of_o their_o soul_n and_o to_o inquire_v what_o have_v we_o do_v what_o be_v we_o do_v whither_o be_v we_o go_v how_o shall_v we_o escape_v the_o wrath_n to_o come_v this_o look_v hopeful_o indeed_o though_o you_o must_v not_o stop_v here_o neither_o nor_o take_v up_o with_o conviction_n instead_o of_o conversion_n however_o think_v not_o that_o your_o wound_n be_v like_a to_o be_v cure_v without_o be_v search_v but_o if_o through_o a_o stupid_a unconcernedness_n as_o to_o the_o affair_n of_o your_o soul_n you_o think_v it_o not_o worth_a the_o while_n to_o give_v yourselves_o all_o this_o trouble_n though_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n you_o be_v eager_o set_v upon_o this_o present_a world_n as_o the_o common_a case_n be_v i_o can_v then_o tell_v you_o what_o your_o case_n be_v without_o any_o further_a enquiry_n you_o may_v spare_v the_o labour_n of_o search_v whether_o you_o be_v regenerate_v or_o no_o for_o to_o deal_v plain_o with_o you_o it_o be_v certain_a you_o be_v not_o your_o brutish_a â—cupidity_n be_v evidence_n enough_o to_o prove_v that_o you_o be_v asleep_a yea_o dead_a in_o sin_n condemn_v already_o and_o that_o the_o wrath_n of_o god_n abide_v on_o you_o in_o a_o word_n as_o the_o lord_n live_v there_o be_v but_o a_o step_n between_o you_o and_o hell_n but_o yet_o a_o step_n there_o be_v your_o case_n be_v not_o quite_o desperate_a though_o it_o be_v very_o dangerous_a i_o must_v say_v of_o you_o as_o of_o those_o patient_n who_o condition_n seem_v very_o hazardous_a the_o event_n be_v uncertain_a but_o while_o there_o be_v life_n they_o hope_n some_o have_v recover_v who_o seem_v to_o be_v in_o as_o ill_a circumstance_n as_o you_o but_o let_v i_o tell_v you_o many_o to_o one_o have_v perish_v even_o so_o be_v here_o some_o have_v be_v convert_v and_o save_v who_o be_v once_o as_o dead_a and_o stupid_a about_o the_o concern_v of_o their_o soul_n as_o you_o be_v but_o many_o to_o one_o have_v be_v lose_v for_o ever_o therefore_o to_o flatter_v you_o in_o such_o a_o condition_n may_v contribute_v much_o to_o your_o ruin_n which_o i_o be_o not_o willing_a to_o do_v therefore_o i_o tell_v you_o there_o be_v just_a so_o much_o hope_n of_o your_o salvation_n as_o there_o be_v of_o your_o awaken_n from_o this_o carnal_a security_n and_o so_o repent_v and_o turn_v to_o god_n and_o no_o more_o chap._n ix_o direction_n for_o the_o more_o successful_a management_n of_o this_o great_a duty_n of_o self-examination_n have_v lay_v down_o the_o foregoing_a motive_n to_o excite_v you_o to_o this_o necessary_a duty_n of_o selfreflection_n and_o show_v you_o of_o how_o ill_a signification_n it_o be_v for_o man_n to_o be_v unconcern_v and_o indifferent_a about_o the_o state_n of_o their_o soul_n i_o now_o come_v to_o give_v some_o direction_n for_o the_o help_n of_o such_o as_o be_v solicitous_a to_o know_v whether_o they_o be_v wrought_v for_o heaven_n or_o no_o direction_n 1._o take_v care_n that_o you_o be_v impartial_a in_o your_o search_n that_o your_o judgement_n be_v not_o pervert_v or_o biased_a either_o way_n by_o fear_n or_o favour_n but_o that_o you_o may_v go_v according_a to_o evidence_n the_o great_a danger_n indeed_o be_v on_o the_o one_o side_n viz._n lest_o pride_n or_o self-love_n make_v you_o judge_v too_o favourable_o concern_v yourselves_o but_o here_o remember_v that_o such_o a_o mistake_n may_v prove_v your_o ruin_n it_o be_v necessary_a you_o know_v the_o worst_a of_o your_o case_n while_o there_o be_v yet_o hope_v of_o redress_n you_o have_v already_o hear_v what_o multitude_n there_o be_v that_o perish_v by_o presumption_n to_o think_v false_o that_o you_o be_v in_o the_o way_n to_o heaven_n will_v never_o bring_v you_o thither_o nor_o will_v it_o cure_v the_o disease_n of_o your_o soul_n to_o suppose_v that_o you_o be_v well_o enough_o already_o such_o rave_n be_v a_o sad_a symptom_n that_o your_o noble_a faculty_n be_v impair_v and_o distract_v and_o therefore_o that_o your_o distemper_n be_v so_o much_o the_o more_o dangerous_a but_o i_o need_v not_o enlarge_v upon_o this_o only_o remember_v that_o god_n will_v quick_o try_v all_o over_o again_o and_o whatever_o your_o present_a judgement_n be_v of_o yourselves_o his_o final_a judgement_n will_v be_v according_a to_o righteousness_n on_o the_o other_o hand_n some_o be_v so_o timorous_a and_o deject_a in_o spirit_n that_o they_o know_v not_o how_o to_o believe_v any_o thing_n that_o be_v good_a and_o comfortable_a concern_v themselves_o so_o far_o be_v they_o from_o presumptuous_a self-conceit_n that_o they_o run_v into_o a_o quite_o contrary_a extreme_a and_o stand_v in_o their_o own_o light_n can_v discern_v the_o evidence_n of_o their_o sincerity_n fain_o they_o will_v be_v assure_v that_o their_o heart_n be_v right_a with_o god_n but_o have_v not_o strength_n of_o spirit_n enough_o to_o conclude_v that_o it_o be_v so_o through_o mere_a fear_n lest_o it_o shall_v prove_v otherwise_o they_o vehement_o wish_v it_o but_o can_v persuade_v themselves_o to_o believe_v it_o still_o think_v it_o be_v too_o good_a news_n to_o be_v true_a like_o old_a jacob_n when_o they_o tell_v he_o that_o joseph_n be_v alive_a his_o heart_n faint_v for_o he_o believe_v they_o not_o gen._n 45.26_o or_o as_o the_o poor_a jew_n when_o the_o lord_n turn_v again_o the_o captivity_n of_o zion_n they_o be_v like_o they_o that_o dream_n psal_n 126.1_o they_o can_v scarce_o believe_v their_o own_o sense_n and_o understanding_n in_o the_o matter_n even_o so_o it_o be_v with_o many_o poor_a melancholy_a doubt_v christian_n they_o desire_v to_o be_v sincere_a but_o fear_v that_o they_o be_v not_o so_o and_o those_o evidence_n of_o true_a grace_n which_o to_o another_o will_v be_v discernible_a to_o they_o be_v not_o so_o now_o i_o say_v though_o such_o person_n be_v safe_a in_o the_o hand_n of_o christ_n notwithstanding_o all_o their_o doubt_n and_o jealousy_n concern_v themselves_o and_o so_o their_o mistake_n can_v prove_v destructive_a as_o in_o the_o former_a case_n yet_o it_o be_v of_o consequence_n ill_a enough_o both_o in_o point_n of_o duty_n and_o comfort_n prudence_n will_v reach_v we_o to_o be_v wary_a and_o cautious_a in_o so_o great_a a_o enquiry_n to_o suspect_v our_o own_o deceitful_a heart_n and_o to_o watch_v they_o narrow_o lest_o they_o shall_v betray_v we_o to_o vain_a hope_n and_o humility_n will_v teach_v we_o to_o entertain_v low_a thought_n of_o ourselves_o but_o still_o it_o be_v unnatural_a to_o shut_v our_o eye_n against_o that_o light_n which_o shall_v refresh_v and_o comfort_v we_o and_o unthankful_a to_o overlook_v or_o deny_v the_o richos_n of_o grace_n which_o have_v be_v lay_v out_o upon_o we_o rear_v as_o well_o as_o favour_n be_v a_o enemy_n to_o right_n and_o impartial_a judgement_n direct_v 2._o this_o enquiry_n must_v be_v manage_v with_o a_o great_a deal_n of_o care_n and_o seriousness_n it_o be_v a_o matter_n of_o life_n and_o death_n that_o be_v before_o you_o and_o therefore_o you_o have_v need_n have_v your_o wit_n about_o you_o a_o mistake_n on_o the_o one_o hand_n may_v destroy_v your_o soul_n forever_o on_o the_o other_o it_o may_v great_o obstruct_v your_o spiritual_a comfort_n and_o growth_n in_o grace_n therefore_o the_o most_o sober_a judicious_a consideration_n be_v here_o necessary_a call_v in_o your_o wander_a thought_n keep_v they_o close_o to_o the_o work_n let_v they_o not_o give_v you_o the_o slip_n lest_o they_o grow_v masterless_a and_o unruly_a commuâ—e_v with_o your_o heart_n and_o let_v you_o spirit_n make_v diligent_a search_n psal_n 77.6_o there_o be_v no_o trifle_n in_o matter_n of_o this_o nature_n it_o be_v not_o a_o few_o slighty_a transient_a thought_n that_o will_v serve_v the_o turn_n the_o principle_n of_o grace_n lie_v deep_a in_o the_o soul_n you_o must_v search_v for_o they_o as_o for_o hide_a treasure_n if_o you_o will_v discover_v they_o and_o there_o be_v depth_n of_o wickedness_n too_o which_o must_v in_o like_a manner_n be_v search_v after_o with_o great_a care_n and_o strictness_n 〈◊〉_d if_o you_o will_v pass_v a_o right_a judgement_n of_o your_o own_o case_n you_o must_v excite_v your_o sluggish_a heart_n to_o the_o work_n and_o if_o your_o thought_n fly_v off_o from_o the_o business_n let_v reason_n interpose_v its_o authority_n otherwise_o a_o thousand_o impertinence_n will_v intrude_v upon_o you_o and_o so_o you_o will_v be_v leave_v in_o as_o great_a darkness_n and_o uncertainty_n in_o reference_n to_o your_o spiritual_a estate_n as_o you_o be_v in_o before_o in_o a_o word_n intenseness_n of_o thought_n be_v needful_a in_o this_o work_n that_o so_o nothing_o may_v escape_v your_o observation_n which_o may_v any_o way_n conduce_v to_o clear_v up_o the_o point_n in_o hand_n direct_v 3._o see_v that_o you_o proceed_v with_o due_a order_n and_o method_n in_o this_o
towards_o eternity_n your_o continuance_n on_o earth_n be_v like_a to_o be_v but_o short_a at_o long_a and_o by_o reason_n of_o its_o uncertainty_n may_v prove_v much_o short_a than_o you_o be_v willing_a to_o imagine_v or_o hear_v of_o do_v you_o not_o see_v other_o daily_o drop_v into_o the_o grave_a before_o your_o eye_n even_o such_o as_o be_v as_o likely_a for_o life_n as_o yourselves_o and_o how_o little_a do_v you_o know_v how_o soon_o your_o turn_n may_v come_v and_o what_o if_o your_o glass_n shall_v be_v run_v before_o your_o work_n be_v do_v where_o be_v you_o then_o it_o may_v be_v when_o the_o fear_n of_o death_n and_o judgement_n be_v upon_o you_o you_o will_v then_o cry_v out_o for_o more_o time_n but_o how_o little_a reason_n have_v you_o to_o expect_v that_o such_o cry_n shall_v be_v regard_v from_o person_n who_o have_v trifle_v away_o so_o much_o time_n already_o to_o no_o purpose_n o_o labour_n so_o to_o number_v your_o day_n as_o to_o apply_v your_o heart_n to_o wisdom_n 6._o consider_v how_o easy_a the_o yoke_n of_o christ_n be_v how_o light_a his_o burden_n mat._n 11.30_o i_o know_v indeed_o that_o the_o hearâ—_n of_o unregenerate_a man_n be_v deep_o prejudice_v against_o the_o way_n of_o serious_a godliness_n partly_o through_o their_o own_o corruption_n and_o partly_o through_o the_o malice_n and_o subtlety_n of_o the_o devil_n and_o therefore_o such_o prejudices_fw-la must_v needs_o be_v most_o unworthy_a and_o unreasonable_a how_o shall_v there_o be_v any_o reason_n or_o truth_n against_o the_o god_n of_o truth_n and_o reason_n his_o service_n be_v perfect_a freedom_n his_o commandment_n be_v not_o grievous_a here_o let_v i_o reason_v the_o case_n a_o little_a with_o you_o bring_v forth_o your_o strong_a argument_n what_o be_v there_o that_o offend_v you_o in_o the_o holy_a way_n of_o god_n do_v you_o fear_v they_o will_v tend_v to_o your_o loss_n or_o disadvantage_n in_o the_o world_n why_o be_v you_o yet_o to_o learn_v that_o a_o man_n life_n consist_v not_o in_o the_o abundance_n of_o the_o thing_n which_o he_o possess_v luk._n 12.15_o our_o heavenly_a father_n know_v how_o far_o we_o have_v need_n of_o these_o thing_n and_o be_v able_a to_o furnish_v a_o table_n in_o the_o wilderness_n if_o we_o crust_v he_o not_o with_o our_o soul_n we_o be_v undo_v but_o if_o we_o do_v iâ—_n it_o not_o very_o absurd_a to_o distrust_v he_o as_o to_o our_o outward_a concern_v what_o a_o preposterous_a kind_n of_o solicitude_n be_v this_o if_o i_o have_v tell_v you_o earthly_a thing_n and_o you_o believe_v not_o how_o shall_v you_o believe_v if_o i_o tell_v you_o of_o heavenly_a thing_n job_n 1.12_o i_o only_o allude_v to_o it_o nor_o be_v there_o want_v promise_n to_o rest_v upon_o this_o matter_n seek_v first_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o all_o these_o thing_n shall_v be_v add_v mat._n 6.33_o 1_o tim._n 4.8_o godliness_n be_v profitable_a unto_o all_o thing_n have_v the_o promise_n of_o the_o life_n that_o now_o be_v etc._n etc._n psal_n 37.3_o trust_v in_o the_o lord_n and_o do_v good_a so_o shall_v thou_o dwell_v in_o the_o land_n and_o very_o thou_o shall_v be_v feed_v beside_o the_o promise_n of_o aâ—â—_n hundred_o fold_v to_o those_o who_o forsake_v their_o worldly_a enjoyment_n for_o his_o name_n be_v sake_n mat._n 19.29_o do_v you_o apprehend_v that_o it_o will_v tend_v to_o your_o dishonour_n to_o engage_v strict_o in_o the_o holy_a way_n of_o god_n answ_n it_o be_v a_o very_a small_a matter_n to_o be_v judge_v of_o man_n judgement_n those_o that_o honour_n god_n he_o will_v honour_v but_o they_o that_o despise_v he_o shall_v be_v light_o esteem_v do_v you_o think_v that_o a_o life_n of_o holiness_n be_v irksome_a or_o unpleasant_a answ_n if_o you_o consider_v the_o duty_n enjoin_v the_o promise_v annex_v the_o support_v and_o assistance_n vouchsafe_v to_o the_o godly_a the_o experience_n and_o testimony_n of_o those_o who_o have_v try_v the_o pleasure_n of_o both_o kind_n yea_o or_o the_o true_a notion_n of_o pleasure_n itself_o you_o will_v find_v abundant_a reason_n to_o conclude_v that_o there_o be_v no_o joy_n comparable_a to_o those_o of_o the_o godly_a but_o that_o wisdom_n excel_v folly_n as_o much_o as_o light_n do_v darkness_n the_o way_n of_o holiness_n be_v way_n of_o pleasantness_n prov._n 3.17_o thus_o you_o must_v by_o serious_a consideration_n endeavour_v to_o dispossess_v those_o prejudices_fw-la which_o be_v root_v in_o the_o heart_n of_o unregenerate_a man_n against_o religion_n there_o be_v enough_o to_o be_v say_v to_o show_v how_o vain_a and_o frivolous_a their_o objection_n be_v therefore_o let_v your_o reason_n be_v full_o satisfy_v in_o the_o case_n do_v not_o stand_v in_o your_o own_o light_n plead_v not_o for_o your_o disease_n nor_o argue_v in_o the_o dark_a against_o thing_n which_o you_o know_v not_o first_o try_v and_o then_o judge_v it_o be_v not_o cavil_v against_o your_o duty_n which_o will_v serve_v to_o excuse_v you_o from_o it_o 7._o consider_v what_o great_a encouragement_n you_o have_v humble_o to_o expect_v the_o assistance_n of_o special_a grace_n if_o you_o careful_o improve_v the_o ability_n and_o help_n that_o be_v already_o grant_v you_o it_o be_v likely_a that_o satan_n and_o your_o own_o corrupt_a heart_n may_v suggest_v to_o you_o that_o it_o be_v to_o no_o purpose_n to_o trouble_v your_o thought_n about_o these_o thing_n because_o special_a grace_n be_v the_o gift_n of_o god_n who_o diâ—â—_n with_o his_o own_o as_o he_o please_v but_o to_o this_o i_o answer_v though_o it_o be_v true_a that_o grace_n be_v a_o free_a gift_n else_o it_o be_v not_o grace_n yet_o it_o do_v not_o therefore_o follow_v that_o you_o must_v sit_v still_o in_o a_o sluggish_a stupidity_n and_o expect_v to_o be_v save_v without_o any_o care_n or_o concern_v of_o your_o own_o about_o iâ—_n be_v not_o the_o mercy_n of_o common_a providence_n as_o food_n raiment_n friend_n health_n etc._n etc._n the_o gift_n of_o god_n will_v you_o therefore_o argue_v that_o no_o care_n be_v to_o be_v take_v about_o these_o thing_n how_o then_o come_v it_o to_o pass_v that_o your_o thought_n and_o endeavour_n be_v employ_v early_o and_o late_o in_o the_o world_n and_o for_o it_o it_o seem_v you_o be_v most_o willing_a to_o be_v impose_v upon_o and_o to_o have_v a_o cloak_n for_o your_o sloth_n in_o spiritual_a matter_n though_o you_o will_v laugh_v at_o he_o who_o shall_v argue_v at_o the_o same_o rate_n as_o to_o temporal_a concern_v therefore_o to_o be_v plain_a with_o you_o i_o must_v tell_v you_o you_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o expect_v the_o help_n of_o special_a grace_n while_o through_o mere_a sloth_n and_o perverseness_n you_o will_v not_o excite_v your_o natural_a faculty_n nor_o strike_v in_o with_o conviction_n and_o other_o help_n of_o common_a grace_n which_o be_v vouchsafed-you_a but_o rather_o you_o may_v just_o fear_v lest_o you_o shall_v be_v give_v up_o to_o a_o reprobate_a sense_n to_o blindness_n of_o mind_n and_o hardness_n of_o heart_n for_o the_o turn_n away_o of_o the_o simple_a shall_v slay_v they_o prov._n 1.32_o but_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n you_o be_v not_o destitute_a of_o encouragement_n if_o in_o good_a earnest_n you_o fall_v to_o the_o work_n it_o may_v be_v you_o will_v say_v that_o yâ—_n have_v no_o full_a proper_a promise_n to_o depend_v upon_o for_o special_a grace_n though_o you_o shall_v improve_v the_o common_a help_n that_o be_v give_v you_o but_o here_o let_v i_o ask_v you_o be_v there_o not_o many_o dreadful_a threatening_n to_o the_o slothful_a neglector_n of_o this_o great_a salvation_n be_v you_o not_o earnest_o inviteâ—_n to_o come_v in_o and_o accept_v of_o christ_n be_v not_o the_o god_n with_o who_o you_o have_v to_o do_v mereâ—ful_a and_o gracious_a be_v not_o the_o great_a redeemer_n full_a of_o compassion_n be_v you_o not_o command_v to_o seek_v the_o lord_n while_o he_o may_v be_v sound_a and_o to_o call_v upon_o he_o while_o he_o be_v near_a isa_n 55_o 6_o â—_o and_o be_v there_o not_o a_o great_a deal_n of_o encouragement_n in_o all_o this_o his_o god_n set_v you_o about_o needless_a unpregnable_n wâ—â—â—_n will_v he_o not_o be_v sound_a of_o they_o that_o see_v he_o doâ—h_v not_o he_o love_v holiness_n better_o than_o you_o and_o will_v he_o not_o be_v as_o ready_a to_o vouchsafe_v the_o sanâ—â—â—_n you_o influenceâ—_n of_o his_o grace_n as_o you_o be_v ardaly_a to_o desâ—â—e_v 〈◊〉_d bâ—â—â—r_n after_o they_o what_o iniquity_n have_v you_o â—â—â—u_fw-mi 〈◊〉_d in_o â—im_n â—hat_n you_o shoulâ—_n entertain_v such_o mean_a low_a narrow_a 〈◊〉_d oughts_z of_o his_o goodness_n where_o be_v the_o man_n and_o what_o be_v his_o name_n that_o can_v say_v lord_n i_o do_v to_o my_o utmost_a improve_v the_o help_n thou_o give_v i_o and_o yer_z thou_o râ—â—â—â—â—'st_v to_o
want_v to_o yourselves_o what_o though_o indwelling_a sin_n stick_v very_o close_o to_o our_o nature_n it_o be_v not_o essential_a to_o they_o nor_o have_v any_o place_n in_o man_n primaeval_fw-fr state_n and_o the_o second_o adam_n come_v to_o heal_v those_o disease_n which_o the_o first_o have_v bring_v upon_o we_o therefore_o though_o it_o be_v good_a to_o be_v sensible_a of_o your_o own_o weakness_n and_o to_o feel_v the_o burden_n of_o sin_n that_o you_o may_v fly_v to_o christ_n yet_o you_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o faint_v or_o be_v discourage_v because_o you_o have_v he_o to_o fly_v to_o tempt_v 6._o be_v you_o perplex_v with_o troublesome_a scruple_n as_o to_o matter_n of_o practice_n that_o you_o dare_v scarce_o move_v forward_o in_o the_o way_n of_o your_o duty_n for_o fear_n of_o go_v wrong_n answ_n it_o be_v certain_a that_o our_o best_a service_n while_o we_o be_v here_o on_o earth_n will_v be_v attend_v with_o many_o sinful_a weakness_n and_o imperfection_n but_o necessary_a duty_n must_v not_o be_v leave_v unâ—one_v for_o fear_n of_o mis-doing_a it_o that_o which_o god_n require_v of_o we_o be_v that_o we_o cheaâ—_n full_o and_o quiet_o obey_v his_o will_n so_o far_o as_o we_o know_v it_o and_o sincere_o endeavour_v to_o understand_v it_o better_o thankful_o receive_v the_o gospel-pardon_n for_o our_o many_o fail_n and_o infirmity_n if_o we_o have_v the_o worthiness_n for_o so_o the_o gospel_n call_v it_o of_o faith_n repentance_n and_o sincere_a desire_n christ_n have_v the_o worthiness_n of_o perfect_a holiness_n and_o obedience_n for_o we_o and_o though_o it_o be_v our_o great_a duty_n to_o keep_v conscience_n tender_a that_o be_v to_o be_v 〈◊〉_d careful_a to_o please_v god_n and_o fearful_a of_o sin_v 〈◊〉_d we_o must_v remember_v that_o needless_a self-tormenting_a â—â—ruples_n be_v not_o at_o all_o please_a to_o god_n but_o great_a â—â—derances_n to_o our_o duty_n and_o device_n of_o satan_n to_o â—ake_v religion_n burdensome_a and_o uneasy_a to_o we_o and_o â—â—at_o if_o these_o and_o such_o other_o temptation_n cease_v not_o 〈◊〉_d be_v troublesome_a it_o be_v sometime_o necessary_a that_o we_o contemn_v they_o the_o devil_n say_v luther_n be_v a_o proud_a spirit_n and_o can_v endure_v to_o be_v slight_v he_o will_v use_v we_o work_n enough_o to_o do_v if_o we_o will_v but_o parley_v and_o â—â—gue_v the_o case_n with_o he_o to_o slight_v he_o be_v to_o resist_v â—â—â—m_n and_o then_o he_o fly_v from_o we_o tempt_v 7._o be_v you_o tempt_v to_o ensnare_v yourselves_o â—â—y_o rash_a vow_n and_o to_o make_v duty_n to_o yourselves_o â—hich_v god_n never_o enjoin_v you_o or_o to_o impose_v â—asks_n upon_o yourselves_o which_o he_o have_v not_o prescribe_v answ_n the_o use_n of_o vow_n be_v to_o bind_v we_o to_o the_o performance_n of_o that_o which_o god_n himself_o have_v bind_v â—s_a to_o by_o his_o law_n before_o that_o be_v to_o express_v our_o consent_n and_o resolution_n by_o a_o self-obligation_n to_o obey_v his_o will_n but_o not_o make_v a_o new_a religion_n to_o ourselves_o nor_o to_o injure_v our_o christian_a liberty_n by_o self-devised_n snare_n who_o have_v require_v this_o at_o your_o â—lands_n such_o sacred_a thing_n as_o vow_n be_v not_o to_o be_v trifle_v with_o our_o baptismal_a covenant_n and_o sacramental_a engagement_n at_o the_o lord_n table_n must_v be_v careful_o