by_o the_o mean_n of_o some_o common_a hear-say_n â—_z of_o christ_n in_o thesa_n know_v time_n yea_o a_o soul_n may_v so_o strong_o desire_v christ_n as_o to_o be_v willing_a to_o part_v with_o very_o much_o for_o he_o and_o yet_o not_o true_o desire_v christ_n because_o he_o may_v all_o this_o while_o seek_v christ_n not_o out_o of_o a_o love_n to_o christ_n so_o much_o as_o to_o himself_o a_o merchant_n that_o hear_v there_o be_v such_o a_o rich_a commodity_n such_o a_o precious_a jewel_n to_o be_v have_v whereby_o he_o may_v great_o get_v will_v part_v with_o much_o of_o his_o gold_n and_o silver_n for_o it_o yet_o can_v he_o be_v say_v to_o love_v that_o commodity_n and_o jewel_n so_o much_o as_o himself_o because_o he_o seek_v it_o only_o for_o his_o own_o gain_n and_o profit_n by_o it_o 46._o mat._n 13.45_o 46._o so_o a_o man_n that_o hear_v of_o that_o precious_a pearl_n of_o great_a price_n christ_n jesus_n and_o that_o there_o be_v much_o to_o be_v get_v by_o he_o no_o less_o than_o salvation_n which_o be_v a_o sure_a enjoyment_n of_o all_o good_a and_o a_o freedom_n from_o all_o evil_a may_v be_v willing_a to_o bid_v pretty_a fair_a for_o christ_n and_o lay_v down_o much_o for_o he_o and_o yet_o not_o true_o love_v christ_n for_o christ_n own_o sake_n he_o desire_v but_o to_o serve_v himself_o of_o christ_n and_o not_o that_o christ_n shall_v be_v serve_v by_o he_o self-love_n will_v persuade_v man_n to_o prize_n christ_n high_o for_o justification_n to_o get_v happiness_n by_o christ_n but_o only_o save_v grace_n teach_v a_o soul_n to_o stt_v up_o christ_n also_o above_o all_o for_o saictification_n to_o get_v holiness_n whereby_o he_o may_v serve_v christ_n that_o have_v save_v he_o the_o more_o clear_o to_o prove_v this_o truth_n and_o to_o help_v your_o memory_n to_o carry_v the_o proof_n thereof_o away_o with_o you_o we_o will_v take_v it_o asunder_o into_o two_o part_n and_o show_v you_o 1._o why_o save_a grace_n teach_v a_o poor_a soul_n to_o prize_v the_o lord_n jesus_n above_o all_o thing_n 2._o why_o save_a grace_n make_v the_o heart_n to_o esteem_v christ_n above_o not_o only_o in_o justification_n but_o also_o in_o sanctification_n for_o the_o first_o there_o be_v three_o reason_n reas_n 1_o the_o first_o arise_v from_o the_o operation_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n which_o work_v save_v grace_n in_o the_o heart_n of_o any_o man_n the_o operation_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o this_o way_n be_v twofold_a whence_o the_o spirit_n have_v in_o scripture_n a_o double_a epithet_n and_o be_v call_v a_o spirit_n of_o bondage_n and_o a_o spirit_n of_o adoption_n these_o name_n of_o bondage_n and_o adoption_n imply_v not_o a_o double_a spirit_n but_o a_o double_a and_o several_a act_n of_o the_o same_o holy_a spirit_n which_o be_v wrought_v in_o every_o soul_n when_o it_o be_v save_o wrought_v upon_o rom._n 8.15_o for_o then_o 1._o the_o holy_a spirit_n do_v discover_v to_o the_o soul_n its_o forlorn_a condition_n in_o regard_n of_o sin_n and_o the_o punishment_n therefore_o it_o make_v he_o sensible_a of_o the_o spiritual_a bondage_n under_o sinew_n and_o satan_n it_o make_v he_o see_v and_o feel_v how_o he_o lie_v bind_v and_o fetter_v hand_n and_o foot_n with_o the_o cart-rope_n of_o his_o iniquity_n and_o withal_o the_o spirit_n set_v before_o they_o the_o terrible_a countenance_n of_o a_o angry_a god_n and_o so_o fill_v the_o soul_n with_o sting_v and_o deep_a pierce_a fear_n that_o the_o just_a judge_n of_o heaven_n and_o earth_n will_v plague_v it_o according_a to_o its_o desert_n both_o in_o the_o world_n and_o that_o to_o come_v thus_o be_v peter_n auditor_n prick_v to_o the_o heart_n and_o as_o man_n affright_v with_o the_o strange_a and_o fearful_a sight_n of_o their_o sin_n and_o god_n wrath_n they_o cry_v out_o man_n and_o brethren_n what_o shall_v we_o do_v act_n 2.37_o which_o outcry_n of_o such_o soul_n be_v the_o great_a because_o this_o spirit_n show_v they_o withal_o the_o helplesnesse_n that_o be_v in_o themselves_o and_o the_o creature_n to_o remedy_v their_o present_a misery_n it_o make_v they_o know_v the_o vanity_n and_o insufficiency_n of_o all_o that_o be_v in_o they_o or_o can_v come_v from_o they_o to_o work_v their_o deliverance_n it_o blast_v all_o their_o hope_n from_o their_o own_o righteousness_n which_o before_o smell_v as_o sweet_a as_o a_o rose_n in_o their_o nostril_n but_o now_o savour_v worse_o to_o they_o then_o the_o noisome_a dunghill_n in_o brief_a the_o spirit_n certify_v they_o that_o all_o they_o have_v do_v or_o whatever_o they_o can_v do_v with_o the_o help_n of_o all_o the_o creature_n can_v give_v they_o one_o