he_o reveal_v his_o good_a will_n and_o good_a like_n of_o they_o and_o let_v they_o know_v that_o they_o be_v accept_v with_o he_o when_o he_o be_v their_o friend_n and_o let_v they_o have_v the_o countenance_n of_o their_o friend_n towards_o they_o when_o he_o be_v their_o father_n and_o cause_v they_o to_o feel_v the_o bowel_n of_o their_o father_n the_o compassion_n and_o kindness_n of_o their_o father_n and_o hereby_o make_v they_o to_o joy_n in_o his_o love_n and_o to_o rejoice_v in_o hope_n of_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n this_o be_v blessedness_n indeed_o these_o be_v bless_a one_o who_o god_n be_v thus_o their_o lord_n bless_a be_v the_o people_n who_o be_v in_o such_o a_o case_n bless_a be_v the_o people_n who_o god_n be_v the_o 〈◊〉_d ps_n 144.15_o christian_n you_o need_v not_o complain_v whatever_o you_o want_v if_o you_o have_v no_o bread_n in_o your_o house_n no_o money_n in_o your_o purse_n no_o health_n in_o your_o body_n no_o rest_n in_o your_o bone_n yet_o have_v you_o the_o lord_n god_n in_o your_o heart_n it_o be_v enough_o you_o be_v bless_v soul_n sinner_n you_o need_v not_o boast_v yourselves_o and_o lift_v up_o your_o head_n so_o high_a you_o have_v money_n in_o your_o purse_n you_o have_v friend_n in_o your_o house_n you_o have_v health_n in_o your_o body_n you_o have_v marrow_n in_o your_o bone_n you_o can_v hardly_o tell_v what_o you_o lack_v that_o will_v please_v you_o and_o yet_o miserable_a soul_n be_v you_o all_o god_n be_v not_o in_o you_o and_o that_o to_o he_o that_o know_v what_o it_o be_v be_v misery_n enough_o to_o blast_v all_o your_o comfort_n and_o your_o joy_n the_o devil_n be_v where_o god_n be_v not_o sin_n bear_v rule_v where_o god_n do_v not_o and_o this_o be_v the_o upshot_n of_o your_o boast_n and_o blessing_n and_o comfort_v of_o yourselves_o this_o be_v all_o you_o can_v say_v matter_n of_o this_o world_n go_v well_o with_o i_o i_o can_v live_v a_o plentiful_a and_o pleasant_a and_o merry_a life_n the_o sun_n shine_v on_o my_o tabernacle_n i_o have_v the_o wind_n on_o my_o side_n i_o be_o on_o the_o warm_a side_n of_o the_o hedge_n i_o prosper_v i_o flourish_v in_o the_o earth_n all_o thing_n go_v well_o with_o i_o i_o have_v but_o this_o one_o thing_n to_o trouble_v i_o my_o soul_n be_v in_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o devil_n there_o be_v nothing_o of_o god_n in_o i_o and_o where_o god_n be_v not_o there_o the_o devil_n bear_v rule_v this_o if_o you_o know_v it_o be_v misery_n enough_o for_o you_o that_o whatever_o you_o have_v god_n be_v none_o of_o you_o and_o this_o be_v happiness_n enough_o for_o the_o saint_n that_o god_n be_v in_o they_o of_o a_o truth_n 2._o our_o happiness_n be_v that_o the_o lord_n be_v among_o we_o that_o we_o have_v the_o visible_a token_n of_o his_o presence_n that_o the_o ark_n of_o his_o presence_n be_v among_o we_o that_o we_o have_v his_o statute_n and_o his_o ordinance_n and_o his_o worship_n among_o we_o that_o the_o door_n of_o his_o house_n be_v open_a and_o the_o glory_n of_o the_o lord_n fill_v his_o house_n that_o the_o ordinance_n be_v among_o we_o and_o be_v not_o as_o a_o miscarry_v womb_n or_o dry_a breast_n but_o be_v fruitful_a to_o the_o propagate_a a_o holy_a seed_n bring_v forth_o abundance_n of_o child_n to_o the_o lord_n and_o nurse_v up_o those_o that_o be_v to_o be_v fat_a and_o flourish_a this_o be_v that_o glory_n of_o the_o lord_n which_o the_o psalmist_n so_o thirst_v and_o belong_v to_o see_v ps_n 63.2_o that_o i_o may_v see_v thy_o power_n and_o thy_o glory_n so_o as_o i_o have_v see_v thou_o in_o the_o sanctuary_n this_o be_v that_o happiness_n of_o the_o church_n which_o be_v prophesy_v be_v 60.2_o etc._n etc._n the_o lord_n shall_v arise_v upon_o thou_o and_o his_o glory_n shall_v be_v see_v in_o thou_o v._o 4._o thy_o son_n shall_v come_v from_o far_o and_o thy_o daughter_n shall_v be_v nurse_v up_o at_o thy_o side_n then_o shall_v thou_o see_v and_o flow_v together_o and_o thy_o heart_n shall_v fear_v and_o be_v enlarge_v v._o 8._o who_o be_v those_o that_o flee_v as_o a_o cloud_n and_o as_o the_o dove_n of_o the_o window_n v._o 14_o 15._o they_o shall_v call_v thou_o the_o city_n of_o the_o lord_n the_o zion_n of_o the_o holy_a one_o of_o israel_n and_o i_o will_v make_v thou_o a_o