up_o thâ—_n measure_n of_o their_o sin_n and_o so_o make_v themselves_o ripâ—_n for_o ruin_n treasure_v up_o wrath_n against_o the_o day_n of_o wratâ—â—_n rom._n 25._o so_o god_n by_o his_o grace_n qualify_v and_o prepareâ—_n his_o people_n for_o heaven_n enable_v and_o habitnate_v theâ—â—_n to_o those_o spiritual_a desire_n and_o endeavour_n which_o arâ—â—â—_n suit_v thereto_o verse_n 9_o wherefore_o we_o labour_v thâ—â—_n whether_o present_a or_o absent_a we_o may_v be_v accept_v of_o he_o phil._n 2.13_o he_o work_v in_o they_o both_o to_o will_v and_o to_o 〈◊〉_d of_o his_o good_a pleasure_n a_o work_n so_o great_a that_o it_o emulaâ—â—_n even_o creation_n itself_o insomuch_o that_o the_o person_n thâ—â—_n wrought_v upon_o be_v new_a creature_n as_o vers_n 17._o of_o thâ—â—_n chapter_n if_o any_o man_n be_v in_o christ_n he_o be_v a_o new_a creaturâ—â—_n not_o in_o point_n of_o essence_n or_o faculty_n but_o of_o new_a quality_n and_o disposition_n wherewith_o they_o be_v endue_v anâ—_n thus_o we_o must_v be_v wrought_v for_o this_o self_n same_o thing_n hence_o believer_n as_o such_o be_v call_v god_n workmanship_n create_v in_o christ_n jesus_n unto_o good_a work_n ephes_n 2.10_o his_o building_n raise_v and_o frame_v by_o he_o for_o a_o habitation_n of_o god_n through_o the_o spirit_n verse_n 22._o his_o husbandry_n 1_o cor._n 3.9_o be_v cultivate_v by_o he_o to_o bring_v forth_o that_o fruit_n unto_o holiness_n the_o end_n whereof_o be_v everlasting_a life_n rom._n 6.22_o thus_o they_o be_v the_o work_n of_o his_o hand_n tree_n of_o righteousness_n the_o plant_n of_o the_o lord_n that_o he_o may_v be_v glorify_v isa_n 60.21_o ch._n 61.3_o so_o these_o vessel_n of_o mercy_n be_v prepare_v for_o glory_n rom._n 8.23_o make_a meet_a to_o be_v partaker_n of_o the_o inheritance_n of_o the_o saint_n in_o light_n col._n 1.12_o well_o set_v or_o right_o dispose_v for_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n as_o the_o word_n signify_v luke_n 9.62_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o this_o it_o be_v which_o the_o text_n principal_o aim_v at_o wherein_o you_o may_v observe_v several_a thing_n 1._o that_o great_a work_n whereof_o the_o apostle_n here_o speak_v as_o a_o thing_n already_o do_v he_o that_o have_v wrought_v etc._n etc._n 2._o the_o author_n of_o this_o work_n viz._n the_o bless_a god_n himself_o 3._o the_o subject_n or_o person_n upon_o who_o it_o be_v wrought_v namely_o the_o apostle_n himself_o and_o other_o gospel-minister_n we_o yet_o not_o so_o as_o to_o exclude_v any_o other_o person_n who_o have_v obtain_v like_o precious_a faith_n with_o they_o 2_o pet._n 1.1_o or_o that_o have_v believe_v through_o their_o word_n joh._n 17.20_o see_v the_o forego_n chapter_n vers_fw-la 14._o as_o also_o chap._n 1.21_o we_o with_o you_o 4._o the_o end_n and_o design_n of_o this_o great_a work_n namely_o to_o fit_v they_o for_o heaven_n give_v they_o a_o temper_v suit_v thereto_o and_o cause_v they_o to_o long_o after_o it_o 5._o the_o necessity_n of_o this_o great_a work_n as_o may_v be_v gather_v from_o the_o relation_n which_o these_o word_n bear_v to_o the_o context_n and_o more_o especial_o by_o the_o word_n now_o or_o burr_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o connect_v this_o verse_n with_o the_o foregoing_a q._n d._n we_o know_v that_o the_o heavenly_a inheritance_n shall_v be_v we_o and_o we_o earnest_o desire_v to_o be_v there_o vers_n 1_o 2._o etc._n etc._n but_o than_o it_o must_v be_v remember_v that_o we_o be_v wrought_v for_o this_o selfsame_a thing_n otherwise_o our_o hope_n be_v presumptuous_a our_o confidence_n mere_a self-deceit_n according_a to_o which_o plain_a exposition_n this_o little_a particle_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v big_a enough_o to_o exclude_v all_o from_o heaven_n who_o be_v not_o in_o some_o measure_n thus_o wrought_v for_o it_o and_o now_o it_o be_v obvious_a that_o many_o point_n of_o doctrine_n may_v easy_o be_v draw_v from_o these_o word_n thus_o open_v and_o divide_v but_o i_o will_v mention_v no_o more_o than_o one_o which_o i_o design_v to_o insist_v upon_o and_o to_o it_o all_o the_o rest_n may_v be_v reduce_v doct._n there_o be_v no_o come_n to_o heaven_n till_o we_o be_v wrought_v or_o prepare_v for_o it_o by_o the_o power_n of_o divine_a grace_n in_o handle_v this_o point_n three_o thing_n must_v be_v distinct_o speak_v to_o i._o the_o explication_n of_o it_o or_o what_o it_o mean_v ii_o the_o proof_n of_o it_o or_o how_o it_o appear_v iii_o the_o use_n and_o improvement_n of_o it_o or_o what_o may_v be_v deduce_v from_o it_o either_o to_o inform_v our_o judgement_n or_o to_o direct_v and_o regulate_v our_o practice_n as_o to_o the_o first_o of_o these_o i_o shall_v proceed_v as_o follow_v 1._o to_o give_v you_o some_o general_a account_n of_o the_o heavenly_a felicity_n for_o which_o we_o must_v be_v prepare_v 2._o set_a before_o you_o a_o more_o distinct_a and_o large_a explication_n of_o that_o great_a work_n of_o grace_n whereby_o the_o soul_n of_o believer_n be_v fit_v for_o glory_n without_o some_o competent_a knowledge_n of_o the_o end_n we_o be_v not_o like_a to_o understand_v the_o mean_n and_o except_o we_o inquire_v into_o yea_o and_o choose_v the_o way_n we_o shall_v never_o come_v to_o enjoy_v the_o bless_a end_n chap._n ii_o some_o general_a account_n of_o the_o heavenly_a felicity_n to_o which_o be_v subjoin_v some_o short_a hint_n how_o unfit_a we_o be_v by_o nature_n for_o that_o bless_a state_n and_o how_o we_o come_v to_o be_v so_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v think_v strange_a that_o our_o conception_n fall_v exceed_o short_a and_o our_o expression_n yet_o short_a when_o we_o come_v to_o discourse_v concern_v that_o glory_n which_o be_v within_o the_o veil_n who_o can_v at_o this_o distance_n give_v any_o other_o than_o a_o very_a imperfect_a account_n of_o that_o fullness_n of_o joy_n which_o be_v in_o the_o presence_n of_o god_n and_o those_o everlasting_a pleasure_n which_o be_v at_o his_o right_a hand_n psal_n 16.11_o yet_o be_v we_o not_o leave_v whole_o in_o the_o dark_a neither_o somewhat_o of_o heaven_n may_v be_v know_v and_o therefore_o shall_v diligent_o be_v inquire_v after_o while_o we_o be_v here_o on_o earth_n all_o can_v till_o we_o come_v thither_o at_o present_a we_o have_v some_o revelation_n of_o it_o both_o objective_n and_o subjective_n viz._n so_o far_o as_o be_v suitable_a to_o our_o present_a state_n it_o be_v reveal_v to_o we_o life_n and_o immortality_n be_v bring_v to_o light_n by_o the_o gospel_n 2_o tim._n 1.10_o it_o be_v reveal_v in_o we_o true_a believer_n have_v the_o foreta_v of_o it_o in_o those_o exercise_n of_o grace_n which_o lead_n to_o it_o though_o it_o do_v not_o yet_o full_o appear_v what_o we_o shall_v be_v yet_o in_o part_n it_o do_v for_o we_o know_v that_o when_o he_o shall_v appear_v we_o shall_v be_v like_o he_o for_o we_o shall_v see_v he_o as_o he_o be_v 1_o joh._n 3.2_o though_o out_o life_n be_v hide_v with_o christ_n in_o god_n col._n 3.3_o yet_o nor_o so_o as_o if_o nothing_o of_o it_o can_v be_v know_v but_o rather_o that_o it_o may_v be_v more_o earnest_o search_v after_o even_o as_o in_o he_o be_v bid_v all_o the_o treasure_n of_o wisdom_n and_o knowledge_n chap._n 2.3_o compare_v with_o prov._n 2.2_o 3_o 4._o see_v also_o 1_o cor._n 2.9_o 10._o eye_n have_v not_o see_v nor_o ear_n hear_v etc._n etc._n but_o god_n have_v reveal_v they_o unto_o we_o by_o his_o spirit_n vers_fw-la 12._o that_o we_o may_v know_v thâ—_n thing_n that_o be_v free_o give_v to_o we_o of_o god_n well_o then_o it_o be_v a_o great_a advantage_n that_o we_o have_v â—_o map_n of_o the_o holy_a land_n a_o description_n of_o the_o new_a jâ—rusalem_n set_v before_o we_o in_o the_o sacred_a record_n and_o yeâ—_n great_a if_o we_o taste_v the_o sweetness_n and_o feel_v the_o power_n of_o those_o gospel_n discovery_n in_o our_o own_o spirit_n but_o then_o those_o that_o do_v so_o can_v hardly_o make_v other_o understand_v these_o grateful_a relish_v the_o joy_n of_o believen_n be_v such_o as_o stranger_n intermeddle_v not_o with_o can_v be_v right_o apprehend_v but_o by_o inward_a vital_a sense_n and_o experience_n know_v only_o to_o they_o that_o have_v they_o wordâ—_n can_v but_o saintly_o express_v they_o for_o they_o be_v unspeak_v able_a 1_o pet._n 1.8_o how_o much_o more_o inexpressible_a must_v those_o pleasure_n be_v which_o in_o heaven_n be_v grow_v up_o to_o fuid_a perfection_n therefore_o as_o to_o what_o be_v unrevealed_a let_v we_o waitâ—â—_n while_n it_o can_v be_v long_o time_n run_v fast_o on_o eternity_n be_v almost_o upon_o we_o the_o concern_v of_o our_o soul_n be_v in_o safe_a hand_n our_o eye_n as_o one_o observe_v be_v in_o our_o glorify_v head_n jesus_n christ_n he_o know_v for_o we_o what_o
