our_o soul_n towards_o god_n and_o the_o serious_a discharge_n of_o religious_a duty_n to_o conclude_v this_o head_n be_v not_o so_o intent_n upon_o any_o one_o part_n of_o duty_n as_o to_o overlook_v the_o rest_n then_o shall_v we_o not_o be_v ashamed_a when_o we_o have_v respect_n unto_o all_o god_n commandment_n psal_n 119.6_o i_o esteem_v thy_o precept_n concern_v all_o thing_n to_o be_v right_a and_o i_o hate_v every_o false_a way_n vers_fw-la 128._o 4._o continue_v instant_a in_o prayer_n the_o people_n of_o god_n be_v call_v in_o scripture_n a_o generation_n of_o seeker_n psal_n 24.6_o so_o psal_n 27.8_o when_o thou_o say_v seek_v you_o my_o face_n my_o hâ—aâ—t_n say_v uâ—to_fw-mi thou_o thy_o face_n lord_n will_v i_o seek_v how_o 〈◊〉_d do_v we_o find_v this_o duty_n press_v upon_o we_o pray_v always_o pray_v and_o faint_v not_o watch_v unto_o prayer_n pray_v to_o your_o father_n which_o see_v in_o secret_a pray_v every_o where_o pray_v without_o cease_v etc._n etc._n yea_o we_o find_v the_o holy_a person_n frequent_o employ_v in_o this_o holy_a duty_n psal_n 55.17_o evening_n and_o morning_n and_o at_o noon_n will_v i_o pray_v and_o cry_v aloud_o and_o he_o shall_v hear_v my_o voice_n psal_n 109.4_o i_o prayer_n so_o it_o be_v in_o the_o hebrew_n as_o if_o he_o be_v make_v up_o of_o prayer_n it_o be_v easy_a to_o heap_v up_o more_o example_n but_o i_o forbear_v o_o sir_n it_o be_v on_o our_o knee_n that_o we_o must_v get_v strength_n to_o walk_v with_o god_n the_o actuate_a of_o holy_a desire_n and_o present_v they_o to_o god_n must_v needs_o tend_v in_o its_o own_o nature_n to_o strengthen_v those_o habit_n of_o grace_n from_o which_o such_o desire_n proceed_v beside_o as_o it_o be_v the_o performance_n of_o a_o undeniable_a duty_n shall_v not_o a_o people_n seek_v unto_o their_o god_n a_o most_o reasonable_a piece_n of_o service_n so_o a_o answerable_a blessing_n may_v be_v expect_v upon_o it_o god_n be_v the_o rewarder_n of_o they_o that_o diligent_o seek_v he_o open_v thy_o mouth_n wide_a and_o i_o will_v fill_v it_o psal_n 81.10_o ask_v for_o great_a thing_n and_o with_o great_a earnestness_n come_v not_o with_o mean_a poor_a narrow_a thought_n of_o the_o divine_a goodness_n be_v not_o cold_a nor_o lazy_a in_o your_o request_n bless_a be_v they_o that_o hunger_n and_o thirst_n after_o righteousness_n for_o they_o shall_v be_v fill_v mat._n 5._o a_o learned_a divine_a mention_n secret_a prayer_n in_o the_o forefront_n of_o those_o duty_n to_o which_o our_o soul_n be_v natural_o most_o backward_o mr._n baxter_n now_o one_o will_v think_v our_o own_o necessity_n shall_v even_o constrain_v we_o to_o it_o alas_o how_o shall_v we_o live_v without_o it_o and_o how_o much_o do_v it_o concern_v we_o to_o strive_v against_o our_o indisposition_n to_o it_o how_o sweet_a be_v a_o duty_n when_o rescue_v out_o of_o the_o hand_n of_o difficulty_n o_o sir_n whence_o be_v it_o that_o god_n hear_v no_o often_o from_o we_o and_o with_o no_o great_a fervency_n sure_o frequent_a and_o earnest_a approach_n to_o the_o most_o holy_a god_n will_v be_v a_o great_a mean_n to_o make_v we_o more_o like_o he_o remember_v god_n have_v way_n enough_o to_o bring_v you_o to_o your_o knee_n what_o if_o dark_a cloud_n shall_v arise_v upon_o you_o or_o some_o sharp_a affliction_n befall_v you_o then_o it_o be_v likely_a you_o will_v come_v cry_v after_o he_o and_o seek_v he_o early_o hos_fw-la 5.15_o but_o why_o not_o without_o so_o much_o ado_n why_o shall_v not_o gentle_a method_n prevail_v with_o you_o be_v but_o acquaint_v with_o your_o own_o heart_n and_o you_o need_v not_o want_v either_o matter_n or_o motive_n for_o this_o great_a duty_n never_o expect_v to_o grow_v in_o grace_n without_o keep_v up_o life_n and_o fervency_n in_o prayer_n give_v i_o leave_v to_o shut_v up_o this_o head_n with_o a_o passage_n which_o i_o late_o meet_v with_o in_o the_o life_n of_o the_o excellent_a mr._n philip_n henry_n to_o the_o publisher_n whereof_o i_o here_o return_v my_o most_o humble_a thanks_o it_o be_v as_o follows_z pag._n 75._o be_v sure_o you_o look_v to_o secret_a duty_n keep_v that_o up_o whatever_o you_o do_v the_o soul_n can_v prosper_v in_o the_o neglect_n of_o it_o apostasy_n general_o begin_v at_o the_o closer-door_n secret_a prayer_n be_v first_o neglect_v and_o careless_o perform_v then_o frequent_o omit_v and_o after_o a_o while_n whole_o cast_v off_o and_o then_o farewell_n god_n and_o christ_n and_o all_o religion_n 5._o learn_v the_o art_n of_o holy_a meditation_n it_o be_v by_o this_o that_o we_o draw_v in_o life_n strength_n and_o sweetness_n from_o those_o great_a gospel-truths_n which_o inconsiderate_a person_n lay_v by_o as_o if_o they_o be_v dead_a or_o useless_a thing_n it_o be_v this_o that_o enlarge_v our_o knowledge_n and_o clear_v our_o apprehension_n in_o spiritual_a matter_n and_o set_v on_o work_v our_o resolution_n affection_n and_o all_o the_o faculty_n and_o power_n of_o our_o soul_n it_o be_v a_o soul-improving_a duty_n indeed_o nor_o can_v you_o want_v matter_n for_o such_o meditation_n if_o you_o will_v but_o see_v your_o thought_n at_o work_n and_o keep_v they_o close_o to_o it_o meditate_v upon_o the_o glorious_a excellency_n and_o perfection_n of_o the_o bless_a god_n his_o power_n wisdom_n goodness_n holiness_n truth_n all-sufficiency_n think_v i_o say_v on_o these_o and_o think_v again_o till_o become_v impression_n be_v wrought_v upon_o your_o own_o spirit_n change_v you_o from_o glory_n to_o glory_n 2_o cor._n 3.18_o think_v not_o upon_o god_n in_o a_o slighty_a or_o ordinary_a manner_n but_o with_o the_o great_a reverence_n and_o admiration_n lest_o you_o take_v his_o name_n in_o vain_a whereof_o you_o may_v be_v guilty_a in_o thought_n as_o well_o as_o in_o word_n let_v every_o thought_n of_o god_n be_v mighty_a upon_o you_o and_o participate_v in_o some_o suitable_a measure_n of_o the_o greatness_n of_o its_o almighty_a object_n think_v much_o on_o your_o bless_a redeemer_n who_o he_o be_v what_o he_o do_v what_o he_o suffer_v and_o why_o as_o also_o what_o he_o have_v further_a promise_v to_o do_v thus_o let_v christ_n dwell_v in_o your_o heart_n think_v on_o the_o holy_a spirit_n of_o grace_n call_v to_o mind_v his_o influence_n and_o operation_n upon_o your_o soul_n how_o infinite_o you_o be_v oblige_v to_o he_o how_o much_o you_o have_v still_o to_o do_v with_o he_o how_o direct_a and_o explicit_a you_o ought_v to_o be_v in_o your_o act_n of_o faith_n upon_o he_o as_o well_o as_o upon_o the_o father_n and_o the_o son_n and_o how_o careful_a you_o shall_v be_v to_o carry_v becoming_o towards_o he_o think_v on_o the_o holiness_n purity_n and_o perfection_n of_o the_o divine_a law_n how_o sweet_a how_o reasonable_a how_o advantageous_a that_o obedience_n be_v which_o god_n have_v require_v of_o we_o o_o how_o i_o love_v thy_o law_n it_o be_v my_o meditation_n all_o the_o day_n psal_n 119.97_o think_v on_o the_o heavenly_a perfection_n what_o the_o saint_n in_o glory_n and_o the_o bless_a angel_n be_v do_v what_o they_o be_v enjoy_v till_o your_o soul_n be_v on_o the_o wing_n long_v to_o be_v join_v to_o that_o holy_a and_o happy_a society_n think_v on_o the_o grace_n wherein_o you_o be_v most_o defective_a consider_v the_o reasonableness_n and_o necessity_n of_o they_o and_o how_o ill_o you_o can_v live_v without_o they_o or_o without_o great_a degree_n of_o they_o plead_v the_o cause_n of_o every_o grace_n with_o your_o own_o heart_n and_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o your_o meditation_n lift_v up_o your_o eye_n and_o your_o soul_n to_o heaven_n for_o help_v therein_o o_o that_o you_o will_v be_v persuade_v to_o try_v this_o course_n to_o engage_v yourselves_o in_o the_o frequent_a and_o solemn_a exercise_n of_o this_o great_a duty_n of_o meditation_n the_o advantage_n will_v be_v great_a every_o way_n and_o that_o you_o may_v be_v the_o fit_a for_o this_o more_o state_v exercise_n of_o meditation_n it_o will_v be_v very_o useful_a in_o the_o midst_n of_o your_o employment_n and_o business_n in_o the_o world_n to_o be_v often_o send_v up_o a_o thought_n or_o ejaculation_n towards_o heaven_n direct_v 3._o if_o your_o endeavour_n thus_o far_o prove_v successful_a so_o that_o you_o find_v more_o grace_n and_o strength_n come_v in_o thereby_o lay_v out_o yourselves_o so_o much_o the_o morâ—_n for_o god_n much_o be_v expect_v from_o they_o to_o who_o much_o be_v give_v your_o talent_n be_v to_o be_v trade_v with_o noâ—_n hide_v in_o a_o napkin_n as_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n abound_v towards_o you_o you_o must_v endeavour_v to_o abound_v in_o the_o work_n of_o the_o lord_n that_o so_o it_o may_v appear_v that_o the_o grace_n bestow_v upon_o you_o be_v not_o in_o vain_a 1_o cor._n 15.10.58_o sure_o it_o
sin_n to_o god_n a_o change_n of_o the_o temper_n and_o disposition_n of_o the_o heart_n the_o very_a work_n whereof_o we_o have_v all_o this_o while_n be_v speak_v repentance_n towards_o god_n hence_o the_o gospel_n be_v usher_v in_o with_o the_o preach_n of_o repentance_n repent_v for_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n be_v at_o band_n that_o so_o all_o man_n may_v know_v upon_o what_o term_n they_o be_v like_a to_o enjoy_v the_o bless_a privilege_n of_o this_o glorious_a gospel_n constitution_n and_o here_o i_o must_v tell_v you_o it_o be_v not_o enough_o to_o say_v that_o you_o be_v sorry_a for_o your_o past_a sin_n now_o the_o pleasure_n of_o they_o be_v over_o and_o conscience_n it_o may_v be_v uneasy_a about_o they_o no_o no_o the_o bent_n of_o your_o heart_n must_v either_o be_v turn_v against_o sin_n to_o hate_v abhor_v it_o and_o mourn_v for_o it_o as_o it_o be_v displease_a and_o hateful_a in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n etc._n etc._n or_o else_o iniquity_n will_v be_v your_o rain_n moreover_o the_o sincerity_n of_o your_o repentance_n or_o of_o this_o change_n of_o heart_n from_o the_o love_n of_o sin_n to_o the_o love_n of_o god_n and_o holiness_n must_v appear_v by_o bring_v forth_o fruit_n meet_v for_o repentance_n 8._o all_o that_o ever_o have_v enter_v into_o that_o bless_a state_n be_v first_o prepare_v for_o it_o and_o effectual_o wrought_v upon_o by_o divine_a grace_n the_o case_n of_o infant_n need_v not_o stop_v we_o such_o as_o have_v be_v save_v from_o the_o womb_n have_v also_o be_v sanctify_v from_o thence_o but_o it_o be_v the_o case_n of_o the_o adult_n or_o grow_v person_n which_o fall_v more_o direct_o under_o our_o consideration_n search_v the_o scripture_n and_o you_o may_v find_v there_o how_o those_o person_n be_v characterise_v and_o describe_v who_o be_v go_v to_o heaven_n before_o we_o it_o be_v true_a they_o all_o have_v their_o fail_n which_o they_o groan_v under_o and_o long_v to_o be_v deliver_v from_o but_o as_o to_o the_o main_a they_o be_v man_n that_o walk_v with_o god_n ordered_n their_o conversation_n as_o see_v he_o that_o be_v invisible_a man_n that_o live_v humble_a mortify_v self-denying_a life_n choose_v rather_o to_o suffer_v affliction_n with_o the_o people_n of_o god_n than_o to_o enjoy_v the_o pleasure_n of_o sin_n for_o a_o season_n that_o mourn_v for_o the_o abomination_n of_o the_o time_n and_o place_n wherein_o they_o live_v who_o righteous_a soul_n be_v vex_v with_o the_o filthy_a conversation_n of_o the_o wicked_a in_o a_o word_n man_n that_o confess_v themselves_o stranger_n and_o pilgrim_n on_o the_o earth_n seek_v and_o heavenly_a country_n and_o wait_v for_o the_o salvation_n of_o the_o lord_n see_v heb._n 11._o thus_o you_o have_v hear_v how_o the_o saint_n now_o in_o glory_n get_v thither_o and_o will_v you_o dream_v of_o come_v to_o heaven_n any_o other_o way_n they_o be_v all_o wrought_v for_o that_o bless_a state_n and_o so_o must_v you_o or_o else_o fall_v short_a of_o it_o and_o perish_v as_o it_o be_v matter_n of_o great_a encouragement_n and_o comfort_n to_o the_o godly_a to_o think_v how_o many_o thousand_o be_v get_v to_o heaven_n the_o same_o way_n by_o which_o they_o themselves_o through_o grace_n be_v go_v so_o one_o will_v think_v it_o shall_v damp_n the_o hope_n of_o graceless_a hypocrite_n to_o find_v themselves_o in_o a_o quite_o different_a yea_o contrary_a way_n 9_o the_o scripture_n assure_v we_o that_o the_o righteous_a themselves_o be_v scarce_o save_v 1_o â—et_a 4.18_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d vix_fw-la egrè_fw-la i._n e._n though_o they_o be_v certain_o save_v yet_o not_o without_o a_o great_a deal_n of_o difficulty_n the_o same_o word_n you_o have_v act_n 14.18_o save_v they_o be_v but_o not_o without_o much_o strive_n by_o reason_n of_o the_o straitness_n of_o the_o gate_n and_o the_o narrowness_n of_o the_o way_n which_o lead_v to_o life_n many_o enemy_n to_o conflict_n with_o many_o temptation_n doubt_n and_o fear_n to_o overcome_v many_o storm_n and_o tempestâ—_n to_o get_v through_o before_o they_o come_v safe_a to_o the_o haven_n what_o say_v you_o to_o all_o this_o do_v these_o thing_n offend_v you_o they_o be_v true_a for_o all_o that_o and_o now_o consider_v what_o the_o apostle_n infer_v from_o this_o in_o the_o word_n immediate_o follow_v