everlasting_a excellency_n a_o joy_n of_o many_o generation_n v._o 21._o thy_o people_n shall_v be_v all_o righteous_a the_o branch_n of_o my_o plant_v the_o work_n of_o my_o hand_n that_o i_o may_v be_v glorify_v this_o you_o will_v acknowledge_v must_v needs_o be_v a_o happy_a time_n and_o all_o this_o be_v the_o fruit_n of_o the_o presence_n of_o the_o lord_n among_o his_o people_n when_o the_o glory_n of_o the_o lord_n fill_v his_o house_n and_o the_o offspring_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v numerous_a and_o prosperous_a when_o the_o golden_a candlestick_n be_v set_v up_o and_o the_o son_n of_o man_n walk_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o his_o candlestick_n when_o there_o be_v not_o only_o here_o and_o there_o a_o flourish_a believer_n but_o when_o there_o be_v flourish_a church_n flourish_a company_n of_o believer_n when_o there_o be_v not_o only_o a_o throng_n of_o people_n crowd_v the_o door_n of_o the_o lord_n house_n but_o a_o throng_n of_o saint_n worship_v at_o his_o foot_n and_o walk_v in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n happy_a will_v such_o day_n be_v bless_a be_v the_o people_n that_o be_v in_o such_o a_o case_n by_o the_o presence_n of_o the_o lord_n among_o they_o yea_o and_o every_o degree_n towards_o such_o a_o state_n be_v so_o far_o forth_o a_o degree_n of_o people_n happiness_n when_o the_o lord_n give_v his_o prophet_n and_o teacher_n and_o ordinance_n and_o any_o freedom_n to_o attend_v upon_o they_o and_o any_o little_a success_n to_o the_o propagate_a of_o holiness_n and_o the_o sincere_a professor_n of_o it_o this_o be_v a_o token_n and_o a_o fruit_n of_o the_o presence_n of_o god_n with_o they_o it_o be_v a_o mercy_n for_o people_n to_o enjoy_v their_o civil_a advantage_n fruitful_a time_n and_o season_n for_o the_o good_a thing_n of_o the_o earth_n plenty_n of_o bread_n free_a and_o flourish_a trade_n freedom_n from_o oppression_n etc._n etc._n these_o be_v mercy_n but_o these_o may_v be_v where_o the_o lord_n be_v not_o as_o to_o his_o gracious_a presence_n it_o be_v freedom_n and_o encouragement_n for_o religion_n the_o plentiful_a rain_v down_o of_o manna_n the_o bread_n that_o come_v from_o heaven_n and_o our_o thrive_a by_o our_o bread_n it_o be_v this_o that_o evidence_n that_o the_o lord_n be_v among_o we_o 3._o our_o take_a hold_n of_o god_n be_v our_o continue_v this_o presence_n of_o the_o lord_n with_o we_o and_o prevent_v his_o departure_n where_o i_o shall_v show_v 3_o thing_n 1._o god_n may_v depart_v from_o a_o people_n with_o who_o he_o have_v be_v present_a 2._o it_o be_v woe_n with_o that_o people_n from_o who_o god_n depart_v 3._o this_o be_v to_o take_v hold_n of_o god_n to_o prevent_v his_o departure_n 1._o god_n may_v depart_v from_o his_o people_n with_o who_o he_o have_v be_v present_a and_o that_o 1._o from_o particular_a person_n from_o who_o he_o may_v then_o be_v say_v to_o depart_v 1._o when_o he_o hide_v his_o face_n from_o they_o 2._o when_o he_o suspend_v the_o influence_n of_o his_o grace_n 3._o when_o he_o loosen_v the_o reins_o of_o government_n 4._o when_o he_o deny_v they_o the_o benefit_n of_o his_o protection_n 5._o when_o he_o turn_v away_o his_o heart_n from_o they_o and_o reject_v they_o 1._o when_o he_o hide_v his_o face_n from_o they_o and_o withdraw_v the_o light_n of_o his_o countenance_n thus_o he_o withdraw_v from_o that_o precious_a servant_n of_o he_o david_n ps_n 30.7_o thou_o do_v hide_v thy_o face_n and_o i_o be_v trouble_v who_o we_o find_v pray_v ps_n 4.6_o lord_n lift_v up_o the_o light_n of_o thy_o countenance_n upon_o i_o and_o ps_n 51.12_o restore_v unto_o i_o the_o joy_n of_o thy_o salvation_n and_o uphold_v i_o with_o thy_o free_a spirit_n god_n holy_a one_o may_v forget_v god_n may_v grow_v secure_a and_o careless_a and_o wanton_a child_n and_o the_o lord_n will_v not_o countenance_v the_o best_a of_o they_o in_o their_o sin_n if_o they_o forget_v god_n he_o find_v a_o way_n to_o remember_v they_o of_o he_o by_o convey_v himself_o out_o of_o their_o sight_n the_o cloud_n upon_o his_o face_n the_o darkness_n upon_o their_o own_o spirit_n make_v they_o remember_v the_o light_n which_o once_o they_o have_v and_o to_o look_v the_o better_a to_o it_o when_o the_o light_a return_n 2._o when_o he_o suspend_v the_o influence_n of_o his_o grace_n withold_v his_o spirit_n from_o they_o this_o
