be_v two_o other_o head_n of_o thing_n that_o offer_v themselves_o unto_o our_o consideration_n first_o the_o way_n mean_n arguing_n and_o enticement_n which_o the_o world_n make_v use_v of_o to_o draw_v keep_v and_o secure_v the_o affection_n of_o man_n unto_o itself_o second_o the_o secret_a powerful_a efficacy_n of_o grace_n in_o take_v off_o the_o heart_n from_o these_o thing_n turn_v and_o draw_v it_o unto_o god_n with_o the_o argument_n and_o motive_n that_o the_o holy_a spirit_n make_v use_v of_o in_o and_o by_o the_o word_n unto_o this_o end_n and_o wherein_o we_o must_v show_v what_o be_v the_o act_n of_o conquer_a grace_n wherein_o the_o heart_n be_v final_o prevail_v on_o to_o choose_v and_o adhere_v unto_o god_n in_o love_n immutable_a but_o these_o thing_n can_v be_v handle_v in_o any_o measure_n according_a to_o their_o nature_n and_o importance_n without_o such_o length_n of_o discourse_n as_o i_o can_v not_o here_o divert_v unto_o i_o shall_v therefore_o proceed_v unto_o that_o which_o be_v the_o proper_a and_o peculiar_a subject_n before_o we_o chap._n xii_o what_o be_v require_v in_o and_o unto_o our_o affection_n that_o they_o may_v be_v spiritual_a a_o threefold_a work_n on_o the_o affection_n describe_v to_o declare_v the_o interest_n of_o our_o affection_n in_o this_o frame_n of_o be_v spiritually-minded_n and_o what_o they_o contribute_v thereunto_o i_o shall_v do_v these_o three_o thing_n first_o declare_v what_o be_v require_v hereunto_o that_o our_o affection_n may_v be_v spiritual_a wherein_o lie_v the_o foundation_n of_o the_o whole_a duty_n second_o what_o be_v their_o act_n when_o they_o be_v so_o spiritual_a three_o what_o be_v the_o mean_n whereby_o they_o may_v be_v keep_v and_o preserve_v in_o that_o frame_n with_o sundry_a other_o thing_n of_o the_o like_a nature_n how_o our_o affection_n be_v concern_v in_o or_o do_v belong_v unto_o the_o frame_n of_o mind_n inquire_v after_o have_v be_v before_o declare_v without_o spiritual_a affection_n we_o can_v be_v spiritually-minded_n and_o that_o they_o may_v be_v of_o this_o use_n three_o thing_n be_v require_v first_o their_o principle_n second_o their_o object_n three_o the_o way_n and_o manner_n of_o their_o application_n unto_o their_o proper_a object_n by_o virtue_n of_o that_o principle_n first_o as_o unto_o the_o principle_n act_v in_o they_o that_o our_o affection_n may_v be_v spiritual_a and_o the_o spring_n of_o our_o be_v spiritually-minded_n it_o be_v require_v that_o they_o be_v change_v renew_v and_o in-laid_a with_o grace_n spiritual_n and_o supernatural_a to_o clear_v the_o sense_n hereof_o we_o must_v a_o little_a consider_v what_o be_v their_o state_n by_o nature_n and_o then_o by_o what_o mean_v they_o may_v be_v wrought_v upon_o as_o unto_o a_o change_n or_o a_o renovation_n for_o they_o be_v like_a unto_o some_o thing_n which_o in_o themselves_o and_o their_o own_o nature_n be_v poisonous_a but_o be_v correct_v and_o receive_v a_o due_a temperament_n from_o a_o mixture_n of_o other_o ingredient_n become_v medicinal_a and_o of_o excellent_a use._n first_o by_o nature_n our_o affection_n all_o of_o they_o be_v deprave_v and_o corrupt_v nothing_o in_o the_o whole_a nature_n of_o man_n no_o power_n or_o faculty_n of_o the_o soul_n be_v fall_v under_o great_a disorder_n and_o depravation_n by_o the_o entrance_n of_o sin_n than_o our_o affection_n be_v in_o and_o by_o they_o be_v the_o heart_n whole_o go_v and_o turn_v off_o from_o god_n tit._n 3.3_o it_o be_v a_o long_a work_n to_o set_v forth_o this_o depravation_n of_o our_o affection_n nor_o do_v it_o belong_v unto_o our_o present_a design_n some_o few_o thing_n i_o shall_v brief_o observe_v concern_v it_o to_o make_v way_n unto_o what_o be_v propose_v concern_v their_o change_n first_o this_o be_v the_o only_a corruption_n and_o depravation_n of_o our_o nature_n by_o the_o fall_v evident_a in_o and_o unto_o reason_n or_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n itself_o those_o who_o be_v wise_a among_o the_o heathen_a both_o see_v it_o and_o complain_v of_o it_o they_o find_v a_o weakness_n in_o the_o mind_n but_o see_v nothing_o of_o its_o darkness_n and_o depravation_n as_o unto_o thing_n spiritual_a but_o they_o be_v sensible_a enough_o of_o this_o disorder_n and_o tumult_n of_o the_o affection_n in_o thing_n moral_a which_o render_v the_o mind_n of_o man_n like_o a_o trouble_a sea_n who_o water_n cast_v up_o mire_n and_o dirt._n this_o great_o aggravate_v the_o neglect_n of_o they_o who_o be_v not_o sensible_a of_o it_o in_o themselves_o see_v it_o be_v discernible_a in_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n second_o they_o be_v as_o deprave_v the_o seat_n and_o subject_n of_o all_o lust_n both_o of_o the_o flesh_n and_o of_o the_o spirit_n yea_o lust_n or_o evil_a concupiscence_n be_v nothing_o but_o the_o irregular_a motion_n and_o act_v of_o our_o affection_n as_o deprave_a defile_v corrupt_a rom._n 7.9_o hence_o no_o one_o sin_n can_v be_v mortify_v without_o a_o change_n wrought_v in_o the_o affection_n three_o they_o be_v the_o spring_n root_n and_o cause_n of_o all_o actual_a sin_n in_o the_o world_n mat._n 15.9_o the_o evil_a heart_n in_o the_o scripture_n be_v the_o corrupt_a affection_n of_o it_o with_o the_o imagination_n of_o the_o mind_n whereby_o they_o be_v excite_v and_o act_v gen._n 6.5_o these_o be_v they_o which_o at_o this_o time_n fill_v the_o whole_a world_n with_o wickedness_n darkness_n confusion_n and_o terror_n and_o we_o may_v learn_v what_o be_v their_o force_n and_o efficacy_n from_o these_o effect_n so_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o plague_n be_v most_o evident_a when_o we_o see_v thousand_o die_v of_o it_o every_o week_n four_o they_o be_v the_o way_n and_o mean_n whereby_o the_o soul_n apply_v itself_o unto_o all_o sinful_a object_n and_o act_n hence_o be_v they_o call_v our_o member_n our_o earthly_a member_n because_o as_o the_o body_n apply_v itself_o unto_o its_o operation_n by_o its_o member_n so_o do_v the_o soul_n apply_v itself_o unto_o what_o belong_v unto_o it_o by_o its_o affection_n rom._n 6.13_o col._n 3.5_o five_o they_o will_v not_o be_v under_o the_o conduct_n of_o the_o mind_n its_o light_n or_o conviction_n rebellion_n against_o the_o light_n of_o the_o mind_n be_v the_o very_a form_n whereby_o their_o corruption_n act_v itself_o job_n 24.13_o let_v the_o apprehension_n of_o the_o mind_n and_o its_o notion_n of_o good_a and_o evil_n be_v what_o they_o will_v they_o reject_v they_o and_o lead_v the_o soul_n in_o pursuit_n of_o their_o inclination_n hence_o no_o natural_a man_n whatsoever_o do_v in_o any_o measure_n answer_v the_o light_n of_o his_o mind_n or_o the_o conviction_n of_o his_o understanding_n but_o he_o see_v and_o approve_v of_o better_a thing_n follow_v those_o that_o be_v worse_o and_o there_o be_v no_o great_a spiritual_a judgement_n than_o for_o man_n to_o be_v give_v up_o unto_o themselves_z and_o their_o own_o evil_a affection_n rom._n 1.26_o many_o other_o instance_n may_v be_v give_v of_o the_o greatness_n of_o that_o depravation_n which_o our_o affection_n be_v fall_v under_o by_o sin_n these_o may_v suffice_v as_o unto_o our_o present_a purpose_n in_o general_n this_o depravation_n of_o our_o affection_n by_o nature_n may_v be_v reduce_v unto_o two_o head_n first_o a_o utter_a aversation_n from_o god_n and_o all_o spiritual_a thing_n in_o this_o lie_v the_o spring_n of_o all_o that_o dislike_n of_o god_n and_o his_o way_n that_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n be_v fill_v withal_o yea_o they_o do_v not_o only_o produce_v a_o aversation_n from_o they_o and_o dislike_n of_o they_o but_o they_o fill_v the_o mind_n with_o a_o enmity_n against_o they_o therefore_o man_n say_v in_o their_o heart_n unto_o god_n depart_v from_o we_o for_o we_o desire_v not_o the_o knowledge_n of_o thy_o way_n what_o be_v the_o almighty_a that_o we_o shall_v serve_v he_o or_o what_o profit_n shall_v we_o have_v if_o we_o pray_v unto_o he_o job_n 21.14_o 15._o see_v rom._n 1.28_o chap._n 8._o 7_o 8._o second_o a_o inordinate_a cleave_v unto_o thing_n vain_a earthly_a and_o sensual_a cause_v the_o soul_n to_o engage_v into_o the_o pursuit_n of_o they_o as_o the_o horse_n rush_n into_o the_o battle_n while_o our_o affection_n be_v in_o this_o state_n and_o condition_n we_o be_v far_o enough_o from_o be_v spiritually-minded_n nor_o be_v it_o possible_a to_o engage_v they_o into_o a_o adherence_n unto_o or_o delight_n in_o spiritual_a thing_n in_o this_o state_n they_o may_v be_v two_o way_n wrought_v upon_o and_o yet_o not_o so_o renew_v as_o to_o be_v serviceable_a unto_o this_o end_n first_o there_o may_v be_v various_a temporary_a impression_n make_v on_o they_o sometime_o there_o be_v so_o by_o the_o preach_a of_o the_o word_n hereon_o man_n may_v hear_v it_o with_o joy_n and_o do_v many_o thing_n glad_o sometime_o it_o be_v so_o by_o
duty_n itself_o when_o we_o find_v the_o daily_a fruit_n and_o advantage_n of_o they_o especial_o in_o the_o preservation_n of_o our_o soul_n in_o a_o holy_a humble_a watchful_a frame_n innumerable_a be_v the_o advantage_n benefit_n and_o effect_n of_o prayer_n which_o be_v common_o speak_v unto_o growth_n in_o grace_n and_o consolation_n be_v the_o substance_n of_o they_o where_o there_o be_v continuance_n in_o prayer_n there_o will_v be_v spiritual_a growth_n in_o some_o proportion_n for_o man_n to_o be_v earnest_a in_o prayer_n and_o thriftless_a in_o grace_n be_v a_o certain_a indication_n of_o prevalent_a corruption_n and_o want_v of_o be_v spiritual_o mind_a in_o prayer_n itself_o if_o a_o man_n eat_v his_o daily_a food_n let_v he_o eat_v never_o so_o much_o or_o so_o often_o if_o he_o be_v not_o nourish_v by_o it_o his_o body_n be_v under_o the_o power_n of_o prevalent_a distemper_n and_o so_o be_v his_o spiritual_a constitution_n who_o thrive_v not_o in_o the_o use_n of_o the_o food_n of_o the_o new_a creature_n but_o that_o which_o i_o fix_v upon_o with_o respect_n unto_o the_o present_a enquiry_n be_v the_o frame_n that_o it_o preserve_v the_o soul_n in_o it_o will_v keep_v it_o humble_a and_o upon_o a_o diligent_a watch_n as_o unto_o its_o disposition_n and_o act_n he_o who_o pray_v as_o he_o ought_v will_v endeavour_v to_o live_v as_o he_o pray_v this_o none_o can_v do_v who_o do_v not_o with_o diligence_n keep_v his_o heart_n unto_o the_o thing_n he_o have_v pray_v about_o to_o pray_v earnest_o and_o live_v careless_o be_v to_o proclaim_v that_o a_o man_n be_v not_o spiritual_o mind_v in_o his_o prayer_n hereby_o than_o we_o shall_v know_v what_o be_v the_o spring_n of_o those_o spiritual_a thought_n which_o our_o mind_n be_v exercise_v withal_o in_o our_o supplication_n if_o they_o be_v influence_v unto_o a_o constant_a daily_a watch_n for_o the_o preservation_n of_o that_o frame_n of_o spirit_n those_o disposition_n and_o inclination_n unto_o spiritual_a thing_n which_o we_o pray_v for_o they_o be_v from_o a_o internal_a spring_n of_o grace_n if_o there_o be_v general_o a_o unsuitableness_n in_o our_o mind_n unto_o what_o we_o seem_v to_o contend_v for_o in_o our_o prayer_n the_o gift_n may_v be_v in_o exercise_n but_o the_o grace_n be_v want_v if_o a_o man_n be_v every_o day_n on_o the_o exchange_n and_o there_o talk_v diligent_o and_o earnest_o about_o merchandise_n and_o the_o affair_n of_o trade_n but_o when_o he_o come_v home_n think_v no_o more_o of_o they_o because_o indeed_o he_o have_v nothing_o to_o do_v no_o interest_n in_o they_o he_o may_v be_v a_o very_a poor_a man_n notwithstanding_o his_o pretence_n and_o he_o may_v be_v spiritual_o very_o poor_a who_o be_v on_o occasion_n fervent_a in_o prayer_n if_o when_o he_o retire_v unto_o himself_o he_o be_v not_o careful_a and_o diligent_a about_o the_o matter_n of_o it_o 4._o when_o spiritual_a affection_n and_o due_a preparation_n of_o heart_n unto_o the_o duty_n do_v excite_v and_o animate_v the_o gift_n of_o prayer_n and_o not_o the_o gift_n make_v impression_n on_o the_o affection_n then_o be_v we_o spiritual_o mind_a therein_o gift_n be_v servant_n not_o ruler_n in_o the_o mind_n be_v bestow_v on_o we_o to_o be_v serviceable_a unto_o grace_n not_o to_o lead_v it_o but_o to_o follow_v it_o and_o to_o be_v ready_a with_o their_o assistance_n on_o its_o exercise_n for_o the_o most_o part_n where_o they_o lead_v all_o they_o be_v all_o alone_a this_o be_v the_o natural_a order_n of_o these_o thing_n grace_n habitual_o incline_v and_o dispose_v the_o heart_n unto_o this_o duty_n providence_n and_o rule_n give_v the_o occasion_n for_o its_o excercise_n sense_n of_o duty_n call_v for_o preparation_n grace_n come_v into_o actual_a exercise_n gift_n come_v in_o with_o their_o assistance_n if_o they_o lead_v all_o all_o be_v out_o of_o order_n it_o may_v be_v otherwise_o sometime_o a_o person_n indispose_v and_o lifeless_a engage_v into_o prayer_n in_o a_o way_n of_o obedience_n upon_o conviction_n of_o duty_n may_v in_o and_o by_o the_o gift_n have_v his_o affection_n excite_v and_o grace_n engage_v unto_o its_o proper_a work_n it_o may_v be_v so_o i_o say_v but_o let_v man_n take_v heed_n how_o they_o trust_v unto_o this_o order_n and_o method_n for_o where_o it_o be_v so_o there_o may_v be_v little_a or_o nothing_o of_o the_o exercise_n of_o true_a grace_n in_o all_o their_o fervour_n and_o commotion_n of_o affection_n but_o when_o the_o genuine_a act_n of_o faith_n love_n holy_a reverence_n and_o gracious_a desire_n do_v stir_v up_o the_o gift_n unto_o its_o exercise_n call_v in_o its_o assistance_n unto_o the_o expression_n of_o themselves_o then_o be_v the_o heart_n and_o mind_n in_o their_o proper_a order_n 5._o it_o be_v so_o when_o other_o duty_n of_o religion_n be_v equal_o regard_v and_o attend_v unto_o with_o prayer_n itself_o he_o all_o who_o religion_n lie_v in_o prayer_n and_o hearing_n have_v none_o at_o all_o god_n have_v a_o equal_a respect_n unto_o all_o other_o duty_n and_o so_o must_v we_o have_v also_o so_o be_v it_o express_v as_o unto_o the_o instance_n of_o alm_n act_v 10.31_o and_o james_n place_v all_o religion_n herein_o because_o there_o be_v none_o without_o it_o jam._n 1.27_o i_o shall_v not_o value_v his_o prayer_n at_o all_o be_v he_o never_o so_o earnest_a and_o frequent_a in_o they_o who_o give_v not_o alm_n according_a to_o his_o ability_n and_o this_o in_o a_o especial_a manner_n be_v require_v of_o we_o who_o be_v minister_n that_o we_o be_v not_o like_o a_o hand_n set_v up_o in_o cross_a way_n direct_v other_o which_o way_n to_o go_v but_o stay_v behind_o itself_o this_o digression_n about_o the_o rise_n and_o spring_n of_o spiritual_a thought_n in_o prayer_n i_o judge_v not_o unnecessary_a in_o such_o a_o time_n and_o season_n wherein_o we_o ought_v to_o be_v very_o jealous_a lest_o gift_n impose_v themselves_o in_o the_o room_n of_o grace_n and_o be_v careful_a that_o they_o be_v employ_v only_o unto_o their_o proper_a end_n which_o be_v to_o be_v serviceable_a unto_o grace_n in_o its_o exercise_n and_o not_o otherwise_o 3._o there_o be_v another_o occasion_n of_o thought_n of_o spiritual_a thing_n when_o they_o do_v not_o spring_v from_o a_o live_a principle_n within_o and_o so_o be_v no_o evidence_n of_o be_v spiritual_o mind_v and_o this_o be_v the_o discourse_n of_o other_o they_o that_o fear_v the_o lord_n will_v be_v speak_v one_o to_o another_o of_o the_o thing_n wherein_o his_o glory_n be_v concern_v mal._n 3.16_o to_o declare_v the_o righteousness_n the_o glory_n of_o god_n be_v the_o delight_n of_o his_o saint_n psal._n 145._o 3_o 4_o 5_o 6_o 7_o 8._o great_a be_v the_o lord_n and_o great_o to_o be_v praise_v and_o his_o greatness_n be_v unsearchable_a one_o generation_n shall_v praise_v thy_o work_n to_o another_o and_o shall_v declare_v thy_o mighty_a work_n i_o will_v speak_v of_o the_o glorious_a honour_n of_o thy_o majesty_n and_o of_o thy_o wondrous_a work_n and_o man_n shall_v speak_v of_o the_o might_n of_o thy_o terrible_a act_n and_o i_o will_v declare_v thy_o greatness_n they_o shall_v abundant_o utter_v the_o memory_n of_o thy_o great_a goodness_n and_o shall_v sing_v of_o thy_o righteousness_n the_o lord_n be_v gracious_a and_o full_a of_o compassion_n slow_a to_o anger_n and_o of_o great_a mercy_n and_o according_o there_o be_v some_o who_o be_v ready_a on_o all_o occasion_n to_o be_v speak_v or_o make_v mention_n of_o thing_n divine_a spiritual_a and_o holy_a and_o it_o be_v to_o be_v wish_v that_o there_o be_v more_o of_o they_o all_o the_o flagitious_a sin_n that_o the_o world_n be_v fill_v withal_o be_v not_o a_o great_a evidence_n of_o the_o degeneracy_n of_o christian_a religion_n than_o this_o be_v that_o it_o be_v grow_v unusual_a yea_o a_o shame_n or_o scorn_v for_o man_n to_o speak_v together_o of_o the_o thing_n of_o god_n it_o be_v not_o so_o when_o religion_n be_v in_o its_o primitive_a power_n and_o glory_n nor_o be_v it_o so_o with_o they_o who_o real_o fear_v god_n and_o be_v sensible_a of_o their_o duty_n some_o i_o say_v there_o be_v who_o embrace_v all_o occasion_n of_o spiritual_a communication_n those_o with_o who_o they_o do_v converse_v if_o they_o be_v not_o profligate_v if_o they_o have_v any_o spiritual_a light_n can_v but_o so_o far_o comply_v with_o what_o they_o say_v as_o to_o think_v of_o the_o thing_n speak_v which_o be_v spiritual_a oft_o time_n the_o track_n and_o course_n of_o man_n thought_n lie_v so_o out_o of_o the_o way_n be_v so_o contrary_a unto_o such_o thing_n that_o they_o seem_v strange_a unto_o they_o they_o give_v they_o no_o entertainment_n you_o do_v but_o cross_v their_o way_n with_o such_o discourse_n whereon_o they_o stand_v still_o a_o little_a and_o
