heart_n and_o affection_n 3._o earnestness_n and_o appear_a fervency_n in_o prayer_n as_o unto_o the_o outward_a delivery_n of_o the_o word_n of_o it_o yea_o though_o the_o mind_n be_v so_o affect_v as_o to_o contribute_v much_o thereunto_o will_v not_o of_o themselves_o prove_v that_o the_o thought_n of_o man_n therein_o do_v arise_v from_o a_o internal_a spring_n of_o grace_n there_o be_v a_o fervency_n of_o spirit_n in_o prayer_n that_o be_v one_o of_o the_o best_a property_n of_o it_o be_v a_o earnest_n act_v of_o love_n faith_n and_o desire_n but_o there_o be_v a_o fervency_n wherewith_o the_o mind_n itself_o may_v be_v affect_v that_o may_v arise_v from_o other_o cause_n 1._o it_o may_v do_v so_o from_o the_o engagement_n of_o natural_a affection_n unto_o the_o object_n of_o their_o prayer_n or_o the_o thing_n pray_v for_o man_n may_v be_v mighty_a earnest_n and_o intent_n in_o their_o mind_n in_o pray_v for_o a_o dear_a relation_n or_o for_o deliverance_n from_o eminent_a trouble_n or_o imminent_a danger_n and_o yet_o all_o this_o fervour_n arise_v from_o the_o vehement_a act_n of_o natural_a affection_n about_o the_o thing_n pray_v for_o excite_v in_o a_o especial_a manner_n by_o the_o present_a duty_n hence_o god_n call_v the_o earnest_a cry_n of_o some_o for_o temporal_a thing_n not_o a_o cry_v unto_o he_o but_o a_o howl_v hosea_n 7.14_o that_o be_v the_o cry_n of_o hungry_a ravenous_a beast_n that_o will_v be_v satisfy_v 2._o sometime_o it_o arise_v from_o the_o sharpness_n of_o conviction_n which_o will_v make_v man_n even_o roar_v in_o their_o prayer_n for_o disquietment_n of_o heart_n and_o this_o may_v be_v where_o there_o be_v no_o true_a grace_n as_o yet_o receive_v nor_o it_o may_v be_v ever_o will_v be_v so_o for_o the_o perplex_v work_n of_o conviction_n go_v before_o real_a conversion_n and_o as_o it_o produce_v many_o other_o effect_n and_o change_n in_o the_o mind_n so_o it_o may_v do_v this_o of_o great_a fervency_n in_o vocal_a prayer_n especial_o if_o it_o be_v accompany_v with_o outward_a affliction_n pain_n or_o trouble_n psal._n 78.34_o 35._o 3._o ofttime_n the_o mind_n and_o affection_n be_v very_o little_o concern_v in_o that_o fervour_n and_o earnestness_n which_o appear_v in_o the_o outward_a performance_n of_o the_o duty_n but_o in_o the_o exercise_n of_o gift_n and_o through_o their_o own_o utterance_n man_n put_v their_o natural_a affection_n into_o such_o a_o agitation_n as_o shall_v carry_v they_o out_o into_o a_o great_a vehemency_n in_o their_o expression_n it_o have_v be_v so_o with_o sundry_a person_n who_o have_v be_v discover_v to_o be_v rot_a hypocrite_n and_o have_v afterward_o turn_v curse_v apostate_n wherefore_o all_o these_o thing_n may_v be_v where_o there_o be_v no_o gracious_a spring_n or_o vital_a principle_n act_v itself_o from_o within_o in_o spiritual_a thought_n some_o it_o may_v be_v will_v design_v a_o advantage_n by_o their_o conception_n unto_o the_o interest_n of_o profaneness_n and_o scoff_v for_o if_o there_o may_v be_v these_o evil_n under_o the_o exercise_n of_o the_o gift_n of_o prayer_n both_o in_o constancy_n and_o with_o fervency_n if_o there_o may_v be_v a_o total_a want_n of_o the_o exercise_n of_o all_o true_a grace_n with_o it_o and_o under_o it_o than_o it_o may_v be_v all_o that_o be_v pretend_v of_o this_o gift_n and_o its_o use_n be_v but_o hypocrisy_n and_o talk_n but_o i_o say_v 1._o it_o may_v be_v as_o well_o pretend_v that_o because_o the_o sun_n shine_v on_o a_o dunghill_n do_v occasion_n offensive_a and_o noisome_a steam_n therefore_o all_o that_o be_v pretend_v of_o its_o influence_n on_o spice_n and_o flower_n cause_v they_o to_o give_v out_o their_o fragrancy_n be_v utter_o false_a no_o man_n ever_o think_v that_o spiritual_a gift_n do_v change_v or_o renew_v the_o mind_n and_o nature_n of_o man_n where_o they_o be_v alone_o they_o only_o help_v and_o assist_v unto_o the_o useful_a exercise_n of_o natural_a faculty_n and_o power_n and_o therefore_o where_o the_o heart_n be_v not_o saving_o renew_v no_o gift_n can_v stir_v up_o a_o save_a exercise_n of_o faith_n but_o where_o it_o be_v so_o they_o be_v a_o mean_n to_o cause_v the_o savour_n of_o it_o to_o flow_v forth_o 2._o be_v it_o so_o that_o there_o may_v be_v some_o evil_n find_v under_o the_o exercise_n of_o the_o gift_n of_o prayer_n what_o remedy_n for_o they_o may_v be_v propose_v be_v it_o that_o man_n shall_v renounce_v their_o use_n of_o it_o and_o betake_v themselves_o unto_o the_o read_n of_o prayer_n only_o 1._o the_o same_o may_v be_v say_v of_o all_o spiritual_a gift_n whatever_o for_o they_o be_v all_o of_o they_o liable_a unto_o abuse_n and_o shall_v we_o reject_v all_o the_o power_n of_o the_o world_n to_o come_v the_o whole_a complexe_n of_o gospel_n gift_n for_o the_o commuication_n whereof_o the_o lord_n christ_n have_v promise_v to_o continue_v his_o spirit_n with_o his_o church_n unto_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n because_o by_o some_o they_o be_v abuse_v 2._o not_o only_o the_o same_o but_o far_o great_a evil_n may_v be_v find_v in_o and_o under_o the_o read_n of_o prayer_n which_o need_v no_o further_a demonstration_n than_o what_o it_o give_v of_o itself_o every_o day_n 3._o it_o be_v hard_o to_o understand_v how_o any_o benefit_n at_o all_o can_v accrue_v unto_o any_o by_o this_o relief_n when_o the_o advantage_n of_o the_o other_o way_n be_v evident_a wherefore_o the_o enquiry_n remain_v how_o we_o may_v know_v unto_o our_o own_o satisfaction_n that_o the_o thought_n we_o have_v of_o spiritual_a thing_n in_o the_o duty_n of_o prayer_n be_v from_o internal_a fountain_n of_o grace_n and_o so_o be_v a_o evidence_n that_o we_o be_v spiritual_o mind_v whereunto_o all_o these_o thing_n do_v tend_v some_o few_o thing_n i_o shall_v offer_v towards_o satisfaction_n herein_o 1._o i_o take_v it_o for_o grant_v on_o the_o evidence_n before_o give_v that_o person_n who_o have_v any_o spiritual_a light_n and_o will_v diligent_o examine_v and_o try_v their_o own_o heart_n will_v be_v able_a to_o discern_v what_o real_a act_n of_o faith_n of_o love_n and_o delight_n in_o god_n there_o be_v in_o their_o duty_n and_o consequent_o what_o be_v the_o spring_n of_o their_o spiritual_a thought_n in_o general_n we_o be_v assure_v that_o he_o that_o believe_v have_v the_o witness_n in_o himself_o 1_o joh._n 5.10_o sincere_a faith_n will_v be_v its_o own_o evidence_n and_o where_o there_o be_v sincere_a act_n of_o faith_n they_o will_v evidence_n themselves_o if_o we_o try_v all_o thing_n impartial_o by_o the_o word_n but_o if_o man_n do_v as_o for_o the_o most_o part_n they_o do_v content_v themselves_o with_o the_o performance_n of_o any_o duty_n without_o a_o examination_n of_o their_o principle_n frames_n and_o act_n of_o grace_n in_o they_o it_o be_v no_o wonder_n if_o they_o walk_v in_o all_o uncertainty_n 2._o when_o the_o soul_n find_v a_o sweet_a spiritual_a complacency_n in_o and_o after_o its_o duty_n it_o be_v a_o evidence_n that_o grace_n have_v be_v act_v in_o its_o spiritual_a thought_n and_o desire_n jer._n 31._o the_o prophet_n receive_v a_o long_a gracious_a message_n from_o god_n fill_v up_o with_o excellent_a promise_n and_o pathetical_a exhortation_n unto_o the_o church_n the_o whole_a be_v as_o it_o be_v sum_v up_o in_o the_o close_a of_o it_o ver._n 25._o for_o i_o have_v satiate_v the_o weary_a soul_n and_o i_o have_v replenish_v every_o sorrowful_a soul_n whereon_o the_o prophet_n add_v upon_o this_o i_o awake_v and_o behold_v and_o my_o sleep_n be_v sweet_a unto_o i_o god_n gracious_a message_n have_v so_o compose_v his_o spirit_n and_o free_v his_o mind_n from_o trouble_n as_o that_o he_o be_v at_o quiet_a repose_n in_o himself_o like_o a_o man_n asleep_a but_o after_o the_o end_n of_o it_o he_o stir_v up_o himself_o unto_o a_o review_n and_o consideration_n of_o what_o have_v be_v speak_v unto_o he_o i_o awake_v and_o behold_v or_o i_o stir_v up_o myself_o and_o consider_v what_o have_v be_v deliver_v unto_o i_o and_o say_v he_o my_o sleep_n be_v sweet_a unto_o i_o i_o find_v a_o gracious_a complacency_n in_o and_o refreshment_n unto_o my_o soul_n from_o what_o i_o have_v hear_v and_o receive_v so_o be_v it_o ofttimes_o with_o a_o soul_n that_o have_v have_v real_a communion_n with_o god_n in_o the_o duty_n of_o prayer_n it_o find_v itself_o both_o in_o it_o and_o afterward_o when_o it_o be_v awaken_v unto_o the_o consideration_n of_o it_o spiritual_o refresh_v it_o be_v sweet_a unto_o he_o this_o holy_a complacency_n this_o rest_n and_o sweet_a repose_n of_o mind_n be_v the_o foundation_n of_o the_o delight_n of_o believer_n in_o this_o duty_n they_o do_v not_o pray_v only_o because_o it_o be_v their_o duty_n so_o to_o do_v nor_o yet_o because_o
duty_n itself_o when_o we_o find_v the_o daily_a fruit_n and_o advantage_n of_o they_o especial_o in_o the_o preservation_n of_o our_o soul_n in_o a_o holy_a humble_a watchful_a frame_n innumerable_a be_v the_o advantage_n benefit_n and_o effect_n of_o prayer_n which_o be_v common_o speak_v unto_o growth_n in_o grace_n and_o consolation_n be_v the_o substance_n of_o they_o where_o there_o be_v continuance_n in_o prayer_n there_o will_v be_v spiritual_a growth_n in_o some_o proportion_n for_o man_n to_o be_v earnest_a in_o prayer_n and_o thriftless_a in_o grace_n be_v a_o certain_a indication_n of_o prevalent_a corruption_n and_o want_v of_o be_v spiritual_o mind_a in_o prayer_n itself_o if_o a_o man_n eat_v his_o daily_a food_n let_v he_o eat_v never_o so_o much_o or_o so_o often_o if_o he_o be_v not_o nourish_v by_o it_o his_o body_n be_v under_o the_o power_n of_o prevalent_a distemper_n and_o so_o be_v his_o spiritual_a constitution_n who_o thrive_v not_o in_o the_o use_n of_o the_o food_n of_o the_o new_a creature_n but_o that_o which_o i_o fix_v upon_o with_o respect_n unto_o the_o present_a enquiry_n be_v the_o frame_n that_o it_o preserve_v the_o soul_n in_o it_o will_v keep_v it_o humble_a and_o upon_o a_o diligent_a watch_n as_o unto_o its_o disposition_n and_o act_n he_o who_o pray_v as_o he_o ought_v will_v endeavour_v to_o live_v as_o he_o pray_v this_o none_o can_v do_v who_o do_v not_o with_o diligence_n keep_v his_o heart_n unto_o the_o thing_n he_o have_v pray_v about_o to_o pray_v earnest_o and_o live_v careless_o be_v to_o proclaim_v that_o a_o man_n be_v not_o spiritual_o mind_v in_o his_o prayer_n hereby_o than_o we_o shall_v know_v what_o be_v the_o spring_n of_o those_o spiritual_a thought_n which_o our_o mind_n be_v exercise_v withal_o in_o our_o supplication_n if_o they_o be_v influence_v unto_o a_o constant_a daily_a watch_n for_o the_o preservation_n of_o that_o frame_n of_o spirit_n those_o disposition_n and_o inclination_n unto_o spiritual_a thing_n which_o we_o pray_v for_o they_o be_v from_o a_o internal_a spring_n of_o grace_n if_o there_o be_v general_o a_o unsuitableness_n in_o our_o mind_n unto_o what_o we_o seem_v to_o contend_v for_o in_o our_o prayer_n the_o gift_n may_v be_v in_o exercise_n but_o the_o grace_n be_v want_v if_o a_o man_n be_v every_o day_n on_o the_o exchange_n and_o there_o talk_v diligent_o and_o earnest_o about_o merchandise_n and_o the_o affair_n of_o trade_n but_o when_o he_o come_v home_n think_v no_o more_o of_o they_o because_o indeed_o he_o have_v nothing_o to_o do_v no_o interest_n in_o they_o he_o may_v be_v a_o very_a poor_a man_n notwithstanding_o his_o pretence_n and_o he_o may_v be_v spiritual_o very_o poor_a who_o be_v on_o occasion_n fervent_a in_o prayer_n if_o when_o he_o retire_v unto_o himself_o he_o be_v not_o careful_a and_o diligent_a about_o the_o matter_n of_o it_o 4._o when_o spiritual_a affection_n and_o due_a preparation_n of_o heart_n unto_o the_o duty_n do_v excite_v and_o animate_v the_o gift_n of_o prayer_n and_o not_o the_o gift_n make_v impression_n on_o the_o affection_n then_o be_v we_o spiritual_o mind_a therein_o gift_n be_v servant_n not_o ruler_n in_o the_o mind_n be_v bestow_v on_o we_o to_o be_v serviceable_a unto_o grace_n not_o to_o lead_v it_o but_o to_o follow_v it_o and_o to_o be_v ready_a with_o their_o assistance_n on_o its_o exercise_n for_o the_o most_o part_n where_o they_o lead_v all_o they_o be_v all_o alone_a this_o be_v the_o natural_a order_n of_o these_o thing_n grace_n habitual_o incline_v and_o dispose_v the_o heart_n unto_o this_o duty_n providence_n and_o rule_n give_v the_o occasion_n for_o its_o excercise_n sense_n of_o duty_n call_v for_o preparation_n grace_n come_v into_o actual_a exercise_n gift_n come_v in_o with_o their_o assistance_n if_o they_o lead_v all_o all_o be_v out_o of_o order_n it_o may_v be_v otherwise_o sometime_o a_o person_n indispose_v and_o lifeless_a engage_v into_o prayer_n in_o a_o way_n of_o obedience_n upon_o conviction_n of_o duty_n may_v in_o and_o by_o the_o gift_n have_v his_o affection_n excite_v and_o grace_n engage_v unto_o its_o proper_a work_n it_o may_v be_v so_o i_o say_v but_o let_v man_n take_v heed_n how_o they_o trust_v unto_o this_o order_n and_o method_n for_o where_o it_o be_v so_o there_o may_v be_v little_a or_o nothing_o of_o the_o exercise_n of_o true_a grace_n in_o all_o their_o fervour_n and_o commotion_n of_o affection_n but_o when_o the_o genuine_a act_n of_o faith_n love_n holy_a reverence_n and_o gracious_a desire_n do_v stir_v up_o the_o gift_n unto_o its_o exercise_n call_v in_o its_o assistance_n unto_o the_o expression_n of_o themselves_o then_o be_v the_o heart_n and_o mind_n in_o their_o proper_a order_n 5._o it_o be_v so_o when_o other_o duty_n of_o religion_n be_v equal_o regard_v and_o attend_v unto_o with_o prayer_n itself_o he_o all_o who_o religion_n lie_v in_o prayer_n and_o hearing_n have_v none_o at_o all_o god_n have_v a_o equal_a respect_n unto_o all_o other_o duty_n and_o so_o must_v we_o have_v also_o so_o be_v it_o express_v as_o unto_o the_o instance_n of_o alm_n act_v 10.31_o and_o james_n place_v all_o religion_n herein_o because_o there_o be_v none_o without_o it_o jam._n 1.27_o i_o shall_v not_o value_v his_o prayer_n at_o all_o be_v he_o never_o so_o earnest_a and_o frequent_a in_o they_o who_o give_v not_o alm_n according_a to_o his_o ability_n and_o this_o in_o a_o especial_a manner_n be_v require_v of_o we_o who_o be_v minister_n that_o we_o be_v not_o like_o a_o hand_n set_v up_o in_o cross_a way_n direct_v other_o which_o way_n to_o go_v but_o stay_v behind_o itself_o this_o digression_n about_o the_o rise_n and_o spring_n of_o spiritual_a thought_n in_o prayer_n i_o judge_v not_o unnecessary_a in_o such_o a_o time_n and_o season_n wherein_o we_o ought_v to_o be_v very_o jealous_a lest_o gift_n impose_v themselves_o in_o the_o room_n of_o grace_n and_o be_v careful_a that_o they_o be_v employ_v only_o unto_o their_o proper_a end_n which_o be_v to_o be_v serviceable_a unto_o grace_n in_o its_o exercise_n and_o not_o otherwise_o 3._o there_o be_v another_o occasion_n of_o thought_n of_o spiritual_a thing_n when_o they_o do_v not_o spring_v from_o a_o live_a principle_n within_o and_o so_o be_v no_o evidence_n of_o be_v spiritual_o mind_v and_o this_o be_v the_o discourse_n of_o other_o they_o that_o fear_v the_o lord_n will_v be_v speak_v one_o to_o another_o of_o the_o thing_n wherein_o his_o glory_n be_v concern_v mal._n 3.16_o to_o declare_v the_o righteousness_n the_o glory_n of_o god_n be_v the_o delight_n of_o his_o saint_n psal._n 145._o 3_o 4_o 5_o 6_o 7_o 8._o great_a be_v the_o lord_n and_o great_o to_o be_v praise_v and_o his_o greatness_n be_v unsearchable_a one_o generation_n shall_v praise_v thy_o work_n to_o another_o and_o shall_v declare_v thy_o mighty_a work_n i_o will_v speak_v of_o the_o glorious_a honour_n of_o thy_o majesty_n and_o of_o thy_o wondrous_a work_n and_o man_n shall_v speak_v of_o the_o might_n of_o thy_o terrible_a act_n and_o i_o will_v declare_v thy_o greatness_n they_o shall_v abundant_o utter_v the_o memory_n of_o thy_o great_a goodness_n and_o shall_v sing_v of_o thy_o righteousness_n the_o lord_n be_v gracious_a and_o full_a of_o compassion_n slow_a to_o anger_n and_o of_o great_a mercy_n and_o according_o there_o be_v some_o who_o be_v ready_a on_o all_o occasion_n to_o be_v speak_v or_o make_v mention_n of_o thing_n divine_a spiritual_a and_o holy_a and_o it_o be_v to_o be_v wish_v that_o there_o be_v more_o of_o they_o all_o the_o flagitious_a sin_n that_o the_o world_n be_v fill_v withal_o be_v not_o a_o great_a evidence_n of_o the_o degeneracy_n of_o christian_a religion_n than_o this_o be_v that_o it_o be_v grow_v unusual_a yea_o a_o shame_n or_o scorn_v for_o man_n to_o speak_v together_o of_o the_o thing_n of_o god_n it_o be_v not_o so_o when_o religion_n be_v in_o its_o primitive_a power_n and_o glory_n nor_o be_v it_o so_o with_o they_o who_o real_o fear_v god_n and_o be_v sensible_a of_o their_o duty_n some_o i_o say_v there_o be_v who_o embrace_v all_o occasion_n of_o spiritual_a communication_n those_o with_o who_o they_o do_v converse_v if_o they_o be_v not_o profligate_v if_o they_o have_v any_o spiritual_a light_n can_v but_o so_o far_o comply_v with_o what_o they_o say_v as_o to_o think_v of_o the_o thing_n speak_v which_o be_v spiritual_a oft_o time_n the_o track_n and_o course_n of_o man_n thought_n lie_v so_o out_o of_o the_o way_n be_v so_o contrary_a unto_o such_o thing_n that_o they_o seem_v strange_a unto_o they_o they_o give_v they_o no_o entertainment_n you_o do_v but_o cross_v their_o way_n with_o such_o discourse_n whereon_o they_o stand_v still_o a_o little_a and_o
affection_n will_v fall_v off_o from_o earthly_a thing_n of_o their_o own_o accord_n the_o keenness_n and_o sharpness_n of_o they_o in_o many_o thing_n may_v be_v abate_v by_o the_o decay_n of_o their_o natural_a power_n in_o age_n and_o the_o like_a they_o may_v be_v mate_v by_o frequent_a disappointment_n by_o sickness_n pain_n and_o affliction_n as_o we_o shall_v see_v immediate_o or_o they_o may_v be_v willing_a unto_o a_o distribution_n of_o earthly_a enjoyment_n to_o have_v the_o reputation_n of_o it_o wherein_o they_o still_o cleave_v unto_o the_o world_n but_o under_o another_o shape_n and_o appearance_n they_o may_v be_v startle_v by_o conviction_n so_o as_o to_o do_v many_o thing_n glad_o that_o belong_v unto_o another_o frame_n but_o or_o one_o pretence_n or_o other_o under_o one_o appearance_n or_o other_o they_o will_v for_o ever_o adhere_v and_o cleave_v unto_o earthly_a thing_n unless_o they_o be_v mortify_v unto_o they_o through_o faith_n in_o the_o blood_n and_o cross_n of_o christ._n gal._n 6.14_o whateve_a thought_n you_o may_v have_v of_o yourselves_o in_o this_o matter_n unless_o you_o have_v the_o experience_n of_o a_o work_n of_o mortification_n on_o your_o affection_n you_o can_v have_v no_o refresh_a ground_n of_o assurance_n that_o you_o be_v in_o any_o thing_n spiritually-minded_n five_o in_o all_o instance_n of_o duty_n belong_v unto_o your_o stewardship_n of_o earthly_a thing_n attend_v diligent_o unto_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o word_n without_o this_o the_o grace_n exhort_v unto_o may_v be_v abuse_v so_o of_o old_a under_o a_o pretence_n of_o a_o relinquishment_n of_o the_o thing_n of_o this_o world_n because_o of_o the_o danger_n in_o adhere_v unto_o they_o their_o own_o superstition_n and_o the_o craft_n of_o other_o man_n prevail_v with_o many_o to_o part_v with_o all_o they_o have_v unto_o the_o service_n of_o other_o not_o better_a it_o may_v be_v not_o so_o good_a as_o themselves_o this_o evil_n whole_o arise_v from_o want_n of_o attendance_n unto_o the_o rule_n of_o truth_n which_o give_v no_o such_o direction_n in_o ordinary_a case_n but_o there_o be_v not_o much_o see_v in_o these_o day_n of_o a_o excess_n in_o that_o kind_n but_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n in_o all_o instance_n of_o duty_n of_o this_o nature_n most_o man_n mind_n be_v habitual_o influence_v with_o pretence_n reason_n and_o consideration_n that_o turn_v the_o scale_n as_o unto_o what_o they_o ought_v to_o do_v in_o proportion_n in_o this_o duty_n on_o the_o side_n of_o the_o world_n if_o you_o will_v be_v safe_a you_o must_v in_o all_o instance_n of_o duty_n as_o in_o work_n of_o charity_n piety_n and_o compassion_n give_v authority_n in_o and_o over_o your_o soul_n unto_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o word_n let_v neither_o self_n nor_o unbelief_n nor_o the_o custom_n and_o example_n of_o other_o be_v hear_v to_o speak_v but_o let_v the_o rule_n alone_o be_v attend_v unto_o and_o to_o what_o that_o speak_v yield_v obedience_n unless_o these_o thing_n be_v find_v in_o we_o none_o of_o we_o no_o man_n live_v if_o it_o be_v not_o so_o with_o he_o can_v have_v any_o refresh_a evidence_n or_o assurance_n that_o he_o be_v not_o under_o the_o power_n of_o a_o inordinate_a yea_o and_o predominant_a love_n unto_o this_o world_n and_o indeed_o to_o add_v a_o little_a further_o on_o the_o occasion_n of_o this_o digression_n it_o be_v a_o sad_a thing_n to_o have_v this_o exception_n make_v against_o the_o state_n of_o any_o man_n on_o just_a ground_n yea_o but_o he_o love_v the_o world_n he_o be_v sober_a and_o industrious_a he_o be_v constant_a in_o duty_n of_o religion_n it_o may_v be_v a_o earnest_a preacher_n of_o they_o a_o man_n of_o sound_a principle_n and_o blameless_a as_o unto_o the_o excess_n of_o life_n but_o he_o love_v the_o world_n the_o question_n be_v how_o do_v this_o appear_v it_o may_v be_v what_o you_o say_v be_v but_o one_o of_o those_o evil_a surmise_n which_o all_o thing_n be_v fill_v withal_o wherefore_o i_o speak_v it_o not_o at_o all_o to_o give_v countenance_n unto_o the_o rash_a judge_v of_o other_o which_o none_o be_v more_o prone_a unto_o than_o those_o who_o one_o way_n or_o