obstruction_n unto_o fruitfulness_n thrnkfulness_n and_o consolation_n when_o we_o be_v negligent_a in_o our_o meditation_n about_o the_o benefit_n that_o we_o receive_v by_o the_o word_n and_o the_o advantage_n which_o we_o have_v thereby_o for_o while_o it_o be_v so_o with_o we_o we_o can_v neither_o value_v the_o grace_n of_o god_n in_o grant_v we_o this_o inestimable_a privilege_n nor_o perform_v any_o duty_n with_o respect_n unto_o it_o in_o a_o right_a manner_n this_o render_v it_o a_o especial_a object_n of_o our_o affection_n as_o spiritual_o renew_v that_o secret_a love_n unto_o and_o heavenly_a delight_n in_o the_o statute_n and_o testimony_n of_o god_n which_o david_n express_v psal_n 119._o arise_v from_o the_o spiritual_a benefit_n and_o advantage_n which_o he_o receive_v by_o they_o as_o he_o constant_o declare_v and_o the_o sole_a reason_n on_o the_o other_o hand_n why_o man_n grow_v so_o careless_a negligent_a and_o cold_a in_o their_o attendance_n unto_o the_o preach_a of_o the_o word_n be_v because_o they_o have_v no_o experience_n of_o any_o spiritual_a benefit_n or_o advantage_n by_o it_o they_o have_v be_v bring_v unto_o it_o by_o one_o mean_n or_o another_o most_o by_o conviction_n of_o their_o duty_n their_o mind_n have_v be_v various_o affect_v with_o it_o unto_o a_o joy_n in_o the_o hear_n of_o it_o and_o readiness_n unto_o sundry_a duty_n of_o obedience_n but_o after_o a_o while_n when_o a_o sense_n of_o those_o temporary_a impression_n be_v wear_v off_o find_v no_o real_a spiritual_a benefit_n by_o it_o they_o lose_v all_o delight_n in_o it_o and_o become_v very_o indifferent_a as_o unto_o its_o enjoyment_n the_o frame_n which_o such_o person_n at_o length_n arrive_v unto_o be_v describe_v mal._n 1.13_o and_o 3.14_o and_o none_o can_v give_v any_o great_a evidence_n of_o the_o decay_n of_o all_o manner_n of_o grace_n in_o they_o or_o of_o their_o be_v destitute_a of_o all_o saving-grace_n than_o when_o they_o apostatise_v from_o some_o degree_n of_o zeal_n for_o and_o delight_n in_o the_o dispensation_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n with_o such_o a_o curse_a indifferency_n as_o many_o be_v overtake_v withal_o it_o can_v be_v otherwise_o for_o see_v this_o be_v a_o way_n and_o mean_n of_o the_o exercise_n of_o all_o grace_n it_o will_v not_o be_v neglect_v but_o where_o there_o be_v a_o decay_n of_o all_o grace_n however_o man_n may_v please_v themselves_o with_o other_o pretence_n and_o when_o they_o be_v thus_o ensnare_v every_o foolish_a prejudice_n every_o provocation_n every_o wanton_a opinion_n and_o imagination_n will_v confirm_v they_o in_o and_o increase_v their_o gradual_a backslide_n and_o as_o it_o be_v with_o believer_n as_o unto_o the_o hear_n of_o the_o word_n in_o general_n so_o it_o be_v as_o unto_o the_o degree_n of_o advantage_n which_o they_o find_v by_o it_o when_o man_n have_v enjoy_v the_o dispensation_n of_o the_o word_n in_o a_o peculiar_a manner_n spiritual_a and_o effectual_a if_o they_o can_v be_v content_a to_o forego_v it_o for_o that_o which_o be_v more_o cold_a and_o lifeless_a provide_v it_o possess_v the_o same_o time_n and_o outward_a form_n with_o the_o other_o it_o be_v no_o great_a evidence_n that_o their_o soul_n do_v prosper_v it_o be_v therefore_o those_o alone_a who_o have_v a_o sense_n of_o the_o efficacy_n of_o the_o word_n on_o their_o soul_n and_o conscience_n unto_o all_o the_o holy_a end_n of_o it_o who_o cleave_v unto_o it_o with_o spiritual_a love_n and_o delight_n they_o continual_o remember_v what_o holy_a impression_n it_o have_v make_v on_o they_o what_o engagement_n it_o have_v bring_v their_o soul_n into_o what_o encouragement_n unto_o faith_n and_o obedience_n it_o have_v furnish_v they_o withal_o and_o long_o after_o renew_v sense_n of_o its_o enjoyment_n when_o we_o do_v not_o find_v in_o ourselves_o this_o foundation_n of_o spiritual_a delight_n in_o the_o dispensation_n of_o the_o gospel_n we_o can_v have_v no_o great_a evidence_n that_o our_o affection_n be_v renew_v so_o also_o it_o be_v in_o the_o duty_n of_o prayer_n and_o meditation_n when_o the_o soul_n of_o a_o believer_n have_v have_v experience_n of_o the_o communion_n which_o it_o have_v have_v with_o god_n in_o they_o or_o either_o of_o they_o of_o the_o spiritual_a refreshment_n which_o it_o have_v have_v from_o they_o of_o the_o benefit_n and_o mercy_n which_o be_v obtain_v by_o they_o in_o recovery_n from_o temptation_n snare_n despondency_n in_o victory_n over_o sin_n and_o satan_n in_o spiritual_a impression_n work_v it_o unto_o a_o holy_a watchful_a frame_n which_o have_v abode_n with_o it_o in_o other_o way_n and_o occasion_n with_o the_o like_a advantage_n wherewith_o fervent_a and_o effectual_a prayer_n and_o sincere_a heavenly_a meditation_n be_v accompany_v it_o can_v but_o have_v love_n unto_o they_o and_o delight_n in_o they_o but_o if_o indeed_o we_o have_v no_o experience_n of_o these_o thing_n if_o we_o find_v not_o these_o advantage_n in_o and_o by_o these_o duty_n they_o can_v but_o be_v a_o burden_n unto_o we_o nor_o do_v serve_v unto_o any_o other_o end_v but_o to_o satisfy_v conviction_n he_o who_o have_v the_o benefit_n of_o a_o serene_a and_o wholesome_a air_n in_o a_o recovery_n from_o many_o disease_n and_o distemper_n with_o the_o preservation_n of_o his_o health_n so_o obtain_v will_v love_v it_o and_o prize_v it_o and_o so_o will_v he_o these_o duty_n who_o have_v be_v partaker_n of_o any_o of_o these_o save_v mercy_n and_o privilege_n wherewith_o they_o be_v accompany_v some_o have_v be_v deliver_v from_o the_o worst_a of_o temptation_n and_o the_o near_a approach_n of_o their_o prevalency_n as_o to_o destroy_v themselves_o by_o a_o sudden_a remembrance_n of_o the_o frame_n of_o their_o soul_n and_o the_o intimation_n of_o god_n love_n in_o such_o or_o such_o a_o prayer_n at_o such_o a_o time_n some_o have_v have_v the_o same_o deliverance_n from_o temptation_n unto_o sin_n when_o they_o have_v be_v carry_v away_o under_o the_o power_n of_o their_o corruption_n and_o all_o circumstance_n have_v concur_v under_o the_o apprehension_n of_o it_o a_o sudden_a thought_n of_o such_o a_o prayer_n or_o meditation_n with_o the_o engagement_n they_o make_v of_o themselves_o therein_o unto_o god_n have_v cause_v all_o the_o weapon_n of_o sin_n to_o fall_v out_o of_o its_o hand_n and_o all_o the_o beauty_n of_o its_o allurement_n to_o disappear_v when_o other_o have_v be_v under_o the_o power_n of_o such_o dispondency_n and_o disconsolation_n as_o that_o no_o present_a tender_n of_o relief_n can_v approach_v unto_o they_o they_o have_v be_v sudden_o raise_v and_o refresh_v by_o the_o remembrance_n of_o the_o intimate_a love_n and_o kindness_n between_o christ_n and_o their_o soul_n that_o have_v evidence_v itself_o in_o former_a duty_n multitude_n in_o fear_n distress_n and_o temptation_n have_v find_v relief_n unto_o their_o spirit_n and_o encouragement_n unto_o their_o faith_n in_o the_o remembrance_n of_o the_o return_v they_o have_v have_v unto_o former_a supplication_n in_o the_o like_a distress_n these_o be_v ground_n of_o spiritual_a delight_n in_o these_o duty_n heartless_n lifeless_a wordy_a prayer_n the_o fruit_n of_o conviction_n and_o gift_n or_o of_o custom_n and_o outward_a occasion_n however_o multiply_v and_o whatever_o devotion_n they_o seem_v to_o be_v accompany_v withal_o will_v never_o engage_v spiritual_a affection_n unto_o they_o when_o these_o thing_n be_v absent_a when_o the_o soul_n have_v not_o experience_n of_o they_o prayer_n be_v but_o a_o lifeless_a form_n a_o dead_a carcase_n which_o it_o will_v be_v a_o torment_n unto_o a_o soul_n spiritual_o alive_a to_o be_v tie_v unto_o there_o may_v be_v a_o season_n indeed_o when_o god_n will_v seem_v to_o hide_v himself_o from_o believer_n in_o their_o prayer_n so_o as_o they_o shall_v neither_o find_v that_o life_n in_o themselves_o which_o they_o have_v do_v former_o nor_o be_v sensible_a of_o any_o gracious_a communication_n from_o he_o but_o this_o be_v do_v only_o for_o a_o time_n and_o principal_o to_o stir_v they_o up_o unto_o that_o fervency_n and_o preseverance_n in_o prayer_n as_o may_v recover_v they_o into_o their_o former_a or_o a_o better_a estate_n than_o yet_o they_o have_v attain_v unto_o the_o like_a may_v be_v say_v concern_v all_o other_o duty_n of_o religion_n or_o ordinance_n of_o divine_a worship_n four_o believer_n who_o affection_n be_v spiritual_o renew_v do_v delight_n great_o in_o the_o duty_n of_o divine_a worship_n because_o they_o be_v the_o great_a institute_v way_n whereby_o they_o may_v give_v glory_n unto_o god_n this_o be_v the_o first_o and_o principal_a end_n of_o all_o duty_n of_o religion_n as_o they_o respect_v divine_a appointment_n namely_o to_o ascribe_v and_o give_v unto_o god_n the_o glory_n that_o be_v his_o due_n for_o in_o they_o all_o acknowledgement_n be_v make_v of_o all_o the_o glorious_a excellency_n
but_o such_o also_o as_o will_v make_v compensation_n in_o some_o measure_n for_o their_o sin_n and_o therefore_o whereas_o they_o can_v but_o frequent_o fall_v into_o sin_n they_o relieve_v themselves_o from_o the_o reflection_n of_o their_o conscience_n by_o a_o multiplication_n of_o duty_n and_o renew_a diligence_n in_o they_o it_o be_v inconceivable_a what_o delight_n and_o satisfaction_n man_n will_v take_v in_o any_o thing_n that_o seem_v to_o contribute_v so_o much_o unto_o a_o righteousness_n of_o their_o own_o for_o it_o be_v suitable_a unto_o and_o please_v all_o the_o principle_n of_o nature_n as_o corrupt_v after_o it_o be_v bring_v under_o the_o power_n of_o a_o conviction_n concern_v sin_n righteousness_n and_o judgement_n this_o make_v the_o jew_n of_o old_a so_o pertinacious_o adhere_v unto_o the_o ceremony_n and_o sacrifice_n of_o the_o law_n and_o to_o prefer_v they_o above_o the_o gospel_n the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o the_o righteousness_n thereof_o rom._n 10.3_o 4._o they_o look_v and_o seek_v for_o righteousness_n by_o they_o those_o who_o for_o many_o generation_n be_v keep_v up_o with_o great_a difficulty_n unto_o any_o tolerable_a observance_n of_o they_o when_o they_o have_v learned_a to_o place_v all_o their_o hope_n of_o a_o righteousness_n in_o they_o will_v and_o do_v adhere_v unto_o they_o unto_o their_o temporal_a and_o eternal_a ruin_n rom._n 9_o 31_o 32_o 33._o and_o when_o man_n be_v persuade_v that_o righteousness_n be_v to_o be_v attain_v by_o work_n of_o munificence_n and_o suppose_a charity_n in_o the_o dedication_n of_o their_o substance_n unto_o the_o use_n of_o the_o church_n they_o who_o otherwise_o be_v covetous_a and_o greedy_a and_o oppress_v will_v lavish_a gold_n out_o of_o the_o bag_n and_o give_v up_o their_o whole_a patrimony_n with_o all_o their_o ill_n get_v good_n to_o attain_v it_o so_o powerful_a a_o influence_n have_v the_o desire_n of_o self_n righteousness_n upon_o the_o mind_n of_o men._n it_o be_v the_o best_a fortification_n of_o the_o soul_n against_o christ_n and_o the_o gospel_n the_o last_o reserve_v whereby_o it_o maintain_v the_o interest_n of_o self_n against_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n hence_o i_o say_v those_o that_o place_n their_o righteousness_n or_o that_o which_o be_v the_o principal_a part_n of_o it_o in_o the_o duty_n of_o religious_a worship_n will_v not_o only_o be_v diligent_a in_o they_o but_o oft_o time_n abound_v in_o a_o multiplication_n of_o they_o especial_o will_v they_o do_v so_o if_o they_o may_v be_v perform_v in_o such_o a_o way_n and_o manner_n as_o please_v their_o affection_n with_o a_o show_n of_o humility_n and_o devotion_n require_v nothing_o of_o the_o exercise_n of_o faith_n or_o sincere_a divine_a love_n therein_o so_o be_v it_o with_o many_o in_o all_o kind_n of_o religion_n whether_o the_o way_n of_o their_o worship_n be_v true_a or_o false_a whether_o it_o be_v appoint_v of_o god_n or_o reject_v by_o he_o and_o the_o declaration_n hereof_o be_v the_o subject_n of_o the_o discourse_n of_o the_o prophet_n isaiah_n 1.11_o 12_o 13_o 14_o 15_o 16_o 17_o 18_o 19_o also_o mich._n 6.7_o 8._o four_o the_o reputation_n of_o devotion_n in_o religious_a duty_n may_v insensible_o affect_v the_o unrenewed_a mind_n of_o man_n with_o great_a diligence_n and_o delight_n in_o their_o performance_n however_o man_n be_v divide_v in_o their_o apprehension_n and_o practice_n about_o religion_n however_o different_a from_o and_o contrary_a unto_o each_o other_o their_o way_n of_o divine_a worship_n be_v yet_o it_o be_v among_o all_o sort_n of_o man_n yea_o in_o the_o secret_a thought_n of_o they_o who_o outward_o contemn_v these_o thing_n a_o matter_n of_o reputation_n to_o be_v devout_a to_o be_v diligent_a to_o be_v strict_a in_o and_o about_o those_o duty_n of_o religion_n which_o according_a to_o their_o own_o light_n and_o persuasion_n they_o judge_v incumbent_a on_o they_o this_o great_o affect_v the_o mind_n of_o man_n while_o pride_n be_v secret_o predominant_a in_o they_o and_o they_o love_v the_o praise_n of_o man_n more_o than_o the_o praise_n of_o god_n especial_o will_v this_o consideration_n prevail_v on_o they_o when_o they_o suppose_v that_o the_o credit_n and_o honour_n of_o the_o way_n which_o they_o profess_v in_o competition_n with_o other_o depend_v much_o on_o their_o reputation_n as_o to_o their_o strictness_n in_o duty_n of_o devotion_n for_o then_o will_v they_o not_o only_o be_v diligent_a in_o themselves_o but_o zealous_a in_o draw_v other_o unto_o the_o same_o observance_n these_o two_o principle_n their_o own_o reputation_n and_o that_o of_o their_o sect_n constitute_v the_o life_n and_o soul_n of_o pharisaism_n of_o old_a according_a as_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n be_v influence_v with_o these_o apprehension_n so_o will_v a_o love_n unto_o and_o a_o delight_n in_o those_o duty_n whereby_o their_o reputation_n be_v attain_v thrive_v and_o grow_v in_o they_o i_o be_o far_o from_o apprehend_v that_o any_o man_n be_v at_o least_o i_o speak_v not_o of_o they_o who_o be_v such_o vile_a hypocrite_n as_o to_o do_v all_o that_o they_o do_v in_o religion_n to_o be_v see_v and_o praise_v of_o man_n be_v influence_v in_o all_o public_a duty_n thereby_o which_o some_o among_o the_o pharisee_n be_v give_v up_o unto_o but_o i_o speak_v of_o they_o who_o be_v under_o the_o conviction_n and_o motive_n before_o mention_v do_v also_o yet_o give_v admittance_n unto_o this_o corrupt_a end_n of_o desire_n of_o reputation_n or_o the_o praise_n of_o men._n for_o every_o such_o end_n be_v admit_v and_o prevalent_a in_o the_o mind_n will_v universal_o influence_n the_o affection_n unto_o a_o delight_n in_o those_o duty_n whereby_o that_o end_n may_v be_v attain_v until_o the_o person_n with_o who_o it_o be_v so_o be_v habituate_v unto_o they_o with_o great_a satisfaction_n five_o i_o shall_v in_o the_o last_o place_n insist_v on_o superstition_n as_o this_o be_v a_o undue_a fear_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n will_n and_o opperation_n build_v on_o false_a notion_n and_o apprehension_n of_o they_o it_o may_v befall_v the_o mind_n of_o man_n in_o all_o religion_n true_a and_o false_a it_o be_v a_o internal_a vice_n of_o the_o mind_n as_o it_o respect_v the_o outward_a way_n and_o mean_n of_o religious_a service_n and_o consist_v in_o the_o devout_a performance_n of_o such_o duty_n as_o god_n indeed_o accept_v not_o but_o forbid_v so_o it_o belong_v only_o to_o religion_n as_o it_o be_v false_a and_o corrupt_a how_o in_o both_o respect_v it_o will_v engage_v the_o mind_n of_o man_n into_o the_o performance_n of_o religious_a duty_n and_o for_o the_o most_o part_n with_o the_o most_o scrupulous_a diligence_n and_o sometime_o with_o prodigious_a attempt_n to_o exceed_v the_o measure_n of_o humane_a nature_n in_o what_o they_o do_v design_n be_v too_o long_a a_o work_n here_o to_o be_v declare_v it_o may_v suffice_v to_o have_v mention_v it_o among_o the_o cause_n and_o reason_n why_o man_n who_o affection_n be_v not_o spiritual_o renew_v may_v yet_o great_o delight_v in_o the_o diligent_a performance_n of_o the_o outward_a duty_n of_o religion_n our_o design_n in_o these_o thing_n be_v the_o discovery_n of_o the_o true_a nature_n of_o this_o grace_n and_o duty_n of_o be_v spiritually-minded_n hereunto_o we_o have_v declare_v that_o it_o be_v necessary_a that_o our_o affection_n be_v spiritual_o and_o supernatural_o renew_v and_o because_o there_o may_v be_v a_o great_a change_n wrought_v on_o the_o affection_n of_o man_n with_o respect_n unto_o spiritual_a thing_n where_o there_o be_v nothing_o of_o this_o supernatural_a renovation_n our_o present_a enquiry_n be_v what_o be_v the_o difference_n that_o be_v between_o the_o act_n of_o the_o affection_n of_o the_o one_o sort_n and_o of_o the_o other_o whether_o spiritual_o renew_v or_o occasional_o change_v and_o wherein_o the_o great_a exercise_n of_o they_o consist_v in_o the_o duty_n of_o religious_a worship_n i_o have_v declare_v what_o be_v the_o ground_n and_o reason_n whence_o man_n of_o unrenewed_a mind_n do_v delight_n oft_o time_n in_o the_o duty_n of_o divine_a worship_n and_o be_v diligent_a in_o the_o performance_n of_o they_o from_o these_o and_o the_o like_a consideration_n it_o may_v be_v make_v manifest_a that_o the_o great_a part_n of_o the_o devotion_n that_o be_v in_o the_o world_n do_v not_o spring_n from_o the_o spiritual_a renovation_n of_o of_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n without_o which_o it_o be_v not_o accept_v with_o god_n that_o which_o remain_v to_o give_v in_o instance_n far_a evidence_n unto_o the_o discovery_n we_o be_v in_o the_o pursuit_n of_o be_v what_o be_v the_o ground_n and_o reason_n whereon_o those_o who_o mind_n and_o affection_n be_v spiritual_o renew_v do_v delight_n in_o the_o institution_n of_o divine_a worship_n and_o attend_v unto_o their_o observance_n with_o great_a heed_n and_o diligence_n and_o
not_o prosper_v we_o may_v therefore_o do_v well_o to_o consider_v that_o the_o principal_a way_n whereby_o we_o may_v sanctify_v the_o name_n of_o god_n in_o all_o duty_n of_o his_o worship_n and_o obtain_v the_o benefit_n of_o they_o to_o our_o own_o soul_n be_v by_o a_o conscientious_a approach_n unto_o they_o with_o a_o holy_a desire_n and_o design_n to_o be_v find_v in_o the_o exercise_n of_o faith_n and_o love_n on_o god_n in_o christ_n and_o to_o be_v help_v and_o guide_v therein_o by_o they_o to_o be_v under_o a_o efficacious_a influence_n from_o this_o design_n be_v the_o best_a preparation_n for_o any_o duty_n so_o david_n express_v his_o delight_n in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n how_o amiable_a be_v thy_o tabernacle_n o_o lord_n of_o host_n my_o soul_n long_v yea_o even_o faint_v for_o the_o court_n of_o the_o lord_n my_o heart_n and_o my_o flesh_n cry_v out_o for_o the_o live_a god_n psal._n 84.1_o 2._o he_o long_v for_o the_o tabernacle_n and_o the_o court_n of_o it_o but_o it_o be_v the_o enjoyment_n of_o god_n himself_o the_o live_a god_n that_o he_o desire_v and_o seek_v after_o this_o be_v that_o which_o make_v he_o so_o servant_n in_o his_o desire_n after_o those_o ordinance_n of_o god_n so_o he_o express_v it_o psal._n 63.2_o to_o see_v thy_o power_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 david_n have_v have_v great_a communion_n with_o and_o delight_n in_o god_n by_o faith_n and_o love_n in_o the_o solemn_a duty_n of_o his_o worship_n and_o this_o be_v that_o which_o inflame_v he_o with_o desire_n after_o renew_a opportunity_n unto_o the_o same_o end_n second_o this_o design_n be_v not_o general_a unactive_a useless_a and_o slothful_a but_o such_o person_n diligent_o endeavour_v in_o the_o use_n of_o these_o ordinance_n and_o attendance_n unto_o they_o to_o be_v find_v in_o the_o exercise_n of_o these_o grace_n they_o have_v not_o only_o a_o antecedent_n design_n to_o be_v so_o but_o a_o diligent_a actual_a endeavour_n after_o it_o not_o suffer_v their_o mind_n by_o any_o thing_n to_o be_v divert_v from_o the_o pursuit_n of_o that_o design_n ecc._n 5.1_o whatever_o be_v not_o quicken_v and_o enliven_v hereby_o they_o esteem_v utter_o lose_v neither_o outward_a administration_n nor_o order_n will_v give_v they_o satisfaction_n when_o these_o thing_n be_v want_v in_o themselves_o without_o the_o internal_a act_n of_o the_o life_n of_o faith_n external_a administration_n of_o ordinance_n of_o worship_n be_v but_o dead_a thing_n nor_o can_v any_o believer_n obtain_v real_a satisfaction_n in_o they_o or_o refreshment_n by_o they_o without_o a_o inward_a experience_n of_o faith_n and_o love_n in_o they_o and_o by_o they_o and_o it_o be_v that_o which_o if_o we_o be_v wise_a we_o shall_v continual_o attend_v unto_o the_o consideration_n of_o a_o watchful_a christian_a will_v be_v careful_a lest_o he_o lose_v any_o one_o duty_n by_o take_v up_o the_o carcase_n of_o it_o and_o the_o danger_n of_o so_o do_v be_v not_o small_a our_o affection_n be_v renew_v but_o in_o part_n and_o as_o they_o be_v still_o liable_a to_o be_v divert_v and_o seduce_v from_o spirituality_n in_o duty_n even_o by_o thing_n earthly_a and_o carnal_a through_o the_o corruption_n that_o remain_v in_o they_o so_o there_o be_v a_o disposition_n abide_v in_o they_o to_o be_v please_v with_o those_o external_a thing_n in_o religious_a duty_n which_o other_o as_o we_o have_v show_v before_o who_o be_v no_o way_n gracious_o renew_v do_v satisfy_v themselves_o withal_o the_o grace_n and_o oratory_n of_o the_o speaker_n in_o preach_v of_o the_o word_n especial_o in_o these_o day_n wherein_o the_o foppery_n of_o fine_a language_n even_o in_o sacred_a thing_n be_v so_o much_o extol_v the_o order_n and_o circumstance_n of_o other_o duty_n with_o inclination_n and_o love_n unto_o a_o party_n be_v apt_a to_o insinuate_v themselves_o with_o great_a complacency_n into_o our_o affection_n so_o far_o as_o they_o be_v unrenewed_a and_o these_o thing_n discover_v the_o true_a ground_n whence_o it_o be_v that_o the_o ordinance_n of_o divine_a worship_n be_v so_o useless_a as_o they_o be_v to_o many_o who_o seem_v to_o attend_v unto_o they_o with_o diligence_n they_o may_v be_v refer_v unto_o these_o three_o head_n 1_o they_o do_v not_o come_v unto_o they_o as_o the_o mean_v appoint_v of_o god_n for_o the_o exercise_n of_o faith_n and_o love_n unto_o christ_n so_o as_o to_o make_v it_o their_o design_n in_o their_o approach_n to_o they_o without_o which_o all_o that_o be_v speak_v of_o advantage_n in_o and_o by_o other_o duty_n be_v utter_o lose_v 2_o they_o do_v not_o in_o and_o under_o they_o labour_n to_o stir_v up_o faith_n and_o love_n unto_o their_o due_a exercise_n 3_o they_o suffer_v their_o mind_n to_o be_v divert_v from_o the_o exercise_n of_o these_o grace_n partly_o by_o occasional_a temptation_n partly_o by_o attendance_n unto_o what_o be_v outward_a only_o in_o the_o ordinance_n themselves_o spiritual_a affection_n find_v no_o place_n of_o rest_n in_o any_o of_o these_o thing_n such_o proposal_n of_o god_n in_o christ_n of_o his_o will_n and_o their_o own_o duty_n as_o may_v draw_v out_o their_o faith_n love_n godly_a fear_n and_o delight_n into_o their_o due_a exercise_n be_v that_o which_o they_o inquire_v after_o and_o acquiesce_v in_o two_o thing_n alone_o do_v faith_n regard_n in_o all_o duty_n of_o worship_n as_o unto_o the_o outward_a administration_n of_o it_o the_o one_o absolute_o the_o other_o comparative_o both_o with_o respect_n unto_o the_o end_v mention_v or_o the_o exercise_n growth_n and_o increase_v of_o grace_n in_o we_o the_o first_o be_v that_o they_o may_v be_v of_o divine_a appointment_n where_o their_o original_a and_o observance_n be_v resolve_v into_o divine_a authority_n there_o and_o there_o alone_o will_v they_o have_v a_o divine_a efficacy_n in_o all_o these_o thing_n faith_n have_v regard_n to_o nothing_o but_o divine_a precept_n and_o promise_n whatever_o have_v regard_n to_o any_o thing_n else_o be_v not_o faith_n but_o fancy_n and_o therefore_o these_o uncommanded_a duty_n in_o religion_n which_o so_o abound_v in_o the_o papal_a church_n as_o that_o if_o not_o the_o whole_a yet_o all_o the_o principal_a part_n of_o their_o worship_n consist_v in_o they_o be_v such_o as_o in_o who_o discharge_v it_o be_v impossible_a faith_n shall_v be_v in_o a_o due_a exercise_n that_o which_o it_o have_v comparative_a respect_n unto_o be_v the_o spiritual_a gift_n of_o they_o unto_o who_o the_o administration_n of_o the_o ordinance_n of_o the_o gospel_n in_o the_o public_a worship_n of_o the_o church_n be_v commit_v with_o respect_n unto_o they_o believer_n may_v have_v more_o delight_n and_o satisfaction_n in_o the_o ministry_n of_o one_o than_o of_o another_o as_o be_v touch_v before_o but_o this_o be_v not_o because_o one_o be_v more_o learned_a than_o another_o or_o more_o elegant_a than_o another_o have_v more_o ability_n of_o speech_n than_o another_o or_o fervency_n in_o utterance_n than_o another_o be_v more_o fervent_a or_o earnest_n in_o his_o delivery_n but_o because_o they_o find_v the_o gift_n of_o one_o more_o suit_v and_o more_o effectual_a to_o stir_v up_o faith_n and_o love_n unto_o a_o holy_a exercise_n in_o their_o mind_n and_o heart_n than_o what_o they_o find_v in_o some_o other_o hence_o they_o have_v a_o peculiar_a value_n for_o and_o delight_n in_o the_o ministry_n of_o such_o person_n especial_o when_o they_o can_v enjoy_v it_o in_o due_a order_n and_o without_o the_o offence_n of_o other_o and_o minister_n that_o be_v wise_a will_v in_o holy_a administration_n neglect_v all_o other_o thing_fw-mi and_o attend_v unto_o this_o alone_a how_o they_o may_v be_v helpful_a unto_o the_o faith_n and_o love_n and_o joy_n of_o believer_n so_o far_o as_o they_o be_v the_o object_n of_o their_o ministry_n this_o be_v the_o first_o reason_n and_o ground_n whereon_o affection_n spiritually-renewed_n cleave_v unto_o ordinance_n of_o divine_a worship_n with_o delight_n and_o satisfaction_n namely_o because_o they_o be_v the_o mean_v appoint_v and_o bless_a of_o god_n for_o the_o exercise_n and_o increase_v of_o faith_n and_o love_n with_o a_o experience_n of_o their_o efficacy_n unto_o that_o end_n second_o the_o second_o be_v because_o they_o be_v the_o mean_n of_o the_o communication_n of_o a_o sense_n of_o divine_a love_n and_o supply_v of_o divine_a grace_n unto_o the_o soul_n of_o they_o that_o do_v believe_v so_o far_o as_o our_o affection_n be_v renew_v this_o be_v the_o most_o principal_a attractive_a to_o cleave_v unto_o they_o with_o delight_n and_o complacency_n they_o be_v as_o be_v observe_v before_o the_o way_n of_o our_o approach_n unto_o god_n now_o we_o do_v not_o draw_v nigh_o to_o god_n as_o himself_o speak_v as_o a_o dry_a hearth_n or_o a_o barren_a