observe_v but_o vow_n about_o lesser_a matter_n be_v not_o to_o be_v make_v without_o great_a consideration_n and_o caution_n alteration_n of_o circumstance_n may_v make_v that_o sinful_a or_o however_o troublesome_a and_o inconvenient_a which_o at_o present_a appear_v and_o perhaps_o real_o be_v a_o duty_n good_a purpose_n and_o resolution_n be_v necessary_a and_o safe_a and_o may_v be_v change_v when_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o case_n require_v it_o that_o be_v when_o they_o cease_v to_o be_v useful_a to_o those_o end_n whereunto_o they_o be_v first_o intend_v but_o it_o be_v a_o dangerous_a thing_n after_o vow_n or_o promise_v make_v to_o god_n to_o make_v enquiry_n 〈◊〉_d though_o sometime_o even_o that_o must_v be_v do_v yet_o 〈◊〉_d great_a fear_n and_o tremble_a for_o god_n will_v not_o hold_v 〈◊〉_d guiltless_a that_o take_v his_o name_n in_o vain_a tempt_v 8._o be_v you_o tempt_v to_o grow_v weary_a of_o â—â—rious_a religion_n and_o to_o turn_v back_o again_o to_o your_o wâ—â—ted_a formality_n and_o negligence_n answ_n humble_a yourselves_o deep_o before_o god_n 〈◊〉_d those_o remnant_n of_o corruption_n which_o thus_o dispose_v you_o to_o revolt_v renew_v your_o covenant_n with_o he_o 〈◊〉_d christ_n plead_v the_o promise_n of_o his_o holy_a spirit_n 〈◊〉_d upon_o his_o assistance_n and_o grace_n make_v not_o a_o ligâ—â—â—_n matter_n of_o the_o least_o decay_n or_o declining_n in_o hoâ—â—ness_n for_o these_o tend_v to_o great_a gird_v up_o the_o loâ—â—_n of_o your_o mind_n consider_v the_o prize_n that_o be_v set_v before_o you_o and_o look_v to_o the_o example_n of_o those_o who_o by_o faith_n and_o patience_n inherit_v the_o promise_n shaving_n and_o difficulty_n will_v be_v soon_o over_o bâ—_n iâ—_n weary_a of_o well_o do_v you_o shall_v reap_v if_o you_o faint_a 〈◊〉_d gal._n 6.9_o whither_o will_v you_o fly_v in_o the_o hour_n of_o your_o extremity_n if_o the_o lord_n help_v you_o not_o then_o who_o can_v help_v you_o if_o you_o forsake_v he_o he_o will_v also_o forsake_v you_o tempt_v 9_o be_v there_o some_o belove_a sin_n which_o you_o be_v especial_o incline_v to_o and_o can_v scarce_o forbear_v or_o part_v with_o it_o answ_n fortify_v your_o mind_n with_o argument_n 〈◊〉_d your_o will_n with_o resolution_n against_o it_o avoid_v the_o occasion_n of_o it_o and_o resist_v the_o first_o strive_n and_o tendency_n towards_o it_o double_o your_o watch_n that_o you_o be_v not_o surprise_v by_o it_o single_v it_o out_o to_o run_v iâ—_n down_o mortify_v and_o destroy_v it_o as_o that_o which_o most_o dishonour_v god_n and_o endanger_v your_o own_o soul_n tempt_v 10._o be_v you_o tempt_v to_o place_v a_o undâ—â—â—_n conâ—idence_n in_o your_o own_o work_n or_o righteousness_n answ_n consider_v that_o if_o you_o thus_o go_v about_o to_o establish_v 〈◊〉_d righteousness_n of_o your_o own_o you_o take_v the_o way_n 〈◊〉_d â—â—se_n the_o benefit_n of_o christ_n righteousness_n if_o â—ardon_n and_o life_n be_v of_o grace_n they_o can_v be_v of_o work_v else_o grace_n be_v no_o more_o grace_n as_o we_o â—â—e_v creature_n we_o owe_v ourselves_o and_o all_o that_o we_o â—ave_n or_o can_v do_v to_o god_n the_o great_a angel_n in_o heaven_n can_v strict_o and_o proper_o merit_v any_o thing_n of_o god_n how_o much_o less_o such_o worm_n as_o we_o every_o â—â—â—y_v which_o we_o sincere_o perform_v be_v a_o great_a mercy_n receive_v and_o render_v we_o further_o indebt_v to_o that_o grace_n whereby_o we_o be_v enable_v thereto_o and_o beside_o we_o stand_v in_o need_n of_o pardon_n for_o the_o sinful_a weakness_n of_o our_o best_a service_n when_o we_o have_v do_v all_o we_o be_v but_o unprofitable_a servant_n eternal_a life_n be_v a_o free_a gift_n by_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n we_o be_v what_o we_o be_v ii_o we_o come_v now_o to_o the_o second_o branch_n of_o exhortation_n namely_o to_o those_o who_o be_v much_o in_o the_o dark_a as_o to_o the_o state_n of_o their_o soul_n not_o know_v what_o to_o think_v of_o themselves_o in_o reference_n to_o this_o great_a question_n viz._n whether_o they_o be_v pass_v from_o death_n to_o life_n that_o be_v whether_o they_o be_v wrought_v for_o heaven_n or_o no._n to_o such_o person_n i_o will_v offer_v the_o follow_a direction_n direct_v 1._o remember_v it_o be_v no_o new_a thing_n nor_o unusual_a among_o the_o people_n of_o god_n to_o be_v full_a of_o doubt_n fear_n and_o spiritual_a trouble_n do_v not_o think_v that_o your_o case_n be_v singular_a lest_o your_o spirit_n shall_v sink_v under_o it_o solamen_fw-la miseris_fw-la etc._n etc._n there_o have_v nothing_o befall_v you_o in_o this_o matter_n but_o what_o be_v common_a to_o man_n even_o to_o very_o good_a christian_n it_o may_v be_v satan_n will_v tempt_v you_o to_o think_v that_o none_o ever_o be_v so_o perplex_v with_o fear_n uncertainty_n and_o misgive_a thought_n as_o you_o but_o the_o scripture_n be_v very_o plain_a in_o the_o case_n that_o a_o true_o gracious_a person_n may_v sometime_o walk_v in_o darkness_n and_o have_v no_o light_n isa_n â—0_n 10_o read_v also_o the_o 88th_o psalm_n and_o see_v 〈◊〉_d that_o good_a man_n be_v afflict_v and_o even_o distraâ—â—_n with_o the_o terror_n of_o the_o almighty_a therefore_o in_o all_o this_o god_n deal_v no_o otherâ—â—â—_n with_o you_o than_o he_o have_v do_v with_o thousand_o 〈◊〉_d his_o dear_v child_n and_o as_o you_o ought_v not_o to_o â—â—spise_v the_o chastening_n of_o the_o lord_n so_o neither_o shoâ—â—â—_n you_o faint_v under_o they_o for_o who_o he_o love_v he_o
praeparatio_fw-la evangelica_n or_o a_o plain_a and_o practical_a discourse_n concern_v the_o soul_n preparation_n for_o a_o bless_a eternity_n be_v the_o substance_n of_o several_a sermon_n preach_v at_o leeds_n by_o timothy_n manlove_n minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n heb._n 12.14_o follow_v peace_n with_o all_o man_n and_o holiness_n without_o which_o no_o man_n shall_v see_v the_o lord_n 1_o joh._n 4.16_o god_n be_v love_n and_o he_o that_o dwell_v in_o love_n dwell_v in_o god_n and_o god_n in_o he_o heb._n 2.3_o how_o shall_v we_o escape_v if_o we_o neglect_v so_o great_a salvation_n london_n print_v for_o nevil_n simmons_n bookseller_n in_o sheffield_n yorkshire_n and_o sell_v by_o george_n conier_n at_o the_o ring_n in_o little_a britain_n 1698._o to_o the_o diligent_a and_o serious_a reader_n cvstom_n oblige_v i_o to_o say_v something_o by_o way_n of_o preface_n and_o the_o weight_n of_o the_o subject_a before_o we_o be_v such_o as_o require_v the_o utmost_a diligence_n to_o press_v the_o serious_a consideration_n of_o it_o upon_o all_o to_o who_o it_o be_v present_v that_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n be_v in_o its_o own_o nature_n fit_v for_o immortality_n be_v capable_a of_o subsist_v and_o act_v in_o a_o state_n of_o separation_n from_o the_o body_n and_o therefore_o design_v thereto_o be_v a_o truth_n common_o acknowledge_v among_o christian_n yea_o and_o among_o pagan_n too_o as_o i_o have_v prove_v at_o large_a in_o a_o former_a treatise_n now_o if_o this_o be_v a_o truth_n it_o be_v certain_o a_o very_a important_a one_o how_o little_a soever_o consider_v by_o the_o unthinking_a world_n must_v we_o live_v for_o ever_o sure_o it_o high_o concern_v we_o to_o examine_v whither_o we_o be_v go_v what_o state_n wâ—_n be_v like_a to_o enter_v upon_o when_o the_o uncertain_a term_n of_o our_o present_a life_n shall_v be_v at_o a_o end_n shall_v it_o be_v well_o or_o ilâ—_n with_o we_o to_o all_o eternity_n the_o resolution_n of_o this_o great_a question_n depend_v upon_o our_o behaviour_n whilâ—_n we_o be_v in_o the_o body_n for_o accora_v to_o that_o we_o must_v be_v judge_v whether_o it_o bâ—_n good_a or_o bad_a 2_o cor._n 5.10_o the_o goodness_n or_o wickedness_n of_o ouâ—_n action_n be_v to_o be_v measure_v by_o their_o agreeableness_n or_o disagreeableness_n to_o thâ—_n divine_a law_n which_o be_v norma_fw-la officiâ—_n &_o judicii_fw-la a_o rule_n to_o live_v by_o and_o by_o which_o we_o must_v be_v judge_v the_o duty_n which_o god_n have_v enjoinâ—_n be_v such_o as_o in_o their_o own_o nature_n do_v manifest_o tend_v to_o qualify_v and_o fâ—â—_n we_o for_o that_o eternal_a blessedness_n which_o he_o have_v prepare_v for_o his_o holy_a one_o it_o be_v therefore_o of_o great_a consequence_n to_o understand_v in_o some_o competent_a measure_n the_o nature_n of_o the_o heavenly_a felicity_n because_o the_o more_o clear_a and_o distinct_a our_o apprehension_n be_v in_o this_o matter_n the_o more_o will_v our_o heart_n be_v raise_v to_o desire_v it_o and_o our_o endeavour_n quicken_v in_o the_o pursuit_n of_o it_o and_o the_o better_a we_o shall_v understand_v the_o way_n that_o lead_v to_o it_o the_o absolute_a necessity_n of_o holiness_n in_o order_n to_o our_o everlasting_a happiness_n be_v rather_o confess_v than_o well_o understand_v by_o the_o generality_n of_o those_o that_o bear_v the_o christian_a name_n and_o this_o not_o for_o want_v of_o suitable_a mean_n and_o help_v in_o order_n to_o such_o knowledge_n but_o for_o want_v of_o heart_n to_o use_v they_o prov._n 17.16_o man_n thought_n be_v otherwise_o take_v up_o and_o their_o carnal_a mind_n be_v averse_a from_o consideration_n of_o this_o nature_n that_o holiness_n be_v necessary_a because_o god_n have_v command_v it_o be_v a_o very_a great_a truth_n and_o nothing_o but_o the_o truth_n but_o yet_o it_o be_v not_o the_o whole_a truth_n neither_o for_o beside_o this_o legal_a necessity_n of_o it_o there_o be_v also_o a_o natural_a necessity_n in_o the_o case_n it_o be_v as_o impossible_a in_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n that_o we_o shall_v be_v happy_a without_o be_v holy_a as_o that_o a_o blind_a man_n shall_v be_v delight_v with_o colour_n or_o one_o that_o be_v deaf_a with_o sound_n and_o harmony_n and_o this_o will_v appear_v if_o we_o consider_v what_o it_o be_v that_o must_v make_v a_o rational_a immortal_a spirit_n complete_o bless_v namely_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o the_o most_o holy_a glorious_a bless_a god_n whereunto_o a_o unholy_a soul_n be_v utter_o indispose_v and_o disaffect_v and_o therefore_o can_v be_v happy_a till_o its_o temper_n be_v alter_v and_o make_v suitable_a to_o the_o object_n that_o be_v holy_a the_o saint_n in_o glory_n be_v take_v up_o with_o god_n admire_a love_a praise_v and_o delight_v in_o he_o as_o their_o chief_a good_a their_o only_a soul-satisfying_a portion_n yea_o and_o as_o infinite_o and_o amiable_o good_a in_o himself_o and_o withal_o enjoy_v the_o most_o sweet_a and_o refresh_a sense_n of_o his_o love_n to_o they_o without_o any_o cloud_n darkness_n or_o interruption_n now_o this_o kind_n of_o happiness_n be_v no_o way_n suitable_a to_o the_o genius_n and_o disposition_n of_o a_o unsanctified_a heart_n and_o how_o shall_v a_o man_n be_v happy_a while_o his_o very_a soul_n be_v averse_a to_o and_o at_o enmity_n against_o that_o which_o alone_o can_v make_v he_o so_o this_o be_v the_o woeful_a case_n of_o the_o far_o great_a part_n of_o the_o world_n which_o loud_o call_v for_o our_o deep_a lamentation_n over_o it_o and_o our_o utmost_a endeavour_n to_o redress_v it_o to_o this_o purpose_n i_o have_v thought_n meet_v to_o publish_v the_o follow_a discourse_n wherein_o i_o have_v labour_v to_o lay_v open_a our_o way_n and_o our_o end_n begin_v with_o the_o latter_a according_a to_o the_o order_n of_o intention_n i_o have_v therefore_o first_o lay_v down_o a_o short_a plain_a scriptural_a account_n of_o that_o bless_a state_n reserve_v in_o heaven_n for_o true_a believer_n and_o then_o proceed_v to_o open_v the_o nature_n of_o that_o great_a work_n of_o grace_n whereby_o we_o must_v be_v prepare_v wrought_v or_o make_v meet_v for_o that_o state_n each_o of_o these_o give_v light_a to_o the_o other_o the_o end_n and_o way_n be_v so_o near_o akin_a that_o they_o differ_v rather_o in_o degree_n than_o in_o kind_n grace_n be_v glory_n begin_v glory_n be_v grace_n perfect_v if_o these_o thing_n be_v well_o weigh_v and_o compare_v together_o the_o advantage_n will_v be_v very_o great_a every_o way_n give_v i_o leave_v to_o mention_v some_o few_o particular_n 1._o this_o will_v effectual_o put_v to_o silence_v the_o ignorant_a cavil_n of_o foolish_a man_n who_o complain_v that_o the_o way_n of_o holiness_n be_v too_o strict_a and_o precise_a for_o they_o do_v they_o but_o better_a know_v what_o the_o bless_a above_o be_v do_v and_o what_o they_o be_v enjoy_v they_o will_v quick_o see_v reason_n to_o conclude_v that_o the_o great_a diligence_n and_o care_n we_o can_v use_v be_v all_o little_a enough_o to_o ripen_v we_o for_o so_o holy_a so_o glorious_a so_o perfect_a a_o state_n 2._o it_o will_v certain_o pull_v down_o the_o groundless_a presumption_n of_o self-deceiving_a hypocrite_n who_o promise_v to_o themselves_o heaven_n at_o last_o though_o they_o be_v utter_a stranger_n to_o that_o vital_a power_n of_o religion_n without_o which_o there_o be_v no_o come_n thither_o no_o wonder_n that_o man_n who_o hope_v for_o they_o know_v not_o what_o hereafter_o live_v they_o know_v not_o or_o care_v not_o how_o while_o they_o be_v here_o but_o whatsoever_o a_o man_n sow_n that_o shall_v he_o also_o reap_v gal._n 6.7_o 3._o this_o will_v also_o show_v we_o what_o way_n and_o manner_n of_o religious_a worship_n be_v like_a to_o be_v most_o acceptable_a to_o god_n and_o advantageous_a to_o ourselves_o viz._n that_o which_o tend_v most_o to_o refine_v and_o spiritualise_v our_o heart_n and_o so_o to_o fit_v they_o for_o heaven_n 4._o and_o consequent_o what_o end_v we_o ought_v to_o propose_v to_o ourselves_o in_o every_o religious_a duty_n namely_o that_o we_o may_v get_v as_o near_o unto_o god_n and_o be_v as_o inward_a with_o he_o as_o possible_o we_o can_v till_o we_o come_v to_o the_o state_n of_o full_a and_o perfect_a communion_n with_o he_o 5._o and_o what_o need_v there_o be_v of_o divine_a grace_n to_o elevate_v and_o raise_v our_o heart_n to_o such_o high_a and_o holy_a thing_n as_o these_o alas_o what_o poor_a work_n shall_v we_o make_v with_o spiritual_a thing_n if_o we_o be_v leave_v to_o ourselves_o 6._o this_o will_v great_o support_v the_o people_n of_o god_n under_o the_o difficulty_n of_o their_o present_a state_n and_o work_n their_o spiritual_a conflict_n will_v soon_o be_v over_o and_o heaven_n will_v make_v amends_o for_o all_o the_o end_n to_o which_o the_o despise_a way_n of_o
holiness_n lead_v be_v unspeakable_o glorious_a last_o if_o the_o best_a of_o we_o do_v more_o clear_o apprehend_v and_o frequent_o consider_v the_o blessedness_n of_o a_o future_a state_n and_o the_o necessary_a connexion_n or_o near_a alliance_n between_o holiness_n and_o happiness_n this_o will_v put_v life_n into_o all_o our_o motion_n and_o tendency_n heaven-ward_n and_o will_v give_v a_o most_o refresh_a relish_n and_o savour_n to_o all_o our_o duty_n these_o and_o many_o more_o such_o advantage_n will_v accrue_v to_o we_o from_o a_o right_a understanding_n of_o our_o way_n and_o our_o end_n compare_v with_o each_o other_o but_o i_o must_v not_o make_v too_o large_a a_o preface_n to_o so_o small_a a_o book_n nor_o will_v i_o stay_v to_o apologise_v as_o the_o manner_n of_o some_o be_v for_o the_o weakness_n and_o imperfection_n of_o the_o ensue_a treatise_n only_o i_o tell_v thou_o i_o have_v study_v that_o both_o as_o to_o the_o matter_n method_n and_o style_v it_o may_v be_v plain_a practical_a and_o profitable_a for_o the_o use_n of_o vulgar_a reader_n not_o to_o gratify_v the_o capricious_a wanton_a humour_n of_o those_o who_o have_v itch_a ear_n but_o to_o edify_v honest_a upright_a heart_n i_o hope_v i_o can_v true_o say_v in_o some_o measure_n that_o as_o to_o the_o applause_n of_o man_n desii_fw-la curare_fw-la i_o have_v do_v regard_v it_o with_o i_o it_o be_v a_o very_a small_a matter_n to_o be_v judge_v of_o man_n judgement_n 1_o cor._n 4.3_o therefore_o to_o conclude_v if_o thou_o will_v read_v deliberate_o what_o i_o have_v write_v and_o consider_v it_o impartial_o and_o carry_v it_o home_o to_o thy_o own_o heart_n and_o conscience_n by_o that_o prudent_a self-application_n which_o the_o nature_n of_o thy_o case_n shall_v require_v i_o hope_v thou_o will_v get_v real_a advantage_n by_o it_o and_o when_o thou_o have_v so_o do_v forget_v not_o to_o pray_v for_o he_o who_o be_v a_o very_a unworthy_a servant_n of_o the_o best_a and_o great_a master_n timothy_n manlove_n leeds_n sept._n 8._o 1698._o the_o content_n chap._n i._n the_o dependence_n of_o the_o word_n upon_o what_o go_v before_o their_o literal_a and_o real_a importance_n the_o point_n of_o doctrine_n to_o be_v insist_v upon_o the_o method_n wherein_o it_o be_v to_o be_v handle_v page_n 1._o chap._n ii_o some_o general_a account_n of_o the_o heavenly_a felicity_n to_o which_o be_v subjoin_v some_o short_a hint_n how_o unfit_a we_o be_v by_o nature_n for_o that_o bless_a state_n and_o how_o we_o come_v to_o be_v so_o 9_o chap._n iii_o a_o further_a enquiry_n into_o the_o nature_n of_o that_o great_a change_n whereby_o the_o soul_n of_o believer_n be_v wrought_v and_o prepare_v for_o heaven_n 22._o chap._n iu._n of_o the_o several_a step_n whereby_o this_o bless_a work_n be_v begin_v carry_v on_o and_o perfect_v in_o the_o soul_n 38._o chap._n v._n plain_a proof_n from_o scripture_n and_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n that_o none_o can_v come_v to_o heaven_n till_o they_o be_v wrought_v or_o prepare_v for_o it_o by_o divine_a grace_n 48._o chap._n vi_o several_a inference_n of_o truth_n draw_v from_o the_o forego_n discourse_n 61._o chap._n vii_o reproof_n to_o those_o person_n who_o wrong_v their_o own_o soul_n by_o presumptuous_a hope_n of_o heaven_n while_o they_o be_v utter_a stranger_n to_o this_o great_a work_n of_o grace_n whereby_o they_o shall_v be_v prepare_v for_o it_o show_v how_o vain_a sinful_a dangerous_a and_o unnatural_a it_o be_v for_o they_o thus_o to_o deceive_v themselves_o 72._o chap._n viii_o how_o much_o it_o concern_v we_o to_o examine_v ourselves_o whether_o we_o be_v wrought_v for_o heaven_n or_o no._n sundry_a motive_n to_o excite_v we_o to_o this_o necessary_a duty_n 82._o chap._n ix_o direction_n for_o the_o more_o successful_a management_n of_o this_o great_a duty_n of_o self-examination_n 90._o chap._n x._o sundry_a question_n propose_v by_o which_o to_o examine_v the_o state_n of_o our_o soul_n 98._o chap._n xi_o the_o exhortation_n in_o several_a branch_n 1._o to_o those_o who_o be_v not_o yet_o wrought_v for_o heaven_n direct_v they_o what_o method_n to_o take_v in_o order_n to_o their_o conversion_n 117._o chap._n xii_o direction_n to_o those_o who_o have_v attain_v to_o great_a degree_n of_o assurance_n and_o comfort_n 158._o 2_o cor._n 5.5_o now_o he_o that_o have_v wrought_v we_o for_o the_o selfsame_a thing_n be_v god._n chap._n i._n the_o dependence_n of_o the_o word_n upon_o what_o go_v before_o their_o literal_a and_o real_a importance_n the_o point_n of_o doctrine_n to_o be_v insist_v upon_o the_o method_n wherein_o it_o be_v to_o be_v handle_v in_o the_o forego_n chapter_n we_o have_v a_o account_n of_o the_o many_o suffering_n and_o danger_n to_o which_o the_o apostle_n himself_o and_o his_o fellow-labourer_n in_o the_o work_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v expose_v verse_n 8_o 9_o etc._n etc._n trouble_v on_o every_o side_n perplex_v persecute_v cast_v down_o always_o bear_v about_o in_o the_o body_n the_o die_a of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n i._n e._n by_o suffer_v for_o his_o sake_n and_o in_o conformity_n to_o he_o as_o it_o follow_v vers_fw-la 11._o always_o deliver_v unto_o death_n for_o jesus_n sake_n moreover_o he_o tell_v we_o what_o it_o be_v that_o bear_v up_o their_o spirit_n and_o keep_v they_o from_o faint_v under_o all_o these_o pressure_n namely_o a_o believe_a prospect_n of_o future_a glory_n whereof_o christ_n resurrection_n be_v a_o certain_a argument_n and_o pledge_n vers_fw-la 13_o 14._o we_o also_o believe_v and_o therefore_o speak_v know_v that_o he_o which_o raise_v up_o the_o lord_n jesus_n shall_v raise_v up_o we_o also_o by_o jesus_n vers_fw-la 16._o for_o which_o cause_n we_o faint_v not_o etc._n etc._n he_o than_o proceed_v to_o make_v a_o comparison_n between_o their_o present_a trouble_n and_o the_o joy_n that_o be_v set_v before_o they_o as_o for_o the_o former_a he_o speak_v as_o though_o he_o account_v they_o scarce_o worth_a name_n but_o of_o the_o latter_a as_o if_o no_o word_n can_v be_v find_v great_a enough_o to_o express_v it_o vers_fw-la 17._o for_o our_o light_a affliction_n which_o be_v but_o for_o a_o moment_n work_v for_o we_o a_o far_o more_o exceed_v and_o eternal_a wâ—ight_n of_o glory_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d one_o hyperbole_n upon_o another_o and_o yet_o all_o little_a enough_o to_o signify_v the_o deep_a sense_n which_o he_o have_v of_o the_o transcendent_a worth_n and_o excellency_n of_o that_o weighty_a glory_n concern_v which_o he_o speak_v thus_o rom._n 8.18_o for_o â—â—eckon_v that_o the_o suffering_n of_o this_o present_a time_n be_v not_o worthy_a to_o be_v compare_v with_o the_o glory_n which_o shall_v be_v reveal_v be_v we_o this_o he_o do_v upon_o due_a deliâ—eration_n well_o weigh_v the_o point_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d expendo_fw-la as_o grotius_n observe_v some_o of_o the_o ancient_n render_v it_o thus_o you_o see_v whence_o it_o be_v that_o they_o fetch_v it_o their_o support_v amid_o all_o the_o conflict_n and_o difficulty_n they_o meet_v with_o in_o this_o world_n what_o they_o look_v or_o aim_v at_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d viz._n the_o thing_n not_o see_v which_o be_v eternal_a vers_fw-la 18._o this_o be_v the_o prize_n they_o run_v for_o and_o which_o they_o expect_v at_o length_n to_o obtain_v and_o now_o that_o none_o may_v think_v that_o their_o hope_n be_v waver_v uncertain_a or_o ill-grounded_a he_o go_v on_o in_o this_o chapter_n wherein_o the_o text_n be_v to_o declare_v how_o full_a and_o satisfy_a their_o assurance_n be_v in_o this_o matter_n and_o why_o it_o be_v so_o verse_n 1._o for_o we_o know_v that_o if_o our_o earthly_a house_n of_o this_o tabernacle_n be_v dissolve_v we_o have_v a_o build_n of_o god_n etc._n etc._n note_v â—ere_z that_o faith_n be_v a_o certain_a infallible_a sort_n of_o knowledge_n we_o know_v so_o joh._n 6.69_o we_o believe_v and_o arâ—_n sure_a rom._n 8.28_o we_o know_v that_o all_o thing_n work_v together_o for_o good_a to_o they_o that_o love_n god_n 1_o cor._n 15.58_o yâ—â—_n know_v that_o your_o labour_n be_v not_o in_o vain_a in_o the_o lord_n nor_o be_v their_o desire_n after_o this_o bless_a state_n less_o earnest_a than_o their_o belief_n and_o hope_n be_v firm_a and_o steady_a vers_fw-la 2.3_o 4._o we_o groan_v earnest_o desire_v to_o be_v clothe_v upon_o with_o our_o house_n which_o be_v from_o heaven_n that_o mortality_n may_v be_v swallow_v up_o of_o life_n and_o thus_o we_o be_v bring_v to_o the_o text_n in_o which_o the_o apostle_n lay_v down_o some_o further_a ground_n of_o this_o their_o confidence_n viz._n they_o be_v wrought_v for_o the_o heavenly_a glory_n and_o that_o by_o god_n himself_o who_o also_o have_v give_v unto_o they_o the_o earnest_n of_o the_o spirit_n as_o it_o immediate_o follow_v and_o therefore_o say_v