they_o for_o their_o sin_n or_o if_o there_o be_v a_o rebuke_n that_o he_o send_v sometime_o in_o their_o ear_n as_o they_o stand_v in_o the_o crowd_n among_o other_o sinner_n yet_o he_o will_v not_o set_v it_o upon_o their_o heart_n but_o let_v they_o alone_o to_o shift_v it_o off_o as_o they_o will_v and_o to_o harden_v their_o heart_n against_o it_o this_o be_v a_o sign_n that_o the_o lord_n be_v depart_v from_o such_o soul_n o_o friend_n how_o many_o rebuke_n have_v the_o lord_n give_v to_o backslider_n how_o many_o charge_n have_v he_o give_v you_o to_o remember_v and_o repent_v and_o to_o shake_v up_o yourselves_o out_o of_o your_o listless_a careless_a state_n do_v these_o rebuke_n stick_v do_v these_o charge_n stick_v do_v they_o work_v upon_o you_o have_v they_o set_v you_o upon_o your_o repent_v or_o recover_v work_n how_o have_v it_o be_v with_o you_o what_o have_v you_o do_v since_o the_o lord_n have_v be_v particular_o deal_v with_o you_o in_o this_o matter_n be_v there_o any_o of_o you_o that_o have_v do_v nothing_o but_o sleep_v on_o and_o continue_v as_o you_o be_v o_o sir_n let_v i_o tell_v such_o of_o you_o that_o it_o be_v to_o be_v fear_v the_o lord_n be_v depart_v from_o you_o that_o he_o have_v loosen_v the_o reins_o of_o his_o government_n and_o have_v leave_v you_o to_o yourselves_o to_o grow_v worse_o and_o worse_o hard_a and_o hard_o till_o you_o be_v utter_o consume_v and_o bring_v to_o nothing_o 4._o when_o he_o deny_v the_o benefit_n of_o his_o protection_n here_o 2_o thing_n 1._o the_o lord_n be_v the_o protector_n of_o his_o people_n 2._o god_n then_o depart_v from_o they_o when_o he_o cast_v they_o out_o of_o his_o protection_n 1._o the_o lord_n be_v the_o protector_n of_o his_o people_n the_o keeper_n of_o israel_n ps_n 121.5_o 7._o the_o lord_n be_v thy_o keeper_n the_o lord_n be_v thy_o shade_n upon_o thy_o right_a hand_n the_o lord_n shall_v preserve_v thou_o from_o all_o evil_a the_o lord_n shall_v preserve_v thy_o soul_n he_o be_v not_o only_o the_o keeper_n of_o their_o substance_n of_o their_o flock_n and_o of_o their_o herd_n and_o of_o their_o house_n but_o he_o preserve_v the_o soul_n of_o his_o saint_n ps_n 97.10_o it_o be_v true_a every_o man_n be_v to_o be_v his_o own_o keeper_n the_o keeper_n of_o his_o own_o soul_n we_o abuse_v and_o forfeit_v the_o protection_n of_o god_n that_o thence_o grow_v careless_a and_o neglect_v the_o keep_n of_o ourselves_o commit_v the_o keep_n of_o your_o soul_n to_o he_o in_o well_o do_v 1_o pet._n 4.19_o do_v thou_o say_v the_o lord_n be_v thou_o keeper_n of_o my_o soul_n and_o i_o will_v leave_v it_o to_o he_o and_o will_v not_o trust_v in_o myself_o in_o my_o own_o keep_n thou_o say_v well_o that_o thou_o will_v not_o trust_v thy_o soul_n in_o thy_o own_o keep_n but_o do_v thou_o hereupon_o neglect_v the_o keep_n of_o thy_o soul_n will_v thou_o not_o do_v what_o thou_o can_v to_o keep_v thyself_o but_o will_v grow_v careless_a of_o thy_o own_o heart_n and_o leave_v the_o whole_a care_n upon_o he_o thou_o herein_o forfeite_v god_n protection_n the_o same_o word_n that_o promise_v the_o lord_n shall_v preserve_v thy_o soul_n require_v prov._n 4.23_o keep_v thy_o own_o soul_n keep_v thy_o heart_n with_o all_o diligence_n we_o must_v be_v every_o one_o of_o we_o our_o own_o keeper_n or_o god_n will_v not_o but_o here_o be_v our_o great_a security_n when_o we_o have_v do_v all_o that_o it_o be_v the_o lord_n that_o be_v our_o keeper_n the_o devil_n can_v tell_v that_o well_o enough_o job_n 1.10_o have_v thou_o not_o make_v a_o hedge_n about_o job_n he_o will_v fain_o have_v be_v do_v with_o he_o but_o god_n have_v hedge_v the_o devil_n so_o out_o that_o he_o can_v not_o touch_v he_o without_o his_o leave_n and_o he_o that_o hedge_v the_o devil_n out_o from_o job_n hedge_n he_o out_o from_o all_o his_o saint_n and_o he_o that_o hedge_n the_o devil_n out_o hedge_n the_o world_n out_o with_o all_o its_o temptation_n and_o snare_n christian_n you_o who_o heart_n be_v upright_o with_o god_n how_o be_v it_o that_o the_o world_n and_o its_o temptation_n be_v not_o break_v in_o upon_o you_o and_o have_v not_o total_o carry_v you_o away_o from_o god_n and_o his_o holy_a way_n and_o carry_v you_o