upon_o thy_o heart_n than_o there_o be_v upon_o thy_o out-comfort_n for_o then_o without_o this_o due_a consideration_n no_o duty_n be_v perform_v nor_o benefit_n receive_v by_o all_o our_o affliction_n 1._o in_o time_n of_o affliction_n consider_v the_o vanity_n of_o the_o creature_n when_o god_n deprive_v we_o of_o our_o outward_a comfort_n take_v away_o our_o dear_a relation_n now_o consider_v what_o vain_a thing_n they_o be_v that_o we_o promise_v ourselves_o so_o much_o comfort_n and_o contentment_n in_o how_o soon_o they_o wither_v one_o stroke_n from_o god_n separate_v we_o and_o they_o they_o be_v go_v we_o can_v talk_v of_o the_o vanity_n of_o the_o creature_n but_o it_o be_v never_o so_o well_o learned_a as_o when_o god_n teach_v by_o our_o own_o experience_n other_o man_n experience_n be_v not_o so_o much_o to_o we_o isa_n 40._o 6_o 7._o all_o flesh_n be_v grass_n all_o creature-enjoyment_n be_v wither_v grass_n 2._o consider_v the_o evil_a of_o sin_n be_v we_o in_o any_o affliction_n be_v we_o in_o pain_n under_o any_o trouble_n let_v we_o now_o consider_v what_o sin_n be_v which_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o all_o those_o misery_n these_o be_v the_o bitter_a fruit_n of_o sin_n 3._o consider_v also_o the_o end_n and_o design_n of_o god_n in_o our_o affliction_n show_v i_o wherefore_o thou_o contend_v with_o i_o what_o provocation_n have_v we_o give_v god_n what_o have_v we_o do_v 4._o what_o errand_n and_o message_n be_v this_o affliction_n come_v upon_o sure_o god_n have_v send_v it_o upon_o some_o errand_n what_o be_v his_o meaning_n 5._o consider_v also_o the_o merciful_a and_o gracious_a disposition_n of_o god_n towards_o his_o people_n in_o affliction_n deut._n 8._o 5._o heb._n 12._o 6._o rev._n 3._o 19_o he_o be_v grieve_v for_o they_o isa_n 63._o 9_o in_o all_o their_o affliction_n he_o be_v afflict_v he_o do_v not_o afflict_v willing_o he_o love_v they_o when_o he_o correct_v they_o 6._o consider_v god_n fatherly_a affection_n to_o his_o child_n in_o affliction_n lam._n 3._o 33._o judg._n 10._o 16._o jer._n 31._o 20._o my_o bowel_n be_v turn_v for_o he_o heb._n 4._o 15._o zech._n 2._o 8._o they_o that_o touch_v they_o touch_v the_o apple_n of_o his_o eye_n psal_n 103._o 13._o god_n pity_v they_o as_o a_o father_n do_v his_o child_n therefore_o let_v we_o pray_v as_o the_o church_n isa_n 26._o 8._o in_o the_o way_n of_o thy_o judgement_n have_v we_o wait_v for_o thou_o so_o isa_n 63._o 15._o 7._o consider_v god_n gracious_a moderation_n of_o his_o people_n affliction_n isa_n 27._o 7_o 8._o he_o afflict_v in_o measure_n he_o stay_v his_o rough_a wind_n in_o the_o day_n of_o the_o east_n wind_n he_o do_v not_o punish_v as_o we_o deserve_v job_n 34._o 23._o psal_n 103._o 10._o job_n 11._o 6._o 2._o he_o will_v keep_v we_o from_o sink_v lam._n 3._o 22._o 2cor_fw-la 4._o 8_o 9_o 10._o though_o trouble_v on_o every_o side_n yet_o not_o distress_v perplex_v yet_o not_o in_o despair_n persecute_v but_o not_o forsake_v cast_v down_o but_o not_o destroy_v 2cor_fw-la 6._o 9_o see_v his_o gracious_a promise_n 1_o cor._n 10._o 13._o god_n be_v faithful_a who_o will_v not_o suffer_v you_o to_o be_v tempt_v above_o that_o you_o be_v able_a but_o will_v with_o the_o temptation_n also_o make_v a_o way_n to_o escape_v that_o you_o may_v be_v able_a to_o bear_v it_o job_n 23._o 6._o will_v he_o plead_v against_o i_o with_o his_o great_a power_n no_o but_o he_o will_v put_v strength_n in_o i_o psal_n 37._o 24._o the_o lord_n uphold_v with_o his_o hand_n 3._o he_o will_v not_o be_v always_o wrath_n isa_n 57_o 16._o it_o shall_v be_v for_o a_o moment_n and_o no_o more_o lam._n 3._o 31._o he_o will_v not_o cast_v off_o for_o ever_o 2_o cor._n 1._o 10._o he_o have_v deliver_v he_o do_v deliver_v and_o will_v deliver_v psal_n 126._o 5._o they_o that_o sow_v in_o tear_n shall_v reap_v in_o joy_n 4._o he_o order_v all_o the_o circumstance_n of_o our_o trouble_n the_o time_n how_o long_o the_o place_n where_o the_o quality_n what_o kind_n the_o measure_n how_o much_o all_o the_o power_n of_o man_n and_o devil_n be_v not_o able_a to_o add_v a_o dram_n to_o the_o weight_n nor_o a_o drop_n to_o the_o measure_n of_o what_o our_o gracious_a father_n have_v appoint_v for_o we_o all_o these_o seven_o consideration_n will_v exceed_o help_v we_o to_o make_v a_o profitable_a improvement_n of_o our_o affliction_n