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the_o private_a christian_n witness_n for_o christianity_n in_o opposition_n to_o the_o notional_a and_o erroneous_a apprehension_n of_o the_o arminian_n socinian_n and_o deist_n of_o the_o age_n with_o the_o easy_a and_o true_a mean_n lead_v the_o profane_a mere_a professor_n and_o lazy_a christian_a to_o the_o same_o experience_n as_o preservative_n against_o the_o infection_n of_o each_o and_o against_o the_o ill_a example_n of_o the_o practical_a blemish_n in_o lazy_a christian_n conversation_n london_n print_v for_o thomas_n cockerill_n at_o the_o three_o leg_n in_o the_o poultry_n 1697._o the_o preface_n by_o a_o friend_n of_o the_o author_n be_v since_o the_o fall_n of_o man_n by_o his_o rebellious_a sin_n he_o incur_v the_o forfeiture_n of_o his_o felicity_n that_o principal_o consist_v in_o communion_n with_o god_n the_o divine_a goodness_n be_v like_o a_o seal_a fountain_n all_o comfort_a emanation_n be_v obstruct_v divine_a justice_n be_v a_o consume_a fire_n to_o all_o 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the_o afflict_a conscience_n be_v a_o more_o eminent_a effect_n of_o power_n than_o the_o turn_n of_o a_o wilderness_n into_o a_o paradise_n or_o the_o lay_n storm_n and_o tempest_n the_o sanctify_a and_o comfort_v virtue_n of_o the_o spirit_n by_o the_o word_n be_v a_o more_o inward_a and_o last_a proof_n than_o miracle_n a_o miracle_n like_o a_o sudden_a flash_n of_o lightning_n astonish_v man_n at_o the_o present_a and_o cause_v they_o to_o consider_v what_o be_v propose_v but_o when_o the_o surprise_n be_v over_o they_o may_v neglect_v their_o duty_n but_o real_a holiness_n in_o the_o heart_n and_o life_n like_o the_o sun_n irradiate_v the_o mind_n with_o a_o constant_a light_n he_o that_o believe_v have_v the_o witness_n within_o himself_o inward_a experimental_a religion_n be_v perceive_v by_o the_o sense_n of_o they_o that_o have_v it_o and_o can_v be_v so_o clear_o demonstrate_v by_o word_n who_o can_v see_v a_o taste_n from_o hence_o many_o ignorant_a and_o profane_a person_n 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have_v the_o holy_a spirit_n as_o a_o principle_n of_o divine_a life_n act_v in_o i_o by_o the_o light_n of_o the_o spirit_n 2._o it_o be_v the_o peculiar_a character_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v operation_n they_o be_v all_o in_o consent_n and_o congruity_n with_o the_o word_n of_o god_n for_o he_o be_v the_o inditer_n of_o the_o word_n and_o can_v contradict_v himself_o they_o make_v man_n more_o holy_a and_o heavenly_a and_o as_o the_o star_n direct_v the_o wiseman_n to_o christ_n the_o light_n of_o the_o spirit_n always_o direct_v we_o to_o he_o as_o the_o fountain_n of_o grace_n and_o salvation_n and_o for_o the_o satisfaction_n of_o those_o who_o desire_v to_o know_v when_o the_o blessing_n they_o receive_v be_v obtain_v by_o prayer_n and_o be_v not_o the_o effect_n of_o god_n general_a providence_n i_o shall_v only_o desire_v they_o to_o consider_v whether_o their_o prayer_n be_v by_o the_o spirit_n be_v influence_n which_o be_v know_v by_o the_o frame_n of_o the_o soul_n in_o
prayer_n and_o of_o the_o correspondency_n thereof_o to_o god_n return_n second_o experience_n of_o god_n method_n of_o work_v sensible_o and_o fructify_a faith_n and_o reliance_n upon_o himself_o three_o experience_n of_o the_o withhold_a divine_a influence_n in_o prayer_n four_o experience_n of_o god_n method_n of_o train_v the_o soul_n to_o right_o hear_v of_o the_o word_n and_o participation_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n experience_n of_o the_o first_o take_v in_o the_o follow_a order_n my_o first_o experience_n lead_v i_o to_o the_o certainty_n of_o what_o be_v express_v above_o be_v that_o when_o providential_o call_v to_o the_o undertake_n of_o any_o matter_n of_o great_a concern_v and_o difficulty_n that_o then_o according_a to_o the_o fervency_n and_o powerfulness_n of_o soul_n carry_v i_o forth_o to_o supplicate_v so_o encouragement_n have_v accompany_v the_o management_n of_o such_o a_o affair_n and_o when_o endeavour_n have_v be_v to_o be_v continue_v in_o according_a to_o the_o continuance_n or_o intermission_n of_o this_o frame_n so_o encouragement_n or_o discouragement_n have_v appear_v some_o instance_n whereof_o i_o have_v experience_v in_o the_o follow_a method_n where_o the_o endeavour_n have_v be_v of_o three_o day_n duration_n the_o first_o day_n i_o have_v be_v heaven_o carry_v out_o in_o prayer_n the_o next_o two_o day_n this_o frame_n have_v be_v remove_v and_o the_o matter_n either_o neglect_v in_o prayer_n or_o superficial_o give_v up_o to_o god_n and_o upon_o the_o examination_n of_o the_o success_n of_o mean_n throughout_o those_o three_o day_n i_o have_v sound_a eminent_a success_n the_o companion_n of_o the_o first_o day_n endeavour_v but_o in_o the_o use_n of_o the_o two_o follow_a day_n endeavour_v a_o perfect_a discouragement_n and_o that_o exact_o answer_v the_o two_o different_a posture_n of_o soul_n that_o prayer_n in_o these_o different_a day_n be_v put_v up_o to_o heaven_n in_o a_o second_o experience_n be_v when_o in_o one_o prayer_n i_o have_v petition_v the_o lord_n concern_v two_o different_a matter_n and_o plead_v for_o the_o one_o my_o thought_n have_v be_v ravish_o carry_v forth_o but_o supplicate_v for_o the_o other_o a_o damp_n have_v be_v upon_o my_o mind_n and_o neither_o life_n or_o vigour_n in_o its_o frame_n nor_o freedom_n of_o word_n in_o utterance_n concern_v it_o pray_v then_o no_o otherwise_o than_o while_n under_o the_o power_n of_o education_n and_o ignorant_a of_o any_o inward_a change_n of_o soul_n by_o the_o power_n of_o a_o divine_a spirit_n and_o in_o the_o enquiry_n have_v find_v that_o the_o design_n and_o desire_v spiritual_o give_v up_o to_o god_n divine_a conduct_n have_v be_v successful_o bring_v about_o but_o that_o the_o other_o be_v without_o imminent_a probability_n or_o real_a and_o certain_a success_n a_o three_o experience_n be_v when_o my_o frame_n of_o mind_n have_v be_v cold_a listless_a and_o lazy_a continue_v thus_o throughout_o a_o prayer_n except_v one_o petition_n that_o sudden_o have_v seize_v my_o thought_n and_o have_v be_v in_o sweet_a heavenliness_n of_o frame_n put_v up_o yea_o so_o serious_o and_o powerful_o put_v up_o to_o god_n unconceivable_a by_o any_o unacquainted_a with_o fellowship_n with_o god_n in_o prayer_n the_o petition_n before_o and_o after_o have_v be_v ask_v of_o god_n with_o great_a coldness_n of_o frame_n and_o constraint_n of_o word_n but_o this_o to_o which_o god_n be_v to_o return_v a_o answer_n and_o for_o which_o strength_n be_v convey_v to_o petition_v correspond_v a_o visible_a and_o eminent_a return_n of_o prayer_n