my_o grace_n be_v weaken_v when_o i_o yield_v to_o sin_n but_o it_o stand_v in_o strength_n when_o it_o stand_v in_o defiance_n and_o conflict_n with_o sin_n it_o argue_v the_o violence_n of_o sin_n to_o break_v out_o against_o grace_n and_o also_o it_o argue_v the_o potency_n of_o grace_n to_o keep_v the_o soul_n from_o serve_v unruly_a and_o boisterous_a lust_n 3_o betwixt_o sin_n in_o temptation_n and_o sin_n in_o the_o affection_n even_o a_o strong_a castle_n may_v be_v assault_v and_o a_o stout_a christian_a much_o tempt_v than_o the_o spiritual_a part_n be_v weaken_v when_o sin_n be_v favour_v if_o as_o there_o be_v much_o temptation_n in_o thy_o sinful_a flesh_n so_o there_o be_v much_o detestation_n on_o thy_o spiritual_a part_n thy_o bow_n yet_o abide_v in_o strength_n object_n but_o another_o christian_a reply_n if_o these_o sign_n of_o decay_a be_v right_o which_o you_o deliver_v then_o sure_o i_o be_o in_o a_o die_a frame_n for_o heretofore_o when_o as_o i_o think_v god_n look_v on_o i_o in_o mercy_n in_o quicken_a i_o from_o the_o dead_a i_o have_v a_o very_a melt_a heart_n for_o sin_n and_o a_o surpassingly_a zealous_a love_n to_o god_n and_o his_o glory_n but_o now_o i_o find_v no_o such_o height_n and_o flame_n and_o measure_n sol._n to_o this_o i_o answer_v 1_o you_o must_v distinguish_v betwixt_o equal_a sensibleness_n and_o equal_a spiritualnesse_n upon_o the_o inchoation_n of_o grace_n there_o may_v be_v more_o sensibleness_n for_o as_o much_o as_o grace_n erect_v itself_o much_o in_o the_o affection_n of_o who_o act_n we_o be_v more_o apprehensive_a be_v more_o near_o to_o sense_n but_o upon_o the_o advance_v in_o grace_n there_o may_v be_v more_o spiritualnesse_n though_o not_o such_o a_o sensible_a grief_n in_o the_o affection_n yet_o a_o pure_a loathe_n of_o sin_n and_o displicence_n with_o ourselves_o in_o the_o will_n 2_o betwixt_o passionate_a expression_n and_o deliberate_a or_o judicious_a expression_n i_o confess_v that_o heretofore_o thy_o zeal_n and_o love_n may_v be_v more_o passionate_a and_o violent_a but_o now_o they_o work_v upon_o more_o pure_a and_o mix_v ground_n and_o for_o ever_o know_v it_o argue_v the_o grace_n to_o be_v the_o more_o strong_a which_o can_v act_v its_o part_n with_o less_o turbulence_n and_o unquietness_n 3_o betwixt_o grace_n general_o diffuse_v and_o it_o particular_o employ_v at_o the_o first_o all_o the_o water_n run_v as_o it_o be_v in_o one_o channel_n grace_n exert_v itself_o most_o in_o the_o humble_v part_n and_o therefore_o seem_v to_o be_v very_o much_o because_o very_o much_o employ_v in_o a_o particular_a but_o upon_o further_a knowledge_n of_o christian_a duty_n grace_n diffuse_v its_o strength_n to_o all_o the_o act_n of_o holiness_n it_o be_v not_o the_o less_o because_o the_o more_o improve_v only_o it_o be_v the_o less_o perceive_v simile_n as_o health_n and_o strength_n be_v when_o total_o diffuse_v over_o the_o whole_a body_n 4_o betwixt_o interruption_n and_o corruption_n spiritual_a principle_n may_v sometime_o be_v interrupt_v simile_n like_o a_o river_n which_o yet_o be_v scramble_n over_o the_o bay_n by_o temptation_n the_o passage_n be_v not_o always_o so_o open_a for_o operation_n the_o very_a ineptitude_n of_o a_o man_n temper_n may_v occasion_v unequal_a expression_n of_o the_o visible_a act_n actus_fw-la imperati_fw-la and_o yet_o there_o may_v be_v no_o weaken_v and_o decay_v in_o the_o spiritual_a condition_n for_o the_o invisible_a frame_n actus_fw-la eliciti_fw-la be_v sure_a and_o full_a still_o the_o will_n and_o desire_n do_v act_v as_o much_o as_o ever_o though_o the_o tongue_n or_o hand_n can_v render_v it_o and_o beside_o this_o the_o work_n be_v make_v up_o by_o a_o secret_a humble_v which_o be_v so_o avoidable_o hinder_v from_o a_o open_a act_n 6_o but_o last_o if_o upon_o solid_a ground_n when_o we_o be_v ourselves_o we_o find_v a_o manifest_a inequality_n of_o our_o present_n with_o our_o former_a condition_n in_o grace_n then_o counsel_n be_v better_a for_o thou_o then_o comfort_n and_o i_o think_v no_o better_o advise_v can_v be_v prescribe_v then_o that_o of_o christ_n himself_o to_o the_o ephesian_a church_n slake_v in_o her_o first_o love_n remember_v from_o whence_o thou_o be_v fall_v and_o repent_v and_o do_v thy_o first_o work_n use_v 2_o if_o though_o upon_o perusal_n of_o these_o trial_n you_o find_v yourselves_o not_o to_o be_v in_o a_o die_a condition_n 1_o then_o first_o bless_v the_o arm_n of_o the_o almighty_a god_n who_o have_v give_v grace_n and_o uphold_v it_o 2_o beseech_v he_o for_o ever_o to_o preserve_v and_o increase_v thy_o spiritual_a quality_n all_o thy_o day_n it_o be_v by_o his_o goodness_n that_o thou_o be_v good_a and_o of_o his_o strength_n that_o yet_o thou_o abide_v in_o thy_o strength_n 3_o use_v all_o the_o mean_n thou_o can_v to_o keep_v up_o thy_o grace_n that_o thou_o sink_v not_o into_o a_o die_a condition_n mean_v to_o preserve_v we_o from_o a_o die_a condition_n be_v these_o 1_o be_v humble_a simile_n the_o high_a tide_n quick_o ebb_v and_o the_o high_a sun_n be_v present_o decline_v faith_n be_v the_o champion_n for_o our_o grace_n and_o fear_v the_o watchman_n and_o humility_n the_o nurse_n spiritual_a pride_n fill_v our_o fancy_n but_o impair_v our_o grace_n now_o a_o man_n think_v he_o have_v enough_o and_o then_o he_o be_v sure_a to_o lose_v much_o if_o any_o thing_n keep_v we_o from_o be_v low_a in_o grace_n it_o be_v this_o that_o we_o still_o grow_v low_a and_o poor_a in_o spirit_n in_o the_o rickets_o they_o have_v large_a head_n but_o weak_a foot_n so_o etc._n etc._n 2_o strive_v for_o further_a perfection_n 18._o 2_o pet._n 3._o 17._o 18._o in_o holiness_n 2_o pet._n 3._o 17._o the_o most_o of_o what_o we_o have_v be_v but_o the_o least_o of_o that_o we_o want_v he_o that_o will_v not_o strive_v to_o be_v better_o will_v be_v worse_o in_o temporal_n we_o shall_v insist_v more_o on_o our_o receipt_n and_o that_o will_v make_v we_o thankful_a in_o spiritual_n we_o shall_v insist_v more_o on_o our_o want_n and_o that_o will_v make_v we_o fruitful_a 2_o pet._n 1._o 5._o add_v to_o your_o faith_n virtue_n and_o to_o virtue_n knowledge_n 6_o v._o and_o to_o knowledge_n temperance_n etc._n etc._n 8_o v._o for_o if_o thou_o do_v these_o thing_n they_o make_v you_o that_o you_o shall_v neither_o be_v barren_a nor_o unfruitful_a etc._n etc._n 3_o quit_v all_o formality_n in_o all_o holy_a duty_n take_v heed_n of_o the_o first_o cooling_n much_o impiety_n may_v hang_v upon_o much_o indifferency_n a_o cool_a spirit_n be_v always_o a_o lose_a spirit_n he_o who_o give_v way_n to_o do_v duty_n in_o a_o slight_a manner_n will_v after_o a_o while_n be_v able_a scarce_o to_o perform_v they_o in_o any_o manner_n but_o as_o the_o rule_n be_v hoc_fw-la age_n so_o still_o keep_v up_o thy_o spirit_n with_o the_o duty_n stir_v up_o thy_o grace_n in_o all_o duty_n put_v out_o thy_o heart_n and_o strength_n in_o holy_a