the_o most_o pernicious_a effect_n of_o unbelief_n under_o the_o preach_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v that_o together_o with_o a_o influence_n of_o power_n from_o satan_n it_o blind_v the_o eye_n of_o man_n mind_n that_o they_o shall_v not_o see_v this_o glory_n of_o christ_n whereon_o they_o perish_v eternal_o 2_o cor._n 4._o 3_o 4._o but_o the_o most_o of_o those_o who_o at_o this_o day_n be_v call_v christian_n be_v stranger_n unto_o this_o duty_n our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n tell_v the_o pharisee_n that_o notwithstanding_o all_o their_o boast_n of_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n they_o have_v not_o hear_v his_o voice_n at_o any_o time_n nor_o see_v his_o shape_n that_o be_v as_o moses_n do_v they_o have_v no_o real_a acquaintance_n with_o he_o they_o have_v no_o spiritual_a view_n of_o his_o glory_n and_o so_o it_o be_v among_o ourselves_o notwithstanding_o the_o general_a profession_n that_o be_v of_o the_o knowledge_n of_o christ_n they_o be_v but_o few_o who_o thus_o behold_v his_o glory_n and_o therefore_o few_o who_o be_v transform_v into_o his_o image_n and_o likeness_n some_o man_n speak_v much_o of_o the_o imitation_n of_o christ_n and_o follow_v of_o his_o example_n and_o it_o be_v well_o if_o we_o can_v see_v more_o of_o it_o real_o in_o effect_n but_o no_o man_n shall_v ever_o become_v like_a unto_o he_o by_o bare_a imitation_n of_o his_o action_n without_o that_o view_n or_o iâ—â—ition_n of_o his_o glory_n which_o alone_o be_v accompany_v with_o a_o transform_a power_n to_o change_v they_o into_o the_o same_o image_n the_o truth_n be_v the_o best_a of_o we_o all_o be_v woeful_o defective_a in_o this_o duty_n and_o many_o be_v discourage_v from_o it_o because_o a_o pretence_n of_o it_o in_o some_o have_v degenerate_v into_o superstition_n but_o we_o be_v loath_a at_o any_o time_n serious_o to_o engage_v in_o it_o and_o come_v with_o a_o unwilling_a kind_n of_o willingness_n unto_o the_o exercise_n of_o our_o mind_n in_o it_o thought_n of_o this_o glory_n of_o christ_n be_v too_o high_a for_o we_o or_o too_o hard_a for_o we_o such_o as_o we_o can_v long_o delight_v in_o we_o turn_v away_o from_o they_o with_o a_o kind_n of_o weariness_n yet_o be_v they_o of_o the_o same_o nature_n in_o general_a with_o our_o behold_v of_o the_o glory_n of_o christ_n in_o heaven_n wherein_o there_o shall_v be_v no_o weariness_n or_o satiety_n unto_o eternity_n be_v not_o the_o cause_n of_o it_o that_o we_o be_v unspiritual_a or_o carnal_a have_v our_o thought_n and_o affection_n wont_a to_o give_v entertainment_n unto_o other_o thing_n for_o this_o be_v the_o principal_a cause_n of_o our_o unreadiness_n and_o incapacity_n to_o exercise_v our_o mind_n in_o and_o about_o the_o great_a mystery_n of_o the_o gospel_n 1_o cor._n 3._o 1_o 2_o 3._o and_o it_o be_v so_o with_o we_o moreover_o because_o we_o do_v not_o stir_v up_o ourselves_o with_o watchfulness_n and_o diligence_n in_o continual_a act_n of_o faith_n on_o this_o bless_a object_n this_o be_v that_o which_o keep_v many_o of_o we_o at_o so_o low_a a_o ebb_n as_o unto_o the_o power_n of_o a_o heavenly_a life_n and_o spiritual_a joy_n do_v we_o abound_v in_o this_o duty_n in_o this_o exercise_n of_o faith_n our_o life_n in_o walk_v before_o god_n will_v be_v more_o sweet_a and_o pleasant_a unto_o we_o our_o spiritual_a light_n and_o strength_n will_v have_v a_o daily_a increase_n we_o shall_v more_o represent_v the_o glory_n of_o christ_n in_o our_o way_n and_o walk_v than_o usual_o we_o do_v and_o death_n itself_o will_v be_v most_o welcome_a unto_o we_o the_o angel_n themselves_o desire_v to_o look_v into_o the_o thing_n of_o the_o glory_n of_o christ_n 1_o pet._n 1._o 10_o 12._o there_o be_v in_o they_o matter_n of_o enquiry_n and_o instruction_n for_o the_o most_o high_a and_o holy_a spirit_n in_o heaven_n the_o manifold_a wisdom_n of_o god_n in_o they_o be_v make_v know_v unto_o principality_n and_o power_n in_o heavenly_a place_n by_o the_o church_n ephes._n 3._o 10._o and_o shall_v we_o neglect_v that_o which_o be_v the_o object_n of_o angelical_a diligence_n to_o inquire_v into_o especial_o consider_v that_o we_o be_v more_o than_o they_o concern_v in_o it_o be_v christ_n then_o thus_o glorious_a in_o our_o eye_n do_v we_o see_v the_o father_n in_o he_o or_o by_o see_v of_o he_o do_v we_o sedulous_o daily_o contemplate_v on_o the_o wisdom_n love_n grace_n goodness_n holiness_n and_o righteousness_n of_o god_n as_o reveal_v and_o manifest_v themselves_o in_o he_o do_v we_o sufficient_o consider_v that_o the_o immediate_a vision_n of_o this_o glory_n in_o heaven_n will_v be_v our_o everlasting_a blessedness_n do_v the_o imperfect_a view_n which_o we_o have_v of_o it_o here_o increase_v our_o desire_n after_o the_o perfect_a soght_n of_o it_o above_o with_o respect_n unto_o these_o inquiry_n i_o shall_v brief_o speak_v unto_o sundry_a sort_n of_o men._n some_z will_v say_v they_o understand_v not_o these_o thing_n nor_o any_o concernment_n of_o their_o own_o in_o they_o if_o they_o be_v true_a yet_o be_v they_o notion_n which_o they_o may_v safe_o be_v without_o the_o knowledge_n of_o for_o so_o far_o as_o they_o can_v discern_v they_o have_v no_o influence_n on_o christian_a practice_n or_o duty_n of_o morality_n and_o the_o preach_n of_o they_o do_v but_o take_v off_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n from_o more_o necessary_a duty_n but_o if_o the_o gospel_n be_v hide_v it_o be_v hide_v unto_o they_o that_o perish_v and_o unto_o the_o objection_n i_o say_v 1._o nothing_o be_v more_o full_o and_o clear_o reveal_v in_o the_o gospel_n than_o that_o unto_o we_o jesus_n christ_n be_v the_o image_n of_o the_o invisible_a god_n that_o he_o be_v the_o character_n of_o the_o person_n of_o the_o father_n so_o as_o that_o in_o see_v he_o we_o see_v the_o father_n also_o that_o we_o have_v the_o light_n of_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n in_o his_o face_n alone_o as_o have_v be_v prove_v this_o be_v the_o principal_a fundamental_a mystery_n and_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o which_o if_o it_o be_v not_o receive_v believe_v own_a all_o other_o truth_n be_v useless_a unto_o our_o soul_n to_o refer_v all_o the_o testimony_n that_o be_v give_v hereunto_o to_o the_o doctrine_n which_o he_o teach_v in_o contradistinction_n unto_o his_o person_n as_o act_v in_o the_o discharge_v of_o his_o office_n be_v antievangilical_a antichristian_a turn_v the_o whole_a gospel_n into_o a_o fable_n 2._o it_o be_v so_o that_o the_o light_n of_o