ordinance_n be_v a_o further_a proof_n of_o this_o great_a truth_n 〈◊〉_d work_n by_o his_o appoint_a mean_n faith_n come_v by_o hear_v and_o hear_v by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n the_o gospel_n be_v call_v the_o ministration_n of_o the_o spirit_n 2_o cor._n 3.8_o as_o also_o the_o law_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o life_n in_o christ_n jesus_n rom._n 8.2_o and_o well_o may_v it_o be_v so_o call_v by_o way_n of_o eminency_n because_o great_a measure_n of_o grace_n be_v give_v under_o the_o gospel-dispensation_n than_o be_v usual_a before_o now_o the_o sacred_a office_n of_o the_o ministry_n be_v institured_a in_o subserviency_n to_o the_o influence_n and_o operation_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n it_o be_v he_o that_o qualify_v minister_n for_o their_o work_n assist_v they_o in_o it_o and_o make_v it_o successful_a to_o the_o attainment_n of_o its_o end_n moreover_o the_o sum_n and_o substance_n of_o that_o errand_n upon_o which_o we_o be_v send_v you_o have_v in_o the_o latter_a end_n of_o this_o chapter_n verse_n 18_o 19_o 20._o namely_o to_o tell_v you_o that_o god_n be_v in_o christ_n reconcile_a the_o world_n unto_o himself_o have_v commit_v unto_o we_o the_o word_n of_o reconciliation_n now_o than_o we_o be_v ambassador_n for_o christ_n as_o though_o god_n do_v beseech_v you_o by_o we_o we_o pray_v you_o in_o christ_n stead_n be_v you_o reconcile_v to_o god_n our_o business_n therefore_o be_v to_o treat_v with_o sinner_n in_o the_o name_n of_o god_n and_o the_o redeemer_n that_o we_o may_v persuade_v they_o to_o comply_v with_o the_o offer_v of_o free_a grace_n and_o to_o edify_v strengthen_v and_o help_v the_o joy_n of_o those_o who_o have_v hearty_o comply_v ephes_n 4.11_o 12_o 13._o and_o o_o how_o strict_a a_o charge_n be_v lay_v upon_o we_o that_o we_o be_v instant_a in_o season_n and_o out_o of_o season_n reprove_v rebuke_n exhort_v with_o all_o long-suffering_a and_o doctrine_n for_o the_o time_n will_v come_v when_o etc._n etc._n we_o may_v now_o say_v it_o be_v already_o come_v 2_o tim._n 4.2_o 3_o 4._o and_o that_o we_o watch_v for_o your_o soul_n as_o they_o that_o must_v give_v a_o account_n heb._n 13.17_o and_o warn_v you_o of_o your_o danger_n that_o your_o blood_n may_v not_o he_o require_v at_o our_o hand_n ezek._n 3.18_o and_o who_o be_v sufficient_a for_o these_o thing_n 2_o cor._n 2.16_o well_o then_o if_o man_n may_v be_v save_v without_o be_v wrought_v for_o it_o etc._n etc._n of_o what_o use_n be_v the_o ministerial_a office_n or_o why_o be_v we_o so_o strict_o charge_v moreover_o the_o whole_a course_n of_o rellgious_a duty_n that_o be_v appoint_v we_o with_o that_o seriousness_n and_o spirituality_n therein_o require_v do_v full_o prove_v the_o point_n we_o have_v in_o hand_n the_o holy_a reverend_a worship_n of_o god_n in_o his_o ordinance_n do_v powerful_o tend_v to_o raise_v our_o soul_n near_o to_o he_o and_o to_o make_v they_o more_o like_o he_o to_o heal_v our_o spiritual_a distemper_n and_o to_o refine_v and_o purify_v all_o our_o faculty_n and_o power_n and_o so_o to_o prepare_v and_o sit_v we_o for_o the_o state_n of_o heavenly_a perfection_n therefore_o we_o must_v not_o look_v upon_o such_o appointment_n as_o if_o they_o be_v only_o mere_a arbitrary_a injunction_n to_o exact_a homage_n from_o we_o but_o though_o sovereign_a authority_n be_v to_o be_v acknowledge_v in_o they_o we_o must_v also_o consider_v how_o infinite_a wisdom_n and_o goodness_n have_v sure_v out_o work_n to_o our_o end_n our_o present_a duty_n to_o our_o future_a happiness_n that_o by_o the_o one_o we_o may_v be_v prepare_v for_o the_o other_o from_o whence_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o holiness_n be_v necessary_a to_o the_o work_n and_o business_n of_o our_o present_a life_n as_o also_o to_o our_o future_a blessedness_n we_o can_v neither_o serve_v nor_o enjoy_v god_n here_o or_o hereafter_o without_o be_v wrought_v thereto_o by_o his_o grace_n i_o mention_v nor_o the_o heartless_a service_n of_o hypocrite_n as_o not_o be_v worth_a take_v notice_n of_o hence_o also_o you_o may_v learn_v what_o end_v to_o propose_v to_o yourselves_o in_o every_o part_n of_o divine_a worship_n but_o i_o proceed_v 5._o none_o but_o those_o who_o be_v thus_o wrought_v upon_o have_v any_o right_n to_o the_o heavenly_a felicity_n according_a to_o the_o tenor_n of_o the_o gospel-covenant_n unregenerate_a person_n as_o such_o be_v peremptory_o exclude_v even_o by_o the_o law_n of_o grace_n itself_o you_o can_v produce_v the_o least_o syllable_n in_o scripture_n whereupon_o to_o ground_v those_o hope_n of_o heaven_n wherewith_o such_o man_n be_v wont_a to_o flatter_v themselves_o but_o i_o can_v show_v you_o enough_o to_o confound_v and_o overthrow_v their_o wicked_a presumption_n for_o ever_o the_o sentence_n of_o their_o condemnation_n be_v legible_a in_o almost_o every_o leaf_n of_o the_o bible_n yet_o will_v they_o not_o consider_v it_o nor_o lay_v it_o to_o heart_n he_o that_o believe_v not_o be_v condemn_v already_o he_o shall_v not_o see_v life_n but_o the_o wrath_n of_o god_n abide_v on_o he_o except_o a_o man_n be_v bear_v again_o he_o can_v see_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n joh._n 3.3_o 18_o 36._o if_o you_o live_v after_o the_o flesh_n shall_v die_v without_o holiness_n no_o man_n shall_v see_v the_o lord_n these_o be_v the_o true_a and_o faithful_a say_n of_o god_n all_o this_o be_v settle_v long_o before_o thou_o be_v bear_v if_o thou_o have_v any_o exception_n against_o it_o thou_o come_v too_o late_o with_o they_o as_o one_o say_v assure_v yourselves_o that_o these_o sacred_a constitution_n can_v be_v disannul_v your_o unbelief_n shall_v not_o make_v the_o truth_n of_o god_n of_o none_o effect_n you_o will_v quick_o faâ—d_v who_o word_n shall_v stand_v his_o or_o you_o 〈◊〉_d true_a indeed_o pardon_v and_o life_n be_v free_o offer_v by_o the_o gospel-grant_a if_o thou_o will_v repent_v and_o turn_v to_o god_n throuâ—â—_n christ_n otherwise_o it_o bring_v upon_o thou_o a_o heavy_a condemnation_n than_o thou_o be_v under_o before_o john_n 3.10_o a_o sore_a punishment_n heb_fw-mi 10.29_o the_o câ—â—â—_n speak_v itself_o thou_o can_v plead_v no_o interest_n in_o the_o save_a benefit_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n unless_o thou_o come_v up_o to_o the_o term_n thereof_o abuse_v mercy_n turn_v to_o great_a indignation_n therefore_o it_o much_o concern_v you_o to_o inquire_v what_o those_o term_n be_v and_o not_o to_o venture_v your_o soul_n upon_o uncertainty_n behold_v the_o judge_n stand_v before_o the_o door_n jam._n 5.9_o what_o be_v the_o chaff_n to_o the_o wheat_n say_v the_o lord_n jer._n 23.28_o mat._n 3.12_o 6._o none_o but_o those_o who_o be_v thus_o wrought_v upon_o have_v the_o earnest_n and_o first_o principle_n of_o the_o heavenly_a felicity_n how_o then_o shall_v they_o have_v the_o thing_n itself_o do_v you_o expect_v the_o fruit_n without_o the_o seed_n the_o perfection_n of_o holiness_n and_o happiness_n without_o the_o beginning_n thereof_o the_o inheritance_n without_o the_o earnest_a how_o can_v these_o thing_n be_v how_o absurd_a be_v such_o hope_n as_o these_o will_v you_o be_v perfect_a man_n in_o christ_n without_o first_o go_v through_o the_o infant-state_n of_o christianity_n that_o be_v be_v convert_v and_o become_v as_o little_a child_n as_o for_o the_o true_o godly_a they_o have_v eternal_a life_n abide_v in_o they_o even_o that_o save_v transform_a practical_a knowledge_n of_o god_n and_o jesus_n christ_n who_o he_o have_v send_v which_o be_v the_o inchoation_n thereof_o but_o the_o ungodly_a be_v not_o so_o be_v dead_a in_o trespass_n and_o sin_n to_o be_v carnal_o mind_v be_v death_n they_o sow_v to_o the_o flesh_n what_o then_o can_v they_o expect_v reasonable_o to_o reap_v but_o corruption_n will_v you_o sow_v one_o sort_n of_o grain_n and_o reap_v another_o know_v therefore_o that_o the_o holy_a spirit_n of_o god_n work_v in_o the_o soul_n of_o believer_n suitable_a inclination_n heaven-ward_n and_o desire_v after_o it_o that_o be_v rational_a judicious_a holy_a desire_n do_v thereby_o give_v they_o a_o earnest_n of_o it_o but_o still_o remember_v if_o any_o man_n have_v not_o the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n he_o be_v none_o of_o he_o rom._n 8_o 9_o 7._o the_o gild_n of_o sin_n which_o all_o unregenerate_a person_n be_v under_o stand_v between_o they_o and_o heaven_n i_o hope_v you_o know_v that_o you_o be_v sinner_n and_o that_o you_o must_v be_v justify_v before_o you_o can_v be_v glorify_v the_o weight_n of_o gild_n must_v needs_o press_v you_o down_o into_o everlasting_a darkness_n if_o it_o be_v not_o take_v off_o by_o pardon_v mercy_n and_o grace_n and_o do_v you_o not_o also_o know_v that_o there_o be_v no_o pardon_n without_o true_a repentance_n and_o withal_o that_o true_a repentance_n be_v nothing_o less_o than_o the_o turn_n of_o the_o soul_n from_o