after_o your_o covetousness_n or_o your_o pleasure_n or_o the_o honour_n and_o preferment_n of_o this_o earth_n as_o it_o have_v do_v many_o other_o o_o you_o may_v thank_v god_n for_o this_o he_o have_v hedge_v the_o world_n out_o it_o be_v well_o with_o many_o even_a professor_n if_o they_o can_v find_v in_o their_o experience_n as_o you_o do_v find_v in_o you_o that_o god_n have_v hedge_v the_o world_n out_o of_o they_o but_o o_o how_o many_o of_o these_o even_o professor_n be_v there_o that_o the_o world_n have_v break_v in_o upon_o they_o break_v in_o upon_o their_o heart_n and_o carry_v they_o away_o after_o it_o do_v not_o some_o of_o you_o feel_v that_o your_o heart_n be_v go_v go_v after_o your_o covetousness_n go_v after_o your_o ease_n and_o your_o pleasure_n go_v from_o god_n go_v from_o your_o religion_n as_o to_o the_o strictness_n and_o power_n of_o it_o go_v from_o a_o good_a conscience_n and_o your_o tenderness_n of_o it_o go_v from_o your_o heavenly_a mind_n and_o so_o you_o be_v become_v of_o those_o that_o mind_n earthly_a thing_n sure_o some_o of_o you_o do_v not_o know_v yourselves_o do_v not_o observe_v yourselves_o nor_o be_v acquaint_v with_o your_o own_o spirit_n if_o you_o do_v not_o acknowledge_v lord_n be_v merciful_a to_o i_o my_o heart_n be_v far_o go_v my_o conscience_n my_o tenderness_n my_o religion_n my_o love_n to_o christ_n be_v much_o lose_v by_o the_o encroachment_n of_o this_o present_a world_n be_v it_o so_o and_o how_o do_v it_o sit_v upon_o your_o heart_n do_v it_o not_o trouble_v you_o do_v it_o not_o make_v you_o afraid_a sure_o you_o have_v reason_n to_o be_v afraid_a and_o to_o say_v within_o your_o heart_n i_o doubt_v i_o be_o none_o of_o those_o saint_n of_o who_o god_n have_v undertake_v to_o be_v the_o keeper_n or_o at_o least_o if_o god_n have_v ever_o a_o hedge_n about_o i_o the_o hedge_n be_v break_v down_o the_o tempter_n be_v break_v in_o and_o be_v carry_v away_o all_o that_o little_a good_a i_o have_v and_o will_v never_o leave_v carry_v and_o carry_v till_o he_o have_v carry_v away_o my_o soul_n god_n have_v make_v a_o hedge_n about_o his_o saint_n not_o to_o hedge_v all_o temptation_n out_o he_o sometime_o suffer_v the_o devil_n &_o the_o world_n as_o he_o do_v in_o the_o case_n of_o job_n to_o break_v over_o the_o hedge_n he_o let_v his_o precious_a one_o to_o fall_v into_o divers_a temptation_n but_o still_o they_o be_v under_o the_o protection_n of_o his_o promise_n 1_o cor._n 10.13_o god_n be_v faithful_a who_o will_v not_o suffer_v you_o to_o be_v tempt_v above_o that_o you_o be_v able_a but_o will_v with_o the_o temptation_n make_v a_o way_n to_o escape_v christian_n may_v be_v hard_o put_v to_o it_o &_o may_v suffer_v many_o a_o foil_n we_o too_o often_o feel_v the_o devil_n be_v too_o hard_a for_o we_o the_o world_n too_o hard_o for_o we_o and_o we_o suffer_v great_a loss_n and_o impairing_n in_o our_o grace_n and_o comfort_n but_o the_o promise_n will_v bring_v we_o about_o again_o &_o fetch_v we_o in_o again_o &_o knock_v off_o our_o finger_n from_o be_v so_o bold_a with_o these_o earthly_a thing_n indeed_o we_o can_v never_o have_v assurance_n that_o we_o be_v under_o the_o protection_n of_o that_o promise_n but_o be_v leave_v without_o the_o hedge_n and_o be_v none_o of_o the_o lord_n whilst_o the_o world_n and_o its_o temptation_n do_v continue_v to_o make_v such_o a_o prey_n of_o our_o soul_n and_o hold_v we_o such_o slave_n and_o captive_n to_o it_o but_o if_o we_o be_v the_o lord_n the_o promise_n will_v bring_v it_o about_o again_o this_o be_v the_o first_o god_n be_v the_o protector_n of_o his_o people_n 2._o then_o god_n depart_v from_o they_o when_o he_o cast_v they_o out_o of_o his_o protection_n when_o he_o say_v concern_v any_o person_n as_o he_o say_v concern_v his_o vineyard_n be_v 5.5_o 6._o i_o will_v take_v away_o the_o hedge_n thereof_o and_o it_o shall_v be_v eat_v up_o and_o break_v down_o the_o wall_n thereof_o and_o it_o shall_v be_v tread_v down_o and_o i_o will_v lay_v it_o waste_v it_o shall_v not_o be_v prune_v nor_o dig_v but_o briar_n and_o thorn_n shall_v come_v up_o i_o will_v also_o command_v the_o cloud_n that_o they_o rain_v no_o rain_n upon_o it_o it_o be_v one_o thing_n for_o the_o tempter_n to_o be_v suffer_v to_o break_v in_o over_o the_o hedge_n another_o