lift_v out_o of_o their_o sad_a condition_n but_o here_o the_o good_a spirit_n of_o god_n leave_v not_o his_o child_n for_o than_o they_o will_v fall_v into_o that_o gulf_n of_o despair_n whereinto_o come_v judas_n and_o such_o like_a have_v fall_v to_o their_o utter_a ruin_n 2._o the_o holy_a spirit_n therefore_o have_v wound_v the_o soul_n so_o deep_a as_o he_o please_v for_o all_o be_v not_o break_v in_o a_o like_a measure_n he_o begin_v the_o cure_n thereof_o by_o set_v christ_n before_o the_o soul_n and_o lay_v open_a to_o it_o that_o fullness_n of_o supply_n which_o be_v in_o he_o that_o he_o can_v yea_o only_a can_v help_v that_o there_o be_v no_o saviour_n but_o he_o and_o withal_o let_v he_o see_v that_o there_o be_v some_o hope_n of_o his_o have_v christ_n yea_o that_o god_n have_v give_v he_o the_o rich_a and_o full_a christ_n that_o by_o believe_v in_o he_o he_o may_v have_v everlasting_a life_n and_o hereupon_o the_o soul_n begin_v to_o long_a after_o christ_n all_o the_o affection_n of_o it_o run_v after_o christ_n prize_v and_o seek_v christ_n above_o all_o now_o do_v the_o soul_n cry_v oh_o give_v i_o christ_n and_o take_v all_o like_o as_o a_o man_n ready_a to_o be_v drown_v will_v give_v all_o the_o world_n if_o he_o have_v it_o to_o save_v his_o life_n and_o to_o find_v some_o safe_a foot_n so_o a_o soul_n that_o be_v enlighten_v with_o the_o eyesalve_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n to_o see_v its_o sink_a condition_n with_o a_o glimpse_n of_o hope_n of_o get_v christ_n will_v glad_o part_v with_o all_o it_o have_v for_o this_o pearl_n of_o great_a price_n any_o virtue_n reas_n 2_o a_o second_o reason_n why_o that_o soul_n that_o have_v save_v grace_n do_v prize_n christ_n above_o all_o be_v draw_v from_o the_o contrariety_n that_o be_v between_o grace_n and_o sin_n these_o two_o be_v no_o better_a friend_n than_o fire_n and_o water_n light_n and_o darkness_n hell_n and_o heaven_n yea_o then_o god_n and_o the_o devil_n and_o their_o manner_n of_o work_v be_v as_o contrary_a and_o cross_v to_o each_o other_o they_o walk_v opposite_a to_o one_o another_o undo_v if_o they_o can_v the_o work_n the_o other_o have_v do_v sin_n work_v the_o heart_n when_o it_o bear_v the_o sway_n there_o to_o prefer_v all_o thing_n yea_o every_o thing_n before_o christ_n but_o grace_n when_o it_o take_v place_n in_o the_o heart_n bring_v the_o heart_n to_o prize_n christ_n above_o all_o thing_n in_o general_a much_o more_o above_o every_o thing_n in_o particular_a if_o we_o well_o weigh_v the_o matter_n the_o first_o step_n of_o our_o aversion_n from_o god_n be_v a_o undervalue_v of_o he_o when_o adam_n first_o fall_v off_o from_o god_n do_v not_o he_o prefer_v himself_o and_o his_o wife_n before_o god_n do_v not_o the_o lord_n plain_o point_v out_o the_o cause_n of_o his_o people_n forsake_v he_o to_o be_v a_o overween_a conceit_n they_o have_v in_o the_o creature_n above_o he_o though_o that_o be_v indeed_o but_o a_o break_a cistern_n and_o he_o a_o live_a fountain_n jer._n 2.11_o &_o 13._o now_o the_o way_n of_o our_o arise_v must_v be_v contrary_a to_o that_o of_o our_o fall_n and_o therefore_o the_o first_o step_n of_o our_o conversion_n to_o our_o god_n be_v a_o over-value_a of_o he_o that_o be_v such_o a_o high_a esteem_n of_o he_o as_o all_o thing_n with_o their_o fullness_n of_o beauty_n be_v not_o think_v comparable_a with_o he_o in_o a_o degree_n that_o be_v even_o less_o than_o the_o least_o this_o be_v the_o work_n of_o that_o save_a grace_n faith_n 1_o pet._n 2.7_o as_o the_o former_a be_v of_o that_o vice_n infidelity_n as_o this_o carry_v the_o heart_n off_o from_o god_n so_o this_o new_a byass_n it_o and_o turn_v it_o round_o about_o to_o he_o again_o like_v as_o a_o skilful_a schoolmaster_n when_o a_o child_n be_v bring_v to_o he_o that_o have_v be_v ill_o teach_v be_v fain_o first_o to_o unteach_v he_o what_o he_o have_v ill_o learn_v and_o afterward_o to_o set_v he_o forth_o so_o save_v grace_n when_o it_o come_v to_o
