may_v be_v god_n prosper_v your_o earthly_a affair_n succeed_v and_o smile_v upon_o your_o undertake_n and_o this_o you_o conclude_v must_v be_v a_o token_n of_o his_o love_n and_o favour_n but_o alas_o this_o be_v a_o great_a mistake_n the_o lord_n give_v you_o better_a evidence_n of_o his_o love_n than_o these_o for_o who_o prosper_v more_o in_o the_o world_n than_o wicked_a man_n and_o who_o be_v more_o cross_v than_o the_o people_n of_o god_n read_v job_n 21._o and_o psal._n 73._o and_o compare_n both_o with_o eccles._n 9_o 1._o and_o you_o will_v quick_o find_v the_o vanity_n of_o all_o hope_n build_v upon_o such_o a_o foundation_n however_o by_o such_o thing_n as_o these_o be_v the_o god_n of_o this_o world_n blind_v the_o eye_n of_o multitude_n ii_o inference_n if_o every_o conviction_n be_v a_o knock_n of_o christ._n how_o deep_o be_v all_o soul_n concern_v in_o the_o success_n and_o issue_n of_o they_o conviction_n be_v a_o embryo_n of_o the_o new_a creature_n if_o it_o go_v out_o its_o full_a time_n and_o come_v to_o a_o perfect_a new_a birth_n it_o bring_v forth_o salvation_n to_o your_o soul_n if_o it_o miscarry_v final_o you_o be_v final_o lose_v it_o be_v of_o infinite_a concernment_n therefore_o to_o every_o man_n and_o woman_n to_o be_v tender_a over_o those_o conviction_n their_o conscience_n go_v big_a with_o all_o it_o be_v true_a conviction_n and_o conversion_n be_v two_o thing_n there_o may_v be_v conviction_n without_o conversion_n though_o there_o can_v be_v no_o conversion_n without_o conviction_n the_o blossom_n upon_o the_o tree_n in_o the_o spring_n of_o the_o year_n can_v proper_o be_v call_v fruit_n they_o be_v rather_o the_o rudiment_n of_o fruit_n or_o something_o in_o order_n to_o fruit_n if_o they_o open_v kind_o and_o knit_v or_o set_v firm_o perfect_a fruit_n follow_v they_o but_o if_o a_o blast_n or_o a_o frosty_a morning_n kill_v they_o no_o fruit_n be_v to_o be_v expect_v thus_o it_o be_v here_o great_a care_n therefore_o aught_o to_o be_v take_v about_o the_o preservation_n and_o success_n of_o conviction_n both_o by_o 1._o the_o soul_n itself_o that_o be_v under_o they_o 2._o and_o by_o all_o other_o that_o be_v concern_v about_o they_o 1._o what_o care_n shall_v the_o soul_n itself_o have_v upon_o who_o conviction_n be_v wrought_v have_v a_o care_n friend_n how_o you_o quench_v they_o divert_v or_o hinder_v the_o operation_n of_o they_o lest_o you_o hinder_v as_o much_o as_o in_o you_o lie_v the_o very_a conception_n of_o christ_n in_o your_o soul_n by_o they_o i_o remember_v it_o be_v say_v in_o exod._n 21._o 22._o if_o mâ—n_z strive_v and_o hurt_v a_o woman_n with_o child_n and_o mischief_n follow_v life_n shall_v be_v give_v for_o life_n the_o life_n of_o your_o soul_n be_v bind_v up_o in_o the_o life_n of_o your_o conviction_n i_o know_v it_o be_v hard_o for_o man_n and_o woman_n to_o dwell_v with_o their_o own_o conviction_n guilt_n and_o wrath_n be_v sad_a subject_n for_o man_n thought_n to_o dwell_v upon_o but_o yet_o it_o be_v far_o better_a to_o dwell_v with_o the_o thought_n of_o sin_n and_o wrath_n here_o than_o to_o lie_v swelter_a under_o they_o in_o hell_n for_o ever_o you_o may_v be_v rid_v of_o your_o conviction_n and_o your_o salvation_n together_o be_v not_o too_o eager_a after_o peace_n a_o good_a trouble_n be_v better_a than_o a_o false_a peace_n and_o upon_o the_o other_o side_n beware_v that_o your_o conviction_n and_o trouble_n turn_v not_o into_o discouragement_n to_o faith_n this_o will_v cross_v the_o proper_a intention_n of_o they_o they_o be_v christ_n knock_n for_o entrance_n and_o be_v never_o intend_v to_o be_v bar_n or_o stumble_a block_n in_o your_o way_n to_o he_o not_o stop_n but_o step_n in_o your_o way_n to_o christ._n 2_o let_v all_o other_o that_o be_v concern_v about_o convince_a soul_n beware_v what_o counsel_n they_o give_v and_o what_o rule_v they_o prescribe_v lest_o they_o render_v they_o abortive_a and_o destroy_v all_o in_o the_o bud_n there_o be_v two_o error_n too_o common_o commit_v one_o in_o excess_n persuade_v soul_n under_o trouble_n of_o conscience_n that_o there_o be_v no_o come_n for_o they_o to_o christ_n unless_o they_o be_v so_o and_o so_o prepare_v humble_v just_a at_o such_o a_o degree_n this_o be_v dangerous_a counsel_n it_o over-heat_n the_o trouble_n of_o conscience_n and_o keep_v the_o soul_n from_o its_o proper_a present_a duty_n and_o remedy_n i_o be_o sure_a paul_n and_o silas_n take_v no_o such_o course_n with_o the_o convince_a jailor_n nor_o peter_n with_o the_o three_o thousand_o wound_a conscience_n act_n 2._o nor_o do_v i_o find_v where_o god_n have_v state_v the_o time_n and_o degree_n of_o spiritual_a trouble_n so_o that_o there_o must_v be_v no_o address_n to_o christ_n in_o the_o way_n of_o faith_n until_o they_o have_v suffer_v they_o so_o long_o and_o to_o such_o a_o height_n if_o they_o have_v embitter_v sin_n to_o the_o soul_n and_o make_v it_o see_v the_o necessity_n of_o a_o saviour_n i_o think_v they_o can_v move_v too_o soon_o after_o christ_n in_o the_o way_n of_o faith._n let_v not_o man_n set_v bound_n where_o god_n set_v none_o there_o be_v another_o error_n commit_v in_o defect_n when_o promise_n and_o comfort_n be_v present_o apply_v before_o the_o nature_n of_o faith_n be_v know_v or_o one_o act_n of_o recumbency_n put_v forth_o towards_o christ_n these_o hasty_a comfort_n come_v to_o nothing_o they_o will_v not_o they_o can_v stand_v it_o be_v a_o dangerous_a thing_n to_o apply_v gospel_n cordial_n and_o pour_v out_o the_o precious_a ointment_n of_o the_o promise_n upon_o they_o that_o be_v never_o heartsick_a for_o sin_n when_o upon_o every_o sleight_n trouble_n which_o be_v but_o as_o a_o early_a dew_n the_o peculiar_a consolation_n of_o penitent_a and_o believe_a soul_n be_v hand-over-head_n apply_v to_o they_o how_o many_o such_o unskilful_a empiric_n be_v there_o in_o every_o place_n such_o as_o the_o prophet_n jeremy_n complain_v of_o they_o have_v heal_v the_o hurt_n of_o the_o daughter_n of_o my_o people_n