without_o the_o least_o measure_n of_o answer_n to_o the_o other_o part_n of_o prayer_n thus_o cold_o give_v up_o to_o god_n many_o instance_n of_o these_o experience_n i_o can_v bring_v forth_o and_o that_o full_o discover_v the_o nature_n of_o they_o more_o plain_o but_o fear_v of_o be_v know_v confine_v i_o i_o shall_v only_o lay_v before_o you_o one_o which_o be_v marvellous_a in_o my_o eye_n at_o the_o time_n and_o have_v often_o be_v repeat_v in_o my_o experience_n since_o have_v be_v for_o some_o day_n engage_v in_o endeavour_v to_o obtain_v a_o design_n of_o great_a moment_n in_o the_o diligent_a use_n of_o all_o visible_a mean_n that_o only_o except_v of_o give_v it_o up_o to_o heaven_n by_o prayer_n i_o resolve_v one_o afternoon_n to_o go_v abroad_o on_o purpose_n to_o know_v the_o success_n of_o mean_n make_v use_v of_o but_o after_o walk_v down_o one_o pair_n of_o stair_n there_o sudden_o seize_v i_o a_o unexpressible_a force_n to_o return_v that_o i_o may_v first_o petition_v the_o lord_n concern_v it_o and_o bow_v my_o knee_n a_o sweet_a serious_a frame_n seize_v my_o mind_n and_o my_o thought_n be_v carry_v forth_o with_o great_a warmth_n and_o freedom_n of_o utterance_n concern_v the_o matter_n after_o this_o address_n to_o god_n and_o go_v forth_o i_o find_v that_o the_o least_o degree_n or_o shadow_n of_o success_n have_v never_o appear_v till_o that_o very_a time_n in_o which_o i_o be_v under_o so_o undesign_v and_o sudden_a a_o force_n to_o prayer_n and_o with_o so_o heavenly_a a_o frame_n therein_o the_o time_n of_o both_o so_o exact_o answer_v one_o another_o that_o i_o be_v under_o a_o meaning_n meditation_n of_o the_o thing_n clear_o evince_v of_o a_o power_n above_o one_o self_n the_o circumstance_n in_o this_o instance_n most_o remarkable_a be_v first_o sudden_a and_o prevalent_a force_n to_o prayer_n undesign_v by_o previous_a meditation_n and_o altogether_o different_a from_o that_o of_o a_o sudden_a remembrance_n of_o any_o thing_n forget_v but_o very_o suitable_a to_o the_o exciting-method_n of_o christ_n spirit_n and_o quicken_a influence_n upon_o the_o soul_n raise_v it_o out_o of_o a_o dead_a frame_n or_o exciting_a it_o to_o duty_n omit_v or_o careless_o perform_v psal_n 65.4_o bless_a be_v the_o man_n who_o thou_o cause_v to_o approach_v unto_o thou_o and_o if_o this_o be_v not_o cause_v i_o to_o approach_v he_o never_o any_o motion_n be_v visible_a by_o the_o sudden_a and_o strong_a excitement_n to_o that_o duty_n former_o omit_v and_o by_o impart_v divine_a strength_n to_o petition_v concern_v it_o in_o prayer_n and_o to_o resist_v the_o corrupt_a reluctancy_n to_o it_o a_o second_o thing_n remarkable_a in_o the_o instance_n be_v the_o struggle_n in_o myself_o at_o the_o first_o excitement_n to_o prayer_n between_o a_o inclination_n and_o aversion_n to_o return_v with_o the_o victorious_a strength_n of_o divine_a influence_n bring_v i_o to_o a_o willing_a performance_n of_o the_o duty_n which_o circumstance_n prove_v among_o the_o first_o to_o confirm_v my_o faith_n in_o the_o reality_n of_o there_o be_v a_o law_n in_o the_o member_n war_a against_o that_o law_n of_o the_o mind_n a_o three_o circumstance_n in_o the_o instance_n be_v the_o exact_a correspondency_n of_o the_o time_n of_o excitement_n and_o heavenliness_n in_o prayer_n to_o the_o time_n of_o the_o real_a though_o unexpected_a success_n a_o circumstance_n great_o discover_v self-insufficiency_n in_o the_o use_n of_o mean_n without_o divine_a conduct_n therein_o and_o trust_v to_o god_n for_o the_o event_n the_o four_o experience_n concern_v prayer_n be_v when_o any_o failure_n observe_v in_o thought_n word_n or_o action_n and_o accompany_v with_o concern_v of_o mind_n and_o great_a spirituality_n in_o prayer_n in_o acknowledge_v it_o to_o god_n that_o then_o i_o have_v find_v as_o its_o immediate_a concommitant_n the_o uneasiness_n and_o concern_v perfect_o go_v off_o with_o full_a quiet_a possess_v my_o thought_n and_o the_o exercise_n of_o great_a watch_n its_o consequent_a confirm_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o 6_o and_o seven_o verse_n of_o the_o four_o chapter_n of_o philippian_n never_o experience_v either_o ease_n of_o mind_n as_o to_o event_n give_v up_o to_o divine_a conduct_n as_o to_o concern_v for_o sinful_a failure_n but_o when_o carry_v forth_o heaven_o in_o prayer_n for_o either_o i_o must_v subjoin_v hereto_o a_o experience_a circumstance_n that_o according_a to_o the_o greatness_n of_o my_o fear_n as_o to_o any_o event_n lead_v i_o the_o more_o frequent_o to_o heaven_n by_o prayer_n and_o the_o less_o to_o confidence_n in_o outward_a mean_n the_o more_o unexpected_o eminent_a the_o return_n have_v be_v discover_v the_o excellency_n of_o the_o psalmist_n method_n what_o time_n we_o be_v afraid_a we_o will_v trust_v in_o the_o lord_n with_o the_o use_n of_o that_o bless_a mean_n of_o serious_a prayer_n i_o have_v oft_o experience_v that_o trust_v to_o a_o outward_a instrument_n for_o the_o bring_n about_o any_o design_n with_o a_o rest_v therein_o without_o frequent_a and_o fervent_a prayer_n for_o the_o same_o end_n have_v make_v the_o mean_a that_o be_v successful_a in_o the_o hand_n of_o other_o or_o that_o be_v in_o its_o self_n tend_v natural_o to_o a_o successful_a event_n of_o none_o effect_v to_o i_o a_o five_o experience_n be_v
powerful_o to_o pray_v for_o strength_n to_o resist_v the_o temptation_n of_o reproach_v other_o either_o through_o the_o natural_a tendency_n thereto_o the_o common_a example_n of_o other_o or_o out_o of_o the_o tempting-design_n of_o self-applause_n in_o the_o disparagement_n of_o other_o and_o answerable_a hereto_o marvellous_a strength_n of_o christ_n spirit_n be_v afford_v i_o with_o special_a providence_n discover_v this_o spiritual_a strength_n accompany_v with_o the_o bear_n home_o upon_o my_o thought_n that_o of_o st._n matthew_n chap._n 7._o ver_fw-la 12._o all_o thing_n whatsoever_o you_o will_v that_o man_n shall_v do_v unto_o you_o do_v you_o even_o so_o with_o they_o that_o then_o i_o can_v not_o but_o observe_v myself_o against_o my_o own_o corrupt_a inclination_n and_o other_o example_n preserve_v from_o this_o too_o natural_a and_o common_a vice_n even_o of_o lazy_a and_o profess_v christian_n who_o by_o the_o actual_a remembrance_n of_o this_o very_a passage_n may_v be_v a_o excellent_a mean_n to_o preserve_v they_o from_o the_o malignant_a infection_n of_o reproach_v other_o five_o i_o experience_v a_o wonderful_a strength_n to_o pray_v for_o a_o continue_a sense_n of_o god_n all-seeing_a eye_n as_o well_o in_o conversation_n as_o in_o the_o performance_n of_o religious_a duty_n suitable_a to_o which_o not_o only_o awful_a thought_n of_o his_o majesty_n approach_v in_o duty_n prevent_v