affection_n in_o the_o degree_n treat_v about_o suppose_v of_o love_n unto_o the_o world_n and_o the_o thing_n of_o it_o be_v lawful_a and_o allowable_a be_v one_o of_o the_o sophism_n and_o artifices_fw-la wherewith_o many_o be_v delude_v hereon_o provide_v they_o run_v not_o out_o into_o scandalous_a excess_n they_o approve_v of_o themselves_o in_o such_o a_o worldly_a frame_n of_o mind_n and_o act_v according_a unto_o it_o as_o render_v they_o fruitless_a useless_a senseless_a and_o be_v inconsistent_a with_o that_o prevail_a adherence_n of_o affection_n unto_o spiritual_a thing_n that_o aught_o to_o be_v in_o we_o other_o be_v delude_v by_o a_o pretence_n that_o it_o be_v in_o one_o instance_n only_o they_o will_v be_v spare_v it_o be_v but_o this_o or_o that_o object_n they_o will_v give_v out_o the_o embrace_n of_o their_o affection_n unto_o in_o all_o other_o thing_n they_o will_v be_v entire_a for_o god_n the_o vanity_n of_o which_o pretence_n we_o have_v speak_v unto_o before_o other_o be_v ruin_v by_o give_v place_n unto_o their_o solicitation_n with_o respect_n unto_o any_o one_o affection_n whatever_o as_o suppose_v it_o be_v that_o of_o fear_n in_o time_n of_o danger_n for_o profession_n multitude_n have_v lose_v all_o their_o affection_n unto_o spiritual_a thing_n through_o a_o fear_n of_o lose_v that_o which_o be_v temporal_a as_o their_o life_n their_o liberty_n their_o good_n and_o the_o like_a when_o once_o satan_n or_o the_o world_n have_v get_v as_o it_o be_v the_o mastery_n of_o this_o affection_n or_o a_o prevalent_a interest_n in_o it_o they_o will_v not_o fail_v to_o draw_v all_o other_o into_o a_o defection_n from_o christ_n and_o the_o gospel_n he_o that_o love_v his_o life_n shall_v lose_v it_o wherefore_o it_o be_v no_o ordinary_a nor_o easy_a thing_n to_o preserve_v our_o affection_n pure_a entire_a and_o steady_a in_o their_o vigorous_a adherence_n unto_o spiritual_a thing_n against_o all_o these_o solicitation_n watchfulness_n prayer_n faith_n in_o exercise_n and_o a_o daily_a examination_n of_o ourselves_o be_v require_v hereunto_o for_o want_v of_o a_o due_a attendance_n unto_o the_o these_o thing_n and_o that_o with_o respect_n unto_o this_o end_n namely_o the_o preservation_n of_o our_o spiritual_a affection_n in_o their_o integrity_n many_o even_o before_o they_o be_v aware_a die_v away_o as_o to_o all_o power_n and_o vigour_n of_o spiritual_a life_n five_o affection_n thus_o fix_v upon_o thing_n spiritual_a and_o heavenly_a will_v give_v great_a relief_n against_o the_o remainder_n of_o that_o vanity_n of_o mind_n which_o believer_n themselves_o be_v oft_o time_n perplex_v withal_o yea_o i_o do_v not_o know_v any_o thing_n that_o be_v a_o great_a burden_n unto_o they_o nor_o which_o they_o more_o groan_n for_o deliverance_n from_o the_o instability_n of_o the_o mind_n its_o readiness_n to_o receive_v impression_n from_o thing_n vain_a and_o useless_a the_o irregularity_n of_o their_o thought_n be_v a_o continual_a burden_n unto_o many_o nothing_o can_v give_v the_o soul_n any_o relief_n herein_o nothing_o can_v give_v bound_n unto_o the_o endless_a vanity_n of_o foolish_a imagination_n nothing_o can_v dry_v up_o the_o spring_n from_o whence_o they_o arise_v or_o render_v the_o soil_n wherein_o they_o grow_v barren_a as_o unto_o their_o production_n and_o maintenance_n but_o only_o the_o growth_n of_o spiritual_a affection_n with_o their_o continual_a vigorous_a act_n on_o heavenly_a thing_n for_o hereby_o the_o heart_n and_o mind_n will_v be_v so_o unite_v unto_o they_o that_o which_o the_o psalmist_n prayer_n for_o psal._n 86.11_o as_o that_o they_o will_v not_o be_v ready_a to_o depart_v from_o they_o and_o give_v entertainment_n unto_o vain_a empty_a foolish_a imagination_n thought_n of_o other_o thing_n great_a and_o better_a than_o what_o this_o world_n can_v contain_v will_v be_v continual_o arise_v in_o the_o mind_n not_o to_o be_v lay_v aside_o by_o any_o solicitation_n of_o vanity_n for_o he_o that_o be_v wise_a can_v but_o know_v and_o consider_v that_o the_o spiritual_a thing_n which_o it_o exercise_v its_o thought_n about_o have_v substance_n in_o they_o be_v durable_a profitable_a always_o the_o same_o that_o the_o advantage_n peace_n rest_v riches_n and_o reward_v of_o the_o soul_n lie_v in_o they_o but_o other_o imagination_n which_o the_o foolish_a mind_n be_v apt_a to_o give_v entertainment_n unto_o be_v vain_a empty_a fruitless_a and_o such_o as_o end_v in_o shame_n and_o trouble_n again_o the_o vanity_n of_o the_o mind_n in_o a_o indulgence_n unto_o foolish_a imagination_n arise_v from_o or_o be_v animate_v and_o increase_v by_o that_o gust_n and_o relish_v which_o it_o find_v in_o earthly_a thing_n and_o enjoyment_n of_o they_o whether_o lawful_a or_o unlawful_a hence_o on_o all_o occasion_n yea_o in_o holy_a duty_n it_o will_v be_v ready_a to_o turn_v aside_o and_o take_v a_o taste_n of_o they_o and_o sometime_o to_o take_v up_o with_o they_o like_o a_o tipple_a traveller_n who_o though_o he_o be_v engage_v in_o a_o journey_n on_o the_o most_o earnest_a occasion_n yet_o he_o can_v but_o be_v bibbing_a here_o and_o there_o as_o he_o pass_v by_o and_o it_o may_v be_v at_o length_n before_o he_o come_v to_o his_o journey_n end_v lodge_v himself_o in_o a_o nasty_a alehouse_n when_o man_n be_v engage_v in_o important_a duty_n yet_o if_o they_o always_o carry_v about_o they_o a_o strong_a gust_n and_o relish_v of_o earthly_a thing_n they_o will_v ever_o and_o anon_o in_o their_o thought_n divert_v unto_o they_o either_o as_o unto_o such_o real_a object_n as_o they_o be_v accustom_v unto_o or_o as_o unto_o what_o present_a circumstance_n do_v administer_v unto_o corrupt_a affection_n or_o as_o to_o what_o they_o fancy_n and_o create_v in_o their_o own_o mind_n and_o sometime_o it_o may_v be_v after_o they_o have_v make_v they_o a_o few_o short_a visit_n they_o take_v up_o with_o they_o and_o lose_v whole_o the_o work_n they_o be_v engage_v in_o nothing_o as_o be_v say_v will_v give_v relief_n herein_o but_o the_o vigorous_a and_o constant_a exercise_n of_o our_o affection_n on_o heavenly_a thing_n for_o this_o will_v insensible_o take_v off_o that_o gust_n and_o relish_v which_o the_o mind_n have_v find_v in_o thing_n present_a earthly_a and_o sensual_a and_o make_v they_o as_o a_o sapless_a thing_n unto_o the_o whole_a soul_n they_o will_v so_o place_v the_o cross_n of_o christ_n in_o particular_a on_o the_o heart_n as_o that_o the_o world_n shall_v be_v crucify_v unto_o it_o lose_v all_o that_o brightness_n beauty_n and_o savour_n which_o it_o make_v use_v of_o to_o solicit_v our_o mind_n unto_o thought_n and_o desire_n about_o it_o moreover_o this_o frame_n of_o spirit_n alone_o will_v keep_v we_o on_o our_o watch_n against_o all_o those_o way_n and_o mean_n whereby_o the_o vanity_n of_o the_o mind_n be_v excite_v and_o maintain_v such_o be_v the_o wander_a and_o rove_a of_o the_o outward_a sense_n the_o sense_n especial_o that_o of_o the_o eye_n be_v ready_a to_o become_v purveyor_n to_o make_v provision_n for_o the_o vanity_n and_o lust_n of_o the_o mind_n hence_o the_o psalmist_n pray_v turn_v away_o my_o eye_n from_o behold_v vanity_n if_o the_o eye_n rove_v after_o vain_a object_n the_o mind_n will_v ruminate_v upon_o they_o and_o another_o affirm_v that_o he_o have_v make_v a_o covenant_n with_o his_o eye_n to_o preserve_v they_o from_o fix_v on_o such_o object_n as_o may_v solicit_v lust_n or_o corrupt_a affection_n and_o it_o be_v a_o useful_a labour_n will_v this_o place_n admit_v of_o it_o to_o discover_v the_o ready_a serviceableness_n of_o the_o outward_a sense_n and_o member_n of_o the_o body_n unto_o sin_n and_o folly_n if_o not_o watch_v against_o rom._n 6.13_o 19_o of_o the_o same_o nature_n be_v the_o incessant_a work_v of_o the_o fancy_n and_o imagination_n which_o of_o itself_o be_v evil_a continual_o and_o all_o the_o day_n long_o this_o be_v the_o food_n of_o a_o vain_a mind_n and_o the_o vehicle_n or_o mean_n of_o conveyance_n for_o all_o temptation_n from_o satan_n and_o the_o world_n beside_o sundry_a occasion_n of_o life_n and_o conversation_n be_v usual_o turn_v or_o abuse_v unto_o the_o same_o end_n exciting_a and_o exercise_v of_o the_o vanity_n of_o the_o mind_n wherever_o our_o affection_n be_v fix_v on_o spiritual_a thing_n our_o mind_n will_v constant_o be_v under_o a_o warn_v or_o charge_v to_o keep_v diligent_a watch_n against_o all_o these_o thing_n whereby_o that_o vanity_n which_o it_o so_o abhor_v which_o it_o be_v so_o burden_a withal_o be_v maintain_v and_o excite_v nor_o without_o this_o prevalency_n in_o the_o mind_n will_v ever_o a_o work_n of_o mortification_n be_v carry_v on_o in_o the_o soul_n col._n 3.2_o 4_o 5._o chap._n xxi_o have_v declare_v wherein_o this_o duty_n of_o be_v spiritually-minded_n do_v consist_v that_o which_o remain_v in_o compliance_n with_o
distinct_o unto_o what_o be_v mention_v in_o the_o three_o place_n concern_v the_o complacency_n of_o the_o mind_n in_o what_o its_o affection_n be_v fix_v on_o for_o it_o will_v fall_v in_o with_o sundry_a other_o thing_n that_o be_v to_o be_v speak_v unto_o but_o before_o we_o do_v proceed_v it_o be_v not_o amiss_o as_o i_o suppose_v to_o put_v a_o remark_n upon_o those_o important_a truth_n which_o be_v direct_o contain_v in_o the_o word_n propose_v as_o the_o foundation_n of_o the_o present_a discourse_n as_o 1._o to_o be_v spiritual_o mind_v be_v the_o great_a distinguish_a character_n of_o true_a believer_n from_o all_o unregenerate_a person_n as_o such_o be_v it_o here_o assert_v by_o the_o apostle_n all_o those_o who_o be_v carnal_o mind_v who_o be_v in_o the_o flesh_n they_o be_v unregenerate_a they_o be_v not_o bear_v of_o god_n they_o please_v he_o not_o nor_o can_v do_v so_o but_o must_v perish_v for_o ever_o but_o those_o who_o be_v spiritual_o mind_v be_v bear_v of_o god_n do_v live_v unto_o he_o and_o shall_v come_v to_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o he_o hereon_o depend_v the_o trial_n and_o determination_n of_o what_o state_n we_o do_v belong_v unto_o 2._o where_o any_o be_v spiritual_o mind_v there_o and_o there_o alone_o be_v life_n and_o peace_n what_o these_o be_v wherein_o they_o do_v consist_v what_o be_v their_o excellency_n and_o pre-eminence_n above_o all_o thing_n in_o this_o world_n how_o they_o be_v the_o effect_n and_o consequent_n of_o our_o be_v spiritual_o mind_v shall_v be_v afterward_o declare_v there_o be_v neither_o of_o these_o consideration_n but_o be_v sufficient_a to_o demonstrate_v of_o how_o great_a concernment_n unto_o we_o it_o be_v to_o be_v spiritual_o mind_v and_o diligent_o to_o inquire_v whether_o we_o be_v so_o or_o no._n it_o will_v therefore_o be_v no_o small_a advantage_n unto_o we_o to_o have_v our_o soul_n and_o conscience_n always_o affect_v with_o and_o in_o due_a subjection_n unto_o the_o power_n of_o this_o truth_n namely_o that_o to_o be_v spiritual_o mind_v be_v life_n and_o peace_n whence_o it_o will_v follow_v that_o whatever_o we_o may_v think_v otherwise_o if_o we_o be_v not_o so_o we_o have_v neither_o of_o they_o neither_o life_n nor_o peace_n it_o will_v i_o say_v be_v of_o use_n unto_o we_o if_o we_o be_v affect_v with_o the_o power_n of_o it_o for_o many_o great_o deceive_v themselves_o in_o hear_v the_o word_n they_o admit_v of_o sacred_a truth_n in_o their_o understanding_n and_o assent_v unto_o they_o but_o take_v not_o in_o the_o power_n of_o they_o on_o their_o conscience_n nor_o strict_o judge_v of_o their_o state_n and_o condition_n by_o they_o which_o prove_v their_o ruin_n for_o hereby_o they_o seem_v to_o themselves_o to_o believe_v that_o whereof_o in_o truth_n they_o believe_v not_o one_o syllable_n as_o they_o ought_v they_o hear_v it_o they_o understand_v it_o in_o the_o notion_n of_o it_o they_o assent_n unto_o it_o at_o least_o they_o do_v not_o contradict_v it_o yea_o they_o commend_v it_o oftentimes_o and_o approve_v of_o it_o but_o yet_o they_o believe_v it_o not_o for_o if_o they_o do_v they_o will_v judge_v themselves_o by_o it_o and_o reckon_v on_o it_o that_o it_o will_v be_v with_o they_o at_o the_o last_o day_n according_a as_o thing_n be_v determine_v therein_o or_o such_o person_n be_v as_o the_o apostle_n james_n declare_v like_o a_o man_n behold_v his_o natural_a face_n in_o a_o glass_n for_o he_o behold_v himself_o and_o go_v his_o way_n and_o straightway_o forget_v what_o manner_n of_o man_n he_o be_v jam._n 1.23_o 24._o there_o be_v a_o representation_n make_v of_o they_o their_o state_n and_o condition_n unto_o they_o in_o the_o word_n they_o behold_v it_o and_o conclude_v that_o it_o be_v even_o so_o with_o they_o as_o the_o word_n do_v declare_v but_o immediate_o their_o mind_n be_v fill_v with_o other_o thought_n act_v by_o other_o affection_n take_v up_o with_o other_o occasion_n and_o they_o forget_v in_o a_o moment_n the_o representation_n make_v of_o themselves_o and_o their_o condition_n wherefore_o all_o that_o i_o have_v to_o offer_v on_o this_o subject_n will_v be_v utter_o lose_v unless_o a_o firm_a persuasion_n hereof_o be_v fix_v on_o our_o mind_n unless_o we_o be_v under_o the_o power_n of_o it_o that_o to_o be_v spiritual_o mind_v be_v life_n and_o peace_n so_o that_o whatever_o our_o light_n and_o profession_n be_v our_o knowledge_n or_o our_o duty_n without_o this_o we_o have_v indeed_o no_o real_a interest_n in_o life_n and_o peace_n these_o thing_n be_v premise_v i_o shall_v more_o practical_o open_v the_o nature_n of_o this_o duty_n and_o what_o be_v require_v unto_o this_o frame_n of_o spirit_n to_o be_v spiritual_o mind_v may_v be_v consider_v either_o as_o unto_o the_o nature_n and_o essence_n of_o it_o or_o as_o unto_o its_o degree_n for_o one_o may_v be_v so_o more_o than_o another_o or_o the_o same_o person_n may_v be_v more_o so_o at_o one_o time_n than_o another_o in_o the_o first_o way_n it_o be_v oppose_v unto_o be_v carnal_o mind_v in_o the_o other_o unto_o be_v earthly_a mind_v to_o be_v carnal_o mind_v be_v as_o the_o apostle_n speak_v death_n it_o be_v so_o every_o way_n and_o they_o who_o be_v so_o be_v dead_a in_o trespass_n and_o sin_n this_o be_v oppose_v unto_o be_v spiritual_o mind_v as_o unto_o its_o nature_n or_o essence_n where_o a_o man_n as_o unto_o the_o substance_n and_o be_v of_o the_o grace_n and_o duty_n intend_v be_v not_o spiritual_o mind_v he_o be_v carnal_o mind_v that_o be_v under_o the_o power_n of_o death_n spiritual_a and_o obnoxious_a unto_o death_n eternal_a this_o be_v the_o principal_a foundation_n we_o proceed_v upon_o whence_o we_o demonstrate_v the_o indispensible_a necessity_n of_o the_o frame_n of_o mind_n inquire_v after_o there_o be_v two_o way_n wherein_o man_n be_v earthly-minded_n the_o one_o be_v absolute_a when_o the_o love_n of_o earthly_a thing_n be_v whole_o predominant_a in_o the_o mind_n this_o be_v not_o formal_o and_o proper_o to_o be_v carnal_o mind_v which_o be_v of_o a_o large_a extent_n the_o one_o denomination_n be_v from_o the_o root_n and_o principle_n namely_o the_o flesh_n the_o other_o from_o the_o object_n or_o the_o thing_n of_o the_o earth_n the_o latter_a be_v a_o branch_n from_o the_o former_a as_o its_o root_n to_o be_v earthly_a mind_v be_v a_o operation_n and_o effect_n of_o the_o carnal_a mind_n in_o one_o especial_a way_n and_o instance_n and_o it_o be_v as_o exclusive_a of_o life_n and_o salvation_n as_o the_o carnal_a mind_n itself_o phil._n 3.19_o 1_o joh._n 2.16_o this_o therefore_o be_v oppose_v unto_o the_o be_v of_o spiritual_a mindedness_n no_o less_o than_o to_o be_v carnal_o mind_v be_v when_o there_o be_v in_o any_o a_o love_n of_o earthly_a thing_n that_o be_v predominant_a whence_o a_o person_n may_v be_v right_o denominate_v to_o be_v earthly_a mind_v he_o be_v not_o nor_o can_v be_v spiritual_o mind_v at_o all_o he_o have_v no_o interest_n in_o the_o frame_n of_o heart_n and_o spirit_n intend_v thereby_o and_o thus_o it_o be_v evident_o with_o the_o great_a part_n of_o they_o who_o be_v call_v christian_n in_o the_o world_n let_v they_o pretend_v what_o they_o will_v to_o the_o contrary_n again_o there_o be_v a_o be_v earthly-minded_n which_o consist_v in_o a_o inordinate_a affection_n unto_o the_o thing_n of_o this_o world_n it_o be_v that_o which_o be_v sinful_a which_o ought_v to_o be_v mortify_v yet_o be_v it_o not_o absolute_o inconsistent_a with_o the_o substance_n and_o be_v of_o the_o grace_n inquire_v after_o some_o who_o be_v real_o and_o true_o spiritual_o mind_v yet_o may_v for_o a_o time_n at_o least_o be_v under_o such_o a_o inordinate_a affection_n unto_o and_o care_v about_o earthly_a thing_n that_o if_o not_o absolute_o yet_o comparative_o as_o unto_o what_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v and_o may_v be_v they_o may_v be_v just_o say_v to_o be_v earthly_a mind_v they_o be_v so_o in_o respect_n of_o those_o degree_n in_o be_v spiritual_o mind_v which_o they_o ought_v to_o aim_v at_o and_o may_v attain_v unto_o and_o where_o it_o be_v thus_o this_o grace_n can_v never_o thrive_v or_o flourish_v it_o can_v never_o advance_v unto_o any_o eminent_a degree_n this_o be_v the_o zoar_n of_o many_o professor_n that_o little_a one_o wherein_o they_o will_v be_v spare_v such_o a_o earthly-mindedness_a as_o be_v whole_o inconsistent_a with_o be_v spiritual_o mind_v as_o unto_o the_o state_n and_o condition_n which_o depend_v thereon_o they_o will_v avoid_v for_o this_o they_o know_v will_v be_v absolute_o exclusive_a of_o life_n and_o peace_n they_o can_v but_o know_v that_o such_o a_o frame_n be_v as_o inconsistent_a with_o salvation_n as_o live_v in_o the_o vile_a sin_n that_o any_o man_n can_v