the_o voice_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o they_o that_o hear_v shall_v live_v from_o hence_o the_o eight_o observation_n will_v be_v this_o viii_o doct._n that_o no_o man_n will_n save_o and_o effectual_o open_v to_o receive_v christ_n doct._n till_o the_o spiritual_a quicken_a voice_n of_o christ_n be_v first_o hear_v by_o the_o soul._n now_o touch_v this_o almighty_a spiritual_a voice_n of_o christ_n by_o which_o the_o heart_n of_o sinner_n be_v effectual_o open_v six_o thing_n must_v be_v open_v in_o order_n 1._o the_o divers_a sort_n and_o kind_n of_o christ_n voice_n 2._o the_o general_a nature_n of_o this_o internal_a voice_n 3._o the_o innate_a character_n and_o special_a property_n of_o it_o 4._o the_o object_n to_o who_o it_o be_v direct_v 5._o the_o motive_n induce_v christ_n to_o speak_v to_o one_o and_o not_o to_o another_o 6._o the_o special_a effect_n wrought_v and_o seal_v by_o it_o upon_o every_o soul_n that_o hear_v it_o first_o we_o will_v speak_v of_o the_o divers_a sort_n and_o kind_n of_o christ_n voice_n i_o be_o here_o only_o concern_v about_o two_o viz._n 1._o his_o external_n 2._o his_o internal_a voice_n 1._o there_o be_v a_o external_n voice_n of_o christ_n which_o we_o may_v call_v his_o ministerial_a voice_n in_o the_o preach_a of_o the_o gospel_n the_o scripture_n be_v his_o word_n and_o minister_n his_o mouth_n jer._n 15._o 19_o he_o that_o hear_v they_o hear_v christ._n 2_o there_o be_v also_o a_o internal_a energetical_a voice_n of_o christ_n consist_v not_o in_o sound_n but_o power_n and_o betwixt_o these_o two_o there_o be_v two_o remarkable_a difference_n 1._o the_o external_n or_o ministerial_a voice_n of_o christ_n be_v but_o the_o organ_n or_o instrument_n of_o convey_v his_o internal_a and_o efficacious_a voice_n to_o the_o soul_n in_o the_o former_a he_o speak_v to_o the_o ear_n and_o in_o or_o by_o that_o â—ound_n convey_v his_o spiritual_a voice_n to_o the_o heart_n 2_o the_o external_n voice_n be_v evermore_o ineffectual_a and_o successless_a when_o it_o be_v not_o animate_v by_o this_o internal_a spiritual_a voice_n it_o be_v marvellous_a to_o see_v the_o wall_n of_o jericho_n fall_v to_o the_o ground_n at_o the_o sound_n of_o rams-horn_n there_o be_v certain_o more_o than_o the_o force_n of_o a_o external_a blast_n to_o produce_v such_o a_o effect_n but_o more_o marvellous_a it_o be_v to_o see_v at_o the_o sound_n of_o the_o gospel_n not_o only_o the_o weapon_n of_o iniquity_n fall_v out_o of_o sinner_n hand_n but_o the_o very_a enmity_n itself_o out_o of_o their_o heart_n here_o you_o see_v be_v a_o voice_n in_o a_o voice_n a_o internal_a efficacy_n in_o the_o external_n sound_n without_o which_o the_o gospel_n make_v no_o save_v impression_n second_o this_o spiritual_a voice_n of_o christ_n must_v be_v consider_v in_o its_o general_a nature_n which_o imply_v two_o thing_n in_o it_o 1._o almighty_a efficacy_n 2._o great_a facilty_n i._o almighty_a efficacy_n to_o quicken_v and_o open_v the_o heart_n with_o a_o word_n o_o what_o manner_n of_o voice_n be_v this_o which_o carry_v such_o a_o vital_a power_n along_o with_o it_o in_o all_o the_o mighty_a work_n of_o christ_n his_o power_n be_v still_o put_v forth_o in_o some_o voice_n as_o at_o the_o resurrection_n of_o lazarus_n john_n 11._o 43._o he_o cry_v with_o a_o loud_a voice_n lazarus_n come_v forth_o and_o he_o that_o be_v dead_a come_v forth_o so_o in_o the_o cure_n of_o the_o deaf_a man_n mark_v 7._o 34._o he_o say_v unto_o he_o ephphathai_n and_o straight_o way_n his_o ear_n be_v open_v thus_o in_o the_o exert_n of_o his_o almighty_a glorious_a power_n in_o quicken_a a_o soul_n spiritual_o dead_a and_o open_v the_o heart_n that_o be_v lock_v up_o by_o ignorance_n and_o unbelief_n a_o internal_a almighty_a efficacy_n pass_v from_o christ_n along_o with_o the_o voice_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o effect_v this_o glorious_a work_n upon_o the_o soul_n a_o emblem_n where_o of_o we_o have_v in_o ezek._n 37._o 9_o 10._o then_o say_v he_o unto_o i_o prophesy_v unto_o the_o wind_n prophesy_v son_n of_o man_n to_o the_o wind_n say_v the_o lord_n god_n come_v from_o the_o four_o wind_n o_o breath_n and_o breath_n upon_o these_o slay_v that_o they_o may_v live_v so_o i_o prophesy_v as_o he_o command_v i_o and_o the_o breath_n come_v into_o they_o and_o they_o live_v and_o stand_v up_o upon_o their_o foot_n a_o exceed_a great_a army_n the_o animate_v vital_a breath_n which_o quicken_v the_o dead_a come_v in_o or_o with_o the_o four_o wind_n of_o heaven_n as_o this_o almighty_a power_n of_o christ_n do_v with_o the_o sound_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o before_o it_o the_o heart_n open_v the_o will_n bow_v psal._n 110._o 3._o man_n can_v no_o long_o oppose_v the_o power_n of_o god_n man_n and_o man_n stand_v upon_o equal_a ground_n the_o power_n of_o man_n can_v repel_v the_o power_n of_o a_o fellow_n creature_n but_o when_o the_o power_n of_o christ_n come_v along_o with_o the_o voice_n of_o man_n there_o be_v no_o more_o power_n to_o resist_v semper_fw-la this_o voice_n of_o christ_n then_o of_o which_o the_o text_n speak_v loc_n be_v a_o almighty_a impression_n make_v upon_o the_o soul_n of_o a_o sinner_n from_o heaven_n which_o be_v to_o that_o soul_n in_o stead_n of_o a_o voice_n and_o as_o full_o expressive_a of_o god_n mind_n concern_v it_o as_o any_o articulate_v voice_n in_o the_o world_n can_v be_v it_o be_v a_o beam_n of_o light_n shine_v immediate_o from_o the_o spirit_n into_o the_o soul_n of_o a_o sinner_n as_o plain_o and_o evident_o discover_v both_o its_o danger_n and_o duty_n as_o if_o a_o voice_n from_o heaven_n have_v declare_v they_o thus_o it_o be_v say_v isa._n 8._o 11._o the_o lord_n speak_v to_o isaiah_n with_o a_o strong_a hand_n that_o be_v by_o a_o mighty_a impression_n upon_o the_o prophet_n spirit_n which_o be_v as_o a_o voice_n to_o he_o thus_o here_o the_o lord_n not_o only_o direct_v a_o suitable_a word_n to_o a_o sinner_n condition_n but_o also_o impress_n it_o with_o such_o a_o strong_a hand_n upon_o his_o heart_n as_o leave_v no_o doubt_n behind_o it_o but_o that_o it_o be_v the_o lord_n himself_o that_o speak_v to_o his_o soul_n this_o be_v christ_n way_n of_o speak_v by_o his_o spirit_n to_o the_o inner_a spiritual_a ear_n of_o the_o soul_n not_o by_o oraculous_a voice_n which_o i_o take_v to_o be_v but_o the_o supposition_n of_o a_o overtroubled_a fancy_n but_o by_o a_o efficacious_a impression_n upon_o the_o heart_n as_o to_o oraculous_a voice_n we_o may_v soon_o meet_v satanical_a delusion_n than_o divine_a illumination_n in_o that_o way_n the_o learned_a gerson_n speak_v of_o a_o good_a man_n who_o be_v in_o prayer_n seem_v to_o hear_v such_o a_o voice_n as_o this_o i_o be_o come_v in_o person_n to_o visit_v thou_o for_o thou_o be_v worthy_a but_o he_o just_o suspect_v a_o delusion_n of_o satan_n shut_v his_o eye_n and_o say_v nolo_fw-la hic_fw-la videre_fw-la christum_fw-la etc._n etc._n i_o will_v not_o see_v christ_n here_o it_o shall_v suffice_v i_o to_o see_v he_o in_o glory_n i_o be_o sure_a christ_n voice_n in_o the_o write_a word_n be_v more_o sure_a than_o a_o voice_n from_o heaven_n 2_o pet._n l._n 1._o 9_o this_o inward_a spiritual_a impression_n be_v christ_n effectual_a call_n from_o heaven_n and_o it_o be_v a_o voice_n sine_fw-la strepitu_fw-la syllabarum_fw-la without_o sound_n or_o syllable_n ii_o as_o this_o voice_n of_o christ_n imply_v almighty_a efficacy_n so_o it_o imply_v in_o like_a manner_n the_o facility_n of_o conversion_n unto_o christ_n he_o can_v do_v it_o easy_o with_o a_o word_n of_o his_o mouth_n as_o in_o the_o