praeparatio_fw-la evangelica_n or_o a_o plain_a and_o practical_a discourse_n concern_v the_o soul_n preparation_n for_o a_o bless_a eternity_n be_v the_o substance_n of_o several_a sermon_n preach_v at_o leeds_n by_o timothy_n manlove_n minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n heb._n 12.14_o follow_v peace_n with_o all_o man_n and_o holiness_n without_o which_o no_o man_n shall_v see_v the_o lord_n 1_o joh._n 4.16_o god_n be_v love_n and_o he_o that_o dwell_v in_o love_n dwell_v in_o god_n and_o god_n in_o he_o heb._n 2.3_o how_o shall_v we_o escape_v if_o we_o neglect_v so_o great_a salvation_n london_n print_v for_o nevil_n simmons_n bookseller_n in_o sheffield_n yorkshire_n and_o sell_v by_o george_n conier_n at_o the_o ring_n in_o little_a britain_n 1698._o to_o the_o diligent_a and_o serious_a reader_n cvstom_n oblige_v i_o to_o say_v something_o by_o way_n of_o preface_n and_o the_o weight_n of_o the_o subject_a before_o we_o be_v such_o as_o require_v the_o utmost_a diligence_n to_o press_v the_o serious_a consideration_n of_o it_o upon_o all_o to_o who_o it_o be_v present_v that_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n be_v in_o its_o own_o nature_n fit_v for_o immortality_n be_v capable_a of_o subsist_v and_o act_v in_o a_o state_n of_o separation_n from_o the_o body_n and_o therefore_o design_v thereto_o be_v a_o truth_n common_o acknowledge_v among_o christian_n yea_o and_o among_o pagan_n too_o as_o i_o have_v prove_v at_o large_a in_o a_o former_a treatise_n now_o if_o this_o be_v a_o truth_n it_o be_v certain_o a_o very_a important_a one_o how_o little_a soever_o consider_v by_o the_o unthinking_a world_n must_v we_o live_v for_o ever_o sure_o it_o high_o concern_v we_o to_o examine_v whither_o we_o be_v go_v what_o state_n wâ—_n be_v like_a to_o enter_v upon_o when_o the_o uncertain_a term_n of_o our_o present_a life_n shall_v be_v at_o a_o end_n shall_v it_o be_v well_o or_o ilâ—_n with_o we_o to_o all_o eternity_n the_o resolution_n of_o this_o great_a question_n depend_v upon_o our_o behaviour_n whilâ—_n we_o be_v in_o the_o body_n for_o accora_v to_o that_o we_o must_v be_v judge_v whether_o it_o bâ—_n good_a or_o bad_a 2_o cor._n 5.10_o the_o goodness_n or_o wickedness_n of_o ouâ—_n action_n be_v to_o be_v measure_v by_o their_o agreeableness_n or_o disagreeableness_n to_o thâ—_n divine_a law_n which_o be_v norma_fw-la officiâ—_n &_o judicii_fw-la a_o rule_n to_o live_v by_o and_o by_o which_o we_o must_v be_v judge_v the_o duty_n which_o god_n have_v enjoinâ—_n be_v such_o as_o in_o their_o own_o nature_n do_v manifest_o tend_v to_o qualify_v and_o fâ—â—_n we_o for_o that_o eternal_a blessedness_n which_o he_o have_v prepare_v for_o his_o holy_a one_o it_o be_v therefore_o of_o great_a consequence_n to_o understand_v in_o some_o competent_a measure_n the_o nature_n of_o the_o heavenly_a felicity_n because_o the_o more_o clear_a and_o distinct_a our_o apprehension_n be_v in_o this_o matter_n the_o more_o will_v our_o heart_n be_v raise_v to_o desire_v it_o and_o our_o endeavour_n quicken_v in_o the_o pursuit_n of_o it_o and_o the_o better_a we_o shall_v understand_v the_o way_n that_o lead_v to_o it_o the_o absolute_a necessity_n of_o holiness_n in_o order_n to_o our_o everlasting_a happiness_n be_v rather_o confess_v than_o well_o understand_v by_o the_o generality_n of_o those_o that_o bear_v the_o christian_a name_n and_o this_o not_o for_o want_v of_o suitable_a mean_n and_o help_v in_o order_n to_o such_o knowledge_n but_o for_o want_v of_o heart_n to_o use_v they_o prov._n 17.16_o man_n thought_n be_v otherwise_o take_v up_o and_o their_o carnal_a mind_n be_v averse_a from_o consideration_n of_o this_o nature_n that_o holiness_n be_v necessary_a because_o god_n have_v command_v it_o be_v a_o very_a great_a truth_n and_o nothing_o but_o the_o truth_n but_o yet_o it_o be_v not_o the_o whole_a truth_n neither_o for_o beside_o this_o legal_a necessity_n of_o it_o there_o be_v also_o a_o natural_a necessity_n in_o the_o case_n it_o be_v as_o impossible_a in_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n that_o we_o shall_v be_v happy_a without_o be_v holy_a as_o that_o a_o blind_a man_n shall_v be_v delight_v with_o colour_n or_o one_o that_o be_v deaf_a with_o sound_n and_o harmony_n and_o this_o will_v appear_v if_o we_o consider_v what_o it_o be_v that_o must_v make_v a_o rational_a immortal_a spirit_n complete_o bless_v namely_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o the_o most_o holy_a glorious_a bless_a god_n whereunto_o a_o unholy_a soul_n be_v utter_o indispose_v and_o disaffect_v and_o therefore_o can_v be_v happy_a till_o its_o temper_n be_v alter_v and_o make_v suitable_a to_o the_o object_n that_o be_v holy_a the_o saint_n in_o glory_n be_v take_v up_o with_o god_n admire_a love_a praise_v and_o delight_v in_o he_o as_o their_o chief_a good_a their_o only_a soul-satisfying_a portion_n yea_o and_o as_o infinite_o and_o amiable_o good_a in_o himself_o and_o withal_o enjoy_v the_o most_o sweet_a and_o refresh_a sense_n of_o his_o love_n to_o they_o without_o any_o cloud_n darkness_n or_o interruption_n now_o this_o kind_n of_o happiness_n be_v no_o way_n suitable_a to_o the_o genius_n and_o disposition_n of_o a_o unsanctified_a heart_n and_o how_o shall_v a_o man_n be_v happy_a while_o his_o very_a soul_n be_v averse_a to_o and_o at_o enmity_n against_o that_o which_o alone_o can_v make_v he_o so_o this_o be_v the_o woeful_a case_n of_o the_o far_o great_a part_n of_o the_o world_n which_o loud_o call_v for_o our_o deep_a lamentation_n over_o it_o and_o our_o utmost_a endeavour_n to_o redress_v it_o to_o this_o purpose_n i_o have_v thought_n meet_v to_o publish_v the_o follow_a discourse_n wherein_o i_o have_v labour_v to_o lay_v open_a our_o way_n and_o our_o end_n begin_v with_o the_o latter_a according_a to_o the_o order_n of_o intention_n i_o have_v therefore_o first_o lay_v down_o a_o short_a plain_a scriptural_a account_n of_o that_o bless_a state_n reserve_v in_o heaven_n for_o true_a believer_n and_o then_o proceed_v to_o open_v the_o nature_n of_o that_o great_a work_n of_o grace_n whereby_o we_o must_v be_v prepare_v wrought_v or_o make_v meet_v for_o that_o state_n each_o of_o these_o give_v light_a to_o the_o other_o the_o end_n and_o way_n be_v so_o near_o akin_a that_o they_o differ_v rather_o in_o degree_n than_o in_o kind_n grace_n be_v glory_n begin_v glory_n be_v grace_n perfect_v if_o these_o thing_n be_v well_o weigh_v and_o compare_v together_o the_o advantage_n will_v be_v very_o great_a every_o way_n give_v i_o leave_v to_o mention_v some_o few_o particular_n 1._o this_o will_v effectual_o put_v to_o silence_v the_o ignorant_a cavil_n of_o foolish_a man_n who_o complain_v that_o the_o way_n of_o holiness_n be_v too_o strict_a and_o precise_a for_o they_o do_v they_o but_o better_a know_v what_o the_o bless_a above_o be_v do_v and_o what_o they_o be_v enjoy_v they_o will_v quick_o see_v reason_n to_o conclude_v that_o the_o great_a diligence_n and_o care_n we_o can_v use_v be_v all_o little_a enough_o to_o ripen_v we_o for_o so_o holy_a so_o glorious_a so_o perfect_a a_o state_n 2._o it_o will_v certain_o pull_v down_o the_o groundless_a presumption_n of_o self-deceiving_a hypocrite_n who_o promise_v to_o themselves_o heaven_n at_o last_o though_o they_o be_v utter_a stranger_n to_o that_o vital_a power_n of_o religion_n without_o which_o there_o be_v no_o come_n thither_o no_o wonder_n that_o man_n who_o hope_v for_o they_o know_v not_o what_o hereafter_o live_v they_o know_v not_o or_o care_v not_o how_o while_o they_o be_v here_o but_o whatsoever_o a_o man_n sow_n that_o shall_v he_o also_o reap_v gal._n 6.7_o 3._o this_o will_v also_o show_v we_o what_o way_n and_o manner_n of_o religious_a worship_n be_v like_a to_o be_v most_o acceptable_a to_o god_n and_o advantageous_a to_o ourselves_o viz._n that_o which_o tend_v most_o to_o refine_v and_o spiritualise_v our_o heart_n and_o so_o to_o fit_v they_o for_o heaven_n 4._o and_o consequent_o what_o end_v we_o ought_v to_o propose_v to_o ourselves_o in_o every_o religious_a duty_n namely_o that_o we_o may_v get_v as_o near_o unto_o god_n and_o be_v as_o inward_a with_o he_o as_o possible_o we_o can_v till_o we_o come_v to_o the_o state_n of_o full_a and_o perfect_a communion_n with_o he_o 5._o and_o what_o need_v there_o be_v of_o divine_a grace_n to_o elevate_v and_o raise_v our_o heart_n to_o such_o high_a and_o holy_a thing_n as_o these_o alas_o what_o poor_a work_n shall_v we_o make_v with_o spiritual_a thing_n if_o we_o be_v leave_v to_o ourselves_o 6._o this_o will_v great_o support_v the_o people_n of_o god_n under_o the_o difficulty_n of_o their_o present_a state_n and_o work_n their_o spiritual_a conflict_n will_v soon_o be_v over_o and_o heaven_n will_v make_v amends_o for_o all_o the_o end_n to_o which_o the_o despise_a way_n of_o