faith_n be_v give_v unto_o we_o principal_o to_o enable_v we_o to_o behold_v the_o glory_n of_o god_n in_o christ_n to_o contemplate_v on_o it_o as_o unto_o all_o the_o end_n of_o its_o manifestation_n so_o be_v it_o express_o affirm_v 2_o cor._n 4._o 6._o if_o we_o have_v not_o this_o light_n as_o it_o be_v communicate_v by_o the_o power_n of_o god_n unto_o they_o that_o do_v believe_v ephes._n 1._o 17_o 18_o 19_o we_o must_v be_v stranger_n unto_o the_o whole_a mystery_n of_o the_o gospel_n 2_o cor._n 4._o 3_o 4._o 3._o that_o in_o the_o behold_n of_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n in_o christ_n we_o behold_v his_o glory_n also_o for_o herein_o be_v he_o infinite_o glorious_a above_o the_o whole_a creation_n in_o that_o in_o and_o by_o he_o alone_o the_o glory_n of_o the_o invisible_a god_n be_v represent_v unto_o we_o herein_o do_v our_o soul_n live_v this_o be_v that_o whereby_o the_o image_n of_o god_n be_v renew_v in_o we_o and_o we_o be_v make_v like_o unto_o the_o first_o bear_v 4._o this_o be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v unnecessary_a unto_o christian_a practice_n and_o the_o sanctify_a duty_n of_o morality_n that_o he_o know_v not_o christ_n he_o know_v not_o the_o gospel_n he_o know_v not_o the_o faith_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n who_o imagine_v that_o they_o can_v be_v perform_v acceptable_o without_o it_o yea_o this_o be_v the_o root_n whence_o all_o other_o christian_a duty_n do_v spring_n and_o whereon_o they_o grow_v whereby_o they_o be_v distinguish_v from_o the_o work_n of_o heathen_n he_o be_v no_o christian_n who_o believe_v not_o that_o faith_n in_o the_o person_n of_o christ_n be_v the_o spring_n of_o all_o evangelical_n obedience_n or_o who_o know_v not_o that_o this_o faith_n respect_v the_o revelation_n of_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n in_o he_o if_o these_o thing_n be_v so_o as_o they_o be_v the_o most_o important_a truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o who_o denial_n overthrow_v the_o foundation_n of_o faith_n and_o be_v ruinous_a to_o christian_a religion_n certain_o it_o be_v our_o duty_n to_o live_v in_o the_o constant_a exercise_n of_o faith_n with_o respect_n unto_o this_o glory_n of_o christ._n and_o we_o have_v sufficient_a experience_n of_o what_o kind_n of_o morality_n the_o ignorance_n of_o it_o have_v
shall_v prosper_v in_o it_o 2_o cor._n 3._o 5._o chap._n 9_o 8._o but_o hereby_o many_o deceive_v themselves_o labour_v in_o the_o fire_n while_o all_o they_o do_v do_v immediate_o perish_v they_o have_v be_v negligent_a and_o careless_a whereby_o thing_n be_v come_v to_o a_o ill_a posture_n with_o they_o and_o that_o peace_n which_o they_o have_v be_v impair_v but_o now_o they_o will_v pray_v and_o read_v and_o fast_o and_o be_v liberal_a to_o the_o poor_a and_o now_o a_o abstinence_n from_o sin_n all_o these_o thing_n they_o suppose_v they_o can_v do_v of_o themselves_o because_o they_o can_v and_o aught_o to_o perform_v the_o outward_a work_n wherein_o the_o duty_n intend_v do_v consist_v hereby_o christ_n be_v leave_v out_o of_o the_o whole_a design_n who_o when_o all_o be_v do_v be_v the_o lord_n that_o heal_v we_o exod._n 1_o 5._o 26._o and_o there_o be_v another_o evil_n herein_o for_o whatever_o man_n do_v in_o their_o own_o natural_a ability_n there_o be_v a_o secret_a reserve_n of_o some_o kind_n of_o merit_n in_o it_o those_o who_o plead_v for_o these_o thing_n do_v aver_v there_o can_v be_v no_o merit_n in_o any_o thing_n but_o what_o proceed_v from_o our_o own_o freewill_n and_o what_o be_v so_o do_v have_v some_o kind_n of_o merit_n inseparable_o accompany_v of_o it_o and_o this_o be_v enough_o to_o render_v all_o endeavour_n of_o this_o kind_n not_o only_o useless_a and_o fruitless_a but_o utter_o reject_v faith_n 〈…〉_z the_o assistance_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o in_o and_o unto_o these_o duty_n or_o however_o they_o may_v be_v multiply_v they_o will_v not_o he_o effectual_a unto_o our_o heal_n and_o recovery_n these_o thing_n be_v to_o be_v use_v according_a as_o we_o receive_v supply_n of_o grace_n from_o above_o in_o subordination_n unto_o that_o work_n of_o faith_n that_o shall_v be_v declare_v wherefore_o 3._o the_o work_n of_o recover_a backslider_n or_o believer_n from_o under_o their_o spiritual_a decay_n be_v a_o act_n of_o sovereign_a grace_n wrought_v in_o we_o by_o virtue_n of_o divine_a promise_n out_o of_o this_o eater_n come_v meat_n because_o beliver_v be_v liable_a to_o such_o declension_n backslide_n and_o decay_n god_n have_v provide_v and_o give_v unto_o we_o great_a and_o pretions_a promise_n of_o a_o recovery_n if_o we_o due_o apply_v ourselves_o unto_o the_o mean_n of_o it_o one_o of_o the_o place_n only_o wherein_o they_o be_v record_v i_o shall_v here_o call_v over_o and_o explain_v hosea_n 14._o 1_o 2_o 3_o 4_o 5_o 6_o 7_o 8._o o_o israel_n return_v unto_o the_o lord_n they_o god_n for_o thou_o have_v fall_v by_o thy_o iniquity_n take_v with_o you_o word_n and_o turn_v with_o the_o lord_n say_v unto_o he_o take_v away_o all_o iniquity_n and_o receive_v 〈◊〉_d gracious_o so_o will_v we_o render_v the_o calf_n of_o our_o lip_n etc._n etc._n i_o will_v heal_v their_o backslide_n i_o will_v love_v they_o free_o for_o my_o anger_n be_v turn_v away_o from_o he_o i_o will_v be_v as_o the_o dew_n unto_o israel_n be_v shall_v grow_v as_o the_o lily_n and_o cast_v out_o his_o root_n as_o lebanon_n his_o branch_n shall_v spread_v and_o his_o beauty_n shall_v be_v as_o the_o olive_n tree_n and_o his_o smell_n as_o lebanon_n they_o that_o dwell_v under_o his_o shadow_n shall_v return_v they_o shall_v revive_v as_o the_o corn_n and_o grow_v as_o the_o vine_n the_o scent_n thereof_o shall_v be_v as_o the_o wine_n of_o lebanon_n 〈◊〉_d wall_z say_v what_o have_v i_o to_o do_v any_o more_o with_o idol_n i_o have_v hear_v he_o and_o observe_v he_o i_o be_o like_o a_o green_a fir-tree_n from_o i_o be_v thy_o fruit_n find_v the_o whole_a matter_n treat_v of_o in_o general_a both_o as_o unto_o the_o disease_n and_o remedy_n be_v full_o state_v in_o this_o passage_n of_o scripture_n and_o that_o in_o the_o experience_n of_o the_o church_n and_o god_n deal_n with_o they_o we_o may_v therefore_o receive_v many_o plain_a direction_n from_o it_o and_o a_o safe_a guidance_n in_o our_o progress_n which_o we_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o take_v in_o the_o ensue_a observation_n 1._o this_o application_n of_o god_n unto_o israel_n o_o israel_n return_n be_v make_v when_o the_o generality_n of_o