in_o this_o put_v it_o close_o and_o home_o to_o your_o own_o conscience_n consider_v it_o well_o before_o you_o answer_v it_o it_o be_v likely_a by_o this_o time_n you_o may_v have_v learn_v to_o say_v that_o there_o be_v no_o other_o happiness_n comparable_a to_o this_o and_o that_o it_o be_v the_o enjoyment_n of_o god_n which_o make_v heaven_n to_o be_v heaven_n and_o it_o may_v be_v your_o understanding_n be_v in_o some_o measure_n convince_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o what_o you_o say_v or_o else_o i_o be_o sure_a a_o great_a deal_n of_o pain_n have_v be_v take_v with_o you_o to_o little_a purpose_n but_o for_o all_o that_o i_o must_v tell_v you_o the_o question_n be_v not_o yet_o half_o answer_v the_o main_a point_n be_v yet_o behind_o the_o great_a work_n of_o regeneration_n lie_v principal_o in_o the_o will._n search_v therefore_o a_o little_a further_o you_o may_v chance_v to_o find_v that_o your_o heart_n be_v more_o deceitful_a in_o this_o matter_n than_o you_o think_v of_o 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ashamed_a and_o â—lâ—shâ—â—â—r_a do_v it_o not_o make_v you_o even_o a_o burden_n to_o yourselves_o can_v you_o forbear_v cry_v out_o in_o the_o anguish_n of_o your_o souâ—s_n â—nd_v plead_v earnest_o with_o god_n on_o this_o account_n lord_n if_o it_o be_v so_o why_o be_o i_o thus_o must_v i_o still_o be_v complain_v and_o yet_o get_v no_o near_o thou_o o_o my_o god_n how_o long_o how_o long_o can_v thou_o behold_v this_o soul_n that_o issue_v from_o thou_o the_o father_n of_o spirit_n lord_z can_z â—hou_fw-mi see_v it_o lie_v grovel_v in_o the_o dust_n and_o look_v towards_o thou_o for_o help_v and_o will_v thou_o not_o pity_v it_o where_o be_v thy_o wont_a compassion_n and_o the_o sound_n of_o thy_o bâ—weâ—s_n sure_o they_o be_v not_o restrain_v must_v mâ—ne_a eâ—es_n still_o fail_v with_o look_v upward_o o_o lord_n i_o must_v not_o i_o dâ—re_v not_o i_o can_v entertain_v hard_a thought_n of_o thou_o no_o no_o it_o be_v i_o that_o have_v so_o often_o grieve_v thy_o holy_a spirit_n and_o therefore_o have_v no_o more_o of_o his_o help_n vouchafe_v i_o i_o tell_v you_o sir_n the_o holy_a person_n be_v most_o sensible_a of_o the_o weight_n of_o indwelling_a corruption_n they_o strive_v they_o pray_v they_o watch_v and_o war_n against_o it_o the_o near_a they_o be_v to_o god_n the_o more_o sensible_a of_o their_o yet_o remain_v distance_n from_o he_o nor_o be_v there_o any_o thing_n for_o which_o they_o more_o loath_a themselves_o than_o for_o the_o remnant_n of_o their_o aversion_n from_o he_o quest_n 3._o how_o stand_v you_o affect_v to_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n as_o he_o be_v the_o way_n to_o the_o father_n the_o principal_a mean_n to_o bring_v we_o to_o the_o knowledge_n and_o love_n of_o god_n to_o reconciliation_n and_o communion_n with_o he_o and_o to_o
the_o performance_n of_o religious_a duty_n yea_o and_o sometime_o fall_v into_o great_a sin_n beside_o those_o of_o daily_a infirmity_n and_o therefore_o be_v often_o call_v to_o repentance_n humiliation_n and_o amendment_n and_o to_o renew_v their_o covenant_n with_o god_n in_o christ_n and_o to_o act_v faith_n upon_o his_o merit_n and_o satisfaction_n for_o pardon_n and_o peace_n and_o to_o double_v their_o watch_n and_o diligence_n for_o the_o future_a when_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n they_o be_v not_o perhaps_o oblige_v at_o all_o to_o call_v in_o question_n their_o foundation_n nor_o to_o perplex_v themselves_o with_o doubt_n and_o fear_n as_o to_o their_o state_n in_o the_o main_a indeed_o as_o for_o those_o who_o oft_o fall_v into_o groffer_n sin_n and_o lie_v long_o in_o they_o even_o such_o sin_n as_o they_o may_v easy_o forbear_v if_o they_o be_v true_o willing_a such_o have_v great_a reason_n to_o question_v their_o own_o sincerity_n but_o as_o for_o the_o common_a 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john_n 2.1_o he_o that_o be_v wash_v need_v not_o save_v to_o wash_v his_o foot_n but_o be_v clean_o every_o whit_n john_n 13.10_o when_o david_n have_v sin_v so_o grievous_o in_o the_o matter_n of_o vriah_n and_o nathan_n the_o prophet_n be_v seâ—â—_n to_o he_o to_o expostulate_v with_o he_o about_o it_o and_o bring_v he_o to_o a_o great_a sense_n of_o the_o evil_n he_o have_v do_v etc._n etc._n we_o find_v that_o he_o humble_o acknowledge_v his_o transgression_n earnest_o implore_v the_o divine_a mercy_n pray_v hard_o that_o the_o holy_a spirit_n of_o god_n may_v not_o be_v take_v away_o from_o he_o but_o we_o do_v not_o find_v that_o he_o be_v call_v to_o doubt_v of_o his_o state_n in_o the_o main_a nor_o can_v we_o prove_v that_o he_o do_v so_o but_o encourage_v himself_o in_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n psal_n 51.17_o the_o sacrisices_n of_o god_n be_v a_o break_a spirit_n a_o break_a and_o a_o contrite_a heart_n o_o god_n thou_o will_v not_o despise_v there_o be_v say_v a_o great_a divine_a some_o sin_n which_o every_o one_o that_o repent_v of_o they_o do_v so_o forsake_v as_o to_o cease_v commit_v they_o and_o there_o be_v some_o lesser_a sin_n which_o they_o that_o repent_v of_o they_o do_v hate_v indeed_o but_o yet_o frequent_o renew_v as_o our_o defective_a degree_n in_o the_o exercise_n of_o repentance_n itself_o faith_n love_n trust_v fear_v obedience_n our_o vain_a thought_n and_o word_n some_o sinful_a passion_n etc._n etc._n many_o such_o sin_n be_v fit_o call_v infirmity_n because_o they_o consist_v with_o life_n and_o be_v forgive_v it_o be_v of_o great_a use_n to_o the_o peace_n of_o our_o conscience_n to_o discern_v the_o difference_n between_o these_o two_o for_o one_o fort_n require_v a_o conversion_n to_o another_o state_n and_o the_o other_o require_v but_o a_o particular_a repentance_n and_o when_o they_o be_v unknown_a be_v forgive_v without_o a_o particular_a repentance_n because_o our_o general_a repentance_n be_v virtual_o though_o not_o actual_o particular_a as_o to_o they_o one_o sort_n be_v cause_n of_o judge_v ourselves_o ungodly_a and_o the_o other_o sort_n be_v only_a cause_n of_o filial_a humiliation_n baxter'_v directory_n part_v 1._o pag._n 299._o direct_v 11._o though_o you_o can_v yet_o attain_v to_o the_o â—uller_a comfort_n of_o assurance_n do_v not_o therefore_o undervalue_v any_o thing_n that_o look_v hopeful_o or_o have_v a_o likely_a endency_n thereto_o great_a thing_n be_v not_o usual_o attain_v but_o by_o degree_n and_o through_o many_o difficulty_n it_o be_v no_o small_a matter_n to_o be_v certain_a that_o we_o be_v 〈◊〉_d a_o justify_v state_n nor_o be_v such_o a_o certainty_n so_o common_a among_o true_a believer_n themselves_o as_o perhaps_o you_o imagine_v who_o yet_o have_v considerable_a support_v â—nd_v comfort_n from_o hopeful_a probability_n in_o the_o case_n now_o as_o it_o be_v necessary_a to_o pull_v down_o the_o vain_a hope_n of_o presumptuous_a sinner_n so_o it_o also_o be_v to_o strengthen_v and_o help_v the_o joy_n and_o hope_n of_o weak_a christian_n well_o then_o let_v i_o ask_v you_o be_v you_o not_o grieve_v or_o the_o many_o offence_n you_o have_v commit_v against_o god_n at_o least_o be_v it_o not_o your_o trouble_n that_o you_o can_v nourn_v for_o sin_n no_o more_o that_o your_o heart_n be_v no_o north_n tender_a and_o relent_a be_v it_o not_o your_o desire_n and_o in_o some_o measure_n your_o endeavour_n to_o renounce_v your_o sin_n and_o to_o mortify_v your_o corruption_n can_v you_o bear_v the_o thought_n of_o part_v with_o christ_n or_o quit_v your_o interest_n in_o he_o for_o all_o your_o doubt_n and_o let_v go_v your_o hold_n of_o he_o for_o any_o thing_n that_o can_v possible_o be_v offer_v you_o in_o exchange_n will_v you_o not_o even_o loath_a and_o abhor_v the_o proposal_n be_v it_o not_o your_o endaavour_n to_o love_v he_o more_o and_o serve_v he_o better_o put_v such_o question_n as_o these_o be_v to_o your_o own_o soul_n and_o then_o judge_v whether_o in_o all_o this_o there_o be_v not_o something_o that_o appear_v to_o be_v more_o than_o like_v special_a grace_n and_o though_o you_o be_v not_o yet_o certain_a that_o it_o be_v so_o yet_o let_v thus_o much_o support_v you_o till_o you_o can_v see_v further_o and_o as_o i_o say_v before_o be_v thankful_a for_o what_o you_o have_v and_o strive_v for_o more_o grace_n and_o then_o you_o shall_v find_v that_o spiritual_a strength_n and_o comfort_n will_v increase_v together_o and_o all_o along_o be_v sure_a to_o remember_v that_o god_n and_o the_o redeemer_n be_v as_o willing_a to_o accept_v you_o upon_o gospel-term_n as_o you_o can_v be_v to_o desire_v it_o yea_o and_o infinite_o mâ—â—â—_n willing_a as_o love_a holiness_n better_o than_o you_o do_v 〈◊〉_d the_o march_n break_v between_o christ_n and_o you_o it_o shall_v 〈◊〉_d through_o your_o own_o refusal_n never_o be_v any_o poâ—â—_n sinner_n beforehand_o with_o he_o he_o be_v the_o first_o in_o consent_v and_o be_v a_o suitor_n to_o we_o for_o our_o full_a 〈◊〉_d hearty_a consent_n nor_o will_v he_o despise_v the_o least_o tendecy_n thereto_o he_o will_v not_o break_v the_o bruise_a reed_n oâ—_n on_o his_o part_n all_o be_v safe_a and_o clear_a prevail_v but_o withy_a own_o heart_n to_o hold_v on_o and_o go_v thorough_a with_o the_o work_n and_o all_o be_v thy_o own_o direct_v 12._o be_v sure_a that_o you_o exercise_v the_o moâ—â—_n deep_a and_o entire_a self-resignation_n to_o the_o sovereign_a pleasure_n of_o the_o divine_a will_n in_o this_o matter_n leave_v it_o unto_o god_n to_o measure_v out_o your_o comfort_n for_o you_o and_o to_o determine_v the_o time_n and_o season_n thereof_o lay_v your_o soul_n at_o his_o foot_n with_o the_o profound_a reverence_n humility_n and_o submission_n say_v as_o david_n in_o another_o case_n it_o may_v be_v the_o lord_n will_v look_v upon_o my_o affliction_n but_o if_o he_o say_v he_o have_v no_o delight_n in_o i_o behold_v here_o be_o i_o let_v he_o do_v as_o seem_v good_a unto_o he_o 2_o sam._n 15.26_o o_o learn_v to_o wait_v upon_o the_o lord_n and_o look_v for_o he_o when_o he_o seem_v to_o hide_v his_o faâ—â—_n isa_n 8.17_o it_o be_v not_o possible_a that_o you_o shall_v be_v loser_n by_o thus_o resign_v your_o soul_n and_o your_o all_o into_o his_o hand_n it_o be_v your_o certain_a duty_n so_o to_o do_v and_o it_o will_v be_v a_o mighty_a evidence_n of_o that_o sincerity_n which_o you_o be_v seek_v after_o and_o there_o be_v many_o comfortable_a promise_n make_v to_o such_o act_n of_o soul_n as_o these_o and_o encourage_v example_n set_v before_o we_o bless_a be_v all_o they_o that_o wait_v for_o he_o wait_v on_o the_o lord_n be_v of_o good_a courage_n and_o he_o shall_v strengthen_v thy_o heart_n wait_v i_o say_v on_o the_o lord_n psal_n 20.14_o methinks_v that_o such_o a_o
sort_n of_o grace_n whereby_o god_n be_v wont_a to_o â—â—â—pare_v man_n for_o special_a save_a grace_n it_o be_v his_o usual_a method_n to_o bring_v his_o work_n whâ—â—â—_n of_o nature_n or_o grace_n to_o their_o intend_a perfection_n 〈◊〉_d degree_n he_o delight_v to_o glorify_v his_o power_n 〈◊〉_d and_o goodness_n by_o advance_v thing_n to_o a_o observable_a be_v â—â—â—ty_n and_o excellency_n from_o very_o small_a or_o seem_o 〈◊〉_d considerable_a beginning_n not_o to_o speak_v of_o the_o 〈◊〉_d creation_n of_o the_o world_n or_o of_o the_o fashion_v of_o 〈◊〉_d child_n in_o the_o womb_n and_o the_o production_n of_o other_o â—â—â—nimals_n and_o also_o vegetable_n etc._n etc._n it_o be_v easy_a to_o take_v â—â—â—tice_n of_o the_o various_a dispensation_n of_o the_o law_n or_o 〈◊〉_d venant_fw-la of_o grace_n and_o the_o gradual_a increase_n of_o scripture-light_n and_o discovery_n till_o at_o length_n the_o sun_n of_o righteousness_n himself_o appear_v heb._n 1.1_o 2_o 3._o but_o to_o come_v to_o the_o point_n it_o be_v certain_a the_o new_a creature_n be_v wrought_v by_o degree_n and_o as_o god_n have_v appoint_v a_o course_n of_o mean_n to_o be_v use_v duty_n to_o be_v perform_v in_o order_n to_o our_o conversion_n and_o salvation_n so_o he_o afford_v the_o help_n of_o his_o grace_n in_o various_a measure_n as_o seem_v meet_v â—o_o his_o infinite_a wisdom_n thus_o there_o be_v some_o commoner_n operation_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n which_o usual_o go_v along_o with_o the_o gospel_n and_o put_v man_n into_o a_o near_a preparation_n for_o special_a grace_n than_o they_o be_v in_o before_o though_o god_n may_v sometime_o even_o in_o a_o instant_n convert_v the_o most_o unprepared_a obdurate_a person_n yet_o it_o be_v not_o his_o ordinary_a methoâ—_n so_o to_o do_v nor_o have_v any_o such_o person_n reason_n to_o expect_v to_o be_v thus_o deal_v with_o as_o the_o word_n be_v the_o instrument_n by_o which_o god_n work_v upon_o soul_n so_o he_o first_o enable_v they_o in_o some_o measure_n to_o understand_v it_o and_o then_o to_o believe_v it_o and_o so_o by_o it_o he_o awake_v they_o from_o their_o stupid_a security_n convince_v they_o of_o the_o sinfulness_n and_o danger_n of_o a_o unregenerate_a state_n make_v they_o solicitous_a about_o their_o eternal_a welfare_n what_o shall_v i_o do_v to_o be_v save_v how_o shall_v i_o escape_v the_o damnation_n of_o hell_n thus_o they_o be_v bring_v to_o see_v their_o need_n of_o christ_n as_o man_n that_o be_v lose_v and_o undo_v without_o he_o as_o also_o to_o perceive_v the_o necessity_n of_o holiness_n in_o order_n to_o happiness_n hereupon_o they_o make_v some_o resolution_n and_o fair_a promise_n of_o amendment_n and_o put_v forth_o some_o seem_o hopeful_a endeavour_n to_o become_v new_a man_n insomuch_o that_o they_o be_v almost_o persuade_v to_o be_v christian_n indeed_o and_o be_v not_o far_o from_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n though_o they_o must_v be_v bring_v yet_o near_o or_o else_o they_o be_v lose_v for_o ever_o now_o though_o all_o this_o fall_n short_a of_o a_o through_o change_n yet_o it_o have_v a_o preparatory_a tendency_n thereto_o somewhat_o of_o this_o kind_n ordinary_o go_v before_o the_o work_n of_o conversion_n therefore_o such_o impression_n be_v not_o to_o be_v slight_v it_o be_v dangerous_a to_o smother_v conviction_n by_o suffer_v the_o noise_n and_o hurry_v of_o the_o worldly_a business_n or_o sensual_a delight_n to_o divert_v our_o thought_n from_o these_o thing_n second_o special_a save_a grace_n determine_v the_o soul_n to_o a_o sincere_a and_o hearty_a closure_n with_o god_n in_o christ_n here_o be_v the_o turn_a point_n this_o it_o be_v to_o which_o the_o forementioned_a preparation_n tend_v and_o in_o which_o they_o must_v issue_v and_o terminate_v to_o make_v we_o christian_n indeed_o till_o this_o be_v do_v the_o person_n be_v in_o a_o carnal_a unregenerate_a state_n we_o turn_v not_o unto_o god_n as_o god_n if_o we_o turn_v not_o to_o he_o as_o the_o chief_a good_a and_o we_o turn_v not_o to_o he_o as_o the_o chief_a good_a so_o long_o as_o we_o prefer_v any_o other_o object_n or_o interest_n before_o he_o i_o know_v indeed_o that_o the_o best_a of_o man_n may_v sometime_o have_v hanker_a desire_n after_o their_o former_a idol_n and_o for_o this_o they_o lament_v and_o mourn_v in_o secret_a but_o still_o the_o state_v predeminant_a habitual_a bent_n of_o their_o heart_n be_v for_o god_n and_o there_o be_v nothing_o which_o they_o more_o loath_a themselves_o for_o than_o because_o they_o love_v god_n no_o more_o hinc_fw-la illae_fw-la lâ—chrimae_fw-la mark_v 12.30_o thou_o shall_v love_v the_o lord_n thy_o god_n with_o all_o thy_o heart_n and_o with_o all_o thy_o soul_n and_o with_o all_o thy_o mind_n and_o with_o all_o thy_o strength_n how_o many_o all_o be_v be_v here_o yet_o say_v one_o if_o we_o have_v ten_o thousand_o time_n more_o power_n and_o principle_n we_o ought_v to_o love_n god_n with_o they_o all_o too_o it_o be_v a_o emphatical_a translation_n of_o that_o elegant_a text_n of_o the_o apostle_n rom._n 5.5_o the_o love_n of_o god_n be_v shed_v abroad_o in_o our_o heart_n a_o cover_a of_o the_o soul_n as_o the_o water_n cover_v the_o sea_n o_o that_o god_n will_v fill_v up_o all_o my_o capacity_n and_o make_v i_o yet_o more_o capacious_a o_o that_o he_o will_v take_v up_o all_o the_o room_n in_o i_o and_o o_o that_o he_o will_v make_v for_o himself_o more_o room_n in_o my_o soul_n mr._n shaw_n meditation_n pag._n 30_o 31._o can_v you_o imagine_v that_o you_o love_v god_n at_o all_o in_o a_o save_a sense_n if_o you_o love_v he_o not_o above_o all_o why_o this_o holy_a love_n be_v the_o grand_a significant_a vital_a motion_n of_o the_o soul_n it_o be_v the_o root_n from_o whence_o all_o acceptable_a service_n spring_v and_o upon_o which_o it_o grow_v or_o the_o principle_n into_o which_o it_o be_v resolve_v it_o be_v for_o want_v of_o this_o that_o carnal_a mind_n be_v not_o subject_a to_o the_o law_n of_o god_n neither_o indeed_o can_v be_v rom._n 8.7_o our_o eye_n must_v be_v single_o fix_v upon_o god_n as_o our_o supreme_a end_n and_o chief_a good_a and_o so_o it_o will_v be_v full_a of_o light_n and_o our_o heart_n must_v be_v according_o affect_v towards_o he_o a_o double_a mind_n a_o heart_n and_o a_o heart_n as_o it_o be_v in_o the_o hebrew_n psal_n 12.2_o be_v hateful_a in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n a_o divide_a heart_n be_v a_o faulty_a heart_n hos_n 10.2_o hence_o turn_v unto_o god_n with_o the_o whole_a heart_n be_v oppose_v to_o treachery_n falsehood_n and_o a_o hypocritical_a show_n of_o conversion_n jer._n 3.10_o her_o treacherous_a sister_n judah_n have_v not_o turn_v unto_o i_o with_o her_o whole_a heart_n but_o feign_o say_v the_o lord_n as_o for_o the_o interest_n of_o the_o great_a mediator_n in_o this_o matter_n himself_o have_v plain_o show_v we_o that_o if_o we_o love_v father_n or_o mother_n wife_n or_o child_n etc._n etc._n yea_o or_o our_o own_o life_n more_o than_o he_o we_o be_v not_o worthy_a of_o he_o can_v be_v his_o disciple_n mar._n 10.37_o luke_n 14.26_o you_o see_v here_o how_o he_o insist_o upon_o the_o prevail_a degree_n of_o our_o love_n to_o he_o and_o indeed_o the_o serious_a contemplation_n of_o the_o love_n of_o god_n in_o christ_n be_v a_o most_o powerful_a mean_n to_o raise_v up_o our_o soul_n to_o suitable_a return_n of_o love_n to_o god_n again_o he_o that_o have_v know_v the_o son_n have_v also_o know_v the_o father_n joh._n 14.7_o behold_v here_o and_o admire_v the_o wonderful_a wisdom_n that_o appear_v in_o the_o contrivance_n of_o our_o redemption_n our_o sin_n have_v bring_v we_o under_o the_o just_a wrath_n and_o displeasure_n of_o the_o almighty_a and_o also_o have_v corrupt_v our_o very_a vital_n and_o turn_v our_o heart_n against_o god_n and_o now_o let_v we_o see_v how_o apt_o thing_n be_v lay_v for_o the_o removal_n of_o both_o these_o that_o so_o the_o reconciliation_n may_v be_v mutual_a and_o complete_a he_o to_o we_o and_o we_o to_o he_o 2_o cor._n 5.18_o 19_o 20._o god_n have_v provide_v a_o ransom_n for_o we_o to_o make_v way_n for_o his_o be_v reconcile_v to_o we_o without_o any_o reflection_n upon_o himself_o or_o his_o government_n to_o this_o end_n he_o have_v send_v his_o son_n into_o the_o world_n to_o reveal_v his_o love_n and_o grace_n and_o to_o do_v and_o suffer_v so_o much_o for_o we_o and_o that_o we_o may_v be_v capable_a of_o a_o save_a intereâ—â—_n in_o the_o benefit_n of_o this_o great_a redemption_n we_o be_v oblige_v to_o believe_v in_o the_o redeemer_n and_o by_o he_o in_o god_n 2_o cor._n 3.4_o 1_o pet._n 1.21_o now_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o such_o 〈◊〉_d faith_n tend_v in_o its_o own_o nature_n to_o produce_v holy_a loâ—â—_n to_o