teach_v the_o heart_n first_o do_v dedocere_fw-la then_o docere_fw-la first_o make_v he_o unlearned_a what_o sin_n have_v teach_v he_o false_a and_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o such_o a_o soul_n come_v to_o prize_v the_o lord_n jesus_n above_o all_o thing_n reas_n 3_o the_o three_o and_o last_o cause_n hereof_o proceed_v from_o that_o inestimable_a worth_n of_o christ_n which_o save_v grace_n make_v the_o heart_n sensible_a of_o by_o feel_v those_o unspeakable_a benefit_n it_o be_v make_v partaker_n of_o by_o he_o which_o be_v many_o we_o will_v at_o this_o time_n but_o point_n out_o to_o you_o these_o six_o follow_v one_o which_o be_v the_o first_o and_o root_n of_o all_o the_o rest_n be_v reconciliation_n with_o god_n col._n 1.21_o reconciliation_n be_v that_o gift_n of_o god_n freegrace_n in_o christ_n whereby_o such_o as_o be_v stranger_n and_o enemy_n become_v acquaint_v with_o god_n and_o so_o have_v peace_n joy_n and_o delight_n in_o he_o and_o boldness_n to_o he_o rom._n 5.1_o 2._o and_o for_o the_o ground_n of_o enmity_n between_o god_n and_o they_o which_o be_v sin_n that_o make_v the_o separation_n and_o alienation_n isa_n 59.2_o col._n 1.21_o be_v utter_o take_v away_o by_o jesus_n christ_n his_o death_n whereby_o he_o satisfy_v for_o sin_n eph._n 2.16_o so_o that_o now_o the_o poor_a soul_n instead_o of_o terrify_v frown_n and_o heart-breaking_a threat_n and_o menace_n have_v cheerful_a smile_n and_o cordial_a promise_n good_a and_o comfortable_a word_n zach._n 1.13_o the_o lord_n do_v shine_v in_o love_n so_o clear_o and_o abundant_o on_o the_o soul_n that_o it_o warm_v he_o to_o the_o very_a heart_n and_o make_v he_o rejoice_v with_o joy_n unspeakable_a this_o benefit_n by_o christ_n may_v seem_v little_a in_o the_o eye_n of_o some_o person_n but_o as_o we_o that_o have_v feel_v the_o bitterness_n of_o war_n and_o dissension_n among_o ourselves_o how_o welcome_a will_v a_o peace_n and_o pacification_n be_v to_o we_o what_o will_v we_o give_v for_o it_o if_o it_o may_v be_v buy_v we_o know_v not_o the_o sweetness_n of_o peace_n before_o but_o our_o fullness_n thereof_o have_v produce_v in_o we_o a_o very_a loathe_n of_o that_o honeycomb_n so_o that_o soul_n which_o have_v always_o live_v in_o peace_n by_o mean_n of_o the_o strong_a man_n luke_n 11.21_o do_v slight_a this_o benefit_n by_o christ_n but_o when_o that_o devil_n peace_n be_v break_v and_o a_o poor_a soul_n be_v at_o civil_a war_n in_o and_o with_o itself_o and_o with_o sin_n satan_n his_o instrument_n yea_o and_o with_o god_n also_o who_o seem_v to_o take_v part_n against_o it_o and_o to_o wrestle_v with_o it_o too_o o_o how_o sweet_a be_v this_o peace_n and_o reconciliation_n with_o god_n by_o christ_n there_o be_v no_o soul_n can_v conceive_v the_o sweetness_n of_o it_o much_o less_o any_o tongue_n express_v it_o but_o that_o soul_n which_o have_v taste_v thereof_o by_o save_v grace_n and_o for_o love_n of_o this_o as_o i_o may_v so_o say_v the_o soul_n do_v prize_n christ_n the_o more_o another_o benefit_n be_v life_n for_o christ_n be_v the_o very_a life_n of_o such_o a_o soul_n col._n 3.3_o 4._o for_o by_o he_o the_o soul_n that_o be_v dead_a in_o sin_n and_o trespass_n be_v quicken_v eph._n 2.1_o he_o have_v breathe_v his_o spirit_n thereinto_o and_o make_v it_o a_o live_a soul_n rom._n 8.10_o the_o man_n that_o lie_v rot_v in_o his_o sin_n be_v altogether_o ignorant_a of_o the_o excellency_n of_o this_o new_a life_n by_o christ_n as_o a_o dead_a man_n in_o the_o grave_n be_v not_o sensible_a of_o the_o sweetness_n of_o bodily_a life_n the_o live_a man_n be_v he_o that_o prize_v life_n as_o the_o best_a jewel_n on_o earth_n and_o will_v give_v skin_n for_o skin_n and_o all_o that_o he_o have_v for_o life_n so_o only_o that_o soul_n which_o be_v raise_v up_o from_o the_o dead_a to_o newness_n of_o life_n feel_v and_o find_v the_o excellency_n and_o sweetness_n thereof_o and_o therefore_o he_o alone_o prize_v christ_n above_o all_o in_o a_o respect_n hereof_o a_o three_o benefit_n be_v that_o al-healing_a virtue_n that_o this_o soul_n find_v in_o christ_n he_o be_v at_o no_o time_n sick_a of_o any_o malady_n but_o christ_n apply_v he_o find_v give_v he_o present_a ease_n be_v he_o never_o so_o much_o weary_v by_o labour_v under_o any_o spiritual_a or_o temporal_a burden_n any_o terror_n of_o spirit_n a_o break_a spirit_n a_o sick_a body_n a_o sink_a estate_n a_o prision_n any_o tempest_n of_o tribulation_n come_v he_o find_v christ_n a_o ready_a haven_n of_o rest_n where_o ride_v at_o the_o anchor_n of_o hope_n with_o such_o comfort_n as_o he_o have_v a_o pretty_a heaven_n on_o earth_n what_o will_v not_o a_o man_n give_v for_o such_o a_fw-la panacea_fw-la a_o sovereign_a receipt_n if_o such_o one_o can_v be_v find_v as_o will_v cure_v all_o wound_n sore_n sickness_n distemper_n and_o lameness_n in_o the_o body_n the_o man_n that_o shall_v have_v such_o a_o medicine_n will_v think_v himself_o well_o provide_v for_o he_o will_v not_o part_v with_o it_o at_o any_o rate_n and_o the_o soul_n that_o find_v this_o al-curing_a virtue_n in_o christ_n think_v no_o price_n sufficient_a for_o he_o you_o can_v offer_v enough_o to_o he_o for_o his_o christ_n for_o indeed_o he_o will_v not_o leave_v his_o christ_n on_o any_o term_n a_o four_o benesit_fw-la by_o christ_n be_v the_o soul_n