contract_v the_o gild_n of_o there_o be_v more_o way_n of_o spiritual_a and_o eternal_a death_n than_o one_o as_o well_o as_o of_o natural_a all_o that_o dye_n have_v not_o the_o plague_n and_o all_o that_o perish_v eternal_o be_v not_o guilty_a of_o the_o same_o profligate_v sin_n the_o covetous_a be_v exclude_v from_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n no_o less_o severe_o than_o fornicator_n idolater_n adulterer_n and_o thief_n 1_o cor._n 6.9_o 10._o but_o there_o be_v a_o degree_n in_o be_v earthly_a mind_v which_o they_o suppose_v their_o interest_n advantage_n relation_n and_o occasion_n of_o life_n do_v call_v for_o which_o they_o will_v be_v a_o little_a indulge_v in_o they_o may_v abide_v in_o such_o a_o frame_n without_o a_o disparagement_n of_o their_o profession_n and_o the_o truth_n be_v they_o have_v too_o many_o companion_n to_o fear_v a_o especial_a reflection_n on_o themselves_o the_o multitude_n of_o the_o guilty_a take_v away_o the_o sense_n and_o shame_n of_o the_o gild_n but_o beside_o they_o hope_v well_o that_o it_o be_v not_o inconsistent_a absolute_o with_o be_v spiritual_o mind_v only_o they_o can_v well_o deny_v but_o that_o it_o be_v contrary_a unto_o such_o degree_n in_o that_o grace_n such_o thrive_a in_o that_o duty_n as_o be_v recommend_v unto_o they_o they_o think_v well_o of_o other_o who_o be_v spiritual_o mind_v in_o a_o eminent_a degree_n at_o least_o they_o do_v so_o as_o unto_o the_o thing_n itself_o in_o general_a for_o when_o they_o come_v unto_o particular_a instance_n of_o this_o or_o that_o man_n for_o the_o most_o part_n they_o esteem_v what_o be_v beyond_o their_o own_o measure_n to_o be_v little_o better_a than_o pretence_n but_o in_o general_a to_o be_v spiritual_o mind_v in_o a_o eminent_a degree_n they_o can_v but_o esteem_v it_o a_o thing_n excellent_a and_o desirable_a but_o it_o be_v for_o they_o who_o be_v more_o at_o leisure_n than_o they_o be_v their_o circumstance_n and_o occasion_n require_v they_o to_o satisfy_v themselves_o with_o a_o inferior_a measure_n to_o obviate_v such_o pretence_n i_o shall_v insist_v on_o nothing_o in_o the_o declaration_n of_o this_o duty_n and_o the_o necessity_n of_o it_o but_o what_o be_v incumbent_n on_o all_o that_o believe_v and_o without_o which_o they_o have_v no_o ground_n to_o assure_v their_o conscience_n before_o god_n and_o at_o present_a in_o general_n i_o shall_v say_v whoever_o he_o be_v who_o do_v not_o sincere_o aim_v at_o the_o high_a degree_n of_o be_v spiritual_o mind_v which_o the_o mean_v he_o enjoy_v will_v lead_v he_o unto_o and_o which_o the_o light_n he_o have_v receive_v do_v call_v for_o who_o judge_v it_o necessary_a unto_o his_o present_a advantage_n occasion_n and_o circumstance_n to_o rest_v in_o such_o measure_n or_o degree_n of_o it_o as_o he_o can_v but_o know_v that_o they_o come_v short_a of_o what_o he_o ought_v to_o aim_v at_o and_o so_o do_v not_o endeavour_v after_o compleatness_n in_o the_o will_n of_o god_n herein_o can_v have_v no_o satisfaction_n in_o his_o own_o mind_n have_v no_o unfailing_a ground_n whereon_o to_o believe_v that_o he_o have_v any_o thing_n at_o all_o of_o the_o reality_n of_o this_o grace_n in_o he_o such_o a_o person_n possible_o may_v have_v life_n which_o accompany_v the_o essence_n of_o this_o grace_n but_o he_o can_v have_v peace_n which_o follow_v on_o its_o degree_n in_o a_o due_a improvement_n and_o it_o be_v to_o be_v fear_v that_o far_o the_o great_a number_n of_o they_o who_o satisfy_v themselves_o in_o this_o apprehension_n willing_o neglect_v a_o endeavour_n after_o the_o further_a degree_n of_o this_o grace_n and_o growth_n in_o this_o duty_n which_o their_o light_n or_o conviction_n and_o the_o mean_n they_o enjoy_v do_v suggest_v unto_o they_o be_v indeed_o carnal_o mind_v and_o every_o way_n obnoxious_a unto_o death_n chap._n ii_o a_o particular_a account_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o this_o grace_n and_o duty_n of_o be_v spiritual_o mind_v how_o it_o be_v state_v in_o and_o evidence_v by_o our_o thought_n have_v state_v the_o general_a concernment_n of_o that_o frame_n of_o mind_n which_o be_v here_o recommend_v unto_o we_o we_o may_v proceed_v to_o inquire_v more_o particular_o into_o the_o nature_n of_o it_o according_a unto_o the_o description_n before_o give_v in_o distinct_a proposition_n and_o we_o shall_v carry_v on_o both_o these_o intention_n together_o first_o to_o show_v what_o it_o be_v and_o wherein_o it_o do_v consist_v and_o then_o how_o it_o do_v evidence_n itself_o so_o as_o that_o we_o may_v frame_v a_o right_a judgement_n whether_o it_o be_v in_o we_o or_o no._n and_o we_o shall_v have_v no_o regard_n unto_o they_o who_o either_o neglect_n or_o despise_v these_o thing_n on_o any_o pretence_n whatever_o for_o this_o be_v the_o word_n according_a unto_o which_o we_o shall_v all_o short_o be_v judge_v to_o be_v carnal_o mind_v be_v death_n but_o to_o be_v spiritual_o mind_v be_v life_n and_o peace_n thought_n and_o meditation_n as_o proceed_v from_o spiritual_a affection_n be_v the_o first_o thing_n wherein_o this_o spiritual_a mindedness_n do_v consist_v and_o whereby_o it_o do_v evidence_n itself_o our_o thought_n be_v like_o the_o blossom_n on_o a_o tree_n in_o the_o spring_n you_o may_v see_v a_o tree_n in_o the_o spring_n all_o cover_v with_o blossom_n that_o nothing_o else_o of_o it_o appear_v multitude_n of_o they_o fall_v off_o and_o come_v to_o nothing_o ofttime_n where_o there_o be_v most_o blossom_n there_o be_v least_o fruit_n but_o yet_o there_o be_v no_o fruit_n be_v it_o of_o what_o sort_n it_o will_v good_a or_o bad_a but_o it_o come_v in_o and_o from_o some_o of_o those_o blossom_n the_o mind_n of_o man_n be_v cover_v with_o thought_n as_o a_o tree_n with_o blossom_n most_o of_o they_o fall_v off_o vanish_z and_o come_v to_o nothing_o end_n in_o vanity_n and_o sometime_o where_o the_o mind_n do_v most_o abound_v with_o they_o there_o be_v the_o least_o fruit_n the_o sap_n of_o the_o mind_n be_v waste_v and_o consume_v in_o they_o howbeit_o there_o be_v no_o fruit_n which_o actual_o we_o bring_v forth_o be_v it_o good_a or_o bad_a but_o it_o proceed_v from_o some_o of_o these_o thought_n wherefore_o ordinary_o these_o give_v the_o best_a and_o sure_a measure_n of_o the_o frame_n of_o man_n mind_n as_o a_o man_n think_v in_o his_o heart_n so_o be_v he_o pro._n 23.7_o in_o case_n of_o strong_a or_o violent_a temptation_n the_o real_a frame_n of_o a_o man_n heart_n be_v not_o to_o be_v judge_v by_o the_o multiplicity_n of_o thought_n about_o any_o object_n for_o whether_o they_o be_v from_o satan_n suggestion_n or_o from_o inward_a darkness_n trouble_n and_o horror_n they_o will_v impose_v such_o a_o continual_a sense_n of_o themselves_o on_o the_o mind_n as_o shall_v engage_v all_o its_o thought_n about_o they_o as_o when_o a_o man_n be_v in_o a_o storm_n at_o sea_n the_o current_n of_o his_o thought_n run_v quite_o another_o way_n than_o when_o he_o be_v in_o safety_n about_o his_o occasion_n but_o ordinary_o voluntary_a thought_n be_v the_o best_a measure_n and_o indication_n of_o the_o frame_n of_o our_o mind_n as_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o soil_n be_v judge_v by_o the_o grass_n which_o it_o bring_v forth_o so_o may_v the_o disposition_n of_o the_o heart_n by_o the_o predominancy_n of_o voluntary_a thought_n they_o be_v the_o original_n act_n of_o the_o soul_n the_o way_n whereby_o the_o heart_n put_v forth_o and_o empty_v the_o treasure_n that_o be_v in_o it_o the_o water_n that_o first_o rise_v and_o flow_v from_o the_o fountain_n every_o man_n heart_n be_v his_o treasury_n and_o the_o treasure_n that_o be_v in_o it_o be_v either_o good_a or_o evil_a as_o our_o saviour_n tell_v we_o there_o be_v a_o good_a and_o bad_a treasure_n of_o the_o heart_n but_o whatever_o a_o man_n have_v be_v it_o good_a or_o evil_n there_o it_o be_v this_o treasure_n be_v open_v empty_v and_o spend_v itself_o continual_o though_o it_o can_v never_o be_v exhaust_v for_o it_o have_v a_o fountain_n in_o nature_n or_o grace_n which_o no_o expense_n can_v diminish_v yea_o it_o increase_v and_o get_v strength_n by_o it_o the_o more_o you_o spend_v of_o the_o treasure_n of_o your_o heart_n in_o any_o kind_n the_o more_o will_v you_o abound_v in_o treasure_n of_o the_o same_o kind_n whether_o it_o be_v good_a or_o evil_a it_o grow_v by_o expense_n and_o exercise_n and_o the_o principal_a way_n whereby_o it_o put_v forth_o itself_o be_v by_o the_o thought_n of_o the_o mind_n if_o the_o heart_n be_v evil_a they_o be_v for_o the_o most_o part_n vain_a filthy_a corrupt_a wicked_a foolish_a if_o it_o be_v under_o the_o power_n of_o a_o principle_n of_o grace_n and_o so_o have_v a_o good_a treasure_n in_o it_o it_o put_v forth_o itself_o by_o thought_n suitable_a unto_o its_o
psalmist_n my_o heart_n be_v endite_v a_o good_a matter_n i_o speak_v of_o the_o thing_n which_o i_o have_v make_v touch_v the_o king_n he_o be_v meditate_v on_o spiritual_a thing_n on_o the_o thing_n of_o the_o person_n and_o kingdom_n of_o christ._n hence_o his_o heart_n bubble_v up_o as_o it_o be_v in_o the_o original_a a_o good_a matter_n it_o be_v a_o allusion_n take_v from_o a_o quick_a spring_n of_o live_a water_n from_o its_o own_o life_n and_o fullness_n it_o bubble_n up_o the_o water_n that_o run_v and_o flow_v from_o it_o so_o be_v it_o with_o these_o thought_n in_o they_o that_o be_v spiritual_o mind_v there_o be_v a_o live_a fullness_n of_o spiritual_a thing_n in_o their_o mind_n and_o affection_n that_o spring_v up_o into_o holy_a thought_n about_o they_o from_o hence_o do_v our_o saviour_n give_v we_o the_o great_a description_n of_o spiritual_a life_n it_o be_v a_o well_o of_o live_a water_n spring_v up_o into_o everlasting_a life_n joh._n 4.12_o the_o spirit_n with_o his_o grace_n reside_v in_o the_o heart_n of_o a_o believer_n be_v a_o well_o of_o live_a water_n nor_o be_v it_o such_o a_o well_o as_o content_v with_o its_o own_o fullness_n do_v not_o of_o its_o own_o accord_n without_o any_o instrument_n or_o pain_n in_o draw_v send_v out_o its_o refresh_a water_n as_o it_o be_v with_o most_o well_n though_o of_o live_a water_n for_o this_o be_v speak_v by_o our_o saviour_n in_o answer_n and_o opposition_n unto_o that_o objection_n of_o the_o woman_n upon_o this_o mention_n of_o give_v live_a water_n v_o 10._o sir_n say_v she_o thou_o have_v nothing_o to_o draw_v and_o the_o well_o be_v deep_a whence_o will_v thou_o have_v this_o water_n v._n 11._o true_o say_v he_o such_o be_v the_o nature_n of_o this_o well_o and_o water_n dead_a earthly_a thing_n they_o be_v of_o no_o use_n unless_o we_o have_v instrument_n line_n and_o bucket_n to_o draw_v withal_o but_o the_o live_a water_n which_o i_o shall_v give_v be_v of_o another_o nature_n it_o be_v not_o water_n to_o be_v keep_v in_o a_o pit_n or_o cistern_n without_o we_o whence_o it_o must_v be_v draw_v but_o it_o be_v within_o we_o and_o that_o not_o dead_a and_o useless_a but_o continual_o spring_v up_o unto_o the_o use_n and_o refreshment_n of_o they_o that_o have_v it_o for_o so_o be_v it_o with_o the_o principle_n of_o the_o new_a creature_n of_o the_o new_a nature_n the_o spirit_n and_o his_o grace_n in_o the_o heart_n of_o they_o that_o do_v believe_v it_o do_v of_o itself_o and_o from_o itself_o without_o any_o external_a influence_n on_o it_o incline_v and_o dispose_v the_o whole_a soul_n unto_o spiritual_a act_n that_o tend_v unto_o eternal_a life_n such_o be_v the_o thought_n of_o they_o that_o be_v spiritual_o mind_v they_o arise_v from_o the_o inward_a principle_n inclination_n and_o disposition_n of_o the_o soul_n be_v the_o bubling_n of_o this_o well_o of_o live_a water_n they_o be_v the_o minding_n of_o the_o spirit_n so_o our_o saviour_n describe_v they_o matth._n 12.35_o a_o good_a man_n out_o of_o the_o good_a treasure_n of_o the_o heart_n bring_v forth_o good_a thing_n first_o the_o man_n be_v good_a as_o he_o say_v before_o make_v the_o tree_n good_a or_o the_o fruit_n can_v be_v good_a v_o 33._o he_o be_v make_v so_o by_o grace_n in_o the_o change_n and_o renovation_n of_o his_o nature_n for_o in_o ourselves_o we_o be_v every_o way_n evil_a this_o good_a man_n have_v a_o treasure_n in_o his_o heart_n so_o all_o man_n have_v as_o the_o next_o word_n be_v the_o evil_a man_n out_o of_o the_o evil_a treasure_n of_o the_o heart_n and_o this_o be_v the_o great_a difference_n that_o be_v between_o man_n in_o this_o world_n every_o man_n have_v a_o treasure_n in_o his_o heart_n that_o be_v a_o prevail_a inexhaustible_a principle_n of_o all_o his_o act_n and_o operation_n but_o in_o some_o this_o treasure_n be_v good_a in_o other_o it_o be_v evil._n that_o be_v the_o prevail_a principle_n in_o the_o heart_n which_o carry_v along_o with_o it_o its_o disposition_n and_o inclination_n be_v in_o some_o good_a and_o gracious_a in_o other_o it_o be_v evil_a out_o of_o this_o good_a treasure_n a_o good_a man_n bring_v forth_o good_a thing_n the_o first_o open_v of_o it_o the_o first_o bring_v of_o it_o forth_o be_v by_o these_o thought_n the_o thought_n that_o arise_v out_o of_o the_o heart_n be_v of_o the_o same_o nature_n with_o the_o treasure_n that_o be_v in_o it_o if_o the_o thought_n that_o natural_o arise_v and_o spring_v up_o in_o we_o be_v for_o the_o most_o part_n vain_a foolish_a sensual_a earthly_a selfish_a such_o be_v the_o treasure_n that_o be_v in_o our_o heart_n and_o such_o be_v we_o but_o where_o the_o thought_n that_o thus_o natural_o proceed_v from_o the_o treasure_n that_o be_v in_o the_o heart_n be_v spiritual_a and_o holy_a it_o be_v a_o argument_n that_o we_o be_v spiritual_o mind_v where_o it_o be_v not_o thus_o with_o our_o thought_n they_o give_v no_o such_o evidence_n as_o that_o inquire_v after_o man_n may_v have_v thought_n of_o spiritual_a thing_n and_o that_o many_o of_o they_o and_o that_o frequent_o which_o do_v not_o arise_v from_o this_o principle_n but_o may_v be_v resolve_v into_o two_o other_o cause_n 1._o inward_a force_n 2._o outward_a occasion_n 1._o inward_a force_n as_o it_o may_v be_v call_v this_o be_v by_o conviction_n conviction_n put_v a_o kind_n of_o a_o force_n upon_o the_o mind_n or_o a_o impression_n that_o cause_v it_o to_o act_v contrary_a unto_o its_o own_o habitual_a disposition_n and_o inclination_n it_o be_v in_o the_o nature_n of_o water_n to_o descend_v but_o apply_v a_o instrument_n unto_o it_o that_o shall_v make_v a_o compression_n of_o it_o and_o force_v it_o unto_o a_o vent_n it_o will_v fly_v upward_o vehement_o as_o if_o that_o be_v its_o natural_a motion_n but_o so_o soon_o as_o the_o force_n of_o the_o impression_n cease_v it_o return_v immediate_o unto_o its_o own_o proper_a tendency_n descend_v towards_o its_o centre_n so_o be_v it_o with_o man_n thought_n ofttimes_o they_o be_v earthly_a their_o natural_a course_n and_o motion_n be_v downward_o unto_o the_o earth_n and_o the_o thing_n thereof_o but_o when_o any_o efficacious_a conviction_n press_v on_o the_o mind_n it_o force_v the_o egress_n of_o its_o thought_n upward_o towards_o heavenly_a thing_n it_o will_v think_v much_o and_o frequent_o of_o they_o as_o if_o that_o be_v their_o proper_a motion_n and_o course_n but_o so_o soon_o as_o the_o power_n of_o the_o conviction_n decay_v or_o wear_v off_o that_o the_o mind_n be_v no_o more_o sensible_a of_o its_o force_n and_o impression_n the_o thought_n of_o it_o return_v again_o unto_o their_o old_a course_n and_o track_n as_o the_o water_n tend_v downward_o this_o state_n and_o frame_n be_v graphical_o describe_v psal._n 78.35_o 36_o 37._o when_o he_o slay_v they_o than_o they_o seek_v he_o and_o they_o return_v and_o inquire_v early_o after_o god_n and_o they_o remember_v that_o god_n be_v their_o rock_n and_o the_o high_a god_n their_o redeemer_n nevertheless_o they_o do_v but_o flatter_v he_o with_o their_o mouth_n and_o they_o lie_v unto_o he_o with_o their_o tongue_n for_o their_o heart_n be_v not_o right_a with_o he_o neither_o be_v they_o steadfast_a in_o his_o covenant_n man_n in_o trouble_n danger_n sickness_n fear_n of_o death_n or_o under_o effectual_a conviction_n of_o sin_n from_o the_o preach_n of_o the_o word_n will_v endeavour_v to_o think_v and_o meditate_v on_o spiritual_a thing_n yea_o they_o will_v be_v great_o trouble_v that_o they_o can_v think_v of_o they_o more_o than_o they_o do_v and_o esteem_v it_o their_o folly_n that_o they_o think_v of_o any_o thing_n else_o but_o as_o freedom_n and_o deliverance_n do_v approach_n so_o these_o thought_n decay_v and_o disappear_v the_o mind_n will_v not_o be_v compel_v to_o give_v place_n unto_o they_o any_o more_o the_o prophet_n give_v the_o reason_n of_o it_o jer._n 13.23_o can_v the_o aethiopian_a change_n his_o skin_n or_o the_o leopard_n his_o spot_n then_o may_v you_o also_o do_v good_a that_o be_v accustom_v unto_o evil_n they_o have_v have_v another_o haunt_n be_v teach_v another_o course_n the_o habit_n and_o inclination_n of_o the_o mind_n lie_v another_o way_n and_o they_o will_v no_o long_o tend_v towards_o spiritual_a thing_n than_o a_o impression_n be_v on_o they_o from_o their_o conviction_n and_o it_o be_v a_o argument_n of_o very_a mean_a attainment_n of_o a_o low_a and_o weak_a degree_n in_o this_o frame_n of_o heart_n or_o in_o our_o be_v spiritual_o mind_v when_o our_o thought_n of_o spiritual_a thing_n do_v rise_v or_o fall_v according_a unto_o renew_a occasional_a conviction_n if_o when_o we_o be_v under_o rebuke_n from_o god_n in_o our_o person_n or_o relation_n