to_o their_o wit_n again_o as_o for_o the_o three_o the_o sacrifice_n of_o god_n be_v a_o break_a spirit_n psal_n 51._o your_o heart_n must_v be_v break_v that_o be_v thorough_o humble_v for_o your_o past_a folly_n in_o order_n to_o your_o future_a reformation_n you_o must_v be_v weary_a and_o heavy_a lade_v under_o a_o sense_n of_o your_o sin_n that_o christ_n may_v give_v you_o rest_n break_v that_o he_o may_v heal_v you_o the_o whole_a need_v not_o a_o physician_n chap._n viii_o how_o much_o it_o concern_v we_o to_o examine_v ourselves_o whether_o we_o be_v wrought_v for_o heaven_n or_o no._n sundry_a motive_n to_o excite_v we_o to_o this_o necessary_a duty_n we_o now_o proceed_v to_o a_o use_n of_o examination_n be_v it_o so_o that_o none_o can_v come_v to_o heaven_n till_o they_o be_v wrought_v and_o prepare_v for_o it_o by_o special_a grace_n sure_o it_o be_v high_a time_n to_o turn_v your_o thought_n inward_a and_o to_o stir_v up_o conscience_n to_o do_v its_o office_n methinks_v you_o shall_v in_o this_o have_v be_v beforehand_o with_o i_o i_o will_v be_v loath_a to_o suppose_v that_o you_o shall_v have_v hear_v all_o this_o which_o have_v be_v say_v under_o the_o forego_n head_n concern_v the_o nature_n and_o necessity_n of_o this_o great_a work_n with_o so_o little_a self-application_n as_o not_o to_o have_v put_v the_o question_n to_o your_o own_o heart_n before_o now_o be_o i_o thus_o wrought_v upon_o have_v i_o experience_v such_o a_o change_n in_o the_o temper_n of_o my_o spirit_n godward_o as_o may_v encourage_v i_o to_o hope_v that_o i_o be_o past_a from_o death_n to_o life_n dispose_v and_o incline_v to_o be_v happy_a in_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o god_n etc._n etc._n a_o weighty_a question_n indeed_o it_o be_v all_o one_o as_o if_o you_o enquit_v whether_o you_o be_v heir_n of_o heaven_n or_o within_o a_o step_n of_o hell_n child_n of_o god_n or_o of_o the_o devil_n or_o as_o if_o a_o line_n shall_v be_v draw_v to_o separate_v between_o the_o live_n and_o the_o dead_a in_o this_o congregation_n on_o the_o one_o side_n lo_o here_o be_v so_o many_o person_n wrought_v upon_o and_o quicken_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n who_o have_v the_o principle_n and_o seed_n of_o eternal_a life_n abide_v in_o they_o on_o the_o other_o lo_o here_o be_v so_o many_o stupid_a carnal_a wretched_a soul_n under_o the_o just_a wrath_n and_o indignation_n of_o the_o almighty_a dead_a in_o trespass_n and_o siâ—s_n liable_a every_o moment_n to_o the_o severe_a stroke_n of_o avenge_a justice_n it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v wonder_v at_o if_o secret_a misgiving_n of_o heart_n and_o consciousness_n of_o gild_n cause_n a_o exceed_a averseness_n in_o unregenerate_a man_n to_o this_o work_n of_o self-examination_n and_o make_v they_o even_o afraid_a of_o converse_v with_o themselves_o as_o desperate_a bankrupt_n who_o dread_v to_o look_v into_o their_o book_n of_o account_n be_v sensible_a that_o matter_n be_v ill_a with_o they_o and_o it_o be_v also_o sad_a that_o there_o shall_v be_v room_n for_o such_o a_o question_n as_o this_o or_o at_o least_o any_o great_a difficulty_n in_o resolve_v it_o what!_o you_o that_o have_v so_o long_o sit_v under_o the_o mean_n of_o grace_n and_o have_v these_o thing_n so_o often_o and_o so_o earnest_o press_v upon_o you_o and_o not_o yet_o wrought_v upon_o not_o yet_o turn_v to_o god_n this_o be_v a_o sad_a case_n yet_o i_o fear_v no_o sad_a than_o true_a o_o happy_a congregation_n if_o all_o yea_o or_o most_o in_o it_o be_v thus_o prepare_v and_o fit_v for_o heaven_n however_o be_v your_o case_n what_o it_o will_v it_o be_v necessary_a you_o know_v it_o therefore_o in_o handle_v this_o use_n i_o shall_v i._o lay_v down_o some_o motive_n brief_o to_o excite_v you_o to_o this_o duty_n of_o self-examination_n ii_o give_v some_o direction_n for_o the_o more_o successful_a management_n thereof_o iii_o offer_v some_o question_n which_o you_o may_v propose_v to_o yourselves_o in_o order_n to_o the_o trial_n of_o your_o state_n i_o begin_v with_o the_o first_o of_o these_o motive_n 1._o some_o competent_a knowledge_n of_o your_o spiritual_a estate_n and_o condition_n be_v attainable_a i_o may_v have_v speak_v high_a but_o choose_v to_o proceed_v by_o step_n you_o may_v indeed_o meet_v with_o some_o who_o to_o excuse_v their_o â—â—n_fw-la ignorance_n or_o sloth_n in_o this_o matter_n will_v tell_v you_o â—â—at_v â—o_o man_n can_v know_v whether_o he_o be_v in_o a_o state_n of_o grace_n or_o no_o but_o that_o we_o must_v trust_v god_n with_o our_o soul_n and_o hope_v the_o best_a and_o true_a it_o be_v that_o we_o must_v trust_v god_n with_o our_o soul_n but_o it_o be_v also_o as_o true_a that_o he_o have_v so_o far_o entrust_v we_o with_o they_o as_o to_o command_v our_o utmost_a care_n and_o diligence_n about_o they_o and_o he_o will_v quick_o call_v we_o to_o a_o account_n how_o we_o have_v discharge_v our_o trust_n what_o we_o have_v do_v with_o his_o creature_n and_o if_o we_o be_v find_v to_o have_v betray_v our_o soul_n by_o negligence_n and_o carnal_a security_n it_o will_v not_o serve_v our_o turn_n to_o say_v that_o we_o trust_v he_o with_o they_o unless_o you_o can_v suppose_v that_o our_o presumption_n shall_v justify_v our_o carelessness_n that_o be_v one_o sin_n excuse_v another_o i_o tell_v you_o therefore_o you_o be_v not_o leave_v under_o a_o necessitate_a unavoidable_a ignorance_n in_o this_o point_n your_o unacquaintance_n with_o your_o own_o soul_n as_o to_o their_o state_n godward_o be_v wilful_a and_o affect_a i_o be_o not_o put_v you_o upon_o impossibility_n other_o have_v attain_v not_o 〈◊〉_d to_o some_o competent_a knowledge_n but_o even_o to_o a_o certainty_n 〈◊〉_d the_o case_n and_o that_o both_o way_n thus_o sinner_n be_v usual_o prepare_v for_o convert_v grace_n viz._n by_o a_o thoâ—oâ—_n conviction_n of_o the_o sinfulness_n and_o misery_n of_o their_o unregenerate_a state_n and_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n many_o good_a christian_n have_v arrive_v to_o a_o comfortable_a quieâ—â—â—â—_n and_o some_o even_o to_o a_o transport_v assurance_n of_o theâ—_n save_v special_a interest_n in_o the_o love_n of_o god_n through_o christ_n and_o consequent_o of_o their_o right_n to_o heauâ—â—_n and_o that_o by_o the_o same_o mean_n and_o help_v which_o be_v vouchsafe_v or_o offer_v to_o you_o motive_n 2._o to_o this_o end_n god_n have_v give_v we_o the_o facâ—ty_n or_o power_n of_o self-reflexion_n that_o we_o may_v examine_v our_o heart_n and_o life_n and_o so_o pass_v a_o right_a judgement_n concern_v our_o spiritual_a estate_n prov._n 20.27_o tâ—e_v spirit_n of_o man_n be_v the_o candle_n of_o the_o lord_n search_v all_o 〈◊〉_d inward_a part_n of_o the_o belly_n conscience_n be_v set_v up_o as_o light_v in_o the_o soul_n not_o to_o be_v extinguish_v or_o put_v under_o 〈◊〉_d bushel_n but_o to_o observe_v and_o try_v ourselves_o by_o 〈…〉_o what_o man_n â—â—â—weth_v the_o thing_n of_o a_o man_n 〈◊〉_d spirit_n of_o man_n which_o be_v â—n_v he_o be_v it_o not_o forâ—â—_n self_n reflective_a power_n we_o shall_v not_o be_v capable_a of_o moral_a government_n in_o a_o rational_a way_n how_o shall_v we_o rectify_v what_o be_v amiss_o or_o enjoy_v the_o comfort_n of_o sincere_a obedience_n but_o by_o examine_v both_o our_o heart_n and_o life_n therefore_o i_o say_v conscience_n be_v a_o witness_n a_o judge_n yeâ—_n and_o a_o executioner_n too_o it_o not_o only_o bear_v testimony_n but_o pass_v sentence_n and_o inflict_v punishment_n or_o yâ—eâ—â—â—â—_n refreshment_n and_o peace_n and_o so_o give_v man_n the_o fore_n last_v of_o heaven_n or_o hell_n while_o they_o be_v on_o enâ—th_n praemium_fw-la ante_fw-la praemium_fw-la be_v or_o praejudicâ—â—m_fw-la sâ—tâ—ri_fw-la judicii_fw-la 1_o joh._n 3.20_o 21._o if_o our_o heart_n condemn_v we_o god_n be_v great_a than_o our_o heart_n and_o know_v all_o thing_n belove_a if_o our_o heart_n condemn_v we_o not_o then_o have_v we_o confidence_n towards_o god_n must_v you_o not_o own_o such_o a_o faculty_n very_o conscience_n will_v fly_v in_o your_o face_n if_o you_o shall_v deny_v its_o power_n motive_n 3._o consider_v that_o god_n have_v give_v you_o a_o sure_a rule_n to_o try_v yourselves_o by_o even_o his_o holy_a word_n by_o which_o he_o himself_o will_v try_v you_o at_o last_o it_o be_v the_o nature_n of_o a_o law_n to_o constitute_v what_o shall_v be_v due_a from_o we_o and_o what_o to_o we_o a_o rule_n to_o live_v by_o and_o by_o which_o we_o must_v be_v judge_v heb._n 4.12_o tâ—e_v word_n of_o god_n be_v quick_a and_o powerful_a sharperâ—_n than_o any_o two_o edge_v sword_n and_o be_v a_o discerner_n of_o the_o thought_n and_o intent_n of_o the_o heart_n here_o we_o may_v behold_v the_o comeliness_n or_o deformiry_n of_o 〈◊〉_d own_o soul_n as_o a_o man_n do_v his_o natural_a
inquire_v what_o shall_v i_o do_v to_o be_v save_v than_o how_o shall_v i_o know_v that_o i_o shall_v be_v save_v and_o indeed_o this_o be_v the_o most_o likely_a way_n to_o get_v assurance_n or_o however_o such_o necessary_a support_n as_o may_v keep_v you_o from_o sink_v it_o be_v one_o thing_n to_o have_v grace_n another_o thing_n to_o know_v that_o you_o have_v the_o former_a be_v absolute_o necessary_a to_o salvation_n the_o latter_a be_v not_o so_o moreover_o little_a thing_n be_v not_o easy_o discern_v a_o little_a faith_n love_n repentance_n etc._n etc._n though_o sincere_a be_v not_o so_o soon_o discover_v therefore_o i_o say_v again_o take_v pain_n with_o your_o own_o heart_n to_o bring_v they_o near_o to_o christ_n labour_v to_o be_v carry_v out_o towards_o he_o with_o a_o more_o full_a bent_n and_o resolution_n of_o soul_n even_o such_o as_o may_v clear_o turn_v the_o scale_n for_o he_o against_o all_o other_o interest_n whatsoever_o and_o this_o be_v the_o most_o dutiful_a 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discouragement_n cast_v yourselves_o at_o the_o foot_n of_o christ_n open_v your_o case_n to_o he_o lord_n i_o have_v a_o treacherous_a deceitful_a heart_n i_o know_v not_o how_o to_o trust_v it_o i_o dare_v not_o say_v that_o i_o have_v as_o yet_o hearty_o accept_v of_o thou_o as_o thou_o be_v offer_v in_o the_o gospel_n but_o since_o thou_o be_v still_o please_v to_o renew_v the_o offer_n lord_n i_o desire_v from_o the_o botrom_n of_o my_o soul_n to_o do_v it_o now_o o_o do_v thou_o keep_v this_o in_o the_o imagination_n of_o the_o thought_n of_o my_o heart_n and_o prepare_v my_o heart_n into_o thou_o 1_o chron._n 29.18_o direct_v 5._o let_v not_o the_o sense_n of_o your_o present_a want_n nor_o the_o fear_n you_o be_v under_o make_v you_o forget_v or_o undervalue_v the_o mercy_n which_o you_o have_v receive_v what_o though_o you_o have_v not_o the_o special_a comfort_n of_o assurance_n have_v you_o therefore_o nothing_o to_o bless_a god_n for_o have_v he_o not_o in_o some_o measure_n awaken_v you_o from_o the_o gross_a and_o brutish_a stupidity_n of_o a_o carnal_a unregenerate_a state_n and_o make_v you_o solicitous_a about_o your_o spiritual_a and_o eternal_a concern_v have_v he_o not_o follow_v you_o with_o the_o offer_v of_o his_o grace_n and_o the_o strive_n of_o his_o spirit_n from_o one_o ordinance_n and_o providence_n to_o another_o have_v he_o not_o give_v you_o some_o tendency_n of_o soul_n towards_o he_o some_o desire_n after_o he_o some_o breathe_n and_o long_n for_o a_o interest_n in_o he_o do_v he_o not_o still_o wait_v to_o be_v further_a gracious_a to_o you_o be_v not_o the_o arm_n of_o his_o love_n and_o grace_n stretch_v forth_o towards_o you_o and_o ready_a to_o embrace_v you_o do_v he_o not_o offer_v to_o take_v you_o by_o the_o hand_n and_o reach_v you_o to_o go_v what_o say_v you_o to_o all_o this_o be_v there_o no_o tribuâ—e_n of_o thankfulness_n due_a for_o so_o much_o kindness_n do_v you_o think_v he_o will_v take_v it_o well_o at_o your_o hand_n that_o so_o great_a favour_n shall_v be_v extenuate_v and_o make_v nothing_o of_o by_o you_o as_o if_o he_o have_v be_v a_o wilderness_n or_o a_o land_n of_o darkness_n to_o you_o jer._n 2.31_o how_o can_v you_o entertain_v hard_a thought_n of_o so_o good_a a_o god_n how_o can_v you_o affect_v estrangedness_n from_o he_o any_o long_o be_v ingratitude_n for_o what_o you_o have_v receive_v the_o way_n to_o get_v more_o or_o rather_o to_o forfeit_v what_o you_o have_v already_o do_v you_o not_o know_v that_o to_o be_v much_o in_o thankfulness_n will_v familiarize_v and_o sweeten_v the_o thought_n of_o god_n to_o you_o and_o shall_v not_o ingenuity_n itself_o teach_v you_o to_o acknowledge_v his_o favour_n will_v not_o this_o mighty_o tend_v to_o drive_v away_o that_o darkness_n fear_v and_o bitterness_n of_o spirit_n whereof_o you_o be_v still_o complain_v sure_o the_o near_a you_o get_v to_o god_n in_o the_o exercise_n of_o love_n and_o praise_n the_o more_o your_o cloud_n and_o doubt_n will_v vanish_v the_o remembrance_n of_o mercy_n and_o kindness_n receive_v be_v in_o its_o own_o nature_n pleasant_a and_o refresh_a to_o the_o soul_n and_o the_o more_o you_o own_v he_o the_o more_o light_a and_o comfort_v you_o may_v expect_v from_o he_o what_o though_o you_o have_v not_o all_o that_o you_o can_v wish_v it_o be_v certain_a you_o have_v much_o more_o than_o you_o deserve_v yea_o contrary_a to_o your_o ill-deserving_n therefore_o i_o say_v thank_v god_n hearty_o for_o what_o you_o have_v receive_v and_o do_v not_o forget_v his_o benefit_n direct_v 6._o observe_v well_o whether_o your_o own_o safety_n and_o comfort_n be_v not_o too_o eager_o look_v at_o in_o your_o desire_n after_o assurance_n while_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n any_o glory_n which_o may_v redound_v to_o god_n thereby_o be_v but_o cold_o or_o not_o at_o all_o regard_v it_o much_o concern_v you_o that_o your_o end_n and_o aim_n be_v right_o order_v and_o settle_v in_o this_o matter_n carnal_a self_n too_o oft_o intrude_v into_o and_o so_o corrupt_v our_o desire_n even_o after_o spiritual_a thing_n watch_v your_o heart_n narrow_o here_o it_o be_v ten_o to_o one_o but_o you_o find_v they_o very_o faulty_a our_o own_o welfare_n and_o peace_n may_v indeed_o be_v aim_v at_o but_o in_o full_a subordination_n to_o the_o divine_a glory_n what_o be_v the_o interest_n of_o a_o worm_n to_o the_o honour_n and_o interest_n of_o the_o great_a god_n how_o can_v you_o expect_v to_o prosper_v while_o self_n be_v so_o much_o look_v at_o and_o god_n so_o little_a know_v you_o not_o that_o even_o your_o soul_n themselves_o and_o all_o their_o hope_n and_o comfort_n must_v be_v entire_o submit_v to_o his_o all-comprehending_a interest_n well_o then_o let_v i_o ask_v you_o what_o be_v it_o that_o make_v you_o so_o desirous_a after_o assurance_n be_v it_o only_o that_o you_o may_v be_v more_o safe_a or_o that_o you_o may_v be_v more_o serviceable_a that_o your_o mind_n may_v be_v more_o quiet_a or_o that_o you_o may_v with_o more_o heart_n and_o vigour_n lie_v out_o yourselves_o for_o god_n in-praise_n thankfulness_n and_o obedience_n if_o it_o be_v the_o honour_n of_o god_n that_o you_o design_n in_o it_o know_v that_o he_o be_v glorify_v by_o the_o humility_n self-resignedness_a patience_n and_o constancy_n of_o his_o servant_n even_o when_o they_o be_v under_o great_a doubt_n and_o fear_n and_o this_o he_o expect_v from_o you_o as_o most_o suitable_a to_o your_o present_a circumstance_n you_o must_v not_o expect_v all_o plain_a way_n god_n be_v wont_a to_o make_v man_n feel_v the_o bitterness_n of_o their_o former_a disobedience_n and_o to_o lay_v they_o low_o in_o self-abhorrence_a before_o he_o build_v they_o high_a in_o comfort_n and_o assurance_n he_o delight_v in_o glorify_v his_o grace_n and_o power_n by_o support_v his_o people_n under_o their_o fear_n and_o conflict_n as_o well_o as_o in_o refresh_v they_o with_o the_o joy_n and_o comfort_n of_o his_o holy_a spirit_n and_o be_v you_o not_o willing_a to_o submit_v to_o his_o method_n here_o be_v carnal_a self_n with_o a_o witness_n what_o may_v he_o not_o do_v what_o he_o will_v with_o his_o own_o remember_v the_o disciple_n in_o christ_n school_n be_v not_o all_o of_o one_o stand_v it_o be_v enough_o that_o all_o the_o sincere_a be_v in_o safe_a hand_n labour_v therefore_o rather_o to_o be_v sincere_a than_o to_o know_v that_o you_o be_v so_o direct_v 7._o lay_v not_o too_o great_a a_o stress_n upon_o the_o stir_n of_o affection_n and_o the_o passionate_a feel_n thereof_o in_o religious_a exercise_n these_o be_v no_o sure_a mark_n to_o judge_n of_o your_o state_n by_o because_o they_o ebb_v and_o flow_v various_o according_a to_o the_o temper_n and_o disposition_n
be_v fit_a god_n shall_v have_v the_o glory_n of_o his_o own_o gift_n while_o you_o have_v the_o benefit_n and_o comfort_n of_o they_o this_o be_v the_o way_n to_o receive_v more_o to_o he_o that_o have_v shall_v be_v give_v sit_v down_o and_o consider_v serious_o cast_v about_o in_o your_o mind_n what_o shall_v i_o do_v to_o promote_v the_o honour_n and_o interest_n of_o that_o god_n who_o have_v do_v so_o much_o for_o i_o can_v you_o form_v no_o project_n for_o great_a servicableness_n i_o will_v try_v if_o i_o can_v help_v you_o by_o and_o by_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n resolve_v to_o walk_v with_o god_n more_o humble_o strict_o and_o watchful_o than_o ever_o yet_o you_o have_v do_v and_o joyful_o to_o embrace_v every_o opportunity_n which_o it_o shall_v please_v god_n to_o put_v into_o your_o hand_n to_o testify_v your_o thankfulness_n by_o humble_a and_o self-denying_a obedience_n it_o be_v true_a god_n need_v not_o you_o you_o can_v be_v profitable_a unto_o he_o but_o it_o be_v as_o true_a that_o he_o expect_v all_o this_o from_o you_o as_o a_o due_a expression_n of_o the_o gratitude_n and_o ingenuity_n of_o a_o honest_a heart_n though_o you_o can_v profit_v he_o yet_o obedient_a you_o must_v be_v and_o beside_o sovereign_a authority_n you_o have_v many_o indear_v obligation_n thereto_o i_o will_v show_v you_o present_o that_o you_o need_v not_o want_v work_n but_o will_v endeavour_v first_o to_o fortify_v you_o against_o the_o difficulty_n of_o it_o direct_v 4._o let_v patience_n have_v its_o perfect_a work_n we_o have_v need_n of_o this_o grace_n at_o every_o turn_n the_o race_n set_v before_o we_o will_v never_o be_v finish_v nor_o scarce_o one_o step_n right_o take_v without_o it_o heb._n 12.1_o we_o must_v expect_v to_o meet_v with_o many_o affliction_n psal_n 34.19_o which_o can_v be_v bear_v nor_o improve_v as_o they_o ought_v without_o patience_n whether_o they_o be_v such_o as_o come_v more_o immediate_o from_o the_o hand_n of_o god_n shall_v we_o not_o be_v subject_a to_o the_o father_n of_o spirit_n and_o live_v heb._n 12.9_o q._n d._n we_o must_v be_v subject_a our_o life_n lie_v on_o it_o to_o mutiny_n be_v mortal_a as_o one_o gloss_n upon_o the_o place_n it_o be_v the_o lord_n let_v he_o do_v what_o seem_v good_a in_o his_o eye_n when_o god_n be_v glorify_v himself_o in_o correct_v we_o we_o must_v with_o aaron_n hold_v our_o peace_n leu._n 10.3_o be_v still_o and_o know_v that_o he_o be_v god_n dumb_a and_o not_o open_v our_o mouth_n because_o he_o do_v it_o if_o we_o be_v afflict_v by_o the_o pride_n or_o malice_n of_o man_n here_o again_o we_o have_v need_n of_o patience_n that_o we_o fret_v not_o ourselves_o because_o of_o evil-doer_n nor_o entertain_v any_o peevish_a revengful_a thought_n against_o they_o there_o be_v more_o of_o christianity_n in_o this_o than_o most_o professor_n think_v of_o to_o be_v habitual_o dispose_v to_o bless_v those_o that_o curse_v we_o and_o to_o overcome_v evil_a with_o good_n and_o indeed_o we_o shall_v never_o be_v able_a to_o bear_v the_o contradiction_n of_o sinner_n without_o faint_v in_o our_o mind_n except_o we_o exercise_v patience_n and_o eye_n the_o example_n of_o christ_n heb._n 12.2_o 3._o again_o be_v we_o assault_v by_o the_o temptation_n of_o satan_n we_o shall_v never_o conquer_v without_o patience_n moreover_o we_o have_v need_n of_o patience_n to_o carry_v we_o through_o the_o religious_a duty_n to_o which_o we_o be_v daily_o call_v because_o our_o sluggish_a heart_n be_v still_o draw_v back_o from_o duty_n and_o be_v prone_a to_o grow_v weary_a of_o it_o and_o reluctate_v against_o it_o these_o fruit_n of_o righteousness_n will_v be_v blast_v or_o miserable_o impair_v if_o not_o bring_v forth_o with_o patience_n luke_n 8.15_o so_o pronâ—_n be_v we_o to_o be_v weary_a of_o well-doing_n last_o we_o have_v need_n of_o patience_n that_o after_o we_o have_v do_v the_o will_n of_o god_n we_o may_v receive_v the_o promise_n heb._n 10.36_o that_o we_o may_v wait_v god_n time_n for_o our_o glorious_a reward_n the_o wise_a man_n tell_v we_o prov._n 13.12_o hope_v deser_v make_v the_o heart_n sick_a it_o be_v patience_n therefore_o that_o must_v keep_v we_o from_o faint_v o_o what_o need_n have_v we_o to_o pray_v that_o the_o lord_n will_v direct_v our_o heart_n into_o the_o love_n of_o god_n and_o into_o the_o patient_a wait_a for_o christ_n 2_o thess_n 3.5_o direct_v 5._o put_v on_o bowel_n of_o compassion_n to_o the_o soul_n of_o other_o say_v not_o with_o cain_n be_o i_o my_o brother_n keeper_n nor_o yet_o think_v that_o minister_n only_o be_v oblige_v to_o promote_v the_o common_a salvation_n methinks_v you_o shall_v be_v desirous_a to_o take_v as_o many_o along_o with_o you_o to_o heaven_n as_o you_o can_v be_v you_o not_o teach_v to_o pray_v that_o the_o name_n of_o god_n may_v be_v â—allowed_v his_o kingdom_n come_v and_o his_o will_v be_v do_v in_o earth_n as_o it_o be_v in_o heaven_n and_o must_v not_o these_o prayer_n be_v second_v with_o suitable_a endeayour_n in_o your_o place_n strive_v to_o help_v on_o other_o will_v be_v a_o mean_n to_o exercise_v and_o increase_v your_o own_o grace_n and_o to_o advance_v your_o comfort_n it_o will_v be_v a_o sign_n that_o you_o love_v christ_n sincere_o when_o you_o lay_v out_o yourselves_o to_o promote_v his_o interest_n and_o since_o god_n have_v have_v compassion_n upon_o you_o ought_v you_o not_o to_o have_v some_o compassion_n upon_o your_o brethren_n i_o know_v the_o devil_n will_v do_v his_o utmost_a to_o oppose_v you_o but_o you_o must_v be_v arm_v with_o resolution_n and_o patience_n there_o be_v more_o with_o you_o than_o against_o you_o when_o you_o meet_v with_o any_o that_o be_v buffet_v with_o temptation_n perplex_v with_o doubt_n and_o fear_n remember_v it_o may_v have_v be_v your_o own_o case_n labour_v therefore_o to_o administer_v comfort_n to_o they_o by_o religious_a conference_n communication_n of_o experience_n and_o all_o other_o proper_a mean_n that_o fall_v in_o your_o way_n do_v not_o despise_v the_o mean_a of_o they_o and_o then_o as_o for_o those_o that_o be_v in_o a_o unregenerate_a state_n how_o can_v you_o look_v upon_o they_o and_o not_o be_v deep_o concern_v for_o they_o the_o less_o they_o pity_v themselves_o the_o great_a object_n of_o your_o pity_n if_o the_o child_n of_o israel_n be_v oblige_v to_o be_v kind_a to_o stranger_n and_o not_o to_o vex_v or_o oppress_v they_o because_o they_o themselves_o have_v be_v such_o in_o the_o land_n of_o egypt_n and_o therefore_o know_v the_o heart_n of_o a_o stranger_n exod._n 23.9_o levit._fw-la 34._o o_o then_o what_o reason_n have_v you_o to_o pity_v those_o that_o be_v in_o a_o unconverted_a estate_n estrange_v from_o god_n it_o be_v once_o your_o own_o case_n you_o can_v but_o know_v what_o a_o dead_a dark_a disaffect_v thing_n the_o heart_n of_o such_o a_o person_n be_v how_o obdurate_a and_o senseless_a o_o think_v what_o they_o be_v do_v and_o whither_o they_o be_v go_v if_o infinite_a mercy_n do_v not_o prevent_v happy_a you_o if_o you_o can_v help_v to_o save_v one_o soul_n from_o hell_n but_o let_v i_o urge_v this_o point_n somewhat_o more_o distinct_o 1._o begin_v with_o those_o that_o be_v under_o your_o special_a care_n and_o charge_n if_o these_o perish_v through_o your_o neglect_n look_v you_o to_o it_o their_o blood_n will_v be_v require_v at_o your_o hand_n those_o of_o you_o that_o have_v family_n think_v how_o much_o you_o have_v to_o do_v for_o god_n in_o they_o it_o may_v be_v some_o of_o you_o will_v say_v we_o keep_v up_o religious_a exercise_n in_o our_o house_n viz._n pray_v read_v the_o scripture_n and_o sing_v the_o praise_n of_o god_n i_o answer_v thus_o far_o be_v well_o i_o wish_v more_o can_v say_v so_o too_o but_o this_o be_v not_o all_o that_o you_o have_v to_o do_v child_n and_o servant_n be_v to_o be_v deal_v with_o plain_o familiar_o and_o tender_o by_o you_o with_o all_o the_o skill_n and_o application_n you_o can_v in_o order_n to_o the_o salvation_n of_o their_o soul_n i_o must_v not_o stay_v to_o give_v you_o particular_a direction_n honest_a heart_n and_o a_o sincere_a desire_n to_o do_v their_o soul_n good_a will_v soon_o put_v you_o in_o a_o way_n to_o do_v it_o 2._o you_o have_v a_o great_a deal_n to_o do_v for_o the_o soul_n of_o your_o neighbour_n be_v not_o many_o of_o they_o ignorant_a carnal_a and_o ungodly_a can_v you_o contrive_v no_o way_n to_o be_v helpful_a to_o they_o have_v you_o no_o particular_a interest_n in_o some_o of_o they_o have_v they_o no_o dependence_n upon_o you_o be_v they_o under_o no_o special_a obligation_n to_o you_o why_o be_v not_o all_o these_o advantage_n improve_v for_o god_n can_v you_o see_v they_o