in_o the_o moon_n and_o star_n than_o in_o the_o sun_n but_o because_o the_o light_n of_o the_o sun_n be_v great_a than_o our_o visive_a faculty_n can_v direct_o bear_v and_o behold_v so_o we_o can_v more_o clear_o discover_v the_o truth_n and_o distinct_a nature_n of_o thing_n moral_a and_o natural_a than_o we_o can_v of_o thing_n that_o be_v heavenly_a and_o spiritual_a see_v john_n 3.14_o not_o that_o there_o be_v more_o substance_n or_o reality_n in_o they_o but_o because_o the_o ability_n of_o our_o understanding_n be_v more_o suit_v unto_o the_o comprehension_n of_o they_o the_o other_o be_v above_o we_o we_o know_v but_o in_o part_n and_o our_o mind_n be_v liable_a to_o be_v hinder_v and_o disorder_v in_o their_o apprehension_n of_o thing_n heavenly_a and_o spiritual_a by_o ignorance_n temptation_n and_o prejudices_fw-la of_o all_o sort_n in_o nothing_o more_o be_v man_n subject_a unto_o mistake_n than_o in_o the_o application_n of_o thing_n unto_o themselves_o and_o a_o judgement_n of_o their_o interest_n in_o they_o fear_v self-love_n with_o the_o prevalency_n of_o temptation_n and_o corruption_n do_v all_o engage_v their_o power_n to_o darken_v the_o light_n of_o the_o mind_n and_o to_o pervert_v its_o judgement_n in_o no_o case_n do_v the_o deceitfulness_n of_o the_o heart_n or_o of_o sin_n which_o be_v all_o one_o more_o act_n itself_o hence_o multitude_n say_v peace_n to_o themselves_o to_o who_o god_n do_v not_o speak_v peace_n and_o some_o who_o be_v child_n of_o light_n do_v yet_o walk_v in_o darkness_n hence_o be_v that_o fervent_a prayer_n of_o the_o apostle_n for_o help_v in_o this_o case_n ephes._n 1.16_o 17_o 18_o 19_o there_o be_v also_o a_o great_a similitude_n between_o temporary_a faith_n and_o that_o which_o be_v save_v and_o durable_a and_o between_o gift_n and_o grace_n in_o their_o operation_n which_o be_v that_o that_o be_v under_o present_a consideration_n it_o be_v acknowledge_v therefore_o that_o without_o the_o especial_a light_n and_o conduct_v of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n no_o man_n can_v make_v such_o a_o judgement_n of_o his_o state_n and_o his_o action_n as_o shall_v be_v a_o stable_a foundation_n of_o give_v glory_n to_o god_n and_o of_o obtain_v peace_n unto_o his_o own_o soul._n and_o therefore_o the_o great_a part_n of_o mankind_n do_v constant_o deceive_v themselves_o in_o these_o thing_n but_o ordinary_o under_o this_o bless_a conduct_n in_o the_o search_n of_o ourselves_o and_o the_o concernment_n of_o our_o duty_n we_o may_v come_v unto_o a_o satisfaction_n whether_o they_o be_v influence_v by_o faith_n and_o have_v grace_n exercise_v in_o they_o especial_o this_o duty_n of_o prayer_n or_o whether_o it_o derive_v from_o the_o power_n of_o our_o natural_a faculty_n raise_v by_o light_n and_o spiritual_a gift_n only_o and_o so_o whether_o our_o spiritual_a thought_n therein_o do_v spring_n from_o a_o vital_a principle_n of_o grace_n or_o whether_o they_o come_v from_o occasional_a impression_n on_o the_o mind_n by_o the_o performance_n of_o the_o duty_n itself_o if_o man_n be_v willing_a to_o deceive_v themselves_o or_o to_o hide_v themselves_o from_o themselves_o to_o walk_v with_o god_n at_o all_o per_fw-la adventure_n to_o leave_v all_o thing_n at_o hazard_n to_o put_v off_o all_o trial_n unto_o that_o at_o the_o last_o day_n and_o so_o never_o call_v themselves_o unto_o a_o account_n as_o unto_o the_o nature_n of_o their_o duty_n in_o any_o particular_a instance_n it_o be_v no_o wonder_n if_o they_o neither_o do_v nor_o can_v make_v any_o distinction_n in_o this_o matter_n as_o unto_o the_o true_a nature_n of_o their_o thought_n in_o spiritual_a duty_n two_o thing_n be_v require_v hereunto_o 1._o that_o we_o impartial_o and_o severe_o examine_v and_o try_v the_o frames_n and_o act_n of_o our_o mind_n in_o holy_a duty_n by_o the_o word_n of_o truth_n and_o thereon_o not_o be_v afraid_a to_o speak_v that_o plain_o unto_o our_o soul_n which_o the_o word_n speak_v unto_o we_o this_o diligent_a search_n ought_v to_o respect_v our_o principle_n aim_n end_n act_n with_o the_o whole_a deportment_n of_o our_o soul_n in_o every_o duty_n see_v 2_o cor._n 13.5_o if_o a_o man_n receive_v much_o money_n and_o look_v only_o on_o the_o outward_a form_n and_o superscription_n when_o he_o suppose_v that_o he_o have_v great_a store_n of_o currant_n coin_n in_o gold_n and_o silver_n he_o may_v have_v only_a heap_n of_o lead_n or_o copper_n by_o he_o but_o he_o that_o trade_v in_o it_o as_o the_o comfort_n and_o support_v of_o his_o natural_a life_n and_o condition_n he_o will_v try_v what_o he_o receive_v both_o by_o the_o balance_n and_o the_o touchstone_n as_o the_o occasion_n require_v especial_o if_o it_o be_v in_o a_o time_n when_o much_o adulterate_v coin_n be_v passant_a in_o the_o world_n and_o if_o a_o man_n reckon_v on_o his_o duty_n by_o tale_n and_o number_n he_o may_v be_v utter_o deceive_v and_o be_v spiritual_o poor_a and_o a_o bankrupt_a when_o he_o esteem_v himself_o rich_a increase_v in_o good_n and_o want_v nothing_o some_o duty_n may_v appear_o hold_v in_o the_o balance_n as_o to_o weight_n which_o will_v not_o hold_v it_o at_o the_o touchstone_n as_o to_o worth_n both_o mean_n be_v to_o be_v use_v if_o we_o will_v not_o be_v mistake_v in_o our_o account_n thus_o god_n himself_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o a_o multitude_n of_o duty_n call_v the_o people_n to_o try_v and_o examine_v themselves_o whether_o or_o no_o they_o be_v such_o as_o have_v faith_n and_o grace_n in_o they_o and_o so_o like_a to_o have_v acceptance_n with_o he_o isa._n 58.2_o 3_o 4_o 5._o 2._o add_v we_o must_v unto_o our_o own_o diligent_a enquiry_n fervent_a prayer_n unto_o god_n that_o he_o will_v search_v and_o try_v we_o as_o unto_o our_o sincerity_n and_o discover_v unto_o we_o the_o true_a frame_n of_o our_o heart_n hereof_o we_o have_v a_o express_a example_n psal._n 139.23_o 24._o search_v i_o o_o god_n and_o know_v my_o heart_n try_v i_o and_o know_v my_o thought_n and_o see_v if_o there_o be_v any_o wicked_a way_n in_o i_o and_o lead_v i_o in_o the_o way_n everlasting_a this_o be_v the_o only_a way_n whereby_o we_o may_v have_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n witness_v unto_o our_o sincerity_n with_o our_o own_o spirit_n there_o be_v need_n of_o call_v in_o divine_a assistance_n in_o this_o matter_n both_o from_o the_o importance_n of_o it_o and_o from_o its_o difficulty_n god_n alone_o know_v full_o and_o perfect_o what_o be_v in_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n i_o no_o way_n doubt_v but_o that_o in_o the_o impartial_a use_n of_o these_o mean_n a_o man_n may_v come_v to_o assure_a satisfaction_n in_o his_o own_o mind_n such_o as_o wherein_o he_o shall_v not_o be_v deceive_v whether_o he_o do_v animate_v and_o quicken_v his_o thought_n of_o spiritual_a thing_n in_o duty_n with_o inward_a vital_a grace_n or_o whether_o they_o be_v impression_n on_o his_o mind_n by_o the_o occasion_n of_o the_o duty_n a_o duty_n this_o be_v of_o great_a importance_n and_o necessity_n now_o hypocrisy_n have_v make_v so_o great_a a_o inroad_a on_o profession_n and_o gift_n have_v doflowred_a grace_n in_o its_o principal_a operation_n no_o person_n be_v in_o great_a danger_n of_o walk_v at_o hazard_n with_o god_n than_o those_o who_o live_v in_o the_o exercise_n of_o spiritual_a gift_n in_o duty_n unto_o their_o own_o satisfaction_n and_o other_o for_o they_o may_v countenance_v themselves_o with_o a_o appearance_n of_o every_o thing_n that_o shall_v be_v in_o they_o in_o reality_n and_o power_n when_o there_o be_v nothing_o of_o it_o in_o they_o and_o so_o it_o have_v fall_v out_o we_o have_v see_v many_o earnest_n in_o the_o exercise_n of_o this_o gift_n who_o have_v turn_v vile_a and_o debauch_a apostate_n some_o have_v be_v know_v to_o live_v in_o sin_n and_o a_o indulgence_n of_o their_o lust_n and_o yet_o to_o abide_v constant_a in_o their_o duty_n isa._n 1.15_o and_o we_o may_v hear_v prayer_n sometime_o that_o open_o discover_v themselves_o unto_o spiritual_a sense_n to_o be_v the_o labour_n of_o the_o brain_n by_o the_o help_n of_o gift_n in_o memory_n and_o invention_n without_o a_o evidence_n of_o any_o mixture_n of_o humility_n reverence_n or_o godly_a fear_n without_o any_o act_n of_o faith_n and_o love_n they_o flow_v as_o wine_n yet_o smell_v and_o taste_v of_o the_o unsavoury_a cask_n from_o whence_o they_o proceed_v it_o be_v necessary_a therefore_o that_o we_o shall_v put_v ourselves_o on_o the_o severe_a trial_n lest_o we_o shall_v be_v find_v not_o to_o be_v spiritual_o mind_v in_o spiritual_a duty_n gift_n be_v gracious_a vouchsafement_n of_o christ_n to_o make_v grace_n useful_a unto_o ourselves_o and_o other_o yea_o they_o may_v make_v they_o useful_a unto_o the_o grace_n of_o other_o who_o have_v no_o grace_n in_o themselves_o but_o as_o
heart_n and_o affection_n 3._o earnestness_n and_o appear_a fervency_n in_o prayer_n as_o unto_o the_o outward_a delivery_n of_o the_o word_n of_o it_o yea_o though_o the_o mind_n be_v so_o affect_v as_o to_o contribute_v much_o thereunto_o will_v not_o of_o themselves_o prove_v that_o the_o thought_n of_o man_n therein_o do_v arise_v from_o a_o internal_a spring_n of_o grace_n there_o be_v a_o fervency_n of_o spirit_n in_o prayer_n that_o be_v one_o of_o the_o best_a property_n of_o it_o be_v a_o earnest_n act_v of_o love_n faith_n and_o desire_n but_o there_o be_v a_o fervency_n wherewith_o the_o mind_n itself_o may_v be_v affect_v that_o may_v arise_v from_o other_o cause_n 1._o it_o may_v do_v so_o from_o the_o engagement_n of_o natural_a affection_n unto_o the_o object_n of_o their_o prayer_n or_o the_o thing_n pray_v for_o man_n may_v be_v mighty_a earnest_n and_o intent_n in_o their_o mind_n in_o pray_v for_o a_o dear_a relation_n or_o for_o deliverance_n from_o eminent_a trouble_n or_o imminent_a danger_n and_o yet_o all_o this_o fervour_n arise_v from_o the_o vehement_a act_n of_o natural_a affection_n about_o the_o thing_n pray_v for_o excite_v in_o a_o especial_a manner_n by_o the_o present_a duty_n hence_o god_n call_v the_o earnest_a cry_n of_o some_o for_o temporal_a thing_n not_o a_o cry_v unto_o he_o but_o a_o howl_v hosea_n 7.14_o that_o be_v the_o cry_n of_o hungry_a ravenous_a beast_n that_o will_v be_v satisfy_v 2._o sometime_o it_o arise_v from_o the_o sharpness_n of_o conviction_n which_o will_v make_v man_n even_o roar_v in_o their_o prayer_n for_o disquietment_n of_o heart_n and_o this_o may_v be_v where_o there_o be_v no_o true_a grace_n as_o yet_o receive_v nor_o it_o may_v be_v ever_o will_v be_v so_o for_o the_o perplex_v work_n of_o conviction_n go_v before_o real_a conversion_n and_o as_o it_o produce_v many_o other_o effect_n and_o change_n in_o the_o mind_n so_o it_o may_v do_v this_o of_o great_a fervency_n in_o vocal_a prayer_n especial_o if_o it_o be_v accompany_v with_o outward_a affliction_n pain_n or_o trouble_n psal._n 78.34_o 35._o 3._o ofttime_n the_o mind_n and_o affection_n be_v very_o little_o concern_v in_o that_o fervour_n and_o earnestness_n which_o appear_v in_o the_o outward_a performance_n of_o the_o duty_n but_o in_o the_o exercise_n of_o gift_n and_o through_o their_o own_o utterance_n man_n put_v their_o natural_a affection_n into_o such_o a_o agitation_n as_o shall_v carry_v they_o out_o into_o a_o great_a vehemency_n in_o their_o expression_n it_o have_v be_v so_o with_o sundry_a person_n who_o have_v be_v discover_v to_o be_v rot_a hypocrite_n and_o have_v afterward_o turn_v curse_v apostate_n wherefore_o all_o these_o thing_n may_v be_v where_o there_o be_v no_o gracious_a spring_n or_o vital_a principle_n act_v itself_o from_o within_o in_o spiritual_a thought_n some_o it_o may_v be_v will_v design_v a_o advantage_n by_o their_o conception_n unto_o the_o interest_n of_o profaneness_n and_o scoff_v for_o if_o there_o may_v be_v these_o evil_n under_o the_o exercise_n of_o the_o gift_n of_o prayer_n both_o in_o constancy_n and_o with_o fervency_n if_o there_o may_v be_v a_o total_a want_n of_o the_o exercise_n of_o all_o true_a grace_n with_o it_o and_o under_o it_o than_o it_o may_v be_v all_o that_o be_v pretend_v of_o this_o gift_n and_o its_o use_n be_v but_o hypocrisy_n and_o talk_n but_o i_o say_v 1._o it_o may_v be_v as_o well_o pretend_v that_o because_o the_o sun_n shine_v on_o a_o dunghill_n do_v occasion_n offensive_a and_o noisome_a steam_n therefore_o all_o that_o be_v pretend_v of_o its_o influence_n on_o spice_n and_o flower_n cause_v they_o to_o give_v out_o their_o fragrancy_n be_v utter_o false_a no_o man_n ever_o think_v that_o spiritual_a gift_n do_v change_v or_o renew_v the_o mind_n and_o nature_n of_o man_n where_o they_o be_v alone_o they_o only_o help_v and_o assist_v unto_o the_o useful_a exercise_n of_o natural_a faculty_n and_o power_n and_o therefore_o where_o the_o heart_n be_v not_o saving_o renew_v no_o gift_n can_v stir_v up_o a_o save_a exercise_n of_o faith_n but_o where_o it_o be_v so_o they_o be_v a_o mean_n to_o cause_v the_o savour_n of_o it_o to_o flow_v forth_o 2._o be_v it_o so_o that_o there_o may_v be_v some_o evil_n find_v under_o the_o exercise_n of_o the_o gift_n of_o prayer_n what_o remedy_n for_o they_o may_v be_v propose_v be_v it_o that_o man_n shall_v renounce_v their_o use_n of_o it_o and_o betake_v themselves_o unto_o the_o read_n of_o prayer_n only_o 1._o the_o same_o may_v be_v say_v of_o all_o spiritual_a gift_n whatever_o for_o they_o be_v all_o of_o they_o liable_a unto_o abuse_n and_o shall_v we_o reject_v all_o the_o power_n of_o the_o world_n to_o come_v the_o whole_a complexe_n of_o gospel_n gift_n for_o the_o commuication_n whereof_o the_o lord_n christ_n have_v promise_v to_o continue_v his_o spirit_n with_o his_o church_n unto_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n because_o by_o some_o they_o be_v abuse_v 2._o not_o only_o the_o same_o but_o far_o great_a evil_n may_v be_v find_v in_o and_o under_o the_o read_n of_o prayer_n which_o need_v no_o further_a demonstration_n than_o what_o it_o give_v of_o itself_o every_o day_n 3._o it_o be_v hard_o to_o understand_v how_o any_o benefit_n at_o all_o can_v accrue_v unto_o any_o by_o this_o relief_n when_o the_o advantage_n of_o the_o other_o way_n be_v evident_a wherefore_o the_o enquiry_n remain_v how_o we_o may_v know_v unto_o our_o own_o satisfaction_n that_o the_o thought_n we_o have_v of_o spiritual_a thing_n in_o the_o duty_n of_o prayer_n be_v from_o internal_a fountain_n of_o grace_n and_o so_o be_v a_o evidence_n that_o we_o be_v spiritual_o mind_v whereunto_o all_o these_o thing_n do_v tend_v some_o few_o thing_n i_o shall_v offer_v towards_o satisfaction_n herein_o 1._o i_o take_v it_o for_o grant_v on_o the_o evidence_n before_o give_v that_o person_n who_o have_v any_o spiritual_a light_n and_o will_v diligent_o examine_v and_o try_v their_o own_o heart_n will_v be_v able_a to_o discern_v what_o real_a act_n of_o faith_n of_o love_n and_o delight_n in_o god_n there_o be_v in_o their_o duty_n and_o consequent_o what_o be_v the_o spring_n of_o their_o spiritual_a thought_n in_o general_n we_o be_v assure_v that_o he_o that_o believe_v have_v the_o witness_n in_o himself_o 1_o joh._n 5.10_o sincere_a faith_n will_v be_v its_o own_o evidence_n and_o where_o there_o be_v sincere_a act_n of_o faith_n they_o will_v evidence_n themselves_o if_o we_o try_v all_o thing_n impartial_o by_o the_o word_n but_o if_o man_n do_v as_o for_o the_o most_o part_n they_o do_v content_v themselves_o with_o the_o performance_n of_o any_o duty_n without_o a_o examination_n of_o their_o principle_n frames_n and_o act_n of_o grace_n in_o they_o it_o be_v no_o wonder_n if_o they_o walk_v in_o all_o uncertainty_n 2._o when_o the_o soul_n find_v a_o sweet_a spiritual_a complacency_n in_o and_o after_o its_o duty_n it_o be_v a_o evidence_n that_o grace_n have_v be_v act_v in_o its_o spiritual_a thought_n and_o desire_n jer._n 31._o the_o prophet_n receive_v a_o long_a gracious_a message_n from_o god_n fill_v up_o with_o excellent_a promise_n and_o pathetical_a exhortation_n unto_o the_o church_n the_o whole_a be_v as_o it_o be_v sum_v up_o in_o the_o close_a of_o it_o ver._n 25._o for_o i_o have_v satiate_v the_o weary_a soul_n and_o i_o have_v replenish_v every_o sorrowful_a soul_n whereon_o the_o prophet_n add_v upon_o this_o i_o awake_v and_o behold_v and_o my_o sleep_n be_v sweet_a unto_o i_o god_n gracious_a message_n have_v so_o compose_v his_o spirit_n and_o free_v his_o mind_n from_o trouble_n as_o that_o he_o be_v at_o quiet_a repose_n in_o himself_o like_o a_o man_n asleep_a but_o after_o the_o end_n of_o it_o he_o stir_v up_o himself_o unto_o a_o review_n and_o consideration_n of_o what_o have_v be_v speak_v unto_o he_o i_o awake_v and_o behold_v or_o i_o stir_v up_o myself_o and_o consider_v what_o have_v be_v deliver_v unto_o i_o and_o say_v he_o my_o sleep_n be_v sweet_a unto_o i_o i_o find_v a_o gracious_a complacency_n in_o and_o refreshment_n unto_o my_o soul_n from_o what_o i_o have_v hear_v and_o receive_v so_o be_v it_o ofttimes_o with_o a_o soul_n that_o have_v have_v real_a communion_n with_o god_n in_o the_o duty_n of_o prayer_n it_o find_v itself_o both_o in_o it_o and_o afterward_o when_o it_o be_v awaken_v unto_o the_o consideration_n of_o it_o spiritual_o refresh_v it_o be_v sweet_a unto_o he_o this_o holy_a complacency_n this_o rest_n and_o sweet_a repose_n of_o mind_n be_v the_o foundation_n of_o the_o delight_n of_o believer_n in_o this_o duty_n they_o do_v not_o pray_v only_o because_o it_o be_v their_o duty_n so_o to_o do_v nor_o yet_o because_o
they_o stand_v in_o need_n of_o it_o so_o as_o that_o they_o can_v live_v without_o it_o but_o they_o have_v delight_n in_o it_o and_o to_o keep_v they_o from_o it_o be_v all_o one_o as_o to_o keep_v they_o from_o their_o daily_a food_n and_o refreshment_n now_o we_o can_v have_v no_o delight_n in_o any_o thing_n but_o what_o we_o have_v find_v some_o sweetness_n rest_v and_o complacency_n in_o without_o any_o such_o experience_n we_o may_v do_v or_o use_v any_o thing_n but_o can_v do_v it_o with_o delight_n and_o it_o arise_v 1._o from_o the_o approach_n that_o be_v make_v unto_o god_n therein_o it_o be_v in_o its_o own_o nature_n a_o access_n unto_o god_n on_o a_o throne_n of_o grace_n ephes._n 2.18_o heb._n 10.19_o 20._o and_o when_o this_o access_n be_v animate_v by_o the_o act_n of_o grace_n the_o soul_n have_v a_o spiritual_a experience_n of_o a_o nearness_n in_o that_o approach_n now_o god_n be_v the_o fountain_n and_o centre_n of_o all_o spiritual_a refreshment_n rest_v and_o complacency_n and_o in_o such_o a_o access_n unto_o he_o there_o be_v a_o refresh_a taste_n of_o they_o communicate_v unto_o the_o soul_n psal._n 36.7_o 8_o 9_o how_o excellent_a be_v thy_o love_a kindness_n o_o god_n therefore_o the_o child_n of_o man_n put_v their_o trust_n under_o the_o shadow_n of_o thy_o wing_n they_o shall_v be_v abundant_o satisfy_v with_o the_o fatness_n of_o thy_o house_n and_o thou_o shall_v make_v they_o drink_v of_o the_o river_n of_o thy_o pleasure_n for_o with_o thou_o be_v the_o fountain_n of_o life_n in_o thy_o light_n we_o shall_v see_v light_n god_n be_v propose_v in_o the_o excellency_n of_o his_o love_a kindness_n which_o be_v comprehensive_a of_o his_o goodness_n grace_n and_o mercy_n and_o so_o be_v he_o also_o as_o the_o spring_n of_o life_n and_o light_n all_o spiritual_a power_n and_o joy_n those_o that_o believe_v be_v describe_v by_o their_o trust_n under_o the_o shadow_n of_o his_o wing_n in_o his_o worship_n the_o fatness_n of_o his_o house_n they_o make_v their_o approach_n unto_o he_o and_o the_o fruit_n hereof_o be_v that_o he_o make_v they_o to_o drink_v of_o the_o river_n of_o his_o pleasure_n the_o satisfy_n refresh_a stream_n of_o his_o grace_n and_o goodness_n they_o approach_v unto_o he_o as_o unto_o the_o fountain_n of_o life_n so_o as_o to_o drink_v of_o that_o fountain_n in_o renew_a communication_n of_o life_n and_o grace_n and_o in_o the_o light_n of_o god_n the_o light_n of_o his_o countenance_n to_o see_v light_n in_o satisfy_v joy_n in_o these_o thing_n do_v consist_v and_o from_o they_o do_v arise_v that_o spiritual_a complacency_n which_o the_o soul_n of_o believer_n do_v find_v in_o their_o duty_n 2._o from_o the_o due_a exercise_n of_o faith_n love_n and_o delight_n the_o grace_n wherein_o the_o life_n of_o the_o new_a creature_n do_v principal_o consist_v there_o be_v a_o suitableness_n unto_o our_o natural_a constitution_n and_o a_o secret_a complacency_n of_o our_o nature_n in_o the_o proper_a act_n of_o life_n natural_a for_o its_o own_o preservation_n and_o increase_n there_o be_v so_o in_o our_o spiritual_a constitution_n in_o the_o proper_a act_n of_o the_o power_n of_o our_o spiritual_a life_n unto_o its_o preservation_n and_o increase_n these_o grace_n in_o their_o due_a exercise_n do_v compose_v and_o refresh_v the_o mind_n as_o those_o which_o be_v perfective_a of_o its_o state_n which_o quell_v and_o cast_v out_o whatever_o trouble_v it_o thence_o a_o bless_a satisfaction_n and_o complacency_n befall_v the_o soul_n herein_o he_o that_o believe_v have_v the_o witness_n in_o himself_o beside_o faith_n and_o love_n be_v never_o real_o act_v on_o christ_n but_o they_o prepare_v and_o make_v meet_v the_o soul_n to_o receive_v communication_n of_o love_n and_o grace_n from_o he_o which_o it_o never_o fail_v of_o although_o it_o be_v not_o always_o sensible_a thereof_o 3._o from_o the_o testimony_n of_o conscience_n bear_v witness_n unto_o our_o sincerity_n both_o in_o aim_n end_n and_o performance_n of_o the_o duty_n hence_o a_o gracious_a repose_n of_o mind_n and_o great_a satisfactoriness_n do_v ensue_v if_o we_o have_v no_o experience_n of_o these_o thing_n it_o be_v evident_a that_o we_o walk_v at_o random_n in_o the_o best_a of_o our_o duty_n for_o they_o be_v among_o the_o principal_a thing_n that_o we_o do_v or_o aught_o to_o pray_v for_o and_o if_o we_o have_v not_o experience_n of_o the_o effect_n of_o our_o prayer_n in_o our_o heart_n we_o neither_o have_v advantage_n by_o they_o nor_o give_v glory_n unto_o god_n in_o they_o but_o yet_o here_o as_o in_o most_o other_o spiritual_a thing_n one_o of_o the_o worst_a of_o vice_n be_v ready_a to_o impose_v itself_o in_o the_o room_n and_o place_n of_o the_o best_a of_o our_o grace_n and_o this_o be_v self-pleasing_a in_o the_o performance_n of_o the_o duty_n this_o instead_o of_o a_o grace_n steep_v in_o humility_n as_o all_o true_a grace_n be_v be_v a_o vile_a effect_n of_o spiritual_a pride_n or_o the_o offering_n of_o a_o sacrifice_n unto_o our_o own_o net_n and_o drag_v it_o be_v a_o glory_v in_o the_o flesh_n for_o whatever_o of_o self_n any_o do_v glory_n in_o it_o be_v but_o flesh._n when_o man_n have_v have_v enlargement_n in_o their_o expression_n and_o especial_o when_o they_o apprehend_v that_o other_o be_v satisfy_v or_o affect_v therewith_o they_o be_v apt_a to_o have_v a_o secret_a self-pleasing_a in_o what_o they_o have_v do_v which_o before_o they_o be_v aware_a turn_n into_o pride_n and_o a_o noxious_a elation_n of_o mind_n the_o same_o may_v befall_v man_n in_o their_o most_o secret_a duty_n perform_v outward_o by_o the_o aid_n of_o spiritual_a gift_n but_o this_o be_v most_o remote_a from_o and_o contrary_n unto_o that_o spiritual_a complacency_n in_o duty_n which_o we_o speak_v of_o which_o yet_o it_o will_v pretend_v unto_o until_o it_o be_v diligent_o examine_v the_o language_n of_o this_o spiritual_a complacency_n be_v i_o will_v go_v in_o the_o strength_n of_o the_o lord_n god_n i_o will_v make_v mention_n of_o thy_o righteousness_n of_o thy_o only_a psal._n 71.16_o that_o of_o spiritual_a pride_n be_v god_n i_o thank_v thou_o that_o i_o have_v do_v thus_o and_o thus_o as_o it_o be_v express_v by_o the_o pharisee_fw-mi that_o be_v in_o god_n alone_o this_o be_v in_o self_n that_o draw_v forth_o the_o savour_n of_o all_o grace_n this_o immediate_o cover_v and_o bury_v they_o all_o if_o there_o be_v any_o in_o the_o sâ—ul_a that_o fill_v the_o soul_n eminent_o with_o humility_n and_o self-abasement_n this_o with_o a_o lift_n up_o of_o the_o mind_n and_o proud_a self-conceit_n that_o cast_v out_o all_o remembrance_n of_o what_o we_o have_v do_v ourselves_o retain_v only_o a_o sense_n of_o what_o we_o have_v receive_v from_o god_n of_o the_o impression_n of_o his_o love_n and_o grace_n this_o blot_n out_o all_o remembrance_n of_o what_o we_o have_v free_o receive_v from_o god_n and_o retain_v only_o what_o we_o have_v do_v ourselves_o wherever_o it_o be_v there_o be_v no_o due_a sense_n either_o of_o the_o greatness_n or_o goodness_n of_o god_n some_o it_o may_v be_v will_v say_v that_o if_o it_o be_v so_o they_o for_o their_o part_n be_v cut_v off_o they_o have_v no_o experience_n of_o any_o such_o spiritual_a rest_n and_o complacency_n in_o god_n in_o or_o after_o their_o prayer_n at_o the_o best_a they_o begin_v they_o with_o tear_n and_o end_v they_o in_o sorrow_n and_o sometime_o they_o know_v not_o what_o be_v become_v of_o they_o but_o fear_v that_o god_n be_v not_o glorify_v by_o they_o nor_o their_o own_o soul_n better_v i_o answer_v 1._o there_o be_v great_a spiritual_a refreshment_n in_o that_o godly_a sorrow_n which_o be_v at_o work_n in_o our_o prayer_n where_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v a_o spirit_n of_o grace_n and_o supplication_n he_o cause_v mourn_v and_o in_o that_o mourn_a there_o be_v joy_n 2._o the_o secret_a encouragement_n which_o we_o receive_v by_o pray_v to_o adhere_v unto_o god_n constant_o in_o prayer_n arise_v from_o some_o experience_n of_o this_o holy_a complacency_n though_o we_o have_v not_o a_o sensible_a evidence_n of_o it_o 3._o perhaps_o some_o of_o they_o who_o make_v this_o complaint_n if_o they_o will_v awaken_v and_o consider_v will_v find_v that_o their_o soul_n at_o least_o sometime_o have_v be_v thus_o refresh_v and_o bring_v unto_o a_o holy_a rest_n in_o god_n 4._o then_o shall_v you_o know_v the_o lord_n if_o you_o follow_v on_o to_o know_v he_o abide_v in_o seek_v after_o this_o complacency_n and_o satisfaction_n in_o god_n and_o you_o shall_v attain_v it_o 3._o it_o be_v a_o sure_a evidence_n that_o our_o thought_n of_o spiritual_a thing_n in_o our_o supplication_n be_v from_o a_o internal_a spring_n of_o grace_n and_o be_v not_o mere_o occasion_v by_o the_o
the_o present_a storm_n may_v as_o well_o be_v the_o secret_a sin_n of_o professor_n as_o the_o open_a provocation_n of_o ungodly_a man_n god_n will_v punish_v severe_o those_o which_o he_o have_v know_v amos_n 3.2_o it_o be_v therefore_o certain_o our_o duty_n to_o search_v diligent_o that_o nothing_o be_v find_v rest_v in_o we_o against_o which_o god_n be_v declare_v his_o displeasure_n take_v heed_n of_o negligence_n and_o security_n herein_o when_o our_o saviour_n foretell_v his_o disciple_n that_o one_o of_o they_o shall_v betray_v he_o he_o who_o alone_o be_v guilty_a be_v the_o last_o that_o say_v master_n be_v it_o i._o let_v no_o ground_n of_o hope_n you_o have_v of_o your_o spiritual_a condition_n and_o acceptance_n with_o god_n no_o sense_n of_o your_o sincerity_n in_o any_o of_o your_o duty_n no_o visible_a difference_n between_o you_o and_o other_o in_o the_o world_n impose_v themselves_o on_o your_o mind_n to_o divert_v they_o from_o diligence_n in_o this_o duty_n the_o voice_n of_o the_o lord_n cry_v unto_o the_o city_n and_o the_o man_n of_o wisdom_n will_v see_v his_o name_n 2._o a_o diligent_a endeavour_n to_o live_v in_o a_o holy_a resignation_n of_o our_o person_n our_o life_n our_o family_n all_o our_o enjoyment_n unto_o the_o sovereign_a will_n and_o wisdom_n of_o god_n so_o as_o that_o we_o may_v be_v in_o a_o readiness_n to_o part_n with_o all_o thing_n upon_o his_o call_n without_o repine_v this_o also_o be_v plain_o declare_v in_o the_o voice_n of_o present_a providence_n god_n be_v make_v wing_n for_o man_n riches_n he_o be_v shake_v their_o habitation_n take_v away_o the_o visible_a defence_n of_o their_o life_n proclaim_v the_o instability_n and_o uncertainty_n of_o all_o thing_n here_o below_o and_o if_o we_o be_v not_o mind_v to_o contend_v with_o he_o we_o have_v nothing_o leave_v to_o give_v we_o rest_v and_o peace_n for_o a_o moment_n but_o a_o holy_a resignation_n of_o all_o unto_o his_o sovereign_a pleasure_n will_v you_o now_o know_v what_o you_o shall_v fix_v and_o exercise_v your_o thought_n upon_o so_o as_o that_o they_o may_v be_v evidence_n of_o your_o be_v spiritual_o mind_v i_o say_v be_v frequent_o conversant_a in_o they_o about_o these_o thing_n they_o lie_v before_o you_o they_o call_v upon_o you_o and_o will_v find_v you_o a_o just_a employment_n count_v they_o part_n of_o your_o business_n allow_v they_o some_o part_n of_o your_o time_n cease_v not_o until_o you_o have_v the_o testimony_n of_o your_o conscience_n that_o you_o have_v in_o sincerity_n state_v both_o these_o duty_n in_o your_o mind_n which_o will_v never_o be_v do_v without_o many_o thought_n about_o they_o unless_o it_o be_v so_o with_o you_o god_n will_v be_v great_o displease_v at_o the_o neglect_n of_o his_o come_n and_o call_v now_o it_o be_v so_o plain_a and_o articulate_v fear_v the_o woeful_a doom_n record_v prov._n 1.24_o 25_o 26_o 27_o 28._o isa._n 56.12_o chap._n 66.4_o to_o this_o purpose_n and_o if_o any_o calamity_n public_a or_o private_a do_v overtake_v you_o under_o a_o neglect_n of_o these_o duty_n you_o will_v be_v woeful_o surprise_v and_o not_o know_v which_o way_n to_o turn_v for_o relief_n this_o therefore_o be_v the_o time_n and_o season_n wherein_o you_o may_v have_v a_o especial_a trial_n and_o experiment_n whether_o you_o be_v spiritual_o mind_v or_o no._n it_o be_v the_o wisdom_n of_o faith_n to_o excite_v and_o draw_v forth_o grace_n into_o exercise_n according_a unto_o present_a occasion_n if_o this_o grace_n be_v habitual_o resident_a in_o you_o it_o will_v put_v itself_o forth_o in_o many_o thought_n about_o these_o present_a duty_n but_o alas_o for_o the_o most_o part_n man_n be_v apt_a to_o walk_v contrary_a to_o god_n in_o these_o thing_n as_o the_o wisdom_n of_o the_o flesh_n be_v contrary_a unto_o he_o in_o all_o thing_n a_o great_a instance_n we_o have_v with_o respect_n unto_o these_o duty_n especial_o the_o latter_a of_o they_o for_o 1._o who_o almost_o make_v a_o diligent_a search_n into_o and_o trial_n of_o his_o heart_n and_o way_n with_o respect_n unto_o the_o procure_a cause_n of_o the_o displeasure_n and_o judgement_n of_o god_n general_o when_o the_o token_n and_o evidence_n of_o they_o do_v most_o abound_v the_o world_n be_v full_a of_o outrageous_a provoke_a sin_n these_o visible_o proclaim_v themselves_o to_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o the_o come_n of_o the_o wrath_n of_o god_n on_o the_o child_n of_o disobedience_n hence_o most_o man_n be_v apt_a to_o cast_v the_o whole_a reason_n of_o present_a judgement_n upon_o they_o and_o to_o put_v it_o whole_o from_o themselves_o hence_o common_o there_o be_v never_o less_o of_o self_n examination_n than_o when_o it_o be_v call_v for_o in_o a_o peculiar_a manner_n but_o as_o i_o will_v not_o deny_v but_o that_o the_o open_a dare_a sin_n of_o the_o world_n be_v the_o procure_a cause_n of_o the_o wrath_n of_o god_n against_o it_o in_o temporal_a judgement_n so_o the_o wise_a course_n for_o we_o be_v to_o refer_v they_o unto_o the_o great_a judgement_n of_o the_o last_o day_n this_o the_o apostle_n direct_v we_o unto_o 2_o thess._n 1.6_o 7_o 8_o 9_o 10._o our_o duty_n it_o be_v to_o consider_v on_o what_o account_v judgement_n begin_v at_o the_o house_n of_o god_n and_o to_o examine_v ourselves_o with_o respect_n thereunto_o again_o the_o other_o part_n of_o our_o present_a duty_n in_o compliance_n with_o the_o voice_n of_o providence_n be_v a_o humble_a resignation_n of_o ourselves_o and_o all_o our_o concernment_n unto_o the_o will_n of_o god_n sit_v loose_a in_o our_o affection_n from_o all_o earthly_a temporal_a enjoyment_n this_o we_o neither_o do_v nor_o can_v do_v let_v we_o profess_v what_o we_o will_v unless_o our_o thought_n be_v great_o exercise_v about_o the_o reason_n of_o it_o and_o motive_n unto_o it_o for_o this_o be_v the_o way_n whereby_o faith_n put_v forth_o its_o efficacy_n unto_o the_o mortification_n of_o self_n and_o all_o earthly_a enjoyment_n wherefore_o without_o this_o we_o can_v make_v no_o resignation_n of_o ourselves_o unto_o the_o will_n of_o god_n but_o alas_o how_o many_o at_o present_a do_v open_o walk_v contrary_a unto_o god_n herein_o the_o way_n the_o countenance_n the_o discourse_n of_o man_n do_v give_v evidence_n hereunto_o their_o love_n unto_o present_a thing_n their_o contrivance_n for_o their_o increase_n and_o continuance_n do_v grow_v and_o thrive_v under_o the_o call_v of_o god_n to_o the_o contrary_n so_o it_o be_v of_o old_a they_o do_v eat_v they_o drink_v they_o marry_v and_o give_v in_o marriage_n until_o the_o day_n that_o noah_n enter_v into_o the_o ark._n can_v the_o generality_n of_o professor_n at_o this_o day_n give_v testimony_n unto_o the_o exercise_n of_o their_o thought_n upon_o such_o thing_n as_o shall_v dispose_v they_o unto_o this_o holy_a resignation_n that_o they_o meditate_v on_o the_o call_n of_o god_n and_o thence_o make_v themselves_o ready_a to_o part_n with_o all_o at_o his_o time_n and_o pleasure_n how_o can_v person_n pretend_v to_o be_v spiritual_o mind_v the_o current_n of_o who_o thought_n lie_v in_o direct_a contrariety_n unto_o the_o mind_n of_o god_n here_o lie_v the_o ground_n of_o their_o self-deceiving_n they_o be_v professor_n of_o the_o gospel_n in_o a_o peculiar_a manner_n they_o judge_v themselves_o believer_n they_o hope_v they_o shall_v be_v save_v and_o have_v many_o evidence_n for_o it_o but_o one_o negative_a evidence_n will_v render_v a_o hundred_o that_o be_v positive_a useless_a all_o these_o thing_n have_v i_o do_v say_v the_o young_a man_n yet_o one_o thing_n thou_o want_v say_v our_o saviour_n and_o the_o want_n of_o that_o one_o render_v his_o all_o thing_n of_o no_o avail_n unto_o he_o many_o thing_n you_o have_v do_v many_o thing_n you_o do_v many_o ground_n of_o hope_n abide_v with_o you_o neither_o yourselves_o nor_o other_o do_v doubt_n of_o your_o condition_n but_o be_v you_o spiritual_o mind_v if_o this_o one_o thing_n be_v want_v all_o the_o rest_n will_v not_o avail_v you_o you_o have_v indeed_o neither_o life_n nor_o peace_n and_o what_o ground_n have_v you_o to_o judge_v that_o you_o be_v so_o if_o the_o current_n of_o your_o thought_n lie_v in_o direct_a contrariety_n unto_o the_o present_a call_n of_o god_n if_o at_o such_o a_o time_n as_o this_o be_v your_o love_n to_o the_o world_n be_v such_o as_o ever_o it_o be_v and_o perhaps_o be_v increase_v if_o your_o desire_n be_v strong_a to_o secure_v the_o thing_n of_o this_o life_n unto_o you_o and_o you_o if_o the_o daily_a contrivance_n of_o your_o mind_n be_v not_o how_o you_o may_v attain_v a_o constant_a resignation_n of_o yourselves_o and_o your_o all_o unto_o the_o will_n of_o god_n which_o will_v not_o be_v do_v without_o much_o thoughtfulness_n and_o meditation_n on_o the_o reason_n of_o it_o