bodily_a cure_n perform_v by_o he_o in_o the_o day_n of_o his_o flesh_n how_o sudden_o and_o easy_o do_v christ_n effect_v they_o speak_v the_o word_n only_o say_v the_o centurion_n and_o my_o servant_n shall_v be_v heal_v thus_o let_v the_o spirit_n but_o speak_v internal_o to_o the_o dead_a soul_n and_o it_o live_v elijah_n do_v but_o cast_v his_o mantle_n upon_o elisha_n as_o he_o be_v plough_v in_o the_o field_n and_o he_o present_o entreat_v the_o prophet_n to_o give_v he_o leave_v to_o go_v home_o and_o bid_v his_o friend_n farewell_o and_o he_o will_v follow_v he_o thus_o it_o be_v here_o let_v a_o beam_n of_o save_a light_n shine_v from_o the_o spirit_n into_o a_o man_n heart_n let_v a_o effectual_a impression_n be_v make_v upon_o his_o soul_n and_o he_o be_v present_o make_v willing_a to_o quit_v and_o give_v up_o his_o dear_a lust_n and_o interest_n and_o to_o embrace_v christ_n upon_o the_o severe_a term_n of_o the_o gospel_n conversion_n be_v too_o difficult_a a_o work_n for_o angel_n or_o man_n to_o effect_v in_o their_o own_o strength_n but_o christ_n can_v do_v it_o with_o a_o
of_o satan_n to_o think_v so_o but_o this_o be_v what_o i_o say_v that_o communion_n with_o god_n consist_v not_o in_o the_o mere_a performance_n of_o duty_n communion_n and_o duty_n of_o religion_n be_v two_o thing_n separable_a one_o from_o the_o other_o man_n may_v multiply_v duty_n and_o yet_o be_v stranger_n to_o communion_n with_o god_n in_o they_o even_o humiliation_n and_o fast_a day_n may_v be_v keep_v by_o soul_n that_o be_v estrange_v from_o communion_n with_o the_o lord_n zach._n 7._o 5._o speak_v unto_o all_o the_o people_n of_o the_o land_n and_o unto_o the_o priest_n say_v when_o you_o fast_v and_o mourn_v in_o the_o five_o and_o seven_o month_n even_o these_o seventy_o year_n do_v you_o at_o all_o fast_o unto_o i_o even_o unto_o i_o q._n d._n have_v your_o soul_n pure_a intention_n and_o respect_n in_o those_o duty_n to_o my_o glory_n have_v you_o special_a communion_n with_o i_o or_o i_o with_o you_o in_o those_o duty_n do_v you_o ever_o feel_v your_o soul_n in_o these_o day_n wound_v for_o sin_n or_o do_v you_o not_o fast_o out_o of_o custom_n and_o mourn_v for_o company_n god_n may_v be_v near_o in_o man_n mouth_n and_o at_o the_o same_o time_n far_o from_o their_o reins_o jer._n 12._o 2._o religious_a word_n may_v flow_v out_o of_o man_n lip_n when_o not_o one_o drop_n of_o religion_n touch_v their_o reins_o and_o heart_n that_o be_v the_o secret_a inward_a power_n of_o their_o soul_n you_o can_v therefore_o safe_o depend_v upon_o this_o christ_n reject_v this_o plea_n matth._n 7._o 22._o get_v a_o better_a evidence_n of_o communion_n with_o god_n than_o this_o or_o you_o will_v certain_o come_v short_a of_o your_o expectation_n i_o know_v you_o not_o say_v christ_n there_o be_v never_o any_o spiritual_a acquaintance_n betwixt_o your_o soul_n and_o i_o i_o know_v you_o not_o in_o a_o way_n of_o approbation_n 2_o neither_o do_v all_o stir_n and_o work_n of_o the_o affection_n in_o duty_n infallible_o evidence_n and_o prove_v communion_n betwixt_o god_n and_o that_o soul_n for_o it_o be_v possible_a yea_o common_a to_o have_v the_o affection_n raise_v in_o a_o natural_a way_n and_o by_o external_a motive_n in_o the_o duty_n of_o religion_n this_o you_o see_v in_o that_o example_n ezck._n 33._o 32._o and_o lo_o thou_o be_v unto_o they_o as_o a_o very_a lovely_a song_n of_o one_o that_o have_v a_o pleasant_a voice_n and_o can_v play_v well_o on_o a_o instrument_n for_o they_o hear_v thy_o word_n but_o they_o do_v they_o not_o the_o sweet_a modulation_n of_o the_o prophet_n voice_n be_v like_o the_o skilful_a touch_n of_o a_o rare_a musical_a instrument_n which_o in_o a_o natural_a way_n move_v and_o excite_v their_o affection_n thus_o johns_n hearer_n rejoice_v in_o his_o ministry_n for_o a_o season_n i_o confess_v this_o be_v very_o apt_a to_o cast_v soul_n into_o a_o mistake_n of_o their_o condition_n they_o distinguish_v not_o betwixt_o the_o influence_n that_o come_v upon_o their_o affection_n from_o without_o from_o extrinsic_a thing_n and_o those_o that_o be_v pure_o inward_a divine_a and_o spiritual_a but_o then_o ii_o to_o show_v you_o positive_o what_o communion_n with_o god_n be_v here_o we_o must_v consider_v two_o thing_n 1._o what_o thing_n it_o presuppose_v in_o we_o 2._o wherein_o the_o nature_n of_o it_o consist_v first_o there_o be_v divers_a thing_n pre-required_n and_o presuppose_a unto_o all_o actual_a communion_n with_o god_n in_o duty_n and_o where_o these_o thing_n be_v want_v man_n can_v have_v no_o communion_n with_o god._n you_o may_v have_v communion_n with_o his_o people_n and_o communion_n with_o his_o ordinance_n but_o not_o communion_n with_o god_n and_o christ_n in_o they_o and_o these_o pre-requisites_a be_v three_o i_o union_n with_o christ_n be_v fundamental_o necessary_a to_o all_o communion_n with_o he_o all_o communion_n be_v found_v in_o union_n and_o where_o there_o be_v no_o union_n there_o can_v be_v no_o communion_n you_o know_v say_v a_o excellent_a person_n the_o member_n receive_v nothing_o from_o the_o head_n 84._o unless_o it_o be_v unite_v to_o it_o nor_o the_o branch_n from_o the_o root_n all_o be_v you_o and_o you_o be_v christ_n 1_o cor._n 3._o 23._o here_o be_v a_o vast_a possession_n but_o all_o found_v upon_o union_n as_o all_o communion_n be_v found_v upon_o union_n so_o all_o union_n terminate_v in_o communion_n and_o the_o close_o the_o union_n the_o full_a be_v the_o communion_n before_o our_o union_n with_o christ_n we_o be_v stranger_n unto_o god_n eph._n 2._o i3_n we_o live_v without_o god_n in_o the_o world_n it_o be_v in_o christ_n that_o we_o be_v make_v nigh_o it_o be_v in_o the_o belove_a we_o be_v make_v accept_v whilst_o we_o be_v in_o the_o state_n of_o alienation_n from_o christ_n we_o have_v no_o more_o to_o do_v with_o the_o communication_n of_o joy_n and_o peace_n with_o the_o seal_n and_o earnest_n of_o the_o spirit_n than_o a_o native_a indian_a have_v with_o the_o privilege_n of_o london_n if_o any_o man_n open_a to_o i_o say_v christ_n i_o will_v come_v in_o to_o he_o and_o sup_v with_o he_o and_o he_o with_o i_o ii_o communion_n with_o god_n presuppose_v the_o habit_n of_o grace_n implant_v in_o the_o soul_n by_o sanctification_n a_o find_v and_o sincere_a change_n of_o heart_n no_o sanctification_n no_o communion_n 1_o john_n 1._o 6._o if_o we_o say_v we_o have_v fellowship_n with_o he_o and_o walk_v in_o darkness_n we_o lie_v and_o do_v not_o the_o truth_n the_o apostle_n give_v the_o lie_n to_o such_o bold_a pretender_n the_o lord_n be_v nigh_o to_o all_o that_o call_v upon_o he_o unto_o all_o that_o call_v upon_o he_o in_o truth_n that_o latter_a clause_n restrain_v all_o spiritual_a communion_n unto_o upright_a soul_n for_o a_o hypocrite_n shall_v not_o come_v before_o