work_v our_o heart_n to_o that_o temper_n whereof_o the_o psalmist_n word_n be_v very_o expressive_a psal_n 73.25_o who_o have_v i_o in_o heaven_n but_o thou_o etc._n etc._n when_o this_o be_v do_v then_o be_v the_o heart_n of_o the_o old_a man_n break_v than_o the_o soul_n stand_v no_o long_o at_o such_o a_o unkind_a distance_n from_o god_n as_o it_o do_v before_o but_o be_v beget_v of_o he_o have_v a_o ingenious_a childlike_a affection_n towards_o he_o o_o my_o god_n i_o can_v resist_v no_o long_o thou_o be_v strong_a than_o i_o and_o have_v prevail_v thy_o love_n have_v overcome_v i_o victorious_a grace_n have_v get_v the_o day_n other_o lord_n beside_o thou_o have_v have_v dominion_n over_o i_o but_o by_o thou_o only_o will_v i_o make_v mention_n of_o thy_o name_n isa_n 26.13_o thus_o they_o cry_v abba_n father_n and_o feel_v at_o length_n how_o good_a it_o be_v to_o draw_v near_o to_o god_n psal_n 73.28_o in_o this_o it_o be_v that_o true_a grace_n holiness_n or_o real_a godliness_n do_v principal_o consist_v namely_o in_o such_o a_o inclination_n of_o the_o will_n towards_o god_n it_o be_v the_o give_v our_o heart_n to_o he_o which_o before_o be_v most_o unreasonable_o and_o wicked_o alienate_v from_o he_o it_o be_v this_o which_o he_o do_v especial_o call_v for_o insist_v upon_o and_o expect_v from_o we_o this_o he_o set_v most_o by_o and_o without_o it_o will_v not_o accept_v of_o any_o thing_n else_o that_o we_o can_v offer_v prov._n 23.26_o my_o son_n give_v i_o thy_o heart_n this_o be_v more_o than_o all_o whole_a barnt-offering_n and_o sacrifice_n mark_n 12.33_o thus_o the_o wander_a soul_n be_v bring_v back_o to_o its_o proper_a centre_n and_o best_n it_o be_v a_o honest_a friendly_a good-natured_a disposition_n of_o heart_n god-ward_n always_o temper_v with_o dutiful_a reverence_n to_o so_o adorable_a a_o majesty_n who_o need_v not_o such_o poor_a silly_a worm_n as_o we_o but_o will_v be_v gracious_a to_o who_o be_v will_v be_v gracious_a and_o will_v show_v mercy_n on_o who_o he_o will_v show_v mercy_n exod._n 33.19_o thus_o the_o design_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v to_o bring_v we_o into_o fellowship_n with_o god_n 1_o john_n 1.3_o that_o henceforth_o we_o may_v converse_v with_o he_o as_o our_o best_a and_o dear_a friend_n and_o confident_o expect_v from_o he_o all_o that_o kindness_n and_o faithfulness_n which_o belong_v to_o such_o a_o relation_n and_o what_o may_v we_o not_o hope_v for_o from_o such_o a_o friend_n such_o a_o father_n nothing_o shall_v be_v want_v that_o be_v fit_a for_o he_o to_o give_v or_o for_o we_o to_o receive_v luk._n 19.31_o son_n thou_o be_v ever_o with_o i_o and_o all_o that_o i_o have_v be_v thou_o the_o love_n of_o god_n to_o his_o people_n as_o one_o observe_v can_v by_o overset_v it_o know_v no_o difficulty_n the_o great_a the_o performance_n or_o vouchsafement_n the_o more_o suitable_a to_o divine_a love_n again_o this_o great_a change_n be_v a_o open_n of_o our_o heart_n towards_o god_n which_o before_o be_v shy_a reserve_v estrange_v shut_v up_o against_o he_o though_o they_o be_v always_o his_o by_o title_n yet_o not_o till_o now_o by_o consent_n before_o he_o have_v jus_o ad_fw-la rem_fw-la a_o right_a to_o they_o now_o he_o have_v jus_o in_o re_fw-mi a_o actual_a interest_n in_o they_o and_o possession_n of_o they_o the_o everlasting_a door_n be_v now_o open_v and_o the_o king_n of_o glory_n be_v enter_v in_o psal_n 24._o thus_o we_o give_v unto_o god_n the_o thing_n that_o be_v god_n how_o shall_v i_o make_v it_o plain_o it_o be_v a_o sincere_a deep_a inward_a hearty_a prevail_a love_n to_o he_o who_o be_v love_n and_o goodness_n itself_o this_o be_v the_o life_n and_o substance_n of_o all_o true_a religion_n the_o fulfil_n of_o the_o law_n in_o one_o word_n love_n without_o this_o thou_o have_v only_o the_o shadow_n of_o holiness_n but_o real_o art_n nothing_o 1_o cor._n 13.2_o the_o truth_n be_v the_o will_n be_v the_o first_o subject_n of_o moral_a good_a and_o evil_a it_o be_v turn_v from_o god_n by_o sin_n yea_o and_o set_v against_o he_o grace_n reduce_v and_o reconcile_v it_o to_o he_o again_o so_o that_o the_o tendency_n of_o the_o renew_a soul_n be_v towards_o god_n that_o it_o may_v know_v he_o more_o love_n and_o serve_v he_o better_o be_v bring_v yet_o near_o to_o he_o and_o more_o full_o conform_v to_o his_o will._n it_o detest_v all_o thought_n of_o happiness_n in_o which_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o god_n be_v not_o include_v or_o rather_o which_o be_v not_o whole_o include_v in_o that_o enjoyment_n he_o say_v unto_o the_o lord_n thou_o be_v my_o god_n i_o can_v take_v up_o with_o any_o thing_n else_o for_o my_o portion_n and_o supreme_a good_a my_o soul_n pant_v after_o thou_o long_v for_o thou_o and_o be_v even_o weary_a of_o itself_o to_o find_v any_o remnant_n of_o its_o old_a aversion_n from_o thou_o these_o be_v my_o daily_a groan_n o_o that_o i_o can_v ascend_v more_o send_v forth_o o_o lord_n thy_o powerful_a attractive_a love_n let_v that_o holy_a flame_n consume_v my_o dross_n that_o the_o noble_a part_n may_v know_v in_o home_n its_o rest_n it_o be_v all_o how_o precious_a be_v thy_o thought_n unto_o i_o o_o god_n how_o great_a be_v the_o sum_n of_o they_o i_o know_v in_o some_o measure_n long_o since_o that_o none_o but_o god_n can_v make_v i_o complete_o happy_a i_o have_v often_o hear_v of_o this_o by_o the_o hear_n of_o the_o ear_n but_o now_o i_o know_v it_o better_o my_o eye_n see_v it_o i_o find_v and_o feel_v that_o my_o soul_n be_v otherwise_o affect_v towards_o thou_o than_o iâ—_n be_v before_o thus_o the_o passage_n betwixt_o the_o head_n and_o heart_n be_v open_v thus_o the_o will_n be_v determine_v for_o god_n and_o those_o truth_n which_o before_o only_o hover_v in_o the_o brain_n or_o imagination_n sink_v down_o work_n into_o the_o very_a soul_n and_o attemper_v it_o to_o themselves_o i_o have_v be_v somewhat_o large_a upon_o this_o head_n but_o all_o be_v little_a enough_o to_o make_v unregenerate_a person_n understand_v these_o thing_n though_o still_o they_o pretend_v to_o love_v god_n but_o i_o proceed_v 4._o the_o sensitive_a passion_n or_o affection_n must_v also_o be_v sanctify_v so_o as_o to_o fall_v in_o with_o the_o superior_a faculty_n especial_o the_o will_n and_o be_v subservient_fw-fr to_o they_o in_o order_n to_o the_o great_a end_n of_o holiness_n or_o religion_n that_o be_v they_o must_v be_v devote_v unto_o god_n exercise_v upon_o he_o and_o for_o he_o the_o rational_a and_o sensitive_a appetite_n be_v so_o near_o connex_v at_o least_o in_o this_o life_n that_o the_o act_n of_o the_o former_a so_o far_o as_o we_o perceive_v they_o always_o take_v in_o somewhat_o of_o the_o latter_a and_o be_v common_o describe_v according_o moreover_o the_o passion_n of_o affection_n be_v ofttimes_o a_o occasion_n or_o mean_n to_o awaken_v and_o excite_v our_o reason_n and_o will_v to_o do_v their_o duty_n and_o therefore_o of_o exceed_v great_a use_n if_o right_o manage_v and_o improve_v and_o though_o the_o great_a work_n of_o grace_n lie_v principal_o in_o the_o high_a faculty_n of_o the_o soul_n as_o intellectual_a namely_o in_o the_o vital_a active_a power_n understanding_n and_o will_n and_o must_v there_o be_v main_o seek_v and_o inquire_v after_o viz._n whether_o we_o have_v a_o high_a estimation_n of_o god_n and_o do_v resolve_o and_o rational_o cleave_v to_o he_o endeavour_v to_o act_v suitable_o in_o our_o life_n and_o conversation_n etc._n etc._n again_o though_o it_o must_v be_v grant_v that_o our_o passion_n be_v not_o so_o apt_a to_o be_v move_v by_o spiritual_a and_o invisible_a object_n as_o by_o sensible_a thing_n that_o be_v near_o we_o etc._n etc._n and_o withal_o that_o they_o be_v many_o time_n strong_a where_o judgement_n be_v weak_a and_o very_o uncertain_a too_o as_o depend_v much_o upon_o the_o constitution_n of_o the_o body_n etc._n etc._n yet_o i_o must_v needs_o say_v that_o those_o person_n who_o affection_n move_v sensible_o and_o free_o towards_o other_o thing_n but_o scarce_o stir_v at_o all_o as_o to_o the_o best_a and_o high_a object_n be_v certain_o in_o a_o weak_a and_o languid_a state_n of_o soul_n if_o not_o quite_o dead_a if_o we_o be_v indeed_o rise_v with_o christ_n then_o as_o we_o ought_v so_o we_o shall_v in_o some_o measure_n set_v our_o affection_n on_o thing_n above_o col._n 3.1_o 2._o if_o the_o will_v be_v predominant_o for_o god_n it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v suppose_v but_o that_o the_o affection_n will_v in_o some_o degree_n go_v along_o with_o it_o and_o if_o they_o move_v but_o slow_o it_o will_v be_v matter_n of_o grief_n and_o will_v put_v we_o upon_o earnest_a strive_n to_o raise_v they_o to_o a_o
to_o their_o wit_n again_o as_o for_o the_o three_o the_o sacrifice_n of_o god_n be_v a_o break_a spirit_n psal_n 51._o your_o heart_n must_v be_v break_v that_o be_v thorough_o humble_v for_o your_o past_a folly_n in_o order_n to_o your_o future_a reformation_n you_o must_v be_v weary_a and_o heavy_a lade_v under_o a_o sense_n of_o your_o sin_n that_o christ_n may_v give_v you_o rest_n break_v that_o he_o may_v heal_v you_o the_o whole_a need_v not_o a_o physician_n chap._n viii_o how_o much_o it_o concern_v we_o to_o examine_v ourselves_o whether_o we_o be_v wrought_v for_o heaven_n or_o no._n sundry_a motive_n to_o excite_v we_o to_o this_o necessary_a duty_n we_o now_o proceed_v to_o a_o use_n of_o examination_n be_v it_o so_o that_o none_o can_v come_v to_o heaven_n till_o they_o be_v wrought_v and_o prepare_v for_o it_o by_o special_a grace_n sure_o it_o be_v high_a time_n to_o turn_v your_o thought_n inward_a and_o to_o stir_v up_o conscience_n to_o do_v its_o office_n methinks_v you_o shall_v in_o this_o have_v be_v beforehand_o with_o i_o i_o will_v be_v loath_a to_o suppose_v that_o you_o shall_v have_v hear_v all_o this_o which_o have_v be_v say_v under_o the_o forego_n head_n concern_v the_o nature_n and_o necessity_n of_o this_o great_a work_n with_o so_o little_a self-application_n as_o not_o to_o have_v put_v the_o question_n to_o your_o own_o heart_n before_o now_o be_o i_o thus_o wrought_v upon_o have_v i_o experience_v such_o a_o change_n in_o the_o temper_n of_o my_o spirit_n godward_o as_o may_v encourage_v i_o to_o hope_v that_o i_o be_o past_a from_o death_n to_o life_n dispose_v and_o incline_v to_o be_v happy_a in_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o god_n etc._n etc._n a_o weighty_a question_n indeed_o it_o be_v all_o one_o as_o if_o you_o enquit_v whether_o you_o be_v heir_n of_o heaven_n or_o within_o a_o step_n of_o hell_n child_n of_o god_n or_o of_o the_o devil_n or_o as_o if_o a_o line_n shall_v be_v draw_v to_o separate_v between_o the_o live_n and_o the_o dead_a in_o this_o congregation_n on_o the_o one_o side_n lo_o here_o be_v so_o many_o person_n wrought_v upon_o and_o quicken_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n who_o have_v the_o principle_n and_o seed_n of_o eternal_a life_n abide_v in_o they_o on_o the_o other_o lo_o here_o be_v so_o many_o stupid_a carnal_a wretched_a soul_n under_o the_o just_a wrath_n and_o indignation_n of_o the_o almighty_a dead_a in_o trespass_n and_o siâ—s_n liable_a every_o moment_n to_o the_o severe_a stroke_n of_o avenge_a justice_n it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v wonder_v at_o if_o secret_a misgiving_n of_o heart_n and_o consciousness_n of_o gild_n cause_n a_o exceed_a averseness_n in_o unregenerate_a man_n to_o this_o work_n of_o self-examination_n and_o make_v they_o even_o afraid_a of_o converse_v with_o themselves_o as_o desperate_a bankrupt_n who_o dread_v to_o look_v into_o their_o book_n of_o account_n be_v sensible_a that_o matter_n be_v ill_a with_o they_o and_o it_o be_v also_o sad_a that_o there_o shall_v be_v room_n for_o such_o a_o question_n as_o this_o or_o at_o least_o any_o great_a difficulty_n in_o resolve_v it_o what!_o you_o that_o have_v so_o long_o sit_v under_o the_o mean_n of_o grace_n and_o have_v these_o thing_n so_o often_o and_o so_o earnest_o press_v upon_o you_o and_o not_o yet_o wrought_v upon_o not_o yet_o turn_v to_o god_n this_o be_v a_o sad_a case_n yet_o i_o fear_v no_o sad_a than_o true_a o_o happy_a congregation_n if_o all_o yea_o or_o most_o in_o it_o be_v thus_o prepare_v and_o fit_v for_o heaven_n however_o be_v your_o case_n what_o it_o will_v it_o be_v necessary_a you_o know_v it_o therefore_o in_o handle_v this_o use_n i_o shall_v i._o lay_v down_o some_o motive_n brief_o to_o excite_v you_o to_o this_o duty_n of_o self-examination_n ii_o give_v some_o direction_n for_o the_o more_o successful_a management_n thereof_o iii_o offer_v some_o question_n which_o you_o may_v propose_v to_o yourselves_o in_o order_n to_o the_o trial_n of_o your_o state_n i_o begin_v with_o the_o first_o of_o these_o motive_n 1._o some_o competent_a knowledge_n of_o your_o spiritual_a estate_n and_o condition_n be_v attainable_a i_o may_v have_v speak_v high_a but_o choose_v to_o proceed_v by_o step_n you_o may_v indeed_o meet_v with_o some_o who_o to_o excuse_v their_o â—â—n_fw-la ignorance_n or_o sloth_n in_o this_o matter_n will_v tell_v you_o â—â—at_v â—o_o man_n can_v know_v whether_o he_o be_v in_o a_o state_n of_o grace_n or_o no_o but_o that_o we_o must_v trust_v god_n with_o our_o soul_n and_o hope_v the_o best_a and_o true_a it_o be_v that_o we_o must_v trust_v god_n with_o our_o soul_n but_o it_o be_v also_o as_o true_a that_o he_o have_v so_o far_o entrust_v we_o with_o they_o as_o to_o command_v our_o utmost_a care_n and_o diligence_n about_o they_o and_o he_o will_v quick_o call_v we_o to_o a_o account_n how_o we_o have_v discharge_v our_o trust_n what_o we_o have_v do_v with_o his_o creature_n and_o if_o we_o be_v find_v to_o have_v betray_v our_o soul_n by_o negligence_n and_o carnal_a security_n it_o will_v not_o serve_v our_o turn_n to_o say_v that_o we_o trust_v he_o with_o they_o unless_o you_o can_v suppose_v that_o our_o presumption_n shall_v justify_v our_o carelessness_n that_o be_v one_o sin_n excuse_v another_o i_o tell_v you_o therefore_o you_o be_v not_o leave_v under_o a_o necessitate_a unavoidable_a ignorance_n in_o this_o point_n your_o unacquaintance_n with_o your_o own_o soul_n as_o to_o their_o state_n godward_o be_v wilful_a and_o affect_a i_o be_o not_o put_v you_o upon_o impossibility_n other_o have_v attain_v not_o 〈◊〉_d to_o some_o competent_a knowledge_n but_o even_o to_o a_o certainty_n 〈◊〉_d the_o case_n and_o that_o both_o way_n thus_o sinner_n be_v usual_o prepare_v for_o convert_v grace_n viz._n by_o a_o thoâ—oâ—_n conviction_n of_o the_o sinfulness_n and_o misery_n of_o their_o unregenerate_a state_n and_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n many_o good_a christian_n have_v arrive_v to_o a_o comfortable_a quieâ—â—â—â—_n and_o some_o even_o to_o a_o transport_v assurance_n of_o theâ—_n save_v special_a interest_n in_o the_o love_n of_o god_n through_o christ_n and_o consequent_o of_o their_o right_n to_o heauâ—â—_n and_o that_o by_o the_o same_o mean_n and_o help_v which_o be_v vouchsafe_v or_o offer_v to_o you_o motive_n 2._o to_o this_o end_n god_n have_v give_v we_o the_o facâ—ty_n or_o power_n of_o self-reflexion_n that_o we_o may_v examine_v our_o heart_n and_o life_n and_o so_o pass_v a_o right_a judgement_n concern_v our_o spiritual_a estate_n prov._n 20.27_o tâ—e_v spirit_n of_o man_n be_v the_o candle_n of_o the_o lord_n search_v all_o 〈◊〉_d inward_a part_n of_o the_o belly_n conscience_n be_v set_v up_o as_o light_v in_o the_o soul_n not_o to_o be_v extinguish_v or_o put_v under_o 〈◊〉_d bushel_n but_o to_o observe_v and_o try_v ourselves_o by_o 〈…〉_o what_o man_n â—â—â—weth_v the_o thing_n of_o a_o man_n 〈◊〉_d spirit_n of_o man_n which_o be_v â—n_v he_o be_v it_o not_o forâ—â—_n self_n reflective_a power_n we_o shall_v not_o be_v capable_a of_o moral_a government_n in_o a_o rational_a way_n how_o shall_v we_o rectify_v what_o be_v amiss_o or_o enjoy_v the_o comfort_n of_o sincere_a obedience_n but_o by_o examine_v both_o our_o heart_n and_o life_n therefore_o i_o say_v conscience_n be_v a_o witness_n a_o judge_n yeâ—_n and_o a_o executioner_n too_o it_o not_o only_o bear_v testimony_n but_o pass_v sentence_n and_o inflict_v punishment_n or_o yâ—eâ—â—â—â—_n refreshment_n and_o peace_n and_o so_o give_v man_n the_o fore_n last_v of_o heaven_n or_o hell_n while_o they_o be_v on_o enâ—th_n praemium_fw-la ante_fw-la praemium_fw-la be_v or_o praejudicâ—â—m_fw-la sâ—tâ—ri_fw-la judicii_fw-la 1_o joh._n 3.20_o 21._o if_o our_o heart_n condemn_v we_o god_n be_v great_a than_o our_o heart_n and_o know_v all_o thing_n belove_a if_o our_o heart_n condemn_v we_o not_o then_o have_v we_o confidence_n towards_o god_n must_v you_o not_o own_o such_o a_o faculty_n very_o conscience_n will_v fly_v in_o your_o face_n if_o you_o shall_v deny_v its_o power_n motive_n 3._o consider_v that_o god_n have_v give_v you_o a_o sure_a rule_n to_o try_v yourselves_o by_o even_o his_o holy_a word_n by_o which_o he_o himself_o will_v try_v you_o at_o last_o it_o be_v the_o nature_n of_o a_o law_n to_o constitute_v what_o shall_v be_v due_a from_o we_o and_o what_o to_o we_o a_o rule_n to_o live_v by_o and_o by_o which_o we_o must_v be_v judge_v heb._n 4.12_o tâ—e_v word_n of_o god_n be_v quick_a and_o powerful_a sharperâ—_n than_o any_o two_o edge_v sword_n and_o be_v a_o discerner_n of_o the_o thought_n and_o intent_n of_o the_o heart_n here_o we_o may_v behold_v the_o comeliness_n or_o deformiry_n of_o 〈◊〉_d own_o soul_n as_o a_o man_n do_v his_o natural_a