action_n of_o pray_v and_o hear_v and_o that_o will_v keep_v thou_o alive_a in_o grace_n a_o conscionable_a and_o cordial_a act_n of_o good_a be_v bless_v not_o only_o with_o a_o preservation_n of_o grace_n but_o likewise_o with_o a_o addition_n and_o increase_n 4_o maintain_v a_o holy_a jealousy_n and_o fear_n of_o decay_a blessed_n be_v the_o man_n who_o fear_v always_o say_v solomon_n prov._n 28._o three_o thing_n arise_v from_o this_o one_o be_v tender_a watchfulness_n against_o all_o decay_a occasion_n another_o be_v frequent_a search_n and_o examination_n of_o our_o spirit_n and_o estate_n quick_a repair_n of_o all_o fayling_n all_o which_o preserve_v we_o from_o a_o notorious_a decay_a or_o die_v 5_o be_v prudent_o serious_a in_o christian_n society_n spend_v not_o thy_o hour_n in_o vain_a dispute_n lest_o while_o thou_o study_v odd_a notion_n thou_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n lose_v precious_a grace_n there_o be_v dispute_n which_o end_v only_o in_o division_n and_o there_o be_v inquiry_n which_o tend_v to_o edification_n rather_o study_v to_o make_v thyself_o better_a then_o to_o prove_v another_o to_o be_v bad_a 6_o keep_v up_o uprightness_n and_o by_o no_o mean_n away_o with_o hypocrisy_n say_v not_o the_o sin_n be_v little_a simile_n for_o many_o a_o man_n have_v dye_v of_o a_o little_a wound_n and_o we_o all_o know_v that_o the_o small_a end_n of_o the_o wedge_n make_v way_n for_o the_o great_a nor_o say_v it_o be_v secret_a a_o man_n may_v die_v of_o a_o secret_a stab_n as_o well_o as_o of_o a_o open_a wound_n when_o the_o child_n of_o the_o prophet_n taste_v of_o the_o pottage_n they_o cry_v out_o mors_fw-la in_o olla_fw-es death_n be_v in_o the_o pot_n and_o so_o shall_v we_o find_v upon_o experience_n that_o there_o go_v a_o die_a influence_n with_o
diligence_n to_o walk_v with_o god_n oh_o why_o be_v it_o whence_o be_v it_o that_o now_o it_o be_v not_o as_o once_o it_o be_v there_o be_v not_o that_o connaturalnesse_n as_o former_o the_o word_n work_v not_o on_o thou_o as_o former_o the_o sacrament_n work_v not_o on_o thou_o as_o former_o the_o word_n of_o threaten_v reveal_v wrath_n and_o thou_o tremble_v not_o the_o word_n of_o promise_n reveal_v goodness_n and_o thou_o love_v it_o not_o fidelity_n and_o thou_o believe_v it_o not_o the_o sacrament_n open_v the_o blood_n of_o a_o saviour_n and_o thou_o thirste_a not_o thou_o rejoic_a not_o thou_o be_v grow_v dull_a under_o all_o and_o bar_n ren_fw-it after_o all_o thy_o dead_a heart_n argue_v that_o thou_o be_v a_o die_a soul_n 5_o the_o same_o may_v be_v say_v for_o our_o conversation_n and_o way_n if_o they_o be_v now_o dead_a in_o respect_n of_o sinfulness_n or_o dead_a in_o respect_n of_o unprofitablenesse_n that_o we_o be_v now_o become_v as_o the_o heath_n that_o bring_v forth_o nothing_o or_o as_o the_o briar_n which_o bring_v forth_o thorn_n that_o we_o turn_v all_o religion_n into_o a_o discourse_n or_o censure_n or_o dispute_v we_o can_v eat_v and_o drink_v and_o talk_v and_o sin_n how_o have_v the_o shadow_n of_o death_n cover_v we_o how_o chill_n and_o languish_a be_v our_o grace_n turn_v well_o serious_o consider_v of_o these_o thing_n you_o who_o hear_v i_o this_o day_n and_o look_v to_o it_o that_o you_o be_v not_o a_o die_a people_n more_o fearful_a will_v your_o condition_n be_v than_o the_o condition_n of_o other_o for_o first_o you_o have_v more_o enliven_a mean_n then_o any_o people_n on_o the_o earth_n no_o city_n like_a unto_o you_o for_o public_a offer_n or_o for_o private_a opportunity_n you_o be_v even_o exalt_v unto_o heaven_n in_o the_o abundance_n and_o choice_n of_o spiritual_a help_n and_o therefore_o your_o decay_n will_v have_v more_o in_o the_o account_n then_o other_o man_n the_o more_o mean_n of_o strength_n and_o life_n accidental_o make_v die_v disease_n to_o be_v the_o more_o deadly_a 2_o we_o can_v but_o approve_v your_o flock_v to_o the_o word_n and_o service_n of_o god_n in_o season_n and_o out_o of_o season_n as_o if_o you_o will_v take_v the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n by_o force_n if_o now_o under_o so_o fair_a a_o complexion_n you_o shall_v be_v in_o a_o consumption_n that_o the_o vital_n of_o godliness_n shall_v slack_v and_o pine_v away_o in_o your_o heart_n and_o private_a walking_n this_o dissonancie_n will_v be_v not_o only_o shameful_a to_o your_o profession_n but_o also_o uncomfortable_a to_o your_o conscience_n 2_o again_o another_o way_n person_n may_v discern_v whether_o they_o be_v die_v and_o decay_v by_o a_o observation_n of_o the_o act_n or_o operation_n of_o their_o grace_n as_o if_o they_o be_v faint_a and_o more_o inconstant_a simile_n you_o see_v that_o the_o root_n be_v less_o able_a when_o but_o a_o little_a fruit_n appear_v on_o the_o tree_n and_o that_o the_o spring_n be_v fall_v when_o the_o stream_n scarce_o run_v which_o yet_o be_v wont_a to_o flow_v when_o grace_n be_v scarce_o active_a or_o be_v uneven_a in_o their_o general_a act_n sure_o there_o be_v some_o spiritual_a languor_n in_o thou_o o_o christian_n thy_o faith_n do_v not_o commit_v thing_n to_o god_n as_o heretofore_o and_o thy_o love_n be_v not_o so_o settle_v on_o christ_n as_o heretofore_o and_o thy_o patience_n can_v bear_v in_o any_o measure_n as_o heretofore_o and_o thy_o sorrow_n be_v dry_a and_o thy_o zeal_n be_v cool_v etc._n etc._n simile_n if_o thy_o eye_n can_v see_v so_o well_o but_o grow_v dark_a and_o thy_o foot_n can_v go_v so_o well_o but_o grow_v lame_a and_o thy_o shoulder_n can_v bear_v so_o well_o but_o grow_v weak_a it_o be_v a_o argument_n that_o natural_a vigour_n be_v decay_v the_o same_o may_v be_v say_v for_o our_o spiritual_a condition_n if_o grace_n exert_v not_o themselves_o in_o a_o former_a vigour_n etc._n etc._n note_n i_o pray_v you_o to_o observe_v that_o grace_n be_v give_v unto_o we_o for_o three_o end_n and_o use_n 1_o to_o be_v incline_v principle_n to_o gracious_a or_o holy_a act_n 2_o to_o be_v enlarge_n principle_n to_o pious_a performance_n 3_o to_o be_v cleanse_v &_o oppose_v principle_n of_o sinful_a corruption_n 1_o they_o be_v incline_v principle_n to_o gracious_a act_n the_o nature_n of_o man_n without_o grace_n be_v like_o a_o dead_a man_n who_o have_v no_o disposition_n to_o walk_v but_o when_o grace_n come_v into_o the_o soul_n it_o do_v enliven_v it_o and_o enable_v it_o and_o incline_v or_o dispose_v it_o unto_o holy_a operation_n to_o mind_n to_o will_v to_o desire_v to_o do_v heavenly_a work_n as_o you_o see_v in_o saint_n paul_n when_o convert_v that_o renew_v grace_n incline_v he_o quite_o to_o another_o way_n and_o to_o other_o act_n to_o pray_v to_o preach_v christ_n etc._n etc._n now_o where_o be_v that_o ancient_a disposition_n in_o thou_o unto_o good_a duty_n whence_o be_v that_o wonderful_a unwilling_a esse_fw-la and_o untowardlinesse_n of_o spirit_n in_o thou_o how_o come_v it_o to_o pass_v that_o if_o thou_o do_v serve_v the_o