by_o have_v christ_n have_v himself_o and_o be_v come_v to_o his_o right_a wit_n again_o adam_n seek_v by_o unlawful_a mean_n to_o get_v more_o knowledge_n than_o he_o have_v like_o man_n that_o over-study_n themselves_o crack_v his_o brain_n and_o lose_v that_o knowledge_n which_o he_o have_v before_o and_o his_o posterity_n to_o this_o day_n be_v yea_o will_v be_v to_o the_o last_o day_n a_o company_n of_o dictracted_a person_n foolish_a and_o mad_a child_n till_o christ_n take_v they_o in_o hand_n and_o by_o give_v they_o himself_o bring_v they_o again_o to_o themselves_o this_o be_v evident_a by_o that_o in_o titus_n 3.3_o where_o the_o apostle_n speak_v of_o himself_o and_o such_o like_a we_o ourselves_o be_v sometime_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d that_o be_v out_o of_o our_o mind_n that_o be_v before_o we_o have_v christ_n we_o be_v by-witted_n person_n it_o be_v worth_a our_o observation_n in_o this_o particular_a to_o take_v notice_n of_o what_o be_v say_v concern_v the_o prodigal_n at_o his_o return_n which_o signify_v the_o conversion_n of_o any_o sinner_n in_o luke_n 15.17_o the_o word_n be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d that_o be_v come_v or_o when_o he_o come_v into_o himself_o he_o say_v etc._n etc._n which_o plain_o imply_v the_o man_n be_v before_o time_n quite_o out_o of_o himself_o 75.4_o psal_n 75.4_o and_o that_o he_o both_o say_v and_o do_v all_o as_o a_o mad_a man_n and_o so_o mad_o do_v all_o man_n carry_v themselves_o before_o they_o have_v christ_n and_o this_o aggravate_v their_o misery_n that_o they_o be_v not_o sensible_a of_o this_o their_o pitiful_a condition_n neither_o will_v be_v persuade_v to_o believe_v it_o but_o like_a as_o mad_a man_n think_v other_o more_o mad_a than_o themselves_o so_o do_v man_n out_o of_o christ_n think_v they_o that_o be_v in_o christ_n to_o be_v mad_a their_o way_n word_n and_o behaviour_n be_v so_o strange_a and_o uncouth_a to_o they_o 4.4_o 1_o pet._n 4.4_o but_o such_o as_o be_v in_o christ_n know_v they_o that_o be_v out_o of_o christ_n to_o be_v mad_a indeed_o and_o they_o know_v it_o by_o their_o own_o experience_n for_o they_o themselves_o be_v such_o at_o that_o time_n but_o now_o they_o be_v come_v to_o themselves_o by_o christ_n come_v to_o they_o and_o for_o this_o great_a blessing_n they_o prize_v christ_n above_o all_o but_o five_o the_o soul_n that_o have_v save_v grace_n find_v by_o christ_n it_o have_v not_o only_o receive_v itself_o but_o itself_o with_o advantage_n for_o by_o christ_n he_o find_v a_o excellency_n put_v on_o himself_o and_o all_o his_o performance_n 1._o as_o the_o touch_n of_o the_o philosopher_n stone_n be_v say_v to_o turn_v the_o thing_n touch_v into_o pure_a gold_n so_o more_o true_o one_o touch-of_a christ_n to_o a_o poor_a soul_n do_v metamorphose_v it_o make_v it_o of_o great_a worth_n which_o be_v before_o despise_v as_o vile_a and_o base_a now_o he_o become_v a_o man_n of_o some_o account_n indeed_o both_o with_o god_n and_o good_a man_n he_o be_v one_o of_o god_n jewel_n mal._n 3.17_o one_o of_o his_o choose_a generation_n one_o of_o his_o holy_a nation_n and_o peculiar_a people_n 1_o pet._n 2.9_o one_o that_o be_v both_o precious_a and_o honourable_a in_o god_n sight_n isa_n 43.4_o and_o therefore_o one_o of_o his_o beloved_a one_o brief_o the_o soul_n that_o be_v the_o poor_a among_o beggar_n be_v
by_o christ_n make_v one_o of_o the_o rich_a king_n revel_v 1.6_o 2._o and_o beside_o this_o dignity_n to_o his_o person_n christ_n also_o dignify_v all_o their_o performance_n of_o duty_n make_v they_o acceptable_a to_o god_n for_o all_o the_o filth_n that_o cleave_v to_o their_o sacrifice_n &_o holy_a thing_n he_o wash_v off_o by_o rince_v they_o in_o his_o blood_n all_o their_o prayer_n and_o other_o present_v offer_v to_o god_n by_o they_o christ_n perfume_v with_o the_o odour_n of_o his_o merit_n and_o so_o represent_v they_o as_o sweet_a incense_n to_o his_o father_n rev._n 8.34_o that_o soul_n which_o have_v put_v on_o christ_n find_v he_o a_o garment_n not_o only_o to_o cover_v his_o nakedness_n but_o also_o to_o beautify_v and_o adorn_v he_o and_o this_o make_v the_o soul_n also_o to_o prize_n christ_n above_o all_o as_o a_o man_n be_v more_o choice_n of_o his_o best_a apparel_n last_o the_o soul_n that_o have_v save_v grace_n find_v this_o admirable_a commodity_n also_o by_o 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all_o loss_n and_o cross_n whatsoever_o outward_a and_o inward_a spiritual_a and_o bodily_a bring_v he_o in_o gain_n and_o enrich_v he_o for_o all_o thing_n work_v to_o his_o good_a rom._n 8.28_o and_o this_o not_o only_o all_o his_o life_n