he_o job_n 13._o 16._o iii_o communion_n with_o god_n do_v not_o only_o suppose_v grace_v implant_v but_o also_o implant_v grace_n excite_v grace_n in_o act_n for_o a_o man_n may_v have_v the_o habit_n of_o faith_n love_n and_o delight_n in_o he_o and_o yet_o be_v without_o actual_a communion_n with_o god_n for_o by_o this_o grace_n be_v awake_v and_o put_v into_o act_n a_o believer_n when_o he_o be_v asleep_a and_o act_v no_o grace_n be_v in_o a_o state_n of_o communion_n with_o god_n but_o if_o he_o will_v have_v actual_a communion_n his_o faith_n love_n and_o delight_n must_v be_v awake_v they_o must_v not_o lie_v asleep_a in_o the_o habit_n thou_o say_v seek_v my_o face_n my_o heart_n say_v unto_o thou_o thy_o face_n lord_n will_v i_o seek_v psal._n 27._o 8._o it_o be_v in_o order_n to_o actual_a communion_n with_o christ_n that_o the_o church_n so_o earnest_o beg_v fresh_a influence_n of_o the_o spirit_n to_o excite_v her_o grace_n into_o act_n cant._n 4._o i6_n awake_v o_o northwind_n and_o come_v thou_o south_n blow_v upon_o my_o garden_n that_o the_o spice_n thereof_o may_v flow_v out_o let_v my_o belove_a come_v into_o his_o garden_n and_o eat_v his_o pleasant_a fruit_n and_o though_o believer_n be_v not_o so_o to_o wait_v for_o influence_n of_o the_o spirit_n as_o mean_a time_n to_o neglect_v all_o proper_a outward_a mean_n of_o exciting_a their_o own_o grace_n engage_v their_o heart_n to_o approach_v unto_o god_n jer._n 30._o 21._o yet_o certain_o it_o be_v the_o work_n of_o god_n spirit_n and_o without_o he_o we_o can_v do_v nothing_o to_o any_o purpose_n the_o seaman_n may_v trim_v the_o sail_n weigh_v the_o anchor_n put_v all_o into_o a_o sail_a posture_n but_o till_o a_o gale_n come_v from_o heaven_n there_o be_v little_a or_o no_o motion_n the_o same_o spirit_n that_o plant_v the_o habit_n be_v he_o also_o that_o excite_v the_o act_n of_o grace_n these_o three_o thing_n therefore_o be_v pre-requisites_a unto_o all_o communion_n with_o god._n second_o next_o let_v we_o consider_v wherein_o this_o heavenly_a privilege_n of_o communion_n with_o god_n do_v consist_v and_o more_o general_o it_o will_v be_v find_v to_o lie_v in_o a_o spiritual_a correspondency_n betwixt_o christ_n and_o the_o soul._n god_n let_v forth_o influence_n upon_o our_o soul_n and_o we_o by_o the_o assistance_n of_o his_o spirit_n make_v return_n again_o unto_o god._n communion_n be_v a_o mutual_a action_n so_o in_o the_o text_n i_o will_v sup_v with_o he_o and_o he_o with_o i_o we_o cry_v to_o god_n and_o god_n answer_v that_o cry_n by_o the_o income_n of_o spiritual_a grace_n upon_o the_o soul_n psal._n i38_n 3._o in_o the_o day_n that_o i_o cry_v thou_o answer_v i_o and_o strengthn_v i_o with_o strength_n in_o my_o soul._n more_o particular_o there_o be_v many_o way_n or_o method_n wherein_o man_n have_v this_o spiritual_a correspondence_n or_o communion_n with_o god_n viz._n 1._o in_o the_o contemplation_n of_o his_o attribute_n 2._o in_o
safety_n and_o security_n lie_v in_o draw_v nigh_o to_o god_n psal._n 73._o 27_o 28._o they_o that_o be_v far_o from_o thou_o shall_v perish_v but_o it_o be_v good_a for_o i_o to_o draw_v near_o to_o god._n it_o be_v good_a indeed_o not_o only_o the_o good_a of_o comfort_n but_o the_o good_a of_o safety_n be_v in_o it_o deut._n 33._o 12._o the_o belove_a of_o the_o lord_n shall_v dwell_v in_o safety_n by_o he_o you_o know_v the_o gracious_a presence_n of_o god_n be_v your_o shield_n and_o safety_n and_o if_o you_o will_v have_v the_o lord_n thus_o present_a with_o you_o in_o all_o your_o fear_n straits_n and_o danger_n see_v that_o you_o keep_v near_o to_o he_o in_o the_o duty_n of_o communion_n for_o the_o lord_n be_v with_o you_o whilst_o you_o be_v with_o he_o 2_o chron._n 15._o 2._o xii_o excellency_n it_o be_v the_o honour_n of_o the_o soul_n and_o the_o great_a honour_n that_o ever_o god_n confer_v on_o any_o creature_n it_o be_v the_o glory_n of_o the_o holy_a angel_n in_o heaven_n to_o be_v always_o behold_v the_o face_n of_o god_n matth._n 18._o 10._o oh_o that_o god_n shall_v admit_v poor_a dust_n and_o ash_n unto_o such_o a_o nearness_n to_o himself_o to_o walk_v with_o a_o king_n and_o have_v frequent_a converse_n with_o he_o put_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o honour_n upon_o a_o subject_a but_o the_o saint_n walk_v with_o god_n so_o do_v enoch_n so_o do_v all_o the_o saint_n 1_o john_n 1._o 3._o true_o our_o fellowship_n be_v with_o the_o father_n and_o with_o his_o son_n christ_n jesus_n they_o have_v liberty_n and_o access_n with_o confidence_n the_o lord_n as_o it_o be_v deliver_v they_o the_o golden_a key_n of_o prayer_n by_o which_o they_o may_v come_v into_o his_o presence_n on_o all_o occasion_n with_o the_o freedom_n of_o child_n to_o a_o father_n xiii_o excellency_n it_o be_v the_o instrument_n of_o mortification_n and_o the_o most_o excellent_a and_o successful_a instrument_n for_o that_o purpose_n in_o all_o the_o world_n gal._n 5._o 16._o this_o i_o say_v then_o walk_v in_o the_o spirit_n and_o you_o shall_v not_o fulfil_v the_o work_n of_o the_o flesh_n walk_v in_o the_o spirit_n be_v the_o same_o thing_n with_o walk_v in_o communion_n with_o god._n now_o say_v the_o apostle_n if_o you_o thus_o walk_v in_o the_o spirit_n in_o the_o act_n of_o faith_n love_n and_o obedience_n throughout_o the_o course_n of_o holy_a duty_n the_o effect_n of_o this_o will_v be_v that_o you_o shall_v not_o fulfil_v the_o lust_n of_o the_o flesh_n he_o do_v not_o say_v you_o shall_v not_o feel_v the_o motion_n of_o sin_n in_o you_o or_o temptation_n to_o sin_n assault_v you_o but_o he_o say_v you_o shall_v not_o fulfil_v the_o lust_n of_o the_o flesh_n sin_n shall_v not_o have_v dominion_n over_o you_o this_o will_v let_v out_o the_o life-blood_n of_o sin_n a_o temptation_n overcome_v this_o way_n be_v more_o effectual_o subdue_v than_o by_o all_o the_o vow_n resolution_n and_o external_a mean_n in_o the_o world_n as_o a_o candle_n that_o be_v blow_v out_o with_o a_o puff_n of_o breath_n may_v be_v rekindle_v by_o another_o puff_n but_o if_o it_o be_v quench_v in_o water_n it_o be_v not_o so_o easy_o light_v again_o so_o it_o be_v here_o you_o never_o find_v that_o power_n or_o success_n in_o temptation_n when_o your_o heart_n be_v up_o with_o god_n in_o the_o exercise_n of_o faith_n and_o love_n as_o you_o do_v when_o your_o heart_n hang_v loose_a from_o he_o and_o dead_a towards_o he_o the_o schoolman_n assign_v this_o as_o one_o reason_n why_o the_o saint_n in_o heaven_n be_v impeccable_a no_o sin_n can_v fasten_v upon_o they_o because_o say_v they_o they_o there_o enjoy_v the_o beatifical_a vision_n of_o god._n this_o be_v sure_a the_o more_o communion_n any_o man_n have_v with_o god_n on_o earth_n the_o free_a he_o live_v from_o the_o power_n of_o his_o corruption_n fourteen_o excellency_n it_o