praeparatio_fw-la evangelica_n or_o a_o plain_a and_o practical_a discourse_n concern_v the_o soul_n preparation_n for_o a_o bless_a eternity_n be_v the_o substance_n of_o several_a sermon_n preach_v at_o leeds_n by_o timothy_n manlove_n minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n heb._n 12.14_o follow_v peace_n with_o all_o man_n and_o holiness_n without_o which_o no_o man_n shall_v see_v the_o lord_n 1_o joh._n 4.16_o god_n be_v love_n and_o he_o that_o dwell_v in_o love_n dwell_v in_o god_n and_o god_n in_o he_o heb._n 2.3_o how_o shall_v we_o escape_v if_o we_o neglect_v so_o great_a salvation_n london_n print_v for_o nevil_n simmons_n bookseller_n in_o sheffield_n yorkshire_n and_o sell_v by_o george_n conier_n at_o the_o ring_n in_o little_a britain_n 1698._o to_o the_o diligent_a and_o serious_a reader_n cvstom_n oblige_v i_o to_o say_v something_o by_o way_n of_o preface_n and_o the_o weight_n of_o the_o subject_a before_o we_o be_v such_o as_o require_v the_o utmost_a diligence_n to_o press_v the_o serious_a consideration_n of_o it_o upon_o all_o to_o who_o it_o be_v present_v that_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n be_v in_o its_o own_o nature_n fit_v for_o immortality_n be_v capable_a of_o subsist_v and_o act_v in_o a_o state_n of_o separation_n from_o the_o body_n and_o therefore_o design_v thereto_o be_v a_o truth_n common_o acknowledge_v among_o christian_n yea_o and_o among_o pagan_n too_o as_o i_o have_v prove_v at_o large_a in_o a_o former_a treatise_n now_o if_o this_o be_v a_o truth_n it_o be_v certain_o a_o very_a important_a one_o how_o little_a soever_o consider_v by_o the_o unthinking_a world_n must_v we_o live_v for_o ever_o sure_o it_o high_o concern_v we_o to_o examine_v whither_o we_o be_v go_v what_o state_n wâ—_n be_v like_a to_o enter_v upon_o when_o the_o uncertain_a term_n of_o our_o present_a life_n shall_v be_v at_o a_o end_n shall_v it_o be_v well_o or_o ilâ—_n with_o we_o to_o all_o eternity_n the_o resolution_n of_o this_o great_a question_n depend_v upon_o our_o behaviour_n whilâ—_n we_o be_v in_o the_o body_n for_o accora_v to_o that_o we_o must_v be_v judge_v whether_o it_o bâ—_n good_a or_o bad_a 2_o cor._n 5.10_o the_o goodness_n or_o wickedness_n of_o ouâ—_n action_n be_v to_o be_v measure_v by_o their_o agreeableness_n or_o disagreeableness_n to_o thâ—_n divine_a law_n which_o be_v norma_fw-la officiâ—_n &_o judicii_fw-la a_o rule_n to_o live_v by_o and_o by_o which_o we_o must_v be_v judge_v the_o duty_n which_o god_n have_v enjoinâ—_n be_v such_o as_o in_o their_o own_o nature_n do_v manifest_o tend_v to_o qualify_v and_o fâ—â—_n we_o for_o that_o eternal_a blessedness_n which_o he_o have_v prepare_v for_o his_o holy_a one_o it_o be_v therefore_o of_o great_a consequence_n to_o understand_v in_o some_o competent_a measure_n the_o nature_n of_o the_o heavenly_a felicity_n because_o the_o more_o clear_a and_o distinct_a our_o apprehension_n be_v in_o this_o matter_n the_o more_o will_v our_o heart_n be_v raise_v to_o desire_v it_o and_o our_o endeavour_n quicken_v in_o the_o pursuit_n of_o it_o and_o the_o better_a we_o shall_v understand_v the_o way_n that_o lead_v to_o it_o the_o absolute_a necessity_n of_o holiness_n in_o order_n to_o our_o everlasting_a happiness_n be_v rather_o confess_v than_o well_o understand_v by_o the_o generality_n of_o those_o that_o bear_v the_o christian_a name_n and_o this_o not_o for_o want_v of_o suitable_a mean_n and_o help_v in_o order_n to_o such_o knowledge_n but_o for_o want_v of_o heart_n to_o use_v they_o prov._n 17.16_o man_n thought_n be_v otherwise_o take_v up_o and_o their_o carnal_a mind_n be_v averse_a from_o consideration_n of_o this_o nature_n that_o holiness_n be_v necessary_a because_o god_n have_v command_v it_o be_v a_o very_a great_a truth_n and_o nothing_o but_o the_o truth_n but_o yet_o it_o be_v not_o the_o whole_a truth_n neither_o for_o beside_o this_o legal_a necessity_n of_o it_o there_o be_v also_o a_o natural_a necessity_n in_o the_o case_n it_o be_v as_o impossible_a in_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n that_o we_o shall_v be_v happy_a without_o be_v holy_a as_o that_o a_o blind_a man_n shall_v be_v delight_v with_o colour_n or_o one_o that_o be_v deaf_a with_o sound_n and_o harmony_n and_o this_o will_v appear_v if_o we_o consider_v what_o it_o be_v that_o must_v make_v a_o rational_a immortal_a spirit_n complete_o bless_v namely_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o the_o most_o holy_a glorious_a bless_a god_n whereunto_o a_o unholy_a soul_n be_v utter_o indispose_v and_o disaffect_v and_o therefore_o can_v be_v happy_a till_o its_o temper_n be_v alter_v and_o make_v suitable_a to_o the_o object_n that_o be_v holy_a the_o saint_n in_o glory_n be_v take_v up_o with_o god_n admire_a love_a praise_v and_o delight_v in_o he_o as_o their_o chief_a good_a their_o only_a soul-satisfying_a portion_n yea_o and_o as_o infinite_o and_o amiable_o good_a in_o himself_o and_o withal_o enjoy_v the_o most_o sweet_a and_o refresh_a sense_n of_o his_o love_n to_o they_o without_o any_o cloud_n darkness_n or_o interruption_n now_o this_o kind_n of_o happiness_n be_v no_o way_n suitable_a to_o the_o genius_n and_o disposition_n of_o a_o unsanctified_a heart_n and_o how_o shall_v a_o man_n be_v happy_a while_o his_o very_a soul_n be_v averse_a to_o and_o at_o enmity_n against_o that_o which_o alone_o can_v make_v he_o so_o this_o be_v the_o woeful_a case_n of_o the_o far_o great_a part_n of_o the_o world_n which_o loud_o call_v for_o our_o deep_a lamentation_n over_o it_o and_o our_o utmost_a endeavour_n to_o redress_v it_o to_o this_o purpose_n i_o have_v thought_n meet_v to_o publish_v the_o follow_a discourse_n wherein_o i_o have_v labour_v to_o lay_v open_a our_o way_n and_o our_o end_n begin_v with_o the_o latter_a according_a to_o the_o order_n of_o intention_n i_o have_v therefore_o first_o lay_v down_o a_o short_a plain_a scriptural_a account_n of_o that_o bless_a state_n reserve_v in_o heaven_n for_o true_a believer_n and_o then_o proceed_v to_o open_v the_o nature_n of_o that_o great_a work_n of_o grace_n whereby_o we_o must_v be_v prepare_v wrought_v or_o make_v meet_v for_o that_o state_n each_o of_o these_o give_v light_a to_o the_o other_o the_o end_n and_o way_n be_v so_o near_o akin_a that_o they_o differ_v rather_o in_o degree_n than_o in_o kind_n grace_n be_v glory_n begin_v glory_n be_v grace_n perfect_v if_o these_o thing_n be_v well_o weigh_v and_o compare_v together_o the_o advantage_n will_v be_v very_o great_a every_o way_n give_v i_o leave_v to_o mention_v some_o few_o particular_n 1._o this_o will_v effectual_o put_v to_o silence_v the_o ignorant_a cavil_n of_o foolish_a man_n who_o complain_v that_o the_o way_n of_o holiness_n be_v too_o strict_a and_o precise_a for_o they_o do_v they_o but_o better_a know_v what_o the_o bless_a above_o be_v do_v and_o what_o they_o be_v enjoy_v they_o will_v quick_o see_v reason_n to_o conclude_v that_o the_o great_a diligence_n and_o care_n we_o can_v use_v be_v all_o little_a enough_o to_o ripen_v we_o for_o so_o holy_a so_o glorious_a so_o perfect_a a_o state_n 2._o it_o will_v certain_o pull_v down_o the_o groundless_a presumption_n of_o self-deceiving_a hypocrite_n who_o promise_v to_o themselves_o heaven_n at_o last_o though_o they_o be_v utter_a stranger_n to_o that_o vital_a power_n of_o religion_n without_o which_o there_o be_v no_o come_n thither_o no_o wonder_n that_o man_n who_o hope_v for_o they_o know_v not_o what_o hereafter_o live_v they_o know_v not_o or_o care_v not_o how_o while_o they_o be_v here_o but_o whatsoever_o a_o man_n sow_n that_o shall_v he_o also_o reap_v gal._n 6.7_o 3._o this_o will_v also_o show_v we_o what_o way_n and_o manner_n of_o religious_a worship_n be_v like_a to_o be_v most_o acceptable_a to_o god_n and_o advantageous_a to_o ourselves_o viz._n that_o which_o tend_v most_o to_o refine_v and_o spiritualise_v our_o heart_n and_o so_o to_o fit_v they_o for_o heaven_n 4._o and_o consequent_o what_o end_v we_o ought_v to_o propose_v to_o ourselves_o in_o every_o religious_a duty_n namely_o that_o we_o may_v get_v as_o near_o unto_o god_n and_o be_v as_o inward_a with_o he_o as_o possible_o we_o can_v till_o we_o come_v to_o the_o state_n of_o full_a and_o perfect_a communion_n with_o he_o 5._o and_o what_o need_v there_o be_v of_o divine_a grace_n to_o elevate_v and_o raise_v our_o heart_n to_o such_o high_a and_o holy_a thing_n as_o these_o alas_o what_o poor_a work_n shall_v we_o make_v with_o spiritual_a thing_n if_o we_o be_v leave_v to_o ourselves_o 6._o this_o will_v great_o support_v the_o people_n of_o god_n under_o the_o difficulty_n of_o their_o present_a state_n and_o work_n their_o spiritual_a conflict_n will_v soon_o be_v over_o and_o heaven_n will_v make_v amends_o for_o all_o the_o end_n to_o which_o the_o despise_a way_n of_o
there_o be_v but_o they_o know_v not_o well_o what_o which_o they_o pretend_v to_o desire_v under_o that_o name_n carnal_a they_o be_v and_o therefore_o savour_v not_o the_o thing_n of_o the_o spirit_n the_o spirit_n â—f_a their_o mind_n be_v inward_o and_o deep_o disaffect_v towards_o god_n enmity_n even_o in_o the_o abstract_n against_o he_o alienate_v from_o he_o no_o pulse_n no_o breathe_v no_o tendency_n towards_o he_o they_o care_v not_o for_o come_v near_o he_o but_o glad_o will_v if_o they_o know_v how_o secure_v themselves_o from_o he_o their_o thought_n and_o affection_n be_v take_v up_o with_o other_o object_n their_o time_n and_o strength_n be_v lay_v out_o in_o pamper_v and_o care_v for_o that_o flesh_n which_o they_o carry_v to_o and_o fro_o with_o they_o and_o therefore_o they_o love_v the_o world_n as_o afford_v suitable_a provision_n for_o it_o but_o the_o love_n of_o the_o father_n be_v not_o in_o they_o this_o their_o way_n be_v their_o folly_n yet_o their_o posterity_n approve_v their_o say_n psal_n 49.13_o and_o now_o judge_v you_o whether_o such_o person_n be_v fit_a for_o the_o heavenly_a state_n or_o no_o review_v the_o description_n which_o have_v be_v give_v of_o it_o what!_o shall_v man_n imagine_v themselves_o meet_a for_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o god_n so_o long_o as_o they_o hate_v he_o industrious_o exclude_v he_o from_o their_o thought_n avoid_v all_o acquaintance_n with_o he_o prefer_v the_o most_o empty_a trifle_n before_o he_o persist_v in_o wilful_a rebellion_n against_o he_o how_o shall_v this_o be_v at_o how_o vast_a a_o distance_n be_v such_o man_n from_o happiness_n certain_o as_o one_o say_v the_o notion_n and_o nature_n of_o blessedness_n must_v be_v change_v or_o else_o the_o temper_n of_o their_o spirit_n either_o they_o must_v have_v new_a heart_n create_v or_o a_o new_a heaven_n if_o ever_o they_o be_v happy_a 2._o let_v we_o inquire_v a_o little_a how_o the_o nature_n of_o man_n come_v to_o be_v so_o deprave_v and_o unfit_a for_o its_o happiness_n and_o end_n certain_a we_o be_v that_o from_o the_o beginning_n it_o be_v not_o so_o god_n make_v man_n upright_o but_o he_o quick_o lose_v his_o integrity_n by_o withdraw_a himself_n from_o his_o dear_a dependence_n upon_o and_o subjection_n to_o his_o maker_n he_o will_v needs_o have_v his_o concern_v in_o his_o own_o hand_n and_o be_v at_o his_o own_o disposal_n thus_o he_o seek_v out_o many_o invention_n change_v his_o ultimate_a end_n fall_v from_o god_n to_o himself_o and_o so_o become_v unholy_a and_o unhappy_a both_o at_o once_o and_o be_v upon_o the_o very_a brink_n of_o the_o extreme_a misery_n and_o past_o all_o hope_n of_o recovery_n if_o infinite_a wisdom_n and_o goodness_n have_v not_o step_v in_o to_o his_o relief_n thus_o by_o one_o man_n sin_n enter_v into_o the_o world_n by_o this_o woeful_a apostasy_n human_a nature_n become_v so_o corrupt_v this_o it_o be_v that_o introduce_v those_o wretched_a distemper_n of_o spirit_n which_o make_v man_n so_o unfit_a for_o heaven_n as_o you_o have_v hear_v hence_o it_o be_v that_o by_o nature_n we_o be_v child_n of_o wrath._n who_o can_v bring_v a_o clean_a thing_n out_o of_o a_o unclean_a our_o first_o parent_n can_v not_o transmit_v to_o their_o posterity_n that_o holiness_n and_o purity_n of_o nature_n even_o that_o holy_a image_n of_o god_n which_o they_o have_v lose_v themselves_o therefore_o we_o be_v estrange_v from_o god_n even_o from_o the_o womb_n shape_v in_o iniquity_n and_o conceive_v in_o sin_n and_o for_o that_o reason_n not_o fit_a for_o the_o heavenly_a glory_n till_o we_o have_v receive_v a_o new_a nature_n i._n e._n till_o we_o be_v wrought_v for_o this_o selfsame_a thing_n so_o necessary_a it_o be_v that_o a_o mighty_a change_n pass_v upon_o we_o to_o prepare_v we_o for_o a_o bless_a eternity_n and_o indeed_o the_o very_a nature_n of_o that_o change_n be_v not_o obscure_o intimate_v and_o point_v at_o in_o what_o have_v be_v speak_v which_o now_o we_o come_v more_o large_o and_o distinct_o to_o treat_v of_o chap._n iii_o a_o further_a enquiry_n into_o the_o nature_n of_o that_o great_a change_n whereby_o the_o soul_n of_o believer_n be_v wrought_v and_o prepare_v for_o heaven_n i_o know_v not_o who_o thou_o be_v that_o read_v these_o line_n but_o if_o this_o kind_n of_o doctrine_n seem_v strange_a or_o uncouth_a to_o thou_o as_o most_o thing_n do_v that_o be_v not_o after_o the_o common_a mode_n i_o counsel_v thou_o to_o shut_v the_o book_n stopâ—_n little_a and_o before_o thou_o proceed_v any_o further_a consider_v well_o what_o thou_o have_v read_v already_o particular_o what_o have_v be_v deliver_v concern_v the_o blessedness_n of_o holy_a soul_n in_o heaven_n namely_o that_o it_o consist_v in_o a_o perfect_a fitness_n for_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o god_n and_o in_o the_o actual_a enjoyment_n of_o he_o in_o know_v he_o love_v he_o delight_v and_o rest_v in_o he_o admire_v adore_a serve_v and_o praise_v he_o to_o all_o eternity_n and_o in_o receive_v the_o most_o sweet_a and_o refresh_a influence_n and_o communication_n from_o he_o digest_v this_o well_o form_n as_o distinct_a a_o conception_n of_o it_o as_o thou_o can_v and_o then_o put_v the_o question_n to_o thy_o own_o reason_n what_o kind_n of_o preparation_n seem_v necessary_a to_o fit_v a_o man_n for_o such_o a_o happiness_n as_o this_o and_o especial_o ask_v thyself_o how_o shall_v a_o man_n heart_n be_v dispose_v and_o affect_v towards_o god_n in_o this_o world_n that_o he_o may_v be_v qualify_v for_o perfect_a happiness_n and_o rest_n in_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o god_n in_o a_o better_a world_n think_v well_o how_o thou_o will_v answer_v this_o question_n as_o if_o it_o be_v for_o thy_o life_n yea_o know_v that_o the_o life_n of_o thy_o soul_n be_v concern_v in_o it_o this_o by_o god_n blessing_n will_v prepare_v thou_o to_o understand_v and_o believe_v what_o i_o be_o about_o to_o offer_v to_o thou_o but_o if_o thou_o will_v not_o exercise_v thy_o reason_n as_o a_o man_n i_o expect_v not_o thou_o shall_v become_v a_o sincere_a christian_a for_o let_v i_o tell_v thou_o serious_a godliness_n or_o true_a christianity_n be_v the_o most_o rational_a manly_a thing_n in_o the_o world_n and_o now_o i_o proceed_v to_o the_o point_n in_o the_o follow_a method_n i._o i_o will_v set_v before_o you_o some_o general_a account_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o this_o great_a change_n ii_o i_o will_v endeavour_v to_o show_v you_o more_o distinct_o the_o several_a step_n whereby_o this_o bless_a work_n be_v begin_v carry_v on_o and_o perfect_v in_o the_o soul_n as_o for_o the_o first_o of_o these_o in_o general_a you_o may_v observe_v as_o follow_v i._o this_o great_a change_n consist_v in_o turn_v unto_o the_o lord_n from_o who_o we_o have_v so_o deep_o revolt_v we_o fall_v from_o god_n in_o the_o loin_n of_o our_o first_o parent_n as_o levi_n pay_v tithe_n in_o abraham_n heb._n 7.9_o 10._o we_o bring_v not_o original_a righteousness_n but_o nature_n exceed_o corrupt_v into_o the_o world_n with_o we_o and_o many_o actual_a transgression_n have_v proceed_v from_o that_o corruption_n so_o that_o our_o iniquity_n be_v become_v exceed_o sinful_a therefore_o we_o must_v be_v deep_o humble_v for_o the_o wickedness_n of_o our_o heart_n and_o life_n and_o so_o return_v unto_o the_o lord_n from_o who_o we_o be_v fall_v isa_n 55.7_o let_v the_o wicked_a forsake_v his_o way_n and_o the_o unrighteous_a man_n his_o thought_n and_o let_v he_o return_v unto_o the_o lord_n etc._n etc._n chap._n 1._o 16_o 17_o 18._o wash_v you_o make_v you_o clean_o put_v away_o the_o evil_a of_o your_o do_n cease_v to_o do_v evil_a learn_v to_o do_v well_o come_v now_o and_o let_v we_o reason_n together_o say_v the_o lord_z ezek._n 33.11_o as_o i_o live_v say_v the_o lord_n god_n i_o have_v no_o pleasure_n in_o the_o death_n of_o the_o wicked_a turn_v you_o turn_v you_o why_o will_v you_o die_v o_o sir_n you_o must_v turn_v or_o die_v all_o your_o idol_n must_v be_v renounce_v especial_o carnal_a self_n to_o which_o the_o rest_n be_v subservient_fw-fr whatever_o stand_v in_o competition_n or_o contrariety_n to_o god_n so_o far_o as_o it_o do_v so_o must_v be_v reject_v with_o the_o great_a abhorrence_n and_o detestation_n that_o you_o may_v cleave_v entire_o to_o he_o they_o that_o be_v far_o from_o god_n shall_v perish_v psal_n 73.27_o you_o must_v be_v bring_v near_o to_o he_o or_o else_o you_o can_v possible_o escape_v none_o but_o he_o can_v satisfy_v the_o vast_a desire_n of_o your_o soul_n how_o then_o shall_v you_o be_v happy_a while_o you_o affect_v a_o distance_n from_o he_o it_o be_v a_o perfect_a contradiction_n as_o shall_v be_v show_v in_o its_o proper_a place_n all_o our_o faculty_n and_o power_n must_v be_v wrought_v upon_o or_o
work_v our_o heart_n to_o that_o temper_n whereof_o the_o psalmist_n word_n be_v very_o expressive_a psal_n 73.25_o who_o have_v i_o in_o heaven_n but_o thou_o etc._n etc._n when_o this_o be_v do_v then_o be_v the_o heart_n of_o the_o old_a man_n break_v than_o the_o soul_n stand_v no_o long_o at_o such_o a_o unkind_a distance_n from_o god_n as_o it_o do_v before_o but_o be_v beget_v of_o he_o have_v a_o ingenious_a childlike_a affection_n towards_o he_o o_o my_o god_n i_o can_v resist_v no_o long_o thou_o be_v strong_a than_o i_o and_o have_v prevail_v thy_o love_n have_v overcome_v i_o victorious_a grace_n have_v get_v the_o day_n other_o lord_n beside_o thou_o have_v have_v dominion_n over_o i_o but_o by_o thou_o only_o will_v i_o make_v mention_n of_o thy_o name_n isa_n 26.13_o thus_o they_o cry_v abba_n father_n and_o feel_v at_o length_n how_o good_a it_o be_v to_o draw_v near_o to_o god_n psal_n 73.28_o in_o this_o it_o be_v that_o true_a grace_n holiness_n or_o real_a godliness_n do_v principal_o consist_v namely_o in_o such_o a_o inclination_n of_o the_o will_n towards_o god_n it_o be_v the_o give_v our_o heart_n to_o he_o which_o before_o be_v most_o unreasonable_o and_o wicked_o alienate_v from_o he_o it_o be_v this_o which_o he_o do_v especial_o call_v for_o insist_v upon_o and_o expect_v from_o we_o this_o he_o set_v most_o by_o and_o without_o it_o will_v not_o accept_v of_o any_o thing_n else_o that_o we_o can_v offer_v prov._n 23.26_o my_o son_n give_v i_o thy_o heart_n this_o be_v more_o than_o all_o whole_a barnt-offering_n and_o sacrifice_n mark_n 12.33_o thus_o the_o wander_a soul_n be_v bring_v back_o to_o its_o proper_a centre_n and_o best_n it_o be_v a_o honest_a friendly_a good-natured_a disposition_n of_o heart_n god-ward_n always_o temper_v with_o dutiful_a reverence_n to_o so_o adorable_a a_o majesty_n who_o need_v not_o such_o poor_a silly_a worm_n as_o we_o but_o will_v be_v gracious_a to_o who_o be_v will_v be_v gracious_a and_o will_v show_v mercy_n on_o who_o he_o will_v show_v mercy_n exod._n 33.19_o thus_o the_o design_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v to_o bring_v we_o into_o fellowship_n with_o god_n 1_o john_n 1.3_o that_o henceforth_o we_o may_v converse_v with_o he_o as_o our_o best_a and_o dear_a friend_n and_o confident_o expect_v from_o he_o all_o that_o kindness_n and_o faithfulness_n which_o belong_v to_o such_o a_o relation_n and_o what_o may_v we_o not_o hope_v for_o from_o such_o a_o friend_n such_o a_o father_n nothing_o shall_v be_v want_v that_o be_v fit_a for_o he_o to_o give_v or_o for_o we_o to_o receive_v luk._n 19.31_o son_n thou_o be_v ever_o with_o i_o and_o all_o that_o i_o have_v be_v thou_o the_o love_n of_o god_n to_o his_o people_n as_o one_o observe_v can_v by_o overset_v it_o know_v no_o difficulty_n the_o great_a the_o performance_n or_o vouchsafement_n the_o more_o suitable_a to_o divine_a love_n again_o this_o great_a change_n be_v a_o open_n of_o our_o heart_n towards_o god_n which_o before_o be_v shy_a reserve_v estrange_v shut_v up_o against_o he_o though_o they_o be_v always_o his_o by_o title_n yet_o not_o till_o now_o by_o consent_n before_o he_o have_v jus_o ad_fw-la rem_fw-la a_o right_a to_o they_o now_o he_o have_v jus_o in_o re_fw-mi a_o actual_a interest_n in_o they_o and_o possession_n of_o they_o the_o everlasting_a door_n be_v now_o open_v and_o the_o king_n of_o glory_n be_v enter_v in_o psal_n 24._o thus_o we_o give_v unto_o god_n the_o thing_n that_o be_v god_n how_o shall_v i_o make_v it_o plain_o it_o be_v a_o sincere_a deep_a inward_a hearty_a prevail_a love_n to_o he_o who_o be_v love_n and_o goodness_n itself_o this_o be_v the_o life_n and_o substance_n of_o all_o true_a religion_n the_o fulfil_n of_o the_o law_n in_o one_o word_n love_n without_o this_o thou_o have_v only_o the_o shadow_n of_o holiness_n but_o real_o art_n nothing_o 1_o cor._n 13.2_o the_o truth_n be_v the_o will_n be_v the_o first_o subject_n of_o moral_a good_a and_o evil_a it_o be_v turn_v from_o god_n by_o sin_n yea_o and_o set_v against_o he_o grace_n reduce_v and_o reconcile_v it_o to_o he_o again_o so_o that_o the_o tendency_n of_o the_o renew_a soul_n be_v towards_o god_n that_o it_o may_v know_v he_o more_o love_n and_o serve_v he_o better_o be_v bring_v yet_o near_o to_o he_o and_o more_o full_o conform_v to_o his_o will._n it_o detest_v all_o thought_n of_o happiness_n in_o which_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o god_n be_v not_o include_v or_o rather_o which_o be_v not_o whole_o include_v in_o that_o enjoyment_n he_o say_v unto_o the_o lord_n thou_o be_v my_o god_n i_o can_v take_v up_o with_o any_o thing_n else_o for_o my_o portion_n and_o supreme_a good_a my_o soul_n pant_v after_o thou_o long_v for_o thou_o and_o be_v even_o weary_a of_o itself_o to_o find_v any_o remnant_n of_o its_o old_a aversion_n from_o thou_o these_o be_v my_o daily_a groan_n o_o that_o i_o can_v ascend_v more_o send_v forth_o o_o lord_n thy_o powerful_a attractive_a love_n let_v that_o holy_a flame_n consume_v my_o dross_n that_o the_o noble_a part_n may_v know_v in_o home_n its_o rest_n it_o be_v all_o how_o precious_a be_v thy_o thought_n unto_o i_o o_o god_n how_o great_a be_v the_o sum_n of_o they_o i_o know_v in_o some_o measure_n long_o since_o