other_o be_v eminent_o guilty_a themselves_o but_o i_o will_v have_v every_o man_n judge_v himself_o that_o we_o be_v none_o of_o we_o condemn_v of_o the_o lord_n it_o notwithstanding_o the_o thing_n mention_v any_o of_o we_o do_v centre_n in_o self_n which_o be_v supply_v and_o fill_v with_o the_o world_n if_o we_o preffer_n self_n above_o all_o other_o thing_n do_v aim_n at_o the_o satisfaction_n of_o self_n in_o what_o we_o do_v well_o or_o ill_o be_v useless_a unto_o the_o only_a good_a and_o bless_a end_n of_o these_o earthly_a thing_n in_o supply_v the_o want_n of_o other_o according_a unto_o the_o proportion_n wherewith_o we_o be_v entrust_v it_o be_v to_o be_v fear_v that_o the_o world_n and_o the_o thing_n that_o be_v in_o it_o have_v the_o principal_a interest_n in_o our_o affection_n and_o the_o danger_n be_v yet_o great_a with_o they_o who_o divert_v on_o the_o other_o extreme_a such_o be_v they_o who_o in_o pride_n of_o life_n vanity_n in_o apparel_n excess_n in_o drink_v pamper_v the_o flesh_n every_o day_n tread_v close_o on_o the_o heel_n of_o the_o world_n if_o they_o do_v not_o also_o full_o keep_v company_n with_o it_o altogether_o in_o vain_a be_v it_o for_o such_o person_n to_o countenance_n themselves_o with_o a_o appearance_n of_o other_o grace_n in_o they_o or_o the_o sedulous_a performance_n of_o other_o duty_n this_o one_o rule_n will_v eternal_o prevail_v against_o they_o if_o any_o man_n love_v the_o world_n the_o love_n of_o the_o father_n be_v not_o in_o he_o and_o by_o the_o way_n let_v man_n take_v heed_n how_o they_o walk_v in_o any_o instance_n against_o the_o know_a judgement_n and_o practice_n of_o the_o wise_a or_o more_o experience_a sort_n of_o christian_n to_o their_o regret_n and_o sorrow_n if_o not_o unto_o their_o offence_n and_o scandal_n or_o in_o any_o way_n whereunto_o they_o win_v the_o consent_n of_o their_o own_o light_n and_o conscience_n by_o such_o reason_n and_o consideration_n as_o will_v not_o hold_v weight_n in_o the_o balance_n of_o the_o sanctuary_n yet_o thus_o and_o no_o otherwise_o be_v it_o with_o all_o they_o who_o under_o a_o profession_n of_o religion_n do_v indulge_v unto_o any_o excess_n wherein_o they_o be_v conform_v unto_o the_o world_n five_o god_n make_v a_o hedge_n against_o the_o excess_n of_o the_o affection_n of_o man_n rational_a and_o any_o way_n enlighten_v unto_o the_o thing_n of_o this_o world_n by_o suffer_v the_o generality_n of_o man_n to_o carry_v the_o use_n of_o they_o and_o to_o be_v carry_v by_o the_o abuse_n of_o they_o into_o act_n so_o filthy_a so_o abominable_a so_o ridiculous_a as_o reason_n itself_o can_v but_o abhor_v man_n by_o they_o transform_v themselves_o into_o beast_n and_o monster_n as_o may_v be_v manifest_v by_o all_o sort_n of_o instance_n hence_o the_o wiseman_n pray_v against_o riches_n lest_o he_o shall_v not_o be_v able_a to_o manage_v the_o temptation_n wherewith_o they_o be_v accompany_v prov._n 30.8.9_o last_o to_o close_v this_o matter_n and_o to_o show_v we_o what_o we_o be_v to_o expect_v in_o case_n we_o set_v our_o affection_n on_o thing_n here_o below_o and_o they_o have_v thereby_o a_o predominant_a interest_n in_o our_o heart_n god_n have_v positive_o determine_v and_o declare_v that_o if_o it_o be_v so_o he_o will_v have_v nothing_o to_o do_v with_o we_o nor_o will_v accept_v of_o those_o affection_n which_o we_o pretend_v we_o can_v and_o do_v spare_v for_o he_o and_o spiritual_a thing_n if_o we_o abstain_v from_o open_a sin_n if_o we_o abhor_v the_o lewdness_n and_o uncleanness_n of_o man_n in_o the_o world_n if_o we_o be_v constant_a in_o religious_a duty_n and_o give_v ourselves_o up_o to_o walk_v after_o the_o most_o strict_a sort_n in_o religion_n like_o paul_n in_o his_o pharisaism_n may_v we_o not_o will_v some_o say_v or_o think_v find_v acceptance_n with_o god_n though_o our_o heart_n cleave_v inordinate_o unto_o the_o thing_n of_o this_o world_n i_o say_v god_n have_v preremptory_o determine_v the_o contrary_a and_o if_o other_o argument_n will_v not_o prevail_v with_o we_o he_o leave_v we_o at_o last_o unto_o this_o go_v love_v the_o world_n and_o the_o thing_n of_o it_o but_o know_v assure_o you_o do_v it_o unto_o the_o eternal_a loss_n of_o your_o soul_n 1_o joh._n 2.15_o jam._n 4._o these_o few_o instance_n have_v i_o give_v of_o the_o argument_n and_o motive_n whereby_o god_n be_v please_v to_o deter_v we_o from_o fix_v our_o affection_n on_o thing_n here_o below_o and_o they_o be_v most_o of_o they_o such_o only_a as_o he_o make_v use_v of_o in_o the_o administation_n of_o his_o providence_n there_o
mistake_n to_o suppose_v that_o any_o external_a duty_n of_o worship_n as_o hear_v the_o word_n prayer_n or_o the_o sacrament_n be_v appoint_v for_o themselves_o or_o accept_v for_o themselves_o such_o thought_n the_o jew_n of_o old_a have_v concern_v their_o sacrifice_n namely_o that_o they_o be_v appoint_v for_o their_o own_o sake_n and_o be_v acceptable_a service_n unto_o god_n mere_o on_o their_o own_o account_n wherefore_o god_n to_o deliver_v they_o from_o this_o pernicious_a mistake_n affirm_v ofttimes_o that_o he_o never_o appoint_v they_o at_o all_o that_o be_v for_o any_o such_o end_n jer._n 7.22_o 23._o isa._n 1.12_o 13_o 14_o etc._n etc._n and_o now_o under_o the_o gospel_n sundry_a thing_n destructive_a to_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n have_v proceed_v from_o such_o a_o supposition_n some_o hereon_o have_v always_o satisfy_v and_o content_v themselves_o with_o the_o external_a observance_n of_o they_o without_o desire_v or_o endeavour_v any_o holy_a communion_n with_o god_n in_o they_o or_o by_o they_o this_o constitute_v the_o state_n and_o condition_n mention_v rev._n 3.1_o and_o by_o follow_v this_o tract_n the_o generality_n of_o christian_n do_v wander_v out_o of_o the_o way_n they_o can_v leave_v they_o nor_o do_v know_v how_o to_o use_v they_o unto_o their_o advantage_n until_o they_o come_v whole_o unto_o that_o woeful_a state_n isai._n 29.13_o and_o some_o to_o establish_v this_o deceit_n have_v teach_v that_o there_o be_v much_o more_o in_o the_o outward_a work_n of_o these_o duty_n than_o ever_o god_n put_v into_o they_o and_o that_o they_o be_v sanctify_v mere_o by_o virtue_n of_o the_o work_v wrought_v but_o all_o the_o duty_n of_o the_o second_o commandment_n as_o be_v all_o institute_v ordinance_n of_o worship_n be_v but_o mean_v to_o express_v and_o exercise_v those_o of_o the_o first_o as_o faith_n love_n fear_v trust_v and_o delight_n in_o god_n the_o end_n of_o they_o all_o be_v that_o through_o they_o and_o by_o they_o we_o may_v act_v those_o grace_n on_o god_n in_o christ_n where_o this_o be_v not_o attend_v unto_o when_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n do_v not_o apply_v themselves_o unto_o this_o exercise_n of_o grace_n in_o they_o let_v they_o be_v never_o so_o solemn_a as_o to_o their_o outward_a performance_n be_v attend_v unto_o with_o diligence_n be_v perform_v with_o earnestness_n and_o delight_n they_o be_v neither_o acceptable_a unto_o god_n nor_o beneficial_a unto_o themselves_o isai._n 1.11_o this_o therefore_o be_v the_o first_o general_a spring_n of_o the_o love_n of_o believer_n of_o they_o who_o affection_n be_v spiritual_o renew_v unto_o the_o ordinance_n of_o divine_a worship_n and_o their_o delight_n in_o they_o they_o have_v experience_n that_o in_o and_o by_o they_o their_o faith_n and_o love_n be_v excite_v unto_o a_o gracious_a exercise_n of_o themselves_o on_o god_n in_o christ._n and_o when_o they_o find_v it_o otherwise_o with_o they_o they_o can_v have_v no_o rest_n in_o their_o soul_n for_o this_o end_n be_v they_o ordain_v sanctify_v and_o bless_v of_o god_n and_o therefore_o be_v effectual_a mean_n of_o it_o when_o their_o efficacy_n be_v not_o defeat_v by_o unbelief_n and_o those_o who_o have_v no_o experience_n hereof_o in_o their_o attendance_n unto_o they_o do_v as_o have_v be_v say_v fall_v into_o pernicious_a extreme_n some_o continue_v their_o observance_n with_o little_a regard_n unto_o god_n in_o curse_a formality_n so_o they_o make_v they_o a_o mean_n of_o their_o ruin_n by_o countenance_v of_o they_o in_o their_o security_n other_o utter_o reject_v they_o at_o least_o the_o most_o solemn_a of_o they_o and_o therein_o both_o the_o wisdom_n and_o grace_n and_o authority_n of_o god_n by_o who_o they_o be_v appoint_v because_o through_o the_o power_n of_o their_o own_o unbelief_n they_o find_v nothing_o in_o they_o this_o be_v the_o immediate_a end_n of_o all_o divine_a institution_n this_o be_v the_o only_a way_n whereby_o we_o may_v give_v glory_n unto_o god_n in_o their_o observance_n which_o be_v their_o ultimate_a end_n in_o this_o world_n &_o this_o be_v the_o design_n in_o general_n of_o believer_n in_o that_o obedience_n they_o yield_v unto_o the_o lord_n christ_n in_o their_o diligent_a observation_n of_o they_o we_o may_v consider_v how_o in_o what_o way_n and_o by_o what_o mean_v those_o who_o affection_n be_v spiritual_o renew_v do_v and_o aught_o to_o apply_v their_o mind_n and_o soul_n unto_o their_o observance_n and_o we_o may_v consider_v herein_o first_o what_o they_o do_v design_n and_o than_o what_o they_o endeavour_v to_o be_v find_v in_o the_o exercise_n and_o practice_n of_o in_o their_o use_n and_o enjoyment_n first_o they_o come_v unto_o they_o with_o this_o desire_n design_n and_o expectation_n namely_o to_o be_v enable_v direct_v and_o excite_v by_o they_o unto_o the_o exercise_n of_o divine_a faith_n and_o love_n when_o it_o be_v not_o so_o with_o any_o where_o there_o be_v not_o this_o design_n they_o do_v in_o various_a degree_n take_v the_o name_n of_o god_n in_o vain_a in_o their_o observance_n these_o be_v approximationes_n dei_fw-la the_o way_n of_o draw_v nigh_o unto_o god_n as_o they_o be_v every_o where_o call_v in_o scripture_n to_o suppose_v that_o a_o draw_v nigh_o unto_o god_n may_v consist_v mere_o in_o the_o outward_a performance_n of_o duty_n whatever_n be_v its_o solemnity_n be_v to_o reject_v all_o due_a reverence_n of_o he_o forasmuch_o say_v the_o lord_n as_o this_o people_n draw_v near_o i_o with_o their_o mouth_n and_o with_o their_o lip_n do_v honour_n i_o but_o have_v remove_v their_o heart_n far_o from_o i_o therefore_o i_o will_v proceed_v against_o they_o isaiah_n 29.13_o the_o mouth_n and_o lip_n be_v put_v by_o a_o synecdoche_n for_o all_o the_o mean_n of_o outward_a worship_n and_o honour_n these_o man_n may_v use_v diligent_o attend_v unto_o while_o their_o heart_n be_v far_o from_o god_n that_o be_v when_o they_o do_v not_o draw_v nigh_o to_o he_o by_o faith_n and_o love_n but_o all_o this_o worship_n be_v reject_v of_o god_n with_o the_o high_a token_n of_o his_o displeasure_n and_o indignation_n against_o it_o first_o our_o soul_n then_o have_v no_o way_n of_o approach_n unto_o god_n in_o duty_n of_o worship_n but_o by_o faith_n no_o way_n of_o adherance_n or_o cleave_v unto_o he_o but_o by_o love_n no_o way_n of_o abide_v in_o he_o but_o by_o fear_n reverence_n and_o delight_n when_o ever_o these_o be_v not_o in_o excercise_n outward_a duty_n of_o worship_n be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v a_o mean_n of_o such_o a_o approach_n unto_o he_o as_o that_o they_o set_v we_o at_o a_o great_a distance_n from_o he_o than_o we_o be_v before_o at_o least_o be_v utter_o useless_a and_o fruitless_a unto_o we_o so_o indeed_o they_o be_v unto_o the_o most_o who_o come_v unto_o they_o they_o know_v not_o why_o and_o behave_v themselves_o under_o they_o they_o care_v not_o how_o nor_o be_v there_o any_o evil_n in_o the_o heart_n and_o way_n of_o man_n whereof_o god_n complain_v more_o in_o his_o word_n as_o that_o which_o be_v accompany_v with_o the_o high_a contempt_n of_o he_o and_o because_o these_o ordinance_n of_o divine_a worship_n be_v mean_n which_o the_o wisdom_n and_o grace_n of_o god_n have_v appoint_v unto_o this_o end_n namely_o the_o exercise_n and_o increase_v of_o divine_a faith_n and_o love_n and_o therefore_o do_v sanctify_v and_o bless_v they_o thereunto_o i_o do_v not_o believe_v that_o they_o have_v any_o delight_n in_o the_o exercise_n of_o these_o grace_n nor_o do_v design_n growth_n in_o they_o by_o who_o these_o great_a mean_n of_o they_o be_v despise_v or_o neglect_v and_o although_o i_o have_v see_v those_o valley_n of_o public_a worship_n forsake_v either_o on_o pretence_n of_o high_a attainment_n in_o faith_n light_n and_o love_n than_o to_o stand_v in_o need_n of_o they_o any_o more_o or_o on_o a_o foolish_a opinion_n that_o they_o cease_v upon_o the_o dispensation_n of_o the_o spirit_n which_o be_v give_v unto_o we_o to_o make_v they_o useful_a and_o effectual_a or_o on_o some_o provocation_n that_o have_v be_v give_v unto_o some_o man_n or_o which_o they_o have_v take_v unto_o themselves_o which_o they_o have_v think_v they_o can_v revenge_v by_o a_o neglect_n of_o public_a administration_n or_o through_o slavish_a peace_n and_o negligence_n in_o time_n of_o difficulty_n as_o be_v the_o manner_n of_o some_o who_o forsake_v the_o assembly_n of_o the_o saint_n heb._n 16.25_o yet_o i_o never_o see_v but_o it_o issue_v in_o a_o great_a decay_n if_o not_o in_o a_o utter_a loss_n of_o all_o exercise_n of_o faith_n and_o love_n and_o sometime_o in_o open_a profaneness_n for_o such_o person_n contemn_v the_o way_n and_o mean_n which_o god_n in_o his_o infinite_a wisdom_n and_o goodness_n have_v appoint_v for_o their_o exercise_n and_o increase_n and_o this_o shall_v
and_o a_o great_a valuation_n of_o earthly_a thing_n with_o their_o care_n about_o they_o and_o converse_v in_o they_o they_o abate_v and_o decay_v in_o their_o spiritual_a affection_n every_o day_n they_o will_v abide_v in_o their_o profession_n but_o have_v lose_v their_o first_o love_n it_o be_v a_o shame_n and_o folly_n unutterable_a that_o it_o shall_v be_v so_o with_o any_o who_o make_v profession_n of_o that_o religion_n wherein_o there_o be_v so_o many_o incomparable_a excellency_n to_o endear_v and_o engage_v they_o to_o it_o more_o and_o more_o but_o why_o shall_v we_o hide_v what_o experience_n make_v manifest_a in_o the_o sight_n of_o the_o sun_n and_o what_o multitude_n proclaim_v concern_v themselves_o wherefore_o i_o look_v upon_o it_o as_o a_o great_a evidence_n if_o not_o absolute_o of_o the_o sincerity_n of_o grace_n yet_o of_o the_o life_n and_o growth_n of_o it_o when_o man_n as_o they_o grow_v up_o in_o age_n do_v grow_v in_o a_o undervaluation_n of_o present_a thing_n in_o contempt_n of_o the_o world_n in_o duty_n of_o charity_n and_o bounty_n and_o decay_v not_o in_o any_o of_o they_o but_o i_o say_v it_o be_v usual_a that_o the_o entrance_n of_o man_n profession_n of_o religion_n and_o conversation_n unto_o god_n be_v attend_v with_o vigorous_a active_a affection_n towards_o spiritual_a thing_n of_o they_o who_o real_o and_o sincere_o believe_v it_o be_v say_v that_o on_o their_o believe_v they_o rejoice_v with_o joy_n unspeakable_a and_o full_a of_o glory_n and_o of_o those_o who_o only_o have_v a_o work_n of_o conviction_n on_o they_o improve_v by_o temporary_a faith_n that_o they_o receive_v the_o word_n with_o joy_n and_o do_v many_o thing_n glad_o in_o this_o state_n do_v many_o abide_v and_o thrive_v until_o their_o affection_n be_v whole_o transform_v into_o the_o image_n and_o likeness_n of_o thing_n above_o but_o with_o many_o of_o all_o sort_n it_o be_v not_o so_o they_o fall_v into_o woeful_a decay_n as_o unto_o their_o affection_n about_o spiritual_a thing_n and_o consequent_o in_o their_o whole_a profession_n and_o conversation_n their_o moisture_n become_v as_o the_o drought_n in_o summer_n they_o have_v no_o experience_n of_o the_o life_n and_o act_n of_o they_o in_o themselves_o nor_o any_o comfort_n or_o refreshment_n from_o they_o they_o honour_v not_o the_o gospel_n with_o any_o fruit_n of_o love_n zeal_n or_o delight_n nor_o be_v useful_a any_o way_n unto_o other_o by_o their_o example_n some_o of_o they_o have_v have_v seem_v recovery_n and_o be_v yet_o again_o take_v into_o a_o lifeless_a frame_n warning_n afliction_n sickness_n the_o word_n have_v awaken_v they_o but_o they_o be_v fall_v again_o into_o a_o dead_a sleep_n so_o as_o that_o they_o seem_v to_o be_v tree_n who_o fruit_n wither_v without_o fruit_n twice_o dead_a pluck_v up_o by_o the_o root_n some_o thing_n must_v be_v speak_v unto_o this_o woeful_a condition_n in_o general_n as_o that_o which_o be_v direct_o opposite_a unto_o the_o grace_n and_o duty_n of_o be_v spiritual_o mind_a and_o contrary_a unto_o and_o obstructive_a of_o the_o growth_n of_o spiritual_a affection_n in_o a_o assimulation_n unto_o heavenly_a thing_n and_o what_o shall_v be_v speak_v may_v be_v apply_v unto_o all_o the_o degree_n of_o these_o decay_n though_o all_o of_o they_o be_v not_o alike_o dangerous_a or_o perilous_a first_o there_o may_v be_v a_o time_n of_o temptation_n wherein_o a_o soul_n may_v apprehend_v in_o itself_o not_o only_o a_o decay_n in_o but_o a_o utter_a loss_n of_o all_o spiritual_a affection_n when_o yet_o it_o be_v not_o so_o as_o believer_n may_v apprehend_v and_o judge_n that_o the_o lord_n have_v forsake_v and_o forget_v they_o when_o he_o have_v not_o do_v so_o isaiah_n 49.14_o 15._o so_o they_o may_v under_o their_o temptation_n apprehend_v that_o they_o have_v forsake_v god_n when_o they_o have_v not_o do_v so_o as_o a_o man_n in_o the_o night_n may_v apprehend_v he_o have_v lose_v his_o way_n and_o be_v in_o great_a distress_n when_o he_o be_v in_o his_o proper_a road._n for_o temptation_n bring_v darkness_n and_o amazement_n and_o lead_v into_o mistake_v and_o a_o false_a judgement_n in_o all_o thing_n they_o find_v not_o it_o may_v be_v grace_n work_v in_o love_n joy_n and_o delight_n as_o former_o nor_o that_o activity_n of_o heart_n and_o mind_n in_o holy_a duty_n which_o spiritual_a affection_n give_v unto_o they_o but_o yet_o it_o may_v be_v the_o same_o grace_n work_v in_o godly_a sorrow_n by_o mourn_v humiliation_n and_o self-abasement_n no_o less_o effectual_o nor_o less_o acceptable_o unto_o god_n such_o as_o these_o i_o separate_v from_o the_o present_a consideration_n second_o there_o may_v be_v a_o decay_n in_o affection_n themselves_o as_o unto_o their_o act_n towards_o any_o object_n whatever_o at_o least_o as_o unto_o the_o outward_a symptom_n and_o effect_n of_o they_o and_o on_o this_o ground_n their_o opperation_n towards_o spiritual_a thing_n may_v be_v less_o sensible_a so_o man_n in_o their_o young_a day_n may_v be_v more_o ready_a to_o express_v their_o sorrow_n by_o tear_n and_o their_o joy_n by_o sensible_a exaltation_n and_o motion_n of_o their_o spirit_n than_o in_o ripe_a year_n and_o this_o may_v be_v so_o when_o there_o be_v no_o decay_n of_o grace_n in_o the_o affection_n as_o renew_v but_o 1_o when_o it_o be_v so_o it_o be_v a_o burden_n unto_o they_o in_o who_o it_o be_v they_o can_v but_o mourn_v and_o have_v a_o godly-jealousy_n over_o themselves_o lest_o the_o decay_v they_o find_v shall_v not_o be_v in_o the_o outward_a but_o the_o inward_a not_o in_o the_o natural_a but_o the_o spiritual_a man._n and_o they_o will_v labour_v that_o in_o all_o duty_n and_o at_o all_o time_n it_o may_v be_v with_o they_o as_o in_o day_n of_o old_a although_o they_o can_v attain_v strength_n in_o they_o that_o vigour_n of_o spirit_n that_o life_n joy_n peace_n and_o comfort_n which_o any_o have_v have_v experience_n of_o second_o there_o will_v be_v in_o such_o person_n no_o decay_n in_o holiness_n of_o life_n nor_o as_o unto_o diligence_n in_o all_o religious_a duty_n if_o the_o decay_n be_v real_o of_o grace_n in_o the_o affection_n it_o will_v be_v accompany_v with_o a_o proportionable_a decay_n in_o all_o other_o thing_n wherein_o the_o life_n of_o god_n be_v concern_v but_o if_o it_o be_v only_o as_o unto_o the_o sensible_a act_n of_o natural_a affection_n no_o such_o decay_n will_v ensue_v three_o grace_n will_v in_o this_o case_n more_o vigorous_o act_v itself_o in_o the_o other_o faculty_n and_o power_n of_o the_o soul_n as_o the_o judgement_n and_o the_o will_n in_o their_o approbation_n of_o and_o firm_a adherence_n unto_o spiritual_a thing_n but_o four_o when_o man_n find_v or_o may_v find_v their_o affection_n yet_o quick_a active_a and_o intent_n on_o other_o thing_n as_o the_o lawful_a enjoyment_n and_o comfort_n of_o this_o life_n it_o be_v in_o vain_a for_o they_o to_o relieve_v themselves_o that_o the_o decay_v they_o find_v be_v in_o their_o affection_n as_o natural_a and_o not_o as_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v gracious_a if_o we_o see_v a_o man_n in_o his_o old_a age_n grow_v more_o in_o love_n with_o the_o thing_n of_o this_o world_n and_o less_o in_o love_n with_o the_o thing_n of_o god_n it_o be_v not_o through_o the_o weakness_n of_o nature_n but_o through_o the_o strength_n of_o sin_n on_o these_o and_o it_o may_v be_v some_o other_o the_o like_a occasion_n there_o may_v be_v a_o apprehension_n of_o a_o decay_n in_o spiritual_a affection_n when_o it_o may_v not_o be_v so_o at_o least_o not_o unto_o the_o degree_n that_o be_v apprehend_v but_o when_o it_o be_v so_o real_o as_o it_o be_v evident_o with_o many_o i_o have_v almost_o say_v with_o the_o most_o in_o these_o day_n it_o be_v a_o woeful_a frame_n of_o heart_n and_o never_o enough_o to_o be_v lament_v it_o be_v that_o which_o lie_v in_o direct_a contradiction_n unto_o that_o spiritual-mindedness_a which_o be_v life_n and_o peace_n it_o be_v a_o consumption_n of_o the_o soul_n which_o threaten_v it_o with_o death_n every_o day_n it_o belong_v not_o unto_o my_o design_n to_o treat_v of_o it_o in_o particular_a yet_o i_o can_v let_v it_o pass_v without_o some_o remark_n upon_o it_o it_o be_v a_o evil_a almost_o epidemical_a among_o professor_n and_o prevalent_a in_o some_o unto_o such_o a_o degree_n as_o that_o they_o seem_v to_o be_v utter_o forsake_v of_o all_o power_n of_o spiritual_a life_n now_o beside_o all_o that_o folly_n and_o sin_n which_o we_o before_o discover_v as_o the_o cause_n of_o the_o want_n of_o the_o growth_n of_o our_o affection_n in_o spirituality_n and_o heavenliness_n which_o in_o this_o case_n of_o their_o decay_n be_v more_o abominable_a there_o be_v a_o multiplication_n of_o evil_n wherewith_o this_o state_n of_o heart_n and_o