be_v the_o kernel_n of_o all_o duty_n and_o ordinance_n word_n gesture_n etc._n etc._n be_v but_o the_o integument_n husk_n and_o shell_n of_o duty_n communion_n with_o god_n be_v the_o sweet_a kernel_n the_o pleasant_a and_o nourish_a food_n which_o lie_v within_o they_o you_o see_v the_o fruit_n of_o the_o earth_n be_v cover_v and_o defend_v by_o husk_n shell_n and_o such_o like_a integument_n within_o which_o lie_v the_o pleasant_a kernel_n and_o grain_n and_o that_o be_v the_o food_n the_o hypocrite_n who_o go_v no_o far_a than_o the_o external_o of_o religion_n be_v therefore_o say_v to_o feed_v of_o ash_n isa._n 44._o 20._o to_o spend_v his_o money_n for_o that_o which_o be_v not_o bread_n and_o his_o labour_n for_o that_o which_o satisfy_v not_o isa._n 55._o 2._o he_o feed_v but_o upon_o husk_n in_o which_o there_o be_v little_a pleasure_n or_o nourishment_n what_o a_o poor_a house_n do_v a_o hypocrite_n keep_v word_n gesture_n ceremony_n of_o religion_n will_v never_o fill_v the_o soul_n but_o communion_n with_o god_n be_v substantial_a nourishment_n my_o soul_n say_v david_n shall_v be_v satisfy_v as_o with_o marrow_n and_o fatness_n whilst_o i_o think_v and_o meditate_v on_o thou_o psal._n 63._o 5_o 6._o it_o will_v grieve_v one_o heart_n to_o think_v what_o airy_a thing_n many_o soul_n satisfy_v themselves_o with_o feed_v like_o ephraim_n upon_o the_o wind_n well_o content_v if_o they_o can_v but_o shuffle_v over_o a_o few_o heartless_a empty_a duty_n whilst_o the_o saint_n feed_v upon_o this_o hide_a manna_n be_v feast_v as_o it_o be_v with_o angel_n food_n xv._n excellency_n it_o be_v the_o light_n of_o the_o soul_n in_o darkness_n and_o the_o pleasant_a light_n that_o ever_o shine_v upon_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n there_o be_v many_o a_o soul_n which_o walk_v in_o darkness_n some_o in_o the_o darkness_n of_o ignorance_n and_o unbelief_n the_o most_o dismal_a of_o all_o darkness_n except_o that_o in_o hell._n there_o be_v other_o who_o be_v child_n of_o light_n in_o a_o state_n of_o reconciliation_n yet_o walk_v in_o the_o darkness_n of_o outward_a affliction_n and_o inward_a desertion_n and_o temptation_n but_o as_o soon_o as_o ever_o the_o light_n of_o god_n countenance_n shine_v upon_o the_o soul_n in_o the_o duty_n of_o communion_n with_o he_o that_o darkness_n be_v dissipate_v and_o scatter_v it_o be_v all_o light_n within_o he_o and_o round_o about_o he_o psal._n 34._o 5._o they_o look_v unto_o he_o and_o be_v enlighten_v they_o look_v there_o be_v faith_n act_v in_o duty_n and_o be_v enlighten_v there_o be_v the_o sweet_a effect_n of_o faith._n the_o horror_n and_o trouble_n of_o gracious_a soul_n shrink_v away_o upon_o the_o rise_n of_o this_o cheerful_a light_n as_o wild_a beast_n come_v out_o of_o their_o den_n in_o the_o darkness_n of_o the_o night_n and_o shrink_v back_o again_o into_o they_o when_o the_o sun_n arise_v psal._n 104._o 20_o 21_o 22._o so_o do_v the_o fear_n and_o inward_a trouble_n of_o the_o people_n of_o god_n when_o this_o light_n shine_v upon_o their_o soul_n nay_o more_o this_o be_v a_o light_n which_o scatter_v the_o very_a darkness_n of_o death_n itself_o it_o be_v the_o say_n of_o a_o worthy_a divine_a of_o germany_n upon_o his_o deathbed_n when_o his_o eyesight_n be_v go_v be_v ask_v how_o it_o be_v within_o why_o say_v he_o though_o all_o be_v dark_a about_o i_o yet_o point_v as_o well_o as_o he_o can_v to_o his_o breast_n hiâ—sat_fw-la lucis_fw-la here_o be_v light_a enough_o xvi_o excellency_n it_o be_v liberty_n to_o the_o straighten_v soul_n and_o the_o most_o comfortable_a and_o excellent_a liberty_n in_o the_o whole_a world._n he_o only_o walk_v at_o liberty_n that_o walk_v with_o god_n psal._n 119._o 45._o i_o will_v walk_v at_o liberty_n for_o i_o seek_v thy_o precept_n wicked_a man_n cry_v out_o of_o band_n and_o cord_n in_o religion_n they_o look_v upon_o the_o duty_n of_o goldliness_n as_o the_o great_a bondage_n and_o thraldom_n in_o the_o whole_a world_n psal._n 2._o 3._o let_v we_o break_v their_o band_n asunder_o and_o cast_v away_o their_o cord_n from_o we_o q._n d._n away_o with_o this_o strictness_n and_o precisness_n it_o extinguish_v the_o joy_n and_o pleasure_n of_o our_o life_n give_v we_o our_o cup_n instead_o of_o bibles_n our_o profane_a song_n instead_o of_o spiritual_a psalm_n our_o sport_n and_o pastime_n instead_o of_o prayer_n and_o sermon_n alas_o poor_a creature_n how_o do_v they_o dance_v in_o their_o shackle_n and_o chain_n when_o in_o reality_n the_o sweet_a liberty_n be_v enjoy_v in_o those_o duty_n at_o which_o they_o thus_o snuff_v the_o law_n of_o christ_n be_v the_o law_n of_o liberty_n the_o soul_n of_o man_n never_o enjoy_v more_o liberty_n than_o when_o it_o be_v bind_v with_o the_o strict_a band_n of_o duty_n to_o god._n here_o be_v liberty_n from_o enthral_a lust_n
yet_o one_o thing_n and_o that_o the_o main_a thing_n sanctify_v grace_n be_v want_v hereupon_o the_o pang_n of_o the_o new_a birth_n seize_v his_o soul_n and_o the_o lord_n make_v he_o a_o most_o inward_a search_a experimental_a minister_n and_o crown_v his_o labour_n with_o unusual_a success_n this_o minister_n to_o his_o die_a day_n be_v not_o ashamed_a in_o all_o company_n to_o acknowledge_v his_o mistake_n and_o bless_v god_n for_o his_o recovery_n out_o of_o it_o and_o in_o most_o of_o his_o sermon_n he_o will_v endeavour_v to_o convince_v professor_n of_o the_o necessity_n of_o a_o second_o conversion_n 2._o fear_n be_v another_o pull-back_a which_o withhold_v man_n from_o execute_v the_o conviction_n of_o their_o own_o conscience_n and_o obey_v its_o call_n in_o this_o grand_a case_n and_o concern_v of_o the_o soul._n they_o be_v pretty_a easy_a and_o safe_a under_o the_o external_n profession_n and_o duty_n of_o religion_n and_o be_v afraid_a of_o throw_v up_o their_o vain_a hope_n and_o engage_v themselves_o hearty_o and_o thorough_o in_o religion_n and_o there_o be_v two_o thing_n scare_v they_o 1_o the_o inward_a pain_n and_o trouble_n of_o spirit_n attend_v the_o new-birth_n which_o they_o have_v read_v and_o hear_v of_o and_o see_v the_o effect_n of_o in_o other_o oh_o it_o be_v a_o dreadful_a thing_n to_o lie_v under_o the_o terror_n that_o many_o have_v feel_v and_o so_o it_o be_v with_o they_o as_o with_o one_o that_o have_v a_o bone_n ill_o set_v who_o if_o he_o have_v any_o ease_n will_v rather_o endure_v a_o little_a daily_a pain_n and_o be_v content_a to_o halt_v all_o his_o life_n than_o undergo_v the_o pain_n of_o another_o fraction_n or_o dislocation_n in_o order_n to_o a_o perfect_a cure_n 2_o they_o be_v afraid_a of_o external_n suffering_n the_o form_n of_o godliness_n leave_v man_n a_o latitude_n to_o take_v or_o leave_v according_a as_o the_o time_n favour_n or_o frown_v upon_o the_o way_n of_o religion_n but_o the_o power_n of_o godliness_n