god_n in_o the_o exact_a frame_n due_a lineament_n right_a proportion_n and_o feature_n strength_n and_o beauty_n of_o perfect_a creature_n so_o the_o poor_a strait_a and_o indigent_a condition_n of_o some_o so_o much_o the_o more_o commend_v the_o bounty_n and_o goodness_n of_o god_n to_o other_o and_o provoke_v they_o at_o least_o shall_v provoke_v they_o to_o so_o much_o the_o great_a love_n and_o thankfulness_n to_o that_o god_n who_o have_v be_v so_o bountiful_a to_o they_o and_o have_v be_v please_v to_o put_v such_o a_o difference_n between_o they_o and_o other_o and_o this_o albeit_o they_o have_v deserve_v at_o the_o hand_n of_o god_n no_o more_o than_o those_o their_o inferior_n who_o be_v in_o the_o most_o necessitous_a condition_n 2._o this_o difference_n which_o god_n have_v put_v between_o man_n afford_v the_o rich_a opportunity_n of_o exercise_v their_o charity_n pity_n and_o compassion_n towards_o the_o poor_a and_o give_v the_o poor_a occasion_n of_o exercise_v their_o faith_n and_o trust_n in_o god_n for_o supply_n of_o necessary_n patience_n humility_n contentment_n with_o their_o mean_a condition_n quiet_a submission_n to_o the_o good_a pleasure_n of_o god_n in_o thus_o deal_v with_o they_o and_o thankfulness_n to_o god_n for_o those_o help_n and_o assistance_n which_o he_o be_v please_v to_o reach_v forth_o to_o they_o by_o the_o hand_n of_o those_o with_o who_o he_o deposit_v more_o of_o the_o thing_n of_o this_o world_n on_o purpose_n that_o they_o may_v be_v helpful_a to_o those_o who_o have_v less_o 3._o god_n have_v be_v please_v to_o put_v this_o difference_n between_o man_n in_o regard_n of_o the_o necessity_n there_o be_v of_o different_a station_n and_o condition_n different_a service_n and_o employment_n for_o procure_v and_o carry_v on_o the_o good_a and_o welfare_n of_o the_o community_n of_o mankind_n some_o must_v govern_v and_o other_o must_v be_v govern_v or_o else_o we_o shall_v quick_o be_v ruin_v and_o all_o thing_n will_v run_v into_o confusion_n some_o must_v labour_v in_o the_o field_n other_o must_v grind_v at_o the_o mill_n other_o handle_v the_o distaff_n some_o must_v be_v employ_v in_o mean_a other_o in_o high_a service_n in_o order_n whereunto_o it_o be_v fit_a that_o man_n condition_n shall_v be_v suit_v to_o those_o employment_n in_o which_o they_o be_v to_o be_v serviceable_a to_o god_n and_o their_o generation_n now_o the_o application_n of_o what_o have_v be_v speak_v follow_v and_o this_o will_v concern_v all_o i_o shall_v first_o speak_v to_o the_o rich_a and_o then_o to_o the_o poor_a as_o for_o the_o rich_a or_o those_o who_o god_n have_v be_v please_v to_o intrust_v with_o a_o large_a portion_n of_o temporal_a thing_n they_o may_v hence_o be_v mind_v of_o their_o duty_n several_a way_n if_o the_o rich_a and_o the_o poor_a meet_v together_o in_o all_o those_o respect_n before_o mention_v and_o god_n be_v the_o maker_n of_o they_o all_o both_o as_o man_n and_o as_o consider_v under_o the_o different_a adjunct_n of_o riches_n and_o poverty_n then_o may_v the_o rich_a hence_o be_v caution_v and_o admonish_v 1._o not_o to_o despise_v the_o poor_a this_o be_v that_o which_o man_n who_o even_o wallow_v in_o plenty_n and_o abound_v with_o the_o good_a thing_n of_o this_o life_n be_v very_o subject_a to_o a_o poor_a man_n be_v many_o time_n a_o contemptible_a thing_n in_o their_o eye_n and_o as_o he_o have_v occasion_n to_o come_v near_o they_o he_o scarce_o meet_v with_o those_o civility_n from_o they_o that_o be_v due_a to_o mankind_n and_o usual_o none_o be_v more_o faulty_a this_o way_n than_o such_o as_o have_v the_o great_a obligation_n to_o civility_n and_o condescension_n i_o mean_v such_o as_o be_v not_o long_o since_o in_o a_o mean_a condition_n themselves_o and_o have_v but_o new_o be_v advance_v to_o a_o high_a station_n but_o these_o and_o whosoever_o else_o may_v be_v blame-worthy_a in_o this_o respect_n shall_v consider_v what_o have_v above_o be_v discourse_v of_o 1._o that_o the_o poor_a and_o most_o forlorn_a creature_n who_o be_v most_o despicable_a in_o their_o eye_n have_v as_o noble_a and_o excellent_a a_o soul_n as_o they_o have_v themselves_o or_o as_o the_o great_a potentate_n in_o the_o world_n have_v and_o as_o for_o his_o very_a body_n though_o clothe_v with_o nasty_a rag_n the_o exquisite_a workmanship_n thereof_o be_v no_o less_o admirable_a than_o that_o of_o his_o that_o be_v clothe_v with_o scarlet_n and_o adorn_v with_o gold_n and_o pearl_n and_o whatever_o nature_n or_o art_n can_v contribute_v to_o make_v it_o beautiful_a and_o lovely_a 2._o that_o the_o poor_a man_n in_o the_o world_n be_v as_o dear_a to_o god_n as_o they_o be_v and_o as_o much_o under_o the_o care_n and_o gracious_a providence_n of_o god_n for_o fine_a clothes_n and_o riches_n and_o honour_n commend_v no_o man_n to_o god_n high_a and_o low_a rich_a and_o poor_a be_v alike_o to_o he_o for_o he_o be_v no_o respecter_n of_o person_n 10.34_o act_n 10.34_o neither_o do_v he_o rate_v or_o value_v any_o man_n according_a to_o these_o thing_n it_o be_v grace_n and_o holiness_n that_o he_o look_v after_o and_o according_o proportion_v his_o esteem_n for_o man_n the_o lord_n see_v not_o as_o man_n see_v man_n look_v upon_o the_o outward_a appearance_n but_o the_o lord_n look_v upon_o the_o heart_n 1_o sam._n 16.7_o the_o eye_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v upon_o the_o righteous_a psal_n 34.15_o the_o lord_n take_v pleasure_n in_o they_o that_o fear_v he_o in_o those_o that_o hope_v in_o his_o mercy_n psal_n 147.11_o but_o as_o for_o wicked_a and_o ungodly_a man_n of_o what_o rank_n or_o quality_n soever_o they_o may_v be_v in_o this_o world_n the_o lord_n hate_v and_o abhor_v they_o 5.5_o psal_n 5.5_o 3._o they_o shall_v consider_v that_o the_o poor_a man_n in_o all_o the_o world_n be_v as_o capable_a of_o be_v admit_v to_o the_o blissful_a vision_n and_o fruition_n of_o god_n in_o the_o world_n to_o come_v be_v as_o capable_a of_o glory_n and_o eternal_a happiness_n as_o the_o rich_a as_o god_n have_v give_v the_o same_o rational_a and_o immortal_a soul_n to_o rich_a and_o poor_a whereby_o they_o be_v both_o capable_a of_o the_o sight_n and_o enjoyment_n of_o god_n so_o have_v christ_n die_v for_o both_o and_o pay_v the_o same_o invaluable_a price_n for_o the_o redemption_n of_o both_o and_o so_o he_o have_v command_v his_o gospel_n to_o be_v publish_v alike_o to_o both_o and_o therein_o the_o same_o term_n of_o salvation_n to_o be_v indifferent_o propound_v to_o the_o one_o and_o the_o other_o there_o be_v not_o one_o gospel_n for_o the_o rich_a and_o another_o for_o the_o poor_a nor_o be_v the_o term_n of_o peace_n with_o god_n and_o reconciliation_n to_o he_o more_o easy_a and_o favourable_a for_o the_o one_o than_o for_o the_o other_o the_o gospel_n put_v no_o difference_n between_o man_n with_o reference_n to_o those_o different_a circumstance_n as_o to_o outward_a thing_n under_o which_o they_o may_v be_v it_o speak_v the_o same_o language_n to_o all_o go_v into_o all_o the_o world_n and_o preach_v the_o gospel_n to_o every_o creature_n he_o that_o believe_v shall_v be_v save_v and_o he_o that_o believe_v not_o shall_v be_v damn_v mark_v 16.15_o 16._o without_o holiness_n no_o man_n shall_v see_v the_o lord_n heb._n 12.14_o except_o you_o repent_v you_o shall_v all_o perish_v luke_n 13.3_o except_o you_o be_v convert_v you_o shall_v not_o enter_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n mat._n 18.3_o now_o if_o god_n value_v the_o soul_n of_o rich_a and_o poor_a alike_o have_v take_v the_o same_o care_n of_o and_o make_v the_o same_o provision_n for_o the_o salvation_n of_o both_o if_o rich_a and_o poor_a meet_v together_o stand_v both_o upon_o even_a ground_n and_o be_v upon_o equal_a term_n as_o to_o the_o matter_n that_o be_v of_o high_a importance_n and_o everlasting_a concernment_n to_o the_o one_o and_o the_o other_o shall_v any_o man_n despise_v his_o poor_a brother_n upon_o the_o account_n of_o these_o temporal_a thing_n these_o poor_a and_o worthless_a trifle_n that_o signify_v as_o good_a as_o nothing_o 2._o the_o rich_a may_v hence_o be_v caution_v not_o to_o count_v the_o poor_a a_o grievance_n or_o heavy_a burden_n to_o they_o i_o mean_v the_o honest_a sober_a humble_a modest_a and_o industrious_a poor_a as_o for_o wicked_a loose_a idle_a and_o unprofitable_a person_n whether_o they_o be_v poor_a or_o rich_a they_o be_v not_o only_o a_o grievance_n but_o the_o very_a pest_n of_o the_o place_n where_o they_o live_v as_o expose_v they_o to_o god_n wrath_n and_o draw_v down_o his_o judgement_n upon_o themselves_o and_o other_o 1._o while_o you_o count_v the_o poor_a a_o grievance_n and_o think_v how_o much_o happy_a the_o world_n will_v be_v if_o all_o man_n be_v rich_a as_o you_o be_v you_o