face_n in_o a_o glass_n we_o need_v not_o say_v who_o shall_v ascend_v into_o heaven_n the_o word_n be_v high_a uâ—_n whereby_o we_o must_v search_v ourselves_o and_o whether_o we_o will_v attend_v to_o it_o or_o no_o we_o must_v stand_v or_o fall_v by_o it_o at_o last_o joh._n 12.48_o the_o word_n that_o i_o have_v speak_v the_o same_o shall_v judge_v he_o in_o the_o last_o day_n '_o this_o be_v one_o of_o those_o book_n that_o shall_v be_v open_v and_o the_o small_a sentence_n will_v pass_v according_a to_o what_o be_v write_v therein_o rev._n 20_o 12._o they_o shall_v be_v judge_v according_a to_o their_o work_n the_o matter_n of_o fact_n be_v record_v in_o their_o book_n conscience_n the_o matter_n of_o right_n in_o god_n law_n and_o the_o conclusion_n in_o his_o decree_n as_o mr._n baxter_n upon_o the_o place_n motive_n 4._o we_o be_v express_o command_v thus_o to_o examine_v and_o try_v ourselves_o yea_o it_o be_v mention_v as_o a_o great_a absurdity_n that_o a_o christian_n shall_v be_v ignorant_a of_o himself_o 2_o cor._n 13.5_o examine_v yourselves_o whether_o you_o be_v in_o the_o faith_n prove_v your_o own_o self_n know_v you_o not_o your_o own_o self_n etc._n etc._n as_o if_o he_o have_v say_v be_v there_o any_o thing_n near_o to_o you_o than_o yourselves_o any_o thing_n that_o you_o be_v more_o concern_v to_o know_v than_o your_o spiritual_a estate_n that_o be_v whether_o christ_n be_v in_o you_o or_o no._n be_v the_o way_n to_o heaven_n and_o hell_n so_o much_o alike_o that_o a_o man_n can_v know_v whither_o he_o be_v go_v if_o he_o will_v if_o the_o end_n be_v so_o vast_o different_a sure_o there_o must_v be_v a_o proportionable_a difference_n in_o the_o way_n that_o lead_v to_o they_o motive_n 5._o you_o have_v comfortable_a encouragement_n to_o expect_v the_o help_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n in_o this_o work_n of_o self-examination_n suppose_v you_o be_v yet_o in_o a_o unregenerate_a state_n it_o be_v true_a you_o have_v then_o no_o full_a proper_a covenant-right_a to_o the_o influence_n of_o the_o spirit_n yet_o you_o have_v great_a reason_n to_o hope_n that_o since_o he_o have_v be_v often_o strive_v with_o you_o to_o bring_v you_o to_o a_o sight_n and_o sense_n of_o your_o spiritual_a concern_v he_o will_v not_o deny_v the_o help_n of_o his_o grace_n if_o you_o set_v yourselves_o in_o good_a earnest_n to_o the_o work_n by_o the_o assistance_n already_o receive_v prov._n 1.23_o tâ—ru_n you_o at_o my_o reproof_n behold_v i_o will_v pour_v out_o my_o spirit_n unto_o you_o etc._n etc._n now_o it_o be_v the_o work_n of_o the_o spirit_n to_o lead_v man_n into_o their_o own_o heart_n to_o convince_v they_o of_o sin_n and_o to_o quicken_v illuminate_v and_o draw_v dead_a dark_a disaffect_v soul_n to_o the_o love_n of_o god_n and_o holiness_n but_o if_o you_o be_v already_o convert_v you_o have_v then_o a_o covenant-right_a to_o the_o help_n of_o the_o spirit_n you_o have_v fâ—ll_a and_o propâ—â—_n promise_v to_o plead_v in_o this_o matter_n he_o be_v the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n your_o head_n and_o therefore_o all_o the_o live_a member_n by_o virtue_n of_o their_o relation_n unto_o christ_n be_v also_o near_o relate_v to_o and_o interest_v in_o that_o holy_a spirit_n whole_a office_n it_o be_v to_o refresh_v and_o comfort_v those_o soul_n who_o he_o have_v first_o renew_v by_o his_o grace_n to_o discover_v to_o they_o the_o grace_n which_o he_o have_v give_v they_o to_o witness_v with_o their_o spirit_n that_o they_o be_v the_o child_n of_o god_n and_o so_o to_o enable_v they_o to_o rejoice_v therein_o motive_n 6._o think_v well_o how_o sad_a and_o wretched_a a_o case_n it_o be_v to_o be_v utter_o in_o the_o dark_a as_o to_o your_o spiritual_a state_n you_o can_v tell_v what_o a_o day_n may_v bring_v forth_o prov._n 27.1_o for_o aught_o you_o know_v you_o may_v be_v in_o hell_n the_o next_o hour_n because_o you_o be_v uncertain_a whether_o god_n be_v your_o friend_n or_o your_o enemy_n whether_o you_o have_v any_o save_a interest_n in_o christ_n whether_o you_o be_v sanctify_v by_o the_o spirit_n or_o not_o be_v not_o this_o a_o woeful_a case_n when_o thou_o lie_v down_o when_o thou_o rise_v up_o when_o thou_o go_v out_o or_o come_v in_o thou_o know_v not_o but_o that_o the_o very_o next_o moment_n the_o divine_a fury_n may_v rest_v upon_o thou_o can_v thou_o think_v of_o death_n and_o not_o tremble_v and_o of_o judgement_n and_o not_o be_v astonish_v when_o thou_o be_v invite_v to_o a_o funeral_n how_o can_v thou_o forbear_v think_v that_o it_o will_v quick_o be_v thy_o â—wn_a case_n and_o yet_o thou_o be_v ignorant_a what_o will_v become_v of_o thy_o immortal_a soul_n at_o that_o day_n methinks_v this_o shall_v make_v thou_o a_o terror_n to_o thyself_o and_o to_o all_o that_o be_v about_o thou_o motive_n 7._o consider_v how_o impatient_a thou_o be_v of_o be_v in_o suspense_n or_o at_o uncertainty_n in_o matter_n of_o far_o less_o consequence_n if_o thou_o have_v but_o a_o lawsuit_n in_o hand_n how_o uneasy_a till_o thou_o know_v the_o issue_n if_o a_o purchase_n to_o make_v how_o careful_a to_o see_v that_o the_o title_n be_v good_a and_o the_o conveyance_n firm_a and_o sure_a if_o thou_o be_v take_v with_o any_o threaten_a distemper_n how_o earnest_a and_o solicitous_a be_v thou_o to_o know_v what_o the_o physician_n think_v of_o thy_o distemper_n pray_v sir_n what_o think_v you_o do_v you_o ever_o see_v any_o in_o such_o a_o case_n before_o do_v they_o recover_v do_v you_o hope_v the_o distemper_n may_v go_v off_o but_o o_o how_o few_o be_v there_o that_o express_v any_o such_o care_n about_o their_o soul_n how_o few_o that_o will_v come_v to_o a_o minister_n and_o inquire_v of_o he_o o_o sir_n what_o shall_v i_o do_v to_o be_v save_v i_o fear_v i_o be_o not_o yet_o wrought_v for_o heaven_n i_o find_v my_o heart_n dead_a to_o spiritual_a thing_n but_o vigorous_a and_o sprightly_a in_o its_o pursuit_n after_o worldly_a vanity_n i_o find_v i_o be_o out_o of_o my_o element_n when_o engage_v in_o religious_a duty_n what_o think_v you_o be_v there_o any_o hope_n o_o help_v i_o speedy_o lest_o death_n overtake_v i_o unprepared_a for_o it_o o_o how_o seldom_o do_v we_o meet_v with_o any_o that_o show_v such_o a_o concern_n for_o their_o soul_n as_o this_o it_o be_v easy_a to_o heap_v up_o many_o more_o such_o consideration_n as_o these_o to_o excite_v you_o to_o this_o necessary_a work_n of_o selfreflection_n i_o shall_v only_o add_v as_o follow_v without_o the_o formality_n of_o make_v distinct_a head_n think_v with_o yourselves_o how_o common_a a_o thing_n it_o be_v for_o man_n to_o be_v mistake_v about_o their_o spiritual_a estate_n and_o withal_o how_o dangerous_a it_o be_v remember_v god_n himself_o will_v quick_o judge_v you_o and_o the_o way_n to_o escape_v the_o severity_n of_o his_o judgement_n be_v to_o enter_v into_o judgement_n with_o yourselves_o 1_o cor._n 11.31_o if_o we_o will_v judge_n ourselves_o we_o shall_v not_o be_v judge_v moreover_o either_o you_o be_v thus_o wrought_v for_o heaven_n by_o renew_v grace_n or_o not_o if_o you_o be_v the_o close_a tâ—â—al_n will_v great_o refresh_v and_o comfort_v you_o by_o discover_v that_o the_o work_n be_v already_o do_v then_o may_v you_o comfortable_o go_v on_o with_o the_o remain_a part_n of_o duty_n which_o be_v yet_o before_o you_o you_o may_v come_v with_o boldness_n to_o the_o throne_n of_o grace_n as_o child_n to_o a_o father_n you_o may_v read_v or_o hear_v the_o word_n of_o god_n with_o joy_n when_o the_o great_a promise_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v all_o your_o own_o you_o may_v come_v with_o confidence_n to_o the_o lord_n table_n when_o you_o know_v that_o christ_n himself_o and_o all_o his_o save_a benefit_n be_v you_o you_o may_v meditate_v delightful_o upon_o the_o heavenly_a inheritance_n when_o you_o know_v that_o you_o have_v a_o right_a to_o it_o this_o will_v support_v you_o under_o all_o the_o suffering_n of_o the_o present_a life_n and_o will_v make_v they_o appear_v light_a affliction_n indeed_o and_o beside_o all_o this_o it_o will_v much_o conduce_v to_o the_o credit_n of_o your_o profession_n by_o enable_v you_o to_o go_v on_o cheerful_o in_o the_o way_n of_o religion_n as_o man_n that_o do_v not_o repent_v of_o their_o choice_n not_o despair_n of_o their_o cause_n or_o of_o their_o god_n but_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n if_o you_o be_v unregenerate_a selfreflection_n be_v one_o of_o the_o first_o step_v in_o order_n to_o your_o recovery_n psal_n 119.59_o i_o think_v on_o my_o way_n and_o turn_v my_o foot_n unto_o thy_o testimony_n so_o do_v the_o prodigal_n when_o he_o come_v to_o himself_o luk._n 15.17_o when_o once_o man_n begin_v to_o be_v solicitous_a about_o the_o concern_v
nothing_o to_o put_v it_o off_o be_v thy_o case_n better_a oâ—_n worse_o labour_v to_o know_v it_o and_o come_v to_o a_o conclusion_n what_o it_o be_v 5._o last_o see_v that_o thy_o soul_n be_v affect_v with_o the_o discovery_n thou_o have_v make_v take_v it_o to_o heart_n that_o thoâ—_n may_v be_v prepare_v for_o what_o further_a work_n be_v before_o thou_o thus_o proceed_v orderly_o direct_v 4._o remember_v that_o a_o great_a deal_n of_o patience_n and_o constancy_n be_v ordinary_o requisite_a for_o the_o right_n carry_v on_o this_o great_a work_n of_o self-examination_n do_v not_o think_v that_o so_o weighty_a a_o point_n be_v like_a to_o be_v resolve_v all_o on_o a_o sudden_a you_o must_v search_v and_o search_v again_o 〈◊〉_d a_o work_n that_o must_v be_v do_v and_o therefore_o do_v not_o 〈◊〉_d down_o in_o discouragement_n what_o though_o you_o long_a continâ—â—_n in_o doubt_n the_o case_n be_v not_o singular_a many_o good_a christian_n be_v keep_v a_o great_a while_n in_o suspense_n betwixt_o hope_n and_o fear_n as_o to_o their_o sincerity_n and_o that_o many_o time_n for_o want_n of_o constancy_n and_o judgement_n in_o the_o management_n of_o this_o duty_n of_o selfreflection_n and_o even_o those_o who_o have_v arrive_v to_o a_o more_o comfortable_a assurance_n iâ—_n this_o matter_n do_v yet_o see_v reason_n to_o be_v often_o renew_v thâ—_n trial_n and_o to_o look_v over_o their_o evidence_n again_o as_o weâ—â—_n know_v what_o need_n there_o be_v to_o go_v upon_o solid_a ground_n and_o what_o a_o treacherous_a thing_n the_o heart_n of_o man_n be_v the_o truth_n be_v it_o shall_v be_v account_v part_n of_o our_o daâ—ly_a business_n as_o christian_n to_o commune_v with_o our_o owâ—_n heart_n by_o way_n of_o self-examination_n not_o that_o we_o shall_v be_v always_o call_v in_o question_n our_o state_n as_o to_o the_o main_a yet_o even_o that_o shall_v sometime_o be_v do_v so_o far_o as_o to_o review_v the_o discovery_n which_o we_o have_v former_o make_v and_o to_o try_v the_o ground_n upon_o which_o we_o have_v proceed_v especial_o upon_o some_o particular_a occasion_n as_o when_o temptation_n arise_v or_o when_o we_o be_v call_v to_o any_o extraordinary_a duty_n or_o office_n yea_o or_o after_o some_o unusual_a fall_n into_o sin_n or_o when_o distemper_n threaten_v our_o dissolution_n as_o also_o before_o we_o approach_v the_o lord_n table_n it_o be_v but_o fit_a that_o we_o examine_v the_o evidence_n of_o our_o sincerity_n not_o so_o as_o to_o give_v way_n to_o unjust_a doubt_n and_o jealousy_n but_o to_o quiet_a compose_v and_o support_v our_o soul_n in_o peace_n direct_v 5._o last_o see_v that_o this_o work_n be_v right_o circumstantiate_v both_o as_o to_o time_n and_o place_n as_o for_o the_o latter_a of_o these_o withdraw_v yourselves_o from_o the_o noise_n and_o hurry_v of_o worldly_a business_n that_o you_o may_v attend_v upon_o this_o work_n without_o distraction_n enter_v into_o your_o closet_n shut_v the_o door_n upon_o you_o set_v yourselves_o as_o in_o the_o presence_n of_o the_o great_a god_n remember_v that_o he_o be_v the_o most_o reverend_a witness_n of_o all_o your_o proceed_n who_o stand_v by_o and_o judge_v you_o while_o you_o be_v judge_v yourselves_o a_o due_a sense_n of_o this_o or_o nothing_o will_v over-awe_n your_o mind_n and_o make_v you_o impartial_a and_o serious_a in_o the_o business_n as_o for_o the_o circumstance_n of_o time_n have_v a_o care_n of_o needless_a delay_n in_o this_o matter_n yet_o do_v not_o rush_v precipitant_o upon_o it_o when_o you_o be_v unfit_a for_o such_o a_o undertake_n take_v such_o a_o season_n for_o it_o as_o soon_o as_o possible_a when_o your_o spirit_n be_v lively_a your_o head_n clear_a your_o affection_n calm_a and_o compose_v otherwise_o if_o you_o set_v about_o it_o when_o your_o head_n be_v confuse_v your_o spirit_n deject_v or_o oppress_v with_o melancholy_a etc._n etc._n and_o so_o your_o passion_n tumultuous_a and_o afloat_a you_o will_v make_v nothing_o of_o it_o and_o therefore_o you_o shall_v sometime_o find_v that_o satan_n himself_o though_o the_o great_a enemy_n to_o this_o work_n of_o self-examination_n will_v transform_v himself_o into_o a_o angel_n of_o light_n and_o put_v a_o poor-trembling_a soul_n upon_o this_o work_n when_o he_o know_v it_o be_v unfit_a for_o it_o and_o as_o ready_a will_v he_o be_v to_o triumph_v over_o such_o person_n and_o contempt_n they_o to_o despair_v when_o he_o see_v they_o be_v baffle_v and_o confound_v in_o their_o search_n thus_o i_o have_v endeavour_v to_o direct_v you_o in_o this_o point_n i_o hope_v i_o need_v not_o tell_v you_o that_o in_o all_o this_o it_o be_v necessary_a to_o implore_v the_o divine_a assistance_n humble_o beg_v of_o he_o who_o be_v the_o searcher_n of_o heart_n that_o he_o will_v lead_v you_o into_o your_o own_o soul_n and_o not_o suffer_v you_o to_o be_v mistake_v in_o a_o matter_n of_o such_o consequence_n tell_v he_o you_o can_v be_v satisfy_v to_o hang_v in_o suspense_n but_o do_v sincere_o desire_v to_o know_v the_o truth_n of_o your_o case_n be_v it_o better_o or_o worse_o and_o that_o he_o himself_z his_o command_v you_o to_o search_v and_o try_v yourselves_o that_o the_o work_n be_v difficult_a and_o you_o dare_v not_o undertake_v it_o in_o your_o own_o strength_n in_o short_a that_o you_o be_v resolve_v to_o rely_v upon_o he_o who_o be_v not_o wont_a to_o fail_v they_o that_o seek_v he_o and_o put_v their_o trust_n in_o he_o according_a to_o his_o own_o appoint_a way_n say_v with_o the_o psalmist_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 chap._n x._o sundry_a question_n propose_v by_o which_o to_o examine_v the_o state_n of_o our_o soul_n these_o general_a direction_n be_v premise_v we_o now_o come_v to_o offer_v you_o some_o far_a help_n or_o to_o lead_v you_o by_o the_o hand_n through_o the_o duty_n itself_o that_o so_o you_o may_v at_o length_n discover_v how_o the_o case_n stand_v with_o you_o in_o reference_n to_o eternity_n and_o here_o let_v i_o first_o tell_v you_o that_o the_o main_a point_n to_o be_v inquire_v into_o be_v how_o your_o soul_n be_v affect_v towards_o the_o glorious_a bless_a god_n himself_o this_o be_v the_o grand_a comprehensive_a question_n the_o rule_n and_o measure_n of_o all_o â—he_v rest_n which_o be_v entire_o subordinate_a to_o it_o observe_v it_o will_v stop_v a_o little_a and_o consider_v it_o it_o be_v this_o which_o must_v help_v you_o to_o understand_v remember_v and_o true_o to_o resolve_v what_o further_a inquiry_n shall_v be_v offer_v to_o you_o as_o be_v the_o centre_n wherein_o they_o all_o meet_v the_o end_n whereunto_o they_o be_v all_o design_v if_o as_o to_o the_o main_a you_o be_v right_a here_o viz_o if_o your_o soul_n be_v due_o affect_v towards_o god_n all_o be_v your_o own_o you_o may_v then_o conclude_v that_o you_o be_v wrought_v for_o heaven_n indeed_o you_o shall_v not_o miss_v of_o happiness_n if_o there_o be_v enough_o in_o the_o infinite_a all-sufficient_a god_n to_o mâ—ke_v you_o happy_a luk._n 15.31_o son_n thou_o be_v ever_o with_o i_o and_o all_o that_o i_o have_v be_v thou_o well_o then_o iâ—_n in_o your_o most_o serious_a deliberate_a judgement_n you_o do_v high_o esteem_v he_o as_o infinite_o good_a in_o himself_o and_o the_o most_o suitable_a good_a for_o you_o again_o if_o your_o will_n and_o heart_n do_v sincere_o cleave_v to_o he_o love_v he_o rest_n in_o he_o resolve_v for_o he_o as_o such_o and_o then_o if_o the_o state_v couâ—se_n of_o your_o life_n be_v in_o the_o main_a agreeable_a to_o such_o apprehension_n and_o resolution_n you_o may_v then_o go_v your_o wâ—y_n eat_v your_o bread_n with_o joy_n and_o drink_v your_o wine_n with_o a_o merry_a heart_n because_o god_n accept_v you_o eccles_n 9_o 7._o yet_o let_v i_o far_o add_v there_o be_v a_o great_a deal_n go_v to_o prove_v that_o this_o be_v reâ—lly_o and_o true_o your_o case_n most_o man_n will_v be_v ready_a to_o say_v that_o they_o esteem_v and_o love_n god_n above_o all_o with_o their_o mouth_n they_o show_v much_o love_n ezek._n 33.31_o nor_o will_v any_o have_v be_v more_o forward_o in_o so_o profess_v than_o those_o very_a person_n to_o who_o our_o lord_n speak_v john_n 5_o 42._o i_o know_v you_o that_o you_o have_v not_o the_o love_n of_o god_n in_o you_o let_v i_o therefore_o help_v you_o to_o find_v out_o the_o truth_n of_o your_o case_n by_o the_o follow_a question_n question_v 1_o how_o do_v you_o relish_v the_o notion_n of_o a_o happiness_n which_o consist_v in_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o god_n i_o beseech_v you_o deal_v true_o and_o faithful_o with_o your_o soul_n
the_o everlasting_a enjoyment_n of_o he_o do_v you_o high_o value_v he_o as_o such_o do_v you_o study_v to_o acquaint_v yourselves_o with_o he_o to_o live_v by_o faith_n upon_o he_o and_o in_o holy_a obedience_n and_o conformity_n to_o he_o that_o so_o the_o end_n of_o hâ—s_a office_n may_v take_v place_n with_o you_o viz._n that_o you_o may_v be_v bring_v near_o to_o god_n by_o he_o be_v you_o willing_a to_o look_v unto_o his_o sceptre_n and_o acknowledge_v his_o sovereignty_n as_o well_o as_o to_o rely_v upon_o his_o satisfaction_n what_o form_n what_o comeliness_n do_v you_o behold_v in_o he_o be_v he_o the_o chief_a among_o â—en_n thousand_o to_o you_o have_v you_o well_o consider_v who_o or_o what_o he_o be_v even_o the_o brightness_n of_o his_o father_n glory_n and_o the_o express_a image_n of_o his_o person_n god_n manifest_v in_o the_o flesh_n the_o great_a immanâ—el_n god_n with_o we_o that_o the_o eternal_a word_n and_o wisdom_n of_o the_o father_n be_v clothe_v i_o with_o human_a nature_n prâ—ched_v his_o tent_n among_o the_o son_n of_o man_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d joh._n 1.14_o converse_v familiar_o even_o with_o the_o mean_a person_n breathe_v out_o love_n compassion_n tenderness_n and_o benignity_n towards_o all_o even_o towards_o his_o bittere_a enemy_n weep_v over_o self-destroying_a sinner_n and_o at_o last_o offer_v up_o himself_o a_o propitiatory_a sacrifice_n for_o we_o etc._n etc._n o_o think_v and_o think_v again_o who_o it_o be_v that_o do_v all_o this_o even_o the_o god_n of_o heaven_n himself_o appear_v in_o the_o likeness_n of_o sinful_a flesh_n rom._n 8.3_o o_o let_v those_o word_n sink_v deep_a into_o your_o heart_n john_n 14.9_o he_o that_o have_v see_v i_o have_v see_v the_o father_n all_o this_o be_v the_o lord_n do_v lo_o this_o be_v the_o wonderful_a condescend_v way_n which_o god_n be_v please_v to_o make_v choice_n of_o therein_o to_o show_v we_o his_o amiable_a goodness_n that_o hereby_o our_o aversion_n from_o he_o may_v be_v heal_v can_v man_n or_o angel_n have_v think_v of_o such_o a_o contrivance_n as_o this_o or_o if_o they_o have_v dare_v they_o have_v mention_v it_o but_o god_n thought_n be_v not_o as_o we_o o_o the_o depth_n of_o his_o wisdom_n how_o will_v these_o thing_n transport_v we_o when_o we_o come_v to_o heaven_n what_o say_v you_o to_o all_o this_o unto_o they_o that_o believe_v christ_n be_v precious_a be_v he_o so_o to_o you_o be_v you_o willing_a to_o take_v up_o your_o cross_n and_o follow_v he_o to_o give_v up_o yourselves_o sincere_o to_o he_o be_v there_o any_o thing_n which_o you_o think_v too_o dear_a to_o part_v with_o if_o he_o call_v for_o it_o nay_o though_o it_o be_v life_n itself_o know_v you_o not_o that_o every_o true_a christian_a be_v in_o disposition_n a_o martyr_n do_v not_o our_o lord_n tell_v we_o that_o if_o we_o love_v our_o own_o life_n more_o than_o he_o we_o can_v be_v his_o disciple_n do_v this_o say_v offend_v you_o or_o do_v you_o think_v it_o hard_a what_o if_o i_o shall_v tell_v you_o how_o earnest_o desirous_a many_o of_o the_o primitive_a christian_n be_v to_o lay_v down_o their_o life_n for_o the_o testimony_n of_o jesus_n how_o they_o triumph_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o their_o sharp_a suffering_n while_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o die_a love_n of_o jesus_n christ_n be_v warm_a and_o fresh_a upon_o their_o spirit_n insomuch_o that_o cyprian_n be_v fain_o to_o write_v for_o the_o comfort_n of_o such_o who_o be_v trouble_v that_o they_o miss_v of_o their_o hope_n of_o martyrdom_n o_o how_o be_v the_o case_n alter_v now_o what_o will_v those_o christian_n say_v if_o they_o see_v we_o at_o this_o day_n how_o much_o we_o mind_v our_o own_o thing_n and_o how_o little_a the_o thing_n of_o christ_n will_v they_o not_o think_v either_o that_o christianity_n be_v alter_v or_o rather_o that_o we_o scarce_o deserve_v to_o be_v call_v christian_n quest_n 4._o how_o be_v you_o dispose_v to_o spiritual_a exercise_n what_o delight_n do_v you_o take_v in_o draw_v nigh_o to_o god_n all_o creature_n act_n according_a to_o their_o several_a nature_n it_o be_v pleasant_a and_o agreeable_a to_o they_o so_o to_o do_v if_o therefore_o you_o have_v a_o new_a nature_n in_o you_o a_o principle_n of_o divine_a spiritual_a life_n you_o will_v thereby_o be_v incline_v to_o holy_a exercise_n you_o will_v move_v as_o it_o be_v natural_o towards_o they_o you_o will_v be_v serious_a and_o servant_n in_o they_o and_o that_o for_o holy_a purpose_n and_o ends._n that_o empty_a show_n of_o religion_n whereby_o hypocrite_n profane_v holy_a thing_n and_o deceive_v their_o own_o soul_n be_v a_o vain_a lifeless_a formal_a thing_n a_o mere_a piece_n