that_o none_o but_o god_n can_v make_v i_o complete_o happy_a i_o have_v often_o hear_v of_o this_o by_o the_o hear_n of_o the_o ear_n but_o now_o i_o know_v it_o better_o my_o eye_n see_v it_o i_o find_v and_o feel_v that_o my_o soul_n be_v otherwise_o affect_v towards_o thou_o than_o iâ—_n be_v before_o thus_o the_o passage_n betwixt_o the_o head_n and_o heart_n be_v open_v thus_o the_o will_n be_v determine_v for_o god_n and_o those_o truth_n which_o before_o only_o hover_v in_o the_o brain_n or_o imagination_n sink_v down_o work_n into_o the_o very_a soul_n and_o attemper_v it_o to_o themselves_o i_o have_v be_v somewhat_o large_a upon_o this_o head_n but_o all_o be_v little_a enough_o to_o make_v unregenerate_a person_n understand_v these_o thing_n though_o still_o they_o pretend_v to_o love_v god_n but_o i_o proceed_v 4._o the_o sensitive_a passion_n or_o affection_n must_v also_o be_v sanctify_v so_o as_o to_o fall_v in_o with_o the_o superior_a faculty_n especial_o the_o will_n and_o be_v subservient_fw-fr to_o they_o in_o order_n to_o the_o great_a end_n of_o holiness_n or_o religion_n that_o be_v they_o must_v be_v devote_v unto_o god_n exercise_v upon_o he_o and_o for_o he_o the_o rational_a and_o sensitive_a appetite_n be_v so_o near_o connex_v at_o least_o in_o this_o life_n that_o the_o act_n of_o the_o former_a so_o far_o as_o we_o perceive_v they_o always_o take_v in_o somewhat_o of_o the_o latter_a and_o be_v common_o describe_v according_o moreover_o the_o passion_n of_o affection_n be_v ofttimes_o a_o occasion_n or_o mean_n to_o awaken_v and_o excite_v our_o reason_n and_o will_v to_o do_v their_o duty_n and_o therefore_o of_o exceed_v great_a use_n if_o right_o manage_v and_o improve_v and_o though_o the_o great_a work_n of_o grace_n lie_v principal_o in_o the_o high_a faculty_n of_o the_o soul_n as_o intellectual_a namely_o in_o the_o vital_a active_a power_n understanding_n and_o will_n and_o must_v there_o be_v main_o seek_v and_o inquire_v after_o viz._n whether_o we_o have_v a_o high_a estimation_n of_o god_n and_o do_v resolve_o and_o rational_o cleave_v to_o he_o endeavour_v to_o act_v suitable_o in_o our_o life_n and_o conversation_n etc._n etc._n again_o though_o it_o must_v be_v grant_v that_o our_o passion_n be_v not_o so_o apt_a to_o be_v move_v by_o spiritual_a and_o invisible_a object_n as_o by_o sensible_a thing_n that_o be_v near_o we_o etc._n etc._n and_o withal_o that_o they_o be_v many_o time_n strong_a where_o judgement_n be_v weak_a and_o very_o uncertain_a too_o as_o depend_v much_o upon_o the_o constitution_n of_o the_o body_n etc._n etc._n yet_o i_o must_v needs_o say_v that_o those_o person_n who_o affection_n move_v sensible_o and_o free_o towards_o other_o thing_n but_o scarce_o stir_v at_o all_o as_o to_o the_o best_a and_o high_a object_n be_v certain_o in_o a_o weak_a and_o languid_a state_n of_o soul_n if_o not_o quite_o dead_a if_o we_o be_v indeed_o rise_v with_o christ_n then_o as_o we_o ought_v so_o we_o shall_v in_o some_o measure_n set_v our_o affection_n on_o thing_n above_o col._n 3.1_o 2._o if_o the_o will_v be_v predominant_o for_o god_n it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v suppose_v but_o that_o the_o affection_n will_v in_o some_o degree_n go_v along_o with_o it_o and_o if_o they_o move_v but_o slow_o it_o will_v be_v matter_n of_o grief_n and_o will_v put_v we_o upon_o earnest_a strive_n to_o raise_v they_o to_o a_o
better_a frame_n it_o be_v past_a doubt_n that_o true_a grace_n tend_v in_o its_o own_o nature_n to_o heal_v all_o the_o disease_n of_o the_o soul_n to_o rectify_v all_o its_o faculty_n and_o power_n and_o so_o the_o passion_n and_o affection_n among_o the_o rest_n that_o be_v to_o take_v they_o off_o from_o wrong_a object_n to_o moderate_v their_o excess_n to_o turn_v they_o into_o a_o right_a channel_n nor_o be_v these_o tendency_n fruitless_a the_o effect_n be_v in_o part_n accomplish_v so_o far_o as_o this_o great_a change_n take_v place_n and_o prevail_v in_o the_o soul_n the_o affection_n of_o love_n desire_v joy_n delight_n hatred_n sorrow_n fear_v and_o the_o rest_n will_v be_v move_v towards_o their_o proper_a object_n and_o ends._n we_o shall_v hate_v and_o abhor_v what_o be_v displease_v to_o god_n mourn_v that_o we_o have_v so_o often_o offend_v earnest_o desire_v to_o be_v accept_v with_o he_o and_o to_o enjoy_v more_o of_o he_o hunger_n and_o thirst_n after_o righteousness_n and_o therefore_o we_o shall_v strive_v to_o love_n god_n more_o seel_o and_o so_o to_o rejoice_v and_o delight_v in_o he_o and_o though_o many_o impediment_n and_o difficulty_n arise_v in_o our_o way_n yet_o still_o grace_n will_v be_v tend_v to_o these_o thing_n and_o we_o be_v great_o want_v to_o ourselves_o if_o we_o do_v not_o daily_o endeavour_v to_o stir_v up_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n that_o be_v in_o we_o that_o all_o the_o power_n of_o our_o soul_n may_v be_v quicken_v more_o and_o more_o in_o their_o motion_n by_o it_o if_o we_o stay_v till_o our_o affection_n stir_v of_o themselves_o we_o may_v wait_v long_o enough_o it_o be_v our_o part_n active_o to_o concur_v with_o and_o by_o that_o gracious_a help_n which_o be_v afford_v we_o in_o order_n to_o the_o quicken_a and_o spiritualize_v of_o they_o and_o bring_v they_o more_o under_o the_o command_n of_o the_o will_n till_o at_o length_n they_o be_v accustom_a and_o enure_v to_o move_v more_o natural_o free_o and_o strong_o heaven-ward_n nor_o must_v we_o faint_v or_o be_v discourage_v though_o we_o find_v our_o heart_n sluggish_a and_o averse_a to_o such_o work_n as_o this_o we_o must_v persist_v in_o duty_n notwithstanding_o this_o indisposition_n and_o wait_v for_o god_n help_n in_o his_o own_o way_n yea_o we_o must_v cast_v ourselves_o into_o his_o arm_n though_o he_o may_v seem_v as_o it_o be_v to_o shut_v up_o himself_o from_o our_o prayer_n and_o to_o withhold_v the_o sweet_a influence_n of_o his_o grace_n it_o may_v be_v he_o withdraw_v to_o see_v how_o we_o will_v take_v it_o shall_v we_o not_o lament_v and_o follow_v so_o much_o the_o hard_a after_o he_o what_o though_o we_o have_v not_o sensible_a comfort_n let_v we_o stay_v ourselves_o on_o he_o and_o against_o hope_n believe_v in_o hope_n rom._n 4.18_o duty_n be_v sweet_a when_o recover_v out_o of_o the_o hand_n of_o temptation_n and_o difficulty_n we_o be_v bind_v but_o god_n be_v free_a what_o you_o want_v as_o to_o the_o ceiling_n of_o affection_n make_v out_o in_o deep_a and_o rational_a resolution_n for_o god_n and_o you_o will_v get_v ground_n even_o while_o you_o think_v you_o lose_v it_o 5._o even_o the_o body_n itself_o must_v be_v sanctify_v that_o be_v present_v or_o devote_v unto_o god_n and_o use_v for_o he_o this_o be_v the_o will_n of_o god_n that_o every_o one_o of_o we_o possess_v his_o vessel_n in_o sanctification_n 1_o thess_n 4.3_o 4._o that_o sin_n reign_v not_o in_o our_o mortal_a body_n but_o that_o we_o yield_v our_o member_n as_o instrument_n of_o righteousness_n unto_o god_n rom._n 6.12_o 13._o our_o body_n be_v for_o the_o lord_n they_o be_v member_n of_o christ_n etc._n etc._n 1_o cor._n 6.13_o 15._o temple_n of_o the_o holy-ghost_n vers_fw-la 19_o the_o body_n must_v be_v use_v as_o a_o servant_n to_o the_o soul_n and_o both_o employ_v in_o the_o service_n of_o god_n 1_o cor._n 6.20_o glorify_v god_n in_o your_o body_n and_o in_o your_o spirit_n which_o be_v god_n it_o be_v true_a indeed_o that_o bodily_a exercise_n profit_v little_a without_o or_o in_o comparison_n of_o that_o which_o be_v spiritual_a 1_o tim._n 4.8_o to_o bow_v the_o knee_n while_o our_o spirit_n remain_v stubborn_a and_o unbroken_a to_o lift_v up_o our_o eye_n heaven-ward_n if_o our_o soul_n be_v not_o also_o lift_v up_o to_o draw_v nigh_o to_o god_n with_o our_o lip_n when_o our_o heart_n be_v far_o from_o he_o be_v a_o addition_n of_o hypocrisy_n to_o all_o the_o rest_n of_o our_o iniquity_n but_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n it_o be_v as_o true_a that_o if_o our_o soul_n be_v for_o god_n our_o body_n will_v be_v subservient_fw-fr to_o they_o and_o their_o member_n according_o use_v by_o they_o the_o eye_n will_v be_v open_v to_o behold_v the_o wonderful_a discovery_n which_o he_o have_v make_v of_o himself_o in_o his_o work_n and_o in_o his_o word_n the_o ear_n to_o hear_v the_o instruction_n of_o wisdom_n the_o lip_n to_o praise_n and_o magnify_v he_o and_o by_o spiritual_a discourse_n to_o edify_v other_o feed_v many_o and_o minister_v grace_n to_o the_o hearer_n therefore_o though_o our_o heart_n must_v be_v first_o look_v at_o in_o the_o service_n of_o god_n yet_o care_n must_v also_o be_v take_v that_o our_o word_n and_o deportment_n be_v also_o suitable_a and_o become_a because_o outward_a worship_n be_v expressive_a of_o that_o which_o be_v inward_a and_o reflect_v back_o again_o upon_o the_o heart_n itself_o as_o habit_n be_v strengthen_v and_o increase_v by_o the_o act_n which_o flow_v from_o they_o so_o be_v internal_a affection_n by_o correspondent_a expression_n and_o behaviour_n in_o duty_n though_o we_o must_v not_o so_o cry_v up_o and_o magnify_v the_o external_o of_o worship_n as_o to_o overlook_v the_o inward_a life_n and_o soul_n of_o it_o as_o hypocrite_n who_o love_v to_o be_v see_v of_o man_n be_v wont_a to_o do_v so_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n we_o ought_v not_o to_o pretend_v our_o good_a meaning_n or_o spirituality_n in_o divine_a worship_n to_o excuse_v we_o from_o befit_v gesture_n or_o outward_a demeanour_n therein_o nor_o must_v we_o be_v forward_o to_o judge_n and_o censure_v other_o as_o if_o they_o be_v mere_a ceremonious_a hypocrire_n because_o they_o seem_v to_o put_v religion_n into_o a_o more_o fine_a or_o formal_a dress_n than_o we_o ourselves_o have_v be_v use_v to_o in_o short_a let_v we_o neither_o be_v rude_a nor_o antic_a in_o matter_n of_o this_o nature_n but_o let_v the_o frame_n of_o our_o spirit_n as_o also_o our_o word_n and_o gesture_n be_v reverend_a grave_a and_o serious_a lest_o we_o be_v find_v guilty_a of_o profane_v holy_a thing_n god_n be_v to_o be_v worship_v by_o the_o whole_a man._n thus_o you_o see_v that_o our_o intellectual_a and_o sensitive_a faculty_n yea_o and_o our_o body_n too_o must_v according_a to_o their_o several_a capacity_n be_v all_o sanctify_a and_o devote_v unto_o god_n which_o be_v full_o comprehend_v in_o those_o word_n of_o the_o apostle_n 1_o thess_n 5.23_o and_o the_o very_a god_n of_o peace_n sanctify_v you_o whole_o and_o i_o pray_v god_n your_o whole_a spirit_n and_o soul_n and_o body_n be_v preserve_v blameless_a unto_o the_o come_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n thus_o much_o for_o the_o first_o head_n viz._n that_o this_o great_a change_n consist_v in_o turn_v unto_o the_o lord_n from_o who_o we_o have_v so_o deep_o revolt_v ii_o since_o it_o be_v only_o in_o and_o through_o jesus_n christ_n that_o god_n be_v reconcilable_a to_o fall_v man_n it_o be_v high_o necessary_a that_o we_o have_v a_o due_a regard_n to_o he_o in_o this_o matter_n joh._n 14.6_o no_o man_n come_v unto_o the_o father_n but_o by_o i_o so_o vers_fw-la 19_o of_o this_o chapter_n god_n be_v in_o christ_n reconcile_n the_o world_n unto_o himself_o neither_o be_v there_o salvation_n in_o any_o other_o act_n 4.12_o as_o god_n himself_o be_v our_o ultimate_a end_n so_o jesus_n christ_n be_v the_o principal_a mean_n and_o way_n to_o bring_v we_o to_o that_o end_n the_o will_n of_o god_n be_v so_o full_o declare_v in_o this_o point_n viz._n that_o we_o can_v have_v no_o access_n to_o the_o father_n but_o by_o the_o son_n that_o it_o will_v be_v insolent_a dare_a presumâ—ption_n for_o we_o to_o attempt_v it_o any_o other_o way_n never_o think_v of_o approach_v the_o presence_n of_o god_n transact_v with_o he_o present_v yourselves_o or_o service_n to_o he_o or_o of_o expect_v any_o favour_n from_o he_o but_o in_o and_o through_o christ_n joh._n 5.23_o he_o that_o honour_v not_o the_o son_n honour_v not_o the_o father_n which_o have_v send_v he_o it_o be_v therefore_o requisite_a that_o we_o set_v a_o high_a value_n upon_o this_o great_a mediator_n that_o we_o dear_o love_v he_o and_o sincere_o commit_v ourselves_o to_o
sin_n to_o god_n a_o change_n of_o the_o temper_n and_o disposition_n of_o the_o heart_n the_o very_a work_n whereof_o we_o have_v all_o this_o while_n be_v speak_v repentance_n towards_o god_n hence_o the_o gospel_n be_v usher_v in_o with_o the_o preach_n of_o repentance_n repent_v for_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n be_v at_o band_n that_o so_o all_o man_n may_v know_v upon_o what_o term_n they_o be_v like_a to_o enjoy_v the_o bless_a privilege_n of_o this_o glorious_a gospel_n constitution_n and_o here_o i_o must_v tell_v you_o it_o be_v not_o enough_o to_o say_v that_o you_o be_v sorry_a for_o your_o past_a sin_n now_o the_o pleasure_n of_o they_o be_v over_o and_o conscience_n it_o may_v be_v uneasy_a about_o they_o no_o no_o the_o bent_n of_o your_o heart_n must_v either_o be_v turn_v against_o sin_n to_o hate_v abhor_v it_o and_o mourn_v for_o it_o as_o it_o be_v displease_a and_o hateful_a in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n etc._n etc._n or_o else_o iniquity_n will_v be_v your_o rain_n moreover_o the_o sincerity_n of_o your_o repentance_n or_o of_o this_o change_n of_o heart_n from_o the_o love_n of_o sin_n to_o the_o love_n of_o god_n and_o holiness_n must_v appear_v by_o bring_v forth_o fruit_n meet_v for_o repentance_n 8._o all_o that_o ever_o have_v enter_v into_o that_o bless_a state_n be_v first_o prepare_v for_o it_o and_o effectual_o wrought_v upon_o by_o divine_a grace_n the_o case_n of_o infant_n need_v not_o stop_v we_o such_o as_o have_v be_v save_v from_o the_o womb_n have_v also_o be_v sanctify_v from_o thence_o but_o it_o be_v the_o case_n of_o the_o adult_n or_o grow_v person_n which_o fall_v more_o direct_o under_o our_o consideration_n search_v the_o scripture_n and_o you_o may_v find_v there_o how_o those_o person_n be_v characterise_v and_o describe_v who_o be_v go_v to_o heaven_n before_o we_o it_o be_v true_a they_o all_o have_v their_o fail_n which_o they_o groan_v under_o and_o long_v to_o be_v deliver_v from_o but_o as_o to_o the_o main_a they_o be_v man_n that_o walk_v with_o god_n ordered_n their_o conversation_n as_o see_v he_o that_o be_v invisible_a man_n that_o live_v humble_a mortify_v self-denying_a life_n choose_v rather_o to_o suffer_v affliction_n with_o the_o people_n of_o god_n than_o to_o enjoy_v the_o pleasure_n of_o sin_n for_o a_o season_n that_o mourn_v for_o the_o abomination_n of_o the_o time_n and_o place_n wherein_o they_o live_v who_o righteous_a soul_n be_v vex_v with_o the_o filthy_a conversation_n of_o the_o wicked_a in_o a_o word_n man_n that_o confess_v themselves_o stranger_n and_o pilgrim_n on_o the_o earth_n seek_v and_o heavenly_a country_n and_o wait_v for_o the_o salvation_n of_o the_o lord_n see_v heb._n 11._o thus_o you_o have_v hear_v how_o the_o saint_n now_o in_o glory_n get_v thither_o and_o will_v you_o dream_v of_o come_v to_o heaven_n any_o other_o way_n they_o be_v all_o wrought_v for_o that_o bless_a state_n and_o so_o must_v you_o or_o else_o fall_v short_a of_o it_o and_o perish_v as_o it_o be_v matter_n of_o great_a encouragement_n and_o comfort_n to_o the_o godly_a to_o think_v how_o many_o thousand_o be_v get_v to_o heaven_n the_o same_o way_n by_o which_o they_o themselves_o through_o grace_n be_v go_v so_o one_o will_v think_v it_o shall_v damp_n the_o hope_n of_o graceless_a hypocrite_n to_o find_v themselves_o in_o a_o quite_o different_a yea_o contrary_a way_n 9_o the_o scripture_n assure_v we_o that_o the_o righteous_a themselves_o be_v scarce_o save_v 1_o â—et_a 4.18_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d vix_fw-la egrè_fw-la i._n e._n though_o they_o be_v certain_o save_v yet_o not_o without_o a_o great_a deal_n of_o difficulty_n the_o same_o word_n you_o have_v act_n 14.18_o save_v they_o be_v but_o not_o without_o much_o strive_n by_o reason_n of_o the_o straitness_n of_o the_o gate_n and_o the_o narrowness_n of_o the_o way_n which_o lead_v to_o life_n many_o enemy_n to_o conflict_n with_o many_o temptation_n doubt_n and_o fear_n to_o overcome_v many_o storm_n and_o tempestâ—_n to_o get_v through_o before_o they_o come_v safe_a to_o the_o haven_n what_o say_v you_o to_o all_o this_o do_v these_o thing_n offend_v you_o they_o be_v true_a for_o all_o that_o and_o now_o consider_v what_o the_o apostle_n infer_v from_o this_o in_o the_o word_n immediate_o follow_v where_o shall_v the_o ungodly_a and_o the_o sinner_n appear_v what_o shall_v become_v of_o they_o why_o the_o psalmist_n give_v you_o a_o answer_n to_o this_o psal_n 1.4_o 5._o they_o be_v like_o the_o chaff_n which_o the_o wind_n drive_v away_o therefore_o the_o ungodly_a shall_v not_o stand_v in_o the_o judgement_n nor_o sinner_n in_o the_o congregation_n of_o the_o righteous_a they_o shall_v be_v drive_v away_o in_o their_o own_o wickedness_n well_o sir_n do_v you_o think_v much_o to_o be_v tell_v of_o the_o difficulty_n that_o lie_v in_o the_o way_n to_o heaven_n be_v you_o for_o a_o cheap_a formal_a customary_a easy_a way_n of_o religion_n do_v you_o think_v that_o the_o great_a earnestness_n care_n and_o seriousness_n which_o we_o can_v possible_o use_v to_o secure_v our_o everlasting_a interest_n be_v make_v more_o ado_n than_o needs_o look_v you_o to_o it_o go_v on_o and_o prosper_v but_o remember_v that_o the_o righteous_a themselves_o be_v scarce_o save_v 10._o last_o it_o be_v impossible_a in_o the_o very_a nature_n of_o the_o thing_n that_o a_o unholy_a soul_n shall_v enjoy_v the_o heavenly_a felicity_n this_o be_v evident_a if_o you_o will_v but_o compare_v the_o temper_n and_o spirit_n of_o unregenerate_a person_n with_o the_o account_n that_o have_v be_v give_v concern_v the_o state_n of_o future_a glory_n the_o nature_n of_o thing_n must_v be_v quite_o overthrow_v and_o the_o gross_a contradiction_n reconcile_v before_o a_o unrenewed_a person_n as_o such_o can_v be_v happy_a i_o know_v that_o all_o man_n have_v some_o general_a injudicious_a tendency_n even_o by_o nature_n towards_o happiness_n but_o as_o for_o those_o upon_o who_o this_o great_a change_n have_v not_o past_a they_o neither_o know_v nor_o true_o desire_v that_o which_o alone_o can_v make_v they_o bless_v they_o be_v most_o miserable_o confound_v in_o their_o own_o wish_n and_o can_v tell_v what_o they_o will_v be_v at_o they_o say_v indeed_o that_o they_o desire_v and_o hope_v for_o heaven_n but_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n they_o know_v not_o what_o they_o talk_v of_o be_v it_o possible_a they_o shall_v be_v admit_v thither_o why_o so_o long_o as_o their_o corrupt_a deprave_a temper_n of_o spirit_n remain_v upon_o they_o they_o will_v be_v quite_o out_o of_o their_o element_n and_o unhappy_a even_o in_o heaven_n itself_o the_o reason_n be_v plain_a there_o must_v be_v a_o sutableness_n between_o the_o faculty_n and_o the_o object_n or_o else_o what_o frution_n what_o pleasure_n can_v there_o be_v will_v the_o most_o pompous_a magnificient_a show_v signify_v any_o thing_n to_o a_o blind_a man_n or_o a_o comfort_n of_o the_o most_o harmonious_a music_n to_o the_o deaf_a why_o just_o so_o it_o be_v here_o the_o heart_n of_o the_o son_n of_o man_n till_o sanctify_v by_o divine_a grace_n be_v utter_o unfit_a for_o the_o society_n the_o work_n the_o enjoyment_n of_o heaven_n as_o for_o the_o society_n it_o be_v holy_a there_o be_v a_o communion_n of_o saint_n in_o perfection_n but_o the_o heart_n of_o carnal_a man_n be_v impure_a and_o unholy_a there_o be_v none_o like_o they_o to_o converse_v with_o in_o heaven_n those_o above_o be_v employ_v in_o admire_v love_a praise_v and_o glorify_v the_o bless_a god_n and_o it_o be_v the_o enjoyment_n of_o he_o that_o make_v they_o happy_a in_o that_o state_n but_o certain_a it_o be_v that_o the_o soul_n of_o ungodly_a man_n be_v deep_o averse_a from_o god_n and_o at_o enmity_n against_o he_o â—â—ow_o then_o shall_v they_o be_v bless_v in_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o â—â—ne_n who_o they_o never_o love_v when_o to_o enjoy_v he_o be_v â—o_o love_n and_o delight_n in_o he_o o_o sir_n you_o must_v either_o â—e_v make_v holy_a that_o be_v conform_v unto_o god_n in_o the_o â—â—ame_n and_o disposition_n of_o your_o spirit_n or_o else_o heaven_n cannot_v be_v heaven_n to_o you_o therefore_o i_o beseech_v you_o deal_v true_o with_o yourselves_o â—n_o this_o matter_n let_v i_o put_v it_o to_o your_o conscience_n â—ea_o do_v you_o put_v it_o to_o they_o yourselves_o and_o then_o tell_v â—â—e_z how_o do_v you_o relish_v that_o sort_n of_o life_n on_o earth_n which_o be_v most_o like_a to_o the_o heavenly_a life_n how_o be_v you_o â—ffected_v to_o those_o thing_n which_o have_v a_o near_a tendency_n to_o lead_v you_o god-ward_o be_v his_o holy_a day_n the_o joy_n of_o your_o heart_n be_v you_o delight_v in_o his_o worship_n do_v you_o strive_v in_o every_o duty_n to_o get_v as_o near_o to_o he_o through_o