face_n in_o a_o glass_n we_o need_v not_o say_v who_o shall_v ascend_v into_o heaven_n the_o word_n be_v high_a uâ—_n whereby_o we_o must_v search_v ourselves_o and_o whether_o we_o will_v attend_v to_o it_o or_o no_o we_o must_v stand_v or_o fall_v by_o it_o at_o last_o joh._n 12.48_o the_o word_n that_o i_o have_v speak_v the_o same_o shall_v judge_v he_o in_o the_o last_o day_n '_o this_o be_v one_o of_o those_o book_n that_o shall_v be_v open_v and_o the_o small_a sentence_n will_v pass_v according_a to_o what_o be_v write_v therein_o rev._n 20_o 12._o they_o shall_v be_v judge_v according_a to_o their_o work_n the_o matter_n of_o fact_n be_v record_v in_o their_o book_n conscience_n the_o matter_n of_o right_n in_o god_n law_n and_o the_o conclusion_n in_o his_o decree_n as_o mr._n baxter_n upon_o the_o place_n motive_n 4._o we_o be_v express_o command_v thus_o to_o examine_v and_o try_v ourselves_o yea_o it_o be_v mention_v as_o a_o great_a absurdity_n that_o a_o christian_n shall_v be_v ignorant_a of_o himself_o 2_o cor._n 13.5_o examine_v yourselves_o whether_o you_o be_v in_o the_o faith_n prove_v your_o own_o self_n know_v you_o not_o your_o own_o self_n etc._n etc._n as_o if_o he_o have_v say_v be_v there_o any_o thing_n near_o to_o you_o than_o yourselves_o any_o thing_n that_o you_o be_v more_o concern_v to_o know_v than_o your_o spiritual_a estate_n that_o be_v whether_o christ_n be_v in_o you_o or_o no._n be_v the_o way_n to_o heaven_n and_o hell_n so_o much_o alike_o that_o a_o man_n can_v know_v whither_o he_o be_v go_v if_o he_o will_v if_o the_o end_n be_v so_o vast_o different_a sure_o there_o must_v be_v a_o proportionable_a difference_n in_o the_o way_n that_o lead_v to_o they_o motive_n 5._o you_o have_v comfortable_a encouragement_n to_o expect_v the_o help_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n in_o this_o work_n of_o self-examination_n suppose_v you_o be_v yet_o in_o a_o unregenerate_a state_n it_o be_v true_a you_o have_v then_o no_o full_a proper_a covenant-right_a to_o the_o influence_n of_o the_o spirit_n yet_o you_o have_v great_a reason_n to_o hope_n that_o since_o he_o have_v be_v often_o strive_v with_o you_o to_o bring_v you_o to_o a_o sight_n and_o sense_n of_o your_o spiritual_a concern_v he_o will_v not_o deny_v the_o help_n of_o his_o grace_n if_o you_o set_v yourselves_o in_o good_a earnest_n to_o the_o work_n by_o the_o assistance_n already_o receive_v prov._n 1.23_o tâ—ru_n you_o at_o my_o reproof_n behold_v i_o will_v pour_v out_o my_o spirit_n unto_o you_o etc._n etc._n now_o it_o be_v the_o work_n of_o the_o spirit_n to_o lead_v man_n into_o their_o own_o heart_n to_o convince_v they_o of_o sin_n and_o to_o quicken_v illuminate_v and_o draw_v dead_a dark_a disaffect_v soul_n to_o the_o love_n of_o god_n and_o holiness_n but_o if_o you_o be_v already_o convert_v you_o have_v then_o a_o covenant-right_a to_o the_o help_n of_o the_o spirit_n you_o have_v fâ—ll_a and_o propâ—â—_n promise_v to_o plead_v in_o this_o matter_n he_o be_v the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n your_o head_n and_o therefore_o all_o the_o live_a member_n by_o virtue_n of_o their_o relation_n unto_o christ_n be_v also_o near_o relate_v to_o and_o interest_v in_o that_o holy_a spirit_n whole_a office_n it_o be_v to_o refresh_v and_o comfort_v those_o soul_n who_o he_o have_v first_o renew_v by_o his_o grace_n to_o discover_v to_o they_o the_o grace_n which_o he_o have_v give_v they_o to_o witness_v with_o their_o spirit_n that_o they_o be_v the_o child_n of_o god_n and_o so_o to_o enable_v they_o to_o rejoice_v therein_o motive_n 6._o think_v well_o how_o sad_a and_o wretched_a a_o case_n it_o be_v to_o be_v utter_o in_o the_o dark_a as_o to_o your_o spiritual_a state_n you_o can_v tell_v what_o a_o day_n may_v bring_v forth_o prov._n 27.1_o for_o aught_o you_o know_v you_o may_v be_v in_o hell_n the_o next_o hour_n because_o you_o be_v uncertain_a whether_o god_n be_v your_o friend_n or_o your_o enemy_n whether_o you_o have_v any_o save_a interest_n in_o christ_n whether_o you_o be_v sanctify_v by_o the_o spirit_n or_o not_o be_v not_o this_o a_o woeful_a case_n when_o thou_o lie_v down_o when_o thou_o rise_v up_o when_o thou_o go_v out_o or_o come_v in_o thou_o know_v not_o but_o that_o the_o very_o next_o moment_n the_o divine_a fury_n may_v rest_v upon_o thou_o can_v thou_o think_v of_o death_n and_o not_o tremble_v and_o of_o judgement_n and_o not_o be_v astonish_v when_o thou_o be_v invite_v to_o a_o funeral_n how_o can_v thou_o forbear_v think_v that_o it_o will_v quick_o be_v thy_o â—wn_a case_n and_o yet_o thou_o be_v ignorant_a what_o will_v become_v of_o thy_o immortal_a soul_n at_o that_o day_n methinks_v this_o shall_v make_v thou_o a_o terror_n to_o thyself_o and_o to_o all_o that_o be_v about_o thou_o motive_n 7._o consider_v how_o impatient_a thou_o be_v of_o be_v in_o suspense_n or_o at_o uncertainty_n in_o matter_n of_o far_o less_o consequence_n if_o thou_o have_v but_o a_o lawsuit_n in_o hand_n how_o uneasy_a till_o thou_o know_v the_o issue_n if_o a_o purchase_n to_o make_v how_o careful_a to_o see_v that_o the_o title_n be_v good_a and_o the_o conveyance_n firm_a and_o sure_a if_o thou_o be_v take_v with_o any_o threaten_a distemper_n how_o earnest_a and_o solicitous_a be_v thou_o to_o know_v what_o the_o physician_n think_v of_o thy_o distemper_n pray_v sir_n what_o think_v you_o do_v you_o ever_o see_v any_o in_o such_o a_o case_n before_o do_v they_o recover_v do_v you_o hope_v the_o distemper_n may_v go_v off_o but_o o_o how_o few_o be_v there_o that_o express_v any_o such_o care_n about_o their_o soul_n how_o few_o that_o will_v come_v to_o a_o minister_n and_o inquire_v of_o he_o o_o sir_n what_o shall_v i_o do_v to_o be_v save_v i_o fear_v i_o be_o not_o yet_o wrought_v for_o heaven_n i_o find_v my_o heart_n dead_a to_o spiritual_a thing_n but_o vigorous_a and_o sprightly_a in_o its_o pursuit_n after_o worldly_a vanity_n i_o find_v i_o be_o out_o of_o my_o element_n when_o engage_v in_o religious_a duty_n what_o think_v you_o be_v there_o any_o hope_n o_o help_v i_o speedy_o lest_o death_n overtake_v i_o unprepared_a for_o it_o o_o how_o seldom_o do_v we_o meet_v with_o any_o that_o show_v such_o a_o concern_n for_o their_o soul_n as_o this_o it_o be_v easy_a to_o heap_v up_o many_o more_o such_o consideration_n as_o these_o to_o excite_v you_o to_o this_o necessary_a work_n of_o selfreflection_n i_o shall_v only_o add_v as_o follow_v without_o the_o formality_n of_o make_v distinct_a head_n think_v with_o yourselves_o how_o common_a a_o thing_n it_o be_v for_o man_n to_o be_v mistake_v about_o their_o spiritual_a estate_n and_o withal_o how_o dangerous_a it_o be_v remember_v god_n himself_o will_v quick_o judge_v you_o and_o the_o way_n to_o escape_v the_o severity_n of_o his_o judgement_n be_v to_o enter_v into_o judgement_n with_o yourselves_o 1_o cor._n 11.31_o if_o we_o will_v judge_n ourselves_o we_o shall_v not_o be_v judge_v moreover_o either_o you_o be_v thus_o wrought_v for_o heaven_n by_o renew_v grace_n or_o not_o if_o you_o be_v the_o close_a tâ—â—al_n will_v great_o refresh_v and_o comfort_v you_o by_o discover_v that_o the_o work_n be_v already_o do_v then_o may_v you_o comfortable_o go_v on_o with_o the_o remain_a part_n of_o duty_n which_o be_v yet_o before_o you_o you_o may_v come_v with_o boldness_n to_o the_o throne_n of_o grace_n as_o child_n to_o a_o father_n you_o may_v read_v or_o hear_v the_o word_n of_o god_n with_o joy_n when_o the_o great_a promise_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v all_o your_o own_o you_o may_v come_v with_o confidence_n to_o the_o lord_n table_n when_o you_o know_v that_o christ_n himself_o and_o all_o his_o save_a benefit_n be_v you_o you_o may_v meditate_v delightful_o upon_o the_o heavenly_a inheritance_n when_o you_o know_v that_o you_o have_v a_o right_a to_o it_o this_o will_v support_v you_o under_o all_o the_o suffering_n of_o the_o present_a life_n and_o will_v make_v they_o appear_v light_a affliction_n indeed_o and_o beside_o all_o this_o it_o will_v much_o conduce_v to_o the_o credit_n of_o your_o profession_n by_o enable_v you_o to_o go_v on_o cheerful_o in_o the_o way_n of_o religion_n as_o man_n that_o do_v not_o repent_v of_o their_o choice_n not_o despair_n of_o their_o cause_n or_o of_o their_o god_n but_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n if_o you_o be_v unregenerate_a selfreflection_n be_v one_o of_o the_o first_o step_v in_o order_n to_o your_o recovery_n psal_n 119.59_o i_o think_v on_o my_o way_n and_o turn_v my_o foot_n unto_o thy_o testimony_n so_o do_v the_o prodigal_n when_o he_o come_v to_o himself_o luk._n 15.17_o when_o once_o man_n begin_v to_o be_v solicitous_a about_o the_o concern_v