of_o pageantry_n they_o neither_o well_o know_v what_o they_o be_v do_v nor_o why_o they_o do_v it_o it_o be_v rather_o force_v than_o natural_a customary_a than_o conscientious_a no_o wonder_n if_o such_o be_v soon_o weary_a of_o duty_n as_o be_v stranger_n to_o the_o sweetness_n of_o it_o job_n 27.10_o will_v he_o namely_o the_o hypocrite_n delight_v himself_o in_o the_o almighty_a will_v he_o always_o call_v upon_o god_n but_o now_o a_o true_o religious_a person_n act_n in_o these_o matter_n at_o another_o rate_n he_o believe_v that_o god_n be_v and_o that_o he_o be_v the_o rewarder_n of_o they_o that_o diligent_o seek_v he_o yea_o that_o he_o himself_o will_v be_v their_o exceed_a great_a reward_n and_o this_o it_o be_v that_o such_o a_o soul_n belong_v after_o have_v choose_v god_n for_o his_o portion_n therefore_o he_o reckon_v that_o a_o day_n employ_v in_o the_o service_n of_o god_n be_v better_a than_o a_o thousand_o elsewhere_o holy_a soul_n experience_n that_o their_o spiritual_a strength_n be_v renew_v by_o wait_v upon_o god_n that_o their_o grace_n be_v increase_v by_o exercise_n that_o their_o soul_n be_v cleanse_v and_o purify_v their_o corruption_n mortify_v and_o subdue_v and_o in_o a_o word_n that_o the_o holy_a worship_n of_o the_o most_o holy_a god_n help_v to_o make_v they_o more_o like_o he_o and_o in_o all_o this_o they_o find_v those_o inward_a relish_v of_o delight_n and_o pleasure_n whereby_o they_o be_v full_o convince_v that_o it_o be_v no_o less_o their_o privilege_n and_o advantage_n that_o they_o may_v than_o their_o duty_n that_o they_o must_v attend_v upon_o god_n they_o have_v rather_o he_o cut_v short_a as_o to_o their_o daily_a bread_n than_o deny_v the_o liberty_n of_o approach_v the_o throne_n of_o grace_n in_o short_a they_o have_v meat_n to_o eat_v which_o the_o world_n know_v not_o of_o thus_o their_o principle_n incline_v they_o to_o suitable_a operation_n their_o habit_n to_o acts._n if_o therefore_o you_o find_v no_o inclination_n to_o religious_a duty_n but_o can_v without_o any_o regret_n let_v such_o opportunity_n over_o slip_n you_o have_v no_o delight_n nor_o pleasure_n in_o they_o but_o think_v if_o you_o dare_v you_o can_v live_v well_o enough_o without_o they_o i_o can_v then_o tell_v you_o that_o you_o have_v no_o principle_n of_o spiritual_a life_n in_o you_o holy_a work_n and_o carnal_a heart_n do_v not_o agree_v well_o together_o it_o be_v a_o plain_a case_n quest_n 5_o when_o the_o interest_n of_o the_o world_n and_o flesh_n stand_v in_o competition_n with_o the_o interest_n of_o god_n and_o the_o duty_n you_o owe_v to_o nim_v which_o of_o these_o both_o ordinary_o the_o cast_a vote_n with_o you_o do_v the_o will_n and_o authority_n of_o god_n weigh_v more_o with_o you_o as_o to_o the_o ordinary_a state_v course_n of_o your_o life_n and_o action_n that_o and_o other_o interest_n or_o inclination_n whatsoever_o if_o your_o heâ—â—s_n be_v for_o god_n it_o be_v certain_a your_o life_n wiâ—â—â—e_v so_o too_o for_o the_o issue_n of_o life_n be_v from_o the_o heart_n the_o tree_n be_v know_v by_o its_o fruit._n dare_v you_o allow_v yourselves_o in_o the_o wilful_a ordinary_a neglect_n of_o know_a dutâ—_n dare_v you_o in_o ulge_v and_o gratify_v your_o lust_n which_o you_o be_v command_v to_o crucify_v all_o eye_n for_o take_v up_o only_o with_o the_o cheap_a and_o easy_a part_n of_o religion_n and_o leave_v the_o more_o difficult_a self-denying_a part_n behind_o dare_v you_o upon_o a_o prospect_n of_o worldly_a pleasure_n profit_n or_o honour_n wilful_o offend_v the_o dâ—vine_a â—oâ—jesty_n do_v you_o ventuâ—e_v upon_o that_o which_o be_v forbid_v or_o do_v you_o not_o abhor_v the_o very_a thought_n or_o mention_n of_o it_o how_o shall_v i_o do_v this_o wickedness_n and_o sin_n against_o god_n some_o person_n abstain_v from_o sin_n for_o want_n of_o a_o convenient_a opportunity_n to_o commit_v it_o other_o for_o fear_n of_o reproach_n or_o punishment_n but_o a_o gracious_a soul_n be_v act_v by_o a_o principle_n of_o sincere_a love_n to_o god_n and_o holiness_n and_o therefore_o he_o hate_v
such_o a_o time_n when_o sharp_a affliction_n press_v hard_a upon_o you_o it_o must_v indeed_o be_v acknowledge_v that_o even_o nature_n itself_o seem_v to_o promp_v man_n to_o look_v up_o towards_o god_n when_o they_o be_v under_o extreme_a difficulty_n and_o some_o for_o fashion_n will_v do_v it_o soon_o but_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n the_o great_a support_v and_o comfort_n of_o ungodly_a man_n be_v usual_o take_v from_o the_o creature_n they_o hope_v the_o tide_n will_v turn_v and_o matter_n go_v better_a with_o they_o in_o the_o world_n and_o this_o it_o be_v that_o keep_v they_o from_o sink_v sometime_o they_o trust_v in_o their_o riches_n sometime_o in_o their_o friend_n sometime_o to_o their_o own_o conduct_n and_o management_n in_o short_a they_o will_v turn_v their_o eye_n every_o way_n for_o satisfaction_n and_o ease_n rather_o than_o towards_o god_n the_o reason_n be_v plain_a they_o be_v estrange_v from_o he_o and_o have_v not_o learn_v to_o take_v up_o with_o he_o for_o their_o only_a soul-satisfying_a portion_n and_o happiness_n they_o like_v not_o the_o thought_n of_o this_o but_o shun_v it_o as_o a_o thing_n unsuitable_a to_o they_o they_o will_v rather_o weary_v themselves_o with_o a_o thousand_o fruitless_a attempt_n to_o sin_v rest_n in_o the_o creature_n than_o seek_v it_o in_o he_o who_o alone_o can_v give_v it_o perhaps_o when_o they_o be_v force_v and_o even_o fire_v out_o of_o all_o other_o refuge_n they_o will_v then_o come_v cry_v to_o god_n but_o what_o can_v such_o a_o constrain_a show_n of_o devotion_n signify_v vtumur_n deo_fw-la fruunâ—ur_fw-la creaturis_fw-la they_o will_v as_o it_o be_v make_v use_n of_o god_n to_o serve_v a_o turn_n but_o their_o heart_n their_o love_n and_o delight_n be_v upon_o the_o creature_n as_o for_o the_o true_o godly_a the_o case_n be_v otherwise_o with_o they_o their_o hope_n and_o comfort_n be_v of_o a_o more_o divine_a original_a lord_n what_o waâ—â—_n i_o for_o my_o hope_n be_v in_o thou_o although_o the_o fig_n tree_n shall_v not_o blossom_n etc._n etc._n yet_o will_v i_o rejoice_v in_o the_o lord_n hab._n 3.17_o 18._o some_o trust_n in_o chariot_n and_o some_o in_o horse_n but_o we_o will_v remember_v the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n our_o god_n psal_n 20.7_o there_o be_v many_o that_o say_v who_o will_v show_v we_o any_o good_a lord_n listen_v thou_o up_o the_o light_n of_o thy_o countenance_n upon_o we_o â—sal_n 4_o 6_o in_o the_o multitude_n of_o my_o thought_n heb._n troublesome_a perplex_v thought_n within_o i_o try_v comfort_n delight_v my_o soul_n thus_o the_o spirit_n of_o adoption_n teâ—châ—th_v believer_n to_o lay_v open_a their_o complaint_n to_o their_o heavenly_a father_n to_o cast_v their_o câ—re_n upon_o he_o to_o place_v their_o happiness_n in_o he_o to_o fetch_v their_o comfort_n from_o he_o and_o this_o as_o matter_n of_o choice_n not_o mere_o out_o oâ—_n constraint_n the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v a_o strong_a tower_n the_o righteous_a â—â—â—neth_n into_o it_o and_o be_v safe_a prov._n 19.10_o psal_n 94.32_o the_o lord_n be_v my_o defence_n and_o my_o god_n be_v the_o râ—ck_n of_o my_o refuge_n they_o know_v they_o elf_n to_o be_v stranger_n in_o this_o world_n and_o therefore_o expect_v no_o great_a matter_n from_o it_o heaven_n be_v their_o home_n their_o treasure_n their_o hope_n their_o joy_n their_o heart_n be_v there_o of_o this_o we_o have_v full_a proof_n in_o the_o context_n as_o have_v be_v already_o observe_v by_o these_o and_o such_o like_a question_n you_o may_v try_v your_o state_n i_o know_v there_o be_v different_a degree_n of_o grace_n all_o that_o be_v true_o godly_a will_v not_o be_v alike_o able_a to_o answer_v what_o have_v be_v propose_v nor_o will_v i_o make_v sad_a the_o heart_n of_o the_o weak_a sincere_a christian_n there_o may_v be_v great_a failures_n and_o imperfection_n but_o that_o which_o i_o will_v advise_v you_o to_o be_v strict_o to_o observe_v what_o be_v the_o prevail_a bent_n of_o your_o heart_n in_o all_o this_o but_o i_o have_v one_o question_n more_o fit_a for_o the_o strong_a to_o try_v themselves_o by_o though_o the_o weak_a be_v not_o unconcern_v in_o it_o neither_o quest_n 10._o do_v you_o love_n god_n as_o god_n for_o himself_o above_o yourselves_o or_o any_o other_o object_n whatsoever_o that_o in_o point_n of_o duty_n we_o ought_v thus_o to_o love_n god_n be_v past_a dispute_n unless_o we_o will_v renounce_v at_o once_o both_o reason_n and_o religion_n mark_n 12.30_o thou_o shall_v 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 etc._n etc._n this_o be_v the_o first_o and_o the_o great_a commandment_n mat._n 22.38_o and_o the_o second_o be_v like_a unto_o it_o thou_o shall_v love_v thy_o neighbour_n as_o thyself_o here_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o we_o ought_v to_o love_n god_n total_o without_o any_o limitation_n or_o restriction_n with_o all_o our_o power_n mind_n and_o will_v with_o a_o love_n transcend_v either_o that_o of_o ourselves_o or_o our_o neighbour_n i_o suppose_v you_o will_v ready_o grant_v that_o god_n must_v be_v love_v better_a than_o your_o neighbour_n and_o yet_o they_o must_v be_v love_v as_o yourselves_o therefore_o god_n must_v be_v love_v better_a than_o yourselves_o too_o thus_o the_o necessitaâ—_n praecepti_fw-la be_v plain_a but_o since_o there_o be_v more_o in_o the_o precept_n of_o the_o divine_a law_n than_o in_o the_o condition_n of_o salvation_n otherwise_o none_o can_v be_v save_v without_o perfect_a obedience_n therefore_o here_o arise_v a_o great_a question_n before_o we_o viz._n whether_o such_o a_o love_n to_o god_n as_o god_n above_o ourselves_o oâ—_n our_o own_o happiness_n etc._n etc._n be_v so_o necessary_a necessitate_v medii_fw-la that_o no_o man_n be_v to_o be_v account_v in_o a_o state_n of_o salvation_n who_o do_v not_o thus_o love_n god_n better_o than_o himself_o what_o i_o have_v to_o say_v in_o answer_n to_o this_o shall_v be_v digest_v into_o the_o follow_a particular_n with_o submission_n to_o better_a judgement_n 1._o it_o be_v very_o odd_a and_o dangerous_a to_o say_v that_o that_o man_n be_v in_o a_o state_n of_o grace_n who_o love_v not_o god_n as_o god_n do_v not_o this_o sound_n very_o absurd_o and_o strange_o we_o will_v leave_v it_o to_o the_o ear_n which_o as_o elihu_n say_v triâ—â—_n word_n job_n 34.3_o 2._o it_o be_v clear_a by_o far_a than_o the_o sun_n at_o noonday_n that_o god_n as_o god_n be_v infinite_o better_a than_o ourselves_o and_o the_o whole_a creation_n beside_o i_o will_v not_o so_o much_o undervalue_v your_o judgement_n as_o to_o think_v that_o you_o stand_v in_o need_n of_o have_v this_o proâ—ed_a to_o you_o nor_o will_v i_o so_o far_o overuâ—ue_v your_o piety_n as_o to_o think_v that_o there_o be_v no_o need_n of_o press_v it_o upon_o you_o that_o your_o heart_n may_v be_v suitable_o affect_v with_o it_o 3._o therefore_o we_o love_v not_o god_n as_o god_n if_o we_o love_v he_o not_o better_a than_o ourselves_o or_o our_o own_o interest_n and_o happiness_n as_o such_o because_o as_o god_n he_o be_v infinite_o better_a than_o we_o be_v or_o can_v be_v god_n be_v the_o universal_a self_n originate_v independent_a unchangeable_a good_a but_o the_o goodness_n of_o the_o creature_n be_v particular_a limit_v derive_v and_o entire_o dependent_a upon_o he_o and_o therefore_o by_o no_o mean_n to_o be_v set_v in_o competition_n with_o he_o isa_n 40.25_o 4._o it_o be_v certain_a that_o god_n have_v deep_o implant_v in_o our_o nature_n a_o principle_n of_o self-love_n and_o that_o he_o make_v use_v of_o it_o both_o in_o order_n to_o our_o preservation_n and_o government_n this_o it_o be_v which_o engage_v we_o in_o the_o use_n of_o mean_n in_o order_n to_o our_o own_o welfare_n and_o be_v suppose_v in_o all_o the_o precept_n promise_n and_o threaten_n that_o be_v set_v before_o we_o this_o principle_n neither_o can_v nor_o aught_o to_o be_v extirpate_v but_o it_o must_v be_v regulate_v and_o keep_v within_o its_o due_a bound_n or_o in_o its_o proper_a place_n in_o order_n to_o the_o best_a and_o high_a ends._n 5._o it_o be_v also_o evident_a that_o by_o the_o apostasy_n our_o self-love_n be_v become_v inordinate_a perverse_a and_o therefore_o exceed_o sinful_a so_o that_o self-denial_n be_v one_o of_o the_o first_o step_n towards_o our_o recovery_n mat._n 16.24_o we_o be_v fall_v from_o god_n to_o ourselves_o and_o be_v for_o set_v up_o our_o own_o little_a carnal_a support_v self-interest_n in_o opposition_n to_o that_o full_a and_o proper_a interest_n that_o he_o have_v in_o we_o that_o be_v we_o will_v be_v god_n to_o ourselves_o this_o be_v the_o grand_a fundamental_a disorder_n of_o human_a nature_n the_o heart_n of_o the_o old_a man._n this_o have_v disjoint_v we_o and_o render_v we_o offensive_a to_o god_n and_o
neglect_v no_o mean_n nor_o help_n in_o order_n thereto_o such_o resolution_n as_o these_o be_v most_o proper_a in_o your_o condition_n but_o if_o your_o heart_n still_o hang_v back_o let_v i_o ask_v you_o what_o will_v you_o resolve_v upon_o vita_fw-la humana_fw-la sine_fw-la proposito_fw-la vaga_fw-la est_fw-la &_o languida_fw-la will_v you_o put_v the_o matter_n to_o the_o venture_n and_o trouble_v your_o head_n no_o further_o about_o it_o but_o still_o go_v on_o at_o the_o old_a dull_a stupid_a rate_n if_o so_o this_o be_v wilful_o to_o destroy_v your_o own_o soul_n and_o who_o can_v you_o blame_v but_o yourselves_o will_v you_o sit_v down_o in_o despair_n this_o be_v to_o despise_v or_o undervalue_v the_o riches_n of_o gospel-grace_n that_o be_v set_v before_o you_o those_o that_o come_v to_o christ_n he_o will_v in_o no_o wise_a cast_v out_o again_o will_v you_o delay_v for_o a_o while_n and_o put_v off_o the_o thought_n of_o these_o thing_n till_o hereafter_o answ_n this_o indeed_o be_v the_o common_a case_n but_o almost_o as_o unreasonable_a as_o either_o of_o the_o other_o two_o your_o time_n be_v not_o in_o your_o own_o hand_n you_o know_v not_o how_o soon_o your_o soul_n may_v be_v require_v of_o you_o the_o long_a you_o delay_v the_o more_o difficult_a it_o be_v like_a to_o be_v and_o the_o spirit_n that_o shall_v help_v you_o will_v be_v grieve_v by_o your_o backwardness_n satan_n will_v have_v the_o fast_o hold_v of_o you_o and_o if_o death_n overtake_v you_o before_o the_o work_n be_v do_v you_o be_v damn_v therefore_o i_o say_v turn_v your_o thought_n which_o way_n you_o will_v all_o other_o resolution_n will_v be_v find_v mad_a and_o dangerous_a except_o that_o of_o the_o prodigal_n i_o will_v arise_v and_o go_v to_o my_o father_n so_o do_v you_o and_o here_o let_v i_o tell_v you_o it_o be_v needful_a that_o your_o resolution_n be_v firm_a and_o steady_a lest_o those_o difficulty_n which_o may_v afterward_o arise_v in_o your_o way_n shall_v discourage_v you_o and_o that_o they_o be_v speedy_a lest_o death_n overtake_v you_o unprepared_a and_o also_o that_o in_o this_o whole_a business_n you_o be_v sensible_a of_o your_o own_o weakness_n and_o insufficiency_n lest_o you_o miscarry_v through_o foolish_a self-confidence_n but_o of_o that_o more_o by_o and_o by_o direct_v 4._o see_v that_o your_o resolution_n be_v forthwith_o put_v into_o practice_n by_o this_o it_o must_v appear_v that_o they_o be_v true_a and_o hearty_a if_o the_o will_v be_v determine_v in_o the_o case_n suitable_a endeavour_n will_v ensue_v and_o here_o your_o work_n lie_v in_o the_o follow_a order_n 1._o humble_a yourselves_o deep_o in_o the_o presence_n of_o god_n for_o all_o that_o sin_n and_o folly_n which_o hitherto_o you_o have_v be_v guilty_a of_o consider_v the_o evil_a of_o sin_n as_o it_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o holy_a and_o pure_a nature_n and_o law_n of_o god_n call_v to_o remembrance_n your_o own_o sin_n and_o lay_v they_o to_o heart_n that_o they_o may_v not_o be_v lay_v to_o your_o charge_n in_o a_o particular_a manner_n bewail_v the_o corruption_n of_o your_o nature_n and_o more_o especial_o the_o estrangedness_n of_o your_o heart_n from_o god_n and_o enmity_n against_o he_o with_o that_o inordinate_a propension_n to_o the_o creature_n in_o which_o the_o heart_n of_o the_o old_a man_n do_v main_o consist_v proceed_v then_o to_o consider_v those_o actual_a transgression_n which_o have_v all_o along_o issue_v from_o this_o corruption_n viz._n your_o loss_n of_o precious_a time_n misimprovement_n of_o gospel_n ordinance_n and_o mean_n of_o grace_n your_o pride_n passion_n earthliness_n sensuality_n etc._n etc._n confess_v these_o thing_n humble_o and_o feel_o in_o the_o presence_n of_o god_n labour_v to_o melt_v into_o a_o ingenuous_a childlike_a sorrow_n for_o have_v carry_v it_o so_o unworthy_o to_o so_o good_a and_o gracious_a a_o father_n that_o sorrow_n for_o sin_n which_o proceed_v only_o from_o fear_n of_o punishment_n be_v the_o sorrow_n of_o a_o slave_n and_o may_v consist_v with_o as_o much_o love_n to_o sin_n as_o ever_o but_o godly_a sorrow_n be_v animate_v by_o holy_a love_n to_o god_n which_o raise_v in_o the_o soul_n a_o rational_a hearty_a grief_n for_o its_o transgression_n against_o he_o a_o hatred_n of_o sin_n and_o resolution_n against_o it_o for_o the_o future_a this_o be_v repentance_n from_o dead_a work_n and_o towards_o god_n he_o that_o cover_v his_o sin_n shall_v not_o prosper_v but_o he_o that_o confess_v and_o forsake_v they_o shall_v find_v mercy_n prov._n 28.13_o yea_o as_o matter_n now_o stand_v such_o be_v the_o wonderful_a condescension_n of_o the_o law_n of_o grace_n it_o be_v a_o act_n of_o justice_n and_o faithfulness_n as_o well_o as_o mercy_n to_o forgive_v sin_z wheresoever_o with_o true_a repentance_n it_o be_v confess_v 1_o joh._n 1.9_o if_o we_o confess_v our_o sin_n he_o be_v faithful_a and_o just_a to_o forgive_v we_o our_o sin_n etc._n etc._n therefore_o i_o say_v give_v glory_n to_o god_n by_o a_o humble_a acknowledgement_n of_o your_o sin_n lay_v yourselves_o low_a that_o his_o glory_n may_v â—â—e_v advance_v put_v your_o mouth_n in_o the_o dust_n if_o so_o be_v there_o may_v be_v hope_n justify_v his_o holy_a law_n though_o in_o so_o do_v you_o condemn_v yourselves_o say_v with_o the_o return_v prodigal_n luk._n 15.21_o father_n i_o have_v sin_v against_o heaven_n and_o in_o thy_o sight_n and_o be_o no_o more_o worthy_a to_o be_v call_v thy_o son_n etc._n etc._n 2._o thankful_o acknowledge_v the_o riches_n of_o freegrace_n in_o that_o god_n be_v yet_o please_v to_o offer_v you_o term_n of_o reconciliation_n and_o peace_n the_o golden_a sceptre_n be_v hold_v forth_o to_o you_o that_o you_o may_v touch_v it_o and_o live_v methinks_v this_o shall_v encourage_v you_o and_o put_v life_n and_o vigour_n into_o your_o proceed_n and_o draw_v out_o your_o very_a soul_n in_o sweet_a return_v of_o love_n to_o god_n lord_n be_v there_o yet_o hope_n be_v there_o any_o mercy_n for_o such_o a_o one_o as_o i_o behold_v i_o come_v in_o obedience_n to_o thy_o call_n blessed_n be_v god_n for_o jesus_n christ_n 3._o humble_o implore_v pardon_v mercy_n for_o your_o past_a sin_n and_o the_o help_n of_o divine_a grace_n for_o your_o present_a and_o future_a duty_n as_o the_o necessity_n of_o your_o case_n shall_v make_v you_o very_o earnest_a and_o importunate_a in_o these_o request_n so_o you_o have_v great_a encouragement_n give_v you_o to_o strengthen_v your_o faith_n and_o confidence_n in_o the_o divine_a goodness_n god_n delight_v in_o mercy_n and_o have_v proclaim_v his_o gracious_a name_n exod._n 34.6_o 9_o use_v this_o as_o a_o argument_n in_o prayer_n as_o the_o psalmist_n do_v psal_n 25.11_o for_o thy_o name_n sake_n o_o lord_n pardon_v my_o iniquity_n for_o it_o be_v great_a plead_v the_o merit_n and_o satisfaction_n of_o jesus_n christ_n the_o promise_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o assure_v yourselves_o god_n be_v as_o ready_a to_o forgive_v as_o you_o be_v to_o repent_v and_o forsake_v your_o sin_n he_o will_v not_o despise_v a_o break_a and_o a_o contrite_a heart_n psal_n 51.17_o and_o since_o the_o work_n that_o lie_v before_o you_o be_v holy_a and_o spiritual_a therefore_o trust_v not_o to_o your_o own_o resolution_n or_o strength_n pray_v hard_o for_o the_o help_n of_o the_o spirit_n â—ay_v your_o soul_n open_a to_o the_o influence_n of_o his_o grace_n yield_v yourselves_o to_o his_o conduct_n careful_o strike_v in_o with_o all_o his_o motion_n lord_n here_o be_o i_o what_o will_v thou_o have_v i_o to_o do_v teach_v i_o the_o way_n wherein_o i_o shall_v go_v incline_v my_o heart_n to_o thy_o testimony_n strengthen_v i_o with_o may_v in_o my_o inward_a man._n magnify_v thy_o power_n in_o my_o weakness_n speak_v lord_n for_o thy_o servant_n hear_v draw_v i_o and_o i_o will_v run_v after_o thou_o 4._o and_o now_o give_v up_o yourselves_o unfeigned_o to_o god_n in_o and_o through_o christ_n if_o you_o expect_v he_o shall_v be_v your_o god_n that_o be_v your_o portion_n happiness_n soul-satisfying_a good_a you_o must_v be_v his_o people_n devote_v to_o his_o love_n and_o service_n the_o covenant_n must_v be_v mutual_a else_o how_o shall_v it_o be_v a_o covenant_n let_v this_o be_v do_v with_o great_a freedom_n cheerfulness_n and_o resolution_n of_o spirit_n you_o will_v never_o have_v reason_n to_o repent_v of_o your_o choice_n he_o will_v be_v your_o shield_n and_o your_o exceed_a great_a reward_n 5._o live_v henceforth_o as_o become_v the_o covenant-people_n of_o god_n renounce_v your_o lust_n and_o corruption_n let_v the_o time_n pass_v of_o your_o life_n suffice_v you_o to_o have_v fulfil_v the_o inclination_n of_o the_o flesh_n remember_v you_o must_v now_o live_v at_o another_o rate_n than_o heretofore_o you_o have_v do_v the_o glory_n of_o god_n must_v be_v