the_o people_n be_v wicked_a and_o devote_v unto_o utter_a destruction_n so_o it_o be_v declare_v in_o the_o last_o word_n of_o the_o forego_n chapter_n and_o their_o desolation_n fall_v out_o not_o long_o after_o according_o wherefore_o no_o season_n nor_o circumstance_n of_o thing_n shall_v obstruct_v sovereign_a grace_n when_o god_n will_v exercise_v it_o towards_o his_o church_n it_o shall_v work_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o desolate_v judgement_n 2._o in_o such_o a_o time_n the_o true_a israel_n of_o god_n the_o elect_a themselves_o be_v apt_a to_o be_v overtake_v with_o the_o sin_n of_o the_o whole_a and_o so_o to_o backslide_v from_o god_n and_o so_o to_o fall_v into_o spiritual_a decay_n so_o israel_n have_v now_o do_v though_o she_o have_v not_o absolute_o break_v covenant_n with_o god_n he_o be_v yet_o unto_o her_o the_o lord_n thy_o god_n yet_o she_o have_v fall_v by_o her_o iniquity_n time_n of_o public_a apostasy_n be_v often_o accompany_v with_o partial_a defect_n in_o the_o best_a because_o iniquity_n abound_v the_o love_n of_o many_o shall_v wax_v cold_a mat._n 24._o 12._o 3._o when_o god_n design_n to_o heal_v the_o backslide_n of_o his_o people_n by_o sovereign_a grace_n he_o give_v they_o effectual_a call_v unto_o repentance_n and_o the_o use_n of_o mean_n for_o their_o heal_n so_o he_o do_v here_o by_o his_o prophet_n o_o israel_n return_n take_v with_o you_o word_n and_o if_o i_o can_v see_v that_o god_n do_v stir_v up_o his_o faithful_a minister_n to_o apply_v themselves_o in_o a_o peculiar_a manner_n unto_o this_o work_n of_o press_v vehement_o all_o their_o congregation_n with_o their_o duty_n herein_o and_o let_v they_o know_v that_o there_o be_v no_o other_o way_n to_o prevent_v their_o ruin_n but_o by_o return_v unto_o the_o lord_n according_a to_o the_o way_n of_o it_o here_o prescribe_v i_o shall_v not_o doubt_v but_o that_o the_o time_n of_o healing_n be_v at_o hand_n 4._o the_o mean_n prescribe_v unto_o this_o end_n that_o our_o backslide_n may_v be_v heal_v in_o a_o way_n suit_v unto_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n be_v renew_v repentance_n and_o this_o act_n itself_o 1._o in_o servant_n prayer_n take_v with_o you_o word_n and_o say_v consider_v the_o greatness_n and_o importance_n of_o the_o work_n before_o you_o and_o weigh_v well_o what_o you_o do_v in_o your_o deal_n with_o god_n the_o matter_n of_o this_o prayer_n be_v twofold_a 1._o the_o pardon_n of_o all_o iniquity_n that_o be_v the_o take_z of_o it_o away_o and_o no_o sin_n be_v omit_v all_o be_v now_o become_v equal_o burdensome_a take_v away_o all_o iniquity_n when_o the_o soul_n of_o sinner_n be_v in_o good_a earnest_n in_o their_o return_n unto_o god_n they_o will_v leave_v out_o the_o consideration_n of_o no_o one_o sin_n whatever_o nor_o be_v we_o meet_v for_o healing_n nor_o shall_v we_o apply_v ourselves_o unto_o it_o in_o a_o due_a manner_n without_o some_o previous_a sense_n of_o the_o love_n of_o god_n in_o the_o pardon_n of_o our_o sin_n 2._o gracious_a acceptation_n receive_v we_o gracious_o the_o word_n in_o the_o original_a be_v only_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o receive_v good_a but_o both_o the_o word_n be_v use_v various_o the_o sense_n eminent_o include_v in_o they_o be_v well_o express_v by_o receive_v we_o gracious_o after_o we_o have_v cast_v ourselves_o under_o token_n of_o thy_o displeasure_n now_o let_v we_o know_v that_o we_o be_v free_o accept_v with_o thou_o and_o this_o also_o lie_v in_o the_o desire_v of_o they_o who_o design_n to_o obtain_v a_o heal_n of_o their_o backslide_n for_o under_o they_o they_o be_v sensible_a that_o they_o be_v obnoxious_a unto_o god_n displeasure_n 2._o affectionate_a confession_n of_o the_o sin_n wherein_o their_o becksliding_n do_v consist_v or_o which_o be_v the_o occasion_n of_o they_o ashur_n shall_v not_o save_v we_o etc._n etc._n we_o will_v say_v no_o more_o to_o the_o work_n of_o our_o hand_n you_o be_v our_o go_n fleshly_a confidence_n and_o false_a worship_n be_v the_o two_o great_a sin_n that_o have_v now_o ruin_v the_o body_n of_o the_o people_n these_o believer_n themselves_o have_v a_o accession_n unto_o they_o more_o or_o less_o as_o now_o they_o have_v unto_o the_o prevail_a sin_n of_o the_o day_n wherein_o we_o live_v by_o conformity_n unto_o the_o world_n of_o these_o sin_n god_n expect_v a_o full_a and_o free_a confession_n in_o order_n unto_o our_o heal_n 3._o a_o renew_a covenant_n engagement_n to_o renounce_v all_o other_o hope_n and_o expectation_n and_o to_o betake_v themselves_o with_o their_o whole_a trust_n and_o confidence_n
true_a believer_n and_o have_v mix_v the_o word_n with_o faith_n and_o so_o it_o exhibit_v christ_n and_o all_o the_o benefit_n of_o his_o mediation_n unto_o we_o if_o therefore_o this_o word_n be_v in_o our_o heart_n christ_n be_v nigh_o unto_o we_o if_o we_o turn_v at_o any_o time_n into_o ourselves_o to_o converse_v with_o the_o word_n that_o abide_v in_o we_o there_o we_o shall_v find_v he_o ready_a to_o receive_v we_o into_o communion_n with_o himself_o that_o be_v in_o the_o light_n of_o the_o knowledge_n of_o christ_n which_o we_o have_v by_o the_o word_n we_o may_v have_v sudden_a occasional_a thought_n of_o he_o continual_o and_o where_o our_o mind_n and_o affection_n be_v so_o fill_v with_o other_o thing_n that_o we_o be_v not_o ready_a for_o converse_v with_o he_o who_o be_v thus_o nigh_o unto_o we_o by_o the_o word_n we_o be_v spiritual_o indispose_v so_o to_o manifest_v how_o nigh_o he_o be_v unto_o we_o it_o be_v say_v that_o he_o stand_v at_o the_o door_n and_o knock_n rev._n 3._o 20._o in_o the_o continual_a tender_a that_o he_o make_v of_o himself_o and_o his_o grace_n unto_o our_o soul_n for_o he_o be_v always_o accompany_v with_o the_o glorious_a train_n of_o his_o grace_n and_o if_o they_o be_v not_o receive_v he_o himself_o be_v not_o so_o it_o be_v to_o no_o purpose_n to_o boast_v of_o christ_n if_o we_o have_v not_o a_o evidence_n of_o his_o grace_n in_o our_o heart_n and_o life_n but_o unto_o who_o he_o be_v the_o hope_n of_o future_a glory_n unto_o they_o he_o be_v the_o life_n of_o present_a grace_n sometime_o it_o may_v be_v that_o he_o be_v withdraw_v from_o we_o so_o as_o that_o we_o can_v hear_v his_o voice_n nor_o behold_v his_o countenance_n nor_o obtain_v any_o sense_n of_o his_o love_n though_o we_o seek_v he_o with_o diligence_n in_o this_o state_n all_o our_o thought_n and_o meditation_n concern_v he_o will_v be_v barren_a and_o fruitless_a bring_v in_o no_o spiritual_a refreshment_n into_o our_o