the_o judgement_n their_o practice_n give_v the_o lie_n to_o their_o profession_n they_o say_v and_o do_v not_o or_o they_o say_v one_o thing_n and_o do_v the_o quite_o contrary_a they_o be_v like_o the_o trouble_a sea_n when_o it_o can_v rest_v who_o water_n cast_v up_o mire_n and_o dire_a isa_n 57.20_o the_o body_n which_o be_v make_v to_o be_v a_o servant_n be_v become_v their_o ruler_n and_o this_o be_v one_o of_o those_o thing_n which_o the_o earth_n can_v bear_v prov._n 30.21_o 22._o a_o thing_n great_o to_o be_v lament_v lam._n 5.8_o from_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o these_o convulsion_n and_o disorder_n do_v proceed_v profess_v to_o be_v wise_a they_o be_v become_v fool_n and_o that_o more_o especial_o as_o to_o those_o thing_n wherein_o they_o be_v most_o concern_v to_o have_v their_o wit_n about_o they_o wise_a to_o do_v evil_a but_o to_o do_v good_a they_o have_v no_o knowledge_n tit._n 1.16_o they_o profess_v that_o they_o know_v god_n but_o in_o work_n they_o deny_v he_o be_v abominable_a disobedient_a and_o unto_o every_o good_a work_n reprobate_a with_o their_o mouth_n they_o show_v much_o love_n but_o their_o heart_n go_v out_o after_o their_o idol_n they_o will_v be_v happy_a but_o can_v endure_v the_o thought_n of_o that_o which_o alone_o can_v make_v they_o so_o they_o inquire_v the_o way_n to_o zion_n but_o set_v their_o face_n quite_o contrary_a they_o pretend_v to_o believe_v the_o evil_a and_o danger_n of_o sin_n but_o will_v not_o be_v persuade_v to_o leave_v it_o they_o oft_o complain_v of_o the_o vanity_n of_o this_o world_n and_o of_o the_o cross_n and_o disappointment_n they_o meet_v with_o in_o it_o but_o will_v not_o be_v prevail_v with_o to_o set_v their_o heart_n upon_o a_o better_a yea_o many_o of_o they_o be_v sond_a of_o these_o present_a enjoyment_n when_o they_o grow_v old_a and_o can_v but_o know_v that_o they_o must_v quick_o leave_v they_o yea_o some_o of_o thein_a hate_n and_o revile_v other_o for_o live_v in_o some_o measure_n up_o to_o the_o rule_n of_o that_o religion_n which_o they_o themselves_o profess_v the_o time_n will_v fail_v i_o to_o mention_v the_o thousand_o part_n of_o that_o nonsense_n whereof_o they_o be_v continual_o guilty_a so_o besot_v a_o thing_n be_v a_o carnal_a heart_n as_o if_o their_o lust_n have_v not_o only_o bereave_v they_o of_o all_o due_a sense_n of_o religion_n but_o of_o their_o wit_n too_o both_o together_o thus_o the_o case_n stand_v with_o unregenerate_a person_n till_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n rectify_v these_o disorder_n and_o bring_v their_o soul_n into_o a_o better_a frame_n and_o o_o how_o great_a a_o work_n be_v this_o see_v what_o the_o apostle_n speak_v of_o it_o ephes_n 1.19_o and_o what_o be_v the_o exceed_a 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d transcendent_a hyperbolical_a greatness_n of_o his_o power_n to_o we_o ward_v who_o believe_v according_a to_o the_o work_n energy_n of_o his_o mighty_a power_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o may_v of_o his_o power_n etc._n etc._n therefore_o sir_n lay_v the_o axe_n to_o the_o root_n of_o the_o tree_n consider_v thorough_o and_o bewail_v deep_o your_o original_a corruption_n pray_v hard_a for_o renew_v grace_n it_o will_v signify_v little_a for_o you_o to_o empty_v some_o of_o the_o stream_n while_o the_o fountain_n be_v disregard_v which_o will_v fill_v up_o all_o again_o corruption_n lie_v deep_a in_o you_o and_o will_v take_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o pain_n to_o master_v it_o and_o root_v it_o out_o nor_o can_v you_o expect_v that_o god_n will_v do_v it_o without_o the_o concurrence_n of_o your_o own_o endeavour_n with_o and_o under_o his_o grace_n phil._n 2.12_o 13._o infer_v 4._o learn_v also_o from_o hence_o the_o weakness_n wickedness_n or_o both_o of_o those_o person_n who_o go_v about_o to_o deny_v or_o obscure_v the_o doctrine_n of_o special_a grace_n their_o weakness_n i_o say_v in_o disow_v a_o thing_n so_o manifest_a both_o by_o scripture_n and_o experience_n their_o wickedness_n in_o attempt_v to_o rob_v god_n of_o the_o glory_n which_o be_v due_a to_o he_o on_o this_o account_n they_o cry_v up_o the_o natural_a freedom_n of_o man_n will_n but_o consider_v not_o its_o moral_a impotency_n or_o indisposition_n to_o that_o which_o be_v god_n its_o curse_a aversion_n from_o god_n and_o holiness_n which_o will_v never_o be_v overcome_v but_o by_o the_o power_n of_o free_a grace_n i_o know_v indeed_o that_o if_o man_n be_v true_o willing_a than_o the_o work_n be_v do_v and_o therefore_o the_o obstinacy_n of_o their_o will_n make_v they_o inexcusable_a john_n 5.40_o you_o will_v not_o come_v to_o i_o that_o you_o may_v have_v life_n but_o i_o also_o know_v that_o if_o ever_o they_o be_v make_v willing_a it_o must_v be_v in_o the_o day_n of_o god_n power_n psal_n 110.3_o no_o man_n can_v come_v to_o i_o except_o the_o father_n which_o have_v send_v i_o draw_v he_o that_o be_v their_o will_n be_v so_o corrupt_a that_o they_o can_v find_v in_o their_o heart_n to_o renounce_v their_o lust_n and_o give_v up_o themselves_o to_o the_o obedience_n of_o the_o gospel_n they_o affect_v a_o distance_n from_o god_n care_v not_o for_o come_v near_o he_o they_o be_v dead_a in_o trespass_n and_o sin_n though_o still_o they_o have_v natural_a faculty_n intellective_a and_o elective_a power_n else_o we_o may_v as_o well_o preach_v to_o wall_n as_o man_n yet_o when_o all_o be_v do_v it_o be_v grace_n that_o must_v sanctify_v and_o heal_v these_o faculty_n and_o determine_v they_o god-ward_o or_o else_o they_o be_v lose_v for_o ever_o that_o some_o be_v thus_o wrought_v upon_o be_v plain_a matter_n of_o fact_n you_o need_v go_v no_o further_o than_o the_o text_n for_o proof_n thereof_o and_o it_o be_v as_o plain_a that_o other_o be_v leave_v under_o the_o power_n of_o their_o own_o wilful_a enmity_n and_o alienation_n from_o god_n in_o short_a that_o any_o be_v sanctify_v and_o save_v be_v to_o be_v ascribe_v to_o special_a grace_n that_o the_o rest_n perish_v be_v their_o own_o do_v not_o strict_o and_o proper_o because_o they_o can_v not_o but_o because_o they_o will_v not_o do_v otherwise_o the_o destruction_n which_o fall_v upon_o they_o be_v of_o their_o own_o choose_n in_o that_o they_o will_v not_o be_v persuade_v to_o forsake_v the_o way_n that_o lead_v to_o it_o prov._n 8.36_o he_o that_o sin_v against_o i_o wrong_v his_o own_o soul_n all_o they_o that_o hate_v i_o love_v death_n the_o law_n of_o grace_n be_v establish_v order_v in_o all_o thing_n and_o sure_a the_o term_n of_o salvation_n be_v unalterable_o settle_v and_o god_n will_v judge_v man_n according_o without_o respect_n of_o person_n and_o so_o shall_v the_o sentence_n of_o judgement_n be_v execute_v too_o moreover_o god_n give_v unto_o all_o man_n such_o degree_n of_o grace_n and_o help_v as_o be_v meet_v for_o he_o to_o give_v and_o more_o by_o far_o than_o they_o due_o improve_v and_o if_o they_o will_v right_o use_v what_o they_o have_v so_o far_o as_o they_o be_v able_a they_o have_v great_a encouragement_n to_o expect_v more_o therefore_o his_o proceed_n with_o they_o for_o their_o wilful_a neglect_v be_v beyond_o all_o just_a exception_n again_o if_o over_o and_o above_o all_o this_o he_o give_v to_o some_o person_n as_o it_o be_v certain_a he_o do_v yet_o great_a proportion_n of_o grace_n even_o so_o much_o as_o shall_v effectual_o work_v upon_o they_o and_o fit_v they_o for_o heaven_n who_o can_v say_v unto_o he_o what_o do_v thou_o may_v he_o not_o do_v what_o he_o will_v with_o his_o own_o be_v there_o any_o injustice_n in_o all_o this_o what_o say_v you_o be_v not_o some_o person_n save_v be_v they_o not_o save_v by_o grace_n be_v not_o this_o grace_n the_o gift_n of_o god_n do_v god_n give_v it_o in_o time_n and_o do_v he_o not_o decree_v to_o give_v it_o from_o eternity_n where_o then_o be_v your_o cavil_n against_o election_n and_o special_a grace_n sure_o you_o will_v not_o deny_v but_o that_o multitude_n perish_v by_o their_o own_o wilful_a final_a impenitency_n through_o the_o righteous_a judgement_n of_o god_n because_o they_o hate_v he_o and_o will_v not_o that_o he_o shall_v reign_v over_o they_o infer_v 5._o last_o you_o may_v learn_v from_o hence_o how_o exceed_v dangerous_a it_o be_v to_o resist_v and_o quench_v the_o spirit_n of_o grace_n you_o have_v hear_v it_o full_o prove_v that_o there_o be_v a_o great_a work_n which_o must_v be_v do_v upon_o your_o soul_n or_o you_o be_v undo_v for_o ever_o and_o dare_v you_o neglect_v the_o offer_a help_n of_o the_o spirit_n do_v you_o not_o yet_o know_v that_o by_o a_o commoner_n sort_n of_o grace_n he_o usual_o prepare_v man_n for_o special_a grace_n and_o can_v you_o expect_v the_o latter_a while_o you_o despise_v or_o
to_o have_v concern_v the_o holiness_n and_o purity_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n he_o be_v glorious_a in_o holiness_n the_o foolish_a shall_v not_o stand_v in_o his_o sight_n he_o be_v of_o pure_a eye_n than_o to_o behold_v iniquity_n he_o hate_v the_o worker_n thereof_o to_o imagine_v therefore_o that_o impure_a unrenewed_a soul_n shall_v be_v admit_v into_o the_o bless_a presence_n of_o god_n and_o partake_v of_o the_o heavenly_a joy_n without_o be_v first_o wrought_v and_o prepare_v for_o it_o by_o sanctify_a grace_n to_o suppose_v this_o i_o say_v will_v be_v to_o deny_v the_o divine_a holiness_n or_o to_o obscure_v the_o lustre_n and_o glory_n of_o it_o yea_o and_o to_o think_v that_o god_n be_v altogether_o such_o a_o one_o as_o themselves_o psal_n 50.21_o o_o sir_n be_v you_o but_o due_o sensible_a of_o his_o infinite_a purity_n in_o who_o sight_n the_o heaven_n be_v not_o clean_o job_n 15.15_o it_o will_v make_v you_o cry_v out_o who_o can_v stand_v before_o this_o holy_a lord_n god_n or_o to_o abhor_v yourselves_o and_o repent_v in_o dust_n and_o ash_n as_o a_o far_o better_a man_n do_v job_n 42.6_o or_o with_o the_o evangelical_n prophet_n to_o cry_v our_o woe_n be_v i_o for_o i_o be_o undo_v because_o i_o be_o a_o man_n of_o unclean_a lip_n for_o my_o eye_n have_v see_v the_o king_n the_o lord_n of_o host_n isa_n 6.5_o this_o will_v quick_o drive_v you_o unto_o christ_n that_o under_o the_o shadow_n of_o his_o wing_n you_o may_v be_v safe_a 2._o the_o truth_n of_o god_n be_v disow_v and_o contradict_v by_o these_o dare_a presumption_n how_o great_a a_o matter_n do_v god_n make_v of_o his_o veracity_n psal_n 138.2_o i_o will_v praise_v thy_o name_n for_o thy_o truth_n for_o thou_o have_v magnify_v thy_o word_n above_o all_o thy_o name_n but_o o_o what_o light_a account_n do_v these_o self-deceiver_n make_v thereof_o though_o nothing_o be_v more_o earnest_o frequent_o and_o plain_o inculcate_v in_o scripture_n than_o the_o necessity_n of_o holiness_n to_o fit_a man_n for_o heaven_n though_o they_o be_v tell_v that_o the_o flock_n of_o christ_n be_v but_o a_o little_a flock_n and_o that_o few_o find_v the_o way_n that_o lead_v to_o life_n and_o that_o the_o worker_n of_o iniquity_n shall_v be_v doom_v to_o depart_v from_o the_o bless_a presence_n of_o god_n for_o ever_o yet_o they_o go_v on_o in_o carnal_a security_n and_o hope_v still_o as_o if_o all_o these_o warning_n be_v but_o idle_a tale_n thus_o they_o impute_v falsehood_n to_o the_o god_n of_o truth_n he_o that_o believe_v not_o god_n have_v make_v he_o a_o liar_n 1_o joh._n 5.10_o can_v there_o be_v more_o horrid_a blasphemy_n than_o this_o 3._o the_o inflexible_a justice_n and_o righteousness_n of_o god_n be_v contemn_v and_o slight_v by_o such_o person_n shall_v not_o the_o judge_n of_o all_o the_o earth_n do_v right_a will_v he_o justify_v the_o wicked_a no_o no_o they_o that_o do_v so_o be_v a_o abomination_n to_o he_o prov._n 17.15_o though_o he_o be_v merciful_a and_o gracious_a long-suffering_a etc._n etc._n yet_o he_o will_v by_o no_o mean_n clean_o the_o guilty_a exod._n 34.6_o 7._o it_o be_v a_o righteous_a thing_n with_o he_o to_o recompense_v vengeance_n to_o the_o ungodly_a and_o in_o so_o do_v he_o vindicate_v his_o own_o holiness_n truth_n and_o government_n god_n that_o be_v holy_a shall_v be_v sanctify_v in_o righteousness_n isa_n 5.16_o have_v he_o make_v law_n so_o just_a and_o good_a and_o will_v he_o not_o keep_v up_o the_o honour_n of_o they_o and_o see_v that_o they_o be_v due_o execute_v he_o need_v not_o rule_v the_o world_n by_o deceit_n his_o threaten_n as_o well_o as_o his_o promise_n be_v true_a and_o the_o final_a judgement_n will_v quick_o convince_v the_o world_n that_o so_o it_o be_v the_o law_n which_o he_o have_v give_v we_o be_v a_o rule_n to_o live_v by_o and_o to_o be_v judge_v by_o therefore_o as_o it_o be_v just_a so_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o the_o impious_a hope_n of_o wicked_a man_n will_v be_v baffle_v and_o disappoint_v at_o last_o i_o may_v add_v that_o the_o patience_n goodness_n and_o long-suffering_a of_o god_n be_v despise_v by_o such_o person_n who_o wilful_o continue_v in_o sin_n and_o yet_o think_v to_o escape_v his_o righteous_a judgement_n rom._n 2.3_o 4._o three_o such_o groundless_a hope_n be_v exceed_o dangerous_a to_o themselves_o and_o other_o 1._o to_o themselves_o as_o may_v easy_o be_v prove_v by_o many_o particular_n i_o will_v mention_v only_o two_o 1._o hereby_o they_o be_v harden_v in_o their_o impenitent_a unregenerate_a state_n these_o blind_a presumption_n be_v so_o many_o strong_a hold_v of_o satan_n in_o their_o soul_n whereby_o he_o keep_v possession_n of_o they_o as_o i_o may_v at_o least_o allude_v to_o that_o luke_n 11.21_o when_o a_o strong_a man_n arm_v keep_v his_o palace_n his_o good_n be_v in_o peace_n a_o false_a peace_n indeed_o maintain_v and_o cherish_v by_o the_o father_n of_o lie_n who_o be_v all_o the_o while_n carry_v on_o his_o design_n against_o they_o be_v the_o dark_a and_o when_o the_o veil_n be_v draw_v aside_o will_v ready_o let_v they_o know_v that_o they_o have_v lose_v and_o he_o have_v get_v the_o game_n thus_o he_o blind_v their_o mind_n and_o make_v sport_n with_o they_o as_o the_o philistine_n do_v with_o samsoâ—_n when_o they_o have_v put_v out_o his_o eye_n lead_v they_o captive_a at_o his_o will_n these_o vain_a hope_n hinder_v the_o due_a efficacy_n of_o the_o mean_n of_o grace_n upon_o they_o though_o we_o tell_v they_o of_o their_o danger_n over_o and_o over_o with_o never_o so_o much_o plainness_n yet_o they_o foolish_o conceit_n that_o their_o case_n be_v safe_a enough_o and_o this_o put_v a_o stop_n to_o their_o further_a endeavour_n and_o so_o we_o be_v force_v to_o leave_v they_o where_o we_o find_v they_o or_o worse_a flatter_v themselves_o either_o that_o they_o be_v regenerate_v already_o or_o else_o that_o they_o may_v be_v save_v without_o so_o much_o ado_n those_o conviction_n of_o the_o sinfulness_n and_o misery_n of_o their_o present_a state_n which_o shall_v help_v to_o prepare_v they_o for_o christ_n be_v by_o this_o mean_v prevent_v mat._n 9.12_o they_o that_o be_v whole_a need_v not_o a_o physician_n etc._n etc._n thus_o it_o be_v with_o the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n be_v we_o blind_a also_o hence_o our_o lord_n assure_v we_o that_o publican_n and_o harlot_n go_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n before_o such_o mat._n 21.31_o 32._o viz._n as_o be_v more_o likely_a to_o be_v bring_v to_o conviction_n and_o humiliation_n than_o those_o self-conceited_a pretender_n be_v isa_n 44.20_o hefee_v on_o ash_n a_o deceive_a heart_n have_v turn_v he_o aside_o that_o he_o can_v deliver_v his_o soul_n nor_o say_v be_v there_o not_o a_o lie_n in_o my_o right_a hand_n 2._o this_o unhappy_a presumption_n make_v their_o final_a ruin_n more_o dreadful_a and_o amaze_a when_v it_o come_v mat._n 7.26_o 27._o he_o that_o hear_v these_o say_n of_o i_o and_o do_v they_o not_o shall_v be_v liken_v unto_o a_o foolish_a man_n which_o build_v his_o house_n upon_o the_o sand_n and_o the_o rain_v descend_v etc._n etc._n and_o it_o fall_v and_o great_a be_v the_o fall_n of_o it_o a_o great_a fall_n indeed_o when_o a_o man_n who_o in_o his_o expectation_n be_v as_o high_a as_o heaven_n shall_v in_o reality_n find_v himself_o as_o low_a as_o hell_n this_o must_v needs_o be_v a_o astonish_a disappointment_n and_o so_o much_o the_o more_o because_o the_o matter_n will_v then_o be_v past_a redress_n o_o with_o what_o anguish_n and_o bitterness_n will_v they_o then_o cry_v out_o alas_o be_v all_o our_o hope_n of_o heaven_n come_v to_o this_o how_o will_v conscience_n wrack_v and_o torment_v they_o for_o have_v slight_v all_o the_o warning_n which_o be_v give_v they_o how_o will_v the_o great_a deceiver_n triumph_n and_o insult_v over_o they_o when_o they_o be_v past_a hope_n and_o help_v for_o ever_o though_o the_o destruction_n of_o all_o wicked_a man_n will_v be_v terrible_a yet_o that_o of_o self-deceiving_a hypocrite_n will_v be_v most_o surprise_v because_o least_o expect_v isa_n 33.14_o the_o sinner_n in_o zion_n be_v afraid_a fearfulness_n have_v surprise_v the_o hypocrite_n who_o among_o we_o shall_v dwell_v with_o the_o devour_a fire_n who_o aâ—onest_a we_o shall_v dwell_v with_o everlasting_a burn_n or_o with_o the_o burn_n of_o eternity_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 1_n thess_n 5.3_o for_o when_o they_o shall_v say_v peace_n and_o safety_n then_o sudden_a destruction_n come_v upon_o they_o then_o will_v they_o find_v to_o their_o endless_a confusion_n that_o there_o be_v no_o peace_n to_o the_o wicked_a though_o before_o they_o will_v never_o be_v persuade_v to_o believe_v it_o they_o can_v not_o endure_v sound_a doctrine_n it_o be_v
face_n in_o a_o glass_n we_o need_v not_o say_v who_o shall_v ascend_v into_o heaven_n the_o word_n be_v high_a uâ—_n whereby_o we_o must_v search_v ourselves_o and_o whether_o we_o will_v attend_v to_o it_o or_o no_o we_o must_v stand_v or_o fall_v by_o it_o at_o last_o joh._n 12.48_o the_o word_n that_o i_o have_v speak_v the_o same_o shall_v judge_v he_o in_o the_o last_o day_n '_o this_o be_v one_o of_o those_o book_n that_o shall_v be_v open_v and_o the_o small_a sentence_n will_v pass_v according_a to_o what_o be_v write_v therein_o rev._n 20_o 12._o they_o shall_v be_v judge_v according_a to_o their_o work_n the_o matter_n of_o fact_n be_v record_v in_o their_o book_n conscience_n the_o matter_n of_o right_n in_o god_n law_n and_o the_o conclusion_n in_o his_o decree_n as_o mr._n baxter_n upon_o the_o place_n motive_n 4._o we_o be_v express_o command_v thus_o to_o examine_v and_o try_v ourselves_o yea_o it_o be_v mention_v as_o a_o great_a absurdity_n that_o a_o christian_n shall_v be_v ignorant_a of_o himself_o 2_o cor._n 13.5_o examine_v yourselves_o whether_o you_o be_v in_o the_o faith_n prove_v your_o own_o self_n know_v you_o not_o your_o own_o self_n etc._n etc._n as_o if_o he_o have_v say_v be_v there_o any_o thing_n near_o to_o you_o than_o yourselves_o any_o thing_n that_o you_o be_v more_o concern_v to_o know_v than_o your_o spiritual_a estate_n that_o be_v whether_o christ_n be_v in_o you_o or_o no._n be_v the_o way_n to_o heaven_n and_o hell_n so_o much_o alike_o that_o a_o man_n can_v know_v whither_o he_o be_v go_v if_o he_o will_v if_o the_o end_n be_v so_o vast_o different_a sure_o there_o must_v be_v a_o proportionable_a difference_n in_o the_o way_n that_o lead_v to_o they_o motive_n 5._o you_o have_v comfortable_a encouragement_n to_o expect_v the_o help_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n in_o this_o work_n of_o self-examination_n suppose_v you_o be_v yet_o in_o a_o unregenerate_a state_n it_o be_v true_a you_o have_v then_o no_o full_a proper_a covenant-right_a to_o the_o influence_n of_o the_o spirit_n yet_o you_o have_v great_a reason_n to_o hope_n that_o since_o he_o have_v be_v often_o strive_v with_o you_o to_o bring_v you_o to_o a_o sight_n and_o sense_n of_o your_o spiritual_a concern_v he_o will_v not_o deny_v the_o help_n of_o his_o grace_n if_o you_o set_v yourselves_o in_o good_a earnest_n to_o the_o work_n by_o the_o assistance_n already_o receive_v prov._n 1.23_o tâ—ru_n you_o at_o my_o reproof_n behold_v i_o will_v pour_v out_o my_o spirit_n unto_o you_o etc._n etc._n now_o it_o be_v the_o work_n of_o the_o spirit_n to_o lead_v man_n into_o their_o own_o heart_n to_o convince_v they_o of_o sin_n and_o to_o quicken_v illuminate_v and_o draw_v dead_a dark_a disaffect_v soul_n to_o the_o love_n of_o god_n and_o holiness_n but_o if_o you_o be_v already_o convert_v you_o have_v then_o a_o covenant-right_a to_o the_o help_n of_o the_o spirit_n you_o have_v fâ—ll_a and_o propâ—â—_n promise_v to_o plead_v in_o this_o matter_n he_o be_v the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n your_o head_n and_o therefore_o all_o the_o live_a member_n by_o virtue_n of_o their_o relation_n unto_o christ_n be_v also_o near_o relate_v to_o and_o interest_v in_o that_o holy_a spirit_n whole_a office_n it_o be_v to_o refresh_v and_o comfort_v those_o soul_n who_o he_o have_v first_o renew_v by_o his_o grace_n to_o discover_v to_o they_o the_o grace_n which_o he_o have_v give_v they_o to_o witness_v with_o their_o spirit_n that_o they_o be_v the_o child_n of_o god_n and_o so_o to_o enable_v they_o to_o rejoice_v therein_o motive_n 6._o think_v well_o how_o sad_a and_o wretched_a a_o case_n it_o be_v to_o be_v utter_o in_o the_o dark_a as_o to_o your_o spiritual_a state_n you_o can_v tell_v what_o a_o day_n may_v bring_v forth_o prov._n 27.1_o for_o aught_o you_o know_v you_o may_v be_v in_o hell_n the_o next_o hour_n because_o you_o be_v uncertain_a whether_o god_n be_v your_o friend_n or_o your_o enemy_n whether_o you_o have_v any_o save_a interest_n in_o christ_n whether_o you_o be_v sanctify_v by_o the_o spirit_n or_o not_o be_v not_o this_o a_o woeful_a case_n when_o thou_o lie_v down_o when_o thou_o rise_v up_o when_o thou_o go_v out_o or_o come_v in_o thou_o know_v not_o but_o that_o the_o very_o next_o moment_n the_o divine_a fury_n may_v rest_v upon_o thou_o can_v thou_o think_v of_o death_n and_o not_o tremble_v and_o of_o judgement_n and_o not_o be_v astonish_v when_o thou_o be_v invite_v to_o a_o funeral_n how_o can_v thou_o forbear_v think_v that_o it_o will_v quick_o be_v thy_o â—wn_a case_n and_o yet_o thou_o be_v ignorant_a what_o will_v become_v of_o thy_o immortal_a soul_n at_o that_o day_n methinks_v this_o shall_v make_v thou_o a_o terror_n to_o thyself_o and_o to_o all_o that_o be_v about_o thou_o motive_n 7._o consider_v how_o impatient_a thou_o be_v of_o be_v in_o suspense_n or_o at_o uncertainty_n in_o matter_n of_o far_o less_o consequence_n if_o thou_o have_v but_o a_o lawsuit_n in_o hand_n how_o uneasy_a till_o thou_o know_v the_o issue_n if_o a_o purchase_n to_o make_v how_o careful_a to_o see_v that_o the_o title_n be_v good_a and_o the_o conveyance_n firm_a and_o sure_a if_o thou_o be_v take_v with_o any_o threaten_a distemper_n how_o earnest_a and_o solicitous_a be_v thou_o to_o know_v what_o the_o physician_n think_v of_o thy_o distemper_n pray_v sir_n what_o think_v you_o do_v you_o ever_o see_v any_o in_o such_o a_o case_n before_o do_v they_o recover_v do_v you_o hope_v the_o distemper_n may_v go_v off_o but_o o_o how_o few_o be_v there_o that_o express_v any_o such_o care_n about_o their_o soul_n how_o few_o that_o will_v come_v to_o a_o minister_n and_o inquire_v of_o he_o o_o sir_n what_o shall_v i_o do_v to_o be_v save_v i_o fear_v i_o be_o not_o yet_o wrought_v for_o heaven_n i_o find_v my_o heart_n dead_a to_o spiritual_a thing_n but_o vigorous_a and_o sprightly_a in_o its_o pursuit_n after_o worldly_a vanity_n i_o find_v i_o be_o out_o of_o my_o element_n when_o engage_v in_o religious_a duty_n what_o think_v you_o be_v there_o any_o hope_n o_o help_v i_o speedy_o lest_o death_n overtake_v i_o unprepared_a for_o it_o o_o how_o seldom_o do_v we_o meet_v with_o any_o that_o show_v such_o a_o concern_n for_o their_o soul_n as_o this_o it_o be_v easy_a to_o heap_v up_o many_o more_o such_o consideration_n as_o these_o to_o excite_v you_o to_o this_o necessary_a work_n of_o selfreflection_n i_o shall_v only_o add_v as_o follow_v without_o the_o formality_n of_o make_v distinct_a head_n think_v with_o yourselves_o how_o common_a a_o thing_n it_o be_v for_o man_n to_o be_v mistake_v about_o their_o spiritual_a estate_n and_o withal_o how_o dangerous_a it_o be_v remember_v god_n himself_o will_v quick_o judge_v you_o and_o the_o way_n to_o escape_v the_o severity_n of_o his_o judgement_n be_v to_o enter_v into_o judgement_n with_o yourselves_o 1_o cor._n 11.31_o if_o we_o will_v judge_n ourselves_o we_o shall_v not_o be_v judge_v moreover_o either_o you_o be_v thus_o wrought_v for_o heaven_n by_o renew_v grace_n or_o not_o if_o you_o be_v the_o close_a tâ—â—al_n will_v great_o refresh_v and_o comfort_v you_o by_o discover_v that_o the_o work_n be_v already_o do_v then_o may_v you_o comfortable_o go_v on_o with_o the_o remain_a part_n of_o duty_n which_o be_v yet_o before_o you_o you_o may_v come_v with_o boldness_n to_o the_o throne_n of_o grace_n as_o child_n to_o a_o father_n you_o may_v read_v or_o hear_v the_o word_n of_o god_n with_o joy_n when_o the_o great_a promise_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v all_o your_o own_o you_o may_v come_v with_o confidence_n to_o the_o lord_n table_n when_o you_o know_v that_o christ_n himself_o and_o all_o his_o save_a benefit_n be_v you_o you_o may_v meditate_v delightful_o upon_o the_o heavenly_a inheritance_n when_o you_o know_v that_o you_o have_v a_o right_a to_o it_o this_o will_v support_v you_o under_o all_o the_o suffering_n of_o the_o present_a life_n and_o will_v make_v they_o appear_v light_a affliction_n indeed_o and_o beside_o all_o this_o it_o will_v much_o conduce_v to_o the_o credit_n of_o your_o profession_n by_o enable_v you_o to_o go_v on_o cheerful_o in_o the_o way_n of_o religion_n as_o man_n that_o do_v not_o repent_v of_o their_o choice_n not_o despair_n of_o their_o cause_n or_o of_o their_o god_n but_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n if_o you_o be_v unregenerate_a selfreflection_n be_v one_o of_o the_o first_o step_v in_o order_n to_o your_o recovery_n psal_n 119.59_o i_o think_v on_o my_o way_n and_o turn_v my_o foot_n unto_o thy_o testimony_n so_o do_v the_o prodigal_n when_o he_o come_v to_o himself_o luk._n 15.17_o when_o once_o man_n begin_v to_o be_v solicitous_a about_o the_o concern_v