in_o fear_n of_o death_n and_o the_o like_a and_o withal_o have_v some_o renew_a conviction_n of_o sin_n in_o commission_n or_o omission_n of_o duty_n and_o thereon_o do_v endeavour_n to_o be_v more_o spiritual_o mind_v in_o the_o constant_a exercise_n of_o our_o thought_n on_o spiritual_a thing_n which_o we_o fail_v in_o and_o these_o thought_n decay_n as_o our_o conviction_n in_o the_o cause_n of_o they_o do_v wear_v off_o or_o be_v remove_v we_o have_v attain_v a_o very_a low_a degree_n in_o this_o grace_n if_o we_o have_v any_o interest_n in_o it_o at_o all_o water_n that_o arise_v and_o flow_v from_o a_o live_a spring_n run_v equal_o and_o constant_o unless_o it_o be_v obstruct_v or_o divert_v by_o some_o violent_a opposition_n but_o that_o which_o be_v from_o thunder-shower_n run_v furious_o for_o a_o season_n but_o be_v quick_o dry_v up_o so_o be_v those_o spiritual_a thought_n which_o arise_v from_o a_o prevalent_a internal_a principle_n of_o grace_n in_o the_o heart_n they_o be_v even_o and_o constant_a unless_o a_o interruption_n be_v put_v upon_o they_o for_o a_o season_n by_o temptation_n but_o those_o which_o be_v excite_v by_o the_o thunder_n of_o conviction_n however_o their_o stream_n may_v be_v fill_v for_o a_o season_n they_o quick_o dry_v up_o and_o utter_o decay_v 2._o such_o thought_n may_v arise_v in_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n not_o spiritual_o mind_v from_o outward_a mean_n and_o occasion_n such_o i_o intend_v as_o be_v indeed_o useful_a yea_o appoint_v of_o god_n for_o this_o end_n among_o other_o that_o they_o may_v ingenerate_v and_o stir_v up_o holy_a thought_n and_o affection_n in_o we_o but_o there_o be_v a_o difference_n in_o their_o use_n and_o operation_n in_o some_o they_o excite_v the_o inward_a principle_n of_o the_o mind_n to_o act_v in_o holy_a thought_n according_a unto_o its_o own_o sanctify_a disposition_n and_o prevalent_a affection_n this_o be_v their_o proper_a end_n and_o use._n in_o other_o they_o occasional_o suggest_v such_o thought_n unto_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n which_o spring_v only_o from_o the_o notion_n of_o the_o thing_n propose_v unto_o they_o with_o respect_n unto_o this_o end_n also_o they_o be_v of_o singular_a use_n unto_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n howbeit_o such_o thought_n do_v not_o prove_v man_n to_o be_v spiritual_o mind_v where_o you_o till_o and_o manure_v your_o land_n if_o it_o bring_v forth_o plentiful_a crop_n of_o corn_n it_o be_v a_o evidence_n that_o the_o soil_v it_o self_n be_v good_a and_o fertile_a the_o dress_n of_o it_o only_o give_v occasion_n and_o advantage_n to_o put_v forth_o its_o own_o fruitbearing_a virtue_n but_o if_o in_o the_o till_v of_o land_n you_o lay_v much_o dung_n upon_o it_o and_o it_o bring_v forth_o here_o and_o there_o a_o handful_n where_o the_o dung_n lie_v you_o will_v say_v the_o soil_n be_v barren_a it_o bring_v forth_o nothing_o of_o itself_o these_o mean_n that_o we_o shall_v treat_v of_o be_v as_o the_o till_v of_o a_o fruitful_a soil_n which_o help_v it_o in_o bring_v forth_o its_o fruit_n by_o exciting_a its_o own_o virtue_n and_o power_n they_o stir_v up_o holy_a affection_n unto_o holy_a thought_n and_o desire_n but_o in_o other_o who_o heart_n be_v barren_a they_o only_o serve_v as_o it_o be_v some_o of_o they_o here_o and_o there_o to_o stir_v up_o spiritual_a thought_n which_o give_v no_o evidence_n of_o a_o gracious_a heart_n or_o spirit_n but_o because_o this_o be_v a_o matter_n of_o great_a importance_n it_o shall_v be_v handle_v distinct_o by_o itself_o chap._n iii_o outward_a mean_n and_o occasion_n of_o thought_n of_o such_o spiritual_a thing_n which_o do_v not_o prove_v man_n to_o be_v spiritual_o mind_v preach_v of_o the_o word_n exercise_n of_o gift_n prayer_n how_o we_o may_v know_v whether_o our_o thought_n of_o spiritual_a thing_n in_o prayer_n be_v true_o spiritual_a thought_n prove_v we_o to_o be_v spiritual_o mind_v 1._o such_o a_o mean_n be_v the_o preach_n of_o the_o word_n itself_o it_o be_v observe_v concern_v many_o in_o the_o gospel_n that_o they_o hear_v it_o willing_o receive_v it_o with_o joy_n and_o do_v many_o thing_n glad_o upon_o the_o preach_a of_o it_o and_o we_o see_v the_o same_o thing_n exemplify_v in_o multitude_n every_o day_n but_o none_o of_o these_o thing_n can_v be_v without_o many_o thought_n in_o the_o mind_n of_o such_o person_n about_o the_o spiritual_a thing_n of_o the_o word_n for_o they_o be_v the_o effect_n of_o such_o thought_n and_o be_v wrought_v in_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n will_v produce_v more_o of_o the_o same_o nature_n yet_o be_v they_o all_o hypocrite_n concern_v who_o these_o thing_n be_v speak_v and_o be_v never_o spiritual_o mind_v the_o cause_n of_o this_o miscarriage_n be_v give_v we_o by_o our_o saviour_n math._n 13.20_o 21._o he_o that_o receive_v the_o seed_n into_o stony_a place_n the_o same_o be_v he_o that_o hear_v the_o word_n and_o anon_o receive_v it_o with_o joy_n yet_o have_v he_o not_o root_v in_o himself_o but_o dure_v for_o a_o while_n the_o good_a thought_n they_o have_v proceed_v not_o from_o any_o principle_n in_o themselves_o neither_o their_o affection_n nor_o their_o thought_n of_o these_o thing_n have_v any_o internal_a root_n whereon_o they_o shall_v grow_v so_o be_v it_o with_o many_o who_o live_v under_o the_o present_a dispensation_n of_o the_o gospel_n they_o have_v thought_n of_o spiritual_a thing_n continual_o suggest_v unto_o they_o and_o they_o do_v abide_v with_o they_o more_o or_o less_o according_a as_o they_o be_v affect_v for_o i_o speak_v not_o of_o they_o who_o be_v either_o despiser_n of_o what_o they_o hear_v or_o way-side_n hearer_n who_o understand_v nothing_o of_o what_o they_o hear_v and_o immediate_o lose_v all_o sense_n of_o it_o all_o thought_n about_o it_o but_o i_o speak_v of_o they_o who_o attend_v with_o some_o diligence_n and_o receive_v the_o word_n with_o some_o joy_n these_o insensible_o grow_v in_o knowledge_n and_o understanding_n and_o therefore_o can_v be_v without_o some_o thought_n of_o spiritual_a thing_n howbeit_o for_o the_o most_o part_n they_o be_v as_o be_v say_v but_o like_v unto_o water_n that_o run_v after_o a_o shower_n of_o rain_n they_o pour_v out_o themselves_o as_o if_o they_o proceed_v from_o some_o strong_a live_a spring_n whereas_o indeed_o they_o have_v none_o at_o all_o when_o once_o the_o water_n of_o the_o shower_n be_v spend_v their_o channel_n be_v dry_a there_o be_v nothing_o in_o it_o but_o stone_n and_o dirt_n when_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o word_n fall_v on_o such_o person_n as_o shower_n of_o rain_n it_o give_v a_o course_n sometime_o great_a sometime_o less_o unto_o their_o thought_n towards_o spiritual_a thing_n but_o they_o have_v not_o a_o well_o of_o water_n in_o they_o spring_v up_o into_o everlasting_a life_n wherefore_o after_o a_o while_n their_o mind_n be_v dry_v up_o from_o such_o thought_n nothing_o remain_v in_o they_o but_o earth_n and_o that_o perhaps_o foul_a and_o dirty_a it_o must_v be_v observe_v that_o the_o best_a of_o man_n the_o most_o holy_a and_o spiritual_o mind_v may_v have_v nay_o aught_o to_o have_v their_o thought_n of_o spiritual_a thing_n excite_v multiply_a and_o confirm_v by_o the_o preach_n of_o the_o word_n it_o be_v one_o end_n of_o its_o dispensation_n one_o principal_a use_n of_o it_o in_o they_o by_o who_o it_o be_v receive_v and_o it_o have_v this_o effect_n two_o way_n 1._o as_o it_o be_v the_o spiritual_a food_n of_o the_o soul_n whereby_o its_o principle_n of_o life_n and_o grace_n be_v maintain_v and_o strengthen_v the_o more_o this_o be_v do_v the_o more_o shall_v we_o thrive_v in_o be_v spiritual_o mind_v 2._o as_o it_o administer_v occasion_n unto_o the_o exercise_n of_o grace_n for_o propose_v the_o proper_a object_n of_o faith_n love_n fear_v trust_v reverence_n unto_o the_o soul_n it_o draw_v forth_o all_o those_o grace_n into_o exercise_n wherefore_o although_o the_o vigorous_a act_n of_o spiritual_a thought_n be_v occasional_a from_o the_o word_n be_v more_o under_o and_o after_o the_o preach_n of_o it_o than_o at_o other_o time_n it_o be_v no_o more_o but_o what_o arise_v from_o the_o nature_n and_o use_n of_o the_o ordinance_n by_o god_n own_o appointment_n nor_o be_v it_o any_o evidence_n that_o those_o with_o who_o it_o be_v so_o be_v not_o spiritual_o mind_v but_o on_o the_o contrary_a that_o they_o be_v yet_o where_o man_n have_v no_o other_o thought_n of_o this_o matter_n but_o what_o be_v occasion_v by_o the_o outward_a dispensation_n of_o the_o word_n such_o thought_n do_v not_o prove_v they_o to_o be_v spiritual_o mind_v their_o endeavour_n in_o they_o be_v like_o those_o of_o man_n in_o a_o dream_n under_o some_o oppression_n of_o their_o spirit_n their_o imagination_n fix_v on_o something_o or_o other_o that_o be_v
in_o the_o moon_n and_o star_n than_o in_o the_o sun_n but_o because_o the_o light_n of_o the_o sun_n be_v great_a than_o our_o visive_a faculty_n can_v direct_o bear_v and_o behold_v so_o we_o can_v more_o clear_o discover_v the_o truth_n and_o distinct_a nature_n of_o thing_n moral_a and_o natural_a than_o we_o can_v of_o thing_n that_o be_v heavenly_a and_o spiritual_a see_v john_n 3.14_o not_o that_o there_o be_v more_o substance_n or_o reality_n in_o they_o but_o because_o the_o ability_n of_o our_o understanding_n be_v more_o suit_v unto_o the_o comprehension_n of_o they_o the_o other_o be_v above_o we_o we_o know_v but_o in_o part_n and_o our_o mind_n be_v liable_a to_o be_v hinder_v and_o disorder_v in_o their_o apprehension_n of_o thing_n heavenly_a and_o spiritual_a by_o ignorance_n temptation_n and_o prejudices_fw-la of_o all_o sort_n in_o nothing_o more_o be_v man_n subject_a unto_o mistake_n than_o in_o the_o application_n of_o thing_n unto_o themselves_o and_o a_o judgement_n of_o their_o interest_n in_o they_o fear_v self-love_n with_o the_o prevalency_n of_o temptation_n and_o corruption_n do_v all_o engage_v their_o power_n to_o darken_v the_o light_n of_o the_o mind_n and_o to_o pervert_v its_o judgement_n in_o no_o case_n do_v the_o deceitfulness_n of_o the_o heart_n or_o of_o sin_n which_o be_v all_o one_o more_o act_n itself_o hence_o multitude_n say_v peace_n to_o themselves_o to_o who_o god_n do_v not_o speak_v peace_n and_o some_o who_o be_v child_n of_o light_n do_v yet_o walk_v in_o darkness_n hence_o be_v that_o fervent_a prayer_n of_o the_o apostle_n for_o help_v in_o this_o case_n ephes._n 1.16_o 17_o 18_o 19_o there_o be_v also_o a_o great_a similitude_n between_o temporary_a faith_n and_o that_o which_o be_v save_v and_o durable_a and_o between_o gift_n and_o grace_n in_o their_o operation_n which_o be_v that_o that_o be_v under_o present_a consideration_n it_o be_v acknowledge_v therefore_o that_o without_o the_o especial_a light_n and_o conduct_v of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n no_o man_n can_v make_v such_o a_o judgement_n of_o his_o state_n and_o his_o action_n as_o shall_v be_v a_o stable_a foundation_n of_o give_v glory_n to_o god_n and_o of_o obtain_v peace_n unto_o his_o own_o soul._n and_o therefore_o the_o great_a part_n of_o mankind_n do_v constant_o deceive_v themselves_o in_o these_o thing_n but_o ordinary_o under_o this_o bless_a conduct_n in_o the_o search_n of_o ourselves_o and_o the_o concernment_n of_o our_o duty_n we_o may_v come_v unto_o a_o satisfaction_n whether_o they_o be_v influence_v by_o faith_n and_o have_v grace_n exercise_v in_o they_o especial_o this_o duty_n of_o prayer_n or_o whether_o it_o derive_v from_o the_o power_n of_o our_o natural_a faculty_n raise_v by_o light_n and_o spiritual_a gift_n only_o and_o so_o whether_o our_o spiritual_a thought_n therein_o do_v spring_n from_o a_o vital_a principle_n of_o grace_n or_o whether_o they_o come_v from_o occasional_a impression_n on_o the_o mind_n by_o the_o performance_n of_o the_o duty_n itself_o if_o man_n be_v willing_a to_o deceive_v themselves_o or_o to_o hide_v themselves_o from_o themselves_o to_o walk_v with_o god_n at_o all_o per_fw-la adventure_n to_o leave_v all_o thing_n at_o hazard_n to_o put_v off_o all_o trial_n unto_o that_o at_o the_o last_o day_n and_o so_o never_o call_v themselves_o unto_o a_o account_n as_o unto_o the_o nature_n of_o their_o duty_n in_o any_o particular_a instance_n it_o be_v no_o wonder_n if_o they_o neither_o do_v nor_o can_v make_v any_o distinction_n in_o this_o matter_n as_o unto_o the_o true_a nature_n of_o their_o thought_n in_o spiritual_a duty_n two_o thing_n be_v require_v hereunto_o 1._o that_o we_o impartial_o and_o severe_o examine_v and_o try_v the_o frames_n and_o act_n of_o our_o mind_n in_o holy_a duty_n by_o the_o word_n of_o truth_n and_o thereon_o not_o be_v afraid_a to_o speak_v that_o plain_o unto_o our_o soul_n which_o the_o word_n speak_v unto_o we_o this_o diligent_a search_n ought_v to_o respect_v our_o principle_n aim_n end_n act_n with_o the_o whole_a deportment_n of_o our_o soul_n in_o every_o duty_n see_v 2_o cor._n 13.5_o if_o a_o man_n receive_v much_o money_n and_o look_v only_o on_o the_o outward_a form_n and_o superscription_n when_o he_o suppose_v that_o he_o have_v great_a store_n of_o currant_n coin_n in_o gold_n and_o silver_n he_o may_v have_v only_a heap_n of_o lead_n or_o copper_n by_o he_o but_o he_o that_o trade_v in_o it_o as_o the_o comfort_n and_o support_v of_o his_o natural_a life_n and_o condition_n he_o will_v try_v what_o he_o receive_v both_o by_o the_o balance_n and_o the_o touchstone_n as_o the_o occasion_n require_v especial_o if_o it_o be_v in_o a_o time_n when_o much_o adulterate_v coin_n be_v passant_a in_o the_o world_n and_o if_o a_o man_n reckon_v on_o his_o duty_n by_o tale_n and_o number_n he_o may_v be_v utter_o deceive_v and_o be_v spiritual_o poor_a and_o a_o bankrupt_a when_o he_o esteem_v himself_o rich_a increase_v in_o good_n and_o want_v nothing_o some_o duty_n may_v appear_o hold_v in_o the_o balance_n as_o to_o weight_n which_o will_v not_o hold_v it_o at_o the_o touchstone_n as_o to_o worth_n both_o mean_n be_v to_o be_v use_v if_o we_o will_v not_o be_v mistake_v in_o our_o account_n thus_o god_n himself_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o a_o multitude_n of_o duty_n call_v the_o people_n to_o try_v and_o examine_v themselves_o whether_o or_o no_o they_o be_v such_o as_o have_v faith_n and_o grace_n in_o they_o and_o so_o like_a to_o have_v acceptance_n with_o he_o isa._n 58.2_o 3_o 4_o 5._o 2._o add_v we_o must_v unto_o our_o own_o diligent_a enquiry_n fervent_a prayer_n unto_o god_n that_o he_o will_v search_v and_o try_v we_o as_o unto_o our_o sincerity_n and_o discover_v unto_o we_o the_o true_a frame_n of_o our_o heart_n hereof_o we_o have_v a_o express_a example_n psal._n 139.23_o 24._o search_v i_o o_o god_n and_o know_v my_o heart_n try_v i_o and_o know_v my_o thought_n and_o see_v if_o there_o be_v any_o wicked_a way_n in_o i_o and_o lead_v i_o in_o the_o way_n everlasting_a this_o be_v the_o only_a way_n whereby_o we_o may_v have_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n witness_v unto_o our_o sincerity_n with_o our_o own_o spirit_n there_o be_v need_n of_o call_v in_o divine_a assistance_n in_o this_o matter_n both_o from_o the_o importance_n of_o it_o and_o from_o its_o difficulty_n god_n alone_o know_v full_o and_o perfect_o what_o be_v in_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n i_o no_o way_n doubt_v but_o that_o in_o the_o impartial_a use_n of_o these_o mean_n a_o man_n may_v come_v to_o assure_a satisfaction_n in_o his_o own_o mind_n such_o as_o wherein_o he_o shall_v not_o be_v deceive_v whether_o he_o do_v animate_v and_o quicken_v his_o thought_n of_o spiritual_a thing_n in_o duty_n with_o inward_a vital_a grace_n or_o whether_o they_o be_v impression_n on_o his_o mind_n by_o the_o occasion_n of_o the_o duty_n a_o duty_n this_o be_v of_o great_a importance_n and_o necessity_n now_o hypocrisy_n have_v make_v so_o great_a a_o inroad_a on_o profession_n and_o gift_n have_v doflowred_a grace_n in_o its_o principal_a operation_n no_o person_n be_v in_o great_a danger_n of_o walk_v at_o hazard_n with_o god_n than_o those_o who_o live_v in_o the_o exercise_n of_o spiritual_a gift_n in_o duty_n unto_o their_o own_o satisfaction_n and_o other_o for_o they_o may_v countenance_v themselves_o with_o a_o appearance_n of_o every_o thing_n that_o shall_v be_v in_o they_o in_o reality_n and_o power_n when_o there_o be_v nothing_o of_o it_o in_o they_o and_o so_o it_o have_v fall_v out_o we_o have_v see_v many_o earnest_n in_o the_o exercise_n of_o this_o gift_n who_o have_v turn_v vile_a and_o debauch_a apostate_n some_o have_v be_v know_v to_o live_v in_o sin_n and_o a_o indulgence_n of_o their_o lust_n and_o yet_o to_o abide_v constant_a in_o their_o duty_n isa._n 1.15_o and_o we_o may_v hear_v prayer_n sometime_o that_o open_o discover_v themselves_o unto_o spiritual_a sense_n to_o be_v the_o labour_n of_o the_o brain_n by_o the_o help_n of_o gift_n in_o memory_n and_o invention_n without_o a_o evidence_n of_o any_o mixture_n of_o humility_n reverence_n or_o godly_a fear_n without_o any_o act_n of_o faith_n and_o love_n they_o flow_v as_o wine_n yet_o smell_v and_o taste_v of_o the_o unsavoury_a cask_n from_o whence_o they_o proceed_v it_o be_v necessary_a therefore_o that_o we_o shall_v put_v ourselves_o on_o the_o severe_a trial_n lest_o we_o shall_v be_v find_v not_o to_o be_v spiritual_o mind_v in_o spiritual_a duty_n gift_n be_v gracious_a vouchsafement_n of_o christ_n to_o make_v grace_n useful_a unto_o ourselves_o and_o other_o yea_o they_o may_v make_v they_o useful_a unto_o the_o grace_n of_o other_o who_o have_v no_o grace_n in_o themselves_o but_o as_o