that_o will_v engage_v and_o put_v they_o beyond_o retreat_n they_o must_v then_o stand_v to_o it_o come_v what_o will._n but_o soul_n let_v i_o tell_v thou_o if_o the_o just_a fear_n and_o apprehension_n of_o hell_n and_o the_o eternal_a wrath_n of_o god_n be_v upon_o thou_o to_o which_o thy_o hypocrisy_n and_o formality_n will_v expose_v thou_o all_o these_o fear_n of_o inward_a or_o outward_a trouble_n will_v vanish_v the_o same_o hour_n 3._o pride_n of_o heart_n suffer_v not_o this_o conviction_n of_o conscience_n to_o work_v out_o its_o effect_n but_o hold_v this_o truth_n in_o unrighteousness_n to_o the_o hazard_n and_o ruin_n of_o many_o soul_n man_n that_o live_v upon_o their_o own_o duty_n and_o self-righteousness_n be_v not_o easy_o bring_v to_o renounce_v all_o this_o and_o live_v upon_o the_o righteousness_n of_o christ_n alone_o for_o justification_n proud_a nature_n will_v rather_o venture_v the_o hazard_n of_o damnation_n than_o such_o self_n denial_n rom._n 10._o 3._o as_o you_o see_v it_o common_a among_o poor_a people_n to_o live_v mean_o on_o coarse_a fare_v of_o their_o own_o than_o upon_o the_o alm_n and_o bounty_n of_o another_o o_o but_o if_o once_o the_o day_n of_o god_n power_n be_v come_v and_o a_o man_n begin_v to_o feel_v the_o commandment_n come_v home_o to_o his_o conscience_n as_o paul_n do_v rom._n 7._o 9_o when_o he_o come_v to_o realize_v the_o world_n to_o come_v the_o value_n of_o his_o soul_n and_o the_o danger_n it_o be_v in_o then_o all_o these_o remora_n be_v as_o easy_o sweep_v away_o as_o so_o many_o straw_n by_o the_o rapid_a course_n of_o a_o mighty_a torrent_n then_o let_v man_n say_v or_o think_v what_o they_o please_v i_o must_v not_o throw_v away_o my_o own_o soul_n to_o maintain_v a_o vain_a estimation_n among_o man_n let_v inward_a or_o outward_a suffering_n be_v never_o so_o great_a it_o be_v better_a for_o i_o to_o feel_v they_o than_o to_o suffer_v the_o everlasting_a wrath_n of_o the_o great_a and_o terrible_a god._n let_v my_o own_o righteousness_n be_v what_o it_o will_v all_o be_v but_o dung_n and_o dross_n to_o the_o pure_a and_o perfect_a righteousness_n of_o christ._n second_o as_o this_o general_a conviction_n with_o respect_n to_o man_n state_n and_o condition_n be_v hold_v in_o unrighteousness_n and_o man_n and_o woman_n go_v with_o grumble_a conscience_n and_o frequent_a inward_a fear_n by_o reason_n of_o it_o so_o there_o be_v many_o particular_a conviction_n bind_v and_o imprison_v in_o man_n soul_n particular_a conviction_n i_o say_v both_o as_o to_o sin_n commit_v and_o know_v duty_n omit_v against_o both_o table_n of_o the_o law_n of_o god_n call_v in_o the_o text_n ungodliness_n and_o unrighteousness_n conscience_n labour_n and_o strive_v to_o bring_v man_n to_o confess_v bewail_v and_o reform_v they_o but_o can_v prevail_v contrary_a lust_n and_o interest_n overpower_v they_o and_o detain_v they_o in_o unrighteousness_n what_o these_o be_v and_o how_o they_o be_v withhold_v by_o those_o lust_n i_o shall_v give_v some_o instance_n i._o instance_n and_o first_o for_o conviction_n of_o ungodliness_n there_o be_v many_o that_o call_v themselves_o christian_n who_o conscience_n tell_v they_o god_n be_v to_o be_v daily_o and_o due_o worship_v by_o they_o both_o in_o family_n and_o closet_n prayer_n it_o set_v before_o they_o iosua_n pious_a practice_n jos._n 24._o 15._o as_o for_o i_o i_o and_o my_o house_n we_o will_v serve_v the_o lord_n they_o know_v god_n be_v the_o founder_n the_o owner_n the_o master_n of_o their_o family_n that_o all_o family_n blessing_n be_v from_o he_o and_o therefore_o he_o be_v to_o be_v own_v acknowledge_v and_o seek_v in_o daily_a family_n prayer_n and_o praise_n it_o tell_v they_o the_o curse_n of_o god_n hang_v over_o prayerless_a family_n jer._n 10._o 25._o and_o that_o they_o live_v in_o the_o inexcusable_a neglect_n of_o these_o duty_n seldom_o worship_v of_o god_n with_o their_o family_n or_o in_o their_o closet_n 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and_o vent_n to_o all_o these_o trouble_n can_v you_o find_v than_o prayer_n this_o will_v sweeten_v all_o your_o labour_n and_o sorrow_n in_o the_o world._n second_o consciousness_n and_o sense_n of_o inability_n and_o want_n of_o gift_n restrain_v this_o conviction_n in_o other_o shall_v they_o attempt_v such_o duty_n before_o other_o they_o shall_v but_o expose_v their_o own_o ignorance_n &_o shame_n but_o this_o be_v a_o vain_a pretence_n of_o shake_v off_o duty_n the_o neglect_n of_o prayer_n be_v a_o principal_a cause_n of_o that_o inability_n you_o complain_v of_o gift_n as_o well_o as_o grace_n grow_v by_o exercise_n to_o he_o that_o have_v shall_v be_v give_v and_o he_o shall_v have_v more_o abundant_o and_o beside_o it_o be_v the_o fruit_n of_o pride_n and_o argue_v your_o eye_n to_o be_v more_o upon_o your_o own_o
comfort_n of_o the_o spirit_n iii_o plea._n if_o christ_n be_v put_v off_o and_o refuse_v now_o you_o may_v never_o taste_v of_o those_o invaluable_a mercy_n for_o ever_o luke_n 14._o 24._o for_o i_o say_v unto_o you_o that_o none_o of_o those_o man_n which_o be_v bid_v shall_v taste_v of_o my_o supper_n they_o be_v bid_v invite_v to_o this_o feast_n and_o so_o be_v you_o they_o refuse_v to_o come_v god_n grant_v you_o may_v not_o for_o methinks_v this_o sentence_n of_o christ_n those_o man_n which_o be_v bid_v shall_v not_o taste_v of_o my_o supper_n be_v like_o the_o sentence_n upon_o a_o malefactor_n that_o be_v to_o be_v hang_v in_o chain_n and_o who_o the_o law_n permit_v none_o to_o relieve_v o'twill_n bed_n readful_a to_o see_v the_o saint_n sit_v at_o the_o royal_a feast_n in_o heaven_n and_o yourselves_o shut_v out_o as_o a_o company_n of_o starve_a beggar_n stand_v in_o the_o street_n and_o about_o the_o door_n where_o the_o marriage_n supper_n be_v keep_v they_o see_v the_o light_n they_o behold_v the_o rich_a dish_n carry_v up_o they_o hear_v the_o mirth_n and_o music_n of_o the_o guest_n but_o not_o a_o bit_n come_v to_o their_o share_n iv._o plea._n the_o refusal_n of_o christ_n invitation_n as_o it_o be_v the_o great_a of_o all_o sin_n so_o it_o will_v be_v avenge_v with_o the_o forest_n wrath_n and_o great_a punishment_n it_o be_v say_v of_o those_o guest_n that_o be_v bid_v matth._n 22._o 5._o that_o they_o make_v light_a of_o it_o but_o it_o fall_v heavy_a upon_o they_o vers_n 7._o he_o be_v wroth_a and_o send_v forth_o his_o army_n and_o destroy_v those_o murderer_n and_o burn_v up_o their_o city_n have_v a_o care_n of_o make_v light_n of_o christ._n v._o plea._n what_o light_n and_o vain_a thing_n be_v all_o those_o pleasure_n of_o sin_n for_o the_o sake_n whereof_o you_o deprive_v your_o soul_n of_o the_o everlasting_a comfort_n of_o jesus_n christ_n delude_v soul_n it_o be_v not_o the_o intent_n of_o christ_n to_o rob_v thou_o of_o thy_o