faith_n and_o profession_n in_o these_o our_o day_n the_o belly_n of_o man_n cleave_v unto_o the_o dust_n or_o their_o affection_n unto_o earthly_a thing_n i_o speak_v not_o of_o those_o who_o by_o rapine_n deceit_n and_o oppression_n strive_v to_o enrich_v themselves_o nor_o of_o those_o who_o design_v nothing_o more_o than_o the_o attainment_n of_o greatness_n and_o promotion_n in_o the_o world_n though_o not_o by_o way_n of_o open_a wickedness_n lest_o of_o all_o of_o they_o who_o make_v religion_n and_o perhaps_o their_o ministry_n therein_o a_o mean_n for_o the_o attain_n secular_a end_n and_o preferment_n no_o wise_a man_n can_v suppose_v such_o person_n any_o of_o they_o to_o be_v spiritual_o mind_v and_o it_o be_v most_o easy_a to_o disprove_v all_o their_o pretence_n but_o i_o intend_v only_o those_o at_o present_a who_o way_n and_o mean_n of_o attain_v riches_n be_v lawful_a honest_a and_o unblameable_a who_o use_v they_o with_o some_o moderation_n and_o do_v profess_v that_o their_o portion_n lie_v in_o better_a thing_n so_o as_o it_o be_v hard_o to_o fasten_v a_o conviction_n on_o they_o in_o matter_n of_o their_o conversation_n whatever_o may_v seem_v to_o reflect_v upon_o they_o they_o esteem_v it_o to_o be_v that_o who_o omission_n will_v make_v they_o foolish_a in_o their_o affair_n or_o negligent_a in_o their_o duty_n but_o even_o among_o these_o also_o there_o be_v oft_o time_n that_o inordinate_a love_n unto_o present_a thing_n that_o esteem_n and_o valuation_n of_o they_o that_o concernment_n in_o they_o as_o be_v not_o consistent_a with_o their_o be_v spiritual_o mind_v with_o some_o their_o relation_n with_o some_o their_o enjoyment_n with_o most_o both_o in_o conjunction_n be_v a_o idol_n which_o they_o set_v up_o in_o their_o heart_n and_o secret_o bow_v down_o unto_o about_o these_o be_v their_o hope_n and_o fear_n exercise_v on_o they_o be_v their_o love_n in_o they_o be_v their_o delight_n they_o be_v whole_o take_v up_o with_o their_o own_o concern_v count_v all_o lose_v that_o be_v not_o spend_v on_o they_o and_o all_o time_n misspend_v that_o be_v not_o engage_v about_o they_o yet_o the_o thing_n which_o they_o do_v they_o judge_v to_o be_v good_a in_o themselves_o their_o heart_n do_v not_o condemn_v they_o as_o to_o the_o matter_n of_o they_o the_o valuation_n they_o have_v of_o their_o relation_n and_o enjoyment_n they_o suppose_v to_o be_v lawful_a within_o the_o bound_n which_o they_o have_v assign_v unto_o it_o their_o care_n about_o they_o be_v in_o their_o own_o mind_n but_o their_o duty_n it_o be_v no_o easy_a matter_n it_o require_v much_o spiritual_a wisdom_n to_o fix_v right_a boundary_n unto_o our_o affection_n and_o their_o act_n about_o earthly_a thing_n but_o let_v man_n plead_v and_o pretend_v what_o they_o please_v i_o shall_v offer_v one_o rule_n in_o this_o case_n which_o will_v not_o fail_v and_o this_o be_v that_o when_o man_n be_v so_o confident_a in_o the_o good_a state_n and_o measure_n of_o their_o affection_n and_o their_o act_n towards_o earthly_a thing_n as_o that_o they_o will_v oppose_v their_o engagement_n into_o they_o unto_o know_a duty_n of_o religion_n piety_n and_o charity_n they_o be_v go_v into_o a_o sinful_a excess_n be_v there_o a_o state_n of_o the_o poor_a that_o require_v their_o liberality_n and_o bounty_n you_o must_v excuse_v they_o they_o have_v family_n to_o provide_v for_o when_o what_o be_v expect_v from_o they_o signify_v nothing_o at_o all_o as_o unto_o a_o due_a provision_n for_o their_o family_n nor_o be_v what_o will_v lessen_v their_o inheritance_n or_o portion_n one_o penny_n in_o the_o issue_n be_v they_o call_v to_o a_o attendance_n on_o season_n of_o religious_a duty_n they_o be_v so_o full_a of_o business_n that_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o they_o to_o have_v leisure_n for_o any_o such_o occasion_n so_o by_o all_o way_n declare_v that_o they_o be_v under_o the_o power_n of_o a_o prevalent_a predominant_a affection_n unto_o earthly_a thing_n this_o fill_v all_o place_n with_o lifeless_a sapless_a useless_a professor_n who_o approve_v themselves_o in_o their_o condition_n while_o it_o be_v visible_o unspiritual_a and_o wither_a the_o heart_n will_v have_v something_o whereon_o in_o a_o way_n of_o pre-eminence_n it_o will_v fix_v itself_o and_o its_o affection_n this_o in_o all_o its_o perpetual_a motion_n it_o seek_v for_o rest_n and_o satisfaction_n in_o and_o every_o man_n have_v a_o edge_n the_o edge_n of_o his_o affection_n be_v set_v one_o way_n or_o other_o though_o it_o be_v more_o keen_a in_o some_o than_o other_o and_o whereas_o all_o sort_n of_o thing_n that_o the_o heart_n can_v fix_v upon_o or_o turn_v the_o edge_n of_o its_o affection_n unto_o be_v distribute_v by_o the_o apostle_n into_o thing_n above_o and_o thing_n beneath_o thing_n heavenly_a and_o thing_n earthly_a if_o we_o have_v not_o such_o a_o view_n and_o prospect_n of_o heavenly_a thing_n as_o to_o cause_v our_o heart_n to_o cleave_v unto_o they_o and_o delight_v in_o they_o let_v we_o pretend_v what_o we_o will_v it_o be_v impossible_a but_o that_o we_o shall_v be_v under_o the_o power_n of_o a_o predominant_a affection_n unto_o the_o thing_n of_o this_o world_n herein_o lie_v the_o great_a danger_n of_o multitude_n at_o this_o present_a season_n for_o let_v man_n profess_v what_o they_o will_v under_o the_o power_n of_o this_o frame_n their_o eternal_a state_n be_v in_o hazard_v every_o moment_n and_o person_n be_v engage_v in_o it_o in_o great_a variety_n of_o degree_n and_o we_o may_v cast_v they_o under_o two_o head_n 1._o some_o do_v not_o at_o all_o understand_v that_o thing_n be_v amiss_o with_o they_o or_o that_o they_o be_v much_o to_o be_v blame_v they_o plead_v as_o be_v before_o observe_v that_o they_o be_v all_o lawful_a thing_n which_o their_o heart_n do_v cleave_v unto_o and_o which_o it_o be_v their_o duty_n to_o take_v care_n of_o and_o regard_n may_v they_o not_o delight_v in_o their_o own_o relation_n especial_o at_o such_o a_o time_n when_o other_o break_v and_o cancel_v all_o duty_n and_o bond_n of_o relation_n in_o the_o service_n of_o and_o provision_n they_o make_v for_o their_o lust_n may_v they_o not_o be_v careful_a in_o good_a and_o honest_a way_n of_o diligence_n about_o the_o thing_n of_o the_o world_n when_o the_o most_o either_o lavish_a their_o time_n away_o in_o the_o pursuit_n of_o bestial_a lust_n or_o heap_v they_o up_o by_o deceit_n and_o oppression_n may_v they_o not_o contrive_v for_o the_o promotion_n of_o their_o child_n in_o the_o world_n to_o add_v the_o other_o hundred_o or_o thousand_o pound_n unto_o their_o advancement_n that_o they_o may_v be_v in_o as_o good_a condition_n as_o other_o see_v he_o be_v worse_a than_o a_o infidel_n who_o provide_v not_o for_o his_o own_o family_n by_o such_o reason_n and_o secret_a thought_n do_v many_o justify_v themselves_o in_o their_o earthly_a mindedness_n and_o so_o fix_v they_o be_v in_o the_o approbation_n of_o themselves_o that_o if_o you_o urge_v they_o to_o their_o duty_n you_o shall_v loose_v their_o acquaintance_n if_o they_o do_v not_o become_v your_o enemy_n for_o tell_v they_o the_o truth_n yea_o they_o will_v avoid_v one_o duty_n that_o lie_v not_o against_o their_o earthly_a interest_n because_o it_o lead_v unto_o another_o they_o will_v not_o engage_v in_o religious_a assembly_n or_o be_v constant_a unto_o their_o duty_n in_o they_o for_o fear_v duty_n of_o charity_n shall_v be_v require_v of_o they_o or_o expect_v from_o they_o on_o what_o ground_n such_o person_n can_v satisfy_v themselves_o that_o they_o be_v spiritually-minded_n i_o know_v not_o i_o shall_v leave_v only_o one_o rule_n with_o person_n that_o be_v thus_o mind_v where_o our_o love_n unto_o the_o world_n have_v prevail_v by_o its_o reason_n plea_n and_o pretence_n to_o take_v away_o our_o fear_n and_o jealousy_n over_o our_o own_o heart_n lest_o we_o shall_v inordinate_o love_v it_o there_o it_o be_v assure_o predominant_a in_o we_o 2._o other_o be_v sensible_a of_o the_o evil_a of_o their_o heart_n at_o least_o be_v jealous_a and_o afraid_a lest_o it_o shall_v be_v find_v that_o their_o heart_n do_v cleave_v inordinate_o unto_o these_o thing_n hence_o they_o endeavour_v to_o contend_v against_o this_o evil_a sometime_o by_o force_v themselves_o unto_o such_o act_n of_o piety_n or_o charity_n as_o be_v contrary_a unto_o that_o frame_n and_o sometime_o by_o labour_v a_o change_n of_o the_o frame_n itself_o especial_o they_o will_v do_v so_o when_o god_n be_v please_v to_o awaken_v they_o by_o trial_n and_o affliction_n such_o as_o write_v vanity_n and_o emptiness_n on_o all_o earthly_a enjoyment_n but_o for_o the_o most_o part_n they_o strive_v not_o lawful_o and_o so_o obtain_v not_o what_o they_o seem_v to_o aim_v at_o this_o disease_n with_o many_o be_v mortal_a
and_o will_v not_o be_v thorough_o cure_v in_o any_o but_o by_o the_o due_a exercise_n of_o this_o part_n of_o spiritual-mindedness_a there_o be_v other_o duty_n require_v also_o unto_o the_o same_o end_n namely_o of_o the_o mortification_n of_o our_o desire_n and_o affection_n unto_o earthly_a thing_n whereof_o i_o have_v treat_v elsewhere_o but_o without_o this_o or_o a_o fix_a contemplation_n on_o the_o desirableness_n beauty_n and_o glory_n of_o heavenly_a thing_n it_o will_v not_o be_v attain_v further_o to_o evince_v the_o truth_n hereof_o we_o may_v observe_v these_o two_o thing_n first_o if_o by_o any_o mean_v a_o man_n do_v seem_v to_o have_v take_v off_o his_o heart_n from_o the_o love_n of_o present_a thing_n and_o be_v not_o at_o the_o same_o time_n take_v up_o with_o the_o love_n of_o thing_n that_o be_v heavenly_a his_o seem_a mortification_n be_v of_o no_o advantage_n unto_o he_o so_o person_n frequent_o through_o discontent_n disappointment_n or_o dissatisfaction_n with_o relation_n or_o mere_a natural_a weariness_n have_v leave_v the_o world_n the_o affair_n and_o care_n of_o it_o as_o unto_o their_o wont_a conversation_n in_o it_o and_o have_v betake_v themselves_o to_o monastery_n convent_v or_o other_o retirement_n suit_v their_o principle_n without_o any_o advantage_n to_o their_o soul_n second_o god_n be_v no_o such_o severe_a lord_n and_o master_n as_o to_o require_v we_o to_o take_v off_o our_o affection_n from_o and_o mortify_v they_o unto_o those_o thing_n which_o the_o law_n of_o our_o nature_n make_v dear_a unto_o we_o as_o wife_n child_n house_n land_n and_o possession_n and_o not_o propose_v unto_o we_o somewhat_o that_o be_v incomparable_o more_o excellent_a to_o fix_v they_o upon_o so_o he_o invite_v the_o elect_a of_o the_o gentile_n unto_o christ_n psal._n 45.10_o harken_v o_o daughter_n and_o consider_v and_o incline_v thy_o ear_n forget_v also_o thy_o own_o people_n and_o thy_o father_n house_n that_o be_v come_v into_o the_o faith_n of_o abraham_n who_o forsake_v his_o country_n and_o his_o father_n house_n to_o follow_v god_n whither_o ever_o he_o please_v but_o he_o propose_v this_o for_o their_o encouragement_n ver_fw-la 11._o so_o shall_v the_o king_n great_o desire_v thy_o beauty_n for_o he_o be_v thy_o lord_n and_o worship_n thou_o he_o the_o love_n of_o the_o great_a king_n be_v a_o abundant_a satisfactory_a recompense_n for_o part_v with_o all_o thing_n in_o this_o world_n so_o when_o abraham_n servant_n be_v send_v to_o take_v rebecka_n for_o a_o wife_n unto_o isaac_n he_o require_v that_o she_o shall_v immediate_o leave_v father_n and_o mother_n brother_n and_o all_o enjoyment_n and_o go_v along_o with_o he_o but_o withal_o that_o she_o may_v know_v herself_o to_o be_v no_o loser_n thereby_o he_o not_o only_o assure_v she_o of_o the_o greatness_n of_o his_o master_n but_o also_o at_o present_a he_o give_v her_o jewel_n of_o silver_n and_o jewel_n of_o gold_n and_o raiment_n gen._n 24.53_o and_o when_o our_o saviour_n require_v that_o we_o shall_v part_v with_o all_o for_o his_o sake_n and_o the_o gospel_n he_o promise_v a_o hundred_o fold_v in_o lieu_n of_o they_o even_o in_o this_o life_n namely_o in_o a_o interest_n in_o thing_n spiritual_a and_o heavenly_a wherefore_o without_o a_o assiduous_a meditation_n on_o heavenly_a thing_n as_o a_o better_a more_o noble_a and_o suitable_a object_n for_o our_o affection_n to_o be_v fix_v on_o we_o can_v never_o be_v free_v in_o a_o due_a manner_n from_o a_o inordinate_a love_n of_o the_o thing_n here_o below_o it_o be_v sad_a to_o see_v some_o professor_n who_o will_v keep_v up_o spiritual_a duty_n in_o church_n and_o in_o their_o family_n who_o will_v speak_v and_o discourse_v of_o spiritual_a thing_n and_o keep_v themselves_o from_o the_o open_a excess_n of_o the_o world_n yet_o when_o they_o come_v to_o be_v try_v by_o such_o duty_n as_o entrench_v on_o their_o love_n and_o adherence_n unto_o earthly_a thing_n quick_o manifest_a how_o remote_a they_o be_v from_o be_v spiritually-minded_n in_o a_o due_a manner_n be_v they_o to_o be_v try_v as_o our_o saviour_n try_v the_o young_a man_n who_o make_v such_o a_o profession_n of_o his_o conscientious_a and_o religious_a conversation_n go_v sell_v what_o thou_o have_v give_v to_o the_o poor_a and_o follow_v i_o something_o may_v be_v plead_v in_o excuse_n for_o their_o tergiversation_n but_o alas_o they_o will_v decline_v their_o duty_n when_o they_o be_v not_o touch_v unto_o the_o hundred_o part_n of_o their_o enjoyment_n i_o bless_v god_n i_o speak_v not_o thus_o of_o many_o of_o my_o own_o knowledge_n and_o may_v say_v with_o the_o apostle_n unto_o the_o most_o unto_o who_o i_o usual_o speak_v in_o this_o manner_n but_o belove_a we_o be_v persuade_v better_a thing_n of_o you_o and_o thing_n that_o accompany_v salvation_n though_o we_o thus_o speak_v heb._n 6.9_o yea_o the_o same_o testimony_n may_v be_v give_v of_o many_o in_o this_o city_n which_o the_o same_o apostle_n give_v unto_o the_o church_n of_o macedonia_n 2_o cor._n 8.1_o 2_o 3._o understand_v the_o grace_n of_o god_n bestow_v on_o the_o church_n of_o macedonia_n how_o that_o in_o a_o great_a trial_n of_o affliction_n the_o abundance_n of_o their_o joy_n and_o their_o poverty_n abound_v unto_o the_o riches_n of_o their_o liberality_n for_o to_o their_o power_n and_o beyond_o their_o power_n they_o be_v willing_a of_o themselves_o there_o have_v be_v nothing_o do_v among_o we_o that_o may_v or_o can_v be_v boast_v of_o yet_o consider_v all_o circumstance_n it_o may_v be_v there_o have_v not_o be_v more_o instance_n of_o true_a evangelical_n charity_n in_o any_o age_n or_o place_n for_o these_o many_o year_n for_o they_o who_o have_v be_v but_o useful_a and_o helpful_a herein_o the_o lord_n remember_v they_o for_o good_a and_o spare_v they_o according_a to_o the_o multitude_n of_o his_o mercy_n it_o be_v true_a they_o have_v not_o many_o of_o they_o found_v college_n build_v hospital_n or_o raise_v work_n of_o state_n and_o magnificence_n for_o very_o many_o of_o they_o be_v such_o as_o who_o deep_a poverty_n comparative_o have_v abound_v unto_o the_o riches_n of_o their_o liberality_n the_o bask_n and_o belly_n of_o multitude_n of_o poor_a and_o needy_a servant_n of_o christ_n have_v be_v warm_v and_o refresh_v by_o they_o blessing_n god_n for_o they_o thank_n be_v be_v to_o god_n say_v the_o apostle_n in_o this_o case_n for_o his_o unspeakable_a gift_n 2_o cor._n 9.15_o bless_a be_v god_n who_o have_v not_o leave_v the_o gospel_n without_o this_o glory_n nor_o the_o profession_n of_o it_o without_o this_o evidence_n of_o its_o power_n and_o efficacy_n yea_o god_n have_v exalt_v the_o glory_n of_o persecution_n and_o affliction_n for_o many_o since_o they_o have_v lose_v much_o of_o their_o enjoyment_n by_o they_o and_o have_v all_o endanger_v continual_o have_v abound_v in_o duty_n of_o charity_n beyond_o what_o they_o do_v in_o the_o day_n of_o their_o fullness_n and_o prosperity_n so_o out_o of_o the_o eater_n there_o have_v come_v forth_o meat_n and_o if_o the_o world_n do_v but_o know_v what_o fruit_n in_o a_o way_n of_o charity_n and_o bounty_n unto_o the_o praise_n of_o god_n and_o glory_n of_o the_o gospel_n have_v be_v occasion_v by_o their_o make_v many_o poor_a it_o will_v abate_v of_o their_o satisfaction_n in_o their_o success_n but_o with_o many_o it_o be_v not_o so_o their_o mind_n be_v so_o full_a of_o earthly_a thing_n they_o do_v so_o cleave_v unto_o they_o in_o their_o affection_n that_o no_o sense_n of_o duty_n no_o example_n of_o other_o no_o concernment_n of_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n or_o the_o gospel_n can_v make_v any_o impression_n on_o they_o if_o there_o be_v yet_o in_o they_o so_o much_o life_n and_o light_n of_o grace_n as_o to_o design_n a_o deliverance_n from_o this_o woeful_a condition_n the_o mean_n insist_v on_o must_v be_v make_v use_n of_o especial_o this_o advice_n be_v needful_a unto_o those_o who_o be_v rich_a who_o have_v large_a possession_n or_o abound_v in_o the_o good_n of_o this_o world_n the_o poor_a the_o afflict_a the_o sorrowful_a be_v prompt_v from_o their_o outward_a circumstance_n as_o well_o as_o excite_v by_o inward_a grace_n frequent_o to_o remember_v and_o to_o think_v of_o the_o thing_n above_o wherein_o lie_v their_o only_a reserve_n and_o relief_n against_o the_o trouble_n and_o urgency_n of_o their_o present_a condition_n but_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o these_o thing_n in_o abundance_n be_v accompany_v with_o a_o twofold_n evil_n lie_v direct_o contrary_a unto_o this_o duty_n 1._o a_o desire_n of_o increase_n and_o add_v thereunto_o earthly_a enjoyment_n enlarge_v man_n earthly_a desire_n and_o the_o love_n of_o they_o grow_v with_o their_o income_n a_o moderate_a stock_n of_o water_n sufficient_a for_o our_o use_n may_v be_v keep_v within_o ordinary_a
bank_n but_o if_o a_o flood_n be_v turn_v into_o they_o they_o know_v no_o bound_n but_o overflow_v all_o about_o they_o the_o increase_n of_o wealth_n and_o riches_n enlarge_v the_o desire_n of_o man_n after_o they_o beyond_o all_o bound_n of_o wisdom_n sobriety_n or_o safety_n he_o that_o labour_v hard_a for_o his_o daily_a bread_n have_v seldom_o such_o earnest_a vehement_a desire_n of_o a_o addition_n unto_o what_o he_o have_v as_o many_o have_v who_o already_o have_v more_o than_o they_o know_v how_o to_o use_v or_o almost_o what_o to_o do_v withal_o this_o they_o must_v have_v more_o and_o the_o last_o advantage_n serve_v for_o nothing_o but_o to_o stir_v they_o up_o to_o look_v out_o for_o another_o and_o yet_o such_o man_n will_v on_o other_o account_n be_v esteem_v good_a christian_n and_o spiritual_o mind_v as_o all_o good_a christian_n be_v 2._o they_o draw_v the_o heart_n to_o value_n and_o esteem_v they_o as_o those_o which_o bring_v in_o their_o satisfaction_n and_o make_v they_o to_o differ_v from_o those_o who_o they_o see_v to_o be_v poor_a and_o miserable_a now_o these_o thing_n be_v contrary_a unto_o and_o where_o they_o be_v habitual_o prevalent_a inconsistent_a utter_o with_o be_v spiritual_o mind_v nor_o be_v it_o possible_a that_o any_o who_o in_o the_o least_o degree_n be_v under_o their_o power_n can_v ever_o attain_v deliverance_n unless_o their_o thought_n be_v fix_v and_o their_o mind_n thereby_o possess_v with_o due_a apprehension_n of_o invisible_a thing_n and_o eternal_a glory_n these_o be_v some_o few_o of_o those_o many_o advantage_n which_o we_o may_v obtain_v by_o fix_v our_o thought_n and_o meditation_n and_o thereby_o our_o affection_n on_o the_o thing_n that_o be_v above_o and_o there_o be_v some_o thing_n which_o make_v i_o willing_a to_o give_v some_o few_o direction_n for_o the_o practice_n of_o this_o duty_n for_o whatever_o else_o we_o be_v and_o do_v we_o neither_o be_v nor_o can_v be_v true_o spiritual_o mind_v whereon_o life_n and_o peace_n depend_v unless_o we_o do_v real_o exercise_v our_o thought_n unto_o meditation_n of_o thing_n above_o without_o it_o all_o our_o religion_n be_v but_o vain_a and_o as_o i_o fear_v man_n be_v general_o want_v and_o defective_a herein_o in_o point_n of_o practice_n so_o i_o do_v also_o that_o many_o through_o the_o darkness_n of_o their_o mind_n the_o weakness_n of_o their_o intellectual_n and_o ignorance_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o all_o thing_n unseen_a do_v seldom_o set_v themselves_o unto_o the_o contemplation_n of_o they_o i_o shall_v therefore_o give_v some_o few_o direction_n for_o the_o practice_n of_o this_o duty_n chap._n vi_o direction_n unto_o the_o exercise_n of_o our_o thought_n on_o thing_n above_o thing_n future_a invisible_a and_o eternal_a on_o god_n himself_o with_o the_o difficultye_n of_o it_o and_o opposition_n unto_o it_o and_o the_o way_n of_o their_o removal_n right_o notion_n of_o future_a glory_n state_v we_o have_v treat_v in_o general_a before_o of_o the_o proper_a object_n of_o our_o spiritual_a thought_n as_o unto_o our_o present_a duty_n that_o which_o we_o be_v last_o engage_v in_o be_v a_o especial_a instance_n in_o heavenly_a thing_n thing_n future_a and_o invisible_a with_o the_o fountain_n and_o spring_n of_o they_o all_o in_o christ_n and_o god_n himself_o and_o because_o man_n general_o be_v unskilled_a herein_o and_o great_a difficulty_n arise_v in_o the_o way_n of_o the_o discharge_v of_o this_o part_n of_o the_o duty_n in_o hand_n i_o shall_v give_v some_o especial_a direction_n concern_v it_o 1._o possess_v your_o mind_n with_o right_a notion_n and_o apprehension_n of_o thing_n above_o and_o of_o the_o state_n of_o future_a glory_n we_o be_v in_o this_o duty_n to_o look_v at_o the_o thing_n which_o be_v not_o see_v 2_o cor._n 4.16_o it_o be_v faith_n only_o whereby_o we_o have_v a_o prospect_n of_o they_o for_o we_o walk_v by_o faith_n and_o not_o by_o sight_n and_o faith_n can_v give_v we_o no_o interest_n in_o they_o unless_o we_o have_v due_a apprehension_n of_o they_o for_o it_o do_v but_o assent_n and_o cleave_v unto_o the_o truth_n of_o what_o be_v propose_v unto_o it_o and_o the_o great_a part_n of_o mankind_n do_v both_o deceive_v themselves_o and_o feed_v on_o ash_n in_o this_o matter_n they_o fancy_v a_o future_a estate_n which_o have_v no_o foundation_n but_o in_o their_o own_o imagination_n wherefore_o the_o apostle_n direct_v we_o to_o seek_v and_o mind_v the_o thing_n that_o be_v above_o add_v for_o the_o guidance_n of_o our_o thought_n the_o consideration_n of_o the_o principal_a concernment_n of_o they_o where_o christ_n sit_v at_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o god_n col._n 3.1_o 2._o he_o will_v lead_v we_o unto_o distinct_a apprehension_n of_o those_o heavenly_a thing_n especial_o of_o the_o presence_n of_o christ_n in_o his_o exaltation_n and_o glory_n wherefore_o the_o true_a notion_n of_o these_o thing_n which_o we_o be_v to_o possess_v our_o mind_n withal_o may_v here_o be_v consider_v all_o that_o have_v a_o apprehension_n of_o a_o future_a state_n of_o happiness_n do_v agree_v in_o this_o matter_n that_o it_o contain_v in_o it_o or_o be_v accompany_v with_o a_o deliverance_n and_o freedom_n from_o all_o that_o be_v evil_a but_o in_o what_o be_v so_o they_o be_v not_o agree_v many_o esteem_v only_o those_o thing_n that_o be_v grievous_a troublesome_a waste_v and_o destructive_a unto_o nature_n to_o be_v so_o that_o be_v what_o be_v penal_a in_o pain_n sickness_n sorrow_n loss_n poverty_n with_o all_o kind_n of_o outward_a trouble_n and_o death_n itself_o be_v evil_a wherefore_o they_o suppose_v that_o the_o future_a state_n of_o blessedness_n will_v free_v they_o from_o all_o these_o thing_n if_o they_o can_v attain_v unto_o it_o this_o they_o will_v lay_v in_o the_o balance_n against_o the_o trouble_n of_o life_n and_o sometime_o it_o may_v be_v against_o the_o pleasure_n of_o it_o which_o they_o must_v forego_v yea_o person_n profane_a and_o profligate_v will_n in_o word_n at_o least_o profess_v that_o heaven_n will_v give_v they_o rest_v from_o all_o their_o trouble_n but_o it_o be_v no_o place_n of_o rest_n for_o such_o person_n unto_o all_o other_o also_o unto_o believer_n themselves_o these_o thing_n be_v evil_a such_o as_o they_o expect_v a_o deliverance_n from_o in_o heaven_n and_o glory_n and_o there_o be_v no_o doubt_n but_o it_o be_v lawful_a for_o we_o and_o meet_v that_o we_o shall_v contemplate_v on_o they_o as_o those_o which_o will_v give_v we_o a_o deliverance_n from_o all_o outward_a trouble_n death_n itself_o and_o all_o that_o lead_v thereunto_o heaven_n be_v promise_v as_o rest_n unto_o they_o that_o be_v trouble_v 2_o thes._n 1.7_o it_o be_v our_o duty_n under_o all_o our_o suffering_n reproach_n persecution_n trouble_n and_o sorrow_n to_o raise_v up_o our_o mind_n unto_o the_o contemplation_n of_o that_o state_n wherein_o we_o shall_v be_v free_v from_o they_o all_o it_o be_v a_o bless_a notion_n of_o heaven_n that_o god_n shall_v therein_o wipe_v away_o all_o tear_n from_o our_o eye_n rev._n 7.17_o or_o remove_v far_o from_o we_o all_o cause_n of_o sorrow_n and_o it_o will_v be_v unto_o our_o advantage_n if_o we_o do_v accustom_v our_o mind_n more_o unto_o this_o kind_n of_o relief_n than_o we_o do_v if_o upon_o the_o incursion_n of_o fear_n danger_n sorrow_n we_o do_v more_o ready_o retreat_n unto_o thought_n of_o that_o state_n wherein_o we_o shall_v be_v free_v from_o they_o all_o even_o this_o most_o inferior_a consideration_n of_o it_o will_v render_v the_o thought_n of_o it_o more_o familiar_a and_o the_o thing_n itself_o more_o useful_a unto_o we_o much_o better_o it_o be_v than_o on_o such_o occasion_n to_o be_v exercise_v with_o heartless_a complaint_n uncertain_a hope_n and_o fruitless_a contrivance_n but_o there_o be_v that_o which_o unto_o they_o who_o be_v true_o spiritual_o mind_v have_v more_o evil_a in_o it_o than_o all_o these_o thing_n together_o and_o that_o be_v sin_n heaven_n be_v a_o state_n of_o deliverance_n from_o sin_n from_o all_o sin_n in_o all_o the_o cause_n concomitant_n and_o effect_n of_o it_o he_o be_v no_o true_a believer_n unto_o who_o sin_n be_v not_o the_o great_a burden_n sorrow_n and_o trouble_v other_o thing_n as_o the_o loss_n of_o dear_a relation_n or_o extraordinary_a pain_n may_v make_v deep_a impression_n on_o the_o mind_n by_o its_o natural_a affection_n at_o some_o season_n than_o ever_o our_o sin_n do_v at_o any_o one_o time_n in_o any_o one_o instance_n so_o a_o man_n may_v have_v a_o great_a trouble_n in_o sense_n of_o pain_n by_o a_o fit_a of_o the_o toothache_n which_o will_v be_v go_v in_o a_o hour_n than_o in_o a_o hectic_a fever_n or_o consumption_n which_o will_v assure_o take_v away_o his_o life_n but_o take_v in_o the_o whole_a course_n of_o our_o life_n and_o