soul_n and_o if_o we_o learn_v to_o be_v content_a with_o such_o lifeless_a in_o affect_v thought_n of_o he_o as_o bring_v in_o no_o experience_n of_o his_o love_n nor_o give_v we_o a_o real_a view_n of_o the_o glory_n of_o his_o person_n we_o shall_v wither_v away_o as_o unto_o all_o the_o power_n of_o religion_n what_o be_v our_o duty_n in_o this_o case_n be_v so_o full_o express_v by_o the_o spouse_n in_o the_o canticle_n as_o represent_v it_o plain_o unto_o the_o mind_n of_o believer_n who_o have_v any_o experience_n of_o these_o thing_n chap._n 3._o 1_o 2_o 3_o 4_o 5._o by_o night_n on_o my_o bed_n i_o seek_v he_o who_o my_o soul_n love_v i_o seek_v he_o but_o i_o find_v he_o not_o i_o will_v rise_v now_o and_o go_v about_o the_o city_n in_o the_o street_n and_o in_o the_o broad_a way_n i_o will_v seek_v he_o who_o my_o soul_n love_v i_o seek_v he_o but_o i_o find_v he_o not_o the_o watchman_n that_o go_v about_o the_o city_n find_v i_o to_o who_o i_o say_v see_v you_o he_o who_o my_o soul_n love_v it_o be_v but_o a_o little_a i_o pass_v from_o they_o but_o i_o find_v he_o who_o my_o soul_n love_v i_o hold_v he_o and_o will_v not_o let_v he_o go_v the_o like_a account_n she_o give_v of_o herself_o and_o of_o her_o behaviour_n on_o the_o like_a occasion_n chap._n 5._o 2_o 3_o 4_o 5_o 6_o 7_o 8._o this_o be_v the_o substance_n of_o what_o by_o this_o example_n we_o be_v instruct_v unto_o the_o lord_n christ_n be_v please_v sometime_o to_o withdraw_v himself_o from_o the_o spiritual_a experience_n of_o believer_n as_o unto_o any_o refresh_a sense_n of_o his_o love_n or_o the_o fresh_a communication_n of_o consolatory_a grace_n those_o who_o never_o have_v experience_n of_o any_o such_o thing_n who_o never_o have_v any_o refresh_a communion_n with_o he_o can_v be_v sensible_a of_o his_o absence_n they_o never_o be_v so_o of_o his_o presence_n but_o those_o who_o he_o have_v visit_v to_o who_o he_o have_v give_v of_o his_o love_n with_o who_o he_o have_v make_v his_o abide_v who_o he_o have_v refresh_v relieve_v and_o comfort_v in_o who_o he_o have_v live_v in_o the_o power_n of_o his_o grace_n they_o know_v what_o it_o be_v to_o be_v forsake_v by_o he_o though_o but_o for_o a_o moment_n and_o their_o trouble_n be_v increase_v when_o they_o seek_v he_o with_o diligence_n in_o the_o wont_a way_n of_o obtain_v his_o presence_n and_o can_v find_v he_o our_o duty_n in_o this_o case_n be_v to_o presevere_v in_o our_o inquiry_n after_o he_o in_o prayer_n meditation_n mourn_v read_v and_o hear_v of_o the_o word_n in_o all_o ordinance_n of_o divine_a worship_n private_a and_o public_a in_o diligent_a obedience_n until_o we_o find_v he_o or_o he_o return_v unto_o we_o as_o in_o former_a day_n it_o be_v well_o if_o all_o church_n and_o possessor_n now_o will_v manifest_v the_o same_o diligence_n herein_o as_o do_v the_o church_n of_o old_a in_o this_o example_n many_o of_o they_o if_o they_o be_v not_o harden_v by_o the_o deceitfulness_n of_o sin_n can_v but_o be_v sensible_a that_o the_o lord_n christ_n be_v various_o withdraw_v from_o they_o if_o ever_o they_o have_v experience_n of_o the_o power_n of_o his_o presence_n yet_o be_v the_o generality_n of_o they_o far_o from_o the_o frame_n of_o heart_n here_o describe_v in_o the_o spouse_n for_o they_o be_v slothful_a careless_a negligent_a and_o stir_v not_o up_o themselves_o to_o inquire_v after_o he_o or_o his_o return_n unto_o their_o soul_n so_o be_v it_o with_o laodicea_n of_o old_a so_o be_v it_o with_o sardis_n and_o so_o it_o be_v to_o be_v fear_v that_o it_o be_v with_o many_o at_o present_a but_o to_o return_v general_o christ_n be_v nigh_o unto_o believer_n and_o of_o a_o ready_a access_n and_o the_o principal_a act_n of_o the_o life_n of_o faith_n consist_v in_o the_o frequency_n of_o our_o thought_n concern_v he_o for_o hereby_o christ_n live_v in_o we_o as_o he_o be_v say_v to_o do_v gal._n 2._o 20._o this_o we_o can_v do_v unless_o we_o have_v frequent_a thought_n of_o he_o and_o converse_v with_o he_o it_o be_v often_o say_v among_o man_n that_o one_o life_n in_o another_o this_o can_v be_v but_o where_o the_o affection_n of_o one_o be_v so_o engage_v unto_o another_o that_o night_n and_o day_n he_o think_v of_o he_o and_o be_v thereby_o as_o it_o be_v present_a with_o he_o so_o ought_v it_o to_o be_v between_o christ_n and_o believer_n he_o dwell_v in_o they_o by_o faith_n but_o the_o act_n of_o this_o life_n in_o they_o as_o wherever_o life_n be_v it_o will_v be_v in_o act_n and_o exercise_v be_v proportionable_a unto_o their_o thought_n of_o he_o and_o delight_n in_o he_o if_o therefore_o we_o will_v behold_v the_o glory_n of_o christ_n the_o present_a direction_n be_v that_o on_o all_o occasion_n and_o frequent_o when_o there_o be_v no_o occasion_n for_o it_o by_o the_o performance_n of_o other_o duty_n we_o will_v abound_v in_o thought_n of_o he_o and_o his_o glory_n i_o intend_v not_o at_o present_a fix_a and_o state_v meditation_n which_o be_v speak_v unto_o before_o but_o such_o thought_n as_o be_v more_o transient_a according_a as_o our_o opportunity_n be_v and_o a_o great_a rebuke_v it_o ought_v to_o be_v unto_o we_o when_o christ_n have_v at_o any_o time_n in_o a_o day_n be_v long_o out_o of_o our_o mind_n the_o spouse_n affirm_v that_o ere_o she_o be_v aware_a her_o soul_n make_v she_o as_o the_o chariot_n of_o amminadab_n cant._n 7._o 12._o it_o so_o fall_v out_o that_o when_o she_o have_v no_o thought_n no_o design_n or_o purpose_n for_o attendance_n or_o communion_n with_o christ_n that_o she_o be_v surprise_v into_o a_o readiness_n and_o willingness_n unto_o it_o so_o will_v it_o be_v with_o they_o that_o love_v he_o in_o sincerity_n their_o own_o soul_n without_o previous_a design_n or_o outward_a occasion_n will_v frequent_o engage_v they_o in_o holy_a thought_n of_o he_o which_o be_v the_o most_o eminent_a character_n of_o a_o true_o spiritual_a christian._n 4._o the_o next_o direction_n be_v that_o all_o our_o thought_n concern_v christ_n and_o his_o glory_n shall_v be_v accompany_v with_o admiration_n adoration_n and_o thanksgiving_n for_o this_o be_v such_o a_o object_n of_o our_o thought_n and_o affection_n as_o in_o this_o life_n we_o can_v never_o full_o comprehend_v a_o ocean_n who_o depth_n we_o can_v look_v into_o if_o we_o be_v spiritual_o renew_v all_o the_o faculty_n of_o our_o soul_n be_v enable_v by_o grace_n to_o exert_v their_o respective_a power_n towards_o this_o glorious_a object_n this_o must_v be_v do_v in_o various_a duty_n by_o the_o exercise_n of_o various_a grace_n as_o they_o be_v to_o be_v act_v by_o the_o distinct_a power_n of_o the_o