long_o but_o also_o at_o death_n when_o other_o man_n lose_v most_o than_o he_o gain_v most_o when_o man_n out_o of_o christ_n die_v and_o go_v hence_o they_o do_v not_o only_o leave_v their_o good_n as_o they_o call_v they_o behind_o they_o but_o also_o all_o that_o little_a goodness_n be_v in_o they_o and_o so_o go_v to_o that_o place_n where_o be_v nothing_o but_o sin_n and_o its_o punishment_n misery_n a_o great_a loss_n indeed_o they_o suffer_v when_o their_o frail_a bark_n of_o the_o flesh_n shipwreck_n on_o the_o merciless_a rock_n of_o death_n but_o such_o as_o have_v christ_n save_v grace_n inform_v they_o and_o they_o believe_v it_o as_o god_n truth_n that_o they_o shall_v lose_v nothing_o then_o but_o what_o be_v worse_o than_o nothing_o 12.1_o heb._n 12.1_o their_o sin_n and_o sinfulness_n which_o they_o will_v fain_o have_v part_v with_o before_o but_o can_v not_o it_o hang_v so_o fast_o to_o the_o flesh_n but_o for_o that_o little_a goodness_n which_o be_v in_o they_o that_o shall_v be_v increase_v and_o perfect_v yea_o and_o their_o good_n they_o shall_v not_o lose_v but_o exchange_n for_o better_a for_o parent_n he_o shall_v have_v god_n his_o heavenly_a father_n for_o brethren_n and_o sister_n jesus_n christ_n his_o elder_a brother_n and_o the_o bless_a saint_n for_o friend_n the_o holy_a angel_n for_o faiding_a wealth_n the_o true_a riches_n for_o momentany_a pleasure_n the_o everlasting_a for_o vain_a title_n of_o honour_n immortal_a glory_n yea_o for_o sorrow_n joy_n for_o labour_v rest_n for_o mortality_n immortality_n and_o in_o one_o word_n for_o his_o hell_n here_o his_o heaven_n for_o ever_o be_v not_o this_o a_o happy_a change_n yet_o this_o christ_n bring_v to_o the_o soul_n &_o thetfore_o you_o see_v good_a reason_n it_o have_v to_o prize_v he_o above_o all_o and_o thus_o you_o have_v the_o first_o part_n of_o the_o truth_n make_v good_a to_o you_o there_o be_v as_o much_o reason_n for_o the_o second_o part_n thereof_o why_o save_v grace_n make_v the_o soul_n prize_n christ_n above_o all_o in_o justification_n and_o sanctification_n reas_n 1_o for_o justification_n because_o save_v grace_n do_v enlighten_v the_o soul_n to_o see_v the_o perfection_n of_o the_o law_n which_o require_v a_o exact_a performance_n according_a to_o its_o rule_n in_o every_o the_o least_o particular_a and_o that_o for_o want_v thereof_o it_o pronounce_v a_o curse_n on_o it_o as_o guilty_a of_o the_o breach_n of_o all_o gal._n 3.10_o james_n 2.10_o and_o second_o the_o soul_n by_o save_v grace_n be_v quicken_v with_o spiritual_a life_n be_v sensible_a of_o its_o own_o weakness_n and_o imperfection_n whereby_o it_o be_v disenabled_n to_o answer_v the_o law_n to_o its_o perfect_a command_n ever_o in_o its_o best_a performance_n he_o find_v he_o can_v do_v what_o he_o will_v much_o less_o what_o he_o shall_v and_o yet_o do_v much_o what_o he_o both_o will_v not_o and_o shall_v not_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o in_o matter_n of_o justification_n to_o obtain_v pardon_n he_o renounce_v all_o his_o own_o righteousness_n as_o dung_n and_o filthy_a rag_n and_o will_v not_o be_v find_v in_o the_o same_o but_o in_o christ_n jesus_n the_o righteous_a who_o righteousness_n which_o be_v by_o faith_n we_o to_o ourselves_o he_o see_v must_n as_o it_o only_o can_v free_v he_o from_o guilt_n of_o sin_n before_o god_n justice_n and_o therefore_o he_o prize_v christ_n so_o much_o above_o all_o herein_o but_o this_o particular_a have_v be_v so_o clear_o manifest_v of_o late_a by_o other_o as_o i_o shall_v not_o need_v further_o to_o insist_v thereon_o come_v we_o therefore_o to_o the_o reason_n why_o save_v grace_n make_v the_o heart_n prize_n christ_n above_o all_o in_o sanctification_n they_o be_v seven_o the_o first_o be_v because_o save_v grace_n discover_v to_o the_o soul_n not_o only_o the_o guilt_n of_o sin_n but_o also_o the_o filth_n of_o sin_n and_o as_o justification_n take_v away_o the_o guilt_n so_o sanctification_n do_v away_o the_o filth_n of_o sin_n and_o as_o for_o the_o take_v away_o of_o the_o guilt_n the_o soul_n deny_v itself_o and_o its_o own_o right_a so_o for_o the_o do_v away_o of_o the_o filth_n the_o soul_n abhor_v itself_o in_o dust_n and_o ash_n as_o job_n 42.6_o so_o that_o save_a grace_n work_v not_o only_a self-deniall_n but_o also_o a_o self-loathing_a as_o in_o paul_n rom._n 7.24_o he_o be_v even_o sick_a of_o himself_o the_o filthiness_n of_o sin_n that_o cleave_v to_o he_o make_v he_o out_o of_o love_n with_o himself_o and_o not_o to_o endure_v himself_o with_o patience_n and_o to_o sweeten_v he_o both_o to_o god_n and_o himself_o he_o prize_v christ_n above_o all_o he_o find_v