all_o the_o act_n of_o our_o soul_n in_o spiritual_a judgement_n as_o well_o as_o natural_a affection_n and_o i_o do_v not_o understand_v how_o a_o man_n can_v be_v a_o sincere_a believer_n unto_o who_o sin_n be_v not_o the_o great_a burden_n and_o sorrow_n wherefore_o in_o the_o first_o place_n it_o belong_v unto_o the_o true_a notion_n of_o heaven_n that_o it_o be_v a_o state_n wherein_o we_o shall_v be_v eternal_o free_v from_o sin_n and_o all_o the_o concernment_n of_o it_o but_o only_o the_o exaltation_n of_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n grace_n in_o christ_n by_o the_o pardon_n of_o it_o he_o that_o true_o hate_v sin_n and_o abhor_v it_o who_o principal_a desire_n and_o design_n of_o life_n be_v to_o be_v free_v from_o it_o so_o far_o as_o it_o be_v possible_a who_o walk_v in_o self_n abasement_n through_o a_o sense_n of_o his_o many_o disappointment_n when_o he_o hope_v it_o shall_v act_v in_o he_o no_o more_o can_v as_o i_o judge_v but_o frequent_o betake_v himself_o for_o refreshment_n unto_o thought_n of_o that_o state_n wherein_o he_o shall_v be_v free_v from_o it_o and_o triumph_n over_o it_o unto_o eternity_n this_o be_v a_o notion_n of_o heaven_n that_o be_v easy_o apprehend_v and_o fix_v on_o the_o mind_n which_o we_o may_v dwell_v upon_o unto_o the_o great_a advantage_n and_o satisfaction_n of_o our_o soul_n frequent_a thought_n and_o meditation_n of_o heaven_n under_o this_o notion_n do_v argue_v a_o man_n to_o be_v spiritual_o mind_v for_o it_o be_v a_o convince_a evidence_n that_o sin_n be_v a_o burden_n unto_o he_o that_o he_o belong_v to_o be_v deliver_v from_o it_o and_o all_o its_o consequent_n that_o no_o thought_n be_v more_o welcome_a unto_o he_o than_o those_o of_o that_o state_n wherein_o sin_n shall_v be_v no_o more_o and_o although_o man_n be_v trouble_v about_o their_o sin_n and_o will_v desirous_o be_v free_v from_o they_o so_o far_o as_o they_o perplex_v their_o mind_n and_o make_v their_o conscience_n uneasy_a yet_o if_o they_o be_v not_o much_o in_o the_o prospect_n of_o this_o relief_n if_o they_o find_v not_o refreshment_n in_o it_o i_o fear_v their_o trouble_n be_v not_o such_o as_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v wherefore_o when_o man_n can_v so_o wrangle_v and_o wrestle_v with_o their_o conviction_n of_o sin_n and_o yet_o take_v up_o the_o best_a of_o their_o relief_n in_o hope_n that_o it_o will_v be_v better_o with_o they_o at_o some_o time_n or_o other_o in_o this_o world_n without_o long_a desire_n after_o that_o state_n wherein_o sin_n shall_v be_v no_o more_o they_o can_v give_v no_o evidence_n that_o they_o be_v spiritual_o mind_v it_o be_v quite_o otherwise_o with_o sincere_a believer_n in_o the_o exercise_n of_o this_o duty_n the_o consideration_n of_o the_o grace_n and_o love_n of_o god_n of_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n of_o the_o purity_n and_o holiness_n of_o that_o good_a spirit_n that_o dwell_v in_o they_o of_o the_o light_n grace_n and_o mercy_n which_o they_o have_v attain_v through_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v those_o which_o make_v the_o remainder_n of_o sin_n most_o grievous_a and_o burdensome_a unto_o they_o this_o be_v that_o which_o even_o break_v their_o heart_n and_o make_v some_o of_o they_o go_v mourn_v all_o the_o day_n long_o namely_o that_o any_o thing_n of_o that_o which_o alone_a god_n hate_v shall_v be_v find_v in_o they_o or_o be_v remain_v with_o they_o it_o be_v in_o this_o condition_n a_o evidence_n that_o they_o be_v spiritual_o mind_v if_o together_o with_o watchful_a endeavour_n for_o the_o universal_a mortification_n of_o sin_n and_o utter_a excision_n of_o it_o both_o root_n and_o branch_n they_o constant_o add_v these_o thought_n of_o that_o bless_a state_n wherein_o they_o shall_v be_v absolute_o and_o eternal_o free_v from_o all_o sin_n with_o refreshment_n delight_n and_o complacency_n these_o thing_n belong_v unto_o our_o direction_n for_o the_o fix_v of_o our_o thought_n and_o meditation_n on_o thing_n above_o this_o the_o mean_a and_o weak_a person_n who_o have_v the_o least_o spark_n of_o sincerity_n and_o grace_n be_v capable_a of_o apprehend_v and_o able_a to_o practice_v and_o it_o be_v that_o which_o the_o sense_n they_o have_v of_o the_o evil_a of_o sin_n will_v put_v they_o on_o every_o day_n if_o they_o shut_v not_o their_o eye_n against_o the_o light_n of_o the_o refreshment_n that_o be_v in_o it_o let_v they_o who_o can_v arise_v in_o their_o mind_n unto_o fix_a and_o stable_a thought_n of_o any_o other_o notion_n of_o these_o invisible_a thing_n dwell_v on_o this_o consideration_n of_o they_o wherein_o they_o will_v find_v no_o small_a spiritual_a advantage_n and_o refreshment_n unto_o their_o soul_n 2._o as_o unto_o the_o positive_a part_n of_o this_o glorious_a future_a state_n the_o thought_n and_o apprehension_n of_o man_n be_v very_o various_a and_o that_o we_o may_v know_v as_o well_o what_o to_o avoid_v as_o what_o to_o embrace_v we_o shall_v a_o little_a reflect_v on_o some_o of_o they_o 1._o many_o be_v able_a to_o entertain_v no_o rational_a conception_n about_o a_o future_a state_n of_o blessedness_n and_o glory_n no_o notion_n wherein_o either_o faith_n or_o reason_n be_v concern_v imagination_n they_o have_v of_o something_o that_o be_v great_a and_o glorious_a but_o what_o it_o be_v they_o know_v not_o no_o wonder_n if_o such_o person_n have_v no_o delight_n in_o no_o use_n of_o thought_n of_o heaven_n when_o their_o imagination_n have_v fluctuate_v up_o and_o down_o in_o all_o uncertainty_n for_o a_o while_n they_o be_v swallow_v up_o in_o nothing_o glorious_a and_o therefore_o desirable_a they_o take_v it_o for_o grant_v that_o it_o must_v be_v but_o nothing_o can_v be_v so_o unto_o they_o but_o what_o be_v suitable_a unto_o their_o present_a disposition_n inclination_n and_o principle_n and_o hereof_o there_o be_v nothing_o in_o the_o true_a spiritual_a glory_n of_o heaven_n or_o in_o the_o eternal_a enjoyment_n of_o god_n these_o thing_n be_v not_o suit_v unto_o the_o will_n of_o their_o mind_n and_o of_o the_o flesh_n and_o therefore_o they_o can_v rise_v up_o unto_o any_o constant_a desire_n of_o they_o hence_o to_o please_v themselves_o they_o begin_v to_o imagine_v what_o be_v not_o but_o whereas_o what_o be_v true_o heaven_n please_v they_o not_o and_o what_o do_v please_v they_o be_v not_o heaven_n nor_o there_o to_o be_v find_v they_o seldom_o or_o never_o endeavour_v in_o good_a earnest_n to_o exercise_v their_o thought_n about_o it_o it_o be_v well_o if_o darkness_n and_o ignorance_n of_o the_o true_a nature_n of_o the_o future_a state_n and_o eternal_a glory_n do_v not_o exceed_o prejudice_n believer_n themselves_o as_o unto_o their_o delight_n in_o they_o and_o meditation_n about_o they_o they_o have_v nothing_o fix_v or_o state_v in_o their_o mind_n which_o they_o can_v betake_v themselves_o unto_o in_o their_o thought_n when_o they_o will_v contemplate_v about_o they_o and_o by_o the_o way_n whatever_o do_v divert_v the_o mind_n of_o man_n from_o the_o power_n and_o life_n of_o spiritual_a worship_n as_o do_v all_o pompous_a solemnity_n in_o the_o performance_n of_o it_o do_v great_o hinder_v they_o as_o unto_o right_a conception_n of_o our_o future_a state_n there_o be_v a_o promise_n of_o eternal_a life_n give_v unto_o the_o saint_n under_o the_o old_a testament_n but_o whereas_o they_o be_v oblige_v unto_o a_o worship_n that_o be_v carnal_a and_o outward_o pompous_a they_o never_o have_v clear_a and_o distinct_a apprehension_n of_o the_o future_a state_n of_o glory_n for_o life_n and_o immortality_n be_v bring_v to_o light_n by_o the_o gospel_n wherefore_o although_o no_o man_n live_a can_v see_v or_o find_v out_o the_o infinite_a riches_n of_o eternal_a glory_n yet_o be_v it_o the_o duty_n of_o all_o to_o be_v acquaint_v with_o the_o nature_n of_o it_o in_o general_a so_o as_o that_o they_o may_v have_v fix_v thought_n of_o it_o love_n unto_o it_o earnest_n desire_v after_o it_o all_o under_o its_o own_o true_a and_o proper_a notion_n 2._o so_o great_a a_o part_n of_o mankind_n as_o the_o mahometan_n unto_o who_o god_n have_v give_v all_o the_o principal_a and_o most_o desirable_a part_n of_o the_o world_n to_o inhabit_v and_o possess_v do_v conceive_v the_o state_n of_o future_a blessedness_n to_o consist_v in_o the_o full_a satisfaction_n of_o their_o sensual_a lust_n and_o pleasure_n a_o evidence_n this_o be_v that_o the_o religion_n which_o they_o profess_v have_v no_o power_n or_o efficacy_n on_o their_o mind_n to_o change_v they_o from_o the_o love_n of_o sin_n or_o place_v their_o happiness_n in_o fulfil_v the_o desire_n of_o the_o flesh._n it_o do_v not_o at_o all_o enlighten_v their_o mind_n to_o discern_v a_o beauty_n in_o spiritual_a thing_n nor_o excite_v their_o affection_n unto_o the_o love_n of_o they_o nor_o free_v the_o soul_n
a_o discriminate_a character_n of_o believer_n this_o be_v no_o heaven_n unto_o any_o other_o those_o who_o have_v not_o a_o experience_n of_o the_o excellency_n of_o these_o thing_n in_o their_o initial_a state_n in_o this_o world_n and_o their_o incomparable_a transcendency_n unto_o all_o other_o thing_n can_v conceive_v how_o heavenly_a glory_n and_o blessedness_n shall_v consist_v in_o they_o unskilful_a man_n may_v cast_v away_o rough_a unwrought_a diamond_n as_o useless_a stone_n they_o know_v not_o what_o polish_n will_v bring_v they_o unto_o nor_o do_v man_n unskilful_a in_o the_o mystery_n of_o godliness_n judge_v there_o can_v be_v any_o glory_n in_o rough_a unwrought_a grace_n they_o know_v not_o what_o lustre_n and_o beauty_n the_o polish_n of_o the_o heavenly_a hand_n will_v give_v unto_o it_o it_o be_v general_o suppose_v that_o however_o man_n differ_v in_o and_o about_o religion_n here_o yet_o they_o agree_v well_o enough_o about_o heaven_n they_o will_v all_o go_v to_o the_o same_o heaven_n but_o it_o be_v a_o great_a mistake_n they_o differ_v in_o nothing_o more_o they_o will_v not_o all_o go_v to_o the_o same_o heaven_n how_o few_o be_v they_o who_o value_v that_o heavenly_a state_n which_o we_o have_v treat_v of_o or_o do_v understand_v how_o any_o blessedness_n can_v consist_v in_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o it_o but_o this_o and_o no_o other_o heaven_n will_v we_o go_v unto_o other_o notion_n there_o may_v be_v there_o be_v of_o it_o which_o be_v but_o fruit_n and_o effect_n of_o man_n own_o imagination_n the_o more_o they_o dwell_v in_o the_o contemplation_n of_o they_o the_o more_o carnal_a they_o may_v grow_v at_o best_a the_o more_o superstitious_a but_o spiritual_a thought_n of_o this_o heaven_n consist_v principal_o in_o freedom_n from_o all_o sin_n in_o the_o perfection_n of_o all_o grace_n in_o the_o vision_n of_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n in_o christ_n and_o all_o the_o excellency_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n as_o manifest_v in_o he_o be_v a_o effectual_a mean_n for_o the_o improvement_n of_o spiritual_a life_n and_o the_o increase_n of_o all_o grace_n in_o we_o for_o they_o can_v but_o effect_v a_o assimilation_n in_o the_o mind_n and_o heart_n unto_o the_o thing_n contemplate_v on_o where_o the_o principle_n and_o seed_n of_o they_o be_v already_o inlay_v and_o begin_v this_o be_v our_o first_o direction_n second_o have_v fix_v right_a notion_n and_o apprehension_n of_o heavenly_a thing_n in_o our_o mind_n it_o be_v our_o duty_n to_o think_v and_o contemplate_v great_o on_o they_o and_o our_o own_o concernment_n in_o they_o without_o this_o all_o our_o speculation_n concern_v the_o nature_n of_o eternal_a thing_n will_v be_v of_o no_o use_n unto_o we_o and_o unto_o your_o encouragement_n and_o direction_n take_v these_o few_o short_a rule_n relate_v unto_o this_o duty_n 1._o here_o lie_v the_o great_a trial_n whether_o we_o be_v spiritual_o mind_v or_o no_o by_o virtue_n of_o this_o rule_n if_o we_o be_v rise_v with_o christ_n we_o will_v mind_v the_o thing_n that_o be_v above_o col._n 3.3_o 2._o here_o lie_v the_o great_a mean_n whereby_o we_o may_v attain_v further_a degree_n in_o that_o bless_a frame_n of_o mind_n if_o it_o be_v already_o form_v in_o we_o by_o virtue_n of_o that_o rule_n behold_v the_o glory_n of_o god_n as_o in_o a_o glass_n we_o be_v change_v into_o the_o same_o image_n from_o glory_n to_o glory_n 2_o cor._n 3.18_o 3._o here_o lie_v the_o great_a evidence_n whether_o we_o have_v a_o real_a interest_n in_o the_o thing_n above_o or_o no_o whether_o we_o place_v our_o portion_n and_o blessedness_n in_o they_o by_o virtue_n of_o that_o rule_n where_o our_o treasure_n be_v there_o will_v our_o heart_n be_v also_o be_v they_o our_o treasure_n our_o portion_n our_o reward_n in_o comparison_n whereof_o all_o other_o thing_n be_v but_o loss_n and_o dung_n we_o shall_v assure_o be_v conversant_a in_o our_o mind_n about_o they_o 4._o it_o can_v be_v imagine_v that_o a_o man_n shall_v have_v in_o he_o a_o principle_n cognate_n and_o suit_v unto_o thing_n above_o of_o the_o same_o kind_a and_o nature_n with_o they_o that_o his_o soul_n shall_v be_v under_o the_o conduct_n of_o those_o habit_n of_o grace_n which_o strive_v and_o natural_o tend_v unto_o perfection_n labour_v great_o here_o under_o the_o weight_n of_o their_o own_o weakness_n as_o it_o be_v with_o all_o who_o be_v true_o spiritual_o mind_a and_o yet_o not_o have_v his_o thought_n great_o exercise_v about_o these_o thing_n 1_o joh._n 3.3_o it_o be_v well_o if_o we_o will_v try_v ourselves_o by_o thing_n of_o so_o uncontrollable_a evidence_n what_o can_v any_o object_n unto_o the_o truth_n of_o these_o thing_n or_o the_o necessity_n of_o this_o duty_n if_o it_o be_v otherwise_o with_o we_o it_o be_v from_o one_o of_o these_o two_o cause_n either_o we_o be_v not_o convince_v of_o the_o truth_n and_o reality_n of_o they_o or_o we_o have_v no_o delight_n in_o they_o because_o we_o be_v not_o spiritual_o mind_v do_v we_o think_v that_o man_n may_v turmoyl_v themselves_o in_o earthly_a thought_n all_o the_o day_n long_o and_o when_o they_o be_v free_v of_o their_o affair_n betake_v themselves_o unto_o those_o that_o be_v vain_a and_o useless_a without_o any_o state_v converse_n with_o thing_n above_o and_o yet_o enjoy_v life_n and_o peace_n we_o must_v take_v other_o measure_n of_o thing_n if_o we_o intend_v to_o live_v unto_o god_n to_o be_v like_o he_o and_o to_o come_v unto_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o he_o what_o be_v the_o matter_n with_o man_n that_o they_o be_v so_o stupid_a they_o all_o general_o desire_v to_o go_v to_o heaven_n at_o least_o when_o they_o can_v live_v here_o no_o long_o some_o indeed_o have_v no_o other_o regard_n unto_o it_o but_o only_o that_o they_o will_v not_o go_v to_o hell_n but_o most_o will_v die_v the_o death_n of_o the_o righteous_a and_o have_v their_o latter_a end_n like_o he_o yet_o few_o there_o be_v who_o endeavour_n to_o attain_v a_o right_a notion_n of_o it_o to_o try_v how_o it_o be_v suit_v unto_o their_o principle_n and_o desire_n but_o content_v themselves_o with_o such_o general_a notion_n of_o it_o as_o please_v their_o imagination_n it_o be_v no_o wonder_n if_o such_o person_n seldom_o exercise_v their_o mind_n or_o thought_n about_o it_o nor_o do_v they_o so_o much_o as_o pretend_v to_o be_v spiritual_o mind_v but_o as_o for_o those_o who_o be_v instruct_v in_o these_o thing_n who_o profess_v their_o chief_a interest_n to_o lie_v in_o they_o not_o to_o abound_v in_o meditation_n concern_v they_o it_o argue_v indeed_o that_o whatever_o they_o profess_v they_o be_v earthly_a and_o carnal_a again_o meditate_v and_o think_v of_o the_o glory_n of_o heaven_n so_o as_o to_o compare_v it_o with_o the_o opposite_a state_n of_o death_n and_o eternal_a misery_n few_o man_n care_v to_o think_v much_o of_o hell_n and_o the_o everlasting_a torment_n of_o the_o wicked_a therein_o those_o do_v so_o least_o who_o be_v in_o most_o danger_n of_o fall_v thereinto_o they_o put_v far_o from_o they_o the_o evil_a day_n and_o suppose_v their_o covenant_n with_o death_n and_o hell_n to_o be_v sure_a some_o begin_v to_o advance_v a_o opinion_n that_o there_o be_v no_o such_o place_n because_o it_o be_v their_o interest_n and_o desire_n that_o there_o shall_v be_v none_o some_o out_o of_o profaneness_n make_v a_o scoff_n at_o it_o as_o though_o a_o future_a judgement_n be_v but_o a_o fable_n most_o seem_v to_o think_v that_o there_o be_v a_o severity_n in_o thought_n about_o it_o which_o it_o be_v not_o fit_a we_o shall_v be_v too_o much_o terrify_v withal_o some_o transient_a thought_n they_o will_v have_v of_o it_o but_o not_o suffer_v they_o to_o abide_v in_o their_o mind_n lest_o they_o shall_v be_v too_o much_o discompose_v or_o they_o think_v it_o not_o consistent_a with_o the_o goodness_n of_o christ_n to_o leave_v any_o man_n in_o that_o condition_n whereas_o there_o be_v more_o speak_v direct_o of_o hell_n its_o torment_n and_o their_o eternity_n by_o himself_o self_n 〈◊〉_d in_o all_o the_o scripture_n beside_o these_o thought_n â—â—â—…ost_o proceed_v from_o a_o unwillingness_n to_o be_v trouble_v 〈◊〉_d their_o sin_n and_o be_v useful_a unto_o none_o it_o be_v the_o height_n of_o folly_n for_o man_n to_o endeavour_v the_o hide_v of_o themselves_o for_o a_o few_o moment_n from_o that_o which_o be_v unavoidable_o come_v upon_o they_o unto_o eternity_n and_o the_o due_a consideration_n whereof_o be_v a_o mean_n for_o a_o escape_n from_o it_o but_o i_o speak_v only_o of_o true_a believer_n and_o the_o more_o they_o be_v conversant_a in_o their_o thought_n about_o the_o future_a estate_n of_o eternal_a misery_n the_o great_a evidence_n they_o have_v of_o the_o life_n and_o confidence_n of_o faith_n it_o be_v a_o necessary_a duty_n
and_o make_v our_o soul_n meet_v for_o the_o reception_n and_o entertainment_n of_o he_o wherefore_o 3._o our_o want_n of_o experience_n in_o the_o power_n of_o this_o holy_a intercourse_n and_o communion_n with_o christ_n arise_v principal_o from_o our_o defect_n in_o this_o duty_n i_o have_v know_v one_o who_o after_o a_o long_a profession_n of_o faith_n and_o holiness_n fall_v into_o great_a darkness_n and_o distress_n mere_o on_o this_o account_n that_o he_o do_v not_o experience_n in_o himself_o the_o sweetness_n life_n and_o power_n of_o the_o testimony_n give_v concern_v the_o real_a communication_n of_o the_o love_n of_o christ_n unto_o and_o the_o intimation_n of_o his_o presence_n with_o believer_n he_o know_v well_o enough_o the_o doctrine_n of_o it_o but_o do_v not_o feel_v the_o power_n of_o it_o at_o least_o he_o understand_v there_o be_v more_o in_o it_o than_o he_o have_v experience_n of_o god_n carry_v he_o by_o faith_n through_o that_o darkness_n but_o teach_v he_o withal_o that_o no_o sense_n of_o these_o thing_n be_v to_o be_v let_v into_o the_o soul_n but_o by_o constant_a thoughtfulness_n and_o contemplation_n on_o christ._n how_o many_o bless_a visit_n do_v we_o lose_v by_o not_o be_v exercise_v unto_o this_o duty_n see_v cant._n 5.1_o 2_o 3._o sometime_o we_o be_v busy_a sometime_o careless_a and_o negligent_a sometime_o slothful_a sometime_o under_o the_o power_n of_o temptation_n so_o that_o we_o neither_o inquire_v after_o nor_o be_v ready_a to_o receive_v they_o this_o be_v not_o the_o way_n to_o have_v our_o joy_n abound_v again_o i_o speak_v now_o with_o especial_a respect_n unto_o he_o in_o heaven_n the_o glory_n of_o his_o presence_n as_o god_n and_o man_n eternal_o unite_v the_o discharge_v of_o his_o mediatory_a office_n as_o he_o be_v at_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o god_n the_o glory_n of_o his_o present_a act_n for_o the_o church_n as_o he_o be_v the_o minister_n of_o the_o sanctuary_n and_o the_o true_a tabernacle_n which_o god_n have_v fix_v and_o not_o man_n the_o love_n power_n and_o efficacy_n of_o his_o intercession_n whereby_o he_o take_v care_n for_o the_o accomplishment_n of_o the_o salvation_n of_o the_o church_n the_o approach_n of_o his_o glorious_a come_n unto_o judgement_n be_v to_o be_v the_o object_n of_o our_o daily_a thought_n and_o meditation_n let_v we_o not_o mistake_v ourselves_o to_o be_v spiritual_o mind_v be_v not_o to_o have_v the_o notion_n and_o knowledge_n of_o spiritual_a thing_n in_o our_o mind_n it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v constant_a no_o not_o to_o abound_v in_o the_o performance_n of_o duty_n both_o which_o may_v be_v where_o there_o be_v no_o grace_n in_o the_o heart_n at_o all_o it_o be_v to_o have_v our_o mind_n real_o exercise_v with_o delight_n about_o heavenly_a thing_n the_o thing_n that_o be_v above_o especial_o christ_n himself_o as_o at_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o god_n again_o so_o think_v of_o eternal_a thing_n as_o continual_o to_o lay_v they_o in_o the_o balance_n against_o all_o the_o suffering_n of_o this_o life_n this_o use_n of_o it_o i_o have_v speak_v unto_o somewhat_o before_o and_o it_o be_v necessary_a it_o shall_v be_v press_v upon_o all_o occasion_n it_o be_v very_o probable_a that_o we_o shall_v yet_o suffer_v more_o than_o we_o have_v do_v those_o who_o have_v go_v before_o we_o have_v do_v so_o it_o be_v foretell_v in_o the_o scripture_n that_o if_o we_o will_v live_v godly_a in_o christ_n jesus_n we_o must_v do_v so_o we_o stand_v in_o need_n of_o it_o and_o the_o world_n be_v prepare_v to_o bring_v it_o on_o we_o and_o as_o we_o must_v suffer_v so_o it_o be_v necessary_a unto_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o our_o own_o salvation_n that_o we_o suffer_v in_o a_o due_a manner_n mere_a suffering_n will_v neither_o commend_v we_o unto_o god_n nor_o any_o way_n advantage_n our_o own_o soul_n when_o we_o suffer_v according_a to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n it_o be_v a_o eminent_a grace_n gift_n and_o privilege_n psal._n 1.29_o but_o many_o thing_n be_v require_v hereunto_o it_o be_v not_o enough_o that_o man_n suppose_v themselves_o to_o suffer_v for_o conscience_n sake_n though_o if_o we_o do_v not_o so_o all_o our_o suffering_n be_v in_o vain_a nor_o be_v it_o enough_o that_o we_o suffer_v for_o this_o or_o that_o way_n of_o profession_n in_o religion_n which_o we_o esteem_v to_o be_v true_a and_o according_a to_o the_o mind_n of_o god_n in_o opposition_n unto_o what_o be_v not_o so_o the_o glory_n of_o suffering_n on_o these_o account_n sole_o have_v be_v much_o sully_v in_o the_o day_n wherein_o we_o live_v it_o be_v evident_a that_o person_n out_o of_o a_o natural_a courage_n accompany_v with_o deep_a radicate_a persuasion_n and_o have_v their_o mind_n influence_v with_o some_o sinister_a end_n may_v undergo_v thing_n hard_a and_o difficult_a in_o give_v testimony_n unto_o what_o be_v not_o according_a to_o the_o mind_n of_o god_n example_n we_o have_v have_v hereof_o in_o all_o age_n and_o in_o that_o wherein_o we_o live_v in_o a_o especial_a manner_n see_v 1_o pet._n 4.14_o 15_o 16._o we_o have_v have_v enough_o to_o take_v off_o all_o paint_n and_o appearance_n of_o honour_n from_o they_o who_o in_o their_o suffering_n be_v deceive_v in_o what_o they_o profess_v but_o man_n may_v from_o the_o same_o principle_n suffer_v for_o what_o be_v indeed_o according_a to_o the_o mind_n of_o god_n yea_o may_v give_v their_o body_n to_o be_v burn_v therein_o and_o yet_o not_o to_o his_o glory_n nor_o their_o own_o eternal_a advantage_n wherefore_o we_o be_v due_o to_o consider_v all_o thing_n that_o be_v requisite_a to_o make_v our_o suffering_n acceptable_a unto_o god_n and_o honourable_a unto_o the_o gospel_n i_o have_v observe_v in_o many_o a_o frame_n of_o spirit_n with_o respect_n unto_o suffering_n that_o i_o never_o see_v good_a event_n of_o when_o it_o be_v try_v to_o the_o uttermost_a boldness_n confidence_n a_o pretend_a contempt_n of_o hardship_n and_o scorn_v other_o man_n who_o they_o suppose_v defective_a in_o these_o thing_n be_v the_o garment_n or_o livery_n they_o wear_v on_o this_o occasion_n such_o principle_n may_v carry_v man_n out_o in_o a_o bad_a cause_n they_o will_v never_o do_v so_o in_o a_o good_a evangelical_n truth_n will_v not_o be_v honourable_o witness_v unto_o but_o by_o evangelical_n grace_n distrust_v of_o ourselves_o a_o due_a apprehension_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o evil_n to_o be_v undergo_v and_o of_o our_o own_o frailty_n with_o continual_a prayer_n to_o be_v deliver_v from_o they_o or_o support_v under_o they_o and_o prudent_a care_n to_o avoid_v they_o without_o a_o inroad_n on_o conscience_n or_o neglect_v of_o duty_n be_v much_o better_a preparation_n for_o a_o entrance_n into_o a_o state_n of_o suffer_v many_o thing_n belong_v unto_o our_o learning_n aright_o this_o first_o and_o last_o lesson_n of_o the_o gospel_n namely_o of_o bear_v the_o cross_n or_o undergo_a all_o sort_n of_o suffering_n for_o the_o profession_n of_o it_o but_o they_o belong_v not_o unto_o our_o present_a occasion_n this_o only_o be_v that_o which_o we_o now_o press_v as_o a_o evidence_n of_o our_o sincerity_n in_o our_o suffering_n and_o a_o effectual_a mean_n to_o enable_v we_o cheerful_o to_o undergo_v they_o which_o be_v to_o have_v such_o a_o continual_a prospect_n of_o the_o future_a state_n of_o glory_n so_o as_o to_o lay_v it_o in_o the_o balance_n against_o all_o that_o we_o may_v undergo_v for_o 1._o to_o have_v our_o mind_n fill_v and_o possess_v with_o thought_n thereof_o will_v give_v we_o a_o alacrity_n in_o our_o entrance_n into_o suffering_n in_o a_o way_n of_o duty_n other_o consideration_n will_v offer_v themselves_o unto_o our_o relief_n which_o will_v quick_o fade_v and_o disappear_v they_o be_v like_o a_o cordial_a water_n which_o give_v a_o little_a relief_n for_o a_o season_n and_o then_o leave_v the_o spirit_n to_o sink_v beneath_o what_o they_o be_v before_o it_o be_v take_v some_o relieve_v themselves_o from_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o their_o suffering_n they_o be_v not_o so_o great_a but_o that_o they_o may_v conflict_n with_o they_o and_o come_v off_o with_o safety_n but_o there_o be_v nothing_o of_o that_o kind_n so_o small_a which_o will_v not_o prove_v too_o hard_a and_o strong_a for_o we_o unless_o we_o have_v especial_a assistance_n some_o do_v the_o same_o from_o their_o duration_n they_o be_v but_o for_o ten_o day_n or_o six_o month_n and_o then_o they_o shall_v be_v free_a some_o from_o the_o compassion_n and_o esteem_n of_o men._n these_o and_o the_o like_a consideration_n be_v apt_a to_o occur_v unto_o the_o mind_n of_o all_o sort_n of_o person_n whether_o they_o be_v spiritual_o mind_v or_o no._n but_o when_o our_o mind_n be_v accustom_v unto_o thought_n of_o the_o glory_n that_o shall_v be_v