in_o the_o moon_n and_o star_n than_o in_o the_o sun_n but_o because_o the_o light_n of_o the_o sun_n be_v great_a than_o our_o visive_a faculty_n can_v direct_o bear_v and_o behold_v so_o we_o can_v more_o clear_o discover_v the_o truth_n and_o distinct_a nature_n of_o thing_n moral_a and_o natural_a than_o we_o can_v of_o thing_n that_o be_v heavenly_a and_o spiritual_a see_v john_n 3.14_o not_o that_o there_o be_v more_o substance_n or_o reality_n in_o they_o but_o because_o the_o ability_n of_o our_o understanding_n be_v more_o suit_v unto_o the_o comprehension_n of_o they_o the_o other_o be_v above_o we_o we_o know_v but_o in_o part_n and_o our_o mind_n be_v liable_a to_o be_v hinder_v and_o disorder_v in_o their_o apprehension_n of_o thing_n heavenly_a and_o spiritual_a by_o ignorance_n temptation_n and_o prejudices_fw-la of_o all_o sort_n in_o nothing_o more_o be_v man_n subject_a unto_o mistake_n than_o in_o the_o application_n of_o thing_n unto_o themselves_o and_o a_o judgement_n of_o their_o interest_n in_o they_o fear_v self-love_n with_o the_o prevalency_n of_o temptation_n and_o corruption_n do_v all_o engage_v their_o power_n to_o darken_v the_o light_n of_o the_o mind_n and_o to_o pervert_v its_o judgement_n in_o no_o case_n do_v the_o deceitfulness_n of_o the_o heart_n or_o of_o sin_n which_o be_v all_o one_o more_o act_n itself_o hence_o multitude_n say_v peace_n to_o themselves_o to_o who_o god_n do_v not_o speak_v peace_n and_o some_o who_o be_v child_n of_o light_n do_v yet_o walk_v in_o darkness_n hence_o be_v that_o fervent_a prayer_n of_o the_o apostle_n for_o help_v in_o this_o case_n ephes._n 1.16_o 17_o 18_o 19_o there_o be_v also_o a_o great_a similitude_n between_o temporary_a faith_n and_o that_o which_o be_v save_v and_o durable_a and_o between_o gift_n and_o grace_n in_o their_o operation_n which_o be_v that_o that_o be_v under_o present_a consideration_n it_o be_v acknowledge_v therefore_o that_o without_o the_o especial_a light_n and_o conduct_v of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n no_o man_n can_v make_v such_o a_o judgement_n of_o his_o state_n and_o his_o action_n as_o shall_v be_v a_o stable_a foundation_n of_o give_v glory_n to_o god_n and_o of_o obtain_v peace_n unto_o his_o own_o soul._n and_o therefore_o the_o great_a part_n of_o mankind_n do_v constant_o deceive_v themselves_o in_o these_o thing_n but_o ordinary_o under_o this_o bless_a conduct_n in_o the_o search_n of_o ourselves_o and_o the_o concernment_n of_o our_o duty_n we_o may_v come_v unto_o a_o satisfaction_n whether_o they_o be_v influence_v by_o faith_n and_o have_v grace_n exercise_v in_o they_o especial_o this_o duty_n of_o prayer_n or_o whether_o it_o derive_v from_o the_o power_n of_o our_o natural_a faculty_n raise_v by_o light_n and_o spiritual_a gift_n only_o and_o so_o whether_o our_o spiritual_a thought_n therein_o do_v spring_n from_o a_o vital_a principle_n of_o grace_n or_o whether_o they_o come_v from_o occasional_a impression_n on_o the_o mind_n by_o the_o performance_n of_o the_o duty_n itself_o if_o man_n be_v willing_a to_o deceive_v themselves_o or_o to_o hide_v themselves_o from_o themselves_o to_o walk_v with_o god_n at_o all_o per_fw-la adventure_n to_o leave_v all_o thing_n at_o hazard_n to_o put_v off_o all_o trial_n unto_o that_o at_o the_o last_o day_n and_o so_o never_o call_v themselves_o unto_o a_o account_n as_o unto_o the_o nature_n of_o their_o duty_n in_o any_o particular_a instance_n it_o be_v no_o wonder_n if_o they_o neither_o do_v nor_o can_v make_v any_o distinction_n in_o this_o matter_n as_o unto_o the_o true_a nature_n of_o their_o thought_n in_o spiritual_a duty_n two_o thing_n be_v require_v hereunto_o 1._o that_o we_o impartial_o and_o severe_o examine_v and_o try_v the_o frames_n and_o act_n of_o our_o mind_n in_o holy_a duty_n by_o the_o word_n of_o truth_n and_o thereon_o not_o be_v afraid_a to_o speak_v that_o plain_o unto_o our_o soul_n which_o the_o word_n speak_v unto_o we_o this_o diligent_a search_n ought_v to_o respect_v our_o principle_n aim_n end_n act_n with_o the_o whole_a deportment_n of_o our_o soul_n in_o every_o duty_n see_v 2_o cor._n 13.5_o if_o a_o man_n receive_v much_o money_n and_o look_v only_o on_o the_o outward_a form_n and_o superscription_n when_o he_o suppose_v that_o he_o have_v great_a store_n of_o currant_n coin_n in_o gold_n and_o silver_n he_o may_v have_v only_a heap_n of_o lead_n or_o copper_n by_o he_o but_o he_o that_o trade_v in_o it_o as_o the_o comfort_n and_o support_v of_o his_o natural_a life_n and_o condition_n he_o will_v try_v what_o he_o receive_v both_o by_o the_o balance_n and_o the_o touchstone_n as_o the_o occasion_n require_v especial_o if_o it_o be_v in_o a_o time_n when_o much_o adulterate_v coin_n be_v passant_a in_o the_o world_n and_o if_o a_o man_n reckon_v on_o his_o duty_n by_o tale_n and_o number_n he_o may_v be_v utter_o deceive_v and_o be_v spiritual_o poor_a and_o a_o bankrupt_a when_o he_o esteem_v himself_o rich_a increase_v in_o good_n and_o want_v nothing_o some_o duty_n may_v appear_o hold_v in_o the_o balance_n as_o to_o weight_n which_o will_v not_o hold_v it_o at_o the_o touchstone_n as_o to_o worth_n both_o mean_n be_v to_o be_v use_v if_o we_o will_v not_o be_v mistake_v in_o our_o account_n thus_o god_n himself_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o a_o multitude_n of_o duty_n call_v the_o people_n to_o try_v and_o examine_v themselves_o whether_o or_o no_o they_o be_v such_o as_o have_v faith_n and_o grace_n in_o they_o and_o so_o like_a to_o have_v acceptance_n with_o he_o isa._n 58.2_o 3_o 4_o 5._o 2._o add_v we_o must_v unto_o our_o own_o diligent_a enquiry_n fervent_a prayer_n unto_o god_n that_o he_o will_v search_v and_o try_v we_o as_o unto_o our_o sincerity_n and_o discover_v unto_o we_o the_o true_a frame_n of_o our_o heart_n hereof_o we_o have_v a_o express_a example_n psal._n 139.23_o 24._o search_v i_o o_o god_n and_o know_v my_o heart_n try_v i_o and_o know_v my_o thought_n and_o see_v if_o there_o be_v any_o wicked_a way_n in_o i_o and_o lead_v i_o in_o the_o way_n everlasting_a this_o be_v the_o only_a way_n whereby_o we_o may_v have_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n witness_v unto_o our_o sincerity_n with_o our_o own_o spirit_n there_o be_v need_n of_o call_v in_o divine_a assistance_n in_o this_o matter_n both_o from_o the_o importance_n of_o it_o and_o from_o its_o difficulty_n god_n alone_o know_v full_o and_o perfect_o what_o be_v in_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n i_o no_o way_n doubt_v but_o that_o in_o the_o impartial_a use_n of_o these_o mean_n a_o man_n may_v come_v to_o assure_a satisfaction_n in_o his_o own_o mind_n such_o as_o wherein_o he_o shall_v not_o be_v deceive_v whether_o he_o do_v animate_v and_o quicken_v his_o thought_n of_o spiritual_a thing_n in_o duty_n with_o inward_a vital_a grace_n or_o whether_o they_o be_v impression_n on_o his_o mind_n by_o the_o occasion_n of_o the_o duty_n a_o duty_n this_o be_v of_o great_a importance_n and_o necessity_n now_o hypocrisy_n have_v make_v so_o great_a a_o inroad_a on_o profession_n and_o gift_n have_v doflowred_a grace_n in_o its_o principal_a operation_n no_o person_n be_v in_o great_a danger_n of_o walk_v at_o hazard_n with_o god_n than_o those_o who_o live_v in_o the_o exercise_n of_o spiritual_a gift_n in_o duty_n unto_o their_o own_o satisfaction_n and_o other_o for_o they_o may_v countenance_v themselves_o with_o a_o appearance_n of_o every_o thing_n that_o shall_v be_v in_o they_o in_o reality_n and_o power_n when_o there_o be_v nothing_o of_o it_o in_o they_o and_o so_o it_o have_v fall_v out_o we_o have_v see_v many_o earnest_n in_o the_o exercise_n of_o this_o gift_n who_o have_v turn_v vile_a and_o debauch_a apostate_n some_o have_v be_v know_v to_o live_v in_o sin_n and_o a_o indulgence_n of_o their_o lust_n and_o yet_o to_o abide_v constant_a in_o their_o duty_n isa._n 1.15_o and_o we_o may_v hear_v prayer_n sometime_o that_o open_o discover_v themselves_o unto_o spiritual_a sense_n to_o be_v the_o labour_n of_o the_o brain_n by_o the_o help_n of_o gift_n in_o memory_n and_o invention_n without_o a_o evidence_n of_o any_o mixture_n of_o humility_n reverence_n or_o godly_a fear_n without_o any_o act_n of_o faith_n and_o love_n they_o flow_v as_o wine_n yet_o smell_v and_o taste_v of_o the_o unsavoury_a cask_n from_o whence_o they_o proceed_v it_o be_v necessary_a therefore_o that_o we_o shall_v put_v ourselves_o on_o the_o severe_a trial_n lest_o we_o shall_v be_v find_v not_o to_o be_v spiritual_o mind_v in_o spiritual_a duty_n gift_n be_v gracious_a vouchsafement_n of_o christ_n to_o make_v grace_n useful_a unto_o ourselves_o and_o other_o yea_o they_o may_v make_v they_o useful_a unto_o the_o grace_n of_o other_o who_o have_v no_o grace_n in_o themselves_o but_o as_o
and_o motive_n unto_o it_o i_o can_v understand_v how_o you_o can_v judge_v yourselves_o to_o be_v spiritual_o mind_v if_o any_o therefore_o shall_v say_v that_o they_o will_v abound_v more_o in_o spiritual_a thought_n only_o they_o know_v not_o what_o to_o fix_v they_o upon_o i_o propose_v this_o in_o the_o first_o place_n as_o that_o which_o will_v lead_v they_o unto_o the_o due_a performance_n of_o present_a duty_n second_o the_o special_a trial_n and_o temptation_n of_o man_n call_v for_o the_o exercise_n of_o their_o thought_n in_o a_o peculiar_a manner_n with_o respect_n unto_o they_o if_o a_o man_n have_v a_o bodily_a disease_n pain_n or_o distemper_n it_o will_v cause_v he_o to_o think_v much_o of_o it_o whether_o he_o will_v or_o no_o at_o least_o if_o he_o be_v wise_a he_o will_v so_o do_v nor_o will_v he_o always_o be_v complain_v of_o their_o smart_n but_o inquire_v into_o their_o cause_n and_o seek_v their_o removal_n yet_o be_v there_o some_o distemper_n as_o lethargy_n which_o in_o their_o own_o nature_n take_v away_o all_o sense_n and_o thought_n of_o themselves_o and_o some_o be_v of_o such_o a_o slow_a secret_a progress_n as_o hectic_a fever_n that_o they_o be_v not_o take_v notice_n of_o but_o both_o these_o be_v mortal_a and_o shall_v man_n be_v more_o negligent_a about_o the_o spiritual_a distemper_n of_o their_o soul_n so_o as_o to_o have_v multiply_v temptation_n the_o cause_n of_o all_o spiritual_a disease_n and_o take_v no_o thought_n about_o they_o be_v it_o not_o to_o be_v fear_v that_o where_o it_o be_v so_o they_o be_v such_o as_o either_o in_o their_o own_o nature_n have_v deprive_v they_o of_o spiritual_a sense_n or_o by_o their_o deceitfulness_n be_v lead_v on_o insensible_o unto_o death_n eternal_a not_o to_o have_v our_o mind_n exercise_v about_o these_o thing_n be_v to_o be_v stupid_o secure_a prov._n 23.34_o 35._o there_o be_v i_o confess_v some_o difficulty_n in_o this_o matter_n how_o to_o exercise_v our_o thought_n aright_o about_o our_o temptation_n for_o the_o great_a way_n of_o the_o prevalency_n of_o temptation_n be_v by_o stir_v up_o multiply_v thought_n about_o their_o object_n or_o what_o they_o do_v lead_v unto_o and_o this_o be_v do_v or_o occasion_v several_a way_n 1._o from_o the_o previous_a power_n of_o lust_n in_o the_o affection_n this_o will_v fill_v the_o mind_n with_o thought_n the_o heart_n will_v coin_v imagination_n in_o compliance_n therewith_o they_o be_v the_o way_n and_o mean_n whereby_o lust_n draw_v away_o the_o heart_n from_o duty_n and_o entice_v unto_o sin_n jam._n 1.14_o the_o mean_n at_o least_o whereby_o man_n come_v to_o have_v eye_n full_a of_o adultery_n 2_o pet._n 2.14_o or_o live_v in_o constant_a contemplation_n of_o the_o pleasure_n of_o sin_n 2._o they_o arise_v and_o be_v occasion_v by_o renew_a representation_n of_o the_o object_n of_o sin_n and_o this_o be_v twofold_a 1._o that_o which_o be_v real_a as_o achan_n see_v the_o wedge_n of_o gold_n and_o covet_v it_o josh._n 7.21_o prov._n 23.31_o against_o this_o be_v that_o prayer_n of_o the_o psalmist_n turn_v away_o my_o eye_n from_o behold_v vanity_n and_o the_o covenant_n of_o job_n chap._n 31.1_o 2._o imaginary_a when_o the_o imagination_n be_v taint_v or_o infect_v by_o lust_n continual_o represent_v the_o pleasure_n of_o sin_n and_o the_o act_n of_o it_o unto_o the_o mind_n herein_o do_v man_n make_v provision_n for_o the_o flesh_n to_o fulfil_v the_o lust_n thereof_o rom._n 13.14_o 3._o from_o the_o suggestion_n of_o satan_n who_o use_v all_o his_o wiles_n and_o artifices_fw-la to_o stir_v up_o thought_n about_o that_o sin_n whereunto_o the_o temptation_n lead_v and_o temptation_n seldom_o fail_v of_o its_o end_n when_o it_o can_v stir_v up_o a_o multitude_n of_o unprofitable_a thought_n about_o its_o object_n for_o when_o temptation_n do_v multiply_v thought_n about_o sin_n proceed_v from_o some_o or_o all_o of_o these_o cause_n and_o the_o mind_n have_v wont_a itself_o to_o give_v they_o entertainment_n those_o in_o who_o they_o be_v do_v want_v nothing_o but_o opportunity_n and_o occasion_n take_v off_o the_o power_n of_o outward_a restraint_n for_o the_o commission_n of_o actual_a sin_n when_o man_n have_v so_o devise_v mischief_n they_o practise_v it_o when_o it_o be_v in_o the_o power_n of_o their_o hand_n mic._n 2.1_o it_o be_v no_o way_n safe_a to_o advise_v such_o person_n to_o have_v many_o thought_n about_o their_o temptation_n they_o will_v all_o turn_v to_o their_o disadvantage_n i_o speak_v unto_o they_o only_o unto_o who_o their_o temptation_n be_v their_o affliction_n and_o their_o burden_n and_o such_o person_n also_o must_v be_v very_o careful_a how_o they_o suffer_v their_o thought_n to_o be_v exercise_v about_o the_o matter_n of_o their_o temptation_n lest_o it_o be_v a_o snare_n and_o be_v too_o hard_a for_o they_o man_n may_v begin_v their_o thought_n of_o any_o object_n with_o abhorrency_n and_o detestation_n and_o if_o it_o be_v in_o case_n of_o temptation_n end_v they_o in_o complacency_n and_o approbation_n the_o deceitfulness_n of_o sin_n lay_v hold_v on_o something_o or_o other_o that_o lust_n in_o the_o mind_n stay_v upon_o with_o delectation_n and_o so_o corrupt_v the_o whole_a frame_n of_o spirit_n which_o begin_v the_o duty_n there_o have_v be_v instance_n wherein_o person_n have_v enter_v with_o a_o resolution_n to_o punish_v sin_n and_o have_v be_v ensnare_v by_o the_o occasion_n unto_o the_o commission_n of_o the_o sin_n they_o think_v to_o punish_v wherefore_o it_o be_v seldom_o that_o the_o mind_n of_o any_o one_o exercise_v with_o a_o actual_a temptation_n be_v able_a safe_o to_o conflict_n with_o it_o if_o it_o entertain_v abide_v thought_n of_o the_o matter_n of_o it_o or_o of_o the_o sin_n whereunto_o it_o lead_v for_o sin_n have_v mille_fw-la nocendi_fw-la art_fw-la and_o be_v able_a to_o transfuse_v its_o poison_n into_o the_o affection_n from_o every_o thing_n it_o have_v once_o make_v a_o bait_n of_o especial_o if_o it_o have_v already_o defile_v the_o mind_n with_o please_a contemplation_n of_o it_o yea_o oftentimes_o a_o man_n that_o have_v some_o spiritual_a strength_n and_o therein_o engage_v unto_o the_o performance_n of_o duty_n if_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o they_o the_o matter_n of_o his_o temptation_n be_v so_o present_v unto_o he_o as_o to_o take_v hold_n of_o his_o thought_n in_o a_o moment_n as_o if_o he_o have_v see_v as_o they_o say_v medusa_n head_n he_o be_v turn_v into_o a_o stone_n his_o spirit_n be_v all_o freeze_a his_o strength_n be_v go_v all_o act_n of_o grace_n do_v cease_v his_o armour_n fall_v from_o he_o and_o he_o give_v up_o himself_o a_o prey_n to_o his_o temptation_n it_o must_v be_v a_o new_a supply_n of_o grace_n that_o can_v give_v he_o any_o deliverance_n wherefore_o whilst_o person_n be_v exercise_v with_o any_o temptation_n i_o do_v not_o advise_v they_o to_o be_v conversant_a in_o their_o thought_n about_o the_o matter_n of_o it_o for_o sometime_o remembrance_n of_o former_a satisfaction_n of_o their_o lust_n sometime_o present_a surprisal_n with_o the_o suitableness_n of_o it_o unto_o corruption_n not_o yet_o mortify_v sometime_o the_o craft_n of_o satan_n fix_v their_o imagination_n on_o it_o will_v be_v too_o hard_a for_o they_o and_o carry_v they_o unto_o a_o fresh_a compliance_n with_o that_o sin_n which_o they_o will_v be_v deliver_v from_o but_o this_o season_n call_v in_o a_o especial_a manner_n for_o the_o exercise_n of_o the_o thought_n of_o man_n about_o the_o way_n and_o mean_n of_o deliverance_n from_o the_o snare_n wherein_o they_o be_v take_v or_o the_o danger_n they_o find_v themselves_o expose_v unto_o think_v of_o the_o gild_n of_o sin_n that_o you_o may_v be_v humble_v think_v of_o the_o power_n of_o sin_n that_o you_o may_v seek_v strength_n against_o it_o think_v not_o of_o the_o matter_n of_o sin_n the_o thing_n that_o be_v in_o the_o world_n suit_v unto_o the_o lust_n of_o the_o flesh_n the_o lust_n of_o the_o eye_n and_o the_o pride_n of_o life_n lest_o you_o be_v more_o and_o more_o entangle_v but_o the_o present_a direction_n be_v think_v much_o of_o the_o way_n of_o relief_n from_o the_o power_n of_o your_o own_o temptation_n lead_v unto_o sin_n but_o this_o man_n unless_o they_o be_v spiritual_o mind_v be_v very_o loath_a to_o come_v unto_o i_o speak_v not_o of_o they_o that_o love_v their_o shackle_n that_o glory_n in_o their_o yoke_n that_o like_o their_o temptation_n well_o enough_o as_o those_o which_o give_v the_o most_o satisfactory_a entertainment_n unto_o their_o mind_n such_o man_n know_v not_o well_o what_o to_o do_v unless_o they_o may_v in_o their_o mind_n converse_v with_o the_o object_n of_o their_o lust_n and_o do_v multiply_v thought_n about_o they_o continual_o the_o apostle_n call_v it_o make_v provision_n for_o the_o flesh_n
will_v meditate_v much_o upon_o they_o many_o be_v discourage_v herein_o by_o their_o ignorance_n and_o darkness_n by_o their_o want_n of_o due_a conception_n and_o steady_a apprehension_n of_o invisible_a thing_n hence_o one_o of_o these_o two_o thing_n do_v befall_v they_o when_o they_o will_v meditate_v on_o thing_n above_o 1._o the_o glory_n of_o they_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n in_o they_o be_v essential_o infinite_a and_o incomprehensible_a do_v immediate_o overwhelm_v they_o and_o as_o it_o be_v in_o a_o moment_n put_v they_o unto_o a_o utter_a loss_n that_o they_o can_v frame_v one_o thought_n in_o their_o mind_n about_o they_o or_o 2._o they_o want_v skill_n and_o ability_n to_o conceive_v aright_o of_o invisible_a thing_n and_o to_o dispose_v of_o they_o in_o such_o order_n in_o their_o mind_n as_o that_o they_o may_v sedate_o exercise_v their_o thought_n about_o they_o both_o these_o shall_v be_v afterward_o speak_v unto_o at_o present_a i_o shall_v only_o say_v that_o whosoever_o shall_v sincere_o engage_v in_o this_o duty_n according_a unto_o what_o he_o have_v and_o shall_v abide_v constant_a therein_o he_o will_v make_v such_o a_o refresh_a progress_n in_o his_o apprehension_n of_o heavenly_a thing_n as_o he_o will_v be_v great_o satisfy_v withal_o we_o be_v keep_v in_o darkness_n ignorance_n and_o unsteadiness_n of_o meditation_n about_o they_o not_o from_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n themselves_o but_o from_o our_o own_o sloth_n negligence_n and_o readiness_n to_o be_v turn_v aside_o by_o apprehension_n of_o difficulty_n of_o the_o lion_n in_o the_o way_n wherefore_o i_o shall_v consider_v two_o thing_n 1._o what_o be_v the_o principal_a motive_n unto_o this_o duty_n of_o fix_v our_o thought_n on_o the_o thing_n that_o be_v above_o and_o the_o advantage_n which_o we_o receive_v thereby_o 2._o give_v some_o direction_n how_o and_o on_o what_o in_o particular_a we_o may_v exercise_v our_o thought_n on_o those_o thing_n above_o 1._o faith_n will_v be_v increase_v and_o strengthen_v by_o it_o invisible_a thing_n be_v the_o proper_a object_n of_o faith_n it_o be_v the_o evidence_n of_o thing_n not_o see_v heb._n 11.1_o wherefore_o in_o our_o thought_n of_o they_o faith_n be_v in_o its_o proper_a exercise_n which_o be_v the_o principal_a mean_n of_o its_o growth_n and_o increase_n and_o hereon_o two_o thing_n will_v ensue_v 1._o the_o soul_n will_v come_v unto_o a_o more_o satisfactory_a abide_a sense_n of_o the_o reality_n of_o they_o thing_n of_o imagination_n which_o maintain_v a_o value_n of_o themselves_o by_o darkness_n will_v not_o bear_v a_o diligent_a search_n into_o they_o they_o lose_v of_o their_o reputation_n on_o every_o serious_a enquiry_n if_o rational_a man_n will_v but_o give_v themselves_o the_o liberty_n of_o free_a indagation_n by_o their_o own_o thought_n it_o will_v quick_o cashier_v the_o fool_n paradise_n of_o mahomet_n the_o purgatory_n of_o the_o papist_n and_o all_o such_o creature_n of_o imagination_n and_o superstition_n but_o where_o thing_n be_v real_a and_o substantial_a the_o more_o they_o be_v inquire_v into_o the_o more_o they_o evidence_n their_o be_v and_o subsistence_n it_o be_v not_o therefore_o every_o profession_n of_o a_o faith_n of_o a_o future_a state_n of_o blessedness_n that_o will_v reallize_v it_o in_o our_o mind_n and_o therefore_o for_o the_o most_o part_n it_o be_v rather_o a_o notion_n that_o man_n have_v of_o