duty_n of_o his_o obedience_n render_v it_o amiable_a in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n and_o useful_a unto_o we_o so_o when_o he_o go_v unto_o john_n to_o be_v baptize_v he_o who_o know_v he_o have_v no_o need_n of_o it_o on_o his_o own_o account_n will_v have_v decline_v the_o duty_n of_o administer_a that_o ordinance_n unto_o he_o but_o he_o reply_v suffer_v it_o to_o be_v so_o now_o for_o thus_o it_o become_v we_o to_o fulfil_v all_o righteousness_n mat._n 3._o 15._o this_o i_o have_v undertake_v willing_o of_o my_o own_o accord_n without_o any_o need_n of_o it_o for_o myself_o and_o therefore_o will_v discharge_v it_o for_o he_o who_o be_v lord_n of_o all_o universal_o thus_o to_o submit_v himself_o to_o universal_a obedience_n carry_v along_o with_o it_o a_o evidence_n of_o glorious_a grace_n 2._o this_o obedience_n as_o unto_o the_o use_n and_o end_n of_o it_o be_v not_o for_o himself_o but_o for_o we_o we_o be_v oblige_v unto_o it_o and_o can_v not_o perform_v it_o he_o be_v not_o oblige_v unto_o it_o any_o otherwise_o but_o by_o a_o free_a act_n of_o his_o own_o will_n and_o do_v perform_v it_o god_n give_v he_o this_o honour_n that_o he_o shall_v obey_v for_o the_o whole_a church_n that_o by_o his_o obedience_n we_o shall_v be_v make_v righteous_a rom._n 5._o 19_o herein_o i_o say_v do_v god_n give_v he_o honour_n and_o glory_n that_o his_o obedience_n shall_v stand_v in_o the_o stead_n of_o the_o perfect_a obedience_n of_o the_o church_n as_o unto_o justification_n 3._o his_o obedience_n be_v absolute_o universal_a and_o absolute_o perfect_a be_v the_o great_a representative_a of_o the_o holiness_n of_o god_n in_o the_o law_n it_o be_v represent_v glorious_a when_o the_o ten_o word_n be_v write_v by_o the_o finger_n of_o god_n in_o table_n of_o stone_n it_o appear_v yet_o more_o eminent_o in_o the_o spiritual_a transcription_n of_o it_o in_o the_o heart_n of_o believer_n but_o absolute_o and_o perfect_o it_o be_v exemplify_v only_o in_o the_o holiness_n and_o obedience_n of_o christ_n which_o answer_v it_o unto_o the_o utmost_a and_o this_o be_v no_o small_a part_n of_o his_o glory_n in_o obedience_n that_o the_o holiness_n of_o god_n in_o the_o law_n be_v therein_o and_o therein_o alone_o in_o that_o one_o instance_n as_o unto_o human_a nature_n full_o represent_v 4._o he_o wrought_v out_o this_o obedience_n against_o all_o difficulty_n and_o oppression_n for_o although_o he_o be_v absolute_o free_a from_o that_o disorder_n which_o in_o we_o have_v invade_v our_o whole_a nature_n which_o internal_o render_v all_o obedience_n difficult_a unto_o we_o and_o perfect_a obedience_n impossible_a yet_o as_o unto_o opposition_n from_o without_o in_o temptation_n suffering_n reproach_n contradiction_n he_o meet_v with_o more_o than_o we_o all_o hence_o be_v that_o glorious_a word_n although_o he_o be_v a_o son_n yet_o he_o learned_a obedience_n by_o the_o thing_n which_o be_v suffer_v heb._n 5._o 8._o see_v our_o exposition_n of_o that_o place_n but_o 5._o the_o glory_n of_o this_o obedience_n arise_v principal_o from_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o person_n who_o thus_o yield_v it_o unto_o god_n this_o be_v no_o other_o but_o the_o son_n of_o god_n make_v man_n god_n and_o man_n in_o one_o person_n he_o who_o be_v in_o heaven_n above_o all_o lord_n of_o all_o at_o the_o same_o time_n live_v in_o the_o world_n in_o a_o condition_n of_o no_o reputation_n and_o a_o course_n of_o the_o strict_a obedience_n unto_o the_o whole_a law_n of_o god_n he_o unto_o who_o prayer_n be_v make_v pray_v himself_o night_n and_o day_n he_o who_o all_o the_o angel_n of_o heaven_n and_o all_o creature_n worship_v be_v continual_o conversant_a in_o all_o the_o duty_n of_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n he_o who_o be_v over_o the_o house_n diligent_o observe_v the_o mean_a office_n of_o the_o house_n he_o that_o make_v all_o man_n in_o who_o hand_n they_o be_v all_o as_o clay_n in_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o potter_n observe_v among_o they_o the_o strict_a rule_n of_o justice_n in_o give_v unto_o every_o one_o his_o due_a and_o of_o charity_n in_o give_v good_a thing_n that_o be_v not_o so_o due_a this_o be_v that_o which_o render_v the_o obedience_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o discharge_v of_o his_o office_n both_o mysterious_a and_o glorious_a 2._o again_o the_o glory_n of_o christ_n be_v propose_v unto_o we_o in_o what_o he_o suffer_v in_o the_o discharge_v of_o the_o office_n which_o he_o have_v undertake_v there_o belong_v indeed_o unto_o his_o office_n victory_n success_n and_o triumph_n with_o great_a glory_n isa._n 63._o 1_o 2_o 3_o 4_o 5._o but_o there_o be_v suffering_n also_o require_v of_o he_o antecedent_o thereunto_o ought_v not_o christ_n to_o suffer_v and_o to_o enter_v into_o his_o glory_n but_o such_o be_v these_o suffering_n of_o christ_n as_o that_o in_o our_o thought_n about_o they_o our_o mind_n quick_o recoil_v in_o a_o sense_n of_o their_o insufficiency_n to_o conceive_v a_o right_n of_o they_o never_o any_o one_o launch_v into_o this_o ocean_n with_o his_o meditation_n but_o he_o quick_o find_v himself_o unable_a to_o fathom_v the_o depth_n of_o it_o nor_o shall_v i_o here_o undertake_v a_o enquiry_n into_o they_o i_o shall_v only_o point_v at_o this_o spring_n of_o glory_n and_o leave_v it_o under_o a_o veil_n we_o may_v here_o look_v on_o he_o as_o under_o the_o weight_n of_o the_o wrath_n of_o god_n and_o the_o curse_n of_o the_o law_n take_v on_o himself_o and_o on_o his_o whole_a soul_n the_o utmost_a of_o evil_n that_o god_n have_v ever_o threaten_v to_o sin_n or_o sinner_n we_o may_v look_v on_o he_o in_o his_o agony_n and_o bloody_a sweat_n in_o his_o strong_a cry_n and_o supplication_n when_o he_o be_v sorrowful_a unto_o the_o death_n and_o begin_v to_o be_v amaze_v in_o apprehension_n of_o the_o thing_n that_o be_v come_v on_o he_o of_o that_o dreadful_a trial_n which_o he_o be_v enter_v into_o we_o may_v look_v upon_o he_o conflict_v with_o all_o the_o power_n of_o darkness_n the_o rage_n and_o madness_n of_o man_n suffer_v in_o his_o soul_n his_o body_n his_o name_n his_o reputation_n his_o good_n his_o life_n some_o of_o these_o suffering_n be_v immediate_a from_o god_n above_o othâ—rs_n from_o devil_n and_o wicked_a man_n act_v according_a to_o the_o determinate_a counsel_n of_o god_n we_o may_v look_v on_o he_o pray_v weep_a cry_v out_o bleeding_z die_a in_o all_o thing_n make_v his_o soul_n a_o offer_n for_o sin_n so_o be_v he_o take_v