and_o delight_v the_o mind_n of_o some_o man_n be_v apt_a on_o such_o occasion_n to_o be_v fill_v with_o thought_n of_o what_o they_o have_v receive_v and_o their_o affection_n to_o be_v whole_o take_v up_o with_o it_o but_o he_o who_o be_v spiritual_o mind_a will_v immediate_o retreat_v unto_o thought_n of_o god_n place_v his_o delight_n and_o take_v up_o his_o satisfaction_n in_o he_o and_o so_o on_o the_o other_o side_n great_a distress_n prevalent_a sorrow_n strong_a pain_n violent_a distemper_n be_v apt_a of_o themselves_o to_o take_v up_o and_o exercise_v all_o the_o thought_n of_o man_n about_o they_o but_o those_o who_o be_v spiritual_o mind_v will_v in_o and_o under_o they_o all_o continual_o betake_v themselves_o unto_o thought_n of_o god_n wherein_o they_o find_v relief_n and_o refreshment_n against_o all_o that_o they_o feel_v or_o fear_n in_o every_o state_n their_o principal_a joy_n be_v in_o the_o remembrance_n of_o his_o holiness_n 2._o that_o they_o be_v accompany_v with_o godly_a fear_n and_o reverence_n these_o be_v require_v of_o we_o in_o all_o wherein_o we_o have_v to_o do_v with_o god_n heb._n 12.28_o 29._o and_o as_o the_o scripture_n do_v not_o more_o abound_v with_o precept_n unto_o any_o duty_n so_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n and_o our_o own_o with_o the_o infinite_a distance_n between_o they_o make_v it_o indispensable_o necessary_a even_o in_o the_o light_n of_o the_o natural_a conscience_n infinite_a greatness_n infinite_a holiness_n infinite_a power_n all_o which_o god_n be_v command_v the_o uttermost_a reverential_a fear_n that_o our_o nature_n be_v capable_a of_o the_o want_n hereof_o be_v the_o spring_n of_o innumerable_a evil_n yea_o indeed_o of_o all_o that_o be_v so_o hence_o be_v blasphemous_a abuse_n of_o the_o holy_a name_n of_o god_n in_o curse_a oath_n and_o execration_n hence_o it_o be_v take_v in_o vain_a in_o ordinary_a exclamation_n hence_o be_v all_o formality_n in_o religion_n it_o be_v the_o spiritual_a mind_n alone_o that_o can_v reconcile_v those_o thing_n which_o be_v prescribe_v we_o as_o our_o duty_n towards_o god_n to_o delight_n and_o rejoice_v in_o he_o always_o to_o triumph_v in_o the_o remembrance_n of_o he_o to_o draw_v nigh_o unto_o he_o with_o boldness_n and_o confidence_n be_v on_o the_o one_o hand_n prescribe_v unto_o we_o and_o on_o the_o other_o it_o be_v so_o that_o we_o fear_v and_o tremble_v before_o he_o that_o we_o fear_v that_o great_a and_o dreadful_a name_n the_o lord_n our_o god_n that_o we_o have_v grace_n to_o serve_v he_o with_o reverence_n and_o godly_a fear_n because_o he_o be_v a_o consume_a fire_n these_o thing_n carnal_a reason_n can_v comprehend_v no_o consistency_n in_o what_o it_o be_v afraid_a of_o it_o can_v delight_v in_o and_o what_o it_o delight_v in_o it_o will_v not_o long_o fear_v but_o the_o consideration_n of_o faith_n concern_v what_o god_n be_v in_o himself_o and_o what_o he_o will_v be_v unto_o we_o give_v these_o different_a grace_n their_o distinct_a operation_n and_o a_o bless_a reconciliation_n in_o our_o soul_n wherefore_o all_o our_o thought_n of_o god_n ought_v to_o be_v accompany_v with_o a_o holy_a awe_n and_o reverence_n from_o a_o due_a sense_n of_o his_o greatness_n holiness_n and_o power_n two_o thing_n will_v utter_o vitiate_v all_o thought_n of_o god_n and_o render_v they_o useless_a unto_o we_o 1._o vain_a curiosity_n 2._o carnal_a boldness_n it_o be_v inimaginable_a how_o the_o subtle_a disquisition_n and_o dispute_n of_o man_n about_o the_o nature_n property_n and_o counsel_n of_o god_n have_v be_v corrupt_v render_v sapless_a and_o useless_a by_o vain_a curiosity_n and_o strive_v for_o a_o artificial_a accuracy_n in_o the_o expression_n of_o man_n apprehension_n when_o the_o wit_n and_o mind_n of_o man_n be_v engage_v in_o such_o thought_n god_n be_v not_o in_o all_o their_o thought_n even_o when_o all_o their_o thought_n be_v concern_v he_o when_o once_o man_n be_v get_v into_o their_o metaphysical_a curiosity_n and_o logical_a nicety_n in_o their_o contemplation_n about_o god_n and_o his_o divine_a property_n they_o bid_v farewell_n for_o the_o most_o part_n unto_o all_o godly_a fear_n and_o reverence_n other_o be_v under_o the_o power_n of_o carnal_a boldness_n that_o they_o think_v of_o god_n with_o no_o other_o respect_n than_o if_o they_o think_v of_o worm_n of_o the_o earth_n like_o themselves_o there_o be_v no_o holy_a awfulness_n upon_o their_o mind_n and_o soul_n in_o the_o mention_n of_o his_o name_n by_o these_o thing_n may_v our_o thought_n of_o god_n be_v so_o vitiate_v that_o the_o heart_n shall_v not_o in_o they_o be_v affect_v with_o a_o reverence_n of_o he_o nor_o any_o evidence_n be_v give_v that_o we_o be_v spiritual_o mind_v it_o be_v this_o holy_a reverence_n that_o be_v the_o mean_n of_o bring_v in_o sanctify_a virtue_n into_o our_o soul_n from_o god_n upon_o our_o thought_n of_o he_o none_o that_o think_v of_o god_n with_o a_o due_a reverence_n but_o he_o shall_v be_v sensible_a of_o advantage_n by_o it_o hereby_o do_v we_o sanctify_v god_n in_o our_o access_n unto_o he_o and_o when_o we_o do_v so_o he_o will_v sanctify_v and_o purify_v our_o heart_n by_o those_o very_a thought_n in_o which_o we_o draw_v nigh_o to_o he_o we_o may_v have_v many_o sudden_a occasional_a transient_a thought_n of_o god_n that_o be_v not_o introduce_v into_o our_o mind_n by_o a_o precede_a reverential_n fear_n but_o if_o they_o leave_v not_o that_o fear_n on_o our_o heart_n in_o proportion_n unto_o their_o continuance_n with_o we_o they_o be_v of_o no_o value_n but_o will_v insensible_o habituate_v we_o unto_o a_o common_a bold_a frame_n of_o spirit_n which_o he_o despise_v so_o be_v it_o in_o the_o case_n of_o thought_n of_o a_o contrary_a nature_n thought_n of_o sin_n of_o sinful_a object_n may_v arise_v in_o our_o mind_n from_o the_o remainder_n of_o corruption_n or_o be_v occasion_v by_o the_o temptation_n and_o suggestion_n of_o satan_n if_o these_o be_v immediate_o reject_v and_o cast_v out_o of_o we_o the_o soul_n be_v not_o more_o prejudice_v by_o their_o entrance_n than_o it_o be_v advantage_v by_o their_o rejection_n through_o the_o power_n of_o grace_n but_o if_o they_o make_v frequent_a return_n into_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n or_o make_v any_o abode_n or_o continuance_n in_o their_o solicit_n of_o the_o affection_n they_o great_o defile_v the_o mind_n and_o conscience_n dispose_v the_o person_n unto_o the_o further_a entertainment_n of_o they_o so_o if_o our_o occasional_a thought_n of_o god_n do_v immediate_o leave_v we_o and_o pass_v away_o without_o much_o affect_v our_o mind_n we_o shall_v have_v little_a or_o no_o benefit_n by_o they_o but_o if_o by_o their_o frequent_a visit_n and_o some_o continuance_n with_o we_o they_o dispose_v soul_n unto_o a_o holy_a reverence_n of_o god_n they_o be_v a_o bless_a mean_n of_o promote_a our_o sanctification_n without_o this_o i_o say_v there_o may_v be_v thought_n of_o god_n unto_o no_o advantage_n of_o the_o soul_n there_o be_v implant_v on_o our_o nature_n such_o a_o sense_n of_o a_o divine_a power_n and_o presence_n as_o that_o on_o all_o sudden_a occasion_n and_o surprisal_n it_o will_v act_v itself_o according_a unto_o that_o sense_n and_o apprehension_n there_o be_v vox_fw-la naturae_fw-la clamantis_fw-la ad_fw-la dominum_fw-la naturae_fw-la a_o voice_n in_o nature_n itself_o upon_o any_o thing_n that_o be_v sudden_o too_o hard_o for_o it_o which_o cry_v out_o immediate_o unto_o the_o god_n of_o nature_n so_o man_n on_o such_o occasion_n without_o any_o consideration_n be_v surprise_v into_o a_o call_n on_o the_o name_n of_o god_n and_o cry_v unto_o he_o and_o from_o the_o same_o natural_a apprehension_n it_o be_v that_o wicked_a and_o profane_a person_n will_v break_v forth_o on_o all_o occasion_n into_o curse_a swear_v by_o his_o name_n so_o man_n in_o such_o way_n have_v thought_n of_o god_n without_o either_o reverence_n or_o godly_a fear_n without_o give_v any_o glory_n unto_o he_o and_o for_o the_o most_o part_n unto_o their_o own_o disadvantage_n such_o be_v all_o thought_n of_o god_n that_o be_v not_o accompany_v with_o holy_a fear_n and_o reverence_n there_o be_v scarce_o any_o duty_n that_o ought_v at_o present_a to_o be_v more_o press_v on_o the_o conscience_n of_o man_n than_o this_o of_o keep_v up_o a_o constant_a holy_a reverence_n of_o god_n in_o all_o wherein_o they_o have_v to_o do_v with_o he_o both_o in_o private_a and_o public_a in_o their_o inward_a thought_n and_o outward_a communication_n formality_n have_v so_o prevail_v on_o religion_n and_o that_o under_o the_o most_o effectual_a mean_n of_o its_o suppression_n that_o very_o many_o do_v manifest_a that_o they_o have_v little_a or_o no_o reverence_n of_o god_n in_o the_o most_o solemn_a duty_n of_o his_o worship_n and_o less_o it_o may_v be_v in_o their_o secret_a
many_o a_o good_a beginning_n have_v be_v utter_o ruin_v by_o this_o occasion_n and_o temptation_n privacy_n and_o opportunity_n have_v overthrow_v many_o such_o person_n in_o the_o best_a of_o their_o resolution_n and_o they_o be_v so_o unto_o all_o person_n not_o yet_o flagitious_o wicked_a curse_a fruit_n proceed_v every_o day_n from_o these_o occasion_n we_o need_v no_o other_o demonstration_n of_o their_o power_n and_o efficacy_n in_o tempt_v unto_o sin_n but_o the_o visible_a effect_n of_o they_o and_o what_o they_o be_v unto_o any_o they_o may_v be_v unto_o all_o if_o not_o diligent_o watch_v against_o so_o the_o apostle_n reflect_v on_o the_o shameful_a thing_n that_o be_v do_v in_o the_o dark_a in_o a_o concurrence_n of_o secrecy_n and_o opportunity_n this_o therefore_o give_v a_o just_a season_n unto_o thought_n of_o the_o omnipresence_n and_o omniscience_n of_o god_n and_o they_o will_v not_o be_v want_v in_o some_o measure_n in_o they_o that_o be_v spiritual_o mind_v god_n be_v in_o this_o place_n the_o darkness_n be_v no_o darkness_n unto_o he_o light_n and_o darkness_n be_v with_o he_o both_o alike_o be_v sufficient_a consideration_n to_o lay_v in_o the_o balance_n against_o any_o temptation_n spring_v out_o of_o secrecy_n and_o opportunity_n one_o think_v of_o the_o actual_a presence_n of_o the_o holy_a god_n and_o the_o open_a view_n of_o his_o all-seeing_a eye_n will_v do_v more_o to_o cool_v those_o affection_n which_o lust_n may_v put_v into_o a_o tumult_n on_o such_o occasion_n than_o any_o other_o consideration_n whatever_o a_o speedy_a retreat_n hereunto_o upon_o the_o first_o perplex_v thought_n wherewith_o temptation_n assault_v the_o soul_n will_v be_v its_o strong_a tower_n where_o it_o shall_v be_v safe_a 2._o a_o second_o season_n call_v for_o the_o exercise_n of_o our_o mind_n in_o thought_n of_o the_o omnipresence_n and_o omniscience_n of_o god_n be_v make_v up_o of_o our_o solitude_n and_o retirement_n these_o give_v we_o the_o most_o genuine_a trial_n whether_o we_o be_v spiritual_o mind_v or_o no._n what_o we_o be_v in_o they_o that_o we_o be_v and_o no_o more_o but_o yet_o in_o some_o of_o they_o as_o in_o walk_v and_o journeying_n or_o the_o like_a vain_a thought_n and_o foolish_a imagination_n be_v exceed_o apt_a to_o solicit_v our_o mind_n whatever_o be_v store_v up_o in_o the_o affection_n or_o memory_n will_v at_o such_o a_o time_n offer_v itself_o for_o our_o present_a entertainment_n and_o where_o man_n have_v accustom_v themselves_o unto_o any_o sort_n of_o thing_n they_o will_v press_v on_o they_o for_o the_o possession_n of_o their_o thought_n as_o it_o be_v whether_o they_o will_v or_o no._n the_o psalmist_n give_v we_o the_o way_n to_o prevent_v this_o evil_a psal._n 16.7_o 8._o i_o will_v bless_v the_o lord_n who_o have_v give_v i_o counsel_n my_o reins_o also_o instruct_v i_o in_o the_o night_n season_n i_o have_v set_v the_o lord_n always_o before_o i_o because_o he_o be_v at_o my_o right_a hand_n his_o reins_o that_o be_v his_o affection_n and_o secret_a thought_n give_v he_o counsel_n and_o instruct_v he_o in_o all_o such_o season_n but_o whence_o have_v they_o that_o wisdom_n and_o faithfulness_n in_o themselves_o they_o be_v the_o seat_n of_o all_o lust_n and_o corruption_n nor_o can_v do_v any_o thing_n but_o seduce_v he_o into_o a_o evil_a frame_n it_o be_v from_o hence_o alone_o that_o he_o set_v the_o lord_n always_o before_o he_o continual_a apprehension_n of_o the_o presence_n of_o god_n with_o he_o keep_v his_o mind_n his_o heart_n and_o affection_n in_o that_o awe_n and_o reverence_n of_o he_o as_o that_o they_o always_o instruct_v he_o unto_o his_o duty_n but_o as_o i_o remember_v i_o speak_v somewhat_o as_o unto_o the_o due_a management_n of_o our_o thought_n in_o this_o season_n before_o 3._o time_n of_o great_a difficulty_n danger_n and_o perplexity_n of_o mind_n thereon_o be_v a_o season_n call_v for_o the_o same_o duty_n suppose_v a_o man_n be_v leave_v alone_o in_o his_o trial_n for_o the_o profession_n of_o the_o gospel_n as_o it_o be_v with_o paul_n when_o all_o man_n forsake_v he_o and_o no_o man_n stand_v by_o he_o suppose_v he_o to_o be_v bring_v before_o prince_n ruler_n or_o judge_n that_o be_v fill_v with_o rage_n and_o arm_v with_o power_n against_o he_o all_o thing_n be_v dispose_v to_o affect_v he_o with_o dread_n and_o terror_n it_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o such_o a_o one_o to_o call_v off_o his_o thought_n from_o all_o thing_n visible_o present_a and_o to_o fix_v they_o on_o the_o omnipresence_n and_o omniscience_n of_o god_n he_o sit_v among_o those_o judge_n though_o they_o acknowledge_v he_o not_o he_o rule_v over_o they_o at_o his_o pleasure_n he_o know_v the_o cause_n of_o the_o oppress_a and_o justify_v they_o whenever_o the_o world_n condemn_v and_o can_v deliver_v they_o when_o he_o please_v with_o the_o thought_n hereof_o do_v those_o holy_a soul_n support_v themselves_o when_o they_o stand_v before_o the_o fiery_a countenance_n of_o the_o bloody_a tyrant_n on_o the_o one_o hand_n and_o the_o burn_a fiery_a furnace_n on_o the_o other_o dan._n 3.14_o our_o god_n who_o we_o serve_v be_v able_a to_o deliver_v we_o from_o the_o burn_a fiery_a furnace_n and_o he_o will_v deliver_v we_o out_o thy_o hand_n o_o king_n but_o if_o not_o be_v it_o know_v unto_o thou_o o_o king_n that_o we_o will_v not_o serve_v thy_o god_n nor_o worship_v the_o golden_a image_n which_o thou_o have_v set_v up_o thought_n of_o the_o presence_n and_o power_n of_o god_n give_v they_o not_o only_a comfort_n and_o supportment_n under_o their_o distress_n when_o they_o be_v alone_o and_o helpless_a but_o courage_n and_o resolution_n to_o defy_v the_o tyrant_n to_o his_o face_n and_o when_o the_o apostle_n be_v bring_v before_o nero_n that_o monster_n of_o cruelty_n and_o villainy_n and_o all_o man_n forsake_v he_o he_o affirm_v that_o the_o lord_n stand_v by_o he_o and_o strengthen_v he_o 2_o tim._n 4.17_o he_o refresh_v himself_o with_o thought_n of_o his_o presence_n and_o have_v the_o bless_a fruit_n of_o it_o wherefore_o on_o such_o occasion_n when_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n be_v ready_a to_o quake_v when_o they_o see_v all_o thing_n about_o they_o fill_v with_o dread_n and_o terror_n and_o all_o help_n far_o away_o it_o be_v i_o say_v their_o duty_n and_o wisdom_n to_o abstract_n and_o take_v off_o their_o thought_n from_o all_o outward_a and_o present_a appearance_n and_o to_o fix_v they_o on_o the_o presence_n of_o god_n this_o will_v great_o change_v the_o scene_n of_o thing_n in_o their_o mind_n and_o they_o will_v find_v that_o strength_n and_o power_n and_o wisdom_n be_v on_o their_o side_n alone_o all_o that_o appear_v against_o they_o be_v but_o vanity_n folly_n and_o weakness_n so_o when_o the_o servant_n of_o elisha_n see_v the_o place_n where_o they_o be_v compass_v with_o a_o host_n both_o horse_n and_o chariot_n that_o come_v to_o take_v they_o he_o cry_v out_o for_o fear_n alas_o my_o master_n how_o shall_v we_o do_v but_o upon_o the_o prayer_n of_o the_o prophet_n the_o lord_n open_v the_o eye_n of_o the_o young_a man_n to_o see_v the_o heavenly_a guard_n that_o he_o have_v send_v unto_o he_o the_o mountain_n be_v full_a of_o horse_n and_o chariot_n of_o fire_n round_o about_o elisha_n his_o fear_n and_o trouble_v depart_v 2_o king_n 6.15_o 16_o 17._o and_o when_o in_o the_o like_a extremity_n god_n open_v the_o eye_n of_o faith_n to_o behold_v his_o glorious_a presence_n we_o shall_v no_o more_o be_v afraid_a of_o the_o dread_n of_o man_n herein_o do_v the_o holy_a martyr_n triumph_v of_o old_a and_o even_o despise_v their_o bloody_a persecutor_n our_o saviour_n himself_o make_v it_o the_o ground_n of_o his_o supportment_n on_o the_o like_a occasion_n john_n 16.32_o behold_v say_v he_o to_o his_o disciple_n his_o only_a friend_n the_o hour_n come_v yea_o be_v now_o come_v that_o you_o shall_v be_v scatter_v every_o one_o to_o his_o own_o and_o leave_v i_o alone_o and_o yet_o i_o be_o not_o alone_a because_o the_o father_n be_v with_o i_o can_v we_o but_o possess_v our_o soul_n with_o the_o apprehension_n that_o when_o we_o be_v leave_v alone_o in_o our_o trial_n and_o danger_n from_o any_o countenance_n of_o friend_n or_o help_v of_o man_n yet_o that_o indeed_o we_o be_v not_o alone_o because_o the_o father_n be_v with_o we_o it_o will_v support_v we_o under_o our_o despondency_n and_o enable_v we_o unto_o our_o duty_n 4._o especial_a providential_a warning_n call_v for_o thought_n of_o god_n omnipresence_n and_o omniscience_n so_o jacob_n in_o his_o nightly_a vision_n instant_o make_v this_o conclusion_n god_n be_v in_o this_o place_n and_o i_o know_v it_o not_o we_o have_v frequent_o such_o warning_n give_v unto_o we_o sometime_o we_o have_v so_o in_o
be_v in_o their_o proper_a exercise_n with_o respect_n unto_o they_o we_o have_v no_o sufficiency_n in_o ourselves_o all_o our_o sufficiency_n must_v be_v of_o god_n there_o be_v no_o truth_n among_o person_n of_o light_n and_o knowledge_n more_o general_o grant_v in_o the_o notion_n of_o it_o than_o this_o that_o of_o ourselves_o we_o can_v do_v nothing_o and_o none_o more_o neglect_v in_o daily_a practice_n man_n profess_v they_o can_v do_v nothing_o of_o themselves_o and_o yet_o go_v about_o their_o duty_n as_o if_o they_o can_v do_v all_o thing_n 3._o remember_v that_o i_o have_v not_o at_o present_a treat_v of_o solemn_a state_v meditation_n concern_v which_o other_o rule_n and_o instruction_n ought_v to_o be_v give_v by_o solemn_a or_o state_v meditation_n i_o intend_v the_o thought_n of_o some_o subject_a spiritual_a and_o divine_a with_o the_o fix_v force_v and_o order_v our_o thought_n about_o it_o with_o a_o design_n to_o affect_v our_o own_o heart_n and_o soul_n with_o the_o matter_n of_o it_o or_o the_o thing_n contain_v in_o it_o by_o this_o design_n it_o be_v distinguish_v from_o the_o study_n of_o the_o word_n wherein_o our_o principal_a aim_n be_v to_o learn_v the_o truth_n or_o to_o declare_v it_o unto_o other_o and_o so_o also_o from_o prayer_n whereof_o god_n himself_o be_v the_o immediate_a object_n but_o in_o meditation_n it_o be_v the_o affect_v of_o our_o own_o heart_n and_o mind_n with_o love_n delight_n and_o humiliation_n at_o present_a i_o have_v only_o show_v what_o it_o be_v to_o be_v spiritual_o mind_v and_o that_o in_o this_o instance_n of_o our_o thought_n as_o they_o proceed_v from_o the_o habitual_a frame_n of_o our_o heart_n and_o affection_n or_o of_o what_o sort_n the_o constant_a course_n of_o our_o thought_n ought_v to_o be_v with_o respect_n unto_o all_o the_o occasion_n of_o the_o life_n of_o god_n this_o person_n may_v be_v in_o a_o readiness_n for_o who_o be_v yet_o unskilful_a in_o and_o unable_a for_o state_v meditation_n for_o there_o be_v require_v thereunto_o such_o a_o exercise_n of_o our_o natural_a faculty_n and_o ability_n as_o some_o through_o their_o weakness_n and_o ignorance_n be_v incapable_a of_o but_o as_o unto_o what_o we_o have_v hitherto_o insist_v on_o it_o be_v not_o unattainable_a by_o any_o in_o who_o be_v the_o spirit_n of_o faith_n and_o love_n for_o it_o be_v but_o the_o frequent_a act_n of_o they_o that_o i_o intend_v wherefore_o do_v your_o heart_n and_o affection_n lead_v you_o unto_o many_o thought_n of_o god_n and_o spiritual_a thing_n do_v they_o spring_v up_o in_o you_o as_o water_n in_o a_o well_o of_o live_a water_n be_v you_o ready_a on_o all_o occasion_n to_o entertain_v such_o thought_n and_o to_o be_v conversant_a with_o they_o as_o opportunity_n do_v offer_v itself_o do_v you_o labour_v to_o have_v in_o a_o readiness_n what_o be_v useful_a for_o you_o with_o respect_n unto_o temptation_n and_o duty_n be_v god_n in_o christ_n and_o the_o thing_n of_o the_o gospel_n the_o ordinary_a retreat_n of_o your_o soul_n though_o you_o shall_v not_o be_v able_a to_o carry_v on_o a_o orderly_o state_v meditation_n in_o your_o mind_n yet_o you_o may_v be_v spiritual_o mind_v a_o man_n may_v not_o have_v a_o capacity_n and_o ability_n to_o carry_v on_o a_o great_a trade_n of_o merchandise_n in_o the_o world_n the_o knowledge_n of_o all_o sort_n of_o commodity_n and_o season_n of_o the_o world_n and_o nation_n of_o it_o with_o those_o contrivance_n and_o account_n which_o belong_v unto_o such_o trade_n may_v be_v above_o his_o comprehension_n and_o he_o may_v quick_o ruin_v himself_o in_o undertake_v such_o a_o employment_n yet_o may_v the_o ability_n of_o this_o man_n serve_v he_o well_o enough_o to_o carry_v on_o a_o retail_n trade_n in_o a_o private_a shop_n wherein_o perhaps_o he_o may_v thrive_v as_o well_o and_o get_v as_o good_a a_o estate_n as_o any_o of_o those_o who_o great_a capacity_n lead_v they_o forth_o unto_o more_o large_a and_o hazardous_a employment_n so_o it_o may_v be_v with_o some_o in_o this_o case_n the_o natural_a faculty_n of_o their_o mind_n be_v not_o sufficient_a to_o enable_v they_o unto_o state_v meditation_n they_o can_v cast_v thing_n into_o that_o method_n and_o order_n which_o be_v require_v thereunto_o nor_o frame_v the_o conception_n of_o their_o mind_n into_o word_n significant_a and_o expressive_a yet_o as_o unto_o frequency_n of_o thought_n of_o god_n and_o a_o disposition_n of_o mind_n thereunto_o they_o may_v thrive_v and_o be_v skilful_a beyond_o most_o other_o of_o great_a natural_a ability_n howbeit_o because_o even_o state_v meditation_n be_v a_o necessary_a duty_n yea_o the_o principal_a way_n whereby_o our_o spiritual_a thought_n do_v profitable_o act_v themselves_o i_o shall_v have_v regard_n thereunto_o in_o the_o follow_a direction_n wherefore_o 4._o whatever_o principle_n of_o grace_n we_o have_v in_o our_o mind_n we_o can_v attain_v unto_o a_o ready_a exercise_n of_o it_o in_o a_o way_n of_o spiritual_a meditation_n or_o otherwise_o without_o great_a diligence_n nor_o without_o great_a difficulty_n it_o be_v show_v at_o the_o entrance_n of_o this_o discourse_n that_o there_o be_v a_o difference_n in_o this_o grace_n between_o the_o essence_n substance_n or_o reality_n of_o it_o which_o we_o will_v not_o exclude_v man_n from_o under_o many_o fail_n or_o infirmity_n and_o the_o useful_a degree_n of_o it_o wherein_o it_o have_v its_o principal_a exercise_n as_o there_o be_v a_o difference_n in_o life_n natural_a and_o its_o act_n in_o a_o weak_a disease_v sickly_a body_n and_o in_o that_o which_o be_v of_o a_o good_a constitution_n and_o in_o a_o vigorous_a health_n suppose_v the_o first_o the_o reality_n of_o this_o grace_n be_v wrought_v in_o we_o or_o implant_v in_o our_o mind_n by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n as_o a_o principal_a part_n of_o that_o new_a nature_n which_o be_v the_o workmanship_n of_o god_n create_v in_o christ_n jesus_n unto_o good_a work_n yet_o unto_o the_o growth_n and_o improvement_n of_o it_o as_o of_o all_o other_o grace_n our_o own_o diligent_a care_n watchfulness_n and_o spiritual_a strive_v in_o all_o holy_a duty_n be_v require_v unless_o the_o most_o fruitful_a ground_n be_v manure_v it_o will_v not_o bring_v forth_o a_o useful_a crop_n let_v not_o any_o think_v that_o this_o frame_n of_o a_o spiritual_a mind_n wherein_o there_o be_v a_o disposition_n unto_o and_o a_o readiness_n for_o all_o holy_a thought_n of_o god_n of_o christ_n of_o spiritual_a and_o heavenly_a thing_n at_o all_o time_n and_o on_o all_o occasion_n will_v befall_v he_o and_o continue_v with_o he_o he_o know_v not_o how_o as_o good_a it_o be_v for_o a_o poor_a man_n to_o expect_v to_o be_v rich_a in_o this_o world_n without_o industry_n or_o a_o weak_a man_n to_o be_v strong_a and_o healthy_a without_o food_n and_o exercise_n as_o to_o be_v spiritual_o mind_v without_o a_o earnest_a endeavour_n after_o it_o it_o may_v be_v inquire_v what_o be_v requisite_a thereunto_o and_o we_o may_v name_v some_o of_o those_o thing_n without_o which_o such_o a_o holy_a frame_n will_v not_o be_v attain_v as_o 1._o a_o continual_a watch_n be_v to_o be_v keep_v in_o and_o on_o the_o soul_n against_o the_o incursion_n of_o vain_a thought_n and_o imagination_n especial_o in_o such_o season_n wherein_o they_o be_v apt_a to_o obtain_v advantage_n if_o they_o be_v suffer_v to_o make_v a_o inroad_n into_o the_o mind_n if_o we_o accustom_v ourselves_o to_o give_v they_o entertainment_n if_o they_o be_v wont_n to_o lodge_v within_o in_o vain_a shall_v we_o hope_v or_o desire_v to_o be_v spiritual_o mind_v herein_o consist_v a_o principal_a part_n of_o that_o duty_n which_o our_o saviour_n so_o frequent_o so_o emphatical_o charge_v on_o we_o all_o namely_o to_o watch_n mark_v 3.37_o unless_o we_o keep_v a_o strict_a watch_n herein_o we_o shall_v be_v betray_v into_o the_o hand_n of_o our_o spiritual_a enemy_n for_o all_o such_o thought_n be_v but_o make_v provision_n for_o the_o flesh_n to_o fulfil_v its_o desire_n in_o the_o lust_n thereof_o however_o they_o may_v be_v disappoint_v as_o unto_o actual_a sin_n this_o be_v the_o substance_n of_o the_o advice_n give_v we_o in_o charge_n prov._n 4.23_o keep_v thy_o heart_n with_o all_o diligence_n for_o out_o of_o it_o be_v the_o issue_n of_o life_n 2._o careful_a avoidance_n of_o all_o society_n and_o business_n of_o this_o life_n which_o be_v apt_a under_o various_a pretence_n to_o draw_v and_o seduce_v the_o mind_n unto_o a_o earthly_a or_o sensual_a frame_n if_o man_n will_v venture_v on_o those_o thing_n which_o they_o have_v find_v by_o experience_n or_o may_v find_v by_o observation_n that_o they_o seduce_v and_o draw_v off_o their_o mind_n from_o a_o heavenly_a frame_n unto_o that_o which_o be_v contrary_a thereunto_o and_o will_v not_o watch_v unto_o
their_o avoidance_n they_o will_v be_v fill_v with_o the_o fruit_n of_o their_o own_o way_n indeed_o the_o common_a converse_v of_o professor_n among_o themselves_o and_o other_o walking_z talk_v and_o behave_v themselves_o like_o other_o man_n be_v as_o full_a of_o the_o world_n as_o the_o world_n be_v of_o itself_o have_v lose_v the_o grace_n of_o be_v spiritually-minded_n within_o and_o stain_v the_o glory_n of_o profession_n without_o the_o rule_n observe_v by_o david_n will_v manifest_v how_o careful_a we_o ought_v to_o be_v herein_o psal._n 39.1_o 2_o 3._o i_o say_v i_o will_v take_v heed_n to_o my_o way_n that_o i_o sin_v not_o with_o my_o tongue_n i_o will_v keep_v my_o mouth_n with_o a_o bridle_n while_o the_o wicked_a be_v before_o i_o i_o be_v dumb_a with_o silence_n i_o hold_v my_o peace_n even_o from_o good_a and_o my_o sorrow_n be_v stir_v my_o heart_n be_v hot_a within_o i_o while_o i_o be_v muse_v the_o fire_n burn_v then_o speak_v i_o with_o my_o tongue_n which_o place_n be_v speak_v unto_o before_o 3._o a_o holy_a constraint_n put_v on_o the_o mind_n to_o abide_v in_o the_o duty_n of_o spiritual_a thought_n and_o meditation_n press_v it_o continual_o with_o the_o consideration_n of_o their_o necessity_n and_o usefulness_n the_o mind_n will_v be_v apt_a of_o itself_o to_o start_v aside_o from_o duty_n pure_o spiritual_a through_o the_o mixture_n of_o the_o flesh_n abide_v in_o it_o the_o more_o inward_a and_o pure_o spiritual_a any_o duty_n be_v which_o have_v no_o outward_a advantage_n the_o more_o prone_a will_v the_o mind_n be_v to_o decline_v from_o it_o it_o will_v be_v so_o more_o from_o private_a prayer_n than_o public_a more_o from_o meditation_n than_o prayer_n and_o other_o thing_n will_v be_v apt_a to_o draw_v it_o aside_o by_o object_n without_o and_o various_a stir_n of_o the_o affection_n within_o a_o holy_a constraint_n be_v to_o be_v put_v upon_o it_o with_o a_o sudden_a rejection_n of_o what_o rise_v up_o to_o its_o diversion_n or_o disturbance_n wherefore_o we_o be_v to_o call_v in_o all_o constrain_a motive_n such_o as_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o love_n of_o christ_n 2_o cor._n 5.14_o to_o keep_v the_o mind_n steady_a unto_o its_o duty_n 4._o diligent_a use_n of_o mean_n to_o furnish_v the_o soul_n with_o that_o light_n and_o knowledge_n of_o heavenly_a thing_n which_o may_v administer_v continual_a matter_n of_o holy_a thought_n and_o meditation_n from_o within_o ourselves_o this_o have_v be_v speak_v unto_o at_o large_a before_o and_o the_o want_n hereof_o be_v that_o which_o keep_v many_o from_o the_o least_o proficiency_n in_o these_o duty_n as_o a_o man_n may_v have_v some_o skill_n or_o ability_n for_o a_o trade_n yet_o if_o he_o have_v no_o material_n to_o work_v upon_o he_o must_v sit_v still_o and_o let_v his_o trade_n alone_o and_o so_o must_v man_n do_v as_o unto_o the_o work_n of_o holy_a meditation_n whatever_o be_v the_o ability_n of_o the_o natural_a faculty_n their_o invention_n or_o memory_n if_o they_o be_v not_o furnish_v with_o knowledge_n of_o thing_n spiritual_a and_o heavenly_a which_o be_v the_o subject_a matter_n of_o such_o meditation_n they_o must_v let_v their_o work_n alone_o hence_o the_o apostle_n pray_v for_o the_o colossian_n that_o the_o word_n of_o god_n may_v dwell_v in_o they_o rich_o in_o all_o wisdom_n chap._n 3.16_o that_o be_v that_o they_o may_v abound_v in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o mind_n of_o christ_n without_o which_o we_o shall_v be_v unfit_a for_o this_o duty_n 5._o vnweariedness_n in_o our_o conflict_n with_o satan_n who_o by_o various_a artifices_fw-la and_o the_o injection_n of_o fiery_a dart_n labour_v continual_o to_o divert_v we_o from_o these_o duty_n he_o be_v seldom_o or_o never_o want_v unto_o this_o occasion_n he_o who_o be_v furnish_v in_o any_o measure_n with_o spiritual_a wisdom_n and_o understanding_n may_v find_v he_o more_o sensible_o at_o work_n in_o his_o craft_n and_o opposition_n with_o respect_n unto_o this_o duty_n than_o any_o other_o way_n when_o we_o stand_v thus_o before_o the_o lord_n he_o be_v always_o at_o our_o right_a hand_n to_o resist_v we_o and_o ofttimes_o his_o strength_n be_v great_a hence_o as_o be_v observe_v ofttimes_o man_n design_v real_o to_o exercise_v themselves_o in_o holy_a thought_n but_o end_n in_o vain_a imagination_n and_o rather_o take_v up_o with_o trifle_n than_o continue_v in_o this_o duty_n steadiness_n in_o the_o resistance_n of_o he_o on_o these_o occasion_n be_v one_o great_a part_n of_o our_o spiritual_a warfare_n and_o we_o may_v know_v that_o he_o be_v at_o work_n by_o his_o engine_n and_o method_n for_o they_o consist_v in_o his_o suggestion_n of_o vain_a foolish_a or_o corrupt_a imagination_n when_o they_o begin_v to_o rise_v in_o our_o mind_n at_o such_o time_n as_o we_o will_v engage_v they_o in_o spiritual_a meditation_n we_o may_v know_v assure_o from_o whence_o they_o be_v 6._o continual_a watchful_a care_n that_o no_o root_n of_o bitterness_n spring_v up_o and_o defile_v we_o that_o no_o lust_n or_o corruption_n be_v predominant_a in_o we_o when_o it_o be_v so_o if_o person_n in_o compliance_n with_o their_o conviction_n do_v endeavour_v sometime_o to_o be_v exercise_v in_o these_o duty_n they_o shall_v labour_v in_o the_o very_a fire_n where_o all_o their_o endeavour_n will_v be_v immediate_o consume_v 7._o mortification_n unto_o the_o world_n in_o our_o affection_n and_o desire_n with_o moderation_n in_o our_o endeavour_n after_o the_o needful_a thing_n of_o it_o be_v also_o necessary_a hereunto_o yea_o to_o that_o degree_n that_o without_o they_o no_o man_n can_v in_o any_o sense_n be_v say_v to_o be_v spiritually-minded_n for_o otherwise_o our_o affection_n can_v be_v so_o preserve_v under_o the_o power_n of_o grace_n as_o that_o spiritual_a thing_n may_v be_v always_o savoury_a unto_o we_o some_o it_o may_v be_v will_v say_v that_o if_o all_o these_o thing_n be_v require_v thereunto_o it_o will_v take_v up_o a_o man_n whole_a life_n and_o time_n to_o be_v spiritually-minded_n they_o hope_v they_o may_v attain_v it_o at_o a_o easy_a rate_n and_o not_o forgo_v all_o other_o advantage_n and_o sweetness_n of_o life_n which_o a_o strict_a observation_n of_o these_o thing_n will_v cast_v they_o upon_o i_o answer_v that_o however_o it_o may_v prove_v a_o hard_a say_v unto_o some_o yet_o i_o must_v say_v it_o and_o my_o heart_n will_v reproach_v i_o if_o i_o shall_v not_o say_v that_o if_o the_o principal_a part_n of_o our_o time_n be_v not_o spend_v about_o these_o thing_n whatever_o we_o suppose_v we_o have_v indeed_o neither_o life_n nor_o peace_n the_o first-fruit_n of_o all_o be_v to_o be_v offer_v unto_o god_n and_o in_o sacrifice_n he_o require_v the_o blood_n and_o the_o fat_a of_o the_o inward_o if_o the_o best_a be_v not_o he_o he_o will_v have_v nothing_o it_o be_v so_o as_o to_o our_o time_n tell_v i_o i_o pray_v you_o how_o you_o can_v spend_v your_o time_n and_o your_o life_n better_o or_o to_o better_a purpose_n and_o i_o shall_v say_v go_v on_o and_o prosper_v i_o be_o sure_a some_o spend_v so_o much_o of_o their_o time_n so_o much_o worse_o as_o it_o be_v a_o shame_n to_o see_v it_o do_v you_o think_v you_o come_v into_o this_o world_n to_o spend_v your_o whole_a time_n and_o strength_n in_o your_o employment_n your_o trade_n your_o pleasure_n unto_o the_o satisfaction_n of_o the_o will_n of_o the_o flesh_n and_o of_o the_o mind_n have_v you_o time_n enough_o to_o eat_v to_o drink_v to_o sleep_v to_o talk_v unprofitable_o it_o may_v be_v corrupt_o in_o all_o sort_n of_o unnecessary_a society_n but_o have_v not_o enough_o to_o live_v unto_o god_n in_o the_o very_a essential_o of_o that_o life_n which_o consist_v in_o these_o thing_n alas_o you_o come_v into_o the_o world_n under_o this_o law_n it_o be_v appoint_v to_o all_o man_n once_o to_o die_v and_o after_o that_o be_v the_o judgement_n and_o the_o end_v why_o your_o life_n here_o be_v grant_v unto_o you_o be_v that_o you_o may_v be_v prepare_v for_o that_o judgement_n if_o this_o be_v neglect_v if_o the_o principal_a part_n of_o your_o time_n be_v not_o improve_v with_o respect_n unto_o this_o end_n you_o will_v fall_v under_o the_o sentence_n of_o it_o unto_o eternity_n but_o man_n be_v apt_a to_o mistake_v in_o this_o matter_n they_o may_v think_v that_o these_o thing_n tend_v to_o take_v they_o off_o from_o their_o lawful_a employment_n and_o recreation_n which_o they_o be_v general_o afraid_a of_o and_o unwilling_a to_o purchase_v any_o frame_n of_o mind_n at_o so_o dear_a a_o rate_n they_o may_v suppose_v that_o to_o have_v man_n spiritual_o mind_v we_o will_v make_v they_o mope_v and_o to_o disregard_n all_o the_o lawful_a occasion_n of_o life_n but_o let_v not_o any_o be_v mistake_v i_o be_o not_o