heavenly_a thing_n which_o they_o do_v not_o contradict_v than_o any_o solid_a satisfaction_n in_o or_o spiritual_a sense_n of_o their_o reality_n for_o these_o be_v thing_n that_o eye_n have_v not_o see_v nor_o ear_n hear_v nor_o will_v enter_v into_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n to_o conceive_v who_o existence_n nature_n and_o real_a state_n be_v not_o easy_o comprehend_v but_o through_o the_o continual_a exercise_n of_o holy_a thought_n about_o they_o the_o soul_n obtain_v a_o entrance_n into_o the_o midst_n of_o they_o find_v in_o they_o both_o durable_a substance_n and_o riches_n there_o be_v no_o way_n therefore_o to_o strengthen_v faith_n unto_o any_o degree_n but_o by_o a_o daily_a contemplation_n on_o the_o thing_n themselves_o they_o who_o do_v not_o think_v of_o they_o frequent_o shall_v never_o believe_v they_o sincere_o they_o admit_v not_o of_o any_o collateral_a evidence_n where_o they_o do_v not_o evidence_n themselves_o unto_o our_o soul_n i'faith_o as_o we_o say_v thus_o exercise_v will_v give_v they_o a_o subsistence_n not_o in_o themselves_o which_o they_o have_v antecedent_n thereunto_o but_o in_o we_o in_o our_o heart_n in_o the_o mind_n of_o they_o that_o do_v believe_v imagination_n create_v its_o own_o object_n faith_n find_v it_o prepare_v beforehand_o it_o will_v not_o leave_v a_o bare_a notion_n of_o they_o in_o the_o understanding_n but_o give_v they_o a_o spiritual_a subsistence_n in_o the_o heart_n as_o christ_n himself_o dwell_v in_o our_o heart_n by_o faith_n and_o there_o be_v two_o thing_n that_o will_v discover_v this_o subsistence_n of_o they_o in_o we_o 1._o when_o we_o find_v they_o in_o a_o continual_a readiness_n to_o rise_v up_o in_o our_o mind_n on_o all_o occasion_n wherein_o the_o thought_n and_o remembrance_n of_o they_o be_v needful_a and_o useful_a unto_o we_o there_o be_v many_o season_n some_o whereof_o shall_v be_v immediate_o speak_v unto_o and_o many_o duty_n wherein_o and_o whereunto_o the_o faith_n and_o thought_n of_o thing_n invisible_a and_o eternal_a be_v needful_a unto_o we_o so_o as_o that_o we_o can_v fill_v up_o those_o season_n nor_o perform_v those_o duty_n in_o a_o due_a manner_n without_o they_o if_o on_o all_o such_o occasion_n they_o do_v from_o the_o inward_a frame_n of_o our_o mind_n present_v themselves_o unto_o we_o or_o through_o our_o acquaintance_n and_o familiarity_n with_o they_o we_o recurre_v in_o our_o thought_n unto_o they_o they_o seem_v to_o have_v a_o real_a subsistence_n give_v unto_o they_o in_o our_o soul_n but_o if_o on_o such_o occasion_n wherein_o alone_o they_o will_v yield_v we_o help_v and_o relief_n we_o accustom_v ourselves_o to_o other_o thought_n if_o those_o concern_v they_o be_v as_o it_o be_v out_o of_o the_o way_n and_o arise_v not_o in_o our_o mind_n of_o their_o own_o accord_n we_o be_v yet_o stranger_n unto_o this_o effect_n of_o faith_n 2._o they_o be_v realize_v unto_o we_o they_o have_v a_o subsistence_n in_o we_o when_o the_o soul_n continual_o long_v to_o be_v in_o they_o when_o they_o have_v give_v such_o a_o relish_n unto_o our_o heart_n as_o the_o first_o fruit_n of_o glory_n that_o we_o can_v but_o desire_v on_o all_o opportune_a consideration_n to_o be_v in_o the_o full_a enjoyment_n of_o they_o faith_n seem_v to_o have_v have_v its_o effectual_a work_n herein_o upon_o we_o for_o want_v of_o these_o thing_n do_v many_o among_o we_o walk_v in_o disconsolation_n all_o their_o day_n 2._o it_o will_v gradual_o give_v the_o heart_n a_o acquaintance_n with_o the_o 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the_o principal_a food_n of_o faith_n whereby_o it_o be_v nourish_v and_o strengthen_v and_o we_o be_v not_o to_o expect_v much_o work_n where_o there_o be_v not_o provision_n of_o proper_a food_n for_o they_o that_o labour_n no_o wonder_n if_o we_o find_v faith_n faint_a and_o weak_a in_o the_o work_n it_o have_v to_o do_v which_o oft_o time_n be_v great_a and_o weighty_a if_o we_o neglect_v to_o guide_v it_o daily_o unto_o that_o which_o shall_v administer_v strength_n unto_o it_o 2._o it_o will_v give_v life_n and_o exercise_n unto_o the_o grace_n of_o hope_n hope_n be_v a_o glorious_a grace_n whereunto_o bless_a effect_n be_v ascribe_v in_o the_o scripture_n and_o a_o effectual_a operation_n unto_o the_o supportment_n and_o consolation_n of_o believer_n by_o it_o be_v we_o purify_v sanctify_a save_v and_o to_o sum_n up_o the_o whole_a of_o its_o excellency_n and_o efficacy_n it_o be_v a_o principal_a way_n of_o the_o work_n of_o christ_n as_o inhabit_v in_o
faith_n and_o profession_n in_o these_o our_o day_n the_o belly_n of_o man_n cleave_v unto_o the_o dust_n or_o their_o affection_n unto_o earthly_a thing_n i_o speak_v not_o of_o those_o who_o by_o rapine_n deceit_n and_o oppression_n strive_v to_o enrich_v themselves_o nor_o of_o those_o who_o design_v nothing_o more_o than_o the_o attainment_n of_o greatness_n and_o promotion_n in_o the_o world_n though_o not_o by_o way_n of_o open_a wickedness_n lest_o of_o all_o of_o they_o who_o make_v religion_n and_o perhaps_o their_o ministry_n therein_o a_o mean_n for_o the_o attain_n secular_a end_n and_o preferment_n no_o wise_a man_n can_v suppose_v such_o person_n any_o of_o they_o to_o be_v spiritual_o mind_v and_o it_o be_v most_o easy_a to_o disprove_v all_o their_o pretence_n but_o i_o intend_v only_o those_o at_o present_a who_o way_n and_o mean_n of_o attain_v riches_n be_v lawful_a honest_a and_o unblameable_a who_o use_v they_o with_o some_o moderation_n and_o do_v profess_v that_o their_o portion_n lie_v in_o better_a thing_n so_o as_o it_o be_v hard_o to_o fasten_v a_o conviction_n on_o they_o in_o matter_n of_o their_o conversation_n whatever_o may_v seem_v to_o reflect_v upon_o they_o they_o esteem_v it_o to_o be_v that_o who_o omission_n will_v make_v they_o foolish_a in_o their_o affair_n or_o negligent_a in_o their_o duty_n but_o even_o among_o these_o also_o there_o be_v oft_o time_n that_o inordinate_a love_n unto_o present_a thing_n that_o esteem_n and_o valuation_n of_o they_o that_o concernment_n in_o they_o as_o be_v not_o consistent_a with_o their_o be_v spiritual_o mind_v with_o some_o their_o relation_n with_o some_o their_o enjoyment_n with_o most_o both_o in_o conjunction_n be_v a_o idol_n which_o they_o set_v up_o in_o their_o heart_n and_o secret_o bow_v down_o unto_o about_o these_o be_v their_o hope_n and_o fear_n exercise_v on_o they_o be_v their_o love_n in_o they_o be_v their_o delight_n they_o be_v whole_o take_v up_o with_o their_o 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earthly_a thing_n this_o fill_v all_o place_n with_o lifeless_a sapless_a useless_a professor_n who_o approve_v themselves_o in_o their_o condition_n while_o it_o be_v visible_o unspiritual_a and_o wither_a the_o heart_n will_v have_v something_o whereon_o in_o a_o way_n of_o pre-eminence_n it_o will_v fix_v itself_o and_o its_o affection_n this_o in_o all_o its_o perpetual_a motion_n it_o seek_v for_o rest_n and_o satisfaction_n in_o and_o every_o man_n have_v a_o edge_n the_o edge_n of_o his_o affection_n be_v set_v one_o way_n or_o other_o though_o it_o be_v more_o keen_a in_o some_o than_o other_o and_o whereas_o all_o sort_n of_o thing_n that_o the_o heart_n can_v fix_v upon_o or_o turn_v the_o edge_n of_o its_o affection_n unto_o be_v distribute_v by_o the_o apostle_n into_o thing_n above_o and_o thing_n beneath_o thing_n heavenly_a and_o thing_n earthly_a if_o we_o have_v not_o such_o a_o view_n and_o prospect_n of_o heavenly_a thing_n as_o to_o cause_v our_o heart_n to_o cleave_v unto_o they_o and_o delight_v in_o they_o let_v we_o pretend_v what_o we_o will_v it_o be_v impossible_a but_o that_o we_o shall_v be_v under_o the_o power_n of_o a_o predominant_a affection_n unto_o the_o thing_n of_o this_o world_n herein_o lie_v the_o great_a danger_n of_o multitude_n at_o this_o present_a season_n for_o let_v man_n profess_v what_o they_o will_v under_o the_o power_n of_o this_o frame_n their_o eternal_a state_n be_v in_o hazard_v every_o moment_n and_o person_n be_v engage_v in_o it_o in_o great_a variety_n of_o degree_n and_o we_o may_v cast_v they_o under_o two_o head_n 1._o some_o do_v not_o at_o all_o understand_v that_o thing_n be_v amiss_o with_o they_o or_o that_o they_o be_v much_o to_o be_v blame_v they_o plead_v as_o be_v before_o observe_v that_o they_o be_v all_o lawful_a thing_n which_o their_o heart_n do_v cleave_v unto_o and_o which_o it_o be_v their_o duty_n to_o take_v care_n of_o and_o regard_n may_v they_o not_o delight_v in_o their_o own_o relation_n especial_o at_o such_o a_o time_n when_o other_o break_v and_o cancel_v all_o duty_n and_o bond_n of_o relation_n in_o the_o service_n of_o and_o provision_n they_o make_v for_o their_o lust_n may_v they_o not_o be_v careful_a in_o good_a and_o honest_a way_n of_o diligence_n about_o the_o thing_n of_o the_o world_n when_o the_o most_o either_o lavish_a their_o time_n away_o in_o the_o pursuit_n of_o bestial_a lust_n or_o heap_v they_o up_o by_o deceit_n and_o oppression_n may_v they_o not_o contrive_v for_o the_o promotion_n of_o their_o child_n in_o the_o world_n to_o add_v the_o other_o hundred_o or_o thousand_o pound_n unto_o their_o advancement_n that_o they_o may_v be_v in_o as_o good_a condition_n as_o other_o see_v he_o be_v worse_a than_o a_o infidel_n who_o provide_v not_o for_o his_o own_o family_n by_o such_o reason_n and_o secret_a thought_n do_v many_o justify_v themselves_o in_o their_o earthly_a mindedness_n and_o so_o fix_v they_o be_v in_o the_o approbation_n of_o themselves_o that_o if_o you_o urge_v they_o to_o their_o duty_n you_o shall_v loose_v their_o acquaintance_n if_o they_o do_v not_o become_v your_o enemy_n for_o tell_v they_o the_o truth_n yea_o they_o will_v avoid_v one_o duty_n that_o lie_v not_o against_o their_o earthly_a interest_n because_o it_o lead_v unto_o another_o they_o will_v not_o engage_v in_o religious_a assembly_n or_o be_v constant_a unto_o their_o duty_n in_o they_o for_o fear_v duty_n of_o charity_n shall_v be_v require_v of_o they_o or_o expect_v from_o they_o on_o what_o ground_n such_o person_n can_v satisfy_v themselves_o that_o they_o be_v spiritually-minded_n i_o know_v not_o i_o shall_v leave_v only_o one_o rule_n with_o person_n that_o be_v thus_o mind_v where_o our_o love_n unto_o the_o world_n have_v prevail_v by_o its_o reason_n plea_n and_o pretence_n to_o take_v away_o our_o fear_n and_o jealousy_n over_o our_o own_o heart_n lest_o we_o shall_v inordinate_o love_v it_o there_o it_o be_v assure_o predominant_a in_o we_o 2._o other_o be_v sensible_a of_o the_o evil_a of_o their_o heart_n at_o least_o be_v jealous_a and_o afraid_a lest_o it_o shall_v be_v find_v that_o their_o heart_n do_v cleave_v inordinate_o unto_o these_o thing_n hence_o they_o endeavour_v to_o contend_v against_o this_o evil_a sometime_o by_o force_v themselves_o unto_o such_o act_n of_o piety_n or_o charity_n as_o be_v contrary_a unto_o that_o frame_n and_o sometime_o by_o labour_v a_o change_n of_o the_o frame_n itself_o especial_o they_o will_v do_v so_o when_o god_n be_v please_v to_o awaken_v they_o by_o trial_n and_o affliction_n such_o as_o write_v vanity_n and_o emptiness_n on_o all_o earthly_a enjoyment_n but_o for_o the_o most_o part_n they_o strive_v not_o lawful_o and_o so_o obtain_v not_o what_o they_o seem_v to_o aim_v at_o this_o disease_n with_o many_o be_v mortal_a
a_o discriminate_a character_n of_o believer_n this_o be_v no_o heaven_n unto_o any_o other_o those_o who_o have_v not_o a_o experience_n of_o the_o excellency_n of_o these_o thing_n in_o their_o initial_a state_n in_o this_o world_n and_o their_o incomparable_a transcendency_n unto_o all_o other_o thing_n can_v conceive_v how_o heavenly_a glory_n and_o blessedness_n shall_v consist_v in_o they_o unskilful_a man_n may_v cast_v away_o rough_a unwrought_a diamond_n as_o useless_a stone_n they_o know_v not_o what_o polish_n will_v bring_v they_o unto_o nor_o do_v man_n unskilful_a in_o the_o mystery_n of_o godliness_n judge_v there_o can_v be_v any_o glory_n in_o rough_a unwrought_a grace_n they_o know_v not_o what_o lustre_n and_o beauty_n the_o polish_n of_o the_o heavenly_a hand_n will_v give_v unto_o it_o it_o be_v general_o suppose_v that_o however_o man_n differ_v in_o and_o about_o religion_n here_o yet_o they_o agree_v well_o enough_o about_o heaven_n they_o will_v all_o go_v to_o the_o same_o heaven_n but_o it_o be_v a_o great_a mistake_n they_o differ_v in_o nothing_o more_o they_o will_v not_o all_o go_v to_o the_o same_o heaven_n how_o few_o be_v they_o who_o value_v that_o heavenly_a state_n which_o we_o have_v treat_v of_o or_o do_v understand_v how_o any_o blessedness_n can_v consist_v in_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o it_o but_o this_o and_o no_o other_o heaven_n will_v we_o go_v unto_o other_o notion_n there_o may_v be_v there_o be_v of_o it_o which_o be_v but_o fruit_n and_o effect_n of_o man_n own_o imagination_n the_o more_o they_o dwell_v in_o the_o contemplation_n of_o they_o the_o more_o carnal_a they_o may_v grow_v at_o best_a the_o more_o superstitious_a but_o spiritual_a thought_n of_o this_o heaven_n consist_v principal_o in_o freedom_n from_o all_o sin_n in_o the_o perfection_n of_o all_o grace_n in_o the_o vision_n of_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n in_o christ_n and_o all_o the_o excellency_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n as_o manifest_v in_o he_o be_v a_o effectual_a mean_n for_o the_o improvement_n of_o spiritual_a life_n and_o the_o increase_n of_o all_o grace_n in_o we_o for_o they_o can_v but_o effect_v a_o assimilation_n in_o the_o mind_n and_o heart_n unto_o the_o thing_n contemplate_v on_o where_o the_o principle_n and_o seed_n of_o they_o be_v already_o inlay_v and_o begin_v this_o be_v our_o first_o direction_n second_o have_v fix_v right_a notion_n and_o apprehension_n of_o heavenly_a thing_n in_o our_o mind_n it_o be_v our_o duty_n to_o think_v and_o contemplate_v great_o on_o they_o and_o our_o own_o concernment_n in_o they_o without_o this_o all_o our_o speculation_n concern_v the_o nature_n of_o eternal_a thing_n will_v be_v of_o no_o use_n unto_o we_o and_o unto_o your_o encouragement_n and_o direction_n take_v these_o few_o short_a rule_n relate_v unto_o this_o duty_n 1._o here_o lie_v the_o great_a trial_n whether_o we_o be_v spiritual_o mind_v or_o no_o by_o virtue_n of_o this_o rule_n if_o we_o be_v rise_v with_o christ_n we_o will_v mind_v the_o thing_n that_o be_v above_o col._n 3.3_o 2._o here_o lie_v the_o great_a mean_n whereby_o we_o may_v attain_v further_a degree_n in_o that_o bless_a frame_n of_o mind_n if_o it_o be_v already_o form_v in_o we_o by_o virtue_n of_o that_o rule_n behold_v the_o glory_n of_o god_n as_o in_o a_o glass_n we_o be_v change_v into_o the_o same_o image_n from_o glory_n to_o glory_n 2_o cor._n 3.18_o 3._o here_o lie_v the_o great_a evidence_n whether_o we_o have_v a_o real_a interest_n in_o the_o thing_n above_o or_o no_o whether_o we_o place_v our_o portion_n and_o blessedness_n in_o they_o by_o virtue_n of_o that_o rule_n where_o our_o treasure_n be_v there_o will_v our_o heart_n be_v also_o be_v they_o our_o treasure_n our_o portion_n our_o reward_n in_o comparison_n whereof_o all_o other_o thing_n be_v but_o loss_n and_o dung_n we_o shall_v assure_o be_v conversant_a in_o our_o mind_n about_o they_o 4._o it_o can_v be_v imagine_v that_o a_o man_n shall_v have_v in_o he_o a_o principle_n cognate_n and_o suit_v unto_o thing_n above_o of_o the_o same_o kind_a and_o nature_n with_o they_o that_o his_o soul_n shall_v be_v under_o the_o conduct_n of_o those_o habit_n of_o grace_n which_o strive_v and_o natural_o tend_v unto_o perfection_n labour_v great_o here_o under_o the_o weight_n of_o their_o own_o weakness_n as_o it_o be_v with_o all_o who_o be_v true_o spiritual_o mind_a and_o yet_o not_o have_v his_o thought_n great_o exercise_v about_o these_o thing_n 1_o joh._n 3.3_o it_o be_v well_o if_o we_o will_v try_v ourselves_o by_o thing_n of_o so_o uncontrollable_a evidence_n what_o can_v any_o object_n unto_o the_o truth_n of_o these_o thing_n or_o the_o necessity_n of_o this_o duty_n if_o it_o be_v otherwise_o with_o we_o it_o be_v from_o one_o of_o these_o two_o cause_n either_o we_o be_v not_o convince_v of_o the_o truth_n and_o reality_n of_o they_o or_o we_o have_v no_o delight_n in_o they_o because_o we_o be_v not_o spiritual_o mind_v do_v we_o think_v that_o man_n may_v turmoyl_v themselves_o in_o earthly_a thought_n all_o the_o day_n long_o and_o when_o they_o be_v free_v of_o their_o affair_n betake_v themselves_o unto_o those_o that_o be_v vain_a and_o useless_a without_o any_o state_v converse_n with_o thing_n above_o and_o yet_o enjoy_v life_n and_o peace_n we_o must_v take_v other_o measure_n of_o thing_n if_o we_o intend_v to_o live_v unto_o god_n to_o be_v like_o he_o and_o to_o come_v unto_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o he_o what_o be_v the_o matter_n with_o man_n that_o they_o be_v so_o stupid_a they_o all_o general_o desire_v to_o go_v to_o heaven_n at_o least_o when_o they_o can_v live_v here_o no_o long_o some_o indeed_o have_v no_o other_o regard_n unto_o it_o but_o only_o that_o they_o will_v not_o go_v to_o hell_n but_o most_o will_v die_v the_o death_n of_o the_o righteous_a and_o have_v their_o latter_a end_n like_o he_o yet_o few_o there_o be_v who_o endeavour_n to_o attain_v a_o right_a notion_n of_o it_o to_o try_v how_o it_o be_v suit_v unto_o their_o principle_n and_o desire_n but_o content_v themselves_o with_o such_o general_a notion_n of_o it_o as_o please_v their_o imagination_n it_o be_v no_o wonder_n if_o such_o person_n seldom_o exercise_v their_o mind_n or_o thought_n about_o it_o nor_o do_v they_o so_o much_o as_o pretend_v to_o be_v spiritual_o mind_v but_o as_o for_o those_o who_o be_v instruct_v in_o these_o thing_n who_o profess_v their_o chief_a interest_n to_o lie_v in_o they_o not_o to_o abound_v in_o meditation_n concern_v they_o it_o argue_v indeed_o that_o whatever_o they_o profess_v they_o be_v earthly_a and_o carnal_a again_o meditate_v and_o think_v of_o the_o glory_n of_o heaven_n so_o as_o to_o compare_v it_o with_o the_o opposite_a state_n of_o death_n and_o eternal_a misery_n few_o man_n care_v to_o think_v much_o of_o hell_n and_o the_o everlasting_a torment_n of_o the_o wicked_a therein_o those_o do_v so_o least_o who_o be_v in_o most_o danger_n of_o fall_v thereinto_o they_o put_v far_o from_o they_o the_o evil_a day_n and_o suppose_v their_o covenant_n with_o death_n and_o hell_n to_o be_v sure_a some_o begin_v to_o advance_v a_o opinion_n that_o there_o be_v no_o such_o place_n because_o it_o be_v their_o interest_n and_o desire_n that_o there_o shall_v be_v none_o some_o out_o of_o profaneness_n make_v a_o scoff_n at_o it_o as_o though_o a_o future_a judgement_n be_v but_o a_o fable_n most_o seem_v to_o think_v that_o there_o be_v a_o severity_n in_o thought_n about_o it_o which_o it_o be_v not_o fit_a we_o shall_v be_v too_o much_o terrify_v withal_o some_o transient_a thought_n they_o will_v have_v of_o it_o but_o not_o suffer_v they_o to_o abide_v in_o their_o mind_n lest_o they_o shall_v be_v too_o much_o discompose_v or_o they_o think_v it_o not_o consistent_a with_o the_o goodness_n of_o christ_n to_o leave_v any_o man_n in_o that_o condition_n whereas_o there_o be_v more_o speak_v direct_o of_o hell_n its_o torment_n and_o their_o eternity_n by_o himself_o self_n 〈◊〉_d in_o all_o the_o scripture_n beside_o these_o thought_n â—â—â—…ost_o proceed_v from_o a_o unwillingness_n to_o be_v trouble_v 〈◊〉_d their_o sin_n and_o be_v useful_a unto_o none_o it_o be_v the_o height_n of_o folly_n for_o man_n to_o endeavour_v the_o hide_v of_o themselves_o for_o a_o few_o moment_n from_o that_o which_o be_v unavoidable_o come_v upon_o they_o unto_o eternity_n and_o the_o due_a consideration_n whereof_o be_v a_o mean_n for_o a_o escape_n from_o it_o but_o i_o speak_v only_o of_o true_a believer_n and_o the_o more_o they_o be_v conversant_a in_o their_o thought_n about_o the_o future_a estate_n of_o eternal_a misery_n the_o great_a evidence_n they_o have_v of_o the_o life_n and_o confidence_n of_o faith_n it_o be_v a_o necessary_a duty_n