so_o pass_v on_o even_o the_o countenance_n of_o some_o man_n will_v change_v hereon_o and_o they_o betake_v themselves_o unto_o a_o unsatisfy_a silence_n until_o they_o can_v divert_v unto_o other_o thing_n some_o will_v make_v such_o reply_n of_o empty_a word_n as_o shall_v evidence_n their_o heart_n to_o be_v far_o enough_o estrange_v from_o the_o thing_n propose_v unto_o they_o but_o with_o other_o such_o occasional_a discourse_n will_v make_v such_o impression_n on_o their_o mind_n as_o to_o stir_v up_o present_a thought_n of_o spiritual_a thing_n but_o though_o frequent_a occasion_n hereof_o may_v be_v renew_v yet_o will_v such_o thought_n give_v no_o evidence_n that_o any_o man_n be_v spiritual_o mind_v for_o they_o be_v not_o genuine_a from_o a_o internal_a spring_n of_o grace_n from_o these_o cause_n it_o be_v that_o the_o thought_n of_o spiritual_a thing_n be_v with_o many_o as_o guest_n that_o come_v into_o a_o inn_n and_o not_o like_o child_n that_o dwell_v in_o the_o house_n they_o enter_v occasional_o and_o then_o there_o be_v a_o great_a stir_n about_o they_o to_o provide_v meet_a entertainment_n for_o they_o within_o a_o while_n they_o be_v dispose_v of_o and_o so_o depart_v unto_o their_o own_o occasion_n be_v neither_o look_v nor_o inquire_v after_o any_o more_o thing_n of_o another_o nature_n be_v attend_v unto_o new_a occasion_n bring_v in_o new_a guest_n for_o a_o season_n child_n be_v own_v in_o the_o house_n be_v miss_v if_o they_o be_v out_o of_o the_o way_n and_o have_v their_o daily_a provision_n constant_o make_v for_o they_o so_o be_v it_o with_o these_o occasional_a thought_n about_o spiritual_a thing_n by_o one_o mean_n or_o other_o they_o enter_v into_o the_o mind_n and_o there_o be_v entertain_v for_o a_o season_n on_o a_o sudden_a they_o depart_v and_o man_n hear_v of_o they_o no_o more_o but_o those_o that_o be_v natural_a and_o genuine_a arise_v from_o a_o live_a spring_n of_o grace_n in_o the_o heart_n dispose_v the_o mind_n unto_o they_o be_v as_o the_o child_n of_o the_o house_n they_o be_v expect_v in_o their_o place_n and_o at_o their_o season_n if_o they_o be_v miss_v they_o be_v inquire_v after_o the_o heart_n call_v itself_o unto_o a_o account_n whence_o it_o be_v that_o it_o have_v be_v so_o long_o without_o they_o and_o call_v they_o over_o into_o its_o wont_a converse_n with_o they_o chap._n iu._n other_o evidence_n of_o thought_n about_o spiritual_a thing_n arise_v from_o a_o internal_a principle_n of_o grace_n whereby_o they_o be_v a_o evidence_n of_o our_o be_v spiritual_o mind_a the_o abound_v of_o these_o thought_n how_o far_o and_o wherein_o such_o a_o evidence_n ii_o the_o second_o evidence_n that_o our_o thought_n of_o spiritual_a thing_n do_v proceed_v from_o a_o internal_a fountain_n of_o sanctify_a light_n and_o affection_n or_o that_o they_o be_v act_n or_o fruit_n of_o our_o be_v spiritual_o mind_v be_v that_o they_o abound_v in_o we_o that_o our_o mind_n be_v fill_v with_o they_o we_o may_v say_v of_o they_o as_o the_o apostle_n do_v of_o other_o grace_n if_o these_o thing_n be_v in_o you_o and_o abound_v you_o shall_v not_o be_v barren_a it_o be_v well_o indeed_o when_o our_o mind_n be_v like_o the_o land_n of_o egypt_n in_o the_o year_n of_o plenty_n when_o it_o bring_v forth_o by_o handful_n when_o they_o flow_v from_o the_o well_o of_o live_v water_n in_o we_o with_o a_o full_a stream_n and_o current_n but_o there_o be_v a_o measure_n of_o abound_v which_o be_v necessary_a to_o evidence_n our_o be_v spiritual_o mind_v in_o they_o there_o be_v a_o double_a effect_v ascribe_v here_o unto_o this_o frame_n of_o spirit_n first_o life_n and_o then_o peace_n the_o nature_n and_o be_v of_o this_o grace_n depend_v on_o the_o former_a consideration_n of_o it_o namely_o its_o procedure_n from_o a_o internal_a principle_n of_o grace_n the_o effect_n and_o consequence_n whereof_o be_v life_n but_o that_o it_o be_v peace_n also_o depend_v on_o this_o degree_n and_o measure_n of_o the_o act_n of_o this_o part_n of_o it_o in_o our_o spiritual_a thought_n and_o this_o we_o must_v consider_v it_o be_v the_o character_n of_o all_o man_n in_o the_o state_n of_o deprave_a nature_n and_o apostasy_n from_o god_n that_o every_o imagination_n of_o the_o thought_n of_o their_o heart_n be_v only_o evil_a continual_o gen._n 6.5_o all_o person_n in_o that_o condition_n be_v not_o swearer_n blasphemer_n drunkard_n adulterer_n idolater_n or_o the_o like_a these_o be_v the_o vice_n of_o particular_a person_n the_o effect_n of_o particular_a constitution_n and_o temptation_n but_o thus_o it_o be_v with_o they_o all_z and_o every_o one_o of_o they_o all_o the_o imagination_n of_o the_o thought_n of_o their_o heart_n be_v evil_a and_o that_o continual_o some_z as_o unto_o the_o matter_n of_o they_o some_z as_o unto_o their_o end_n all_o as_o unto_o their_o principle_n for_o out_o of_o the_o evil_a treasure_n of_o the_o heart_n can_v proceed_v nothing_o but_o what_o be_v evil_a that_o infinite_a multitude_n of_o open_a sin_n which_o be_v in_o the_o world_n do_v give_v a_o clear_a prospect_n or_o representation_n of_o the_o nature_n and_o effect_n of_o our_o apostasy_n from_o god_n but_o he_o that_o can_v consider_v the_o numberless_a number_n of_o thought_n which_o pass_v through_o the_o mind_n of_o every_o individual_a person_n every_o day_n all_o evil_a and_o that_o continual_o he_o will_v have_v a_o far_a comprehension_n of_o it_o we_o can_v therefore_o have_v no_o great_a evidence_n of_o a_o change_n in_o we_o from_o this_o state_n and_o condition_n than_o a_o change_n wrought_v in_o the_o course_n of_o our_o thought_n a_o relinquishment_n of_o this_o or_o that_o particular_a sin_n be_v not_o a_o evidence_n of_o a_o translation_n from_o this_o state_n for_o as_o be_v say_v such_o particular_a sin_n proceed_v from_o particular_a lust_n and_o temptation_n and_o be_v not_o the_o immediate_a universal_a consequence_n of_o that_o depravation_n of_o nature_n which_o be_v equal_a in_o all_o such_o alone_o be_v the_o vanity_n and_o wickedness_n of_o the_o thought_n and_o imagination_n of_o the_o heart_n a_o change_n herein_o be_v a_o bless_a evidence_n of_o a_o change_n of_o state_n he_o who_o be_v cure_v of_o a_o dropsy_n be_v not_o immediate_o healthy_a because_o he_o may_v have_v the_o prevail_a seed_n and_o matter_n of_o other_o disease_n in_o he_o and_o the_o next_o day_n die_v of_o a_o lethargy_n but_o he_o who_o from_o a_o state_n of_o sickness_n be_v restore_v in_o the_o temperature_n of_o the_o mass_n of_o blood_n and_o the_o animal_n spirit_n and_o all_o the_o principle_n of_o life_n and_o health_n unto_o a_o good_a crasis_n and_o temperature_n his_o state_n of_o body_n be_v change_v the_o cure_n of_o a_o particular_a sin_n may_v leave_v behind_o it_o the_o seed_n of_o eternal_a death_n which_o they_o may_v quick_o effect_v but_o he_o who_o have_v obtain_v a_o change_n in_o this_o character_n which_o belong_v essential_o unto_o the_o state_n of_o deprave_a nature_n be_v spiritual_o recover_v and_o the_o more_o the_o stream_n of_o our_o thought_n be_v turn_v the_o more_o our_o mind_n be_v fill_v with_o those_o of_o a_o contrary_a nature_n the_o great_a and_o more_o firm_a be_v our_o evidence_n of_o a_o translation_n out_o of_o that_o deprave_a state_n and_o condition_n there_o be_v nothing_o so_o unaccountable_a as_o the_o multiplicity_n of_o thought_n of_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n they_o fall_v from_o they_o like_o the_o leave_v of_o tree_n when_o they_o be_v shake_v with_o the_o wind_n in_o autumn_n to_o have_v all_o these_o thought_n all_o the_o several_a figment_n of_o the_o heart_n all_o the_o conception_n that_o be_v frame_v and_o agitate_a in_o the_o mind_n to_o be_v evil_a and_o that_o continual_o what_o a_o hell_n of_o horror_n and_o confusion_n must_v it_o need_v be_v a_o deliverance_n from_o this_o loathsome_a hateful_a state_n be_v more_o to_o be_v value_v than_o the_o whole_a world_n without_o it_o neither_o life_n nor_o peace_n nor_o immortality_n or_o glory_n can_v ever_o be_v attain_v the_o design_n of_o conviction_n be_v to_o put_v a_o stop_n unto_o these_o thought_n to_o take_v off_o from_o their_o number_n and_o thereby_o to_o lessen_v their_o gild_n it_o deserve_v not_o the_o name_n of_o conviction_n of_o sin_n which_o respect_v only_o outward_a action_n and_o regard_v not_o the_o inward_a act_n of_o the_o mind_n and_o this_o alone_a will_n for_o a_o season_n make_v a_o great_a change_n in_o the_o thought_n especial_o it_o will_v do_v so_o when_o assist_v by_o superstition_n direct_v they_o unto_o other_o object_n these_o two_o in_o conjunction_n be_v the_o rise_n of_o all_o that_o devotional_a religion_n which_o be_v in_o the_o papacy_n conviction_n labour_v to_o put_v some_o stop_n and_o bound_n unto_o thought_n
think_v to_o express_v their_o love_n and_o conformity_n unto_o he_o they_o will_v have_v image_n of_o he_o which_o they_o will_v embrace_v adore_v and_o bedew_v with_o their_o tear_n they_o will_v have_v crucifix_n as_o they_o call_v they_o which_o they_o will_v carry_v about_o they_o and_o wear_v next_o unto_o their_o heart_n as_o if_o they_o resolve_v to_o lodge_v christ_n always_o in_o their_o bosom_n they_o will_v go_v in_o pilgrimage_n to_o the_o place_n where_o he_o die_v and_o rise_v again_o through_o a_o thousand_o danger_n and_o purchase_v a_o feign_a chip_n of_o a_o tree_n whereon_o he_o suffer_v at_o the_o price_n of_o all_o they_o have_v in_o the_o world_n they_o will_v endeavour_v by_o long_a thoughtfulness_n fast_n and_o watch_n to_o cast_v their_o soul_n into_o rapture_n and_o ecstasy_n wherein_o they_o fancy_v themselves_o in_o his_o presence_n they_o come_v at_o last_o to_o make_v themselves_o like_o he_o in_o get_v impression_n of_o wound_n on_o their_o side_n their_o hand_n and_o foot_n unto_o all_o these_o thing_n and_o sundry_a other_o of_o a_o alike_a nature_n and_o tendency_n do_v superstition_n abuse_v and_o corrupt_v the_o mind_n of_o man_n from_o a_o pretence_n of_o a_o principle_n of_o truth_n for_o there_o be_v no_o more_o certain_a gospel_n truth_n than_o this_o that_o believer_n ought_v continual_o to_o contemplate_v on_o christ_n by_o the_o act_n of_o faith_n in_o their_o thought_n and_o affection_n and_o that_o thereby_o they_o be_v change_v and_o transform_v into_o his_o image_n 2_o cor._n 3.18_o and_o we_o be_v not_o to_o forego_v our_o duty_n because_o other_o man_n have_v be_v mistake_v in_o they_o nor_o part_n with_o practical_a fundamental_a principle_n of_o religion_n because_o they_o have_v be_v abuse_v by_o superstition_n but_o we_o may_v see_v herein_o how_o dangerous_a it_o be_v to_o depart_v in_o any_o thing_n from_o the_o conduct_n of_o scripture_n light_n and_o rule_n when_o for_o want_v thereof_o the_o best_a and_o most_o noble_a endeavour_n of_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n even_o to_o love_n christ_n and_o to_o be_v like_a unto_o he_o do_v issue_n in_o provocation_n of_o the_o high_a nature_n pray_v therefore_o that_o you_o may_v be_v keep_v unto_o the_o truth_n in_o all_o thing_n by_o a_o diligent_a attendance_n unto_o the_o only_a rule_n thereof_o and_o conscientious_a subjection_n of_o soul_n unto_o the_o authority_n of_o god_n in_o it_o for_o we_o ought_v not_o to_o suffer_v our_o affection_n to_o be_v entangle_v with_o the_o paint_n or_o artificial_a beauty_n of_o any_o way_n or_o mean_n of_o give_v our_o love_n unto_o christ_n which_o be_v not_o warrant_v by_o the_o word_n of_o truth_n yet_o i_o must_v say_v that_o i_o have_v rather_o be_v among_o they_o who_o in_o the_o act_n of_o their_o love_n and_o affection_n unto_o christ_n do_v fall_v into_o some_o irregularity_n and_o excess_n in_o the_o manner_n of_o express_v it_o provide_v their_o worship_n of_o he_o be_v neither_o superstitious_a nor_o idolatrous_a than_o among_o those_o who_o profess_v themselves_o to_o be_v christian_n do_v almost_o disavow_v their_o have_v any_o thought_n of_o or_o affection_n unto_o the_o person_n of_o christ_n but_o there_o be_v no_o need_n that_o we_o shall_v foolish_o run_v into_o either_o of_o these_o extreme_n god_n have_v in_o the_o scripture_n sufficient_o provide_v against_o they_o both_o he_o have_v both_o show_v we_o the_o necessity_n of_o our_o diligent_a act_n of_o faith_n and_o love_n on_o the_o person_n of_o christ_n and_o have_v limit_v out_o the_o way_n and_o mean_n whereby_o we_o may_v so_o do_v and_o let_v our_o design_n be_v what_o they_o will_v where_o in_o any_o thing_n we_o depart_v from_o his_o prescription_n we_o be_v not_o under_o the_o conduct_n of_o his_o spirit_n and_o so_o be_v sure_a to_o lose_v all_o that_o we_o do_v wherefore_o two_o thing_n be_v require_v that_o we_o may_v thus_o think_v of_o christ_n and_o meditate_v on_o he_o according_a to_o the_o mind_n and_o will_n of_o god_n 1_o that_o the_o mean_n of_o bring_v he_o to_o mind_n be_v what_o god_n have_v promise_v and_o appoint_v 2._o that_o the_o continue_a proposal_n of_o he_o as_o the_o object_n of_o our_o thought_n and_o meditation_n be_v of_o the_o same_o kind_n for_o both_o these_o end_n the_o superstitious_a mind_n of_o man_n invent_v the_o way_n of_o image_n and_o crucifix_n with_o their_o appurtenance_n before_o mention_v and_o this_o render_v all_o their_o devotion_n a_o abomination_n that_o which_o tend_v unto_o these_o end_n among_o believer_n be_v the_o promise_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o the_o institution_n of_o the_o word_n will_v you_o then_o think_v of_o christ_n as_o you_o ought_v take_v these_o two_o direction_n 1._o pray_o that_o the_o holy_a spirit_n may_v abide_v with_o you_o continual_o to_o mind_n you_o of_o he_o which_o he_o will_v do_v in_o all_o in_o who_o he_o do_v abide_v for_o it_o belong_v unto_o his_o office_n 2._o for_o more_o fix_v thought_n and_o meditation_n take_v some_o express_a place_n of_o scripture_n wherein_o he_o be_v set_v forth_o and_o propose_v either_o in_o his_o person_n office_n or_o grace_n unto_o you_o gal._n 3.1_o 4._o this_o duty_n lie_v at_o the_o foundation_n of_o all_o that_o bless_a communion_n and_o intercourse_n that_o be_v between_o jesus_n christ_n and_o the_o soul_n of_o believer_n this_o i_o confess_v be_v despise_v by_o some_o and_o the_o very_a notion_n of_o it_o esteem_v ridiculous_a but_o they_o do_v therein_o no_o less_o than_o renounce_v christianity_n and_o turn_v the_o lord_n christ_n into_o a_o idol_n that_o neither_o know_v see_v nor_o hear_v but_o i_o speak_v unto_o they_o who_o be_v not_o utter_a stranger_n unto_o the_o life_n of_o faith_n who_o know_v not_o what_o religion_n be_v unless_o they_o have_v real_a spiritual_a intercourse_n and_o communion_n with_o the_o lord_n christ_n thereby_o consider_v this_o therefore_o as_o it_o be_v in_o particular_a exemplify_v in_o the_o book_n of_o canticle_n there_o be_v not_o one_o instance_n of_o it_o to_o be_v find_v which_o do_v not_o suppose_v a_o continual_a thoughtfulness_n of_o he_o and_o in_o answer_n unto_o they_o as_o they_o be_v act_n of_o faith_n and_o love_n wherein_o he_o be_v delight_v do_v he_o by_o his_o spirit_n insinuate_v into_o our_o mind_n and_o heart_n a_o gracious_a sense_n of_o his_o own_o love_n kindness_n and_o relation_n unto_o we_o the_o great_a variety_n wherein_o these_o thing_n be_v mutual_o carry_v on_o between_o he_o and_o the_o church_n the_o singular_a endearment_n which_o ensue_v thereon_o and_o bless_a estate_n in_o rest_n and_o complacency_n do_v make_v up_o the_o substance_n of_o that_o holy_a discourse_n no_o thought_n then_o of_o christ_n proceed_v from_o faith_n accompany_v with_o love_n and_o delight_n shall_v be_v lose_v they_o that_o sow_v this_o seed_n shall_v return_v with_o their_o sheaf_n christ_n will_v meet_v they_o with_o gracious_a intimation_n of_o his_o acceptance_n of_o they_o delight_n in_o they_o and_o return_v a_o sense_n of_o his_o own_o love_n unto_o they_o he_o never_o will_v be_v he_o never_o be_v behind_o with_o any_o poor_a soul_n in_o return_n of_o love_n those_o gracious_a and_o bless_a promise_n which_o he_o have_v make_v of_o come_v unto_o they_o that_o believe_v in_o he_o of_o make_v his_o abode_n with_o they_o and_o of_o sup_v with_o they_o all_o expression_n of_o a_o gracious_a presence_n and_o intimate_a communion_n do_v all_o depend_v on_o this_o duty_n wherefore_o we_o may_v consider_v three_o thing_n concern_v these_o thought_n of_o christ._n 1._o that_o they_o be_v exceed_o acceptable_a unto_o he_o as_o the_o best_a pledge_n of_o our_o cordial_a affection_n cant._n 2.14_o o_o my_o dove_n that_o be_v in_o the_o cleft_n of_o the_o rock_n in_o the_o secret_a place_n of_o the_o stair_n let_v i_o see_v thy_o countenance_n let_v i_o hear_v thy_o voice_n for_o sweet_a be_v thy_o voice_n and_o thy_o countenance_n be_v comely_a when_o a_o soul_n through_o manifold_a discouragement_n and_o despondency_n withdraw_v and_o as_o it_o be_v hide_n itself_o from_o he_o he_o call_v to_o see_v a_o poor_a weep_n blubber_a face_n and_o to_o hear_v a_o break_a voice_n that_o scarce_o go_v beyond_o sigh_n and_o groan_n 2._o these_o thought_n be_v the_o only_a mean_n whereby_o we_o comply_v with_o the_o gracious_a intimation_n of_o his_o love_n mention_v before_o by_o they_o do_v we_o hear_v his_o knock_n know_v his_o voice_n and_o open_v the_o door_n of_o our_o heart_n to_o give_v he_o entrance_n that_o he_o may_v abide_v and_o sup_v with_o we_o sometime_o indeed_o the_o soul_n be_v surprise_v into_o act_n of_o gracious_a communion_n with_o christ_n cant._n 6.11_o but_o they_o be_v not_o to_o be_v expect_v unless_o we_o abide_v in_o those_o way_n and_o mean_n which_o prepare_v