lord_n it_o be_v as_o if_o it_o be_v of_o constraint_n there_o be_v a_o kind_n of_o averseness_n and_o hang_v back_o thou_o do_v not_o mind_v he_o in_o any_o measure_n and_o his_o law_n be_v not_o in_o thy_o heart_n 2_o again_o they_o be_v enlarge_n principle_n they_o do_v not_o only_o enable_v a_o man_n to_o good_a performance_n for_o the_o matter_n but_o also_o for_o the_o manner_n they_o make_v we_o a_o willing_a people_n in_o the_o day_n of_o our_o offering_n and_o to_o delight_v to_o do_v the_o will_n of_o god_n and_o to_o be_v glad_a in_o go_v to_o the_o house_n of_o the_o lord_n but_o now_o there_o be_v not_o that_o relish_n of_o godliness_n there_o be_v not_o delightfulness_n of_o service_n there_o be_v not_o that_o liberty_n and_o alacrity_n of_o spirit_n thou_o be_v become_v a_o dull_a and_o heavy_a christian_a as_o if_o there_o be_v not_o that_o suitableness_n '_o twiâ—t_v thy_o heart_n and_o holy_a duty_n thou_o be_v grow_v very_o slothful_a and_o careless_a and_o negligent_a in_o thy_o work_n 3_o last_o they_o be_v cleanse_v and_o oppose_v principle_n of_o corruption_n therefore_o compare_v to_o water_v which_o wash_v out_o the_o spot_n and_o to_o fire_v which_o fetch_v off_o the_o rust_n and_o as_o our_o corrupt_a flesh_n be_v say_v to_o lust_n against_o the_o spirit_n so_o the_o renew_a spirit_n be_v say_v to_o lust_n against_o the_o flesh_n and_o they_o be_v contrary_a one_o to_o the_o other_o still_o in_o opposition_n and_o conflict_n and_o so_o the_o time_n have_v be_v that_o thou_o have_v find_v it_o that_o grace_n do_v humble_a and_o cleanse_v thy_o heart_n from_o the_o love_n of_o sin_n and_o raise_v tender_a fear_n about_o it_o and_o singular_a hatred_n and_o opposition_n of_o it_o yea_o the_o very_a thought_n of_o sin_n be_v a_o heavy_a burden_n to_o thou_o how_o often_o by_o reason_n of_o the_o rebellion_n in_o nature_n have_v thou_o cry_v out_o with_o saint_n paul_n o_o wretched_a man_n that_o i_o be_o who_o shall_v deliver_v i_o etc._n etc._n be_v it_o thus_o now_o why_o be_v it_o not_o thus_o now_o be_v sin_n quite_o subdue_v or_o think_v thou_o that_o grace_n and_o sin_n will_v ever_o be_v at_o truce_n nay_o but_o why_o do_v thou_o suffer_v those_o contemplative_a evil_n to_o lodge_v in_o thy_o mind_n or_o those_o delightful_a imagination_n to_o tickle_v and_o invegle_v thy_o affection_n nay_o how_o dare_v thou_o to_o be_v tamper_n with_o act_n if_o not_o sinful_a yet_o doubtful_a and_o as_o like_a sin_n as_o can_v be_v and_o which_o occasion_n sin_n yea_o and_o sin_n prevail_v much_o on_o thou_o as_o pride_n vanity_n etc._n etc._n and_o under_o all_o this_o thy_o heart_n smite_v thou_o not_o restrain_v thou_o not_o the_o time_n have_v be_v thou_o dare_v not_o have_v be_v or_o do_v this_o for_o a_o world_n etc._n etc._n object_n but_o if_o the_o case_n be_v so_o may_n some_o tender_a conscience_n reply_n than_o i_o fear_v my_o estate_n be_v not_o right_a for_o i_o never_o have_v so_o much_o ado_n with_o a_o sinful_a nature_n all_o my_o life_n as_o of_o late_a day_n and_o if_o the_o great_a power_n of_o sin_n show_v the_o more_o weaken_a estate_n of_o grace_n i_o be_o then_o the_o person_n in_o a_o die_a condition_n sol._n to_o this_o i_o answer_v brief_o 1_o you_o must_v distinguish_v betwixt_o the_o turbulence_n of_o sin_n and_o the_o prevalency_n of_o sin_n the_o spiritual_a condition_n be_v not_o decay_v because_o sin_n be_v more_o molest_v and_o rebel_a but_o because_o sin_n be_v more_o prevail_a and_o lead_v 2_o between_o sin_n in_o conflict_n and_o sin_n in_o subjection_n
every_o sin_n therefore_o take_v heed_n of_o all_o sin_v especial_o of_o those_o against_o knowledge_n and_o conscience_n these_o be_v peccata_fw-la vulnerantia_fw-la &_o divastantia_fw-la wound_v and_o waste_v sin_n the_o tender_a heart_n and_o the_o upright_a these_o be_v the_o live_n and_o the_o lively_a heart_n 7_o i_o may_v add_v that_o we_o must_v apply_v ourselves_o to_o a_o live_a christ_n and_o to_o live_a ordinance_n etc._n etc._n but_o these_o allege_a rule_n shall_v suffice_v for_o this_o time_n object_n but_o suppose_v we_o be_v in_o a_o die_a condition_n what_o mean_v now_o sol._n 1_o find_v out_o the_o special_a disease_n or_o cause_n of_o thy_o decay_n in_o what_o grace_n most_o and_o by_o what_o mean_n and_o way_n and_o act_n 2_o be_v low_o humble_v that_o thou_o have_v so_o humble_v and_o abase_v thy_o glory_n thou_o shall_v grieve_v exceed_o that_o by_o thy_o great_a decay_n god_n have_v be_v so_o much_o dishonour_v his_o spirit_n grieve_v religion_n shame_v conscience_n wound_v and_o grace_v impair_v 3_o then_o use_v the_o mean_n prescribe_v here_o in_o the_o text_n strengthen_v the_o thing_n which_o remain_v that_o be_v ready_a to_o die_v whence_o we_o come_v to_o the_o next_o proposition_n viz._n doct._n that_o spiritual_n if_o languish_v and_o die_v be_v to_o be_v strengthen_v for_o the_o understanding_n of_o this_o assertion_n premise_v with_o i_o a_o few_o particular_n 1_o that_o there_o be_v a_o difference_n betwixt_o the_o implantation_n perfect_a strengthen_v of_o holy_a principle_n the_o implantation_n of_o they_o be_v nothing_o but_o their_o free_a and_o effectual_a communication_n unto_o a_o person_n from_o god_n holy_a spirit_n his_o hand_n alone_o set_v all_o these_o heavenly_a plant_n and_o from_o his_o sole_a goodness_n and_o power_n be_v all_o those_o star_n those_o shine_a and_o beautiful_a star_n create_v in_o our_o soul_n perfect_v of_o holy_a principle_n be_v nothing_o but_o a_o successive_a addition_n unto_o grace_n receive_v a_o rise_n or_o sprout_v of_o those_o plant_n a_o go_v on_o from_o a_o weak_a to_o a_o strong_a degree_n the_o strengthen_n of_o they_o differ_v from_o both_o for_o it_o be_v not_o a_o new_a creation_n of_o holy_a principle_n but_o a_o restauration_n of_o they_o and_o so_o it_o differ_v from_o grace_n implant_v and_o though_o it_o be_v a_o addition_n to_o grace_v receive_v yet_o this_o addition_n be_v not_o to_o grace_v as_o mere_o weak_a but_o proper_o to_o grace_v as_o weaken_v and_o so_o it_o differ_v from_o the_o perfect_a of_o holy_a principle_n 2_o the_o strengthen_n of_o decay_a principle_n or_o habit_n of_o grace_n it_o be_v a_o spiritual_a and_o proportionable_a reparation_n of_o they_o unto_o their_o former_a liberty_n and_o ability_n and_o efficacy_n it_o be_v not_o a_o mere_a sustain_n of_o they_o in_o genere_fw-la gratiarum_fw-la or_o in_o esse_fw-la vitali_fw-la that_o they_o shall_v not_o quite_o extinguish_v simile_n as_o when_o a_o house_n be_v only_o so_o keep_v that_o it_o fall_v not_o to_o the_o ground_n this_o be_v not_o sufficient_a to_o sustain_v for_o grace_n may_v be_v strengthen_v as_o radical_a habit_n when_o yet_o they_o may_v be_v pine_v in_o their_o vigour_n and_o remit_v in_o their_o measure_n and_o gradual_n but_o strengthen_v of_o grace_n import_v addition_n as_o well_o as_o sustentation_n simile_n like_a recovery_n which_o be_v health_n in_o some_o