now_o his_o own_o garment_n so_o spot_v with_o the_o flesh_n as_o he_o will_v fain_o change_v they_o and_o none_o in_o his_o account_n like_o to_o christ_n white_a robe_n of_o holiness_n and_o righteousness_n when_o a_o soul_n be_v sick_a of_o sin_n as_o all_o soul_n be_v when_o endue_v with_o save_v grace_n a_o bare_a pardon_n will_v not_o serve_v their_o turn_n that_o alone_o do_v not_o cure_v they_o the_o lord_n must_v heal_v their_o transgression_n also_o now_o this_o be_v by_o sanctification_n as_o the_o former_a be_v by_o justification_n another_o reason_n be_v because_o save_v grace_n work_v the_o heart_n to_o a_o desire_n and_o longing_n after_o the_o image_n of_o god_n that_o it_o may_v become_v like_o god_n as_o our_o saviour_n often_o call_v we_o to_o be_v such_o a_o soul_n know_v by_o adam_n example_n that_o it_o shall_v not_o get_v into_o a_o state_n of_o innocency_n till_o it_o obtain_v the_o image_n of_o god_n stamp_v on_o it_o now_o this_o image_n of_o god_n consist_v in_o holiness_n and_o righteousness_n ephes_n 4.24_o and_o both_o these_o be_v by_o the_o new_a man_n christ_n jesus_n in_o who_o we_o be_v create_v to_o the_o good_a work_n of_o they_o eph._n 2.10_o for_o he_o be_v the_o image_n of_o the_o father_n col._n 1.15_o and_o therefore_o that_o the_o soul_n may_v be_v holy_a as_o his_o heavenly_a father_n 1_o pet._n 1.16_o and_o righteous_a as_o he_o be_v righteous_a mat._n 5._o last_o he_o prize_v christ_n above_o all_o as_o be_v the_o treasury_n of_o all_o grace_n from_o who_o he_o must_v receive_v grace_n for_o grace_n john_n 1.16_o a_o three_o reason_n be_v from_o the_o discovery_n of_o heaven_n to_o the_o soul_n that_o have_v save_v grace_n for_o hereby_o as_o through_o a_o perspective_n glass_n he_o can_v look_v into_o heaven_n and_o
thyself_o up_o with_o thy_o own_o righteousness_n thou_o prize_v not_o christ_n at_o all_o for_o justification_n second_o ask_v thy_o own_o heart_n what_o opinion_n it_o have_v of_o thy_o good_a work_n in_o procure_v thy_o pardon_n from_o god_n justice_n if_o they_o be_v thy_o gain_n than_o christ_n be_v loss_n to_o thou_o if_o thou_o think_v with_o the_o papist_n to_o merit_v and_o gain_v heaven_n or_o the_o least_o part_n of_o heaven_n by_o they_o christ_n be_v nothing_o worth_a to_o thou_o i_o know_v the_o papist_n say_v they_o exclude_v not_o christ_n by_o include_v their_o work_n in_o matter_n of_o justification_n but_o what_o they_o say_v not_o that_o they_o do_v for_o by_o their_o make_n of_o work_n to_o be_v sharer_n with_o christ_n they_o do_v real_o exclude_v christ_n and_o so_o themselves_o from_o justification_n if_o you_o cry_v up_o work_v in_o justification_n you_o cry_v down_o christ_n the_o apostle_n paul_n in_o our_o text_n prize_v christ_n above_o all_o for_o justification_n beat_v down_o work_v to_o the_o ground_n for_o indeed_o therein_o christ_n must_v be_v alone_o all_o in_o all_o or_o else_o nothing_o at_o all_o as_o all_o sound_n and_o learned_a protestant_n have_v and_o do_v continual_o maintain_v against_o the_o popish_a doctrine_n of_o merit_n and_o therefore_o i_o shall_v not_o need_v to_o insist_v any_o further_a on_o this_o particular_a the_o second_o be_v more_o necessary_a for_o we_o who_o take_v that_o for_o grant_v among_o we_o but_o little_o think_v of_o this_o latter_a which_o yet_o be_v as_o necessary_a to_o be_v know_v and_o learned_a as_o the_o former_a as_o have_v be_v prove_v and_o whether_o we_o have_v learn_v to_o prize_n christ_n above_o all_o for_o sanctification_n if_o we_o deal_v true_o with_o our_o own_o soul_n we_o may_v know_v by_o these_o rule_n of_o examination_n first_o see_v how_o thy_o heart_n stand_v affect_v with_o the_o dishonour_n of_o christ_n be_v christ_n disgrace_n and_o loss_n more_o to_o thou_o then_o thy_o own_o for_o what_o we_o desire_v most_o we_o shall_v grieve_v most_o for_o if_o we_o fall_v short_a thereof_o never_o be_v christ_n more_o dishonour_v by_o his_o own_o people_n then_o in_o these_o time_n both_o in_o private_a and_o public_a in_o family_n in_o church_n and_o kingdom_n feel_v therefore_o the_o pulse_n of_o thy_o soul_n in_o these_o disease_a time_n wherein_o the_o world_n seem_v to_o draw_v nigh_o apace_o unto_o its_o end_n christ_n be_v dishonour_v in_o thy_o family_n this_o church_n and_o kingdom_n and_o how_o do_v thou_o take_v it_o do_v thou_o not_o see_v his_o gospel_n neglect_v yea_o oppose_a be_v not_o his_o sacrament_n even_o by_o such_o as_o go_v for_o his_o servant_n cast_v behind_o their_o back_n and_o lay_v aside_o as_o of_o no_o use_n be_v not_o his_o sabbath_n profane_v his_o name_n blaspheme_v his_o servant_n abuse_v and_o many_o more_o horrid_a indignity_n put_v