and_o delight_v the_o mind_n of_o some_o man_n be_v apt_a on_o such_o occasion_n to_o be_v fill_v with_o thought_n of_o what_o they_o have_v receive_v and_o their_o affection_n to_o be_v whole_o take_v up_o with_o it_o but_o he_o who_o be_v spiritual_o mind_a will_v immediate_o retreat_v unto_o thought_n of_o god_n place_v his_o delight_n and_o take_v up_o his_o satisfaction_n in_o he_o and_o so_o on_o the_o other_o side_n great_a distress_n prevalent_a sorrow_n strong_a pain_n violent_a distemper_n be_v apt_a of_o themselves_o to_o take_v up_o and_o exercise_v all_o the_o thought_n of_o man_n about_o they_o but_o those_o who_o be_v spiritual_o mind_v will_v in_o and_o under_o they_o all_o continual_o betake_v themselves_o unto_o thought_n of_o god_n wherein_o they_o find_v relief_n and_o refreshment_n against_o all_o that_o they_o feel_v or_o fear_n in_o every_o state_n their_o principal_a joy_n be_v in_o the_o remembrance_n of_o his_o holiness_n 2._o that_o they_o be_v accompany_v with_o godly_a fear_n and_o reverence_n these_o be_v require_v of_o we_o in_o all_o wherein_o we_o have_v to_o do_v with_o god_n heb._n 12.28_o 29._o and_o as_o the_o scripture_n do_v not_o more_o abound_v with_o precept_n unto_o any_o duty_n so_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n and_o our_o own_o with_o the_o infinite_a distance_n between_o they_o make_v it_o indispensable_o necessary_a even_o in_o the_o light_n of_o the_o natural_a conscience_n infinite_a greatness_n infinite_a holiness_n infinite_a power_n all_o which_o god_n be_v command_v the_o uttermost_a reverential_a fear_n that_o our_o nature_n be_v capable_a of_o the_o want_n hereof_o be_v the_o spring_n of_o innumerable_a evil_n yea_o indeed_o of_o all_o that_o be_v so_o hence_o be_v blasphemous_a abuse_n of_o the_o holy_a name_n of_o god_n in_o curse_a oath_n and_o execration_n hence_o it_o be_v take_v in_o vain_a in_o ordinary_a exclamation_n hence_o be_v all_o formality_n in_o religion_n it_o be_v the_o spiritual_a mind_n alone_o that_o can_v reconcile_v those_o thing_n which_o be_v prescribe_v we_o as_o our_o duty_n towards_o god_n to_o delight_n and_o rejoice_v in_o he_o always_o to_o triumph_v in_o the_o remembrance_n of_o he_o to_o draw_v nigh_o unto_o he_o with_o boldness_n and_o confidence_n be_v on_o the_o one_o hand_n prescribe_v unto_o we_o and_o on_o the_o other_o it_o be_v so_o that_o we_o fear_v and_o tremble_v before_o he_o that_o we_o fear_v that_o great_a and_o dreadful_a name_n the_o lord_n our_o god_n that_o we_o have_v grace_n to_o serve_v he_o with_o reverence_n and_o godly_a fear_n because_o he_o be_v a_o consume_a fire_n these_o thing_n carnal_a reason_n can_v comprehend_v no_o consistency_n in_o what_o it_o be_v afraid_a of_o it_o can_v delight_v in_o and_o what_o it_o delight_v in_o it_o will_v not_o long_o fear_v but_o the_o consideration_n of_o faith_n concern_v what_o god_n be_v in_o himself_o and_o what_o he_o will_v be_v unto_o we_o give_v these_o different_a grace_n their_o distinct_a operation_n and_o a_o bless_a reconciliation_n in_o our_o soul_n wherefore_o all_o our_o thought_n of_o god_n ought_v to_o be_v accompany_v with_o a_o holy_a awe_n and_o reverence_n from_o a_o due_a sense_n of_o his_o greatness_n holiness_n and_o power_n two_o thing_n will_v utter_o vitiate_v all_o thought_n of_o god_n and_o render_v they_o useless_a unto_o we_o 1._o vain_a curiosity_n 2._o carnal_a boldness_n it_o be_v inimaginable_a how_o the_o subtle_a disquisition_n and_o dispute_n of_o man_n about_o the_o nature_n property_n and_o counsel_n of_o god_n have_v be_v corrupt_v render_v sapless_a and_o useless_a by_o vain_a curiosity_n and_o strive_v for_o a_o artificial_a accuracy_n in_o the_o expression_n of_o man_n apprehension_n when_o the_o wit_n and_o mind_n of_o man_n be_v engage_v in_o such_o thought_n god_n be_v not_o in_o all_o their_o thought_n even_o when_o all_o their_o thought_n be_v concern_v he_o when_o once_o man_n be_v get_v into_o their_o metaphysical_a curiosity_n and_o logical_a nicety_n in_o their_o contemplation_n about_o god_n and_o his_o divine_a property_n they_o bid_v farewell_n for_o the_o most_o part_n unto_o all_o godly_a fear_n and_o reverence_n other_o be_v under_o the_o power_n of_o carnal_a boldness_n that_o they_o think_v of_o god_n with_o no_o other_o respect_n than_o if_o they_o think_v of_o worm_n of_o the_o earth_n like_o themselves_o there_o be_v no_o holy_a awfulness_n upon_o their_o mind_n and_o soul_n in_o the_o mention_n of_o his_o name_n by_o these_o thing_n may_v our_o thought_n of_o god_n be_v so_o vitiate_v that_o the_o heart_n shall_v not_o in_o they_o be_v affect_v with_o a_o reverence_n of_o he_o nor_o any_o evidence_n be_v give_v that_o we_o be_v spiritual_o mind_v it_o be_v this_o holy_a reverence_n that_o be_v the_o mean_n of_o bring_v in_o sanctify_a virtue_n into_o our_o soul_n from_o god_n upon_o our_o thought_n of_o he_o none_o that_o think_v of_o god_n with_o a_o due_a reverence_n but_o he_o shall_v be_v sensible_a of_o advantage_n by_o it_o hereby_o do_v we_o sanctify_v god_n in_o our_o access_n unto_o he_o and_o when_o we_o do_v so_o he_o will_v sanctify_v and_o purify_v our_o heart_n by_o those_o very_a thought_n in_o which_o we_o draw_v nigh_o to_o he_o we_o may_v have_v many_o sudden_a occasional_a transient_a thought_n of_o god_n that_o be_v not_o introduce_v into_o our_o mind_n by_o a_o precede_a reverential_n fear_n but_o if_o they_o leave_v not_o that_o fear_n on_o our_o heart_n in_o proportion_n unto_o their_o continuance_n with_o we_o they_o be_v of_o no_o value_n but_o will_v insensible_o habituate_v we_o unto_o a_o common_a bold_a frame_n of_o spirit_n which_o he_o despise_v so_o be_v it_o in_o the_o case_n of_o thought_n of_o a_o contrary_a nature_n thought_n of_o sin_n of_o sinful_a object_n may_v arise_v in_o our_o mind_n from_o the_o remainder_n of_o corruption_n or_o be_v occasion_v by_o the_o temptation_n and_o suggestion_n of_o satan_n if_o these_o be_v immediate_o reject_v and_o cast_v out_o of_o we_o the_o soul_n be_v not_o more_o prejudice_v by_o their_o entrance_n than_o it_o be_v advantage_v by_o their_o rejection_n through_o the_o power_n of_o grace_n but_o if_o they_o make_v frequent_a return_n into_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n or_o make_v any_o abode_n or_o continuance_n in_o their_o solicit_n of_o the_o affection_n they_o great_o defile_v the_o mind_n and_o conscience_n dispose_v the_o person_n unto_o the_o further_a entertainment_n of_o they_o so_o if_o our_o occasional_a thought_n of_o god_n do_v immediate_o leave_v we_o and_o pass_v away_o without_o much_o affect_v our_o mind_n we_o shall_v have_v little_a or_o no_o benefit_n by_o they_o but_o if_o by_o their_o frequent_a visit_n and_o some_o continuance_n with_o we_o they_o dispose_v soul_n unto_o a_o holy_a reverence_n of_o god_n they_o be_v a_o bless_a mean_n of_o promote_a our_o sanctification_n without_o this_o i_o say_v there_o may_v be_v thought_n of_o god_n unto_o no_o advantage_n of_o the_o soul_n there_o be_v implant_v on_o our_o nature_n such_o a_o sense_n of_o a_o divine_a power_n and_o presence_n as_o that_o on_o all_o sudden_a occasion_n and_o surprisal_n it_o will_v act_v itself_o according_a unto_o that_o sense_n and_o apprehension_n there_o be_v vox_fw-la naturae_fw-la clamantis_fw-la ad_fw-la dominum_fw-la naturae_fw-la a_o voice_n in_o nature_n itself_o upon_o any_o thing_n that_o be_v sudden_o too_o hard_o for_o it_o which_o cry_v out_o immediate_o unto_o the_o god_n of_o nature_n so_o man_n on_o such_o occasion_n without_o any_o consideration_n be_v surprise_v into_o a_o call_n on_o the_o name_n of_o god_n and_o cry_v unto_o he_o and_o from_o the_o same_o natural_a apprehension_n it_o be_v that_o wicked_a and_o profane_a person_n will_v break_v forth_o on_o all_o occasion_n into_o curse_a swear_v by_o his_o name_n so_o man_n in_o such_o way_n have_v thought_n of_o god_n without_o either_o reverence_n or_o godly_a fear_n without_o give_v any_o glory_n unto_o he_o and_o for_o the_o most_o part_n unto_o their_o own_o disadvantage_n such_o be_v all_o thought_n of_o god_n that_o be_v not_o accompany_v with_o holy_a fear_n and_o reverence_n there_o be_v scarce_o any_o duty_n that_o ought_v at_o present_a to_o be_v more_o press_v on_o the_o conscience_n of_o man_n than_o this_o of_o keep_v up_o a_o constant_a holy_a reverence_n of_o god_n in_o all_o wherein_o they_o have_v to_o do_v with_o he_o both_o in_o private_a and_o public_a in_o their_o inward_a thought_n and_o outward_a communication_n formality_n have_v so_o prevail_v on_o religion_n and_o that_o under_o the_o most_o effectual_a mean_n of_o its_o suppression_n that_o very_o many_o do_v manifest_a that_o they_o have_v little_a or_o no_o reverence_n of_o god_n in_o the_o most_o solemn_a duty_n of_o his_o worship_n and_o less_o it_o may_v be_v in_o their_o secret_a
our_o mind_n because_o the_o object_n be_v too_o great_a and_o glorious_a for_o we_o to_o contemplate_v on_o eternity_n and_o immensity_n every_o thing_n under_o the_o notion_n of_o infinite_a take_v off_o the_o mind_n from_o its_o distinct_a act_n and_o reduce_v it_o as_o it_o be_v unto_o nothing_o hereon_o in_o some_o not_o able_a to_o abide_v in_o the_o strict_a reason_n of_o thing_n vain_a and_o foolish_a imagination_n be_v apt_a to_o arise_v and_o inquiry_n how_o can_v these_o thing_n be_v which_o we_o can_v comprehend_v other_o be_v utter_o at_o a_o loss_n and_o turn_v away_o their_o thought_n from_o they_o as_o they_o will_v do_v their_o eye_n from_o the_o bright_a beam_n of_o the_o sun_n two_o thing_n be_v adviseable_a in_o this_o case_n 1._o that_o we_o betake_v ourselves_o unto_o a_o holy_a admiration_n of_o what_o we_o can_v comprehend_v in_o these_o thing_n we_o can_v see_v god_n and_o live_v nay_o in_o life_n eternal_a itself_o they_o be_v not_o absolute_o to_o be_v comprehend_v only_o what_o be_v infinite_a can_v full_o comprehend_v what_o be_v so_o here_o they_o be_v the_o object_n of_o faith_n and_o worship_n in_o they_o we_o may_v find_v rest_n and_o satisfaction_n when_o inquiry_n and_o reason_n will_v disquiet_v we_o and_o it_o may_v be_v overwhelm_v we_o infinite_a glory_n forbid_v we_o any_o near_a approach_n but_o only_o by_o faith_n the_o soul_n thereby_o bow_v down_o itself_o unto_o god_n adoreable_a greatness_n and_o imcomprehensible_a perfection_n find_v ourselves_o to_o be_v nothing_o and_o god_n to_o be_v all_o will_v give_v we_o rest_v and_o peace_n in_o these_o thing_n rom._n 11.33_o 34_o 35_o 36._o we_o have_v but_o unsteady_a thought_n of_o the_o greatness_n of_o the_o world_n and_o all_o the_o nation_n and_o inhabitant_n of_o it_o yet_o be_v both_o it_o and_o these_o but_o as_o the_o dust_n of_o the_o balance_n and_o the_o drop_n of_o the_o bucket_n as_o vanity_n as_o nothing_o compare_v with_o god_n what_o then_o can_v our_o thought_n concern_v he_o issue_n in_o but_o holy_a admiration_n 2._o in_o case_n we_o be_v bring_v unto_o a_o loss_n and_o disorder_n in_o our_o mind_n on_o the_o contemplation_n of_o any_o one_o infinite_a property_n of_o god_n it_o be_v good_a to_o divert_v our_o thought_n unto_o the_o effect_n of_o it_o such_o as_o whereof_o we_o have_v or_o may_v have_v experience_n for_o what_o be_v too_o great_a or_o high_a for_o we_o in_o itself_o be_v make_v suitable_a to_o our_o understanding_n in_o its_o effect_n so_o the_o invisible_a thing_n of_o god_n be_v know_v in_o and_o by_o the_o thing_n that_o be_v see_v and_o there_o be_v indeed_o no_o property_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n but_o we_o may_v have_v a_o experience_n of_o it_o as_o unto_o some_o of_o its_o effect_n in_o and_o upon_o ourselves_o these_o we_o may_v consider_v and_o in_o the_o stream_n taste_v of_o the_o fountain_n which_o we_o can_v approach_v by_o they_o we_o may_v be_v lead_v unto_o a_o holy_a admiration_n of_o what_o be_v in_o itself_o infinite_a immense_a imcomprehensible_a i_o can_v comprehend_v the_o immensity_n of_o god_n nature_n it_o may_v be_v i_o can_v understand_v the_o nature_n of_o immensity_n yet_o if_o i_o find_v by_o experience_n and_o do_v strong_o believe_v that_o he_o be_v always_o present_a wherever_o i_o be_o i_o have_v the_o faith_n of_o it_o and_o satisfaction_n in_o it_o 2._o with_o thought_n of_o the_o divine_a be_v those_o of_o his_o omnipresence_n and_o omniscience_n ought_v continual_o to_o accompany_v we_o we_o can_v take_v one_o step_n in_o a_o walk_n before_o he_o unless_o we_o remember_v that_o always_o and_o in_o all_o place_n he_o be_v present_a with_o we_o that_o the_o frame_n of_o our_o heart_n and_o our_o inward_a thought_n be_v continual_o in_o his_o view_n no_o less_o than_o our_o outward_a action_n and_o as_o we_o ought_v to_o be_v perpetual_o under_o a_o awe_n of_o and_o in_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n in_o these_o apprehension_n so_o there_o be_v some_o season_n wherein_o our_o mind_n ought_v to_o be_v in_o the_o actual_a conception_n and_o thought_n of_o they_o without_o which_o we_o shall_v not_o be_v preserve_v in_o our_o duty_n 1._o the_o first_o season_n of_o this_o nature_n be_v when_o time_n place_n with_o other_o occasion_n of_o temptation_n and_o consequent_o of_o sin_v do_v come_v and_o meet_v with_o some_o company_n do_v constitute_v such_o a_o season_n and_o with_o some_o secrecy_n with_o opportunity_n do_v the_o same_o there_o be_v those_o who_o be_v ready_a with_o a_o careless_a boldness_n to_o put_v themselves_o on_o such_o society_n as_o they_o do_v know_v have_v be_v temptation_n unto_o they_o and_o occasion_n of_o sin_n every_o such_o entrance_n into_o any_o society_n or_o company_n unto_o they_o who_o know_v how_o it_o have_v former_o succeed_v be_v their_o actual_a sin_n and_o it_o be_v just_a with_o god_n to_o leave_v they_o to_o all_o the_o evil_a consequent_n that_o do_v ensue_v other_o also_o do_v either_o choose_v or_o be_v frequent_o cast_v on_o such_o society_n and_o no_o soon_o be_v they_o engage_v in_o they_o but_o they_o forget_v all_o regard_n unto_o god_n and_o give_v themselves_o up_o not_o only_o unto_o vanity_n but_o unto_o various_a sort_n of_o excess_n david_n know_v the_o evil_a and_o danger_n of_o such_o occasion_n and_o give_v we_o a_o account_n of_o his_o behaviour_n in_o they_o psal._n 39.1_o 2_o 3._o i_o say_v i_o will_v take_v heed_n to_o my_o way_n that_o i_o sin_v not_o with_o my_o tongue_n i_o will_v keep_v my_o mouth_n with_o a_o bridle_n while_o the_o wicked_a be_v before_o i_o i_o be_v dumb_a with_o silence_n i_o hold_v my_o peace_n even_o from_o good_a and_o my_o sorrow_n be_v stir_v my_o heart_n be_v hot_a within_o i_o while_o i_o be_v muse_v the_o fire_n burn_v then_o speak_v i_o with_o my_o tongue_n as_o for_o their_o evil_a word_n and_o way_n he_o will_v have_v no_o communication_n with_o they_o and_o as_o unto_o good_a discourse_n he_o judge_v it_o unseasonable_a to_o cast_v pearl_n before_o swine_n he_o be_v therefore_o silent_a as_o unto_o that_o also_o though_o it_o be_v a_o grief_n and_o trouble_n to_o he_o but_o this_o occasion_v in_o he_o afterward_o those_o excellent_a meditation_n which_o he_o express_v in_o the_o follow_a verse_n in_o the_o entrance_n of_o these_o occasion_n if_o man_n will_v remember_v the_o presence_n of_o god_n with_o they_o in_o these_o place_n with_o the_o holy_a severity_n of_o the_o eye_n that_o be_v upon_o they_o it_o will_v put_v a_o awe_n upon_o their_o spirit_n and_o embitter_v those_o jollity_n who_o relish_n be_v give_v they_o by_o temptation_n and_o sin_n he_o do_v neither_o walk_n humble_o nor_o circumspect_o who_o be_v unnecessary_o cast_v on_o the_o society_n of_o man_n wicked_a or_o profane_a on_o such_o occasion_n wherein_o the_o ordinary_a sort_n of_o man_n give_v more_o than_o ordinary_a liberty_n unto_o corrupt_a communication_n or_o excess_n in_o any_o kind_n do_v not_o in_o his_o entrance_n of_o they_o call_v to_o mind_v the_o presence_n and_o all-seeing_a eye_n of_o god_n and_o at_o his_o departure_n from_o they_o consider_v whether_o his_o deportment_n have_v be_v such_o as_o become_v that_o presence_n and_o his_o be_v under_o that_o eye_n but_o alas_o pretence_n of_o business_n and_o necessary_a occasion_n engagement_n of_o trade_n carnal_a relation_n and_o the_o common_a course_n of_o communication_n in_o the_o world_n with_o a_o supposition_n that_o all_o sort_n of_o society_n be_v allow_v for_o diversion_n have_v cast_v out_o the_o remembrance_n of_o god_n from_o the_o mind_n of_o most_o even_o then_o when_o man_n can_v be_v preserve_v from_o sin_n without_o it_o this_o have_v sully_v the_o beauty_n of_o gospel_n conversation_n among_o the_o most_o and_o leave_v in_o very_a few_o any_o prevalent_a evidence_n of_o be_v spiritual_o mind_v wherefore_o as_o unto_o they_o who_o either_o by_o their_o voluntary_a choice_n or_o necessity_n of_o their_o occasion_n do_v enter_v and_o engage_v pomiscuous_o into_o all_o society_n and_o company_n let_v they_o know_v assure_o that_o if_o they_o awe_v not_o their_o heart_n and_o spirit_n continual_o with_o the_o thought_n and_o apprehension_n of_o the_o omnipresence_n and_o omniscience_n of_o god_n that_o he_o be_v always_o with_o they_o and_o his_o eye_n always_o upon_o they_o they_o will_v not_o be_v preserve_v from_o snare_n and_o sinful_a miscarriage_n yea_o such_o thought_n be_v needful_a unto_o the_o best_a of_o we_o all_o and_o in_o the_o best_a of_o our_o society_n that_o we_o behave_v not_o ourselves_o undecent_o in_o they_o at_o any_o time_n again_o unto_o some_o privacy_n secrecy_n and_o opportunity_n be_v occasion_n of_o temptation_n and_o sin_n they_o be_v so_o unto_o person_n under_o conviction_n not_o whole_o turn_v to_o god_n