measure_n come_v and_o rise_v again_o nor_o be_v all_o regain_n sufficient_a unless_o it_o be_v proportionable_a to_o the_o estate_n of_o grace_n when_o it_o begin_v to_o decay_v &_o sink_v when_o the_o decay_a christian_n recover_v again_o unto_o that_o ancient_a pitch_n of_o heavenly_a power_n and_o inclination_n and_o unto_o his_o old_a liberty_n of_o holy_a act_n whether_o inward_a in_o the_o mind_n will_n and_o affection_n or_o outward_a in_o his_o open_a and_o visible_a duty_n now_o have_v he_o right_o strengthen_v himself_o it_o be_v true_a that_o before_o he_o full_o recover_v that_o equal_a pitch_n he_o may_v be_v say_v to_o strengthen_v his_o grace_n by_o way_n of_o disposition_n but_o punctual_o by_o way_n of_o habit_n the_o strengthen_n imply_v a_o new_a equality_n as_o it_o be_v to_o the_o latitude_n of_o his_o former_a condition_n 3_o there_o be_v a_o threefold_a strengthen_n of_o decay_a principle_n strength_n a_o threefold_a strength_n of_o holiness_n 1_o one_o be_v by_o way_n of_o authority_n and_o plain_a causality_n this_o strengthen_n be_v the_o work_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n jesus_n for_o as_o he_o only_o be_v life_n to_o a_o dead_a man_n so_o he_o only_o be_v medicine_n to_o a_o sick_a soul_n his_o blood_n be_v the_o only_a comfort_a medicine_n to_o a_o trouble_a conscience_n and_o his_o spirit_n be_v the_o only_o strengthen_v medicine_n to_o a_o decay_a christian_a it_o be_v he_o who_o must_v set_v we_o upon_o our_o leg_n again_o and_o who_o must_v make_v our_o wither_a branch_n to_o flourish_v again_o now_o christ_n jesus_n do_v way_n christ_n strengthen_v three_o way_n strengthen_v the_o languish_a christian_n as_o i_o suppose_v three_o way_n 1_o excitando_fw-la by_o awaken_n he_o out_o of_o his_o drowsy_a and_o deadly_a sleep_n like_o those_o to_o jonah_n what_o mean_v thou_o o_o sleeper_n arise_v so_o do_v jesus_n christ_n awaken_v the_o decay_a christian_a partly_o per_fw-la sermonem_fw-la sonantem_fw-la by_o the_o powerful_a knock_v be_v of_o the_o word_n which_o will_v not_o let_v he_o rest_v thus_o but_o charge_v on_o he_o all_o the_o wrath_n of_o god_n and_o the_o withdrawment_n of_o his_o love_n if_o he_o will_v continue_v thus_o partly_o per_fw-la sermonem_fw-la tonantem_fw-la by_o some_o singular_a affliction_n and_o near_a correction_n scourge_v of_o he_o in_o some_o singular_a outward_a mercy_n that_o he_o may_v see_v his_o spiritual_a loss_n in_o temporary_a one_o partly_o per_fw-la sermonem_fw-la pulsantem_fw-la by_o his_o own_o spirit_n clear_v the_o eye_n of_o his_o understanding_n to_o open_v and_o reflect_v and_o consider_v on_o the_o decay_a condition_n as_o also_o by_o exciting_a the_o conscience_n bitter_o to_o accuse_v and_o judge_v he_o for_o this_o reciduation_n and_o withering_n with_o much_o torment_n fear_v and_o shame_n 2_o adjuvando_fw-la by_o confer_v 698._o alvarez_n de_fw-fr aux_fw-fr gr._n disp_n 88_o p._n 698._o on_o he_o actual_a and_o efficacious_a strength_n specialem_fw-la concursumro_fw-la burr_n actuale_fw-la whereby_o his_o will_n resolve_v to_o forsake_v those_o course_n of_o death_n and_o to_o turn_v back_o again_o into_o the_o path_n of_o light_n and_o be_v also_o enable_v by_o that_o help_a grace_n both_o to_o bewail_v its_o former_a decay_n and_o also_o earnest_o and_o constant_o to_o supplicate_v the_o throne_n of_o grace_n and_o mercy_n for_o pardon_n and_o for_o strength_n to_o recover_v 3_o renovando_fw-la by_o a_o daily_o infuse_v in_o the_o use_n of_o mean_n such_o new_a measure_n and_o degree_n of_o holiness_n until_o the_o decay_a christian_n recover_v his_o former_a ability_n and_o vigour_n shake_v off_o his_o corruption_n and_o attain_v unto_o that_o strength_n of_o holy_a understanding_n faith_n will_n love_n desire_v fear_v care_n obedience_n as_o heretofore_o 2_o another_o be_v by_o way_n of_o ministry_n and_o office_n this_o concern_v the_o pastor_n of_o flock_n who_o shall_v consider_v the_o estate_n of_o their_o sheep_n and_o if_o they_o find_v any_o to_o wander_v to_o reduce_v they_o into_o the_o way_n of_o truth_n if_o any_o to_o be_v weak_a to_o bear_v they_o up_o in_o their_o arm_n with_o comfort_n if_o any_o to_o be_v pine_v and_o decay_v to_o stir_v they_o up_o by_o holy_a reproof_n and_o pious_a counsel_n and_o direction_n for_o all_o the_o way_n of_o a_o speedy_a and_o safe_a recovery_n and_o many_o interpreter_n think_v this_o the_o principal_a strengthen_n mean_v and_o intend_v in_o this_o place_n 3_o a_o three_o by_o way_n of_o personal_a duty_n and_o so_o the_o decay_a christian_a strengthener_n himself_o when_o be_v awaken_v and_o excite_v and_o assist_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n he_o apply_v himself_o unto_o and_o continue_v in_o the_o use_n of_o all_o holy_a and_o raise_v mean_n whether_o private_a or_o public_a or_o both_o until_o god_n again_o strengthen_v what_o he_o have_v wrought_v in_o he_o this_o strengthen_v be_v partly_o privative_a in_o the_o expulsion_n of_o those_o disease_n and_o occasion_n which_o have_v impair_v the_o spiritual_a condition_n positive_a in_o a_o continual_a succour_v of_o the_o spiritual_a condition_n till_o it_o recover_v to_o its_o ancient_a degree_n and_o station_n quest_n but_o why_o must_v the_o spiritual_a condition_n be_v thus_o strengthen_v reason_n hereof_o be_v many_o sol._n 1_o spiritual_a decay_n be_v exceed_v loss_n therefore_o to_o be_v repair_v and_o strengthen_v they_o be_v a_o loss_n in_o that_o which_o be_v our_o excellency_n holiness_n be_v the_o glory_n of_o a_o
god_n and_o the_o dignity_n of_o a_o christian_a it_o be_v holiness_n which_o make_v thou_o to_o differ_v from_o man_n more_o than_o reason_n make_v thou_o to_o differ_v from_o beast_n if_o with_o he_o in_o the_o gospel_n thou_o shall_v lose_v thy_o sheep_n or_o with_o she_o in_o the_o gospel_n thou_o shall_v lose_v thy_o groat_n thou_o will_v seek_v to_o recover_v they_o how_o much_o more_o when_o thy_o crown_n be_v lose_v etc._n etc._n in_o that_o which_o be_v our_o safety_n grace_n be_v not_o only_a ornamenta_fw-la beautiful_a garment_n but_o munimenta_fw-la powerful_a weapon_n thou_o lose_v thy_o weapon_n in_o the_o very_a field_n before_o thy_o enemy_n if_o thou_o lose_v thy_o spiritual_n and_o make_v thyself_o naked_a so_o that_o any_o temptation_n may_v insult_v over_o thou_o and_o wound_v thou_o simile_n at_o least_o thou_o can_v not_o so_o well_o wield_v and_o use_v thy_o weapon_n a_o break_a arm_n what_o can_v it_o do_v especial_o with_o a_o dull_a weapon_n against_o strong_a and_o skilful_a adversary_n in_o that_o which_o be_v our_o serenity_n the_o weaken_a grace_n and_o the_o wound_a conscience_n still_o go_v together_o or_o if_o not_o than_o it_o be_v the_o die_a grace_n and_o the_o dead_a conscience_n which_o be_v far_o worse_a than_o the_o other_o in_o that_o which_o be_v our_o felicity_n ah_o unhappy_a christian_a who_o when_o thy_o bow_n abode_n in_o strength_n can_v