make_v unto_o atheism_n with_o argument_n for_o the_o divine_a be_v and_o existence_n of_o god_n take_v from_o reason_n and_o natural_a light_n in_o this_o and_o other_o age_n have_v be_v of_o good_a use_n to_o cast_v contempt_n on_o the_o pretence_n of_o evil_a man_n to_o justify_v themselves_o in_o their_o folly_n but_o that_o they_o have_v so_o much_o as_o change_v the_o mind_n of_o any_o i_o much_o doubt_n no_o man_n be_v under_o the_o power_n of_o atheistical_a thought_n or_o can_v be_v so_o long_o but_o he_o that_o be_v ensnare_v into_o they_o by_o his_o desire_n to_o live_v secure_o and_o uncontrollable_o in_o sin_n such_o person_n know_v it_o to_o be_v their_o interest_n that_o there_o shall_v be_v no_o god_n and_o be_v willing_a to_o take_v shelter_n under_o the_o bold_a expression_n and_o reason_n of_o they_o who_o by_o the_o same_o mean_n have_v harden_v and_o blind_v their_o mind_n into_o such_o foolish_a thought_n but_o the_o most_o rational_a argument_n for_o the_o be_v of_o the_o deity_n will_v never_o prove_v a_o effectual_a cure_n unto_o a_o predominant_a love_n of_o and_o habitual_a course_n in_o sin_n in_o they_o who_o have_v resist_v and_o reject_v the_o mean_n and_o motive_n unto_o that_o end_v declare_v in_o divine_a revelation_n and_o unless_o the_o love_n of_o sin_n be_v cure_v in_o the_o heart_n thought_n in_o the_o acknowledgement_n of_o god_n will_v not_o be_v fix_v in_o the_o mind_n 2._o there_o be_v those_o of_o who_o also_o it_o may_v be_v say_v that_o god_n be_v not_o in_o all_o their_o thaught_n though_o they_o acknowledge_v his_o essence_n and_o be_v for_o they_o be_v not_o practical_o influence_v in_o any_o thing_n by_o the_o notion_n they_o have_v of_o he_o such_o be_v the_o person_n of_o who_o this_o be_v affirm_v psal._n 10.4_o he_o be_v one_o who_o through_o pride_n and_o profligacy_n with_o hardness_n in_o sin_n regard_v not_o god_n in_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o world_n ver_fw-la 4_o 5_o 11_o 13._o such_o be_v the_o world_n fill_v withal_o at_o this_o day_n as_o they_o be_v describe_v tit._n 1.16_o they_o profess_v that_o they_o know_v god_n but_o in_o their_o work_n deny_v he_o be_v abominable_a and_o disobedient_a and_o to_o every_o good_a work_n reprobate_n they_o think_v they_o live_v they_o act_n in_o all_o thing_n as_o if_o there_o be_v no_o god_n at_o least_o as_o if_o they_o never_o think_v of_o he_o with_o fear_n and_o reverence_n and_o for_o the_o most_o part_n we_o need_v not_o seek_v far_o for_o evidence_n of_o their_o disregard_n of_o god_n the_o pride_n of_o their_o countenance_n testify_v against_o they_o psal._n 10.4_o and_o if_o they_o be_v follow_v further_o curse_a oath_n licentiousness_n of_o life_n and_o hatred_n of_o all_o that_o be_v good_a will_v confirm_v and_o evidence_n the_o same_o such_o as_o these_o may_v own_o god_n in_o word_n may_v be_v afraid_a of_o he_o in_o danger_n may_v attend_v outward_o on_o his_o worship_n but_o they_o think_v not_o of_o god_n at_o all_o in_o a_o due_a manner_n he_o be_v not_o in_o all_o their_o thought_n 3._o there_o be_v yet_o less_o degree_n of_o this_o disregard_n of_o god_n and_o forgetfulness_n of_o he_o some_o be_v so_o fill_v with_o thought_n of_o the_o world_n and_o the_o occasion_n of_o life_n that_o it_o be_v impossible_a they_o shall_v think_v of_o god_n as_o they_o ought_v for_o as_o the_o love_n of_o god_n and_o the_o love_n of_o the_o world_n in_o prevalent_a degree_n be_v inconsistent_a for_o if_o a_o man_n love_v this_o world_n how_o dwell_v the_o love_n of_o god_n in_o he_o so_o thought_n of_o god_n and_o of_o the_o world_n in_o the_o like_a degree_n be_v inconsistent_a this_o be_v the_o state_n of_o many_o who_o yet_o will_v be_v esteem_v spiritual_o mind_v they_o be_v continual_o conversant_a in_o their_o mind_n about_o earthly_a thing_n some_o thing_n impose_v themselves_o on_o they_o under_o the_o notion_n of_o duty_n they_o belong_v unto_o their_o calling_n they_o must_v be_v attend_v unto_o some_o be_v suggest_v unto_o their_o mind_n from_o daily_a occasion_n and_o occurrence_n common_a converse_n in_o the_o world_n engage_v man_n into_o no_o other_o but_o worldly_a thought_n love_n and_o desire_v of_o earthly_a thing_n their_o enjoyment_n and_o increase_n exhaust_v the_o vigour_n of_o their_o spirit_n all_o the_o day_n long_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o a_o multitude_n of_o thought_n arise_v from_o these_o and_o the_o like_a occasion_n whilst_o their_o heart_n and_o head_n be_v reak_a with_o the_o steam_n of_o they_o many_o fall_n immediate_o in_o their_o season_n unto_o the_o performance_n of_o holy_a duty_n those_o time_n must_v suffice_v for_o thought_n of_o god_n but_o notwithstanding_o such_o duty_n what_o through_o the_o want_n of_o a_o due_a preparation_n for_o they_o what_o through_o the_o fullness_n of_o their_o mind_n and_o affection_n with_o other_o thing_n and_o what_o through_o a_o neglect_n of_o exercise_v grace_n in_o they_o it_o may_v be_v say_v comparative_o that_o god_n be_v not_o in_o all_o their_o thought_n i_o pray_v god_n that_o this_o at_o least_o as_o unto_o some_o degree_n of_o it_o be_v not_o the_o condition_n of_o many_o among_o we_o i_o speak_v not_o now_o of_o man_n who_o visible_o and_o open_o live_v in_o sin_n profane_a in_o their_o principle_n and_o profligate_v in_o their_o life_n the_o prayer_n of_o such_o person_n be_v a_o abomination_n unto_o the_o lord_n neither_o have_v they_o ever_o any_o thought_n of_o he_o which_o he_o do_v accept_v but_o i_o speak_v of_o they_o who_o be_v sober_a in_o their_o life_n industrious_a in_o their_o calling_n and_o not_o open_o negligent_a about_o the_o outward_a duty_n of_o religion_n such_o man_n be_v apt_a to_o approve_v of_o themselves_o and_o other_o also_o to_o speak_v well_o of_o they_o for_o these_o thing_n be_v in_o themselves_o commendable_a and_o praiseworthy_a but_o if_o they_o be_v trace_v home_o it_o will_v be_v find_v as_o to_o many_o of_o they_o that_o god_n be_v not_o in_o all_o their_o thought_n as_o he_o ought_v to_o be_v their_o earthly_a conversation_n their_o vain_a communication_n with_o their_o foolish_a design_n do_v all_o manifest_a that_o the_o vigour_n of_o their_o spirit_n and_o most_o intense_a contrivance_n of_o their_o mind_n be_v engage_v into_o thing_n below_o some_o refuse_n transient_a unmanaged_a thought_n be_v sometime_o cast_v away_o on_o god_n which_o he_o despise_v 4._o where_o person_n do_v cherish_v secret_a predominant_a lust_n in_o their_o heart_n and_o life_n god_n be_v not_o in_o their_o thought_n as_o he_o ought_v to_o be_v he_o may_v be_v he_o often_o be_v much_o in_o the_o word_n of_o such_o person_n but_o in_o their_o thought_n he_o be_v not_o he_o can_v be_v in_o a_o due_a manner_n and_o such_o person_n no_o doubt_n there_o be_v ever_o and_o anon_o we_o hear_v of_o one_o and_o another_o who_o secret_a lust_n break_v forth_o into_o a_o discovery_n they_o flatter_v themselves_o for_o a_o season_n but_o god_n oft_o time_n so_o order_n thing_n in_o his_o holy_a providence_n that_o their_o iniquity_n shall_v be_v find_v out_o to_o be_v hateful_a some_o hateful_a lust_n discover_v itself_o to_o be_v predominant_a in_o they_o one_o be_v drunken_a another_o unclean_a a_o three_o a_o oppressor_n such_o there_o be_v ever_o find_v among_o professor_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o that_o in_o the_o best_a of_o time_n among_o the_o apostle_n one_o be_v a_o traitor_n a_o devil_n of_o the_o first_o professor_n of_o christianity_n there_o be_v those_o who_o god_n be_v their_o belly_n who_o end_n be_v destruction_n who_o mind_v earthly_a thing_n phil._n 3.18_o 19_o some_o may_v take_v advantage_n at_o this_o acknowledgement_n that_o there_o be_v such_o evil_n among_o such_o as_o be_v call_v professor_n and_o it_o must_v be_v confess_v that_o great_a scandal_n be_v give_v hereby_o unto_o the_o world_n cast_v both_o they_o that_o give_v it_o and_o they_o to_o who_o it_o be_v give_v under_o a_o most_o dreadful_a woe_n but_o we_o must_v bear_v the_o reproach_n of_o it_o as_o they_o do_v of_o old_a and_o commit_v the_o issue_n of_o all_o thing_n unto_o the_o watchful_a care_n of_o god_n however_o it_o be_v good_a in_o such_o a_o season_n to_o be_v jealous_a over_o ourselves_o and_o other_o to_o exhort_v one_o another_o daily_a whilst_o it_o be_v call_v to_o day_n lest_o any_o be_v harden_v through_o the_o deceitfulness_n of_o sin_n see_v heb._n 12.13_o 14_o 15_o 16_o 17._o and_o because_o those_o with_o who_o it_o be_v thus_o can_v be_v spiritual_o mind_v yet_o be_v there_o some_o difficulty_n in_o the_o case_n as_o unto_o the_o predominancy_n of_o a_o secret_a lust_n or_o sin_n i_o shall_v consider_v it_o somewhat_o more_o distinct_o 1._o we_o must_v distinguish_v between_o a_o time_n of_o
many_o a_o good_a beginning_n have_v be_v utter_o ruin_v by_o this_o occasion_n and_o temptation_n privacy_n and_o opportunity_n have_v overthrow_v many_o such_o person_n in_o the_o best_a of_o their_o resolution_n and_o they_o be_v so_o unto_o all_o person_n not_o yet_o flagitious_o wicked_a curse_a fruit_n proceed_v every_o day_n from_o these_o occasion_n we_o need_v no_o other_o demonstration_n of_o their_o power_n and_o efficacy_n in_o tempt_v unto_o sin_n but_o the_o visible_a effect_n of_o they_o and_o what_o they_o be_v unto_o any_o they_o may_v be_v unto_o all_o if_o not_o diligent_o watch_v against_o so_o the_o apostle_n reflect_v on_o the_o shameful_a thing_n that_o be_v do_v in_o the_o dark_a in_o a_o concurrence_n of_o secrecy_n and_o opportunity_n this_o therefore_o give_v a_o just_a season_n unto_o thought_n of_o the_o omnipresence_n and_o omniscience_n of_o god_n and_o they_o will_v not_o be_v want_v in_o some_o measure_n in_o they_o that_o be_v spiritual_o mind_v god_n be_v in_o this_o place_n the_o darkness_n be_v no_o darkness_n unto_o he_o light_n and_o darkness_n be_v with_o he_o both_o alike_o be_v sufficient_a consideration_n to_o lay_v in_o the_o balance_n against_o any_o temptation_n spring_v out_o of_o secrecy_n and_o opportunity_n one_o think_v of_o the_o actual_a presence_n of_o the_o holy_a god_n and_o the_o open_a view_n of_o his_o all-seeing_a eye_n will_v do_v more_o to_o cool_v those_o affection_n which_o lust_n may_v put_v into_o a_o tumult_n on_o such_o occasion_n than_o any_o other_o consideration_n whatever_o a_o speedy_a retreat_n hereunto_o upon_o the_o first_o perplex_v thought_n wherewith_o temptation_n assault_v the_o soul_n will_v be_v its_o strong_a tower_n where_o it_o shall_v be_v safe_a 2._o a_o second_o season_n call_v for_o the_o exercise_n of_o our_o mind_n in_o thought_n of_o the_o omnipresence_n and_o omniscience_n of_o god_n be_v make_v up_o of_o our_o solitude_n and_o retirement_n these_o give_v we_o the_o most_o genuine_a trial_n whether_o we_o be_v spiritual_o mind_v or_o no._n what_o we_o be_v in_o they_o that_o we_o be_v and_o no_o more_o but_o yet_o in_o some_o of_o they_o as_o in_o walk_v and_o journeying_n or_o the_o like_a vain_a thought_n and_o foolish_a imagination_n be_v exceed_o apt_a to_o solicit_v our_o mind_n whatever_o be_v store_v up_o in_o the_o affection_n or_o memory_n will_v at_o such_o a_o time_n offer_v itself_o for_o our_o present_a entertainment_n and_o where_o man_n have_v accustom_v themselves_o unto_o any_o sort_n of_o thing_n they_o will_v press_v on_o they_o for_o the_o possession_n of_o their_o thought_n as_o it_o be_v whether_o they_o will_v or_o no._n the_o psalmist_n give_v we_o the_o way_n to_o prevent_v this_o evil_a psal._n 16.7_o 8._o i_o will_v bless_v the_o lord_n who_o have_v give_v i_o counsel_n my_o reins_o also_o instruct_v i_o in_o the_o night_n season_n i_o have_v set_v the_o lord_n always_o before_o i_o because_o he_o be_v at_o my_o right_a hand_n his_o reins_o that_o be_v his_o affection_n and_o secret_a thought_n give_v he_o counsel_n and_o instruct_v he_o in_o all_o such_o season_n but_o whence_o have_v they_o that_o wisdom_n and_o faithfulness_n in_o themselves_o they_o be_v the_o seat_n of_o all_o lust_n and_o corruption_n nor_o can_v do_v any_o thing_n but_o seduce_v he_o into_o a_o evil_a frame_n it_o be_v from_o hence_o alone_o that_o he_o set_v the_o lord_n always_o before_o he_o continual_a apprehension_n of_o the_o presence_n of_o god_n with_o he_o keep_v his_o mind_n his_o heart_n and_o affection_n in_o that_o awe_n and_o reverence_n of_o he_o as_o that_o they_o always_o instruct_v he_o unto_o his_o duty_n but_o as_o i_o remember_v i_o speak_v somewhat_o as_o unto_o the_o due_a management_n of_o our_o thought_n in_o this_o season_n before_o 3._o time_n of_o great_a difficulty_n danger_n and_o perplexity_n of_o mind_n thereon_o be_v a_o season_n call_v for_o the_o same_o duty_n suppose_v a_o man_n be_v leave_v alone_o in_o his_o trial_n for_o the_o profession_n of_o the_o gospel_n as_o it_o be_v with_o paul_n when_o all_o man_n forsake_v he_o and_o no_o man_n stand_v by_o he_o suppose_v he_o to_o be_v bring_v before_o prince_n ruler_n or_o judge_n that_o be_v fill_v with_o rage_n and_o arm_v with_o power_n against_o he_o all_o thing_n be_v dispose_v to_o affect_v he_o with_o dread_n and_o terror_n it_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o such_o a_o one_o to_o call_v off_o his_o thought_n from_o all_o thing_n visible_o present_a and_o to_o fix_v they_o on_o the_o omnipresence_n and_o omniscience_n of_o god_n he_o sit_v among_o those_o judge_n though_o they_o acknowledge_v he_o not_o he_o rule_v over_o they_o at_o his_o pleasure_n he_o know_v the_o cause_n of_o the_o oppress_a and_o justify_v they_o whenever_o the_o world_n condemn_v and_o can_v deliver_v they_o when_o he_o please_v with_o the_o thought_n hereof_o do_v those_o holy_a soul_n support_v themselves_o when_o they_o stand_v before_o the_o fiery_a countenance_n of_o the_o bloody_a tyrant_n on_o the_o one_o hand_n and_o the_o burn_a fiery_a furnace_n on_o the_o other_o dan._n 3.14_o our_o god_n who_o we_o serve_v be_v able_a to_o deliver_v we_o from_o the_o burn_a fiery_a furnace_n and_o he_o will_v deliver_v we_o out_o thy_o hand_n o_o king_n but_o if_o not_o be_v it_o know_v unto_o thou_o o_o king_n that_o we_o will_v not_o serve_v thy_o god_n nor_o worship_v the_o golden_a image_n which_o thou_o have_v set_v up_o thought_n of_o the_o presence_n and_o power_n of_o god_n give_v they_o not_o only_a comfort_n and_o supportment_n under_o their_o distress_n when_o they_o be_v alone_o and_o helpless_a but_o courage_n and_o resolution_n to_o defy_v the_o tyrant_n to_o his_o face_n and_o when_o the_o apostle_n be_v bring_v before_o nero_n that_o monster_n of_o cruelty_n and_o villainy_n and_o all_o man_n forsake_v he_o he_o affirm_v that_o the_o lord_n stand_v by_o he_o and_o strengthen_v he_o 2_o tim._n 4.17_o he_o refresh_v himself_o with_o thought_n of_o his_o presence_n and_o have_v the_o bless_a fruit_n of_o it_o wherefore_o on_o such_o occasion_n when_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n be_v ready_a to_o quake_v when_o they_o see_v all_o thing_n about_o they_o fill_v with_o dread_n and_o terror_n and_o all_o help_n far_o away_o it_o be_v i_o say_v their_o duty_n and_o wisdom_n to_o abstract_n and_o take_v off_o their_o thought_n from_o all_o outward_a and_o present_a appearance_n and_o to_o fix_v they_o on_o the_o presence_n of_o god_n this_o will_v great_o change_v the_o scene_n of_o thing_n in_o their_o mind_n and_o they_o will_v find_v that_o strength_n and_o power_n and_o wisdom_n be_v on_o their_o side_n alone_o all_o that_o appear_v against_o they_o be_v but_o vanity_n folly_n and_o weakness_n so_o when_o the_o servant_n of_o elisha_n see_v the_o place_n where_o they_o be_v compass_v with_o a_o host_n both_o horse_n and_o chariot_n that_o come_v to_o take_v they_o he_o cry_v out_o for_o fear_n alas_o my_o master_n how_o shall_v we_o do_v but_o upon_o the_o prayer_n of_o the_o prophet_n the_o lord_n open_v the_o eye_n of_o the_o young_a man_n to_o see_v the_o heavenly_a guard_n that_o he_o have_v send_v unto_o he_o the_o mountain_n be_v full_a of_o horse_n and_o chariot_n of_o fire_n round_o about_o elisha_n his_o fear_n and_o trouble_v depart_v 2_o king_n 6.15_o 16_o 17._o and_o when_o in_o the_o like_a extremity_n god_n open_v the_o eye_n of_o faith_n to_o behold_v his_o glorious_a presence_n we_o shall_v no_o more_o be_v afraid_a of_o the_o dread_n of_o man_n herein_o do_v the_o holy_a martyr_n triumph_v of_o old_a and_o even_o despise_v their_o bloody_a persecutor_n our_o saviour_n himself_o make_v it_o the_o ground_n of_o his_o supportment_n on_o the_o like_a occasion_n john_n 16.32_o behold_v say_v he_o to_o his_o disciple_n his_o only_a friend_n the_o hour_n come_v yea_o be_v now_o come_v that_o you_o shall_v be_v scatter_v every_o one_o to_o his_o own_o and_o leave_v i_o alone_o and_o yet_o i_o be_o not_o alone_a because_o the_o father_n be_v with_o i_o can_v we_o but_o possess_v our_o soul_n with_o the_o apprehension_n that_o when_o we_o be_v leave_v alone_o in_o our_o trial_n and_o danger_n from_o any_o countenance_n of_o friend_n or_o help_v of_o man_n yet_o that_o indeed_o we_o be_v not_o alone_o because_o the_o father_n be_v with_o we_o it_o will_v support_v we_o under_o our_o despondency_n and_o enable_v we_o unto_o our_o duty_n 4._o especial_a providential_a warning_n call_v for_o thought_n of_o god_n omnipresence_n and_o omniscience_n so_o jacob_n in_o his_o nightly_a vision_n instant_o make_v this_o conclusion_n god_n be_v in_o this_o place_n and_o i_o know_v it_o not_o we_o have_v frequent_o such_o warning_n give_v unto_o we_o sometime_o we_o have_v so_o in_o
their_o avoidance_n they_o will_v be_v fill_v with_o the_o fruit_n of_o their_o own_o way_n indeed_o the_o common_a converse_v of_o professor_n among_o themselves_o and_o other_o walking_z talk_v and_o behave_v themselves_o like_o other_o man_n be_v as_o full_a of_o the_o world_n as_o the_o world_n be_v of_o itself_o have_v lose_v the_o grace_n of_o be_v spiritually-minded_n within_o and_o stain_v the_o glory_n of_o profession_n without_o the_o rule_n observe_v by_o david_n will_v manifest_v how_o careful_a we_o ought_v to_o be_v herein_o psal._n 39.1_o 2_o 3._o i_o say_v i_o will_v take_v heed_n to_o my_o way_n that_o i_o sin_v not_o with_o my_o tongue_n i_o will_v keep_v my_o mouth_n with_o a_o bridle_n while_o the_o wicked_a be_v before_o i_o i_o be_v dumb_a with_o silence_n i_o hold_v my_o peace_n even_o from_o good_a and_o my_o sorrow_n be_v stir_v my_o heart_n be_v hot_a within_o i_o while_o i_o be_v muse_v the_o fire_n burn_v then_o speak_v i_o with_o my_o tongue_n which_o place_n be_v speak_v unto_o before_o 3._o a_o holy_a constraint_n put_v on_o the_o mind_n to_o abide_v in_o the_o duty_n of_o spiritual_a thought_n and_o meditation_n press_v it_o continual_o with_o the_o consideration_n of_o their_o necessity_n and_o usefulness_n the_o mind_n will_v be_v apt_a of_o itself_o to_o start_v aside_o from_o duty_n pure_o spiritual_a through_o the_o mixture_n of_o the_o flesh_n abide_v in_o it_o the_o more_o inward_a and_o pure_o spiritual_a any_o duty_n be_v which_o have_v no_o outward_a advantage_n the_o more_o prone_a will_v the_o mind_n be_v to_o decline_v from_o it_o it_o will_v be_v so_o more_o from_o private_a prayer_n than_o public_a more_o from_o meditation_n than_o prayer_n and_o other_o thing_n will_v be_v apt_a to_o draw_v it_o aside_o by_o object_n without_o and_o various_a stir_n of_o the_o affection_n within_o a_o holy_a constraint_n be_v to_o be_v put_v upon_o it_o with_o a_o sudden_a rejection_n of_o what_o rise_v up_o to_o its_o diversion_n or_o disturbance_n wherefore_o we_o be_v to_o call_v in_o all_o constrain_a motive_n such_o as_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o love_n of_o christ_n 2_o cor._n 5.14_o to_o keep_v the_o mind_n steady_a unto_o its_o duty_n 4._o diligent_a use_n of_o mean_n to_o furnish_v the_o soul_n with_o that_o light_n and_o knowledge_n of_o heavenly_a thing_n which_o may_v administer_v continual_a matter_n of_o holy_a thought_n and_o meditation_n from_o within_o ourselves_o this_o have_v be_v speak_v unto_o at_o large_a before_o and_o the_o want_n hereof_o be_v that_o which_o keep_v many_o from_o the_o least_o proficiency_n in_o these_o duty_n as_o a_o man_n may_v have_v some_o skill_n or_o ability_n for_o a_o trade_n yet_o if_o he_o have_v no_o material_n to_o work_v upon_o he_o must_v sit_v still_o and_o let_v his_o trade_n alone_o and_o so_o must_v man_n do_v as_o unto_o the_o work_n of_o holy_a meditation_n whatever_o be_v the_o ability_n of_o the_o natural_a faculty_n their_o invention_n or_o memory_n if_o they_o be_v not_o furnish_v with_o knowledge_n of_o thing_n spiritual_a and_o heavenly_a which_o be_v the_o subject_a matter_n of_o such_o meditation_n they_o must_v let_v their_o work_n alone_o hence_o the_o apostle_n pray_v for_o the_o colossian_n that_o the_o word_n of_o god_n may_v dwell_v in_o they_o rich_o in_o all_o wisdom_n chap._n 3.16_o that_o be_v that_o they_o may_v abound_v in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o mind_n of_o christ_n without_o which_o we_o shall_v be_v unfit_a for_o this_o duty_n 5._o vnweariedness_n in_o our_o conflict_n with_o satan_n who_o by_o various_a artifices_fw-la and_o the_o injection_n of_o fiery_a dart_n labour_v continual_o to_o divert_v we_o from_o these_o duty_n he_o be_v seldom_o or_o never_o want_v unto_o this_o occasion_n he_o who_o be_v furnish_v in_o any_o measure_n with_o spiritual_a wisdom_n and_o understanding_n may_v find_v he_o more_o sensible_o at_o work_n in_o his_o craft_n and_o opposition_n with_o respect_n unto_o this_o duty_n than_o any_o other_o way_n when_o we_o stand_v thus_o before_o the_o lord_n he_o be_v always_o at_o our_o right_a hand_n to_o resist_v we_o and_o ofttimes_o his_o strength_n be_v great_a hence_o as_o be_v observe_v ofttimes_o man_n design_v real_o to_o exercise_v themselves_o in_o holy_a thought_n but_o end_n in_o vain_a imagination_n and_o rather_o take_v up_o with_o trifle_n than_o continue_v in_o this_o duty_n steadiness_n in_o the_o resistance_n of_o he_o on_o these_o occasion_n be_v one_o great_a part_n of_o our_o spiritual_a warfare_n and_o we_o may_v know_v that_o he_o be_v at_o work_n by_o his_o engine_n and_o method_n for_o they_o consist_v in_o his_o suggestion_n of_o vain_a foolish_a or_o corrupt_a imagination_n when_o they_o begin_v to_o rise_v in_o our_o mind_n at_o such_o time_n as_o we_o will_v engage_v they_o in_o spiritual_a meditation_n we_o may_v know_v assure_o from_o whence_o they_o be_v 6._o continual_a watchful_a care_n that_o no_o root_n of_o bitterness_n spring_v up_o and_o defile_v we_o that_o no_o lust_n or_o corruption_n be_v predominant_a in_o we_o when_o it_o be_v so_o if_o person_n in_o compliance_n with_o their_o conviction_n do_v endeavour_v sometime_o to_o be_v exercise_v in_o these_o duty_n they_o shall_v labour_v in_o the_o very_a fire_n where_o all_o their_o endeavour_n will_v be_v immediate_o consume_v 7._o mortification_n unto_o the_o world_n in_o our_o affection_n and_o desire_n with_o moderation_n in_o our_o endeavour_n after_o the_o needful_a thing_n of_o it_o be_v also_o necessary_a hereunto_o yea_o to_o that_o degree_n that_o without_o they_o no_o man_n can_v in_o any_o sense_n be_v say_v to_o be_v spiritually-minded_n for_o otherwise_o our_o affection_n can_v be_v so_o preserve_v under_o the_o power_n of_o grace_n as_o that_o spiritual_a thing_n may_v be_v always_o savoury_a unto_o we_o some_o it_o may_v be_v will_v say_v that_o if_o all_o these_o thing_n be_v require_v thereunto_o it_o will_v take_v up_o a_o man_n whole_a life_n and_o time_n to_o be_v spiritually-minded_n they_o hope_v they_o may_v attain_v it_o at_o a_o easy_a rate_n and_o not_o forgo_v all_o other_o advantage_n and_o sweetness_n of_o life_n which_o a_o strict_a observation_n of_o these_o thing_n will_v cast_v they_o upon_o i_o answer_v that_o however_o it_o may_v prove_v a_o hard_a say_v unto_o some_o yet_o i_o must_v say_v it_o and_o my_o heart_n will_v reproach_v i_o if_o i_o shall_v not_o say_v that_o if_o the_o principal_a part_n of_o our_o time_n be_v not_o spend_v about_o these_o thing_n whatever_o we_o suppose_v we_o have_v indeed_o neither_o life_n nor_o peace_n the_o first-fruit_n of_o all_o be_v to_o be_v offer_v unto_o god_n and_o in_o sacrifice_n he_o require_v the_o blood_n and_o the_o fat_a of_o the_o inward_o if_o the_o best_a be_v not_o he_o he_o will_v have_v nothing_o it_o be_v so_o as_o to_o our_o time_n tell_v i_o i_o pray_v you_o how_o you_o can_v spend_v your_o time_n and_o your_o life_n better_o or_o to_o better_a purpose_n and_o i_o shall_v say_v go_v on_o and_o prosper_v i_o be_o sure_a some_o spend_v so_o much_o of_o their_o time_n so_o much_o worse_o as_o it_o be_v a_o shame_n to_o see_v it_o do_v you_o think_v you_o come_v into_o this_o world_n to_o spend_v your_o whole_a time_n and_o strength_n in_o your_o employment_n your_o trade_n your_o pleasure_n unto_o the_o satisfaction_n of_o the_o will_n of_o the_o flesh_n and_o of_o the_o mind_n have_v you_o time_n enough_o to_o eat_v to_o drink_v to_o sleep_v to_o talk_v unprofitable_o it_o may_v be_v corrupt_o in_o all_o sort_n of_o unnecessary_a society_n but_o have_v not_o enough_o to_o live_v unto_o god_n in_o the_o very_a essential_o of_o that_o life_n which_o consist_v in_o these_o thing_n alas_o you_o come_v into_o the_o world_n under_o this_o law_n it_o be_v appoint_v to_o all_o man_n once_o to_o die_v and_o after_o that_o be_v the_o judgement_n and_o the_o end_v why_o your_o life_n here_o be_v grant_v unto_o you_o be_v that_o you_o may_v be_v prepare_v for_o that_o judgement_n if_o this_o be_v neglect_v if_o the_o principal_a part_n of_o your_o time_n be_v not_o improve_v with_o respect_n unto_o this_o end_n you_o will_v fall_v under_o the_o sentence_n of_o it_o unto_o eternity_n but_o man_n be_v apt_a to_o mistake_v in_o this_o matter_n they_o may_v think_v that_o these_o thing_n tend_v to_o take_v they_o off_o from_o their_o lawful_a employment_n and_o recreation_n which_o they_o be_v general_o afraid_a of_o and_o unwilling_a to_o purchase_v any_o frame_n of_o mind_n at_o so_o dear_a a_o rate_n they_o may_v suppose_v that_o to_o have_v man_n spiritual_o mind_v we_o will_v make_v they_o mope_v and_o to_o disregard_n all_o the_o lawful_a occasion_n of_o life_n but_o let_v not_o any_o be_v mistake_v i_o be_o not_o