for_o the_o prepare_n of_o we_o for_o that_o far_o more_o exceed_a and_o eternal_a weight_n of_o glory_n and_o also_o these_o consideration_n will_v very_o much_o help_v we_o to_o carry_v and_o behave_v ourselves_o aright_o and_o as_o christian_n under_o afflictive_a providence_n which_o be_v the_o right_a way_n to_o attain_v the_o benefit_n of_o they_o it_o be_v a_o hard_a thing_n for_o a_o man_n to_o carry_v himself_o well_o under_o a_o smile_a providence_n but_o a_o hard_a thing_n for_o a_o man_n to_o carry_v himself_o well_o under_o a_o smite_v providence_n which_o be_v hint_v before_o second_o but_o a_o little_a more_o to_o show_v how_o we_o ought_v to_o carry_v ourselves_o under_o affliction_n that_o so_o we_o may_v receive_v the_o blessing_n and_o benefit_n of_o they_o which_o we_o may_v lose_v by_o our_o miscarriage_n 1._o when_o any_o affliction_n befall_v you_o be_v silent_a before_o the_o lord_n for_o he_o have_v put_v you_o to_o silence_n do_v not_o murmur_v quarrel_n fret_v or_o be_v discontent_v i_o believe_v a_o better_a sign_n of_o a_o honest_a and_o upright_a heart_n can_v scarce_o be_v find_v than_o for_o a_o man_n to_o love_n god_n the_o more_o for_o his_o afflict_v of_o he_o and_o to_o cleave_v the_o fast_o to_o god_n when_o god_n cut_v off_o his_o earthly_a comfort_n from_o he_o oh_o be_v silent_a before_o the_o lord_n zech._n 2._o 13._o lam._n 3._o 28._o 2._o be_v humble_a under_o god_n hand_n for_o that_o be_v his_o end_n in_o afflict_v lie_v down_o at_o his_o foot_n jam._n 4._o god_n be_v humble_v of_o you_o now_o then_o humble_a your_o own_o soul_n labour_v to_o break_v your_o own_o heart_n in_o the_o sense_n of_o your_o sin_n and_o to_o lie_v low_a before_o the_o lord_n 3._o acknowledge_v god_n righteousness_n and_o justify_v he_o even_o when_o he_o strike_v the_o heavy_a stroke_n let_v the_o blow_n be_v never_o so_o great_a upon_o your_o most_o desirable_a mercy_n yet_o acquit_v god_n do_v not_o charge_v he_o foolish_o and_o say_v he_o deal_v hardly_o psal_n 51._o 4._o god_n must_v be_v acquit_v and_o justify_v though_o he_o shall_v condemn_v we_o unto_o everlasting_a wrath_n lev_n 26._o 41._o this_o be_v to_o accept_v of_o the_o punishment_n of_o our_o iniquity_n 4._o search_v your_o heart_n and_o try_v your_o way_n laâ—_n 3._o 40._o find_v out_o the_o achan_n the_o jonabs_n the_o dalilah_n jer._n 8._o 6._o when_o the_o lord_n send_v any_o affliction_n upon_o his_o people_n he_o hearken_v to_o hear_v what_o they_o speak_v the_o lord_n hearken_v and_o hear_v and_o there_o be_v none_o that_o smite_v upon_o his_o thigh_n say_v what_o have_v i_o do_v our_o work_n now_o in_o affliction_n be_v to_o inquire_v what_o sin_n have_v i_o commit_v what_o duty_n have_v i_o omit_v now_o make_v a_o diligent_a search_n 5._o pour_v out_o your_o heart_n to_o god_n in_o prayer_n this_o be_v our_o great_a relief_n and_o ease_n in_o time_n of_o affliction_n jam._n 5._o 13._o be_v any_o afflict_v let_v he_o pray_v now_o pray_v earnest_o fervent_o cry_v to_o god_n let_v we_o never_o think_v to_o heal_v the_o wound_n that_o the_o stroke_n of_o god_n have_v make_v any_o other_o way_n go_v not_o to_o merâ—y_v company_n and_o the_o affair_n and_o delight_n of_o the_o world_n for_o a_o cure_n pray_v for_o a_o blessing_n on_o the_o rod_n pray_v that_o god_n will_v show_v you_o his_o end_n in_o afflict_v you_o and_o that_o he_o will_v make_v up_o what_o he_o have_v remove_v from_o you_o by_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o himself_o pray_v for_o suffer_a grace_n for_o faith_n and_o patience_n it_o be_v a_o sad_a thing_n when_o affliction_n be_v on_o man_n if_o they_o know_v not_o how_o to_o ease_v themselves_o by_o prayer_n 6._o if_o by_o affliction_n the_o lord_n discover_v any_o particular_a evil_n to_o thy_o soul_n then_o break_v off_o that_o wickedness_n by_o speedy_a repentance_n and_o reformation_n or_o else_o you_o frustrate_v the_o very_a end_n of_o god_n in_o afflict_v you_o and_o you_o provoke_v the_o lord_n to_o go_v on_o with_o stroke_n upon_o stroke_n until_o you_o be_v consume_v iâ—_n the_o lord_n smite_v any_o of_o you_o for_o any_o particular_a sâ—â—_n you_o live_v in_o and_o he_o convince_v your_o conscience_n of_o it_o do_v not_o continue_v in_o the_o practice_n of_o that_o sin_n for_o a_o world_n for_o when_o once_o