where_o shall_v the_o ungodly_a and_o the_o sinner_n appear_v what_o shall_v become_v of_o they_o why_o the_o psalmist_n give_v you_o a_o answer_n to_o this_o psal_n 1.4_o 5._o they_o be_v like_o the_o chaff_n which_o the_o wind_n drive_v away_o therefore_o the_o ungodly_a shall_v not_o stand_v in_o the_o judgement_n nor_o sinner_n in_o the_o congregation_n of_o the_o righteous_a they_o shall_v be_v drive_v away_o in_o their_o own_o wickedness_n well_o sir_n do_v you_o think_v much_o to_o be_v tell_v of_o the_o difficulty_n that_o lie_v in_o the_o way_n to_o heaven_n be_v you_o for_o a_o cheap_a formal_a customary_a easy_a way_n of_o religion_n do_v you_o think_v that_o the_o great_a earnestness_n care_n and_o seriousness_n which_o we_o can_v possible_o use_v to_o secure_v our_o everlasting_a interest_n be_v make_v more_o ado_n than_o needs_o look_v you_o to_o it_o go_v on_o and_o prosper_v but_o remember_v that_o the_o righteous_a themselves_o be_v scarce_o save_v 10._o last_o it_o be_v impossible_a in_o the_o very_a nature_n of_o the_o thing_n that_o a_o unholy_a soul_n shall_v enjoy_v the_o heavenly_a felicity_n this_o be_v evident_a if_o you_o will_v but_o compare_v the_o temper_n and_o spirit_n of_o unregenerate_a person_n with_o the_o account_n that_o have_v be_v give_v concern_v the_o state_n of_o future_a glory_n the_o nature_n of_o thing_n must_v be_v quite_o overthrow_v and_o the_o gross_a contradiction_n reconcile_v before_o a_o unrenewed_a person_n as_o such_o can_v be_v happy_a i_o know_v that_o all_o man_n have_v some_o general_a injudicious_a tendency_n even_o by_o nature_n towards_o happiness_n but_o as_o for_o those_o upon_o who_o this_o great_a change_n have_v not_o past_a they_o neither_o know_v nor_o true_o desire_v that_o which_o alone_o can_v make_v they_o bless_v they_o be_v most_o miserable_o confound_v in_o their_o own_o wish_n and_o can_v tell_v what_o they_o will_v be_v at_o they_o say_v indeed_o that_o they_o desire_v and_o hope_v for_o heaven_n but_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n they_o know_v not_o what_o they_o talk_v of_o be_v it_o possible_a they_o shall_v be_v admit_v thither_o why_o so_o long_o as_o their_o corrupt_a deprave_a temper_n of_o spirit_n remain_v upon_o they_o they_o will_v be_v quite_o out_o of_o their_o element_n and_o unhappy_a even_o in_o heaven_n itself_o the_o reason_n be_v plain_a there_o must_v be_v a_o sutableness_n between_o the_o faculty_n and_o the_o object_n or_o else_o what_o frution_n what_o pleasure_n can_v there_o be_v will_v the_o most_o pompous_a magnificient_a show_v signify_v any_o thing_n to_o a_o blind_a man_n or_o a_o comfort_n of_o the_o most_o harmonious_a music_n to_o the_o deaf_a why_o just_o so_o it_o be_v here_o the_o heart_n of_o the_o son_n of_o man_n till_o sanctify_v by_o divine_a grace_n be_v utter_o unfit_a for_o the_o society_n the_o work_n the_o enjoyment_n of_o heaven_n as_o for_o the_o society_n it_o be_v holy_a there_o be_v a_o communion_n of_o saint_n in_o perfection_n but_o the_o heart_n of_o carnal_a man_n be_v impure_a and_o unholy_a there_o be_v none_o like_o they_o to_o converse_v with_o in_o heaven_n those_o above_o be_v employ_v in_o admire_v love_a praise_v and_o glorify_v the_o bless_a god_n and_o it_o be_v the_o enjoyment_n of_o he_o that_o make_v they_o happy_a in_o that_o state_n but_o certain_a it_o be_v that_o the_o soul_n of_o ungodly_a man_n be_v deep_o averse_a from_o god_n and_o at_o enmity_n against_o he_o â—â—ow_o then_o shall_v they_o be_v bless_v in_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o â—â—ne_n who_o they_o never_o love_v when_o to_o enjoy_v he_o be_v â—o_o love_n and_o delight_n in_o he_o o_o sir_n you_o must_v either_o â—e_v make_v holy_a that_o be_v conform_v unto_o god_n in_o the_o â—â—ame_n and_o disposition_n of_o your_o spirit_n or_o else_o heaven_n cannot_v be_v heaven_n to_o you_o therefore_o i_o beseech_v you_o deal_v true_o with_o yourselves_o â—n_o this_o matter_n let_v i_o put_v it_o to_o your_o conscience_n â—ea_o do_v you_o put_v it_o to_o they_o yourselves_o and_o then_o tell_v â—â—e_z how_o do_v you_o relish_v that_o sort_n of_o life_n on_o earth_n which_o be_v most_o like_a to_o the_o heavenly_a life_n how_o be_v you_o â—ffected_v to_o those_o thing_n which_o have_v a_o near_a tendency_n to_o lead_v you_o god-ward_o be_v his_o holy_a day_n the_o joy_n of_o your_o heart_n be_v you_o delight_v in_o his_o worship_n do_v you_o strive_v in_o every_o duty_n to_o get_v as_o near_o to_o he_o through_o
the_o judgement_n their_o practice_n give_v the_o lie_n to_o their_o profession_n they_o say_v and_o do_v not_o or_o they_o say_v one_o thing_n and_o do_v the_o quite_o contrary_a they_o be_v like_o the_o trouble_a sea_n when_o it_o can_v rest_v who_o water_n cast_v up_o mire_n and_o dire_a isa_n 57.20_o the_o body_n which_o be_v make_v to_o be_v a_o servant_n be_v become_v their_o ruler_n and_o this_o be_v one_o of_o those_o thing_n which_o the_o earth_n can_v bear_v prov._n 30.21_o 22._o a_o thing_n great_o to_o be_v lament_v lam._n 5.8_o from_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o these_o convulsion_n and_o disorder_n do_v proceed_v profess_v to_o be_v wise_a they_o be_v become_v fool_n and_o that_o more_o especial_o as_o to_o those_o thing_n wherein_o they_o be_v most_o concern_v to_o have_v their_o wit_n about_o they_o wise_a to_o do_v evil_a but_o to_o do_v good_a they_o have_v no_o knowledge_n tit._n 1.16_o they_o profess_v that_o they_o know_v god_n but_o in_o work_n they_o deny_v he_o be_v abominable_a disobedient_a and_o unto_o every_o good_a work_n reprobate_a with_o their_o mouth_n they_o show_v much_o love_n but_o their_o heart_n go_v out_o after_o their_o idol_n they_o will_v be_v happy_a but_o can_v endure_v the_o thought_n of_o that_o which_o alone_o can_v make_v they_o so_o they_o inquire_v the_o way_n to_o zion_n but_o set_v their_o face_n quite_o contrary_a they_o pretend_v to_o believe_v the_o evil_a and_o danger_n of_o sin_n but_o will_v not_o be_v persuade_v to_o leave_v it_o they_o oft_o complain_v of_o the_o vanity_n of_o this_o world_n and_o of_o the_o cross_n and_o disappointment_n they_o meet_v with_o in_o it_o but_o will_v not_o be_v prevail_v with_o to_o set_v their_o heart_n upon_o a_o better_a yea_o many_o of_o they_o be_v sond_a of_o these_o present_a enjoyment_n when_o they_o grow_v old_a and_o can_v but_o know_v that_o they_o must_v quick_o leave_v they_o yea_o some_o of_o thein_a hate_n and_o revile_v other_o for_o live_v in_o some_o measure_n up_o to_o the_o rule_n of_o that_o religion_n which_o they_o themselves_o profess_v the_o time_n will_v fail_v i_o to_o mention_v the_o thousand_o part_n of_o that_o nonsense_n whereof_o they_o be_v continual_o guilty_a so_o besot_v a_o thing_n be_v a_o carnal_a heart_n as_o if_o their_o lust_n have_v not_o only_o bereave_v they_o of_o all_o due_a sense_n of_o religion_n but_o of_o their_o wit_n too_o both_o together_o thus_o the_o case_n stand_v with_o unregenerate_a person_n till_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n rectify_v these_o disorder_n and_o bring_v their_o soul_n into_o a_o better_a frame_n and_o o_o how_o great_a a_o work_n be_v this_o see_v what_o the_o apostle_n speak_v of_o it_o ephes_n 1.19_o and_o what_o be_v the_o exceed_a 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d transcendent_a hyperbolical_a greatness_n of_o his_o power_n to_o we_o ward_v who_o believe_v according_a to_o the_o work_n energy_n of_o his_o mighty_a power_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o may_v of_o his_o power_n etc._n etc._n therefore_o sir_n lay_v the_o axe_n to_o the_o root_n of_o the_o tree_n consider_v thorough_o and_o bewail_v deep_o your_o original_a corruption_n pray_v hard_a for_o renew_v grace_n it_o will_v signify_v little_a for_o you_o to_o empty_v some_o of_o the_o stream_n while_o the_o fountain_n be_v disregard_v which_o will_v fill_v up_o all_o again_o corruption_n lie_v deep_a in_o you_o and_o will_v take_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o pain_n to_o master_v it_o and_o root_v it_o out_o nor_o can_v you_o expect_v that_o god_n will_v do_v it_o without_o the_o concurrence_n of_o your_o own_o endeavour_n with_o and_o under_o his_o grace_n phil._n 2.12_o 13._o infer_v 4._o learn_v also_o from_o hence_o the_o weakness_n wickedness_n or_o both_o of_o those_o person_n who_o go_v about_o to_o deny_v or_o obscure_v the_o doctrine_n of_o special_a grace_n their_o weakness_n i_o say_v in_o disow_v a_o thing_n so_o manifest_a both_o by_o scripture_n and_o experience_n their_o wickedness_n in_o attempt_v to_o rob_v god_n of_o the_o glory_n which_o be_v due_a to_o he_o on_o this_o account_n they_o cry_v up_o the_o natural_a freedom_n of_o man_n will_n but_o consider_v not_o its_o moral_a impotency_n or_o indisposition_n to_o that_o which_o be_v god_n its_o curse_a aversion_n from_o god_n and_o holiness_n which_o will_v never_o be_v overcome_v but_o by_o the_o power_n of_o free_a grace_n i_o know_v indeed_o that_o if_o man_n be_v true_o willing_a than_o the_o work_n be_v do_v and_o therefore_o the_o obstinacy_n of_o their_o will_n make_v they_o inexcusable_a john_n 5.40_o you_o will_v not_o come_v to_o i_o that_o you_o may_v have_v life_n but_o i_o also_o know_v that_o if_o ever_o they_o be_v make_v willing_a it_o must_v be_v in_o the_o day_n of_o god_n power_n psal_n 110.3_o no_o man_n can_v come_v to_o i_o except_o the_o father_n which_o have_v send_v i_o draw_v he_o that_o be_v their_o will_n be_v so_o corrupt_a that_o they_o can_v find_v in_o their_o heart_n to_o renounce_v their_o lust_n and_o give_v up_o themselves_o to_o the_o obedience_n of_o the_o gospel_n they_o affect_v a_o distance_n from_o god_n care_v not_o for_o come_v near_o he_o they_o be_v dead_a in_o trespass_n and_o sin_n though_o still_o they_o have_v natural_a faculty_n intellective_a and_o elective_a power_n else_o we_o may_v as_o well_o preach_v to_o wall_n as_o man_n yet_o when_o all_o be_v do_v it_o be_v grace_n that_o must_v sanctify_v and_o heal_v these_o faculty_n and_o determine_v they_o god-ward_o or_o else_o they_o be_v lose_v for_o ever_o that_o some_o be_v thus_o wrought_v upon_o be_v plain_a matter_n of_o fact_n you_o need_v go_v no_o further_o than_o the_o text_n for_o proof_n thereof_o and_o it_o be_v as_o plain_a that_o other_o be_v leave_v under_o the_o power_n of_o their_o own_o wilful_a enmity_n and_o alienation_n from_o god_n in_o short_a that_o any_o be_v sanctify_v and_o save_v be_v to_o be_v ascribe_v to_o special_a grace_n that_o the_o rest_n perish_v be_v their_o own_o do_v not_o strict_o and_o proper_o because_o they_o can_v not_o but_o because_o they_o will_v not_o do_v otherwise_o the_o destruction_n which_o fall_v upon_o they_o be_v of_o their_o own_o choose_n in_o that_o they_o will_v not_o be_v persuade_v to_o forsake_v the_o way_n that_o lead_v to_o it_o prov._n 8.36_o he_o that_o sin_v against_o i_o wrong_v his_o own_o soul_n all_o they_o that_o hate_v i_o love_v death_n the_o law_n of_o grace_n be_v establish_v order_v in_o all_o thing_n and_o sure_a the_o term_n of_o salvation_n be_v unalterable_o settle_v and_o god_n will_v judge_v man_n according_o without_o respect_n of_o person_n and_o so_o shall_v the_o sentence_n of_o judgement_n be_v execute_v too_o moreover_o god_n give_v unto_o all_o man_n such_o degree_n of_o grace_n and_o help_v as_o be_v meet_v for_o he_o to_o give_v and_o more_o by_o far_o than_o they_o due_o improve_v and_o if_o they_o will_v right_o use_v what_o they_o have_v so_o far_o as_o they_o be_v able_a they_o have_v great_a encouragement_n to_o expect_v more_o therefore_o his_o proceed_n with_o they_o for_o their_o wilful_a neglect_v be_v beyond_o all_o just_a exception_n again_o if_o over_o and_o above_o all_o this_o he_o give_v to_o some_o person_n as_o it_o be_v certain_a he_o do_v yet_o great_a proportion_n of_o grace_n even_o so_o much_o as_o shall_v effectual_o work_v upon_o they_o and_o fit_v they_o for_o heaven_n who_o can_v say_v unto_o he_o what_o do_v thou_o may_v he_o not_o do_v what_o he_o will_v with_o his_o own_o be_v there_o any_o injustice_n in_o all_o this_o what_o say_v you_o be_v not_o some_o person_n save_v be_v they_o not_o save_v by_o grace_n be_v not_o this_o grace_n the_o gift_n of_o god_n do_v god_n give_v it_o in_o time_n and_o do_v he_o not_o decree_v to_o give_v it_o from_o eternity_n where_o then_o be_v your_o cavil_n against_o election_n and_o special_a grace_n sure_o you_o will_v not_o deny_v but_o that_o multitude_n perish_v by_o their_o own_o wilful_a final_a impenitency_n through_o the_o righteous_a judgement_n of_o god_n because_o they_o hate_v he_o and_o will_v not_o that_o he_o shall_v reign_v over_o they_o infer_v 5._o last_o you_o may_v learn_v from_o hence_o how_o exceed_v dangerous_a it_o be_v to_o resist_v and_o quench_v the_o spirit_n of_o grace_n you_o have_v hear_v it_o full_o prove_v that_o there_o be_v a_o great_a work_n which_o must_v be_v do_v upon_o your_o soul_n or_o you_o be_v undo_v for_o ever_o and_o dare_v you_o neglect_v the_o offer_a help_n of_o the_o spirit_n do_v you_o not_o yet_o know_v that_o by_o a_o commoner_n sort_n of_o grace_n he_o usual_o prepare_v man_n for_o special_a grace_n and_o can_v you_o expect_v the_o latter_a while_o you_o despise_v or_o