that_o shall_v open_v man_n eye_n shall_v shut_v they_o and_o when_o those_o mean_n that_o shall_v soften_v man_n heart_n shall_v harden_v they_o let_v we_o take_v heed_n that_o this_o be_v not_o the_o case_n of_o any_o of_o we_o if_o what_o shall_v convince_v humble_a and_o reform_v we_o take_v no_o other_o effect_n upon_o we_o but_o that_o we_o be_v so_o much_o the_o worse_o the_o more_o remote_a from_o repentance_n the_o more_o obstinate_o and_o resolute_o bend_v after_o our_o sinful_a course_n the_o more_o incorrigible_a and_o irreclaimable_a our_o charge_n will_v be_v heavy_a when_o the_o day_n of_o reckon_n come_v how_o dreadful_a and_o intolerable_a will_v the_o sentence_n of_o condemnation_n to_o be_v pronounce_v against_o we_o be_v when_o the_o mean_v we_o have_v enjoy_v shall_v rise_v up_o in_o judgement_n against_o we_o and_o our_o mercy_n shall_v condemn_v we_o 4._o as_o the_o most_o necessary_a and_o important_a work_n that_o we_o have_v to_o dispatch_v be_v limit_v to_o a_o certain_a time_n and_o the_o duration_n of_o that_o time_n be_v in_o divers_a respect_n very_o uncertain_a so_o not_o to_o have_v improve_v that_o time_n but_o to_o have_v leave_v our_o great_a business_n undo_v till_o it_o be_v too_o late_a and_o till_o the_o only_a season_n in_o which_o it_o be_v to_o be_v do_v be_v now_o over_o and_o irrecoverable_o go_v be_v a_o most_o deplorable_a and_o dismal_a thing_n how_o affectionate_o do_v our_o saviour_n weep_v over_o jerusalem_n in_o this_o respect_n 42._o luke_n 19.41_o 42._o say_v if_o thou_o have_v know_v even_o thou_o in_o this_o thy_o day_n the_o thing_n that_o belong_v to_o thy_o peace_n but_o now_o they_o be_v hide_v from_o thy_o eye_n when_o mercy_n be_v offer_v she_o and_o she_o be_v earnest_o importune_v to_o accept_v of_o it_o she_o do_v not_o know_v the_o day_n of_o her_o visitation_n as_o it_o follow_v v._o 44._o she_o slight_v mercy_n and_o refuse_v the_o gracious_a tender_n thereof_o but_o wherein_o do_v the_o misery_n of_o such_o a_o condition_n lie_v i_o answer_v in_o these_o three_o thing_n 1._o have_v final_o refuse_v mercy_n have_v obstinate_o persist_v in_o the_o refusal_n of_o it_o to_o the_o end_n they_o shall_v never_o have_v the_o like_a offer_v any_o more_o the_o day_n of_o grace_n with_o they_o be_v run_v out_o once_o for_o all_o and_o shall_v never_o never_o be_v recall_v no_o more_o opportunity_n of_o make_v their_o peace_n with_o god_n to_o eternity_n the_o unite_a prayer_n of_o all_o the_o saint_n in_o the_o church_n militant_a and_o triumphant_a if_o they_o shall_v all_o join_v together_o in_o such_o a_o suit_n can_v not_o obtain_v the_o offer_n of_o mercy_n for_o the_o space_n of_o one_o hour_n for_o any_o final_o impenitent_a sinner_n he_o have_v sin_v away_o his_o mercy_n and_o it_o be_v utter_o impossible_a that_o he_o shall_v recover_v what_o he_o have_v wilful_o deprive_v himself_o of_o lament_v his_o loss_n he_o may_v and_o rue_v it_o he_o shall_v to_o eternity_n but_o retrieve_v it_o he_o never_o shall_v 2._o another_o thing_n in_o which_o the_o misery_n of_o this_o condition_n lie_v be_v that_o the_o punishment_n of_o such_o person_n shall_v be_v dreadful_o heighten_v upon_o the_o account_n of_o the_o mercy_n that_o have_v be_v offer_v they_o which_o they_o have_v so_o wretched_o slight_v and_o reject_v the_o gospel_n itself_o full_o and_o clear_o represent_v to_o we_o what_o a_o direful_a aggravation_n of_o their_o punishment_n this_o will_v be_v we_o have_v three_o severe_a and_o most_o remarkable_a scripture_n to_o this_o purpose_n this_o be_v the_o condemnation_n that_o be_v 3.19_o joh._n 3.19_o the_o most_o sore_a and_o dreadful_a condemnation_n that_o light_n be_v come_v into_o the_o world_n and_o man_n love_v darkness_n rather_o than_o light_v because_o their_o deed_n be_v evil_a 24._o mat._n 11.21_o 22_o 23_o 24._o wo_n unto_o thou_o corazin_n woe_n unto_o thou_o bethsaida_n it_o shall_v be_v more_o tolerable_a for_o tyre_n and_o sidon_n in_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n than_o for_o you_o and_o thou_o capernaum_n that_o be_v lift_v up_o to_o heaven_n namely_o in_o the_o mean_n of_o grace_n which_o she_o enjoy_v but_o improve_v not_o thou_o capernaum_n which_o be_v lift_v up_o to_o heaven_n shall_v be_v bring_v down_o to_o hell_n it_o shall_v be_v more_o tolerable_a for_o the_o land_n of_o sodom_n in_o the_o day_n judgement_n than_o for_o thou_o how_o shall_v we_o escape_v 2.3_o heb._n 2.3_o if_o we_o neglect_v so_o great_a salvation_n 3._o the_o last_o aggravation_n of_o their_o misery_n be_v this_o that_o the_o thought_n of_o mercy_n once_o offer_v and_o reject_v and_o of_o their_o have_v wilful_o make_v themselves_o eternal_o miserable_a when_o they_o be_v in_o a_o capacity_n of_o be_v eternal_o happy_a if_o they_o have_v not_o stand_v in_o their_o own_o light_n and_o be_v want_v to_o themselves_o i_o say_v the_o thought_n hereof_o will_v be_v in_o their_o conscience_n a_o never-dying_a worm_n to_o torment_v they_o with_o unspeakable_a anguish_n to_o eternity_n so_o dismal_a and_o deplorable_a a_o thing_n it_o be_v not_o to_o have_v improve_v the_o time_n and_o opportunity_n afford_v we_o for_o make_v our_o peace_n with_o god_n and_o so_o much_o concern_v the_o reason_n why_o we_o must_v redeem_v the_o time_n i_o now_o proceed_v to_o the_o application_n which_o be_v the_o last_o thing_n to_o be_v speak_v to_o and_o here_o use_v 1._o 1._o if_o time_n be_v upon_o so_o many_o account_n to_o be_v redeem_v to_o be_v redeem_v especial_o for_o heavenly_a thing_n and_o to_o be_v improve_v for_o the_o good_a of_o our_o soul_n what_o may_v they_o think_v of_o themselves_o who_o make_v little_a other_o use_n of_o their_o time_n than_o to_o dishonour_n god_n debauch_v their_o acquaintance_n and_o companion_n in_o sin_n and_o to_o bring_v swift_a ruin_n and_o destruction_n upon_o their_o own_o soul_n who_o redeem_a time_n indeed_o but_o it_o be_v for_o the_o satisfaction_n of_o their_o lust_n for_o gratify_v their_o corruption_n for_o glut_v themselves_o with_o sinful_a pleasure_n and_o sensual_a delight_n for_o heap_v up_o sin_n upon_o sin_n for_o fill_v up_o the_o measure_n of_o their_o provocation_n and_o make_v themselves_o ripe_a for_o judgement_n that_o spend_v their_o time_n in_o excess_n and_o intemperance_n in_o riot_n and_o drunkenness_n in_o chamber_v and_o wantonness_n in_o set_v their_o mouth_n against_o heaven_n in_o belch_a out_o horrid_a oath_n and_o blasphemy_n in_o scoff_v at_o religion_n and_o deride_v piety_n that_o make_v it_o their_o business_n to_o sow_v the_o principle_n of_o atheism_n and_o to_o scatter_v the_o seed_n of_o irreligion_n and_o profaneness_n in_o all_o place_n and_o company_n where_o they_o come_v to_o seduce_v poison_n and_o corrupt_v all_o they_o meet_v with_o and_o to_o make_v they_o twofold_a more_o the_o child_n of_o hell_n than_o themselves_o o_o how_o many_o such_o wicked_a instrument_n such_o agitator_n for_o hell_n and_o factor_n for_o the_o devil_n have_v our_o time_n produce_v how_o do_v city_n and_o country_n abound_v with_o they_o and_o what_o swarm_v of_o they_o be_v there_o to_o be_v find_v in_o all_o quarter_n of_o the_o land_n though_o such_o as_o these_o come_v seldom_o to_o the_o house_n of_o god_n yet_o in_o regard_n they_o sometime_o drop_v in_o among_o other_o and_o in_o regard_n that_o no_o congregation_n if_o numerous_a at_o least_o can_v be_v presume_v to_o be_v without_o many_o lewd_a and_o vicious_a person_n though_o perhaps_o there_o may_v not_o be_v many_o that_o have_v arrive_v at_o the_o same_o height_n and_o excess_n of_o wickedness_n with_o those_o beforementioned_a i_o shall_v propose_v these_o three_o question_n to_o all_o those_o who_o spend_v their_o precious_a time_n in_o lewd_a and_o ungodly_a practice_n of_o what_o kind_n soever_o or_o rather_o i_o shall_v desire_v they_o will_v propose_v they_o to_o themselves_o 1._o let_v they_o ask_v themselves_o put_v the_o question_n to_o their_o own_o heart_n and_o conscience_n whether_o they_o think_v or_o can_v think_v that_o god_n make_v they_o and_o give_v they_o excellent_a and_o immortal_a soul_n to_o these_o end_n if_o they_o think_v he_o do_v than_o it_o seem_v they_o be_v of_o opinion_n that_o god_n give_v they_o a_o be_v to_o the_o end_n they_o may_v renounce_v their_o homage_n and_o disclaim_v their_o subjection_n to_o he_o and_o serve_v the_o devil_n and_o that_o he_o still_o preserve_v they_o uphold_v they_o in_o their_o be_v to_o no_o other_o purpose_n than_o that_o they_o may_v still_o go_v on_o in_o the_o same_o way_n of_o open_a rebellion_n against_o himself_o and_o defiance_n against_o heaven_n certain_o it_o be_v a_o high_a disparagement_n and_o a_o horrid_a derogation_n to_o the_o wisdom_n and_o holiness_n of_o god_n for_o any_o man_n to_o imagine_v that_o god_n shall_v make_v
stable_a of_o all_o earthly_a thing_n uncertain_a do_v they_o not_o sudden_o make_v they_o wing_n and_o flee_v away_o as_o a_o eagle_n towards_o heaven_n 4._o though_o there_o be_v the_o rich_a confluence_n of_o they_o and_o though_o a_o man_n do_v even_o wallow_v in_o they_o will_v they_o ever_o be_v able_a to_o make_v his_o life_n comfortable_a true_o comfortable_a without_o the_o favour_n of_o god_n and_o peace_n of_o conscience_n have_v not_o solomon_n who_o know_v how_o to_o estimate_v they_o 14._o eccl._n 1.2_o ver._n 14._o pronounce_v they_o all_o vanity_n vanity_n of_o vanity_n yea_o vanity_n and_o vexation_n of_o spirit_n instead_o of_o make_v man_n true_o happy_a do_v they_o not_o wound_v and_o pierce_v they_o through_o with_o many_o sorrow_n 6.10_o 1_o tim._n 6.10_o who_o greedy_o covet_v after_o they_o and_o set_v their_o heart_n upon_o they_o 5._o can_v they_o stand_v you_o in_o any_o stead_n in_o a_o evil_a day_n solomon_n again_o tell_v you_o riches_n profit_v not_o in_o 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endeavour_v to_o make_v they_o sensible_a of_o their_o evil_a way_n and_o to_o withdraw_v they_o from_o their_o sin_n upon_o this_o account_n it_o be_v that_o ahab_n count_v elijah_n his_o enemy_n 21.20_o 2_o king_n 21.20_o have_v thou_o find_v i_o o_o my_o enemy_n say_v he_o when_o the_o prophet_n come_v to_o reprove_v he_o and_o to_o denounce_v the_o judgement_n of_o god_n against_o he_o and_o his_o family_n for_o their_o sin_n and_o so_o impatient_a be_v ungodly_a man_n of_o be_v reprove_v in_o the_o prophet_n isaiah_n time_n that_o they_o study_v to_o do_v what_o mischief_n they_o can_v to_o such_o as_o shall_v attempt_v to_o reprove_v they_o they_o make_v a_o man_n a_o offender_n for_o a_o word_n and_o lay_v a_o snare_n for_o he_o that_o reprove_v in_o the_o gate_n 29.21_o isa_n 29.21_o say_v that_o prophet_n the_o like_a complaint_n we_o have_v amos_n 5.10_o they_o hate_v he_o that_o rebuke_v in_o the_o gate_n and_o abhor_v he_o that_o speak_v upright_o now_o there_o be_v several_a thing_n that_o make_v wicked_a man_n the_o more_o obstinate_a and_o that_o be_v if_o not_o cause_n yet_o occasion_n of_o their_o turn_v the_o deaf_a ear_n to_o all_o those_o call_v and_o invitation_n to_o repentance_n which_o god_n vouchsafe_v they_o such_o as_o be_v one_a outward_a prosperity_n when_o the_o world_n smile_v upon_o they_o when_o they_o live_v at_o ease_n and_o enjoy_v whatever_o heart_n can_v wish_v this_o through_o the_o corruption_n of_o their_o heart_n puff_v they_o up_o with_o pride_n and_o make_v they_o slight_v whatever_o be_v offer_v they_o or_o lay_v before_o they_o for_o the_o good_a of_o their_o soul_n this_o ill_a effect_n have_v outward_a prosperity_n upon_o jehojachin_n 22.21_o jer._n