on_o he_o and_o how_o take_v thou_o it_o to_o heart_n it_o may_v be_v thou_o will_v say_v it_o do_v much_o break_v your_o heart_n to_o see_v thing_n so_o much_o disorder_v but_o be_v advise_v here_o that_o you_o may_v not_o be_v mistake_v in_o your_o grief_n see_v whether_o it_o be_v not_o more_o for_o thyself_o then_o for_o christ_n sake_n now_o thou_o see_v the_o ship_n of_o the_o state_n crack_v and_o sink_v to_o a_o shipwreck_n yea_o and_o church_n too_o by_o the_o many_o rent_n in_o it_o if_o the_o lord_n save_v not_o both_o it_o may_v well_o be_v think_v that_o thou_o be_v deep_o affect_v but_o i_o pray_v weigh_v the_o matter_n thorough_o in_o your_o own_o soul_n be_v it_o not_o because_o thou_o be_v a_o passenger_n therein_o and_o thou_o have_v a_o venture_n in_o this_o bark_n that_o be_v split_v and_o thou_o know_v if_o that_o sink_v thou_o can_v not_o escape_v but_o thou_o and_o all_o that_o be_v thou_o must_v be_v quite_o lose_v and_o therefore_o thou_o set_v thy_o hand_n to_o help_v save_o the_o bark_n that_o thou_o and_o thou_o may_v be_v save_v therein_o but_o if_o thou_o be_v out_o of_o the_o ship_n and_o embark_v in_o another_o kingdom_n and_o church_n with_o all_o thy_o venture_n will_v thou_o be_v so_o much_o trouble_v for_o the_o loss_n of_o christ_n vessel_n here_o will_v it_o come_v so_o near_o to_o thy_o heart_n then_o to_o hear_v of_o all_o the_o dishonour_n that_o christ_n suffer_v by_o broach_v of_o error_n and_o heresy_n to_o the_o great_a impeachment_n of_o his_o truth_n and_o by_o the_o great_a dissension_n between_o his_o best_a servant_n then_o it_o be_v a_o sign_n thou_o prize_v christ_n above_o all_o in_o sanctification_n for_o a_o soul_n that_o do_v so_o seek_v to_o advance_v christ_n glory_n most_o of_o all_o and_o that_o christ_n may_v be_v more_o and_o more_o serve_v by_o he_o and_o all_o other_o second_o consider_v how_o thy_o heart_n stand_v affect_v towards_o sin_n if_o thou_o seek_v christ_n above_o all_o for_o holiness_n thou_o will_v be_v at_o utter_a enmity_n with_o the_o great_a enemy_n thereto_o and_o that_o be_v sin_n every_o sin_n even_o thy_o bosome-sin_n thy_o darling-sin_n will_v become_v as_o odious_a to_o thou_o as_o the_o foul_a toad_n neither_o will_v thou_o be_v at_o defiance_n only_o with_o outward_a actual_a sin_n but_o also_o with_o those_o that_o be_v more_o hide_v and_o inward_a the_o sin_n of_o thy_o nature_n yea_o and_o true_o these_o will_v be_v most_o offensive_a to_o thou_o because_o they_o be_v as_o fountain_n of_o iniquity_n and_o root_n of_o bitterness_n in_o thou_o thus_o we_o find_v david_n more_o complain_v of_o his_o naughty_a and_o corrupt_a heart_n then_o of_o his_o actual_a transgression_n of_o murder_n adultery_n drunkenness_n and_o idleness_n and_o paul_n cry_v out_o of_o the_o body_n of_o death_n in_o he_o rom._n 7._o a_o soul_n that_o seek_v christ_n for_o sanctification_n will_v dig_v up_o sin_n by_o the_o root_n another_o man_n may_v top_v and_o lop_v lust_n in_o the_o branch_n thereof_o try_v therefore_o yourselves_o by_o this_o rule_n three_o examine_v yourselves_o what_o entertainment_n the_o doctrine_n of_o walk_v exact_o and_o precise_o find_v with_o your_o heart_n true_o if_o you_o seek_v christ_n above_o all_o for_o holiness_n you_o will_v prize_v his_o strict_a law_n at_o the_o high_a rate_n if_o christ_n commandment_n be_v grievous_a to_o thou_o and_o thou_o will_v cast_v off_o his_o law_n as_o bond_n with_o they_o in_o psal_n 2._o thou_o have_v no_o esteem_n of_o christ_n at_o all_o for_o sanctification_n his_o yoke_n be_v light_a and_o easy_a to_o such_o as_o seek_v christ_n for_o holiness_n four_o he_o that_o prize_v christ_n above_o all_o for_o sanctification_n do_v not_o only_o prize_v his_o strict_a command_n but_o also_o practise_v they_o he_o love_v to_o walk_v in_o the_o strict_a way_n his_o best_a belove_a have_v chalk_v out_o to_o he_o bring_v therefore_o your_o life_n and_o conversation_n and_o lay_v they_o to_o that_o rule_n in_o titus_n 2.12_o do_v you_o deny_v ungodliness_n and_o worldly_a 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and_o pray_v often_o humble_v ourselves_o public_o and_o private_o many_o time_n once_o a_o month_n at_o the_o least_o for_o the_o space_n of_o three_o year_n almost_o but_o let_v we_o try_v wherefore_o we_o have_v be_v so_o often_o in_o humiliation_n fast_v and_o prayer_n what_o have_v be_v the_o first_o wheel_n that_o have_v move_v therein_o have_v we_o seek_v christ_n for_o our_o sanctification_n in_o all_o our_o fast-daye_n what_o bottom_n have_v our_o sorrow_n stand_v upon_o no_o other_o ground_n but_o the_o sense_n of_o god_n wrath_n a_o fear_n of_o that_o great_a judgement_n of_o the_o sword_n destruction_n here_o and_o damnation_n hereafter_o true_o if_o our_o humiliation_n have_v spring_v from_o no_o other_o cause_n then_o this_o we_o have_v not_o prize_v christ_n above_o