see_v a_o love_a god_n enjoy_v a_o gracious_a father_n can_v speak_v to_o he_o much_o and_o hear_v from_o he_o much_o but_o now_o have_v change_v thy_o confidence_n into_o fear_n thy_o sun_n into_o darkness_n thy_o communion_n into_o strangeness_n thy_o glory_n into_o shame_n 2_o who_o know_v what_o the_o end_n will_v be_v if_o thou_o strengthen_v not_o thy_o decay_a grace_n the_o lord_n know_v how_o far_o thou_o may_v fall_v if_o thou_o will_v not_o think_v of_o rise_v thou_o see_v how_o poor_a a_o crop_n of_o duty_n come_v from_o thy_o decay_a grace_n thou_o feel_v thy_o affection_n almost_o go_v thou_o apprehend_v not_o only_o a_o weakness_n but_o a_o weariness_n in_o holy_a service_n thou_o find_v thy_o appetite_n go_v from_o the_o word_n thou_o know_v thy_o neglect_n of_o many_o a_o sacrament_n thou_o can_v not_o but_o observe_v a_o vanity_n to_o arise_v in_o thy_o mind_n in_o stead_n of_o heavenly_a purity_n and_o a_o more_o delightful_a consociation_n with_o vain_a and_o idle_a person_n then_o with_o solid_a and_o fruitful_a christian_n yea_o and_o since_o thy_o grace_n have_v be_v weaken_v easy_a temptation_n have_v be_v very_o likely_a if_o not_o altogether_o effectual_a to_o ensnare_v thou_o to_o great_a transgression_n from_o many_o omission_n thou_o be_v now_o ready_a for_o great_a commission_n simile_n so_o that_o like_o a_o stone_n run_v down_o a_o hill_n or_o a_o man_n carry_v further_o and_o further_o into_o the_o sea_n thou_o do_v endanger_v what_o in_o thou_o lie_v the_o very_a soul_n and_o salvation_n of_o thyself_o and_o the_o love_n of_o god_n be_v it_o not_o set_v be_v not_o his_o frown_n rise_v and_o here_o will_v be_v work_n now_o make_v for_o that_o miserable_a soul_n of_o thou_o which_o have_v so_o far_o go_v from_o home_n and_o be_v depart_v from_o thy_o father_n house_n 3_o we_o be_v bind_v to_o keep_v our_o grace_n in_o repair_n and_o more_o than_o so_o orgo_v we_o be_v not_o to_o rest_v in_o a_o decay_a estate_n but_o to_o recover_v etc._n etc._n simile_n as_o the_o tenant_n who_o take_v a_o house_n be_v bind_v to_o keep_v it_o in_o repair_n that_o it_o may_v be_v habitable_a against_o wind_n and_o weather_n so_o must_v we_o keep_v up_o the_o grace_n give_v unto_o we_o and_o not_o let_v they_o sink_v at_o all_o nay_o more_o than_o so_o we_o be_v bind_v against_o not_o only_a decay_n but_o against_o mere_a stand_n we_o must_v proceed_v from_o faith_n to_o faith_n we_o must_v perfect_v holiness_n in_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n we_o must_v grow_v in_o the_o love_n and_o knowledge_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n we_o must_v abound_v in_o all_o the_o fruit_n of_o righteousness_n we_o must_v use_v and_o increase_v our_o talent_n it_o will_v not_o be_v a_o answer_n of_o proof_n to_o retain_v our_o naked_a talon_n and_o say_v master_n there_o be_v thy_o own_o the_o first_o use_n of_o this_o point_n shall_v be_v to_o stir_v we_o up_o to_o the_o use_v use_v practice_n of_o this_o duty_n i_o will_v not_o spend_v time_n to_o demonstrate_v that_o we_o need_v strengthen_v i_o may_v speak_v my_o conscience_n with_o grief_n that_o general_o we_o be_v a_o decay_a people_n in_o the_o power_n of_o godliness_n and_o flame_n of_o holy_a affection_n yea_o our_o own_o conscience_n secret_o testify_v against_o we_o this_o day_n that_o so_o it_o be_v yea_o the_o judgement_n of_o god_n the_o fire_n of_o his_o wrath_n which_o begin_v to_o burn_v and_o fly_v abroad_o in_o this_o city_n yet_o again_o testify_v as_o much_o and_o therefore_o my_o exhortation_n to_o we_o all_o be_v that_o we_o wise_o consider_v of_o our_o die_n and_o decay_n ah_o if_o the_o plague_n shall_v break_v into_o our_o dwelling_n and_o take_v we_o away_o in_o our_o decay_a estate_n a_o torment_a sore_n and_o a_o torment_a conscience_n a_o die_a spirit_n and_o a_o die_a body_n both_o at_o once_o the_o lord_n know_v the_o woefulness_n of_o such_o a_o condition_n there_o be_v only_o three_o thing_n which_o i_o shall_v commend_v unto_o you_o for_o the_o application_n of_o this_o viz._n 1_o the_o motive_n to_o excite_v we_o 2_o the_o mean_n to_o perform_v it_o thing_n three_o thing_n 3_o the_o manner_n of_o do_v it_o 1_o the_o motive_n to_o excite_v we_o to_o strengthen_v our_o spiritual_a condition_n shall_v disadvantage_n seven_o disadvantage_n be_v draw_v from_o the_o disadvantage_n in_o a_o weaken_a &_o the_o advantage_n of_o a_o strengthen_v condition_n 1_o in_o respect_n of_o duty_n the_o christian_n be_v to_o be_v god_n workman_n he_o be_v the_o servant_n of_o the_o lord_n who_o impose_v on_o he_o not_o a_o few_o but_o many_o work_n not_o easy_a but_o many_o time_n difficult_a worker_n not_o for_o a_o while_n but_o constant_a work_n such_o duty_n that_o a_o little_a knowledge_n will_v not_o serve_v the_o turn_n nor_o a_o little_a wisdom_n nor_o a_o little_a faith_n nor_o a_o little_a patience_n etc._n etc._n some_o of_o these_o duty_n be_v active_a some_o passive_a some_o respect_v his_o general_n some_o his_o particular_a call_n some_o of_o relation_n to_o god_n some_o to_o man_n some_o to_o himself_o now_o the_o weaken_a christian_a he_o be_v no_o body_n to_o the_o strengthen_v christian_a for_o duty_n for_o every_o man_n be_v as_o his_o strength_n be_v and_o our_o action_n for_o the_o course_n of_o they_o be_v as_o the_o ability_n of_o the_o soul_n be_v from_o whence_o they_o come_v the_o weaken_a christian_n come_v very_o short_a of_o the_o other_o both_o for_o his_o adaptation_n of_o spirit_n unto_o duty_n there_o be_v not_o that_o connaturalnesse_n if_o i_o may_v so_o speak_v of_o his_o spirit_n to_o spiritual_a office_n duty_n come_v hardly_o from_o he_o simile_n like_o a_o rusty_a key_n to_o open_v a_o door_n he_o do_v his_o work_n with_o a_o more_o indispose_a spirit_n not_o free_o but_o like_o a_o sickeman_n he_o go_v very_o little_a and_o be_v quick_o weary_a and_o poor_o not_o full_o whereas_o the_o strengthen_v christian_n duty_n flow_v from_o he_o as_o from_o a_o easy_a principle_n and_o lively_a and_o quick_a cause_n his_o adequation_n of_o duty_n to_o the_o rule_n he_o do_v not_o mind_n the_o rule_n of_o holy_a action_n so_o much_o nor_o do_v he_o proportion_v his_o work_n to_o the_o command_n god_n may_v command_v much_o more_o than_o he_o do_v for_o ordinary_o the_o decay_a christian_n be_v guilty_a of_o many_o omission_n he_o fail_v wonderful_o ofttimes_o in_o pass_v over_o the_o duty_n of_o prayer_n or_o read_v or_o hear_v etc._n etc._n but_o the_o strengthen_v christian_a he_o be_v for_o all_o duty_n difficult_a as_o well_o as_o easy_a private_a as_o well_o as_o public_a though_o he_o can_v intensive_o answer_v the_o rule_n for_o duty_n yet_o extensive_o he_o do_v know_o and_o willing_o he_o omit_v no_o duty_n his_o affective_a cooperation_n with_o duty_n he_o do_v duty_n but_o without_o such_o coworking_a affection_n more_o formal_o he_o do_v pray_v and_o hear_v perhaps_o but_o it_o be_v cold_o and_o sleepy_o it_o be_v not_o as_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d but_o as_o if_o it_o be_v some_o indifferent_a work_n he_o act_v with_o a_o careless_a and_o indifferent_a spirit_n his_o eye_n be_v not_o so_o full_a on_o god_n glory_n nor_o be_v his_o heart_n so_o warm_a in_o prayer_n etc._n etc._n his_o coal_n of_o fire_n burn_v in_o a_o cold_a hearth_n he_o be_v not_o