your_o great_a end_n his_o holy_a word_n your_o rule_n his_o bless_a spirit_n your_o leader_n and_o guide_n his_o promise_n your_o support_n and_o joy_n in_o short_a you_o must_v become_v a_o peculiar_a people_n zealous_a of_o good_a work_n still_o endeavour_v to_o make_v further_a advance_n in_o the_o knowledge_n and_o love_n of_o god_n and_o in_o obedience_n to_o he_o direct_v 5._o arm_v yourselves_o and_o watch_v careful_o against_o those_o temptation_n to_o which_o young_a convert_v be_v in_o a_o especial_a manner_n liable_a under_o this_o head_n i_o must_v only_o give_v you_o some_o short_a hint_n for_o to_o speak_v full_o to_o this_o point_n will_v require_v a_o very_a large_a discourse_n at_o first_o set_v out_o you_o enter_v upon_o a_o state_n of_o warfare_n and_o if_o you_o stand_v not_o upon_o your_o guard_n satan_n will_v be_v sure_a to_o get_v a_o advantage_n against_o you_o 1._o some_o person_n at_o their_o first_o conversion_n meet_v with_o extraordinary_a rapture_n of_o spiritual_a joy_n full_a assurance_n of_o the_o love_n of_o god_n and_o lively_o foreta_v of_o the_o heavenly_a glory_n their_o reconcile_a father_n smile_v upon_o they_o take_v they_o into_o his_o arm_n and_o comfort_v they_o as_o one_o who_o his_o mother_n comfort_v and_o dandle_v upon_o her_o knee_n as_o the_o prophet_n speak_v isa_n 66.12_o 13._o and_o now_o satan_n take_v a_o advantage_n to_o make_v they_o impatient_a of_o stay_v upon_o earth_n any_o long_o they_o will_v needs_o be_v remove_v to_o heaven_n out_o of_o hand_n and_o be_v scarce_o content_a to_o wait_v god_n time_n this_o case_n though_o not_o very_o common_a be_v yet_o more_o than_o a_o meet_a supposition_n to_o such_o i_o will_v say_v you_o have_v great_a reason_n indeed_o to_o be_v very_o thankful_a that_o matter_n be_v so_o well_o with_o you_o in_o reference_n to_o your_o eternal_a state_n but_o o_o remember_v how_o long_o god_n wait_v to_o be_v gracious_a to_o you_o how_o frequent_a be_v the_o strive_n of_o his_o spirit_n with_o you_o before_o you_o will_v yield_v how_o well_o content_v can_v you_o have_v be_v to_o have_v continue_v on_o earth_n for_o ever_o before_o he_o give_v you_o these_o feel_a discovery_n of_o a_o better_a state_n and_o how_o just_o may_v he_o have_v leave_v you_o to_o perish_v in_o your_o aversion_n from_o he_o but_o now_o you_o think_v your_o own_o turn_n be_v serve_v and_o your_o eternal_a welfare_n secure_v you_o will_v quit_v the_o stage_n and_o do_v no_o more_o service_n for_o god_n or_o his_o church_n in_o your_o generation_n but_o have_v your_o full_a blessedness_n immediate_o as_o if_o it_o be_v of_o debt_n and_o not_o of_o grace_n be_v this_o your_o kindness_n to_o your_o friend_n your_o ingenuity_n your_o gratitude_n be_v not_o the_o reward_n sure_a shall_v it_o not_o come_v in_o season_n will_v not_o heaven_n be_v the_o more_o welcome_a after_o you_o have_v due_o wait_v till_o you_o be_v at_o age_n for_o that_o inheritance_n be_v there_o nothing_o of_o unbelief_n in_o this_o your_o eagerness_n he_o that_o believe_v shall_v not_o make_v hazel_n isa_n 28.16_o have_v not_o the_o patriarch_n prophet_n apostle_n etc._n etc._n their_o time_n of_o wait_v as_o well_o as_o you_o be_v not_o so_o glorious_a a_o state_n worth_n wait_v for_o and_o beside_o if_o you_o patient_o continue_v in_o well-doing_n your_o glory_n will_v be_v encreasingâ—_n and_o to_o say_v no_o more_o eternity_n will_v be_v long_o enough_o to_o enjoy_v that_o blessedness_n which_o be_v design_v for_o you_o tempt_v 2._o be_v you_o tempt_v to_o overvalue_v your_o present_a attainment_n answ_n consider_v you_o have_v nothing_o but_o what_o you_o have_v receive_v and_o why_o then_o shall_v you_o glory_v as_o if_o you_o have_v not_o receive_v it_o 1_o cor._n 4.7_o you_o have_v receive_v nothing_o but_o what_o you_o must_v give_v a_o account_n for_o your_o stock_n of_o grace_n be_v to_o be_v trade_v with_o your_o talent_n must_v be_v improve_v what_o reason_n then_o have_v you_o to_o tremble_v lest_o in_o this_o you_o shall_v be_v find_v want_v moreover_o you_o bear_v not_o the_o root_n but_o the_o root_n bear_v you_o without_o christ_n you_o can_v do_v nothing_o be_v not_o high_a mind_v but_o fear_v let_v he_o that_o think_v he_o stand_v take_v heed_n listen_v be_v fall_n 1_o cor._n 10.12_o spiritual_a pride_n be_v the_o way_n to_o lose_v what_o you_o have_v get_v and_o to_o full_a into_o the_o condemnation_n of_o the_o devil_n beside_o there_o be_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o absurdity_n and_o self-contradiction_n in_o it_o viz._n for_o a_o man_n to_o have_v high_a thought_n of_o himself_o as_o if_o he_o have_v attain_v unto_o great_a measure_n of_o grace_n when_o the_o entertain_n of_o such_o thought_n be_v a_o sign_n that_o he_o have_v little_a true_a grace_n if_o any_o at_o all_o deep_a water_n and_o full_a vessel_n make_v least_o noise_n the_o most_o fruitful_a ear_n of_o corn_n hang_v downward_o not_o so_o those_o that_o be_v shallow_a empty_a or_o blast_v tempt_v 3._o be_v you_o for_o a_o factious_a side_v with_o this_o or_o the_o other_o party_n and_o rash_o censure_v those_o that_o differ_v from_o you_o answ_n think_v well_o how_o great_a a_o sign_n this_o be_v of_o weakness_n in_o grace_n unripe_a fruit_n be_v sowâ—_n harsh_a and_o unpleasant_a so_o be_v raw_a novice_n in_o christianity_n but_o further_a experience_n and_o humility_n will_v mellow_v and_o sweeten_v your_o temper_n and_o disposition_n remember_v how_o great_a a_o stress_n the_o gospel_n lay_v upon_o servant_n charity_n love_v one_o another_o be_v the_o note_n or_o mark_v whereby_o we_o must_v be_v know_v to_o be_v christ_n disciple_n the_o grand_a essential_a point_n of_o religion_n which_o you_o must_v live_v upon_o be_v general_o own_v and_o acknowledge_v by_o all_o party_n be_v it_o not_o then_o a_o great_a piece_n of_o folly_n though_o very_o common_a to_o overlook_a these_o weighty_a matter_n and_o to_o suffer_v our_o zeal_n to_o evaporate_v and_o spend_v itself_o about_o wood_n hay_o and_o stubble_n of_o this_o see_v my_o discourse_n concern_v the_o immortality_n of_o the_o soul_n pag._n 143._o etc._n etc._n tempt_v 4._o be_v you_o tempt_v to_o grow_v secure_a and_o careless_a because_o you_o think_v your_o case_n be_v safe_a answ_n the_o great_a your_o hope_n of_o heaven_n be_v so_o much_o the_o more_o reason_n you_o have_v to_o be_v watchful_a against_o sin_n diligent_a and_o active_a in_o the_o way_n of_o your_o duty_n but_o if_o you_o grow_v negligent_a or_o remiss_a in_o matter_n of_o religion_n you_o have_v cause_n enough_o to_o suspect_v that_o your_o hope_n and_o confidence_n be_v ill-grounded_a or_o not_o like_a to_o last_v long_o 1_o joh._n 3.3_o every_o man_n that_o have_v this_o hope_n in_o he_o purify_v himself_o even_o as_o he_o be_v pure_a again_o there_o be_v many_o eye_n upon_o you_o the_o great_a god_n be_v the_o most_o reverend_a witness_n of_o all_o your_o thought_n word_n and_o action_n the_o angel_n of_o god_n encompass_v you_o about_o and_o observe_v your_o behaviour_n satan_n wait_v to_o take_v you_o at_o a_o advantage_n your_o fellow_n christian_n be_v concern_v for_o your_o welfare_n and_o perseverance_n wicked_a man_n wait_v for_o your_o halt_n sure_o this_o be_v not_o a_o time_n for_o you_o to_o be_v slothful_a or_o unconcerned_a moreover_o suppose_v you_o be_v in_o a_o state_n of_o grace_n many_o that_o have_v be_v so_o have_v fall_v into_o very_o grievous_a sin_n and_o wound_a conscience_n deep_o and_o your_o safety_n depend_v upon_o the_o continual_a influence_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n and_o therefore_o it_o must_v needs_o be_v dangerous_a to_o grieve_v or_o quench_v that_o spirit_n by_o laziness_n or_o carnal_a security_n tempt_v 5._o do_v the_o prospect_n of_o those_o difficulty_n that_o lie_v in_o your_o way_n discourage_v you_o answ_n be_v not_o heaven_n worth_n strive_v for_o will_v you_o have_v the_o crown_n without_o victory_n or_o a_o victory_n without_o conflict_n or_o conflict_n without_o enemy_n 〈◊〉_d you_o not_o know_v that_o there_o be_v more_o with_o you_o than_o against_o you_o if_o you_o be_v sincere_a god_n be_v on_o your_o side_n and_o wiâ—â—_n be_v with_o you_o when_o you_o pass_v through_o fire_n or_o water_n his_o strength_n be_v make_v perfect_a in_o weakness_n his_o grace_n 〈◊〉_d sufficient_a for_o you_o 2_o cor._n 12.9_o the_o great_a enemy_n that_o you_o have_v without_o 〈◊〉_d i_o mean_v satan_n and_o the_o world_n be_v already_o vanquish_v by_o the_o captain_n of_o your_o salvation_n and_o as_o for_o the_o enemy_n within_o you_o that_o be_v your_o own_o lust_n and_o coâ—ruptions_n though_o he_o have_v none_o such_o in_o himself_o to_o conflict_n with_o yet_o he_o have_v procure_v for_o you_o that_o grace_n which_o shall_v certain_o enable_v you_o to_o overcome_v they_o if_o you_o be_v not_o
â—â—steneth_v and_o scourge_v every_o son_n who_o he_o receive_v heb._n 12.5_o 6._o direct_v 2._o take_v special_a care_n that_o no_o secret_a lust_n 〈◊〉_d indulge_v no_o wilful_a sin_n maintain_v nor_o allow_v 〈◊〉_d sin_n will_v breed_v doubt_n and_o fear_n and_o sorrow_n as_o natural_o as_o a_o putrify_a carcase_n do_v vermiâ—â—_n unless_o you_o be_v give_v up_o to_o a_o reprobate_a sense_n if_o 〈◊〉_d will_v make_v your_o wound_n bleed_v afresh_o no_o woâ—â—â—â—_n if_o you_o feel_v the_o smart_n and_o anguish_n of_o they_o if_o you_o weaken_v the_o habit_n of_o grace_n by_o contrary_a act_n you_o may_v thank_v yourselves_o that_o you_o can_v discerâ—_n the_o sincerity_n of_o those_o habit_n if_o you_o grieve_v the_o spirit_n who_o shall_v comfort_v you_o what_o can_v you_o expect_v but_o to_o be_v in_o the_o dark_a and_o so_o disconsolate_a if_o you_o play_v at_o fast_o and_o loose_a with_o conscience_n and_o run_v counter_a to_o it_o dictate_v you_o may_v be_v sure_a 〈◊〉_d will_v wound_v you_o for_o your_o folly_n and_o pay_v you_o home_o for_o the_o affront_v you_o put_v upon_o it_o if_o you_o will_v harboâ—â—_n the_o enemy_n of_o your_o lord_n how_o can_v you_o look_v for_o the_o light_n of_o his_o countenance_n that_o darkness_n you_o labour_v under_o be_v self-contracted_n these_o cloud_n where_o of_o you_o complain_v be_v of_o your_o own_o raise_n if_o you_o set_v up_o your_o idol_n in_o your_o heart_n god_n will_v answer_v you_o according_a to_o your_o idol_n ezek._n 14.4_o in_o short_a if_o you_o will_v be_v make_v bold_a with_o sin_n that_o sin_n will_v cause_v sorrow_n and_o trouble_n if_o there_o be_v any_o life_n of_o grace_n to_o feel_v it_o indeed_o if_o the_o case_n be_v thus_o with_o you_o you_o have_v great_a reason_n to_o bless_v god_n that_o you_o be_v disquiet_v and_o not_o give_v up_o to_o searedness_n of_o conscience_n and_o therefore_o i_o say_v away_o with_o your_o lust_n 〈◊〉_d you_o expect_v the_o comfort_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n 〈◊〉_d the_o assurance_n of_o his_o love_n direct_v 3._o though_o you_o want_v these_o special_a comfort_n of_o assurance_n do_v not_o overlook_v those_o general_a ground_n of_o encouragement_n that_o be_v still_o before_o you_o these_o be_v firm_a clear_a and_o certain_a how_o waver_v doubtful_a and_o dark_a soever_o your_o thought_n of_o your_o own_o particular_a case_n may_v be_v these_o be_v still_o at_o hand_n how_o far_o soever_o the_o evidence_n of_o your_o sincerity_n be_v to_o seek_v these_o be_v the_o great_a foundation_n upon_o which_o your_o comfort_n must_v be_v build_v and_o therefore_o you_o â—â—â—d_v need_n to_o understand_v and_o digest_v they_o thorough_o and_o lay_v the_o apprehension_n of_o they_o deep_o in_o your_o â—ouls_n viz._n 1._o it_o be_v certain_a that_o god_n be_v infinite_o good_a and_o that_o his_o love_n mercy_n and_o compassion_n to_o poor_a sinner_n can_v be_v measure_v he_o have_v proclaim_v his_o name_n that_o be_v his_o nature_n exod._n 34.6_o 7._o so_o psal_n 103.8_o the_o lord_n be_v merciful_a and_o gracious_a slow_a be_v anger_n and_o plenteous_a in_o mercy_n isa_n 55.7_o he_o will_v abundant_o pardon_v or_o multiply_v to_o pardon_v vers_fw-la 8._o for_o my_o thought_n be_v not_o your_o thought_n neither_o be_v your_o way_n my_o way_n say_v the_o lord_n for_o as_o the_o heaven_n be_v high_a than_o the_o earth_n so_o etc._n etc._n q._n d._n quanto_fw-la sum_fw-la subâ—imior_fw-la tanto_fw-la &_o clementior_fw-la grot._fw-la by_o how_o much_o i_o be_o high_a than_o you_o by_o so_o much_o i_o be_o more_o merciful_a remember_v all_o the_o goodness_n of_o the_o creature_n be_v derive_v from_o he_o and_o therefore_o he_o must_v needs_o be_v infinite_o better_a than_o they_o all_o how_o be_v it_o that_o you_o call_v his_o power_n omnipotence_n his_o wisdom_n or_o knowledge_n omniscience_n and_o yet_o entertain_v such_o poor_a narrow_a thought_n of_o his_o goodness_n be_v he_o not_o all-good_a as_o well_o as_o almighty_a and_o alwise_a be_v not_o his_o attribute_n all_o alike_o infinite_a be_v it_o not_o the_o device_n of_o satan_n to_o hide_v the_o goodness_n of_o god_n from_o you_o and_o to_o fill_v you_o with_o black_a unworthy_a thought_n of_o he_o that_o he_o may_v either_o quite_o keep_v you_o from_o he_o or_o make_v your_o walk_n with_o he_o uncomfortable_a therefore_o i_o say_v lay_v this_o dowâ—_n as_o a_o fundamental_a truth_n and_o according_o stay_v yourselves_o upon_o it_o viz._n that_o however_o it_o be_v yet_o 〈◊〉_d be_v good_n 2._o it_o be_v also_o certain_a that_o the_o satisfaction_n of_o christ_n be_v of_o infinite_a value_n and_o that_o he_o be_v full_a of_o to_o derness_n and_o pity_n to_o poor_a sinner_n whatever_o he_o 〈◊〉_d or_o suffer_v have_v a_o transcendent_a excellency_n and_o man_n in_o it_o from_o the_o dignity_n of_o his_o person_n he_o be_v god_n as_o well_o as_o man._n and_o his_o compassion_n to_o poor_a sinner_n be_v every_o where_o set_v forth_o in_o the_o gospel_n 〈◊〉_d earnest_o do_v he_o treat_v with_o they_o in_o order_n to_o their_o reconcillation_n and_o peace_n with_o god_n how_o feel_o do_v he_o weep_v over_o they_o how_o affectionate_o do_v he_o pray_v even_o for_o those_o that_o persecute_a and_o hate_v he_o to_o the_o death_n he_o disdain_v not_o to_o converse_v with_o the_o mean_a person_n the_o poor_a and_o infirm_a have_v free_a access_n to_o he_o how_o ready_o do_v he_o sheâ—_n mercy_n to_o their_o body_n to_o prepare_v they_o for_o the_o belief_n and_o entertainment_n of_o that_o great_a mercy_n be_v bad_a in_o store_n for_o their_o soul_n 3._o pardon_v and_o life_n be_v free_o offer_v to_o you_o all_o without_o exception_n if_o you_o will_v accept_v thereof_o upon_o the_o reasonable_a term_n of_o the_o new_a covenant_n the_o way_n be_v open_a whosoever_o will_v let_v he_o take_v the_o water_n of_o life_n free_o god_n be_v in_o christ_n reconcile_n the_o world_n to_o himself_o none_o be_v exclude_v by_o the_o tenor_n of_o the_o gospel_n but_o such_o as_o exclude_v themselves_o by_o their_o own_o wilful_a and_o final_a impenitency_n whatsoever_o doubt_n or_o difficulty_n arise_v before_o you_o still_o keep_v close_o to_o these_o three_o grand_a foundation_n of_o comfort_n and_o encouragement_n be_v your_o case_n as_o bad_a as_o it_o will_v it_o can_v be_v desperate_a unless_o you_o make_v it_o so_o by_o persist_v obstinare_o in_o it_o remember_v the_o love_n of_o god_n be_v the_o cause_n of_o our_o redemption_n by_o jesus_n christ_n and_o our_o redemption_n be_v the_o foundation_n of_o the_o new_a covenant_n you_o have_v these_o three_o altogether_o joh._n 3.16_o for_o god_n so_o love_v the_o world_n that_o he_o give_v his_o only_a beget_v son_n that_o whosoever_o believe_v in_o he_o shall_v not_o perish_v but_o have_v everlasting_a life_n direct_v 4._o waste_v not_o your_o time_n in_o fruitless_a muse_n or_o heartless_a complaint_n about_o your_o doubtful_a uncertain_a state_n but_o fall_v forthwith_o to_o your_o certain_a duty_n what_o though_o you_o can_v tell_v whether_o as_o yet_o you_o have_v sincere_o give_v up_o yourselves_o to_o jesus_n christ_n and_o accept_v of_o he_o i_o hope_v you_o be_v past_a doubt_n that_o you_o ought_v so_o to_o do_v though_o you_o be_v in_o the_o dark_a as_o to_o what_o be_v past_a your_o present_a duty_n be_v plain_a and_o certain_a the_o door_n be_v open_a enter_z and_o live_v christ_n be_v willing_a if_o you_o be_v willing_a he_o offer_v his_o benefit_n to_o you_o he_o press_v they_o upon_o you_o and_o urge_v you_o to_o accept_v they_o come_v then_o be_v of_o good_a cheer_n arise_v he_o call_v you_o gird_v up_o the_o loin_n of_o your_o mind_n sigh_v and_o complain_v rid_v no_o business_n set_v yourselves_o to_o the_o work_n with_o all_o your_o might_n admit_v that_o you_o have_v not_o yet_o sincere_o close_v with_o jesus_n christ_n it_o be_v not_o too_o late_o to_o do_v it_o now_o and_o it_o be_v a_o thing_n that_o must_v be_v do_v or_o you_o be_v undo_v forever_o but_o if_o you_o suppose_v or_o hope_v you_o have_v do_v it_o already_o it_o will_v be_v so_o much_o the_o easy_a to_o do_v it_o again_o nor_o will_v it_o be_v lose_v labour_n to_o renew_v your_o covenant_n with_o he_o the_o advantage_n be_v great_a every_o way_n if_o your_o soul_n be_v habitual_o for_o christ_n draw_v out_o those_o habit_n into_o exercise_n and_o that_o be_v the_o way_n to_o feel_v that_o you_o have_v they_o thus_o grace_n will_v be_v more_o discernible_a and_o conscience_n more_o quiet_a while_o you_o be_v intent_n upon_o your_o duty_n you_o may_v be_v save_v though_o you_o shall_v live_v and_o die_v under_o great_a doubt_n and_o fear_n as_o to_o your_o sincerity_n but_o you_o can_v be_v save_v except_o you_o be_v sincere_a therefore_o observe_v it_o much_o more_o concern_v you_o to_o