22.21_o i_o speak_v unto_o thou_o in_o thy_o prosperity_n and_o thou_o say_v i_o will_v not_o hear_v to_o the_o same_o purpose_n be_v that_o of_o the_o psalmist_n who_o speak_v of_o wicked_a man_n say_v because_o they_o have_v no_o change_n 55.19_o psal_n 55.19_o therefore_o they_o fear_v not_o god_n because_o they_o be_v not_o harass_v with_o affliction_n nor_o empty_v from_o vessel_n to_o vessel_n therefore_o they_o regard_v not_o god_n call_v to_o repentance_n nor_o his_o threaten_n he_o may_v say_v what_o he_o please_v he_o may_v threaten_v they_o as_o severe_o as_o he_o will_v they_o be_v not_o move_v at_o it_o nor_o concern_v themselves_o with_o it_o 2_o another_o thing_n that_o make_v they_o the_o more_o obstinate_a be_v their_z not_o believe_v the_o threaten_n and_o denunciation_n of_o judgement_n against_o they_o for_o their_o sin_n thus_o the_o old_a world_n not_o believe_v what_o god_n have_v threaten_v concern_v the_o destruction_n of_o the_o world_n by_o the_o flood_n still_o continue_v in_o their_o sin_n and_o repent_v not_o till_o at_o length_n the_o flood_n come_v upon_o they_o and_o take_v they_o all_o away_o except_v only_o those_o few_o person_n that_o find_v grace_n in_o the_o eye_n of_o god_n to_o be_v exempt_v from_o that_o dreadful_a judgement_n so_o though_o god_n have_v often_o by_o his_o prophet_n threaten_v the_o captivity_n yet_o the_o profane_a and_o obstinate_a jew_n put_v far_o off_o the_o evil_a day_n and_o give_v no_o credit_n to_o the_o threaten_n will_v not_o be_v bring_v to_o repentance_n such_o be_v they_o who_o the_o prophet_n zephany_n describe_v who_o be_v settle_v on_o their_o lees_n 1.12_o zeph._n 1.12_o say_v in_o their_o heart_n the_o lord_n will_v not_o do_v good_a neither_o will_v he_o do_v evil_a that_o be_v he_o will_v neither_o fulfil_v his_o promise_n nor_o make_v good_a his_o threaten_n they_o believe_v neither_o the_o one_o nor_o the_o other_o 3_o another_o thing_n that_o make_v wicked_a man_n the_o more_o obstinate_a and_o that_o harden_v they_o against_o all_o invitation_n and_o call_n to_o repentance_n be_v the_o abuse_a patience_n and_o longsufferance_n of_o god_n towards_o they_o because_o god_n have_v long_o bear_v with_o they_o therefore_o they_o think_v he_o will_v always_o bear_v with_o they_o because_o wait_v for_o their_o repentance_n he_o do_v not_o speedy_o put_v his_o threaten_n in_o execution_n therefore_o they_o make_v account_v he_o will_v never_o put_v they_o in_o execution_n 8.11_o eccles_n 8.11_o because_o sentence_n against_o a_o evil_a work_n be_v not_o execute_v speedy_o therefore_o the_o heart_n of_o the_o son_n of_o man_n be_v full_o set_v in_o they_o to_o do_v evil._n if_o punishment_n be_v but_o defer_v and_o respite_v for_o a_o time_n to_o see_v if_o offender_n will_v not_o bethink_v themselves_o and_o by_o their_o repentance_n prevent_v that_o severity_n which_o else_o must_v be_v use_v against_o they_o even_o this_o make_v they_o think_v they_o be_v now_o in_o no_o danger_n of_o be_v punish_v and_o so_o they_o be_v encourage_v to_o go_v on_o in_o their_o sin_n thus_o the_o wicked_a jew_n encourage_v themselves_o in_o their_o sinful_a course_n and_o in_o their_o carnal_a security_n say_v 12.22_o ezek._n 12.22_o the_o day_n be_v prolong_v and_o every_o vision_n fail_v as_o if_o they_o have_v say_v the_o prophet_n terrify_v we_o with_o sad_a vision_n and_o severe_a threaten_n and_o denunciation_n of_o approach_a judgement_n but_o nothing_o come_v of_o it_o all_o their_o vision_n fail_v and_o we_o be_v still_o in_o safety_n and_o so_o we_o trust_v we_o shall_v be_v notwithstanding_o all_o the_o fright_v they_o will_v put_v we_o into_o 4thly_a another_o thing_n and_o indeed_o the_o chief_a thing_n that_o make_v wicked_a man_n so_o obstinate_a as_o that_o they_o stop_v their_o ear_n against_o all_o solicitation_n and_o call_n to_o repentance_n be_v the_o most_o entire_a league_n that_o there_o be_v between_o they_o and_o their_o sin_n so_o dear_o do_v they_o love_v their_o sin_n that_o they_o can_v endure_v to_o think_v of_o part_v with_o they_o whatever_o can_v be_v say_v to_o take_v they_o off_o from_o their_o sin_n be_v of_o no_o account_n signify_v nothing_o with_o they_o enjoy_v their_o sin_n they_o will_v whatever_o come_v of_o it_o they_o be_v perfect_o deaf_a to_o all_o charm_n that_o tend_v to_o the_o make_v a_o separation_n between_o they_o and_o their_o lust_n thus_o be_v the_o jew_n so_o sond_o in_o love_n with_o the_o idolatrous_a service_n of_o foreign_a nation_n that_o after_o they_o they_o will_v nothing_o shall_v withhold_v they_o i_o have_v love_v stranger_n 2.25_o jer._n 2.25_o say_v judah_n and_o after_o they_o will_v i_o go_v now_o to_o apply_v very_o brief_o what_o have_v be_v say_v concern_v this_o point_n use_v 1_o if_o wicked_a man_n that_o have_v long_o go_v on_o in_o a_o course_n of_o sin_n may_v and_o do_v sometime_o come_v to_o such_o a_o degree_n of_o obstinacy_n and_o hardness_n of_o heart_n that_o no_o admonition_n no_o reproof_n no_o invitation_n or_o call_v to_o repentance_n no_o warning_n of_o approach_a judgement_n will_v work_v upon_o they_o then_o let_v no_o man_n that_o treat_v with_o man_n about_o the_o concernment_n of_o their_o soul_n think_v it_o strange_a if_o he_o sometime_o meet_v with_o such_o men._n the_o world_n be_v full_a of_o such_o man_n and_o ever_o have_v be_v the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n and_o our_o saviour_n christ_n himself_o have_v to_o do_v with_o such_o man_n and_o these_o late_a age_n of_o the_o world_n be_v not_o better_o but_o you_o will_v say_v what_o be_v to_o be_v do_v when_o we_o meet_v with_o such_o man_n must_v we_o let_v they_o alone_o because_o as_o far_o as_o we_o can_v see_v they_o be_v such_o as_o hate_v instruction_n and_o cast_v the_o word_n of_o god_n behind_o their_o back_n as_o the_o wicked_a man_n be_v describe_v psal_n 50.17_o i_o answer_v no._n for_o 1._o we_o know_v not_o man_n heart_n and_o therefore_o though_o they_o seem_v to_o be_v obstinate_a and_o incorrigible_a yet_o there_o may_v be_v some_o conviction_n within_o and_o some_o secret_a relent_n that_o we_o can_v discern_v 2._o if_o they_o shall_v real_o be_v as_o obstinate_a and_o incorrigible_a as_o they_o seem_v to_o be_v and_o much_o worse_o yet_o god_n can_v work_v upon_o they_o and_o change_v their_o heart_n if_o he_o please_v no_o heart_n be_v so_o hard_o but_o he_o can_v soften_v it_o no_o heart_n be_v so_o obstinate_a but_o he_o can_v subdue_v it_o wherefore_o god_n lay_v a_o express_a charge_n upon_o ezekiel_n to_o speak_v to_o a_o perverse_a and_o obstinate_a people_n though_o in_o all_o probability_n his_o labour_n will_v be_v lose_v upon_o they_o thou_o son_n of_o man_n shall_v speak_v my_o word_n unto_o they_o whether_o they_o will_v hear_v 2.7_o ezek._n 2.7_o or_o whether_o they_o will_v forbear_v for_o they_o be_v a_o rebellious_a house_n and_o this_o he_o be_v enjoin_v to_o do_v with_o all_o freedom_n and_o boldness_n notwithstanding_o all_o the_o enmity_n and_o fierce_a opposition_n which_o he_o may_v thereby_o procure_v from_o such_o wicked_a and_o unreasonable_a man_n as_o they_o be_v with_o who_o he_o have_v to_o do_v 2.6_o ezek._n 2.6_o thou_o son_n of_o man_n be_v not_o afraid_a of_o they_o neither_o be_v afraid_a of_o their_o word_n though_o briar_n and_o thorn_n be_v with_o thou_o and_o thou_o do_v dwell_v among_o scorpion_n be_v not_o afraid_a of_o their_o word_n nor_o be_v dismay_v at_o their_o look_n though_o they_o be_v a_o rebellious_a house_n and_o so_o the_o prophet_n isaiah_n who_o have_v to_o do_v with_o the_o same_o perverse_a and_o obstinate_a people_n must_v deliver_v his_o message_n though_o god_n in_o effect_n tell_v he_o beforehand_o that_o no_o good_a be_v to_o be_v do_v upon_o they_o they_o will_v rather_o be_v worse_o than_o better_o by_o all_o that_o he_o shall_v say_v to_o they_o go_v and_o tell_v this_o people_n 10._o isa_n 6.9_o 10._o say_v he_o hear_v you_o indeed_o but_o understand_v not_o and_o see_v you_o indeed_o but_o perceive_v not_o make_v the_o heart_n of_o this_o people_n fat_a and_o make_v their_o ear_n heavy_a and_o shut_v their_o eye_n lest_o they_o see_v with_o their_o eye_n and_o hear_v with_o their_o ear_n and_o understand_v with_o their_o heart_n and_o convert_v and_o be_v heal_v speak_v he_o must_v unto_o they_o though_o god_n foreshow_v that_o this_o will_v be_v the_o effect_n of_o all_o his_o endeavour_n with_o they_o for_o their_o good_n use_v 2._o if_o wicked_a man_n that_o have_v long_o go_v on_o in_o a_o course_n of_o sin_n may_v come_v at_o length_n to_o that_o degree_n of_o obstinacy_n and_o hardness_n of_o heart_n that_o no_o admonition_n no_o reproof_n no_o call_n or_o invitation_n to_o repentance_n no_o warning_n of_o approach_a judgement_n will_v work_v
