Selected quad for the lemma: duty_n

Word A Word B Word C Word D Occurrence Frequency Band MI MI Band Prominent
duty_n action_n good_a work_n 1,044 5 5.6274 4 false
View all documents for the selected quad

Text snippets containing the quad

ID Title Author Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication) STC Words Pages
A54857 The signal diagnostick whereby we are to judge of our own affections : and as well of our present, as future state, or, The love of Christ planted upon the very same turf, on which it once had been supplanted by the extreme love of sin : being the substance of several sermons, deliver'd at several times and places, and now at last met together to make up the treatise which ensues / by Tho. Pierce. Pierce, Thomas, 1622-1691. 1670 (1670) Wing P2199; ESTC R12333 120,589 186

There are 4 snippets containing the selected quad. | View original text

as_o we_o be_v rational_a and_o in_o what_o instance_n can_v we_o be_v rational_a wherein_o it_o be_v possible_a for_o we_o to_o cease_v from_o be_v voluntary_a agent_n it_o do_v concern_v we_o therefore_o as_o such_o to_o ask_v for_o grace_n when_o it_o be_v want_v and_o to_o use_v it_o when_o it_o be_v grant_v and_o again_o to_o pray_v god_n to_o increase_v our_o talon_n and_o to_o beware_v that_o we_o receive_v not_o his_o grace_n in_o vain_a too_o 2_o cor._n 6._o 1._o and_o therefore_o as_o such_o we_o be_v enjoin_v as_o well_o as_o entreat_v by_o s._n paul_n not_o to_o grieve_v not_o to_o resist_v not_o to_o quench_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n when_o he_o begin_v to_o kindle_v in_o we_o that_o love_n of_o christ_n which_o he_o require_v plain_o intimate_v unto_o we_o that_o when_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n be_v ready_a to_o shed_v abroad_o in_o our_o heart_n such_o a_o save_a love_n it_o lie_v in_o we_o to_o shut_v a_o casement_n that_o be_v a_o eye_n to_o open_v a_o door_n that_o be_v a_o ear_n to_o yield_v up_o a_o castle_n that_o be_v a_o heart_n to_o draw_v a_o curtain_n that_o be_v a_o prejudice_n to_o put_v impediment_n out_o of_o the_o way_n and_o by_o the_o assistance_n of_o the_o same_o spirit_n to_o employ_v the_o noble_a faculty_n which_o god_n have_v give_v we_o unto_o the_o noble_a of_o the_o end_n for_o which_o he_o give_v they_o we_o be_v able_a as_o we_o be_v man_n to_o presentiate_v our_o saviour_n within_o ourselves_o and_o so_o to_o meditate_v upon_o he_o as_o we_o ordinary_o do_v upon_o other_o object_n we_o can_v frame_v idea_n of_o he_o in_o our_o imagination_n and_o thereby_o bring_v he_o into_o our_o head_n by_o a_o intentional_a union_n although_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n alone_o can_v unite_v he_o real_o to_o our_o heart_n by_o servant_n love_n and_o faith_n unseign_v see_v therefore_o the_o scripture_n say_v in_o justification_n of_o the_o praemiss_n that_o we_o be_v labourer_n and_o 9_o worker_n together_o with_o god_n and_o again_o that_o we_o be_v steward_n of_o the_o manifold_a grace_n of_o god_n and_o be_v diligent_o 8._o to_o look_v lest_o any_o man_n fail_v of_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n and_o again_o that_o every_o man_n shall_v receive_v his_o own_o reward_n according_a to_o his_o own_o labour_n let_v we_o never_o cease_v to_o labour_v in_o the_o great_a work_n of_o our_o salvation_n till_o by_o the_o help_n of_o god_n grace_n which_o never_o fail_v to_o work_v with_o any_o who_o do_v not_o fail_v to_o work_v with_o it_o we_o have_v wrought_v ourselves_o up_o to_o a_o love_n of_o christ._n be_v comparative_o neglectful_a of_o all_o other_o duty_n until_o we_o have_v thorough_o attain_v to_o this_o we_o must_v remember_v that_o as_o our_o faith_n be_v pre-required_n to_o our_o love_n so_o be_v our_o love_n to_o our_o obedience_n and_o our_o obedience_n unto_o our_o bliss_n and_o we_o must_v perfect_v our_o foundation_n before_o we_o build_v for_o debile_a fundamentum_fw-la fallit_fw-la opus_fw-la the_o weakness_n of_o a_o foundation_n must_v needs_o betray_v the_o whole_a strength_n of_o a_o superstructure_n in_o vain_a shall_v we_o labour_v to_o raise_v the_o fabric_n of_o obedience_n unless_o we_o have_v a_o firm_a love_n whereupon_o to_o build_v it_o and_o therefore_o first_o let_v we_o be_v sure_a of_o love_a christ_n in_o sincerity_n before_o we_o take_v upon_o ourselves_o the_o effectual_a keep_n of_o his_o commandment_n and_o let_v we_o use_v the_o best_a engine_n whereby_o to_o