of_o our_o natural_a animal_n spirit_n though_o lively_a affection_n in_o duty_n be_v very_o desirable_a and_o shall_v be_v endeavour_v after_o yet_o in_o try_v our_o spiritual_a estate_n the_o inward_a deep_a rational_a working_n of_o our_o soul_n towards_o god_n be_v main_o to_o be_v look_v at_o viz._n a_o fix_a and_o high_a estimation_n of_o he_o above_o all_o in_o our_o understanding_n and_o hearty_a resolution_n for_o he_o and_o cleave_v to_o he_o in_o our_o will_n with_o correspondent_a endeavour_n to_o please_v he_o and_o be_v accept_v of_o he_o through_o the_o whole_a course_n of_o our_o life_n in_o these_o thing_n it_o be_v that_o the_o life_n of_o grace_n and_o duty_n do_v consist_v those_o be_v the_o holy_a soul_n who_o be_v inward_o and_o deep_o most_v incline_v towards_o god_n resolve_v for_o he_o and_o solicitous_a to_o please_v he_o not_o those_o who_o have_v the_o most_o transport_v passion_n or_o movable_a affection_n the_o sacred_a recess_n of_o the_o mind_n as_o i_o may_v allude_v to_o that_o of_o the_o poet_n persius_n satyr_n second_o be_v more_o inward_a the_o affectionate_a part_n come_v more_o into_o view_n god_n be_v not_o a_o object_n of_o sense_n and_o therefore_o more_o fit_a for_o the_o understanding_n and_o will_n than_o the_o passion_n to_o work_v upon_o the_o grand_a essential_o of_o holiness_n be_v more_o deep_a and_o steady_a passionate_a strive_n of_o affection_n make_v a_o great_a noise_n but_o be_v nothing_o near_o so_o valuable_a beside_o weak_a judgement_n and_o strong_a passion_n oft_o go_v together_o the_o wise_a and_o weighty_a person_n be_v usual_o must_v sedate_v and_o compose_v direct_v 8._o remember_v that_o god_n often_o make_v the_o full_a discovery_n of_o his_o love_n to_o his_o people_n when_o they_o be_v engage_v in_o the_o most_o difficult_a self-denying_a part_n of_o duty_n and_o obedience_n it_o will_v be_v endless_a to_o tell_v you_o of_o the_o transport_v joy_n which_o many_o of_o the_o martyr_n have_v find_v in_o their_o sharp_a suffering_n when_o all_o man_n have_v forsake_v they_o god_n have_v stand_v by_o they_o and_o comfort_v they_o he_o have_v visit_v they_o in_o their_o prison_n and_o enlarge_v their_o soul_n with_o spiritual_a refreshment_n when_o their_o body_n have_v be_v under_o confinement_n he_o have_v enable_v they_o to_o triumph_v in_o the_o very_a flame_n and_o to_o baffle_v their_o enemy_n by_o their_o patience_n magnanimity_n and_o cheerfulness_n in_o suffer_v paul_n and_o silas_n sing_v in_o the_o stock_n stephen_n have_v heaven_n open_v to_o he_o when_o his_o enemy_n be_v rage_v against_o he_o the_o three_o child_n in_o the_o fiery_a furnace_n have_v one_o walk_v with_o they_o like_o the_o son_n of_o god_n it_o be_v true_a indeed_o we_o be_v not_o to_o run_v upon_o suffering_n till_o god_n call_v we_o thereto_o but_o if_o it_o please_v he_o so_o to_o do_v we_o ought_v thankful_o to_o accept_v of_o such_o a_o call_v as_o a_o prize_n put_v into_o our_o hand_n for_o the_o exercise_n of_o our_o grace_n and_o the_o advancement_n of_o our_o comfort_n but_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n if_o you_o be_v for_o take_v up_o with_o a_o cheap_a and_o easy_a religion_n and_o excuse_v yourselves_o from_o the_o more_o difficult_a self-denying_a part_n of_o duty_n it_o be_v a_o sign_n your_o grace_n be_v but_o weak_a at_o best_a and_o therefore_o your_o comfort_n be_v not_o like_a to_o be_v strong_a will_v you_o sow_v spare_o and_o reap_v plentiful_o how_o can_v you_o expect_v full_a assurance-of_a the_o love_n of_o god_n while_o you_o care_v not_o how_o little_a you_o lay_v out_o yourselves_o for_o he_o and_o what_o though_o you_o be_v not_o call_v to_o the_o fiery_a trial_n yet_o if_o you_o will_v but_o set_v yourselves_o earnest_o to_o the_o frequent_a diligent_a spiritual_a exercise_n of_o religious_a duty_n to_o the_o mortificaiton_n of_o your_o belove_a lust_n and_o to_o the_o do_v of_o all_o the_o good_a you_o can_v in_o the_o several_a place_n wherein_o you_o stand_v you_o will_v certain_o find_v difficulty_n enough_o to_o exercise_v your_o grace_n and_o to_o make_v way_n for_o your_o great_a comfort_n because_o the_o flesh_n will_v draw_v back_o from_o such_o work_n as_o this_o the_o world_n be_v at_o hand_n ready_a to_o entangle_v you_o satan_n will_v do_v his_o worst_a to_o hinder_v you_o and_o so_o will_v all_o his_o instrument_n accustom_v yourselves_o to_o self-denying_a obedience_n and_o in_o so_o do_v you_o may_v expect_v the_o comfort_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n direct_v 9_o understand_v aright_o the_o ordinary_a method_n which_o the_o spirit_n take_v in_o comfort_v the_o soul_n of_o believer_n lest_o you_o abuse_v yourselves_o by_o expect_v what_o be_v unusual_a or_o extraordinary_a it_o be_v certain_a that_o none_o have_v a_o right_n to_o the_o save_a benefit_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n but_o those_o who_o comply_v with_o the_o term_n of_o that_o covenant_n nor_o can_v any_o have_v the_o comfort_n of_o assurance_n who_o do_v not_o know_v that_o they_o have_v so_o comply_v now_o it_o be_v the_o spirit_n that_o enable_v we_o to_o assent_v to_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o particular_o to_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o promise_n that_o be_v make_v to_o sincere_a believer_n and_o it_o be_v he_o that_o incline_v our_o heart_n by_o his_o grace_n to_o accept_v of_o the_o benefit_n offer_v and_o to_o perform_v the_o duty_n require_v that_o be_v true_o to_o repent_v of_o our_o sin_n and_o to_o give_v up_o ourselves_o to_o god_n in_o christ_n and_o when_o we_o have_v so_o do_v our_o case_n be_v safe_a but_o in_o order_n to_o the_o comfort_n of_o assurance_n it_o be_v further_a requisite_a to_o discern_v our_o own_o sincerity_n in_o this_o covenant-closure_n and_o from_o thence_o to_o conclude_v that_o we_o be_v in_o a_o justify_v state_n and_o have_v a_o right_n to_o the_o heavenly_a felicity_n now_o here_o we_o stand_v in_o need_n of_o further_a help_n from_o the_o spirit_n that_o we_o may_v be_v enable_v to_o discern_v the_o grace_n which_o he_o have_v wrought_v in_o we_o and_o so_o to_o draw_v that_o comfortable_a conclusion_n viz._n that_o we_o be_v pass_v from_o death_n to_o life_n thus_o you_o see_v the_o spirit_n comfort_v believer_n and_o give_v they_o assurance_n of_o salvation_n in_o a_o rational_a way_n by_o help_v they_o to_o discover_v the_o evidence_n of_o their_o sincerity_n and_o it_o be_v foolish_a presumption_n to_o expect_v assurance_n any_o other_o way_n as_o if_o the_o spirit_n will_v enable_v man_n to_o rejoice_v in_o they_o know_v not_o what_o or_o to_o conclude_v they_o shall_v be_v save_v they_o know_v not_o why_o we_o must_v be_v able_a to_o give_v a_o reason_n of_o the_o hope_n that_o be_v in_o we_o 1_o pet._n 3.15_o so_o do_v the_o apostle_n here_o in_o the_o word_n of_o the_o text._n o_o do_v not_o deceive_v yourselves_o by_o expect_v enthusiastical_a impulse_n irrational_a rapture_n inward_a voice_n to_o tell_v you_o that_o you_o be_v the_o child_n of_o god_n but_o rather_o endeavour_v to_o get_v such_o a_o frame_n and_o disposition_n of_o soul_n as_o become_v his_o child_n and_o thence_o to_o conclude_v that_o you_o be_v such_o the_o sanctify_a operation_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o believer_n be_v the_o witness_n or_o evidence_n of_o their_o adopuon_n take_v care_n also_o that_o you_o deceive_v not_o yourselves_o by_o expect_v such_o rapture_n of_o joy_n as_o be_v extraordinary_a all_o be_v not_o fit_a for_o such_o degree_n of_o comfort_n nor_o will_v know_v how_o to_o manage_v themselves_o if_o they_o have_v it_o but_o if_o you_o have_v so_o much_o as_o tolerable_o support_v your_o spirit_n and_o keep_v they_o from_o sink_v bless_v god_n and_o be_v humble_a and_o have_v a_o care_n of_o peevishness_n or_o imparience_n direct_v 10._o distinguish_v careful_o between_o your_o state_n in_o the_o main_a and_o the_o more_o remote_a accident_n or_o circumstance_n wherewith_o it_o may_v be_v attend_v between_o what_o be_v necessary_a to_o the_o be_v of_o a_o sincere_a christian_a as_o such_o and_o what_o be_v further_o requisite_a to_o his_o wellbeing_a growth_n and_o comfort_n or_o if_o you_o will_v between_o foundation_n and_o building_n work_v if_o these_o thing_n be_v confound_v it_o be_v scarce_o possible_a you_o shall_v have_v any_o settle_a peace_n and_o quiet_a in_o your_o soul_n those_o who_o have_v true_o consent_v to_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n that_o be_v who_o heart_n and_o life_n be_v in_o the_o main_a for_o god_n christ_n holiness_n and_o heaven_n such_o i_o say_v be_v in_o a_o justify_v state_n use_v have_v a_o right_n to_o eternal_a life_n but_o than_o it_o must_v be_v remember_v that_o even_o such_o person_n themselves_o be_v oft_o guilty_a of_o great_a defect_n and_o intermission_n in_o the_o exercise_n of_o grace_n and_o in_o
the_o performance_n of_o religious_a duty_n yea_o and_o sometime_o fall_v into_o great_a sin_n beside_o those_o of_o daily_a infirmity_n and_o therefore_o be_v often_o call_v to_o repentance_n humiliation_n and_o amendment_n and_o to_o renew_v their_o covenant_n with_o god_n in_o christ_n and_o to_o act_v faith_n upon_o his_o merit_n and_o satisfaction_n for_o pardon_n and_o peace_n and_o to_o double_v their_o watch_n and_o diligence_n for_o the_o future_a when_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n they_o be_v not_o perhaps_o oblige_v at_o all_o to_o call_v in_o question_n their_o foundation_n nor_o to_o perplex_v themselves_o with_o doubt_n and_o fear_n as_o to_o their_o state_n in_o the_o main_a indeed_o as_o for_o those_o who_o oft_o fall_v into_o groffer_n sin_n and_o lie_v long_o in_o they_o even_o such_o sin_n as_o they_o may_v easy_o forbear_v if_o they_o be_v true_o willing_a such_o have_v great_a reason_n to_o question_v their_o own_o sincerity_n but_o as_o for_o the_o common_a infirmity_n of_o the_o godly_a yea_o or_o their_o great_a fall_n through_o inadvertency_n surprise_n or_o the_o violence_n of_o some_o sudden_a temptation_n the_o case_n here_o be_v quite_o different_a if_o a_o workman_n when_o he_o have_v lay_v his_o foundation_n and_o be_v proceed_v forward_o in_o the_o building_n shall_v upon_o evevy_n lesser_a or_o some_o few_o great_a mistake_n in_o the_o superstructure_n pull_v down_o all_o again_o and_o question_v the_o foundation_n itself_o he_o will_v make_v very_o little_a progress_n and_o so_o have_v but_o little_a comfort_n in_o his_o work_n so_o here_o true_a believer_n who_o be_v in_o a_o justify_v state_n have_v still_o need_v to_o beg_v daily_a pardon_n for_o their_o daily_a sin_n yet_o ought_v they_o not_o to_o give_v way_n to_o needless_a doubt_n or_o misgive_a thought_n as_o to_o their_o state_n in_o the_o main_a for_o if_o any_o man_n siam_fw-it we_o have_v a_o advocate_n with_o the_o father_n jesus_n christ_n the_o righteous_a 1_o john_n 2.1_o he_o that_o be_v wash_v need_v not_o save_v to_o wash_v his_o foot_n but_o be_v clean_o every_o whit_n john_n 13.10_o when_o david_n have_v sin_v so_o grievous_o in_o the_o matter_n of_o vriah_n and_o nathan_n the_o prophet_n be_v seâ—â—_n to_o he_o to_o expostulate_v with_o he_o about_o it_o and_o bring_v he_o to_o a_o great_a sense_n of_o the_o evil_n he_o have_v do_v etc._n etc._n we_o find_v that_o he_o humble_o acknowledge_v his_o transgression_n earnest_o implore_v the_o divine_a mercy_n pray_v hard_o that_o the_o holy_a spirit_n of_o god_n may_v not_o be_v take_v away_o from_o he_o but_o we_o do_v not_o find_v that_o he_o be_v call_v to_o doubt_v of_o his_o state_n in_o the_o main_a nor_o can_v we_o prove_v that_o he_o do_v so_o but_o encourage_v himself_o in_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n psal_n 51.17_o the_o sacrisices_n of_o god_n be_v a_o break_a spirit_n a_o break_a and_o a_o contrite_a heart_n o_o god_n thou_o will_v not_o despise_v there_o be_v say_v a_o great_a divine_a some_o sin_n which_o every_o one_o that_o repent_v of_o they_o do_v so_o forsake_v as_o to_o cease_v commit_v they_o and_o there_o be_v some_o lesser_a sin_n which_o they_o that_o repent_v of_o they_o do_v hate_v indeed_o but_o yet_o frequent_o renew_v as_o our_o defective_a degree_n in_o the_o exercise_n of_o repentance_n itself_o faith_n love_n trust_v fear_v obedience_n our_o vain_a thought_n and_o word_n some_o sinful_a passion_n etc._n etc._n many_o such_o sin_n be_v fit_o call_v infirmity_n because_o they_o consist_v with_o life_n and_o be_v forgive_v it_o be_v of_o great_a use_n to_o the_o peace_n of_o our_o conscience_n to_o discern_v the_o difference_n between_o these_o two_o for_o one_o fort_n require_v a_o conversion_n to_o another_o state_n and_o the_o other_o require_v but_o a_o particular_a repentance_n and_o when_o they_o be_v unknown_a be_v forgive_v without_o a_o particular_a repentance_n because_o our_o general_a repentance_n be_v virtual_o though_o not_o actual_o particular_a as_o to_o they_o one_o sort_n be_v cause_n of_o judge_v ourselves_o ungodly_a and_o the_o other_o sort_n be_v only_a cause_n of_o filial_a humiliation_n baxter'_v directory_n part_v 1._o pag._n 299._o direct_v 11._o though_o you_o can_v yet_o attain_v to_o the_o â—uller_a comfort_n of_o assurance_n do_v not_o therefore_o undervalue_v any_o thing_n that_o look_v hopeful_o or_o have_v a_o likely_a endency_n thereto_o great_a thing_n be_v not_o usual_o attain_v but_o by_o degree_n and_o through_o many_o difficulty_n it_o be_v no_o small_a matter_n to_o be_v certain_a that_o we_o be_v 〈◊〉_d a_o justify_v state_n nor_o be_v such_o a_o certainty_n so_o common_a among_o true_a believer_n themselves_o as_o perhaps_o you_o imagine_v who_o yet_o have_v considerable_a support_v â—nd_v comfort_n from_o hopeful_a probability_n in_o the_o case_n now_o as_o it_o be_v necessary_a to_o pull_v down_o the_o vain_a hope_n of_o presumptuous_a sinner_n so_o it_o also_o be_v to_o strengthen_v and_o help_v the_o joy_n and_o hope_n of_o weak_a christian_n well_o then_o let_v i_o ask_v you_o be_v you_o not_o grieve_v or_o the_o many_o offence_n you_o have_v commit_v against_o god_n at_o least_o be_v it_o not_o your_o trouble_n that_o you_o can_v nourn_v for_o sin_n no_o more_o that_o your_o heart_n be_v no_o north_n tender_a and_o relent_a be_v it_o not_o your_o desire_n and_o in_o some_o measure_n your_o endeavour_n to_o renounce_v your_o sin_n and_o to_o mortify_v your_o corruption_n can_v you_o bear_v the_o thought_n of_o part_v with_o christ_n or_o quit_v your_o interest_n in_o he_o for_o all_o your_o doubt_n and_o let_v go_v your_o hold_n of_o he_o for_o any_o thing_n that_o can_v possible_o be_v offer_v you_o in_o exchange_n will_v you_o not_o even_o loath_a and_o abhor_v the_o proposal_n be_v it_o not_o your_o endaavour_n to_o love_v he_o more_o and_o serve_v he_o better_o put_v such_o question_n as_o these_o be_v to_o your_o own_o soul_n and_o then_o judge_v whether_o in_o all_o this_o there_o be_v not_o something_o that_o appear_v to_o be_v more_o than_o like_v special_a grace_n and_o though_o you_o be_v not_o yet_o certain_a that_o it_o be_v so_o yet_o let_v thus_o much_o support_v you_o till_o you_o can_v see_v further_o and_o as_o i_o say_v before_o be_v thankful_a for_o what_o you_o have_v and_o strive_v for_o more_o grace_n and_o then_o you_o shall_v find_v that_o spiritual_a strength_n and_o comfort_n will_v increase_v together_o and_o all_o along_o be_v sure_a to_o remember_v that_o god_n and_o the_o redeemer_n be_v as_o willing_a to_o accept_v you_o upon_o gospel-term_n as_o you_o can_v be_v to_o desire_v it_o yea_o and_o infinite_o mâ—â—â—_n willing_a as_o love_a holiness_n better_o than_o you_o do_v 〈◊〉_d the_o march_n break_v between_o christ_n and_o you_o it_o shall_v 〈◊〉_d through_o your_o own_o refusal_n never_o be_v any_o poâ—â—_n sinner_n beforehand_o with_o he_o he_o be_v the_o first_o in_o consent_v and_o be_v a_o suitor_n to_o we_o for_o our_o full_a 〈◊〉_d hearty_a consent_n nor_o will_v he_o despise_v the_o least_o tendecy_n thereto_o he_o will_v not_o break_v the_o bruise_a reed_n oâ—_n on_o his_o part_n all_o be_v safe_a and_o clear_a prevail_v but_o withy_a own_o heart_n to_o hold_v on_o and_o go_v thorough_a with_o the_o work_n and_o all_o be_v thy_o own_o direct_v 12._o be_v sure_a that_o you_o exercise_v the_o moâ—â—_n deep_a and_o entire_a self-resignation_n to_o the_o sovereign_a pleasure_n of_o the_o divine_a will_n in_o this_o matter_n leave_v it_o unto_o god_n to_o measure_v out_o your_o comfort_n for_o you_o and_o to_o determine_v the_o time_n and_o season_n thereof_o lay_v your_o soul_n at_o his_o foot_n with_o the_o profound_a reverence_n humility_n and_o submission_n say_v as_o david_n in_o another_o case_n it_o may_v be_v the_o lord_n will_v look_v upon_o my_o affliction_n but_o if_o he_o say_v he_o have_v no_o delight_n in_o i_o behold_v here_o be_o i_o let_v he_o do_v as_o seem_v good_a unto_o he_o 2_o sam._n 15.26_o o_o learn_v to_o wait_v upon_o the_o lord_n and_o look_v for_o he_o when_o he_o seem_v to_o hide_v his_o faâ—â—_n isa_n 8.17_o it_o be_v not_o possible_a that_o you_o shall_v be_v loser_n by_o thus_o resign_v your_o soul_n and_o your_o all_o into_o his_o hand_n it_o be_v your_o certain_a duty_n so_o to_o do_v and_o it_o will_v be_v a_o mighty_a evidence_n of_o that_o sincerity_n which_o you_o be_v seek_v after_o and_o there_o be_v many_o comfortable_a promise_n make_v to_o such_o act_n of_o soul_n as_o these_o and_o encourage_v example_n set_v before_o we_o bless_a be_v all_o they_o that_o wait_v for_o he_o wait_v on_o the_o lord_n be_v of_o good_a courage_n and_o he_o shall_v strengthen_v thy_o heart_n wait_v i_o say_v on_o the_o lord_n psal_n 20.14_o methinks_v that_o such_o a_o
fleshly_a prosperity_n and_o ease_n search_v after_o those_o sin_n which_o do_v most_o easy_o beset_v you_o those_o corruption_n which_o do_v most_o frequent_o foil_v you_o and_o single_v they_o out_o to_o run_v they_o down_o spare_v they_o not_o but_o deal_v with_o they_o as_o samuel_n with_o agag_n hew_v they_o in_o piece_n before_o the_o lord_n fortify_v yourselves_o with_o argument_n against_o they_o keep_v a_o strict_a watch_n go_v not_o to_o the_o utmost_a extent_n of_o your_o christian_a liberty_n resist_v the_o first_o stir_n of_o they_o the_o least_o tendency_n towards_o they_o prov._n 30.32_o if_o thou_o have_v do_v foolish_o in_o lift_v up_o thyself_o or_o if_o thou_o have_v think_v evil_a lay_v thy_o hand_n upon_o thy_o mouth_n avoid_v as_o much_o as_o possible_a the_o occasion_n of_o sin_n especial_o of_o your_o belove_a sin_n habituate_v yourselves_o to_o frequent_v serious_a thought_n of_o the_o presence_n of_o god_n set_v the_o lord_n always_o before_o you_o psal_n 16.8_o 2._o make_v not_o a_o light_a matter_n of_o the_o least_o decay_v in_o grace_n or_o tendency_n towards_o backslide_v what_o though_o it_o shall_v be_v grant_v that_o a_o regenerate_a person_n can_v or_o rather_o shall_v not_o jer._n 32.40_o fall_v away_o final_o yet_o it_o be_v pass_v all_o doubt_n that_o such_o a_o one_o may_v fall_v very_o foul_o so_o as_o to_o grieve_v the_o holy_a spirit_n to_o wound_v his_o own_o conscience_n to_o blemish_v his_o profession_n and_o to_o obscure_v his_o evidence_n '_o and_o be_v not_o all_o this_o sad_a enough_o moreover_o it_o be_v certain_a man_n usual_o decline_v by_o degree_n and_o therefore_o the_o least_o degree_n or_o tendency_n thereto_o be_v not_o to_o be_v slight_v if_o therefore_o you_o find_v that_o conscience_n begin_v to_o grow_v less_o tender_a than_o former_o it_o be_v if_o sin_n sit_v light_a and_o the_o sense_n of_o remain_a corruption_n be_v less_o grievous_a to_o you_o than_o heretofore_o if_o you_o grow_v more_o customacy_n and_o careless_a in_o religious_a duty_n and_o less_o regardful_a to_o keep_v up_o the_o life_n of_o holy_a communion_n with_o god_n in_o christ_n if_o you_o can_v more_o easy_o let_v slip_v spiritual_a opportunity_n and_o find_v less_o relish_n and_o sweetness_n in_o they_o than_o former_o if_o the_o interest_n of_o the_o the_o world_n and_o flesh_n begin_v to_o grow_v more_o prevalent_a with_o you_o and_o you_o be_v ready_a to_o fancy_n that_o it_o be_v good_a to_o be_v here_o while_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n your_o thought_n of_o heaven_n grow_v cold_a and_o languid_a and_o your_o desire_n or_o long_n to_o be_v with_o christ_n do_v abate_v if_o you_o find_v it_o thus_o with_o you_o you_o have_v need_n bestir_v yourselves_o in_o good_a earnest_n to_o recover_v your_o first_o love_n and_o to_o strengthen_v the_o thing_n which_o remain_v and_o be_v ready_a to_o die_v otherwise_o you_o little_o know_v how_o far_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n may_v be_v provoke_v and_o what_o considerable_a degree_n both_o of_o grace_n and_o comfort_n may_v quick_o be_v lose_v i_o need_v not_o tell_v you_o that_o satan_n will_v do_v his_o worst_a to_o hinder_v you_o in_o your_o way_n to_o heaven_n your_o own_o corruption_n and_o the_o snare_n of_o the_o world_n will_v get_v ground_n upon_o you_o you_o have_v need_n row_v hard_o against_o the_o stream_n which_o of_o itself_o will_v carry_v you_o back_o if_o you_o press_v not_o forward_o noâ—_n progredi_fw-la erit_fw-la regredi_fw-la 3._o labour_v to_o grow_v in_o due_a proportion_n as_o to_o the_o several_a part_n of_o holiness_n and_o duty_n the_o beauty_n of_o holiness_n as_o of_o every_o thing_n else_o consist_v much_o in_o the_o due_a symmetry_n and_o proportion_n of_o the_o several_a part_n of_o it_o labour_v to_o exercise_v each_o grace_n and_o duty_n in_o its_o proper_a order_n and_o place_n so_o that_o one_o may_v not_o interfere_v with_o nor_o exclude_v another_o see_v that_o your_o judgement_n be_v well_o settle_v as_o to_o the_o great_a principle_n of_o religion_n that_o your_o belief_n of_o they_o be_v firm_a deep_a and_o solid_a to_o this_o end_n labour_n to_o study_v and_o digest_v well_o the_o article_n of_o the_o creed_n let_v your_o thought_n dwell_v much_o upon_o they_o that_o you_o may_v understand_v the_o right_a meaning_n and_o due_a improvement_n of_o every_o article_n take_v care_n also_o that_o your_o will_n and_o affection_n be_v full-fraught_a with_o become_v resolution_n and_o inclination_n that_o the_o purpose_n and_o desire_v of_o your_o soul_n be_v right_o order_v and_o place_v to_o this_o end_n study_v well_o the_o lord_n prayer_n both_o as_o to_o the_o matter_n and_o order_n of_o the_o several_a petition_n and_o endeavour_v to_o form_n and_o settle_v the_o inclination_n and_o tendency_n of_o your_o soul_n according_o especial_o that_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n be_v first_o and_o last_o in_o all_o your_o desire_n high_a in_o your_o esteem_n and_o all_o thing_n else_o desire_v in_o full_a subserviency_n thereto_o here_o lie_v the_o life_n of_o religion_n and_o this_o we_o shall_v be_v still_o contend_v and_o strive_v to_o raise_v our_o heart_n more_o towards_o that_o they_o may_v move_v more_o natural_o easy_o and_o delightful_o therein_o that_o god_n interest_n may_v be_v of_o all_o other_o the_o near_a and_o dear_a to_o we_o and_o then_o for_o the_o direction_n of_o your_o practice_n labour_v to_o understand_v the_o true_a sense_n and_o extent_n of_o the_o ten_o commandment_n to_o see_v the_o amiableness_n righteousness_n and_o perfection_n of_o the_o divine_a law_n that_o you_o may_v hearty_o approve_v thereof_o love_v it_o and_o live_v according_o delight_v in_o the_o law_n of_o god_n after_o the_o inner_a man_n rom._n 7.22_o the_o whole_a frame_n of_o christian_a principle_n grace_n and_o duty_n be_v beyond_o measure_n lovely_a in_o the_o harmonious_a connexion_n of_o the_o several_a part_n thereof_o labour_v therefore_o that_o this_o frame_n may_v be_v more_o and_o more_o deep_o imprint_v upon_o your_o heart_n and_o express_v in_o your_o life_n that_o you_o may_v be_v perfect_a and_o entire_a want_v nothing_o jam._n 1.4_o if_o you_o be_v maim_v in_o one_o part_n all_o the_o rest_n will_v fare_v the_o worse_a for_o that_o remember_v integrity_n be_v the_o glory_n of_o a_o christian_a viz._n that_o no_o part_n be_v lack_v 2_o cor._n 7.1_o perfect_v holiness_n in_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n that_o be_v let_v we_o see_v that_o no_o part_n of_o holiness_n be_v want_v in_o we_o and_o that_o we_o be_v not_o want_v to_o any_o part_n of_o holiness_n but_o still_o press_v forward_o towards_o perfection_n even_o in_o degree_n take_v care_n for_o example_n that_o your_o zeal_n be_v guide_v by_o knowledge_n lest_o it_o set_v all_o on_o fire_n and_o prove_v mischievous_a to_o yourselves_o and_o other_o or_o at_o best_o no_o better_o than_o a_o ignis_fw-la fatuus_fw-la and_o again_o let_v your_o knowledge_n be_v improve_v into_o holy_a zeal_n and_o fervency_n that_o you_o be_v not_o lukewarm_a or_o indifferent_a in_o matter_n of_o religion_n which_o most_o just_o challenge_v our_o whole_a heart_n rev._n 3_o 1â—_n 16._o let_v godly_a sorrow_n repentance_n and_o humiliation_n for_o sin_n be_v so_o exercise_v as_o not_o to_o exclude_v humble_a confidence_n in_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n spiritual_a joy_n etc._n etc._n again_o if_o god_n give_v you_o a_o large_a share_n of_o assurance_n and_o comfort_n do_v not_o therefore_o think_v yourselves_o above_o the_o forementioned_a humble_v exercise_n which_o will_v be_v a_o mean_n to_o preserve_v your_o purity_n and_o peace_n moreover_o let_v not_o the_o duty_n of_o the_o first_o and_o second_o table_n justle_v out_o each_o other_o but_o let_v both_o be_v due_o and_o careful_o observe_v in_o the_o several_a branch_n of_o they_o think_v it_o not_o enough_o to_o be_v just_a and_o upright_o or_o as_o they_o call_v it_o moral_o honest_a in_o your_o deal_n with_o man_n except_o you_o be_v also_o serious_a hearty_a and_o sincere_a in_o the_o service_n of_o god_n and_o in_o the_o devotedness_n of_o your_o soul_n to_o he_o and_o again_o think_v not_o that_o any_o worship_n of_o service_n you_o perform_v to_o god_n will_v be_v accept_v while_o second-table-duty_n be_v wilful_o neglect_v it_o be_v the_o design_n of_o religion_n to_o make_v we_o better_o and_o more_o useful_a in_o every_o relation_n and_o capacity_n wherein_o we_o stand_v 1_o pet._n 2.16_o 17._o 2_o pet._n 1.5_o etc._n etc._n tit._n 2.12_o we_o be_v enjoin_v to_o live_v sober_o righteous_o and_o godly_a in_o this_o present_a world_n viz._n we_o must_v be_v sober_a in_o the_o government_n of_o our_o sense_n appetite_n affection_n etc._n etc._n righteous_a in_o our_o deal_n with_o man_n do_v to_o other_o as_o we_o will_v that_o they_o shall_v do_v to_o we_o godly_a in_o the_o tendency_n and_o inclination_n of_o