they_o into_o a_o course_n of_o neglect_v duty_n itself_o wherefore_o it_o be_v our_o wisdom_n to_o set_v apart_o constant_o some_o part_n of_o our_o time_n unto_o the_o exercise_n of_o our_o thought_n about_o spiritual_a thing_n in_o the_o way_n of_o meditation_n and_o i_o shall_v close_v this_o discourse_n with_o some_o direction_n in_o this_o particular_a unto_o they_o who_o complain_v of_o their_o disability_n for_o the_o discharge_n of_o this_o duty_n 1._o choose_v and_o separate_v a_o fit_a time_n or_o season_n a_o time_n of_o freedom_n from_o other_o occasion_n and_o diversion_n and_o because_o it_o be_v our_o duty_n to_o redeem_v time_n with_o respect_n unto_o holy_a duty_n such_o a_o season_n may_v be_v the_o more_o useful_a the_o more_o the_o purchase_n of_o it_o stand_v we_o in_o we_o be_v not_o at_o any_o time_n to_o serve_v god_n with_o what_o cost_v we_o nought_o nor_o with_o any_o time_n that_o come_v within_o the_o same_o rule_n if_o we_o will_v allow_v only_o the_o refuse_n of_o our_o time_n unto_o this_o duty_n when_o we_o have_v nothing_o else_o to_o do_v and_o it_o may_v be_v through_o weariness_n of_o occasion_n be_v fit_a for_o nothing_o else_o we_o be_v not_o to_o expect_v any_o great_a success_n in_o it_o this_o be_v one_o pregnant_a reason_n why_o man_n be_v so_o cold_a and_o formal_a so_o lifeless_a in_o spiritual_a duty_n namely_o the_o time_n and_o season_n which_o they_o allot_v unto_o they_o when_o the_o body_n be_v weary_v with_o the_o labour_n and_o occasion_n of_o the_o day_n and_o it_o may_v be_v the_o mind_n in_o its_o natural_a faculty_n indispose_v even_o by_o the_o mean_n of_o necessary_a refreshment_n man_n think_v themselves_o meet_v to_o treat_v with_o god_n about_o the_o great_a concernment_n of_o his_o glory_n and_o their_o own_o soul_n this_o be_v that_o which_o god_n condemn_v by_o the_o prophet_n mal._n 1.8_o and_o if_o you_o offer_v the_o blind_a for_o sacrifice_n be_v it_o not_o evil_a and_o if_o you_o offer_v the_o lame_a and_o sick_a be_v it_o not_o evil_a offer_v it_o now_o unto_o thy_o governor_n will_v he_o be_v please_v with_o thou_o or_o accept_v thy_o person_n both_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n and_o all_o the_o law_n of_o holy_a institution_n do_v require_v that_o we_o shall_v serve_v god_n with_o the_o best_a that_o we_o have_v as_o all_o the_o fat_a of_o the_o inward_o be_v to_o be_v offer_v in_o sacrifice_n and_o shall_v we_o think_v to_o offer_v that_o time_n unto_o god_n wherein_o we_o be_v unmeet_a to_o appear_v before_o a_o earthly_a ruler_n yet_o such_o in_o my_o account_n be_v the_o season_n especial_o the_o evening_n season_n that_o most_o man_n choose_v for_o the_o duty_n of_o their_o holy_a worship_n and_o you_o may_v do_v well_o to_o consider_v that_o beyond_o the_o day_n and_o time_n which_o he_o have_v take_v unto_o himself_o by_o a_o everlasting_a law_n how_o little_a of_o the_o choice_n of_o your_o time_n you_o have_v offer_v unto_o god_n as_o a_o free-will-offering_a that_o you_o may_v be_v excite_v to_o future_a diligence_n if_o therefore_o you_o serious_o intend_v this_o duty_n choose_v the_o season_n for_o it_o wherein_o you_o be_v most_o fit_a when_o even_o the_o natural_a vigour_n of_o your_o spirit_n be_v most_o free_a and_o active_a possible_o some_o will_v say_v this_o may_v be_v such_o a_o time_n as_o when_o the_o occasion_n of_o the_o world_n do_v call_v most_o earnest_o for_o your_o attendance_n unto_o they_o i_o say_v that_o be_v the_o season_n i_o will_v recommend_v and_o if_o you_o can_v conquer_v our_o mind_n to_o redeem_v it_o for_o god_n at_o that_o rate_n your_o endeavour_n in_o it_o will_v be_v prosperous_a however_o trust_v not_o to_o time_n that_o will_v offer_v themselves_o take_v they_o not_o up_o at_o hazard_n let_v the_o time_n itself_o be_v a_o freewill_n offer_v to_o god_n take_v from_o the_o top_n of_o the_o heap_n or_o the_o choice_a part_n of_o your_o useful_a time_n 2._o preparation_n of_o mind_n unto_o a_o due_a reverence_n of_o god_n and_o spiritual_a thing_n be_v require_v previous_o hereunto_o when_o we_o go_v about_o this_o duty_n if_o we_o rush_v into_o thought_n of_o heavenly_a thing_n without_o a_o due_a reverential_a preparation_n we_o shall_v quick_o find_v ourselves_o at_o a_o loss_n see_v the_o rule_n eccles._n 5.1_o 2._o grace_n to_o serve_v god_n with_o reverence_n and_o godly_a fear_n be_v require_v in_o all_o thing_n wherein_o we_o have_v to_o do_v with_o he_o as_o in_o this_o duty_n we_o have_v in_o a_o immediate_a and_o especial_a manner_n endeavour_v therefore_o in_o the_o first_o place_n to_o get_v your_o heart_n deep_o affect_v with_o a_o awful_a reverence_n of_o god_n and_o a_o holy_a regard_n unto_o the_o heavenly_a nature_n of_o the_o thing_n you_o will_v meditate_v upon_o hereby_o your_o mind_n will_v be_v compose_v and_o the_o root_n of_o other_o thought_n be_v they_o vain_a or_o earthly_a which_o be_v apt_a to_o arise_v and_o divert_v you_o from_o this_o duty_n will_v be_v cast_v out_o the_o principle_n of_o these_o contrary_a thought_n be_v like_o jacob_n and_o esau_n they_o struggle_v in_o the_o same_o womb_n and_o oftentime_o esau_n will_v come_v first_o forth_o and_o for_o a_o while_o seem_v to_o carry_v the_o birthright_n if_o various_a thought_n do_v conflict_n in_o our_o mind_n some_o for_o this_o world_n and_o some_o for_o another_o those_o for_o this_o world_n may_v carry_v it_o for_o a_o season_n but_o where_o a_o due_a reverence_n of_o god_n have_v cast_v out_o the_o bondwoman_n and_o her_o child_n the_o work_n of_o the_o flesh_n in_o its_o vain_a thought_n and_o imagination_n the_o mind_n will_v be_v at_o liberty_n to_o exercise_v itself_o on_o spiritual_a thing_n 3._o earnest_a desire_n after_o a_o renew_a sense_n and_o relish_n of_o spiritual_a thing_n be_v require_v hereunto_o if_o we_o engage_v into_o this_o duty_n mere_o on_o a_o conviction_n of_o the_o necessity_n of_o it_o or_o set_v ourselves_o about_o it_o because_o we_o think_v we_o ought_v to_o do_v so_o and_o it_o will_v not_o be_v well_o do_v utter_o to_o neglect_v it_o we_o may_v not_o expect_v to_o be_v successful_a in_o it_o but_o when_o the_o soul_n have_v at_o any_o time_n taste_v that_o the_o lord_n be_v gracious_a when_o its_o meditation_n on_o he_o have_v be_v sweet_a when_o spiritual_a thing_n have_v have_v a_o savour_n and_o relish_v in_o the_o mind_n and_o affection_n and_o hereon_o it_o come_v unto_o this_o duty_n with_o earnest_a desire_n to_o have_v the_o like_a taste_n the_o like_a experience_n yea_o to_o have_v they_o increase_v then_o be_v it_o in_o the_o way_n of_o a_o hopeful_a progress_n and_o this_o also_o will_v make_v we_o persevere_v in_o our_o endeavour_n to_o go_v through_o with_o what_o we_o undertake_v namely_o when_o we_o do_v know_v by_o former_a experience_n what_o be_v to_o be_v attain_v in_o it_o if_o we_o dig_v and_o search_v for_o it_o as_o treasure_n if_o you_o shall_v think_v that_o the_o right_a discharge_n of_o this_o duty_n may_v be_v otherwise_o attain_v if_o you_o suppose_v that_o it_o deserve_v not_o all_o this_o cost_n and_o charge_n about_o it_o judge_v by_o what_o be_v past_a whether_o it_o be_v not_o adviseable_a to_o give_v it_o over_o and_o let_v it_o alone_o as_o good_a lie_n quiet_o on_o the_o ground_n as_o continual_o attempt_v to_o rise_v and_o never_o once_o effect_v it_o remember_v how_o many_o successeless_a attempt_n you_o have_v make_v upon_o it_o and_o all_o have_v come_v to_o nothing_o or_o that_o which_o be_v as_o bad_a as_o nothing_o i_o can_v say_v that_o in_o this_o way_n you_o shall_v always_o succeed_v but_o i_o fear_v you_o will_v never_o have_v success_n in_o this_o duty_n without_o such_o thing_n as_o be_v of_o the_o same_o nature_n and_o use_n with_o it_o when_o after_o this_o preparation_n you_o find_v yourselves_o yet_o perplex_a and_o entangle_v not_o able_a comfortable_o to_o persist_v in_o spiritual_a thought_n unto_o your_o refreshment_n take_v these_o two_o direction_n for_o your_o relief_n 1._o cry_v and_o sigh_v to_o god_n for_o help_n and_o relief_n bewail_v the_o darkness_n weakness_n and_o instability_n of_o your_o mind_n so_o as_o to_o groan_v within_o yourselves_o for_o deliverance_n and_o if_o your_o design_a mediâ—â—…ions_n do_v issue_n only_o in_o a_o renew_a gracious_a sense_n of_o your_o own_o weakness_n and_o insufficiency_n with_o application_n unto_o god_n for_o supply_n of_o strength_n they_o be_v by_o no_o mean_n lose_v as_o unto_o a_o spiritual_a account_n the_o thought_n of_o hezekiah_n in_o his_o meditation_n do_v not_o seem_v to_o have_v any_o great_a order_n or_o consistency_n when_o he_o so_o express_v they_o like_o a_o crane_n or_o a_o swallow_n so_o do_v i_o chatter_v i_o do_v mourn_v as_o a_o dove_n my_o eye_n
fail_v with_o look_v upward_o o_o lord_n i_o be_o oppress_v undertake_v for_o i_o isa._n 38.14_o when_o the_o soul_n labour_v sincere_o for_o communion_n with_o god_n but_o sink_v into_o break_a confuse_a thought_n under_o the_o weight_n of_o its_o own_o weakness_n yet_o if_o he_o look_v to_o god_n for_o relief_n his_o chatter_a and_o mourn_v will_v be_v accept_v with_o god_n and_o profitable_a unto_o himself_o 2._o supply_v the_o brokenness_n of_o your_o thought_n with_o ejaculatory_a prayer_n according_a as_o either_o the_o matter_n of_o they_o or_o your_o defect_n in_o the_o management_n of_o they_o do_v require_v so_o be_v it_o with_o hezekiah_n in_o the_o instance_n before_o mention_v where_o his_o own_o meditation_n be_v weak_a and_o break_a he_o cry_v out_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o they_o o_o lord_n i_o be_o oppress_v undertake_v for_o i_o and_o meditation_n be_v proper_o a_o mixture_n of_o spiritual_a apprehension_n of_o god_n and_o heavenly_a thing_n in_o the_o thought_n and_o conception_n of_o the_o mind_n with_o desire_n and_o supplication_n thereon_o it_o be_v good_a and_o profitable_a to_o have_v some_o special_a design_a subject_n of_o meditation_n in_o our_o thought_n i_o have_v at_o large_a declare_v before_o what_o thing_n be_v the_o proper_a object_n of_o the_o thought_n of_o they_o that_o be_v spiritually-minded_n but_o they_o may_v be_v more_o peculiar_o consider_v as_o the_o matter_n of_o design_a meditation_n and_o they_o may_v be_v take_v out_o of_o some_o especial_a spiritual_a experience_n that_o we_o have_v late_o have_v or_o some_o warning_n we_o have_v receive_v of_o god_n or_o something_o wherewith_o we_o have_v be_v peculiar_o affect_v in_o the_o read_n or_o preach_v of_o the_o word_n or_o what_o we_o find_v the_o present_a posture_n and_o frame_n of_o our_o mind_n and_o soul_n to_o require_v or_o that_o which_o supply_v all_o most_o frequent_o the_o person_n and_o grace_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ._n if_o any_o thing_n of_o this_o nature_n be_v peculiar_o design_v antecedent_o unto_o this_o duty_n and_o a_o season_n be_v seek_v for_o it_o with_o respect_n thereunto_o the_o mind_n will_v be_v fix_v and_o keep_v from_o wander_v after_o variety_n of_o subject_n wherein_o it_o be_v apt_a to_o lose_v itself_o and_o bring_v nothing_o to_o perfection_n last_o be_v not_o discourage_v with_o a_o apprehension_n that_o all_o that_o you_o can_v attain_v unto_o in_o the_o discharge_n of_o this_o duty_n be_v so_o little_a so_o contemptible_a as_o that_o it_o be_v to_o no_o purpose_n to_o persist_v in_o it_o nor_o be_v weary_v with_o the_o difficulty_n you_o meet_v withal_o in_o its_o performance_n you_o have_v to_o do_v with_o he_o only_o in_o this_o matter_n who_o will_v not_o break_v the_o bruise_a reed_n nor_o quench_v the_o smoke_a flax_n who_o will_v it_o be_v that_o none_o shall_v despise_v the_o day_n of_o small_a thing_n and_o if_o there_o be_v in_o this_o duty_n a_o ready_a mind_n it_o be_v accept_v according_a to_o what_o a_o man_n have_v and_o not_o according_a to_o what_o he_o have_v not_o he_o that_o can_v bring_v into_o this_o treasure_n only_o the_o mite_n of_o break_a desire_n and_o ejaculatory_a prayer_n so_o they_o be_v his_o best_a shall_v not_o come_v behind_o they_o who_o cast_v into_o it_o out_o of_o their_o great_a abundance_n in_o ability_n and_o skill_n to_o faint_v and_o give_v out_o because_o we_o can_v arise_v unto_o such_o a_o height_n as_o we_o aim_v at_o be_v a_o fruit_n of_o pride_n and_o unbelief_n he_o who_o find_v himself_o to_o gain_v nothing_o by_o continual_a endeavour_n after_o holy_a fix_a meditation_n but_o only_o a_o live_a active_a sense_n of_o his_o own_o vileness_n and_o unworthiness_n be_v a_o sufficient_a gainer_n by_o all_o his_o pain_n cost_n and_o charge_n but_o ordinary_o it_o shall_v not_o be_v so_o constancy_n in_o the_o duty_n will_v give_v ability_n for_o it_o those_o who_o conscientious_o abide_v in_o its_o performance_n shall_v increase_v in_o light_n wisdom_n and_o experience_n until_o they_o be_v able_a to_o manage_v it_o with_o great_a success_n these_o few_o plain_a direction_n may_v possible_o be_v of_o some_o use_n unto_o the_o weak_a sort_n of_o christian_n when_o they_o find_v a_o disability_n in_o themselves_o unto_o the_o discharge_n of_o this_o duty_n wherein_o those_o who_o be_v spiritual_o mind_v aught_o to_o be_v peculiar_o exercise_v part_n ii_o chap._n xi_o the_o seat_n of_o spiritual-mindedness_a in_o the_o affection_n the_o nature_n and_o use_n of_o they_o the_o way_n and_o mean_n use_v by_o god_n himself_o to_o call_v the_o affection_n of_o man_n from_o the_o world_n in_o the_o account_n give_v at_o the_o entrance_n of_o this_o discourse_n of_o what_o it_o be_v to_o be_v spiritual_o mind_a it_o be_v reduce_v unto_o there_o head_n the_o first_o be_v the_o habitual_a frame_n disposition_n and_o inclination_n of_o the_o mind_n in_o its_o affection_n the_o second_o be_v the_o usual_a exercise_n of_o the_o mind_n in_o its_o thought_n meditation_n and_o desire_v about_o heavenly_a thing_n whereunto_o three_o be_v add_v the_o complacency_n of_o mind_n in_o that_o relish_n and_o savour_n which_o it_o find_v in_o spiritual_a thing_n so_o think_v and_o meditate_a on_o the_o second_o of_o these_o have_v hitherto_o alone_o be_v speak_v unto_o as_o that_o which_o lead_v the_o way_n unto_o the_o other_o and_o give_v the_o most_o sensible_a evidence_n of_o the_o state_n inquire_v after_o therein_o consist_v the_o stream_n which_o rise_v in_o the_o fountain_n of_o our_o affection_n run_v into_o a_o holy_a rest_n and_o complacency_n of_o mind_n the_o first_o and_o last_o i_o shall_v now_o handle_v together_o and_o therein_o comprehend_v the_o account_n of_o what_o it_o be_v to_o be_v spiritual_o mind_a spiritual_a affection_n whereby_o the_o soul_n adhear_v unto_o spiritual_a thing_n take_v in_o such_o a_o savour_n and_o relish_v of_o they_o as_o wherein_o it_o find_v rest_n and_o satisfaction_n be_v the_o peculiar_a spring_n and_o substance_n of_o our_o be_v spiritual_o mind_a this_o be_v that_o which_o i_o shall_v now_o further_o explain_v and_o confirm_v the_o great_a contest_v of_o heaven_n and_o earth_n be_v about_o the_o affection_n of_o the_o poor_a worm_n which_o we_o call_v man._n that_o the_o world_n shall_v contend_v for_o they_o be_v no_o wonder_n it_o be_v the_o best_a that_o it_o can_v pretend_v unto_o all_o thing_n here_o below_o be_v capable_a of_o no_o high_a ambition_n than_o to_o be_v possess_v of_o the_o affection_n of_o men._n and_o as_o they_o â—y_a under_o the_o curse_n it_o can_v do_v we_o no_o great_a mischief_n than_o â—y_a â—_o prevail_a in_o this_o design_n but_o that_o the_o holy_a god_n shall_v as_o it_o be_v engage_v in_o the_o contest_v and_o strive_v for_o the_o affection_n of_o man_n be_v a_o effect_n of_o infinite_a condescension_n and_o grace_n this_o he_o do_v express_o my_o son_n say_v he_o give_v i_o thy_o heart_n prov._n 23.26_o it_o be_v our_o affection_n he_o ask_v for_o and_o comparative_o nothing_o else_o to_o be_v sure_a he_o will_v accept_v of_o nothing_o from_o we_o without_o they_o the_o most_o fat_a and_o costly_a sacrifice_n will_v not_o be_v accept_v if_o it_o be_v without_o a_o heart_n all_o the_o way_n and_o method_n of_o the_o dispensation_n of_o his_o will_n by_o his_o word_n all_o the_o design_n of_o his_o effectual_a grace_n be_v suit_v unto_o and_o prepare_v for_o this_o end_n namely_o to_o recover_v the_o affection_n of_o man_n unto_o himself_o so_o he_o express_v himself_o concern_v his_o word_n deut._n 10.12_o and_o now_o israel_n what_o do_v the_o lord_n thy_o god_n require_v of_o thou_o but_o to_o fear_v the_o lord_n thy_o god_n to_o walk_v in_o all_o his_o way_n and_o to_o love_n and_o to_o serve_v the_o lord_n thy_o god_n with_o all_o thy_o heart_n and_o with_o all_o thy_o soul_n and_o as_o unto_o the_o word_n of_o his_o grace_n he_o declare_v it_o unto_o the_o same_o purpose_n deut._n 30.6_o and_o the_o lord_n thy_o god_n will_v circumcise_v thy_o heart_n and_o the_o heart_n of_o thy_o seed_n to_o love_v the_o lord_n thy_o god_n with_o all_o thy_o heart_n and_o with_o all_o thy_o soul_n and_o on_o the_o other_o side_n all_o the_o artifices_fw-la of_o the_o world_n all_o the_o paint_v it_o put_v on_o its_o face_n all_o the_o great_a promise_v it_o make_v all_o the_o false_a appearance_n and_o attire_n it_o clothes_v itself_o withal_o by_o the_o help_n of_o satan_n have_v no_o other_o end_n but_o to_o draw_v and_o keep_v the_o affection_n of_o man_n unto_o itself_o and_o if_o the_o world_n be_v prefer_v before_o god_n in_o this_o address_n which_o be_v make_v unto_o we_o for_o our_o affection_n we_o shall_v just_o perish_v with_o the_o world_n unto_o eternity_n and_o be_v reject_v by_o he_o who_o we_o
thanksgiving_n the_o experience_n of_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n in_o and_o upon_o believer_n be_v sweet_a unto_o their_o soul_n but_o one_o way_n or_o other_o they_o cleave_v unto_o they_o all_o they_o have_v not_o a_o prevail_a aversation_n unto_o any_o of_o they_o they_o have_v a_o regard_n unto_o all_o god_n precept_n a_o delight_n in_o all_o his_o counsel_n a_o love_n to_o himself_o and_o all_o his_o way_n whatever_o other_o change_n be_v wrought_v on_o the_o affection_n if_o they_o be_v not_o spiritual_o renew_v it_o be_v not_o so_o with_o they_o for_o as_o they_o do_v not_o cleave_v unto_o any_o spiritual_a thing_n in_o their_o own_o true_a proper_a nature_n in_o a_o due_a manner_n because_o of_o the_o evidence_n of_o the_o presence_n of_o god_n in_o they_o so_o there_o be_v always_o some_o of_o they_o whereunto_o those_o who_o affection_n be_v not_o renew_v do_v maintain_v a_o aversation_n and_o a_o enmity_n and_o although_o this_o frame_n do_v not_o instant_o discover_v itself_o yet_o it_o will_v do_v so_o upon_o any_o especial_a trial_n so_o be_v it_o with_o the_o hearer_n of_o our_o saviour_n joh._n 6._o there_o be_v a_o great_a impression_n make_v on_o their_o affection_n by_o what_o he_o teach_v they_o concern_v the_o bread_n of_o god_n that_o come_v down_o from_o heaven_n and_o give_v life_n unto_o the_o world_n for_o they_o cry_v thereon_o lord_n evermore_o give_v we_o of_o this_o bread_n v_o 34._o but_o when_o the_o mystery_n of_o it_o be_v further_o explain_v unto_o they_o they_o like_v it_o not_o but_o cry_v this_o be_v a_o hard_a say_v who_o can_v bear_v it_o v_o 60_o and_o thereon_o fall_v off_o both_o from_o he_o and_o his_o doctrine_n although_o they_o have_v follow_v he_o so_o long_o as_o to_o be_v esteem_v his_o disciple_n v_o 66._o i_o say_v therefore_o whensoever_o man_n affection_n be_v not_o renew_v whatever_o other_o change_n may_v have_v be_v wrought_v upon_o they_o as_o they_o have_v no_o true_a delight_n in_o any_o spiritual_a thing_n or_o truth_n for_o themselves_o and_o in_o their_o own_o nature_n so_o there_o be_v some_o instance_n wherein_o they_o will_v maintain_v their_o natural_a enmity_n and_o aversation_n unto_o they_o this_o be_v the_o first_o difference_n between_o affection_n spiritual_o renew_v and_o those_o which_o from_o any_o other_o cause_n may_v have_v some_o kind_n of_o change_n wrought_v in_o they_o chap._n xiiii_o the_o second_o difference_n between_o affection_n spiritual_o renew_v and_o those_o who_o have_v be_v only_o change_v by_o light_n and_o conviction_n ground_n and_o reason_n of_o man_n delight_n in_o duty_n of_o divine_a worship_n and_o of_o their_o diligence_n in_o their_o performance_n who_o mind_n be_v not_o spiritual_o mind_a the_o second_o difference_n lie_v herein_o that_o there_o may_v be_v a_o change_n in_o the_o affection_n wherein_o man_n may_v have_v delight_n in_o the_o duty_n of_o religious_a worship_n and_o diligence_n in_o their_o observance_n but_o it_o be_v the_o spiritual_a revovation_n of_o the_o affection_n that_o give_v delight_n in_o god_n through_o christ_n in_o any_o duty_n of_o religious_a worship_n whatever_o where_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v know_v and_o public_o profess_v there_o be_v great_a variety_n in_o the_o mind_n way_n and_o practice_n of_o man_n about_o the_o duty_n of_o religious_a worship_n many_o be_v profane_a in_o their_o mind_n and_o life_n who_o practical_o at_o least_o despise_v or_o whole_o neglect_v the_o observance_n of_o they_o these_o be_v stout_a heart_a and_o far_o from_o righteousness_n tit._n 1.16_o some_o attend_v unto_o they_o formal_o and_o coursory_o from_o the_o principle_n of_o their_o education_n and_o it_o may_v be_v out_o of_o some_o conviction_n they_o have_v of_o their_o necessity_n but_o many_o there_o be_v who_o in_o the_o way_n they_o choose_v and_o be_v please_v withal_o be_v diligent_a in_o their_o observance_n and_o that_o with_o great_a delight_n who_o yet_o give_v no_o evidence_n of_o the_o spiritual_a renovation_n of_o their_o mind_n yea_o the_o way_n whereby_o some_o express_v their_o devotion_n in_o they_o be_v superstitious_a and_o idolatrous_a be_v inconsistent_a with_o that_o or_o any_o other_o save_v grace_n this_o therefore_o we_o must_v diligent_o inquire_v into_o or_o search_v into_o the_o ground_n and_o reason_n of_o man_n delight_n in_o divine_a worship_n according_a unto_o their_o conviction_n of_o the_o way_n of_o it_o and_o yet_o continue_v in_o their_o mind_n altogether_o unrenewed_a and_o 1_o man_n may_v be_v great_o affect_v with_o the_o outward_a part_n of_o divine_a worship_n and_o the_o manner_n of_o the_o performance_n thereof_o who_o have_v no_o delight_n in_o what_o be_v internal_a real_a and_o spiritual_a therein_o joh._n 5.35_o he_o be_v a_o burn_a and_o a_o shine_a light_n and_o you_o be_v willing_a for_o a_o season_n to_o rejoice_v in_o this_o light_n so_o many_o be_v delight_v in_o the_o preach_n of_o ezekiel_n because_o of_o his_o eloquence_n and_o elegancy_n of_o his_o parable_n chap._n 33.31_o 32._o this_o give_v they_o both_o delight_n and_o diligence_n in_o hear_v whereon_o they_o call_v themselves_o the_o people_n of_o god_n though_o they_o continue_v to_o live_v in_o sin_n their_o heart_n go_v after_o covetousness_n the_o same_o may_v befall_v many_o at_o present_a with_o reference_n unto_o the_o spiritual_a gift_n of_o those_o by_o who_o the_o word_n be_v dispense_v i_o deny_v not_o but_o that_o man_n may_v be_v more_o delight_v more_o satisfy_v with_o the_o gift_n the_o preach_a of_o one_o than_o another_o and_o yet_o be_v sincere_a in_o their_o delight_n in_o the_o dispensation_n of_o the_o word_n for_o they_o may_v find_v more_o spiritual_a advantage_n thereby_o than_o by_o the_o gift_n of_o other_o and_o thing_n so_o prepare_v as_o to_o be_v suit_v unto_o their_o edification_n more_o than_o elsewhere_o but_o that_o which_o at_o present_a we_o insist_v on_o have_v respect_n only_o unto_o some_o outward_a circumstance_n please_v the_o mind_n of_o man_n 2_o tim._n 2.3_o 4._o this_o be_v principal_o evident_a under_o the_o old_a testament_n while_o they_o have_v carnal_a ordinance_n and_o a_o worldly_a sanctuary_n oft_o time_n under_o that_o dispensation_n the_o people_n be_v give_v up_o unto_o all_o sort_n of_o idolatry_n and_o superstition_n and_o when_o they_o be_v not_o so_o yet_o be_v the_o body_n of_o they_o carnal_a and_o unholy_a as_o be_v evident_a from_o the_o whole_a tract_n of_o god_n deal_n with_o they_o by_o his_o prophet_n and_o in_o his_o providence_n yet_o have_v they_o great_a delight_n in_o the_o outward_a solemnity_n of_o their_o worship_n place_v all_o their_o trust_n of_o acceptance_n with_o god_n therein_o they_o who_o do_v true_o and_o real_o believe_v look_v through_o they_o all_o unto_o christ_n who_o they_o do_v foresignify_v without_o which_o the_o thing_n be_v a_o yoke_n unto_o they_o and_o a_o burden_n almost_o insupportable_a act._n 15._o but_o those_o who_o be_v carnal_a delight_v in_o the_o thing_n themselves_o and_o for_o their_o sake_n reject_v he_o who_o be_v the_o life_n and_o substance_n of_o they_o all_o and_o this_o prove_v the_o great_a mean_n of_o the_o apostasy_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n also_o for_o to_o maintain_v some_o appearance_n of_o spiritual_a affection_n man_n introduce_v carnal_a incitation_n of_o they_o into_o evangelical_n worship_n such_o as_o sing_v with_o music_n and_o pompous_a ceremony_n for_o they_o find_v such_o thing_n needful_a to_o reconcile_v the_o worship_n of_o god_n unto_o their_o mind_n and_o affection_n and_o through_o they_o they_o appear_v to_o have_v great_a delight_n therein_o can_v some_o man_n but_o in_o their_o thought_n separate_v divine_a service_n from_o that_o outward_a order_n those_o method_n of_o variety_n show_v and_o melody_n wherewith_o they_o be_v affect_v they_o will_v have_v no_o delight_n in_o it_o but_o look_v upon_o it_o as_o a_o thing_n that_o must_v be_v endure_v how_o can_v it_o be_v otherwise_o conceive_v of_o among_o the_o papist_n they_o will_v with_o much_o earnestness_n many_o evidence_n of_o devotion_n sometime_o with_o difficulty_n and_o danger_n repair_v unto_o their_o solemn_a worship_n and_o yet_o when_o they_o be_v present_a understand_v not_o one_o word_n whereby_o their_o mind_n may_v be_v excite_v unto_o the_o real_a act_n of_o faith_n love_n and_o delight_n in_o god_n only_a order_n ceremony_n music_n and_o other_o incentives_n of_o carnal_a affection_n make_v great_a impression_n on_o they_o affection_n spiritual_o renew_v be_v not_o concern_v in_o these_o thing_n yea_o if_o those_o in_o who_o they_o be_v shall_v be_v engage_v in_o the_o use_n of_o they_o they_o will_v find_v they_o mean_n of_o divert_v their_o mind_n from_o the_o proper_a work_n of_o divine_a worship_n rather_o than_o a_o advantage_n therein_o it_o will_v appear_v so_o unto_o themselves_o unless_o they_o