business_n otherwise_o you_o wâ—â—_n confound_v perplex_v and_o entangle_v yourselves_o to_o no_o purpose_n difficult_a case_n be_v not_o to_o be_v resolve_v without_o a_o orderly_o proceedure_v of_o thought_n about_o they_o confusion_n be_v the_o great_a enemy_n to_o all_o true_a knowledge_n of_o what_o kind_n soever_o take_v care_n that_o you_o do_v not_o begin_v at_o the_o wrong_a end_n first_o let_v preliminary_n be_v well_o adjust_v before_o you_o come_v to_o the_o point_n itself_o under_o this_o head_n take_v your_o work_n in_o the_o follow_a order_n 1._o understand_v aright_o what_o you_o be_v to_o inquire_v after_o lest_o you_o mistake_v the_o question_n the_o thing_n to_o be_v know_v be_v whether_o you_o be_v so_o far_o wrought_v for_o heaven_n that_o if_o it_o shall_v please_v god_n immediate_o to_o require_v your_o soul_n of_o you_o it_o will_v go_v well_o with_o they_o in_o another_o state_n that_o be_v whether_o the_o condition_n of_o your_o soul_n be_v such_o that_o come_v life_n come_v death_n they_o be_v safe_a now_o here_o â—â—ls_v plain_a that_o you_o may_v easy_o deceive_v yourselves_o by_o state_v the_o question_n too_o high_a or_o too_o low_a if_o you_o only_o inquire_v whether_o there_o be_v any_o good_a in_o you_o which_o have_v a_o tendency_n towards_o this_o great_a work_n of_o regeneration_n you_o than_o fall_v short_a in_o the_o point_n for_o i_o have_v tell_v you_o before_o that_o there_o may_v be_v very_o deep_a conviction_n of_o the_o necessity_n of_o this_o renew_n change_n yea_o and_o some_o saint_n essay_n resolution_n or_o endeavour_n towards_o it_o which_o be_v only_o the_o effect_n of_o common_a grace_n and_o if_o they_o be_v rest_v in_o do_v as_o certain_o end_v in_o destruction_n as_o down_o right_a profaneness_n do_v again_o there_o be_v various_a degree_n and_o measure_n of_o grace_n among_o the_o people_n of_o god_n themselves_o all_o that_o be_v sincere_a be_v not_o of_o the_o same_o stature_n or_o stand_n some_o have_v receive_v more_o talent_n a_o great_a stock_n of_o grace_n than_o other_o if_o therefore_o you_o inquire_v immediate_o whether_o you_o have_v attain_v to_o such_o or_o such_o measure_n to_o which_o some_o other_o who_o perhaps_o be_v above_o you_o have_v arrive_v you_o than_o lay_v a_o snare_n for_o your_o own_o comfort_n and_o peace_n by_o carry_v the_o question_n too_o high_a at_o first_o your_o present_a business_n be_v to_o examine_v whether_o your_o grace_n be_v sincire_fw-la as_o for_o the_o degree_n of_o they_o let_v that_o be_v inquire_v into_o afterward_o it_o be_v likely_a you_o be_v not_o so_o good_a as_o the_o best_a nor_o so_o bad_a as_o the_o worst_a the_o question_n be_v whether_o of_o the_o two_o you_o be_v more_o like_a to_o in_o the_o main_a do_v not_o â—hâ—â—cy_n yourselves_o saint_n because_o you_o be_v not_o so_o vile_a 〈◊〉_d the_o vile_a for_o among_o unregenerate_a person_n themselves_o all_o be_v not_o alike_o scandalous_a and_o harden_v in_o sin_n noâ—_n yet_o must_v you_o conclude_v that_o you_o be_v graceless_a because_o some_o other_o our-stâ—ip_a you_o in_o holiness_n there_o be_v aâ—_n infant_n as_o well_o as_o a_o more_o strong_a and_o confirm_a state_n of_o grace_n 2._o study_v well_o the_o rule_n by_o which_o you_o be_v to_o try_v yourselves_o search_v the_o scripture_n to_o the_o law_n and_o to_o the_o testimony_n by_o this_o you_o must_v try_v the_o spirit_n and_o the_o doctrine_n of_o other_o man_n how_o much_o more_o near_o do_v it_o concern_v you_o to_o examine_v your_o own_o heart_n and_o life_n thereby_o acquaint_v yourselves_o well_o with_o the_o tenor_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n upon_o what_o term_n pardon_v and_o life_n be_v offer_v to_o poor_a sinner_n what_o be_v essentiaâ—â—_n necessary_a to_o the_o be_v of_o a_o sincere_a christian_a as_o such_o and_o what_o be_v further_a requisite_a to_o his_o establishment_n comfort_n and_o wellbeing_a in_o the_o sacred_a record_n you_o may_v find_v the_o nature_n of_o those_o grace_n which_o qualify_v and_o fit_a man_n for_o eternal_a life_n and_o also_o the_o example_n of_o many_o who_o be_v go_v to_o heaven_n before_o we_o what_o their_o heart_n be_v set_v upon_o how_o they_o live_v and_o how_o they_o die_v here_o you_o may_v learn_v what_o you_o ought_v to_o be_v where_o to_o place_v your_o affection_n how_o to_o regulate_v your_o life_n that_o you_o may_v be_v happy_a you_o may_v see_v the_o character_n by_o which_o the_o heir_n of_o heaven_n must_v be_v know_v and_o also_o the_o opposite_a description_n of_o those_o who_o shall_v be_v exclude_v from_o that_o felicity_n he_o be_v unfit_a to_o be_v a_o judge_n who_o be_v ignorant_a of_o the_o law_n or_o rule_n of_o judgement_n it_o therefore_o much_o concern_v you_o to_o converse_v much_o with_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o to_o understand_v the_o true_a spiritual_a sense_n and_o meaning_n of_o they_o which_o be_v able_a to_o make_v you_o wise_a to_o salvation_n from_o hence_o you_o must_v take_v your_o measure_n in_o judge_v of_o the_o sincerity_n of_o your_o faith_n repentance_n love_n obedience_n etc._n etc._n that_o so_o you_o may_v not_o take_v up_o with_o the_o empty_a name_n of_o grace_n instead_o of_o the_o thing_n itself_o as_o too_o many_o through_o sloth_n and_o affect_a ignorance_n do_v and_o here_o you_o must_v remember_v that_o the_o commandment_n of_o god_n be_v exceed_o broad_a extend_v not_o only_a to_o the_o government_n of_o our_o outward_a action_n and_o behaviour_n hâ—â—_n also_o to_o the_o inward_a principle_n from_o whence_o those_o action_n flow_v viz._n all_o the_o faculty_n and_o power_n of_o our_o soul_n understanding_n will_n imagination_n affection_n sense_n appetite_n habit_n disposition_n etc._n etc._n must_v be_v mind_v and_o govern_v by_o the_o rule_n and_o that_o in_o all_o circumstance_n at_o all_o time_n and_o in_o all_o place_n without_o exception_n the_o tree_n must_v be_v make_v good_a that_o the_o fruit_n may_v be_v so_o god_n have_v imprint_v his_o holy_a image_n upon_o his_o word_n and_o make_v use_v of_o it_o as_o a_o instrument_n to_o work_v a_o suitable_a impression_n upon_o we_o 3._o you_o be_v next_o to_o examine_v strict_o your_o own_o heart_n and_o life_n and_o compare_v they_o with_o the_o rule_n or_o try_v they_o by_o it_o remember_v i_o be_o now_o speak_v only_o in_o general_n to_o prepare_v you_o for_o those_o particular_a question_n which_o be_v design_v as_o a_o further_a help_n for_o the_o discovery_n of_o your_o case_n only_o at_o present_a let_v i_o tell_v you_o you_o be_v not_o to_o judge_n of_o the_o state_n of_o your_o soul_n by_o what_o be_v unusual_a and_o extraordinary_a with_o you_o but_o by_o the_o habitual_a bent_n of_o your_o heart_n and_o the_o state_v ordinary_a course_n and_o tenor_n of_o your_o life_n a_o hypocrite_n may_v have_v some_o transient_a affection_n and_o emotion_n of_o soul_n towards_o spiritual_a thing_n and_o some_o seem_a fit_n of_o religion_n for_o a_o while_n and_o yet_o afterward_o return_v with_o the_o dog_n to_o his_o vomit_n again_o herod_n hear_v john_n baptist_n glad_o and_o do_v many_o thing_n those_o on_o the_o rock_n hear_v the_o word_n and_o anon_o with_o joy_n receive_v it_o but_o have_v not_o root_v in_o themselves_o mat._n 13._o observe_v here_o a_o live_a principle_n of_o grace_n be_v a_o root_v principle_n fix_v in_o the_o heart_n and_o there_o keep_v alive_a by_o the_o same_o power_n which_o implant_v it_o it_o be_v say_v of_o he_o that_o be_v bear_v of_o god_n that_o his_o seed_n remain_v in_o â—â—in_n joh._n 3_o 9_o in_o short_a the_o will_n be_v the_o man_n and_o the_o sincerity_n of_o its_o resolution_n must_v be_v know_v by_o suitable_a endeavour_n and_o the_o sincerity_n of_o those_o endeavour_n by_o their_o success_n of_o which_o more_o hereafter_o or_o if_o you_o take_v â—t_a the_o other_o way_n by_o the_o main_a drift_n and_o course_n of_o your_o life_n you_o may_v know_v what_o be_v the_o prevail_a habit_n and_o disposition_n of_o your_o soul_n for_o man_n will_v act_v according_a to_o their_o predominant_a habit_n and_o by_o these_o you_o may_v know_v your_o state_n that_o be_v by_o reduce_v all_o to_o the_o scripture-rule_n as_o have_v be_v say_v already_o thus_o must_v you_o try_v and_o judge_v yourselves_o 4._o you_o be_v then_o to_o proceed_v to_o sentence_n which_o iâ—_n nothing_o else_o but_o the_o conclusion_n that_o must_v be_v draw_v from_o the_o foregoing_a premise_n viz._n the_o law_n and_o fact_n compare_v together_o here_o again_o keep_v your_o heart_n close_o to_o the_o work_n and_o bring_v it_o to_o a_o issue_n soon_o or_o late_a this_o must_v be_v do_v and_o the_o soon_o the_o better_a if_o upon_o a_o thorough_a enquiry_n thou_o find_v thyself_o to_o be_v yet_o in_o 〈◊〉_d unregenerate_a state_n pass_v sentence_n according_o it_o will_v signify_v