they_o into_o a_o course_n of_o neglect_v duty_n itself_o wherefore_o it_o be_v our_o wisdom_n to_o set_v apart_o constant_o some_o part_n of_o our_o time_n unto_o the_o exercise_n of_o our_o thought_n about_o spiritual_a thing_n in_o the_o way_n of_o meditation_n and_o i_o shall_v close_v this_o discourse_n with_o some_o direction_n in_o this_o particular_a unto_o they_o who_o complain_v of_o their_o disability_n for_o the_o discharge_n of_o this_o duty_n 1._o choose_v and_o separate_v a_o fit_a time_n or_o season_n a_o time_n of_o freedom_n from_o other_o occasion_n and_o diversion_n and_o because_o it_o be_v our_o duty_n to_o redeem_v time_n with_o respect_n unto_o holy_a duty_n such_o a_o season_n may_v be_v the_o more_o useful_a the_o more_o the_o purchase_n of_o it_o stand_v we_o in_o we_o be_v not_o at_o any_o time_n to_o serve_v god_n with_o what_o cost_v we_o nought_o nor_o with_o any_o time_n that_o come_v within_o the_o same_o rule_n if_o we_o will_v allow_v only_o the_o refuse_n of_o our_o time_n unto_o this_o duty_n when_o we_o have_v nothing_o else_o to_o do_v and_o it_o may_v be_v through_o weariness_n of_o occasion_n be_v fit_a for_o nothing_o else_o we_o be_v not_o to_o expect_v any_o great_a success_n in_o it_o this_o be_v one_o pregnant_a reason_n why_o man_n be_v so_o cold_a and_o formal_a so_o lifeless_a in_o spiritual_a duty_n namely_o the_o time_n and_o season_n which_o they_o allot_v unto_o they_o when_o the_o body_n be_v weary_v with_o the_o labour_n and_o occasion_n of_o the_o day_n and_o it_o may_v be_v the_o mind_n in_o its_o natural_a faculty_n indispose_v even_o by_o the_o mean_n of_o necessary_a refreshment_n man_n think_v themselves_o meet_v to_o treat_v with_o god_n about_o the_o great_a concernment_n of_o his_o glory_n and_o their_o own_o soul_n this_o be_v that_o which_o god_n condemn_v by_o the_o prophet_n mal._n 1.8_o and_o if_o you_o offer_v the_o blind_a for_o sacrifice_n be_v it_o not_o evil_a and_o if_o you_o offer_v the_o lame_a and_o sick_a be_v it_o not_o evil_a offer_v it_o now_o unto_o thy_o governor_n will_v he_o be_v please_v with_o thou_o or_o accept_v thy_o person_n both_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n and_o all_o the_o law_n of_o holy_a institution_n do_v require_v that_o we_o shall_v serve_v god_n with_o the_o best_a that_o we_o have_v as_o all_o the_o fat_a of_o the_o inward_o be_v to_o be_v offer_v in_o sacrifice_n and_o shall_v we_o think_v to_o offer_v that_o time_n unto_o god_n wherein_o we_o be_v unmeet_a to_o appear_v before_o a_o earthly_a ruler_n yet_o such_o in_o my_o account_n be_v the_o season_n especial_o the_o evening_n season_n that_o most_o man_n choose_v for_o the_o duty_n of_o their_o holy_a worship_n and_o you_o may_v do_v well_o to_o consider_v that_o beyond_o the_o day_n and_o time_n which_o he_o have_v take_v unto_o himself_o by_o a_o everlasting_a law_n how_o little_a of_o the_o choice_n of_o your_o time_n you_o have_v offer_v unto_o god_n as_o a_o free-will-offering_a that_o you_o may_v be_v excite_v to_o future_a diligence_n if_o therefore_o you_o serious_o intend_v this_o duty_n choose_v the_o season_n for_o it_o wherein_o you_o be_v most_o fit_a when_o even_o the_o natural_a vigour_n of_o your_o spirit_n be_v most_o free_a and_o active_a possible_o some_o will_v say_v this_o may_v be_v such_o a_o time_n as_o when_o the_o occasion_n of_o the_o world_n do_v call_v most_o earnest_o for_o your_o attendance_n unto_o they_o i_o say_v that_o be_v the_o season_n i_o will_v recommend_v and_o if_o you_o can_v conquer_v our_o mind_n to_o redeem_v it_o for_o god_n at_o that_o rate_n your_o endeavour_n in_o it_o will_v be_v prosperous_a however_o trust_v not_o to_o time_n that_o will_v offer_v themselves_o take_v they_o not_o up_o at_o hazard_n let_v the_o time_n itself_o be_v a_o freewill_n offer_v to_o god_n take_v from_o the_o top_n of_o the_o heap_n or_o the_o choice_a part_n of_o your_o useful_a time_n 2._o preparation_n of_o mind_n unto_o a_o due_a reverence_n of_o god_n and_o spiritual_a thing_n be_v require_v previous_o hereunto_o when_o we_o go_v about_o this_o duty_n if_o we_o rush_v into_o thought_n of_o heavenly_a thing_n without_o a_o due_a reverential_a preparation_n we_o shall_v quick_o find_v ourselves_o at_o a_o loss_n see_v the_o rule_n eccles._n 5.1_o 2._o grace_n to_o serve_v god_n with_o reverence_n and_o godly_a fear_n be_v require_v in_o all_o thing_n wherein_o we_o have_v to_o do_v with_o he_o as_o in_o this_o duty_n we_o have_v in_o a_o immediate_a and_o especial_a manner_n endeavour_v therefore_o in_o the_o first_o place_n to_o get_v your_o heart_n deep_o affect_v with_o a_o awful_a reverence_n of_o god_n and_o a_o holy_a regard_n unto_o the_o heavenly_a nature_n of_o the_o thing_n you_o will_v meditate_v upon_o hereby_o your_o mind_n will_v be_v compose_v and_o the_o root_n of_o other_o thought_n be_v they_o vain_a or_o earthly_a which_o be_v apt_a to_o arise_v and_o divert_v you_o from_o this_o duty_n will_v be_v cast_v out_o the_o principle_n of_o these_o contrary_a thought_n be_v like_o jacob_n and_o esau_n they_o struggle_v in_o the_o same_o womb_n and_o oftentime_o esau_n will_v come_v first_o forth_o and_o for_o a_o while_o seem_v to_o carry_v the_o birthright_n if_o various_a thought_n do_v conflict_n in_o our_o mind_n some_o for_o this_o world_n and_o some_o for_o another_o those_o for_o this_o world_n may_v carry_v it_o for_o a_o season_n but_o where_o a_o due_a reverence_n of_o god_n have_v cast_v out_o the_o bondwoman_n and_o her_o child_n the_o work_n of_o the_o flesh_n in_o its_o vain_a thought_n and_o imagination_n the_o mind_n will_v be_v at_o liberty_n to_o exercise_v itself_o on_o spiritual_a thing_n 3._o earnest_a desire_n after_o a_o renew_a sense_n and_o relish_n of_o spiritual_a thing_n be_v require_v hereunto_o if_o we_o engage_v into_o this_o duty_n mere_o on_o a_o conviction_n of_o the_o necessity_n of_o it_o or_o set_v ourselves_o about_o it_o because_o we_o think_v we_o ought_v to_o do_v so_o and_o it_o will_v not_o be_v well_o do_v utter_o to_o neglect_v it_o we_o may_v not_o expect_v to_o be_v successful_a in_o it_o but_o when_o the_o soul_n have_v at_o any_o time_n taste_v that_o the_o lord_n be_v gracious_a when_o its_o meditation_n on_o he_o have_v be_v sweet_a when_o spiritual_a thing_n have_v have_v a_o savour_n and_o relish_v in_o the_o mind_n and_o affection_n and_o hereon_o it_o come_v unto_o this_o duty_n with_o earnest_a desire_n to_o have_v the_o like_a taste_n the_o like_a experience_n yea_o to_o have_v they_o increase_v then_o be_v it_o in_o the_o way_n of_o a_o hopeful_a progress_n and_o this_o also_o will_v make_v we_o persevere_v in_o our_o endeavour_n to_o go_v through_o with_o what_o we_o undertake_v namely_o when_o we_o do_v know_v by_o former_a experience_n what_o be_v to_o be_v attain_v in_o it_o if_o we_o dig_v and_o search_v for_o it_o as_o treasure_n if_o you_o shall_v think_v that_o the_o right_a discharge_n of_o this_o duty_n may_v be_v otherwise_o attain_v if_o you_o suppose_v that_o it_o deserve_v not_o all_o this_o cost_n and_o charge_n about_o it_o judge_v by_o what_o be_v past_a whether_o it_o be_v not_o adviseable_a to_o give_v it_o over_o and_o let_v it_o alone_o as_o good_a lie_n quiet_o on_o the_o ground_n as_o continual_o attempt_v to_o rise_v and_o never_o once_o effect_v it_o remember_v how_o many_o successeless_a attempt_n you_o have_v make_v upon_o it_o and_o all_o have_v come_v to_o nothing_o or_o that_o which_o be_v as_o bad_a as_o nothing_o i_o can_v say_v that_o in_o this_o way_n you_o shall_v always_o succeed_v but_o i_o fear_v you_o will_v never_o have_v success_n in_o this_o duty_n without_o such_o thing_n as_o be_v of_o the_o same_o nature_n and_o use_n with_o it_o when_o after_o this_o preparation_n you_o find_v yourselves_o yet_o perplex_a and_o entangle_v not_o able_a comfortable_o to_o persist_v in_o spiritual_a thought_n unto_o your_o refreshment_n take_v these_o two_o direction_n for_o your_o relief_n 1._o cry_v and_o sigh_v to_o god_n for_o help_n and_o relief_n bewail_v the_o darkness_n weakness_n and_o instability_n of_o your_o mind_n so_o as_o to_o groan_v within_o yourselves_o for_o deliverance_n and_o if_o your_o design_a mediâ—â—…ions_n do_v issue_n only_o in_o a_o renew_a gracious_a sense_n of_o your_o own_o weakness_n and_o insufficiency_n with_o application_n unto_o god_n for_o supply_n of_o strength_n they_o be_v by_o no_o mean_n lose_v as_o unto_o a_o spiritual_a account_n the_o thought_n of_o hezekiah_n in_o his_o meditation_n do_v not_o seem_v to_o have_v any_o great_a order_n or_o consistency_n when_o he_o so_o express_v they_o like_o a_o crane_n or_o a_o swallow_n so_o do_v i_o chatter_v i_o do_v mourn_v as_o a_o dove_n my_o eye_n
but_o such_o also_o as_o will_v make_v compensation_n in_o some_o measure_n for_o their_o sin_n and_o therefore_o whereas_o they_o can_v but_o frequent_o fall_v into_o sin_n they_o relieve_v themselves_o from_o the_o reflection_n of_o their_o conscience_n by_o a_o multiplication_n of_o duty_n and_o renew_a diligence_n in_o they_o it_o be_v inconceivable_a what_o delight_n and_o satisfaction_n man_n will_v take_v in_o any_o thing_n that_o seem_v to_o contribute_v so_o much_o unto_o a_o righteousness_n of_o their_o own_o for_o it_o be_v suitable_a unto_o and_o please_v all_o the_o principle_n of_o nature_n as_o corrupt_v after_o it_o be_v bring_v under_o the_o power_n of_o a_o conviction_n concern_v sin_n righteousness_n and_o judgement_n this_o make_v the_o jew_n of_o old_a so_o pertinacious_o adhere_v unto_o the_o ceremony_n and_o sacrifice_n of_o the_o law_n and_o to_o prefer_v they_o above_o the_o gospel_n the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o the_o righteousness_n thereof_o rom._n 10.3_o 4._o they_o look_v and_o seek_v for_o righteousness_n by_o they_o those_o who_o for_o many_o generation_n be_v keep_v up_o with_o great_a difficulty_n unto_o any_o tolerable_a observance_n of_o they_o when_o they_o have_v learned_a to_o place_v all_o their_o hope_n of_o a_o righteousness_n in_o they_o will_v and_o do_v adhere_v unto_o they_o unto_o their_o temporal_a and_o eternal_a ruin_n rom._n 9_o 31_o 32_o 33._o and_o when_o man_n be_v persuade_v that_o righteousness_n be_v to_o be_v attain_v by_o work_n of_o munificence_n and_o suppose_a charity_n in_o the_o dedication_n of_o their_o substance_n unto_o the_o use_n of_o the_o church_n they_o who_o otherwise_o be_v covetous_a and_o greedy_a and_o oppress_v will_v lavish_a gold_n out_o of_o the_o bag_n and_o give_v up_o their_o whole_a patrimony_n with_o all_o their_o ill_n get_v good_n to_o attain_v it_o so_o powerful_a a_o influence_n have_v the_o desire_n of_o self_n righteousness_n upon_o the_o mind_n of_o men._n it_o be_v the_o best_a fortification_n of_o the_o soul_n against_o christ_n and_o the_o gospel_n the_o last_o reserve_v whereby_o it_o maintain_v the_o interest_n of_o self_n against_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n hence_o i_o say_v those_o that_o place_n their_o righteousness_n or_o that_o which_o be_v the_o principal_a part_n of_o it_o in_o the_o duty_n of_o religious_a worship_n will_v not_o only_o be_v diligent_a in_o they_o but_o oft_o time_n abound_v in_o a_o multiplication_n of_o they_o especial_o will_v they_o do_v so_o if_o they_o may_v be_v perform_v in_o such_o a_o way_n and_o manner_n as_o please_v their_o affection_n with_o a_o show_n of_o humility_n and_o devotion_n require_v nothing_o of_o the_o exercise_n of_o faith_n or_o sincere_a divine_a love_n therein_o so_o be_v it_o with_o many_o in_o all_o kind_n of_o religion_n whether_o the_o way_n of_o their_o worship_n be_v true_a or_o false_a whether_o it_o be_v appoint_v of_o god_n or_o reject_v by_o he_o and_o the_o declaration_n hereof_o be_v the_o subject_n of_o the_o discourse_n of_o the_o prophet_n isaiah_n 1.11_o 12_o 13_o 14_o 15_o 16_o 17_o 18_o 19_o also_o mich._n 6.7_o 8._o four_o the_o reputation_n of_o devotion_n in_o religious_a duty_n may_v insensible_o affect_v the_o unrenewed_a mind_n of_o man_n with_o great_a diligence_n and_o delight_n in_o their_o performance_n however_o man_n be_v divide_v in_o their_o apprehension_n and_o practice_n about_o religion_n however_o different_a from_o and_o contrary_a unto_o each_o other_o their_o way_n of_o divine_a worship_n be_v yet_o it_o be_v among_o all_o sort_n of_o man_n yea_o in_o the_o secret_a thought_n of_o they_o who_o outward_o contemn_v these_o thing_n a_o matter_n of_o reputation_n to_o be_v devout_a to_o be_v diligent_a to_o be_v strict_a in_o and_o about_o those_o duty_n of_o religion_n which_o according_a to_o their_o own_o light_n and_o persuasion_n they_o judge_v incumbent_a on_o they_o this_o great_o affect_v the_o mind_n of_o man_n while_o pride_n be_v secret_o predominant_a in_o they_o and_o they_o love_v the_o praise_n of_o man_n more_o than_o the_o praise_n of_o god_n especial_o will_v this_o consideration_n prevail_v on_o they_o when_o they_o suppose_v that_o the_o credit_n and_o honour_n of_o the_o way_n which_o they_o profess_v in_o competition_n with_o other_o depend_v much_o on_o their_o reputation_n as_o to_o their_o strictness_n in_o duty_n of_o devotion_n for_o then_o will_v they_o not_o only_o be_v diligent_a in_o themselves_o but_o zealous_a in_o draw_v other_o unto_o the_o same_o observance_n these_o two_o principle_n their_o own_o reputation_n and_o that_o of_o their_o sect_n constitute_v the_o life_n and_o soul_n of_o pharisaism_n of_o old_a according_a as_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n be_v influence_v with_o these_o apprehension_n so_o will_v a_o love_n unto_o and_o a_o delight_n in_o those_o duty_n whereby_o their_o reputation_n be_v attain_v thrive_v and_o grow_v in_o they_o i_o be_o far_o from_o apprehend_v that_o any_o man_n be_v at_o least_o i_o speak_v not_o of_o they_o who_o be_v such_o vile_a hypocrite_n as_o to_o do_v all_o that_o they_o do_v in_o religion_n to_o be_v see_v and_o praise_v of_o man_n be_v influence_v in_o all_o public_a duty_n thereby_o which_o some_o among_o the_o pharisee_n be_v give_v up_o unto_o but_o i_o speak_v of_o they_o who_o be_v under_o the_o conviction_n and_o motive_n before_o mention_v do_v also_o yet_o give_v admittance_n unto_o this_o corrupt_a end_n of_o desire_n of_o reputation_n or_o the_o praise_n of_o men._n for_o every_o such_o end_n be_v admit_v and_o prevalent_a in_o the_o mind_n will_v universal_o influence_n the_o affection_n unto_o a_o delight_n in_o those_o duty_n whereby_o that_o end_n may_v be_v attain_v until_o the_o person_n with_o who_o it_o be_v so_o be_v habituate_v unto_o they_o with_o great_a satisfaction_n five_o i_o shall_v in_o the_o last_o place_n insist_v on_o superstition_n as_o this_o be_v a_o undue_a fear_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n will_n and_o opperation_n build_v on_o false_a notion_n and_o apprehension_n of_o they_o it_o may_v befall_v the_o mind_n of_o man_n in_o all_o religion_n true_a and_o false_a it_o be_v a_o internal_a vice_n of_o the_o mind_n as_o it_o respect_v the_o outward_a way_n and_o mean_n of_o religious_a service_n and_o consist_v in_o the_o devout_a performance_n of_o such_o duty_n as_o god_n indeed_o accept_v not_o but_o forbid_v so_o it_o belong_v only_o to_o religion_n as_o it_o be_v false_a and_o corrupt_a how_o in_o both_o respect_v it_o will_v engage_v the_o mind_n of_o man_n into_o the_o performance_n of_o religious_a duty_n and_o for_o the_o most_o part_n with_o the_o most_o scrupulous_a diligence_n and_o sometime_o with_o prodigious_a attempt_n to_o exceed_v the_o measure_n of_o humane_a nature_n in_o what_o they_o do_v design_n be_v too_o long_a a_o work_n here_o to_o be_v declare_v it_o may_v suffice_v to_o have_v mention_v it_o among_o the_o cause_n and_o reason_n why_o man_n who_o affection_n be_v not_o spiritual_o renew_v may_v yet_o great_o delight_v in_o the_o diligent_a performance_n of_o the_o outward_a duty_n of_o religion_n our_o design_n in_o these_o thing_n be_v the_o discovery_n of_o the_o true_a nature_n of_o this_o grace_n and_o duty_n of_o be_v spiritually-minded_n hereunto_o we_o have_v declare_v that_o it_o be_v necessary_a that_o our_o affection_n be_v spiritual_o and_o supernatural_o renew_v and_o because_o there_o may_v be_v a_o great_a change_n wrought_v on_o the_o affection_n of_o man_n with_o respect_n unto_o spiritual_a thing_n where_o there_o be_v nothing_o of_o this_o supernatural_a renovation_n our_o present_a enquiry_n be_v what_o be_v the_o difference_n that_o be_v between_o the_o act_n of_o the_o affection_n of_o the_o one_o sort_n and_o of_o the_o other_o whether_o spiritual_o renew_v or_o occasional_o change_v and_o wherein_o the_o great_a exercise_n of_o they_o consist_v in_o the_o duty_n of_o religious_a worship_n i_o have_v declare_v what_o be_v the_o ground_n and_o reason_n whence_o man_n of_o unrenewed_a mind_n do_v delight_n oft_o time_n in_o the_o duty_n of_o divine_a worship_n and_o be_v diligent_a in_o the_o performance_n of_o they_o from_o these_o and_o the_o like_a consideration_n it_o may_v be_v make_v manifest_a that_o the_o great_a part_n of_o the_o devotion_n that_o be_v in_o the_o world_n do_v not_o spring_n from_o the_o spiritual_a renovation_n of_o of_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n without_o which_o it_o be_v not_o accept_v with_o god_n that_o which_o remain_v to_o give_v in_o instance_n far_a evidence_n unto_o the_o discovery_n we_o be_v in_o the_o pursuit_n of_o be_v what_o be_v the_o ground_n and_o reason_n whereon_o those_o who_o mind_n and_o affection_n be_v spiritual_o renew_v do_v delight_n in_o the_o institution_n of_o divine_a worship_n and_o attend_v unto_o their_o observance_n with_o great_a heed_n and_o diligence_n and_o