be_v content_a to_o loose_v their_o spiritual_a affection_n act_v themselves_o in_o faith_n and_o love_n embrace_v in_o their_o stead_n a_o carnal_a imaginary_a devotion_n hence_o two_o person_n may_v at_o the_o same_o time_n attend_v unto_o the_o same_o ordinance_n of_o divine_a worship_n with_o equal_a delight_n on_o very_o distinct_a principle_n as_o if_o two_o man_n shall_v come_v into_o the_o same_o garden_n plant_v and_o adorn_v with_o all_o variety_n of_o herb_n and_o flower_n one_o ignorant_a of_o the_o nature_n of_o they_o the_o other_o a_o skilful_a herbalist_n both_o may_v be_v equal_o delight_v the_o one_o with_o the_o colour_n and_o smell_v of_o the_o flower_n the_o other_o with_o the_o consideration_n of_o their_o various_a nature_n their_o use_n in_o pyhsical_a remedy_n or_o the_o like_a so_o it_o may_v be_v in_o the_o hear_n of_o the_o word_n for_o instance_n one_o may_v be_v delight_v with_o the_o outward_a administration_n another_o with_o its_o spiritual_a efficacy_n at_o the_o same_o time_n hence_o austin_n tell_v we_o that_o sing_v in_o the_o church_n be_v lay_v aside_o by_o athanasius_n at_o alexandria_n not_o the_o people_n sing_v of_o psalm_n but_o a_o kind_n of_o sing_v in_o the_o read_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o some_o office_n of_o worship_n which_o begin_v then_o to_o be_v introduce_v in_o the_o church_n and_o the_o reason_n he_o give_v why_o he_o do_v it_o be_v that_o the_o modulation_n of_o the_o voice_n and_o musical_a june_n may_v not_o divert_v the_o mind_n of_o man_n from_o that_o spiritual_a affection_n which_o be_v require_v of_o they_o in_o sacred_a duty_n what_o there_o be_v of_o real_a order_n in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n as_o there_o be_v that_o order_n which_o be_v a_o effect_n of_o divine_a wisdom_n it_o be_v suit_v and_o useful_a unto_o spiritual_a affection_n because_o proceed_v from_o the_o same_o spirit_n whereby_o they_o be_v internal_o renew_v behold_v your_o order_n col._n 2.5_o every_o thing_n of_o god_n appointment_n be_v both_o helpful_a and_o delightful_a unto_o they_o none_o can_v say_v with_o high_a rapture_n of_o admiration_n how_o amiable_a be_v thy_o tabernacle_n o_o lord_n psal._n 84.1_o 2._o then_o they_o who_o affection_n be_v renew_v yet_o be_v not_o their_o delight_n terminate_v on_o they_o as_o we_o shall_v see_v immediate_o second_o man_n may_v be_v delight_v in_o the_o performance_n of_o outward_a duty_n of_o divine_a worship_n because_o in_o they_o they_o comply_v with_o and_o give_v some_o kind_n of_o satisfaction_n unto_o their_o conviction_n when_o conscience_n be_v awaken_v unto_o a_o sense_n of_o the_o necessity_n of_o such_o duty_n namely_o of_o those_o wherein_o divine_a worship_n do_v consist_v it_o will_v give_v the_o mind_n no_o rest_n or_o peace_n in_o the_o neglect_n of_o they_o let_v they_o be_v attend_v unto_o in_o the_o season_n which_o light_n conviction_n and_o custom_n call_v for_o it_o will_v be_v so_o far_o satisfy_v as_o that_o the_o mind_n shall_v find_v present_a ease_n and_o refreshment_n in_o it_o and_o when_o the_o soul_n be_v wont_v unto_o this_o relief_n it_o will_v not_o only_o be_v diligent_a in_o the_o performance_n of_o such_o duty_n it_o will_v not_o only_o not_o omit_v they_o but_o it_o will_v delight_v in_o they_o as_o those_o which_o bring_v they_o in_o great_a advantage_n hence_o many_o will_v not_o omit_v the_o duty_n of_o prayer_n every_o morning_n who_o upon_o the_o matter_n be_v resolve_v to_o live_v in_o sin_n all_o the_o day_n long_o and_o there_o be_v but_o few_o who_o sedulous_o endeavour_v to_o live_v and_o walk_v in_o the_o frame_n of_o their_o heart_n and_o way_n answerable_a unto_o their_o own_o prayer_n yet_o all_o that_o be_v in_o our_o prayer_n beyond_o our_o endeavour_n to_o answer_v it_o in_o a_o conformity_n of_o heart_n and_o life_n be_v but_o the_o exercise_n of_o gift_n in_o answer_n to_o conviction_n other_o find_v they_o a_o allay_v of_o trouble_n in_o they_o like_o that_o which_o sick_a person_n may_v find_v by_o drink_v cold_a water_n in_o a_o fever_n who_o flame_n be_v assuage_v for_o a_o season_n by_o it_o they_o make_v they_o as_o a_o antidote_n against_o the_o poison_n and_o sting_n of_o sin_n which_o alay_v its_o rage_n but_o can_v expel_v its_o venom_n or_o these_o duty_n be_v unto_o they_o like_o the_o sacifice_n for_o sin_n under_o the_o law_n they_o give_v a_o guilty_a person_n present_a ease_n but_o as_o the_o apostle_n speak_v they_o make_v not_o man_n perfect_a they_o take_v not_o away_o utter_o a_o conscience_n condemn_v for_o sin_n present_o on_o the_o first_o omission_n of_o duty_n a_o sense_n of_o sin_n again_o return_v on_o they_o and_o that_o not_o only_o as_o the_o fact_n but_o as_o the_o person_n himself_o be_v condemn_v by_o the_o law_n then_o be_v the_o sacrifice_n to_o be_v repeat_v for_o a_o renew_a propitiation_n this_o give_v that_o carnal_a people_n such_o delight_n and_o satisfaction_n in_o those_o sacrifice_n that_o they_o trust_v unto_o they_o for_o righteousness_n life_n and_o salvation_n so_o it_o be_v with_o person_n who_o be_v constant_a in_o spiritual_a duty_n mere_o from_o conviction_n the_o performance_n of_o those_o duty_n give_v they_o a_o present_a relief_n and_o ease_n though_o it_o heal_v not_o their_o wound_n it_o assuage_v their_o pain_n and_o dispel_v their_o present_a fear_n hence_o be_v they_o frequent_v in_o they_o and_o that_o oft_o time_n not_o without_o delight_n because_o they_o find_v ease_v thereby_o and_o their_o condition_n be_v somewhat_o dangerous_a who_o upon_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o guilt_n of_o any_o sin_n do_v betake_v themselves_o for_o relief_n unto_o their_o prayer_n which_o have_v discharge_v they_o be_v much_o at_o ease_n in_o their_o mind_n and_o conscience_n although_o they_o have_v obtain_v no_o real_a sense_n of_o the_o pardon_n of_o sin_n nor_o any_o strength_n against_o it_o it_o will_v be_v say_v do_v not_o all_o man_n the_o best_a of_o man_n perform_v all_o spiritual_a duty_n out_o of_o a_o conviction_n of_o their_o necessity_n do_v they_o not_o know_v it_o will_v be_v their_o sin_n to_o omit_v they_o and_o so_o find_v satisfaction_n in_o their_o mind_n upon_o their_o performance_n i_o say_v they_o do_v but_o it_o be_v one_o thing_n to_o perform_v a_o duty_n out_o of_o conviction_n of_o a_o necessity_n as_o it_o be_v god_n ordinance_n which_o conviction_n respect_v only_o the_o duty_n itself_o another_o thing_n to_o perform_v it_o to_o give_v satisfaction_n unto_o conviction_n of_o other_o sin_n or_o to_o quiet_a conscience_n under_o its_o trouble_n about_o they_o which_o latter_a we_o speak_v unto_o this_o begin_v and_o end_v in_o self_n self-satisfaction_n be_v the_o sole_a design_n of_o it_o by_o it_o man_n aim_v at_o some_o rest_n and_o quietness_n in_o their_o own_o mind_n which_o otherwise_o they_o can_v attain_v but_o in_o the_o performance_n of_o duty_n in_o faith_n from_o a_o conviction_n of_o their_o necessity_n as_o god_n ordinance_n and_o their_o use_n in_o the_o way_n of_o his_o grace_n the_o soul_n begin_v and_o end_v in_o god_n it_o seek_v no_o satisfaction_n in_o they_o nor_o find_v it_o from_o they_o but_o in_o and_o from_o god_n alone_o by_o they_o three_o the_o principal_a reason_n why_o man_n who_o affection_n be_v only_o change_v not_o spiritual_o renew_v do_v delight_n in_o holy_a duty_n of_o divine_a worship_n be_v because_o they_o place_v their_o righteousness_n before_o god_n in_o they_o whereon_o they_o hope_v to_o be_v accept_v with_o he_o they_o know_v not_o they_o seek_v not_o after_o any_o other_o righteousness_n but_o what_o be_v of_o their_o own_o work_n out_o whatever_o notion_n they_o may_v have_v of_o the_o righteousness_n of_o faith_n of_o the_o righteousness_n of_o christ_n that_o which_o they_o practical_o trust_v unto_o be_v their_o own_o and_o it_o discover_v itself_o so_o to_o be_v in_o their_o own_o conscience_n on_o every_o trial_n that_o befall_v they_o yea_o when_o they_o cry_v unto_o the_o lord_n and_o pretend_v unto_o faith_n in_o christ_n they_o quick_o make_v it_o evident_a that_o their_o principal_a trust_n be_v resolve_v into_o themselves_o now_o in_o all_o that_o they_o can_v plead_v in_o a_o way_n of_o duty_n or_o obedience_n nothing_o carry_v a_o fair_a pretence_n unto_o a_o righteousness_n than_o what_o they_o do_v in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n and_o the_o exercise_n of_o the_o act_n of_o religion_n towards_o he_o this_o be_v that_o which_o he_o expect_v at_o their_o hand_n what_o be_v due_a unto_o he_o in_o the_o light_n of_o their_o conscience_n the_o best_a that_o they_o can_v do_v to_o please_v he_o which_o therefore_o they_o must_v put_v their_o trust_n in_o or_o nothing_o they_o secret_o suppose_v not_o only_o that_o there_o be_v a_o righteousness_n in_o these_o thing_n which_o will_v answer_v for_o itself_o
mistake_n to_o suppose_v that_o any_o external_a duty_n of_o worship_n as_o hear_v the_o word_n prayer_n or_o the_o sacrament_n be_v appoint_v for_o themselves_o or_o accept_v for_o themselves_o such_o thought_n the_o jew_n of_o old_a have_v concern_v their_o sacrifice_n namely_o that_o they_o be_v appoint_v for_o their_o own_o sake_n and_o be_v acceptable_a service_n unto_o god_n mere_o on_o their_o own_o account_n wherefore_o god_n to_o deliver_v they_o from_o this_o pernicious_a mistake_n affirm_v ofttimes_o that_o he_o never_o appoint_v they_o at_o all_o that_o be_v for_o any_o such_o end_n jer._n 7.22_o 23._o isa._n 1.12_o 13_o 14_o etc._n etc._n and_o now_o under_o the_o gospel_n sundry_a thing_n destructive_a to_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n have_v proceed_v from_o such_o a_o supposition_n some_o hereon_o have_v always_o satisfy_v and_o content_v themselves_o with_o the_o external_a observance_n of_o they_o without_o desire_v or_o endeavour_v any_o holy_a communion_n with_o god_n in_o they_o or_o by_o they_o this_o constitute_v the_o state_n and_o condition_n mention_v rev._n 3.1_o and_o by_o follow_v this_o tract_n the_o generality_n of_o christian_n do_v wander_v out_o of_o the_o way_n they_o can_v leave_v they_o nor_o do_v know_v how_o to_o use_v they_o unto_o their_o advantage_n until_o they_o come_v whole_o unto_o that_o woeful_a state_n isai._n 29.13_o and_o some_o to_o establish_v this_o deceit_n have_v teach_v that_o there_o be_v much_o more_o in_o the_o outward_a work_n of_o these_o duty_n than_o ever_o god_n put_v into_o they_o and_o that_o they_o be_v sanctify_v mere_o by_o virtue_n of_o the_o work_v wrought_v but_o all_o the_o duty_n of_o the_o second_o commandment_n as_o be_v all_o institute_v ordinance_n of_o worship_n be_v but_o mean_v to_o express_v and_o exercise_v those_o of_o the_o first_o as_o faith_n love_n fear_v trust_v and_o delight_n in_o god_n the_o end_n of_o they_o all_o be_v that_o through_o they_o and_o by_o they_o we_o may_v act_v those_o grace_n on_o god_n in_o christ_n where_o this_o be_v not_o attend_v unto_o when_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n do_v not_o apply_v themselves_o unto_o this_o exercise_n of_o grace_n in_o they_o let_v they_o be_v never_o so_o solemn_a as_o to_o their_o outward_a performance_n be_v attend_v unto_o with_o diligence_n be_v perform_v with_o earnestness_n and_o delight_n they_o be_v neither_o acceptable_a unto_o god_n nor_o beneficial_a unto_o themselves_o isai._n 1.11_o this_o therefore_o be_v the_o first_o general_a spring_n of_o the_o love_n of_o believer_n of_o they_o who_o affection_n be_v spiritual_o renew_v unto_o the_o ordinance_n of_o divine_a worship_n and_o their_o delight_n in_o they_o they_o have_v experience_n that_o in_o and_o by_o they_o their_o faith_n and_o love_n be_v excite_v unto_o a_o gracious_a exercise_n of_o themselves_o on_o god_n in_o christ._n and_o when_o they_o find_v it_o otherwise_o with_o they_o they_o can_v have_v no_o rest_n in_o their_o soul_n for_o this_o end_n be_v they_o ordain_v sanctify_v and_o bless_v of_o god_n and_o therefore_o be_v effectual_a mean_n of_o it_o when_o their_o efficacy_n be_v not_o defeat_v by_o unbelief_n and_o those_o who_o have_v no_o experience_n hereof_o in_o their_o attendance_n unto_o they_o do_v as_o have_v be_v say_v fall_v into_o pernicious_a extreme_n some_o continue_v their_o observance_n with_o little_a regard_n unto_o god_n in_o curse_a formality_n so_o they_o make_v they_o a_o mean_n of_o their_o ruin_n by_o countenance_v of_o they_o in_o their_o security_n other_o utter_o reject_v they_o at_o least_o the_o most_o solemn_a of_o they_o and_o therein_o both_o the_o wisdom_n and_o grace_n and_o authority_n of_o god_n by_o who_o they_o be_v appoint_v because_o through_o the_o power_n of_o their_o own_o unbelief_n they_o find_v nothing_o in_o they_o this_o be_v the_o immediate_a end_n of_o all_o divine_a institution_n this_o be_v the_o only_a way_n whereby_o we_o may_v give_v glory_n unto_o god_n in_o their_o observance_n which_o be_v their_o ultimate_a end_n in_o this_o world_n &_o this_o be_v the_o design_n in_o general_n of_o believer_n in_o that_o obedience_n they_o yield_v unto_o the_o lord_n christ_n in_o their_o diligent_a observation_n of_o they_o we_o may_v consider_v how_o in_o what_o way_n and_o by_o what_o mean_v those_o who_o affection_n be_v spiritual_o renew_v do_v and_o aught_o to_o apply_v their_o mind_n and_o soul_n unto_o their_o observance_n and_o we_o may_v consider_v herein_o first_o what_o they_o do_v design_n and_o than_o what_o they_o endeavour_v to_o be_v find_v in_o the_o exercise_n and_o practice_n of_o in_o their_o use_n and_o enjoyment_n first_o they_o come_v unto_o they_o with_o this_o desire_n design_n and_o expectation_n namely_o to_o be_v enable_v direct_v and_o excite_v by_o they_o unto_o the_o exercise_n of_o divine_a faith_n and_o love_n when_o it_o be_v not_o so_o with_o any_o where_o there_o be_v not_o this_o design_n they_o do_v in_o various_a degree_n take_v the_o name_n of_o god_n in_o vain_a in_o their_o observance_n these_o be_v approximationes_n dei_fw-la the_o way_n of_o draw_v nigh_o unto_o god_n as_o they_o be_v every_o where_o call_v in_o scripture_n to_o suppose_v that_o a_o draw_v nigh_o unto_o god_n may_v consist_v mere_o in_o the_o outward_a performance_n of_o duty_n whatever_n be_v its_o solemnity_n be_v to_o reject_v all_o due_a reverence_n of_o he_o forasmuch_o say_v the_o lord_n as_o this_o people_n draw_v near_o i_o with_o their_o mouth_n and_o with_o their_o lip_n do_v honour_n i_o but_o have_v remove_v their_o heart_n far_o from_o i_o therefore_o i_o will_v proceed_v against_o they_o isaiah_n 29.13_o the_o mouth_n and_o lip_n be_v put_v by_o a_o synecdoche_n for_o all_o the_o mean_n of_o outward_a worship_n and_o honour_n these_o man_n may_v use_v diligent_o attend_v unto_o while_o their_o heart_n be_v far_o from_o god_n that_o be_v when_o they_o do_v not_o draw_v nigh_o to_o he_o by_o faith_n and_o love_n but_o all_o this_o worship_n be_v reject_v of_o god_n with_o the_o high_a token_n of_o his_o displeasure_n and_o indignation_n against_o it_o first_o our_o soul_n then_o have_v no_o way_n of_o approach_n unto_o god_n in_o duty_n of_o worship_n but_o by_o faith_n no_o way_n of_o adherance_n or_o cleave_v unto_o he_o but_o by_o love_n no_o way_n of_o abide_v in_o he_o but_o by_o fear_n reverence_n and_o delight_n when_o ever_o these_o be_v not_o in_o excercise_n outward_a duty_n of_o worship_n be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v a_o mean_n of_o such_o a_o approach_n unto_o he_o as_o that_o they_o set_v we_o at_o a_o great_a distance_n from_o he_o than_o we_o be_v before_o at_o least_o be_v utter_o useless_a and_o fruitless_a unto_o we_o so_o indeed_o they_o be_v unto_o the_o most_o who_o come_v unto_o they_o they_o know_v not_o why_o and_o behave_v themselves_o under_o they_o they_o care_v not_o how_o nor_o be_v there_o any_o evil_n in_o the_o heart_n and_o way_n of_o man_n whereof_o god_n complain_v more_o in_o his_o word_n as_o that_o which_o be_v accompany_v with_o the_o high_a contempt_n of_o he_o and_o because_o these_o ordinance_n of_o divine_a worship_n be_v mean_n which_o the_o wisdom_n and_o grace_n of_o god_n have_v appoint_v unto_o this_o end_n namely_o the_o exercise_n and_o increase_v of_o divine_a faith_n and_o love_n and_o therefore_o do_v sanctify_v and_o bless_v they_o thereunto_o i_o do_v not_o believe_v that_o they_o have_v any_o delight_n in_o the_o exercise_n of_o these_o grace_n nor_o do_v design_n growth_n in_o they_o by_o who_o these_o great_a mean_n of_o they_o be_v despise_v or_o neglect_v and_o although_o i_o have_v see_v those_o valley_n of_o public_a worship_n forsake_v either_o on_o pretence_n of_o high_a attainment_n in_o faith_n light_n and_o love_n than_o to_o stand_v in_o need_n of_o they_o any_o more_o or_o on_o a_o foolish_a opinion_n that_o they_o cease_v upon_o the_o dispensation_n of_o the_o spirit_n which_o be_v give_v unto_o we_o to_o make_v they_o useful_a and_o effectual_a or_o on_o some_o provocation_n that_o have_v be_v give_v unto_o some_o man_n or_o which_o they_o have_v take_v unto_o themselves_o which_o they_o have_v think_v they_o can_v revenge_v by_o a_o neglect_n of_o public_a administration_n or_o through_o slavish_a peace_n and_o negligence_n in_o time_n of_o difficulty_n as_o be_v the_o manner_n of_o some_o who_o forsake_v the_o assembly_n of_o the_o saint_n heb._n 16.25_o yet_o i_o never_o see_v but_o it_o issue_v in_o a_o great_a decay_n if_o not_o in_o a_o utter_a loss_n of_o all_o exercise_n of_o faith_n and_o love_n and_o sometime_o in_o open_a profaneness_n for_o such_o person_n contemn_v the_o way_n and_o mean_n which_o god_n in_o his_o infinite_a wisdom_n and_o goodness_n have_v appoint_v for_o their_o exercise_n and_o increase_n and_o this_o shall_v
wilderness_n where_o no_o refreshment_n be_v to_o be_v obtain_v to_o make_v a_o pretence_n of_o come_v unto_o god_n and_o not_o with_o expectation_n of_o receive_v good_a and_o great_a thing_n from_o he_o be_v to_o despise_v god_n himself_o to_o overthrow_v the_o nature_n of_o the_o duty_n and_o deprive_v our_o own_o soul_n of_o all_o benefit_n thereby_o and_o want_v hereof_o be_v that_o which_o render_v the_o worship_n of_o the_o most_o useless_a and_o fruitless_a unto_o themselves_o we_o be_v always_o to_o come_v unto_o god_n as_o unto_o a_o eternal_a spring_n of_o goodness_n grace_n and_o mercy_n of_o all_o that_o our_o soul_n do_v stand_v in_o need_n of_o of_o all_o we_o can_v desire_v in_o order_n unto_o our_o everlasting_a blessedness_n and_o all_o these_o thing_n as_o unto_o believer_n may_v be_v reduce_v unto_o the_o two_o head_n before_o mention_v first_o they_o come_v for_o a_o communication_n of_o a_o sense_n of_o his_o love_n in_o jesus_n christ._n hence_o do_v all_o our_o peace_n consolation_n and_o joy_n all_o our_o encouragement_n to_o do_v and_o suffer_v according_a to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n all_o our_o supportment_n under_o our_o suffering_n sole_o depend_v in_o these_o thing_n do_v our_o soul_n live_v and_o without_o they_o we_o be_v of_o all_o man_n the_o most_o miserable_a it_o be_v the_o holy_a spirit_n who_o be_v the_o immediate_a efficient_a cause_n of_o all_o these_o thing_n in_o we_o he_o shed_v abroad_o the_o love_n of_o god_n in_o our_o heart_n rom._n 5.5_o he_o witness_v our_o adoption_n unto_o we_o chap._n 8.15_o 16._o and_o thereby_o a_o interest_n in_o the_o love_n of_o the_o father_n in_o god_n as_o he_o be_v love_n but_o the_o outward_a way_n and_o mean_n whereby_o he_o communicate_v these_o thing_n unto_o we_o and_o effect_n they_o in_o we_o be_v by_o the_o dispensation_n of_o the_o gospel_n or_o the_o preach_a of_o it_o ordinary_o he_o do_v the_o same_o work_n also_o in_o prayer_n ofttimes_o in_o other_o holy_a administration_n for_o this_o end_n for_o a_o participation_n of_o this_o grace_n of_o these_o mercy_n do_v believer_n come_v unto_o god_n by_o they_o they_o use_v they_o as_o mean_n to_o draw_v water_n from_o the_o well_n of_o salvation_n and_o to_o receive_v in_o that_o spiritual_a sense_n of_o divine_a love_n which_o god_n by_o they_o will_v communicate_v so_o christ_n by_o his_o word_n knock_v at_o the_o door_n of_o the_o heart_n if_o it_o be_v open_v by_o faith_n he_o come_v in_o and_o sup_v with_o man_n give_v they_o a_o gracious_a refreshment_n by_o the_o testimony_n of_o his_o own_o love_n and_o the_o love_n of_o the_o father_n rev._n 3.20_o joh._n 14.23_o this_o believer_n look_v for_o in_o and_o this_o they_o do_v in_o various_a measure_n receive_v by_o the_o ordinance_n of_o divine_a worship_n and_o although_o some_o through_o their_o fear_n and_o temptation_n be_v not_o sensible_a hereof_o yet_o do_v they_o secret_o receive_v these_o bless_a gracious_a supply_n whereby_o their_o soul_n be_v hold_v in_o life_n without_o which_o they_o will_v pine_v away_o and_o perish_v so_o he_o deal_v with_o they_o cant._n 4.5_o 6._o these_o be_v the_o garden_n and_o gallery_n of_o christ_n wherein_o he_o give_v we_o of_o his_o love_n cant._n 7.12_o those_o who_o be_v humble_a and_o sincere_a know_v how_o often_o their_o soul_n have_v be_v refresh_v in_o they_o and_o how_o long_o sometime_o the_o impression_n they_o have_v receive_v of_o divine_a grace_n and_o love_n have_v continue_v with_o they_o unto_o their_o unspeakable_a consolation_n they_o remember_v what_o they_o have_v receive_v in_o the_o open_v and_o application_n of_o the_o exceed_a great_a and_o precious_a promise_n that_o be_v give_v unto_o they_o whereby_o they_o be_v gradual_o more_o and_o more_o make_v partaker_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n how_o many_o a_o time_n they_o have_v receive_v light_n in_o darkness_n refreshment_n under_o despondency_n relief_n in_o their_o conflict_n with_o danger_n and_o temptation_n in_o and_o by_o they_o for_o this_o cause_n do_v affection_n that_o be_v spiritual_o renew_v cleave_v unto_o they_o who_o can_v but_o love_v and_o delight_n in_o that_o which_o he_o have_v find_v by_o experience_n to_o be_v the_o way_n and_o mean_n of_o communicate_v unto_o he_o the_o most_o invaluable_a mercy_n the_o most_o inestimable_a benefit_n whereof_o in_o this_o life_n he_o can_v be_v make_v partaker_n he_o who_o have_v find_v a_o hide_a treasure_n although_o he_o shall_v at_o once_o take_v away_o the_o whole_a of_o it_o yet_o will_v esteem_v the_o place_n where_o he_o find_v it_o but_o if_o it_o be_v of_o that_o nature_n that_o no_o more_o can_v be_v find_v or_o take_v of_o it_o at_o once_o but_o what_o be_v sufficient_a for_o the_o present_a occasion_n yet_o be_v so_o full_a and_o boundless_a as_o that_o whenever_o he_o come_v again_o to_o seek_v for_o it_o he_o shall_v be_v sure_a to_o obtain_v present_a supply_n he_o will_v always_o value_v it_o and_o constant_o apply_v himself_o unto_o it_o and_o such_o be_v the_o treasure_n of_o grace_n and_o divine_a love_n that_o be_v in_o the_o ordinance_n of_o divine_a worship_n if_o we_o be_v stranger_n unto_o these_o thing_n if_o we_o have_v never_o receive_v efficatious_a intimation_n of_o divine_a love_n unto_o our_o soul_n in_o and_o by_o the_o duty_n of_o divine_a worship_n we_o can_v love_v they_o and_o delight_v in_o they_o as_o we_o ought_v what_o do_v man_n come_v to_o hear_v the_o word_n of_o god_n for_o what_o do_v they_o pray_v for_o what_o do_v they_o expect_v to_o receive_v from_o he_o do_v they_o come_v unto_o god_n as_o the_o eternal_a fountain_n of_o live_v water_n as_o the_o god_n of_o all_o grace_n peace_n and_o consolation_n or_o do_v they_o come_v unto_o his_o worship_n without_o any_o design_n as_o unto_o a_o dry_a and_o empty_a show_n do_v they_o fight_v uncertain_o with_o these_o thing_n as_o man_n beat_v the_o air_n or_o do_v they_o think_v they_o bring_v something_o unto_o god_n but_o receive_v nothing_o from_o he_o that_o the_o best_a of_o their_o business_n be_v to_o please_v he_o in_o do_v what_o he_o command_v but_o to_o receive_v any_o thing_n from_o he_o they_o expect_v not_o nor_o do_v ever_o examine_v themselves_o whether_o they_o have_v do_v so_o or_o no_o it_o be_v not_o for_o person_n who_o walk_v in_o such_o way_n ever_o to_o attain_v a_o due_a delight_n in_o the_o ordinance_n of_o divine_a worship_n believer_n have_v other_o design_n herein_o and_o among_o the_o rest_n this_o in_o the_o first_o place_n that_o they_o may_v be_v a_o fresh_a make_v partaker_n of_o refresh_a comfort_a pledge_n of_o the_o love_n of_o god_n in_o christ_n and_o thereby_o of_o their_o adoption_n of_o the_o pardon_n of_o their_o sin_n and_o acceptance_n of_o their_o person_n according_a as_o they_o meet_v with_o these_o thing_n in_o the_o duty_n of_o holy_a worship_n public_a or_o private_a so_o will_v they_o love_v value_n and_o adhere_v unto_o they_o some_o man_n be_v full_a of_o other_o thought_n and_o affection_n so_o as_o that_o these_o thing_n be_v not_o their_o principal_a design_n or_o desire_n or_o be_v content_v with_o that_o measure_n of_o they_o which_o they_o suppose_v themselves_o to_o have_v attain_v or_o at_o least_o be_v not_o sensible_a of_o the_o need_n they_o stand_v in_o to_o have_v fresh_a communication_n of_o they_o make_v unto_o their_o soul_n suppose_v that_o they_o can_v do_v well_o enough_o without_o a_o renew_a sense_n of_o divine_a love_n every_o day_n some_o be_v so_o ignorant_a of_o what_o they_o ought_v to_o design_n to_o look_v after_o in_o the_o duty_n of_o gospel_n worship_n as_o that_o it_o be_v impossible_a they_o shall_v have_v any_o real_a design_n in_o they_o many_o of_o the_o better_a sort_n of_o professor_n be_v too_o negligent_a in_o this_o matter_n they_o do_v not_o long_a and_o pant_v in_o the_o inward_a man_n after_o renew_a pledge_n of_o the_o love_n of_o god_n they_o do_v not_o consider_v how_o much_o need_n they_o have_v of_o they_o that_o they_o may_v be_v encourage_v and_o strengthen_v unto_o all_o other_o duty_n of_o obedience_n they_o do_v not_o prepare_v their_o mind_n for_o their_o reception_n of_o they_o nor_o come_v with_o expectation_n of_o their_o communication_n unto_o they_o they_o do_v not_o right_o fix_v their_o faith_n on_o this_o truth_n namely_o that_o these_o holy_a administration_n and_o duty_n be_v appoint_v of_o god_n in_o the_o first_o place_n as_o the_o way_n and_o mean_n of_o convey_v his_o love_n and_o a_o sense_n of_o it_o unto_o our_o soul_n from_o hence_o spring_v all_o that_o lukewarmness_n coldness_n and_o indifferency_n in_o and_o unto_o the_o duty_n of_o holy_a worship_n that_o be_v grow_v among_o we_o for_o if_o man_n have_v lose_v the_o principal_a design_n of_o faith_n
