now_o a_o man_n be_v much_o in_o prayer_n and_o yet_o be_v a_o stranger_n to_o such_o prayer_n as_o 1._o nature_n may_v put_v a_o man_n upon_o prayer_n for_o it_o be_v a_o part_n of_o natural_a worship_n it_o may_v put_v a_o child_n of_o god_n upon_o prayer_n so_o it_o do_v christ_n matth._n 26.39_o 42._o he_o go_v and_o fall_v on_o his_o face_n and_o pray_v say_v o_o my_o father_n if_o it_o be_v possible_a let_v this_o cup_n pass_v from_o i_o this_o be_v a_o prayer_n of_o christ_n which_o flow_v from_o the_o sinless_a struggle_n of_o nature_n seek_v its_o own_o preservation_n 2._o a_o man_n may_v pray_v in_o pretence_n for_o a_o cover_n to_o some_o sin_n so_o do_v those_o devout_a pharisee_n matth._n 23.14_o wo_n to_o you_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n hypocrite_n for_o you_o devour_v widow_n house_n and_o for_o a_o pretence_n make_v long_a prayer_n therefore_o you_o shall_v receive_v the_o great_a damnation_n so_o the_o papist_n seem_v very_o devout_a to_o pray_v a_o rich_a man_n soul_n out_o of_o purgatory_n but_o it_o be_v to_o cheat_v the_o heir_n of_o much_o of_o his_o estate_n under_o pretence_n of_o pray_v for_o his_o father_n soul_n 3._o a_o man_n may_v pray_v and_o yet_o love_v sin_n as_o austin_n before_o conversion_n pray_v against_o his_o sin_n but_o be_v afraid_a god_n shall_v hear_v he_o and_o take_v he_o at_o his_o word_n now_o god_n hear_v not_o such_o prayer_n psal_n 66.18_o if_o i_o regard_v iniquity_n in_o my_o heart_n god_n will_v not_o hear_v my_o prayer_n 4._o a_o man_n may_v pray_v much_o for_o temporal_a thing_n and_o little_a for_o spiritual_a thing_n and_o such_o be_v the_o prayer_n of_o most_o man_n cry_v out_o most_o for_o temporal_a thing_n more_o for_o who_o will_v show_v we_o any_o good_a 6._o psal_n 4_o 6._o then_o for_o lord_n lift_v upon_o we_o the_o light_n of_o thy_o countenance_n david_n copy_n out_o the_o prayer_n of_o such_o psal_n 144.12_o 15._o psa_fw-la 144.12_o 13_o 14_o 15._o etc._n etc._n that_o our_o son_n may_v be_v as_o plant_n that_o our_o daughter_n may_v be_v as_o corner-stone_n polish_v after_o the_o similitude_n of_o a_o palace_n that_o our_o garner_n may_v be_v full_a etc._n etc._n happy_a be_v the_o people_n that_o be_v in_o such_o a_o case_n this_o be_v the_o carnal_a heart_n prayer_n and_o this_o david_n call_v vanity_n vers_fw-la 11._o they_o be_v strange_a child_n who_o mouth_n speak_v vanity_n 5._o 29.13_o isa_n 29.13_o a_o man_n may_v pray_v and_o yet_o be_v far_o from_o god_n in_o prayer_n this_o people_n draw_v nigh_o to_o i_o with_o their_o mouth_n and_o honour_v i_o with_o their_o lip_n but_o their_o heart_n be_v sar_n from_o i_o matth._n 15.8_o a_o man_n may_v pray_v and_o yet_o have_v no_o heart_n in_o prayer_n and_o that_o god_n chief_o look_v at_o 23.26_o pro._n 23.26_o my_o son_n give_v i_o thy_o heart_n the_o jew_n have_v this_o sentence_n write_v upon_o the_o wall_n of_o their_o synagogue_n prayer_n without_o the_o intention_n of_o the_o mind_n be_v but_o a_o body_n without_o a_o soul_n it_o be_v not_o enough_o to_o be_v conscionable_a to_o use_v prayer_n but_o we_o must_v be_v conscionable_a to_o the_o use_n of_o prayer_n many_o be_v so_o conscientious_a that_o they_o dare_v not_o but_o pray_v and_o yet_o so_o irreligious_a that_o they_o have_v no_o heart_n in_o prayer_n a_o common_a work_n of_o god_n may_v make_v a_o man_n conscionable_a to_o do_v duty_n but_o nothing_o less_o than_o save_a grace_n in_o the_o heart_n will_v make_v a_o man_n conscionable_a in_o the_o do_n of_o they_o 6._o a_o man_n prayer_n may_v be_v a_o lie_n as_o a_o profession_n without_o sanctity_n be_v a_o lie_n to_o the_o world_n so_o prayer_n without_o sincerity_n be_v a_o lie_n to_o god_n it_o be_v say_v of_o israel_n that_o they_o seek_v god_n 78.34_o psal_n 78.34_o and_o inquire_v early_o after_o he_o they_o be_v much_o in_o prayer_n and_o yet_o god_n call_v all_o but_o a_o lie_n nevertheless_o they_o do_v flatter_v he_o with_o their_o mouth_n worship_v some_o derive_v the_o latin_a colu_fw-la to_o worship_n from_o the_o greek_a 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d to_o flatter_v &_o the_o english_a word_n batter_v from_o the_o greek_a word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d to_o worship_v and_o they_o lie_v to_o he_o with_o their_o tongue_n for_o their_o heart_n be_v not_o right_a with_o he_o v._o 36_o 27._o harken_v to_o my_o prayer_n that_o go_v not_o out_o of_o feign_a lip_n say_v david_n psal_n 17.1_o 7._o affliction_n and_o the_o pressure_n of_o outward_a evil_n will_v make_v a_o man_n pray_v 26.17_o nuper_fw-la i_o amici_fw-la cujusdam_fw-la languer_n admounit_fw-la optimos_fw-la esse_fw-la nos_fw-la dum_fw-la infirmi_fw-la sumus_fw-la plin._n ep._n 26.17_o and_o pray_v much_o psal_n 78.34_o when_o he_o slay_v they_o then_o they_o seek_v he_o and_o return_v and_o inquire_v early_o after_o god_n the_o heathen_a mariner_n call_v every_o man_n upon_o his_o god_n when_o in_o a_o storm_n when_o they_o fear_v drown_v than_o they_o fall_v to_o pray_v jon._n 1.5_o mariner_n be_v for_o the_o most_o part_n none_o of_o the_o devout_a not_o much_o addict_v to_o prayer_n they_o will_v swear_v twice_o where_o they_o pray_v once_o and_o yet_o it_o be_v say_v they_o cry_v to_o the_o lord_n in_o their_o trouble_n psal_n 107.23_o 28._o and_o hence_o you_o have_v a_o proverb_n navigare_fw-la qui_fw-la nescit_fw-la or_o ar_v scat_fw-la navigare_fw-la he_o that_o can_v pray_v let_v he_o go_v to_o sea_n they_o pour_v out_o a_o prayer_n when_o thy_o chasten_n be_v upon_o they_o isa_n 26.16_o now_o than_o if_o nature_n may_v put_v a_o man_n upon_o prayer_n if_o a_o man_n may_v pray_v in_o pretence_n and_o design_n if_o a_o man_n may_v pray_v and_o yet_o love_v sin_n if_o a_o man_n may_v pray_v most_o for_o temporal_a thing_n if_o a_o man_n may_v pray_v and_o yet_o be_v far_o from_o god_n in_o prayer_n if_o prayer_n may_v be_v a_o lie_n or_o if_o it_o may_v be_v only_o the_o cry_n of_o the_o soul_n under_o affliction_n sure_o than_o a_o man_n may_v be_v much_o in_o prayer_n and_o yet_o be_v but_o almost_o a_o christian_n but_o suppose_v a_o man_n pray_v and_o prevail_v with_o god_n in_o prayer_n sure_o that_o be_v a_o witness_n from_o heaven_n of_o a_o man_n sincerity_n in_o prayer_n now_o i_o pray_v and_o prevail_v i_o ask_v and_o be_o answer_v sol._n sol._n a_o man_n may_v pray_v and_o be_v answer_v for_o god_n many_o time_n answer_v prayer_n in_o judgement_n as_o god_n be_v sometime_o silent_a in_o mercy_n so_o he_o speak_v in_o wrath_n and_o as_o he_o