of_o their_o soul_n and_o to_o inquire_v what_o have_v we_o do_v what_o be_v we_o do_v whither_o be_v we_o go_v how_o shall_v we_o escape_v the_o wrath_n to_o come_v this_o look_v hopeful_o indeed_o though_o you_o must_v not_o stop_v here_o neither_o nor_o take_v up_o with_o conviction_n instead_o of_o conversion_n however_o think_v not_o that_o your_o wound_n be_v like_a to_o be_v cure_v without_o be_v search_v but_o if_o through_o a_o stupid_a unconcernedness_n as_o to_o the_o affair_n of_o your_o soul_n you_o think_v it_o not_o worth_a the_o while_n to_o give_v yourselves_o all_o this_o trouble_n though_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n you_o be_v eager_o set_v upon_o this_o present_a world_n as_o the_o common_a case_n be_v i_o can_v then_o tell_v you_o what_o your_o case_n be_v without_o any_o further_a enquiry_n you_o may_v spare_v the_o labour_n of_o search_v whether_o you_o be_v regenerate_v or_o no_o for_o to_o deal_v plain_o with_o you_o it_o be_v certain_a you_o be_v not_o your_o brutish_a â—cupidity_n be_v evidence_n enough_o to_o prove_v that_o you_o be_v asleep_a yea_o dead_a in_o sin_n condemn_v already_o and_o that_o the_o wrath_n of_o god_n abide_v on_o you_o in_o a_o word_n as_o the_o lord_n live_v there_o be_v but_o a_o step_n between_o you_o and_o hell_n but_o yet_o a_o step_n there_o be_v your_o case_n be_v not_o quite_o desperate_a though_o it_o be_v very_o dangerous_a i_o must_v say_v of_o you_o as_o of_o those_o patient_n who_o condition_n seem_v very_o hazardous_a the_o event_n be_v uncertain_a but_o while_o there_o be_v life_n they_o hope_n some_o have_v recover_v who_o seem_v to_o be_v in_o as_o ill_a circumstance_n as_o you_o but_o let_v i_o tell_v you_o many_o to_o one_o have_v perish_v even_o so_o be_v here_o some_o have_v be_v convert_v and_o save_v who_o be_v once_o as_o dead_a and_o stupid_a about_o the_o concern_v of_o their_o soul_n as_o you_o be_v but_o many_o to_o one_o have_v be_v lose_v for_o ever_o therefore_o to_o flatter_v you_o in_o such_o a_o condition_n may_v contribute_v much_o to_o your_o ruin_n which_o i_o be_o not_o willing_a to_o do_v therefore_o i_o tell_v you_o there_o be_v just_a so_o much_o hope_n of_o your_o salvation_n as_o there_o be_v of_o your_o awaken_n from_o this_o carnal_a security_n and_o so_o repent_v and_o turn_v to_o god_n and_o no_o more_o chap._n ix_o direction_n for_o the_o more_o successful_a management_n of_o this_o great_a duty_n of_o self-examination_n have_v lay_v down_o the_o foregoing_a motive_n to_o excite_v you_o to_o this_o necessary_a duty_n of_o selfreflection_n and_o show_v you_o of_o how_o ill_a signification_n it_o be_v for_o man_n to_o be_v unconcern_v and_o indifferent_a about_o the_o state_n of_o their_o soul_n i_o now_o come_v to_o give_v some_o direction_n for_o the_o help_n of_o such_o as_o be_v solicitous_a to_o know_v whether_o they_o be_v wrought_v for_o heaven_n or_o no_o direction_n 1._o take_v care_n that_o you_o be_v impartial_a in_o your_o search_n that_o your_o judgement_n be_v not_o pervert_v or_o biased_a either_o way_n by_o fear_n or_o favour_n but_o that_o you_o may_v go_v according_a to_o evidence_n the_o great_a danger_n indeed_o be_v on_o the_o one_o side_n viz._n lest_o pride_n or_o self-love_n make_v you_o judge_v too_o favourable_o concern_v yourselves_o but_o here_o remember_v that_o such_o a_o mistake_n may_v prove_v your_o ruin_n it_o be_v necessary_a you_o know_v the_o worst_a of_o your_o case_n while_o there_o be_v yet_o hope_v of_o redress_n you_o have_v already_o hear_v what_o multitude_n there_o be_v that_o perish_v by_o presumption_n to_o think_v false_o that_o you_o be_v in_o the_o way_n to_o heaven_n will_v never_o bring_v you_o thither_o nor_o will_v it_o cure_v the_o disease_n of_o your_o soul_n to_o suppose_v that_o you_o be_v well_o enough_o already_o such_o rave_n be_v a_o sad_a symptom_n that_o your_o noble_a faculty_n be_v impair_v and_o distract_v and_o therefore_o that_o your_o distemper_n be_v so_o much_o the_o more_o dangerous_a but_o i_o need_v not_o enlarge_v upon_o this_o only_o remember_v that_o god_n will_v quick_o try_v all_o over_o again_o and_o whatever_o your_o present_a judgement_n be_v of_o yourselves_o his_o final_a judgement_n will_v be_v according_a to_o righteousness_n on_o the_o other_o hand_n some_o be_v so_o timorous_a and_o deject_a in_o spirit_n that_o they_o know_v not_o how_o to_o believe_v any_o thing_n that_o be_v good_a and_o comfortable_a concern_v themselves_o so_o far_o be_v they_o from_o presumptuous_a self-conceit_n that_o they_o run_v into_o a_o quite_o contrary_a extreme_a and_o stand_v in_o their_o own_o light_n can_v discern_v the_o evidence_n of_o their_o sincerity_n fain_o they_o will_v be_v assure_v that_o their_o heart_n be_v right_a with_o god_n but_o have_v not_o strength_n of_o spirit_n enough_o to_o conclude_v that_o it_o be_v so_o through_o mere_a fear_n lest_o it_o shall_v prove_v otherwise_o they_o vehement_o wish_v it_o but_o can_v persuade_v themselves_o to_o believe_v it_o still_o think_v it_o be_v too_o good_a news_n to_o be_v true_a like_o old_a jacob_n when_o they_o tell_v he_o that_o joseph_n be_v alive_a his_o heart_n faint_v for_o he_o believe_v they_o not_o gen._n 45.26_o or_o as_o the_o poor_a jew_n when_o the_o lord_n turn_v again_o the_o captivity_n of_o zion_n they_o be_v like_o they_o that_o dream_n psal_n 126.1_o they_o can_v scarce_o believe_v their_o own_o sense_n and_o understanding_n in_o the_o matter_n even_o so_o it_o be_v with_o many_o poor_a melancholy_a doubt_v christian_n they_o desire_v to_o be_v sincere_a but_o fear_v that_o they_o be_v not_o so_o and_o those_o evidence_n of_o true_a grace_n which_o to_o another_o will_v be_v discernible_a to_o they_o be_v not_o so_o now_o i_o say_v though_o such_o person_n be_v safe_a in_o the_o hand_n of_o christ_n notwithstanding_o all_o their_o doubt_n and_o jealousy_n concern_v themselves_o and_o so_o their_o mistake_n can_v prove_v destructive_a as_o in_o the_o former_a case_n yet_o it_o be_v of_o consequence_n ill_a enough_o both_o in_o point_n of_o duty_n and_o comfort_n prudence_n will_v reach_v we_o to_o be_v wary_a and_o cautious_a in_o so_o great_a a_o enquiry_n to_o suspect_v our_o own_o deceitful_a heart_n and_o to_o watch_v they_o narrow_o lest_o they_o shall_v betray_v we_o to_o vain_a hope_n and_o humility_n will_v teach_v we_o to_o entertain_v low_a thought_n of_o ourselves_o but_o still_o it_o be_v unnatural_a to_o shut_v our_o eye_n against_o that_o light_n which_o shall_v refresh_v and_o comfort_v we_o and_o unthankful_a to_o overlook_v or_o deny_v the_o richos_n of_o grace_n which_o have_v be_v lay_v out_o upon_o we_o rear_v as_o well_o as_o favour_n be_v a_o enemy_n to_o right_n and_o impartial_a judgement_n direct_v 2._o this_o enquiry_n must_v be_v manage_v with_o a_o great_a deal_n of_o care_n and_o seriousness_n it_o be_v a_o matter_n of_o life_n and_o death_n that_o be_v before_o you_o and_o therefore_o you_o have_v need_n have_v your_o wit_n about_o you_o a_o mistake_n on_o the_o one_o hand_n may_v destroy_v your_o soul_n forever_o on_o the_o other_o it_o may_v great_o obstruct_v your_o spiritual_a comfort_n and_o growth_n in_o grace_n therefore_o the_o most_o sober_a judicious_a consideration_n be_v here_o necessary_a call_v in_o your_o wander_a thought_n keep_v they_o close_o to_o the_o work_n let_v they_o not_o give_v you_o the_o slip_n lest_o they_o grow_v masterless_a and_o unruly_a commuâ—e_v with_o your_o heart_n and_o let_v you_o spirit_n make_v diligent_a search_n psal_n 77.6_o there_o be_v no_o trifle_n in_o matter_n of_o this_o nature_n it_o be_v not_o a_o few_o slighty_a transient_a thought_n that_o will_v serve_v the_o turn_n the_o principle_n of_o grace_n lie_v deep_a in_o the_o soul_n you_o must_v search_v for_o they_o as_o for_o hide_a treasure_n if_o you_o will_v discover_v they_o and_o there_o be_v depth_n of_o wickedness_n too_o which_o must_v in_o like_a manner_n be_v search_v after_o with_o great_a care_n and_o strictness_n 〈◊〉_d if_o you_o will_v pass_v a_o right_a judgement_n of_o your_o own_o case_n you_o must_v excite_v your_o sluggish_a heart_n to_o the_o work_n and_o if_o your_o thought_n fly_v off_o from_o the_o business_n let_v reason_n interpose_v its_o authority_n otherwise_o a_o thousand_o impertinence_n will_v intrude_v upon_o you_o and_o so_o you_o will_v be_v leave_v in_o as_o great_a darkness_n and_o uncertainty_n in_o reference_n to_o your_o spiritual_a estate_n as_o you_o be_v in_o before_o in_o a_o word_n intenseness_n of_o thought_n be_v needful_a in_o this_o work_n that_o so_o nothing_o may_v escape_v your_o observation_n which_o may_v any_o way_n conduce_v to_o clear_v up_o the_o point_n in_o hand_n direct_v 3._o see_v that_o you_o proceed_v with_o due_a order_n and_o method_n in_o this_o
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 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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
in_o this_o put_v it_o close_o and_o home_o to_o your_o own_o conscience_n consider_v it_o well_o before_o you_o answer_v it_o it_o be_v likely_a by_o this_o time_n you_o may_v have_v learn_v to_o say_v that_o there_o be_v no_o other_o happiness_n comparable_a to_o this_o and_o that_o it_o be_v the_o enjoyment_n of_o god_n which_o make_v heaven_n to_o be_v heaven_n and_o it_o may_v be_v your_o understanding_n be_v in_o some_o measure_n convince_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o what_o you_o say_v or_o else_o i_o be_o sure_a a_o great_a deal_n of_o pain_n have_v be_v take_v with_o you_o to_o little_a purpose_n but_o for_o all_o that_o i_o must_v tell_v you_o the_o question_n be_v not_o yet_o half_o answer_v the_o main_a point_n be_v yet_o behind_o the_o great_a work_n of_o regeneration_n lie_v principal_o in_o the_o will._n search_v therefore_o a_o little_a further_o you_o may_v chance_v to_o find_v that_o your_o heart_n be_v more_o deceitful_a in_o this_o matter_n than_o you_o think_v of_o examine_v narrow_o how_o they_o stand_v affect_v right_o notion_n be_v far_o more_o common_a in_o the_o world_n as_o dark_a as_o it_o be_v than_o answerable_a affection_n and_o tendency_n of_o soul_n be_v come_v then_o let_v we_o go_v a_o little_a deep_o into_o the_o case_n you_o say_v you_o believe_v there_o be_v no_o happiness_n to_o be_v compare_v with_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o god_n but_o do_v you_o feel_v what_o you_o say_v be_v your_o heart_n move_v towards_o this_o happiness_n lord_n i_o have_v hear_v and_o believe_v that_o thou_o have_v purpose_v to_o make_v thy_o people_n bless_v in_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o thyself_o it_o be_v this_o that_o my_o pant_a soul_n breathe_v after_o i_o plain_o feel_v that_o nothing_o else_o will_v content_v i_o grant_v i_o this_o and_o i_o have_v all_o i_o can_v have_v no_o great_a i_o desire_v no_o other_o blessedness_n lord_n may_v i_o but_o know_v thou_o better_o and_o love_v thou_o more_o even_o as_o much_o as_o my_o nature_n be_v capable_a of_o and_o enjoy_v the_o everlasting_a sense_n of_o thy_o love_n in_o a_o state_n of_o perfect_a holiness_n and_o purity_n i_o have_v then_o enough_o i_o desire_v no_o more_o whatever_o else_o go_v under_o the_o name_n of_o happiness_n in_o the_o world_n be_v but_o a_o empty_a notion_n thou_o o_o lord_n be_v my_o portion_n my_o all._n if_o these_o or_o such_o like_a request_n be_v real_o expressive_a of_o the_o inward_a deep_a habitual_a working_n of_o your_o soul_n you_o may_v then_o bold_o conclude_v that_o god_n will_v not_o frustrate_v nor_o disappoint_v such_o desire_n as_o these_o which_o his_o holy_a spirit_n have_v kindle_v in_o you_o those_o who_o thus_o esteem_n and_o long_a for_o the_o heavenly_a felicity_n shall_v have_v it_o hold_v on_o therefore_o to_o the_o end_n he_o be_v faithful_a that_o have_v promise_v if_o it_o be_v thus_o with_o you_o i_o tell_v you_o you_o be_v safe_a but_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n if_o when_o you_o hear_v mention_v make_v of_o such_o a_o happiness_n you_o do_v upon_o deep_a and_o impartial_a search_n find_v no_o sutableness_n in_o the_o temper_n and_o tendency_n of_o your_o soul_n no_o desire_n after_o it_o but_o â—ather_o a_o secret_a recoil_n and_o draw_v back_o from_o it_o if_o i_o say_v the_o case_n be_v so_o with_o you_o methinks_v i_o need_v not_o tell_v you_o you_o be_v not_o like_a to_o be_v happy_a in_o that_o to_o which_o your_o heart_n be_v so_o disaffect_v be_v not_o this_o plain_a enough_o how_o shall_v i_o make_v it_o plain_o the_o lord_n help_v you_o to_o understand_v and_o consider_v it_o i_o know_v carnal_a mind_n be_v very_o stupid_a and_o blockish_a as_o to_o the_o apprehension_n of_o such_o thing_n as_o these_o let_v i_o try_v alittle_a further_o if_o i_o can_v drive_v it_o into_o you_o suppose_v god_n shall_v say_v to_o you_o as_o once_o he_o do_v to_o solomon_n 1_o king_n 3.5_o ask_v what_o i_o shall_v give_v thou_o what_o