distraction_n therein_o seize_v i_o but_o even_o a_o powerful_a awe_n of_o god_n affect_v i_o in_o common_a and_o private_a action_n always_o consider_v any_o circumstance_n in_o the_o action_n as_o may_v destroy_v god_n accept_v thereof_o especial_o as_o to_o act_n of_o charity_n wherein_o i_o have_v find_v such_o a_o watch_n over_o myself_o as_o i_o can_v not_o have_v be_v satisfy_v without_o strict_a enquiry_n whether_o unwillingliness_n be_v not_o in_o the_o action_n whether_o some_o desire_n of_o applause_n or_o only_a pity_n and_o natural_a tenderness_n be_v not_o the_o motive_n of_o this_o charitable_a action_n and_o nothing_o then_o have_v be_v more_o please_a than_o to_o find_v that_o a_o willingliness_n to_o obey_v god_n command_n on_o purpose_n to_o please_v he_o in_o the_o compassionate_a relief_n of_o other_o a_o cheerfulness_n without_o the_o least_o intermixture_n of_o reluctancy_n a_o sincerity_n without_o the_o least_o desire_n of_o its_o be_v know_v be_v the_o ingredient_n of_o the_o duty_n i_o desire_v to_o witness_v the_o difficulty_n of_o thus_o perform_v action_n without_o great_a and_o actual_a influence_n of_o strength_n from_o above_o the_o reception_n whereof_o be_v often_o obtain_v by_o that_o bless_a mean_n of_o solemn_a or_o ejaculatory_a prayer_n wherein_o the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n intercede_v for_o his_o people_n the_o same_o spirit_n of_o prayer_n impress_v upon_o i_o a_o sense_n of_o god_n all-seeing_a eye_n and_o that_o scripture_n be_v continual_o in_o my_o thought_n of_o do_v all_o thing_n as_o unto_o the_o lord_n the_o constant_a remembrance_n whereof_o i_o have_v find_v great_o advance_v that_o gospel-perfection_n of_o a_o unfeigned_a sincerity_n both_o in_o converse_n with_o god_n in_o holy_a duty_n and_o with_o one_o another_o in_o common_a action_n and_o discourse_n six_o i_o can_v tell_v you_o that_o at_o another_o time_n i_o have_v be_v powerful_o help_v to_o petition_v for_o the_o exercise_n of_o love_n to_o god_n and_o answerable_a to_o this_o i_o have_v be_v help_v in_o prayer_n and_o in_o worldly_a business_n to_o draw_v forth_o kindler_n of_o love_n to_o god_n from_o all_o sensible_a circumstance_n of_o myself_o and_o other_o even_o from_o the_o poor_a in_o the_o street_n both_o as_o to_o their_o poverty_n and_o imperfection_n of_o body_n bless_v the_o lord_n with_o sweet_a exercise_n of_o love_n to_o he_o yea_o this_o grace_n of_o love_n to_o god_n have_v be_v excite_v from_o the_o observation_n of_o fullness_n and_o prosperity_n in_o some_o but_o with_o great_a emptiness_n of_o the_o inward_a comfort_n of_o the_o experience_a christian_n soul_n for_o sensual_a pleasure_n divert_v their_o thought_n from_o the_o observation_n and_o enjoyment_n of_o what_o be_v much_o more_o to_o be_v value_v in_o their_o nature_n and_o last_v in_o their_o duration_n at_o this_o very_a time_n happen_v to_o be_v alone_o in_o a_o coach_n remark_v such_o kindler_n of_o love_n from_o circumstance_n of_o other_o appear_v in_o the_o street_n sudden_o and_o strong_o this_o suggestion_n force_v itself_o upon_o my_o mind_n how_o be_v it_o that_o god_n do_v show_v such_o special_a favour_n to_o i_o beyond_o other_o yea_o to_o make_v i_o differ_v so_o much_o from_o myself_o in_o former_a time_n with_o amaze_a thought_n of_o the_o change_n upon_o my_o soul_n and_o immediate_o that_o scripture_n overawe_v i_o from_o corrupt_a rational_a argue_v or_o from_o satan_n darken_v or_o deviate_v i_o from_o right_a conception_n of_o god_n and_o his_o way_n i_o will_v have_v mercy_n on_o who_o i_o will_v have_v mercy_n i_o will_v have_v compassion_n on_o who_o i_o will_v have_v compassion_n from_o whence_o happen_v such_o quiet_a of_o mind_n as_o have_v by_o the_o blessing_n of_o god_n still_v my_o thought_n perfect_o as_o to_o that_o great_a point_n of_o election_n which_o be_v the_o great_a effect_n of_o free_a unmerited_a mercy_n and_o in_o the_o use_n of_o mean_n bring_v the_o child_n of_o mercy_n safe_o to_o salvation_n this_o warm_o excite_v my_o love_n to_o god_n have_v a_o evidence_n of_o my_o share_n in_o his_o elect_v mercy_n by_o the_o inseparable_a effect_n of_o it_o the_o work_n of_o grace_n begin_v in_o i_o and_o prepare_v i_o for_o the_o heavenly_a glory_n a_o seven_o experience_n be_v when_o altogether_o insensible_a of_o the_o growth_n of_o faith_n and_o when_o the_o lord_n by_o a_o marvellous_a method_n be_v to_o establish_v it_o in_o my_o soul_n even_o than_o i_o observe_v for_o some_o considerable_a time_n that_o i_o be_v carry_v out_o in_o prayer_n and_o meditation_n with_o zealous_a affection_n that_o the_o lord_n will_v turn_v my_o eye_n and_o trust_v from_o sensible_a thing_n to_o a_o trust_n and_o reliance_n upon_o god_n himself_o as_o to_o all_o outward_a thing_n and_o as_o to_o the_o inward_a advancement_n of_o holiness_n as_o a_o mean_a tend_v to_o future_a salvation_n answerable_a to_o which_o god_n have_v discover_v himself_o marvellous_o in_o the_o step_n of_o outward_a providential_a dispensation_n and_o by_o the_o inward_a work_n of_o his_o spirit_n as_o mean_n of_o sound_v and_o establish_v this_o grace_n of_o reliance_n in_o my_o soul_n which_o i_o hope_v shall_v be_v increase_v in_o the_o use_n of_o mean_n till_o faith_n obtain_v its_o perfect_a end_n the_o fruition_n of_o god_n in_o glory_n and_o though_o i_o hope_v i_o may_v say_v in_o humility_n that_o my_o soul_n be_v raise_v above_o sensible_a thing_n to_o look_v to_o thing_n unseen_a and_o to_o set_v my_o esteem_n and_o reliance_n with_o comfort_n and_o satisfaction_n upon_o they_o independent_o upon_o worldly_a thing_n yet_o i_o be_o ashamed_a for_o the_o small_a growth_n of_o reliance_n in_o i_o and_o that_o great_a improvement_n therein_o have_v not_o be_v the_o fruit_n of_o the_o infinite_o wise_a and_o condescend_v method_n of_o god_n goodness_n in_o train_v i_o to_o live_v by_o faith_n in_o his_o promise_n and_o perfection_n experience_n of_o god_n method_n in_o train_v i_o to_o the_o first_o sense_n of_o reliance_n with_o its_o further_a establishment_n and_o growth_n and_o that_o exact_o as_o they_o be_v set_v down_o in_o record_n in_o my_o diary_n the_o first_o experience_n lead_v i_o to_o observe_v god_n follow_v method_n with_o i_o be_v that_o of_o carry_v i_o forth_o in_o prayer_n to_o petition_v establishment_n of_o faith_n in_o my_o soul_n which_o begin_v most_o remarkable_o after_o a_o fit_a of_o sickness_n and_o have_v continue_v to_o be_v upon_o my_o mind_n in_o all_o my_o suit_n great_a or_o lesser_a since_o that_o and_o i_o hope_v will_v continue_v to_o the_o end_n of_o my_o militant_a warfare_n a_o second_o experience_n lead_v i_o to_o reliance_n upon_o god_n be_v by_o remove_v all_o dependence_n from_o these_o outward_a fabulous_a passage_n reckon_v as_o ominous_a of_o such_o and_o such_o certain_a event_n which_o undoubted_o be_v at_o first_o the_o effect_n of_o ignorance_n of_o the_o true_a god_n among_o the_o heathen_a world_n who_o notwithstanding_o the_o discovery_n of_o god_n in_o his_o nature_n and_o providence_n by_o visible_a thing_n the_o effect_n of_o his_o power_n yet_o natural_a thing_n keep_v first_o in_o their_o view_n and_o have_v the_o preeminency_n of_o god_n in_o their_o mind_n and_o heart_n and_o though_o we_o enjoy_v the_o discovery_n of_o god_n in_o his_o word_n and_o providence_n so_o plain_o yet_o how_o do_v we_o retain_v the_o example_n in_o reduce_v those_o thing_n to_o natural_a cause_n that_o be_v to_o be_v apply_v