remember_v o_o lord_n what_o have_v pass_v betwixt_o thou_o and_o we_o thou_o have_v say_v i_o will_v be_v your_o god_n and_o you_o shall_v be_v my_o people_n and_o this_o we_o find_v more_o express_o plead_v jer._n 14.7_o 8._o we_o have_v they_o expostulate_v the_o case_n o_o lord_n though_o our_o iniquity_n testify_v against_o we_o our_o backslide_n be_v many_o we_o have_v sin_v against_o thou_o o_o thou_o hope_v of_o israel_n and_o the_o saviour_n thereof_o in_o time_n of_o trouble_n why_o shall_v thou_o be_v a_o stranger_n the_o lord_n may_v have_v answer_v why_o shall_v i_o not_o be_v a_o stranger_n when_o your_o sin_n and_o your_o backslide_n be_v so_o many_o they_o reply_v v._o 21._o yet_o do_v not_o abhor_v we_o for_o thy_o name_n sake_n do_v not_o disgrace_v the_o throne_n of_o thy_o glory_n what_o will_v the_o heathen_a say_v of_o god_n if_o he_o shall_v cast_v off_o his_o people_n remember_v break_v not_o thy_o covenant_n with_o we_o it_o be_v true_a we_o have_v break_v with_o thou_o but_o yet_o remember_v what_o thou_o have_v say_v ps_n 89.31_o 32_o etc._n etc._n if_o they_o break_v my_o statute_n and_o keep_v not_o my_o commandment_n i_o will_v visit_v their_o iniquity_n with_o a_o rod_n and_o their_o sin_n with_o stripe_n nevertheless_o my_o love_a kindness_n will_v i_o not_o utter_o take_v from_o he_o nor_o suffer_v my_o faithfulness_n to_o fail_v my_o covenant_n will_v i_o not_o break_v nor_o alter_v the_o thing_n that_o be_v go_v out_o of_o my_o lip_n o_o that_o be_v a_o word_n of_o hope_n remember_v lord_n remember_v and_o break_v not_o thy_o covenant_n with_o we_o our_o only_a hope_n be_v the_o covenant_n of_o god_n and_o this_o be_v necessary_a to_o our_o lay_n hold_v on_o the_o covenant_n of_o god_n to_o repent_v of_o our_o covenant-breaking_a and_o to_o renew_v our_o covenant_n with_o he_o and_o return_v to_o our_o obedience_n it_o be_v a_o vain_a plead_n from_o the_o covenant_n of_o god_n from_o the_o faithfulness_n of_o god_n to_o his_o people_n if_o they_o have_v be_v false_a in_o the_o covenant_n and_o will_v not_o return_v our_o engage_v to_o fidelity_n to_o god_n for_o the_o future_a and_o our_o be_v faithful_a to_o our_o engagement_n this_o be_v the_o sure_a and_o our_o only_a way_n to_o take_v hold_n on_o the_o covenant_n of_o god_n friend_n you_o that_o be_v backslider_n you_o have_v be_v unfaithful_a to_o god_n you_o have_v break_v the_o covenant_n of_o your_o peace_n and_o as_o to_o yourselves_o you_o have_v hereby_o take_v the_o most_o effectual_a course_n to_o make_v void_a the_o covenant_n of_o god_n you_o have_v loosen_v the_o almighty_a from_o his_o bond_n to_o you_o god_n be_v far_o from_o you_o as_o i_o may_v so_o speak_v and_o may_v never_o look_v after_o you_o more_o but_o may_v depart_v from_o you_o for_o ever_o and_o leave_v you_o to_o perish_v in_o your_o revolting_n and_o though_o god_n be_v gracious_a and_o abide_v faithful_a yet_o unless_o you_o will_v come_v into_o new_a bond_n with_o he_o and_o so_o lie_v hold_v on_o his_o old_a bond_n to_o you_o you_o can_v expect_v nothing_o but_o that_o he_o leave_v you_o and_o forsake_v you_o for_o ever_o this_o therefore_o you_o have_v to_o do_v for_o recovery_n 1._o to_o acknowledge_v your_o unfaithfulness_n to_o the_o lord_n lord_n i_o confess_v i_o be_o a_o backslider_n and_o herein_o be_o become_v false_a to_o thou_o i_o have_v covenant_v to_o love_v thou_o and_o to_o serve_v thou_o with_o all_o my_o heart_n and_o with_o all_o my_o might_n but_o woe_n be_v i_o thou_o have_v but_o half_a a_o heart_n from_o i_o my_o heart_n be_v divide_v o_o how_o much_o of_o it_o have_v this_o world_n carry_v away_o from_o god_n instead_o of_o serve_v thou_o with_o my_o might_n i_o have_v be_v a_o idle_a servant_n the_o lord_n forgive_v i_o my_o business_n have_v of_o late_o lyen_fw-we another_o way_n than_o about_o god_n or_o my_o soul_n i_o have_v be_v serve_v my_o pride_n and_o my_o covetousness_n this_o world_n have_v too_o much_o of_o i_o insomuch_o that_o many_o a_o time_n i_o have_v even_o forget_v that_o i_o have_v a_o god_n to_o serve_v and_o when_o i_o do_v any_o thing_n in_o the_o service_n of_o god_n i_o do_v it_o but_o by_o half_n my_o strength_n have_v go_v out_o for_o the_o world_n and_o woe_n be_v i_o there_o have_v be_v but_o little_o leave_v for_o