shall_v i_o do_v for_o thou_o to_o make_v thou_o happy_a ask_v free_o speak_v thy_o 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have_v you_o concern_v the_o woeful_a corruption_n of_o human_a nature_n especial_o in_o respect_n of_o its_o aversion_n from_o god_n and_o enmity_n against_o he_o be_v you_o ever_o make_v deep_o sensible_a of_o this_o and_o thorough_o humble_v for_o it_o so_o â—s_a to_o â—ament_v and_o bewail_v it_o before_o the_o lord_n if_o not_o you_o may_v conclude_v your_o â—eâ—ves_n to_o be_v yet_o under_o the_o power_n of_o it_o and_o therefore_o stranger_n to_o this_o great_a work_n of_o grace_n which_o we_o be_v search_v after_o quare_fw-la vitia_fw-la sva_fw-la nemo_fw-la confit_fw-la tur_fw-la quia_fw-la etiam_fw-la nunc_fw-la in_o illis_fw-la est_fw-la somnium_fw-la narrare_fw-la vigelantis_fw-la est_fw-la &_o vitia_fw-la suae_fw-la confiteri_fw-la sanitatis_fw-la indicium_fw-la est_fw-la sense_n but_o if_o indeed_o the_o eâ—se_n be_v better_a with_o you_o and_o the_o bent_n of_o your_o heart_n be_v turn_v towards_o god_n through_o christ_n have_v first_o â—een_n make_v sensible_a of_o your_o sinful_a and_o unhappy_a estrangedness_n from_o hâ—m_n by_o nature_n yet_o you_o can_v but_o know_v that_o there_o be_v still_o some_o remainder_n of_o your_o old_a distemper_n do_v you_o not_o feel_v they_o be_v it_o possible_a they_o shall_v escape_v your_o observation_n can_v you_o feel_v they_o and_o not_o groan_v â—itterly_o under_o they_o â—nd_v long_o to_o be_v deliver_v from_o they_o that_o you_o may_v be_v perfect_o reconcile_v unto_o he_o who_o be_v infinite_a amiable_a goodness_n itself_o be_v you_o not_o sensible_o â—ffected_v even_o the_o best_a of_o you_o to_o find_v that_o your_o apprehension_n concern_v god_n be_v yet_o so_o dâ—rk_a and_o confuse_a and_o that_o the_o working_n of_o your_o heart_n towards_o he_o be_v so_o dull_a and_o languid_a so_o slow_a and_o heavy_a aâ—ter_v all_o that_o he_o have_v do_v to_o draw_v you_o by_o his_o love_a kâ—noness_n can_v you_o think_v of_o your_o unkind_a disingenuous_a carriage_n to_o so_o good_a a_o god_n and_o not_o be_v ashamed_a and_o â—lâ—shâ—â—â—r_a do_v it_o not_o make_v you_o even_o a_o burden_n to_o yourselves_o can_v you_o forbear_v cry_v out_o in_o the_o anguish_n of_o your_o souâ—s_n â—nd_v plead_v earnest_o with_o god_n on_o this_o account_n lord_n if_o it_o be_v so_o why_o be_o i_o thus_o must_v i_o still_o be_v complain_v and_o yet_o get_v no_o near_o thou_o o_o my_o god_n how_o long_o how_o long_o can_v thou_o behold_v this_o soul_n that_o issue_v from_o thou_o the_o father_n of_o spirit_n lord_z can_z â—hou_fw-mi see_v it_o lie_v grovel_v in_o the_o dust_n and_o look_v towards_o thou_o for_o help_v and_o will_v thou_o not_o pity_v it_o where_o be_v thy_o wont_a compassion_n and_o the_o sound_n of_o thy_o bâ—weâ—s_n sure_o they_o be_v not_o restrain_v must_v mâ—ne_a eâ—es_n still_o fail_v with_o look_v upward_o o_o lord_n i_o must_v not_o i_o dâ—re_v not_o i_o can_v entertain_v hard_a thought_n of_o thou_o no_o no_o it_o be_v i_o that_o have_v so_o often_o grieve_v thy_o holy_a spirit_n and_o therefore_o have_v no_o more_o of_o his_o help_n vouchafe_v i_o i_o tell_v you_o sir_n the_o holy_a person_n be_v most_o sensible_a of_o the_o weight_n of_o indwelling_a corruption_n they_o strive_v they_o pray_v they_o watch_v and_o war_n against_o it_o the_o near_a they_o be_v to_o god_n the_o more_o sensible_a of_o their_o yet_o remain_v distance_n from_o he_o nor_o be_v there_o any_o thing_n for_o which_o they_o more_o loath_a themselves_o than_o for_o the_o remnant_n of_o their_o aversion_n from_o he_o quest_n 3._o how_o stand_v you_o affect_v to_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n as_o he_o be_v the_o way_n to_o the_o father_n the_o principal_a mean_n to_o bring_v we_o to_o the_o knowledge_n and_o love_n of_o god_n to_o reconciliation_n and_o communion_n with_o he_o and_o to_o
such_o a_o time_n when_o sharp_a affliction_n press_v hard_a upon_o you_o it_o must_v indeed_o be_v acknowledge_v that_o even_o nature_n itself_o seem_v to_o promp_v man_n to_o look_v up_o towards_o god_n when_o they_o be_v under_o extreme_a difficulty_n and_o some_o for_o fashion_n will_v do_v it_o soon_o but_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n the_o great_a support_v and_o comfort_n of_o ungodly_a man_n be_v usual_o take_v from_o the_o creature_n they_o hope_v the_o tide_n will_v turn_v and_o matter_n go_v better_a with_o they_o in_o the_o world_n and_o this_o it_o be_v that_o keep_v they_o from_o sink_v sometime_o they_o trust_v in_o their_o riches_n sometime_o in_o their_o friend_n sometime_o to_o their_o own_o conduct_n and_o management_n in_o short_a they_o will_v turn_v their_o eye_n every_o way_n for_o satisfaction_n and_o ease_n rather_o than_o towards_o god_n the_o reason_n be_v plain_a they_o be_v estrange_v from_o he_o and_o have_v not_o learn_v to_o take_v up_o with_o he_o for_o their_o only_a soul-satisfying_a portion_n and_o happiness_n they_o like_v not_o the_o thought_n of_o this_o but_o shun_v it_o as_o a_o thing_n unsuitable_a to_o they_o they_o will_v rather_o weary_v themselves_o with_o a_o thousand_o fruitless_a attempt_n to_o sin_v rest_n in_o the_o creature_n than_o seek_v it_o in_o he_o who_o alone_o can_v give_v it_o perhaps_o when_o they_o be_v force_v and_o even_o fire_v out_o of_o all_o other_o refuge_n they_o will_v then_o come_v cry_v to_o god_n but_o what_o can_v such_o a_o constrain_a show_n of_o devotion_n signify_v vtumur_n deo_fw-la fruunâ—ur_fw-la creaturis_fw-la they_o will_v as_o it_o be_v make_v use_n of_o god_n to_o serve_v a_o turn_n but_o their_o heart_n their_o love_n and_o delight_n be_v upon_o the_o creature_n as_o for_o the_o true_o godly_a the_o case_n be_v otherwise_o with_o they_o their_o hope_n and_o comfort_n be_v of_o a_o more_o divine_a original_a lord_n what_o waâ—â—_n i_o for_o my_o hope_n be_v in_o thou_o although_o the_o fig_n tree_n shall_v not_o blossom_n etc._n etc._n yet_o will_v i_o rejoice_v in_o the_o lord_n hab._n 3.17_o 18._o some_o trust_n in_o chariot_n and_o some_o in_o horse_n but_o we_o will_v remember_v the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n our_o god_n psal_n 20.7_o there_o be_v many_o that_o say_v who_o will_v show_v we_o any_o good_a lord_n listen_v thou_o up_o the_o light_n of_o thy_o countenance_n upon_o we_o â—sal_n 4_o 6_o in_o the_o multitude_n of_o my_o thought_n heb._n troublesome_a perplex_v thought_n within_o i_o try_v comfort_n delight_v my_o soul_n thus_o the_o spirit_n of_o adoption_n teâ—châ—th_v believer_n to_o lay_v open_a their_o complaint_n to_o their_o heavenly_a father_n to_o cast_v their_o câ—re_n upon_o he_o to_o place_v their_o happiness_n in_o he_o to_o fetch_v their_o comfort_n from_o he_o and_o this_o as_o matter_n of_o choice_n not_o mere_o out_o oâ—_n constraint_n the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v a_o strong_a tower_n the_o righteous_a â—â—â—neth_n into_o it_o and_o be_v safe_a prov._n 19.10_o psal_n 94.32_o the_o lord_n be_v my_o defence_n and_o my_o god_n be_v the_o râ—ck_n of_o my_o refuge_n they_o know_v they_o elf_n to_o be_v stranger_n in_o this_o world_n and_o therefore_o expect_v no_o great_a matter_n from_o it_o heaven_n be_v their_o home_n their_o treasure_n their_o hope_n their_o joy_n their_o heart_n be_v there_o of_o this_o we_o have_v full_a proof_n in_o the_o context_n as_o have_v be_v already_o observe_v by_o these_o and_o such_o like_a question_n you_o may_v try_v your_o state_n i_o know_v there_o be_v different_a degree_n of_o grace_n all_o that_o be_v true_o godly_a will_v not_o be_v alike_o able_a to_o answer_v what_o have_v be_v propose_v nor_o will_v i_o make_v sad_a the_o heart_n of_o the_o weak_a sincere_a christian_n there_o may_v be_v great_a failures_n and_o imperfection_n but_o that_o which_o i_o will_v advise_v you_o to_o be_v strict_o to_o observe_v what_o be_v the_o prevail_a bent_n of_o your_o heart_n in_o all_o this_o but_o i_o have_v one_o question_n more_o fit_a for_o the_o strong_a to_o try_v themselves_o by_o though_o the_o weak_a be_v not_o unconcern_v in_o it_o neither_o quest_n 10._o do_v you_o love_n god_n as_o god_n for_o himself_o above_o yourselves_o or_o any_o other_o object_n whatsoever_o that_o in_o point_n of_o duty_n we_o ought_v thus_o to_o love_n god_n be_v past_a dispute_n unless_o we_o will_v renounce_v at_o once_o both_o reason_n and_o religion_n mark_n 12.30_o thou_o shall_v love_v the_o lord_n thy_o god_n with_o all_o thy_o heart_n and_o with_o all_o thy_o soul_n etc._n etc._n this_o be_v the_o first_o and_o the_o great_a commandment_n mat._n 22.38_o and_o the_o second_o be_v like_a unto_o it_o thou_o shall_v love_v thy_o neighbour_n as_o thyself_o here_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o we_o ought_v to_o love_n god_n total_o without_o any_o limitation_n or_o restriction_n with_o all_o our_o power_n mind_n and_o will_v with_o a_o love_n transcend_v either_o that_o of_o ourselves_o or_o our_o neighbour_n i_o suppose_v you_o will_v ready_o grant_v that_o god_n must_v be_v love_v better_a than_o your_o neighbour_n and_o yet_o they_o must_v be_v love_v as_o yourselves_o therefore_o god_n must_v be_v love_v better_a than_o yourselves_o too_o thus_o the_o necessitaâ—_n praecepti_fw-la be_v plain_a but_o since_o there_o be_v more_o in_o the_o precept_n of_o the_o divine_a law_n than_o in_o the_o condition_n of_o salvation_n otherwise_o none_o can_v be_v save_v without_o perfect_a obedience_n therefore_o here_o arise_v a_o great_a question_n before_o we_o viz._n whether_o such_o a_o love_n to_o god_n as_o god_n above_o ourselves_o oâ—_n our_o own_o happiness_n etc._n etc._n be_v so_o necessary_a necessitate_v medii_fw-la that_o no_o man_n be_v to_o be_v account_v in_o a_o state_n of_o salvation_n who_o do_v not_o thus_o love_n god_n better_o than_o himself_o what_o i_o have_v to_o say_v in_o answer_n to_o this_o shall_v be_v digest_v into_o the_o follow_a particular_n with_o submission_n to_o better_a judgement_n 1._o it_o be_v very_o odd_a and_o dangerous_a to_o say_v that_o that_o man_n be_v in_o a_o state_n of_o grace_n who_o love_v not_o god_n as_o god_n do_v not_o this_o sound_n very_o absurd_o and_o strange_o we_o will_v leave_v it_o to_o the_o ear_n which_o as_o elihu_n say_v triâ—â—_n word_n job_n 34.3_o 2._o it_o be_v clear_a by_o far_a than_o the_o sun_n at_o noonday_n that_o god_n as_o god_n be_v infinite_o better_a than_o ourselves_o and_o the_o whole_a creation_n beside_o i_o will_v not_o so_o much_o undervalue_v your_o judgement_n as_o to_o think_v that_o you_o stand_v in_o need_n of_o have_v this_o proâ—ed_a to_o you_o nor_o will_v i_o so_o far_o overuâ—ue_v your_o piety_n as_o to_o think_v that_o there_o be_v no_o need_n of_o press_v it_o upon_o you_o that_o your_o heart_n may_v be_v suitable_o affect_v with_o it_o 3._o therefore_o we_o love_v not_o god_n as_o god_n if_o we_o love_v he_o not_o better_a than_o ourselves_o or_o our_o own_o interest_n and_o happiness_n as_o such_o because_o as_o god_n he_o be_v infinite_o better_a than_o we_o be_v or_o can_v be_v god_n be_v the_o universal_a self_n originate_v independent_a unchangeable_a good_a but_o the_o goodness_n of_o the_o creature_n be_v particular_a limit_v derive_v and_o entire_o dependent_a upon_o he_o and_o therefore_o by_o no_o mean_n to_o be_v set_v in_o competition_n with_o he_o isa_n 40.25_o 4._o it_o be_v certain_a that_o god_n have_v deep_o implant_v in_o our_o nature_n a_o principle_n of_o self-love_n and_o that_o he_o make_v use_v of_o it_o both_o in_o order_n to_o our_o preservation_n and_o government_n this_o it_o be_v which_o engage_v we_o in_o the_o use_n of_o mean_n in_o order_n to_o our_o own_o welfare_n and_o be_v suppose_v in_o all_o the_o precept_n promise_n and_o threaten_n that_o be_v set_v before_o we_o this_o principle_n neither_o can_v nor_o aught_o to_o be_v extirpate_v but_o it_o must_v be_v regulate_v and_o keep_v within_o its_o due_a bound_n or_o in_o its_o proper_a place_n in_o order_n to_o the_o best_a and_o high_a ends._n 5._o it_o be_v also_o evident_a that_o by_o the_o apostasy_n our_o self-love_n be_v become_v inordinate_a perverse_a and_o therefore_o exceed_o sinful_a so_o that_o self-denial_n be_v one_o of_o the_o first_o step_n towards_o our_o recovery_n mat._n 16.24_o we_o be_v fall_v from_o god_n to_o ourselves_o and_o be_v for_o set_v up_o our_o own_o little_a carnal_a support_v self-interest_n in_o opposition_n to_o that_o full_a and_o proper_a interest_n that_o he_o have_v in_o we_o that_o be_v we_o will_v be_v god_n to_o ourselves_o this_o be_v the_o grand_a fundamental_a disorder_n of_o human_a nature_n the_o heart_n of_o the_o old_a man._n this_o have_v disjoint_v we_o and_o render_v we_o offensive_a to_o god_n and_o