sometime_o deny_v prayer_n in_o mercy_n so_o he_o sometime_o answer_v in_o judgement_n when_o man_n be_v over_o importunate_a in_o some_o thing_n their_o lust_n be_v upon_o and_o will_v take_v no_o nay_o than_o god_n answer_v in_o judgement_n psal_n 78.29_o he_o give_v they_o their_o own_o desire_n they_o have_v desire_v quail_n and_o god_n send_v they_o but_o now_o mark_v the_o judgement_n v._o 30.31_o while_o the_o meat_n be_v in_o their_o mouth_n the_o wrath_n of_o god_n come_v upon_o they_o and_o slay_v they_o ay_o but_o suppose_v a_o man_n affection_n be_v much_o stir_v in_o prayer_n how_o then_o be_v not_o that_o a_o true_a note_n of_o christianity_n now_o my_o affection_n be_v much_o stir_v in_o prayer_n so_o be_v esau_n when_o he_o seek_v the_o blessing_n 12.17_o sol._n heb._n 12.17_o he_o seek_v it_o careful_o with_o tear_n a_o man_n may_v be_v affect_v with_o his_o own_o part_n in_o a_o duty_n while_o good_a notion_n pass_v through_o his_o head_n and_o good_a word_n through_o his_o lip_n some_o good_a motion_n also_o may_v stir_v in_o his_o heart_n but_o they_o be_v but_o spark_n which_o fly_v out_o at_o the_o tunnel_n of_o the_o chimney_n which_o sudden_o vanish_v so_o that_o it_o be_v possible_a a_o man_n may_v pray_v and_o prevail_v in_o prayer_n pray_v and_o be_v affect_v in_o prayer_n and_o yet_o be_v but_o almost_o a_o christian_n 13._o a_o man_n may_v suffer_v for_o christ_n in_o his_o good_n in_o his_o name_n in_o his_o person_n and_o yet_o be_v but_o almost_o a_o christian_n every_o man_n that_o bear_v christ_n cross_n on_o his_o shoulder_n do_v not_o therefore_o bear_v christ_n image_n in_o his_o soul_n 29._o mat._n 19_o 29._o but_o do_v nor_o our_o lord_n christ_n make_v great_a promise_n to_o they_o that_o suffer_v or_o lose_v any_o thing_n for_o he_o do_v not_o he_o say_v mat._n 19.29_o every_o one_o that_o have_v forsake_v house_n or_o brethren_n or_o sister_n or_o father_n or_o mother_n or_o wife_n or_o child_n or_o land_n for_o my_o name_n sake_n shall_v receive_v a_o hundred_o fold_n and_o shall_v inherit_v everlasting_a life_n sure_o they_o be_v true_a christian_n who_o christ_n make_v this_o
may_v be_v call_v of_o god_n 15._o he_o may_v in_o some_o sense_n have_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n 16._o he_o may_v have_v some_o kind_n of_o faith_n 17._o he_o may_v love_v the_o people_n of_o god_n 18._o he_o may_v go_v far_o in_o obey_v the_o command_n of_o god_n 19_o he_o may_v be_v in_o some_o sense_n sanctify_v 20._o he_o may_v do_v all_o as_o to_o external_a duty_n that_o a_o true_a christian_a can_v and_o yet_o be_v no_o better_a than_o almost_o a_o christian_n the_o second_o question_n why_o or_o whence_o be_v it_o that_o many_o man_n go_v so_o far_o as_o that_o they_o come_v to_o be_v almost_o christian_n first_o it_o may_v be_v to_o answer_v the_o call_n of_o conscience_n though_o few_o man_n have_v grace_n yet_o all_o man_n have_v conscience_n now_o do_v but_o observe_v and_o you_o shall_v see_v how_o far_o conscience_n may_v go_v in_o this_o work_n 1._o conscience_n own_v a_o god_n and_o that_o this_o god_n must_v be_v worship_v and_o serve_v by_o the_o creature_n atheist_n in_o practice_n we_o have_v many_o such_o as_o the_o apostle_n speak_v of_o tit._n 1.16_o they_o profess_v they_o know_v god_n but_o in_o work_n they_o deny_v he_o but_o atheist_n in_o judgement_n none_o can_v be_v tully_n a_o heathen_a can_v say_v nulla_fw-la gens_fw-la tam_fw-la barbara_fw-la etc._n etc._n now_o their_o be_v such_o a_o light_n in_o conscience_n as_o to_o discover_v that_o their_o be_v a_o god_n and_o that_o he_o must_v be_v worship_v by_o the_o help_n of_o far_a light_n the_o light_n of_o the_o word_n a_o man_n may_v be_v enable_v to_o do_v much_o in_o the_o way_n of_o god_n and_o yet_o his_o heart_n without_o a_o dram_n of_o grace_n 2._o know_v this_o that_o natural_a conscience_n be_v capable_a of_o great_a improvement_n from_o the_o mean_n of_o grace_n sit_v under_o the_o ordinance_n may_v exceed_o heighten_v the_o endowment_n of_o conscience_n though_o they_o do_v not_o sanctify_v conscience_n it_o may_v be_v much_o regulate_v though_o it_o be_v not_o at_o all_o renew_v it_o may_v be_v enlighten_v convince_v and_o yet_o never_o saving_o convert_v and_o change_v you_o read_v in_o heb._n 6.4_o of_o some_o that_o be_v once_o enlighten_v and_o taste_v of_o the_o heavenly_a gift_n and_o be_v make_v partaker_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n what_o work_n shall_v we_o call_v this_o it_o can_v not_o be_v a_o save_a work_n a_o true_a change_n and_o conversion_n of_o state_n for_o notwithstanding_o this_o enlighten_v and_o taste_v and_o partake_v yet_o they_o be_v here_o say_v to_o fall_v away_o v._o 6._o 22.32_o luke_n 22.32_o 33.27_o deut._n 33.27_o have_v it_o be_v a_o true_a work_n of_o grace_n they_o can_v never_o have_v fall_v away_o from_o that_o a_o beleiver_n may_v fall_v but_o he_o can_v fall_v away_o he_o may_v fall_v foul_o but_o he_o can_v never_o fall_v final_o for_o underneath_o be_v the_o everlasting_a arm_n his_o faith_n be_v establish_v in_o the_o strength_n of_o that_o prayer_n of_o christ_n that_o our_o faith_n fail_v not_o nay_o he_o tell_v we_o express_o that_o it_o be_v eternal_a life_n which_o he_o give_v from_o which_o we_o shall_v never_o perish_v john_n 10.28_o this_o work_n then_o here_o speak_v of_o can_v be_v any_o save_a work_n because_o it_o be_v not_o a_o abide_a work_n for_o they_o that_o be_v under_o it_o be_v say_v to_o fall_v away_o from_o it_o but_o though_o it_o be_v not_o a_o save_a work_n yet_o it_o be_v a_o supernatural_a work_n it_o be_v a_o improvement_n make_v by_o the_o word_n upon_o the_o conscience_n of_o man_n through_o the_o power_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o therefore_o they_o be_v say_v to_o taste_v the_o good_a word_n of_o god_n and_o to_o be_v make_v partaker_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n they_o have_v not_o the_o spirit_n abide_v in_o they_o save_o but_o strive_v with_o they_o and_o work_v upon_o they_o convince_o to_o the_o awaken_n and_o set_v conscience_n on_o work_n and_o conscience_n thus_o stir_v may_v carry_v a_o man_n very_o far_o in_o religion_n and_o in_o the_o duty_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o yet_o be_v but_o a_o natural_a conscience_n a_o common_a work_n of_o the_o spirit_n may_v stead_v a_o man_n very_o much_o in_o the_o duty_n of_o religion_n though_o it_o must_v be_v a_o special_a work_n of_o the_o spirit_n that_o stead_v a_o man_n to_o salvation_n a_o