heed_n that_o our_o heart_n be_v not_o at_o any_o time_n overcharge_v with_o the_o care_n of_o this_o life_n but_o let_v we_o labour_n to_o keep_v the_o world_n and_o our_o heart_n asunder_o for_o those_o thing_n that_o be_v visible_a and_o temporal_a will_v darken_v our_o sight_n of_o god_n if_o we_o let_v they_o into_o our_o heart_n and_o they_o will_v drive_v god_n out_o of_o our_o heart_n if_o we_o entertain_v the_o inordinate_a love_n of_o they_o covetousness_n be_v idolatry_n because_o it_o set_v up_o the_o creature_n for_o a_o god_n in_o the_o heart_n 1_o john_n 2._o 14_o 15._o he_o that_o love_v the_o world_n the_o love_n of_o the_o father_n be_v not_o in_o he_o keep_v a_o strong_a watch_n then_o against_o this_o present_a evil_a world_n and_o suffer_v it_o not_o to_o get_v into_o your_o heart_n if_o you_o will_v maintain_v your_o communion_n with_o god_n in_o christ_n 5_o be_v much_o in_o the_o act_n of_o faith_n love_n hope_v joy_n in_o the_o lord_n be_v much_o in_o praise_v god_n by_o the_o exercise_n of_o these_o grace_n we_o enjoy_v god_n and_o god_n communicate_v himself_o to_o we_o oh_o labour_v to_o live_v in_o the_o lively_a exercise_n of_o faith_n christ_n dwell_v in_o the_o heart_n by_o faith_n eph._n 3._o 17._o gal._n 2._o 20._o labour_v to_o believe_v the_o love_n of_o god_n in_o christ_n to_o your_o soul_n in_o give_v his_o son_n to_o be_v a_o sin-offering_a for_o we_o john_n 3._o 16._o 2_o cor._n 5._o 21._o and_o this_o believe_v it_o will_v warm_v and_o inflame_v your_o heart_n with_o love_n to_o god_n again_o and_o so_o you_o may_v enjoy_v much_o sweet_a communion_n with_o god_n and_o christ_n john_n 14._o 21_o 23._o in_o the_o act_n of_o our_o love_n to_o god_n we_o shall_v meet_v with_o more_o manifestation_n of_o god_n love_n to_o we_o where_o and_o when_o we_o open_v our_o heart_n to_o god_n and_o christ_n and_o give_v they_o our_o love_n there_o and_o then_o will_v god_n and_o christ_n open_v their_o heart_n to_o we_o and_o give_v we_o their_o love_n cant._n 1._o 2_o 3._o &_o cant._n 7._o 10_o 11._o there_o be_v a_o mutual_a manifestation_n of_o love_n to_o each_o other_o no_o love_n be_v lose_v between_o christ_n and_o his_o spouse_n if_o any_o man_n open_a to_o i_o say_v christ_n i_o will_v come_v in_o unto_o he_o and_o sup_v with_o he_o and_o he_o with_o i_o rev._n 3._o 18._o now_o by_o the_o exercise_n of_o faith_n and_o love_n we_o open_v to_o christ_n he_o be_v always_o ready_a to_o come_v in_o open_v your_o everlasting_a door_n that_o the_o king_n of_o glory_n may_v come_v in_o ps_n 24._o 6_o be_v very_o watchful_a watch_v and_o keep_v your_o heart_n with_o all_o diligence_n prov._n 4._o 23._o take_v heed_n let_v not_o the_o world_n nor_o vain_a thought_n lodge_v there_o take_v heed_n of_o wander_v from_o god_n watch_v your_o word_n watch_v your_o step_n take_v heed_n grieve_v not_o quench_v not_o resist_v not_o the_o holy_a spirit_n for_o by_o he_o god_n communicate_v himself_o to_o your_o soul_n careful_o observe_v all_o his_o motion_n and_o still_o beg_v his_o assistance_n in_o all_o your_o duty_n and_o rest_n upon_o his_o aid_n without_o which_o you_o can_v do_v nothing_o 7_o and_o last_o if_o we_o will_v maintain_v our_o communion_n with_o god_n which_o be_v our_o heaven_n upon_o earth_n we_o must_v look_v well_o to_o our_o whole_a conversation_n that_o that_o be_v order_v aright_o for_o to_o such_o god_n will_v show_v his_o salvation_n psal_n 50._o 23._o god_n look_v for_o a_o well-ordered_a conversation_n a_o life_n order_v by_o the_o rule_n of_o his_o word_n set_v narrow_a step_n to_o our_o foot_n look_v straight_o on_o not_o turn_v aside_o to_o the_o right_n or_o left_a hand_n prov._n 4._o 25_o 26_o 27._o nor_o wicked_o depart_v from_o his_o way_n psal_n 18._o 21_o 22_o 23._o but_o to_o be_v righteon_n just_a honest_a saithful_a upright_a charitable_a in_o all_o our_o deal_n with_o man_n and_o careful_o perform_v all_o our_o duty_n to_o god_n and_o man_n in_o singleness_n and_o integrity_n of_o heart_n this_o be_v a_o well-ordered_a conversation_n also_o in_o our_o conversation_n we_o must_v mind_v two_o thing_n 1._o that_o we_o have_v no_o fellowship_n with_o the_o unfruitful_a work_n of_o darkness_n ephes_n 5._o 11._o that_o be_v no_o more_o than_o need_v no_o intimate_a familiarity_n and_o communion_n with_o they_o lest_o thereby_o we_o lose_v our_o communion_n with_o god_n no_o more_o communion_n with_o the_o wicked_a