screw_v our_o love_n up_o to_o the_o pitch_n require_v for_o what_o we_o do_v not_o much_o love_n we_o can_v much_o long_v for_o nor_o can_v we_o very_o much_o care_n to_o espowse_n the_o mean_n of_o its_o attainment_n and_o therefore_o in_o spite_n of_o the_o objection_n which_o have_v a_o aptness_n in_o its_o nature_n to_o breed_v a_o carelessness_n of_o our_o action_n a_o unconcernment_n in_o our_o end_n and_o a_o contempt_n of_o those_o assistance_n which_o onr_v authorize_v teacher_n be_v wont_a to_o yield_v we_o let_v we_o not_o cast_v away_o the_o care_n we_o ought_v to_o have_v of_o our_o immortality_n nor_o be_v so_o blind_v with_o the_o opinion_n that_o all_o the_o action_n of_o our_o life_n be_v predetermined_a from_o eternity_n as_o thereupon_o to_o despair_v of_o be_v the_o better_a for_o our_o endeavour_n and_o by_o consequence_n to_o resolve_v never_o to_o do_v ourselves_o any_o good_n but_o let_v we_o labour_v on_o the_o contrary_a after_o the_o duty_n of_o love_a christ_n for_o the_o escape_n of_o the_o danger_n i_o mean_v the_o curse_n and_o the_o damnation_n denounce_v here_o to_o all_o person_n that_o love_v he_o not_o and_o to_o press_v this_o forward_o with_o at_o least_o some_o hope_n as_o well_o as_o ambition_n of_o good_a success_n will_v deserve_v to_o be_v the_o work_n of_o another_o chapter_n chap._n iii_o sect._n 1_o when_o we_o be_v set_v about_o the_o mean_n aforesaid_a which_o do_v most_o of_o all_o conduce_v to_o our_o great_a end_n we_o must_v be_v sure_a of_o right_a method_n as_o well_o as_o of_o diligence_n in_o our_o endeavour_n and_o because_o 19_o we_o be_v to_o cease_v from_o be_v enemy_n to_o our_o saviour_n before_o we_o can_v be_v in_o a_o possibility_n of_o be_v denominate_v his_o friend_n first_o let_v we_o summon-in_a our_o affection_n which_o be_v scatter_v abroad_o upon_o the_o world_n the_o love_n of_o which_o s._n james_n say_v be_v perfect_a enmity_n with_o christ._n they_o that_o mind_v earthly_a thing_n must_v needs_o be_v enemy_n to_o his_o cross_n and_o be_v enemy_n to_o his_o cross_n they_o can_v be_v friend_n unto_o his_o person_n for_o the_o apostle_n tell_v we_o of_o such_o that_o their_o end_n be_v destruction_n the_o reason_n of_o this_o be_v very_o evident_a for_o whilst_o we_o have_v friendship_n with_o the_o world_n which_o be_v christ_n rival_n and_o competitor_n our_o soul_n be_v adulteress_n and_o harlot_n to_o use_v the_o language_n of_o s._n james_n in_o the_o place_n before_o cite_v as_o be_v false_a and_o disloyal_a to_o he_o who_o betroth_v we_o to_o himself_o and_o be_v verbal_o acknowledge_v to_o be_v our_o bridegroom_n love_n be_v evermore_o so_o sure_a to_o be_v the_o mother_n of_o obedience_n to_o whatsoever_o object_n it_o be_v which_o be_v much_o belove_v that_o as_o when_o we_o love_v christ_n we_o will_v keep_v his_o commandment_n so_o when_o we_o also_o love_v the_o world_n we_o will_v keep_v the_o commandment_n of_o the_o world_n to_o wit_n the_o statute_n of_o omri_n and_o all_o the_o work_n of_o the_o 16._o house_n of_o ahab_n so_o that_o our_o first_o labour_n must_v be_v for_o it_o be_v indeed_o a_o great_a labour_n to_o disentangle_v our_o affection_n to_o take_v they_o off_o from_o the_o thing_n of_o this_o tempt_a world_n and_o as_o it_o be_v twist_v they_o all_o together_o like_o the_o ray_n of_o the_o sun_n in_o a_o optic_a pyramid_n strive_v to_o concentre_v they_o so_o unite_v in_o the_o sovereign_a beauty_n of_o a_o saviour_n now_o one_o of_o the_o proper_a engine_n for_o this_o i_o mean_v the_o rescue_v of_o our_o love_n from_o what_o be_v worldly_a and_o to_o be_v see_v be_v to_o chew_v and_o to_o ruminate_v long_o enough_o in_o our_o thought_n upon_o this_o great_a truth_n that_o even_o our_o love_n of_o the_o body_n do_v whole_o depend_v upon_o the_o soul_n and_o the_o titular_a beauty_n of_o the_o flesh_n must_v be_v confess_v by_o the_o most_o sensual_a to_o lie_v entire_o in_o the_o spirit_n for_o if_o we_o except_o the_o sole_a case_n of_o the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d in_o herodotus_n which_o yet_o be_v not_o love_n but_o another_o thing_n and_o that_o perhaps_o but_o a_o fable_n too_o who_o ever_o hear_v of_o any_o lover_n fix_v his_o love_n upon_o the_o body_n so_o much_o as_o one_o short_a minute_n after_o the_o vanish_v of_o the_o soul_n do_v the_o corinthian_n court_v their_o lais_n when_o nothing_o be_v leave_v they_o but_o her_o body_n do_v demosthenes_n take_v a_o