uneasy_a to_o ourselves_o and_o to_o all_o about_o we_o till_o we_o be_v reduce_v and_o set_v right_o again_o so_o then_o this_o sensual_a corrupt_a self-love_n must_v be_v mortify_v but_o lawful_a and_o just_a self-love_n must_v be_v improve_v as_o be_v say_v before_o 6._o in_o assign_v the_o notion_n of_o our_o chief_a or_o ultimate_a end_n god_n glory_n and_o our_o own_o salvation_n must_v not_o be_v separate_v for_o our_o intention_n must_v take_v in_o both_o but_o then_o the_o latter_a must_v be_v consider_v as_o in_o full_a subordination_n to_o the_o former_a we_o may_v and_o aught_o to_o desire_v our_o own_o eternal_a happiness_n that_o god_n may_v be_v glorify_v therein_o who_o be_v well_o please_v and_o delight_v in_o the_o welfare_n and_o perfection_n of_o his_o holy_a one_o our_o supreme_a end_n must_v fall_v in_o with_o he_o who_o make_v all_o thing_n for_o himself_o that_o he_o alone_o may_v have_v the_o glory_n 7._o therefore_o to_o love_n god_n only_o or_o chief_o for_o ourselves_o as_o a_o mean_n to_o our_o own_o happiness_n be_v great_o to_o affront_v and_o dishonour_v he_o by_o prefer_v ourselves_o before_o he_o the_o creature_n before_o the_o creator_n the_o silly_a interest_n of_o a_o crawl_a worm_n before_o the_o glorious_a all-comprehending_a interest_n of_o the_o supreme_a infinite_a majesty_n it_o be_v to_o invert_v the_o order_n of_o thing_n while_o we_o make_v ourselves_o the_o end_n and_o consider_v he_o but_o as_o a_o mean_n in_o order_n thereto_o as_o if_o we_o be_v better_o or_o more_o amiable_a than_o he_o or_o our_o happiness_n more_o valuable_a than_o his_o glory_n such_o profaneness_n be_v not_o to_o be_v endure_v but_o abhor_v know_v you_o not_o that_o the_o whole_a creation_n have_v no_o worth_n in_o it_o but_o what_o be_v derive_v from_o god_n and_o to_o be_v measure_v by_o its_o relation_n to_o he_o 8._o to_o love_n god_n with_o a_o pure_a raise_v transcendent_a superlative_a love_n for_o himself_o as_o the_o most_o amiable_a and_o perfect_a good_a from_o by_z and_o to_o who_o we_o and_o all_o thing_n else_o be_v and_o then_o to_o love_v ourselves_o and_o all_o other_o object_n for_o he_o as_o the_o supreme_a ultimate_a end_n of_o all_o this_o be_v the_o true_a method_n of_o holy_a love_n towards_o great_a measure_n whereof_o the_o best_a of_o we_o shall_v be_v ever_o aspire_a be_v it_o not_o high_o reasonable_a that_o he_o who_o be_v best_a shall_v be_v most_o love_v that_o he_o who_o be_v the_o author_n of_o our_o being_n shall_v be_v our_o end_n that_o we_o shall_v aim_v at_o and_o intend_v he_o in_o all_o in_o a_o word_n that_o the_o love_n of_o ourselves_o shall_v be_v subject_v to_o the_o high_a and_o pure_a love_n of_o god_n urge_v these_o thing_n upon_o yourselves_o take_v pain_n with_o your_o own_o heart_n to_o bring_v they_o to_o such_o a_o frame_n plead_v the_o cause_n of_o god_n with_o your_o soul_n till_o the_o fire_n kindle_v and_o you_o be_v carry_v up_o above_o self_n to_o he_o and_o all_o by_o the_o help_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n it_o be_v true_a indeed_o he_o need_v not_o you_o nor_o your_o love_n neither_o can_v you_o be_v profitable_a to_o he_o thereby_o job_n 22.2_o 3._o your_o goodness_n extend_v not_o to_o he_o psal_n 16.2_o the_o advantage_n be_v like_a to_o be_v your_o own_o and_o shall_v not_o the_o glory_n be_v he_o as_o carnal_a inordinate_a self-seeking_a be_v no_o better_a than_o self-destroying_a so_o to_o go_v our_o of_o ourselves_o and_o to_o be_v as_o it_o be_v estrange_v i_o from_o and_o lose_v to_o ourselves_o that_o we_o may_v seek_v god_n live_v in_o he_o and_o enjoy_v communion_n with_o he_o this_o i_o say_v be_v the_o true_a way_n to_o advance_v our_o own_o interest_n while_o we_o seem_v to_o overlook_v it_o because_o by_o this_o mean_n we_o shall_v find_v ourselves_o and_o our_o all_o in_o god_n with_o infinite_a advantage_n how_o much_o some_o of_o the_o people_n of_o god_n have_v be_v carry_v out_o in_o holy_a zeal_n for_o his_o honour_n â—bove_o their_o own_o particular_a self-interest_n you_o may_v see_v exod_a 32.32_o numb_a 14.12_o rom._n 9.3_o which_o place_n i_o must_v not_o now_o stay_v to_o enlarge_v upon_o 9_o but_o here_o it_o must_v be_v remember_v that_o god_n be_v immaterial_a and_o invisible_a be_v not_o a_o object_n of_o sense_n nor_o direct_o of_o sensitive_a passionate_a love_n therefore_o the_o heart_n may_v be_v inward_o deep_o predominant_o and_o therefore_o sincere_o for_o god_n though_o as_o to_o the_o passionate_a part_n we_o may_v find_v ourselves_o more_o sensible_o carry_v out_o towards_o other_o object_n because_o the_o nearness_n and_o sensibleness_n of_o the_o creature_n promote_v such_o sensible_a working_n in_o the_o low_a sensitive_a faculty_n and_o corporeal_a spirit_n as_o for_o example_n a_o sincere_a christian_a may_v be_v more_o feel_o affect_v towards_o a_o dear_a friend_n or_o relation_n or_o some_o other_o creature-enjoyment_n than_o towards_o god_n himself_o yet_o do_v it_o not_o therefore_o follow_v that_o his_o heart_n be_v more_o for_o these_o thing_n than_o for_o god_n because_o be_v he_o put_v to_o trial_n he_o will_v forsake_v all_o these_o enjoyment_n rather_o than_o forsake_v god_n or_o quit_v his_o interest_n in_o he_o whereby_o it_o appear_v that_o his_o mind_n and_o will_n be_v more_o for_o god_n though_o the_o low_a sensitive_a appetite_n work_v most_o feel_o towards_o sensible_a object_n 10._o therefore_o though_o it_o be_v essential_a to_o holiness_n to_o love_n god_n for_o himself_o as_o our_o absolute_o ultimate_a end_n and_o therefore_o better_a than_o ourselves_o yet_o there_o may_v be_v some_o secret_a conception_n or_o beginning_n of_o this_o love_n in_o a_o soul_n long_o before_o the_o person_n in_o who_o it_o be_v perceive_v it_o because_o we_o be_v apt_a to_o judge_n of_o ourselves_o by_o what_o appear_v most_o sensible_o in_o we_o and_o to_o overlook_v what_o lie_v more_o deep_a and_o inward_a now_o as_o be_v say_v before_o love_v to_o self_n and_o to_o the_o creature_n operate_v in_o a_o more_o sensible_a passionate_a feel_a manner_n than_o holy_a intellectual_a love_n do_v because_o god_n be_v a_o spirit_n be_v not_o so_o near_o to_o our_o sense_n and_o passion_n as_o the_o creature_n be_v therefore_o because_o i_o will_v not_o make_v sad_a the_o heart_n of_o any_o who_o god_n will_v not_o have_v make_v sad_a ezek._n 13.22_o nor_o give_v a_o advantage_n to_o satan_n to_o disquiet_v the_o soul_n of_o the_o weak_a sincere_a christian_n let_v i_o say_v to_o such_o as_o follows_z suppose_v that_o you_o be_v satisfy_v that_o god_n as_o god_n be_v infinite_o more_o amiable_a than_o yourselves_o and_o that_o he_o be_v your_o absolute_o supreme_a chief_a or_o ultimate_a end_n and_o therefore_o that_o you_o ought_v to_o love_v he_o as_o such_o above_o yourselves_o again_o if_o you_o do_v earnest_o desire_v that_o happiness_n which_o consist_v in_o so_o love_v he_o above_o any_o other_o happiness_n whatsoever_o though_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n you_o dare_v not_o say_v that_o you_o love_v god_n for_o himself_o above_o yourselves_o but_o be_v it_o may_v be_v more_o sensible_o and_o feel_o concern_v for_o your_o own_o welfare_n that_o you_o may_v escape_v the_o wrath_n to_o come_v than_o for_o his_o glory_n yet_o you_o he_o wail_v this_o and_o desire_v a_o heart_n to_o love_n god_n more_o for_o himself_o and_o to_o refer_v your_o own_o interest_n and_o all_o to_o he_o why_o if_o the_o case_n be_v thus_o with_o you_o i_o will_v not_o have_v you_o be_v discourage_v or_o cast_v down_o for_o it_o seem_v to_o i_o that_o you_o have_v the_o seed_n and_o beginning_n of_o this_o holy_a love_n to_o god_n for_o himself_o whereof_o we_o have_v be_v speak_v and_o our_o lord_n will_v not_o break_v the_o bruise_a reed_n nor_o quench_v the_o smoke_a flax._n let_v i_o therefore_o earnest_o beseech_v you_o to_o pray_v hard_o for_o further_a influence_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o love_n and_o take_v pain_n with_o your_o own_o heart_n to_o raise_v they_o more_o above_o self_n unto_o god_n that_o your_o spark_n may_v become_v a_o flame_n and_o that_o you_o may_v be_v even_o swallow_v up_o of_o holy_a love_n so_o will_v you_o find_v that_o comfort_n peace_n and_o assurance_n which_o you_o be_v so_o pensive_o seek_v and_o inquire_v after_o o_o learn_v at_o length_n to_o pore_v less_o upon_o your_o own_o poor_a dark_a droop_a soul_n and_o look_v more_o at_o he_o who_o be_v light_n and_o in_o who_o there_o be_v no_o darkness_n at_o all_o as_o for_o the_o common_a sort_n of_o the_o ignorant_a pretender_n to_o the_o love_n of_o god_n and_o holiness_n all_o this_o will_v seem_v to_o they_o more_o ado_n than_o needs_o nor_o be_v it_o difficult_a to_o confound_v their_o pretence_n without_o go_v thus_o high_a