man_n may_v have_v the_o assist_a presence_n of_o the_o spirit_n enable_v he_o to_o preach_v and_o pray_v and_o yet_o he_o may_v perish_v for_o want_n of_o the_o renew_n presence_n of_o the_o spirit_n enable_v he_o to_o believe_v judas_n have_v the_o former_a and_o yet_o perish_v for_o want_n of_o the_o latter_a he_o have_v the_o spirit_n assist_v he_o to_o cast_v out_o devil_n but_o yet_o he_o have_v not_o the_o spirit_n renew_v he_o for_o he_o be_v cast_v out_o himself_o thus_o a_o man_n may_v have_v a_o improve_a conscience_n and_o yet_o be_v a_o stranger_n to_o a_o renew_a conscience_n and_o conscience_n thus_o improve_v may_v put_v a_o man_n very_o much_o upon_o duty_n i_o pray_v god_n none_o of_o we_o mistake_v a_o conscience_n thus_o improve_v by_o the_o word_n for_o a_o conscience_n renew_v by_o the_o spirit_n the_o mistake_n be_v very_o easy_a especial_o when_o a_o life_n of_o duty_n be_v the_o fruit_n of_o it_o 3._o the_o conscience_n of_o a_o natural_a man_n be_v subject_a to_o distress_n and_o trouble_v though_o a_o natural_a conscience_n be_v not_o sanctify_v with_o grace_n yet_o it_o be_v often_o trouble_v at_o sin_n trouble_v of_o conscience_n be_v not_o incident_a to_o beleiver_n only_o but_o sometime_o to_o unbeleiver_n also_o a_o beleiver_n conscience_n be_v sometime_o trouble_v when_o his_o sin_n be_v true_o pardon_v and_o a_o natural_a man_n conscience_n be_v trouble_v for_o sin_n though_o it_o be_v never_o free_v from_o sin_n god_n sometime_o set_v the_o word_n home_o upon_o the_o sinner_n conscience_n and_o apply_v the_o terror_n of_o the_o law_n to_o it_o and_o this_o fill_v the_o soul_n with_o fear_n and_o horror_n of_o death_n and_o hell_n now_o in_o this_o case_n the_o soul_n usual_o betake_v it_o self_n to_o a_o life_n of_o duty_n mere_o to_o fence_v trouble_n out_o of_o conscience_n 31._o 2_o sam._n 14.30_o 31._o when_o absalon_n set_v fire_n on_o joabs_n corn_n field_n than_o he_o run_v to_o he_o though_o he_o refuse_v before_o so_o when_o god_n let_v a_o spark_n of_o hell_n as_o it_o be_v fall_v upon_o the_o sinner_n conscience_n in_o apply_v the_o terror_n of_o the_o word_n this_o drive_v the_o sinner_n to_o a_o life_n of_o duty_n which_o he_o never_o mind_v before_o the_o ground_n of_o many_o a_o man_n engage_v in_o religion_n be_v the_o trouble_n of_o his_o conscience_n and_o the_o end_n of_o his_o continue_v in_o religion_n be_v the_o quiet_v of_o conscience_n if_o conscience_n will_v never_o check_v he_o god_n shall_v never_o from_o he_o natural_a conscience_n have_v a_o voice_n and_o speak_v aloud_o many_o time_n in_o the_o sinner_n ear_n and_o tell_v he_o this_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v do_v god_n must_v not_o be_v forget_v the_o command_n of_o god_n ought_v not_o to_o be_v slight_v live_v in_o sin_n will_v be_v the_o ruin_n of_o the_o soul_n and_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o a_o natural_a man_n run_v to_o duty_n and_o take_v up_o a_o lifeless_a and_o graceless_a profession_n that_o he_o may_v thereby_o silence_v conscience_n as_o a_o man_n sick_a in_o his_o stomach_n what_o ever_o sweet_a morsel_n he_o have_v eat_v he_o bring_v up_o all_o and_o although_o it_o be_v sweet_a in_o the_o eat_n yet_o it_o be_v bitter_a in_o the_o rise_n so_o it_o fare_v with_o the_o sinner_n when_o he_o be_v sermon-sick_a or_o conscience-sick_a though_o his_o sin_n be_v sweet_a in_o the_o practice_n yet_o the_o thought_n of_o it_o rise_v bitter_a upon_o the_o conscience_n and_o then_o his_o profession_n of_o religion_n be_v the_o pill_n he_o roul_v about_o in_o his_o mouth_n to_o take_v away_o the_o bitterness_n of-sin_n taste_v 4._o natural_a conscience_n enlighten_v by_o the_o word_n may_v discover_v to_o a_o man_n much_o of_o the_o misery_n of_o a_o natural_a state_n though_o not_o effectual_o to_o bring_v he_o out_o of_o it_o yet_o so_o as_o to_o make_v he_o restless_a and_o weary_a in_o it_o it_o may_v show_v a_o sinner_n his_o nakedness_n and_o hereupon_o the_o soul_n run_v to_o a_o life_n of_o duty_n think_v hereby_o to_o stead_v the_o misery_n of_o his_o case_n and_o to_o make_v a_o cover_n for_o his_o nakedness_n it_o be_v say_v gen._n 3.7_o that_o when_o adam_n and_o eve_n see_v they_o be_v naked_a they_o sew_v fig_n leave_v together_o and_o make_v themselvelve_n a_o cover_n so_o when_o once_o the_o sinner_n see_v his_o nakedness_n and_o vileness_n by_o reason_n
that_o go_v to_o the_o bone_n and_o seem_v to_o endanger_v the_o life_n of_o the_o patient_n and_o be_v not_o heal_v but_o with_o great_a skill_n and_o when_o it_o be_v heal_v leave_v a_o scar_n behind_o it_o that_o when_o the_o patient_n be_v well_o yet_o he_o can_v say_v here_o be_v the_o mark_n of_o my_o wound_n which_o will_v never_o wear_v out_o tulit_fw-la una_fw-la eademque_fw-la manus_fw-la pulnus_fw-la opemque_fw-la tulit_fw-la so_o a_o soul_n that_o be_v under_o spiritual_a conviction_n his_o wound_n be_v deep_a and_o not_o to_o be_v heal_v but_o by_o the_o great_a skill_n of_o the_o heavenly_a physician_n and_o when_o it_o be_v heal_v there_o be_v the_o token_n of_o it_o remain_v in_o the_o soul_n that_o can_v never_o be_v wear_v out_o so_o that_o the_o soul_n may_v say_v here_o be_v the_o mark_n and_o sign_n of_o my_o conviction_n still_o in_o my_o soul_n 5._o natural_a conviction_n make_v the_o soul_n shy_a of_o god_n guilt_n work_v fear_n and_o fear_v cause_n estrangedness_n thus_o it_o be_v with_o adam_n 3.8_o gen._n 3.8_o when_o he_o see_v his_o nakedness_n he_o run_v away_o and_o hide_v himself_o from_o god_n 31.18_o jer._n 31.18_o now_o spiritual_a conviction_n drive_v not_o the_o soul_n from_o god_n but_o unto_o god_n ephraim_n conviction_n be_v spiritual_a and_o he_o run_v to_o god_n turn_v thou_o i_o and_o i_o shall_v be_v turn_v so_o that_o there_o be_v you_o see_v a_o great_a difference_n between_o conviction_n and_o conviction_n between_o that_o which_o be_v natural_a and_o that_o which_o be_v spiritual_a that_o which_o be_v common_a and_o that_o which_o be_v save_v yea_o such_o be_v the_o difference_n that_o though_o a_o man_n have_v never_o so_o much_o of_o the_o former_a yet_o if_o he_o be_v without_o the_o latter_a he_o be_v but_o almost_o a_o christian_n and_o therefore_o we_o have_v great_a reason_n to_o inquire_v more_o after_o this_o spiritual_a conviction_n for_o 1._o spiritual_a conviction_n be_v a_o essential_a part_n of_o sound_a conversion_n conversion_n begin_v here_o true_a conversion_n begin_v in_o conviction_n and_o true_a conviction_n end_v in_o conversion_n till_o the_o