journey_n in_o kindness_n to_o she_o when_o she_o be_v dead_a no_o there_o be_v nothing_o then_o desirable_a beside_o forgetfulness_n 35._o and_o a_o grave_a nothing_o then_o but_o the_o worm_n be_v able_a to_o covet_v her_o embrace_n methinks_v that_o this_o one_o observable_a be_v it_o as_o patient_o consider_v as_o it_o be_v easy_o understand_v shall_v conduce_v extreme_o much_o to_o the_o spiritualize_a of_o our_o affection_n for_o if_o we_o love_v nothing_o that_o we_o can_v see_v of_o our_o dear_a friend_n but_o for_o the_o love_n of_o somewhat_o else_o which_o can_v possible_o be_v see_v what_o better_a reason_n can_v we_o give_v of_o it_o than_o that_o the_o part_n which_o be_v material_a be_v arrant_a rottenness_n and_o corruption_n nor_o only_o not_o
provoke_v we_o unto_o obedience_n by_o a_o redouble_a reflection_n on_o our_o advantage_n what_o can_v be_v more_o for_o our_o advantage_n or_o more_o agreeable_a to_o the_o ambition_n both_o of_o the_o flesh_n and_o of_o the_o spirit_n than_o to_o have_v our_o own_o will_n and_o to_o be_v master_n of_o all_o we_o have_v a_o mind_n to_o even_o all_o that_o we_o be_v able_a to_o want_v or_o pray_v for_o yet_o this_o be_v every_o man_n portion_n who_o do_v so_o real_o love_v christ_n as_o to_o keep_v his_o commandment_n for_o so_o say_v the_o oracle_n which_o can_v lie_v or_o prevaricate_v whatsoever_o you_o shall_v ask_v in_o my_o name_n that_o will_v i_o do_v v._n 13._o and_o in_o the_o very_a next_o word_n if_o you_o shall_v ask_v any_o thing_n in_o my_o name_n i_o will_v do_v it_o v._n 14._o a_o promise_n sufficient_a to_o make_v we_o startle_v unless_o we_o consider_v it_o long_o enough_o to_o grasp_v the_o whole_a of_o its_o importance_n for_o we_o see_v it_o be_v universal_a 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d if_o any_o thing_n and_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d whatsoever_o we_o shall_v have_v what_o we_o ask_v without_o exception_n and_o universal_a as_o it_o be_v it_o be_v inculcate_v and_o insorce_v by_o a_o sacred_a kind_n of_o tautology_n from_o whence_o it_o be_v obvious_a to_o infer_v as_o it_o be_v useful_a to_o observe_v that_o although_o vain_a repetition_n be_v worthy_o blame_v by_o our_o bless_a saviour_n yet_o there_o be_v many_o repetition_n which_o be_v not_o vain_a it_o be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v vain_a for_o our_o lord_n here_o to_o tell_v we_o the_o same_o thing_n twice_o that_o it_o be_v to_o rivet_v it_o in_o our_o memory_n and_o to_o imprint_v it_o in_o our_o mind_n and_o what_o be_v that_o which_o he_o desire_v may_v take_v so_o deep_a a_o impression_n in_o we_o but_o that_o we_o shall_v have_v our_o own_o ask_n if_o we_o will_v but_o so_o love_v he_o as_o to_o keep_v his_o commandment_n compare_v the_o text_n with_o the_o context_n the_o condition_n of_o the_o promise_n with_o the_o promise_n itself_o and_o you_o will_v find_v that_o the_o scope_n of_o the_o whole_a be_v this_o if_o you_o will_v do_v my_o will_n i_o will_v not_o fail_v to_o do_v you_o if_o you_o will_v but_o hear_v i_o speak_v to_o you_o in_o my_o precept_n i_o will_v be_v sure_a to_o hear_v you_o speak_v to_o i_o in_o your_o prayer_n give_v i_o the_o little_a that_o i_o ask_v and_o you_o shall_v have_v your_o own_o ask_n put_v yourselves_o into_o a_o capacity_n of_o enjoy_v as_o much_o as_o you_o can_v desire_v apply_v yourselves_o to_o such_o a_o course_n as_o by_o which_o you_o may_v make_v i_o your_o own_o and_o have_v all_o my_o mercy_n at_o your_o disposal_n for_o on_o condition_n that_o you_o love_v i_o and_o keep_v my_o commandment_n i_o will_v do_v what_o you_o will_v have_v i_o set_v no_o bound_n unto_o my_o grant_n but_o what_o you_o do_v to_o your_o petition_n that_o this_o be_v here_o our_o saviour_n meaning_n will_v undeniable_o appear_v from_o those_o parallel_a word_n 1_o john_n 3._o 22._o whatsoever_o we_o ask_v we_o receive_v of_o he_o because_o we_o keep_v his_o commandment_n not_o whilst_o but_o because_o not_o at_o that_o time_n but_o for_o that_o reason_n compare_v this_o again_o with_o those_o other_o expression_n of_o christ_n himself_o john_n 15._o 7._o if_o you_o abide_v in_o i_o and_o my_o word_n abide_v in_o you_o you_o shall_v ask_v what_o you_o will_v and_o it_o shall_v be_v do_v which_o be_v as_o if_o he_o shall_v have_v say_v do_v you_o but_o keep_v my_o commandment_n and_o you_o shall_v have_v i_o at_o your_o command_n for_o so_o run_v the_o word_n ask_v