than_o piety_n charity_n and_o necessity_n will_v allow_v too_o many_o have_v lose_v communion_n with_o god_n by_o their_o too_o intimate_a communion_n with_o the_o wicked_a away_o from_o i_o say_v holy_a david_n all_o you_o worker_n of_o iniquity_n 2._o that_o we_o break_v not_o fellowship_n with_o nor_o withdraw_v communion_n from_o the_o people_n of_o god_n from_o those_o that_o bear_v his_o image_n although_o differ_v from_o we_o in_o some_o circumstance_n in_o the_o communion_n of_o saint_n we_o may_v have_v communion_n with_o god_n psal_n 16._o 2._o god_n be_v among_o his_o people_n he_o walk_v in_o they_o and_o dwell_v in_o they_o our_o love_n must_v be_v not_o only_o to_o those_o of_o our_o own_o opinion_n but_o to_o all_o saint_n and_o profess_v christian_n and_o must_v hold_v communion_n with_o all_o those_o with_o who_o we_o may_v charitable_o judge_v that_o christ_n hold_v communion_n be_v this_o well_o mind_a it_o will_v do_v much_o to_o heal_v our_o sad_a and_o sinful_a breach_n heb._n 10._o 24_o 25._o and_o thus_o we_o have_v see_v how_o that_o our_o look_v unto_o invisible_a eternal_a thing_n especial_o unto_o god_n in_o christ_n and_o maintain_v our_o communion_n with_o they_o we_o may_v be_v sweet_o bear_v up_o and_o comfortable_o support_v under_o all_o our_o trouble_n o_o most_o holy_a most_o merciful_a most_o gracious_a lord_n god_n father_n almighty_n and_o my_o most_o love_a and_o tender-hearted_a father_n in_o my_o most_o dear_a and_o sweet_a redeemer_n jesus_n christ_n i_o render_v thou_o my_o most_o humble_a and_o hearty_a thanks_o and_o praise_n for_o lengthen_v my_o day_n and_o for_o support_v i_o with_o thy_o special_a goodness_n in_o this_o poor_a work_n for_o give_v i_o sometime_o hour_n sometime_o half-hour_n and_o sometime_o day_n of_o some_o strength_n and_o ease_n between_o those_o many_o sad_a and_o painful_a distemper_n upon_o i_o since_o i_o begin_v it_o and_o i_o most_o humble_o beseech_v thou_o to_o write_v these_o truth_n on_o my_o heart_n and_o keep_v they_o there_o that_o by_o the_o assistance_n of_o thy_o good_a spirit_n they_o may_v be_v effectual_a to_o spiritualise_v raise_v and_o fix_v my_o poor_a cold_a dead_a carnal_a heart_n upon_o thy_o bless_a self_n in_o christ_n and_o be_v please_v to_o vouchsafe_v i_o sweet_a sensible_a and_o constant_a communion_n with_o thyself_o in_o christ_n for_o thy_o mercy_n sake_n that_o thereby_o i_o may_v glorify_v thou_o in_o this_o my_o day_n of_o thy_o visitation_n and_o may_v be_v thorough_o sanctify_v by_o and_o comfortable_o support_v under_o all_o my_o trouble_n amen_n to_o all_o my_o christian_a friend_n in_o dartmouth_n or_o elsewhere_o that_o desire_n to_o know_v the_o true_a state_n of_o their_o never-dying_a soul_n in_o order_n to_o their_o make_v clear_a and_o sure_a their_o interest_n in_o the_o lord_n jesus_n grace_n and_o peace_n before_o i_o have_v finish_v the_o forego_n treatise_n there_o come_v to_o my_o hand_n by_o god_n good_a providence_n some_o paper_n of_o very_a great_a concernment_n to_o all_o our_o soul_n for_o eternity_n be_v the_o conclusion_n of_o a_o discourse_n by_o that_o eminent_a learned_a and_o pious_a servant_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n mr._n john_n flavel_n who_o work_n praise_v he_o and_o of_o who_o presence_n and_o labour_n we_o that_o know_v he_o by_o face_n or_o work_n have_v continual_a cause_n to_o lament_v our_o loss_n which_o discourse_n be_v from_o 2_o cor._n 13._o 5._o concern_v self-examination_n about_o a_o man_n interest_n in_o christ_n which_o paper_n when_o i_o view_v and_o review_v i_o bless_v god_n i_o feel_v so_o much_o power_n in_o the_o content_n of_o they_o and_o so_o much_o sweetness_n that_o i_o think_v not_o fit_a to_o eat_v my_o morsel_n alone_o but_o be_v strong_o impress_v to_o make_v they_o public_a which_o here_o by_o the_o consent_n of_o his_o dear_a relation_n i_o presume_v to_o do_v hope_v it_o will_v awaken_v those_o that_o do_v hear_v those_o close-trying_a truth_n to_o be_v more_o exact_a in_o their_o try_v work_n and_o may_v also_o excite_v other_o to_o due_a diligence_n in_o that_o so_o profitable_a and_o too_o much_o neglect_v duty_n of_o self-examination_n those_o character_n in_o this_o will_v help_v we_o against_o self-deceiving_a do_v not_o read_v only_o but_o pray_v earnest_o for_o