sinner_n be_v convince_v of_o sin_n he_o can_v never_o be_v convert_v from_o sin_n christ_n come_n be_v as_o a_o saviour_n to_o die_v for_o sinner_n and_o the_o spirit_n come_v be_v to_o convince_v we_o as_o sinner_n that_o we_o may_v close_v with_o christ_n as_o a_o saviour_n till_o sin_n be_v thorough_o discover_v to_o we_o interest_n in_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n can_v right_o be_v claim_v by_o we_o nay_o so_o long_o as_o sin_n be_v unseen_a christ_n will_v be_v unsought_a they_o that_o be_v whole_a need_v not_o the_o physician_n but_o they_o that_o be_v sick_a mat._n 9.12_o 2._o 'slight_o and_o common_a conviction_n when_o they_o be_v but_o skin_n deep_a be_v the_o cause_n of_o much_o hypocrisy_n slight_a conviction_n may_v bring_v the_o soul_n to_o clasp_v about_o christ_n but_o not_o to_o close_v with_o christ_n and_o this_o be_v the_o guise_n of_o a_o hypocrite_n i_o know_v no_o other_o rise_v and_o spring_n of_o hypocrisy_n like_o this_o of_o slight_a conviction_n this_o have_v fill_v the_o church_n of_o christ_n with_o hypocrite_n 6._o mat._n 13.5_o 6._o nay_o it_o be_v not_o only_o the_o spring_n of_o hypoorisie_n but_o it_o be_v also_o the_o spring_n of_o apostasy_n what_o be_v the_o cause_n that_o the_o seed_n be_v say_v to_o wither_v away_o mat._n 13.5_o 6._o be_v be_v because_o it_o have_v no_o deepness_n of_o earth_n where_o there_o be_v a_o through_o conviction_n there_o be_v a_o depth_n of_o earth_n in_o the_o heart_n and_o there_o the_o seed_n of_o the_o word_n grow_v but_o where_o conviction_n be_v slight_a and_o common_a there_o the_o seed_n wither_v for_o want_v of_o depth_n so_o that_o you_o see_v clear_o in_o this_o one_o instance_n whence_o it_o be_v that_o many_o be_v but_o almost_a christian_n when_o they_o have_v go_v so_o far_o in_o religion_n viz._n for_o want_n of_o sound_a conviction_n 21._o mat._n 13.20_o 21._o second_o and_o this_o have_v a_o near_a relation_n to_o the_o former_a it_o be_v for_o want_v of_o a_o through_o work_n of_o grace_n first_o wrought_v in_o the_o heart_n where_o this_o be_v not_o all_o a_o man_n follow_a profession_n come_v to_o nothing_o that_o scholar_n be_v never_o like_a to_o read_v well_o that_o will_v needs_o be_v in_o his_o grammar_n before_o he_o be_v out_o of_o his_o primer_z clothe_v that_o be_v not_o wrought_v well_o in_o the_o loom_n will_v neither_o wear_v well_o nor_o wear_v long_o it_o will_v do_v little_a service_n so_o that_o christian_n that_o do_v not_o come_v well_o off_o the_o loom_n that_o have_v not_o a_o through_o work_n of_o grace_n in_o his_o heart_n will_v never_o wear_v well_o he_o will_v shrink_v in_o the_o wet_n and_o never_o do_v much_o service_n for_o god_n it_o be_v not_o the_o prune_n of_o a_o bad_a tree_n will_v make_v it_o bring_v forth_o good_a fruit_n but_o the_o tree_n must_v be_v make_v good_a before_o the_o fruit_n can_v be_v good_a mat._n 12.33_o he_o that_o take_v up_o a_o profession_n of_o religion_n with_o a_o unbroken_a heart_n will_v never_o serve_v christ_n in_o that_o profession_n with_o his_o whole_a heart_n if_o there_o be_v not_o a_o true_a change_n in_o that_o man_n heart_n that_o yet_o go_v far_o and_o do_v much_o in_o the_o way_n of_o god_n to_o be_v sure_a he_o will_v either_o die_v a_o hypocrite_n or_o a_o apostate_n look_v as_o in_o nature_n if_o a_o man_n be_v not_o well_o bear_v but_o prove_v crooked_a or_o misshape_a in_o the_o birth_n why_o he_o will_v be_v crooked_a as_o long_o as_o he_o live_v you_o may_v bolster_v or_o stuff_n out_o his_o clothes_n to_o conceal_v it_o but_o the_o crookedness_n the_o deformity_n remain_v still_o you_o may_v hide_v it_o but_o you_o can_v help_v it_o it_o may_v be_v cover_v but_o it_o can_v be_v cure_v 3.5_o john_n 3.5_o so_o it_o be_v in_o this_o case_n if_o a_o man_n come_v into_o a_o profession_n of_o religion_n but_o be_v not_o right_o bear_v if_o he_o be_v not_o beget_v of_o god_n and_o bear_v of_o the_o spirit_n if_o there_o be_v not_o a_o through_o work_n of_o grace_n in_o his_o heart_n all_o his_o profession_n of_o religion_n will_v never_o mend_v he_o he_o may_v be_v boulsterd_v out_o by_o a_o life_n of_o duty_n but_o he_o will_v be_v but_o a_o hypocrite_n at_o last_o for_o want_v of_o a_o through_o work_n at_o first_o a_o form_n of_o godliness_n may_v cover_v his_o crookedness_n but_o will_v never_o cure_v it_o a_o man_n can_v never_o be_v a_o true_a christian_a nor_o accept_v of_o god_n though_o in_o the_o high_a profession_n of_o religion_n without_o a_o work_n of_o grace_n in_o the_o heart_n for_o 1._o there_o must_v be_v a_o answerableness_n in_o the_o frame_n of_o that_o man_n heart_n that_o will_v be_v accept_v of_o god_n to_o the_o duty_n do_v by_o he_o his_o spirit_n and_o affection_n within_o must_v carry_v a_o proportion_n to_o his_o profession_n without_o prayer_n without_o faith_n obedience_n to_o the_o law_n give_v without_o fear_n and_o holy_a reverence_n of_o the_o law_n giver_n god_n abhor_v act_n of_o internal_a worship_n must_v answer_v the_o duty_n of_o external_a worship_n now_o where_o there_o be_v not_o grace_v wrought_v in_o the_o heart_n there_o can_v never_o be_v any_o proportion_n or_o answerableness_n in_o the_o frame_n of_o that_o man_n heart_n to_o the_o duty_n do_v by_o he_o 2._o those_o duty_n that_o find_v acceptance_n with_o god_n must_v be_v do_v in_o sincerity_n god_n do_v not_o take_v our_o duty_n by_o tale_n nor_o judge_v of_o we_o according_a to_o the_o frequency_n of_o our_o performance_n but_o according_a to_o the_o sincerity_n of_o our_o heart_n in_o the_o performance_n it_o be_v this_o that_o commend_v both_o the_o doer_n and_o the_o duty_n to_o god_n with_o sincerity_n god_n accept_v the_o least_o we_o do_v without_o sincerity_n god_n reject_v the_o most_o we_o do_v or_o can_v do_v this_o be_v that_o temper_n of_o spirit_n which_o god_n high_o delight_v in_o prov._n 11.20_o they_o that_o be_v of_o a_o froward_a heart_n 17._o 1_o chron._n 19_o 17._o be_v a_o abomination_n to_o the_o lord_n but_o such_o as_o be_v upright_o in_o their_o way_n be_v his_o delight_n sincerity_n we_o read_v it_o godly_a sincerity_n the_o apostle_n give_v it_o a_o great_a epithet_n he_o call_v it_o in_o 2_o cor._n 1.12_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o sincerity_n of_o god_n that_o be_v such_o a_o sincerity_n as_o be_v his_o special_a work_n upon_o the_o soul_n set_v the_o heart_n right_a and_o upright_o before_o he_o in_o all_o his_o way_n this_o be_v the_o crown_n of_o all_o our_o grace_n and_o the_o commendation_n of_o all_o our_o duty_n thousand_o