petition_v a_o divine_a blessing_n and_o the_o exact_a extension_n of_o our_o petition_n to_o all_o thing_n receive_v for_o that_o end_n of_o nourishment_n thereby_o reprove_v myself_o and_o other_o for_o the_o formal_a and_o overly_o address_v god_n herein_o and_o not_o endeavour_v the_o same_o seriousness_n and_o spirituality_n of_o frame_n as_o in_o other_o set_n and_o solemn_a petition_n and_o not_o petition_v god_n divine_a blessing_n for_o every_o thing_n we_o desire_v nourishment_n from_o or_o pleasure_n in_o three_o a_o resolution_n and_o i_o hope_v i_o may_v say_v a_o performance_n at_o least_o much_o better_a than_o ever_o before_o to_o extend_v my_o supplication_n to_o god_n for_o all_o thing_n take_v for_o the_o support_n of_o life_n and_o in_o as_o serious_a a_o manner_n as_o for_o matter_n of_o high_a concern_n god_n be_v the_o same_o when_o then_o address_v to_o as_o when_o by_o solemn_a long_a and_o numerous_a petition_n and_o though_o to_o other_o food_n come_v in_o a_o common_a way_n of_o providence_n yet_o to_o god_n own_o child_n in_o a_o line_n of_o special_a favour_n and_o therefore_o more_o obligatory_a upon_o they_o to_o show_v their_o trust_n to_o god_n for_o mercy_n seem_o in_o common_a with_o other_o as_o well_o as_o for_o more_o special_a concern_v and_o that_o in_o a_o way_n become_v the_o god_n they_o be_v more_o especial_o acquaint_v with_o and_o the_o great_a trust_n they_o pretend_v and_o do_v give_v to_o god_n than_o other_o who_o only_o enjoy_v all_o those_o favour_n as_o out_o of_o the_o hand_n of_o a_o general_a provider_n in_o a_o common_a way_n of_o distribution_n the_o effect_n of_o which_o instruction_n reproof_n and_o resolution_n have_v be_v in_o myself_o to_o avoid_v all_o opportunity_n of_o public_a petition_v a_o divine_a blessing_n upon_o these_o outward_a favour_n and_o that_o upon_o the_o follow_a account_n first_o because_o of_o the_o necessity_n of_o go_v out_o of_o the_o common_a road_n if_o my_o resolution_n be_v faithful_o perform_v and_o any_o thing_n uncommon_a either_o in_o spiritual_a or_o outward_a thing_n draw_v forth_o many_o time_n reproaching_n from_o carnal_a person_n yea_o the_o very_a apprehension_n of_o such_o person_n present_a to_o my_o certain_a experience_n be_v the_o occasion_n of_o mar_v a_o serious_a spiritual_a petition_v god_n divine_a blessing_n the_o common_a road_n of_o professor_n in_o this_o duty_n be_v form_n and_o brevity_n and_o consider_v the_o mix_a company_n this_o duty_n be_v often_o to_o be_v perform_v with_o a_o petition_n for_o god_n divine_a blessing_n with_o the_o serious_a thoughtfulness_n upon_o what_o be_v express_v many_o time_n prevent_v the_o mock_n that_o attend_v a_o spiritual_a posture_n of_o soul_n in_o the_o performance_n of_o this_o duty_n without_o a_o form_n there_o be_v many_o conversant_a with_o we_o at_o meal_n who_o be_v it_o not_o for_o the_o power_n of_o education_n and_o fear_n of_o reproach_n will_v please_v their_o palate_n without_o any_o blessing_n petition_v thereupon_o and_o i_o be_o sure_a with_o great_a comfort_n than_o when_o burden_v with_o a_o serious_a address_n to_o god_n or_o religious_a conversation_n among_o themselves_o i_o rather_o therefore_o eschew_v the_o opportunity_n than_o spoil_v my_o serious_a address_n to_o god_n have_v little_a satisfaction_n in_o perform_v this_o duty_n unspiritual_o and_o sure_o i_o be_o that_o the_o mind_n confine_v to_o a_o form_n of_o thought_n and_o word_n aforehand_o must_v needs_o lay_v occasion_n of_o restraint_n upon_o the_o breathe_n of_o a_o divine_a spirit_n which_o run_v with_o strong_a force_n of_o thought_n upon_o the_o soul_n and_o great_a extension_n of_o word_n as_o any_o acquaint_v therewith_o will_v witness_v of_o i_o i_o grant_v a_o seriousness_n of_o thought_n be_v very_o agreeable_a to_o a_o form_n in_o this_o duty_n but_o far_o different_a from_o that_o spirituality_n of_o soul_n evidential_a sensible_a of_o christ_n spirit_n act_v therewith_o yea_o from_o my_o own_o experience_n i_o can_v witness_v that_o i_o have_v have_v my_o frame_n of_o mind_n that_o have_v be_v in_o a_o spiritual_a posture_n allay_v with_o a_o overly_o performance_n of_o this_o duty_n brevity_n i_o accuse_v as_o mar_v of_o a_o heavenly_a frame_n i_o must_v testify_v that_o sometime_o i_o have_v be_v in_o the_o begin_n of_o prayer_n cold_a and_o lazy_a in_o the_o frame_n of_o my_o soul_n but_o in_o the_o progress_n thereof_o a_o holy_a heat_n have_v be_v diffuse_v in_o my_o affection_n and_o therefore_o just_o may_v fear_v that_o if_o my_o frame_n be_v cold_a pass_v immediate_o from_o the_o world_n to_o this_o duty_n a_o repeat_v some_o short_a sentence_n in_o a_o form_n will_v be_v over_o before_o spirituality_n have_v seize_v my_o thought_n and_o so_o prove_v a_o occasion_n of_o prevent_a spirituality_n but_o for_o a_o serious_a spiritual_a soul_n i_o think_v he_o hardly_o capable_a of_o perform_v this_o duty_n with_o common_a brevity_n he_o be_v carry_v out_o many_o time_n beyond_o design_n and_o word_n both_o expose_v he_o and_o the_o duty_n to_o the_o mock_v of_o such_o if_o then_o present_a and_o therefore_o reservedness_n in_o the_o public_a performance_n of_o this_o duty_n i_o great_o affect_v take_v therefore_o my_o reason_n thus_o for_o eschew_v the_o public_a performance_n of_o this_o duty_n that_o i_o may_v neither_o keep_v off_o divine_a influence_n by_o form_n nor_o short'n_o the_o sweetness_n thereof_o by_o brevity_n nor_o expose_v myself_o and_o the_o duty_n to_o the_o ridicul_v of_o those_o who_o either_o will_v willing_o feast_v upon_o god_n good_a thing_n without_o ever_o acknowledge_v he_o the_o giver_n or_o petition_v his_o blessing_n to_o follow_v they_o rather_o than_o cool_v the_o victual_n a_o degree-more_a than_o suit_v their_o palate_n and_o gratify_v the_o sensual_a appetite_n a_o second_o reason_n of_o eschew_v public_a performance_n of_o this_o duty_n have_v be_v because_o of_o this_o spiritual_a frame_n and_o heavenliness_n of_o mind_n i_o endeavour_v after_o throughout_o the_o