man_n perish_v 3_o it_o hinder_v communion_n with_o god_n which_o be_v the_o very_a life_n of_o gracious_a soul_n their_o heaven_n upon_o earth_n communion_n with_o god_n in_o holy_a ordinance_n and_o holy_a duty_n as_o prayer_n praise_n meditation_n etc._n etc._n be_v that_o which_o fatten_v and_o prosper_v the_o soul_n of_o god_n people_n but_o outward_a prosperity_n hinder_v communion_n with_o god_n in_o these_o for_o then_o even_o while_o outward_a comfort_n be_v present_a god_n and_o his_o company_n and_o presence_n be_v not_o so_o much_o sound_v want_v nor_o so_o much_o value_v desire_a and_o pant_v after_o as_o in_o a_o barren_a wilderness_n where_o no_o water_n of_o worldly_a comfort_n be_v psalm_n 64._o 1_o 2_o 3._o psalm_n 42._o 1_o 2_o 3._o when_o david_n be_v in_o great_a strait_n strip_v of_o his_o earthly_a comfort_n bedew_v all_o with_o tear_n then_o his_o soul_n pant_v after_o god_n when_o he_o be_v in_o the_o valley_n of_o baca_n than_o he_o look_v unto_o the_o mountain_n of_o myrrh_n the_o garden_n of_o spice_n psalm_n 84._o 1_o 2_o 3_o 4._o be_v it_o not_o so_o with_o god_n people_n when_o their_o liberty_n friend_n health_n estate_n etc._n etc._n be_v go_v then_o god_n be_v seek_v for_o and_o communion_n with_o he_o earnest_o long_v and_o thirst_v for_o more_o than_o ever_o and_o then_o usual_o most_v enjoy_v by_o act_n of_o communion_n with_o god_n soul_n converse_v commerce_n and_o trade_n with_o god_n trade_n in_o heaven_n and_o that_o turn_v great_o to_o their_o advantage_n we_o can_v never_o take_v a_o voyage_n to_o heaven_n by_o prayer_n or_o meditation_n but_o it_o will_v turn_v to_o account_v first_o or_o last_o some_o gain_n to_o our_o soul_n will_v accrue_v by_o every_o act_n of_o communion_n we_o can_v touch_v christ_n by_o our_o faith_n or_o love_n but_o some_o virtue_n will_v flow_v from_o he_o to_o our_o soul_n psalm_n 145._o 18._o god_n will_v fulfil_v the_o desire_n of_o they_o that_o fear_v he_o he_o will_v satisfy_v the_o hungry_a with_o good_a thing_n bless_a be_v they_o that_o hunger_n and_o thirst_n after_o righteousness_n every_o groan_n of_o a_o gracious_a soul_n after_o grace_n every_o pant_v and_o breathe_n after_o god_n in_o truth_n be_v observe_v and_o record_v in_o heaven_n mal._n 3._o 16._o a_o book_n of_o remembrance_n for_o they_o that_o think_v upon_o his_o name_n o_o the_o transcendent_a goodness_n of_o our_o most_o gracious_a god_n to_o take_v notice_n of_o such_o poor_a thing_n he_o will_v not_o despise_v the_o day_n of_o small_a thing_n and_o what_o a_o encouragement_n be_v this_o to_o we_o to_o spend_v our_o most_o serious_a thought_n on_o god_n but_o prosperity_n in_o the_o world_n do_v stop_v and_o interrupt_v the_o soul_n converse_n and_o trade_n with_o god_n by_o estrang_v the_o heart_n from_o god_n and_o heavenly_a thing_n and_o so_o it_o become_v very_o prejudicial_a to_o the_o prosperity_n of_o the_o inward_a man_n it_o be_v very_o hard_a for_o a_o man_n to_o have_v much_o of_o the_o world_n in_o his_o hand_n and_o much_o of_o heaven_n in_o his_o heart_n also_o to_o have_v much_o converse_n with_o and_o much_o enjoyment_n of_o creature-comfort_n and_o to_o have_v his_o conversation_n in_o heaven_n too_o and_o when_o do_v our_o soul_n thrive_v and_o flourish_v best_a but_o when_o we_o be_v trade_v above_o converse_v with_o god_n now_o these_o great_a mischief_n i_o have_v name_v to_o the_o inner_a man_n be_v promote_v by_o the_o prosperity_n of_o the_o outward_a man_n thus_o 1._o by_o make_v we_o forgetful_a of_o those_o thing_n that_o we_o shall_v necessary_o remember_v in_o order_n to_o the_o good_a of_o our_o soul_n prosperity_n spoil_v the_o memory_n exceed_o as_o to_o heavenly_a and_o spiritual_a thing_n and_o that_o in_o these_o particular_n prosperity_n breed_v 1._o forgetfulness_n of_o god_n the_o chief_a good_a and_o sure_o that_o soul_n can_v never_o thrive_v that_o forget_v god_n who_o be_v the_o fountain_n of_o all_o its_o life_n grace_n and_o comfort_n the_o remembrance_n of_o god_n bring_v sweetness_n and_o satisfaction_n to_o david_n soul_n psalm_n 63._o 5_o 6._o but_o prosperity_n make_v we_o forgetful_a of_o god_n deut._n 6._o 11_o 12._o and_o deut._n 8._o 14_o 19_o 20._o yea_o fullness_n of_o outward_a thing_n make_v man_n to_o deny_v god_n of_o which_o good_a agur_n be_v afraid_a proverb_n 30._o 9_o 2._o forgetful_a of_o their_o best_a part_n their_o soul_n the_o soul_n be_v then_o