sanctify_v to_o he_o as_o that_o he_o may_v be_v enable_v to_o make_v a_o holy_a use_n and_o improvement_n of_o they_o and_o not_o be_v transport_v by_o they_o into_o those_o sinful_a excess_n into_o which_o the_o corruption_n of_o our_o nature_n will_v hurry_v we_o 2._o we_o may_v also_o learn_v humble_o and_o thankful_o to_o acknowledge_v the_o goodness_n of_o god_n to_o we_o if_o we_o have_v receive_v any_o benefit_n by_o our_o affliction_n to_o bless_v god_n for_o it_o and_o to_o give_v he_o the_o glory_n of_o it_o have_v our_o affliction_n bring_v we_o to_o the_o sight_n of_o our_o sin_n have_v they_o humble_v we_o have_v they_o reduce_v we_o from_o the_o error_n of_o our_o way_n and_o lead_v we_o home_o to_o god_n let_v we_o not_o think_v these_o thing_n to_o be_v the_o natural_a issue_n and_o fruit_n of_o affliction_n no_o such_o matter_n it_o be_v god_n and_o he_o alone_o that_o put_v efficacy_n into_o affliction_n for_o the_o production_n of_o these_o great_a and_o excellent_a thing_n wherefore_o let_v we_o ascribe_v they_o not_o to_o the_o mean_n but_o to_o god_n and_o according_o bless_v he_o for_o they_o but_o to_o return_v to_o the_o point_n to_o be_v insist_v on_o affliction_n will_v work_v upon_o man_n and_o prevail_v with_o they_o to_o return_v to_o god_n from_o who_o they_o have_v go_v astray_o when_o all_o other_o mean_n be_v ineffectual_a affliction_n if_o god_n be_v please_v to_o sanctify_v they_o will_v do_v man_n good_a when_o no_o other_o mean_n will_n this_o truth_n may_v be_v confirm_v both_o from_o scripture_n and_o experience_n 1._o from_o scripture_n it_o may_v be_v confirm_v david_n when_o he_o be_v out_o of_o the_o way_n want_v not_o other_o mean_n to_o reduce_v he_o and_o to_o set_v he_o right_n again_o but_o yet_o he_o acknowledge_v that_o affliction_n be_v the_o mean_n by_o which_o he_o be_v recall_v from_o his_o wander_n 119.67_o psal_n 119.67_o before_o i_o be_v afflict_v i_o go_v astray_o but_o now_o i_o have_v keep_v thy_o word_n and_o again_o it_o be_v good_a for_o i_o that_o i_o be_v afflict_v 71._o ver._n 71._o that_o i_o may_v learn_v thy_o statute_n but_o next_o to_o the_o great_a instance_n of_o the_o efficacy_n of_o affliction_n this_o way_n in_o manasseh_n there_o be_v none_o other_o so_o full_a and_o pertinent_a as_o that_o of_o the_o prodigal_n son_n etc._n luke_n 15.11_o 12_o etc._n etc._n this_o wild_a young_a man_n can_v not_o be_v restrain_v and_o keep_v in_o good_a order_n by_o his_o father_n instruction_n and_o counsel_n his_o father_n discipline_n be_v too_o severe_a for_o he_o his_o father_n house_n be_v little_o better_a than_o a_o prison_n to_o he_o a_o strait_a confinement_n not_o to_o be_v endure_v and_o such_o a_o abridgement_n of_o his_o liberty_n as_o be_v intolerable_a abroad_o he_o must_v and_o take_v his_o portion_n along_o with_o he_o also_o have_v withdraw_v himself_o from_o under_o his_o father_n government_n and_o be_v at_o liberty_n he_o prodigal_o and_o riotous_o spend_v all_o that_o he_o have_v and_o reduce_v himself_o to_o extreme_a want_n and_o misery_n at_o length_n when_o he_o be_v ready_a to_o perish_v and_o know_v not_o what_o to_o do_v he_o consider_v how_o much_o better_o it_o be_v with_o he_o while_o he_o be_v at_o home_n with_o his_o father_n and_o take_v up_o resolution_n of_o return_v to_o he_o and_o of_o humble_v himself_o before_o he_o here_o we_o see_v affliction_n and_o misery_n work_v upon_o this_o prodigal_n and_o bring_v he_o home_o to_o his_o father_n house_n when_o nothing_o else_o will_v reclaim_v he_o and_o all_o this_o what_o be_v it_o else_o but_o a_o lively_a emblem_n of_o the_o condition_n of_o a_o sinner_n that_o be_v go_v astray_o from_o god_n and_o be_v reduce_v by_o affliction_n when_o nothing_o else_o will_v reclaim_v he_o 2._o this_o truth_n may_v also_o be_v confirm_v from_o experience_n we_o may_v observe_v and_o it_o be_v no_o difficult_a matter_n to_o observe_v it_o that_o when_o man_n can_v not_o be_v reclaim_v and_o take_v off_o from_o their_o vicious_a course_n by_o any_o other_o mean_n affliction_n have_v do_v it_o sometime_o the_o sense_n of_o god_n wrath_n and_o terror_n of_o conscience_n sometime_o a_o severe_a fit_a of_o sickness_n that_o have_v bring_v they_o near_o the_o grave_a or_o some_o other_o sharp_a affliction_n have_v embitter_v that_o sin_n to_o they_o and_o take_v off_o their_o heart_n from_o it_o which_o before_o they_o can_v never_o be_v persuade_v to_o part_v with_o and_o there_o be_v no_o man_n that_o have_v any_o good_a acquaintance_n with_o himself_o and_o with_o his_o own_o heart_n and_o have_v make_v any_o observation_n of_o god_n deal_n with_o his_o soul_n but_o must_v have_v take_v notice_n that_o affliction_n have_v be_v of_o that_o use_n to_o he_o and_o have_v do_v he_o that_o good_a in_o make_v a_o separation_n between_o he_o and_o his_o sin_n which_o nothing_o else_o can_v ever_o do_v neither_o the_o word_n nor_o all_o the_o threaten_n against_o sin_n therein_o contain_v nor_o the_o good_a counsel_n and_o admonition_n of_o friend_n nor_o the_o example_n of_o the_o judgement_n of_o god_n inflict_v on_o other_o for_o the_o same_o sin_n when_o none_o of_o all_o these_o thing_n will_v make_v a_o man_n willing_a to_o leave_v his_o sin_n a_o man_n be_v own_o proper_a smart_n and_o personal_a affliction_n will_v do_v it_o now_o if_o you_o ask_v how_o god_n be_v please_v to_o make_v affliction_n the_o mean_n of_o reclaim_v sinner_n and_o of_o bring_v they_o home_o to_o himself_o when_o other_o mean_n will_v not_o do_v it_o i_o answer_v affliction_n when_o god_n be_v please_v to_o sanctify_v they_o do_v many_o way_n contribute_v towards_o the_o reclaim_n of_o sinner_n 1._o they_o make_v man_n serious_a they_o call_v in_o man_n mind_n from_o the_o thing_n of_o the_o world_n from_o the_o honour_n the_o profit_n the_o pleasure_n the_o divertisement_n and_o vanity_n thereof_o and_o make_v they_o reflect_v and_o consider_v how_o it_o be_v with_o they_o as_o to_o their_o spiritual_a estate_n and_o in_o what_o condition_n their_o soul_n be_v and_o how_o matter_n stand_v between_o god_n and_o they_o these_o thing_n be_v little_a mind_a while_n man_n be_v in_o prosperity_n and_o they_o have_v no_o change_n man_n have_v other_o thing_n to_o entertain_v themselves_o with_o and_o to_o take_v up_o their_o time_n and_o their_o thought_n they_o have_v thing_n which_o they_o be_v better_o please_v with_o and_o which_o they_o take_v more_o content_a in_o but_o in_o time_n of_o affliction_n they_o retire_v into_o themselves_o and_o be_v more_o conversant_a at_o home_n the_o time_n of_o adversity_n be_v a_o time_n of_o think_v and_o of_o consideration_n 7.14_o eccl._n 7.14_o in_o the_o day_n of_o adversity_n consider_v say_v solomon_n consideration_n be_v the_o proper_a duty_n of_o that_o time_n and_o then_o a_o man_n be_v fit_a for_o it_o now_o consideration_n and_o serious_a reflection_n on_o ourselves_o be_v the_o first_o step_v towards_o our_o return_v to_o god_n and_o into_o the_o way_n of_o obedience_n when_o we_o have_v go_v astray_o david_n think_v on_o his_o way_n 119.59_o psal_n 119.59_o and_o then_o turn_v his_o foot_n unto_o god_n testimony_n and_o it_o be_v say_v of_o the_o prodigal_n when_o he_o be_v in_o distress_n that_o he_o come_v to_o himself_o and_o say_v 15.17_o luke_n 15.17_o how_o many_o hire_a servant_n of_o my_o father_n have_v bread_n enough_o and_o to_o spare_v and_o i_o perish_v for_o hunger_n he_o come_v to_o himself_o before_o he_o be_v beside_o himself_o he_o be_v abroad_o before_o while_o his_o portion_n and_o his_o money_n last_v he_o have_v other_o thing_n to_o mind_n but_o when_o all_o be_v spend_v and_o when_o by_o his_o profuse_a prodigal_a and_o luxurious_a course_n he_o have_v bring_v himself_o to_o those_o extremity_n that_o he_o be_v ready_a to_o be_v famish_v than_o he_o begin_v to_o reflect_v upon_o himself_o and_o to_o consider_v how_o foolish_o he_o have_v do_v in_o forsake_v his_o father_n house_n what_o misery_n he_o have_v thereby_o bring_v himself_o into_o and_o how_o much_o happy_a he_o may_v have_v be_v if_o he_o have_v still_o keep_v at_o home_n with_o his_o father_n and_o never_o think_v of_o ramble_a away_o from_o he_o these_o and_o the_o like_a serious_a reflection_n and_o consideration_n at_o length_n produce_v the_o resolution_n which_o he_o take_v up_o say_v with_o himself_o i_o will_v arise_v and_o go_v to_o my_o father_n and_o will_v say_v unto_o he_o father_n i_o have_v sin_v against_o heaven_n and_o before_o thou_o and_o be_o no_o more_o worthy_a to_o be_v call_v thy_o son_n make_v i_o as_o one_o of_o thy_o hire_a servant_n and_o so_o much_o concern_v the_o first_o thing_n that_o affliction_n do_v towards_o the_o reclaim_n of_o
nothing_o again_o if_o he_o please_v so_o continue_v it_o in_o be_v he_o may_v lay_v any_o such_o pain_n or_o anguish_n upon_o it_o without_o relation_n to_o sin_n we_o see_v what_o anguish_n the_o unreasonable_a creature_n endure_v which_o yet_o be_v not_o capable_a of_o sin_n and_o why_o may_v not_o god_n inflict_v the_o like_a on_o any_o rational_a creature_n though_o no_o sin_n have_v occasion_v it_o or_o make_v way_n for_o it_o it_o be_v not_o easy_a to_o give_v a_o reason_n why_o he_o may_v not_o for_o even_o a_o innocent_a creature_n be_v a_o creature_n however_o must_v of_o necessity_n be_v in_o subjection_n to_o the_o power_n and_o dominion_n of_o the_o creator_n from_o who_o it_o receive_v its_o be_v it_o be_v true_a such_o evil_n can_v not_o then_o have_v the_o nature_n of_o punishment_n because_o punishment_n proper_o so_o call_v have_v relation_n to_o sin_n but_o yet_o there_o can_v be_v no_o injustice_n in_o such_o a_o dispensation_n no_o more_o than_o when_o by_o many_o torment_a and_o linger_a pain_n god_n take_v away_o the_o life_n of_o brute_n beast_n who_o nature_n be_v not_o a_o subject_a capable_a of_o sin_n or_o moral_n evil._n now_o in_o such_o a_o case_n the_o creature_n will_v have_v no_o just_a cause_n to_o complain_v or_o murmur_v because_o no_o injury_n can_v possible_o be_v do_v it_o by_o god_n use_v that_o just_a and_o rightful_a power_n and_o dominion_n which_o he_o have_v over_o the_o work_n of_o his_o hand_n whence_o we_o may_v thus_o argue_v to_o our_o present_a purpose_n if_o god_n absolute_a power_n over_o the_o work_n of_o his_o hand_n be_v such_o as_o call_v for_o humble_a submission_n to_o his_o providence_n and_o silent_a bear_n of_o whatever_o he_o inflict_v how_o much_o more_o shall_v his_o justice_n strike_v we_o dumb_a and_o effectual_o restrain_v we_o from_o all_o murmur_a or_o mutter_v against_o he_o if_o we_o ought_v not_o to_o complain_v or_o murmur_v though_o we_o have_v no_o sin_n how_o much_o less_o reason_n have_v we_o to_o do_v it_o when_o we_o have_v so_o much_o upon_o this_o consideration_n it_o be_v that_o the_o church_n take_v up_o her_o resolution_n of_o patient_a submission_n to_o the_o hand_n of_o god_n 7.9_o micah_n 7.9_o i_o will_v bear_v the_o indignation_n of_o the_o lord_n because_o i_o have_v sin_v against_o he_o now_o i_o come_v to_o apply_v what_o have_v be_v speak_v use_v 1_o let_v we_o in_o all_o our_o affliction_n observe_v the_o frame_n of_o our_o heart_n and_o be_v humble_v for_o all_o the_o secret_a grudge_n and_o rise_n of_o our_o spirit_n against_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n and_o especial_o if_o the_o inward_a distemper_n of_o our_o soul_n shall_v be_v at_o any_o time_n so_o great_a as_o to_o break_v forth_o and_o vent_v themselves_o in_o any_o unmeet_a language_n if_o our_o inward_a discontent_n and_o heartburning_n shall_v discover_v themselves_o by_o complain_v and_o murmur_v against_o god_n and_o by_o make_v such_o