be_v in_o their_o proper_a exercise_n with_o respect_n unto_o they_o we_o have_v no_o sufficiency_n in_o ourselves_o all_o our_o sufficiency_n must_v be_v of_o god_n there_o be_v no_o truth_n among_o person_n of_o light_n and_o knowledge_n more_o general_o grant_v in_o the_o notion_n of_o it_o than_o this_o that_o of_o ourselves_o we_o can_v do_v nothing_o and_o none_o more_o neglect_v in_o daily_a practice_n man_n profess_v they_o can_v do_v nothing_o of_o themselves_o and_o yet_o go_v about_o their_o duty_n as_o if_o they_o can_v do_v all_o thing_n 3._o remember_v that_o i_o have_v not_o at_o present_a treat_v of_o solemn_a state_v meditation_n concern_v which_o other_o rule_n and_o instruction_n ought_v to_o be_v give_v by_o solemn_a or_o state_v meditation_n i_o intend_v the_o thought_n of_o some_o subject_a spiritual_a and_o divine_a with_o the_o fix_v force_v and_o order_v our_o thought_n about_o it_o with_o a_o design_n to_o affect_v our_o own_o heart_n and_o soul_n with_o the_o matter_n of_o it_o or_o the_o thing_n contain_v in_o it_o by_o this_o design_n it_o be_v distinguish_v from_o the_o study_n of_o the_o word_n wherein_o our_o principal_a aim_n be_v to_o learn_v the_o truth_n or_o to_o declare_v it_o unto_o other_o and_o so_o also_o from_o prayer_n whereof_o god_n himself_o be_v the_o immediate_a object_n but_o in_o meditation_n it_o be_v the_o affect_v of_o our_o own_o heart_n and_o mind_n with_o love_n delight_n and_o humiliation_n at_o present_a i_o have_v only_o show_v what_o it_o be_v to_o be_v spiritual_o mind_v and_o that_o in_o this_o instance_n of_o our_o thought_n as_o they_o proceed_v from_o the_o habitual_a frame_n of_o our_o heart_n and_o affection_n or_o of_o what_o sort_n the_o constant_a course_n of_o our_o thought_n ought_v to_o be_v with_o respect_n unto_o all_o the_o occasion_n of_o the_o life_n of_o god_n this_o person_n may_v be_v in_o a_o readiness_n for_o who_o be_v yet_o unskilful_a in_o and_o unable_a for_o state_v meditation_n for_o there_o be_v require_v thereunto_o such_o a_o exercise_n of_o our_o natural_a faculty_n and_o ability_n as_o some_o through_o their_o weakness_n and_o ignorance_n be_v incapable_a of_o but_o as_o unto_o what_o we_o have_v hitherto_o insist_v on_o it_o be_v not_o unattainable_a by_o any_o in_o who_o be_v the_o spirit_n of_o faith_n and_o love_n for_o it_o be_v but_o the_o frequent_a act_n of_o they_o that_o i_o intend_v wherefore_o do_v your_o heart_n and_o affection_n lead_v you_o unto_o many_o thought_n of_o god_n and_o spiritual_a thing_n do_v they_o spring_v up_o in_o you_o as_o water_n in_o a_o well_o of_o live_a water_n be_v you_o ready_a on_o all_o occasion_n to_o entertain_v such_o thought_n and_o to_o be_v conversant_a with_o they_o as_o opportunity_n do_v offer_v itself_o do_v you_o labour_v to_o have_v in_o a_o readiness_n what_o be_v useful_a for_o you_o with_o respect_n unto_o temptation_n and_o duty_n be_v god_n in_o christ_n and_o the_o thing_n of_o the_o gospel_n the_o ordinary_a retreat_n of_o your_o soul_n though_o you_o shall_v not_o be_v able_a to_o carry_v on_o a_o orderly_o state_v meditation_n in_o your_o mind_n yet_o you_o may_v be_v spiritual_o mind_v a_o man_n may_v not_o have_v a_o capacity_n and_o ability_n to_o carry_v on_o a_o great_a trade_n of_o merchandise_n in_o the_o world_n the_o knowledge_n of_o all_o sort_n of_o commodity_n and_o season_n of_o the_o world_n and_o nation_n of_o it_o with_o those_o contrivance_n and_o account_n which_o belong_v unto_o such_o trade_n may_v be_v above_o his_o comprehension_n and_o he_o may_v quick_o ruin_v himself_o in_o undertake_v such_o a_o employment_n yet_o may_v the_o ability_n of_o this_o man_n serve_v he_o well_o enough_o to_o carry_v on_o a_o retail_n trade_n in_o a_o private_a shop_n wherein_o perhaps_o he_o may_v thrive_v as_o well_o and_o get_v as_o good_a a_o estate_n as_o any_o of_o those_o who_o great_a capacity_n lead_v they_o forth_o unto_o more_o large_a and_o hazardous_a employment_n so_o it_o may_v be_v with_o some_o in_o this_o case_n the_o natural_a faculty_n of_o their_o mind_n be_v not_o sufficient_a to_o enable_v they_o unto_o state_v meditation_n they_o can_v cast_v thing_n into_o that_o method_n and_o order_n which_o be_v require_v thereunto_o nor_o frame_v the_o conception_n of_o their_o mind_n into_o word_n significant_a and_o expressive_a yet_o as_o unto_o frequency_n of_o thought_n of_o god_n and_o a_o disposition_n of_o mind_n thereunto_o they_o may_v thrive_v and_o be_v skilful_a beyond_o most_o other_o of_o great_a natural_a ability_n howbeit_o because_o even_o state_v meditation_n be_v a_o necessary_a duty_n yea_o the_o principal_a way_n whereby_o our_o spiritual_a thought_n do_v profitable_o act_v themselves_o i_o shall_v have_v regard_n thereunto_o in_o the_o follow_a direction_n wherefore_o 4._o whatever_o principle_n of_o grace_n we_o have_v in_o our_o mind_n we_o can_v attain_v unto_o a_o ready_a exercise_n of_o it_o in_o a_o way_n of_o spiritual_a meditation_n or_o otherwise_o without_o great_a diligence_n nor_o without_o great_a difficulty_n it_o be_v show_v at_o the_o entrance_n of_o this_o discourse_n that_o there_o be_v a_o difference_n in_o this_o grace_n between_o the_o essence_n substance_n or_o reality_n of_o it_o which_o we_o will_v not_o exclude_v man_n from_o under_o many_o fail_n or_o infirmity_n and_o the_o useful_a degree_n of_o it_o wherein_o it_o have_v its_o principal_a exercise_n as_o there_o be_v a_o difference_n in_o life_n natural_a and_o its_o act_n in_o a_o weak_a disease_v sickly_a body_n and_o in_o that_o which_o be_v of_o a_o good_a constitution_n and_o in_o a_o vigorous_a health_n suppose_v the_o first_o the_o reality_n of_o this_o grace_n be_v wrought_v in_o we_o or_o implant_v in_o our_o mind_n by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n as_o a_o principal_a part_n of_o that_o new_a nature_n which_o be_v the_o workmanship_n of_o god_n create_v in_o christ_n jesus_n unto_o good_a work_n yet_o unto_o the_o growth_n and_o improvement_n of_o it_o as_o of_o all_o other_o grace_n our_o own_o diligent_a care_n watchfulness_n and_o spiritual_a strive_v in_o all_o holy_a duty_n be_v require_v unless_o the_o most_o fruitful_a ground_n be_v manure_v it_o will_v not_o bring_v forth_o a_o useful_a crop_n let_v not_o any_o think_v that_o this_o frame_n of_o a_o spiritual_a mind_n wherein_o there_o be_v a_o disposition_n unto_o and_o a_o readiness_n for_o all_o holy_a thought_n of_o god_n of_o christ_n of_o spiritual_a and_o heavenly_a thing_n at_o all_o time_n and_o on_o all_o occasion_n will_v befall_v he_o and_o continue_v with_o he_o he_o know_v not_o how_o as_o good_a it_o be_v for_o a_o poor_a man_n to_o expect_v to_o be_v rich_a in_o this_o world_n without_o industry_n or_o a_o weak_a man_n to_o be_v strong_a and_o healthy_a without_o food_n and_o exercise_n as_o to_o be_v spiritual_o mind_v without_o a_o earnest_a endeavour_n after_o it_o it_o may_v be_v inquire_v what_o be_v requisite_a thereunto_o and_o we_o may_v name_v some_o of_o those_o thing_n without_o which_o such_o a_o holy_a frame_n will_v not_o be_v attain_v as_o 1._o a_o continual_a watch_n be_v to_o be_v keep_v in_o and_o on_o the_o soul_n against_o the_o incursion_n of_o vain_a thought_n and_o imagination_n especial_o in_o such_o season_n wherein_o they_o be_v apt_a to_o obtain_v advantage_n if_o they_o be_v suffer_v to_o make_v a_o inroad_n into_o the_o mind_n if_o we_o accustom_v ourselves_o to_o give_v they_o entertainment_n if_o they_o be_v wont_n to_o lodge_v within_o in_o vain_a shall_v we_o hope_v or_o desire_v to_o be_v spiritual_o mind_v herein_o consist_v a_o principal_a part_n of_o that_o duty_n which_o our_o saviour_n so_o frequent_o so_o emphatical_o charge_v on_o we_o all_o namely_o to_o watch_n mark_v 3.37_o unless_o we_o keep_v a_o strict_a watch_n herein_o we_o shall_v be_v betray_v into_o the_o hand_n of_o our_o spiritual_a enemy_n for_o all_o such_o thought_n be_v but_o make_v provision_n for_o the_o flesh_n to_o fulfil_v its_o desire_n in_o the_o lust_n thereof_o however_o they_o may_v be_v disappoint_v as_o unto_o actual_a sin_n this_o be_v the_o substance_n of_o the_o advice_n give_v we_o in_o charge_n prov._n 4.23_o keep_v thy_o heart_n with_o all_o diligence_n for_o out_o of_o it_o be_v the_o issue_n of_o life_n 2._o careful_a avoidance_n of_o all_o society_n and_o business_n of_o this_o life_n which_o be_v apt_a under_o various_a pretence_n to_o draw_v and_o seduce_v the_o mind_n unto_o a_o earthly_a or_o sensual_a frame_n if_o man_n will_v venture_v on_o those_o thing_n which_o they_o have_v find_v by_o experience_n or_o may_v find_v by_o observation_n that_o they_o seduce_v and_o draw_v off_o their_o mind_n from_o a_o heavenly_a frame_n unto_o that_o which_o be_v contrary_a thereunto_o and_o will_v not_o watch_v unto_o
in_o they_o and_o disesteem_n the_o chief_a benefit_n which_o be_v to_o be_v obtain_v by_o they_o whence_o shall_v zeal_n for_o they_o delight_n in_o they_o or_o diligence_n in_o attendance_n unto_o they_o arise_v let_v not_o any_o please_v themselves_o under_o the_o power_n of_o such_o decay_n they_o be_v indication_n of_o their_o inward_a frame_n and_o those_o infallible_a such_o person_n will_v grow_v cold_a careless_a and_o negligent_a as_o unto_o the_o duty_n of_o public_a worship_n they_o will_v put_v themselves_o neither_o to_o charge_v nor_o trouble_v about_o they_o every_o occasion_n of_o life_n divert_v they_o and_o find_v ready_a entertainment_n in_o their_o mind_n and_o when_o they_o do_v attend_v upon_o they_o it_o be_v with_o great_a indifferency_n and_o unconcernedness_n yet_o will_v they_o have_v it_o think_v that_o all_o be_v still_o well_o within_o as_o ever_o it_o be_v they_o have_v as_o good_a a_o respect_n unto_o religion_n as_o any_o but_o these_o thing_n open_o discover_v a_o ulcerous_a disease_n in_o the_o very_a soul_n of_o man_n as_o evident_o as_o if_o it_o be_v write_v on_o their_o forehead_n what_o ever_o they_o pretend_v unto_o the_o contrary_a they_o be_v under_o the_o power_n of_o woeful_a decay_n from_o all_o due_a regard_n unto_o spiritual_a and_o eternal_a thing_n and_o i_o will_v avoid_v the_o society_n of_o such_o person_n as_o those_o who_o carry_v a_o infectious_a disease_n about_o they_o unless_o it_o be_v to_o help_v on_o their_o cure_n but_o herein_o it_o be_v that_o affection_n spiritual_o renew_v do_v manifest_v themselves_o when_o we_o do_v delight_n in_o and_o value_v the_o duty_n of_o god_n worship_n because_o we_o find_v by_o experience_n that_o they_o be_v and_o have_v be_v unto_o we_o mean_n of_o communicate_v a_o sense_n and_o renew_v pledge_n of_o the_o love_n of_o god_n in_o christ_n with_o all_o the_o benefit_n and_o privilege_n which_o depend_v thereon_o then_o be_v our_o affection_n renew_v in_o and_o by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n second_o they_o come_v for_o supply_n of_o internal_a sanctify_a strengthen_v grace_n this_o be_v the_o second_o great_a design_n of_o believer_n in_o their_o approach_n unto_o god_n in_o his_o worship_n the_o want_n hereof_o as_o unto_o measure_n and_o degree_n they_o find_v in_o themselves_o and_o be_v sensible_a of_o it_o yea_o therein_o lie_v the_o great_a burden_n of_o the_o soul_n of_o believer_n in_o this_o world_n all_o that_o we_o do_v in_o the_o life_n of_o god_n may_v be_v refer_v unto_o two_o head_n first_o the_o observance_n of_o all_o duty_n of_o obedience_n and_o second_o the_o conflict_n with_o and_o conquest_n over_o temptation_n about_o these_o thing_n be_v we_o continual_o exercise_v hence_o the_o great_a thing_n which_o we_o desire_v labour_n for_o and_o pant_v after_o be_v spiritual_a strength_n and_o ability_n for_o the_o discharge_v of_o ourselves_o in_o a_o due_a manner_n with_o respect_n unto_o these_o thing_n this_o be_v that_o which_o every_o true_a believer_n groan_v after_o in_o the_o inward_a man_n and_o which_o he_o prefer_v infinite_o above_o all_o earthly_a thing_n so_o he_o may_v have_v grace_n sufficient_a in_o any_o competent_a measure_n for_o these_o end_n let_v what_o will_v befall_v he_o he_o desire_v no_o more_o in_o this_o world_n god_n in_o christ_n be_v the_o only_a fountain_n of_o all_o this_o grace_n there_o be_v not_o one_o drachm_n of_o it_o to_o be_v obtain_v but_o from_o he_o alone_o and_o as_o he_o do_v communicate_v it_o unto_o we_o of_o his_o own_o sovereign_a goodness_n and_o pleasure_n so_o the_o ordinary_a way_n and_o mean_n whereby_o he_o will_v do_v it_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o his_o worship_n isaiah_n 40.28_o 29_o 30_o 31._o have_v thou_o not_o know_v have_v thou_o not_o hear_v that_o the_o everlasting_a god_n the_o lord_n the_o creator_n of_o the_o end_n of_o the_o earth_n faint_v not_o neither_o be_v weary_a there_o be_v no_o search_v of_o his_o understanding_n he_o give_v power_n to_o the_o faint_a and_o to_o they_o that_o have_v no_o may_v he_o increase_v strength_n even_o the_o youth_n shall_v faint_v and_o be_v weary_a and_o the_o young_a man_n shall_v utter_o fail_v but_o they_o that_o wait_v upon_o the_o lord_n shall_v renew_v their_o strength_n they_o shall_v mount_v up_o with_o wing_n as_o eagle_n they_o shall_v run_v and_o not_o be_v weary_a they_o shall_v walk_v and_o not_o faint_a all_o grace_n and_o spiritual_a strength_n be_v original_o seat_v in_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n v_o 28._o but_o what_o relief_n can_v that_o afford_v unto_o we_o who_o be_v weak_a feeble_a faint_a he_o will_v act_v suitable_o unto_o his_o nature_n in_o the_o communication_n of_o this_o grace_n and_o power_n v_o 29._o but_o how_o shall_v we_o have_v a_o interest_n in_o this_o grace_n in_o these_o opperation_n wait_v on_o he_o in_o the_o ordinance_n of_o his_o worship_n v_o 31._o the_o word_n as_o preach_v be_v the_o food_n of_o our_o soul_n whereby_o god_n administer_v growth_n and_o strength_n unto_o they_o joh._n 17.17_o 1_o pet._n 2.23_o desire_v say_v he_o the_o sincere_a milk_n of_o the_o word_n that_o you_o may_v grow_v thereby_o but_o what_o encouragement_n have_v we_o thereunto_o if_o so_o be_v say_v he_o you_o have_v taste_v that_o the_o lord_n be_v gracious_a if_o in_o and_o by_o the_o dispensation_n of_o this_o word_n you_o have_v have_v experience_n of_o the_o grace_n the_o goodness_n the_o kindness_n of_o god_n unto_o your_o soul_n you_o can_v but_o desire_v it_o and_o delight_n in_o it_o and_o otherwise_o you_o will_v not_o do_v so_o when_o man_n have_v fate_n some_o good_a while_n under_o the_o dispensation_n of_o the_o word_n and_o in_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o other_o ordinance_n without_o taste_v in_o they_o and_o by_o they_o that_o the_o lord_n be_v gracious_a they_o will_v grow_v weary_a of_o it_o and_o they_o wherefore_o prayer_n be_v the_o way_n of_o his_o appointment_n for_o the_o application_n of_o our_o soul_n unto_o he_o to_o obtain_v a_o participation_n of_o all_o needful_a grace_n which_o therefore_o he_o have_v propose_v unto_o we_o in_o the_o promise_v of_o the_o covenant_n that_o we_o may_v know_v what_o to_o ask_v and_o how_o to_o plead_v for_o it_o in_o the_o sacrament_n the_o same_o promise_n be_v seal_v unto_o we_o and_o the_o grace_n represent_v in_o they_o effectual_o exhibit_v meditation_n confirm_v our_o soul_n in_o the_o exercise_n of_o faith_n about_o it_o and_o be_v the_o especial_a open_v of_o the_o heart_n unto_o the_o reception_n of_o it_o by_o these_o mean_n i_o say_v do_v god_n communicate_v all_o supply_n of_o renew_v strengthen_v and_o sanctify_a grace_n unto_o we_o that_o we_o may_v live_v unto_o he_o in_o all_o holy_a obedience_n and_o be_v able_a to_o get_v the_o victory_n over_o our_o temptation_n under_o this_o apprehension_n do_v believer_n approach_v unto_o god_n in_o the_o ordinance_n of_o his_o worship_n they_o come_v unto_o they_o as_o the_o mean_n of_o god_n communication_n unto_o their_o soul_n hence_o they_o cleave_v unto_o they_o with_o delight_n so_o far_o as_o their_o affection_n be_v renew_v so_o the_o spouse_n testify_v of_o herself_o i_o sit_v down_o under_o his_o shadow_n with_o great_a delight_n cant_n 2.3_o in_o these_o ordinance_n be_v the_o protect_a refresh_a presence_n of_o christ._n this_o she_o rest_v in_o with_o great_a delight_n as_o they_o come_v unto_o they_o with_o these_o design_n and_o expectation_n so_o they_o have_v experience_n of_o the_o spiritual_a benefit_n and_o advantage_n which_o they_o receive_v by_o they_o which_o more_o and_o more_o engage_v they_o unto_o they_o in_o their_o affection_n and_o delight_n all_o these_o thing_n those_o who_o have_v a_o change_v wrought_v in_o their_o affection_n but_o not_o a_o spiritual_a renovation_n be_v stranger_n unto_o they_o neither_o have_v the_o design_n before_o mention_v in_o come_v to_o they_o nor_o the_o experience_n of_o this_o efficacy_n now_o propose_v in_o their_o attendance_n on_o they_o but_o these_o benefit_n be_v great_a as_o for_o instance_n when_o man_n find_v the_o worth_n and_o effect_n of_o the_o word_n preach_v on_o their_o soul_n in_o its_o enlighten_v refresh_a strengthen_v transform_a power_n when_o they_o find_v their_o heart_n warm_v their_o grace_n excite_v and_o strengthen_v the_o love_n of_o god_n improve_v their_o disponding_n spirit_n under_o trial_n and_o temptation_n relieve_v their_o whole_a soul_n gradual_o more_o and_o more_o conform_v unto_o christ_n when_o they_o find_v themselves_o by_o it_o extricate_v out_o of_o snare_n doubt_n fear_n temptation_n and_o bring_v unto_o satisfaction_n and_o rest_n they_o can_v but_o delight_v in_o the_o dispensation_n of_o it_o and_o rejoice_v in_o it_o as_o the_o food_n of_o their_o soul_n and_o it_o be_v a_o great_a hindrance_n unto_o the_o increase_n of_o spiritual_a life_n and_o