day_n out_o of_o duty_n as_o well_o as_o in_o duty_n which_o hinder_v a_o rush_n from_o worldly_a discourse_n to_o a_o petition_v of_o god_n with_o three_o or_o four_o sentence_n by_o roat_n and_o set_v forth_o a_o duty_n proceed_v from_o a_o mind_n spiritual_a and_o actual_o serious_a beside_o when_o at_o any_o time_n i_o be_o heaven_o carry_v out_o petition_v god_n in_o any_o duty_n i_o find_v that_o often_o petition_n and_o expression_n will_v run_v upon_o matter_n that_o i_o have_v be_v former_o plead_v for_o throughout_o the_o day_n of_o which_o i_o shall_v not_o willing_o desire_v any_o company_n perhaps_o to_o know_v of_o and_o to_o restrain_v myself_o in_o this_o frame_n be_v what_o will_v great_o burden_v my_o soul_n and_o rather_o incline_v i_o to_o lose_v such_o comfort_n though_o never_o so_o grateful_a to_o sense_n my_o method_n therefore_o and_o great_a endeavour_n be_v that_o whether_o other_o perform_v this_o duty_n or_o myself_o i_o may_v if_o possible_a meet_v with_o nothing_o that_o may_v occasion_v its_o unspiritual_a performance_n and_o when_o other_o be_v so_o short_a my_o soul_n be_v not_o at_o ease_n till_o i_o have_v serious_o ejaculate_v my_o thought_n to_o heaven_n easy_o do_v without_o the_o least_o knowledge_n to_o the_o shortsighted_a professor_n round_n and_o privacy_n to_o myself_o i_o make_v choice_n of_o unless_o family-relation_n engage_v i_o that_o so_o neither_o form_n nor_o brevity_n may_v hinder_v i_o of_o so_o sweet_a a_o enjoyment_n as_o spiritual_a frame_n in_o the_o duty_n and_o that_o what_o bear_v most_o in_o my_o thought_n towards_o god_n through_o the_o day_n may_v not_o be_v prevent_v from_o be_v utter_v through_o the_o fear_n of_o other_o know_v it_o or_o ridicul_v the_o duty_n because_o of_o it_o three_o another_o scripture_n be_v bear_v home_o upon_o my_o soul_n by_o way_n of_o instruction_n and_o comfort_n when_o one_o day_n i_o happen_v to_o be_v out_o of_o all_o business_n respect_v my_o call_v and_o discover_v one_o of_o the_o same_o way_n with_o myself_o in_o great_a hurry_n therein_o some_o repine_a melancholy_a thought_n begin_v to_o spring_v up_o of_o which_o i_o be_v concerned_o sensible_a at_o the_o time_n and_o anxious_a how_o to_o suppress_v they_o but_o after_o walk_v some_o four_o or_o five_o pace_n i_o see_v the_o bible_n before_o i_o which_o i_o take_v up_o without_o any_o design_n of_o serious_a read_n therein_o but_o the_o first_o verse_n that_o my_o eye_n fix_v upon_o be_v that_o of_o the_o 9th_o verse_n of_o the_o 5_o chapter_n of_o james_n grudge_v not_o one_o against_o the_o other_o which_o immediate_o bear_v home_n upon_o i_o with_o astonish_a amazement_n that_o so_o exact_o it_o shall_v suit_v my_o circumstance_n which_o perhaps_o may_v have_v from_o lust_n within_o and_o satan_n without_o occasion_v the_o neglect_n of_o regard_v
and_o comfort_n to_o my_o soul_n thereby_o one_o instance_n without_o express_v many_o i_o can_v give_v be_v when_o through_o the_o week_n great_o thoughtful_a concern_v the_o knowledge_n of_o effectual_a call_n and_o my_o evidence_n thereof_o in_o my_o soul_n and_o happen_v to_o be_v one_o day_n in_o a_o friend_n closet_n where_o several_a book_n lay_v i_o look_v into_o one_o and_o be_v please_v with_o the_o subject_n i_o bring_v it_o home_o without_o know_v that_o any_o thing_n concern_v effectual_a call_v be_v in_o it_o in_o the_o perusal_n whereof_o i_o find_v a_o appendix_n concern_v effectual_a call_v which_o great_o please_v i_o at_o the_o time_n my_o thought_n be_v then_o in_o great_a exercise_n concern_v it_o but_o still_o without_o any_o sensible_a satisfaction_n in_o myself_o from_o use_v it_o the_o follow_a sabbath_n i_o find_v a_o strong_a inclination_n to_o hear_v another_o minister_n than_o who_o i_o usual_o hear_v without_o argument_n to_o myself_o against_o he_o or_o any_o sensible_a and_o more_o grateful_a motion_n to_o hear_v another_o the_o inclination_n grow_v so_o strong_o and_o sudden_o that_o no_o objection_n can_v stop_v my_o design_n though_o i_o meet_v with_o several_a and_o at_o my_o hear_v the_o minister_n find_v his_o sermon_n upon_o effectual_a call_v and_o accompany_v with_o such_o satisfactory_a instruction_n and_o sweet_a sense_n of_o my_o be_v effectual_o call_v that_o i_o be_v amaze_v and_o ravish_v at_o the_o time_n which_o plain_o prove_v the_o word_n preach_v to_o be_v the_o power_n of_o god_n bring_v forth_o evidence_n which_o be_v mean_n to_o salvation_n second_o by_o bear_v home_o duty_n with_o such_o power_n of_o christ_n spirit_n in_o the_o hear_n of_o a_o sermon_n that_o immediate_o their_o performance_n have_v be_v resolve_v and_o the_o practice_n dutiful_o and_o delightful_o continue_v one_o remarkable_a instance_n be_v by_o a_o sermon_n of_o a_o faithful_a minister_n of_o christ_n mr._n shower_n in_o a_o december_n preparatory_a to_o the_o sacrament_n wherein_o he_o press_v that_o as_o people_n at_o that_o time_n usual_o be_v a_o consider_v their_o account-book_n to_o know_v their_o circumstance_n so_o we_o may_v at_o the_o same_o time_n every_o year_n take_v a_o account_n of_o our_o soul_n to_o know_v the_o state_n of_o grace_n whether_o grow_v decay_a or_o at_o a_o stand_n which_o great_o impress_v i_o at_o the_o time_n and_o be_v a_o mean_a in_o god_n hand_n to_o persuade_v i_o to_o the_o custom_n thereof_o which_o ever_o since_o i_o have_v use_v and_o not_o only_o then_o but_o every_o night_n and_o at_o the_o end_n of_o every_o month_n and_o bless_v be_v god_n it_o have_v be_v of_o great_a service_n to_o myself_o in_o the_o discovery_n of_o the_o advancement_n of_o my_o inward_a change_n and_o in_o the_o preserve_n of_o i_o from_o misapprehension_n of_o god_n way_n with_o i_o help_v i_o to_o know_v what_o grace_n be_v most_o in_o exercise_n and_o what_o corruption_n most_o tempt_a and_o a_o continual_a discovery_n of_o god_n method_n suit_v his_o providence_n to_o each_o i_o impart_v it_o as_o a_o example_n to_o other_o and_o to_o help_v forward_o their_o comfortable_a pilgrimage_n on_o earth_n another_o instance_n of_o that_o experience_n be_v in_o the_o powerful_a influence_n that_o accompany_v my_o soul_n in_o hear_v the_o sermon_n preach_v upon_o family-duty_n by_o which_o though_o i_o always_o perform_v evening_n family-prayer_n yet_o have_v never_o perform_v it_o in_o the_o morning_n till_o by_o that_o mean_v god_n be_v please_v to_o enforce_v it_o as_o duty_n and_o help_v i_o to_o practise_v it_o with_o comfort_n and_o if_o these_o minister_n have_v no_o other_o seal_n accompany_v their_o religious_a undertake_n this_o one_o may_v comfort_v they_o and_o let_v they_o know_v it_o be_v not_o in_o vain_a three_o by_o influence_a sermon_n with_o a_o power_n to_o suppress_v evil_n predominant_a at_o the_o time_n of_o hear_v