lively_a in_o live_a work_n but_o perform_v spiritual_a work_n without_o much_o spiritualnesse_n but_o the_o strengthen_v christian_n have_v working_n in_o his_o work_n or_o as_o in_o ezekiel_n there_o be_v a_o wheel_n within_o a_o wheel_n he_o serve_v the_o lord_n with_o a_o fervent_a spirit_n and_o with_o all_o his_o soul_n he_o be_v exceed_o glad_a to_o obey_v and_o be_v much_o grieve_v that_o he_o can_v obey_v the_o lord_n no_o better_o acceptation_n of_o duty_n the_o lord_n do_v not_o look_v so_o upon_o his_o offering_n as_o on_o the_o duty_n of_o a_o strengthen_v christian_a it_o be_v true_a that_o the_o lord_n do_v not_o despise_v the_o day_n of_o small_a thing_n even_o weak_a service_n be_v gracious_o respect_v by_o he_o but_o when_o christian_n weaken_v their_o own_o operation_n they_o do_v weaken_v also_o god_n acceptation_n for_o the_o lord_n be_v please_v different_o to_o answer_v his_o servant_n according_a to_o their_o different_a disposition_n and_o temper_n faint_a 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on_o which_o one_o may_v gather_v fruit_n he_o be_v to_o be_v a_o steward_n of_o the_o manifold_a gift_n not_o enclose_v but_o employ_v of_o they_o for_o the_o benefit_n of_o other_o his_o box_n of_o ointment_n shall_v be_v open_v if_o thou_o be_v good_a thou_o be_v bind_v also_o to_o do_v good_a for_o grace_n be_v give_v not_o only_o to_o make_v we_o good_a but_o also_o to_o make_v we_o to_o do_v good_a but_o thus_o it_o be_v not_o with_o the_o decay_a christian_n he_o be_v now_o fall_v into_o a_o penurious_a stock_n of_o grace_n have_v almost_o lose_v the_o art_n and_o skill_n of_o profitablenesse_n his_o act_n seem_v rather_o to_o be_v those_o of_o civility_n than_o piety_n he_o may_v be_v as_o facetious_a but_o be_v not_o so_o religious_a in_o conversing_n his_o discourse_n be_v more_o censorious_a and_o insolent_a then_o substantial_a and_o edify_a i_o confess_v that_o some_o christian_n can_v so_o draw_v out_o their_o treasure_n through_o a_o bashfulness_n of_o spirit_n but_o he_o be_v grow_v less_o active_a because_o less_o able_a his_o barrenness_n be_v in_o the_o cause_n and_o not_o in_o the_o instrument_n so_o that_o he_o may_v eat_v and_o drink_v with_o other_o but_o no_o good_a come_v from_o he_o his_o lip_n preserve_v not_o knowledge_n nor_o do_v his_o communication_n administer_v grace_n to_o the_o hear_v whence_o it_o follow_v 1_o that_o god_n have_v little_a or_o no_o glory_n by_o he_o 2_o that_o the_o saint_n have_v little_a or_o no_o delight_n in_o he_o 3_o that_o his_o conscience_n have_v little_a or_o no_o comfort_n in_o itself_o 3_o for_o clearness_n his_o river_n be_v not_o so_o sweet_a but_o ever_o and_o anon_o it_o prove_v brackish_a his_o sun_n though_o it_o run_v its_o course_n yet_o it_o be_v frequent_o cloud_v so_o be_v it_o with_o his_o life_n he_o be_v not_o do_v
of_o good_a so_o but_o withal_o ever_o and_o anon_o he_o be_v do_v of_o some_o evil_n his_o weaken_a grace_n can_v bear_v he_o up_o against_o strong_a occasion_n and_o temptation_n his_o gold_n lie_v much_o in_o the_o ash_n simile_n and_o like_o a_o lame_a man_n he_o be_v not_o only_o halt_v in_o his_o best_a motion_n but_o ever_o and_o anon_o quite_o down_o the_o snuff_n get_v above_o his_o candle_n 4_o for_o delightfulness_n he_o be_v almost_o a_o stranger_n to_o exact_v christian_n and_o do_v not_o honour_v they_o so_o much_o as_o former_o but_o secret_o fear_v their_o company_n and_o judgement_n he_o be_v perhaps_o more_o ashamed_a or_o else_o more_o afraid_a of_o they_o his_o conscience_n be_v yet_o so_o apprehensive_a that_o he_o interpret_v every_o glance_n as_o a_o secret_a check_n of_o his_o decay_n thus_o be_v it_o not_o with_o the_o strengthen_v christian_a who_o grace_n be_v high_a carefulness_n great_a usefulness_n large_a godliness_n even_o and*_n great_a delight_n take_v 1._o psal_n 16._o 1._o up_o among_o the_o best_a and_o choice_a christian_n he_o himself_o still_o grow_v better_a and_o other_o by_o he_o 5_o in_o respect_n of_o consolation_n the_o decline_a sun_n create_v the_o long_o and_o dark_a shadow_n and_o the_o decay_a christian_n bring_v on_o himself_o either_o the_o sharp_a terror_n or_o deep_a grief_n the_o sick_a bed_n be_v full_a of_o pain_n neither_o his_o own_o spirit_n nor_o god_n spirit_n speak_v peace_n unto_o he_o he_o who_o of_o bad_a begin_v to_o be_v good_a may_v have_v much_o tranquillity_n but_o he_o who_o of_o good_a become_v less_o good_a ever_o become_v more_o undelightfull_a to_o god_n and_o most_o unquiet_a with_o himself_o simile_n the_o ship_n which_o go_v out_o in_o low_a ebb_n fall_v foul_a on_o the_o sand_n so_o christian_n who_o ebb_n in_o grace_n shall_v always_o flow_v with_o sorrow_n but_o it_o be_v otherwise_o with_o the_o strengthen_v christian_a for_o rise_a grace_n breed_v strong_a comfort_n and_o long_o there_o be_v not_o only_o not_o trouble_v accusation_n but_o a_o most_o surpass_a excusation_n in_o conscience_n he_o have_v a_o better_a heart_n and_o shall_v therefore_o find_v a_o more_o quiet_a spirit_n for_o conscience_n speak_v peace_n answerable_a to_o our_o being_n more_o good_a and_o do_v of_o it_o alas_o that_o thou_o shall_v still_o walk_v like_o a_o benoni_n a_o child_n of_o sorrow_n whereas_o the_o other_o christian_a life_n like_o a_o barnabas_n a_o son_n of_o consolation_n 6_o in_o respect_n of_o affliction_n the_o weaken_a in_o active_a grace_n be_v ever_o most_o weak_a in_o passive_a duty_n general_o he_o have_v more_o cross_n and_o or_o himself_o less_o wisdom_n and_o strength_n to_o bear_v they_o because_o he_o be_v grow_v worse_o therefore_o his_o affliction_n be_v increase_v and_o because_o his_o ability_n be_v sink_v therefore_o the_o affliction_n crush_v and_o prick_v he_o much_o the_o more_o samson_n who_o can_v easy_o break_v through_o many_o cord_n and_o bar_n yet_o when_o weaken_v a_o few_o philistine_n be_v too_o hard_o for_o he_o he_o can_v be_v so_o patient_a nor_o yet_o so_o confident_a nor_o yet_o so_o diligent_a in_o a_o suffer_a condition_n his_o weaken_a grace_n can_v neither_o administer_v strength_n nor_o yet_o subdue_v those_o working_n of_o impatience_n so_o that_o he_o be_v almost_o sink_v and_o split_v with_o calamity_n his_o decay_a ship_n can_v scarce_o abide_v any_o foul_a weather_n but_o when_o personal_a sickness_n come_v and_o the_o apprehension_n of_o death_n at_o which_o time_n his_o conscience_n be_v thorough_o waken_v ah_o how_o bitter_a how_o terrible_a be_v the_o thought_n and_o dispute_n of_o his_o heart_n at_o such_o a_o time_n