mind_n be_v accompany_v for_o first_o it_o be_v that_o which_o of_o all_o thing_n the_o lord_n christ_n be_v most_o displease_v with_o in_o church_n or_o professor_n he_o pity_v they_o in_o their_o temptation_n he_o suffer_v with_o they_o in_o their_o persecution_n he_o intercee_v for_o they_o on_o their_o surprisal_n but_o threaten_v they_o under_o their_o spiritual_a decay_n rev._n 2.4_o 5._o chap._n 3.2_o this_o he_o can_v bear_v with_o as_o that_o which_o both_o reflect_v dishonour_n upon_o himself_o and_o which_o he_o know_v to_o be_v ruinous_a unto_o those_o in_o who_o it_o be_v he_o will_v long_o bear_v with_o they_o who_o be_v utter_o dead_a than_o with_o those_o who_o abide_v under_o these_o decay_n rev._n 3.15_o 16._o this_o be_v the_o only_a case_n wherein_o he_o threaten_v to_o reject_v and_o cast_v off_o a_o profess_v church_n to_o take_v away_o his_o candlestick_n from_o it_o unless_o it_o be_v that_o of_o false_a worship_n and_o idolatry_n he_o that_o speak_v thus_o unto_o the_o church_n of_o old_a speak_v now_o the_o same_o unto_o we_o for_o he_o live_v for_o ever_o and_o be_v always_o the_o same_o and_o his_o word_n be_v live_v and_o unchangeable_a there_o be_v not_o one_o of_o we_o who_o be_v under_o this_o frame_n but_o the_o lord_n christ_n by_o his_o word_n and_o spirit_n testify_v his_o displeasure_n against_o we_o and_o if_o he_o be_v against_o we_o who_o shall_v plead_v for_o we_o consider_v what_o he_o say_v in_o this_o case_n revel_v 2.5_o chapter_n 3.3_o o_o who_o can_v stand_v before_o these_o dreadful_a intimation_n of_o his_o displeasure_n the_o lord_n help_v we_o to_o mind_v it_o lest_o he_o in_o who_o we_o profess_v to_o place_v our_o only_a trust_n be_v in_o our_o trial_n find_v our_o great_a enemy_n take_v heed_n of_o such_o sin_n as_o christ_n himself_o our_o only_a advocate_n have_v put_v a_o mark_n upon_o as_o those_o which_o he_o will_v not_o save_v we_o in_o second_o it_o be_v that_o wherewith_o above_o all_o thing_n the_o holy_a spirit_n be_v grieve_v his_o work_n it_o be_v to_o give_v grace_n a_o increase_n and_o progress_n in_o our_o soul_n he_o begin_v it_o and_o he_o carry_v it_o on_o and_o there_o can_v be_v no_o great_a grief_n unto_o a_o wise_a and_o gracious_a worker_n than_o to_o have_v his_o work_n decay_n and_o go_v backward_o under_o his_o hand_n this_o be_v the_o occasion_n of_o those_o complaint_n of_o god_n which_o we_o find_v in_o the_o scripture_n of_o the_o unprofitableness_n and_o backslide_n of_o man_n after_o the_o use_n of_o mean_n and_o remedy_n for_o their_o fruitfulness_n and_o cure_n what_o say_v he_o can_v i_o have_v do_v more_o for_o my_o vineyard_n than_o i_o have_v do_v why_o then_o when_o i_o look_v for_o grape_n do_v it_o bring_v forth_o wild_a grape_n can_v any_o thing_n be_v apprehend_v to_o be_v such_o a_o just_a matter_n of_o grief_n and_o complaint_n unto_o the_o holy_a spirit_n to_o see_v and_o find_v those_o who_o he_o have_v once_o raise_v up_o unto_o holy_a and_o heavenly_a affection_n so_o as_o that_o their_o delight_n be_v in_o and_o their_o thought_n much_o upon_o the_o thing_n that_o be_v above_o to_o become_v earthly_a or_o sensual_a to_o have_v no_o sensible_a act_n of_o any_o of_o his_o grace_n in_o they_o which_o be_v the_o state_n of_o they_o who_o be_v under_o the_o power_n of_o spiritual_a decay_n and_o this_o be_v the_o only_a cause_n wherein_o god_n speak_v unto_o man_n in_o the_o way_n of_o complaint_n and_o expostulation_n and_o use_v all_o sort_n of_o argument_n to_o convince_v they_o of_o their_o folly_n herein_o when_o a_o wise_a tender_a and_o careful_a parent_n have_v be_v diligent_a in_o the_o use_n of_o all_o mean_n for_o the_o education_n of_o his_o child_n and_o he_o for_o some_o time_n have_v give_v good_a hope_n of_o himself_o find_v he_o to_o slacken_v in_o his_o diligence_n to_o be_v careless_a in_o his_o call_n to_o delight_v in_o evil_a company_n how_o solicitous_a be_v his_o heart_n about_o he_o how_o much_o be_v he_o grieve_v and_o affect_v with_o his_o miscarriage_n the_o heart_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n be_v infinite_o more_o tender_a towards_o we_o than_o that_o of_o the_o most_o affectionate_a parent_n can_v be_v towards_o a_o only_a child_n and_o when_o he_o with_o cost_n and_o care_n have_v nourish_v and_o bring_v we_o up_o unto_o some_o growth_n and_o progress_n in_o spiritual_a affection_n wherein_o all_o his_o concern_v in_o we_o do_v lie_n for_o we_o to_o grow_v cold_a dull_a earthly-minded_n to_o cleave_v unto_o the_o pleasure_n or_o lust_n of_o this_o world_n how_o be_v he_o grieve_v how_o be_v he_o provoke_v it_o may_v be_v this_o consideration_n of_o grieve_v the_o holy_a spirit_n be_v of_o no_o great_a weight_n with_o some_o they_o shall_v have_v little_a concernment_n herein_o if_o they_o can_v well_o free_v themselves_o in_o other_o respect_n but_o let_v such_o person_n know_v it_o be_v impossible_a for_o they_o to_o give_v a_o great_a evidence_n of_o a_o profligate_n hardness_n in_o sin_n three_o this_o be_v that_o which_o in_o a_o especial_a manner_n provoke_v the_o judgement_n of_o god_n against_o any_o church_n as_o be_v intimate_v before_o when_o in_o the_o order_n of_o profession_n and_o worship_n any_o church_n have_v a_o name_n to_o live_v but_o as_o to_o the_o power_n of_o grace_n act_v in_o the_o affection_n be_v dead_a when_o it_o be_v not_o so_o cold_a as_o to_o forsake_v the_o external_a institution_n of_o worship_n nor_o so_o hot_a as_o to_o enliven_v their_o duty_n with_o spiritual_a affection_n the_o lord_n christ_n will_v not_o long_o bear_v with_o they_o yea_o judgement_n will_v sudden_o break_v out_o towards_o such_o a_o house_n of_o god_n four_o it_o be_v absolute_o inconsistent_a with_o all_o comfortable_a assurance_n of_o the_o love_n of_o god_n whatever_o person_n under_o the_o power_n of_o such_o a_o frame_n pretend_v unto_o of_o that_o kind_n it_o be_v sinful_a security_n not_o gracious_a assurance_n or_o peace_n and_o constant_o as_o professor_n grow_v cold_a and_o decay_n in_o their_o spiritual_a affection_n stupidity_n of_o conscience_n and_o security_n of_o mind_n do_v grow_v also_o uâ—on_v they_o it_o be_v so_o i_o say_v unless_o they_o be_v sometime_o surprise_v or_o overtake_v with_o some_o great_a sin_n which_o reflect_v severe_o on_o their_o conscience_n and_o cast_v they_o for_o a_o time_n under_o trouble_n and_o distress_n but_o that_o peace_n with_o god_n and_o a_o comfortable_a assurance_n of_o salvation_n shall_v be_v consistent_a with_o a_o habitual_a decay_n in_o grace_n especial_o in_o those_o grace_n which_o shall_v act_v themselves_o in_o our_o affection_n be_v contrary_a to_o the_o whole_a tenor_n and_o testimony_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o the_o supposition_n of_o it_o will_v be_v the_o bane_n and_o poison_n of_o religion_n i_o do_v not_o say_v that_o our_o assurance_n and_o peace_n with_o god_n do_v arise_v whole_o from_o the_o act_n of_o grace_n in_o we_o there_o be_v other_o cause_n of_o they_o whereinto_o they_o be_v principal_o resolve_v but_o this_o i_o say_v under_o a_o habitual_a declension_n or_o decay_n of_o grace_n in_o the_o spirituality_n of_o our_o affection_n no_o man_n can_v keep_v or_o maintain_v a_o gracious_a sense_n of_o the_o love_n of_o god_n or_o of_o peace_n with_o he_o and_o therefore_o there_o be_v no_o duty_n more_o severe_o to_o be_v press_v on_o all_o at_o this_o day_n than_o a_o diligent_a examination_n and_o trial_n of_o the_o ground_n of_o their_o peace_n lest_o it_o shall_v be_v with_o any_o of_o they_o as_o it_o be_v with_o luodicen_n who_o be_v satisfy_v in_o her_o good_a state_n and_o condition_n when_o it_o be_v most_o miserable_a and_o almost_o desperate_a yea_o i_o must_v say_v that_o it_o be_v impossible_a that_o many_o professor_n who_o we_o see_v and_o converse_v withal_o shall_v have_v any_o solid_a peace_n with_o god_n do_v man_n gather_v fig_n from_o thorn_n or_o grape_n from_o thistle_n it_o be_v a_o fruit_n that_o will_v not_o grow_v on_o a_o vain_a earthly_a selfish_a frame_n of_o mind_n and_o conversation_n and_o therefore_o such_o person_n whatever_o they_o pretend_v be_v either_o asleep_a in_o a_o sinful_a security_n or_o live_v on_o most_o uncertain_a hope_n which_o probable_o may_v deceive_v they_o nothing_o can_v be_v so_o ruinous_a unto_o our_o profession_n as_o once_o to_o suppose_v it_o be_v a_o easy_a matter_n a_o thing_n of_o course_n to_o maintain_v our_o peace_n with_o god_n god_n forbid_v but_o that_o our_o utmost_a diligence_n and_o continue_a endeavour_n to_o thrive_v in_o every_o grace_n shall_v be_v require_v thereunto_o the_o whole_a beauty_n and_o glory_n of_o our_o religion_n depend_v hereon_o to_o be_v spiritually-minded_n be_v life_n and_o peace_n 5._o such_o a_o decay_n as_o that_o describe_v
be_v please_v to_o grant_v we_o through_o jesus_n christ._n and_o 2_o it_o will_v fix_v our_o thought_n and_o affection_n upon_o the_o grace_n and_o love_n of_o god_n communicate_v such_o a_o inestimable_a mercy_n unto_o we_o as_o be_v a_o sense_n of_o his_o love_n which_o be_v the_o only_a mean_n for_o the_o preservation_n of_o a_o relish_n of_o it_o in_o our_o heart_n he_o who_o be_v in_o this_o frame_n of_o mind_n will_v remember_v call_v over_o and_o ruminate_v upon_o all_o such_o gracious_a pledge_n of_o divine_a favour_n as_o david_n be_v often_o remember_v and_o call_v over_o what_o he_o receive_v in_o such_o place_n as_o in_o the_o land_n of_o the_o hermonite_n and_o at_o the_o hill_n missar_n psal._n 42._o this_o be_v the_o great_a way_n whereby_o this_o treasure_n may_v be_v preserve_v 3_o a_o person_n so_o mind_v and_o he_o alone_o will_v have_v a_o due_a valuation_n of_o such_o intimation_n and_o pledge_n of_o divine_a love_n those_o who_o be_v full_a of_o other_o thing_n who_o affection_n cleave_v unto_o they_o do_v never_o esteem_v heavenly_a mercy_n and_o privilege_n as_o they_o ought_v the_o full_a soul_n loathe_v the_o honeycomb_n and_o god_n be_v well_o please_v when_o a_o high_a valuation_n be_v put_v upon_o his_o kindness_n as_o he_o be_v great_o provoke_v by_o the_o contrary_a frame_n which_o indeed_o nothing_o but_o infinite_a patience_n can_v bear_v withal_o it_o be_v a_o high_a provocation_n of_o god_n when_o man_n be_v regardless_o of_o and_o unthankful_a for_o outward_a temporal_a mercy_n when_o they_o receive_v they_o and_o use_v they_o as_o if_o they_o be_v their_o own_o that_o they_o be_v lord_n of_o they_o at_o least_o that_o they_o be_v due_a unto_o they_o much_o more_o be_v he_o provoke_v with_o our_o regardlesness_n of_o the_o least_o of_o those_o mercy_n which_o be_v the_o peculiar_a purchase_n of_o the_o blood_n of_o his_o son_n and_o the_o effect_n of_o his_o eternal_a love_n and_o grace_n he_o alone_z who_o be_v spiritually-minded_n value_v prize_v and_o lay_v up_o these_o ininestimable_a jewel_n in_o a_o due_a manner_n 4_o such_o person_n only_o know_v how_o to_o use_v and_o improve_v all_o communication_n of_o a_o sense_n of_o divine_a love_n these_o thing_n be_v not_o grant_v unto_o we_o to_o lie_v by_o we_o without_o any_o use_n of_o they_o they_o be_v gracious_a provision_n wherewith_o we_o be_v furnish_v to_o enable_v we_o unto_o all_o other_o duty_n conflict_n and_o trial_n on_o all_o occasion_n be_v they_o to_o be_v call_v over_o for_o our_o spiritual_a relief_n and_o encouragement_n hereby_o be_v they_o safe_o retain_v for_o in_o the_o due_a improvement_n of_o they_o they_o grow_v more_o bright_a in_o our_o mind_n every_o day_n and_o be_v ready_a for_o use_v in_o which_o posture_n they_o be_v safe_o preserve_v but_o these_o thing_n will_v yet_o be_v far_o manifest_v in_o the_o instance_n that_o ensue_v 2_o this_o frame_n of_o mind_n cast_v out_o all_o principle_n and_o cause_n of_o trouble_n and_o disquietment_n which_o be_v inconsistent_a with_o life_n and_o peace_n there_o be_v in_o we_o by_o nature_n principle_n of_o contrariety_n and_o opposition_n unto_o spiritual_a life_n and_o peace_n with_o sundry_a thing_n who_o abide_v and_o prevalency_n in_o we_o be_v inconsistent_a with_o they_o i_o shall_v give_v only_o one_o or_o two_o instance_n hereof_o 1_o it_o will_v cast_v out_o all_o filthiness_n and_o superfluity_n of_o naughtiness_n from_o our_o mind_n without_o this_o we_o can_v receive_v no_o benefit_n by_o the_o mean_n of_o grace_n nor_o perform_v any_o duty_n in_o a_o right_a manner_n jam._n 1.27_o this_o be_v that_o which_o stand_v in_o direct_a immediate_a opposition_n and_o contrariety_n unto_o our_o be_v spiritual_o mind_a so_o as_o they_o can_v have_v no_o consistency_n in_o the_o same_o person_n and_o they_o expel_v on_o another_o like_a heat_n and_o cold._n and_o where_o there_o be_v this_o filthiness_n and_o superfluity_n of_o naughtiness_n there_o be_v neither_o life_n nor_o peace_n unclean_a lust_n of_o the_o flesh_n or_o of_o the_o spirit_n work_v tumultuate_a act_v themselves_o in_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n will_v not_o suffer_v either_o the_o life_n of_o holiness_n to_o flourish_v in_o they_o or_o any_o solid_a peace_n to_o abide_v with_o they_o the_o soul_n be_v weaken_v by_o they_o as_o unto_o all_o spiritual_a act_n and_o make_v like_o a_o trouble_a sea_n that_o can_v rest_v who_o water_n cast_v up_o mire_n and_o dirt_n where_o they_o be_v absolute_o predominant_a there_o be_v a_o hell_n within_o of_o darkness_n confusion_n and_o enmity_n against_o god_n prepare_v man_n for_o a_o hell_n of_o punishment_n without_o unto_o eternity_n and_o according_a as_o they_o remain_v or_o have_v any_o prevalency_n in_o we_o so_o be_v spiritual_a life_n and_o peace_n impair_v and_o obstruct_v by_o they_o now_o the_o very_a nature_n of_o this_o grace_n and_o its_o universal_a exercise_n be_v suit_v to_o the_o cast_v out_o of_o all_o the_o relic_n of_o this_o filthiness_n and_o supersfluity_n of_o naughtiness_n it_o bring_v in_o a_o principle_n into_o the_o mind_n direct_o contrary_a unto_o that_o from_o whence_o they_o do_v proceed_v all_o the_o act_n of_o it_o which_o we_o have_v describe_v lie_v in_o direct_a tendency_n unto_o the_o extirpation_n of_o these_o cause_n of_o filthiness_n which_o ruin_n life_n and_o peace_n nor_o will_v they_o by_o any_o other_o way_n be_v cast_v out_o if_o the_o mind_n be_v not_o spiritual_a it_o will_v be_v carnal_a if_o it_o mind_v not_o thing_n above_o it_o will_v not_o fix_v itself_o inordinate_o on_o thing_n below_o 2_o that_o disorder_n which_o be_v by_o nature_n in_o the_o affection_n and_o passion_n of_o the_o mind_n which_o be_v direct_o opposite_a unto_o spiritual_a life_n and_o peace_n be_v cast_v out_o or_o cure_v hereby_o it_o be_v a_o bless_a promise_n of_o the_o time_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n of_o the_o kingdom_n and_o rule_n of_o christ_n that_o through_o the_o efficacy_n of_o gospel_n grace_n the_o lion_n shall_v lie_v down_o with_o the_o lamb_n and_o the_o leopard_n with_o the_o kid_n isaiah_n 11.6_o person_n of_o the_o most_o intemperate_a and_o outrageous_a passion_n shall_v be_v make_v meek_a and_o lovely_a where_o this_o be_v not_o in_o some_o measure_n effect_v according_a unto_o the_o degree_n of_o the_o prevalency_n of_o such_o passion_n in_o we_o we_o have_v not_o be_v make_v partaker_n of_o evangelical_n grace_n it_o be_v a_o easy_a task_n to_o demonstrate_v how_o the_o disorder_n of_o our_o affection_n and_o passion_n be_v destructive_a of_o spiritual_a life_n and_o peace_n the_o contrariety_n that_o be_v in_o they_o and_o contradiction_n unto_o one_o another_o their_o violence_n impetuousness_n and_o restlessness_n their_o readiness_n to_o receive_v and_o take_v in_o provocation_n on_o all_o occasion_n and_o frequent_o on_o none_o at_o all_o but_o what_o imagination_n present_v unto_o they_o be_v sufficient_a evidence_n hereof_o can_v we_o think_v that_o life_n and_o peace_n do_v inhabit_v that_o soul_n wherein_o anger_n wrath_n envy_n excess_n in_o love_n unto_o earthly_a thing_n no_o dwell_v and_o on_o all_o occasion_n exert_v themselves_o there_o where_o there_o be_v a_o continual_a tumult_n fight_v and_o rebellion_n as_o there_o be_v where_o the_o passion_n of_o the_o mind_n be_v not_o under_o the_o conduct_n of_o reason_n nor_o of_o grace_n the_o nature_n and_o principal_a effect_n of_o this_o spiritual_a mindedness_n be_v to_o bring_v all_o the_o affection_n and_o passion_n of_o our_o mind_n into_o that_o holy_a order_n wherein_o they_o be_v create_v this_o be_v that_o uprightness_n wherein_o god_n make_v we_o namely_o the_o whole_a bless_a order_n of_o all_o the_o power_n faculty_n and_o affection_n of_o our_o soul_n in_o all_o their_o operation_n in_o order_n unto_o our_o live_n unto_o god_n and_o this_o be_v restore_v unto_o we_o by_o this_o grace_n this_o duty_n of_o be_v spiritual_o mind_a and_o wherein_o it_o fall_v short_a of_o that_o perfection_n which_o we_o have_v original_o for_o the_o remainder_n of_o that_o disorder_n which_o befall_v we_o by_o sin_n will_v still_o in_o part_n continue_v it_o be_v recompense_v by_o the_o act_n of_o that_o new_a principle_n of_o gospel_n grace_n which_o be_v exercise_v in_o it_o for_o every_o act_n of_o of_o our_o affection_n towards_o god_n in_o the_o power_n of_o grace_n exceed_v and_o be_v of_o another_o nature_n above_o that_o we_o can_v do_v or_o attain_v unto_o in_o the_o state_n of_o nature_n uncorrupted_a hereby_o be_v life_n and_o peace_n bring_v into_o our_o soul_n and_o preserve_v in_o they_o 3_o it_o be_v that_o whereby_o our_o heart_n and_o mind_n be_v take_v off_o from_o the_o world_n and_o all_o inordinate_a love_n thereunto_o where_o this_o be_v in_o prevalent_a degree_n there_o be_v neither_o life_n nor_o peace_n and_o every_o