representation_n of_o he_o to_o other_o as_o if_o he_o have_v deal_v hardly_o with_o we_o and_o as_o if_o we_o may_v have_v expect_v other_o measure_n at_o his_o hand_n this_o be_v a_o miscarriage_n which_o we_o be_v very_o apt_a to_o run_v into_o when_o our_o affliction_n be_v severe_a and_o last_a when_o they_o smart_v much_o and_o continue_v long_o but_o however_o it_o fare_v with_o we_o the_o sinfulness_n of_o our_o murmur_a against_o god_n be_v so_o great_a that_o no_o circumstance_n of_o our_o suffering_n can_v render_v it_o excusable_a and_o therefore_o we_o can_v be_v sufficient_o humble_v for_o it_o to_o the_o end_n we_o may_v the_o better_o discover_v the_o evil_a of_o it_o and_o see_v what_o reason_n there_o be_v why_o we_o shall_v be_v humble_v for_o it_o let_v we_o first_o look_v upon_o it_o in_o its_o cause_n and_o the_o root_n whence_o it_o spring_v then_o let_v we_o behold_v it_o as_o it_o be_v in_o itself_o and_o consider_v it_o in_o its_o formal_a nature_n and_o last_o let_v we_o view_v it_o in_o its_o effect_n and_o consequent_n 1._o let_v we_o look_v upon_o it_o in_o its_o root_n we_o loath_a and_o abhor_v some_o thing_n the_o more_o when_o we_o know_v whence_o they_o be_v and_o what_o give_v birth_n to_o they_o the_o wicked_a offspring_n for_o the_o curse_a mother_n that_o bear_v it_o and_o bring_v it_o forth_o now_o the_o root_n of_o our_o murmur_a be_v our_o pride_n we_o have_v entertain_v too_o good_a a_o opinion_n of_o ourselves_o we_o think_v we_o have_v deserve_v better_a thing_n at_o the_o hand_n of_o god_n and_o therefore_o we_o murmur_v and_o complain_v as_o if_o we_o be_v injure_v be_v we_o thorough_o sensible_a of_o our_o sinfulness_n be_v we_o convince_v that_o we_o be_v worthy_a of_o far_o sore_a evil_n than_o those_o which_o we_o groan_v under_o instead_o of_o murmur_a we_o will_v not_o only_o accept_v of_o the_o punishment_n of_o our_o sin_n as_o the_o phrase_n be_v levit._fw-la 26.41_o take_v in_o good_a part_n meek_o and_o patient_o bear_v whatsoever_o god_n lay_v on_o we_o but_o from_o our_o heart_n acknowledge_v that_o we_o be_v merciful_o and_o kind_o deal_v with_o in_o that_o no_o more_o be_v inflict_v on_o we_o 2._o if_o we_o behold_v it_o as_o it_o be_v in_o itself_o and_o consider_v the_o formal_a nature_n of_o it_o our_o murmur_a be_v in_o effect_n nothing_o else_o but_o a_o degree_n of_o insurrection_n and_o rebellion_n against_o god_n as_o discontent_a subject_n or_o mutinous_a soldier_n sharpen_v their_o tongue_n against_o their_o prince_n or_o general_n and_o thereby_o heighten_v their_o own_o and_o other_o man_n discontent_n to_o dispose_v they_o to_o make_v resistance_n so_o when_o we_o murmur_v against_o god_n we_o set_v our_o mouth_n against_o heaven_n do_v what_o in_o we_o lie_v to_o strengthen_v in_o ourselves_o and_o instil_v into_o other_o principle_n of_o disaffection_n against_o the_o high_a majesty_n and_o to_o withdraw_v they_o with_o who_o we_o converse_v from_o their_o obedience_n and_o loyalty_n 3._o let_v we_o view_v it_o in_o the_o effect_n and_o consequent_n of_o it_o we_o be_v so_o far_o from_o ease_v ourselves_o by_o murmur_v that_o it_o both_o increase_v and_o prolong_v our_o affliction_n one_a it_o increase_v they_o for_o our_o unquietness_n and_o stubborness_n under_o god_n hand_n provoke_v he_o to_o lay_v more_o load_n upon_o we_o that_o be_v all_o we_o gain_v by_o our_o untowardness_n as_o the_o child_n that_o struggle_v swell_v and_o murmur_n when_o he_o be_v correct_v do_v but_o thereby_o procure_v to_o himself_o the_o more_o stripe_n beside_o our_o fret_a and_o murmur_v do_v of_o itself_o make_v those_o our_o affliction_n much_o more_o grievous_a which_o may_v be_v undergo_v with_o ease_n if_o with_o humble_a silence_n and_o patience_n we_o submit_v ourselves_o to_o the_o chastisement_n of_o our_o heavenly_a father_n 2_o it_o also_o prolong_v our_o affliction_n for_o our_o murmur_a divert_v we_o and_o take_v we_o off_o from_o apply_v ourselves_o to_o that_o course_n which_o if_o any_o thing_n will_v put_v a_o speedy_a end_n to_o our_o trouble_n and_o that_o be_v the_o course_n which_o we_o be_v put_v upon_o in_o the_o text_n namely_o a_o serious_a reflection_n upon_o ourselves_o and_o a_o diligent_a search_n and_o enquiry_n after_o the_o sin_n which_o have_v procure_v our_o affliction_n and_o a_o turn_n from_o they_o unto_o god_n who_o we_o have_v forsake_v as_o long_o as_o we_o be_v take_v up_o in_o murmur_v this_o work_n be_v not_o mind_v and_o so_o our_o affliction_n be_v protract_v and_o draw_v out_o to_o a_o great_a length_n than_o they_o shall_v have_v be_v if_o in_o stead_n of_o murmur_v against_o god_n we_o have_v seasonable_o and_o narrow_o search_v into_o our_o heart_n and_o way_n find_v out_o our_o sin_n judge_v ourselves_o for_o they_o and_o forsake_v they_o thus_o we_o see_v what_o reason_n we_o have_v to_o be_v humble_v for_o this_o sin_n but_o though_o in_o these_o respect_v all_o that_o be_v guilty_a of_o it_o have_v cause_n to_o be_v humble_v yet_o have_v they_o most_o reason_n to_o be_v humble_v for_o murmur_v who_o have_v least_o reason_n to_o murmur_v such_o as_o be_v 1._o great_a and_o notorious_a sinner_n who_o offence_n and_o enormity_n have_v be_v such_o that_o whatsoever_o they_o suffer_v unless_o they_o be_v wilful_o blind_a or_o strange_o partial_a to_o themselves_o they_o must_v be_v enforce_v to_o confess_v that_o they_o suffer_v just_o shall_v they_o complain_v of_o hard_a measure_n who_o be_v so_o bad_a that_o no_o punishment_n be_v severe_a enough_o for_o they_o and_o yet_o these_o be_v ofttimes_o as_o ready_a to_o complain_v as_o any_o else_o 2._o those_o who_o have_v draw_v such_o affliction_n upon_o themselves_o as_o in_o which_o they_o may_v plain_o read_v their_o sin_n write_v in_o legible_a character_n
grace_n be_v whether_o we_o go_v forward_o or_o backward_o whether_o it_o be_v better_a with_o we_o to_o day_n than_o it_o be_v yesterday_o and_o this_o week_n than_o it_o be_v last_a week_n or_o worse_o hereby_o we_o come_v to_o know_v the_o sin_n that_o most_o prevail_v in_o we_o and_o where_o our_o weakness_n principal_o lie_v hereby_o we_o come_v to_o know_v our_o want_n and_o defect_n our_o emptiness_n and_o poverty_n in_o spiritual_a thing_n and_o of_o how_o great_a concernment_n and_o advantage_n be_v it_o to_o know_v ourselves_o and_o how_o little_o will_v it_o avail_v we_o to_o know_v much_o abroad_o while_o we_o be_v stranger_n at_o home_n to_o understand_v the_o world_n and_o to_o be_v thorough_o conversant_a in_o all_o the_o matter_n of_o it_o perfect_o acquaint_v with_o all_o the_o affair_n and_o transaction_n thereof_o to_o know_v all_o the_o secret_n of_o nature_n and_o to_o have_v exact_o dive_v into_o and_o find_v out_o all_o the_o hide_a cause_n of_o thing_n to_o have_v make_v such_o successful_a inquiry_n into_o divine_a truth_n as_o to_o be_v able_a to_o discourse_v of_o they_o to_o admiration_n and_o to_o give_v a_o account_n of_o all_o the_o profound_a and_o deep_a mystery_n of_o our_o religion_n what_o will_v all_o this_o signify_v if_o after_o a_o man_n have_v attain_v to_o know_v all_o other_o thing_n he_o shall_v be_v ignorant_a of_o himself_o unacquainted_a with_o the_o spiritual_a affair_n of_o his_o own_o soul_n which_o he_o be_v infinite_o more_o concern_v to_o understand_v surely_n whatsoever_o else_o a_o man_n have_v attain_v to_o know_v if_o he_o know_v not_o himself_o he_o know_v nothing_o to_o any_o purpose_n and_o he_o that_o know_v himself_o as_o he_o ought_v to_o know_v need_v not_o be_v much_o trouble_v at_o it_o though_o he_o know_v but_o little_a else_o 2_o by_o reflection_n on_o ourselves_o we_o come_v to_o have_v the_o comfort_n of_o our_o estate_n and_o of_o all_o our_o good_a action_n 1._o we_o hereby_o come_v to_o have_v the_o comfort_n of_o our_o spiritual_a estate_n though_o we_o shall_v be_v in_o the_o state_n of_o grace_n and_o salvation_n in_o the_o favour_n of_o god_n and_o in_o the_o way_n that_o will_v undoubted_o bring_v we_o to_o heaven_n yet_o if_o we_o know_v it_o not_o how_o can_v we_o take_v comfort_n in_o it_o and_o how_o can_v we_o ever_o know_v it_o without_o reflection_n on_o ourselves_o and_o a_o narrow_a inspection_n into_o our_o heart_n and_o way_n some_o doubtful_a conjecture_n we_o may_v make_v some_o dark_a guess_n there_o may_v be_v concern_v our_o estate_n but_o we_o can_v never_o come_v to_o attain_v any_o certain_a knowledge_n any_o clear_a distinct_a and_o well-grounded_n satisfaction_n touch_v our_o condition_n without_o a_o serious_a reflection_n on_o our_o soul_n and_o a_o due_a search_n into_o and_o consideration_n of_o our_o heart_n and_o way_n and_o indeed_o this_o be_v one_o great_a cause_n among_o other_o of_o the_o small_a comfort_n that_o many_o true_a believer_n have_v in_o their_o estate_n they_o seldom_o reflect_v to_o any_o purpose_n on_o themselves_o they_o seldom_o take_v any_o pain_n by_o diligent_a search_n and_o inquiry_n to_o satisfy_v themselves_o touch_n their_o condition_n hence_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o though_o they_o be_v sound_a for_o the_o main_a though_o they_o be_v in_o the_o right_a way_n to_o heaven_n and_o be_v still_o go_v on_o in_o it_o slow_o and_o leisurely_o yet_o they_o be_v full_a of_o fear_n doubt_n and_o dissatisfaction_n and_o if_o they_o have_v sometime_o a_o little_a comfort_n in_o their_o estate_n yet_o they_o present_o lose_v it_o again_o but_o now_o frequent_a and_o serious_a reflection_n on_o themselves_o and_o a_o exact_a inquiry_n into_o their_o estate_n and_o a_o review_v of_o matter_n as_o they_o stand_v within_o they_o and_o a_o take_v a_o account_n of_o themselves_o how_o will_v it_o after_o some_o time_n by_o degree_n so_o clear_o up_o their_o condition_n to_o they_o as_o all_o their_o fear_n will_v be_v banish_v all_o the_o cloudiness_n and_o darkness_n of_o their_o mind_n will_v be_v scatter_v and_o their_o doubt_n and_o dissatisfaction_n vanish_v for_o we_o must_v take_v it_o for_o grant_v that_o though_o there_o may_v be_v many_o great_a weakness_n in_o believer_n and_o frequent_a relapse_n into_o sin_n yet_o the_o constant_a bent_n unfeigned_a desire_n and_o serious_a endeavour_n of_o the_o soul_n be_v in_o all_o