comfort_n but_o to_o exchange_v thy_o sinful_a for_o spiritual_a delight_n to_o thy_o unspeakable_a advantage_n it_o be_v true_a you_o shall_v have_v no_o more_o pleasure_n in_o sin_n but_o in_o stead_n of_o that_o you_o shall_v have_v peace_n with_o god_n joy_n in_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o solid_a comfort_n for_o evermore_o what_o be_v the_o sensitive_a or_o sinful_a pleasure_n of_o this_o world_n you_o have_v the_o total_a sum_n of_o they_o in_o 1_o john_n 2._o 16_o 17._o all_o that_o be_v in_o the_o world_n the_o lust_n of_o the_o flesh_n the_o lust_n of_o the_o eye_n and_o the_o pride_n of_o life_n be_v not_o of_o the_o father_n but_o be_v of_o the_o world_n and_o the_o world_n pass_v away_o and_o the_o lust_n thereof_o but_o he_o that_o do_v the_o will_n of_o god_n abide_v for_o ever_o but_o how_o may_v a_o poor_a unregenerate_a soul_n be_v prevail_v with_o to_o make_v such_o a_o bless_a exchange_n quest._n to_o part_v with_o the_o pleasure_n of_o sin_n in_o exchange_n for_o the_o comfort_n of_o jesus_n christ_n beside_o all_o that_o have_v be_v offer_v before_o answ._n let_v i_o brief_o add_v these_o three_o follow_a direction_n and_o counsel_n to_o such_o a_o soul._n first_o labour_v to_o see_v and_o feel_v thy_o need_n of_o christ_n and_o then_o thou_o will_v quick_o be_v willing_a to_o give_v up_o all_o the_o pleasure_n of_o sin_n for_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o he_o what_o make_v man_n so_o tenacious_a of_o their_o lust_n so_o hard_o to_o be_v persuade_v to_o give_v up_o their_o sinful_a pleasure_n but_o this_o that_o they_o never_o feel_v the_o need_n of_o a_o saviour_n oh_o sinner_n do_v thou_o but_o feel_v thy_o need_n of_o christ_n be_v thou_o but_o a_o hungry_a and_o thirsty_a for_o he_o thou_o will_v never_o stand_v upon_o such_o trifle_n for_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o he_o we_o read_v in_o the_o famine_n of_o jerusalem_n how_o they_o part_v with_o their_o pleasant_a thing_n for_o bread_n to_o relieve_v their_o soul_n jewel_n ring_n bracelet_n 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pleasure_n of_o sin_n and_o they_o have_v taste_v the_o pleasure_n of_o christ_n and_o so_o be_v best_a able_a to_o make_v a_o true_a judgement_n upon_o both_o and_o they_o have_v according_o determine_v that_o one_o glimpse_n of_o the_o light_n of_o god_n countenance_n put_v more_o gladness_n into_o their_o heart_n than_o in_o the_o time_n that_o their_o corn_n and_o their_o wine_n increase_v psal._n 4._o 7._o nay_o the_o wise_a christian_n upon_o trial_n of_o both_o have_v right_o determine_v that_o the_o worst_a thing_n in_o religion_n be_v infinite_o to_o be_v prefer_v to_o the_o best_a thing_n belong_v to_o sin_n the_o very_a suffering_n and_o affliction_n of_o the_o people_n of_o god_n have_v be_v pronounce_v better_a than_o the_o pleasure_n of_o sin_n for_o a_o season_n heb._n 11._o 25._o can_v you_o but_o see_v with_o their_o eye_n and_o be_v you_o but_o capable_a of_o make_v a_o right_a judgement_n as_o they_o do_v there_o need_v not_o a_o word_n more_o to_o be_v say_v to_o persuade_v you_o to_o let_v go_v your_o most_o pleasant_a and_o profitable_a lust_n in_o exchange_n for_o christ_n and_o his_o beneficial_a comfortable_a suffering_n second_o the_o point_n afford_v variety_n of_o counsel_n and_o exhortation_n to_o the_o regenerate_v who_o have_v open_v their_o will_n to_o christ_n and_o be_v thereupon_o admit_v into_o this_o comfortable_a state_n it_o be_v find_v in_o experience_n a_o difficult_a thing_n for_o soul_n after_o conversion_n to_o bear_v and_o due_o manage_v their_o own_o comfort_n as_o it_o be_v to_o bear_v and_o right_o manage_v their_o trouble_n at_o conversion_n my_o buisiness_n here_o be_v to_o advise_v soul_n under_o their_o first_o comfort_n and_o sealing_n of_o the_o spirit_n how_o to_o manage_v and_o improve_v their_o spiritual_a comfort_n that_o they_o may_v abide_v with_o they_o and_o be_v grow_a thing_n continual_o in_o their_o soul_n i._o advice_n and_o first_o see_v that_o you_o humble_o admire_v and_o adore_v the_o 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who_o god_n intend_v everlasting_a consolation_n in_o the_o world_n to_o come_v but_o be_v keep_v low_a as_o to_o spiritual_a comfort_n in_o this_o wold_n psal._n 88_o 15._o o_o what_o cause_n have_v you_o to_o admire_v the_o bounty_n of_o god_n to_o you_o for_o who_o there_o be_v not_o only_a fullness_n of_o joy_n prepare_v in_o heaven_n but_o such_o precious_a foreta_v and_o earnest_n of_o it_o communicate_v in_o the_o way_n thither_o ii_o advice_n second_o cleave_v fast_o to_o christ_n and_o those_o sweet_a and_o comfortable_a duty_n of_o religion_n wherein_o you_o have_v find_v and_o taste_v the_o best_a comfort_n that_o ever_o your_o soul_n be_v acquaint_v with_o this_o be_v one_o thing_n god_n aim_v at_o in_o the_o communication_n of_o these_o spiritual_a refreshment_n to_o glue_v
your_o soul_n fast_o by_o they_o to_o the_o way_n of_o holiness_n the_o lord_n know_v temptation_n will_v befall_v you_o discouragement_n enough_o you_o shall_v be_v sure_a to_o meet_v with_o but_o these_o enjoyment_n of_o god_n which_o you_o have_v meet_v with_o in_o prayer_n and_o hearing_n in_o meditation_n sacrament_n etc._n etc._n shall_v engage_v your_o heart_n for_o ever_o to_o the_o way_n of_o obedience_n you_o never_o find_v that_o sweetness_n in_o the_o way_n of_o sin_n which_o you_o have_v find_v in_o repentance_n and_o faith_n when_o a_o temptation_n come_v bait_v with_o sinful_a pleasure_n say_v as_o the_o olive-tree_n and_o the_o vine_n in_o jothams_n parable_n judge_n 9_o 9_o 10_o 11._o shall_v i_o leave_v such_o soul_n refresh_v comfort_n as_o these_o for_o the_o insipid_a pleasure_n of_o sin_n god_n forbid_v iii_o advice_n three_o be_v communicative_a of_o the_o spiritual_a comfort_n you_o enjoy_v for_o the_o benefit_n and_o refreshment_n of_o other_o the_o lord_n never_o intend_v you_o shall_v engross_v the_o comfort_n of_o his_o spirit_n to_o yourselves_o nor_o eat_v your_o pleasant_a morsel_n alone_o 2_o cor._n 1._o 4._o he_o comfort_v we_o that_o we_o may_v be_v able_a to_o comfort_v they_o that_o be_v in_o any_o trouble_n by_o the_o comfort_n wherewith_o we_o ourselves_o be_v comfort_v of_o god._n it_o be_v true_a religion_n lay_v not_o all_o open_a nor_o yet_o do_v it_o conceal_v and_o hide_v all_o there_o need_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o wisdom_n humility_n and_o caution_n to_o secure_v we_o from_o pride_n and_o vanity_n in_o spirit_n whilst_o we_o communicate_v our_o comfort_n to_o other_o as_o ostentation_n so_o also_o impropriation_n of_o our_o comfort_n be_v against_o scripture_n law_n he_o may_v be_v just_o suspect_v that_o open_v all_o and_o so_o may_v he_o too_o that_o conceal_v all_o spiritual_a comfort_n be_v not_o