which_o give_v i_o ground_n to_o fear_v they_o will_v interrupt_v i_o in_o that_o duty_n i_o have_v often_o find_v myself_o under_o disquiet_n and_o in_o great_a fear_n lest_o the_o disquiet_n shall_v occasion_v a_o unprofitable_a hear_v it_o be_v natural_a for_o a_o thing_n disquiet_v to_o draw_v forth_o the_o mind_n upon_o it_o even_o when_o it_o ought_v to_o fix_v upon_o a_o thing_n of_o high_a concern_n and_o yet_o i_o have_v be_v so_o far_o from_o lose_v the_o advantage_n of_o this_o bless_a mean_n of_o grace_n that_o it_o have_v be_v through_o the_o blessing_n of_o god_n effectual_a to_o remove_v the_o disquiet_n itself_o and_o to_o bring_v i_o into_o a_o sweet_a spiritual_a frame_n of_o soul_n how_o ought_v this_o great_o to_o caution_n we_o not_o to_o add_v one_o folly_n to_o another_o and_o by_o pretention_n of_o unfitness_n to_o hear_v to_o neglect_v hear_v it_o be_v a_o mean_n by_o divine_a assistance_n to_o make_v you_o sit_v how_o often_o have_v the_o profane_a of_o the_o earth_n vain_o say_v they_o be_v as_o know_v as_o their_o minister_n and_o understand_v as_o much_o as_o they_o can_v acquaint_v they_o and_o why_o shall_v they_o go_v to_o hear_v what_o they_o know_v beforehand_o never_o consider_v hear_v as_o a_o mean_v not_o only_o instruct_v their_o judgement_n but_o change_v their_o heart_n establish_v they_o experimental_o in_o what_o they_o know_v and_o raise_v they_o by_o a_o divine_a hand_n to_o a_o serious_a spiritual_a heavenly_a frame_n of_o soul_n the_o element_n a_o saint_n desire_v continual_o to_o breathe_v in_o four_o by_o order_v the_o sermon_n of_o person_n dislike_v from_o some_o circumstance_n in_o their_o way_n as_o mean_n both_o of_o instruction_n and_o comsort_n and_o the_o circumstance_n despise_v more_o spiritualize_a my_o frame_n than_o ordinary_a to_o prevent_v partial_a respect_n to_o minister_n and_o to_o see_v the_o assist_a mean_n that_o god_n afford_v we_o and_o to_o encourage_v we_o in_o the_o use_n of_o the_o mean_n that_o god_n afford_v we_o the_o most_o 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pain_n to_o observe_v the_o one_o or_o the_o other_o and_o what_o the_o psalmist_n in_o the_o first_o ver_fw-la of_o the_o 116th_o psal_n in_o the_o five_o ver_fw-la of_o the_o 118th_o psalm_n and_o in_o the_o 121st_o psalm_n find_v that_o prayer_n return_v observe_v and_o the_o passage_n of_o providence_n discover_v or_o bring_v it_o about_o be_v powerful_a in_o bring_v his_o soul_n to_o the_o actual_a exercise_n of_o love_n to_o reliance_n upon_o admiration_n and_o praise_n of_o god_n i_o love_v the_o lord_n because_o he_o have_v hear_v my_o supplication_n i_o call_v to_o the_o lord_n and_o he_o hear_v i_o therefore_o shall_v i_o see_v my_o desire_n and_o he_o be_v now_o my_o strength_n and_o my_o song_n i_o will_v praise_v thou_o for_o thou_o have_v hear_v i_o and_o be_v become_v my_o salvation_n the_o unobserve_a christian_a therefore_o of_o prayer_n return_v and_o of_o
then_o to_o be_v sure_o a_o real_a christian_n serious_o perform_v a_o prayer_n with_o a_o natural_a affect_a way_n of_o expression_n may_v make_v a_o near_a resemblance_n to_o a_o heavenly_a frame_n like_v unto_o that_o sensible_a preparation_n give_v in_o by_o a_o divine_a spirit_n to_o ask_v what_o god_n be_v to_o return_v now_o to_o judge_n either_o of_o these_o prayer_n seem_o put_v up_o in_o spirituality_n as_o real_o spiritual_a and_o to_o expect_v from_o thence_o the_o health_n and_o life_n of_o your_o friend_n upon_o that_o sure_a foundation_n of_o god_n word_n tell_v we_o that_o he_o prepare_v the_o christian_n to_o ask_v when_o he_o be_v to_o incline_v his_o ear_n and_o yet_o the_o person_n do_v not_o recover_v may_v great_o tend_v to_o make_v they_o mistake_v when_o they_o judge_v it_o from_o the_o ignorance_n of_o their_o mind_n and_o the_o delusion_n of_o satan_n a_o failure_n in_o god_n truth_n rather_o than_o a_o failure_n in_o themselves_o in_o judge_v that_o prayer_n 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which_o there_o be_v a_o present_a relief_n appear_v but_o go_v off_o soon_o after_o and_o continue_v not_o throughout_o the_o course_n of_o their_o illness_n i_o find_v in_o myself_o in_o prayer_n a_o perfect_a dryness_n as_o to_o the_o frame_n of_o my_o mind_n and_o word_n in_o prayer_n for_o they_o which_o make_v i_o continual_o express_v myself_o with_o fear_n of_o their_o death_n except_v one_o prayer_n in_o a_o evening_n in_o my_o closet_n which_o upon_o discourse_n with_o other_o friend_n i_o find_v to_o be_v the_o very_a exact_a time_n of_o other_o be_v unite_v to_o pray_v and_o the_o time_n of_o there_o be_v some_o hope_n of_o which_o joint_n and_o solemn_a prayer_n i_o know_v nothing_o at_o the_o time_n of_o my_o own_o observation_n which_o i_o have_v set_v down_o in_o my_o diary_n till_o afterward_o in_o discourse_n with_o friend_n and_o i_o have_v set_v it_o down_o with_o special_a remark_n but_o except_v that_o one_o prayer_n i_o find_v they_o lose_v in_o all_o my_o 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to_o such_o a_o time_n as_o make_v he_o cry_v out_o psal_n 77.7_o be_v his_o mercy_n clean_o go_v will_v he_o be_v favourable_a no_o more_o and_o in_o ver_fw-la 8._o do_v his_o promise_n fail_v for_o evermore_o and_o yet_o at_o the_o same_o time_n though_o insensible_a then_o thereof_o he_o be_v under_o the_o strengthen_n divine_a influence_n of_o christ_n spirit_n for_o when_o david_n come_v to_o himself_o after_o he_o have_v say_v i_o have_v cleanse_v my_o heart_n in_o vain_a and_o return_v thence_o to_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o comfort_v influence_n he_o say_v in_o ver_fw-la 22_o 23._o though_o i_o be_v so_o foolish_a and_o carry_v myself_o as_o a_o beast_n before_o thou_o nevertheless_o thou_o have_v hold_v i_o up_o by_o my_o right_a hand_n from_o whence_o i_o draw_v a_o caution_n to_o deject_a christian_n not_o to_o think_v that_o though_o god_n withdraw_v his_o comfort_a breathe_n former_o experience_a and_o that_o for_o holy_a end_n of_o reproof_n for_o not_o better_o entertain_v they_o former_o enjoy_v or_o of_o excitation_n to_o prize_v they_o more_o when_o they_o return_v and_o to_o keep_v close_o and_o strict_a and_o more_o continual_o to_o the_o use_n of_o mean_n to_o obtain_v and_o to_o retain_v they_o that_o therefore_o they_o have_v lose_v the_o grace_n they_o have_v once_o the_o sensible_a evidence_n of_o by_o christ_n comfort_a influence_n and_o so_o give_v satan_n opportunity_n of_o follow_v this_o thought_n with_o his_o suggestion_n of_o apostasy_n and_o danger_n of_o damnation_n and_o the_o be_v no_o advantage_n in_o the_o further_a use_n of_o mean_n whereas_o the_o continuance_n therein_o be_v evidence_n of_o spiritual_a support_a power_n and_o of_o