thing_n to_o please_v god_n now_o wheresoever_o this_o be_v and_o indeed_o without_o this_o there_o be_v no_o true_a grace_n i_o say_v wheresoever_o this_o be_v a_o diligent_a and_o frequent_a inquiry_n into_o ourselves_o will_v discover_v it_o and_o discover_v it_o so_o clear_o as_o a_o man_n can_v but_o own_o it_o and_o ready_o acknowledge_v that_o amid_o many_o and_o great_a weakness_n there_o have_v be_v all_o along_o some_o sincere_a and_o unfeigned_a desire_n and_o endeavour_v to_o please_v god_n in_o all_o thing_n whence_o we_o may_v conclude_v that_o as_o it_o can_v easy_o be_v but_o that_o a_o sound_n and_o sincere_a christian_a who_o make_v frequent_a reflection_n on_o and_o inquiry_n into_o himself_o shall_v evident_o discern_v his_o own_o sincerity_n so_o have_v discern_v it_o he_o can_v but_o have_v comfort_n in_o it_o at_o least_o according_a to_o the_o measure_n of_o the_o clearness_n of_o his_o discovery_n of_o it_o wherefore_o i_o say_v it_o again_o one_o great_a cause_n why_o many_o true_a believer_n have_v so_o little_a comfort_n in_o their_o estate_n be_v this_o that_o they_o so_o seldom_o have_v any_o serious_a reflection_n on_o themselves_o or_o apply_v themselves_o to_o make_v a_o diligent_a inquiry_n into_o their_o estate_n this_o this_o be_v a_o great_a reason_n why_o they_o walk_v so_o heavy_o and_o uncomfortable_o why_o they_o be_v so_o often_o overwhelm_v with_o fear_n and_o perplexity_n why_o instead_o of_o continual_a thanksgiving_n unto_o god_n for_o his_o rich_a grace_n and_o unspeakable_a mercy_n vouchsafe_v they_o their_o mouth_n be_v full_a of_o complaint_n and_o their_o discourse_n make_v up_o of_o little_a else_o than_o sad_a discovery_n of_o their_o inward_a trouble_n and_o dissatisfaction_n and_o the_o conflict_n they_o continual_o have_v with_o doubt_v and_o unbelief_n how_o much_o sound_a comfort_n and_o refresh_n do_v we_o lose_v by_o be_v such_o stranger_n at_o home_n what_o peace_n and_o joy_n in_o believe_v what_o increase_v of_o faith_n and_o further_a degree_n of_o establishment_n may_v we_o attain_v if_o we_o be_v better_o acquaint_v with_o and_o more_o conversant_a in_o this_o self-reflection_n 2._o we_o hereby_o come_v to_o have_v the_o comfort_n of_o all_o our_o good_a action_n there_o be_v a_o inward_a peace_n joy_n content_a and_o satisfaction_n which_o usual_o attend_v sincere_a obedience_n notwithstanding_o the_o infirmity_n accompany_v we_o in_o the_o performance_n thereof_o and_o the_o manifold_a imperfection_n of_o it_o but_o much_o of_o this_o comfort_n be_v lose_v for_o want_n of_o look_v back_o and_o review_v what_o we_o have_v do_v and_o in_o what_o manner_n with_o what_o sincere_a desire_n to_o be_v accept_v with_o god_n therein_o with_o what_o sense_n of_o and_o mourning_n over_o the_o corruption_n cleave_v to_o our_o best_a action_n though_o we_o can_v be_v rid_v of_o it_o with_o what_o watchfulness_n and_o opposition_n make_v against_o the_o sin_n that_o dwell_v in_o we_o which_o will_v interpose_v and_o mingle_v itself_o with_o every_o good_a thing_n we_o take_v in_o hand_n with_o every_o duty_n we_o perform_v these_o thing_n more_o or_o less_o be_v to_o be_v find_v and_o may_v be_v observe_v in_o every_o sound_a christian_a and_o matter_n of_o very_a great_a comfort_n they_o be_v to_o he_o who_o can_v discover_v they_o in_o himself_o but_o alas_o neglect_v to_o review_v our_o action_n when_o they_o be_v over_o instead_o of_o the_o comfort_n we_o may_v have_v in_o way_n of_o obedience_n too_o often_o nothing_o but_o trouble_v and_o inward_a regret_n follow_v when_o we_o have_v do_v our_o best_a we_o question_v our_o sincerity_n in_o all_o that_o we_o have_v do_v for_o the_o working_n of_o our_o corrupt_a nature_n and_o the_o sinful_a imperfection_n of_o our_o service_n come_v to_o our_o remembrance_n and_o be_v fresh_a in_o our_o memory_n but_o the_o opposition_n we_o make_v against_o they_o be_v either_o hide_v from_o our_o eye_n or_o forget_v and_o all_o this_o for_o want_n of_o a_o serious_a reflection_n on_o what_o have_v past_a and_o a_o careful_a review_v of_o our_o action_n together_o with_o the_o manner_n of_o they_o and_o all_o their_o concomitant_a circumstance_n as_o reflect_v on_o our_o way_n and_o review_v our_o action_n we_o never_o want_v matter_n of_o humiliation_n so_o the_o upright_a and_o sound_a christian_n never_o want_v matter_n of_o comfort_n also_o in_o the_o sincerity_n of_o his_o heart_n these_o two_o
go_v together_o and_o very_o well_o agree_v a_o sight_n and_o sense_n of_o our_o fail_n with_o true_a humiliation_n for_o they_o and_o comfort_n in_o the_o uprightness_n of_o our_o heart_n amid_o those_o fail_n the_o truth_n be_v these_o two_o be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v inconsistent_a that_o we_o never_o have_v sound_a comfort_n in_o our_o obedience_n than_o when_o we_o most_o clear_o discern_v and_o most_o hearty_o bewail_v our_o fail_n to_o see_v and_o mourn_v over_o our_o defect_n and_o yet_o even_o then_o to_o believe_v that_o god_n accept_v of_o our_o weak_a but_o sincere_a endeavour_n through_o christ_n how_o do_v this_o fill_n our_o heart_n not_o only_o with_o joy_n but_o humble_a admiration_n that_o god_n shall_v have_v such_o respect_n unto_o and_o so_o kind_o accept_v of_o such_o poor_a and_o worthless_a service_n as_o we_o present_v he_o with_o and_o that_o notwithstanding_o all_o the_o stain_n and_o blemish_n that_o be_v upon_o they_o for_o which_o he_o may_v most_o just_o loath_a both_o we_o and_o they_o 3._o by_o reflection_n on_o ourselves_o we_o come_v to_o discover_v our_o sin_n and_o have_v a_o sight_n of_o the_o error_n and_o miscarriage_n of_o our_o life_n he_o who_o never_o review_v his_o action_n nor_o consider_v what_o he_o have_v do_v how_o many_o sin_n may_v he_o cherish_v how_o many_o abomination_n may_v he_o take_v pleasure_n in_o what_o filthiness_n and_o pollution_n may_v he_o even_o wallow_v in_o and_o take_v no_o notice_n of_o they_o much_o less_o lay_v they_o to_o heart_n how_o quiet_o may_v he_o sleep_v in_o those_o sin_n which_o without_o timely_a and_o sound_a repentance_n will_v inevitable_o ruin_v he_o how_o confident_o and_o fool-hardy_o may_v such_o a_o one_o he_o hasten_v on_o in_o the_o way_n that_o lead_v to_o destruction_n and_o never_o come_v to_o have_v his_o eye_n open_a to_o discern_v his_o fearful_a condition_n till_o he_o find_v himself_o to_o be_v in_o hell_n but_o now_o reflection_n on_o our_o heart_n and_o way_n be_v a_o mean_n of_o open_v our_o eye_n and_o of_o bring_v we_o to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o our_o sin_n be_v attend_v with_o three_o unvaluable_a benefit_n 1._o it_o quicken_v we_o to_o the_o use_v of_o mean_n for_o obtain_v the_o pardon_n of_o those_o sin_n which_o without_o pardon_v obtain_v will_v eternal_o condemn_v we_o 2._o it_o be_v a_o mean_n of_o keep_v off_o many_o temporal_a evil_n which_o those_o sin_n unrepented_a of_o may_v bring_v upon_o we_o in_o this_o world_n or_o of_o mitigate_a those_o affliction_n which_o light_n upon_o we_o for_o they_o for_o when_o we_o be_v sound_o humble_v for_o our_o sin_n and_o have_v obtain_v the_o pardon_n of_o they_o either_o god_n forbear_v to_o chasten_v we_o for_o they_o according_a to_o that_o of_o the_o apostle_n if_o we_o will_v judge_n ourselves_o 11.31_o 1_o cor._n 11.31_o we_o shall_v not_o be_v judge_v of_o the_o lord_n or_o the_o sting_n of_o those_o his_o chastisement_n be_v pluck_v out_o by_o repentance_n and_o forgiveness_n obtain_v they_o be_v much_o less_o bitter_a and_o grievous_a unto_o we_o and_o we_o bear_v they_o more_o quiet_o and_o comfortable_o 3._o it_o prevent_v our_o run_v on_o in_o those_o sin_n and_o our_o heap_v up_o still_o more_o and_o more_o gild_n upon_o our_o own_o head_n 4._o he_o that_o inure_v himself_o to_o this_o course_n of_o reflect_v on_o himself_o and_o commune_v with_o his_o own_o heart_n daily_o shall_v never_o want_v either_o good_a company_n or_o comfortable_a employment_n one_a he_o shall_v never_o want_v good_a company_n in_o his_o most_o secret_a retirement_n and_o great_a solitariness_n he_o will_v be_v good_a company_n for_o himself_o what_o solomon_n say_v of_o the_o commandment_n of_o god_n 6.22_o prov._n 6.22_o when_o thou_o go_v they_o shall_v lead_v thou_o when_o thou_o sleep_v they_o shall_v keep_v thou_o and_o when_o thou_o awake_v they_o shall_v talk_v with_o thou_o that_o may_v be_v say_v of_o a_o man_n who_o be_v much_o in_o reflect_v upon_o himself_o and_o commune_v with_o his_o own_o heart_n when_o he_o walk_v he_o be_v a_o companion_n to_o himself_o when_o he_o lie_v he_o down_o to_o take_v his_o rest_n he_o sleep_v with_o himself_o he_o be_v his_o own_o bed-fellow_n he_o need_v no_o other_o company_n and_o when_o he_o awake_v he_o talk_v with_o himself_o if_o all_o other_o shall_v withdraw_v and_o estrange_v themselves_o from_o he_o yet_o he_o will_v not_o much_o complain_v as_o long_o as_o he_o have_v such_o good_a company_n within_o his_o own_o breast_n 14.14_o pro._n 14.14_o a_o good_a man_n say_v soloman_n shall_v be_v satisfy_v from_o himself_o he_o never_o enjoy_v himself_o better_a than_o while_o he_o be_v at_o home_n and_o conversant_a with_o himself_o it_o be_v not_o so_o with_o wicked_a man_n they_o hate_v to_o be_v at_o home_n they_o can_v endure_v to_o be_v acquaint_v with_o themselves_o they_o shun_v their_o own_o company_n the_o conscience_n they_o have_v of_o their_o own_o gild_n make_v they_o afraid_a to_o look_v into_o their_o own_o heart_n they_o run_v away_o from_o themselves_o as_o they_o will_v from_o a_o enemy_n 2_o he_o never_o want_v comfortable_a employment_n he_o can_v find_v work_n enough_o within_o himself_o though_o he_o have_v nothing_o to_o do_v abroad_o he_o can_v with_o great_a content_n and_o satisfaction_n take_v up_o and_o entertain_v himself_o in_o commune_v with_o his_o own_o heart_n he_o be_v not_o afraid_a to_o look_v inward_a or_o to_o know_v too_o much_o of_o himself_o it_o be_v not_o a_o unpleasing_a and_o irksome_a thing_n to_o he_o to_o examine_v himself_o and_o to_o take_v a_o account_n of_o his_o own_o action_n he_o be_v use_v to_o these_o thing_n and_o his_o soul_n look_v for_o they_o and_o without_o they_o it_o