what_o you_o will_v and_o it_o shall_v be_v do_v let_v we_o be_v perfect_a in_o this_o point_n before_o we_o leave_v it_o for_o beside_o that_o there_o be_v nothing_o which_o more_o close_o concern_v the_o text_n i_o mean_v as_o it_o stand_v in_o relation_n to_o the_o context_n by_o how_o much_o the_o long_o we_o think_v upon_o it_o we_o shall_v admire_v it_o so_o much_o the_o more_o admit_v that_o we_o be_v to_o make_v the_o great_a promise_n to_o be_v imagine_v to_o christ_n himself_o we_o can_v not_o go_v beyond_o this_o lord_n ask_v what_o thou_o will_v and_o it_o shall_v be_v do_v and_o yet_o the_o very_a same_o thing_n say_v he_o to_o we_o ask_v what_o you_o will_v and_o it_o shall_v be_v do_v if_o you_o will_v but_o so_o love_v i_o as_o to_o keep_v my_o commandment_n sect._n 13._o where_o now_o lie_v the_o difference_n betwixt_o god_n do_v our_o will_n and_o our_o do_v his_o since_o he_o be_v please_v to_o bind_v himself_o by_o such_o a_o astonish_a kind_n of_o promise_n no_o less_o than_o 23._o 4_o time_n repeat_v in_o the_o very_a same_o sermon_n that_o all_o we_o ask_v shall_v be_v do_v ask_v what_o we_o will_v certain_o the_o difference_n be_v only_o this_o that_o god_n do_v satisfy_v our_o will_n by_o way_n of_o answer_n to_o our_o petition_n and_o we_o do_v homage_n unto_o his_o by_o way_n of_o answer_n to_o his_o command_n his_o compliance_n with_o we_o be_v a_o act_n of_o grace_n and_o we_o with_o he_o a_o act_n of_o duty_n god_n reveal_v his_o will_n to_o we_o by_o way_n of_o empire_n and_o exaction_n because_o he_o be_v our_o creator_n and_o we_o the_o work_n of_o his_o hand_n we_o exhibit_v our_o will_n to_o he_o by_o way_n of_o entreaty_n and_o supplication_n because_o he_o be_v as_o our_o potter_n and_o we_o his_o clay_n in_o this_o then_o we_o differ_v that_o we_o entreat_v whilst_o he_o command_v but_o in_o this_o we_o agree_v that_o we_o will_v have_v our_o will_n do_v he_o by_o we_o and_o we_o by_o he_o nay_o what_o will_v you_o say_v if_o he_o entreat_v we_o too_o as_o earnest_o as_o we_o do_v he_o it_o be_v the_o say_n of_o s._n paul_n 2_o cor._n 5._o 20._o we_o be_v ambassador_n for_o christ_n as_o though_o god_n do_v beseech_v you_o by_o we_o we_o pray_v you_o in_o christ_n stead_n be_v you_o reconcile_v unto_o god_n here_o be_v god_n you_o see_v beseech_v we_o and_o jesus_n christ_n pray_v to_o we_o for_o what_o he_o do_v by_o his_o ambassador_n he_o true_o eth._n do_v that_o have_v do_v he_o all_o the_o wrong_n we_o will_v admit_v of_o a_o reconcilement_n that_o be_v to_o say_v that_o we_o will_v love_v he_o and_o keep_v his_o commandment_n herein_o then_o consist_v the_o great_a advantage_n of_o our_o obedience_n that_o whilst_o it_o be_v do_v god_n will_n it_o move_v god_n to_o do_v we_o which_o must_v not_o be_v accuse_v as_o a_o bold_a expression_n because_o we_o be_v teach_v it_o by_o god_n himself_o for_o if_o we_o keep_v his_o commandment_n we_o shall_v abide_v in_o his_o love_n john_n 15._o 10._o and_o if_o we_o abide_v in_o his_o love_n all_o we_o ask_v shall_v be_v do_v ask_v what_o we_o will_v john_n 15._o 7._o sect._n 14._o but_o here_o it_o may_v easy_o be_v object_v to_o all_o that_o have_v hitherto_o be_v speak_v that_o however_o our_o saviour_n have_v make_v this_o promise_n yet_o not_o one_o of_o his_o disciple_n have_v ever_o see_v its_o performance_n for_o where_o be_v he_o in_o all_o the_o world_n who_o can_v say_v his_o petition_n have_v all_o be_v grant_v how_o many_o sick_a and_o poor_a christian_n have_v pray_v to_o christ_n for_o health_n and_o honour_n who_o yet_o have_v die_v of_o their_o disease_n in_o perfect_a beggary_n and_o drop_v unregarded_a into_o a_o grave_n of_o forgetfulness_n and_o obscurity_n sect._n 15._o the_o answer_n to_o this_o will_v be_v short_a and_o obvious_a that_o the_o great_a and_o precious_a promise_n be_v not_o absolute_a but_o conditional_a have_v the_o promise_n be_v absolute_a the_o objection_n bring_v to_o it_o have_v not_o be_v capable_a of_o a_o answer_n it_o will_v not_o lie_v in_o our_o power_n to_o clear_v our_o saviour_n from_o breach_n of_o promise_n but_o the_o promise_n be_v conditional_a be_v more_o or_o less_o to_o be_v perform_v by_o he_o that_o make_v it_o as_o the_o condition_n shall_v be_v observe_v by_o they_o on_o who_o it_o be_v enjoin_v now_o thus_o stand_v the_o case_n betwixt_o our_o saviour_n and_o ourselves_o in_o the_o two_o next_o verse_n before_o my_o text_n and_o john_n 15._o 7._o we_o have_v a_o general_a promise_n bestow_v on_o his_o part_n and_o in_o the_o word_n next_o after_o we_o have_v a_o reasonable_a condition_n require_v on_o we_o the_o promise_n be_v on_o his_o part_n that_o we_o shall_v have_v what_o we_o ask_v ask_v what_o we_o will_n the_o condition_n be_v on_o we_o that_o we_o abide_v in_o he_o and_o that_o his_o word_n abide_v in_o we_o that_o we_o love_v he_o so_o far_o as_o to_o