diminish_v but_o improve_v by_o a_o wise_a and_o humble_a communication_n iv._o advice_n four_o be_v much_o in_o renew_v the_o act_n and_o exercise_n of_o faith_n be_v frequent_a in_o that_o work_n your_o first_o faith_n have_v bring_v in_o your_o first_o comfort_n your_o renew_n and_o repeat_v those_o precious_a act_n of_o faith_n will_v bring_v you_o in_o great_a store_n of_o comfort_n than_o you_o yet_o enjoy_v we_o be_v not_o to_o look_v upon_o faith_n as_o a_o single_a but_o a_o continue_a act_n 1_o pet._n 2._o 4._o to_o who_o come_v as_o unto_o a_o live_a stone_n thy_o soul_n christian_n be_v to_o be_v in_o a_o continual_a motion_n towards_o christ_n the_o more_o you_o believe_v the_o more_o you_o will_v rejoice_v you_o see_v the_o door_n through_o which_o comfort_n come_v into_o your_o soul_n joy_n be_v the_o daughter_n of_o faith_n rom._n 15._o 13._o your_o present_a comfort_n be_v the_o first_o birth_n of_o faith_n but_o there_o be_v many_o comfort_n more_o in_o the_o womb_n of_o faith_n which_o will_v yet_o be_v bear_v to_o your_o soul_n if_o unbelief_n cause_v not_o a_o miscarriage_n v._o advice_n five_o take_v heed_n you_o be_v not_o a_o grief_n to_o christ_n who_o have_v already_o bring_v so_o much_o comfort_n to_o you_o it_o will_v be_v a_o sad_a requital_n if_o after_o he_o have_v give_v you_o the_o joy_n of_o heaven_n to_o drink_v you_o shall_v give_v he_o that_o which_o be_v as_o wormwood_n and_o gall_n the_o lord_n write_v that_o caution_n upon_o thy_o soul_n reader_n eph._n 4._o 30._o and_o grieve_v not_o the_o holy_a spirit_n of_o god_n whereby_o you_o be_v seal_v to_o the_o day_n of_o redemption_n the_o argument_n of_o the_o apostle_n in_o this_o place_n strong_o infer_v caution_n from_o comfort_n christ_n have_v be_v all_o joy_n all_o peace_n rest_n and_o comfort_n to_o you_o take_v heed_n you_o be_v not_o a_o grief_n and_o shame_n to_o he_o the_o intermission_n of_o thy_o duty_n the_o fall_a and_o flat_v of_o thy_o affection_n in_o duty_n thy_o rash_a adventure_n upon_o sin_n will_v be_v a_o grief_n to_o the_o heart_n of_o christ_n who_o have_v fill_v thy_o heart_n with_o so_o much_o comfort_n and_o if_o you_o grieve_v he_o you_o can_v expect_v he_o shall_v comfort_v you_o a_o little_a sin_n may_v rob_v you_o of_o a_o great_a deal_n of_o comfort_n vi_o advice_n six_o be_v not_o stagger_v or_o deject_v if_o the_o first_o comfort_v christ_n give_v you_o shall_v afterward_o abate_v 〈◊〉_d be_v take_v away_o for_o a_o time_n this_o be_v a_o very_a common_a thing_n in_o the_o experience_n of_o most_o christian_n you_o must_v not_o think_v your_o first_o comfort_n be_v such_o fix_a settle_a thing_n that_o there_o be_v no_o hazard_n of_o lose_v they_o alas_o nothing_o be_v more_o volatile_a than_o the_o joy_n of_o a_o christian_a you_o will_v be_v apt_a to_o lose_v your_o first_o love_n rev._n 2._o 4._o and_o if_o you_o lose_v your_o first_o love_n no_o wonder_n that_o you_o lose_v your_o first_o comfort_n yet_o if_o it_o shall_v so_o fall_v out_o be_v not_o cast_v down_o and_o discourage_v christ_n be_v not_o go_v though_o comfort_n be_v go_v and_o though_o comfort_n be_v go_v it_o be_v not_o go_v for_o ever_o renew_v thy_o repentance_n faith_n and_o obedience_n and_o try_v if_o god_n will_v not_o renew_v thy_o comfort_n there_o be_v a_o former_a and_o there_o be_v a_o latter_a spring_n of_o joy_n god_n will_v make_v thy_o comfort_n spring_v again_o beside_o thy_o justification_n be_v steadfast_a though_o thy_o consolation_n be_v not_o so_o there_o be_v two_o thing_n belong_v to_o a_o christian_a one_o to_o his_o be_v viz._n union_n with_o christ_n another_o to_o his_o well_o be_v viz._n comfort_n from_o christ_n the_o latter_a be_v uncertain_a and_o contingent_a the_o former_a fix_a and_o steadfast_a vii_o advice_n seven_o be_v fill_v with_o compassion_n to_o other_o who_o want_v those_o comfort_n you_o enjoy_v especial_o such_o as_o god_n have_v knit_v to_o you_o in_o the_o bond_n of_o natural_a relation_n be_v thou_o a_o father_n or_o a_o mother_n to_o who_o god_n have_v give_v those_o comfort_n and_o soul_n refreshment_n that_o have_v be_v open_v in_o this_o discourse_n and_o have_v thou_o no_o compassion_n for_o thy_o poor_a child_n who_o never_o yet_o taste_v one_o drop_n of_o these_o spiritual_a consolation_n certain_o it_o will_v do_v a_o man_n little_a good_a to_o be_v feast_v abroad_o whilst_o his_o wife_n and_o child_n be_v starve_v at_o home_n say_v to_o they_o as_o paul_n in_o another_o case_n will_v to_o god_n you_o be_v all_o as_o i_o be_o except_o these_o corruption_n religion_n breed_v bowel_n of_o compassion_n o_o tell_v they_o what_o sweetness_n there_o be_v in_o the_o way_n of_o godliness_n counsel_n plead_v and_o pray_v that_o those_o that_o be_v you_o may_v also_o be_v christ_n viii_o advice_n eight_o as_o ever_o you_o expect_v the_o continuance_n or_o enlargement_n of_o your_o comfort_n see_v that_o you_o walk_v circumspect_o it_o be_v as_o much_o as_o all_o your_o comfort_n be_v worth_a to_o give_v way_n to_o a_o little_a carelessness_n that_o be_v a_o remarkable_a expression_n of_o the_o psalmist_n psal._n 85._o 8._o i_o will_v harken_v what_o god_n the_o lord_n will_v speak_v for_o he_o will_v speak_v peace_n to_o his_o people_n and_o to_o his_o saint_n but_o let_v not_o they_o return_v again_o to_o folly_n sin_n in_o this_o text_n be_v fit_o call_v by_o the_o name_n of_o folly_n for_o indeed_o it_o be_v the_o great_a folly_n and_o madness_n in_o the_o world_n to_o forfeit_v and_o divest_v ourselves_o of_o such_o sweet_a peace_n and_o comfort_n by_o return_v unto_o sin_n which_o have_v cost_v we_o so_o much_o sorrow_n and_o trouble_v before_o be_v you_o willing_a to_o be_v in_o your_o former_a darkness_n and_o fear_n tear_n and_o trouble_n to_o exchange_v the_o pleasant_a light_n you_o now_o enjoy_v for_o the_o horror_n you_o have_v former_o feel_v this_o you_o must_v do_v if_o you_o return_v again_o to_o folly_n ix_o advice_n nine_o long_o for_o heaven_n where_o the_o fullness_n of_o those_o joy_n be_v whereof_o these_o you_o taste_v be_v but_o the_o earnest_n and_o first-fruit_n one_o design_n of_o god_n in_o give_v they_o be_v to_o set_v we_o a_o longing_n after_o heaven_n to_o help_v our_o conception_n and_o raise_v our_o affection_n if_o these_o be_v so_o sweet_a what_o must_v they_o be_v rom._n 8._o 23._o we_o which_o have_v the_o first-fruit_n of_o the_o spirit_n even_o we_o ourselves_o groan_n within_o ourselves_o wait_v for_o the_o adoption_n to_o wit_n the_o redemption_n of_o our_o body_n we_o be_v not_o sit_v down_o satisfy_v and_o say_v we_o have_v enough_o in_o these_o first-fruit_n but_o they_o be_v give_v to_o set_v we_o agroan_v after_o fullness_n of_o those_o enjoyment_n this_o answer_v god_n end_n in_o give_v they_o x._o advice_n last_o improve_v every_o spiritual_a comfort_n you_o have_v from_o