our_o soul_n towards_o god_n and_o the_o serious_a discharge_n of_o religious_a duty_n to_o conclude_v this_o head_n be_v not_o so_o intent_n upon_o any_o one_o part_n of_o duty_n as_o to_o overlook_v the_o rest_n then_o shall_v we_o not_o be_v ashamed_a when_o we_o have_v respect_n unto_o all_o god_n commandment_n psal_n 119.6_o i_o esteem_v thy_o precept_n concern_v all_o thing_n to_o be_v right_a and_o i_o hate_v every_o false_a way_n vers_fw-la 128._o 4._o continue_v instant_a in_o prayer_n the_o people_n of_o god_n be_v call_v in_o scripture_n a_o generation_n of_o seeker_n psal_n 24.6_o so_o psal_n 27.8_o when_o thou_o say_v seek_v you_o my_o face_n my_o hâ—aâ—t_n say_v uâ—to_fw-mi thou_o thy_o face_n lord_n will_v i_o seek_v how_o 〈◊〉_d do_v we_o find_v this_o duty_n press_v upon_o we_o pray_v always_o pray_v and_o faint_v not_o watch_v unto_o prayer_n pray_v to_o your_o father_n which_o see_v in_o secret_a pray_v every_o where_o pray_v without_o cease_v etc._n etc._n yea_o we_o find_v the_o holy_a person_n frequent_o employ_v in_o this_o holy_a duty_n psal_n 55.17_o evening_n and_o morning_n and_o at_o noon_n will_v i_o pray_v and_o cry_v aloud_o and_o he_o shall_v hear_v my_o voice_n psal_n 109.4_o i_o prayer_n so_o it_o be_v in_o the_o hebrew_n as_o if_o he_o be_v make_v up_o of_o prayer_n it_o be_v easy_a to_o heap_v up_o more_o example_n but_o i_o forbear_v o_o sir_n it_o be_v on_o our_o knee_n that_o we_o must_v get_v strength_n to_o walk_v with_o god_n the_o actuate_a of_o holy_a desire_n and_o present_v they_o to_o god_n must_v needs_o tend_v in_o its_o own_o nature_n to_o strengthen_v those_o habit_n of_o grace_n from_o which_o such_o desire_n proceed_v beside_o as_o it_o be_v the_o performance_n of_o a_o undeniable_a duty_n shall_v not_o a_o people_n seek_v unto_o their_o god_n a_o most_o reasonable_a piece_n of_o service_n so_o a_o answerable_a blessing_n may_v be_v expect_v upon_o it_o god_n be_v the_o rewarder_n of_o they_o that_o diligent_o seek_v he_o open_v thy_o mouth_n wide_a and_o i_o will_v fill_v it_o psal_n 81.10_o ask_v for_o great_a thing_n and_o with_o great_a earnestness_n come_v not_o with_o mean_a poor_a narrow_a thought_n of_o the_o divine_a goodness_n be_v not_o cold_a nor_o lazy_a in_o your_o request_n bless_a be_v they_o that_o hunger_n and_o thirst_n after_o righteousness_n for_o they_o shall_v be_v fill_v mat._n 5._o a_o learned_a divine_a mention_n secret_a prayer_n in_o the_o forefront_n of_o those_o duty_n to_o which_o our_o soul_n be_v natural_o most_o backward_o mr._n baxter_n now_o one_o will_v think_v our_o own_o necessity_n shall_v even_o constrain_v we_o to_o it_o alas_o how_o shall_v we_o live_v without_o it_o and_o how_o much_o do_v it_o concern_v we_o to_o strive_v against_o our_o indisposition_n to_o it_o how_o sweet_a be_v a_o duty_n when_o rescue_v out_o of_o the_o hand_n of_o difficulty_n o_o sir_n whence_o be_v it_o that_o god_n hear_v no_o often_o from_o we_o and_o with_o no_o great_a fervency_n sure_o frequent_a and_o earnest_a approach_n to_o the_o most_o holy_a god_n will_v be_v a_o great_a mean_n to_o make_v we_o more_o like_o he_o remember_v god_n have_v way_n enough_o to_o bring_v you_o to_o your_o knee_n what_o if_o dark_a cloud_n shall_v arise_v upon_o you_o or_o some_o sharp_a affliction_n befall_v you_o then_o it_o be_v likely_a you_o will_v come_v cry_v after_o he_o and_o seek_v he_o early_o hos_fw-la 5.15_o but_o why_o not_o without_o so_o much_o ado_n why_o shall_v not_o gentle_a method_n prevail_v with_o you_o be_v but_o acquaint_v with_o your_o own_o heart_n and_o you_o need_v not_o want_v either_o matter_n or_o motive_n for_o this_o great_a duty_n never_o expect_v to_o grow_v in_o grace_n without_o keep_v up_o life_n and_o fervency_n in_o prayer_n give_v i_o leave_v to_o shut_v up_o this_o head_n with_o a_o passage_n which_o i_o late_o meet_v with_o in_o the_o life_n of_o the_o excellent_a mr._n philip_n henry_n to_o the_o publisher_n whereof_o i_o here_o return_v my_o most_o humble_a thanks_o it_o be_v as_o follows_z pag._n 75._o be_v sure_o you_o look_v to_o secret_a duty_n keep_v that_o up_o whatever_o you_o do_v the_o soul_n can_v prosper_v in_o the_o neglect_n of_o it_o apostasy_n general_o begin_v at_o the_o closer-door_n secret_a prayer_n be_v first_o neglect_v and_o careless_o perform_v then_o frequent_o omit_v and_o after_o a_o while_n whole_o cast_v off_o and_o then_o farewell_n god_n and_o christ_n and_o all_o religion_n 5._o learn_v the_o art_n of_o holy_a meditation_n it_o be_v by_o this_o that_o we_o draw_v in_o life_n strength_n and_o sweetness_n from_o those_o great_a gospel-truths_n which_o inconsiderate_a person_n lay_v by_o as_o if_o they_o be_v dead_a or_o useless_a thing_n it_o be_v this_o that_o enlarge_v our_o knowledge_n and_o clear_v our_o apprehension_n in_o spiritual_a matter_n and_o set_v on_o work_v our_o resolution_n affection_n and_o all_o the_o faculty_n and_o power_n of_o our_o soul_n it_o be_v a_o soul-improving_a duty_n indeed_o nor_o can_v you_o want_v matter_n for_o such_o meditation_n if_o you_o will_v but_o see_v your_o thought_n at_o work_n and_o keep_v they_o close_o to_o it_o meditate_v upon_o the_o glorious_a excellency_n and_o perfection_n of_o the_o bless_a god_n his_o power_n wisdom_n goodness_n holiness_n truth_n all-sufficiency_n think_v i_o say_v on_o these_o and_o think_v again_o till_o become_v impression_n be_v wrought_v upon_o your_o own_o spirit_n change_v you_o from_o glory_n to_o glory_n 2_o cor._n 3.18_o think_v not_o upon_o god_n in_o a_o slighty_a or_o ordinary_a manner_n but_o with_o the_o great_a reverence_n and_o admiration_n lest_o you_o take_v his_o name_n in_o vain_a whereof_o you_o may_v be_v guilty_a in_o thought_n as_o well_o as_o in_o word_n let_v every_o thought_n of_o god_n be_v mighty_a upon_o you_o and_o participate_v in_o some_o suitable_a measure_n of_o the_o greatness_n of_o its_o almighty_a object_n think_v much_o on_o your_o bless_a redeemer_n who_o he_o be_v what_o he_o do_v what_o he_o suffer_v and_o why_o as_o also_o what_o he_o have_v further_a promise_v to_o do_v thus_o let_v christ_n dwell_v in_o your_o heart_n think_v on_o the_o holy_a spirit_n of_o grace_n call_v to_o mind_v his_o influence_n and_o operation_n upon_o your_o soul_n how_o infinite_o you_o be_v oblige_v to_o he_o how_o much_o you_o have_v still_o to_o do_v with_o he_o how_o direct_a and_o explicit_a you_o ought_v to_o be_v in_o your_o act_n of_o faith_n upon_o he_o as_o well_o as_o upon_o the_o father_n and_o the_o son_n and_o how_o careful_a you_o shall_v be_v to_o carry_v becoming_o towards_o he_o think_v on_o the_o holiness_n purity_n and_o perfection_n of_o the_o divine_a law_n how_o sweet_a how_o reasonable_a how_o advantageous_a that_o obedience_n be_v which_o god_n have_v require_v of_o we_o o_o how_o i_o love_v thy_o law_n it_o be_v my_o meditation_n all_o the_o day_n psal_n 119.97_o think_v on_o the_o heavenly_a perfection_n what_o the_o saint_n in_o glory_n and_o the_o bless_a angel_n be_v do_v what_o they_o be_v enjoy_v till_o your_o soul_n be_v on_o the_o wing_n long_v to_o be_v join_v to_o that_o holy_a and_o happy_a society_n think_v on_o the_o grace_n wherein_o you_o be_v most_o defective_a consider_v the_o reasonableness_n and_o necessity_n of_o they_o and_o how_o ill_o you_o can_v live_v without_o they_o or_o without_o great_a degree_n of_o they_o plead_v the_o cause_n of_o every_o grace_n with_o your_o own_o heart_n and_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o your_o meditation_n lift_v up_o your_o eye_n and_o your_o soul_n to_o heaven_n for_o help_v therein_o o_o that_o you_o will_v be_v persuade_v to_o try_v this_o course_n to_o engage_v yourselves_o in_o the_o frequent_a and_o solemn_a exercise_n of_o this_o great_a duty_n of_o meditation_n the_o advantage_n will_v be_v great_a every_o way_n and_o that_o you_o may_v be_v the_o fit_a for_o this_o more_o state_v exercise_n of_o meditation_n it_o will_v be_v very_o useful_a in_o the_o midst_n of_o your_o employment_n and_o business_n in_o the_o world_n to_o be_v often_o send_v up_o a_o thought_n or_o ejaculation_n towards_o heaven_n direct_v 3._o if_o your_o endeavour_n thus_o far_o prove_v successful_a so_o that_o you_o find_v more_o grace_n and_o strength_n come_v in_o thereby_o lay_v out_o yourselves_o so_o much_o the_o morâ—_n for_o god_n much_o be_v expect_v from_o they_o to_o who_o much_o be_v give_v your_o talent_n be_v to_o be_v trade_v with_o noâ—_n hide_v in_o a_o napkin_n as_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n abound_v towards_o you_o you_o must_v endeavour_v to_o abound_v in_o the_o work_n of_o the_o lord_n that_o so_o it_o may_v appear_v that_o the_o grace_n bestow_v upon_o you_o be_v not_o in_o vain_a 1_o cor._n 15.10.58_o sure_o it_o
perish_v by_o multitude_n round_o about_o you_o and_o not_o once_o open_v your_o mouth_n to_o help_v they_o be_v this_o to_o love_v your_o neighbour_n as_o yourselves_o 3._o in_o a_o word_n i_o tell_v you_o it_o be_v your_o duty_n to_o take_v all_o opportunity_n wherever_o you_o come_v or_o with_o whosoever_o you_o converse_v to_o do_v good_a to_o soul_n i_o do_v not_o mean_v that_o sacred_a thing_n shall_v be_v expose_v by_o rashness_n indiscretion_n or_o imprudent_a management_n nor_o pearl_n cast_v before_o swine_n who_o will_v turn_v again_o and_o rend_v you_o but_o one_o thing_n i_o will_v tell_v you_o as_o bad_a as_o the_o world_n be_v the_o name_n of_o holiness_n justice_n purity_n religion_n etc._n etc._n be_v still_o honourable_a among_o man_n and_o the_o contrary_a vice_n be_v account_v odious_a no_o man_n will_v be_v look_v upon_o as_o a_o impious_a profane_a unrighteous_a villian_n now_o this_o give_v you_o some_o advantage_n and_o a_o willing_a mind_n may_v find_v many_o ooportunity_n to_o bring_v in_o good_a discourse_n and_o that_o in_o such_o a_o way_n as_o the_o woâ—st_n of_o man_n shall_v scarce_o dare_v to_o contradict_v it_o there_o be_v somewhat_o in_o serious_a religion_n which_o command_v awe_n and_o reverence_n even_o from_o they_o that_o hate_v it_o herod_n fear_v john_n the_o baptist_n know_v that_o he_o be_v a_o just_a man_n and_o a_o holy_a mark_n 6.20_o as_o for_o those_o that_o be_v civilise_a or_o moralize_v as_o some_o speak_v the_o difficulty_n be_v next_o to_o nothing_o to_o bring_v in_o some_o edify_a discourse_n among_o they_o and_o to_o leave_v some_o good_a savour_n behind_o you_o christian_n shall_v be_v the_o salt_n of_o the_o earth_n mat._n 5.13_o and_o to_o let_v they_o know_v that_o the_o life_n of_o religion_n be_v somewhat_o more_o than_o they_o seem_v to_o place_v it_o in_o can_v you_o not_o gentle_o and_o prudent_o reprove_v the_o sin_n of_o other_o where_o you_o think_v it_o may_v do_v good_a i_o know_v that_o this_o be_v a_o duty_n that_o go_v as_o much_o against_o the_o grain_n as_o almost_o any_o but_o the_o scripture_n be_v plain_a leu._n 19.17_o thou_o shall_v not_o hate_v thy_o brother_n in_o thy_o heart_n thou_o shall_v in_o any_o wise_a rebuke_n thy_o neighbour_n and_o not_o suffer_v sin_n to_o the_o upon_o he_o or_o as_o the_o word_n may_v be_v render_v that_o thou_o bear_v not_o sin_n for_o he_o you_o make_v yourselves_o partaker_n with_o other_o man_n in_o their_o sin_n if_o you_o endeavour_v not_o to_o prevent_v they_o in_o short_a god_n will_v own_v those_o that_o own_v he_o and_o stand_v up_o for_o his_o cause_n and_o if_o that_o be_v not_o enough_o see_v where_o you_o can_v find_v a_o better_a patron_n moreover_o as_o for_o those_o that_o be_v poor_a and_o low_a in_o the_o world_n you_o may_v make_v way_n for_o do_v good_a to_o their_o soul_n by_o show_v kindness_n to_o their_o body_n if_o you_o think_v it_o worth_a the_o while_n to_o be_v at_o any_o expense_n for_o the_o interest_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o world_n i_o say_v no_o more_o than_o this_o if_o it_o be_v possible_a that_o grief_n can_v have_v any_o place_n in_o heaven_n this_o sure_a will_v be_v the_o matter_n of_o it_o to_o remember_v how_o little_o we_o have_v do_v for_o god_n on_o earth_n direct_v 6._o be_v much_o in_o the_o exercise_n of_o those_o grace_n and_o duty_n which_o tend_v most_o direct_o heaven-ward_n and_o be_v near_a a_o kin_n to_o that_o bless_a state_n this_o be_v the_o way_n to_o make_v you_o ripe_a for_o glory_n you_o need_v not_o stay_v for_o all_o of_o heaven_n till_o you_o come_v thither_o there_o be_v great_a foreta_v of_o it_o to_o be_v enjoy_v on_o earth_n if_o you_o be_v not_o want_v to_o yourselves_o you_o may_v feast_v your_o soul_n upon_o the_o provision_n which_o christ_n have_v make_v for_o your_o present_a support_n and_o more_o especial_o upon_o those_o discovery_n which_o he_o have_v give_v you_o of_o the_o glory_n intend_v for_o you_o and_o you_o have_v need_v so_o to_o do_v lest_o you_o faint_v by_o the_o way_n i_o may_v say_v to_o you_o as_o the_o angel_n to_o elijah_n 1._o king_n 19.7_o arise_v and_o eat_v because_o the_o journey_n be_v too_o great_a for_o thou_o 1._o live_v by_o faith_n upon_o the_o great_a promise_n of_o the_o gospel_n whereby_o the_o heavenly_a glory_n be_v make_v sure_a unto_o true_a believer_n realize_v those_o promise_n there_o remain_v a_o rest_n for_o the_o people_n of_o god_n blessed_n be_v the_o dead_a that_o die_v in_o the_o lord_n etc._n etc._n if_o any_o man_n serve_v i_o let_v he_o follow_v i_o and_o where_o i_o be_o there_o shall_v also_o my_o servant_n be_v if_o any_o man_n serve_v i_o he_o will_v my_o father_n honour_n these_o be_v the_o true_a say_n of_o god_n rev._n 19.9_o how_o come_v it_o to_o pass_v that_o they_o be_v no_o more_o consider_v and_o live_v upon_o what_o tho_o at_o present_a we_o have_v not_o the_o satisfaction_n of_o immediate_a intuition_n know_v you_o not_o that_o faith_n be_v to_o be_v instead_o of_o sight_n till_o we_o come_v to_o heaven_n heb._n 11.1_o but_o alas_o how_o apt_a be_v we_o to_o take_v up_o with_o some_o dark_a dream_v confuse_a notion_n and_o thought_n instead_o of_o the_o lively_a exercise_n of_o such_o a_o faith_n 2._o labour_v to_o stir_v up_o in_o yourselves_o earnest_a long_n after_o this_o bless_a state_n how_o can_v we_o say_v we_o love_v our_o lord_n if_o our_o hearâ—s_n be_v not_o with_o he_o shall_v we_o not_o set_v our_o affection_n on_o thing_n above_o where_o christ_n sit_v on_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o god_n col._n 3.1_o 2._o ouâ—_n lord_n be_v there_o our_o inheritance_n be_v there_o many_o of_o our_o friend_n and_o acquaintance_n be_v go_v before_o how_o ill_o do_v it_o become_v we_o to_o suffer_v our_o heart_n to_o flag_n as_o if_o we_o be_v indifferent_a whether_o we_o follow_v they_o or_o no_o sure_o we_o shall_v groan_v earnest_o desire_v to_o be_v clothe_v upon_o with_o our_o house_n which_o be_v from_o heaven_n 2_o cor._n 5.2_o do_v but_o observe_v how_o eager_a and_o intent_n worldling_n be_v upon_o empty_a vanity_n thing_n that_o can_v profit_v and_o shall_v we_o be_v so_o cold_a and_o heartless_a in_o the_o tendency_n of_o our_o soul_n towards_o that_o happiness_n which_o be_v solid_a and_o substantial_a be_v our_o heart_n more_o set_v upon_o heaven_n it_o will_v put_v life_n and_o savour_n into_o all_o our_o duty_n it_o will_v support_v we_o under_o affliction_n and_o enable_v we_o to_o baffle_v temptation_n it_o will_v be_v a_o evidence_n of_o our_o sincerity_n and_o raise_v we_o above_o the_o slavish_a fear_n of_o death_n but_o i_o proceed_v 3._o be_v much_o in_o the_o exercise_n of_o a_o lively_a well_o ground_v hope_n faith_n present_v the_o heavenly_a glory_n to_o the_o view_n of_o the_o soul_n desire_n reach_v forth_o towards_o it_o hope_n lay_v hold_v upon_o it_o to_o this_o we_o be_v beget_v again_o 1_o pet._n 1.3_o by_o this_o we_o be_v save_v rom._n 8.24_o see_v first_o that_o your_o hope_n be_v right_o ground_v and_o then_o that_o they_o be_v due_o exercise_v 4._o and_o now_o it_o be_v time_n that_o your_o soul_n shall_v be_v affect_v with_o spiritual_a joy_n faith_n and_o hope_n must_v both_o contribute_v to_o this_o thus_o we_o read_v of_o joy_n in_o believe_v and_o of_o rejoice_v in_o hope_n read_v psal_n 32.11_o phil._n 4.4_o 1_o thess_n 5.16_o you_o be_v over_o and_o over_o command_v to_o rejoice_v it_o be_v not_o leave_v to_o you_o as_o a_o matter_n indifferent_a it_o be_v as_o true_o a_o duty_n in_o its_o place_n as_o godly_a sorrow_n humiliation_n and_o repentance_n be_v in_o they_o and_o it_o be_v more_o noble_a as_o appertain_v to_o the_o primitive_a and_o principal_a part_n of_o holiness_n whereas_o the_o other_o belong_v to_o the_o medicinal_a heal_a part_n thereof_o 5._o above_o all_o thing_n strive_v to_o keep_v up_o the_o warmth_n and_o vigour_n of_o holy_a love_n to_o god_n and_o your_o redeemer_n let_v every_o other_o grace_n do_v its_o part_n to_o promote_v this_o labour_v still_o to_o get_v near_o to_o god_n more_o inward_a with_o he_o and_o that_o your_o heart_n may_v move_v more_o natural_o towards_o he_o god_n be_v love_n direct_v 7._o observe_v narrow_o the_o temper_n and_o behaviour_n of_o those_o person_n who_o seem_v ripe_a for_o heaven_n and_o take_v they_o for_o your_o example_n converse_v much_o with_o such_o he_o that_o walk_v with_o the_o wise_a shall_v be_v wise_a in_o such_o you_o may_v observe_v manifold_a appearance_n of_o those_o inward_a gracious_a principle_n by_o which_o they_o be_v act_v in_o they_o you_o may_v observe_v great_a humility_n and_o condescension_n towards_o such_o as_o be_v their_o inferior_n great_a tenderness_n for_o the_o honour_n and_o interest_n of_o god_n in_o the_o world_n great_a delight_n in_o make_v mention_n familiar_o of_o those_o that_o be_v go_v to_o heaven_n before_o they_o a_o excellent_a composure_n of_o gravity_n and_o cheerfulness_n a_o weighty_a seriousness_n and_o warmth_n in_o the_o duty_n of_o god_n holy_a worship_n in_o a_o word_n you_o may_v see_v plain_o enough_o whether_o they_o be_v go_v and_o how_o beautiful_a a_o thing_n holiness_n be_v thus_o grow_v up_o towards_o its_o perfection_n finis_fw-la