can_v no_o more_o enjoy_v itself_o than_o a_o man_n can_v live_v comfortable_o without_o the_o daily_a recruit_n of_o strength_n and_o spirit_n by_o moderate_a sleep_n and_o wholesome_a diet._n if_o through_o any_o avocation_n or_o divertisement_n he_o be_v a_o stranger_n to_o himself_o for_o a_o little_a time_n he_o be_v as_o a_o fish_n out_o of_o its_o proper_a element_n and_o that_o which_o will_v not_o easy_o be_v believe_v by_o those_o who_o have_v little_a acquaintance_n with_o these_o thing_n even_o those_o part_n of_o this_o work_n which_o seem_v to_o be_v most_o unacceptable_a most_o troublesome_a and_o grievous_a be_v pleasant_a and_o delightful_a to_o he_o he_o be_v glad_a not_o only_a when_o he_o can_v discern_v and_o read_v his_o evidence_n of_o true_a grace_n and_o sincerity_n but_o when_o by_o search_n into_o himself_o he_o can_v find_v out_o the_o secret_a hypocrisy_n that_o lurk_v in_o his_o heart_n when_o he_o can_v make_v discovery_n of_o any_o sin_n within_o he_o which_o before_o he_o take_v no_o notice_n of_o a_o man_n will_v not_o have_v a_o moth_n in_o his_o clothes_n or_o a_o thief_n in_o his_o family_n if_o he_o can_v choose_v but_o if_o they_o be_v there_o he_o be_v glad_a when_o he_o find_v they_o out_o that_o he_o may_v be_v rid_v of_o they_o so_o he_o that_o true_o hate_v sin_n be_v glad_a when_o he_o can_v make_v discovery_n of_o it_o in_o himself_o that_o he_o may_v set_v himself_o against_o it_o and_o subdue_v it_o though_o indeed_o he_o shall_v be_v more_o glad_a if_o it_o be_v not_o there_o to_o be_v discover_v ii_o i_o come_v now_o to_o the_o mischief_n of_o the_o neglect_v of_o self-reflection_n and_o they_o be_v many_o and_o great_a i_o shall_v mention_v some_o of_o they_o 1._o it_o be_v a_o cause_n of_o harden_v the_o heart_n there_o be_v scarce_o any_o thing_n that_o more_o conduce_v to_o the_o keep_n of_o the_o heart_n soft_a and_o tender_a than_o a_o frequent_a review_v of_o our_o action_n and_o call_v ourselves_o to_o a_o account_n of_o what_o we_o have_v do_v he_o who_o constant_o observe_v this_o course_n who_o look_v back_o and_o consider_v his_o way_n review_v his_o thought_n word_n and_o action_n and_o reckon_v with_o himself_o for_o they_o daily_o shall_v find_v that_o he_o be_v both_o more_o afraid_a of_o yield_v to_o temptation_n and_o venture_v upon_o sin_n when_o it_o present_v itself_o and_o more_o trouble_v after_o the_o commission_n thereof_o he_o can_v neither_o be_v so_o easy_o prevail_v with_o to_o give_v way_n to_o sin_n nor_o be_v so_o quiet_a so_o senseless_a and_o secure_a after_o he_o have_v give_v way_n to_o it_o or_o be_v overtake_v with_o it_o he_o usual_o close_v not_o with_o sin_n free_o and_o ready_o but_o with_o some_o reluctancy_n and_o after_o some_o inward_a conflict_n with_o himself_o and_o resistance_n make_v against_o it_o and_o have_v be_v worsted_n in_o the_o conflict_n and_o overcome_v his_o awaken_v conscience_n give_v he_o no_o rest_n until_o he_o have_v be_v humble_v for_o his_o sin_n and_o
in_o time_n of_o affliction_n 3._o in_o time_n of_o affliction_n we_o have_v some_o special_a advantage_n towards_o the_o search_n after_o and_o find_v out_o of_o our_o sin_n which_o at_o other_o time_n we_o be_v destitute_a of_o one_a affliction_n abate_v the_o vanity_n and_o lightness_n of_o our_o spirit_n and_o make_v we_o serious_a and_o so_o more_o fit_a to_o reflect_v on_o ourselves_o and_o consider_v our_o way_n at_o other_o time_n our_o mind_n will_v not_o be_v so_o easy_o fix_v and_o our_o thought_n hold_v in_o and_o keep_v close_o to_o a_o work_n which_o be_v not_o very_o please_v to_o we_o and_o which_o we_o be_v apt_a to_o recoil_v from_o 2_o affliction_n make_v our_o heart_n soft_a as_o job_n speak_v it_o make_v impression_n of_o god_n displeasure_n upon_o our_o heart_n and_o make_v we_o sensible_a of_o his_o anger_n when_o god_n several_a way_n lay_v his_o hand_n upon_o you_o than_o you_o say_v with_o they_o deut._n 31.17_o be_v not_o these_o thing_n come_v upon_o we_o because_o god_n be_v not_o among_o we_o because_o he_o in_o displeasure_n have_v withdraw_v from_o we_o 3_o affliction_n make_v we_o teachable_a and_o willing_a to_o be_v inform_v of_o what_o be_v amiss_o it_o make_v we_o desirous_a to_o understand_v what_o it_o be_v for_o which_o god_n have_v a_o controversy_n with_o we_o god_n speak_v to_o man_n in_o their_o prosperity_n and_o they_o will_v not_o hear_v as_o he_o complain_v jer._n 22.21_o but_o affliction_n as_o god_n sanctify_v it_o to_o they_o make_v they_o willing_a to_o hear_v and_o learn_v wherein_o they_o have_v offend_v then_o they_o beg_v of_o god_n that_o he_o will_v teach_v they_o as_o job_n do_v in_o his_o affliction_n say_v make_v i_o to_o know_v my_o transgression_n and_o my_o sin_n chap._n 13.23_o then_o god_n show_v they_o their_o work_n and_o their_o transgression_n that_o they_o have_v exceed_v and_o open_v their_o ear_n to_o discipline_n ch_n 36.9_o 10._o 4thly_a god_n in_o his_o wisdom_n ofttimes_o make_v choice_n of_o such_o affliction_n to_o correct_v man_n with_o by_o which_o he_o as_o it_o be_v points_z at_o their_o sin_n when_o absolom_n and_o adonijah_n both_o of_o they_o their_o father_n darling_n rise_v up_o against_o their_o father_n it_o be_v no_o hard_a matter_n for_o david_n to_o discern_v what_o sin_n of_o his_o god_n thereby_o intend_v to_o correct_v he_o too_o fond_o treat_v both_o the_o one_o and_o the_o other_o and_o use_v much_o more_o lenity_n and_o indulgence_n towards_o they_o than_o be_v meet_v and_o by_o god_n wise_a and_o just_a permission_n they_o requite_v he_o according_o this_o his_o miscarriage_n david_n can_v not_o so_o well_o see_v before_o for_o inordinate_a affection_n and_o fond_a love_n be_v blind_a but_o now_o no_o doubt_n he_o see_v and_o be_v make_v sensible_a of_o his_o error_n in_o the_o education_n of_o his_o child_n that_o god_n judgement_n and_o chastisement_n be_v often_o such_o as_o the_o sin_n which_o he_o punish_v or_o correct_v for_o may_v be_v know_v by_o they_o be_v most_o agreeable_a both_o unto_o scripture_n and_o experience_n how_o frequent_o may_v we_o observe_v that_o such_o child_n as_o have_v be_v stubborn_a and_o undutiful_a to_o their_o parent_n have_v afterward_o be_v punish_v themselves_o with_o undutiful_a and_o rebellious_a child_n that_o false_a and_o unfaithful_a servant_n have_v meet_v with_o such_o themselves_o when_o afterward_o they_o have_v have_v family_n of_o their_o own_o that_o unthankful_a person_n have_v meet_v with_o as_o ill_a requital_n from_o those_o who_o have_v receive_v kindness_n from_o they_o that_o false_a and_o treacherous_a friend_n have_v be_v betray_v by_o those_o on_o who_o friendship_n and_o faithfulness_n they_o most_o depend_v it_o seem_v good_a to_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n so_o to_o order_n and_o dispose_v of_o the_o circumstance_n of_o his_o judgement_n or_o chastisement_n that_o either_o the_o time_n or_o the_o place_n or_o the_o instrument_n or_o the_o manner_n or_o the_o matter_n and_o object_n of_o they_o have_v often_o some_o correspondence_n with_o and_o relation_n to_o the_o sin_n which_o he_o chief_o aim_v at_o 1._o god_n sometime_o point_v out_o man_n sin_n by_o the_o time_n he_o take_v to_o punish_v they_o a_o man_n have_v it_o may_v be_v often_o offend_v in_o the_o same_o kind_n and_o god_n have_v for_o the_o most_o part_n still_o discover_v his_o displeasure_n more_o or_o less_o by_o somewhat_o that_o the_o sinner_n have_v meet_v with_o or_o have_v befall_v he_o either_o at_o or_o present_o upon_o the_o renew_a commission_n of_o that_o sin_n at_o length_n he_o offend_v in_o the_o same_o kind_n more_o notorious_o and_o immediate_o thereupon_o some_o more_o severe_a stroke_n light_n upon_o he_o from_o the_o hand_n of_o god_n than_o ever_o at_o any_o time_n before_o when_o thus_o it_o be_v what_o other_o construction_n can_v a_o man_n make_v of_o god_n deal_n with_o he_o but_o that_o he_o be_v chasten_v for_o such_o a_o sin_n and_o as_o for_o chastisement_n so_o for_o the_o judgement_n of_o god_n they_o often_o light_a on_o man_n either_o in_o the_o act_n or_o present_o upon_o the_o commission_n of_o their_o sin_n when_o nabuchadnezzar_n be_v say_v in_o the_o pride_n of_o his_o heart_n 33._o dan._n 4.30_o 31_o 32_o 33._o be_v not_o this_o great_a babylon_n which_o i_o have_v build_v for_o the_o house_n of_o my_o kingdom_n and_o by_o the_o may_v of_o my_o power_n and_o for_o the_o honour_n of_o my_o majesty_n while_o the_o word_n be_v yet_o in_o the_o king_n mouth_n there_o fall_v a_o voice_n from_o heaven_n say_v o_o king_n nabuchadnezzar_n to_o thou_o it_o be_v speak_v the_o kingdom_n be_v depart_v from_o thou_o they_o shall_v drive_v thou_o from_o man_n and_o thy_o dwelling_n shall_v be_v with_o the_o beast_n of_o the_o field_n and_o they_o shall_v make_v thou_o eat_v grass_n as_o oxen._n and_o the_o same_o hour_n be_v the_o thing_n fulfil_v upon_o nabuchadnezzar_n so_o afterward_o when_o belshazzar_n be_v profane_o carouze_a and_o drink_v wine_n in_o the_o golden_a vessel_n of_o the_o temple_n and_o praise_v his_o god_n of_o gold_n and_o silver_n 30._o dan._n 5.3_o 4_o 5_o 30._o of_o brass_n and_o of_o iron_n and_o of_o wood_n and_o of_o stone_n in_o the_o same_o hour_n come_v forth_o finger_n of_o a_o man_n hand_n and_o write_v upon_o the_o plaster_n of_o the_o wall_n that_o judgement_n which_o god_n have_v decree_v shall_v light_v upon_o the_o king_n and_o which_o according_o that_o same_o night_n be_v put_v in_o execution_n and_o thus_o herod_n as_o soon_o as_o he_o have_v finish_v his_o oration_n and_o receive_v the_o applause_n of_o the_o people_n cry_v out_o it_o be_v the_o voice_n of_o a_o god_n 23._o act_n 12.21_o 22_o 23._o and_o not_o of_o a_o man_n immediate_o the_o angel_n of_o the_o lord_n smite_v he_o because_o he_o give_v not_o god_n the_o glory_n and_o he_o be_v eat_v of_o worm_n and_o give_v up_o the_o ghost_n 2._o sometime_o the_o judgement_n or_o chastisement_n of_o god_n light_n upon_o man_n in_o the_o very_a place_n where_o they_o former_o have_v offend_v so_o god_n threaten_v to_o requite_v ahab_n in_o that_o plat_v 9.26_o 2_o king_n 9.26_o in_o that_o very_o plat_v of_o ground_n where_o he_o have_v sin_v