your_o great_a end_n his_o holy_a word_n your_o rule_n his_o bless_a spirit_n your_o leader_n and_o guide_n his_o promise_n your_o support_n and_o joy_n in_o short_a you_o must_v become_v a_o peculiar_a people_n zealous_a of_o good_a work_n still_o endeavour_v to_o make_v further_a advance_n in_o the_o knowledge_n and_o love_n of_o god_n and_o in_o obedience_n to_o he_o direct_v 5._o arm_v yourselves_o and_o watch_v careful_o against_o those_o temptation_n to_o which_o young_a convert_v be_v in_o a_o especial_a manner_n liable_a under_o this_o head_n i_o must_v only_o give_v you_o some_o short_a hint_n for_o to_o speak_v full_o to_o this_o point_n will_v require_v a_o very_a large_a discourse_n at_o first_o set_v out_o you_o enter_v upon_o a_o state_n of_o warfare_n and_o if_o you_o stand_v not_o upon_o your_o guard_n satan_n will_v be_v sure_a to_o get_v a_o advantage_n against_o you_o 1._o some_o person_n at_o their_o first_o conversion_n meet_v with_o extraordinary_a rapture_n of_o spiritual_a joy_n full_a assurance_n of_o the_o love_n of_o god_n and_o lively_o foreta_v of_o the_o heavenly_a glory_n their_o reconcile_a father_n smile_v upon_o they_o take_v they_o into_o his_o arm_n and_o comfort_v they_o as_o one_o who_o his_o mother_n comfort_v and_o dandle_v upon_o her_o knee_n as_o the_o prophet_n speak_v isa_n 66.12_o 13._o and_o now_o satan_n take_v a_o advantage_n to_o make_v they_o impatient_a of_o stay_v upon_o earth_n any_o long_o they_o will_v needs_o be_v remove_v to_o heaven_n out_o of_o hand_n and_o be_v scarce_o content_a to_o wait_v god_n time_n this_o case_n though_o not_o very_o common_a be_v yet_o more_o than_o a_o meet_a supposition_n to_o such_o i_o will_v say_v you_o have_v great_a reason_n indeed_o to_o be_v very_o thankful_a that_o matter_n be_v so_o well_o with_o you_o in_o reference_n to_o your_o eternal_a state_n but_o o_o remember_v how_o long_o god_n wait_v to_o be_v gracious_a to_o you_o how_o frequent_a be_v the_o strive_n of_o his_o spirit_n with_o you_o before_o you_o will_v yield_v how_o well_o content_v can_v you_o have_v be_v to_o have_v continue_v on_o earth_n for_o ever_o before_o he_o give_v you_o these_o feel_a discovery_n of_o a_o better_a state_n and_o how_o just_o may_v he_o have_v leave_v you_o to_o perish_v in_o your_o aversion_n from_o he_o but_o now_o you_o think_v your_o own_o turn_n be_v serve_v and_o your_o eternal_a welfare_n secure_v you_o will_v quit_v the_o stage_n and_o do_v no_o more_o service_n for_o god_n or_o his_o church_n in_o your_o generation_n but_o have_v your_o full_a blessedness_n immediate_o as_o if_o it_o be_v of_o debt_n and_o not_o of_o grace_n be_v this_o your_o kindness_n to_o your_o friend_n your_o ingenuity_n your_o gratitude_n be_v not_o the_o reward_n sure_a shall_v it_o not_o come_v in_o season_n will_v not_o heaven_n be_v the_o more_o welcome_a after_o you_o have_v due_o wait_v till_o you_o be_v at_o age_n for_o that_o inheritance_n be_v there_o nothing_o of_o unbelief_n in_o this_o your_o eagerness_n he_o that_o believe_v shall_v not_o make_v hazel_n isa_n 28.16_o have_v not_o the_o patriarch_n prophet_n apostle_n etc._n etc._n their_o time_n of_o wait_v as_o well_o as_o you_o be_v not_o so_o glorious_a a_o state_n worth_n wait_v for_o and_o beside_o if_o you_o patient_o continue_v in_o well-doing_n your_o glory_n will_v be_v encreasingâ—_n and_o to_o say_v no_o more_o eternity_n will_v be_v long_o enough_o to_o enjoy_v that_o blessedness_n which_o be_v design_v for_o you_o tempt_v 2._o be_v you_o tempt_v to_o overvalue_v your_o present_a attainment_n answ_n consider_v you_o have_v nothing_o but_o what_o you_o have_v receive_v and_o why_o then_o shall_v you_o glory_v as_o if_o you_o have_v not_o receive_v it_o 1_o cor._n 4.7_o you_o have_v receive_v nothing_o but_o what_o you_o must_v give_v a_o account_n for_o your_o stock_n of_o grace_n be_v to_o be_v trade_v with_o your_o talent_n must_v be_v improve_v what_o reason_n then_o have_v you_o to_o tremble_v lest_o in_o this_o you_o shall_v be_v find_v want_v moreover_o you_o bear_v not_o the_o root_n but_o the_o root_n bear_v you_o without_o christ_n you_o can_v do_v nothing_o be_v not_o high_a mind_v but_o fear_v let_v he_o that_o think_v he_o stand_v take_v heed_n listen_v be_v fall_n 1_o cor._n 10.12_o spiritual_a pride_n be_v the_o way_n to_o lose_v what_o you_o have_v get_v and_o to_o full_a into_o the_o condemnation_n of_o the_o devil_n beside_o there_o be_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o absurdity_n and_o self-contradiction_n in_o it_o viz._n for_o a_o man_n to_o have_v high_a thought_n of_o himself_o as_o if_o he_o have_v attain_v unto_o great_a measure_n of_o grace_n when_o the_o entertain_n of_o such_o thought_n be_v a_o sign_n that_o he_o have_v little_a true_a grace_n if_o any_o at_o all_o deep_a water_n and_o full_a vessel_n make_v least_o noise_n the_o most_o fruitful_a ear_n of_o corn_n hang_v downward_o not_o so_o those_o that_o be_v shallow_a empty_a or_o blast_v tempt_v 3._o be_v you_o for_o a_o factious_a side_v with_o this_o or_o the_o other_o party_n and_o rash_o censure_v those_o that_o differ_v from_o you_o answ_n think_v well_o how_o great_a a_o sign_n this_o be_v of_o weakness_n in_o grace_n unripe_a fruit_n be_v sowâ—_n harsh_a and_o unpleasant_a so_o be_v raw_a novice_n in_o christianity_n but_o further_a experience_n and_o humility_n will_v mellow_v and_o sweeten_v your_o temper_n and_o disposition_n remember_v how_o great_a a_o stress_n the_o gospel_n lay_v upon_o servant_n charity_n love_v one_o another_o be_v the_o note_n or_o mark_v whereby_o we_o must_v be_v know_v to_o be_v christ_n disciple_n the_o grand_a essential_a point_n of_o religion_n which_o you_o must_v live_v upon_o be_v general_o own_v and_o acknowledge_v by_o all_o party_n be_v it_o not_o then_o a_o great_a piece_n of_o folly_n though_o very_o common_a to_o overlook_a these_o weighty_a matter_n and_o to_o suffer_v our_o zeal_n to_o evaporate_v and_o spend_v itself_o about_o wood_n hay_o and_o stubble_n of_o this_o see_v my_o discourse_n concern_v the_o immortality_n of_o the_o soul_n pag._n 143._o etc._n etc._n tempt_v 4._o be_v you_o tempt_v to_o grow_v secure_a and_o careless_a because_o you_o think_v your_o case_n be_v safe_a answ_n the_o great_a your_o hope_n of_o heaven_n be_v so_o much_o the_o more_o reason_n you_o have_v to_o be_v watchful_a against_o sin_n diligent_a and_o active_a in_o the_o way_n of_o your_o duty_n but_o if_o you_o grow_v negligent_a or_o remiss_a in_o matter_n of_o religion_n you_o have_v cause_n enough_o to_o suspect_v that_o your_o hope_n and_o confidence_n be_v ill-grounded_a or_o not_o like_a to_o last_v long_o 1_o joh._n 3.3_o every_o man_n that_o have_v this_o hope_n in_o he_o purify_v himself_o even_o as_o he_o be_v pure_a again_o there_o be_v many_o eye_n upon_o you_o the_o great_a god_n be_v the_o most_o reverend_a witness_n of_o all_o your_o thought_n word_n and_o action_n the_o angel_n of_o god_n encompass_v you_o about_o and_o observe_v your_o behaviour_n satan_n wait_v to_o take_v you_o at_o a_o advantage_n your_o fellow_n christian_n be_v concern_v for_o your_o welfare_n and_o perseverance_n wicked_a man_n wait_v for_o your_o halt_n sure_o this_o be_v not_o a_o time_n for_o you_o to_o be_v slothful_a or_o unconcerned_a moreover_o suppose_v you_o be_v in_o a_o state_n of_o grace_n many_o that_o have_v be_v so_o have_v fall_v into_o very_o grievous_a sin_n and_o wound_a conscience_n deep_o and_o your_o safety_n depend_v upon_o the_o continual_a influence_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n and_o therefore_o it_o must_v needs_o be_v dangerous_a to_o grieve_v or_o quench_v that_o spirit_n by_o laziness_n or_o carnal_a security_n tempt_v 5._o do_v the_o prospect_n of_o those_o difficulty_n that_o lie_v in_o your_o way_n discourage_v you_o answ_n be_v not_o heaven_n worth_n strive_v for_o will_v you_o have_v the_o crown_n without_o victory_n or_o a_o victory_n without_o conflict_n or_o conflict_n without_o enemy_n 〈◊〉_d you_o not_o know_v that_o there_o be_v more_o with_o you_o than_o against_o you_o if_o you_o be_v sincere_a god_n be_v on_o your_o side_n and_o wiâ—â—_n be_v with_o you_o when_o you_o pass_v through_o fire_n or_o water_n his_o strength_n be_v make_v perfect_a in_o weakness_n his_o grace_n 〈◊〉_d sufficient_a for_o you_o 2_o cor._n 12.9_o the_o great_a enemy_n that_o you_o have_v without_o 〈◊〉_d i_o mean_v satan_n and_o the_o world_n be_v already_o vanquish_v by_o the_o captain_n of_o your_o salvation_n and_o as_o for_o the_o enemy_n within_o you_o that_o be_v your_o own_o lust_n and_o coâ—ruptions_n though_o he_o have_v none_o such_o in_o himself_o to_o conflict_n with_o yet_o he_o have_v procure_v for_o you_o that_o grace_n which_o shall_v certain_o enable_v you_o to_o overcome_v they_o if_o you_o be_v not_o