wilderness_n where_o no_o refreshment_n be_v to_o be_v obtain_v to_o make_v a_o pretence_n of_o come_v unto_o god_n and_o not_o with_o expectation_n of_o receive_v good_a and_o great_a thing_n from_o he_o be_v to_o despise_v god_n himself_o to_o overthrow_v the_o nature_n of_o the_o duty_n and_o deprive_v our_o own_o soul_n of_o all_o benefit_n thereby_o and_o want_v hereof_o be_v that_o which_o render_v the_o worship_n of_o the_o most_o useless_a and_o fruitless_a unto_o themselves_o we_o be_v always_o to_o come_v unto_o god_n as_o unto_o a_o eternal_a spring_n of_o goodness_n grace_n and_o mercy_n of_o all_o that_o our_o soul_n do_v stand_v in_o need_n of_o of_o all_o we_o can_v desire_v in_o order_n unto_o our_o everlasting_a blessedness_n and_o all_o these_o thing_n as_o unto_o believer_n may_v be_v reduce_v unto_o the_o two_o head_n before_o mention_v first_o they_o come_v for_o a_o communication_n of_o a_o sense_n of_o his_o love_n in_o jesus_n christ._n hence_o do_v all_o our_o peace_n consolation_n and_o joy_n all_o our_o encouragement_n to_o do_v and_o suffer_v according_a to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n all_o our_o supportment_n under_o our_o suffering_n sole_o depend_v in_o these_o thing_n do_v our_o soul_n live_v and_o without_o they_o we_o be_v of_o all_o man_n the_o most_o miserable_a it_o be_v the_o holy_a spirit_n who_o be_v the_o immediate_a efficient_a cause_n of_o all_o these_o thing_n in_o we_o he_o shed_v abroad_o the_o love_n of_o god_n in_o our_o heart_n rom._n 5.5_o he_o witness_v our_o adoption_n unto_o we_o chap._n 8.15_o 16._o and_o thereby_o a_o interest_n in_o the_o love_n of_o the_o father_n in_o god_n as_o he_o be_v love_n but_o the_o outward_a way_n and_o mean_n whereby_o he_o communicate_v these_o thing_n unto_o we_o and_o effect_n they_o in_o we_o be_v by_o the_o dispensation_n of_o the_o gospel_n or_o the_o preach_a of_o it_o ordinary_o he_o do_v the_o same_o work_n also_o in_o prayer_n ofttimes_o in_o other_o holy_a administration_n for_o this_o end_n for_o a_o participation_n of_o this_o grace_n of_o these_o mercy_n do_v believer_n come_v unto_o god_n by_o they_o they_o use_v they_o as_o mean_n to_o draw_v water_n from_o the_o well_n of_o salvation_n and_o to_o receive_v in_o that_o spiritual_a sense_n of_o divine_a love_n which_o god_n by_o they_o will_v communicate_v so_o christ_n by_o his_o word_n knock_v at_o the_o door_n of_o the_o heart_n if_o it_o be_v open_v by_o faith_n he_o come_v in_o and_o sup_v with_o man_n give_v they_o a_o gracious_a refreshment_n by_o the_o testimony_n of_o his_o own_o love_n and_o the_o love_n of_o the_o father_n rev._n 3.20_o joh._n 14.23_o this_o believer_n look_v for_o in_o and_o this_o they_o do_v in_o various_a measure_n receive_v by_o the_o ordinance_n of_o divine_a worship_n and_o although_o some_o through_o their_o fear_n and_o temptation_n be_v not_o sensible_a hereof_o yet_o do_v they_o secret_o receive_v these_o bless_a gracious_a supply_n whereby_o their_o soul_n be_v hold_v in_o life_n without_o which_o they_o will_v pine_v away_o and_o perish_v so_o he_o deal_v with_o they_o cant._n 4.5_o 6._o these_o be_v the_o garden_n and_o gallery_n of_o christ_n wherein_o he_o give_v we_o of_o his_o love_n cant._n 7.12_o those_o who_o be_v humble_a and_o sincere_a know_v how_o often_o their_o soul_n have_v be_v refresh_v in_o they_o and_o how_o long_o sometime_o the_o impression_n they_o have_v receive_v of_o divine_a grace_n and_o love_n have_v continue_v with_o they_o unto_o their_o unspeakable_a consolation_n they_o remember_v what_o they_o have_v receive_v in_o the_o open_v and_o application_n of_o the_o exceed_a great_a and_o precious_a promise_n that_o be_v give_v unto_o they_o whereby_o they_o be_v gradual_o more_o and_o more_o make_v partaker_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n how_o many_o a_o time_n they_o have_v receive_v light_n in_o darkness_n refreshment_n under_o despondency_n relief_n in_o their_o conflict_n with_o danger_n and_o temptation_n in_o and_o by_o they_o for_o this_o cause_n do_v affection_n that_o be_v spiritual_o renew_v cleave_v unto_o they_o who_o can_v but_o love_v and_o delight_n in_o that_o which_o he_o have_v find_v by_o experience_n to_o be_v the_o way_n and_o mean_n of_o communicate_v unto_o he_o the_o most_o invaluable_a mercy_n the_o most_o inestimable_a benefit_n whereof_o in_o this_o life_n he_o can_v be_v make_v partaker_n he_o who_o have_v find_v a_o hide_a treasure_n although_o he_o shall_v at_o once_o take_v away_o the_o whole_a of_o it_o yet_o will_v esteem_v the_o place_n where_o he_o find_v it_o but_o if_o it_o be_v of_o that_o nature_n that_o no_o more_o can_v be_v find_v or_o take_v of_o it_o at_o once_o but_o what_o be_v sufficient_a for_o the_o present_a occasion_n yet_o be_v so_o full_a and_o boundless_a as_o that_o whenever_o he_o come_v again_o to_o seek_v for_o it_o he_o shall_v be_v sure_a to_o obtain_v present_a supply_n he_o will_v always_o value_v it_o and_o constant_o apply_v himself_o unto_o it_o and_o such_o be_v the_o treasure_n of_o grace_n and_o divine_a love_n that_o be_v in_o the_o ordinance_n of_o divine_a worship_n if_o we_o be_v stranger_n unto_o these_o thing_n if_o we_o have_v never_o receive_v efficatious_a intimation_n of_o divine_a love_n unto_o our_o soul_n in_o and_o by_o the_o duty_n of_o divine_a worship_n we_o can_v love_v they_o and_o delight_v in_o they_o as_o we_o ought_v what_o do_v man_n come_v to_o hear_v the_o word_n of_o god_n for_o what_o do_v they_o pray_v for_o what_o do_v they_o expect_v to_o receive_v from_o he_o do_v they_o come_v unto_o god_n as_o the_o eternal_a fountain_n of_o live_v water_n as_o the_o god_n of_o all_o grace_n peace_n and_o consolation_n or_o do_v they_o come_v unto_o his_o worship_n without_o any_o design_n as_o unto_o a_o dry_a and_o empty_a show_n do_v they_o fight_v uncertain_o with_o these_o thing_n as_o man_n beat_v the_o air_n or_o do_v they_o think_v they_o bring_v something_o unto_o god_n but_o receive_v nothing_o from_o he_o that_o the_o best_a of_o their_o business_n be_v to_o please_v he_o in_o do_v what_o he_o command_v but_o to_o receive_v any_o thing_n from_o he_o they_o expect_v not_o nor_o do_v ever_o examine_v themselves_o whether_o they_o have_v do_v so_o or_o no_o it_o be_v not_o for_o person_n who_o walk_v in_o such_o way_n ever_o to_o attain_v a_o due_a delight_n in_o the_o ordinance_n of_o divine_a worship_n believer_n have_v other_o design_n herein_o and_o among_o the_o rest_n this_o in_o the_o first_o place_n that_o they_o may_v be_v a_o fresh_a make_v partaker_n of_o refresh_a comfort_a pledge_n of_o the_o love_n of_o god_n in_o christ_n and_o thereby_o of_o their_o adoption_n of_o the_o pardon_n of_o their_o sin_n and_o acceptance_n of_o their_o person_n according_a as_o they_o meet_v with_o these_o thing_n in_o the_o duty_n of_o holy_a worship_n public_a or_o private_a so_o will_v they_o love_v value_n and_o adhere_v unto_o they_o some_o man_n be_v full_a of_o other_o thought_n and_o affection_n so_o as_o that_o these_o thing_n be_v not_o their_o principal_a design_n or_o desire_n or_o be_v content_v with_o that_o measure_n of_o they_o which_o they_o suppose_v themselves_o to_o have_v attain_v or_o at_o least_o be_v not_o sensible_a of_o the_o need_n they_o stand_v in_o to_o have_v fresh_a communication_n of_o they_o make_v unto_o their_o soul_n suppose_v that_o they_o can_v do_v well_o enough_o without_o a_o renew_a sense_n of_o divine_a love_n every_o day_n some_o be_v so_o ignorant_a of_o what_o they_o ought_v to_o design_n to_o look_v after_o in_o the_o duty_n of_o gospel_n worship_n as_o that_o it_o be_v impossible_a they_o shall_v have_v any_o real_a design_n in_o they_o many_o of_o the_o better_a sort_n of_o professor_n be_v too_o negligent_a in_o this_o matter_n they_o do_v not_o long_a and_o pant_v in_o the_o inward_a man_n after_o renew_a pledge_n of_o the_o love_n of_o god_n they_o do_v not_o consider_v how_o much_o need_n they_o have_v of_o they_o that_o they_o may_v be_v encourage_v and_o strengthen_v unto_o all_o other_o duty_n of_o obedience_n they_o do_v not_o prepare_v their_o mind_n for_o their_o reception_n of_o they_o nor_o come_v with_o expectation_n of_o their_o communication_n unto_o they_o they_o do_v not_o right_o fix_v their_o faith_n on_o this_o truth_n namely_o that_o these_o holy_a administration_n and_o duty_n be_v appoint_v of_o god_n in_o the_o first_o place_n as_o the_o way_n and_o mean_n of_o convey_v his_o love_n and_o a_o sense_n of_o it_o unto_o our_o soul_n from_o hence_o spring_v all_o that_o lukewarmness_n coldness_n and_o indifferency_n in_o and_o unto_o the_o duty_n of_o holy_a worship_n that_o be_v grow_v among_o we_o for_o if_o man_n have_v lose_v the_o principal_a design_n of_o faith_n
obstruction_n unto_o fruitfulness_n thrnkfulness_n and_o consolation_n when_o we_o be_v negligent_a in_o our_o meditation_n about_o the_o benefit_n that_o we_o receive_v by_o the_o word_n and_o the_o advantage_n which_o we_o have_v thereby_o for_o while_o it_o be_v so_o with_o we_o we_o can_v neither_o value_v the_o grace_n of_o god_n in_o grant_v we_o this_o inestimable_a privilege_n nor_o perform_v any_o duty_n with_o respect_n unto_o it_o in_o a_o right_a manner_n this_o render_v it_o a_o especial_a object_n of_o our_o affection_n as_o spiritual_o renew_v that_o secret_a love_n unto_o and_o heavenly_a delight_n in_o the_o statute_n and_o testimony_n of_o god_n which_o david_n express_v psal_n 119._o arise_v from_o the_o spiritual_a benefit_n and_o advantage_n which_o he_o receive_v by_o they_o as_o he_o constant_o declare_v and_o the_o sole_a reason_n on_o the_o other_o hand_n why_o man_n grow_v so_o careless_a negligent_a and_o cold_a in_o their_o attendance_n unto_o the_o preach_a of_o the_o word_n be_v because_o they_o have_v no_o experience_n of_o any_o spiritual_a benefit_n or_o advantage_n by_o it_o they_o have_v be_v bring_v unto_o it_o by_o one_o mean_n or_o another_o most_o by_o conviction_n of_o their_o duty_n their_o mind_n have_v be_v various_o affect_v with_o it_o unto_o a_o joy_n in_o the_o hear_n of_o it_o and_o readiness_n unto_o sundry_a duty_n of_o obedience_n but_o after_o a_o while_n when_o a_o sense_n of_o those_o temporary_a impression_n be_v wear_v off_o find_v no_o real_a spiritual_a benefit_n by_o it_o they_o lose_v all_o delight_n in_o it_o and_o become_v very_o indifferent_a as_o unto_o its_o enjoyment_n the_o frame_n which_o such_o person_n at_o length_n arrive_v unto_o be_v describe_v mal._n 1.13_o and_o 3.14_o and_o none_o can_v give_v any_o great_a evidence_n of_o the_o decay_n of_o all_o manner_n of_o grace_n in_o they_o or_o of_o their_o be_v destitute_a of_o all_o saving-grace_n than_o when_o they_o apostatise_v from_o some_o degree_n of_o zeal_n for_o and_o delight_n in_o the_o dispensation_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n with_o such_o a_o curse_a indifferency_n as_o many_o be_v overtake_v withal_o it_o can_v be_v otherwise_o for_o see_v this_o be_v a_o way_n and_o mean_n of_o the_o exercise_n of_o all_o grace_n it_o will_v not_o be_v neglect_v but_o where_o there_o be_v a_o decay_n of_o all_o grace_n however_o man_n may_v please_v themselves_o with_o other_o pretence_n and_o when_o they_o be_v thus_o ensnare_v every_o foolish_a prejudice_n every_o provocation_n every_o wanton_a opinion_n and_o imagination_n will_v confirm_v they_o in_o and_o increase_v their_o gradual_a backslide_n and_o as_o it_o be_v with_o believer_n as_o unto_o the_o hear_n of_o the_o word_n in_o general_n so_o it_o be_v as_o unto_o the_o degree_n of_o advantage_n which_o they_o find_v by_o it_o when_o man_n have_v enjoy_v the_o dispensation_n of_o the_o word_n in_o a_o peculiar_a manner_n spiritual_a and_o effectual_a if_o they_o can_v be_v content_a to_o forego_v it_o for_o that_o which_o be_v more_o cold_a and_o lifeless_a provide_v it_o possess_v the_o same_o time_n and_o outward_a form_n with_o the_o other_o it_o be_v no_o great_a evidence_n that_o their_o soul_n do_v prosper_v it_o be_v therefore_o those_o alone_a who_o have_v a_o sense_n of_o the_o efficacy_n of_o the_o word_n on_o their_o soul_n and_o conscience_n unto_o all_o the_o holy_a end_n of_o it_o who_o cleave_v unto_o it_o with_o spiritual_a love_n and_o delight_n they_o continual_o remember_v what_o holy_a impression_n it_o have_v make_v on_o they_o what_o engagement_n it_o have_v bring_v their_o soul_n into_o what_o encouragement_n unto_o faith_n and_o obedience_n it_o have_v furnish_v they_o withal_o and_o long_o after_o renew_v sense_n of_o its_o enjoyment_n when_o we_o do_v not_o find_v in_o ourselves_o this_o foundation_n of_o spiritual_a delight_n in_o the_o dispensation_n of_o the_o gospel_n we_o can_v have_v no_o great_a evidence_n that_o our_o affection_n be_v renew_v so_o also_o it_o be_v in_o the_o duty_n of_o prayer_n and_o meditation_n when_o the_o soul_n of_o a_o believer_n have_v have_v experience_n of_o the_o communion_n which_o it_o have_v have_v with_o god_n in_o they_o or_o either_o of_o they_o of_o the_o spiritual_a refreshment_n which_o it_o have_v have_v from_o they_o of_o the_o benefit_n and_o mercy_n which_o be_v obtain_v by_o they_o in_o recovery_n from_o temptation_n snare_n despondency_n in_o victory_n over_o sin_n and_o satan_n in_o spiritual_a impression_n work_v it_o unto_o a_o holy_a watchful_a frame_n which_o have_v abode_n with_o it_o in_o other_o way_n and_o occasion_n with_o the_o like_a advantage_n wherewith_o fervent_a and_o effectual_a prayer_n and_o sincere_a heavenly_a meditation_n be_v accompany_v it_o can_v but_o have_v love_n unto_o they_o and_o delight_n in_o they_o but_o if_o indeed_o we_o have_v no_o experience_n of_o these_o thing_n if_o we_o find_v not_o these_o advantage_n in_o and_o by_o these_o duty_n they_o can_v but_o be_v a_o burden_n unto_o we_o nor_o do_v serve_v unto_o any_o other_o end_v but_o to_o satisfy_v conviction_n he_o who_o have_v the_o benefit_n of_o a_o serene_a and_o wholesome_a air_n in_o a_o recovery_n from_o many_o disease_n and_o distemper_n with_o the_o preservation_n of_o his_o health_n so_o obtain_v will_v love_v it_o and_o prize_v it_o and_o so_o will_v he_o these_o duty_n who_o have_v be_v partaker_n of_o any_o of_o these_o save_v mercy_n and_o privilege_n wherewith_o they_o be_v accompany_v some_o have_v be_v deliver_v from_o the_o worst_a of_o temptation_n and_o the_o near_a approach_n of_o their_o prevalency_n as_o to_o destroy_v themselves_o by_o a_o sudden_a remembrance_n of_o the_o frame_n of_o their_o soul_n and_o the_o intimation_n of_o god_n love_n in_o such_o or_o such_o a_o prayer_n at_o such_o a_o time_n some_o have_v have_v the_o same_o deliverance_n from_o temptation_n unto_o sin_n when_o they_o have_v be_v carry_v away_o under_o the_o power_n of_o their_o corruption_n and_o all_o circumstance_n have_v concur_v under_o the_o apprehension_n of_o it_o a_o sudden_a thought_n of_o such_o a_o prayer_n or_o meditation_n with_o the_o engagement_n they_o make_v of_o themselves_o therein_o unto_o god_n have_v cause_v all_o the_o weapon_n of_o sin_n to_o fall_v out_o of_o its_o hand_n and_o all_o the_o beauty_n of_o its_o allurement_n to_o disappear_v when_o other_o have_v be_v under_o the_o power_n of_o such_o dispondency_n and_o disconsolation_n as_o that_o no_o present_a tender_n of_o relief_n can_v approach_v unto_o they_o they_o have_v be_v sudden_o raise_v and_o refresh_v by_o the_o remembrance_n of_o the_o intimate_a love_n and_o kindness_n between_o christ_n and_o their_o soul_n that_o have_v evidence_v itself_o in_o former_a duty_n multitude_n in_o fear_n distress_n and_o temptation_n have_v find_v relief_n unto_o their_o spirit_n and_o encouragement_n unto_o their_o faith_n in_o the_o remembrance_n of_o the_o return_v they_o have_v have_v unto_o former_a supplication_n in_o the_o like_a distress_n these_o be_v ground_n of_o spiritual_a delight_n in_o these_o duty_n heartless_n lifeless_a wordy_a prayer_n the_o fruit_n of_o conviction_n and_o gift_n or_o of_o custom_n and_o outward_a occasion_n however_o multiply_v and_o whatever_o devotion_n they_o seem_v to_o be_v accompany_v withal_o will_v never_o engage_v spiritual_a affection_n unto_o they_o when_o these_o thing_n be_v absent_a when_o the_o soul_n have_v not_o experience_n of_o they_o prayer_n be_v but_o a_o lifeless_a form_n a_o dead_a carcase_n which_o it_o will_v be_v a_o torment_n unto_o a_o soul_n spiritual_o alive_a to_o be_v tie_v unto_o there_o may_v be_v a_o season_n indeed_o when_o god_n will_v seem_v to_o hide_v himself_o from_o believer_n in_o their_o prayer_n so_o as_o they_o shall_v neither_o find_v that_o life_n in_o themselves_o which_o they_o have_v do_v former_o nor_o be_v sensible_a of_o any_o gracious_a communication_n from_o he_o but_o this_o be_v do_v only_o for_o a_o time_n and_o principal_o to_o stir_v they_o up_o unto_o that_o fervency_n and_o preseverance_n in_o prayer_n as_o may_v recover_v they_o into_o their_o former_a or_o a_o better_a estate_n than_o yet_o they_o have_v attain_v unto_o the_o like_a may_v be_v say_v concern_v all_o other_o duty_n of_o religion_n or_o ordinance_n of_o divine_a worship_n four_o believer_n who_o affection_n be_v spiritual_o renew_v do_v delight_n great_o in_o the_o duty_n of_o divine_a worship_n because_o they_o be_v the_o great_a institute_v way_n whereby_o they_o may_v give_v glory_n unto_o god_n this_o be_v the_o first_o and_o principal_a end_n of_o all_o duty_n of_o religion_n as_o they_o respect_v divine_a appointment_n namely_o to_o ascribe_v and_o give_v unto_o god_n the_o glory_n that_o be_v his_o due_n for_o in_o they_o all_o acknowledgement_n be_v make_v of_o all_o the_o glorious_a excellency_n
their_o sloth_n it_o reflect_v upon_o the_o word_n of_o our_o saviour_n that_o his_o yoke_n be_v easy_a and_o his_o burden_n light_n that_o his_o commandment_n be_v not_o grievious_a it_o experss_v unbelief_n in_o the_o promise_v of_o god_n tender_v such_o supply_n of_o grace_n as_o to_o render_v all_o the_o way_n of_o wisdom_n easy_a yea_o mercy_n and_o peace_n it_o be_v contrary_a unto_o the_o experience_n of_o all_o who_o have_v with_o any_o sincerity_n and_o diligence_n engage_v in_o the_o way_n of_o gospel_n obedience_n and_o the_o whole_a cause_n of_o the_o pretend_a difficulty_n lie_v in_o themselves_o alone_o which_o may_v be_v reduce_v unto_o these_o two_o head_n first_o a_o desire_n to_o retain_v some_o thing_n or_o thing_n that_o be_v or_o be_v inconsistent_a with_o such_o a_o progress_n for_o unless_o the_o heart_n be_v ready_a on_o all_o occasion_n to_o esteem_v every_o thing_n as_o loss_n and_o dung_n so_o as_o we_o may_v win_v christ_n the_o work_n will_v be_v accomcompany_v with_o insuperable_a difficulty_n this_o be_v the_o first_o principle_n of_o religion_n of_o gospel_n obedience_n that_o all_o thing_n be_v to_o be_v despise_v for_o christ._n but_o this_o difficulty_n arise_v not_o from_o the_o thing_n itself_o but_o from_o our_o indisposition_n unto_o it_o and_o unfitness_n for_o it_o that_o which_o be_v a_o easy_a pleasant_a walk_n unto_o a_o find_v and_o healthy_a man_n be_v a_o toilsome_a journey_n to_o he_o that_o be_v disease_v and_o infirm_a in_o particular_a whilst_o man_n will_v retain_v a_o inordinate_a respect_n unto_o the_o world_n the_o vanity_n the_o pleasure_n the_o profit_n the_o contentment_n of_o it_o while_o self-love_n put_v a_o undue_a valuation_n on_o our_o person_n our_o relation_n our_o enjoyment_n our_o reputation_n do_v cleave_v unto_o we_o we_o shall_v labour_v in_o the_o fire_n when_o we_o engage_v in_o this_o duty_n or_o rather_o we_o shall_v not_o at_o all_o sincere_o engage_v in_o it_o wherefore_o the_o apostle_n tell_v we_o that_o in_o this_o case_n we_o must_v cast_v off_o every_o weight_n and_o the_o sin_n that_o do_v so_o easy_o beset_v we_o if_o we_o intend_v to_o run_v with_o joy_n the_o race_n that_o be_v set_v before_o we_o heb._n 12.1_o second_o it_o be_v because_o man_n dwell_v continual_o upon_o the_o entrance_n of_o religion_n in_o the_o first_o and_o low_a exercise_n of_o grace_n some_o be_v always_o begin_v at_o religion_n and_o the_o beginning_n of_o thing_n be_v always_o difficult_a they_o design_v not_o to_o be_v complete_a in_o the_o whole_a will_n of_o god_n nor_o to_o give_v all_o grace_n their_o perfect_a work_n they_o do_v not_o with_o use_n habituate_v grace_n unto_o a_o readiness_n in_o all_o the_o act_n of_o it_o which_o the_o apostle_n commend_v in_o they_o that_o be_v perfect_a or_o complete_a heb._n 5.14_o hence_o he_o call_v such_o person_n babe_n and_o carnal_a comparative_o unto_o they_o that_o be_v strong_a man_n and_o spirival_n such_o person_n do_v not_o oblige_v themselves_o unto_o the_o whole_a work_n and_o all_o the_o duty_n of_o religion_n but_o only_o what_o they_o judge_v necessary_a unto_o they_o in_o their_o present_a circumstance_n in_o particular_a they_o do_v not_o attempt_v a_o thorow-work_n in_o the_o mortification_n of_o any_o sin_n but_o be_v hew_v and_o hack_v at_o it_o as_o their_o conviction_n be_v urgent_a or_o abate_v the_o wound_n whereof_o in_o the_o body_n of_o sin_n be_v quick_o heal_v they_o give_v not_o any_o grace_n its_o perfect_a work_n but_o be_v always_o make_v essay_n and_o so_o give_v over_o while_o it_o be_v thus_o with_o any_o they_o shall_v always_o be_v delude_v with_o the_o apprehension_n of_o insuperable_a difficulty_n as_o to_o the_o growth_n of_o their_o affection_n in_o spirituality_n and_o heavenliness_n remove_v these_o thing_n out_o of_o the_o way_n as_o the_o aught_o to_o be_v remove_v and_o we_o shall_v find_v all_o the_o path_n wherein_o we_o be_v to_o walk_v towards_o god_n to_o be_v pleasantness_n and_o peace_n this_o be_v the_o first_o cause_n whence_o it_o be_v that_o there_o may_v be_v affection_n true_o spiritual_a and_o gracious_o renew_v in_o some_o person_n who_o yet_o do_v not_o thrive_v in_o a_o assimulation_n and_o conformity_n unto_o heavenly_a thing_n man_n take_v up_o with_o their_o present_a measure_n and_o thereon_o pretend_v either_o necessary_a occasion_n or_o discouragement_n from_o difficulty_n in_o attempt_v spiritual_a growth_n in_o the_o inward_a man._n but_o they_o may_v thank_v themselves_o if_o as_o they_o bring_v no_o honour_n unto_o christ_n so_o they_o have_v no_o solid_a peace_n in_o their_o own_o soul_n second_o as_o the_o evil_n proceed_v from_o folly_n so_o it_o be_v always_o the_o consequent_a