so_o whereas_o the_o israelite_n have_v high_o provoke_v god_n to_o anger_n by_o build_v high_a place_n in_o tophet_n for_o their_o idolatrous_a worship_n and_o by_o burn_v their_o son_n and_o their_o daughter_n in_o the_o fire_n there_o god_n threaten_v there_o to_o punish_v they_o for_o their_o idolatry_n and_o cruelty_n thus_o say_v the_o lord_n 33._o jer._n 7.31_o 32_o 33._o the_o day_n come_v that_o it_o shall_v no_o more_o be_v call_v tophet_n or_o the_o valley_n of_o the_o son_n of_o hinnom_n but_o the_o valley_n of_o slaughter_n for_o they_o shall_v bury_v in_o tophet_n till_o there_o be_v no_o place_n and_o the_o carcase_n of_o the_o people_n shall_v be_v meat_n for_o the_o fowl_n of_o the_o heaven_n and_o for_o the_o beast_n of_o the_o earth_n and_o none_o shall_v fray_v they_o away_o 3._o the_o instrument_n by_o which_o god_n punish_v man_n be_v sometime_o the_o same_o which_o be_v the_o instrument_n of_o their_o sin_n 7._o judg._n 7._o thus_o the_o sichemite_n who_o abimelech_n make_v use_v of_o as_o his_o instrument_n and_o assistant_n in_o slay_v his_o brethren_n be_v afterward_o through_o god_n righteous_a judgement_n a_o mean_n of_o the_o destruction_n of_o abimelech_n himself_o 4._o god_n often_o punish_v man_n in_o such_o a_o manner_n as_o bear_v some_o resemblance_n with_o their_o sin_n the_o scripture_n be_v full_a of_o instance_n hereof_o if_o jacob_n deceive_v his_o age_a father_n and_o make_v he_o believe_v he_o be_v his_o elder_a son_n esau_n and_o so_o steal_v away_o the_o blessing_n from_o his_o brother_n
we_o shall_v not_o so_o easy_o discover_v now_o to_o apply_v what_o have_v be_v speak_v in_o a_o word_n or_o two_o use_v 1_o if_o this_o search_a and_o try_v of_o our_o way_n in_o order_n to_o the_o find_v out_o and_o forsake_v of_o our_o sin_n be_v the_o special_a duty_n the_o great_a work_n require_v of_o we_o in_o time_n of_o affliction_n how_o be_v it_o that_o this_o work_n be_v for_o the_o most_o part_n lest_o think_v of_o how_o be_v it_o that_o there_o be_v so_o much_o complain_v among_o we_o but_o so_o little_a search_v so_o much_o inquire_v after_o remedy_n and_o whatsoever_o other_o mean_n may_v afford_v we_o relief_n but_o so_o little_a enquiry_n after_o our_o sin_n that_o obstruct_v the_o operation_n and_o blast_v the_o success_n of_o all_o other_o mean_n how_o be_v it_o that_o this_o search_a and_o try_v our_o way_n which_o shall_v be_v the_o first_o thing_n we_o do_v in_o time_n of_o affliction_n be_v common_o the_o last_o the_o last_o do_v i_o say_v yea_o rather_o how_o be_v it_o that_o it_o be_v for_o the_o most_o part_n whole_o omit_v even_o when_o no_o other_o mean_n that_o can_v be_v think_v of_o be_v omit_v how_o be_v it_o that_o many_o affliction_n succeed_v one_o after_o another_o do_v so_o hardly_o bring_v we_o to_o this_o search_a and_o try_v our_o way_n at_o last_o sure_o if_o there_o be_v nothing_o else_o to_o prove_v the_o excellency_n and_o usefulness_n of_o this_o work_n yet_o this_o be_v enough_o that_o our_o corrupt_a nature_n be_v so_o extreme_o averse_a from_o it_o such_o untoward_a heart_n and_o nature_n have_v we_o that_o the_o best_a thing_n be_v most_o unacceptable_a and_o most_o against_o the_o hair_n to_o we_o can_v we_o be_v persuade_v to_o make_v this_o our_o first_o business_n when_o any_o affliction_n first_o arrest_v we_o how_o many_o trial_n may_v we_o avoid_v and_o how_o much_o may_v we_o either_o shorten_v or_o sweeten_v those_o which_o god_n see_v good_a to_o exercise_v we_o with_o consider_v the_o evil_a consequent_n of_o our_o neglect_n of_o this_o duty_n one_a by_o neglect_v hereof_o we_o do_v what_o in_o we_o lie_v that_o god_n may_v lose_v the_o end_n of_o his_o correction_n 2_o we_o lose_v the_o benefit_n of_o they_o 3_o we_o either_o lengthen_v out_o present_a affliction_n or_o make_v way_n for_o other_o to_o succeed_v if_o these_o shall_v be_v remove_v now_o what_o extreme_a folly_n be_v it_o to_o run_v upon_o these_o great_a evil_n rather_o than_o put_v ourselves_o to_o the_o trouble_v of_o take_v that_o course_n which_o god_n put_v we_o upon_o for_o our_o speedy_a and_o effectual_a relief_n what_o be_v it_o that_o make_v we_o so_o unwilling_a be_v it_o the_o unpleasingness_n of_o the_o work_n but_o all_o good_a thing_n be_v so_o to_o our_o sinful_a nature_n use_v 2._o what_o be_v displease_v at_o first_o will_v become_v pleasant_a and_o delightful_a after_o you_o shall_v have_v be_v enure_v to_o it_o be_v it_o your_o love_n to_o some_o particular_a sin_n and_o your_o unwillingness_n to_o leave_v it_o if_o that_o be_v at_o the_o bottom_n take_v heed_n of_o it_o you_o do_v but_o harbour_v a_o snake_n in_o your_o bosom_n that_o will_v sting_v you_o to_o death_n if_o you_o still_o cherish_v it_o that_o sin_n as_o dear_o as_o you_o love_v it_o will_v certain_o be_v your_o ruin_n unless_o you_o find_v it_o out_o and_o forsake_v it_o be_v it_o your_o sloth_n and_o unwillingness_n to_o be_v at_o the_o cost_n of_o so_o much_o pain_n as_o a_o narrow_a search_n into_o your_o heart_n and_o way_n will_v require_v but_o 1._o can_v you_o take_v pain_n to_o better_a purpose_n be_v there_o any_o thing_n in_o the_o world_n that_o better_a deserve_v your_o pain_n 2._o do_v you_o not_o take_v a_o great_a deal_n more_o pain_n about_o matter_n of_o small_a consequence_n in_o comparison_n of_o what_o concern_v your_o soul_n and_o your_o peace_n with_o god_n can_v you_o be_v content_a to_o lay_v out_o your_o strength_n and_o spend_v your_o spirit_n in_o pursuit_n of_o the_o thing_n of_o the_o world_n and_o yet_o stick_v at_o a_o little_a pain_n to_o be_v take_v about_o your_o spiritual_a estate_n have_v you_o not_o some_o time_n heretofore_o take_v a_o great_a deal_n more_o pain_n in_o pursuit_n of_o sin_n and_o sinful_a vanity_n than_o the_o search_n into_o your_o heart_n and_o way_n need_v cost_v you_o have_v you_o not_o often_o tire_v yourself_o in_o the_o way_n of_o sin_n with_o great_a delight_n and_o yet_o be_v you_o so_o nice_a and_o tender_a so_o indulgent_a and_o favourable_a to_o yourself_o as_o you_o can_v now_o be_v persuade_v to_o be_v at_o the_o expense_n of_o a_o little_a pain_n to_o inquire_v how_o matter_n stand_v between_o god_n and_o your_o soul_n if_o this_o be_v your_o temper_n you_o must_v not_o think_v of_o go_v to_o heaven_n upon_o these_o term_n you_o must_v resolve_v to_o take_v pain_n or_o you_o shall_v never_o get_v thither_o there_o must_v be_v strive_v to_o enter_v in_o at_o the_o strait_a gate_n and_o work_v out_o your_o salvation_n with_o fear_n and_o tremble_v and_o a_o take_v the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n by_o violence_n or_o you_o will_v fall_v short_a of_o it_o what_o say_v you_o to_o these_o thing_n be_v you_o at_o length_n persuade_v and_o resolve_v to_o take_v some_o pain_n to_o make_v a_o strict_a search_n into_o yourself_o and_o be_v it_o the_o full_a purpose_n of_o your_o heart_n to_o overlook_v no_o sin_n that_o by_o your_o most_o diligent_a and_o impartial_a enquiry_n you_o can_v discover_v then_o for_o your_o direction_n herein_o 1._o make_v use_n of_o that_o help_v which_o the_o circumstance_n of_o god_n chastisement_n offer_v you_o try_v what_o you_o may_v thence_o gain_v towards_o the_o discovery_n of_o the_o sin_n whereby_o you_o have_v provoke_v god_n to_o afflict_v you_o one_a consider_v the_o circumstance_n of_o time_n when_o god_n be_v first_o please_v to_o lay_v his_o hand_n upon_o you_o inquire_v what_o you_o have_v be_v then_o do_v and_o whether_o your_o affliction_n do_v not_o arrest_v you_o even_o while_o you_o be_v act_v sin_n in_o one_o kind_n or_o other_o or_o whether_o it_o do_v not_o follow_v some_o sin_n at_o the_o heel_n 2_o inquire_v whether_o the_o place_n where_o your_o affliction_n seize_v on_o you_o be_v not_o that_o in_o which_o you_o have_v sin_v it_o may_v be_v it_o seize_v on_o you_o in_o your_o shop_n where_o you_o have_v be_v cheat_v some_o body_n in_o the_o alehouse_n where_o you_o have_v be_v mispend_v your_o time_n and_o abuse_v yourself_o by_o intemperance_n or_o it_o may_v be_v in_o some_o other_o place_n as_o bad_a or_o worse_o 3_o consider_v the_o instrument_n of_o your_o affliction_n do_v not_o god_n punish_v you_o by_o those_o who_o be_v your_o companion_n in_o sin_n or_o who_o assistance_n you_o make_v use_v of_o for_o the_o commission_n of_o your_o sin_n do_v he_o not_o take_v those_o very_a thing_n with_o which_o you_o sin_v and_o make_v they_o the_o instrument_n of_o your_o suffer_v 4thly_a inquire_v whether_o there_o be_v nothing_o in_o the_o manner_n of_o god_n chasten_v you_o that_o may_v lead_v you_o to_o the_o sight_n of_o your_o sin_n he_o have_v chastened_a you_o with_o the_o scourge_n of_o the_o tongue_n have_v not_o you_o abuse_v your_o tongue_n to_o the_o defame_n and_o injure_v of_o other_o in_o the_o same_o kind_n you_o have_v meet_v with_o false_a and_o deceitful_a deal_n from_o those_o who_o you_o think_v you_o may_v have_v trust_v have_v not_o you_o be_v as_o false_a and_o deceitful_a yourself_o and_o do_v not_o god_n measure_v to_o you_o according_a to_o the_o measure_n that_o other_o have_v receive_v from_o you_o god_n lay_v bodily_a weakness_n and_o infirmity_n on_o you_o be_v they_o not_o the_o proper_a effect_n of_o your_o intemperance_n and_o other_o lewd_a and_o debauch_a course_n by_o which_o you_o have_v bring_v those_o distemper_n and_o weakness_n upon_o you_o god_n afflict_v you_o in_o your_o child_n have_v not_o you_o set_v your_o affection_n too_o much_o upon_o they_o or_o have_v you_o not_o neglect_v they_o in_o their_o education_n or_o have_v you_o not_o give_v they_o ill_a example_n 5thly_a consider_v the_o matter_n and_o object_n of_o your_o affliction_n and_o see_v if_o that_o may_v not_o help_v you_o to_o see_v your_o sin_n god_n have_v take_v away_o part_n of_o your_o estate_n from_o you_o when_o you_o have_v more_o than_o now_o you_o have_v do_v you_o not_o abuse_v it_o god_n have_v blast_v your_o beauty_n be_v you_o not_o proud_a of_o it_o god_n have_v pour_v reproach_n and_o contempt_n upon_o you_o do_v you_o not_o forfeit_v your_o good_a name_n and_o reputation_n and_o make_v yourself_o vile_a by_o your_o sin_n have_v you_o not_o dishonour_v god_n for_o which_o he_o