god_n but_o my_o weakness_n and_o weariness_n yea_o and_o though_o i_o find_v the_o sad_a fruit_n of_o this_o my_o neglect_n in_o those_o waste_n that_o be_v grow_v upon_o i_o though_o i_o see_v myself_o become_v a_o poor_a wither_a decay_a thing_n yet_o i_o be_o not_o much_o trouble_v at_o it_o but_o be_o still_o go_v on_o in_o the_o same_o busy_a life_n for_o this_o earth_n and_o in_o the_o same_o neglect_n of_o god_n o_o i_o have_v be_v thus_o unfaithful_a a_o unfaithful_a servant_n a_o unfaithful_a steward_n of_o the_o manifold_a grace_n of_o god_n i_o have_v so_o waste_v my_o talent_n that_o i_o have_v almost_o nothing_o leave_v thus_o confess_v unto_o god_n your_o covenant_n break_n 2._o renew_v your_o covenant_n and_o return_n to_o your_o fidelity_n to_o repent_v and_o not_o return_v be_v but_o a_o mock_n repentance_n to_o confess_v and_o not_o amend_v be_v but_o a_o mock_n confession_n remember_v that_o word_n jer._n 15.19_o if_o thou_o will_v return_v i_o will_v bring_v thou_o again_o and_o thou_o shall_v stand_v before_o i_o you_o that_o confess_v your_o backslide_n will_v you_o return_v you_o see_v how_o it_o have_v be_v and_o be_v with_o you_o shall_v it_o be_v better_o for_o the_o future_a what_o be_v your_o mind_n for_o hence_o forward_o be_v your_o heart_n so_o set_v upon_o a_o revive_n the_o work_n of_o god_n and_o a_o recover_v out_o of_o your_o carnal_a earthly_a lazy_a habit_n and_o way_n that_o you_o be_v willing_a to_o renew_v your_o covenant_n with_o god_n will_v you_o promise_v to_o the_o lord_n that_o through_o his_o grace_n with_o you_o and_o the_o help_n of_o his_o good_a spirit_n you_o will_v henceforth_o set_v your_o heart_n to_o be_v more_o faithful_a to_o he_o to_o follow_v the_o lord_n full_o to_o stick_v fast_o to_o your_o religion_n to_o be_v true_a to_o god_n and_o your_o conscience_n and_o the_o covenant_n of_o your_o god_n will_v you_o so_o friend_n will_v you_o o_o that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o heart_n in_o you_o all_o this_o do_v and_o then_o though_o you_o be_v go_v back_o from_o he_o yet_o he_o will_v bring_v you_o again_o though_o you_o be_v fall_v so_o low_o yet_o he_o will_v raise_v you_o up_o and_o you_o shall_v stand_v before_o he_o 3._o then_o trust_v upon_o the_o covenant_n of_o god_n return_v to_o be_v faithful_a to_o he_o and_o he_o will_v not_o leave_v you_o nor_o cast_v you_o off_o for_o your_o former_a unfaithfulness_n trust_v upon_o it_o this_o be_v your_o way_n to_o take_v hold_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o god_n and_o your_o take_a hold_n of_o the_o covenant_n will_v be_v your_o take_a hold_n of_o god_n friend_n after_o such_o forsaking_n and_o such_o declining_n as_o many_o of_o we_o be_v guilty_a of_o there_o be_v reason_n enough_o to_o be_v afraid_a lest_o the_o lord_n cast_v off_o such_o unfaithful_a one_o and_o there_o be_v no_o hope_n but_o he_o will_v do_v so_o if_o you_o thus_o return_v not_o he_o will_v be_v lose_v to_o you_o for_o ever_o he_o will_v go_v far_o and_o far_o off_o from_o you_o he_o will_v be_v gracious_a to_o you_o no_o more_o nor_o accept_v you_o nor_o any_o of_o your_o service_n of_o none_o of_o your_o prayer_n for_o yourselves_o no_o nor_o of_o the_o prayer_n of_o any_o other_o for_o you_o but_o will_v say_v concern_v you_o as_o once_o jer._n 14.11_o 12._o pray_v not_o for_o this_o people_n for_o their_o good_a and_o when_o they_o fast_o i_o will_v not_o hear_v their_o cry_n and_o when_o they_o offer_v a_o oblation_n i_o will_v not_o accept_v they_o pray_o while_o you_o will_v speak_v to_o minister_n if_o you_o will_v and_o to_o christian_n pray_v to_o the_o lord_n for_o i_o he_o will_v not_o accept_v your_o prayer_n nor_o any_o other_o prayer_n for_o you_o unless_o you_o will_v set_v your_o heart_n to_o return_v into_o faithfulness_n to_o he_o friend_n i_o tell_v you_o again_o you_o that_o be_v in_o this_o case_n and_o either_o will_v not_o see_v it_o nor_o confess_v your_o unfaithfulness_n to_o god_n but_o will_v satisfy_v yourselves_o in_o your_o way_n and_o think_v you_o be_v well_o enough_o or_o at_o least_o will_v excuse_v yourselves_o and_o say_v your_o case_n be_v make_v worse_a than_o it_o be_v or_o if_o you_o do_v confess_v it_o i_o be_v a_o backslider_n i_o have_v be_v unfaithful_a yet_o will_v not_o renew_v your_o covenant_n