towards_o eternity_n your_o continuance_n on_o earth_n be_v like_a to_o be_v but_o short_a at_o long_a and_o by_o reason_n of_o its_o uncertainty_n may_v prove_v much_o short_a than_o you_o be_v willing_a to_o imagine_v or_o hear_v of_o do_v you_o not_o see_v other_o daily_o drop_v into_o the_o grave_a before_o your_o eye_n even_o such_o as_o be_v as_o likely_a for_o life_n as_o yourselves_o and_o how_o little_a do_v you_o know_v how_o soon_o your_o turn_n may_v come_v and_o what_o if_o your_o glass_n shall_v be_v run_v before_o your_o work_n be_v do_v where_o be_v you_o then_o it_o may_v be_v when_o the_o fear_n of_o death_n and_o judgement_n be_v upon_o you_o you_o will_v then_o cry_v out_o for_o more_o time_n but_o how_o little_a reason_n have_v you_o to_o expect_v that_o such_o cry_n shall_v be_v regard_v from_o person_n who_o have_v trifle_v away_o so_o much_o time_n already_o to_o no_o purpose_n o_o labour_n so_o to_o number_v your_o day_n as_o to_o apply_v your_o heart_n to_o wisdom_n 6._o consider_v how_o easy_a the_o yoke_n of_o christ_n be_v how_o light_a his_o burden_n mat._n 11.30_o i_o know_v indeed_o that_o the_o hearâ—_n of_o unregenerate_a man_n be_v deep_o prejudice_v against_o the_o way_n of_o serious_a godliness_n partly_o through_o their_o own_o corruption_n and_o partly_o through_o the_o malice_n and_o subtlety_n of_o the_o devil_n and_o therefore_o such_o prejudices_fw-la must_v needs_o be_v most_o unworthy_a and_o unreasonable_a how_o shall_v there_o be_v any_o reason_n or_o truth_n against_o the_o god_n of_o truth_n and_o reason_n his_o service_n be_v perfect_a freedom_n his_o commandment_n be_v not_o grievous_a here_o let_v i_o reason_v the_o case_n a_o little_a with_o you_o bring_v forth_o your_o strong_a argument_n what_o be_v there_o that_o offend_v you_o in_o the_o holy_a way_n of_o god_n do_v you_o fear_v they_o will_v tend_v to_o your_o loss_n or_o disadvantage_n in_o the_o world_n why_o be_v you_o yet_o to_o learn_v that_o a_o man_n life_n consist_v not_o in_o the_o abundance_n of_o the_o thing_n which_o he_o possess_v luk._n 12.15_o our_o heavenly_a father_n know_v how_o far_o we_o have_v need_n of_o these_o thing_n and_o be_v able_a to_o furnish_v a_o table_n in_o the_o wilderness_n if_o we_o crust_v he_o not_o with_o our_o soul_n we_o be_v undo_v but_o if_o we_o do_v iâ—_n it_o not_o very_o absurd_a to_o distrust_v he_o as_o to_o our_o outward_a concern_v what_o a_o preposterous_a kind_n of_o solicitude_n be_v this_o if_o i_o have_v tell_v you_o earthly_a thing_n and_o you_o believe_v not_o how_o shall_v you_o believe_v if_o i_o tell_v you_o of_o heavenly_a thing_n job_n 1.12_o i_o only_o allude_v to_o it_o nor_o be_v there_o want_v promise_n to_o rest_v upon_o this_o matter_n seek_v first_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o all_o these_o thing_n shall_v be_v add_v mat._n 6.33_o 1_o tim._n 4.8_o godliness_n be_v profitable_a unto_o all_o thing_n have_v the_o promise_n of_o the_o life_n that_o now_o be_v etc._n etc._n psal_n 37.3_o trust_v in_o the_o lord_n and_o do_v good_a so_o shall_v thou_o dwell_v in_o the_o land_n and_o very_o thou_o shall_v be_v feed_v beside_o the_o promise_n of_o aâ—â—_n hundred_o fold_v to_o those_o who_o forsake_v their_o worldly_a enjoyment_n for_o his_o name_n be_v sake_n mat._n 19.29_o do_v you_o apprehend_v that_o it_o will_v tend_v to_o your_o dishonour_n to_o engage_v strict_o in_o the_o holy_a way_n of_o god_n answ_n it_o be_v a_o very_a small_a matter_n to_o be_v judge_v of_o man_n judgement_n those_o that_o honour_n god_n he_o will_v honour_v but_o they_o that_o despise_v he_o shall_v be_v light_o esteem_v do_v you_o think_v that_o a_o life_n of_o holiness_n be_v irksome_a or_o unpleasant_a answ_n if_o you_o consider_v the_o duty_n enjoin_v the_o promise_v annex_v the_o support_v and_o assistance_n vouchsafe_v to_o the_o godly_a the_o experience_n and_o testimony_n of_o those_o who_o have_v try_v the_o pleasure_n of_o both_o kind_n yea_o or_o the_o true_a notion_n of_o pleasure_n itself_o you_o will_v find_v abundant_a reason_n to_o conclude_v that_o there_o be_v no_o joy_n comparable_a to_o those_o of_o the_o godly_a but_o that_o wisdom_n excel_v folly_n as_o much_o as_o light_n do_v darkness_n the_o way_n of_o holiness_n be_v way_n of_o pleasantness_n prov._n 3.17_o thus_o you_o must_v by_o serious_a consideration_n endeavour_v to_o dispossess_v those_o prejudices_fw-la which_o be_v root_v in_o the_o heart_n of_o unregenerate_a man_n against_o religion_n there_o be_v enough_o to_o be_v say_v to_o show_v how_o vain_a and_o frivolous_a their_o objection_n be_v therefore_o let_v your_o reason_n be_v full_o satisfy_v in_o the_o case_n do_v not_o stand_v in_o your_o own_o light_n plead_v not_o for_o your_o disease_n nor_o argue_v in_o the_o dark_a against_o thing_n which_o you_o know_v not_o first_o try_v and_o then_o judge_v it_o be_v not_o cavil_v against_o your_o duty_n which_o will_v serve_v to_o excuse_v you_o from_o it_o 7._o consider_v what_o great_a encouragement_n you_o have_v humble_o to_o expect_v the_o assistance_n of_o special_a grace_n if_o you_o careful_o improve_v the_o ability_n and_o help_n that_o be_v already_o grant_v you_o it_o be_v likely_a that_o satan_n and_o your_o own_o corrupt_a heart_n may_v suggest_v to_o you_o that_o it_o be_v to_o no_o purpose_n to_o trouble_v your_o thought_n about_o these_o thing_n because_o special_a grace_n be_v the_o gift_n of_o god_n who_o diâ—â—_n with_o his_o own_o as_o he_o please_v but_o to_o this_o i_o answer_v though_o it_o be_v true_a that_o grace_n be_v a_o free_a gift_n else_o it_o be_v not_o grace_n yet_o it_o do_v not_o therefore_o follow_v that_o you_o must_v sit_v still_o in_o a_o sluggish_a stupidity_n and_o expect_v to_o be_v save_v without_o any_o care_n or_o concern_v of_o your_o own_o about_o iâ—_n be_v not_o the_o mercy_n of_o common_a providence_n as_o food_n raiment_n friend_n health_n etc._n etc._n the_o gift_n of_o god_n will_v you_o therefore_o argue_v that_o no_o care_n be_v to_o be_v take_v about_o these_o thing_n how_o then_o come_v it_o to_o pass_v that_o your_o thought_n and_o endeavour_n be_v employ_v early_o and_o late_o in_o the_o world_n and_o for_o it_o it_o seem_v you_o be_v most_o willing_a to_o be_v impose_v upon_o and_o to_o have_v a_o cloak_n for_o your_o sloth_n in_o spiritual_a matter_n though_o you_o will_v laugh_v at_o he_o who_o shall_v argue_v at_o the_o same_o rate_n as_o to_o temporal_a concern_v therefore_o to_o be_v plain_a with_o you_o i_o must_v tell_v you_o you_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o expect_v the_o help_n of_o special_a grace_n while_o through_o mere_a sloth_n and_o perverseness_n you_o will_v not_o excite_v your_o natural_a faculty_n nor_o strike_v in_o with_o conviction_n and_o other_o help_n of_o common_a grace_n which_o be_v vouchsafed-you_a but_o rather_o you_o may_v just_o fear_v lest_o you_o shall_v be_v give_v up_o to_o a_o reprobate_a sense_n to_o blindness_n of_o mind_n and_o hardness_n of_o heart_n for_o the_o turn_n away_o of_o the_o simple_a shall_v slay_v they_o prov._n 1.32_o but_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n you_o be_v not_o destitute_a of_o encouragement_n if_o in_o good_a earnest_n you_o fall_v to_o the_o work_n it_o may_v be_v you_o will_v say_v that_o yâ—_n have_v no_o full_a proper_a promise_n to_o depend_v upon_o for_o special_a grace_n though_o you_o shall_v improve_v the_o common_a help_n that_o be_v give_v you_o but_o here_o let_v i_o ask_v you_o be_v there_o not_o many_o dreadful_a threatening_n to_o the_o slothful_a neglector_n of_o this_o great_a salvation_n be_v you_o not_o earnest_o inviteâ—_n to_o come_v in_o and_o accept_v of_o christ_n be_v not_o the_o god_n with_o who_o you_o have_v to_o do_v mereâ—ful_a and_o gracious_a be_v not_o the_o great_a redeemer_n full_a of_o compassion_n be_v you_o not_o command_v to_o seek_v the_o lord_n while_o he_o may_v be_v sound_a and_o to_o call_v upon_o he_o while_o he_o be_v near_a isa_n 55_o 6_o â—_o and_o be_v there_o not_o a_o great_a deal_n of_o encouragement_n in_o all_o this_o his_o god_n set_v you_o about_o needless_a unpregnable_n wâ—â—â—_n will_v he_o not_o be_v sound_a of_o they_o that_o see_v he_o doâ—h_v not_o he_o love_v holiness_n better_o than_o you_o and_o will_v he_o not_o be_v as_o ready_a to_o vouchsafe_v the_o sanâ—â—â—_n you_o influenceâ—_n of_o his_o grace_n as_o you_o be_v ardaly_a to_o desâ—â—e_v 〈◊〉_d bâ—â—â—r_n after_o they_o what_o iniquity_n have_v you_o â—â—â—u_fw-mi 〈◊〉_d in_o â—im_n â—hat_n you_o shoulâ—_n entertain_v such_o mean_a low_a narrow_a 〈◊〉_d oughts_z of_o his_o goodness_n where_o be_v the_o man_n and_o what_o be_v his_o name_n that_o can_v say_v lord_n i_o do_v to_o my_o utmost_a improve_v the_o help_n thou_o give_v i_o and_o yer_z thou_o râ—â—â—â—â—'st_v to_o
neglect_v no_o mean_n nor_o help_n in_o order_n thereto_o such_o resolution_n as_o these_o be_v most_o proper_a in_o your_o condition_n but_o if_o your_o heart_n still_o hang_v back_o let_v i_o ask_v you_o what_o will_v you_o resolve_v upon_o vita_fw-la humana_fw-la sine_fw-la proposito_fw-la vaga_fw-la est_fw-la &_o languida_fw-la will_v you_o put_v the_o matter_n to_o the_o venture_n and_o trouble_v your_o head_n no_o further_o about_o it_o but_o still_o go_v on_o at_o the_o old_a dull_a stupid_a rate_n if_o so_o this_o be_v wilful_o to_o destroy_v your_o own_o soul_n and_o who_o can_v you_o blame_v but_o yourselves_o will_v you_o sit_v down_o in_o despair_n this_o be_v to_o despise_v or_o undervalue_v the_o riches_n of_o gospel-grace_n that_o be_v set_v before_o you_o those_o that_o come_v to_o christ_n he_o will_v in_o no_o wise_a cast_v out_o again_o will_v you_o delay_v for_o a_o while_n and_o put_v off_o the_o thought_n of_o these_o thing_n till_o hereafter_o answ_n this_o indeed_o be_v the_o common_a case_n but_o almost_o as_o unreasonable_a as_o either_o of_o the_o other_o two_o your_o time_n be_v not_o in_o your_o own_o hand_n you_o know_v not_o how_o soon_o your_o soul_n may_v be_v require_v of_o you_o the_o long_a you_o delay_v the_o more_o difficult_a it_o be_v like_a to_o be_v and_o the_o spirit_n that_o shall_v help_v you_o will_v be_v grieve_v by_o your_o backwardness_n satan_n will_v have_v the_o fast_o hold_v of_o you_o and_o if_o death_n overtake_v you_o before_o the_o work_n be_v do_v you_o be_v damn_v therefore_o i_o say_v turn_v your_o thought_n which_o way_n you_o will_v all_o other_o resolution_n will_v be_v find_v mad_a and_o dangerous_a except_o that_o of_o the_o prodigal_n i_o will_v arise_v and_o go_v to_o my_o father_n so_o do_v you_o and_o here_o let_v i_o tell_v you_o it_o be_v needful_a that_o your_o resolution_n be_v firm_a and_o steady_a lest_o those_o difficulty_n which_o may_v afterward_o arise_v in_o your_o way_n shall_v discourage_v you_o and_o that_o they_o be_v speedy_a lest_o death_n overtake_v you_o unprepared_a and_o also_o that_o in_o this_o whole_a business_n you_o be_v sensible_a of_o your_o own_o weakness_n and_o insufficiency_n lest_o you_o miscarry_v through_o foolish_a self-confidence_n but_o of_o that_o more_o by_o and_o by_o direct_v 4._o see_v that_o your_o resolution_n be_v forthwith_o put_v into_o practice_n by_o this_o it_o must_v appear_v that_o they_o be_v true_a and_o hearty_a if_o the_o will_v be_v determine_v in_o the_o case_n suitable_a endeavour_n will_v ensue_v and_o here_o your_o work_n lie_v in_o the_o follow_a order_n 1._o humble_a yourselves_o deep_o in_o the_o presence_n of_o god_n for_o all_o that_o sin_n and_o folly_n which_o hitherto_o you_o have_v be_v guilty_a of_o consider_v the_o evil_a of_o sin_n as_o it_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o holy_a and_o pure_a nature_n and_o law_n of_o god_n call_v to_o remembrance_n your_o own_o sin_n and_o lay_v they_o to_o heart_n that_o they_o may_v not_o be_v lay_v to_o your_o charge_n in_o a_o particular_a manner_n bewail_v the_o corruption_n of_o your_o nature_n and_o more_o especial_o the_o estrangedness_n of_o your_o heart_n from_o god_n and_o enmity_n against_o he_o with_o that_o inordinate_a propension_n to_o the_o creature_n in_o which_o the_o heart_n of_o the_o old_a man_n do_v main_o consist_v proceed_v then_o to_o consider_v those_o actual_a transgression_n which_o have_v all_o along_o issue_v from_o this_o corruption_n viz._n your_o loss_n of_o precious_a time_n misimprovement_n of_o gospel_n ordinance_n and_o mean_n of_o grace_n your_o pride_n passion_n earthliness_n sensuality_n etc._n etc._n confess_v these_o thing_n humble_o and_o feel_o in_o the_o presence_n of_o god_n labour_v to_o melt_v into_o a_o ingenuous_a childlike_a sorrow_n for_o have_v carry_v it_o so_o unworthy_o to_o so_o good_a and_o gracious_a a_o father_n that_o sorrow_n for_o sin_n which_o proceed_v only_o from_o fear_n of_o punishment_n be_v the_o sorrow_n of_o a_o slave_n and_o may_v consist_v with_o as_o much_o love_n to_o sin_n as_o ever_o but_o godly_a sorrow_n be_v animate_v by_o holy_a love_n to_o god_n which_o raise_v in_o the_o soul_n a_o rational_a hearty_a grief_n for_o its_o transgression_n against_o he_o a_o hatred_n of_o sin_n and_o resolution_n against_o it_o for_o the_o future_a this_o be_v repentance_n from_o dead_a work_n and_o towards_o god_n he_o that_o cover_v his_o sin_n shall_v not_o prosper_v but_o he_o that_o confess_v and_o forsake_v they_o shall_v find_v mercy_n prov._n 28.13_o yea_o as_o matter_n now_o stand_v such_o be_v the_o wonderful_a condescension_n of_o the_o law_n