want_v to_o yourselves_o what_o though_o indwelling_a sin_n stick_v very_o close_o to_o our_o nature_n it_o be_v not_o essential_a to_o they_o nor_o have_v any_o place_n in_o man_n primaeval_fw-fr state_n and_o the_o second_o adam_n come_v to_o heal_v those_o disease_n which_o the_o first_o have_v bring_v upon_o we_o therefore_o though_o it_o be_v good_a to_o be_v sensible_a of_o your_o own_o weakness_n and_o to_o feel_v the_o burden_n of_o sin_n that_o you_o may_v fly_v to_o christ_n yet_o you_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o faint_v or_o be_v discourage_v because_o you_o have_v he_o to_o fly_v to_o tempt_v 6._o be_v you_o perplex_v with_o troublesome_a scruple_n as_o to_o matter_n of_o practice_n that_o you_o dare_v scarce_o move_v forward_o in_o the_o way_n of_o your_o duty_n for_o fear_n of_o go_v wrong_n answ_n it_o be_v certain_a that_o our_o best_a service_n while_o we_o be_v here_o on_o earth_n will_v be_v attend_v with_o many_o sinful_a weakness_n and_o imperfection_n but_o necessary_a duty_n must_v not_o be_v leave_v unâ—one_v for_o fear_n of_o mis-doing_a it_o that_o which_o god_n require_v of_o we_o be_v that_o we_o cheaâ—_n full_o and_o quiet_o obey_v his_o will_n so_o far_o as_o we_o know_v it_o and_o sincere_o endeavour_v to_o understand_v it_o better_o thankful_o receive_v the_o gospel-pardon_n for_o our_o many_o fail_n and_o infirmity_n if_o we_o have_v the_o worthiness_n for_o so_o the_o gospel_n call_v it_o of_o faith_n repentance_n and_o sincere_a desire_n christ_n have_v the_o worthiness_n of_o perfect_a holiness_n and_o obedience_n for_o we_o and_o though_o it_o be_v our_o great_a duty_n to_o keep_v conscience_n tender_a that_o be_v to_o be_v 〈◊〉_d careful_a to_o please_v god_n and_o fearful_a of_o sin_v 〈◊〉_d we_o must_v remember_v that_o needless_a self-tormenting_a â—â—ruples_n be_v not_o at_o all_o please_a to_o god_n but_o great_a â—â—derances_n to_o our_o duty_n and_o device_n of_o satan_n to_o â—ake_v religion_n burdensome_a and_o uneasy_a to_o we_o and_o â—â—at_o if_o these_o and_o such_o other_o temptation_n cease_v not_o 〈◊〉_d be_v troublesome_a it_o be_v sometime_o necessary_a that_o we_o contemn_v they_o the_o devil_n say_v luther_n be_v a_o proud_a spirit_n and_o can_v endure_v to_o be_v slight_v he_o will_v use_v we_o work_n enough_o to_o do_v if_o we_o will_v but_o parley_v and_o â—â—gue_v the_o case_n with_o he_o to_o slight_v he_o be_v to_o resist_v â—â—â—m_n and_o then_o he_o fly_v from_o we_o tempt_v 7._o be_v you_o tempt_v to_o ensnare_v yourselves_o â—â—y_o rash_a vow_n and_o to_o make_v duty_n to_o yourselves_o â—hich_v god_n never_o enjoin_v you_o or_o to_o impose_v â—asks_n upon_o yourselves_o which_o he_o have_v not_o prescribe_v answ_n the_o use_n of_o vow_n be_v to_o bind_v we_o to_o the_o performance_n of_o that_o which_o god_n himself_o have_v bind_v â—s_a to_o by_o his_o law_n before_o that_o be_v to_o express_v our_o consent_n and_o resolution_n by_o a_o self-obligation_n to_o obey_v his_o will_n but_o not_o make_v a_o new_a religion_n to_o ourselves_o nor_o to_o injure_v our_o christian_a liberty_n by_o self-devised_n snare_n who_o have_v require_v this_o at_o your_o â—lands_n such_o sacred_a thing_n as_o vow_n be_v not_o to_o be_v trifle_v with_o our_o baptismal_a covenant_n and_o sacramental_a engagement_n at_o the_o lord_n table_n must_v be_v careful_o observe_v but_o vow_n about_o lesser_a matter_n be_v not_o to_o be_v make_v without_o great_a consideration_n and_o caution_n alteration_n of_o circumstance_n may_v make_v that_o sinful_a or_o however_o troublesome_a and_o inconvenient_a which_o at_o present_a appear_v and_o perhaps_o real_o be_v a_o duty_n good_a purpose_n and_o resolution_n be_v necessary_a and_o safe_a and_o may_v be_v change_v when_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o case_n require_v it_o that_o be_v when_o they_o cease_v to_o be_v useful_a to_o those_o end_n whereunto_o they_o be_v first_o intend_v but_o it_o be_v a_o dangerous_a thing_n after_o vow_n or_o promise_v make_v to_o god_n to_o make_v enquiry_n 〈◊〉_d though_o sometime_o even_o that_o must_v be_v do_v yet_o 〈◊〉_d great_a fear_n and_o tremble_a for_o god_n will_v not_o hold_v 〈◊〉_d guiltless_a that_o take_v his_o name_n in_o vain_a tempt_v 8._o be_v you_o tempt_v to_o grow_v weary_a of_o â—â—rious_a religion_n and_o to_o turn_v back_o again_o to_o your_o wâ—â—ted_a formality_n and_o negligence_n answ_n humble_a yourselves_o deep_o before_o god_n 〈◊〉_d those_o remnant_n of_o corruption_n which_o thus_o dispose_v you_o to_o revolt_v renew_v your_o covenant_n with_o he_o 〈◊〉_d christ_n plead_v the_o promise_n of_o his_o holy_a spirit_n 〈◊〉_d upon_o his_o assistance_n and_o grace_n make_v not_o a_o ligâ—â—â—_n matter_n of_o the_o least_o decay_n or_o declining_n in_o hoâ—â—ness_n for_o these_o tend_v to_o great_a gird_v up_o the_o loâ—â—_n of_o your_o mind_n consider_v the_o prize_n that_o be_v set_v before_o you_o and_o look_v to_o the_o example_n of_o those_o who_o by_o faith_n and_o patience_n inherit_v the_o promise_n shaving_n and_o difficulty_n will_v be_v soon_o over_o bâ—_n iâ—_n weary_a of_o well_o do_v you_o shall_v reap_v if_o you_o faint_a 〈◊〉_d gal._n 6.9_o whither_o will_v you_o fly_v in_o the_o hour_n of_o your_o extremity_n if_o the_o lord_n help_v you_o not_o then_o who_o can_v help_v you_o if_o you_o forsake_v he_o he_o will_v also_o forsake_v you_o tempt_v 9_o be_v there_o some_o belove_a sin_n which_o you_o be_v especial_o incline_v to_o and_o can_v scarce_o forbear_v or_o part_v with_o it_o answ_n fortify_v your_o mind_n with_o argument_n 〈◊〉_d your_o will_n with_o resolution_n against_o it_o avoid_v the_o occasion_n of_o it_o and_o resist_v the_o first_o strive_n and_o tendency_n towards_o it_o double_o your_o watch_n that_o you_o be_v not_o surprise_v by_o it_o single_v it_o out_o to_o run_v iâ—_n down_o mortify_v and_o destroy_v it_o as_o that_o which_o most_o dishonour_v god_n and_o endanger_v your_o own_o soul_n tempt_v 10._o be_v you_o tempt_v to_o place_v a_o undâ—â—â—_n conâ—idence_n in_o your_o own_o work_n or_o righteousness_n answ_n consider_v that_o if_o you_o thus_o go_v about_o to_o establish_v 〈◊〉_d righteousness_n of_o your_o own_o you_o take_v the_o way_n 〈◊〉_d â—â—se_n the_o benefit_n of_o christ_n righteousness_n if_o â—ardon_n and_o life_n be_v of_o grace_n they_o can_v be_v of_o work_v else_o grace_n be_v no_o more_o grace_n as_o we_o â—â—e_v creature_n we_o owe_v ourselves_o and_o all_o that_o we_o â—ave_n or_o can_v do_v to_o god_n the_o great_a angel_n in_o heaven_n can_v strict_o and_o proper_o merit_v any_o thing_n of_o god_n how_o much_o less_o such_o worm_n as_o we_o every_o â—â—â—y_v which_o we_o sincere_o perform_v be_v a_o great_a mercy_n receive_v and_o render_v we_o further_o indebt_v to_o that_o grace_n whereby_o we_o be_v enable_v thereto_o and_o beside_o we_o stand_v in_o need_n of_o pardon_n for_o the_o sinful_a weakness_n of_o our_o best_a service_n when_o we_o have_v do_v all_o we_o be_v but_o unprofitable_a servant_n eternal_a life_n be_v a_o free_a gift_n by_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n we_o be_v what_o we_o be_v ii_o we_o come_v now_o to_o the_o second_o branch_n of_o exhortation_n namely_o to_o those_o who_o be_v much_o in_o the_o dark_a as_o to_o the_o state_n of_o their_o soul_n not_o know_v what_o to_o think_v of_o themselves_o in_o reference_n to_o this_o great_a question_n viz._n whether_o they_o be_v pass_v from_o death_n to_o life_n that_o be_v whether_o they_o be_v wrought_v for_o heaven_n or_o no._n to_o such_o person_n i_o will_v offer_v the_o follow_a direction_n direct_v 1._o remember_v it_o be_v no_o new_a thing_n nor_o unusual_a among_o the_o people_n of_o god_n to_o be_v full_a of_o doubt_n fear_n and_o spiritual_a trouble_n do_v not_o think_v that_o your_o case_n be_v singular_a lest_o your_o spirit_n shall_v sink_v under_o it_o solamen_fw-la miseris_fw-la etc._n etc._n there_o have_v nothing_o befall_v you_o in_o this_o matter_n but_o what_o be_v common_a to_o man_n even_o to_o very_o good_a christian_n it_o may_v be_v satan_n will_v tempt_v you_o to_o think_v that_o none_o ever_o be_v so_o perplex_v with_o fear_n uncertainty_n and_o misgive_a thought_n as_o you_o but_o the_o scripture_n be_v very_o plain_a in_o the_o case_n that_o a_o true_o gracious_a person_n may_v sometime_o walk_v in_o darkness_n and_o have_v no_o light_n isa_n â—0_n 10_o read_v also_o the_o 88th_o psalm_n and_o see_v 〈◊〉_d that_o good_a man_n be_v afflict_v and_o even_o distraâ—â—_n with_o the_o terror_n of_o the_o almighty_a therefore_o in_o all_o this_o god_n deal_v no_o otherâ—â—â—_n with_o you_o than_o he_o have_v do_v with_o thousand_o 〈◊〉_d his_o dear_v child_n and_o as_o you_o ought_v not_o to_o â—â—spise_v the_o chastening_n of_o the_o lord_n so_o neither_o shoâ—â—â—_n you_o faint_v under_o they_o for_o who_o he_o love_v he_o