one_o side_n and_o pleasure_n on_o the_o other_o he_o hardly_o know_v how_o to_o be_v more_o voluptuous_a his_o fast_n and_o pray_v mortification_n and_o self-denial_n meditation_n and_o solitude_n be_v grow_v agreeable_a to_o his_o temper_n and_o frame_v of_o mind_n he_o be_v gratify_v by_o his_o strictness_n and_o very_o much_o please_v with_o his_o severitie●…_n he_o be_v delight_v with_o the_o thing_n which_o carnal_a coward_n be_v afraid_a of_o and_o vicious_a person_n can_v endure_v have_v fight_v so_o long_o as_o a_o soldier_n under_o the_o captain_n of_o his_o salvation_n that_o fight_v be_v one_o of_o his_o recreation_n fight_v i_o mean_v against_o the_o enemy_n of_o christ_n against_o the_o world_n and_o the_o flesh_n and_o the_o power_n of_o hell_n it_o be_v one_o of_o the_o high_a of_o all_o his_o pleasure_n to_o be_v above_o the_o pleasure_n of_o sin_n and_o one_o of_o his_o innocent_a ambition_n to_o tread_v ambition_n under_o his_o foot_n all_o he_o covet_v be_v contentment_n and_o all_o he_o lust_v after_o be_v a_o dominion_n over_o his_o flesh._n the_o great_a of_o his_o aim_n be_v to_o be_v victor_n of_o all_o he_o fight_v with_o and_o the_o great_a of_o his_o victory_n be_v that_o he_o get_v over_o himself_o so_o beneficial_a be_v the_o duty_n of_o be_v habituate_v in_o virtue_n that_o as_o i_o say_v once_o before_o it_o make_v the_o glorious_a work_n of_o grace_n become_v a_o kind_n of_o second_o nature_n for_o as_o the_o love_n we_o bear_v to_o christ_n beget_v the_o keep_n of_o his_o commandment_n so_o do_v our_o keep_v those_o commandment_n as_o much_o improve_v and_o cherish_v in_o we_o our_o love_n of_o christ._n we_o shall_v not_o be_v able_a to_o abstain_v from_o the_o love_n of_o christ_n when_o there_o be_v something_o in_o ourselves_o to_o which_o the_o nature_n of_o christ_n himself_o do_v hold_v conformity_n and_o agreement_n and_o our_o keep_v his_o commandment_n will_v beget_v such_o a_o conformity_n it_o will_v i_o say_v beget_v in_o we_o such_o a_o harmony_n with_o he_o as_o must_v needs_o infer_v in_o he_o a_o equal_a harmony_n with_o we_o too_o and_o wheresoever_o there_o be_v harmony_n there_o will_v be_v love_n in_o thing_n rational_a as_o wheresoever_o there_o be_v love_n there_o will_v be_v keep_v of_o commandment_n sect._n 11._o we_o may_v know_v therefore_o by_o this_o whether_o or_o no_o our_o heart_n deceive_v we_o when_o they_o make_v we_o believe_v that_o we_o love_v our_o saviour_n and_o so_o by_o consequence_n it_o be_v a_o transition_n to_o the_o five_o and_o last_o inference_n the_o text_n afford_v we_o chap._n v._n that_o our_o obedience_n to_o the_o precept_n of_o jesus_n christ_n be_v the_o only_a warrantable_a touchstone_n whereby_o to_o try_v and_o examine_v the_o love_n we_o bear_v unto_o his_o person_n and_o because_o by_o the_o force_n of_o our_o love_n to_o christ_n there_o be_v a_o mutual_a cohabitation_n betwixt_o he_o and_o we_o this_o will_v also_o be_v a_o rule_n which_o can_v possible_o deceive_v we_o in_o what_o it_o most_o of_o all_o concern_v we_o to_o labour_v in_o without_o error_n even_o the_o make_n of_o our_o call_v and_o election_n sure_a sect._n 1_o among_o the_o several_a sort_n of_o man_n who_o be_v common_o wont_a to_o call_v on_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n and_o upon_o who_o his_o name_n be_v call_v there_o be_v not_o two_o of_o ten_o thousand_o who_o will_v not_o challenge_v he_o for_o a_o saviour_n and_o make_v profession_n of_o as_o much_o love_n as_o if_o they_o can_v prove_v it_o by_o their_o obedience_n but_o we_o may_v say_v of_o god_n himself_o as_o of_o most_o great_a man_n that_o his_o admirer_n be_v very_o many_o but_o he_o have_v very_o few_o friend_n it_o be_v agree_v upon_o by_o all_o that_o they_o all_o ought_v to_o love_v he_o but_o it_o be_v agree_v upon_o by_o all_o too_o that_o of_o the_o all_o who_o ought_v to_o love_v few_o do_v love_v he_o as_o they_o ought_v for_o how_o many_o be_v there_o of_o they_o who_o do_v most_o of_o all_o profess_v to_o be_v lover_n of_o he_o who_o