from_o prison_n and_o judgement_n and_o who_o shall_v declare_v his_o generation_n for_o he_o be_v cut_v off_o from_o the_o land_n of_o the_o live_n for_o the_o transgression_n say_v god_n of_o my_o people_n be_v he_o smite_v isa._n 53._o 8._o but_o these_o thing_n i_o shall_v not_o insist_v on_o in_o particular_a but_o leave_v they_o under_o such_o a_o veil_n as_o may_v give_v we_o a_o prospect_n into_o they_o so_o far_o as_o to_o fill_v our_o soul_n with_o holy_a admiration_n lord_n what_o be_v man_n that_o thou_o be_v thus_o mindful_a of_o he_o and_o the_o son_n of_o man_n that_o thou_o visite_a he_o who_o have_v know_v thy_o mind_n or_o who_o have_v be_v thy_o councillor_n o_o the_o depth_n of_o the_o riches_n both_o of_o the_o wisdom_n and_o knowledge_n of_o god_n how_o unsearchable_a be_v his_o judgement_n and_o his_o way_n past_o find_v out_o what_o shall_v we_o say_v unto_o these_o thing_n that_o god_n spare_v not_o his_o only_a son_n but_o give_v he_o up_o unto_o death_n and_o all_o the_o evil_n include_v therein_o for_o such_o poor_a lose_a sinner_n as_o we_o be_v that_o for_o our_o sake_n the_o eternal_a son_n of_o god_n shall_v submit_v himself_o unto_o all_o the_o evil_n that_o our_o nature_n be_v obnoxious_a unto_o and_o that_o our_o sin_n have_v deserve_v that_o we_o may_v be_v deliver_v how_o glorious_a be_v the_o lord_n christ_n on_o this_o account_n in_o the_o eye_n of_o believer_n when_o adam_n have_v sin_v and_o thereby_o eternal_o according_a unto_o the_o sanction_n of_o the_o law_n ruin_v himself_o and_o all_o his_o posterity_n he_o stand_v ashamed_a afraid_a tremble_a as_o one_o ready_a to_o perish_v for_o ever_o under_o the_o displeasure_n of_o god_n death_n be_v that_o which_o he_o have_v deserve_v and_o immediate_a death_n be_v that_o which_o he_o look_v for_o in_o this_o state_n the_o lord_n christ_n in_o the_o promise_n come_v unto_o he_o and_o say_v poor_a creature_n how_o woeful_a be_v thy_o condition_n how_o deform_a be_v thy_o appearance_n what_o be_v become_v of_o the_o beauty_n of_o the_o glory_n of_o that_o image_n of_o god_n wherein_o thou_o be_v create_v how_o have_v thou_o take_v on_o thou_o the_o monstrous_a shape_n and_o image_n of_o satan_n and_o yet_o thy_o present_a misery_n thy_o
your_o net_n this_o once_o more_o upon_o the_o command_n of_o christ_n venture_v this_o once_o more_o to_o come_v unto_o he_o on_o his_o call_n and_o invitation_n you_o know_v not_o what_o success_n he_o may_v give_v unto_o you_o 2._o consider_v that_o it_o be_v not_o fail_v in_o this_o or_o that_o attempt_n of_o come_v to_o christ_n but_o a_o give_v over_o your_o endeavour_n that_o will_v be_v your_o ruin_n the_o woman_n of_o canaan_n in_o her_o great_a outcry_n to_o christ_n for_o mercy_n mat._n 15._o 22._o have_v many_o a_o repulse_v first_o it_o be_v say_v he_o answer_v she_o not_o a_o word_n than_o his_o disciple_n desire_v that_o he_o will_v send_v she_o away_o that_o she_o may_v not_o trouble_v he_o any_o more_o whereon_o he_o give_v a_o reason_n why_o he_o will_v not_o regard_v she_o or_o why_o he_o can_v just_o pass_v she_o by_o she_o be_v not_o a_o israelitess_n unto_o who_o he_o be_v send_v yet_o she_o give_v not_o over_o but_o press_v into_o his_o presence_n cry_v out_o for_o mercy_n ver_fw-la 25._o be_v come_v to_o that_o issue_n to_o try_v and_o draw_v out_o her_o faith_n to_o the_o utmost_a which_o be_v his_o design_n from_o the_o beginning_n he_o reckon_v she_o among_o dog_n that_o be_v not_o to_o have_v child_n bread_n give_v unto_o they_o have_v she_o now_o at_o last_o give_v over_o upon_o this_o severe_a rebuke_n she_o have_v never_o obtain_v mercy_n but_o persist_v in_o her_o request_n she_o at_o last_o prevail_v ver_fw-la 27._o 28._o it_o may_v be_v you_o have_v pray_v and_o cry_v and_o resolve_v and_o vow_v but_o all_o without_o success_n as_o you_o suppose_v sin_n have_v break_v through_o all_o however_o if_o you_o give_v not_o over_o you_o shall_v prevail_v at_o last_o you_o know_v not_o at_o what_o time_n god_n will_v come_v in_o with_o his_o grace_n and_o christ_n will_v manifest_v his_o love_n unto_o you_o as_o unto_o the_o poor_a woman_n after_o many_o a_o rebuke_n it_o may_v be_v after_o all_o he_o will_v do_v it_o this_o day_n and_o if_o not_o he_o may_v do_v it_o another_o do_v not_o despond_v take_v that_o word_n of_o christ_n himself_o for_o your_o encouragement_n prov._n 8._o 34._o bless_a be_v the_o man_n that_o hear_v i_o watch_v daily_o at_o my_o gate_n wait_v at_o the_o post_n of_o my_o door_n if_o you_o hear_v he_o and_o wait_v though_o you_o have_v not_o yet_o admission_n but_o be_v keep_v at_o the_o gate_n and_o post_n of_o the_o door_n yet_o in_o the_o issue_n you_o shall_v be_v bless_v 3._o the_o rule_n in_o this_o case_n be_v hos._n 6_o 3._o then_o shall_v we_o know_v if_o we_o follow_v on_o to_o know_v be_v you_o in_o the_o way_n of_o know_v christ_n in_o the_o use_n of_o mean_n hear_v the_o word_n and_o sincere_a endeavour_n in_o holy_a duty_n though_o you_o can_v yet_o attain_v unto_o any_o evidence_n that_o you_o have_v receive_v he_o have_v close_v with_o he_o nothing_o can_v ruin_v you_o but_o give_v over_o the_o way_n wherein_o you_o be_v for_o than_o shall_v you_o know_v if_o you_o follow_v on_o to_o know_v the_o lord_n many_o can_v give_v you_o their_o experience_n that_o if_o they_o have_v be_v discourage_v by_o present_a overwhelm_a difficulty_n arise_v from_o their_o disappointment_n break_v of_o vow_n relapse_n into_o folly_n they_o have_v be_v utter_o ruin_v whereas_o now_o they_o be_v at_o rest_n and_o peace_n in_o the_o bosom_n of_o christ._n on_o a_o great_a surprisal_n christ_n lose_v at_o once_o many_o disciple_n and_o they_o lose_v their_o soul_n john_n 6._o 66._o they_o go_v back_o and_o walk_v no_o more_o with_o he_o take_v heed_n of_o the_o like_a discouragement_n iii_o some_o may_v say_v yea_o practical_o they_o do_v say_v that_o these_o thing_n indeed_o be_v necessary_a they_o must_v come_v to_o christ_n by_o believe_v or_o they_o be_v undo_v but_o this_o be_v not_o the_o season_n of_o it_o there_o will_v be_v time_n enough_o to_o apply_v themselves_o unto_o it_o when_o other_o occasion_n be_v past_a at_o present_a they_o have_v not_o leisure_n to_o enter_v upon_o and_o go_v through_o with_o this_o duty_n wherefore_o they_o will_v abide_v in_o their_o present_a state_n for_o a_o while_n hear_v and_o do_v many_o thing_n and_o when_o time_n serve_v will_v apply_v themselves_o unto_o this_o duty_n also_o 1._o this_o be_v a_o uncontrollable_a evidence_n of_o that_o sottishness_n and_o folly_n which_o be_v come_v upon_o our_o