in_o they_o and_o disesteem_n the_o chief_a benefit_n which_o be_v to_o be_v obtain_v by_o they_o whence_o shall_v zeal_n for_o they_o delight_n in_o they_o or_o diligence_n in_o attendance_n unto_o they_o arise_v let_v not_o any_o please_v themselves_o under_o the_o power_n of_o such_o decay_n they_o be_v indication_n of_o their_o inward_a frame_n and_o those_o infallible_a such_o person_n will_v grow_v cold_a careless_a and_o negligent_a as_o unto_o the_o duty_n of_o public_a worship_n they_o will_v put_v themselves_o neither_o to_o charge_v nor_o trouble_v about_o they_o every_o occasion_n of_o life_n divert_v they_o and_o find_v ready_a entertainment_n in_o their_o mind_n and_o when_o they_o do_v attend_v upon_o they_o it_o be_v with_o great_a indifferency_n and_o unconcernedness_n yet_o will_v they_o have_v it_o think_v that_o all_o be_v still_o well_o within_o as_o ever_o it_o be_v they_o have_v as_o good_a a_o respect_n unto_o religion_n as_o any_o but_o these_o thing_n open_o discover_v a_o ulcerous_a disease_n in_o the_o very_a soul_n of_o man_n as_o evident_o as_o if_o it_o be_v write_v on_o their_o forehead_n what_o ever_o they_o pretend_v unto_o the_o contrary_a they_o be_v under_o the_o power_n of_o woeful_a decay_n from_o all_o due_a regard_n unto_o spiritual_a and_o eternal_a thing_n and_o i_o will_v avoid_v the_o society_n of_o such_o person_n as_o those_o who_o carry_v a_o infectious_a disease_n about_o they_o unless_o it_o be_v to_o help_v on_o their_o cure_n but_o herein_o it_o be_v that_o affection_n spiritual_o renew_v do_v manifest_v themselves_o when_o we_o do_v delight_n in_o and_o value_v the_o duty_n of_o god_n worship_n because_o we_o find_v by_o experience_n that_o they_o be_v and_o have_v be_v unto_o we_o mean_n of_o communicate_v a_o sense_n and_o renew_v pledge_n of_o the_o love_n of_o god_n in_o christ_n with_o all_o the_o benefit_n and_o privilege_n which_o depend_v thereon_o then_o be_v our_o affection_n renew_v in_o and_o by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n second_o they_o come_v for_o supply_n of_o internal_a sanctify_a strengthen_v grace_n this_o be_v the_o second_o great_a design_n of_o believer_n in_o their_o approach_n unto_o god_n in_o his_o worship_n the_o want_n hereof_o as_o unto_o measure_n and_o degree_n they_o find_v in_o themselves_o and_o be_v sensible_a of_o it_o yea_o therein_o lie_v the_o great_a burden_n of_o the_o soul_n of_o believer_n in_o this_o world_n all_o that_o we_o do_v in_o the_o life_n of_o god_n may_v be_v refer_v unto_o two_o head_n first_o the_o observance_n of_o all_o duty_n of_o obedience_n and_o second_o the_o conflict_n with_o and_o conquest_n over_o temptation_n about_o these_o thing_n be_v we_o continual_o exercise_v hence_o the_o great_a thing_n which_o we_o desire_v labour_n for_o and_o pant_v after_o be_v spiritual_a strength_n and_o ability_n for_o the_o discharge_v of_o ourselves_o in_o a_o due_a manner_n with_o respect_n unto_o these_o thing_n this_o be_v that_o which_o every_o true_a believer_n groan_v after_o in_o the_o inward_a man_n and_o which_o he_o prefer_v infinite_o above_o all_o earthly_a thing_n so_o he_o may_v have_v grace_n sufficient_a in_o any_o competent_a measure_n for_o these_o end_n let_v what_o will_v befall_v he_o he_o desire_v no_o more_o in_o this_o world_n god_n in_o christ_n be_v the_o only_a fountain_n of_o all_o this_o grace_n there_o be_v not_o one_o drachm_n of_o it_o to_o be_v obtain_v but_o from_o he_o alone_o and_o as_o he_o do_v communicate_v it_o unto_o we_o of_o his_o own_o sovereign_a goodness_n and_o pleasure_n so_o the_o ordinary_a way_n and_o mean_n whereby_o he_o will_v do_v it_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o his_o worship_n isaiah_n 40.28_o 29_o 30_o 31._o have_v thou_o not_o know_v have_v thou_o not_o hear_v that_o the_o everlasting_a god_n the_o lord_n the_o creator_n of_o the_o end_n of_o the_o earth_n faint_v not_o neither_o be_v weary_a there_o be_v no_o search_v of_o his_o understanding_n he_o give_v power_n to_o the_o faint_a and_o to_o they_o that_o have_v no_o may_v he_o increase_v strength_n even_o the_o youth_n shall_v faint_v and_o be_v weary_a and_o the_o young_a man_n shall_v utter_o fail_v but_o they_o that_o wait_v upon_o the_o lord_n shall_v renew_v their_o strength_n they_o shall_v mount_v up_o with_o wing_n as_o eagle_n they_o shall_v run_v and_o not_o be_v weary_a they_o shall_v walk_v and_o not_o faint_a all_o grace_n and_o spiritual_a strength_n be_v original_o seat_v in_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n v_o 28._o but_o what_o relief_n can_v that_o afford_v unto_o we_o who_o be_v weak_a feeble_a faint_a he_o will_v act_v suitable_o unto_o his_o nature_n in_o the_o communication_n of_o this_o grace_n and_o power_n v_o 29._o but_o how_o shall_v we_o have_v a_o interest_n in_o this_o grace_n in_o these_o opperation_n wait_v on_o he_o in_o the_o ordinance_n of_o his_o worship_n v_o 31._o the_o word_n as_o preach_v be_v the_o food_n of_o our_o soul_n whereby_o god_n administer_v growth_n and_o strength_n unto_o they_o joh._n 17.17_o 1_o pet._n 2.23_o desire_v say_v he_o the_o sincere_a milk_n of_o the_o word_n that_o you_o may_v grow_v thereby_o but_o what_o encouragement_n have_v we_o thereunto_o if_o so_o be_v say_v he_o you_o have_v taste_v that_o the_o lord_n be_v gracious_a if_o in_o and_o by_o the_o dispensation_n of_o this_o word_n you_o have_v have_v experience_n of_o the_o grace_n the_o goodness_n the_o kindness_n of_o god_n unto_o your_o soul_n you_o can_v but_o desire_v it_o and_o delight_n in_o it_o and_o otherwise_o you_o will_v not_o do_v so_o when_o man_n have_v fate_n some_o good_a while_n under_o the_o dispensation_n of_o the_o word_n and_o in_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o other_o ordinance_n without_o taste_v in_o they_o and_o by_o they_o that_o the_o lord_n be_v gracious_a they_o will_v grow_v weary_a of_o it_o and_o they_o wherefore_o prayer_n be_v the_o way_n of_o his_o appointment_n for_o the_o application_n of_o our_o soul_n unto_o he_o to_o obtain_v a_o participation_n of_o all_o needful_a grace_n which_o therefore_o he_o have_v propose_v unto_o we_o in_o the_o promise_v of_o the_o covenant_n that_o we_o may_v know_v what_o to_o ask_v and_o how_o to_o plead_v for_o it_o in_o the_o sacrament_n the_o same_o promise_n be_v seal_v unto_o we_o and_o the_o grace_n represent_v in_o they_o effectual_o exhibit_v meditation_n confirm_v our_o soul_n in_o the_o exercise_n of_o faith_n about_o it_o and_o be_v the_o especial_a open_v of_o the_o heart_n unto_o the_o reception_n of_o it_o by_o these_o mean_n i_o say_v do_v god_n communicate_v all_o supply_n of_o renew_v strengthen_v and_o sanctify_a grace_n unto_o we_o that_o we_o may_v live_v unto_o he_o in_o all_o holy_a obedience_n and_o be_v able_a to_o get_v the_o victory_n over_o our_o temptation_n under_o this_o apprehension_n do_v believer_n approach_v unto_o god_n in_o the_o ordinance_n of_o his_o worship_n they_o come_v unto_o they_o as_o the_o mean_n of_o god_n communication_n unto_o their_o soul_n hence_o they_o cleave_v unto_o they_o with_o delight_n so_o far_o as_o their_o affection_n be_v renew_v so_o the_o spouse_n testify_v of_o herself_o i_o sit_v down_o under_o his_o shadow_n with_o great_a delight_n cant_n 2.3_o in_o these_o ordinance_n be_v the_o protect_a refresh_a presence_n of_o christ._n this_o she_o rest_v in_o with_o great_a delight_n as_o they_o come_v unto_o they_o with_o these_o design_n and_o expectation_n so_o they_o have_v experience_n of_o the_o spiritual_a benefit_n and_o advantage_n which_o they_o receive_v by_o they_o which_o more_o and_o more_o engage_v they_o unto_o they_o in_o their_o affection_n and_o delight_n all_o these_o thing_n those_o who_o have_v a_o change_v wrought_v in_o their_o affection_n but_o not_o a_o spiritual_a renovation_n be_v stranger_n unto_o they_o neither_o have_v the_o design_n before_o mention_v in_o come_v to_o they_o nor_o the_o experience_n of_o this_o efficacy_n now_o propose_v in_o their_o attendance_n on_o they_o but_o these_o benefit_n be_v great_a as_o for_o instance_n when_o man_n find_v the_o worth_n and_o effect_n of_o the_o word_n preach_v on_o their_o soul_n in_o its_o enlighten_v refresh_a strengthen_v transform_a power_n when_o they_o find_v their_o heart_n warm_v their_o grace_n excite_v and_o strengthen_v the_o love_n of_o god_n improve_v their_o disponding_n spirit_n under_o trial_n and_o temptation_n relieve_v their_o whole_a soul_n gradual_o more_o and_o more_o conform_v unto_o christ_n when_o they_o find_v themselves_o by_o it_o extricate_v out_o of_o snare_n doubt_n fear_n temptation_n and_o bring_v unto_o satisfaction_n and_o rest_n they_o can_v but_o delight_v in_o the_o dispensation_n of_o it_o and_o rejoice_v in_o it_o as_o the_o food_n of_o their_o soul_n and_o it_o be_v a_o great_a hindrance_n unto_o the_o increase_n of_o spiritual_a life_n and_o
you_o have_v only_o a_o temporary_a work_n which_o excite_v your_o affection_n for_o a_o season_n which_o now_o it_o be_v wear_v off_o leave_v no_o sweet_a remembrance_n of_o itself_o upon_o your_o mind_n have_v your_o faith_n and_o love_n be_v sincere_a in_o what_o you_o do_v it_o be_v impossible_a but_o that_o the_o remembrance_n of_o their_o act_n in_o some_o especial_a instance_n shall_v be_v sweet_a and_o refresh_n unto_o you_o or_o else_o 2_o you_o be_v harden_v through_o the_o deceitfulness_n of_o sin_n and_o there_o be_v no_o way_n leave_v to_o give_v a_o sense_n or_o impression_n of_o spiritual_a thing_n upon_o your_o mind_n you_o have_v true_o nothing_o leave_v in_o religion_n but_o the_o fear_n of_o hell_n and_o trouble_v of_o duty_n i_o speak_v not_o to_o such_o at_o present_a as_o unto_o those_o unto_o who_o this_o frame_n be_v a_o burden_n there_o be_v no_o more_o effectual_a mean_n to_o stir_v they_o unto_o endeavour_n for_o deliverance_n than_o a_o continual_a remembrance_n of_o former_a thing_n and_o experience_n they_o have_v have_v of_o holy_a intercourse_n and_o communion_n with_o god_n this_o will_v revive_v quicken_v and_o strengthen_v the_o thing_n that_o be_v ready_a to_o die_v and_o beget_v a_o self-abhorrency_a in_o they_o in_o consideration_n of_o that_o woeful_a frame_n and_o temper_n of_o mind_n which_o by_o their_o sin_n and_o negligence_n they_o have_v bring_v themselves_o into_o 2_o consider_v that_o as_o there_o be_v many_o thing_n dreadful_o pronounce_v in_o the_o scripture_n against_o backslide_v and_o backslider_n in_o heart_n as_o it_o be_v with_o you_o yet_o also_o there_o be_v especial_a call_n and_o promise_v give_v and_o propose_v unto_o those_o in_o your_o condition_n and_o know_v assure_o that_o upon_o your_o compliance_n or_o noncompliance_n with_o they_o depend_v your_o everlasting_a blessedness_n or_o woe_n consider_v both_o call_n and_o promise_v in_o that_o word_n of_o god_n grace_n jer._n 3.12_o 13_o 14._o go_v and_o proclaim_v these_o word_n towards_o the_o north_n and_o say_v return_v thou_o backslide_v israel_n say_v the_o lord_n and_o i_o will_v not_o cause_v my_o anger_n to_o fall_v upon_o you_o for_o i_o be_o merciful_a faith_n the_o lord_n and_o i_o will_v not_o keep_v anger_n for_o ever_o only_o acknowledge_v thy_o iniquity_n that_o thou_o have_v transgress_v against_o the_o lord_n thy_o god_n and_o have_v scatter_v thy_o way_n to_o the_o stranger_n under_o every_o green_a tree_n and_o you_o have_v not_o obey_v my_o voice_n say_v the_o lord_n turn_v o_o backslide_a child_n say_v the_o lord_n for_o i_o be_o marry_v unto_o you_o and_o i_o will_v take_v you_o one_o of_o a_o city_n and_o two_o of_o a_o family_n and_o i_o will_v bring_v you_o to_o zion_n add_v thereunto_o this_o bless_a promise_n hos._n 14.4_o i_o will_v heal_v their_o backslide_n i_o will_v love_v they_o free_o for_o my_o anger_n be_v turn_v away_o from_o they_o if_o you_o design_v to_o live_v and_o not_o die_v it_o must_v be_v by_o yield_a obedience_n unto_o this_o call_v and_o plead_v this_o promise_n before_o god_n mix_v it_o with_o faith_n your_o return_n must_v be_v by_o the_o word_n isai._n 57.18_o 19_o here_o lie_v your_o great_a encouragement_n and_o direction_n herein_o lie_v your_o only_a relief_n as_o you_o value_v your_o soul_n defer_v not_o the_o duty_n you_o be_v call_v unto_o one_o moment_n you_o know_v not_o how_o soon_o you_o may_v be_v without_o the_o reach_n of_o call_n and_o promise_v and_o he_o that_o can_v hear_v they_o without_o stir_v up_o himself_o in_o sincerity_n to_o comply_v with_o they_o have_v make_v already_o a_o great_a progress_n towards_o that_o length_n 3_o as_o unto_o those_o who_o on_o these_o and_o the_o like_a consideration_n do_v not_o only_o desire_v but_o will_v endeavour_v also_o to_o retrieve_v themselves_o from_o this_o condition_n i_o shall_v give_v no_o advice_n at_o present_a but_o this_o be_v in_o good_a earnest_n as_o the_o prophet_n speak_v in_o another_o case_n if_o you_o will_v return_v return_v and_o come_v make_v through_o work_n of_o it_o you_o must_v do_v so_o at_o one_o time_n or_o another_o or_o you_o will_v perish_v why_o not_o now_o why_o be_v not_o this_o the_o best_a season_n who_o know_v but_o it_o may_v be_v the_o only_a time_n you_o will_v have_v for_o it_o it_o be_v easy_a to_o multiply_v all_o sort_n of_o argument_n unto_o this_o purpose_n trifle_a endeavour_n occasional_a resolution_n and_o attempt_n like_o the_o early_a cloud_n and_o morning_n dew_n shift_v with_o warning_n and_o conviction_n by_o renew_a duty_n until_o their_o impression_n be_v wear_v out_o will_v ruin_v your_o soul_n unless_o there_o be_v universal_a diligence_n and_o permanency_n in_o your_o endeavour_n you_o be_v undo_v then_o shall_v you_o know_v the_o lord_n if_o you_o follow_v on_o to_o know_v he_o but_o now_o to_o return_v these_o thing_n i_o say_v through_o our_o sloth_n negligence_n and_o sin_n may_v befall_v we_o as_o unto_o our_o spiritual_o renew_a affection_n their_o progress_n in_o conformity_n unto_o spiritual_a and_o heavenly_a thing_n may_v be_v slow_a imperceptible_a yea_o total_o obstruct_v for_o a_o season_n and_o not_o only_o so_o but_o they_o may_v fall_v under_o decay_n and_o the_o soul_n therein_o be_v guilty_a of_o backslide_v from_o god_n but_o this_o be_v that_o which_o they_o be_v capacitate_v for_o by_o their_o renovation_n this_o be_v that_o whereby_o the_o grace_n wherewith_o they_o be_v renew_v do_v lead_v unto_o this_o be_v that_o which_o in_o the_o diligent_a use_n of_o mean_n they_o will_v grow_v up_o unto_o whereon_o our_o comfort_n and_o peace_n do_v depend_v namely_o a_o holy_a assimulation_n unto_o those_o spiritual_a and_o heavenly_a thing_n which_o they_o be_v set_v and_o fix_v on_o wherein_o they_o be_v renew_v and_o make_v more_o spiritual_a and_o heavenly_a every_o day_n chap._n xviii_o it_o remain_v only_o as_o unto_o this_o head_n now_o speak_v unto_o that_o we_o brief_o consider_v what_o be_v the_o state_n of_o spiritual_a affection_n thus_o daily_o exercise_v and_o improve_v and_o this_o we_o shall_v do_v by_o show_v 1_o what_o be_v their_o pattern_n 2_o what_o be_v their_o rule_n 3_o what_o be_v their_o measure_n or_o whereunto_o they_o may_v attain_v first_o the_o pattern_n which_o we_o ought_v continual_o to_o bear_v in_o our_o eye_n whereunto_o our_o affection_n ought_v to_o be_v conform_v be_v jesus_n christ_n and_o the_o affection_n of_o his_o holy_a soul_n the_o mind_n be_v the_o seat_n of_o all_o our_o affection_n and_o this_o be_v that_o we_o ought_v continual_o to_o design_n and_o endeavour_v namely_o that_o the_o same_o mind_n be_v in_o we_o that_o be_v in_o christ_n jesus_n phil._n 2.5_o to_o have_v our_o mind_n so_o affect_v with_o spiritual_a thing_n as_o be_v the_o mind_n of_o christ_n be_v the_o principal_a part_n of_o our_o duty_n and_o grace_n nor_o do_v i_o think_v that_o any_o man_n can_v attain_v any_o considerable_a degree_n in_o spiritual_a mindedness_n who_o be_v not_o much_o in_o the_o contemplation_n of_o the_o same_o mind_n in_o christ_n 2_o cor._n 3.18_o to_o this_o purpose_n ought_v we_o to_o furnish_v our_o mind_n with_o instance_n of_o the_o holy_a affection_n that_o be_v in_o christ_n and_o their_o bless_a exercise_n on_o all_o occasion_n the_o scripture_n make_v a_o full_a representation_n of_o they_o unto_o we_o and_o we_o ought_v to_o be_v conversant_a in_o our_o meditation_n on_o they_o what_o glorious_a thing_n be_v speak_v of_o his_o love_n to_o god_n and_o his_o delight_n in_o he_o whence_o also_o he_o delight_v to_o do_v his_o will_n and_o his_o law_n be_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o his_o bowel_n psal._n 40.8_o seat_v in_o the_o throne_n of_o his_o affection_n what_o pity_n and_o compassion_n have_v he_o for_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n yea_o for_o whole_a humane_a kind_a in_o all_o their_o suffering_n pain_n and_o distress_n how_o be_v all_o his_o affection_n always_o in_o perfection_n of_o order_n under_o the_o conduct_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o his_o mind_n thence_o be_v his_o self-denial_n his_o contempt_n of_o the_o world_n his_o readiness_n for_o the_o cross_n to_o do_v or_o suffer_v according_a to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n if_o this_o pattern_n be_v continual_o before_o we_o it_o will_v put_v forth_o a_o transform_a efficacy_n to_o change_v we_o into_o the_o same_o image_n when_o we_o find_v our_o mind_n liable_a unto_o any_o disorder_n cleave_v inordinate_o unto_o the_o thing_n of_o this_o world_n move_v with_o intemperate_a passion_n vain_a and_o frothy_a in_o conversation_n darken_v or_o disturb_v by_o the_o fume_n of_o distemper_a lust_n let_v we_o call_v thing_n to_o a_o account_n and_o ask_v of_o ourselves_o whether_o this_o be_v the_o frame_n of_o mind_n that_o be_v in_o christ_n jesus_n this_o therefore_o be_v a_o evidence_n
unto_o there_o be_v two_o thing_n from_o which_o we_o be_v secure_v by_o this_o peace_n which_o be_v a_o effect_n of_o be_v spiritual_o mind_a the_o first_o be_v offence_n there_o be_v nothing_o of_o who_o danger_n we_o be_v more_o warn_v in_o the_o gospel_n than_o of_o offence_n wo_n to_o the_o world_n say_v our_o saviour_n because_o of_o offence_n all_o age_n all_o time_n and_o season_n be_v fill_v with_o they_o and_o they_o prove_v pernicious_a and_o destructive_a to_o the_o soul_n of_o many_o such_o be_v the_o scandalous_a division_n that_o be_v among_o christian_n the_o endless_a difference_n of_o opinion_n and_o diversity_n of_o practice_n in_o religion_n and_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n the_o fall_v and_o sin_n of_o professor_n the_o fearful_a end_n of_o some_o of_o they_o the_o reproach_n that_o be_v cast_v on_o all_o that_o engage_v into_o any_o peculiar_a way_n of_o holiness_n and_o strictness_n of_o life_n with_o other_o thing_n of_o the_o like_a nature_n whereby_o the_o soul_n of_o innumerable_a person_n be_v disquiet_v subvert_v or_o infect_v be_v to_o be_v reckon_v unto_o this_o head_n against_o any_o hurtful_a or_o noxious_a influence_n on_o our_o mind_n from_o these_o thing_n against_o disquietment_n dejection_n of_o spirit_n and_o disconsolation_n be_v we_o secure_v by_o this_o peace_n so_o the_o psalmist_n assure_v we_o psal._n 119.165_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 the_o law_n or_o the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v the_o only_a way_n of_o the_o revelation_n of_o god_n and_o his_o will_n unto_o we_o and_o the_o only_a outward_a way_n and_o rule_n of_o our_o converse_n and_o communion_n with_o he_o wherefore_o to_o love_v the_o law_n be_v the_o principal_a part_n of_o our_o be_v heavenly_a mind_a yea_o virtual_o that_o which_o comprehend_v the_o whole_a for_o such_o as_o do_v so_o nothing_o none_o of_o the_o thing_n before_o mention_v nor_o any_o other_o of_o the_o like_a nature_n shall_v be_v a_o offence_n a_o stumble_a block_n or_o cause_n of_o fall_v into_o sin_n and_o the_o reason_n be_v because_o they_o have_v such_o a_o experience_n in_o themselves_o of_o the_o truth_n power_n efficacy_n and_o holiness_n of_o the_o gospel_n as_o that_o the_o miscarriage_n of_o man_n under_o a_o profession_n of_o it_o shall_v never_o be_v unto_o they_o a_o occasion_n of_o fall_v or_o be_v offend_v at_o christ._n and_o i_o look_v upon_o it_o as_o a_o sign_n of_o a_o very_a evil_a frame_n of_o heart_n when_o man_n be_v concern_v in_o the_o miscarriage_n of_o some_o that_o have_v make_v profession_n whereby_o they_o be_v it_o may_v be_v damage_v in_o their_o outward_a concern_v so_o as_o that_o they_o be_v surprise_v into_o reflection_n on_o that_o religion_n which_o they_o profess_v profess_v the_o same_o themselves_o 2_o the_o second_o be_v affliction_n persecution_n and_o suffering_n of_o all_o sort_n it_o be_v know_v by_o all_o it_o be_v well_o if_o it_o be_v not_o so_o well_o know_v what_o disquietment_n dejection_n and_o disconsolation_n these_o thing_n be_v apt_a to_o fill_v the_o mind_n of_o man_n withal_o what_o fear_n trouble_n sorrow_n they_o reflect_v upon_o they_o against_o all_o these_o effect_n of_o they_o this_o peace_n intend_v give_v we_o security_n it_o make_v we_o to_o preserve_v a_o peaceable_a yea_o a_o joyous_a life_n in_o our_o conflict_n with_o they_o see_v joh._n 16.33_o both_o these_o as_o here_o join_v together_o life_n and_o peace_n do_v comprise_v a_o holy_a frame_n of_o heart_n and_o mind_n wherein_o the_o soul_n of_o believer_n do_v find_v rest_n quietness_n refreshment_n and_o satisfaction_n in_o god_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o temptation_n affliction_n offence_n and_o suffering_n it_o be_v the_o soul_n composure_n of_o itself_o in_o god_n in_o his_o love_n in_o christ_n jesus_n so_o as_o not_o great_o to_o be_v put_v out_o of_o order_n to_o be_v cast_v down_o with_o any_o thing_n that_o may_v befall_v it_o but_o afford_v man_n cheerfulness_n and_o satisfaction_n in_o themselves_o though_o they_o walk_v sometime_o in_o the_o valley_n of_o the_o shadow_n of_o death_n such_o person_n have_v that_o in_o they_o abide_v with_o they_o as_o will_v give_v they_o life_n and_o peace_n under_o all_o occurrence_n 2_o our_o next_o enquiry_n be_v how_o this_o spiritual_a mindedness_n be_v life_n and_o peace_n or_o what_o it_o contribute_v unto_o they_o how_o it_o produce_v the_o frame_n of_o heart_n and_o mind_n so_o express_v and_o this_o it_o do_v several_a way_n 1_o it_o be_v the_o only_a mean_n on_o our_o part_n of_o retain_v a_o sense_n of_o divine_a love_n the_o love_n of_o god_n in_o a_o gracious_a sense_n of_o it_o as_o shed_v abroad_o in_o our_o heart_n by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v the_o first_o and_o only_a foundation_n of_o all_o durable_a comfort_n such_o as_o will_v support_v and_o refresh_v we_o under_o all_o opposition_n and_o distress_n that_o be_v of_o life_n and_o peace_n in_o our_o soul_n in_o any_o condition_n this_o god_n communicate_v by_o a_o act_n of_o sovereign_a grace_n for_o the_o most_o part_n without_o any_o preparation_n for_o it_o in_o ourselves_o he_o create_v the_o fruit_n of_o the_o lip_n peace_n peace_n but_o although_o divine_a love_n be_v in_o itself_o unchangeable_a and_o always_o the_o same_o yet_o this_o sense_n of_o it_o may_v be_v lose_v as_o it_o be_v in_o david_n when_o he_o pray_v that_o god_n will_v restore_v unto_o he_o the_o joy_n of_o his_o salvation_n psal._n 51.12_o and_o so_o many_o other_o have_v find_v it_o by_o woeful_a experience_n to_o insist_v upon_o all_o that_o be_v require_v on_o our_o part_n that_o we_o may_v retain_v a_o gracious_a refresh_a sense_n of_o divine_a love_n after_o it_o be_v once_o grant_v unto_o we_o belong_v not_o unto_o my_o present_a purpose_n but_o this_o i_o say_v there_o be_v not_o any_o thing_n wherein_o we_o be_v more_o concern_v for_o to_o be_v careful_a and_o diligent_a in_o than_o as_o unto_o what_o belong_v to_o that_o end_n for_o man_n who_o by_o a_o mere_a act_n of_o sovereign_a grace_n have_v taste_v herein_o of_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n who_o have_v have_v the_o consolation_n and_o joy_n of_o it_o to_o be_v negligent_a in_o the_o keep_n and_o preserve_v it_o in_o their_o soul_n be_v a_o provocation_n that_o they_o will_v at_o one_o time_n or_o other_o be_v sensible_a of_o there_o be_v nothing_o do_v more_o grieve_v the_o holy_a spirit_n than_o to_o have_v his_o especial_a work_n whereby_o he_o seal_v we_o unto_o the_o day_n of_o redemption_n neglect_v or_o despise_v and_o it_o argue_v a_o mighty_a prevalency_n of_o some_o corruption_n or_o temptation_n that_o shall_v cause_v man_n willing_o and_o by_o their_o own_o sloth_n to_o forfeit_v so_o inestimable_a a_o grace_n mercy_n and_o privilege_n and_o it_o be_v that_o which_o there_o be_v but_o few_o of_o we_o who_o have_v not_o reason_n to_o bewail_v our_o folly_n in_o every_o intimation_n of_o divine_a love_n be_v a_o inestimable_a jewel_n which_o if_o safe_o treasure_v up_o in_o our_o heart_n add_v unto_o our_o spiritual_a riches_n and_o be_v lose_v will_v at_o one_o time_n or_o another_o affect_v we_o with_o sorrow_n and_o i_o be_o afraid_a that_o many_o of_o we_o be_v very_o negligent_a herein_o unto_o the_o great_a prejudice_n of_o our_o soul_n and_o spiritual_n state_n many_o such_o intimation_n be_v give_v we_o by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n through_o the_o word_n which_o we_o take_v little_a notice_n of_o either_o we_o know_v not_o the_o voice_n of_o christ_n in_o they_o or_o do_v not_o hearken_v unto_o he_o in_o a_o due_a manner_n or_o refuse_v a_o compliance_n with_o he_o when_o we_o can_v but_o know_v that_o he_o speak_v unto_o we_o see_v cant._n 5.2_o 3._o or_o if_o we_o receive_v any_o impression_n of_o a_o gracious_a sense_n of_o divine_a love_n in_o they_o we_o quick_o lose_v they_o not_o know_v how_o much_o the_o life_n of_o our_o soul_n be_v concern_v therein_o and_o what_o use_n of_o they_o we_o may_v have_v in_o our_o follow_a temptation_n trial_n and_o duty_n now_o the_o great_a mean_n of_o retain_v a_o sense_n of_o the_o love_n of_o god_n which_o be_v the_o only_a spring_n of_o life_n and_o peace_n unto_o our_o soul_n be_v this_o grace_n and_o duty_n of_o be_v spiritually-minded_n this_o be_v evident_a from_o the_o very_a nature_n of_o the_o duty_n for_o 1_o it_o be_v the_o soul_n preserve_v of_o itself_o in_o a_o frame_n meet_v to_o receive_v and_o retain_v this_o sense_n of_o god_n love_n what_o other_o way_n can_v there_o be_v on_o our_o part_n but_o that_o our_o mind_n which_o be_v so_o to_o receive_v it_o and_o retain_v it_o be_v spiritual_a and_o heavenly_a always_o prepare_v for_o that_o holy_a converse_n and_o communion_n with_o himself_o which_o he_o
excess_n in_o it_o both_o weaken_v spiritual_a life_n and_o disturb_v yea_o destroy_v all_o solid_a spiritual_a peace_n i_o have_v occasional_o speak_v unto_o it_o before_o as_o also_o the_o way_n whereby_o our_o mind_v of_o the_o thing_n that_o be_v above_o in_o a_o due_a manner_n do_v deliver_v and_o preserve_v our_o soul_n from_o the_o snare_n of_o it_o and_o if_o we_o diligent_o examine_v ourselves_o we_o shall_v find_v that_o in_o our_o inordinate_a affection_n and_o cleave_v unto_o these_o thing_n the_o principal_a cause_n why_o we_o thrive_v no_o more_o in_o the_o power_n of_o spiritual_a life_n and_o whence_o we_o meet_v with_o so_o many_o disquietment_n and_o dejection_n of_o spirit_n unto_o the_o disturbance_n of_o our_o prace_n and_o rest_v in_o god_n be_v from_o hence_o for_o there_o be_v no_o grace_n which_o be_v not_o impair_v by_o it_o in_o its_o nature_n or_o not_o obstruct_v by_o it_o in_o its_o exercise_n wherefore_o to_o be_v spiritual_o mind_a be_v life_n and_o peace_n because_o it_o subdue_v and_o expel_v that_o inordinate_a love_n unto_o present_a thing_n which_o be_v destructive_a of_o they_o both_o and_o inconsistent_a with_o they_o 4_o it_o preserve_v the_o mind_n in_o a_o due_a and_o holy_a frame_n in_o the_o performance_n of_o all_o other_o duty_n this_o also_o be_v indispensible_o require_v unto_o the_o preservation_n of_o life_n and_o peace_n especial_o unto_o the_o improvement_n of_o they_o they_o will_v not_o abide_v much_o less_o thrive_v and_o flourish_v in_o any_o person_n who_o be_v negligent_a in_o holy_a duty_n or_o do_v not_o perform_v they_o in_o a_o due_a manner_n and_o there_o be_v four_o thing_n which_o impede_fw-la or_o hinder_v we_o from_o such_o a_o attendance_n unto_o holy_a duty_n as_o may_v be_v advantageous_a unto_o our_o soul_n against_o all_o which_o we_o have_v relief_n by_o be_v spiritual_o mind_a 1_o distraction_n 2_o despondency_n 3_o weariness_n 4_o unreadiness_n of_o grace_n for_o exercise_n 1_o distraction_n of_o mind_n and_o thought_n have_v this_o evil_a effect_n which_o many_o complain_v of_o few_o take_v the_o right_a way_n of_o deliverance_n from_o for_o this_o evil_n will_v not_o be_v cure_v by_o attendance_n unto_o any_o particular_a direction_n without_o a_o change_n of_o the_o whole_a frame_n of_o our_o mind_n nothing_o can_v give_v we_o relief_n herein_o but_o a_o prevalent_a delight_n in_o be_v exercise_v about_o thing_n spiritual_a and_o heavenly_a for_o hence_o arise_v all_o our_o distraction_n the_o want_n of_o fix_v our_o mind_n on_o spiritual_a thing_n with_o delight_n make_v they_o obnoxious_a to_o be_v divert_v from_o they_o on_o all_o occasion_n yea_o to_o seek_v occasion_n for_o such_o diversion_n it_o be_v this_o frame_n alone_o namely_o of_o spiritual_a mindedness_n that_o will_v give_v we_o this_o delight_n for_o thereby_o the_o soul_n be_v transform_v into_o the_o likeness_n of_o spiritual_a thing_n so_o as_o that_o they_o be_v suit_v unto_o it_o and_o pleasant_a unto_o our_o affection_n the_o mind_n and_o the_o thing_n themselves_o be_v thereby_o so_o fit_v unto_o each_o other_o that_o on_o every_o occasion_n they_o be_v ready_a for_o mutual_a embrace_n and_o not_o easy_o draw_v off_o by_o any_o cause_n or_o mean_n of_o the_o distraction_n so_o complain_v of_o yea_o they_o will_v all_o be_v prevent_v hereby_o 2_o despondencys_n in_o duty_n arise_v from_o the_o frequent_a incursion_n of_o the_o gild_n of_o sin_n the_o remembrance_n hereof_o frequent_o solicit_v the_o mind_n of_o person_n in_o their_o first_o entrance_n into_o duty_n unless_o they_o be_v under_o especial_a act_n of_o grace_n stir_v they_o up_o unto_o earnestness_n and_o fervency_n in_o what_o they_o undertake_v at_o other_o season_v it_o render_v man_n lifeless_a and_o heartless_a so_o as_o that_o they_o know_v not_o whether_o they_o have_v best_o pray_v or_o no_o when_o duty_n and_o opportunity_n call_v they_o thereunto_o to_o be_v spiritual_o mind_a we_o have_v manifest_v in_o many_o instance_n be_v the_o great_a preservative_n against_o these_o dishearten_v incursion_n of_o sin_n it_o be_v the_o soul_n watch_v and_o guard_n against_o they_o whence_o ever_o they_o arise_v or_o proceed_v no_o lust_n or_o corruption_n can_v be_v prevalent_a in_o a_o spiritual_a mind_n and_o this_o be_v the_o principal_a cause_n of_o such_o incursion_n of_o sin_n as_o affect_v the_o soul_n with_o a_o dishearten_v sense_n of_o gild_n no_o affection_n can_v abide_v in_o any_o sinful_a disorder_n where_o the_o mind_n be_v so_o affect_v this_o also_o give_v sin_n a_o entrance_n unto_o a_o distract_n sense_n of_o gild_n but_o the_o foal_n cure_v hereof_o lie_v in_o this_o grace_n and_o duty_n the_o like_a may_v be_v say_v of_o all_o other_o way_n mean_n and_o occasion_n of_o such_o incursion_n of_o sin_n 3_o weariness_n in_o and_o of_o spiritual_a duty_n abate_v their_o tendency_n unto_o the_o improvement_n of_o life_n and_o peace_n in_o we_o this_o evil_n arise_v from_o the_o same_o cause_n with_o that_o or_o distraction_n before_o mention_v and_o it_o be_v ofttimes_o increase_v by_o the_o weakness_n and_o indisposition_n of_o the_o flesh_n or_o of_o the_o outward_a man_n sometime_o the_o spirit_n be_v willing_a but_o through_o the_o weakness_n of_o the_o flesh_n it_o be_v disappoint_v the_o principal_a cure_n hereof_o lie_v in_o that_o delight_n which_o spiritual_a mindedness_n give_v unto_o the_o soul_n in_o spiritual_a thing_n for_o where_o there_o be_v constant_a delight_n in_o any_o thing_n there_o will_v be_v no_o weariness_n at_o least_o not_o such_o as_o shall_v hinder_v any_o from_o cleave_v firm_o unto_o the_o thing_n wherein_o he_o do_v delight_n while_o therefore_o we_o be_v exercise_v in_o a_o delight_n in_o spiritual_a thing_n weariness_n can_v prevalent_o assault_v the_o mind_n and_o it_o be_v the_o only_a relief_n against_o that_o weariness_n which_o proceed_v from_o the_o indisposition_n of_o the_o outward_a man_n for_o as_o 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