yet_o do_v reckon_v their_o very_a rebellion_n among_o the_o argument_n of_o their_o loyalty_n and_o special_a token_n of_o their_o affection_n as_o if_o our_o lord_n have_v say_v to_o they_o in_o a_o direct_a contrariety_n to_o what_o he_o say_v to_o his_o disciple_n if_o you_o love_v i_o break_v my_o commandment_n such_o as_o be_v keeper_n of_o christ_n commandment_n with_o a_o belief_n that_o it_o be_v the_o way_n whereby_o to_o enter_v into_o life_n and_o that_o in_o this_o they_o be_v to_o work_v out_o their_o own_o salvation_n be_v not_o allow_v a_o better_a character_n than_o that_o of_o good_a legal_a and_o moral_a man_n and_o the_o good_a work_n of_o such_o as_o these_o be_v but_o glitter_a sin_n in_o the_o opinion_n of_o those_o projector_n who_o be_v such_o niggard_n as_n to_o engross_v the_o work_n of_o redemption_n to_o themselves_o but_o such_o as_o break_v christ_n commandment_n with_o a_o belief_n that_o they_o can_v or_o need_v not_o keep_v they_o whilst_o they_o can_v break_v they_o so_o secure_o as_o not_o to_o fall_v into_o a_o doubt_n of_o their_o be_v save_v yea_o that_o they_o ought_v not_o so_o to_o keep_v they_o as_o of_o necessity_n to_o salvation_n these_o they_o peremptory_o reckon_v among_o the_o vessel_n of_o election_n and_o be_v not_o they_o very_o sufficient_o misconceipt_v of_o themselves_o and_o their_o love_n to_o christ_n who_o rather_o than_o acknowledge_v any_o want_n of_o love_n to_o he_o will_v ascribe_v their_o foul_a crime_n to_o the_o overflowing_n of_o their_o affection_n so_o very_o easy_a a_o thing_n it_o be_v for_o man_n to_o be_v flatterer_n of_o themselves_o and_o quite_o mistake_v in_o their_o affection_n that_o as_o they_o who_o fling_v stone_n at_o their_o heathen_a god_n hermes_n make_v no_o doubt_n but_o they_o do_v it_o in_o pure_a devotion_n so_o there_o be_v christian_n who_o seem_v to_o think_v that_o they_o can_v break_v christ_n commandment_n with_o every_o whit_n as_o good_a a_o zeal_n as_o moses_n break_v the_o two_o stone_n wherein_o the_o commandment_n be_v but_o write_v and_o therefore_o in_o this_o consideration_n it_o do_v concern_v we_o very_o near_o to_o bring_v our_o love_n to_o the_o touchstone_n before_o we_o pass_v it_o for_o currant_n in_o our_o esteem_n we_o be_v to_o follow_v that_o advice_n which_o s._n paul_n give_v to_o his_o corinthian_n that_o we_o examine_v ourselves_o whether_o we_o be_v in_o the_o 5._o faith_n and_o that_o we_o try_v our_o own_o self_n it_o be_v so_o ordinary_a a_o thing_n for_o devil_n to_o be_v transform_v into_o angel_n of_o light_n and_o for_o the_o worst_a kind_n of_o vice_n to_o look_v like_o the_o great_a and_o fair_a virtue_n that_o the_o most_o talkative_a professor_n of_o christian_a purity_n and_o knowledge_n be_v seldom_o able_a to_o distinguish_v betwixt_o hypocrisy_n and_o love_n betwixt_o attrition_n and_o contrition_n worldly_a sorrow_n and_o repentance_n betwixt_o presumption_n and_o lively_a faith_n betwixt_o security_n and_o assurance_n or_o a_o downright_a stupidity_n and_o peace_n of_o conscience_n which_o show_v the_o use_n and_o the_o necessity_n of_o bring_v they_o all_o unto_o the_o test_n that_o so_o we_o may_v not_o be_v in_o danger_n to_o take_v they_o for_o more_o than_o they_o be_v worth_a nor_o persevere_v in_o those_o habit_n of_o which_o we_o can_v too_o soon_o be_v strip_v that_o we_o may_v not_o overgreedy_o catch_v hold_n on_o a_o fish_n which_o will_v prove_v in_o conclusion_n to_o be_v a_o scorpion_n nor_o please_v ourselves_o with_o a_o opinion_n of_o our_o great_a love_n to_o christ_n which_o will_v be_v find_v after_o death_n to_o have_v be_v but_o a_o great_a dissimulation_n by_o what_o have_v hitherto_o be_v speak_v i_o do_v not_o doubt_v but_o it_o will_v be_v easy_o agree_v by_o all_o that_o man_n be_v apt_a to_o be_v mistake_v in_o the_o nature_n and_o measure_n of_o their_o affection_n and_o that_o by_o consequence_n it_o concern_v they_o to_o make_v a_o trial_n whether_o their_o affection_n be_v right_a or_o wrong_v all_o the_o difficulty_n will_v be_v how_o to_o agree_v upon_o the_o touchstone_n by_o which_o the_o trial_n be_v to_o be_v make_v and_o see_v the_o world_n be_v to_o be_v divide_v about_o the_o choice_n of_o this_o touchstone_n some_o like_v one_o thing_n and_o some_o another_o i_o think_v it_o fit_a in_o proportion_n that_o i_o divide_v my_o discourse_n too_o speak_v first_o of_o the_o negative_a by_o show_v what_o it_o be_v not_o and_o then_o in_o the_o affirmative_a by_o show_v clear_o what_o it_o be_v a_o method_n the_o rather_o to_o be_v admit_v because_o to_o refuse_v that_o which_o be_v false_a be_v in_o itself_o of_o great_a virtue_n to_o discover_v