of_o grace_n it_o be_v a_o act_n of_o justice_n and_o faithfulness_n as_o well_o as_o mercy_n to_o forgive_v sin_z wheresoever_o with_o true_a repentance_n it_o be_v confess_v 1_o joh._n 1.9_o if_o we_o confess_v our_o sin_n he_o be_v faithful_a and_o just_a to_o forgive_v we_o our_o sin_n etc._n etc._n therefore_o i_o say_v give_v glory_n to_o god_n by_o a_o humble_a acknowledgement_n of_o your_o sin_n lay_v yourselves_o low_a that_o his_o glory_n may_v â—â—e_v advance_v put_v your_o mouth_n in_o the_o dust_n if_o so_o be_v there_o may_v be_v hope_n justify_v his_o holy_a law_n though_o in_o so_o do_v you_o condemn_v yourselves_o say_v with_o the_o return_v prodigal_n luk._n 15.21_o father_n i_o have_v sin_v against_o heaven_n and_o in_o thy_o sight_n and_o be_o no_o more_o worthy_a to_o be_v call_v thy_o son_n etc._n etc._n 2._o thankful_o acknowledge_v the_o riches_n of_o freegrace_n in_o that_o god_n be_v yet_o please_v to_o offer_v you_o term_n of_o reconciliation_n and_o peace_n the_o golden_a sceptre_n be_v hold_v forth_o to_o you_o that_o you_o may_v touch_v it_o and_o live_v methinks_v this_o shall_v encourage_v you_o and_o put_v life_n and_o vigour_n into_o your_o proceed_n and_o draw_v out_o your_o very_a soul_n in_o sweet_a return_v of_o love_n to_o god_n lord_n be_v there_o yet_o hope_n be_v there_o any_o mercy_n for_o such_o a_o one_o as_o i_o behold_v i_o come_v in_o obedience_n to_o thy_o call_n blessed_n be_v god_n for_o jesus_n christ_n 3._o humble_o implore_v pardon_v mercy_n for_o your_o past_a sin_n and_o the_o help_n of_o divine_a grace_n for_o your_o present_a and_o future_a duty_n as_o the_o necessity_n of_o your_o case_n shall_v make_v you_o very_o earnest_a and_o importunate_a in_o these_o request_n so_o you_o have_v great_a encouragement_n give_v you_o to_o strengthen_v your_o faith_n and_o confidence_n in_o the_o divine_a goodness_n god_n delight_v in_o mercy_n and_o have_v proclaim_v his_o gracious_a name_n exod._n 34.6_o 9_o use_v this_o as_o a_o argument_n in_o prayer_n as_o the_o psalmist_n do_v psal_n 25.11_o for_o thy_o name_n sake_n o_o lord_n pardon_v my_o iniquity_n for_o it_o be_v great_a plead_v the_o merit_n and_o satisfaction_n of_o jesus_n christ_n the_o promise_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o assure_v yourselves_o god_n be_v as_o ready_a to_o forgive_v as_o you_o be_v to_o repent_v and_o forsake_v your_o sin_n he_o will_v not_o despise_v a_o break_a and_o a_o contrite_a heart_n psal_n 51.17_o and_o since_o the_o work_n that_o lie_v before_o you_o be_v holy_a and_o spiritual_a therefore_o trust_v not_o to_o your_o own_o resolution_n or_o strength_n pray_v hard_o for_o the_o help_n of_o the_o spirit_n â—ay_v your_o soul_n open_a to_o the_o influence_n of_o his_o grace_n yield_v yourselves_o to_o his_o conduct_n careful_o strike_v in_o with_o all_o his_o motion_n lord_n here_o be_o i_o what_o will_v thou_o have_v i_o to_o do_v teach_v i_o the_o way_n wherein_o i_o shall_v go_v incline_v my_o heart_n to_o thy_o testimony_n strengthen_v i_o with_o may_v in_o my_o inward_a man._n magnify_v thy_o power_n in_o my_o weakness_n speak_v lord_n for_o thy_o servant_n hear_v draw_v i_o and_o i_o will_v run_v after_o thou_o 4._o and_o now_o give_v up_o yourselves_o unfeigned_o to_o god_n in_o and_o through_o christ_n if_o you_o expect_v he_o shall_v be_v your_o god_n that_o be_v your_o portion_n happiness_n soul-satisfying_a good_a you_o must_v be_v his_o people_n devote_v to_o his_o love_n and_o service_n the_o covenant_n must_v be_v mutual_a else_o how_o shall_v it_o be_v a_o covenant_n let_v this_o be_v do_v with_o great_a freedom_n cheerfulness_n and_o resolution_n of_o spirit_n you_o will_v never_o have_v reason_n to_o repent_v of_o your_o choice_n he_o will_v be_v your_o shield_n and_o your_o exceed_a great_a reward_n 5._o live_v henceforth_o as_o become_v the_o covenant-people_n of_o god_n renounce_v your_o lust_n and_o corruption_n let_v the_o time_n pass_v of_o your_o life_n suffice_v you_o to_o have_v fulfil_v the_o inclination_n of_o the_o flesh_n remember_v you_o must_v now_o live_v at_o another_o rate_n than_o heretofore_o you_o have_v do_v the_o glory_n of_o god_n must_v be_v
â—â—steneth_v and_o scourge_v every_o son_n who_o he_o receive_v heb._n 12.5_o 6._o direct_v 2._o take_v special_a care_n that_o no_o secret_a lust_n 〈◊〉_d indulge_v no_o wilful_a sin_n maintain_v nor_o allow_v 〈◊〉_d sin_n will_v breed_v doubt_n and_o fear_n and_o sorrow_n as_o natural_o as_o a_o putrify_a carcase_n do_v vermiâ—â—_n unless_o you_o be_v give_v up_o to_o a_o reprobate_a sense_n if_o 〈◊〉_d will_v make_v your_o wound_n bleed_v afresh_o no_o woâ—â—â—â—_n if_o you_o feel_v the_o smart_n and_o anguish_n of_o they_o if_o you_o weaken_v the_o habit_n of_o grace_n by_o contrary_a act_n you_o may_v thank_v yourselves_o that_o you_o can_v discerâ—_n the_o sincerity_n of_o those_o habit_n if_o you_o grieve_v the_o spirit_n who_o shall_v comfort_v you_o what_o can_v you_o expect_v but_o to_o be_v in_o the_o dark_a and_o so_o disconsolate_a if_o you_o play_v at_o fast_o and_o loose_a with_o conscience_n and_o run_v counter_a to_o it_o dictate_v you_o may_v be_v sure_a 〈◊〉_d will_v wound_v you_o for_o your_o folly_n and_o pay_v you_o home_o for_o the_o affront_v you_o put_v upon_o it_o if_o you_o will_v harboâ—â—_n the_o enemy_n of_o your_o lord_n how_o can_v you_o look_v for_o the_o light_n of_o his_o countenance_n that_o darkness_n you_o labour_v under_o be_v self-contracted_n these_o cloud_n where_o of_o you_o complain_v be_v of_o your_o own_o raise_n if_o you_o set_v up_o your_o idol_n in_o your_o heart_n god_n will_v answer_v you_o according_a to_o your_o idol_n ezek._n 14.4_o in_o short_a if_o you_o will_v be_v make_v bold_a with_o sin_n that_o sin_n will_v cause_v sorrow_n and_o trouble_n if_o there_o be_v any_o life_n of_o grace_n to_o feel_v it_o indeed_o if_o the_o case_n be_v thus_o with_o you_o you_o have_v great_a reason_n to_o bless_v god_n that_o you_o be_v disquiet_v and_o not_o give_v up_o to_o searedness_n of_o conscience_n and_o therefore_o i_o say_v away_o with_o your_o lust_n 〈◊〉_d you_o expect_v the_o comfort_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n 〈◊〉_d the_o assurance_n of_o his_o love_n direct_v 3._o though_o you_o want_v these_o special_a comfort_n of_o assurance_n do_v not_o overlook_v those_o general_a ground_n of_o encouragement_n that_o be_v still_o before_o you_o these_o be_v firm_a clear_a and_o certain_a how_o waver_v doubtful_a and_o dark_a soever_o your_o thought_n of_o your_o own_o particular_a case_n may_v be_v these_o be_v still_o at_o hand_n how_o far_o soever_o the_o evidence_n of_o your_o sincerity_n be_v to_o seek_v these_o be_v the_o great_a foundation_n upon_o which_o your_o comfort_n must_v be_v build_v and_o therefore_o you_o â—â—â—d_v need_n to_o understand_v and_o digest_v they_o thorough_o and_o lay_v the_o apprehension_n of_o they_o deep_o in_o your_o â—ouls_n viz._n 1._o it_o be_v certain_a that_o god_n be_v infinite_o good_a and_o that_o his_o love_n mercy_n and_o compassion_n to_o poor_a sinner_n can_v be_v measure_v he_o have_v proclaim_v his_o name_n that_o be_v his_o nature_n exod._n 34.6_o 7._o so_o psal_n 103.8_o the_o lord_n be_v merciful_a and_o gracious_a slow_a be_v anger_n and_o plenteous_a in_o mercy_n isa_n 55.7_o he_o will_v abundant_o pardon_v or_o multiply_v to_o pardon_v vers_fw-la 8._o for_o my_o thought_n be_v not_o your_o thought_n neither_o be_v your_o way_n my_o way_n say_v the_o lord_n for_o as_o the_o heaven_n be_v high_a than_o the_o earth_n so_o etc._n etc._n q._n d._n quanto_fw-la sum_fw-la subâ—imior_fw-la tanto_fw-la &_o clementior_fw-la grot._fw-la by_o how_o much_o i_o be_o high_a than_o you_o by_o so_o much_o i_o be_o more_o merciful_a remember_v all_o the_o goodness_n of_o the_o creature_n be_v derive_v from_o he_o and_o therefore_o he_o must_v needs_o be_v infinite_o better_a than_o they_o all_o how_o be_v it_o that_o you_o call_v his_o power_n omnipotence_n his_o wisdom_n or_o knowledge_n omniscience_n and_o yet_o entertain_v such_o poor_a narrow_a thought_n of_o his_o goodness_n be_v he_o not_o all-good_a as_o well_o as_o almighty_a and_o alwise_a be_v not_o his_o attribute_n all_o alike_o infinite_a be_v it_o not_o the_o device_n of_o satan_n to_o hide_v the_o goodness_n of_o god_n from_o you_o and_o to_o fill_v you_o with_o black_a unworthy_a thought_n of_o he_o that_o he_o may_v either_o quite_o keep_v you_o from_o he_o or_o make_v your_o walk_n with_o he_o uncomfortable_a therefore_o i_o say_v lay_v this_o dowâ—_n as_o a_o fundamental_a truth_n and_o according_o stay_v yourselves_o upon_o it_o viz._n that_o however_o it_o be_v yet_o 〈◊〉_d be_v good_n 2._o it_o be_v also_o certain_a that_o the_o satisfaction_n of_o christ_n be_v of_o infinite_a value_n and_o that_o he_o be_v full_a of_o to_o derness_n and_o pity_n to_o poor_a sinner_n whatever_o he_o 〈◊〉_d or_o suffer_v have_v a_o transcendent_a excellency_n and_o man_n in_o it_o from_o the_o dignity_n of_o his_o person_n he_o be_v god_n as_o well_o as_o man._n and_o his_o compassion_n to_o poor_a sinner_n be_v every_o where_o set_v forth_o in_o the_o gospel_n 〈◊〉_d earnest_o do_v he_o treat_v with_o they_o in_o order_n to_o their_o reconcillation_n and_o peace_n with_o god_n how_o feel_o do_v he_o weep_v over_o they_o how_o affectionate_o do_v he_o pray_v even_o for_o those_o that_o persecute_a and_o hate_v he_o to_o the_o death_n he_o disdain_v not_o to_o converse_v with_o the_o mean_a person_n the_o poor_a and_o infirm_a have_v free_a access_n to_o he_o how_o ready_o do_v he_o sheâ—_n mercy_n to_o their_o body_n to_o prepare_v they_o for_o the_o belief_n and_o entertainment_n of_o that_o great_a mercy_n be_v bad_a in_o store_n for_o their_o soul_n 3._o pardon_v and_o life_n be_v free_o offer_v to_o you_o all_o without_o exception_n if_o you_o will_v accept_v thereof_o upon_o the_o reasonable_a term_n of_o the_o new_a covenant_n the_o way_n be_v open_a whosoever_o will_v let_v he_o take_v the_o water_n of_o life_n free_o god_n be_v in_o christ_n reconcile_n the_o world_n to_o himself_o none_o be_v exclude_v by_o the_o tenor_n of_o the_o gospel_n but_o such_o as_o exclude_v themselves_o by_o their_o own_o wilful_a and_o final_a impenitency_n whatsoever_o doubt_n or_o difficulty_n arise_v before_o you_o still_o keep_v close_o to_o these_o three_o grand_a foundation_n of_o comfort_n and_o encouragement_n be_v your_o case_n as_o bad_a as_o it_o will_v it_o can_v be_v desperate_a unless_o you_o make_v it_o so_o by_o persist_v obstinare_o in_o it_o remember_v the_o love_n of_o god_n be_v the_o cause_n of_o our_o redemption_n by_o jesus_n christ_n and_o our_o redemption_n be_v the_o foundation_n of_o the_o new_a covenant_n you_o have_v these_o three_o altogether_o joh._n 3.16_o for_o god_n so_o love_v the_o world_n that_o he_o give_v his_o only_a beget_v son_n that_o whosoever_o believe_v in_o he_o shall_v not_o perish_v but_o have_v everlasting_a life_n direct_v 4._o waste_v not_o your_o time_n in_o fruitless_a muse_n or_o heartless_a complaint_n about_o your_o doubtful_a uncertain_a state_n but_o fall_v forthwith_o to_o your_o certain_a duty_n what_o though_o you_o can_v tell_v whether_o as_o yet_o you_o have_v sincere_o give_v up_o yourselves_o to_o jesus_n christ_n and_o accept_v of_o he_o i_o hope_v you_o be_v past_a doubt_n that_o you_o ought_v so_o to_o do_v though_o you_o be_v in_o the_o dark_a as_o to_o what_o be_v past_a your_o present_a duty_n be_v plain_a and_o certain_a the_o door_n be_v open_a enter_z and_o live_v christ_n be_v willing_a if_o you_o be_v willing_a he_o offer_v his_o benefit_n to_o you_o he_o press_v they_o upon_o you_o and_o urge_v you_o to_o accept_v they_o come_v then_o be_v of_o good_a cheer_n arise_v he_o call_v you_o gird_v up_o the_o loin_n of_o your_o mind_n sigh_v and_o complain_v rid_v no_o business_n set_v yourselves_o to_o the_o work_n with_o all_o your_o might_n admit_v that_o you_o have_v not_o yet_o sincere_o close_v with_o jesus_n christ_n it_o be_v not_o too_o late_o to_o do_v it_o now_o and_o it_o be_v a_o thing_n that_o must_v be_v do_v or_o you_o be_v undo_v forever_o but_o if_o you_o suppose_v or_o hope_v you_o have_v do_v it_o already_o it_o will_v be_v so_o much_o the_o easy_a to_o do_v it_o again_o nor_o will_v it_o be_v lose_v labour_n to_o renew_v your_o covenant_n with_o he_o the_o advantage_n be_v great_a every_o way_n if_o your_o soul_n be_v habitual_o for_o christ_n draw_v out_o those_o habit_n into_o exercise_n and_o that_o be_v the_o way_n to_o feel_v that_o you_o have_v they_o thus_o grace_n will_v be_v more_o discernible_a and_o conscience_n more_o quiet_a while_o you_o be_v intent_n upon_o your_o duty_n you_o may_v be_v save_v though_o you_o shall_v live_v and_o die_v under_o great_a doubt_n and_o fear_n as_o to_o your_o sincerity_n but_o you_o can_v be_v save_v except_o you_o be_v sincere_a therefore_o observe_v it_o much_o more_o concern_v you_o to_o