may_v attain_v to_o a_o outward_a sanctification_n and_o yet_o for_o want_v of_o the_o inward_a be_v no_o better_o than_o almost_o a_o christian_n 20._o and_o so_o i_o shall_v end_v this_o long_a pursuit_n of_o the_o almost_o christian_a in_o his_o progress_n heaven-ward_n with_o this_o one_o general_a conclusion_n a_o man_n may_v do_v all_o as_o to_o external_a duty_n and_o worship_n that_o a_o true_a christian_a can_v and_o when_o he_o have_v do_v all_o be_v but_o almost_o a_o christian_n you_o must_v know_v all_o the_o command_v of_o god_n have_v a_o intra_fw-la and_o a_o extra_fw-la there_o be_v as_o may_v say_v the_o body_n and_o the_o soul_n of_o the_o command_n and_o according_o there_o be_v a_o internal_a and_o a_o external_a worship_n of_o god_n now_o the_o internal_a act_n of_o worship_v of_o god_n be_v to_o love_n god_n to_o fear_n god_n to_o delight_v in_o god_n to_o trust_v in_o god_n etc._n etc._n the_o external_a act_n of_o worship_v god_n be_v by_o pray_v teach_v hear_v etc._n etc._n now_o there_o be_v a_o vast_a difference_n between_o these_o internal_a and_o external_a act_n of_o worship_n and_o indeed_o such_o a_o difference_n there_o be_v that_o they_o distinguish_v the_o altogether_o from_o the_o almost_o christian_a the_o sincere_a beleiver_n from_o the_o unsound_a professor_n and_o indeed_o in_o this_o very_a thing_n the_o main_a difference_n between_o they_o do_v lie_v 1._o internal_a act_n of_o worship_n be_v good_a propter_fw-la fieri_fw-la the_o goodness_n do_v adhere_v intrinsical_o to_o the_o thing_n do_v a_o man_n can_v love_v god_n nor_o fear_n god_n but_o it_o will_v be_v impute_v to_o he_o for_o a_o gracious_a act_n and_o a_o great_a part_n of_o his_o holiness_n but_o now_o external_a act_n of_o worship_n be_v not_o denominate_v good_a so_o much_o from_o the_o matter_n do_v propter_fw-la fieri_fw-la as_o from_o the_o manner_n of_o do_v they_o a_o man_n can_v sin_v in_o love_v and_o delight_v in_o god_n but_o he_o may_v sin_v in_o pray_v and_o hear_v &c._n &c._n for_o want_n of_o a_o due_a manner_n 2._o internal_a act_n of_o worship_n put_v a_o goodness_n into_o external_a it_o be_v our_o faith_n our_o love_n our_o fear_n of_o god_n that_o make_v our_o duty_n good_a 3._o they_o better_a the_o heart_n and_o greaten_v the_o degree_n of_o a_o man_n holiness_n external_a duty_n do_v not_o always_o do_v this_o a_o man_n may_v pray_v and_o yet_o his_o heart_n never_o the_o holy_a he_o may_v hear_v the_o word_n and_o yet_o his_o heart_n never_o the_o soft_a but_o now_o the_o more_o a_o man_n fear_v god_n the_o wise_a he_o be_v prov._n 1.7_o the_o more_o a_o man_n love_v god_n the_o holy_a he_o be_v love_n be_v the_o perfection_n of_o holiness_n we_o shall_v never_o be_v perfect_a in_o holiness_n till_o we_o come_v to_o be_v perfect_a in_o love_n 4._o there_o be_v such_o a_o excellency_n in_o this_o internal_a worship_n that_o he_o who_o mix_v it_o with_o his_o external_a duty_n be_v a_o true_a christian_a when_o he_o do_v least_o but_o without_o this_o mixture_n he_o be_v but_o almost_o a_o christian_n that_o do_v most_o internal_a act_n of_o worship_n join_v with_o outward_a sanctify_v they_o and_o make_v they_o accept_v of_o god_n though_o few_o external_a act_n of_o worship_n without_o inward_a make_v they_o abhor_v of_o god_n though_o they_o be_v never_o so_o many_o so_o that_o though_o the_o almost_o christian_a may_v do_v all_o those_o duty_n in_o hippocras_n which_o a_o true_a christian_a do_v in_o sincerity_n nay_o though_o in_o do_v external_a duty_n he_o may_v outdo_v the_o true_a christian_a as_o the_o comet_n make_v a_o great_a blaze_n than_o the_o true_a star_n if_o eliah_n fast_o and_o mourn_v baal_n priest_n will_v cut_v their_o flesh_n yet_o he_o can_v do_v those_o internal_a duty_n that_o the_o mean_a true_a christian_a can_v the_o almost_o christian_a can_v pray_v but_o he_o can_v love_v god_n he_o can_v teach_v or_o hear_v etc._n etc._n but_o he_o can_v take_v delight_n in_o god_n mark_v job_n query_n concern_v the_o hypocrite_n virtus_fw-la job_n 27.10_o this_o be_v christianorum_fw-la pro_fw-la pria_fw-la virtus_fw-la will_v he_o delight_v himself_o in_o the_o almighty_a he_o will_v pray_v to_o the_o almighty_a but_o will_v he_o delight_v himself_o in_o the_o almighty_a will_v he_o take_v pleasure_n in_o god_n ah_o no_o he_o will_v not_o he_o can_v delight_n in_o god_n arise_v from_o a_o suitableness_n between_o the_o faculty_n and_o the_o object_n now_o none_o more_o unsuitable_a than_o god_n and_o a_o carnal_a heart_n delight_n arise_v from_o the_o have_v what_o we_o desire_v loc._n haec_fw-la prrpris_fw-la est_fw-la delectationis_fw-la materia_fw-la si_fw-la cum_fw-la habeas_fw-la quae_fw-la desideraveris_fw-la defideratis_fw-la perfruaris_fw-la pine_v in_o loc._n and_o from_o enjoy_v what_o we_o have_v how_o then_o can_v he_o delight_v in_o god_n that_o neither_o enjoy_v nor_o have_v nor_o true_o desire_v god_n delight_n in_o god_n be_v one_o of_o the_o high_a exercise_n of_o grace_n and_o therefore_o how_o can_v he_o delight_v in_o god_n that_o have_v no_o grace_n why_o then_o shall_v any_o saint_n of_o god_n be_v discourage_v when_o he_o hear_v how_o far_o the_o almost_o christian_a may_v go_v in_o the_o way_n to_o heaven_n when_o as_o he_o that_o be_v the_o weak_a true_a beleiver_n that_o have_v the_o least_o true_a grace_n go_v far_a than_o he_o for_o he_o believe_v in_o and_o love_v god_n shall_v the_o almost_o christian_a do_v less_o as_o to_o matter_n of_o external_a duty_n yet_o if_o he_o have_v but_o the_o least_o true_a faith_n the_o least_o sincerity_n of_o love_n to_o christ_n he_o will_v sure_o be_v save_v and_o shall_v the_o true_a christian_a do_v ten_o time_n more_o duty_n than_o he_o do_v yet_o have_v he_o not_o faith_n in_o christ_n and_o love_n to_o christ_n he_o will_v sure_o be_v reject_v oh_o therefore_o let_v not_o any_o weak_a beleiver_n be_v discourage_v though_o hypocrite_n may_v outdo_v they_o and_o go_v beyond_o they_o in_o duty_n for_o all_o their_o duty_n be_v do_v in_o hypocrisy_n but_o your_o faith_n and_o love_n to_o god_n in_o duty_n be_v a_o proof_n of_o your_o sincerity_n i_o do_v not_o speak_v this_o to_o discourage_v any_o soul_n in_o the_o do_n of_o duty_n or_o to_o beat_v down_o outward_a performance_n but_o to_o rectify_v the_o soul_n in_o the_o do_n of_o they_o 31._o 1_o cor._n 12_o 31._o as_o the_o apostle_n say_v covet_v earnest_o the_o best_a gift_n but_o yet_o i_o show_v unto_o you_o a_o more_o excellent_a way_n so_o i_o say_v covet_v