most_o forget_v when_o the_o body_n be_v most_o mind_a 3._o forgetful_a of_o their_o duty_n to_o god_n and_o man_n so_o it_o be_v with_o pharoah_n butler_n 4._o of_o the_o affliction_n of_o joseph_n amos_n 6._o 6._o when_o we_o ourselves_o be_v at_o liberty_n how_o apt_a be_v we_o to_o forget_v they_o that_o be_v in_o bond_n 5._o of_o sin_n that_o usual_o be_v most_o remember_v in_o time_n of_o affliction_n as_o in_o joseph_n brethren_n 6._o of_o god_n word_n that_o be_v too_o much_o forget_v in_o prosperity_n the_o precept_n of_o god_n not_o obey_v nor_o the_o promise_v so_o relish_v and_o believe_v not_o threaten_n fear_v 7._o prosperity_n make_v we_o forgetful_a of_o death_n judgement_n the_o world_n to_o come_v eternity_n the_o evil_a day_n be_v put_v far_o off_o all_o these_o seven_o thing_n shall_v be_v always_o remember_v by_o we_o and_o have_v our_o frequent_a thought_n and_o meditation_n for_o the_o remembrance_n of_o they_o be_v very_o advantageous_a to_o the_o welfare_n of_o the_o inner_a man_n and_o will_v tend_v to_o the_o good_a of_o our_o soul_n but_o the_o flourish_a of_o the_o outward_a man_n breed_v too_o much_o forgetfulness_n of_o all_o these_o thing_n and_o the_o forgetfulness_n of_o these_o thing_n drive_v we_o from_o god_n and_o god_n from_o we_o keep_v we_o at_o a_o distance_n from_o he_o cast_v he_o out_o of_o our_o mind_n and_o thought_n make_v we_o unserviceable_a to_o he_o and_o hinder_v our_o communion_n with_o he_o 2_o the_o flourish_a of_o the_o outward_a man_n beget_v pride_n wantonness_n security_n envy_n ambition_n contention_n negligence_n in_o god_n service_n contempt_n of_o other_o and_o many_o hurtful_a lust_n deut._n 32._o 15._o experience_n prove_v this_o 3_o it_o consume_v precious_a time_n and_o strength_n waste_v the_o spirit_n thought_n and_o affection_n be_v place_v on_o earthly_a thing_n which_o shall_v all_o be_v spend_v on_o god_n principal_o and_o but_o so_o much_o on_o other_o thing_n as_o may_v fit_v we_o for_o his_o service_n and_o in_o subordination_n to_o he_o but_o while_o man_n be_v contrive_v how_o to_o get_v how_o to_o manage_v how_o to_o spend_v etc._n etc._n this_o fill_v up_o their_o time_n heart_n thought_n mind_n spirit_n and_o all_o so_o that_o there_o be_v no_o place_n nor_o room_n leave_v for_o god_n or_o the_o concern_v of_o their_o soul_n therefore_o the_o wife_n god_n in_o great_a love_n and_o mercy_n to_o the_o soul_n of_o his_o people_n break_v their_o outward_a prosperity_n which_o otherwise_o will_v ruin_v their_o soul_n remove_v those_o thing_n that_o hinder_v the_o welfare_n of_o the_o soul_n for_o when_o outward_a prosperity_n be_v go_v than_o the_o soul_n fly_v to_o god_n it_o draw_v nigh_o to_o god_n prosperity_n keep_v it_o at_o a_o distance_n before_o it_o forget_v god_n before_o now_o it_o remember_v he_o seek_v god_n early_o serve_v he_o diligent_o now_o it_o seek_v communion_n with_o god_n pant_v after_o his_o favour_n and_o the_o sense_n of_o his_o love_n now_o the_o soul_n be_v awaken_v and_o enlighten_v and_o now_o it_o remember_v god_n and_o itself_o and_o zion_n and_o its_o former_a miscarriage_n it_o now_o mind_v death_n and_o eternity_n more_o serious_o than_o ever_o and_o be_v more_o diligent_a in_o preparation_n for_o they_o and_o now_o the_o soul_n that_o lie_v languish_v and_o pine_v before_o while_o the_o outward_a man_n flourish_v begin_v to_o be_v in_o a_o thrive_a way_n for_o these_o thing_n promote_v the_o welfare_n of_o the_o soul_n and_o this_o be_v the_o first_o way_n how_o the_o perishing_n of_o the_o outward_a man_n help_v towards_o the_o renew_n and_o strengthen_v of_o the_o inner_a second_o the_o adversity_n of_o the_o outward_a man_n promote_v the_o prosperity_n of_o the_o inner_a by_o be_v a_o mean_n of_o bring_v in_o light_n and_o conviction_n into_o the_o soul_n prosperity_n shut_v man_n eye_n and_o deafen_v their_o ear_n but_o vexatio_fw-la that_o visum_fw-la affliction_n open_v man_n eye_n so_o that_o they_o see_v what_o they_o do_v not_o before_o and_o they_o see_v thing_n otherwise_o than_o before_o dark_a dispensation_n bring_v light_a with_o they_o affliction_n put_v god_n people_n upon_o the_o search_n lamen_n 3._o 40._o then_o they_o retire_v and_o look_v within_o themselves_o then_o they_o find_v out_o the_o filthiness_n vanity_n frowardness_n pride_n earthliness_n of_o their_o