of_o our_o natural_a animal_n spirit_n though_o lively_a affection_n in_o duty_n be_v very_o desirable_a and_o shall_v be_v endeavour_v after_o yet_o in_o try_v our_o spiritual_a estate_n the_o inward_a deep_a rational_a working_n of_o our_o soul_n towards_o god_n be_v main_o to_o be_v look_v at_o viz._n a_o fix_a and_o high_a estimation_n of_o he_o above_o all_o in_o our_o understanding_n and_o hearty_a resolution_n for_o he_o and_o cleave_v to_o he_o in_o our_o will_n with_o correspondent_a endeavour_n to_o please_v he_o and_o be_v accept_v of_o he_o through_o the_o whole_a course_n of_o our_o life_n in_o these_o thing_n it_o be_v that_o the_o life_n of_o grace_n and_o duty_n do_v consist_v those_o be_v the_o holy_a soul_n who_o be_v inward_o and_o deep_o most_v incline_v towards_o god_n resolve_v for_o he_o and_o solicitous_a to_o please_v he_o not_o those_o who_o have_v the_o most_o transport_v passion_n or_o movable_a affection_n the_o sacred_a recess_n of_o the_o mind_n as_o i_o may_v allude_v to_o that_o of_o the_o poet_n persius_n satyr_n second_o be_v more_o inward_a the_o affectionate_a part_n come_v more_o into_o view_n god_n be_v not_o a_o object_n of_o sense_n and_o therefore_o more_o fit_a for_o the_o understanding_n and_o will_n than_o the_o passion_n to_o work_v upon_o the_o grand_a essential_o of_o holiness_n be_v more_o deep_a and_o steady_a passionate_a strive_n of_o affection_n make_v a_o great_a noise_n but_o be_v nothing_o near_o so_o valuable_a beside_o weak_a judgement_n and_o strong_a passion_n oft_o go_v together_o the_o wise_a and_o weighty_a person_n be_v usual_o must_v sedate_v and_o compose_v direct_v 8._o remember_v that_o god_n often_o make_v the_o full_a discovery_n of_o his_o love_n to_o his_o people_n when_o they_o be_v engage_v in_o the_o most_o difficult_a self-denying_a part_n of_o duty_n and_o obedience_n it_o will_v be_v endless_a to_o tell_v you_o of_o the_o transport_v joy_n which_o many_o of_o the_o martyr_n have_v find_v in_o their_o sharp_a suffering_n when_o all_o man_n have_v forsake_v they_o god_n have_v stand_v by_o they_o and_o comfort_v they_o he_o have_v visit_v they_o in_o their_o prison_n and_o enlarge_v their_o soul_n with_o spiritual_a refreshment_n when_o their_o body_n have_v be_v under_o confinement_n he_o have_v enable_v they_o to_o triumph_v in_o the_o very_a flame_n and_o to_o baffle_v their_o enemy_n by_o their_o patience_n magnanimity_n and_o cheerfulness_n in_o suffer_v paul_n and_o silas_n sing_v in_o the_o stock_n stephen_n have_v heaven_n open_v to_o he_o when_o his_o enemy_n be_v rage_v against_o he_o the_o three_o child_n in_o the_o fiery_a furnace_n have_v one_o walk_v with_o they_o like_o the_o son_n of_o god_n it_o be_v true_a indeed_o we_o be_v not_o to_o run_v upon_o suffering_n till_o god_n call_v we_o thereto_o but_o if_o it_o please_v he_o so_o to_o do_v we_o ought_v thankful_o to_o accept_v of_o such_o a_o call_v as_o a_o prize_n put_v into_o our_o hand_n for_o the_o exercise_n of_o our_o grace_n and_o the_o advancement_n of_o our_o comfort_n but_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n if_o you_o be_v for_o take_v up_o with_o a_o cheap_a and_o easy_a religion_n and_o excuse_v yourselves_o from_o the_o more_o difficult_a self-denying_a part_n of_o duty_n it_o be_v a_o sign_n your_o grace_n be_v but_o weak_a at_o best_a and_o therefore_o your_o comfort_n be_v not_o like_a to_o be_v strong_a will_v you_o sow_v spare_o and_o reap_v plentiful_o how_o can_v you_o expect_v full_a assurance-of_a the_o love_n of_o god_n while_o you_o care_v not_o how_o little_a you_o lay_v out_o yourselves_o for_o he_o and_o what_o though_o you_o be_v not_o call_v to_o the_o fiery_a trial_n yet_o if_o you_o will_v but_o set_v yourselves_o earnest_o to_o the_o frequent_a diligent_a spiritual_a exercise_n of_o religious_a duty_n to_o the_o mortificaiton_n of_o your_o belove_a lust_n and_o to_o the_o do_v of_o all_o the_o good_a you_o can_v in_o the_o several_a place_n wherein_o you_o stand_v you_o will_v certain_o find_v difficulty_n enough_o to_o exercise_v your_o grace_n and_o to_o make_v way_n for_o your_o great_a comfort_n because_o the_o flesh_n will_v draw_v back_o from_o such_o work_n as_o this_o the_o world_n be_v at_o hand_n ready_a to_o entangle_v you_o satan_n will_v do_v his_o worst_a to_o hinder_v you_o and_o so_o will_v all_o his_o instrument_n accustom_v yourselves_o to_o self-denying_a obedience_n and_o in_o so_o do_v you_o may_v expect_v the_o comfort_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n direct_v 9_o understand_v aright_o the_o ordinary_a method_n which_o the_o spirit_n take_v in_o comfort_v the_o soul_n of_o believer_n lest_o you_o abuse_v yourselves_o by_o expect_v what_o be_v unusual_a or_o extraordinary_a it_o be_v certain_a that_o none_o have_v a_o right_n to_o the_o save_a benefit_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n but_o those_o who_o comply_v with_o the_o term_n of_o that_o covenant_n nor_o can_v any_o have_v the_o comfort_n of_o assurance_n who_o do_v not_o know_v that_o they_o have_v so_o comply_v now_o it_o be_v the_o spirit_n that_o enable_v we_o to_o assent_v to_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o particular_o to_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o promise_n that_o be_v make_v to_o sincere_a believer_n and_o it_o be_v he_o that_o incline_v our_o heart_n by_o his_o grace_n to_o accept_v of_o the_o benefit_n offer_v and_o to_o perform_v the_o duty_n require_v that_o be_v true_o to_o repent_v of_o our_o sin_n and_o to_o give_v up_o ourselves_o to_o god_n in_o christ_n and_o when_o we_o have_v so_o do_v our_o case_n be_v safe_a but_o in_o order_n to_o the_o comfort_n of_o assurance_n it_o be_v further_a requisite_a to_o discern_v our_o own_o sincerity_n in_o this_o covenant-closure_n and_o from_o thence_o to_o conclude_v that_o we_o be_v in_o a_o justify_v state_n and_o have_v a_o right_n to_o the_o heavenly_a felicity_n now_o here_o we_o stand_v in_o need_n of_o further_a help_n from_o the_o spirit_n that_o we_o may_v be_v enable_v to_o discern_v the_o grace_n which_o he_o have_v wrought_v in_o we_o and_o so_o to_o draw_v that_o comfortable_a conclusion_n viz._n that_o we_o be_v pass_v from_o death_n to_o life_n thus_o you_o see_v the_o spirit_n comfort_v believer_n and_o give_v they_o assurance_n of_o salvation_n in_o a_o rational_a way_n by_o help_v they_o to_o discover_v the_o evidence_n of_o their_o sincerity_n and_o it_o be_v foolish_a presumption_n to_o expect_v assurance_n any_o other_o way_n as_o if_o the_o spirit_n will_v enable_v man_n to_o rejoice_v in_o they_o know_v not_o what_o or_o to_o conclude_v they_o shall_v be_v save_v they_o know_v not_o why_o we_o must_v be_v able_a to_o give_v a_o reason_n of_o the_o hope_n that_o be_v in_o we_o 1_o pet._n 3.15_o so_o do_v the_o apostle_n here_o in_o the_o word_n of_o the_o text._n o_o do_v not_o deceive_v yourselves_o by_o expect_v enthusiastical_a impulse_n irrational_a rapture_n inward_a voice_n to_o tell_v you_o that_o you_o be_v the_o child_n of_o god_n but_o rather_o endeavour_v to_o get_v such_o a_o frame_n and_o disposition_n of_o soul_n as_o become_v his_o child_n and_o thence_o to_o conclude_v that_o you_o be_v such_o the_o sanctify_a operation_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o believer_n be_v the_o witness_n or_o evidence_n of_o their_o adopuon_n take_v care_n also_o that_o you_o deceive_v not_o yourselves_o by_o expect_v such_o rapture_n of_o joy_n as_o be_v extraordinary_a all_o be_v not_o fit_a for_o such_o degree_n of_o comfort_n nor_o will_v know_v how_o to_o manage_v themselves_o if_o they_o have_v it_o but_o if_o you_o have_v so_o much_o as_o tolerable_o support_v your_o spirit_n and_o keep_v they_o from_o sink_v bless_v god_n and_o be_v humble_a and_o have_v a_o care_n of_o peevishness_n or_o imparience_n direct_v 10._o distinguish_v careful_o between_o your_o state_n in_o the_o main_a and_o the_o more_o remote_a accident_n or_o circumstance_n wherewith_o it_o may_v be_v attend_v between_o what_o be_v 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_o requisite_a to_o his_o wellbeing_a growth_n and_o comfort_n or_o if_o you_o will_v between_o foundation_n and_o building_n work_v if_o these_o thing_n be_v confound_v it_o be_v scarce_o possible_a you_o shall_v have_v any_o settle_a peace_n and_o quiet_a in_o your_o soul_n those_o who_o have_v true_o consent_v to_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n that_o be_v who_o heart_n and_o life_n be_v in_o the_o main_a for_o god_n christ_n holiness_n and_o heaven_n such_o i_o say_v be_v in_o a_o justify_v state_n use_v have_v a_o right_n to_o eternal_a life_n but_o than_o it_o must_v be_v remember_v that_o even_o such_o person_n themselves_o be_v oft_o guilty_a of_o great_a defect_n and_o intermission_n in_o the_o exercise_n of_o grace_n and_o in_o
the_o performance_n of_o religious_a duty_n yea_o and_o sometime_o fall_v into_o great_a sin_n beside_o those_o of_o daily_a infirmity_n and_o therefore_o be_v often_o call_v to_o repentance_n humiliation_n and_o amendment_n and_o to_o renew_v their_o covenant_n with_o god_n in_o christ_n and_o to_o act_v faith_n upon_o his_o merit_n and_o satisfaction_n for_o pardon_n and_o peace_n and_o to_o double_v their_o watch_n and_o diligence_n for_o the_o future_a when_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n they_o be_v not_o perhaps_o oblige_v at_o all_o to_o call_v in_o question_n their_o foundation_n nor_o to_o perplex_v themselves_o with_o doubt_n and_o fear_n as_o to_o their_o state_n in_o the_o main_a indeed_o as_o for_o those_o who_o oft_o fall_v into_o groffer_n sin_n and_o lie_v long_o in_o they_o even_o such_o sin_n as_o they_o may_v easy_o forbear_v if_o they_o be_v true_o willing_a such_o have_v great_a reason_n to_o question_v their_o own_o sincerity_n but_o as_o for_o the_o common_a infirmity_n of_o the_o godly_a yea_o or_o their_o great_a fall_n through_o inadvertency_n surprise_n or_o the_o violence_n of_o some_o sudden_a temptation_n the_o case_n here_o be_v quite_o different_a if_o a_o workman_n when_o he_o have_v lay_v his_o foundation_n and_o be_v proceed_v forward_o in_o the_o building_n shall_v upon_o evevy_n lesser_a or_o some_o few_o great_a mistake_n in_o the_o superstructure_n pull_v down_o all_o again_o and_o question_v the_o foundation_n itself_o he_o will_v make_v very_o little_a progress_n and_o so_o have_v but_o little_a comfort_n in_o his_o work_n so_o here_o true_a believer_n who_o be_v in_o a_o justify_v state_n have_v still_o need_v to_o beg_v daily_a pardon_n for_o their_o daily_a sin_n yet_o ought_v they_o not_o to_o give_v way_n to_o needless_a doubt_n or_o misgive_a thought_n as_o to_o their_o state_n in_o the_o main_a for_o if_o any_o man_n siam_fw-it we_o have_v a_o advocate_n with_o the_o father_n jesus_n christ_n the_o righteous_a 1_o john_n 2.1_o he_o that_o be_v wash_v need_v not_o save_v to_o wash_v his_o foot_n but_o be_v clean_o every_o whit_n john_n 13.10_o when_o david_n have_v sin_v so_o grievous_o in_o the_o matter_n of_o vriah_n and_o nathan_n the_o prophet_n be_v seâ—â—_n to_o he_o to_o expostulate_v with_o he_o about_o it_o and_o bring_v he_o to_o a_o great_a sense_n of_o the_o evil_n he_o have_v do_v etc._n etc._n we_o find_v that_o he_o humble_o acknowledge_v his_o transgression_n earnest_o implore_v the_o divine_a mercy_n pray_v hard_o that_o the_o holy_a spirit_n of_o god_n may_v not_o be_v take_v away_o from_o he_o but_o we_o do_v not_o find_v that_o he_o be_v call_v to_o doubt_v of_o his_o state_n in_o the_o main_a nor_o can_v we_o prove_v that_o he_o do_v so_o but_o encourage_v himself_o in_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n psal_n 51.17_o the_o sacrisices_n of_o god_n be_v a_o break_a spirit_n a_o break_a and_o a_o contrite_a heart_n o_o god_n thou_o will_v not_o despise_v there_o be_v say_v a_o great_a divine_a some_o sin_n which_o every_o one_o that_o repent_v of_o they_o do_v so_o forsake_v as_o to_o cease_v commit_v they_o and_o there_o be_v some_o lesser_a sin_n which_o they_o that_o repent_v of_o they_o do_v hate_v indeed_o but_o yet_o frequent_o renew_v as_o our_o defective_a degree_n in_o the_o exercise_n of_o repentance_n itself_o faith_n love_n trust_v fear_v obedience_n our_o vain_a thought_n and_o word_n some_o sinful_a passion_n etc._n etc._n many_o such_o sin_n be_v fit_o call_v infirmity_n because_o they_o consist_v with_o life_n and_o be_v forgive_v it_o be_v of_o great_a use_n to_o the_o peace_n of_o our_o conscience_n to_o discern_v the_o difference_n between_o these_o two_o for_o one_o fort_n require_v a_o conversion_n to_o another_o state_n and_o the_o other_o require_v but_o a_o particular_a repentance_n and_o when_o they_o be_v unknown_a be_v forgive_v without_o a_o particular_a repentance_n because_o our_o general_a repentance_n be_v virtual_o though_o not_o actual_o particular_a as_o to_o they_o one_o sort_n be_v cause_n of_o judge_v ourselves_o ungodly_a and_o the_o other_o sort_n be_v only_a cause_n of_o filial_a humiliation_n baxter'_v directory_n part_v 1._o pag._n 299._o direct_v 11._o though_o you_o can_v yet_o attain_v to_o the_o â—uller_a comfort_n of_o assurance_n do_v not_o therefore_o undervalue_v any_o thing_n that_o look_v hopeful_o or_o have_v a_o likely_a endency_n