god_n hold_v they_o up_o from_o fall_v however_o unsensible_a they_o be_v of_o his_o comfort_a influence_n second_o there_o be_v a_o difference_n between_o spiritual_a influence_n strengthen_v the_o soul_n to_o the_o continue_a use_n of_o sincere_a prayer_n and_o between_o spiritual_a influence_n make_v the_o other_o comfortable_o sensible_a and_o carry_v the_o soul_n out_o thereby_o with_o more_o fervency_n and_o joy_n than_o at_o other_o time_n three_o that_o short_a intermission_n of_o duty_n and_o sincere_a endeavour_n therein_o contribute_v great_o to_o the_o draw_v down_o of_o continue_a comfortable_a influence_n and_o that_o the_o more_o close_o we_o walk_v with_o god_n in_o the_o use_n of_o mean_n the_o more_o clear_a comfortable_a delightful_a enjoyment_n occur_v i_o answer_v therefore_o first_o that_o a_o return_n be_v certain_a to_o that_o prayer_n that_o be_v direct_v by_o the_o holy_a spirit_n to_o god_n for_o obtain_v a_o blessing_n for_o we_o and_o a_o evidence_n of_o this_o direction_n be_v by_o the_o heavenly_a frame_n of_o mind_n and_o more_o than_o ordinary_a freedom_n of_o utterance_n in_o the_o duty_n second_o that_o often_o god_n return_v a_o prayer_n perform_v with_o spiritual_a influence_n though_o they_o be_v without_o that_o delightful_a evidence_n at_o the_o time_n of_o prayer_n the_o spirit_n of_o god_n exciting_a and_o strengthen_v the_o soul_n to_o ask_v carry_v he_o to_o nothing_o but_o what_o be_v suitable_a to_o god_n word_n and_o with_o resignation_n in_o the_o christian_n self_n whether_o this_o heavenliness_n of_o frame_n be_v sensible_a at_o the_o time_n of_o prayer_n or_o not_o and_o therefore_o if_o god_n spirit_n be_v help_v the_o soul_n real_o though_o insensible_o to_o the_o christian_a or_o real_o and_o sensible_o too_o a_o return_n certain_o follow_v that_o prayer_n but_o with_o this_o difference_n that_o under_o heavenliness_n of_o frame_n he_o enjoy_v the_o comfort_n of_o the_o return_n aforehand_o and_o under_o strengthen_v influence_n he_o be_v not_o so_o certain_a of_o the_o spirituality_n of_o its_o performance_n or_o its_o acceptance_n with_o god_n till_o the_o return_n make_v it_o manifest_a three_o that_o such_o a_o comfortable_a sense_n of_o
it_o be_v entertain_v very_o cold_o or_o with_o contempt_n and_o derision_n as_o to_o recreation_n doubtful_a among_o christian_n play_v at_o card_n and_o the_o like_a whether_o lawful_a or_o unlawful_a i_o think_v it_o be_v best_o to_o keep_v the_o judgement_n free_a from_o entangle_v scruple_n but_o to_o restrain_v our_o practice_n and_o according_o i_o desire_v to_o order_v my_o conversation_n and_o that_o for_o these_o three_o reason_n 1._o because_o since_o nothing_o in_o christ_n command_n or_o example_n or_o of_o the_o apostle_n be_v express_v herein_o i_o judge_v it_o best_o to_o regulate_v my_o practice_n by_o the_o example_n of_o the_o most_o holy_a and_o heavenly_a christian_n who_o i_o know_v have_v abstain_v from_o recreation_n of_o a_o suspect_a nature_n a_o second_o reason_n to_o i_o be_v that_o recreation_n though_o seem_v innocent_a have_v often_o be_v and_o be_v dangerous_a snare_n to_o man_n how_o many_o have_v resolve_v to_o spend_v a_o hour_n in_o a_o recreation_n 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decay_n or_o removal_n neither_o the_o lazy_a though_o real_a christian_n who_o if_o serious_a in_o his_o morning_n or_o evening_n duty_n matter_n not_o the_o want_n of_o a_o heavenly_a serious_a frame_n of_o soul_n throughout_o the_o day_n in_o his_o business_n and_o pleasure_n of_o the_o number_n whereof_o too_o many_o abound_v in_o our_o age_n by_o reason_n whereof_o while_n under_o affliction_n or_o in_o their_o die_a hour_n when_o their_o evidence_n shall_v shine_v not_o only_o with_o light_n to_o themselves_o but_o as_o witness_n for_o god_n to_o other_o they_o appear_v more_o dark_a and_o cloud_v than_o in_o those_o who_o life_n have_v be_v a_o continue_a enjoyment_n of_o god_n how_o many_o real_a christian_n have_v bitter_o lament_v their_o time_n mis-spend_v in_o vanity_n and_o when_o near_a eternity_n have_v have_v gloomy_a thought_n and_o distract_n doubt_n of_o the_o eternal_a state_n when_o those_o who_o have_v use_v the_o world_n with_o indifferent_a affection_n and_o 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christian_n shall_v be_v very_o diligent_a to_o prevent_v a_o take_a occasion_n and_o encouragement_n from_o their_o example_n to_o licentiousness_n in_o thing_n of_o this_o kind_n they_o have_v the_o best_a opportunity_n to_o spiritualise_v conversation_n with_o their_o people_n and_o improve_n time_n to_o the_o most_o excellent_a advantage_n that_o be_v to_o increase_v their_o knowledge_n holiness_n and_o comfort_n this_o be_v the_o practice_n of_o paul_n who_o be_v so_o great_a a_o lover_n of_o christ_n and_o soul_n this_o practice_n will_v refel_v the_o double_a accusation_n of_o minister_n in_o our_o day_n first_o that_o they_o be_v so_o much_o see_v in_o the_o affair_n of_o the_o world_n and_o be_v so_o little_a at_o home_n converse_v with_o god_n and_o themselves_o and_o seldom_o with_o their_o people_n unless_o in_o outward_a enjoyment_n and_o without_o spiritual_a profit_n to_o they_o second_o the_o other_o accusation_n be_v their_o ignorance_n of_o their_o people_n 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feel_v in_o the_o soul_n be_v believe_v the_o day_n have_v be_v when_o in_o all_o the_o outward_a part_n of_o god_n worship_n i_o have_v make_v a_o specious_a show_n but_o from_o no_o other_o principle_n than_o that_o of_o education_n be_v altogether_o ignorant_a of_o any_o inward_a comfort_n in_o duty_n and_o without_o longing_n after_o it_o imagine_v it_o to_o be_v more_o talk_v of_o than_o real_o enjoy_v this_o can_v have_v be_v my_o case_n alone_o but_o i_o dare_v say_v the_o case_n of_o many_o profess_v christian_n who_o have_v have_v religious_a education_n and_o therefore_o my_o method_n have_v be_v not_o only_o to_o show_v the_o evidence_n of_o a_o change_n but_o the_o step_n of_o god_n way_n thereto_o and_o the_o few_o easy_a mean_n make_v use_v of_o by_o myself_o and_o successful_o bless_v by_o the_o divine_a spirit_n and_o if_o this_o be_v not_o the_o fruit_n of_o my_o labour_n to_o bring_v you_o to_o the_o use_n of_o these_o mean_n that_o you_o may_v lay_v yourself_o in_o 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which_o will_v be_v a_o powerful_a preservative_n from_o the_o error_n and_o vice_n of_o the_o infectious_a world_n and_o will_v make_v they_o admire_v divine_a grace_n that_o distinguish_v they_o from_o other_o and_o will_v make_v they_o compassionate_v those_o who_o be_v careless_a of_o thing_n that_o concern_v their_o precious_a and_o immortal_a soul_n and_o to_o