the_o spirit_n be_v help_n and_o do_v no_o long_o delay_v this_o work_n lest_o thou_o be_v cut_v off_o before_o thy_o work_n be_v do_v and_o what_o will_v become_v of_o thou_o then_o that_o this_o with_o all_o other_o help_v to_o thy_o soul_n in_o the_o way_n to_o heaven_n may_v do_v thou_o good_a be_v the_o unfeigned_a prayer_n of_o thy_o unfeigned_a friend_n james_n bardwood_n the_o reverend_a author_n have_v preach_v many_o profitable_a sermon_n on_o the_o 2_o cor._n 13._o 5._o examine_v yourselves_o whether_o you_o be_v in_o the_o faith_n etc._n etc._n in_o which_o he_o industrious_o and_o clear_o show_v the_o necessity_n of_o self-examination_n the_o nature_n of_o the_o duty_n consist_v in_o a_o secret_a debate_n of_o our_o eternal_a estate_n and_o condition_n within_o our_o own_o bosom_n wherein_o the_o mind_n of_o a_o man_n ponder_v and_o weigh_v all_o that_o make_v for_o he_o or_o against_o he_o in_o a_o even_a balance_n the_o object-matter_n of_o this_o debate_n be_v thing_n eternal_a the_o eternal_a concernment_n of_o his_o soul_n as_o likewise_o the_o manner_n of_o the_o performance_n of_o this_o duty_n with_o great_a seriousness_n and_o solemnity_n set_v the_o perfect_a law_n of_o god_n before_o we_o and_o humble_o implore_v the_o special_a assistance_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n man_n be_v to_o debate_v these_o two_o thing_n one_a whether_o they_o be_v in_o christ_n or_o in_o the_o state_n of_o nature_n a_o great_a question_n indeed_o upon_o which_o hang_v all_o our_o hope_n of_o heaven_n christ_n in_o you_o the_o hope_n of_o glory_n col._n 1._o 27._o two_o if_o we_o be_v in_o christ_n what_o condition_n we_o be_v in_o whether_o thrive_v in_o grace_n or_o decay_v in_o the_o first_o of_o these_o question_v the_o painful_a author_n spend_v many_o exercise_n in_o the_o resolve_v of_o in_o lay_v down_o open_v and_o answer_v eight_o several_a distinct_a rule_n of_o trial_n of_o a_o save_v interest_n in_o christ_n with_o the_o several_a objection_n that_o poor_a doubt_v soul_n may_v make_v against_o themselves_o thing_n high_o worth_a the_o publication_n as_o i_o perceive_v by_o some_o imperfect_a note_n take_v from_o he_o which_o because_o i_o can_v attain_v to_o a_o more_o exact_a copy_n of_o they_o i_o must_v omit_v they_o the_o more_o be_v the_o pity_n but_o for_o the_o nine_o and_o last_o mark_v i_o find_v more_o full_a and_o perfect_a and_o therefore_o only_o offer_v this_o one_o to_o your_o consideration_n concern_v which_o hear_v his_o own_o word_n as_o to_o this_o nine_o mark_n of_o a_o save_v interest_n in_o christ_n i_o have_v this_o to_o say_v that_o if_o the_o lord_n shall_v clear_v but_o this_o one_o trial_n i_o do_v not_o value_v whatever_o objection_n you_o have_v against_o any_o of_o the_o former_a this_o will_v undoubted_o speak_v your_o soul_n interest_n in_o the_o lord_n jesus_n without_o any_o more_o ado_n and_o as_o far_o as_o the_o lord_n shall_v clear_v it_o to_o you_o you_o may_v venture_v your_o soul_n into_o eternity_n upon_o it_o and_o therefore_o try_v yourselves_o by_o this_o if_o any_o of_o you_o be_v sincere_o and_o full_o resolve_v upon_o full_a conviction_n of_o your_o sinful_a and_o miserable_a state_n by_o nature_n and_o the_o answerableness_n of_o christ_n to_o all_o your_o want_n to_o let_v go_v all_o that_o hinder_v the_o enjoyment_n of_o he_o and_o embrace_v all_o that_o further_v the_o enjoyment_n of_o he_o you_o need_v not_o make_v any_o doubt_n or_o question_n after_o this_o whether_o christ_n be_v you_o or_o you_o be_v he_o consent_n be_v essential_a to_o marriage_n there_o can_v be_v no_o spiritual_a marriage_n to_o christ_n but_o by_o consent_n of_o the_o will._n knowledge_n be_v essential_a to_o consent_v he_o that_o do_v not_o think_v and_o know_v can_v consent_v if_o you_o be_v therefore_o consent_v and_o willing_a to_o be_v christ_n upon_o his_o own_o term_n there_o remain_v no_o doubt_n whether_o christ_n be_v you_o after_o that_o consent_n hos_fw-la 3._o 3_o thou_o shall_v be_v for_o i_o so_o also_o will_v i_o be_v for_o thou_o christ_n be_v for_o vou_fw-fr if_o you_o be_v for_o he_o and_o when_o the_o great_a work_n of_o conversion_n be_v express_v in_o scripture_n you_o find_v it_o express_v under_o the_o act_n of_o the_o will_n consent_v in_o the_o 110th_o psalm_n 3._o thy_o people_n shall_v be_v willing_a in_o the_o day_n of_o thy_o power_n in_o