spend_v upon_o our_o sin_n both_o to_o nourish_v and_o to_o adorn_v they_o with_o food_n and_o raiment_n let_v we_o spend_v upon_o our_o saviour_n in_o a_o more_o liberal_a proportion_n and_o that_o in_o such_o manner_n as_o he_o direct_v we_o let_v we_o spend_v out_o of_o our_o treasure_n to_o feed_v and_o clothe_v he_o in_o his_o member_n let_v we_o spend_v to_o pay_v he_o homage_n in_o as_o many_o of_o his_o member_n as_o under_o he_o be_v our_o head_n and_o let_v we_o be_v spend_v for_o he_o as_o free_o like_a epaphroditus_n and_o s._n paul_n both_o by_o watch_v and_o fast_v by_o meditate_v and_o pray_v by_o suffer_v pain_n and_o persecution_n whensoever_o he_o shall_v call_v or_o expose_v we_o to_o they_o not_o by_o the_o leave_n of_o our_o life_n for_o the_o pay_v unto_o nature_n her_o common_a debt_n but_o by_o the_o lay_n of_o they_o down_o for_o the_o pay_v to_o our_o saviour_n our_o debt_n of_o grace_n and_o as_o we_o may_v help_v to_o shame_v ourselves_o into_o a_o love_n 5._o of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n by_o reflect_v on_o our_o love_n to_o inferior_a thing_n so_o our_o love_n to_o the_o lord_n jesus_n just_a as_o our_o love_n to_o other_o thing_n be_v very_o apt_a both_o to_o be_v breed_v and_o to_o be_v very_o much_o nourish_v by_o conversation_n for_o ignoti_fw-la nulla_fw-la cupido_fw-la we_o can_v possible_o desire_v he_o whilst_o we_o be_v ignorant_a of_o his_o beauty_n and_o of_o that_o we_o must_v be_v ignorant_a whilst_o we_o be_v stranger_n to_o his_o converse_n so_o that_o the_o reason_n why_o most_o professor_n be_v wont_n to_o love_n christ_n so_o little_a do_v seem_v especial_o to_o be_v this_o their_o have_v so_o little_a of_o his_o acquaintance_n enough_o of_o that_o will_v so_o charm_v we_o as_o to_o beget_v in_o we_o a_o loathe_n of_o all_o that_o make_v a_o separation_n betwixt_o he_o and_o we_o unto_o how_o many_o thing_n and_o person_n be_v many_o man_n passionate_o addict_v if_o not_o absolute_o enslave_v for_o which_o they_o can_v give_v we_o no_o better_o reason_n than_o that_o of_o their_o have_v be_v wont_a to_o they_o let_v we_o but_o wont_a ourselves_o as_o much_o unto_o a_o heavenly_a conversation_n and_o we_o shall_v find_v it_o just_a as_o harsh_a to_o be_v wean_v from_o it_o hence_o it_o follow_v that_o we_o must_v read_v and_o not_o only_o read_v but_o strict_o search_v into_o the_o scripture_n not_o only_o rest_v in_o its_o literal_a but_o also_o dive_v into_o its_o moral_n and_o soar_v up_o too_o into_o its_o mystical_a signification_n whereby_o to_o acquaint_v ourselves_o thorough_o with_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n and_o more_o and_o more_o to_o comprehend_v the_o great_a variety_n of_o his_o perfection_n and_o then_o to_o the_o end_n that_o his_o perfection_n may_v so_o affect_v we_o as_o they_o deserve_v nor_o only_o float_v in_o our_o brain_n but_o deep_o sink_v into_o our_o bowel_n we_o must_v imprint_v they_o within_o ourselves_o by_o mental_a prayer_n and_o meditation_n to_o each_o of_o which_o we_o must_v be_v resolute_a to_o be_v so_o wont_a and_o inure_v as_o not_o to_o be_v able_a without_o regret_n to_o admit_v of_o any_o long_a avocation_n from_o they_o nor_o can_v we_o pardonable_o excuse_v our_o gross_a neglect_n of_o converse_v with_o jesus_n christ_n by_o allege_v our_o inability_n of_o take_v delight_n in_o his_o converse_n for_o conversation_n must_v be_v make_v easy_a ere_o it_o can_v possible_o be_v delightful_a and_o the_o easiness_n of_o any_o thing_n must_v come_v by_o use_n first_o it_o be_v the_o diligence_n of_o our_o converse_n by_o which_o we_o come_v to_o love_n christ_n and_o then_o it_o will_v be_v natural_a for_o our_o love_n to_o make_v we_o delight_v in_o his_o converse_n it_o argue_v a_o shallowness_n of_o reason_n and_o a_o great_a want_n of_o perspicacity_n to_o think_v there_o be_v not_o any_o pleasure_n upon_o the_o mount_n of_o contemplation_n as_o gerson_n call_v it_o because_o we_o can_v yet_o perceive_v they_o at_o the_o foot_n of_o the_o hill_n or_o in_o the_o act_n of_o contend_v to_o climb_v up_o thither_o it_o be_v as_o great_a weakness_n as_o to_o conclude_v against_o the_o pleasure_n of_o reap_v a_o goodly_a harvest_n from_o the_o labour_n of_o