the_o best_a gift_n cover_v to_o be_v much_o in_o duty_n much_o in_o prayer_n much_o in_o hear_v etc._n etc._n but_o yet_o i_o show_v you_o a_o more_o excellent_a way_n and_o that_o be_v the_o way_n of_o faith_n and_o love_n pray_v much_o but_o then_o believe_v much_o too_o hear_v much_o read_z much_o but_o then_o love_n god_n much_o too_o delight_n in_o the_o word_n and_o ordinance_n of_o god_n much_o but_o then_o delight_n in_o the_o god_n of_o ordinance_n more_o and_o when_o you_o be_v most_o in_o duty_n as_o to_o your_o use_n of_o they_o oh_o then_o be_v sure_a to_o be_v above_o duty_n as_o to_o your_o rest_a and_o dependence_n upon_o they_o will_v you_o be_v christian_n indeed_o altogether_o christian_n oh_o then_o be_v much_o in_o the_o use_n and_o exercise_v of_o ordinance_n but_o be_v much_o more_o in_o faith_n and_o dependence_n upon_o christ_n and_o his_o righteousness_n when_o your_o obedience_n be_v most_o to_o the_o command_n then_o let_v your_o faith_n be_v most_o upon_o the_o promise_n the_o professor_n rest_v in_o his_o duty_n and_o so_o be_v but_o almost_o a_o christian_n but_o you_o must_v be_v sure_a to_o rest_v upon_o the_o lord_n christ_n this_o be_v the_o way_n to_o be_v altogether_o christian_n for_o if_o you_o believe_v then_o be_v you_o abraham_n seed_n and_o heir_n according_a to_o the_o promise_n and_o thus_o i_o have_v answer_v the_o first_o query_n to_o wit_n how_o far_o may_v a_o man_n go_v in_o the_o way_n to_o heaven_n and_o yet_o be_v but_o almost_o a_o christian_n 1._o he_o may_v have_v much_o knowledge_n 2._o he_o may_v have_v great_a gift_n 3._o he_o may_v have_v a_o high_a profession_n 4._o he_o may_v do_v much_o against_o sin_n 5._o he_o may_v desire_v grace_n 6._o he_o may_v tremble_v at_o the_o word_n 7._o he_o may_v delight_v in_o the_o word_n 8._o he_o may_v be_v a_o member_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n 9_o he_o may_v have_v great_a hope_n of_o heaven_n 10._o he_o may_v be_v under_o great_a and_o visible_a change_n 11._o he_o may_v be_v very_o zealous_a in_o the_o matter_n of_o religion_n 12._o he_o may_v be_v much_o in_o prayer_n 13._o he_o may_v suffer_v for_o christ_n 14._o he_o
then_o if_o i_o profess_v religion_n if_o i_o make_v mention_n of_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o make_v my_o boast_n of_o the_o law_n and_o yet_o through_o break_v the_o law_n dishonour_n god_n if_o i_o live_v in_o the_o love_n of_o any_o sin_n and_o make_v use_n of_o my_o profession_n to_o cover_v it_o then_o be_o i_o a_o hypocrite_n and_o my_o duty_n flow_v but_o from_o a_o natural_a conscience_n but_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n if_o i_o name_v the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n and_o withal_o depart_v from_o inquity_n if_o i_o use_v duty_n not_o to_o cover_v 2.19_o 2_o tim._n 2.19_o but_o to_o discover_v and_o mortify_v sin_n then_o be_o i_o upright_o before_o god_n and_o my_o duty_n flow_v from_o a_o renew_a conscience_n 4._o a_o natural_a man_n pride_n himself_n in_o his_o duty_n if_o he_o be_v much_o in_o duty_n than_o he_o be_v much_o lift_v up_o under_o duty_n so_o do_v the_o pharisee_fw-mi luk._n 18._o 12._o luke_n 18.11_o 12._o god_n i_o thank_v thou_o that_o i_o be_o not_o as_o other_o man_n be_v and_o why_o where_o lie_v the_o difference_n why_o i_o fast_o twice_o in_o the_o week_n i_o give_v tithe_n of_o all_o etc._n etc._n 2_o 2_o tim_n 4_o 2_o but_o now_o take_v a_o gracious_a heart_n a_o renew_a conscience_n and_o when_o his_o duty_n be_v at_o high_a then_o be_v his_o heart_n at_o low_a thus_o it_o be_v with_o the_o apostle_n paul_n he_o be_v much_o in_o service_n in_o season_n and_o out_o of_o season_n preach_v up_o the_o lord_n jesus_n with_o all_o boldness_n and_o earnestness_n and_o yet_o very_o humble_a in_o a_o sense_n of_o his_o own_o unworthiness_n under_o all_o i_o be_o not_o worthy_a to_o be_v call_v a_o apostle_n 1_o cor._n 15.9_o to_o i_o who_o be_o less_o than_o the_o least_o of_o all_o saint_n be_v this_o grace_n give_v that_o i_o shall_v preach_v among_o the_o gentile_n the_o unsearchable_a riches_n of_o christ_n ephes_n 3.8_o and_o again_o in_o the_o 1_o tim._n 1.15_o of_o sinner_n i_o be_o chief_n thus_o a_o beleiver_n when_o he_o be_v high_a in_o duty_n then_o be_v he_o low_a in_o humility_n duty_n puff_v up_o the_o hypocrite_n but_o a_o beleiver_n come_v away_o humble_v and_o why_o because_o the_o hypocrite_n have_v have_v no_o vision_n of_o god_n he_o have_v see_v only_o his_o own_o gift_n and_o part_n and_o this_o exalt_v he_o but_o the_o beleiver_n have_v see_v god_n and_o enjoy_v communion_n with_o god_n and_o this_o humble_v he_o communion_n with_o god_n though_o it_o be_v very_a refresh_n yet_o it_o be_v also_o very_o abase_v and_o humble_v to_o the_o creature_n i_o observe_v on_o zephaniah_n 1_o chap._n 1_o v._n where_o it_o be_v say_v that_o ushi_n be_v the_o son_n of_o geduliah_n the_o son_n of_o amariah_n that_o amariah_n signify_v the_o word_n of_o the_o lord_n gedaliah_n signify_v the_o greatness_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o cushi_n be_v interpret_v humility_n or_o my_o ethiopian_a so_o that_o say_v he_o from_o the_o word_n of_o the_o lord_n come_v a_o sight_n of_o the_o greatness_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o from_o a_o sight_n of_o the_o greatness_n of_o the_o lord_n come_v humility_n now_o than_o if_o i_o pride_n myself_o in_o any_o duty_n and_o be_o puff_v up_o under_o my_o performance_n then_o have_v i_o not_o see_v nor_o meet_v with_o god_n in_o any_o duty_n but_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n if_o when_o my_o gift_n be_v at_o high_a my_o heart_n be_v at_o low_a if_o when_o my_o spirit_n be_v most_o raise_v my_o heart_n be_v then_o most_o humble_v if_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o all_o my_o service_n i_o can_v maintain_v a_o sense_n of_o my_o own_o unworthiness_n if_o cushi_n be_v the_o son_n of_o gedaliah_n then_o have_v i_o see_v and_o have_v communion_n with_o god_n in_o duty_n and_o my_o performance_n be_v from_o a_o renew_a conscience_n 5._o look_v what_o that_o be_v to_o which_o the_o heart_n do_v secret_o render_v the_o glory_n of_o a_o duty_n and_o that_o be_v the_o principle_n of_o the_o duty_n in_o habakkuk_n 1.16_o you_o read_v of_o they_o that_o sacrifice_n to_o their_o net_n and_o burn_v incense_n to_o their_o drag_v where_o the_o glory_n of_o a_o action_n be_v render_v to_o a_o man_n self_n the_o principle_n of_o that_o action_n be_v self_n all_o river_n run_v into_o the_o