preserve_v a_o spiritual_a frame_n in_o its_o liveliness_n and_o vigour_n let_v those_o be_v our_o choose_a and_o intimate_a friend_n in_o who_o the_o image_n of_o god_n shine_v who_o partake_v of_o a_o divine_a nature_n that_o declare_v itself_o in_o spiritual_a communion_n where_o we_o may_v be_v confirm_v and_o comfort_v in_o the_o serious_a practice_n of_o godliness_n and_o prepare_v for_o the_o joy_n that_o flow_v from_o the_o divine_a presence_n above_o to_o the_o bless_a celestial_a society_n beside_o these_o three_o mean_n of_o right_a observation_n right_a prayer_n and_o right_o read_v of_o the_o scripture_n 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pleasant_a enjoyment_n fright_v many_o from_o the_o acceptance_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o obedience_n to_o it_o the_o falsehood_n whereof_o i_o have_v endeavour_v to_o show_v in_o that_o spiritual_a religion_n allow_v a_o modest_a temperate_a use_n of_o sensitive_a pleasure_n and_o religion_n when_o serious_o practise_v sweeten_v those_o duty_n which_o to_o carnalist_n be_v so_o uneasy_a for_o when_o the_o soul_n be_v cleanse_v from_o sinful_a affection_n and_o change_v into_o the_o divine_a likeness_n the_o suitableness_n between_o the_o duty_n of_o religion_n and_o the_o soul_n cause_v the_o pure_a pleasure_n since_o our_o redeemer_n have_v reconcile_v god_n by_o his_o meritorious_a suffering_n and_o mediation_n and_o have_v obtain_v such_o precious_a privilege_n for_o all_o that_o will_v accept_v of_o he_o our_o present_a pardon_n and_o future_a glory_n holiness_n and_o happiness_n in_o perfection_n how_o can_v reasonable_a creature_n neglect_v the_o great_a salvation_n so_o dear_o buy_v and_o so_o free_o offer_v to_o they_o in_o the_o use_n of_o so_o easy_a and_o few_o mean_n methinks_v we_o shall_v hear_v convince_v and_o alarm_v sinner_n cry_v out_o what_o shall_v we_o do_v to_o be_v save_v and_o apply_v themselves_o to_o the_o redeemer_n to_o obtain_v spiritual_a and_o eternal_a life_n by_o he_o the_o pearl_n of_o price_n be_v offer_v to_o all_o that_o sincere_o accept_v of_o it_o to_o press_v the_o duty_n of_o christianity_n upon_o a_o profane_a and_o mere_a profess_v christian_a be_v as_o if_o food_n be_v offer_v to_o a_o dead_a body_n to_o receive_v and_o digest_v as_o if_o the_o carry_v of_o heavy_a burden_n be_v recommend_v in_o exchange_n with_o a_o easy_a quiet_a and_o pleasant_a course_n of_o life_n the_o profane_a creature_n be_v dead_a in_o sin_n though_o his_o ear_n be_v open_a as_o the_o effect_n of_o natural_a life_n yet_o his_o soul_n be_v shut_v from_o the_o reception_n of_o spiritual_a truth_n as_o the_o effect_n of_o a_o spiritual_a death_n now_o to_o shut_v up_o all_o i_o will_v give_v you_o my_o repeat_v exhortation_n with_o some_o reflection_n annex_v to_o it_o respect_v the_o forego_n discourse_n be_v exhort_v therefore_o o_o profane_a mere_a professor_n and_o careless_a christian_a to_o walk_v in_o the_o use_n of_o the_o three_o mean_n mention_v and_o take_v a_o estimate_n of_o your_o performance_n from_o the_o extensiveness_n of_o your_o observe_v the_o passage_n of_o providence_n from_o the_o spirituality_n of_o your_o prayer_n solemn_a or_o ejaculatory_a from_o the_o strictness_n of_o your_o conformity_n to_o god_n word_n the_o rule_n of_o obedience_n and_o you_o will_v obtain_v the_o first_o life_n of_o grace_n and_o a_o experimental_a increase_n of_o holiness_n and_o joy_n the_o world_n be_v blind_v and_o secure_a from_o lust_n that_o darken_v the_o mind_n and_o from_o tempt_a object_n in_o the_o world_n that_o divert_v from_o the_o serious_a thought_n of_o the_o righteous_a god_n who_o be_v terrible_a against_o 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all_o his_o way_n more_o strict_o and_o pray_v more_o frequent_o and_o fervent_o and_o read_v and_o hear_v the_o word_n with_o more_o application_n they_o will_v feel_v the_o power_n of_o godliness_n revive_v in_o their_o soul_n and_o will_v show_v forth_o the_o beauty_n of_o holiness_n in_o their_o conversation_n which_o will_v be_v convince_a of_o other_o that_o religion_n be_v a_o divine_a disposition_n productive_a of_o fruit_n suitable_a to_o it_o a_o holy_a habit_n of_o soul_n may_v be_v preserve_v in_o the_o business_n and_o diversion_n of_o the_o world_n by_o our_o constant_a converse_n with_o heaven_n every_o day_n you_o have_v two_o excellent_a motive_n to_o this_o exhortation_n first_o because_o it_o may_v be_v do_v without_o any_o hindrance_n to_o your_o business_n and_o lawful_a diversion_n how_o easy_a be_v it_o in_o the_o morning_n before_o you_o enter_v into_o worldly_a affair_n to_o read_v a_o chapter_n with_o pool_n annotation_n and_o to_o give_v yourselves_o and_o all_o your_o concern_v by_o prayer_n to_o the_o conduct_n of_o a_o divine_a hand_n to_o direct_v and_o succeed_v your_o lawful_a endeavour_n how_o easy_a be_v it_o through_o the_o day_n while_o in_o the_o midst_n and_o course_n of_o your_o lawful_a business_n to_o direct_v a_o ejaculatory_a desire_n lord_n let_v my_o endeavour_n be_v according_a to_o duty_n on_o my_o part_n and_o accompany_v with_o a_o discovery_n of_o mercy_n in_o the_o event_n and_o according_a to_o the_o many_o endeavour_n you_o be_v active_a in_o throughout_o a_o day_n so_o many_o ejaculatory_a petition_n in_o a_o serious_a frame_n to_o be_v repeat_v which_o you_o will_v observe_v to_o issue_v in_o great_a inward_a knowledge_n and_o perhaps_o great_a success_n to_o business_n as_o a_o occasion_n of_o turn_v your_o many_o and_o various_a ejaculatory_a petition_n to_o one_o solemn_a duty_n of_o praise_n in_o the_o evening_n how_o easy_a be_v it_o in_o a_o evening_n in_o your_o shop_n or_o closet_n to_o record_v that_o in_o such_o a_o endeavour_n you_o be_v keep_v serious_a with_o god_n in_o your_o thought_n and_o you_o be_v blessed_v according_o the_o remembrance_n whereof_o will_v make_v you_o ready_a in_o all_o your_o affair_n to_o pray_v for_o the_o divine_a blessing_n and_o depend_v upon_o god_n in_o do_v your_o duty_n and_o thankful_a for_o his_o succeed_v your_o endeavour_n the_o second_o be_v that_o this_o constant_a look_v to_o god_n in_o prayer_n ejaculatory_a or_o solemn_a with_o the_o use_n of_o mean_n will_v enable_v we_o to_o perform_v the_o work_n of_o our_o ordinary_a calling_n with_o less_o trouble_n to_o our_o mind_n and_o toil_n to_o our_o body_n this_o will_v cure_v the_o anxiety_n of_o our_o mind_n concern_v the_o event_n and_o consequent_o make_v we_o more_o moderate_a and_o orderly_a in_o the_o use_n of_o mean_n it_o be_v the_o anxious_a desire_n of_o obtain_v a_o event_n the_o great_a fear_n of_o lose_v it_o that_o set_v people_n mind_n on_o the_o rack_n to_o contrive_v 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