nature_n by_o sin_n a_o depravation_n that_o the_o apostle_n place_n in_o the_o head_n of_o the_o evil_n of_o corrupt_a nature_n tu._n 3._o 3_o can_v any_o thing_n be_v more_o foolish_a sottish_a and_o stupid_a than_o for_o man_n to_o put_v off_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o eternal_a concernment_n of_o their_o soul_n for_o one_o hour_n be_v altogether_o uncertain_a whether_o they_o shall_v live_v another_o or_o no_o to_o prefer_v present_a trifle_n before_o the_o blessedness_n or_o misery_n of_o a_o immortal_a state_n for_o those_o who_o never_o hear_v of_o these_o thing_n who_o never_o have_v any_o conviction_n of_o sin_n and_o judgement_n to_o put_v the_o evil_a day_n far_o from_o they_o be_v not_o much_o to_o be_v admire_v but_o for_o you_o who_o have_v christ_n preach_v unto_o you_o who_o own_o a_o necessity_n of_o come_v unto_o he_o to_o put_v it_o off_o from_o day_n to_o day_n upon_o such_o slight_a pretence_n it_o be_v a_o astonishable_a folly_n may_v you_o not_o be_v speak_v unto_o in_o the_o language_n of_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n prov._n 6._o 9_o 10_o 11._o you_o come_v to_o hear_v the_o word_n and_o when_o you_o go_v away_o the_o language_n of_o your_o heart_n be_v yet_o a_o little_a sleep_n a_o little_a slumber_n a_o little_a fold_n of_o the_o hand_n to_o sleep_v we_o will_v abide_v a_o little_a while_n in_o our_o present_a state_n and_o afterward_o we_o will_v rouse_v up_o ourselves_o under_o this_o deceit_n do_v multitude_n perish_v every_o day_n this_o be_v a_o dark_a shade_n wherein_o curse_a unbelief_n lie_v hide_v 2._o consider_v that_o this_o be_v the_o great_a engine_n that_o satan_n make_v use_v of_o in_o the_o world_n among_o they_o that_o hear_v the_o word_n preach_v unto_o they_o for_o the_o ruin_n of_o their_o soul_n he_o have_v other_o art_n and_o way_n and_o method_n of_o deal_n with_o other_o man_n as_o by_o sensual_a and_o worldly_a lust_n but_o as_o unto_o they_o who_o through_o their_o conviction_n do_v attend_v unto_o the_o preach_n of_o the_o word_n this_o be_v his_o great_a and_o almost_o only_a engine_n for_o their_o ruin_n there_o need_v no_o haste_n in_o this_o matter_n another_o time_n will_v be_v more_o seasonable_a you_o may_v be_v sure_a not_o to_o fail_v of_o it_o before_o you_o die_v however_o this_o present_a day_n and_o time_n be_v most_o unfit_a for_o it_o you_o have_v other_o thing_n to_o do_v you_o can_v part_v with_o your_o present_a frame_n you_o may_v come_v again_o to_o hear_v the_o word_n the_o next_o opportunity_n know_v assure_o if_o your_o mind_n be_v influence_v unto_o delay_n of_o come_v to_o christ_n by_o such_o insinuation_n you_o be_v under_o the_o power_n of_o satan_n and_o he_o be_v like_a enough_o to_o hold_v you_o fast_o unto_o destruction_n 3._o this_o be_v as_o evil_a and_o dangerous_a a_o posture_n or_o frame_v of_o mind_n as_o you_o can_v well_o fall_v under_o if_o you_o have_v learned_a to_o put_v off_o god_n and_o christ_n and_o the_o word_n for_o the_o present_a season_n and_o yet_o relieve_v yourselves_o in_o this_o that_o you_o do_v not_o intend_v like_o other_o always_o to_o reject_v they_o but_o will_v have_v a_o time_n to_o hearken_v to_o their_o call_n you_o be_v secure_v and_o fortify_v against_o all_o conviction_n and_o persuasion_n all_o fear_n one_o answer_n will_v serve_v for_o all_o within_o a_o little_a while_n you_o will_v do_v all_o that_o can_v be_v require_v of_o you_o this_o be_v that_o which_o ruin_v the_o soul_n of_o multitude_n every_o day_n it_o be_v better_a deal_n with_o man_n open_o profligate_v than_o with_o such_o a_o trifle_a promiser_n see_v isa._n 5._o 7_o 10._o 4._o remember_v that_o the_o scripture_n confine_v you_o unto_o the_o present_a day_n without_o the_o least_o intimation_n that_o you_o shall_v have_v either_o another_o day_n or_o another_o tender_a of_o grace_n and_o mercy_n in_o any_o day_n 2_o cor._n 6._o 2._o heb._n 3._o 7._o 13._o chap._n 12._o 15._o take_v care_n lest_o you_o come_v short_a of_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n miss_v of_o it_o by_o miss_v your_o opportunity_n redeem_v the_o time_n or_o you_o be_v lose_v for_o ever_o 5._o as_o unto_o the_o pretence_n of_o your_o occasion_n and_o business_n there_o be_v a_o ready_a way_n to_o disappoint_v the_o craft_n of_o satan_n in_o that_o pretence_n namely_o
other_o thing_n or_o if_o they_o do_v find_v that_o it_o be_v not_o with_o they_o as_o it_o have_v be_v former_o they_o be_v not_o much_o concern_v and_o on_o any_o occasional_a new_a conviction_n they_o cry_v yet_o a_o little_a more_o slumber_n a_o little_a more_o sleep_n a_o little_a more_o fold_v of_o the_o hand_n to_o sleep_v but_o when_o the_o other_o do_v find_v any_o thing_n of_o this_o nature_n it_o make_v they_o restless_a for_o a_o recovery_n and_o although_o through_o the_o many_o snare_n temptation_n and_o deceit_n of_o sin_n or_o through_o their_o ignorance_n of_o the_o right_a way_n for_o their_o heal_n they_o do_v not_o many_o of_o they_o obtain_v a_o speedy_a recovery_n yet_o none_o of_o they_o do_v approve_v themselves_o in_o such_o a_o condition_n or_o turn_v unto_o any_o undue_a relief_n now_o that_o believer_n be_v subject_a to_o decay_n in_o both_o the_o way_n mention_v we_o have_v full_a testimony_n in_o scripture_n for_o as_o unto_o that_o general_a gradual_a decay_n in_o the_o loss_n of_o our_o first_o faith_n love_n and_o work_n in_o the_o weaken_n of_o the_o internal_a principle_n of_o spiritual_a life_n with_o the_o loss_n thereon_o of_o delight_n joy_n and_o consolation_n and_o the_o abatement_n of_o the_o fruit_n of_o obedience_n our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n do_v express_o charge_v it_o on_o five_o of_o the_o seven_o church_n of_o asia_n rev._n 2_o d._n 3_o d._n and_o in_o some_o of_o they_o as_o sardis_n and_o laodicea_n those_o decay_n have_v proceed_v unto_o such_o a_o degree_n as_o that_o they_o be_v in_o danger_n of_o utter_a rejection_n and_o hereunto_o answer_v the_o experience_n of_o all_o church_n and_o all_o believer_n in_o the_o world_n those_o who_o be_v otherwise_o mind_v be_v dead_a in_o sin_n and_o have_v get_v pretence_n to_o countenance_n themselves_o in_o their_o miserable_a condition_n so_o be_v it_o with_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n and_o i_o wish_v other_o do_v not_o in_o some_o measure_n follow_v they_o therein_o and_o as_o unto_o those_o of_o the_o second_o sort_n whereinto_o man_n be_v cast_v by_o surprisal_n and_o temptation_n produce_v great_a spiritual_a distress_n and_o anguish_n of_o soul_n under_o