take_v to_o give_v you_o the_o symptom_n or_o sign_n by_o which_o you_o may_v know_v it_o their_o backslide_n be_v so_o visible_a that_o they_o be_v manifest_v even_o to_o every_o eye_n the_o paleness_n of_o some_o of_o our_o face_n the_o shortness_n of_o our_o breath_n the_o waste_n of_o our_o strength_n the_o unwildiness_n and_o inability_n to_o labour_n and_o the_o listlesness_n thereto_o discover_v how_o it_o be_v with_o we_o o_o what_o weak_a and_o listless_a soul_n be_v some_o of_o we_o our_o flesh_n and_o our_o body_n strong_a and_o healthful_a but_o how_o weak_a be_v our_o heart_n how_o short_a breathe_v quick_o tire_v with_o every_o little_a of_o duty_n and_o how_o pale_a and_o wan_a do_v our_o outward_a man_n appear_v our_o very_a vital_n be_v perish_v and_o go_v friend_n thou_o hope_v thou_o keep_v thy_o stand_n but_o be_v it_o indeed_o with_o thou_o as_o it_o be_v wont_a to_o be_v do_v thou_o pray_v and_o hear_v and_o live_v and_o love_n and_o labour_n in_o the_o matter_n of_o god_n and_o of_o thy_o soul_n as_o in_o thy_o former_a day_n open_v thy_o eye_n and_o look_v a_o little_a upon_o thyself_o compare_v thyself_o now_o with_o what_o thou_o be_v in_o thy_o best_a estate_n and_o then_o thou_o will_v say_v of_o thyself_o as_o god_n of_o ephraim_n hos_n 7.9_o grey_a hair_n be_v upon_o i_o though_o i_o know_v it_o not_o it_o be_v conspicuous_a man_n to_o every_o one_o that_o observe_v thou_o thy_o religion_n thy_o conscience_n and_o all_o that_o grace_n that_o be_v in_o thou_o it_o be_v all_o grow_v gray_a grey_a hair_n be_v upon_o thou_o though_o thou_o mind_v it_o not_o what_o say_v you_o christian_n be_v you_o all_o fresh_a and_o flourish_a be_v you_o strong_a christian_n lively_a christian_n do_v your_o soul_n prosper_v do_v your_o religion_n prosper_v or_o must_v you_o not_o say_v i_o remember_v the_o day_n of_o old_a when_o it_o be_v better_a with_o i_o than_o now_o such_o who_o be_v so_o far_o go_v who_o decay_n be_v so_o visible_a though_o their_o recovery_n be_v possible_a yet_o they_o be_v hard_a to_o be_v recover_v 3._o a_o three_o degree_n be_v not_o to_o be_v hide_v and_o past_a cure_n plain_a to_o be_v discover_v never_o to_o be_v cure_v and_o then_o the_o consumption_n of_o soul_n be_v ordinary_o past_o cure_n when_o man_n be_v past_a feeling_n it_o be_v one_o thing_n to_o be_v without_o feel_n in_o those_o that_o never_o have_v any_o sense_n of_o god_n upon_o they_o and_o another_o to_o be_v past_a feel_n in_o those_o that_o once_o have_v some_o tenderness_n of_o heart_n those_o that_o have_v be_v chill_v and_o cool_v and_o harden_v so_o long_o till_o god_n give_v they_o over_o to_o that_o reprobate_a sense_n mention_v rom._n 1.28_o the_o case_n of_o such_o man_n be_v become_v desperate_a now_o you_o that_o be_v fall_v into_o this_o consume_a disease_n consider_v these_o thing_n how_o difficult_a your_o case_n be_v unless_o it_o be_v but_o in_o the_o very_a beginning_n and_o how_o it_o will_v be_v grow_v on_o to_o be_v hard_a and_o hard_o if_o yet_o you_o prevent_v it_o not_o with_o speed_n till_o it_o become_v desperate_a consider_v this_o and_o then_o say_v if_o it_o be_v not_o time_n to_o look_v about_o you_o and_o to_o make_v hasty_o out_o to_o the_o physician_n for_o cure_v friend_n take_v heed_n will_v you_o yet_o linger_v on_o as_o you_o have_v do_v will_v you_o be_v quiet_a take_v your_o ease_n and_o take_v no_o effectual_a care_n to_o recover_v the_o health_n you_o have_v lose_v the_o strength_n you_o have_v lose_v tremble_v to_o think_v how_o sudden_o you_o may_v be_v give_v up_o to_o a_o total_a and_o final_a apostasy_n but_o why_o be_v the_o cure_n so_o difficult_a i_o answer_v 1._o because_o as_o it_o have_v be_v say_v in_o the_o beginning_n it_o be_v so_o hard_a to_o be_v discern_v who_o will_v look_v after_o a_o cure_n that_o think_v he_o ail_v nothing_o this_o consumption_n invade_v and_o creep_v on_o by_o such_o insensible_a degree_n that_o it_o be_v not_o perceive_v or_o mind_v till_o it_o grow_v up_o to_o such_o a_o height_n as_o will_v scarce_o admit_v of_o a_o cure_n this_o consumption_n fret_v out_o the_o heart_n as_o a_o moth_n fret_v a_o garment_n when_o the_o moth_n first_o breed_v there_o it_o lie_v undiscovered_a till_o by_o insensible_a degree_n it_o eat_v up_o the_o strength_n