of_o their_o soul_n and_o to_o inquire_v what_o have_v we_o do_v what_o be_v we_o do_v whither_o be_v we_o go_v how_o shall_v we_o escape_v the_o wrath_n to_o come_v this_o look_v hopeful_o indeed_o though_o you_o must_v not_o stop_v here_o neither_o nor_o take_v up_o with_o conviction_n instead_o of_o conversion_n however_o think_v not_o that_o your_o wound_n be_v like_a to_o be_v cure_v without_o be_v search_v but_o if_o through_o a_o stupid_a unconcernedness_n as_o to_o the_o affair_n of_o your_o soul_n you_o think_v it_o not_o worth_a the_o while_n to_o give_v yourselves_o all_o this_o trouble_n though_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n you_o be_v eager_o set_v upon_o this_o present_a world_n as_o the_o common_a case_n be_v i_o can_v then_o tell_v you_o what_o your_o case_n be_v without_o any_o further_a enquiry_n you_o may_v spare_v the_o labour_n of_o search_v whether_o you_o be_v regenerate_v or_o no_o for_o to_o deal_v plain_o with_o you_o it_o be_v certain_a you_o be_v not_o your_o brutish_a â—cupidity_n be_v evidence_n enough_o to_o prove_v that_o you_o be_v asleep_a yea_o dead_a in_o sin_n condemn_v already_o and_o that_o the_o wrath_n of_o god_n abide_v on_o you_o in_o a_o word_n as_o the_o lord_n live_v there_o be_v but_o a_o step_n between_o you_o and_o hell_n but_o yet_o a_o step_n there_o be_v your_o case_n be_v not_o quite_o desperate_a though_o it_o be_v very_o dangerous_a i_o must_v say_v of_o you_o as_o of_o those_o patient_n who_o condition_n seem_v very_o hazardous_a the_o event_n be_v uncertain_a but_o while_o there_o be_v life_n they_o hope_n some_o have_v recover_v who_o seem_v to_o be_v in_o as_o ill_a circumstance_n as_o you_o but_o let_v i_o tell_v you_o many_o to_o one_o have_v perish_v even_o so_o be_v here_o some_o have_v be_v convert_v and_o save_v who_o be_v once_o as_o dead_a and_o stupid_a about_o the_o concern_v of_o their_o soul_n as_o you_o be_v but_o many_o to_o one_o have_v be_v lose_v for_o ever_o therefore_o to_o flatter_v you_o in_o such_o a_o condition_n may_v contribute_v much_o to_o your_o ruin_n which_o i_o be_o not_o willing_a to_o do_v therefore_o i_o tell_v you_o there_o be_v just_a so_o much_o hope_n of_o your_o salvation_n as_o there_o be_v of_o your_o awaken_n from_o this_o carnal_a security_n and_o so_o repent_v and_o turn_v to_o god_n and_o no_o more_o chap._n ix_o direction_n for_o the_o more_o successful_a management_n of_o this_o great_a duty_n of_o self-examination_n have_v lay_v down_o the_o foregoing_a motive_n to_o excite_v you_o to_o this_o necessary_a duty_n of_o selfreflection_n and_o show_v you_o of_o how_o ill_a signification_n it_o be_v for_o man_n to_o be_v unconcern_v and_o indifferent_a about_o the_o state_n of_o their_o soul_n i_o now_o come_v to_o give_v some_o direction_n for_o the_o help_n of_o such_o as_o be_v solicitous_a to_o know_v whether_o they_o be_v wrought_v for_o heaven_n or_o no_o direction_n 1._o take_v care_n that_o you_o be_v impartial_a in_o your_o search_n that_o your_o judgement_n be_v not_o pervert_v or_o biased_a either_o way_n by_o fear_n or_o favour_n but_o that_o you_o may_v go_v according_a to_o evidence_n the_o great_a danger_n indeed_o be_v on_o the_o one_o side_n viz._n lest_o pride_n or_o self-love_n make_v you_o judge_v too_o favourable_o concern_v yourselves_o but_o here_o remember_v that_o such_o a_o mistake_n may_v prove_v your_o ruin_n it_o be_v necessary_a you_o know_v the_o worst_a of_o your_o case_n while_o there_o be_v yet_o hope_v of_o redress_n you_o have_v already_o hear_v what_o multitude_n there_o be_v that_o perish_v by_o presumption_n to_o think_v false_o that_o you_o be_v in_o the_o way_n to_o heaven_n will_v never_o bring_v you_o thither_o nor_o will_v it_o cure_v the_o disease_n of_o your_o soul_n to_o suppose_v that_o you_o be_v well_o enough_o already_o such_o rave_n be_v a_o sad_a symptom_n that_o your_o noble_a faculty_n be_v impair_v and_o distract_v and_o therefore_o that_o your_o distemper_n be_v so_o much_o the_o more_o dangerous_a but_o i_o need_v not_o enlarge_v upon_o this_o only_o remember_v that_o god_n will_v quick_o try_v all_o over_o again_o and_o whatever_o your_o present_a judgement_n be_v of_o yourselves_o his_o final_a judgement_n will_v be_v according_a to_o righteousness_n on_o the_o other_o hand_n some_o be_v so_o timorous_a and_o deject_a in_o spirit_n that_o they_o know_v not_o how_o to_o believe_v any_o thing_n that_o be_v good_a and_o comfortable_a concern_v themselves_o so_o far_o be_v they_o from_o presumptuous_a self-conceit_n that_o they_o run_v into_o a_o quite_o contrary_a extreme_a and_o stand_v in_o their_o own_o light_n can_v discern_v the_o evidence_n of_o their_o sincerity_n fain_o they_o will_v be_v assure_v that_o their_o heart_n be_v right_a with_o god_n but_o have_v not_o strength_n of_o spirit_n enough_o to_o conclude_v that_o it_o be_v so_o through_o mere_a fear_n lest_o it_o shall_v prove_v otherwise_o they_o vehement_o wish_v it_o but_o can_v persuade_v themselves_o to_o believe_v it_o still_o think_v it_o be_v too_o good_a news_n to_o be_v true_a like_o old_a jacob_n when_o they_o tell_v he_o that_o joseph_n be_v alive_a his_o heart_n faint_v for_o he_o believe_v they_o not_o gen._n 45.26_o or_o as_o the_o poor_a jew_n when_o the_o lord_n turn_v again_o the_o captivity_n of_o zion_n they_o be_v like_o they_o that_o dream_n psal_n 126.1_o they_o can_v scarce_o believe_v their_o own_o sense_n and_o understanding_n in_o the_o matter_n even_o so_o it_o be_v with_o many_o poor_a melancholy_a doubt_v christian_n they_o desire_v to_o be_v sincere_a but_o fear_v that_o they_o be_v not_o so_o and_o those_o evidence_n of_o true_a grace_n which_o to_o another_o will_v be_v discernible_a to_o they_o be_v not_o so_o now_o i_o say_v though_o such_o person_n be_v safe_a in_o the_o hand_n of_o christ_n notwithstanding_o all_o their_o doubt_n and_o jealousy_n concern_v themselves_o and_o so_o their_o mistake_n can_v prove_v destructive_a as_o in_o the_o former_a case_n yet_o it_o be_v of_o consequence_n ill_a enough_o both_o in_o point_n of_o duty_n and_o comfort_n prudence_n will_v reach_v we_o to_o be_v wary_a and_o cautious_a in_o so_o great_a a_o enquiry_n to_o suspect_v our_o own_o deceitful_a heart_n and_o to_o watch_v they_o narrow_o lest_o they_o shall_v betray_v we_o to_o vain_a hope_n and_o humility_n will_v teach_v we_o to_o entertain_v low_a thought_n of_o ourselves_o but_o still_o it_o be_v unnatural_a to_o shut_v our_o eye_n against_o that_o light_n which_o shall_v refresh_v and_o comfort_v we_o and_o unthankful_a to_o overlook_v or_o deny_v the_o richos_n of_o grace_n which_o have_v be_v lay_v out_o upon_o we_o rear_v as_o well_o as_o favour_n be_v a_o enemy_n to_o right_n and_o impartial_a judgement_n direct_v 2._o this_o enquiry_n must_v be_v manage_v with_o a_o great_a deal_n of_o care_n and_o seriousness_n it_o be_v a_o matter_n of_o life_n and_o death_n that_o be_v before_o you_o and_o therefore_o you_o have_v need_n have_v your_o wit_n about_o you_o a_o mistake_n on_o the_o one_o hand_n may_v destroy_v your_o soul_n forever_o on_o the_o other_o it_o may_v great_o obstruct_v your_o spiritual_a comfort_n and_o growth_n in_o grace_n therefore_o the_o most_o sober_a judicious_a consideration_n be_v here_o necessary_a call_v in_o your_o wander_a thought_n keep_v they_o close_o to_o the_o work_n let_v they_o not_o give_v you_o the_o slip_n lest_o they_o grow_v masterless_a and_o unruly_a commuâ—e_v with_o your_o heart_n and_o let_v you_o spirit_n make_v diligent_a search_n psal_n 77.6_o there_o be_v no_o trifle_n in_o matter_n of_o this_o nature_n it_o be_v not_o a_o few_o slighty_a transient_a thought_n that_o will_v serve_v the_o turn_n the_o principle_n of_o grace_n lie_v deep_a in_o the_o soul_n you_o must_v search_v for_o they_o as_o for_o hide_a treasure_n if_o you_o will_v discover_v they_o and_o there_o be_v depth_n of_o wickedness_n too_o which_o must_v in_o like_a manner_n be_v search_v after_o with_o great_a care_n and_o strictness_n 〈◊〉_d if_o you_o will_v pass_v a_o right_a judgement_n of_o your_o own_o case_n you_o must_v excite_v your_o sluggish_a heart_n to_o the_o work_n and_o if_o your_o thought_n fly_v off_o from_o the_o business_n let_v reason_n interpose_v its_o authority_n otherwise_o a_o thousand_o impertinence_n will_v intrude_v upon_o you_o and_o so_o you_o will_v be_v leave_v in_o as_o great_a darkness_n and_o uncertainty_n in_o reference_n to_o your_o spiritual_a estate_n as_o you_o be_v in_o before_o in_o a_o word_n intenseness_n of_o thought_n be_v needful_a in_o this_o work_n that_o so_o nothing_o may_v escape_v your_o observation_n which_o may_v any_o way_n conduce_v to_o clear_v up_o the_o point_n in_o hand_n direct_v 3._o see_v that_o you_o proceed_v with_o due_a order_n and_o method_n in_o this_o
business_n otherwise_o you_o wâ—â—_n confound_v perplex_v and_o entangle_v yourselves_o to_o no_o purpose_n difficult_a case_n be_v not_o to_o be_v resolve_v without_o a_o orderly_o proceedure_v of_o thought_n about_o they_o confusion_n be_v the_o great_a enemy_n to_o all_o true_a knowledge_n of_o what_o kind_n soever_o take_v care_n that_o you_o do_v not_o begin_v at_o the_o wrong_a end_n first_o let_v preliminary_n be_v well_o adjust_v before_o you_o come_v to_o the_o point_n itself_o under_o this_o head_n take_v your_o work_n in_o the_o follow_a order_n 1._o understand_v aright_o what_o you_o be_v to_o inquire_v after_o lest_o you_o mistake_v the_o question_n the_o thing_n to_o be_v know_v be_v whether_o you_o be_v so_o far_o wrought_v for_o heaven_n that_o if_o it_o shall_v please_v god_n immediate_o to_o require_v your_o soul_n of_o you_o it_o will_v go_v well_o with_o they_o in_o another_o state_n that_o be_v whether_o the_o condition_n of_o your_o soul_n be_v such_o that_o 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must_v you_o conclude_v that_o you_o be_v graceless_a because_o some_o other_o our-stâ—ip_a you_o in_o holiness_n there_o be_v aâ—_n infant_n as_o well_o as_o a_o more_o strong_a and_o confirm_a state_n of_o grace_n 2._o study_v well_o the_o rule_n by_o which_o you_o be_v to_o try_v yourselves_o search_v the_o scripture_n to_o the_o law_n and_o to_o the_o testimony_n by_o this_o you_o must_v try_v the_o spirit_n and_o the_o doctrine_n of_o other_o man_n how_o much_o more_o near_o do_v it_o concern_v you_o to_o examine_v your_o own_o heart_n and_o life_n thereby_o acquaint_v yourselves_o well_o with_o the_o tenor_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n upon_o what_o term_n pardon_v and_o life_n be_v offer_v to_o poor_a sinner_n what_o be_v essentiaâ—â—_n necessary_a to_o the_o be_v of_o a_o sincere_a christian_a as_o such_o and_o what_o be_v further_a requisite_a to_o his_o establishment_n comfort_n and_o wellbeing_a in_o the_o sacred_a record_n you_o may_v find_v the_o nature_n of_o those_o grace_n which_o qualify_v and_o fit_a man_n for_o eternal_a life_n and_o also_o the_o example_n of_o many_o who_o be_v go_v to_o heaven_n before_o we_o what_o their_o heart_n be_v set_v upon_o how_o they_o live_v and_o how_o they_o die_v here_o you_o may_v learn_v what_o you_o ought_v to_o be_v where_o to_o place_v your_o affection_n how_o to_o regulate_v your_o life_n that_o you_o may_v be_v happy_a you_o may_v see_v the_o character_n by_o which_o the_o heir_n of_o heaven_n must_v be_v know_v and_o also_o the_o opposite_a description_n of_o those_o who_o shall_v be_v exclude_v from_o that_o felicity_n he_o be_v unfit_a to_o be_v a_o judge_n who_o be_v ignorant_a of_o the_o law_n or_o rule_n of_o judgement_n it_o therefore_o much_o concern_v you_o to_o converse_v much_o with_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o to_o understand_v the_o true_a spiritual_a sense_n and_o meaning_n of_o they_o which_o be_v able_a to_o make_v you_o wise_a to_o salvation_n from_o hence_o you_o must_v take_v your_o measure_n in_o judge_v of_o the_o sincerity_n of_o your_o faith_n repentance_n love_n obedience_n etc._n etc._n that_o so_o you_o may_v not_o take_v up_o with_o the_o empty_a name_n of_o grace_n instead_o of_o the_o thing_n itself_o as_o too_o many_o through_o sloth_n and_o affect_a ignorance_n do_v and_o here_o you_o must_v remember_v that_o the_o commandment_n of_o god_n be_v exceed_o broad_a extend_v not_o only_a to_o the_o government_n of_o our_o outward_a action_n and_o behaviour_n hâ—â—_n also_o to_o the_o inward_a principle_n from_o whence_o those_o action_n flow_v viz._n all_o the_o faculty_n and_o power_n of_o our_o soul_n understanding_n will_n imagination_n affection_n sense_n appetite_n habit_n disposition_n etc._n etc._n must_v be_v mind_v and_o govern_v by_o the_o rule_n and_o that_o in_o all_o circumstance_n at_o all_o time_n and_o in_o all_o place_n without_o exception_n the_o tree_n must_v be_v make_v good_a that_o the_o fruit_n may_v be_v so_o god_n have_v imprint_v his_o holy_a image_n upon_o his_o word_n and_o make_v use_v of_o it_o as_o a_o instrument_n to_o work_v a_o suitable_a impression_n upon_o we_o 3._o you_o be_v next_o to_o examine_v strict_o your_o own_o heart_n and_o life_n and_o compare_v they_o with_o the_o rule_n or_o try_v they_o by_o it_o remember_v i_o be_o now_o speak_v only_o in_o general_n to_o prepare_v you_o for_o those_o particular_a question_n which_o be_v design_v as_o a_o further_a help_n for_o the_o discovery_n of_o your_o case_n only_o at_o present_a let_v i_o tell_v you_o you_o be_v not_o to_o judge_n of_o the_o state_n of_o your_o soul_n by_o what_o be_v unusual_a and_o extraordinary_a with_o you_o but_o by_o the_o habitual_a bent_n of_o your_o heart_n and_o the_o state_v ordinary_a course_n and_o tenor_n of_o your_o life_n a_o hypocrite_n may_v have_v some_o transient_a affection_n and_o emotion_n of_o soul_n towards_o spiritual_a thing_n and_o some_o seem_a fit_n of_o religion_n for_o a_o while_n and_o yet_o afterward_o return_v with_o the_o dog_n to_o his_o vomit_n again_o herod_n hear_v john_n baptist_n glad_o and_o do_v many_o thing_n those_o on_o the_o rock_n hear_v the_o word_n and_o anon_o with_o joy_n receive_v it_o but_o have_v not_o root_v in_o themselves_o mat._n 13._o observe_v here_o a_o live_a principle_n of_o grace_n be_v a_o root_v principle_n fix_v in_o the_o heart_n and_o there_o keep_v alive_a by_o the_o same_o power_n which_o implant_v it_o it_o be_v say_v of_o he_o that_o be_v bear_v of_o god_n that_o his_o seed_n remain_v in_o â—â—in_n joh._n 3_o 9_o in_o short_a the_o will_n be_v the_o man_n and_o the_o sincerity_n of_o its_o resolution_n must_v be_v know_v by_o suitable_a endeavour_n and_o the_o sincerity_n of_o those_o endeavour_n by_o their_o success_n of_o which_o more_o hereafter_o or_o if_o you_o take_v â—t_a the_o other_o way_n by_o the_o main_a drift_n and_o course_n of_o your_o life_n you_o may_v know_v what_o be_v the_o prevail_a habit_n and_o 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nothing_o to_o put_v it_o off_o be_v thy_o case_n better_a oâ—_n worse_o labour_v to_o know_v it_o and_o come_v to_o a_o conclusion_n what_o it_o be_v 5._o last_o see_v that_o thy_o soul_n be_v affect_v with_o the_o discovery_n thou_o have_v make_v take_v it_o to_o heart_n that_o thoâ—_n may_v be_v prepare_v for_o what_o further_a work_n be_v before_o thou_o thus_o proceed_v orderly_o direct_v 4._o remember_v that_o a_o great_a deal_n of_o patience_n and_o constancy_n be_v ordinary_o requisite_a for_o the_o right_n carry_v on_o this_o great_a work_n of_o self-examination_n do_v not_o think_v that_o so_o weighty_a a_o point_n be_v like_a to_o be_v resolve_v all_o on_o a_o sudden_a you_o must_v search_v and_o search_v again_o 〈◊〉_d a_o work_n that_o must_v be_v do_v and_o therefore_o do_v not_o 〈◊〉_d down_o in_o discouragement_n what_o though_o you_o long_a continâ—â—_n in_o doubt_n the_o case_n be_v not_o singular_a many_o good_a christian_n be_v keep_v a_o great_a while_n in_o 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you_o set_v yourselves_o as_o in_o the_o presence_n of_o the_o great_a god_n remember_v that_o he_o be_v the_o most_o reverend_a witness_n of_o all_o your_o proceed_n who_o stand_v by_o and_o judge_v you_o while_o you_o be_v judge_v yourselves_o a_o due_a sense_n of_o this_o or_o nothing_o will_v over-awe_n your_o mind_n and_o make_v you_o impartial_a and_o serious_a in_o the_o business_n as_o for_o the_o circumstance_n of_o time_n have_v a_o care_n of_o needless_a delay_n in_o this_o matter_n yet_o do_v not_o rush_v precipitant_o upon_o it_o when_o you_o be_v unfit_a for_o such_o a_o undertake_n take_v such_o a_o season_n for_o it_o as_o soon_o as_o possible_a when_o your_o spirit_n be_v lively_a your_o head_n clear_a your_o affection_n calm_a and_o compose_v otherwise_o if_o you_o set_v about_o it_o when_o your_o head_n be_v confuse_v your_o spirit_n deject_v or_o oppress_v with_o melancholy_a etc._n etc._n and_o so_o your_o passion_n tumultuous_a and_o afloat_a you_o will_v make_v nothing_o of_o it_o and_o therefore_o you_o shall_v sometime_o find_v that_o satan_n himself_o though_o the_o great_a enemy_n to_o this_o work_n of_o self-examination_n will_v transform_v himself_o into_o a_o angel_n of_o light_n and_o put_v a_o poor-trembling_a soul_n upon_o this_o work_n when_o he_o know_v it_o be_v unfit_a for_o it_o and_o as_o ready_a will_v he_o be_v to_o triumph_v over_o such_o person_n and_o contempt_n they_o to_o despair_v when_o he_o see_v they_o be_v baffle_v and_o confound_v in_o their_o search_n thus_o i_o have_v endeavour_v to_o direct_v you_o in_o this_o point_n i_o hope_v i_o need_v not_o tell_v you_o that_o in_o all_o this_o it_o be_v necessary_a to_o implore_v the_o divine_a assistance_n humble_o beg_v of_o he_o who_o be_v the_o searcher_n of_o heart_n that_o he_o will_v lead_v you_o into_o your_o own_o soul_n and_o not_o suffer_v you_o to_o be_v mistake_v in_o a_o matter_n of_o such_o consequence_n tell_v he_o you_o can_v be_v satisfy_v to_o hang_v in_o suspense_n but_o do_v sincere_o desire_v to_o know_v the_o truth_n of_o your_o case_n be_v it_o better_o or_o worse_o and_o that_o he_o himself_z his_o command_v you_o to_o search_v and_o try_v yourselves_o that_o the_o work_n be_v difficult_a and_o you_o dare_v not_o undertake_v it_o in_o your_o own_o strength_n in_o short_a that_o you_o be_v resolve_v to_o rely_v upon_o he_o who_o be_v not_o wont_a to_o fail_v they_o that_o seek_v he_o and_o put_v their_o trust_n in_o he_o according_a to_o his_o own_o appoint_a way_n say_v with_o the_o psalmist_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 chap._n x._o sundry_a question_n propose_v by_o which_o to_o examine_v the_o state_n of_o our_o soul_n these_o general_a direction_n be_v premise_v we_o now_o come_v to_o offer_v you_o some_o far_a help_n or_o to_o lead_v you_o by_o the_o hand_n through_o the_o duty_n itself_o that_o so_o you_o may_v at_o length_n discover_v how_o the_o case_n stand_v with_o you_o in_o reference_n to_o eternity_n and_o here_o let_v i_o first_o tell_v you_o that_o the_o main_a point_n to_o be_v inquire_v into_o be_v how_o your_o soul_n be_v affect_v towards_o the_o glorious_a bless_a god_n himself_o this_o be_v the_o grand_a comprehensive_a question_n the_o rule_n and_o measure_n of_o all_o â—he_v rest_n which_o be_v entire_o subordinate_a to_o it_o observe_v it_o will_v stop_v a_o little_a and_o consider_v it_o it_o be_v this_o which_o must_v help_v you_o to_o understand_v remember_v and_o true_o to_o resolve_v what_o further_a inquiry_n shall_v be_v offer_v to_o you_o as_o be_v the_o centre_n wherein_o they_o all_o meet_v the_o end_n whereunto_o they_o be_v all_o design_v if_o as_o to_o the_o main_a you_o be_v right_a here_o viz_o if_o your_o soul_n be_v due_o affect_v towards_o god_n all_o be_v your_o own_o you_o may_v then_o conclude_v that_o you_o be_v wrought_v for_o heaven_n indeed_o you_o shall_v not_o miss_v of_o happiness_n if_o there_o be_v enough_o in_o the_o infinite_a all-sufficient_a god_n to_o mâ—ke_v you_o happy_a luk._n 15.31_o son_n thou_o be_v ever_o with_o i_o and_o all_o that_o i_o have_v be_v thou_o well_o then_o iâ—_n in_o your_o most_o serious_a deliberate_a judgement_n you_o do_v high_o esteem_v he_o as_o infinite_o good_a in_o himself_o and_o the_o most_o suitable_a good_a for_o you_o again_o if_o your_o will_n and_o heart_n do_v sincere_o cleave_v to_o he_o love_v he_o rest_n in_o he_o resolve_v for_o he_o as_o such_o and_o then_o if_o the_o state_v couâ—se_n of_o your_o life_n be_v in_o the_o main_a agreeable_a to_o such_o apprehension_n and_o resolution_n you_o may_v then_o go_v your_o wâ—y_n eat_v your_o bread_n with_o joy_n and_o drink_v your_o wine_n with_o a_o merry_a heart_n because_o god_n accept_v you_o eccles_n 9_o 7._o yet_o let_v i_o far_o add_v there_o be_v a_o great_a deal_n go_v to_o prove_v that_o this_o be_v reâ—lly_o and_o true_o your_o case_n most_o man_n will_v be_v ready_a to_o say_v that_o they_o esteem_v and_o love_n god_n above_o all_o with_o their_o mouth_n they_o show_v much_o love_n ezek._n 33.31_o nor_o will_v any_o have_v be_v more_o forward_o in_o so_o profess_v than_o those_o very_a person_n to_o who_o our_o lord_n speak_v john_n 5_o 42._o i_o know_v you_o that_o you_o have_v not_o the_o love_n of_o god_n in_o you_o let_v i_o therefore_o help_v you_o to_o find_v out_o the_o truth_n of_o your_o case_n by_o the_o follow_a question_n question_v 1_o how_o do_v you_o relish_v the_o notion_n of_o a_o happiness_n which_o consist_v in_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o god_n i_o beseech_v you_o deal_v true_o and_o faithful_o with_o your_o soul_n