the_o beauty_n of_o holiness_n from_o the_o womb_n of_o the_o morning_n thou_o have_v the_o dew_n of_o thy_o youth_n that_o be_v of_o thy_o spiritual_a offspring_n and_o this_o be_v bring_v about_o by_o consent_v to_o take_v christ_n upon_o his_o own_o term_n but_o beloved_n do_v mistake_v yourselves_o i_o be_o not_o about_o to_o shuffle_v over_o so_o great_a a_o concernment_n as_o this_o be_v rash_o i_o be_o well_o aware_a my_o own_o and_o your_o salvation_n too_o be_v carry_v in_o the_o matter_n i_o be_o to_o discourse_n and_o therefore_o i_o resolve_v in_o the_o strength_n of_o jesus_n christ_n to_o be_v impartial_o faithful_a between_o god_n and_o we_o in_o this_o great_a matter_n i_o will_v not_o for_o ten_o thousand_o world_n a_o word_n shall_v drop_v from_o my_o lip_n to_o the_o ruin_n of_o any_o soul_n nor_o yet_o to_o disturb_v the_o peace_n of_o any_o gracious_a soul_n and_o therefore_o let_v i_o explain_v what_o i_o have_v to_o say_v clear_o there_o be_v three_o thing_n of_o absolute_a necessity_n for_o the_o gain_n of_o a_o solid_a scriptural_a interest_n in_o christ_n the_o two_o first_o i_o hope_v will_v pass_v current_n with_o most_o of_o we_o yet_o some_o may_v stumble_v there_o 1._o the_o first_o be_v this_o there_o must_v of_o necessity_n be_v a_o full_a and_o serious_a conviction_n of_o sin_n and_o misery_n without_o christ_n there_o be_v not_o a_o soul_n that_o come_v to_o he_o without_o such_o a_o conviction_n the_o spirit_n when_o he_o come_v he_o shall_v convince_v the_o world_n of_o sin_n and_o of_o righteousness_n john_n 16._o 9_o that_n the_o spirit_n be_v first_o work_v and_o it_o be_v fundamental_a to_o all_o his_o after-work_n and_o therefore_o you_o shall_v find_v in_o all_o the_o convert_v in_o scripture_n the_o lord_n have_v be_v deal_v with_o their_o understanding_n first_o to_o convince_v they_o of_o their_o sinful_a and_o miserable_a state_n by_o nature_n and_o the_o lord_n jesus_n profess_o tell_v we_o he_o come_v not_o to_o call_v the_o righteous_a but_o sinner_n to_o repentance_n convince_v sinner_n not_o those_o that_o think_v they_o have_v righteousness_n of_o their_o own_o and_o that_o the_o whole_a have_v no_o need_n of_o a_o physician_n but_o they_o that_o be_v sick_a and_o it_o must_v needs_o be_v so_o that_o christ_n must_v take_v his_o course_n because_o his_o commission_n lead_v to_o it_o isa_n 61._o 1_o 2._o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o lord_n god_n be_v upon_o i_o because_o he_o have_v send_v i_o to_o preach_v glad_a tiding_n to_o the_o meek_a to_o bind_v up_o the_o break_a in_o heart_n and_o proclaim_v liberty_n to_o the_o captive_n these_o be_v the_o person_n upon_o who_o christ_n be_v to_o act_v the_o great_a work_n of_o salvation_n they_o be_v say_v to_o be_v such_o as_o be_v bind_v with_o the_o sense_n of_o sin_n such_o as_o be_v break_v heart_v through_o the_o sense_n of_o their_o sin_n and_o misery_n and_o when_o he_o invite_v man_n and_o woman_n to_o come_v to_o he_o see_v how_o he_o do_v it_o in_o the_o 11._o matth._n 28._o come_v unto_o i_o all_o that_o be_v weary_a and_o heavy_a lade_v and_o i_o will_v give_v you_o rest_n these_o be_v the_o person_n christ_n bestow_v himself_o upon_o so_o that_o there_o must_v be_v such_o a_o conviction_n of_o sin_n and_o misery_n by_o nature_n as_o leave_v we_o without_o hope_n without_o christ_n i_o do_v speak_v of_o the_o degree_n of_o spiritual_a trouble_n but_o i_o take_v this_o to_o be_v a_o unquestionable_a truth_n that_o so_o much_o conviction_n as_o unbottom_n the_o soul_n from_o self-righteousness_n and_o false_a hope_n be_v absolute_o necessary_a and_o before_o this_o be_v there_o can_v be_v no_o match_n between_o christ_n and_o the_o soul_n if_o any_o man_n be_v marry_v to_o his_o own_o righteousness_n duty_n and_o performance_n that_o soul_n have_v nothing_o to_o do_v at_o all_o with_o christ_n nor_o can_v that_o soul_n be_v marry_v to_o christ_n for_o it_o be_v marry_v to_o the_o law_n another_o husband_n as_o you_o may_v see_v in_o the_o six_o of_o the_o roman_n the_o apostle_n in_o that_o chapter_n prove_v to_o we_o that_o we_o can_v have_v nothing_o to_o do_v with_o christ_n until_o we_o be_v divorce_v from_o our_o own_o self-righteousness_n that_o be_v the_o first_o thing_n and_o this_o i_o hope_v the_o lord_n have_v wrought_v upon_o many_o that_o be_v here_o before_o he_o the_o