of_o sin_n of_o many_o sin_n of_o various_a sort_n let_v we_o not_o dwell_v on_o heartless_a complaint_n that_o we_o do_v not_o find_v our_o affection_n lively_a and_o heavenly_a that_o we_o do_v not_o find_v the_o inward_a man_n to_o thrive_v or_o grow_v let_v we_o not_o hearken_v after_o this_o or_o that_o relief_n or_o comfort_n under_o this_o consideration_n as_o many_o thing_n be_v usual_o insist_v on_o unto_o that_o purpose_n they_o may_v be_v of_o use_n when_o person_n be_v under_o temptation_n and_o not_o able_a to_o make_v a_o right_a judgement_n of_o themselves_o but_o in_o the_o course_n of_o our_o ordinary_a walk_v with_o god_n they_o be_v not_o to_o be_v attend_v not_o retire_v unto_o the_o general_a reason_n of_o this_o evil_a state_n be_v our_o own_o sinful_a carelessness_n negligence_n and_o sloth_n with_o perhaps_o a_o indulgence_n unto_o some_o know_a lust_n or_o corruption_n and_o we_o do_v in_o vain_a seek_v after_o refresh_a cordial_n as_o though_o we_o be_v only_o spiritual_o faint_a when_o we_o stand_v in_o need_n of_o lance_n and_o burn_n as_o nigh_o unto_o a_o lethargy_n it_o will_v be_v too_o long_o to_o give_v instance_n of_o these_o sin_n which_o fail_v not_o effectual_o to_o obstruct_v the_o thrive_a of_o spiritual_a affection_n but_o in_o general_a when_o man_n be_v careless_a as_o unto_o that_o continual_a watch_n which_o they_o ought_v to_o keep_v over_o their_o heart_n while_o they_o be_v negligent_a in_o holy_a duty_n either_o as_o unto_o the_o season_n of_o they_o or_o the_o manner_n of_o their_o performance_n when_o they_o be_v stranger_n unto_o holy_a meditation_n and_o self-examination_n while_o they_o inordinate_o pursue_v the_o thing_n of_o the_o world_n or_o be_v so_o tender_a and_o delicate_a as_o that_o they_o will_v not_o undergo_v the_o hardship_n of_o a_o heavenly_a life_n either_o as_o unto_o the_o inward_a or_o outward_a man_n much_o more_o when_o they_o be_v vain_a in_o their_o conversation_n corrupt_v in_o their_o communication_n especial_o if_o under_o the_o predominant_a influence_n of_o any_o particular_a lust_n it_o be_v vain_a to_o think_v of_o thrive_a in_o spiritual_a affection_n and_o yet_o thus_o it_o be_v with_o all_o who_o ordinary_o and_o in_o their_o constant_a course_n be_v thriftless_a herein_o chap._n xvii_o decay_n in_o spiritual_a affection_n with_o the_o cause_n and_o danger_n of_o they_o advice_n unto_o they_o who_o be_v sensible_a of_o the_o evil_a of_o spiritual_a decay_n it_o must_v be_v acknowledge_v that_o there_o be_v yet_o that_o which_o be_v worse_o than_o what_o we_o have_v yet_o insist_v on_o and_o more_o opposite_a unto_o the_o growth_n of_o affection_n in_o conformity_n unto_o heavenly_a thing_n which_o be_v the_o proper_a character_n of_o those_o that_o be_v spiritual_o renew_v and_o this_o be_v their_o spiritual_a decay_n manifest_v itself_o in_o sensible_a and_o visible_a effect_n some_o there_o be_v yea_o many_o who_o upon_o the_o beginning_n of_o a_o profession_n of_o their_o conversion_n unto_o god_n have_v make_v a_o great_a appearance_n of_o vigorous_a active_a spiritual_a affection_n yea_o it_o be_v so_o with_o most_o it_o may_v be_v all_o who_o be_v real_o so_o convert_v god_n take_v notice_n of_o the_o love_n of_o the_o youth_n in_o his_o people_n of_o the_o love_n of_o their_o espousal_n in_o some_o this_o vigiour_n of_o spiritual_a affection_n be_v from_o the_o real_a power_n of_o grace_n exert_v its_o efficacy_n on_o their_o heart_n and_o in_o their_o mind_n in_o other_o it_o be_v from_o other_o cause_n as_o for_o instance_n relief_n from_o conviction_n by_o spiritual_a illumination_n will_v produce_v this_o effect_n and_o this_o fall_v out_o unto_o their_o advantage_n of_o such_o person_n that_o general_o a_o change_n be_v wrought_v in_o their_o young_a day_n for_o than_o their_o affection_n in_o their_o natural_a power_n be_v active_a and_o bear_v great_a sway_n in_o the_o whole_a soul_n wherefore_o the_o change_n that_o be_v make_v be_v most_o eminent_a in_o they_o be_v it_o what_o it_o will_n but_o as_o man_n increase_v in_o age_n and_o thereon_o grow_v up_o in_o carnal_a wisdom_n
be_v a_o dangerous_a symtom_n of_o a_o evil_a state_n and_o condition_n and_o that_o those_o in_o who_o it_o be_v will_v at_o last_o be_v find_v to_o be_v but_o hypocrite_n i_o know_v such_o person_n will_v or_o may_v have_v pretend_v evidence_n unto_o the_o contrary_a and_o that_o they_o be_v well_o enough_o satisfy_v of_o and_o with_o their_o own_o sincerity_n in_o many_o thing_n so_o as_o that_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o fix_v upon_o the_o the_o sense_n and_o conviction_n of_o be_v but_o hypocrite_n but_o this_o apprehension_n arise_v from_o a_o false_a notion_n of_o hypocrisy_n no_o man_n they_o suppose_v be_v a_o hypocrite_n but_o he_o that_o general_o or_o universal_o pretend_v himself_o in_o religion_n to_o be_v what_o he_o be_v not_o and_o what_o he_o know_v himself_o not_o to_o be_v or_o at_o least_o may_v easy_o do_v so_o and_o it_o be_v true_a that_o this_o be_v the_o broad_a notion_n of_o pharisaical_a hypocrisy_n but_o take_v a_o hypoerite_n for_o he_o who_o under_o light_n profession_n gift_n duty_n do_v habitual_o and_o willing_o fail_v in_o any_o point_n of_o sincerity_n he_o be_v no_o less_o a_o perish_a hypocrite_n than_o the_o former_a and_o it_o may_v alter_v the_o case_n with_o they_o i_o do_v not_o say_v that_o every_o one_o in_o who_o there_o be_v this_o prevalent_a decay_n in_o spiritual_a affection_n be_v a_o hypocrite_n god_n forbid_v i_o only_o say_v that_o where_o it_o continue_v without_o remedy_n it_o be_v such_o a_o symtome_n of_o hypocrisy_n as_o that_o he_o who_o be_v wise_a and_o have_v a_o care_n of_o his_o soul_n will_v not_o rest_v until_o he_o have_v search_v it_o unto_o the_o bottom_n for_o it_o seem_v as_o if_o it_o be_v thus_o with_o such_o person_n they_o have_v have_v a_o false_a or_o imperfect_a work_n in_o that_o conversion_n unto_o god_n which_o they_o have_v profess_v conviction_n of_o sin_n communication_n of_o spiritual_a light_n and_o gift_n alteration_n upon_o the_o affection_n change_v of_o socicty_n and_o conversation_n have_v make_v it_o up_o now_o it_o be_v the_o nature_n of_o such_o a_o work_n great_o to_o flourish_v for_o a_o season_n in_o all_o the_o principal_a part_n and_o duty_n of_o profession_n but_o it_o be_v in_o its_o nature_n also_o gradual_o to_o decay_v until_o it_o be_v quite_o wither_v away_o in_o some_o it_o be_v lose_v by_o the_o power_n of_o some_o vigorous_a temptation_n and_o particular_a lust_n indulge_v unto_o end_v in_o worldliness_n and_o sensuality_n but_o in_o the_o most_o it_o decay_v gradual_o until_o it_o have_v lose_v all_o its_o savour_n and_o sap_n see_v joh._n 15.3_o wherefore_o while_o man_n find_v this_o decay_n in_o themselves_o unless_o they_o be_v fall_v under_o the_o power_n of_o a_o destructive_a security_n unless_o they_o be_v harden_v through_o be_v deceitfulness_n of_o sin_n they_o can_v but_o think_v it_o their_o duty_n to_o examine_v how_o thing_n stand_v with_o they_o whether_o they_o ever_o effectual_o close_v with_o christ_n and_o have_v the_o faith_n of_o god_n elect_n which_o work_v by_o love_n see_v it_o be_v with_o they_o as_o though_o they_o have_v only_o a_o work_n of_o another_o nature_n for_o a_o save_v work_n in_o its_o own_o nature_n and_o in_o the_o diligent_a use_n of_o mean_n thrive_v and_o grow_v as_o the_o whole_a scripture_n testify_v but_o it_o be_v this_o false_a and_o imperfect_a work_n that_o have_v no_o root_n and_o be_v thus_o subject_a to_o wither_v six_o person_n in_o such_o a_o estate_n be_v apt_a to_o deceive_v themselves_o with_o false_a hope_n and_o notion_n whereby_o the_o deceitfulness_n of_o sin_n do_v put_v forth_o its_o power_n to_o harden_v they_o unto_o their_o ruin_n two_o way_n there_o be_v whereby_o this_o pernicious_a effect_n be_v produce_v the_o one_o by_o the_o prevalency_n of_o a_o particular_a lust_n or_o sin_n the_o other_o by_o a_o neglect_n of_o spiritual_a duty_n and_o a_o vain_a conversation_n in_o the_o world_n under_o which_o the_o soul_n pine_v away_o and_o consume_v as_o unto_o the_o first_o of_o these_o there_o be_v three_o false_a notion_n whereby_o the_o deceitfulness_n of_o sin_n delude_v the_o soul_n of_o men._n the_o first_o be_v that_o it_o be_v that_o one_o sin_n alone_o wherein_o they_o will_v be_v indulge_v let_v they_o be_v spare_v in_o this_o one_o thing_n and_o in_o all_o other_o they_o will_v be_v exact_a enough_o this_o be_v the_o composition_n that_o naaman_n will_v have_v make_v in_o the_o matter_n of_o religion_n 2_o king_n 5.18_o and_o it_o be_v that_o which_o many_o trust_n unto_o hence_o it_o have_v by_o the_o event_n be_v make_v to_o appear_v that_o some_o person_n have_v live_v long_o in_o the_o practice_n of_o some_o gross_a sin_n and_o yet_o all_o the_o while_n use_v a_o semblance_n of_o great_a diligence_n in_o other_o duty_n of_o religion_n this_o be_v a_o false_a notion_n whereby_o poor_a sinner_n delude_v their_o own_o soul_n for_o suppose_v it_o possible_a that_o a_o man_n shall_v give_v himself_o up_o unto_o any_o lust_n or_o be_v under_o the_o power_n of_o it_o and_o yet_o be_v observant_a of_o all_o other_o duty_n yet_o this_o will_v give_v he_o no_o relief_n as_o unto_o the_o eternal_a condition_n of_o his_o soul_n the_o rule_n be_v peremptory_a unto_o this_o purpose_n jam._n 2.10_o 11._o one_o sin_n willing_o live_v in_o be_v as_o able_a to_o destroy_v a_o man_n soul_n as_o a_o thousand_o beside_o it_o be_v practical_o false_a there_o be_v no_o man_n that_o live_v in_o any_o one_o know_a sin_n but_o he_o real_o live_v in_o more_o though_o that_o only_o bear_v the_o chief_a sway._n with_o some_o such_o person_n these_o sin_n appear_v unto_o other_o who_o observe_v their_o frame_n and_o spirit_n though_o they_o appear_v not_o to_o themselves_o in_o some_o they_o be_v manifest_a in_o themselves_o although_o they_o be_v hide_v from_o other_o 1_o tim._n 5.24_o but_o let_v no_o man_n relieve_v himself_o with_o thought_n that_o it_o be_v but_o one_o sin_n while_o that_o one_o sin_n keep_v he_o in_o a_o constant_a neglect_n of_o god_n hence_o second_o they_o deceive_v themselves_o hereby_o for_o they_o judge_v that_o although_o they_o can_v as_o yet_o shake_v off_o their_o sin_n yet_o they_o will_v continue_v still_o to_o love_n god_n and_o abound_v in_o the_o duty_n of_o his_o worship_n they_o will_v not_o become_v hater_n of_o god_n and_o his_o way_n and_o persecutor_n for_o all_o the_o world_n and_o therefore_o hope_v that_o notwithstanding_o this_o one_o zoar_n this_o lesser_a sin_n which_o their_o constitution_n and_o their_o circumstance_n engage_v they_o in_o that_o it_o may_v be_v well_o with_o they_o at_o the_o last_o this_o also_o be_v a_o false_a notion_n a_o mere_a instrument_n in_o the_o hand_n of_o sin_n to_o act_v its_o deceit_n by_o for_o no_o man_n that_o willing_o live_v in_o any_o sin_n can_v love_v god_n at_o all_o as_o be_v evident_a in_o that_o rule_n 1_o joh._n 2.15_o it_o be_v but_o a_o false_a pretence_n of_o love_n to_o god_n that_o any_o man_n have_v who_o live_v in_o any_o know_a sin_n where_o god_n be_v not_o love_v above_o all_o he_o be_v not_o love_v at_o all_o and_o he_o be_v not_o so_o where_o man_n will_v not_o part_v with_o one_o curse_a lust_n for_o his_o sake_n let_v not_o your_o light_n deceive_v you_o nor_o your_o gift_n nor_o your_o duty_n nor_o your_o profession_n if_o you_o live_v in_o sin_n you_o love_v not_o god_n three_o they_o determine_v that_o at_o such_o or_o such_o a_o season_n on_o time_n after_o such_o satisfaction_n give_v unto_o their_o lust_n or_o pleasure_n they_o will_v utter_o give_v over_o so_o as_o that_o iniquity_n shall_v not_o be_v their_o ruin_n but_o this_o be_v a_o false_a notion_n also_o a_o effectual_a instrument_n of_o the_o deceitfulness_n of_o sin_n he_o that_o will_v not_o now_o give_v over_o who_o will_v not_o immediate_o upon_o the_o discovery_n of_o the_o prevalency_n of_o any_o sin_n and_o warning_n about_o it_o endeavour_v sincere_o and_o constant_o its_o relinquishment_n say_v what_o he_o will_v and_o pretend_v what_o he_o will_v he_o never_o intend_v to_o give_v over_o nor_o be_v it_o probable_a in_o a_o ordinary_a way_n that_o ever_o he_o will_v do_v so_o when_o man_n decay_n be_v from_o the_o prevalency_n of_o particular_a sin_n by_o these_o and_o the_o like_a false_a notion_n do_v they_o harden_v themselves_o unto_o ruin_n for_o those_o who_o be_v pine_v away_o under_o hectical_a consumption_n a_o general_a decay_n of_o the_o vital_a spirit_n of_o religion_n they_o have_v also_o false_a notion_n whereby_o they_o deceive_v themselves_o as_o first_o that_o although_o they_o have_v some_o cause_n to_o mistrust_v themselves_o yet_o indeed_o their_o condition_n be_v not_o so_o bad_a as_o some_o may_v apprehend_v it_o or_o as_o they_o be_v
excellency_n in_o itself_o second_o a_o suitableness_n therein_o unto_o our_o condition_n state_n and_o desire_v after_o rest_n and_o blessedness_n the_o first_o of_o these_o be_v in_o god_n from_o what_o he_o be_v in_o himself_o the_o latter_a be_v from_o what_o he_o be_v unto_o we_o in_o christ_n from_o both_o he_o be_v the_o only_a suitable_a object_n unto_o our_o affection_n under_o this_o apprehension_n do_v we_o love_v god_n for_o himself_o or_o for_o his_o own_o sake_n not_o exclusive_o unto_o our_o advantage_n therein_o for_o a_o desire_n of_o union_n and_o enjoyment_n which_o be_v our_o only_a advantage_n be_v inseparable_a from_o this_o love_n it_o may_v be_v some_o can_v say_v that_o a_o distinct_a apprehension_n of_o these_o thing_n be_v the_o first_o foundation_n and_o cause_n of_o their_o love_n to_o god_n yet_o be_v they_o satisfy_v that_o they_o do_v love_v he_o in_o sincerity_n with_o all_o their_o soul_n and_o i_o say_v it_o may_v be_v so_o god_n sometime_o call_v the_o skirt_n of_o his_o own_o love_n over_o the_o heart_n of_o a_o poor_a sinner_n and_o efficacious_o draw_v it_o unto_o himself_o without_o a_o distinct_a apprehension_n of_o these_o thing_n by_o a_o mere_a sense_n of_o the_o love_n it_o have_v receive_v so_o elijah_n pass_v by_o elisha_n and_o cast_v his_o mantle_n upon_o he_o as_o a_o transient_a act._n but_o there_o be_v such_o a_o communication_n of_o virtue_n thereby_o that_o he_o run_v after_o he_o and_o will_v not_o be_v defer_v though_o elijah_n say_v go_v back_o again_o for_o what_o have_v i_o do_v unto_o thou_o 1_o king_n 19.19_o 20._o when_o god_n have_v so_o cast_v his_o love_n on_o any_o soul_n it_o follow_v after_o he_o with_o all_o its_o affection_n and_o whereas_o god_n may_v seem_v at_o some_o time_n to_o say_v go_v back_o again_o for_o what_o have_v i_o do_v unto_o thou_o its_o answer_n be_v lord_n whether_o shall_v i_o go_v i_o can_v leave_v thou_o my_o heart_n be_v give_v up_o unto_o thou_o and_o shall_v never_o be_v take_v from_o thou_o but_o i_o say_v unto_o such_o and_o to_o all_o other_o that_o if_o we_o will_v have_v refresh_v evidence_n of_o our_o love_n unto_o god_n that_o it_o be_v sincere_a if_o we_o will_v have_v it_o thrive_v and_o flourish_v befervent_a and_o constant_a we_o be_v to_o exercise_v ourselves_o unto_o the_o contemplation_n of_o the_o divine_a goodness_n and_o the_o suitableness_n of_o it_o unto_o our_o soul_n in_o and_o by_o jesus_n christ._n nor_o can_v we_o cleave_v unto_o any_o spiritual_a thing_n whatever_o with_o sincere_a affection_n but_o under_o these_o notion_n of_o it_o first_o that_o it_o have_v a_o real_a worth_n or_o excellency_n in_o itself_o second_o that_o it_o be_v suitable_a and_o desirable_a unto_o we_o and_o it_o be_v to_o be_v bewail_v to_o see_v how_o many_o walk_n at_o random_n in_o profession_n that_o know_v neither_o what_o they_o do_v nor_o where_o they_o go_v second_o as_o we_o must_v see_v a_o goodness_n and_o probableness_n in_o spiritual_a thing_n absolute_o so_o as_o that_o we_o may_v fix_v our_o affection_n on_o they_o in_o a_o due_a manner_n so_o we_o must_v see_v it_o comparative_o with_o respect_n unto_o all_o other_o thing_n which_o give_v they_o a_o preference_n in_o our_o affection_n before_o and_o above_o they_o all_o the_o trial_n of_o love_n lie_v in_o the_o prevail_a degree_n on_o more_o or_o less_o if_o we_o love_v other_o thing_n father_n mother_n house_n land_n possession_n more_o than_o christ_n we_o do_v not_o love_v he_o at_o all_o nor_o be_v there_o any_o equality_n allow_v in_o this_o matter_n that_o we_o may_v equal_o love_v temporal_a and_o spiritual_a thing_n if_o we_o love_v not_o christ_n more_o than_o all_o those_o thing_n we_o love_v he_o not_o at_o all_o wherefore_o that_o our_o affection_n may_v cleave_v unto_o they_o in_o a_o due_a manner_n we_o must_v see_v a_o excellency_n in_o thing_n spiritual_a and_o heavenly_a render_v they_o more_o desirable_a than_o all_o other_o thing_n whatever_o with_o what_o love_a countenance_n do_v man_n look_v upon_o their_o temporal_a enjoyment_n with_o what_o tenacious_a embrace_n do_v they_o cleave_v unto_o they_o they_o see_v that_o in_o they_o which_o be_v amiable_a which_o be_v desirable_a and_o suitable_a unto_o their_o affection_n let_v they_o pretend_v what_o they_o please_v if_o they_o see_v not_o a_o great_a goodness_n that_o which_o be_v more_o amiable_a more_o desirable_a in_o spiritual_a thing_n they_o love_v they_o not_o in_o a_o due_a manner_n it_o be_v temporal_a thing_n that_o have_v the_o rule_n of_o their_o affection_n our_o psalmist_n prefer_v jerusalem_n before_o his_o chief_a joy_n psal._n 137.6_o another_o affirm_v that_o the_o law_n of_o god_n mouth_n be_v better_a to_o he_o than_o thousand_o of_o gold_n and_o silver_n psal._n 119.72_o more_o to_o be_v desire_v be_v the_o statute_n of_o the_o lord_n than_o gold_n yea_o than_o much_o fine_a gold_n sweet_a also_o than_o honey_n or_o the_o honeycomb_n psal._n 19.1_o for_o wisdom_n be_v better_a than_o ruby_n and_o all_o thing_n that_o may_v be_v desire_v be_v not_o to_o be_v compare_v unto_o it_o prov._n 8.11_o this_o be_v the_o only_a stable_n foundation_n of_o all_o divine_a affection_n a_o spiritual_a view_n and_o judgement_n of_o a_o goodness_n a_o excellency_n in_o they_o incomparable_o above_o whatever_o be_v in_o the_o most_o desirable_a thing_n of_o this_o world_n be_v require_v thereunto_o and_o if_o the_o affection_n of_o many_o pretend_v high_o to_o they_o shall_v come_v to_o be_v weigh_v in_o this_o balance_n i_o fear_v they_o will_v be_v find_v light_n and_o want_v however_o it_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o they_o who_o will_v not_o be_v deceive_v in_o this_o matter_n which_o be_v of_o eternal_a importance_n to_o examine_v what_o be_v that_o goodness_n and_o excellency_n which_o be_v in_o spiritual_a thing_n which_o they_o desire_v in_o they_o upon_o the_o account_n whereof_o they_o do_v sincere_o value_v and_o esteem_v they_o above_o all_o thing_n in_o this_o world_n whatever_o and_o let_v not_o any_o deceive_v themselves_o with_o vain_a word_n and_o pretence_n while_o their_o esteem_n and_o valuation_n of_o present_a enjoyment_n do_v evident_o engage_v all_o their_o affection_n their_o care_n their_o diligence_n their_o industry_n so_o as_o that_o a_o man_n of_o a_o discern_a spirit_n may_v even_o feel_v they_o turn_v into_o self_n while_o they_o be_v cold_a formal_a negligent_a about_o spiritual_a thing_n we_o must_v say_v how_o dwell_v the_o love_n of_o god_n in_o they_o much_o more_o when_o we_o see_v man_n not_o only_o give_v up_o the_o whole_a of_o their_o time_n and_o strength_n with_o the_o vigour_n of_o their_o spirit_n but_o sacrifice_v their_o conscience_n also_o unto_o the_o attain_n of_o dignity_n honour_n preferment_n wealth_n and_o ease_n in_o the_o world_n who_o know_v in_o their_o own_o heart_n that_o they_o perform_v religious_a duty_n with_o respect_n unto_o temporal_a advantage_n i_o can_v conceive_v how_o it_o be_v possible_a they_o shall_v discern_v and_o approve_v of_o a_o goodness_n and_o excellency_n in_o spiritual_a thing_n above_o all_o other_o a_o due_a consideration_n be_v require_v hereunto_o that_o all_o spiritual_a thing_n do_v proceed_v from_o and_o be_v resolve_v into_o a_o infinite_a fountain_n of_o goodness_n so_o as_o that_o our_o affection_n may_v absolute_o come_v unto_o rest_n and_o complacency_n and_o find_v full_a assure_a satisfaction_n in_o they_o it_o be_v otherwise_o as_o unto_o all_o temporal_a thing_n man_n will_v very_o fain_o have_v they_o to_o be_v such_o as_o may_v give_v absolute_a rest_n and_o satisfaction_n unto_o all_o their_o affection_n but_o they_o be_v every_o one_o of_o they_o so_o far_o from_o it_o that_o all_o of_o they_o together_o can_v compose_v their_o mind_n in_o rest_n and_o peace_n for_o one_o hour_n they_o gain_v sometime_o a_o transport_v of_o affection_n and_o seem_v for_o a_o season_n to_o have_v fill_v the_o whole_a soul_n so_o as_o it_o have_v no_o leisure_n to_o consider_v their_o emptiness_n and_o vanity_n but_o a_o little_a composure_n of_o man_n thought_n show_v that_o they_o be_v but_o a_o diversion_n in_o a_o journey_n or_o labour_n they_o be_v no_o rest._n hence_o be_v they_o call_v break_v cistern_n that_o will_v hold_v no_o water_n let_v a_o man_n prize_v they_o at_o the_o high_a rate_n that_o it_o be_v possible_a for_o a_o rational_a creature_n to_o be_v reduce_v into_o the_o thought_n of_o whereof_o there_o have_v be_v prodigious_a instance_n let_v he_o possess_v they_o in_o abundance_n beyond_o whatever_o any_o man_n enjoy_v in_o this_o world_n or_o his_o own_o imagination_n can_v before_o hand_n reach_v unto_o let_v he_o be_v assure_v of_o the_o utmost_a peaceable_a continuance_n in_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o they_o â—hat_n his_o and_o their_o nature_n be_v