such_o a_o time_n when_o sharp_a affliction_n press_v hard_a upon_o you_o it_o must_v indeed_o be_v acknowledge_v that_o even_o nature_n itself_o seem_v to_o promp_v man_n to_o look_v up_o towards_o god_n when_o they_o be_v under_o extreme_a difficulty_n and_o some_o for_o fashion_n will_v do_v it_o soon_o but_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n the_o great_a support_v and_o comfort_n of_o ungodly_a man_n be_v usual_o take_v from_o the_o creature_n they_o hope_v the_o tide_n will_v turn_v and_o matter_n go_v better_a with_o they_o in_o the_o world_n and_o this_o it_o be_v that_o keep_v they_o from_o sink_v sometime_o they_o trust_v in_o their_o riches_n sometime_o in_o their_o friend_n sometime_o to_o their_o own_o conduct_n and_o management_n in_o short_a they_o will_v turn_v their_o eye_n every_o way_n for_o satisfaction_n and_o ease_n rather_o than_o towards_o god_n the_o reason_n be_v plain_a they_o be_v estrange_v from_o he_o and_o have_v not_o learn_v to_o take_v up_o with_o he_o for_o their_o only_a soul-satisfying_a portion_n and_o happiness_n they_o like_v not_o the_o thought_n of_o this_o but_o shun_v it_o as_o a_o thing_n unsuitable_a to_o they_o they_o will_v rather_o weary_v themselves_o with_o a_o thousand_o fruitless_a attempt_n to_o sin_v rest_n in_o the_o creature_n than_o seek_v it_o in_o he_o who_o alone_o can_v give_v it_o perhaps_o when_o they_o be_v force_v and_o even_o fire_v out_o of_o all_o other_o refuge_n they_o will_v then_o come_v cry_v to_o god_n but_o what_o can_v such_o a_o constrain_a show_n of_o devotion_n signify_v vtumur_n deo_fw-la fruunâ—ur_fw-la creaturis_fw-la they_o will_v as_o it_o be_v make_v use_n of_o god_n to_o serve_v a_o turn_n but_o their_o heart_n their_o love_n and_o delight_n be_v upon_o the_o creature_n as_o for_o the_o true_o godly_a the_o case_n be_v otherwise_o with_o they_o their_o hope_n and_o comfort_n be_v of_o a_o more_o divine_a original_a lord_n what_o waâ—â—_n i_o for_o my_o hope_n be_v in_o thou_o although_o the_o fig_n tree_n shall_v not_o blossom_n etc._n etc._n yet_o will_v i_o rejoice_v in_o the_o lord_n hab._n 3.17_o 18._o some_o trust_n in_o chariot_n and_o some_o in_o horse_n but_o we_o will_v remember_v the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n our_o god_n psal_n 20.7_o there_o be_v many_o that_o say_v who_o will_v show_v we_o any_o good_a lord_n listen_v thou_o up_o the_o light_n of_o thy_o countenance_n upon_o we_o â—sal_n 4_o 6_o in_o the_o multitude_n of_o my_o thought_n heb._n troublesome_a perplex_v thought_n within_o i_o try_v comfort_n delight_v my_o soul_n thus_o the_o spirit_n of_o adoption_n teâ—châ—th_v believer_n to_o lay_v open_a their_o complaint_n to_o their_o heavenly_a father_n to_o cast_v their_o câ—re_n upon_o he_o to_o place_v their_o happiness_n in_o he_o to_o fetch_v their_o comfort_n from_o he_o and_o this_o as_o matter_n of_o choice_n not_o mere_o out_o oâ—_n constraint_n the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v a_o strong_a tower_n the_o righteous_a â—â—â—neth_n into_o it_o and_o be_v safe_a prov._n 19.10_o psal_n 94.32_o the_o lord_n be_v my_o defence_n and_o my_o god_n be_v the_o râ—ck_n of_o my_o refuge_n they_o know_v they_o elf_n to_o be_v stranger_n in_o this_o world_n and_o therefore_o expect_v no_o great_a matter_n from_o it_o heaven_n be_v their_o home_n their_o treasure_n their_o hope_n their_o joy_n their_o heart_n be_v there_o of_o this_o we_o have_v full_a proof_n in_o the_o context_n as_o have_v be_v already_o observe_v by_o these_o and_o such_o like_a question_n you_o may_v try_v your_o state_n i_o know_v there_o be_v different_a degree_n of_o grace_n all_o that_o be_v true_o godly_a will_v not_o be_v alike_o able_a to_o answer_v what_o have_v be_v propose_v nor_o will_v i_o make_v sad_a the_o heart_n of_o the_o weak_a sincere_a christian_n there_o may_v be_v great_a failures_n and_o imperfection_n but_o that_o which_o i_o will_v advise_v you_o to_o be_v strict_o to_o observe_v what_o be_v the_o prevail_a bent_n of_o your_o heart_n in_o all_o this_o but_o i_o have_v one_o question_n more_o fit_a for_o the_o strong_a to_o try_v themselves_o by_o though_o the_o weak_a be_v not_o unconcern_v in_o it_o neither_o quest_n 10._o do_v you_o love_n god_n as_o god_n for_o himself_o above_o yourselves_o or_o any_o other_o object_n whatsoever_o that_o in_o point_n of_o duty_n we_o ought_v thus_o to_o love_n god_n be_v past_a dispute_n unless_o we_o will_v renounce_v at_o once_o both_o reason_n and_o religion_n mark_n 12.30_o thou_o shall_v love_v the_o lord_n thy_o god_n with_o all_o thy_o heart_n and_o with_o all_o thy_o soul_n etc._n etc._n this_o be_v the_o first_o and_o the_o great_a commandment_n mat._n 22.38_o and_o the_o second_o be_v like_a unto_o it_o thou_o shall_v love_v thy_o neighbour_n as_o thyself_o here_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o we_o ought_v to_o love_n god_n total_o without_o any_o limitation_n or_o restriction_n with_o all_o our_o power_n mind_n and_o will_v with_o a_o love_n transcend_v either_o that_o of_o ourselves_o or_o our_o neighbour_n i_o suppose_v you_o will_v ready_o grant_v that_o god_n must_v be_v love_v better_a than_o your_o neighbour_n and_o yet_o they_o must_v be_v love_v as_o yourselves_o therefore_o god_n must_v be_v love_v better_a than_o yourselves_o too_o thus_o the_o necessitaâ—_n praecepti_fw-la be_v plain_a but_o since_o there_o be_v more_o in_o the_o precept_n of_o the_o divine_a law_n than_o in_o the_o condition_n of_o salvation_n otherwise_o none_o can_v be_v save_v without_o perfect_a obedience_n therefore_o here_o arise_v a_o great_a question_n before_o we_o viz._n whether_o such_o a_o love_n to_o god_n as_o god_n above_o ourselves_o oâ—_n our_o own_o happiness_n etc._n etc._n be_v so_o necessary_a necessitate_v medii_fw-la that_o no_o man_n be_v to_o be_v account_v in_o a_o state_n of_o salvation_n who_o do_v not_o thus_o love_n god_n better_o than_o himself_o what_o i_o have_v to_o say_v in_o answer_n to_o this_o shall_v be_v digest_v into_o the_o follow_a particular_n with_o submission_n to_o better_a judgement_n 1._o it_o be_v very_o odd_a and_o dangerous_a to_o say_v that_o that_o man_n be_v in_o a_o state_n of_o grace_n who_o love_v not_o god_n as_o god_n do_v not_o this_o sound_n very_o absurd_o and_o strange_o we_o will_v leave_v it_o to_o the_o ear_n which_o as_o elihu_n say_v triâ—â—_n word_n job_n 34.3_o 2._o it_o be_v clear_a by_o far_a than_o the_o sun_n at_o noonday_n that_o god_n as_o god_n be_v infinite_o better_a than_o ourselves_o and_o the_o whole_a creation_n beside_o i_o will_v not_o so_o much_o undervalue_v your_o judgement_n as_o to_o think_v that_o you_o stand_v in_o need_n of_o have_v this_o proâ—ed_a to_o you_o nor_o will_v i_o so_o far_o overuâ—ue_v your_o piety_n as_o to_o think_v that_o there_o be_v no_o need_n of_o press_v it_o upon_o you_o that_o your_o heart_n may_v be_v suitable_o affect_v with_o it_o 3._o therefore_o we_o love_v not_o god_n as_o god_n if_o we_o love_v he_o not_o better_a than_o ourselves_o or_o our_o own_o interest_n and_o happiness_n as_o such_o because_o as_o god_n he_o be_v infinite_o better_a than_o we_o be_v or_o can_v be_v god_n be_v the_o universal_a self_n originate_v independent_a unchangeable_a good_a but_o the_o goodness_n of_o the_o creature_n be_v particular_a limit_v derive_v and_o entire_o dependent_a upon_o he_o and_o therefore_o by_o no_o mean_n to_o be_v set_v in_o competition_n with_o he_o isa_n 40.25_o 4._o it_o be_v certain_a that_o god_n have_v deep_o implant_v in_o our_o nature_n a_o principle_n of_o self-love_n and_o that_o he_o make_v use_v of_o it_o both_o in_o order_n to_o our_o preservation_n and_o government_n this_o it_o be_v which_o engage_v we_o in_o the_o use_n of_o mean_n in_o order_n to_o our_o own_o welfare_n and_o be_v suppose_v in_o all_o the_o precept_n promise_n and_o threaten_n that_o be_v set_v before_o we_o this_o principle_n neither_o can_v nor_o aught_o to_o be_v extirpate_v but_o it_o must_v be_v regulate_v and_o keep_v within_o its_o due_a bound_n or_o in_o its_o proper_a place_n in_o order_n to_o the_o best_a and_o high_a ends._n 5._o it_o be_v also_o evident_a that_o by_o the_o apostasy_n our_o self-love_n be_v become_v inordinate_a perverse_a and_o therefore_o exceed_o sinful_a so_o that_o self-denial_n be_v one_o of_o the_o first_o step_n towards_o our_o recovery_n mat._n 16.24_o we_o be_v fall_v from_o god_n to_o ourselves_o and_o be_v for_o set_v up_o our_o own_o little_a carnal_a support_v self-interest_n in_o opposition_n to_o that_o full_a and_o proper_a interest_n that_o he_o have_v in_o we_o that_o be_v we_o will_v be_v god_n to_o ourselves_o this_o be_v the_o grand_a fundamental_a disorder_n of_o human_a nature_n the_o heart_n of_o the_o old_a man._n this_o have_v disjoint_v we_o and_o render_v we_o offensive_a to_o god_n and_o
uneasy_a to_o ourselves_o and_o to_o all_o about_o we_o till_o we_o be_v reduce_v and_o set_v right_o again_o so_o then_o this_o sensual_a corrupt_a self-love_n must_v be_v mortify_v but_o lawful_a and_o just_a self-love_n must_v be_v improve_v as_o be_v say_v before_o 6._o in_o assign_v the_o notion_n of_o our_o chief_a or_o ultimate_a end_n god_n glory_n and_o our_o own_o salvation_n must_v not_o be_v separate_v for_o our_o intention_n must_v take_v in_o both_o but_o then_o the_o latter_a must_v be_v consider_v as_o in_o full_a subordination_n to_o the_o former_a we_o may_v and_o aught_o to_o desire_v our_o own_o eternal_a happiness_n that_o god_n may_v be_v glorify_v therein_o who_o be_v well_o please_v and_o delight_v in_o the_o welfare_n and_o perfection_n of_o his_o holy_a one_o our_o supreme_a end_n must_v fall_v in_o with_o he_o who_o make_v all_o thing_n for_o himself_o that_o he_o alone_o may_v have_v the_o glory_n 7._o therefore_o to_o love_n god_n only_o or_o chief_o for_o ourselves_o as_o a_o mean_n to_o our_o own_o happiness_n be_v great_o to_o affront_v and_o dishonour_v he_o by_o prefer_v ourselves_o before_o he_o the_o creature_n before_o the_o creator_n the_o silly_a interest_n of_o a_o crawl_a worm_n before_o the_o glorious_a all-comprehending_a interest_n of_o the_o supreme_a infinite_a majesty_n it_o be_v to_o invert_v the_o order_n of_o thing_n while_o we_o make_v ourselves_o the_o end_n and_o consider_v he_o but_o as_o a_o mean_n in_o order_n thereto_o as_o if_o we_o be_v better_o or_o more_o amiable_a than_o he_o or_o our_o happiness_n more_o valuable_a than_o his_o glory_n such_o profaneness_n be_v not_o to_o be_v endure_v but_o abhor_v know_v you_o not_o that_o the_o whole_a creation_n have_v no_o worth_n in_o it_o but_o what_o be_v derive_v from_o god_n and_o to_o be_v measure_v by_o its_o relation_n to_o he_o 8._o to_o love_n god_n with_o a_o pure_a raise_v transcendent_a superlative_a love_n for_o himself_o as_o the_o most_o amiable_a and_o perfect_a good_a from_o by_z and_o to_o who_o we_o and_o all_o thing_n else_o be_v and_o then_o to_o love_v ourselves_o and_o all_o other_o object_n for_o he_o as_o the_o supreme_a ultimate_a end_n of_o all_o this_o be_v the_o true_a method_n of_o holy_a love_n towards_o great_a measure_n whereof_o the_o best_a of_o we_o shall_v be_v ever_o aspire_a be_v it_o not_o high_o reasonable_a that_o he_o who_o be_v best_a shall_v be_v most_o love_v that_o he_o who_o be_v the_o author_n of_o our_o being_n shall_v be_v our_o end_n that_o we_o shall_v aim_v at_o and_o intend_v he_o in_o all_o in_o a_o word_n that_o the_o love_n of_o ourselves_o shall_v be_v subject_v to_o the_o high_a and_o pure_a love_n of_o god_n urge_v these_o thing_n upon_o yourselves_o take_v pain_n with_o your_o own_o heart_n to_o bring_v they_o to_o such_o a_o frame_n plead_v the_o cause_n of_o god_n with_o your_o soul_n till_o the_o fire_n kindle_v and_o you_o be_v carry_v up_o above_o self_n to_o he_o and_o all_o by_o the_o help_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n it_o be_v true_a indeed_o he_o need_v not_o you_o nor_o your_o love_n neither_o can_v you_o be_v profitable_a to_o he_o thereby_o job_n 22.2_o 3._o your_o goodness_n extend_v not_o to_o he_o psal_n 16.2_o the_o advantage_n be_v like_a to_o be_v your_o own_o and_o shall_v not_o the_o glory_n be_v he_o as_o carnal_a inordinate_a self-seeking_a be_v no_o better_a than_o self-destroying_a so_o to_o go_v our_o of_o ourselves_o and_o to_o be_v as_o it_o be_v estrange_v i_o from_o and_o lose_v to_o ourselves_o that_o we_o may_v seek_v god_n live_v in_o he_o and_o enjoy_v communion_n with_o he_o this_o i_o say_v be_v the_o true_a way_n to_o advance_v our_o own_o interest_n while_o we_o seem_v to_o overlook_v it_o because_o by_o this_o mean_n we_o shall_v find_v ourselves_o and_o our_o all_o in_o god_n with_o infinite_a advantage_n how_o much_o some_o of_o the_o people_n of_o god_n have_v be_v carry_v out_o in_o holy_a zeal_n for_o his_o honour_n â—bove_o their_o own_o particular_a self-interest_n you_o may_v see_v exod_a 32.32_o numb_a 14.12_o rom._n 9.3_o which_o place_n i_o must_v not_o now_o stay_v to_o enlarge_v upon_o 9_o but_o here_o it_o must_v be_v remember_v that_o god_n be_v immaterial_a and_o invisible_a be_v not_o a_o object_n of_o sense_n nor_o direct_o of_o sensitive_a passionate_a love_n therefore_o the_o heart_n may_v be_v inward_o deep_o predominant_o and_o therefore_o sincere_o for_o god_n though_o as_o to_o the_o passionate_a part_n we_o may_v find_v ourselves_o more_o sensible_o carry_v out_o towards_o other_o object_n because_o the_o nearness_n and_o sensibleness_n of_o the_o creature_n promote_v such_o sensible_a working_n in_o the_o low_a sensitive_a faculty_n and_o corporeal_a spirit_n as_o for_o example_n a_o sincere_a christian_a may_v be_v more_o feel_o affect_v towards_o a_o dear_a friend_n or_o relation_n or_o some_o other_o creature-enjoyment_n than_o towards_o god_n himself_o yet_o do_v it_o not_o therefore_o follow_v that_o his_o heart_n be_v more_o for_o these_o thing_n than_o for_o god_n because_o be_v he_o put_v to_o trial_n he_o will_v forsake_v all_o these_o enjoyment_n rather_o than_o forsake_v god_n or_o quit_v his_o interest_n in_o he_o whereby_o it_o appear_v that_o his_o mind_n and_o will_n be_v more_o for_o god_n though_o the_o low_a sensitive_a appetite_n work_v most_o feel_o towards_o sensible_a object_n 10._o therefore_o though_o it_o be_v essential_a to_o holiness_n to_o love_n god_n for_o himself_o as_o our_o absolute_o ultimate_a end_n and_o therefore_o better_a than_o ourselves_o yet_o there_o may_v be_v some_o secret_a conception_n or_o beginning_n of_o this_o love_n in_o a_o soul_n long_o before_o the_o person_n in_o who_o it_o be_v perceive_v it_o because_o we_o be_v apt_a to_o judge_n of_o ourselves_o by_o what_o appear_v most_o sensible_o in_o we_o and_o to_o overlook_v what_o lie_v more_o deep_a and_o inward_a now_o as_o be_v say_v before_o love_v to_o self_n and_o to_o the_o creature_n operate_v in_o a_o more_o sensible_a passionate_a feel_a manner_n than_o holy_a intellectual_a love_n do_v because_o god_n be_v a_o spirit_n be_v not_o so_o near_o to_o our_o sense_n and_o passion_n as_o the_o creature_n be_v therefore_o because_o i_o will_v not_o make_v sad_a the_o heart_n of_o any_o who_o god_n will_v not_o have_v make_v sad_a ezek._n 13.22_o nor_o give_v a_o advantage_n to_o satan_n to_o disquiet_v the_o soul_n of_o the_o weak_a sincere_a christian_n let_v i_o say_v to_o such_o as_o follows_z suppose_v that_o you_o be_v satisfy_v that_o god_n as_o god_n be_v infinite_o more_o amiable_a than_o yourselves_o and_o that_o he_o be_v your_o absolute_o supreme_a chief_a or_o ultimate_a end_n and_o therefore_o that_o you_o ought_v to_o love_v he_o as_o such_o above_o yourselves_o again_o if_o you_o do_v earnest_o desire_v that_o happiness_n which_o consist_v in_o so_o love_v he_o above_o any_o other_o happiness_n whatsoever_o though_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n you_o dare_v not_o say_v that_o you_o love_v god_n for_o himself_o above_o yourselves_o but_o be_v it_o may_v be_v more_o sensible_o and_o feel_o concern_v for_o your_o own_o welfare_n that_o you_o may_v escape_v the_o wrath_n to_o come_v than_o for_o his_o glory_n yet_o you_o he_o wail_v this_o and_o desire_v a_o heart_n to_o love_n god_n more_o for_o himself_o and_o to_o refer_v your_o own_o interest_n and_o all_o to_o he_o why_o if_o the_o case_n be_v thus_o with_o you_o i_o will_v not_o have_v you_o be_v discourage_v or_o cast_v down_o for_o it_o seem_v to_o i_o that_o you_o have_v the_o seed_n and_o beginning_n of_o this_o holy_a love_n to_o god_n for_o himself_o whereof_o we_o have_v be_v speak_v and_o our_o lord_n will_v not_o break_v the_o bruise_a reed_n nor_o quench_v the_o smoke_a flax._n let_v i_o therefore_o earnest_o beseech_v you_o to_o pray_v hard_o for_o further_a influence_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o love_n and_o take_v pain_n with_o your_o own_o heart_n to_o raise_v they_o more_o above_o self_n unto_o god_n that_o your_o spark_n may_v become_v a_o flame_n and_o that_o you_o may_v be_v even_o swallow_v up_o of_o holy_a love_n so_o will_v you_o find_v that_o comfort_n peace_n and_o assurance_n which_o you_o be_v so_o pensive_o seek_v and_o inquire_v after_o o_o learn_v at_o length_n to_o pore_v less_o upon_o your_o own_o poor_a dark_a droop_a soul_n and_o look_v more_o at_o he_o who_o be_v light_n and_o in_o who_o there_o be_v no_o darkness_n at_o all_o as_o for_o the_o common_a sort_n of_o the_o ignorant_a pretender_n to_o the_o love_n of_o god_n and_o holiness_n all_o this_o will_v seem_v to_o they_o more_o ado_n than_o needs_o nor_o be_v it_o difficult_a to_o confound_v their_o pretence_n without_o go_v thus_o high_a
righteous_a governor_n and_o ungrateful_o abuse_v the_o riches_n of_o his_o mercy_n and_o goodness_n they_o tread_v underfoot_n the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o will_v not_o that_o he_o shall_v reign_v over_o they_o and_o therefore_o be_v just_o account_v enemy_n and_o must_v expect_v to_o be_v treat_v according_o luk._n 19.27_o but_o those_o my_o enemy_n which_o will_v not_o that_o i_o shall_v reign_v over_o they_o bring_v hither_o and_o slay_v they_o before_o i_o they_o do_v despite_n unto_o the_o spirit_n of_o grace_n heb._n 10.29_o and_o in_o all_o this_o they_o prefidious_o break_v their_o baptismal_a covenant_n wherein_o they_o be_v solemn_o devote_v to_o god_n the_o father_n son_n and_o holy_a ghost_n and_o withal_o they_o wilful_o destroy_v themselves_o and_o wrong_v their_o own_o soul_n but_o that_o bring_v i_o to_o the_o other_o consideration_n a_o unregenerate_a state_n be_v a_o miserable_a state_n how_o shall_v it_o he_o otherwise_o can_v a_o man_n harden_v himself_o against_o god_n and_o prosper_v no_o no_o such_o person_n be_v under_o the_o wrath_n and_o indignation_n of_o the_o almighty_a a_o abomination_n to_o he_o he_o be_v of_o pure_a eye_n than_o to_o behold_v they_o his_o holy_a law_n be_v arm_v with_o most_o dreadful_a curse_n and_o threaten_n against_o they_o god_n shall_v wound_v the_o head_n of_o his_o enemy_n and_o the_o hairy_a scalp_n of_o such_o a_o one_o as_o go_v on_o still_o in_o his_o trespass_n psal_n 68.21_o they_o be_v slave_n of_o satan_n lead_v captive_a by_o he_o at_o his_o will_n who_o employ_v they_o in_o treasure_v up_o unto_o themselves_o wrath_n against_o the_o day_n of_o wrath_n even_o the_o offer_v of_o gospel-grace_n which_o be_v daily_o make_v to_o they_o as_o they_o aggravate_v their_o sin_n will_v also_o make_v their_o condemnation_n heavy_a thus_o that_o which_o be_v design_v for_o their_o good_a become_v the_o savour_n of_o death_n unto_o death_n unto_o they_o what_o shall_v i_o say_v they_o be_v heir_n of_o hell_n condemn_v already_o in_o point_n of_o law_n though_o judgement_n have_v not_o yet_o pass_v the_o final_a sentence_n they_o be_v not_o sure_a of_o be_v spare_v a_o hour_n long_o one_o will_v think_v this_o shall_v make_v they_o ill_o at_o ease_n till_o the_o affair_n of_o their_o soul_n be_v in_o a_o better_a posture_n it_o be_v wonderful_a to_o think_v what_o shift_n they_o make_v to_o avoid_v the_o anticipation_n of_o hell_n in_o their_o own_o breast_n put_v all_o this_o together_o and_o then_o tell_v i_o whether_o it_o be_v not_o a_o miserable_a state_n psal_n 50.22_o now_o consider_v this_o you_o that_o forget_v god_n lest_o i_o tear_v you_o in_o piece_n and_o there_o be_v none_o to_o deliver_v 2._o think_v next_o what_o great_a thing_n god_n himself_o have_v do_v in_o order_n to_o your_o deliverance_n from_o this_o sinful_a miserable_a state_n though_o your_o transgression_n be_v many_o and_o heinous_a he_o have_v provide_v a_o ransom_n for_o you_o the_o blood_n of_o jesus_n christ_n cleanse_v from_o all_o sin_n though_o your_o nature_n be_v exceed_o corrupt_v his_o holy_a spirit_n be_v able_a and_o ready_a to_o help_v and_o heal_v you_o if_o you_o do_v not_o wilful_o resist_v and_o grieve_v he_o prov._n 1.23_o turn_v you_o â—t_a my_o reproof_n behold_v i_o will_v pouâ—_n out_o my_o spirit_n unto_o you_o though_o your_o spiritual_a enemy_n â—e_v strong_a â—ubâ—â—â—_n and_o malignant_a they_o can_v destroy_v you_o unless_o you_o obstinate_o side_n with_o they_o the_o stand_a office_n of_o the_o ministry_n be_v appoint_v to_o treat_v with_o you_o in_o order_n to_o your_o reconciliation_n and_o peace_n with_o gâ—d_n 2_o cor._n 5.20_o notwithstanding_o all_o the_o affront_v you_o have_v do_v to_o the_o â—iviâ—e_n patiencâ—_n god_n still_o wait_v to_o be_v gracious_a to_o you_o though_o you_o