sea_n 1.7_o eccl._n 1.7_o that_o be_v a_o argument_n they_o come_v from_o the_o sea_n so_o when_o all_o a_o man_n duty_n terminate_v in_o self_n then_o be_v self_n the_o principle_n of_o all_o now_o all_o the_o natural_a man_n dâ—â—â—â—s_n run_v into_o himself_o he_o be_v never_o by_o a_o through_o work_n of_o grace_n true_o cast_v out_o of_o himself_o and_o bring_v to_o deny_v himself_o and_o therefore_o he_o can_v rise_v no_o high_o than_o himself_o in_o all_o he_o do_v he_o be_v never_o bring_v to_o be_v poor_a in_o spirit_n and_o so_o to_o live_v upon_o another_o to_o be_v carry_v out_o of_o all_o duty_n to_o jesus_n christ_n 115.1_o ps_n 115.1_o but_o the_o beleiver_n give_v the_o glory_n of_o all_o his_o service_n to_o god_n what_o ever_o strength_n or_o life_n there_o be_v in_o duty_n god_n have_v all_o the_o glory_n for_o he_o be_v by_o grace_n out_v of_o himself_o and_o therefore_o see_v no_o excellency_n or_o worthiness_n in_o self_n 2.20_o gal._n 2.20_o i_o labour_v more_o abundant_o than_o they_o all_o say_v the_o apostle_n but_o to_o who_o do_v he_o ascribe_v the_o glory_n of_o this_o to_o self_n no_o yet_o not_o i_o say_v he_o but_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n which_o be_v with_o i_o 1_o cor._n 15.10_o when_o ever_o the_o grace_n of_o christ_n be_v wrought_v in_o the_o heart_n as_o a_o principle_n of_o duty_n you_o shall_v find_v the_o soul_n when_o it_o be_v most_o carry_v out_o with_o a_o yet_o not_o i_o in_o the_o mouth_n of_o it_o i_o live_v yet_o not_o i_o i_o labour_v more_o abundant_o then_o all_o yet_o not_o i_o self_n be_v disclaim_v and_o christ_n most_o advance_v when_o it_o be_v from_o grace_n that_o the_o heart_n be_v quicken_v the_o twentyfour_o flder_n cast_v their_o crown_n at_o christ_n foot_n rev._n 4.10_o there_o be_v two_o thing_n very_o hard_o one_o be_v to_o take_v the_o shame_n of_o our_o sin_n to_o ourselves_o the_o other_o be_v to_o give_v the_o glory_n of_o our_o service_n to_o christ_n 6.8_o gal._n 6.8_o now_o then_o if_o i_o sacrifice_v to_o my_o own_o net_n if_o i_o aim_v at_o my_o own_o credit_n or_o profit_n and_o give_v the_o glory_n of_o all_o i_o do_v to_o self_n then_o do_v i_o sow_v to_o the_o flesh_n and_o be_v never_o yet_o cast_v out_o of_o self_n but_o act_n only_o from_o a_o natural_a conscience_n but_o if_o i_o give_v the_o glory_n of_o all_o my_o strength_n and_o life_n in_o duty_n only_o to_o god_n if_o i_o magnify_v grace_n in_o all_o and_o can_v true_o say_v in_o all_o i_o do_v yet_o not_o i_o then_o be_o i_o true_o cast_v out_o of_o self_n and_o do_v what_o i_o do_v with_o a_o renew_a conscience_n 6._o though_o a_o natural_a conscience_n may_v put_v a_o man_n much_o upon_o service_n yet_o it_o never_o press_v to_o the_o attainment_n of_o holiness_n so_o that_o he_o carry_v a_o unsanctified_a heart_n under_o all_o how_o long_o be_v judas_n a_o professor_n and_o yet_o not_o one_o dram_n of_o grace_n that_o he_o have_v get_v the_o foolish_a virgin_n you_o know_v taok_v their_o lamp_n but_o take_v no_o oil_n in_o their_o vessel_n mat._n 20_o 3._o that_o be_v they_o look_v more_o after_o a_o profession_n then_o after_o sanctification_n but_o now_o when_o a_o renew_a conscience_n put_v a_o man_n upon_o duty_n it_o be_v success_v with_o the_o growth_n of_o holiness_n as_o grace_n help_v to_o the_o do_v of_o duty_n so_o duty_n help_v to_o the_o grow_v of_o grace_n a_o beleiver_n be_v the_o more_o holy_a and_o the_o more_o heavenly_a by_o his_o being_n much_o in_o duty_n now_o than_o if_o i_o be_o much_o in_o a_o life_n of_o duty_n and_o yet_o a_o stranger_n to_o a_o life_n of_o holiness_n if_o i_o maintain_v a_o high_a profession_n and_o yet_o have_v not_o a_o true_a work_n of_o sanctification_n if_o like_o child_n in_o the_o rickets_o i_o grow_v big_a in_o the_o head_n but_o weak_a in_o the_o foot_n then_o have_v i_o gift_n and_o part_n but_o no_o grace_n and_o though_o i_o be_o much_o in_o service_n yet_o have_v i_o but_o a_o natural_a conscience_n but_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n if_o the_o holiness_n of_o my_o conversation_n carry_v a_o proportion_n to_o my_o profession_n if_o i_o be_o not_o a_o hearer_n of_o the_o word_n only_o but_o a_o doer_n of_o it_o if_o grace_n grow_v in_o season_n of_o duty_n then_o do_v i_o act_v in_o the_o thing_n of_o god_n from_o a_o renew_a
he_o be_v anoint_v and_o send_v to_o bind_v up_o the_o break_a heart_a to_o comfort_v all_o that_o mourn_v 2_o isa_n 61_o 1_o 2_o oh_o therefore_o if_o you_o will_v be_v sound_a christian_n get_v sound_a conviction_n ask_v those_o that_o be_v beleiver_n indeed_o and_o they_o will_v tell_v you_o have_v it_o not_o be_v for_o their_o conviction_n they_o have_v never_o seek_v after_o christ_n foâ—_n fanctification_n and_o salvation_n they_o will_v tell_v you_o they_o have_v perish_v if_o they_o have_v not_o perish_v periissem_fw-la periissem_fw-la nisi_fw-la periissem_fw-la they_o have_v be_v in_o eternal_a bondage_n but_o for_o their_o spiritual_a bondage_n have_v they_o not_o be_v lose_v as_o to_o themselves_o they_o have_v be_v utter_o lose_v as_o to_o christ_n 3._o never_o rest_v in_o conviction_n 3_o direction_n 3_o till_o they_o end_v in_o conversion_n this_o be_v that_o wherein_o most_o man_n miscarry_v they_o rest_v in_o their_o conviction_n and_o take_v they_o for_o conversion_n as_o if_o sin_n see_v be_v therefore_o forgive_v or_o as_o if_o a_o sight_n of_o the_o want_n of_o grace_n be_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o work_n of_o grace_n that_o be_v a_o notable_a place_n in_o hos_fw-la 13.13_o ephraim_n be_v a_o unwise_a son_n for_o he_o shall_v not_o stay_v long_o in_o the_o place_n of_o the_o break_n forth_o of_o child_n the_o place_n of_o the_o break_n forth_o of_o child_n be_v the_o womb_n as_o the_o child_n come_v out_o of_o the_o womb_n so_o be_v conversion_n bear_v out_o of_o the_o womb_n of_o conviction_n now_o when_o the_o child_n stick_v between_o the_o womb_n and_o the_o world_n it_o be_v dangerous_a it_o hazard_n the_o life_n both_o of_o mother_n and_o child_n so_o when_o a_o sinner_n rest_v in_o conviction_n and_o go_v no_o far_a but_o stick_n in_o the_o place_n of_o the_o break_n forth_o of_o child_n this_o be_v very_o dangerous_a and_o hazard_v the_o life_n of_o the_o soul_n you_o that_o be_v at_o any_o time_n under_o conviction_n oh_o take_v heed_n of_o rest_v in_o they_o do_v not_o stay_v long_o in_o the_o place_n of_o the_o break_n forth_o of_o child_n though_o it_o be_v true_a that_o conviction_n be_v the_o first_o step_n to_o