much_o like_o those_o of_o he_o who_o apprehend_v his_o condition_n not_o to_o be_v good_a oh_o how_o the_o pulse_n of_o his_o disturb_v and_o disturb_a conscience_n work_v what_o reflection_n on_o his_o former_a way_n what_o comparison_n of_o his_o former_a flourishing_n with_o present_a decay_n what_o fear_n of_o approach_v before_o the_o lord_n what_o smart_a sentence_n on_o himself_o what_o sudden_a and_o vehement_a exclamation_n oh_o lord_n say_v he_o i_o will_v not_o yet_o die_v i_o be_o fall_v much_o from_o my_o god_n lord_n spare_v i_o a_o little_a that_o i_o may_v recover_v my_o strength_n my_o decay_a strength_n before_o i_o go_v hence_o and_o shall_v be_v no_o more_o see_v it_o be_v not_o so_o with_o the_o strengthen_v christian_a but_o as_o in_o active_a duty_n he_o be_v more_o forward_o so_o in_o passive_a duty_n he_o be_v more_o sufficient_a in_o loss_n in_o cross_n yea_o in_o death_n itself_o he_o be_v more_o submissive_a and_o confident_a he_o can_v with_o job_n be_v as_o willing_a to_o receive_v evil_a at_o the_o hand_n of_o god_n as_o good_a and_o do_v not_o only_o rejoice_v in_o his_o favour_n but_o in_o his_o stroke_n and_o be_v as_o ready_a to_o go_v to_o his_o father_n as_o to_o serve_v god_n his_o good_a master_n 7_o in_o respect_n of_o god_n manifestation_n the_o lord_n be_v please_v diverse_o to_o manifest_v himself_o to_o his_o people_n sometime_o in_o admirable_a motion_n and_o suggestion_n of_o his_o spirit_n sometime_o in_o more_o quick_a excitation_n of_o their_o spirit_n sometime_o in_o singular_a confirmation_n of_o they_o with_o assistance_n for_o extraordinary_a work_n sometime_o by_o secret_a impression_n of_o his_o favour_n and_o love_n upon_o their_o conscience_n which_o do_v revive_v their_o heart_n as_o wine_n and_o satisfy_v their_o soul_n as_o with_o marrow_n so_o david_n speak_v psal_n 63._o but_o now_o the_o weaken_a christian_a he_o darken_v this_o heaven_n over_o his_o head_n he_o have_v not_o that_o comfortable_a sight_n of_o god_n that_o assurance_n of_o his_o favour_n that_o joy_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n david_n lose_v the_o joy_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o the_o voice_n of_o gladness_n the_o arm_n of_o god_n be_v 51._o psal_n 51._o not_o so_o reveal_v in_o he_o for_o do_v of_o good_a nor_o the_o face_n of_o god_n so_o open_a unto_o he_o at_o all_o whereas_o the_o strengthen_v christian_n find_v it_o otherwise_o he_o have_v a_o better_a heart_n and_o a_o fair_a day_n his_o communion_n be_v sweet_a with_o the_o lord_n he_o still_o seek_v the_o lord_n and_o often_o find_v he_o enjoy_v he_o in_o his_o power_n and_o enjoy_v he_o in_o his_o graciousness_n the_o lord_n meet_v he_o that_o work_v righteousness_n and_o remember_v he_o who_o remember_v the_o lord_n in_o their_o way_n now_o think_v on_o these_o thing_n o_o thou_o fall_v and_o decay_a christian_n and_o rest_v not_o in_o thy_o weakness_n but_o recover_v and_o strengthen_v thy_o spiritual_n again_o three_o thing_n i_o will_v let_v fall_n thing_n three_o thing_n which_o perhaps_o may_v fetch_v and_o quicken_v thou_o again_o 1_o though_o thou_o be_v far_o sink_v yet_o thou_o may_v be_v raise_v again_o 2_o if_o thou_o do_v rise_v again_o the_o lord_n will_v gracious_o pardon_v thy_o decay_n 3_o if_o thou_o will_v set_v upon_o the_o strengthen_n work_n the_o lord_n will_v work_v in_o thou_o sufficient_a strength_n 1_o thou_o may_v be_v raise_v and_o strengthen_v again_o and_o that_o may_v appear_v thus_o unto_o thou_o 1_o repentance_n be_v possible_a for_o any_o sin_n which_o be_v commit_v and_o if_o renew_a repentance_n be_v possible_a than_o a_o recovery_n again_o be_v possible_a for_o as_o much_o as_o our_o recovery_n again_o consist_v very_o much_o in_o a_o renew_a repentance_n 2_o yea_o and_o we_o have_v example_n of_o weaken_a christian_n strengthen_v again_o as_o we_o know_v in_o david_n exceed_o wound_v but_o yet_o recover_v and_o peter_n grievous_o fall_v but_o gracious_o rise_v again_o 2_o if_o thou_o do_v strengthen_v thy_o condition_n the_o lord_n will_v merciful_o pardon_v thy_o former_a decay_n i_o confess_v that_o there_o may_v be_v sore_a ground_n of_o fear_n to_o entangle_v and_o depress_v the_o spirit_n of_o a_o decay_a christian_a for_o his_o sin_n by_o which_o he_o have_v decay_v may_v perhaps_o be_v heinous_a for_o the_o kind_n and_o also_o high_a for_o the_o circumstance_n be_v against_o knowledge_n against_o the_o working_n of_o conscience_n against_o the_o working_n of_o his_o grace_n against_o the_o tender_a love_n of_o god_n in_o christ_n show_v to_o he_o more_o than_o to_o another_o so_o that_o his_o heart_n may_v strong_o misgive_v he_o whether_o the_o lord_n will_v ever_o look_v upon_o he_o more_o and_o accept_v of_o he_o into_o favour_n but_o this_o i_o say_v that_o be_v thy_o decay_n what_o they_o will_v either_o for_o the_o matter_n of_o they_o or_o cause_n of_o they_o or_o circumstance_n of_o they_o if_o thou_o do_v rise_v again_o by_o a_o renew_a repentance_n i_o assure_v thou_o that_o the_o lord_n will_v pardon_v thou_o and_o accept_v of_o thou_o in_o christ_n look_v as_o the_o
more_o will_v that_o man_n grieve_v for_o sin_n the_o more_o will_v he_o fear_v to_o sin_n the_o more_o will_v he_o hate_v sin_n the_o more_o will_v he_o repent_v of_o sin_n the_o more_o careful_a will_v he_o be_v to_o walk_v before_o god_n the_o more_o tender_a and_o conscientious_a will_v he_o grow_v in_o duty_n the_o more_o able_a unto_o prayer_n and_o the_o ordinance_n and_o the_o more_o successful_a under_o they_o therefore_o deal_v prudent_o for_o thy_o strengthen_n simile_n when_o a_o house_n be_v decline_v we_o do_v not_o meddle_v with_o every_o rafter_n and_o piece_n of_o wood_n no_o but_o we_o strengthen_v the_o pillar_n and_o foundation_n faith_n be_v the_o pillar_n as_o it_o be_v of_o our_o grace_n strengthen_v it_o to_o more_o apprehension_n application_n to_o more_o submission_n to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n to_o more_o affiance_n to_o more_o dependence_n on_o god_n through_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n and_o faith_n will_v both_o find_v out_o thy_o strength_n and_o impart_v it_o i_o can_v do_v all_o thing_n through_o christ_n that_o strengthen_v i_o 2_o love_n this_o be_v another_o radical_a grace_n not_o that_o it_o bring_v forth_o other_o grace_n for_o their_o habit_n but_o only_o that_o it_o egg_v on_o other_o grace_n to_o their_o act_n and_o operation_n for_o as_o holy_a love_n be_v a_o most_o active_a quality_n in_o itself_o so_o it_o do_v make_v the_o christian_n to_o be_v most_o active_a it_o be_v a_o do_v thing_n and_o make_v the_o person_n to_o be_v do_v more_o full_o thus_o 1_o there_o be_v activity_n flow_v from_o love_n grace_n shall_v never_o be_v idle_a where_o the_o love_n of_o god_n be_v strong_a the_o love_n of_o christ_n constrain_v 5._o 2_o cor._n 5._o i_o say_v saint_n paul_n it_o be_v like_o the_o