little_a deserve_v â—o_o be_v thus_o treat_v it_o be_v yet_o put_v to_o your_o choice_n that_o you_o may_v be_v happy_a if_o â—e_n will_v be_v holy_a a_o throne_n of_o grace_n be_v erect_v for_o your_o encouragement_n god_n have_v swoâ—n_v by_o himself_o that_o he_o delight_v noâ—â—n_v your_o ruin_n and_o destruction_n burnisher_o that_o you_o shall_v repeâ—t_v and_o live_v he_o condescend_v in_o a_o way_n of_o â—â—â—creâ—_n and_o forgiveness_n to_o reason_v the_o case_n with_o you_o turn_v 〈◊〉_d turn_v you_o why_o will_v you_o die_v cease_v to_o dâ—_n evil_a â—â—â—â—n_n to_o 〈◊〉_d well_o come_v now_o and_o let_v 〈◊〉_d reason_n together_o say_v the_o lord_n though_o your_o sin_n be_v as_o scarlet_n they_o shall_v be_v as_o white_a as_o sâ—â—w_v though_o they_o be_v red_a like_o crimson_n they_o shall_v be_v as_o wool_n isa_n 1.16_o 17_o 18._o in_o a_o word_n matter_n be_v bring_v so_o far_o in_o order_n to_o your_o recovery_n that_o nothing_o but_o your_o own_o wilfulness_n and_o final_a impenitency_n can_v be_v your_o ruin_n 3_o and_o now_o consider_v what_o it_o be_v that_o god_n expect_v from_o you_o in_o compliance_n with_o the_o method_n of_o his_o grace_n viz._n that_o from_o a_o deep_a sense_n of_o your_o past_a folly_n and_o a_o belleve_a apprehension_n of_o his_o mercy_n and_o goodness_n in_o christ_n you_o do_v sincere_o turn_v unto_o he_o through_o this_o great_a mediator_n and_o then_o all_o be_v your_o own_o be_v not_o these_o term_n high_o reasonable_a be_v they_o not_o full_a of_o rich_a grace_n and_o benignity_n can_v you_o imagine_v that_o divine_a mercy_n shall_v stoop_v low_o will_v you_o be_v save_v from_o wrath_n while_o you_o resolve_v to_o persist_v in_o your_o enmity_n against_o god_n what_o then_o will_v become_v of_o his_o holiness_n and_o purity_n of_o his_o truth_n his_o government_n his_o inflexible_a justice_n and_o righteousness_n will_v you_o have_v a_o interest_n in_o christ_n while_o you_o wilful_o reject_v he_o will_v you_o be_v save_v by_o his_o blood_n without_o be_v sanctify_v by_o his_o spirit_n and_o govern_v by_o his_o law_n or_o will_v you_o have_v the_o grace_n and_o comfort_n of_o the_o holy-ghost_n while_o you_o be_v still_o quench_v and_o resist_v his_o influence_n in_o short_a can_v you_o tell_v what_o you_o will_v have_v think_v well_o of_o it_o and_o you_o will_v find_v either_o that_o you_o desire_n be_v utter_o immodest_a and_o unreasonable_a or_o eâ—se_v that_o he_o be_v ready_a to_o grant_v they_o 4._o consider_v also_o how_o many_o million_o be_v get_v safe_a to_o heaven_n who_o be_v once_o at_o as_o great_a a_o distance_n from_o it_o as_o you_o the_o saint_n now_o in_o glory_n be_v by_o nature_n child_n of_o wrath_n as_o well_o as_o other_o beside_o the_o gild_n of_o many_o actual_a transgression_n how_o long_o do_v many_o of_o they_o stand_v it_o out_o against_o the_o call_n of_o divine_a grace_n as_o you_o have_v do_v but_o at_o last_o they_o yield_v and_o so_o escape_v methinks_v this_o consideration_n shall_v animate_v and_o encourage_v you_o yea_o and_o even_o inflame_v you_o with_o a_o generous_a ambition_n oâ—_n attain_v the_o same_o happiness_n have_v so_o many_o poor_a sinner_n find_v mercy_n why_o then_o stand_v you_o look_v one_o upon_o another_o as_o if_o you_o can_v not_o find_v your_o hand_n be_v you_o content_a to_o pine_v away_o in_o your_o iniquity_n oâ—_n up_o and_o be_v do_v and_o the_o lord_n in_o great_a mercy_n be_v with_o you_o 5._o consider_v how_o little_a the_o world_n or_o flesh_n signify_v to_o counter_a balance_n the_o ruin_n of_o your_o immortal_a soul_n what_o will_v it_o profit_v a_o man_n if_o he_o shall_v gain_v the_o whole_a world_n etc._n etc._n you_o be_v gross_o ignorant_a of_o the_o nature_n and_o capacity_n of_o your_o own_o soul_n if_o you_o think_v that_o terrene_a or_o sensual_a delight_n and_o enjoyment_n will_v satisfy_v they_o isa_n 55.2_o etc._n etc._n what_o though_o the_o flesh_n shall_v be_v abundant_o provide_v for_o and_o fair_a delicious_o every_o day_n you_o will_v still_o find_v something_o within_o you_o that_o be_v not_o fill_v and_o so_o in_o the_o fullness_n of_o your_o sufficiency_n you_o will_v be_v in_o strait_n job_n 20.22_o and_o beside_o creature-enjoyment_n be_v uncertain_a as_o well_o as_o insufficient_a they_o may_v be_v take_v from_o you_o you_o must_v be_v take_v from_o they_o will_v it_o be_v any_o relief_n to_o your_o miserable_a soul_n in_o another_o world_n to_o remember_v the_o fleshly_a prosperity_n and_o ease_n you_o have_v in_o this_o will_v your_o possession_n spâ—rt_n and_o jollity_n follow_v you_o into_o eternity_n or_o will_v not_o the_o remembrance_n of_o they_o rather_o cut_v you_o to_o the_o very_a heart_n when_o be_v doom_v to_o everlasting_a disconsolate_a darkness_n you_o shall_v not_o be_v able_a to_o forget_v how_o foolish_o you_o destroy_v yourselves_o for_o mere_a trifle_n o_o consider_v this_o and_o do_v not_o hazard_v your_o soul_n for_o a_o thing_n of_o nought_o how_o fast_o be_v you_o post_v continual_o
neglect_v no_o mean_n nor_o help_n in_o order_n thereto_o such_o resolution_n as_o these_o be_v most_o proper_a in_o your_o condition_n but_o if_o your_o heart_n still_o hang_v back_o let_v i_o ask_v you_o what_o will_v you_o resolve_v upon_o vita_fw-la humana_fw-la sine_fw-la proposito_fw-la vaga_fw-la est_fw-la &_o languida_fw-la will_v you_o put_v the_o matter_n to_o the_o venture_n and_o trouble_v your_o head_n no_o further_o about_o it_o but_o still_o go_v on_o at_o the_o old_a dull_a stupid_a rate_n if_o so_o this_o be_v wilful_o to_o destroy_v your_o own_o soul_n and_o who_o can_v you_o blame_v but_o yourselves_o will_v you_o sit_v down_o in_o despair_n this_o be_v to_o despise_v or_o undervalue_v the_o riches_n of_o gospel-grace_n that_o be_v set_v before_o you_o those_o that_o come_v to_o christ_n he_o will_v in_o no_o wise_a cast_v out_o again_o will_v you_o delay_v for_o a_o while_n and_o put_v off_o the_o thought_n of_o these_o thing_n till_o hereafter_o answ_n this_o indeed_o be_v the_o common_a case_n but_o almost_o as_o unreasonable_a as_o either_o of_o the_o other_o two_o your_o time_n be_v not_o in_o your_o own_o hand_n you_o know_v not_o how_o soon_o your_o soul_n may_v be_v require_v of_o you_o the_o long_a you_o delay_v the_o more_o difficult_a it_o be_v like_a to_o be_v and_o the_o spirit_n that_o shall_v help_v you_o will_v be_v grieve_v by_o your_o backwardness_n satan_n will_v have_v the_o fast_o hold_v of_o you_o and_o if_o death_n overtake_v you_o before_o the_o work_n be_v do_v you_o be_v damn_v therefore_o i_o say_v turn_v your_o thought_n which_o way_n you_o will_v all_o other_o resolution_n will_v be_v find_v mad_a and_o dangerous_a except_o that_o of_o the_o prodigal_n i_o will_v arise_v and_o go_v to_o my_o father_n so_o do_v you_o and_o here_o let_v i_o tell_v you_o it_o be_v needful_a that_o your_o resolution_n be_v firm_a and_o steady_a lest_o those_o difficulty_n which_o may_v afterward_o arise_v in_o your_o way_n shall_v discourage_v you_o and_o that_o they_o be_v speedy_a lest_o death_n overtake_v you_o unprepared_a and_o also_o that_o in_o this_o whole_a business_n you_o be_v sensible_a of_o your_o own_o weakness_n and_o insufficiency_n lest_o you_o miscarry_v through_o foolish_a self-confidence_n but_o of_o that_o more_o by_o and_o by_o direct_v 4._o see_v that_o your_o resolution_n be_v forthwith_o put_v into_o practice_n by_o this_o it_o must_v appear_v that_o they_o be_v true_a and_o hearty_a if_o the_o will_v be_v determine_v in_o the_o case_n suitable_a endeavour_n will_v ensue_v and_o here_o your_o work_n lie_v in_o the_o follow_a order_n 1._o humble_a yourselves_o deep_o in_o the_o presence_n of_o god_n for_o all_o that_o sin_n and_o folly_n which_o hitherto_o you_o have_v be_v guilty_a of_o consider_v the_o evil_a of_o sin_n as_o it_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o holy_a and_o pure_a nature_n and_o law_n of_o god_n call_v to_o remembrance_n your_o own_o sin_n and_o lay_v they_o to_o heart_n that_o they_o may_v not_o be_v lay_v to_o your_o charge_n in_o a_o particular_a manner_n bewail_v the_o corruption_n of_o your_o nature_n and_o more_o especial_o the_o estrangedness_n of_o your_o heart_n from_o god_n and_o enmity_n against_o he_o with_o that_o inordinate_a propension_n to_o the_o creature_n in_o which_o the_o heart_n of_o the_o old_a man_n do_v main_o consist_v proceed_v then_o to_o consider_v those_o actual_a transgression_n which_o have_v all_o along_o issue_v from_o this_o corruption_n viz._n your_o loss_n of_o precious_a time_n misimprovement_n of_o gospel_n ordinance_n and_o mean_n of_o grace_n your_o pride_n passion_n earthliness_n sensuality_n etc._n etc._n confess_v these_o thing_n humble_o and_o feel_o in_o the_o presence_n of_o god_n labour_v to_o melt_v into_o a_o ingenuous_a childlike_a sorrow_n for_o have_v carry_v it_o so_o unworthy_o to_o so_o good_a and_o gracious_a a_o father_n that_o sorrow_n for_o sin_n which_o proceed_v only_o from_o fear_n of_o punishment_n be_v the_o sorrow_n of_o a_o slave_n and_o may_v consist_v with_o as_o much_o love_n to_o sin_n as_o ever_o but_o godly_a sorrow_n be_v animate_v by_o holy_a love_n to_o god_n which_o raise_v in_o the_o soul_n a_o rational_a hearty_a grief_n for_o its_o transgression_n against_o he_o a_o hatred_n of_o sin_n and_o resolution_n against_o it_o for_o the_o future_a this_o be_v repentance_n from_o dead_a work_n and_o towards_o god_n he_o that_o cover_v his_o sin_n shall_v not_o prosper_v but_o he_o that_o confess_v and_o forsake_v they_o shall_v find_v mercy_n prov._n 28.13_o yea_o as_o matter_n now_o stand_v such_o be_v the_o wonderful_a condescension_n of_o the_o law_n of_o grace_n it_o be_v a_o act_n of_o justice_n and_o faithfulness_n as_o well_o as_o mercy_n to_o forgive_v sin_z wheresoever_o with_o true_a repentance_n it_o be_v confess_v 1_o joh._n 1.9_o if_o we_o confess_v our_o sin_n he_o be_v faithful_a and_o just_a to_o forgive_v we_o our_o sin_n etc._n etc._n therefore_o i_o say_v give_v glory_n to_o god_n by_o a_o humble_a acknowledgement_n of_o your_o sin_n lay_v yourselves_o low_a that_o his_o glory_n may_v â—â—e_v advance_v put_v your_o mouth_n in_o the_o dust_n if_o so_o be_v there_o may_v be_v hope_n justify_v his_o holy_a law_n though_o in_o so_o do_v you_o condemn_v yourselves_o say_v with_o the_o return_v prodigal_n luk._n 15.21_o father_n i_o have_v sin_v against_o heaven_n and_o in_o thy_o sight_n and_o be_o no_o more_o worthy_a to_o be_v call_v thy_o son_n etc._n etc._n 2._o thankful_o acknowledge_v the_o riches_n of_o freegrace_n in_o that_o god_n be_v yet_o please_v to_o offer_v you_o term_n of_o reconciliation_n and_o peace_n the_o golden_a sceptre_n be_v hold_v forth_o to_o you_o that_o you_o may_v touch_v it_o and_o live_v methinks_v this_o shall_v encourage_v you_o and_o put_v life_n and_o vigour_n into_o your_o proceed_n and_o draw_v out_o your_o very_a soul_n in_o sweet_a return_v of_o love_n to_o god_n lord_n be_v there_o yet_o hope_n be_v there_o any_o mercy_n for_o such_o a_o one_o as_o i_o behold_v i_o come_v in_o obedience_n to_o thy_o call_n blessed_n be_v god_n for_o jesus_n christ_n 3._o humble_o implore_v pardon_v mercy_n for_o your_o past_a sin_n and_o the_o help_n of_o divine_a grace_n for_o your_o present_a and_o future_a duty_n as_o the_o necessity_n of_o your_o case_n shall_v make_v you_o very_o earnest_a and_o importunate_a in_o these_o request_n so_o you_o have_v great_a encouragement_n give_v you_o to_o strengthen_v your_o faith_n and_o confidence_n in_o the_o divine_a goodness_n god_n delight_v in_o mercy_n and_o have_v proclaim_v his_o gracious_a name_n exod._n 34.6_o 9_o use_v this_o as_o a_o argument_n in_o prayer_n as_o the_o psalmist_n do_v psal_n 25.11_o for_o thy_o name_n sake_n o_o lord_n pardon_v my_o iniquity_n for_o it_o be_v great_a plead_v the_o merit_n and_o satisfaction_n of_o jesus_n christ_n the_o promise_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o assure_v yourselves_o god_n be_v as_o ready_a to_o forgive_v as_o you_o be_v to_o repent_v and_o forsake_v your_o sin_n he_o will_v not_o despise_v a_o break_a and_o a_o contrite_a heart_n psal_n 51.17_o and_o since_o the_o work_n that_o lie_v before_o you_o be_v holy_a and_o spiritual_a therefore_o trust_v not_o to_o your_o own_o resolution_n or_o strength_n pray_v hard_o for_o the_o help_n of_o the_o spirit_n â—ay_v your_o soul_n open_a to_o the_o influence_n of_o his_o grace_n yield_v yourselves_o to_o his_o conduct_n careful_o strike_v in_o with_o all_o his_o motion_n lord_n here_o be_o i_o what_o will_v thou_o have_v i_o to_o do_v teach_v i_o the_o way_n wherein_o i_o shall_v go_v incline_v my_o heart_n to_o thy_o testimony_n strengthen_v i_o with_o may_v in_o my_o inward_a man._n magnify_v thy_o power_n in_o my_o weakness_n speak_v lord_n for_o thy_o servant_n hear_v draw_v i_o and_o i_o will_v run_v after_o thou_o 4._o and_o now_o give_v up_o yourselves_o unfeigned_o to_o god_n in_o and_o through_o christ_n if_o you_o expect_v he_o shall_v be_v your_o god_n that_o be_v your_o portion_n happiness_n soul-satisfying_a good_a you_o must_v be_v his_o people_n devote_v to_o his_o love_n and_o service_n the_o covenant_n must_v be_v mutual_a else_o how_o shall_v it_o be_v a_o covenant_n let_v this_o be_v do_v with_o great_a freedom_n cheerfulness_n and_o resolution_n of_o spirit_n you_o will_v never_o have_v reason_n to_o repent_v of_o your_o choice_n he_o will_v be_v your_o shield_n and_o your_o exceed_a great_a reward_n 5._o live_v henceforth_o as_o become_v the_o covenant-people_n of_o god_n renounce_v your_o lust_n and_o corruption_n let_v the_o time_n pass_v of_o your_o life_n suffice_v you_o to_o have_v fulfil_v the_o inclination_n of_o the_o flesh_n remember_v you_o must_v now_o live_v at_o another_o rate_n than_o heretofore_o you_o have_v do_v the_o glory_n of_o god_n must_v be_v
our_o soul_n towards_o god_n and_o the_o serious_a discharge_n of_o religious_a duty_n to_o conclude_v this_o head_n be_v not_o so_o intent_n upon_o any_o one_o part_n of_o duty_n as_o to_o overlook_v the_o rest_n then_o shall_v we_o not_o be_v ashamed_a when_o we_o have_v respect_n unto_o all_o god_n commandment_n psal_n 119.6_o i_o esteem_v thy_o precept_n concern_v all_o thing_n to_o be_v right_a and_o i_o hate_v every_o false_a way_n vers_fw-la 128._o 4._o continue_v instant_a in_o prayer_n the_o people_n of_o god_n be_v call_v in_o scripture_n a_o generation_n of_o seeker_n psal_n 24.6_o so_o psal_n 27.8_o when_o thou_o say_v seek_v you_o my_o face_n my_o hâ—aâ—t_n say_v uâ—to_fw-mi thou_o thy_o face_n lord_n will_v i_o seek_v how_o 〈◊〉_d do_v we_o find_v this_o duty_n press_v upon_o we_o pray_v always_o pray_v and_o faint_v not_o watch_v unto_o prayer_n pray_v to_o your_o father_n which_o see_v in_o secret_a pray_v every_o where_o pray_v without_o cease_v etc._n etc._n yea_o we_o find_v the_o holy_a person_n frequent_o employ_v in_o this_o holy_a duty_n psal_n 55.17_o evening_n and_o morning_n and_o at_o noon_n will_v i_o pray_v and_o cry_v aloud_o and_o he_o shall_v hear_v my_o voice_n psal_n 109.4_o i_o prayer_n so_o it_o be_v in_o the_o hebrew_n as_o if_o he_o be_v make_v up_o of_o prayer_n it_o be_v easy_a to_o heap_v up_o more_o example_n but_o i_o forbear_v o_o sir_n it_o be_v on_o our_o knee_n that_o we_o must_v get_v strength_n to_o walk_v with_o god_n the_o actuate_a of_o holy_a desire_n and_o present_v they_o to_o god_n must_v needs_o tend_v in_o its_o own_o nature_n to_o strengthen_v those_o habit_n of_o grace_n from_o which_o such_o desire_n proceed_v beside_o as_o it_o be_v the_o performance_n of_o a_o undeniable_a duty_n shall_v not_o a_o people_n seek_v unto_o their_o god_n a_o most_o reasonable_a piece_n of_o service_n so_o a_o answerable_a blessing_n may_v be_v expect_v upon_o it_o god_n be_v the_o rewarder_n of_o they_o that_o diligent_o seek_v he_o open_v thy_o mouth_n wide_a and_o i_o will_v fill_v it_o psal_n 81.10_o ask_v for_o great_a thing_n and_o with_o great_a earnestness_n come_v not_o with_o mean_a poor_a narrow_a thought_n of_o the_o divine_a goodness_n be_v not_o cold_a nor_o lazy_a in_o your_o request_n bless_a be_v they_o that_o hunger_n and_o thirst_n after_o righteousness_n for_o they_o shall_v be_v fill_v mat._n 5._o a_o learned_a divine_a mention_n secret_a prayer_n in_o the_o forefront_n of_o those_o duty_n to_o which_o our_o soul_n be_v natural_o most_o backward_o mr._n baxter_n now_o one_o will_v think_v our_o own_o necessity_n shall_v even_o constrain_v we_o to_o it_o alas_o how_o shall_v we_o live_v without_o it_o and_o how_o much_o do_v it_o concern_v we_o to_o strive_v against_o our_o indisposition_n to_o it_o how_o sweet_a be_v a_o duty_n when_o rescue_v out_o of_o the_o hand_n of_o difficulty_n o_o sir_n whence_o be_v it_o that_o god_n hear_v no_o often_o from_o we_o and_o with_o no_o great_a fervency_n sure_o frequent_a and_o earnest_a approach_n to_o the_o most_o holy_a god_n will_v be_v a_o great_a mean_n to_o make_v we_o more_o like_o he_o remember_v god_n have_v way_n enough_o to_o bring_v you_o to_o your_o knee_n what_o if_o dark_a cloud_n shall_v arise_v upon_o you_o or_o some_o sharp_a affliction_n befall_v you_o then_o it_o be_v likely_a you_o will_v come_v cry_v after_o he_o and_o seek_v he_o early_o hos_fw-la 5.15_o but_o why_o not_o without_o so_o much_o ado_n why_o shall_v not_o gentle_a method_n prevail_v with_o you_o be_v but_o acquaint_v with_o your_o own_o heart_n and_o you_o need_v not_o want_v either_o matter_n or_o motive_n for_o this_o great_a duty_n never_o expect_v to_o grow_v in_o grace_n without_o keep_v up_o life_n and_o fervency_n in_o prayer_n give_v i_o leave_v to_o shut_v up_o this_o head_n with_o a_o passage_n which_o i_o late_o meet_v with_o in_o the_o life_n of_o the_o excellent_a mr._n philip_n henry_n to_o the_o publisher_n whereof_o i_o here_o return_v my_o most_o humble_a thanks_o it_o be_v as_o follows_z pag._n 75._o be_v sure_o you_o look_v to_o secret_a duty_n keep_v that_o up_o whatever_o you_o do_v the_o soul_n can_v prosper_v in_o the_o neglect_n of_o it_o apostasy_n general_o begin_v at_o the_o closer-door_n secret_a prayer_n be_v first_o neglect_v and_o careless_o perform_v then_o frequent_o omit_v and_o after_o a_o while_n whole_o cast_v off_o and_o then_o farewell_n god_n and_o christ_n and_o all_o religion_n 5._o learn_v the_o art_n of_o holy_a meditation_n it_o be_v by_o this_o that_o we_o draw_v in_o life_n strength_n and_o sweetness_n from_o those_o great_a gospel-truths_n which_o inconsiderate_a person_n lay_v by_o as_o if_o they_o be_v dead_a or_o useless_a thing_n it_o be_v this_o that_o enlarge_v our_o knowledge_n and_o clear_v our_o apprehension_n in_o spiritual_a matter_n and_o set_v on_o work_v our_o resolution_n affection_n and_o all_o the_o faculty_n and_o power_n of_o our_o soul_n it_o be_v a_o soul-improving_a duty_n indeed_o nor_o can_v you_o want_v matter_n for_o such_o meditation_n if_o you_o will_v but_o see_v your_o thought_n at_o work_n and_o keep_v they_o close_o to_o it_o meditate_v upon_o the_o glorious_a excellency_n and_o perfection_n of_o the_o bless_a god_n his_o power_n wisdom_n goodness_n holiness_n truth_n all-sufficiency_n think_v i_o say_v on_o these_o and_o think_v again_o till_o become_v impression_n be_v wrought_v upon_o your_o own_o spirit_n change_v you_o from_o glory_n to_o glory_n 2_o cor._n 3.18_o think_v not_o upon_o god_n in_o a_o slighty_a or_o ordinary_a manner_n but_o with_o the_o great_a reverence_n and_o admiration_n lest_o you_o take_v his_o name_n in_o vain_a whereof_o you_o may_v be_v guilty_a in_o thought_n as_o well_o as_o in_o word_n let_v every_o thought_n of_o god_n be_v mighty_a upon_o you_o and_o participate_v in_o some_o suitable_a measure_n of_o the_o greatness_n of_o its_o almighty_a object_n think_v much_o on_o your_o bless_a redeemer_n who_o he_o be_v what_o he_o do_v what_o he_o suffer_v and_o why_o as_o also_o what_o he_o have_v further_a promise_v to_o do_v thus_o let_v christ_n dwell_v in_o your_o heart_n think_v on_o the_o holy_a spirit_n of_o grace_n call_v to_o mind_v his_o influence_n and_o operation_n upon_o your_o soul_n how_o infinite_o you_o be_v oblige_v to_o he_o how_o much_o you_o have_v still_o to_o do_v with_o he_o how_o direct_a and_o explicit_a you_o ought_v to_o be_v in_o your_o act_n of_o faith_n upon_o he_o as_o well_o as_o upon_o the_o father_n and_o the_o son_n and_o how_o careful_a you_o shall_v be_v to_o carry_v becoming_o towards_o he_o think_v on_o the_o holiness_n purity_n and_o perfection_n of_o the_o divine_a law_n how_o sweet_a how_o reasonable_a how_o advantageous_a that_o obedience_n be_v which_o god_n have_v require_v of_o we_o o_o how_o i_o love_v thy_o law_n it_o be_v my_o meditation_n all_o the_o day_n psal_n 119.97_o think_v on_o the_o heavenly_a perfection_n what_o the_o saint_n in_o glory_n and_o the_o bless_a angel_n be_v do_v what_o they_o be_v enjoy_v till_o your_o soul_n be_v on_o the_o wing_n long_v to_o be_v join_v to_o that_o holy_a and_o happy_a society_n think_v on_o the_o grace_n wherein_o you_o be_v most_o defective_a consider_v the_o reasonableness_n and_o necessity_n of_o they_o and_o how_o ill_o you_o can_v live_v without_o they_o or_o without_o great_a degree_n of_o they_o plead_v the_o cause_n of_o every_o grace_n with_o your_o own_o heart_n and_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o your_o meditation_n lift_v up_o your_o eye_n and_o your_o soul_n to_o heaven_n for_o help_v therein_o o_o that_o you_o will_v be_v persuade_v to_o try_v this_o course_n to_o engage_v yourselves_o in_o the_o frequent_a and_o solemn_a exercise_n of_o this_o great_a duty_n of_o meditation_n the_o advantage_n will_v be_v great_a every_o way_n and_o that_o you_o may_v be_v the_o fit_a for_o this_o more_o state_v exercise_n of_o meditation_n it_o will_v be_v very_o useful_a in_o the_o midst_n of_o your_o employment_n and_o business_n in_o the_o world_n to_o be_v often_o send_v up_o a_o thought_n or_o ejaculation_n towards_o heaven_n direct_v 3._o if_o your_o endeavour_n thus_o far_o prove_v successful_a so_o that_o you_o find_v more_o grace_n and_o strength_n come_v in_o thereby_o lay_v out_o yourselves_o so_o much_o the_o morâ—_n for_o god_n much_o be_v expect_v from_o they_o to_o who_o much_o be_v give_v your_o talent_n be_v to_o be_v trade_v with_o noâ—_n hide_v in_o a_o napkin_n as_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n abound_v towards_o you_o you_o must_v endeavour_v to_o abound_v in_o the_o work_n of_o the_o lord_n that_o so_o it_o may_v appear_v that_o the_o grace_n bestow_v upon_o you_o be_v not_o in_o vain_a 1_o cor._n 15.10.58_o sure_o it_o