conversion_n yet_o it_o be_v not_o conversion_n a_o man_n may_v carry_v his_o conviction_n along_o with_o he_o into_o hell_n what_o be_v that_o which_o trouble_v poor_a creature_n when_o they_o come_v to_o die_v but_o this_o i_o have_v not_o improve_v my_o conviction_n at_o such_o a_o time_n i_o be_v convince_v of_o sin_n but_o yet_o i_o go_v on_o in_o sin_n in_o the_o face_n of_o my_o conviction_n in_o such_o a_o sermon_n i_o be_v convine_v of_o such_o a_o duty_n but_o i_o slight_v the_o conviction_n i_o be_v convince_v of_o my_o want_n of_o christ_n and_o of_o the_o readiness_n of_o christ_n to_o pardon_v and_o save_v but_o alas_o i_o follow_v not_o the_o conviction_n my_o brethren_n remember_v this_o slight_v conviction_n be_v the_o worst_a deathbed_n companion_n there_o be_v two_o thing_n especial_o which_o above_o all_o other_o make_v a_o deathbed_n very_o uncomfortable_a 1._o purpose_n and_o promise_v not_o perform_v 2._o conviction_n slight_v and_o not_o improve_v when_o a_o man_n take_v up_o purpose_n to_o close_v with_o christ_n and_o yet_o put_v they_o not_o into_o execution_n and_o when_o he_o be_v convince_v of_o sin_n and_o duty_n and_o yet_o improve_v not_o his_o conviction_n oh_o this_o will_v sting_v and_o wound_n at_o last_o now_o therefore_o have_v the_o spirit_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v at_o work_n in_o your_o soul_n have_v you_o ever_o be_v convince_v of_o the_o evil_a of_o sin_n of_o the_o misery_n of_o a_o natural_a estate_n of_o the_o insufficiency_n of_o all_o thing_n under_o heaven_n to_o help_v of_o the_o fullness_n and_o righteousness_n of_o jesus_n christ_n of_o the_o necessity_n of_o and_o rest_v upon_o he_o for_o pardon_n and_o peace_n for_o sanctification_n and_o salvation_n have_v you_o ever_o be_v real_o convince_v of_o these_o thing_n oh_o then_o as_o you_o love_v your_o own_o soul_n as_o ever_o you_o hope_v to_o be_v save_v at_o last_o and_o enjoy_v god_n for_o ever_o improve_v these_o conviction_n and_o be_v sure_a you_o rest_v not_o in_o they_o till_o they_o rise_v up_o to_o a_o through_o close_a with_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n and_o so_o end_v in_o a_o sound_n and_o perfect_a conversion_n thus_o shall_v you_o be_v not_o only_o almost_o but_o altogether_o christian_n finis_fw-la the_o table_n a_o affliction_n and_o the_o pressure_n of_o outward_a evil_n will_v make_v a_o man_n pray_v p._n 109_o c_o christian_n what_o mean_v by_o it_o p._n 5_o many_o be_v almost_o and_o yet_o but_o almost_o christian_n p._n 9_o whence_o be_v it_o that_o many_o go_v so_o far_o as_o to_o be_v almost_o christian_n p._n 15_o 160_o whence_o it_o be_v that_o many_o be_v but_o almost_o christian_n when_o they_o have_v go_v thus_o far_o p._n 180_o caution_n to_o take_v heed_n we_o be_v not_o almost_o and_o yet_o but_o almost_o christian_n p._n 227_o this_o condition_n of_o all_o other_o great_o unprofitable_a p._n 228_o exceed_o uncomfortable_a p._n 229_o desperate_o dangerous_a p._n 232_o combat_n against_o sin_n may_v be_v in_o a_o man_n that_o be_v but_o a_o almost_o christian_n p._n 70_o 71_o church_n member_n not_o always_o real_a christian_n p._n 80_o change_n visible_a change_n may_v be_v in_o a_o christian_n not_o renew_v p._n 90_o to_o 93._o christ_n a_o man_n may_v suffer_v for_o christ_n and_o yet_o not_o be_v sincere_a with_o christ_n p._n 111_o what_o suffering_n be_v a_o note_n of_o sincerity_n p._n 112_o suffer_v as_o a_o christian_a p._n 113_o 114_o call_v a_o man_n may_v be_v call_v of_o god_n and_o yet_o be_v but_o almost_o a_o christian_n call_v two_o fold_n p._n 115_o 116._o conviction_n how_o to_o know_v whither_o our_o conviction_n be_v only_o from_o a_o natural_a conscience_n or_o from_o the_o spirit_n p._n 18_o natural_a conviction_n what_o p._n 180_o spiritual_a conviction_n what_o p._n 181_o spiritual_a conviction_n a_o essential_a part_n of_o sound_a conversion_n p._n 187_o slight_a conviction_n the_o cause_n of_o much_o hypocrisy_n p._n 188_o conscience_n what_o be_v the_o difference_n between_o a_o natural_a and_o renew_a conscience_n answer_v in_o seven_o particular_n p._n 160_o to_o 175_o d_o have_v see_v grace_n delight_n a_o man_n may_v delight_v in_o the_o word_n and_o ordinance_n and_o yet_o be_v but_o almost_o a_o christian_n p._n 79_o duty_n a_o man_n may_v do_v all_o as_o to_o external_a duty_n and_o worship_n that_o a_o true_a christian_a can_v and_o yet_o be_v but_o almost_o a_o christian_n p._n 146_o wherein_o the_o difference_n between_o they_o do_v lie_v p._n 147_o to_o 150_o direction_n for_o the_o obtain_v a_o through_o work_n in_o the_o heart_n the_o be_v not_o only_o almost_o but_o altogether_o christian_n p._n 271_o to_o the_o end_n e_o examination_n our_o duty_n to_o inquire_v whether_o we_o be_v either_o but_o almost_o or_o altogether_o christian_n p._n 213_o argument_n press_v upon_o we_o its_o practice_n p._n 114_o to_o 118_o eight_o characteristical_a note_n for_o trial_n p._n 218_o to_o 226_o exhortation_n to_o be_v not_o only_o almost_o but_o altogether_o christian_n p._n 246_o motive_n to_o it_o p._n 247_o to_o 270_o f_o faith_n a_o man_n may_v have_v faith_n and_o yet_o not_o be_v a_o beleiver_n p._n 121_o saving_n faith_n what_o call_v in_o scripture_n p._n 123_o common_a faith_n what_o p._n 114_o to_o 118_o g_z gift_n a_o man_n may_v have_v great_a gift_n and_o yet_o be_v but_o almost_o a_o christian_n p._n 31_o gift_n for_o the_o good_a of_o other_o p._n 32_o gift_n from_o the_o common_a work_n of_o the_o spirit_n p._n 32_o beyond_o the_o power_n of_o gift_n to_o change_v the_o heart_n gift_n may_v decay_v and_o perish_v p._n 37_o desire_n of_o grace_n be_v grace_n 73_o 74_o what_o not_o p._n 75_o h_n hope_n great_a hope_n of_o heaven_n not_o always_o true_a hope_n p._n 83_o property_n of_o true_a hope_n ibid_fw-la groundless_a hope_n p._n 84_o 85._o k_o knowledge_n a_o man_n may_v have_v much_o of_o it_o and_o yet_o be_v but_o almost_o a_o christian_n p._n 27_o threefold_a end_n man_n have_v in_o desire_v knowledge_n l_o love_n a_o man_n may_v love_v the_o people_n of_o god_n and_o yet_o not_o with_o a_o true_a love_n p._n 128_o what_o love_n to_o the_o child_n of_o god_n be_v a_o true_a love_n p._n 130_o for_o what_o a_o almost_o christian_n love_v a_o saint_n p._n 132_o his_o love_n only_o carnal_a p._n 133_o lust_n espouse_v in_o the_o heart_n hinder_v a_o hearty_a closure_n with_o christ_n p._n 203_o m_n motive_n press_v christian_n to_o go_v far_o than_o those_o that_o have_v go_v far_a and_o yet_o fall_v short_a p._n 247_o n_n