virtuous_a woman_n in_o the_o last_o of_o the_o proverb_n who_o do_v set_v all_o her_o handmaid_n to_o employment_n for_o love_n will_v find_v duty_n enough_o for_o it_o be_v never_o quiet_a but_o in_o do_v the_o will_n of_o god_n 2_o there_o be_v diligence_n it_o will_v not_o set_v grace_n to_o a_o naked_a work_n but_o to_o a_o diligent_a work_n even_o careful_o and_o diligent_o to_o express_v their_o act_n to_o take_v all_o the_o season_n of_o holy_a act_n strict_o to_o oppose_v and_o resist_v corruption_n neat_o to_o set_v out_o duty_n so_o as_o god_n may_v have_v most_o glory_n 3_o there_o be_v delightfulness_n it_o make_v our_o communion_n with_o god_n pleasant_a and_o the_o work_n of_o piety_n easy_a to_o the_o soul_n and_o the_o more_o delightful_a and_o easy_a any_o act_n be_v the_o more_o frequent_a they_o grow_v david_n love_v of_o the_o lord_n be_v glad_a when_o they_o say_v let_v we_o go_v unto_o the_o house_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o he_o have_v a_o desire_n even_o to_o dwell_v and_o rest_v there_o as_o the_o bird_n do_v psal_n 84._o 84._o psal_n 84._o now_o put_v all_o this_o together_o and_o you_o shall_v see_v that_o if_o love_v be_v strengthen_v all_o our_o spiritual_a estate_n will_v be_v strengthen_v for_o it_o make_v our_o grace_n to_o be_v active_a and_o do_v to_o be_v careful_a and_o exact_a in_o do_v to_o be_v delightful_a and_o cheerful_a in_o do_v good_a and_o in_o communion_n with_o god_n and_o all_o these_o be_v admirable_a mean_n to_o raise_v and_o strengthen_v grace_n forasmuch_o as_o the_o more_o any_o christian_n do_v the_o more_o he_o may_v by_o use_v his_o spiritual_a strength_n he_o always_o increase_v it_o and_o also_o wit_n all_o know_v that_o diligence_n in_o act_v be_v a_o thrifty_a course_n the_o diligent_a hand_n make_v rich_a say_v solomon_n so_o the_o diligent_a christian_a be_v the_o gain_v christian_n and_o that_o delightful_a frequency_n of_o act_v simile_n it_o be_v like_o the_o twist_v of_o a_o cord_n which_o come_v thereby_o to_o be_v the_o strong_a no_o christian_n be_v so_o able_a in_o the_o habit_n of_o grace_n as_o he_o who_o be_v conscientious_o frequent_a in_o the_o practice_n or_o exercise_v of_o grace_n 4_o serious_o and_o in_o good_a earnest_n and_o not_o slight_o and_o faint_o the_o recovery_n of_o a_o faint_a soul_n will_v never_o be_v effect_v by_o faint_a working_n simile_n gentle_a physic_n be_v improper_a for_o tough_a disease_n you_o do_v fall_v into_o your_o decay_a estate_n by_o remissive_a operation_n or_o act_n and_o think_v you_o that_o what_o be_v not_o able_a to_o keep_v up_o your_o grace_n from_o sink_v can_v now_o quicken_v and_o raise_v they_o be_v great_o sink_v if_o my_o hand_n can_v keep_v a_o swoon_a person_n from_o fall_v to_o the_o ground_n can_v they_o lift_v he_o up_o be_v fall_v whereas_o every_o heavy_a body_n the_o far_a it_o descend_v the_o heavy_a it_o be_v no_o no_o christian_n thou_o deceive_v thyself_o to_o think_v that_o a_o few_o complaint_n or_o a_o few_o sigh_n or_o a_o few_o tear_n or_o a_o prayer_n once_o in_o a_o quarter_n of_o a_o year_n more_o earnest_o press_v will_v serve_v the_o turn_n i_o tell_v thou_o that_o thy_o wound_n be_v deep_a and_o thy_o disease_n be_v strong_a thou_o be_v deep_o revolt_v from_o the_o lord_n the_o very_a foundation_n be_v shake_v and_o batter_v within_o thy_o soul_n what_o talk_v thou_o of_o put_v a_o soft_a cloth_n over_o thy_o stink_a and_o fester_a wound_n of_o sinful_a corruption_n thou_o ought_v to_o search_v deep_o and_o to_o cut_v off_o the_o dead_a flesh_n lest_o the_o whole_a be_v gangrene_v take_v my_o advice_n even_o break_v up_o the_o fallow_a ground_n i_o mean_v thy_o hollow_a heart_n search_n and_o try_v it_o to_o the_o utmost_a not_o by_o slight_a but_o by_o deep_a and_o full_a humiliation_n and_o supplication_n make_v thy_o peace_n not_o by_o common_a but_o by_o extraordinary_a performance_n seek_v to_o renew_v thyself_o thy_o fall_n have_v be_v great_a and_o therefore_o thy_o work_n must_v not_o be_v slight_a great_a sinning_n require_v grand_a sorrowing_n and_o low_a fall_n the_o more_o industry_n for_o high_a rise_n therefore_o act_v thy_o strengthen_n part_n with_o all_o thy_o strength_n and_o as_o it_o be_v for_o thy_o very_a life_n remember_v that_o david_n be_v in_o fast_v and_o peter_n in_o bitter_a tear_n for_o their_o fall_n and_o so_o they_o rise_v again_o 5_o thorough_o and_o to_o some_o purpose_n do_v not_o begin_v a_o strengthen_n work_n and_o then_o either_o upon_o the_o motion_n of_o a_o lazy_a heart_n or_o a_o fearful_a heart_n or_o a_o unbelieved_a heart_n be_v discourage_v and_o desist_v this_o inconstancy_n will_v keep_v thou_o in_o a_o everlasting_a infirmity_n simile_n just_a as_o if_o a_o patient_n shall_v follow_v the_o prescription_n of_o the_o physician_n for_o a_o day_n or_o two_o but_o afterward_o find_v that_o to_o be_v somewhat_o painful_a and_o troublesome_a he_o will_v be_v bind_v no_o long_o but_o then_o he_o fall_v ill_o again_o so_o if_o thou_o set_v upon_o the_o way_n of_o strengthen_v and_o a_o while_o thou_o will_v keep_v close_o to_o pray_v and_o hear_v and_o humble_v and_o reform_v but_o perceive_v the_o work_n to_o be_v painful_a and_o offensive_a to_o thy_o corrupt_a heart_n and_o too_o strict_a to_o thy_o licentious_a heart_n or_o the_o fruit_n of_o they_o to_o be_v hopeless_a to_o thy_o unbelieved_a heart_n i_o can_v hold_v out_o all_o be_v in_o vain_a or_o to_o little_a purpose_n i_o tell_v thou_o that_o thou_o do_v but_o play_v the_o fool_n with_o thy_o soul_n set_v it_o forward_o and_o backward_o this_o be_v to_o twist_v and_o untwist_v penelope_n thread_n thou_o never_o will_v get_v any_o thing_n by_o a_o inconstant_a and_o weary_a spirit_n but_o this_o must_v thou_o do_v if_o thou_o will_v recover_v thy_o strength_n indeed_o thou_o must_v never_o admit_v of_o interruption_n thou_o must_v never_o break_v off_o thy_o renew_n work_v till_o thou_o have_v get_v to_o thy_o former_a station_n in_o grace_n again_o the_o work_n must_v be_v a_o daily_a work_n a_o constant_a go_v on_o in_o mourning_n pray_v etc._n etc._n till_o thou_o have_v get_v thy_o tender_a conscience_n again_o till_o thou_o have_v get_v thy_o break_a heart_n again_o till_o thou_o have_v get_v thy_o more_o willing_o and_o cheerful_o obedient_a heart_n again_o till_o thou_o have_v recover_v thy_o first_o love_n and_o can_v do_v thy_o first_o work_n again_o object_n it_o be_v true_a thou_o shall_v meet_v with_o many_o temptation_n from_o satan_n with_o many_o contrary_a suggestion_n from_o thy_o own_o spirit_n and_o with_o many_o discouragement_n from_o the_o world_n and_o it_o be_v true_a also_o that_o thy_o do_n may_v not_o at_o every_o time_n equal_a or_o be_v like_a to_o itself_o thou_o may_v feel_v thy_o physic_n at_o one_o time_n to_o work_v better_a than_o at_o another_o sometime_o thou_o may_v do_v thy_o strengthen_n work_n with_o more_o strength_n sometime_o with_o