cultivation_n and_o charge_n of_o seed_n or_o to_o infer_v there_o be_v no_o contentment_n in_o inhabit_v a_o pleasant_a and_o well-built_a house_n from_o the_o cost_n of_o the_o material_n and_o care_n of_o put_v they_o together_o nemo_fw-la montis_fw-la cacumen_fw-la uno_fw-la faltu_fw-la conscendit_fw-la the_o hill_n of_o zion_n be_v a_o fair_a place_n and_o mount_v tabor_n be_v a_o delicious_a one_o but_o we_o must_v not_o think_v to_o reach_v the_o top_n of_o either_o at_o a_o leap_n for_o as_o the_o low_a and_o more_o earthy_a our_o pleasure_n be_v they_o must_v needs_o be_v attain_v with_o the_o great_a ease_n so_o we_o must_v use_v the_o great_a patience_n and_o we_o must_v take_v the_o great_a pain_n to_o overcome_v the_o steep_a ascent_n of_o the_o high_a pleasure_n all_o the_o duty_n of_o a_o christian_a i_o mean_v the_o act_n and_o not_o the_o habit_n be_v so_o many_o step_n and_o degree_n to_o the_o hill_n i_o speak_v of_o which_o act_v of_o duty_n whilst_o they_o be_v yet_o but_o act_n only_o will_v cost_v the_o natural_a man_n pain_n and_o make_v he_o see_v he_o have_v need_n of_o patience_n but_o after_o a_o competent_a tract_n of_o time_n as_o soon_o as_o the_o act_n have_v be_v so_o numerous_a as_o to_o produce_v their_o respective_a habit_n the_o act_n arise_v from_o those_o habit_n will_v requite_v the_o say_a patience_n with_o ease_n and_o pleasure_n shall_v i_o exemplify_v what_o i_o say_v by_o any_o one_o important_a duty_n which_o at_o first_o give_v we_o trouble_v and_o after_o reward_n we_o with_o delight_n i_o can_v instance_n in_o a_o fit_a than_o that_o of_o prayer_n because_o it_o be_v one_o of_o the_o chief_a mean_n whereby_o to_o enter_v and_o to_o continue_v and_o to_o complete_a our_o conversation_n with_o he_o that_o buy_v we_o how_o many_o be_v there_o in_o the_o world_n who_o turn_v their_o back_n on_o this_o duty_n upon_o no_o better_a ground_n than_o their_o erroneous_a imagination_n that_o it_o be_v of_o no_o use_n to_o pray_v till_o they_o can_v do_v it_o with_o devotion_n a_o way_n of_o reason_v as_o irregular_a as_o if_o a_o man_n who_o be_v very_o cold_a shall_v conclude_v it_o whole_o useless_a to_o make_v a_o fire_n till_o he_o be_v warm_a want_v we_o devotion_n in_o our_o prayer_n we_o be_v to_o pray_v for_o devotion_n and_o devotion_n be_v apt_a to_o grow_v from_o our_o customary_a pray_v for_o other_o thing_n from_o when_o in_o spite_n of_o our_o indifferency_n and_o perhaps_o our_o averseness_n to_o such_o a_o duty_n we_o use_v the_o empire_n of_o our_o will_n in_o the_o work_n of_o prayer_n and_o cast_v ourselves_o upon_o our_o knee_n be_v very_o resolute_o bend_v to_o perform_v the_o duty_n how_o much_o soever_o against_o the_o stream_n of_o our_o inclination_n god_n will_v reward_v our_o resolution_n by_o turn_v our_o labour_n into_o delight_n and_o so_o will_v make_v it_o as_o great_a a_o pleasure_n in_o time_n to_o come_v as_o it_o have_v be_v in_o time_n pass_v a_o self-denial_n if_o any_o man_n shall_v here_o ask_v how_o we_o can_v possible_o converse_v with_o thing_n invisible_a or_o have_v a_o 953._o languor_n after_o he_o who_o we_o never_o see_v let_v they_o answer_v say_v s._n jerom_n who_o have_v read_v the_o answer_n to_o it_o in_o the_o book_n of_o experience_n and_o have_v not_o be_v able_a to_o forbear_v cry_v out_o with_o david_n woe_n be_v i_o that_o i_o be_o constrain_v to_o dwell_v in_o mesech_n o_o that_o i_o have_v wing_n to_o fly_v away_o and_o be_v at_o rest_n my_o soul_n be_v athirst_a for_o the_o live_a god_n and_o even_o pant_v after_o he_o as_o the_o hart_n pant_v after_o the_o water-brook_n o_o when_o shall_v i_o appear_v before_o the_o presence_n of_o god_n devout_a s._n bernard_n himself_o confess_v it_o that_o in_o the_o begin_n of_o his_o conversion_n he_o be_v frequent_o of_o a_o hard_a and_o frigid_a heart_n who_o yet_o be_v accustom_v to_o converse_v with_o christ_n by_o grace_n can_v not_o but_o thirst_n with_o great_a impatience_n to_o enjoy_v he_o also_o in_o his_o glory_n yea_o that_o love_n which_o of_o necessity_n do_v begin_v in_o the_o flesh_n may_v say_v he_o by_o degree_n be_v well_o consummate_v in_o the_o spirit_n for_o not_o to_o mention_v the_o innotescit_fw-la seven_o degree_n which_o be_v assign_v by_o ubertinus_fw-la as_o be_v too_o nice_a to_o be_v true_o useful_a first_o it_o be_v natural_a for_o a_o man_n as_o he_o be_v carnal_a and_o deprave_a to_o love_v himself_o above_o all_o thing_n and_o above_o