a_o sense_n of_o god_n displeasure_n we_o have_v a_o instance_n in_o david_n as_o he_o give_v we_o a_o account_n of_o himself_o psal._n 38._o verse_n 2._o to_o the_o 10_o o_o lord_n thy_o arrow_n stick_v fast_o in_o i_o and_o thy_o hand_n press_v i_o sore_o there_o be_v no_o soundness_n in_o my_o flesh_n because_o of_o thy_o anger_n neither_o be_v there_o any_o rest_n in_o my_o bone_n because_o of_o my_o sin_n for_o my_o iniquity_n be_v go_v over_o my_o head_n as_o a_o heavy_a burden_n they_o be_v too_o heavy_a for_o i_o my_o wound_n stink_v and_o be_v corrupt_a because_o of_o my_o foolishness_n etc._n etc._n it_o be_v certain_a that_o here_o be_v a_o description_n of_o a_o very_a woeful_a state_n and_o condition_n and_o the_o psalmist_n know_v that_o he_o be_v call_v of_o god_n to_o be_v a_o teacher_n and_o instructor_n of_o the_o church_n in_o all_o age_n record_v his_o own_o experience_n unto_o that_o end_n hence_o the_o title_n of_o it_o be_v a_o psalm_n to_o bring_v to_o remembrance_n some_o judge_n that_o david_n have_v respect_n unto_o some_o great_a and_o sore_a disease_n that_o he_o be_v then_o visit_v withal_o but_o if_o it_o be_v so_o it_o be_v only_o a_o occasion_n of_o his_o complaint_n the_o cause_n of_o it_o be_v sin_n alone_o and_o four_o thing_n he_o do_v represent_v 1._o that_o he_o have_v depart_v from_o god_n and_o fall_v into_o provoke_a sin_n which_o have_v produce_v great_a distress_n in_o his_o mind_n verse_n 3_o 4._o 2._o that_o he_o have_v foolish_o continue_v in_o that_o state_n not_o make_v timely_a application_n to_o grace_n and_o mercy_n for_o heal_v whereby_o it_o be_v grow_v deplorable_a ver_fw-la 5._o and_o this_o folly_n be_v that_o alone_a which_o make_v such_o a_o condition_n dangerous_a namely_o when_o man_n on_o their_o surprisal_n in_o sin_n do_v not_o speedy_o apply_v themselves_o unto_o heal_a remedy_n 3._o that_o he_o have_v herein_o a_o continual_a sense_n of_o the_o displeasure_n of_o god_n by_o reason_n of_o sin_n verse_n 2._o 3_o 4._o 4._o that_o he_o be_v altogether_o restless_a in_o this_o state_n mourning_z groan_a labour_v continual_o for_o deliverance_n this_o be_v a_o clear_a delineation_n of_o the_o condition_n of_o believer_n when_o either_o by_o the_o greatness_n of_o any_o sin_n or_o by_o a_o long_a continuance_n in_o a_o evil_a and_o a_o careless_a frame_n they_o be_v cast_v under_o a_o sense_n of_o divine_a displeasure_n this_o open_v their_o mind_n and_o their_o heart_n declare_v how_o all_o thing_n be_v within_o which_o they_o can_v deny_v it_o be_v not_o so_o with_o many_o in_o the_o same_o measure_n and_o degree_n as_o it_o be_v with_o david_n who_o fall_n be_v very_o great_a but_o the_o substance_n of_o it_o be_v find_v in_o they_o all_o and_o herein_o the_o heart_n know_v its_o own_o bitterness_n a_o stranger_n intermeddle_v not_o with_o it_o none_o know_v the_o groan_a and_o labour_v of_o a_o soul_n convince_v of_o such_o spiritual_a decay_n but_o he_o alone_o in_o who_o they_o be_v hereon_o be_v it_o cast_v down_o to_o the_o earth_n go_v mourn_a all_o the_o day_n long_o though_o other_o know_v nothing_o of_o its_o sorrow_n but_o it_o be_v of_o a_o far_o more_o sad_a consideration_n to_o see_v man_n manifest_v their_o inward_a decay_n by_o their_o outward_a fruit_n and_o yet_o be_v little_a or_o not_o at_o all_o concern_v therein_o the_o former_a be_v in_o way_n of_o recovery_n these_o in_o the_o path_n that_o go_v down_o to_o the_o chamber_n of_o death_n i_o suppose_v therefore_o i_o may_v take_v it_o for_o grant_v that_o there_o be_v few_o professor_n of_o religion_n who_o have_v have_v any_o long_a continuance_n in_o the_o way_n of_o it_o have_v withal_o be_v expose_v unto_o the_o temptation_n of_o life_n and_o much_o exercise_v with_o the_o occasion_n of_o it_o but_o that_o they_o have_v be_v asleep_o in_o their_o day_n as_o the_o spouse_n complain_v of_o herself_o cant._n 5._o 2._o that_o be_v they_o have_v be_v overtake_v with_o decay_n of_o one_o sort_n or_o another_o either_o with_o respect_n unto_o spiritual_a or_o moral_a duty_n in_o their_o relation_n unto_o church_n or_o family_n in_o their_o judgement_n or_o their_o affection_n in_o their_o inward_a frames_n or_o outward_a action_n they_o have_v be_v overtake_v with_o the_o effect_n of_o sloth_n negligence_n or_o the_o want_n of_o a_o continual_a watch_n in_o the_o life_n of_o faith_n i_o with_o it_o be_v otherwise_o i_o principal_o herein_o intend_v those_o gradual_a declension_n in_o the_o life_n and_o power_n of_o grace_n which_o man_n in_o a_o long_a course_n of_o profession_n be_v subject_a unto_o and_o these_o for_o the_o most_o part_n proceed_v from_o formality_n in_o holy_a duty_n under_o the_o constant_a outward_a performance_n of_o they_o vehement_a engagement_n in_o the_o affair_n of_o life_n a_o overvaluation_n of_o sinful_a enjoyment_n growth_n in_o carnal_a wisdom_n neglect_v of_o daily_a mortification_n of_o such_o sin_n as_o man_n be_v natural_o dispose_v unto_o with_o a_o secret_a influence_n from_o the_o prevalent_a temptation_n of_o the_o day_n wherein_o we_o live_v which_o thing_n be_v not_o now_o to_o be_v speak_v unto_o 3._o but_o i_o come_v to_o that_o which_o be_v propose_v in_o the_o three_o place_n namely_o to_o show_v that_o this_o at_o present_a be_v the_o state_n of_o many_o professor_n of_o religion_n that_o they_o be_v fall_v under_o those_o spiritual_a decay_n and_o do_v not_o enjoy_v the_o effect_n of_o the_o promise_v concern_v flourish_a and_o fruitfulness_n which_o we_o have_v insist_v on_o to_o fasten_v a_o conviction_n on_o they_o or_o some_o of_o they_o at_o least_o that_o it_o be_v indeed_o so_o with_o they_o be_v my_o present_a design_n and_o this_o aught_o to_o be_v do_v with_o some_o diligence_n the_o glory_n of_o christ_n the_o honour_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o the_o danger_n of_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n do_v call_v for_o it_o this_o be_v the_o secret_a root_n of_o all_o our_o evil_n which_o will_v not_o be_v remove_v unless_o it_o be_v dig_v up_o who_o see_v not_o who_o complain_v not_o of_o the_o loss_n of_o or_o decay_v in_o the_o power_n of_o religion_n in_o the_o day_n wherein_o we_o live_v but_o few_o there_o be_v who_o either_o know_v or_o apply_v themselves_o or_o direct_v other_o unto_o the_o proper_a remedy_n of_o this_o evil._n beside_o it_o be_v almost_o as_o difficult_a to_o convince_v man_n of_o their_o spiritual_a decay_n as_o it_o be_v to_o recover_v they_o from_o they_o but_o without_o this_o heal_v be_v impossible_a if_o man_n know_v not_o their_o sickness_n they_o