thereto_o great_a thing_n be_v not_o usual_o attain_v but_o by_o degree_n and_o through_o many_o difficulty_n it_o be_v no_o small_a matter_n to_o be_v certain_a that_o we_o be_v 〈◊〉_d a_o justify_v state_n nor_o be_v such_o a_o certainty_n so_o common_a among_o true_a believer_n themselves_o as_o perhaps_o you_o imagine_v who_o yet_o have_v considerable_a support_v â—nd_v comfort_n from_o hopeful_a probability_n in_o the_o case_n now_o as_o it_o be_v necessary_a to_o pull_v down_o the_o vain_a hope_n of_o presumptuous_a sinner_n so_o it_o also_o be_v to_o strengthen_v and_o help_v the_o joy_n and_o hope_n of_o weak_a christian_n well_o then_o let_v i_o ask_v you_o be_v you_o not_o grieve_v or_o the_o many_o offence_n you_o have_v commit_v against_o god_n at_o least_o be_v it_o not_o your_o trouble_n that_o you_o can_v nourn_v for_o sin_n no_o more_o that_o your_o heart_n be_v no_o north_n tender_a and_o relent_a be_v it_o not_o your_o desire_n and_o in_o some_o measure_n your_o endeavour_n to_o renounce_v your_o sin_n and_o to_o mortify_v your_o corruption_n can_v you_o bear_v the_o thought_n of_o part_v with_o christ_n or_o quit_v your_o interest_n in_o he_o for_o all_o your_o doubt_n and_o let_v go_v your_o hold_n of_o he_o for_o any_o thing_n that_o can_v possible_o be_v offer_v you_o in_o exchange_n will_v you_o not_o even_o loath_a and_o abhor_v the_o proposal_n be_v it_o not_o your_o endaavour_n to_o love_v he_o more_o and_o serve_v he_o better_o put_v such_o question_n as_o these_o be_v to_o your_o own_o soul_n and_o then_o judge_v whether_o in_o all_o this_o there_o be_v not_o something_o that_o appear_v to_o be_v more_o than_o like_v special_a grace_n and_o though_o you_o be_v not_o yet_o certain_a that_o it_o be_v so_o yet_o let_v thus_o much_o support_v you_o till_o you_o can_v see_v further_o and_o as_o i_o say_v before_o be_v thankful_a for_o what_o you_o have_v and_o strive_v for_o more_o grace_n and_o then_o you_o shall_v find_v that_o spiritual_a strength_n and_o comfort_n will_v increase_v together_o and_o all_o along_o be_v sure_a to_o remember_v that_o god_n and_o the_o redeemer_n be_v as_o willing_a to_o accept_v you_o upon_o gospel-term_n as_o you_o can_v be_v to_o desire_v it_o yea_o and_o infinite_o mâ—â—â—_n willing_a as_o love_a holiness_n better_o than_o you_o do_v 〈◊〉_d the_o march_n break_v between_o christ_n and_o you_o it_o shall_v 〈◊〉_d through_o your_o own_o refusal_n never_o be_v any_o poâ—â—_n sinner_n beforehand_o with_o he_o he_o be_v the_o first_o in_o consent_v and_o be_v a_o suitor_n to_o we_o for_o our_o full_a 〈◊〉_d hearty_a consent_n nor_o will_v he_o despise_v the_o least_o tendecy_n thereto_o he_o will_v not_o break_v the_o bruise_a reed_n oâ—_n on_o his_o part_n all_o be_v safe_a and_o clear_a prevail_v but_o withy_a own_o heart_n to_o hold_v on_o and_o go_v thorough_a with_o the_o work_n and_o all_o be_v thy_o own_o direct_v 12._o be_v sure_a that_o you_o exercise_v the_o moâ—â—_n deep_a and_o entire_a self-resignation_n to_o the_o sovereign_a pleasure_n of_o the_o divine_a will_n in_o this_o matter_n leave_v it_o unto_o god_n to_o measure_v out_o your_o comfort_n for_o you_o and_o to_o determine_v the_o time_n and_o season_n thereof_o lay_v your_o soul_n at_o his_o foot_n with_o the_o profound_a reverence_n humility_n and_o submission_n say_v as_o david_n in_o another_o case_n it_o may_v be_v the_o lord_n will_v look_v upon_o my_o affliction_n but_o if_o he_o say_v he_o have_v no_o delight_n in_o i_o behold_v here_o be_o i_o let_v he_o do_v as_o seem_v good_a unto_o he_o 2_o sam._n 15.26_o o_o learn_v to_o wait_v upon_o the_o lord_n and_o look_v for_o he_o when_o he_o seem_v to_o hide_v his_o faâ—â—_n isa_n 8.17_o it_o be_v not_o possible_a that_o you_o shall_v be_v loser_n by_o thus_o resign_v your_o soul_n and_o your_o all_o into_o his_o hand_n it_o be_v your_o certain_a duty_n so_o to_o do_v and_o it_o will_v be_v a_o mighty_a evidence_n of_o that_o sincerity_n which_o you_o be_v seek_v after_o and_o there_o be_v many_o comfortable_a promise_n make_v to_o such_o act_n of_o soul_n as_o these_o and_o encourage_v example_n set_v before_o we_o bless_a be_v all_o they_o that_o wait_v for_o he_o wait_v on_o the_o lord_n be_v of_o good_a courage_n and_o he_o shall_v strengthen_v thy_o heart_n wait_v i_o say_v on_o the_o lord_n psal_n 20.14_o methinks_v that_o such_o a_o
christ_n as_o you_o can_v what_o pleasure_n do_v you_o take_v be_v discourse_v concern_v the_o thing_n of_o god_n in_o speak_v of_o the_o glory_n of_o his_o majesty_n and_o the_o wonder_n of_o his_o grace_n the_o holiness_n and_o perfection_n of_o his_o law_n etc._n etc._n what_o say_v you_o do_v such_o thing_n as_o these_o be_v agree_v with_o you_o or_o be_v they_o not_o a_o weariness_n to_o you_o be_v you_o nor_o ready_a to_o think_v that_o lords-day_n return_v too_o oâ—_n and_o that_o strict_a and_o serious_a religion_n be_v intolerable_a prociseness_n do_v not_o your_o heart_n rise_v against_o it_o be_v â—e_v not_o glad_a when_o the_o service_n of_o god_n be_v over_o though_o sour_a thing_n you_o will_v do_v to_o secure_a heaven_n for_o a_o reserve_n who_o you_o can_v enjoy_v the_o world_n no_o long_o be_v not_o this_o the_o very_a temper_n of_o your_o spirit_n and_o be_v it_o not_o very_o deplorable_a alas_o what_o shall_v you_o do_v in_o heaven_n with_o sod_a heart_n as_o these_o will_v you_o not_o be_v eternal_o weary_a oâ—_n a_o eternal_a sabbath_n will_v not_o your_o ungracious_a spirit_n be_v ever_o recoil_v and_o uneasy_a do_v you_o not_o yet_o see_v that_o there_o be_v no_o come_n to_o the_o new_a jerusalem_n without_o new_a heart_n if_o not_o it_o be_v because_o you_o shut_v your_o eye_n certain_o if_o unregenerate_a man_n may_v have_v â—n_v haven_n of_o their_o own_o choose_n it_o will_v be_v vast_o different_a even_o quite_o another_o thing_n from_o that_o which_o goâ—_n have_v prepare_v for_o they_o that_o love_n he_o but_o he_o shall_v man_n be_v happy_a against_o their_o own_o will_n or_o it_o state_n to_o which_o the_o temper_n of_o their_o spirit_n be_v not_o sure_v so_o true_a be_v that_o great_a say_v of_o a_o worthy_a divine_a when_o god_n have_v so_o determine_v that_o without_o â—â—â—ness_n none_o shall_v see_v he_o he_o lay_v no_o other_o law_n upon_o unholy_a soul_n than_o what_o their_o own_o impure_a nature_n lie_v upon_o themselves_o blessedness_n of_o the_o righteous_a pag._n 46_o by_o this_o time_n you_o see_v or_o may_v see_v if_o you_o will_v thâ—â—_n except_o the_o decree_n of_o god_n can_v be_v reverse_v the_o design_n of_o redemption_n pervert_v the_o office_n of_o the_o hâ—â—_n spirit_n nullify_v the_o institution_n of_o the_o ministry_n aâ—â—_n ordinance_n run_v down_o the_o threarning_n of_o the_o gospel_n make_v of_o none_o effect_v the_o inheritance_n be_v attain_v without_o the_o earnest_n a_o new_a way_n find_v to_o heaven_n which_o none_o ever_o discover_v before_o and_o all_o this_o while_n the_o righteous_a themselves_o be_v scarce_o save_v in_o a_o word_n unless_o the_o nature_n of_o thing_n be_v quite_o overturn_v and_o palpable_a contradiction_n make_v to_o agree_v none_o can_v come_v to_o heaven_n till_o they_o be_v prepare_v and_o wrought_v for_o it_o by_o divine_a grace_n lo_o this_o we_o have_v search_v it_o so_o it_o be_v hear_v it_o and_o know_v thou_o it_o for_o thy_o good_a heb._n for_o thyself_o job_n 5.27_o chap._n vi_o several_a inference_n of_o truth_n draw_v from_o the_o forego_n discourse_n thus_o we_o have_v full_o prove_v that_o except_o you_o will_v be_v holy_a you_o can_v be_v happy_a if_o this_o therefore_o be_v so_o clear_a and_o certain_a a_o truth_n it_o must_v needs_o be_v also_o a_o very_a weighty_a and_o important_a one_o a_o thing_n much_o to_o be_v consider_v and_o close_o apply_v because_o our_o spiritual_a and_o eternal_a welfare_n and_o what_o be_v infinite_o more_o than_o either_o the_o glory_n of_o the_o great_a god_n be_v so_o near_o concern_v in_o it_o now_o since_o there_o be_v many_o other_o truth_n which_o have_v a_o intimate_a connexion_n with_o and_o dependence_n upon_o this_o great_a doctrine_n let_v we_o begin_v with_o the_o consideration_n of_o these_o for_o the_o inform_v of_o our_o judgement_n inser_n 1._o we_o may_v learn_v from_o hence_o the_o great_a worth_n and_o excellency_n of_o real_a holiness_n real_a i_o say_v in_o opposition_n to_o that_o vain_a empty_a show_n of_o religion_n wherewith_o multitude_n make_v a_o shift_n to_o deceive_v themselves_o even_o because_o they_o know_v no_o better_o and_o that_o because_o they_o will_v not_o know_v satan_n have_v take_v advantage_n by_o their_o own_o corruption_n to_o blind_v their_o mind_n and_o close_v their_o eye_n and_o thus_o they_o choose_v darkness_n rather_o than_o light_n because_o their_o deed_n be_v evil._n hence_o it_o be_v that_o they_o see_v no_o beauty_n in_o holiness_n no_o more_o than_o they_o do_v the_o form_n and_o comeliness_n of_o the_o great_a pattern_n and_o procurer_n of_o it_o isa_n 53.2_o they_o do_v not_o approve_v thing_n that_o be_v excellent_a if_o they_o meddle_v with_o matter_n of_o religion_n they_o do_v but_o debase_v they_o first_o by_o form_v low_a and_o unworthy_a notion_n of_o they_o suitable_a to_o their_o own_o degenerate_a temper_n and_o spirit_n then_o they_o act_v according_o and_o after_o all_o high_o value_v themselves_o upon_o what_o they_o have_v do_v nevertheless_o the_o high_a excellency_n of_o holiness_n manifest_o appear_v from_o the_o three_o follow_v particular_n which_o may_v easy_o be_v draw_v from_o what_o have_v be_v already_o deliver_v 1._o it_o be_v original_a it_o be_v from_o heaven_n the_o bless_a god_n be_v himself_o the_o author_n of_o it_o as_o in_o the_o text._n he_o that_o have_v wrought_v we_o for_o the_o selfsame_a thing_n be_v god_n it_o be_v a_o divine_a work_n and_o that_o not_o a_o common_a work_n neither_o but_o wrought_v in_o a_o way_n of_o special_a grace_n and_o therefore_o it_o have_v a_o peculiar_a excellency_n in_o it_o insomuch_o that_o the_o subject_n of_o this_o great_a change_n be_v denominate_v bear_v of_o god_n joh._n 1.13_o bear_v from_o above_o chap._n 33._o as_o the_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d may_v be_v render_v hereupon_o they_o be_v advance_v to_o the_o name_n and_o relation_n of_o child_n 1_o joh._n 3.1_o behold_v what_o manner_n of_o love_n the_o father_n have_v bestow_v upon_o we_o that_o we_o shall_v be_v call_v the_o son_n of_o god_n so_o call_v and_o not_o miscall_v for_o so_o they_o be_v as_o vers_n 2._o now_o be_v we_o the_o son_n of_o god_n 2._o the_o nature_n of_o true_a holiness_n speak_v the_o excellency_n of_o it_o it_o be_v the_o soul_n conformity_n to_o the_o bless_a god_n his_o image_n draw_v upon_o it_o a_o participiation_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n which_o sweet_o and_o effectual_o incline_v all_o the_o faculty_n and_o power_n of_o our_o soul_n god-ward_o and_o so_o far_o as_o it_o prevail_v upon_o we_o it_o take_v away_o our_o unkind_a aversion_n and_o estrangedness_n from_o he_o and_o teach_v we_o to_o centre_n upon_o he_o as_o our_o portion_n happiness_n and_o chief_a good_n in_o short_a it_o be_v our_o devotedness_n unto_o god_n which_o imply_v a_o separation_n from_o whatsoever_o stand_v in_o opposition_n against_o he_o as_o such_o so_o that_o have_v the_o apostle_n be_v silent_a as_o to_o the_o author_n of_o this_o great_a work_n the_o very_a nature_n of_o it_o may_v have_v tell_v we_o whence_o it_o be_v for_o it_o bear_v the_o image_n and_o superscription_n of_o god_n upon_o it_o little_o do_v the_o proud_a despiser_n of_o holiness_n consider_v what_o they_o say_v or_o against_o who_o it_o be_v that_o they_o spirit_n themselves_o make_v a_o wide_a mouth_n and_o draw_v out_o the_o 〈◊〉_d isa_n 57.4_o to_o vilify_v this_o work_n be_v a_o dishonour_n to_o its_o author_n to_o cast_v dirt_n upon_o the_o image_n be_v a_o affront_n to_o its_o great_a original_a who_o scorn_v their_o scorner_n sit_v in_o the_o heaven_n and_o laugh_v at_o they_o for_o he_o see_v that_o their_o day_n be_v come_v psal_n 37_o 13._o 3._o the_o bless_a end_n and_o issue_n of_o holiness_n show_v you_o the_o worth_n of_o it_o it_o come_v from_o above_o and_o thither_o it_o lead_v and_o be_v at_o last_o complete_v in_o the_o heavenly_a perfection_n judge_n then_o of_o the_o way_n and_o mean_n by_o the_o end_n here_o be_v the_o faith_n and_o patience_n of_o the_o saint_n they_o be_v high-born_a and_o a_o suitable_a inheritance_n be_v design_v they_o to_o think_v or_o speak_v slight_o of_o holiness_n be_v to_o contemn_v heaven_n itself_o which_o be_v a_o state_n of_o perfection_n therein_o wo_n unto_o they_o that_o draw_v iniquity_n with_o cord_n of_o vanity_n and_o sin_n as_o it_o be_v with_o a_o cart-rope_n that_o put_v darkness_n for_o light_n and_o light_n for_o darkness_n isa_n 5.18_o 20._o it_o may_v be_v at_o last_o they_o will_v say_v as_o one_o of_o their_o predecessor_n do_v let_v i_o die_v the_o death_n of_o the_o righteous_a not_o from_o any_o love_n to_o righteousness_n but_o from_o a_o slavish_a fear_n of_o the_o just_a punishment_n of_o their_o impiety_n and_o therefore_o those_o force_a