of_o the_o garment_n if_o the_o moth_n seize_v upon_o any_o garment_n as_o fire_n do_v you_o will_v shake_v it_o off_o sudden_o but_o because_o it_o consume_v but_o insensible_o and_o by_o slow_a degree_n therefore_o it_o be_v let_v alone_o till_o it_o have_v do_v its_o work_n friend_n be_v there_o not_o a_o consumption_n upon_o you_o be_v not_o the_o moth_n get_v in_o i_o hope_v not_o into_o my_o soul_n why_o there_o be_v the_o misery_n of_o it_o you_o will_v not_o know_v you_o consume_v till_o you_o be_v utter_o consume_v 2._o from_o the_o indisposition_n and_o unwillingness_n of_o the_o heart_n to_o seek_v after_o a_o cure_n such_o untowardness_n and_o inindisposition_n there_o be_v to_o this_o work_n that_o i_o be_o afraid_a that_o by_o all_o that_o i_o can_v say_v i_o shall_v not_o be_v able_a to_o prevail_v with_o some_o of_o you_o to_o make_v trial_n what_o may_v be_v do_v may_v be_v you_o acknowledge_v that_o we_o have_v all_o need_n enough_o of_o this_o warning_n but_o i_o be_o in_o much_o doubt_n that_o when_o you_o have_v hear_v all_o your_o heart_n will_v so_o hang_v back_o from_o the_o work_n that_o all_o that_o can_v be_v say_v will_v quick_o be_v forget_v and_o never_o effectual_o stir_v you_o if_o you_o will_v take_v the_o warning_n and_o stir_v up_o your_o heart_n and_o set_v to_o the_o work_n there_o i_o hope_v you_o may_v be_v recover_v but_o i_o tell_v you_o again_o especial_o those_o that_o be_v far_o go_v that_o i_o fear_v your_o unwilling_a and_o untoward_a heart_n will_v be_v too_o hard_a for_o the_o word_n and_o will_v not_o let_v you_o come_v on_o to_o any_o purpose_n consider_v what_o i_o say_v and_o remember_v it_o a_o day_n or_o two_o hence_o and_o see_v if_o it_o be_v not_o with_o too_o many_o of_o you_o according_a to_o my_o fear_n and_o tell_v i_o then_o if_o you_o can_v i_o thank_v the_o lord_n the_o word_n have_v prevail_v and_o i_o have_v set_v my_o heart_n to_o it_o and_o through_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n will_v not_o give_v over_o till_o i_o may_v see_v it_o effectual_o work_v to_o my_o recovery_n 3._o from_o that_o opposition_n that_o be_v make_v against_o our_o recovery_n 1._o there_o be_v a_o stir_a devil_n that_o oppose_v it_o 2._o there_o be_v stir_v lust_n that_o oppose_v our_o recovery_n 1._o there_o be_v a_o stir_a devil_n that_o oppose_v your_o recovery_n the_o devil_n be_v a_o destroyer_n that_o be_v his_o name_n rev._n 9.11_o abaddon_n apollyon_n that_o be_v a_o destroyer_n it_o be_v he_o that_o have_v bring_v you_o into_o this_o case_n that_o have_v destroy_v that_o little_a grace_n you_o have_v and_o be_v thereby_o attempt_v to_o destroy_v your_o soul_n when_o you_o see_v what_o waste_n have_v be_v make_v upon_o you_o upon_o your_o conscience_n upon_o your_o comfort_n it_o be_v the_o devil_n that_o have_v make_v these_o waste_n he_o be_v that_o fox_n that_o have_v devour_v your_o grape_n the_o devil_n be_v a_o adversary_n and_o a_o busy_a adversary_n 1_o pet._n 5.8_o walk_v up_o and_o down_o seek_v to_o do_v you_o a_o mischief_n it_o be_v he_o that_o have_v bring_v you_o down_o to_o this_o low_a pass_n in_o which_o you_o be_v and_o he_o that_o have_v bring_v you_o down_o will_v do_v all_o he_o can_v to_o hinder_v you_o from_o ever_o rise_v again_o the_o devil_n be_v with_o you_o wheresoever_o you_o be_v he_o watch_v you_o where_o ever_o you_o go_v if_o you_o go_v into_o your_o closet_n go_v to_o pray_v for_o recovery_n the_o devil_n watch_v you_o there_o and_o do_v what_o he_o can_v to_o distract_v and_o hinder_v your_o prayer_n when_o you_o come_v to_o hear_v the_o devil_n watch_v you_o in_o the_o congregation_n and_o strive_v to_o catch_v away_o every_o word_n that_o may_v do_v you_o good_a all_o these_o word_n which_o i_o be_o speak_v to_o you_o for_o your_o recovery_n i_o be_o in_o doubt_n they_o may_v have_v but_o little_a success_n if_o the_o devil_n can_v help_v it_o there_o shall_v none_o of_o they_o stick_v upon_o your_o heart_n he_o that_o have_v bring_v you_o so_o low_o will_v be_v busy_a with_o you_o to_o hold_v you_o so_o low_a resist_v and_o steal_v away_o whatever_o word_n may_v help_v you_o up_o what_o be_v become_v of_o all_o the_o word_n that_o have_v be_v hitherto_o speak_v to_o this_o purpose_n do_v they_o abide_v upon_o you_o have_v they_o wrought_v