room_n get_v christ_n when_o save_v grace_n come_v to_o a_o saul_n it_o enter_v in_o at_o the_o understanding_n first_o that_o be_v the_o everlasting_a gate_n whereby_o the_o king_n of_o glory_n pass_v in_o to_o the_o city_n of_o the_o heart_n 1.9.19_o psal_n 24_o 7._o mal._n 4.2_o rom._n 13.12_o 2_o pet._n 1.9.19_o he_o therefore_o be_v call_v a_o sun_n and_o that_o be_v call_v light_n because_o by_o their_o light_n a_o man_n see_v more_o into_o thing_n more_o of_o they_o then_o he_o do_v before_o they_o come_v into_o he_o he_o be_v before_o like_o a_o blindfolded_a man_n that_o can_v see_v no_o more_o than_o a_o seem_v of_o thing_n error_n and_o false_a opinion_n so_o bemi_v he_o as_o he_o can_v not_o discern_v aright_o of_o they_o but_o when_o the_o daystar_n arise_v in_o the_o dark_a place_n his_o mind_n then_o as_o he_o have_v other_o eye_n so_o he_o see_v thing_n otherwise_o he_o find_v that_o he_o be_v much_o mistake_v in_o thing_n when_o he_o call_v loss_n gain_v and_o gain_v loss_n wherefore_o now_o he_o alter_v his_o opinion_n and_o account_n thing_n as_o they_o be_v loss_n shall_v be_v loss_n and_o gain_v gain_v only_o to_o he_o be_v not_o this_o most_o apparent_a in_o our_o apostle_n do_v not_o there_o fall_v off_o as_o thick_a as_o great_a scale_n from_o the_o eye_n of_o his_o soul_n 9.18_o act_n 9.18_o as_o from_o they_o of_o his_o body_n when_o christ_n jesus_n take_v possession_n of_o he_o yea_o doubtless_o and_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o he_o change_v his_o opinion_n of_o all_o thing_n and_o by_o declare_v this_o alteration_n he_o clear_o tell_v we_o he_o be_v not_o now_o the_o same_o man_n he_o be_v as_o much_o difference_n between_o he_o then_o and_o he_o now_o as_o be_v between_o a_o saul_n and_o a_o paul_n who_o be_v no_o more_o like_o one_o another_o then_o black_a and_o white_a direct_a opposite_n as_o loss_n be_v to_o gain_v and_o gain_v to_o loss_n a_o great_a change_n indeed_o so_o great_a as_o himself_o think_v will_v seem_v a_o paradox_n to_o the_o man_n of_o this_o world_n his_o former_a companion_n and_o brethren_n in_o affection_n hence_o it_o be_v as_o may_v be_v conceive_v that_o he_o repeat_v it_o over_o and_o again_o he_o will_v have_v they_o believe_v it_o be_v certain_o true_a there_o be_v such_o a_o alteration_n of_o and_o in_o he_o and_o to_o work_v it_o into_o they_o come_v upon_o they_o in_o a_o gradation_n each_o step_n be_v a_o preventive_a answer_n to_o a_o objection_n they_o may_v make_v for_o in_o the_o seven_o verse_n have_v show_v they_o the_o thing_n which_o he_o account_v loss_n for_o christ_n the_o thing_n that_o be_v gain_v to_o he_o his_o performance_n and_o privilege_n mention_v in_o the_o five_o and_o six_o verse_n they_o may_v have_v object_v what_o be_v this_o such_o a_o matter_n they_o be_v but_o some_o thing_n thy_o judgement_n be_v alter_v of_o in_o comparison_n of_o this_o christ_n thou_o talk_v of_o to_o prevent_v their_o say_n thus_o to_o he_o in_o the_o eight_o verse_n he_o say_v to_o they_o yea_o doubtless_o i_o account_v all_o thing_n loss_n for_o christ_n to_o who_o they_o may_v reply_v thou_o do_v say_v so_o paul_n but_o thou_o will_v not_o do_v so_o yea_o but_o i_o have_v do_v so_o already_o be_v his_o return_n hereto_o they_o may_v object_n it_o may_v be_v paul_n thou_o have_v do_v so_o once_o but_o thou_o will_v learn_v more_o wit_n then_o to_o do_v so_o again_o nay_o say_v he_o for_o even_o now_o at_o this_o present_a time_n i_o do_v so_o undervalue_v all_o thing_n in_o comparison_n of_o christ_n jesus_n my_o lord_n i_o but_o paul_n may_v they_o say_v why_o do_v thou_o so_o prize_n christ_n above_o all_o he_o answer_v they_o that_o i_o may_v win_v christ_n and_o what_o good_a can_v christ_n do_v thou_o when_o thou_o have_v he_o why_o desire_v thou_o christ_n so_o much_o he_o give_v they_o and_o we_o two_o reason_n of_o his_o esteem_n and_o desire_v of_o christ_n above_o all_o in_o the_o two_o verse_n follow_v in_o the_o nine_o verse_n his_o reason_n be_v that_o he_o may_v be_v justify_v in_o god_n sight_n 3.22_o psal_n 143.2_o rom._n 3.22_o for_o in_o his_o sight_n no_o flesh_n shall_v be_v justify_v in_o his_o own_o righteousness_n he_o will_v not_o therefore_o for_o a_o world_n that_o god_n shall_v come_v to_o judgement_n and_o find_v he_o in_o his_o own_o righteousness_n and_o out_o of_o christ_n and_o christ_n righteousness_n which_o be_v by_o faith_n apply_v to_o we_o and_o in_o the_o ten_o verse_n his_o second_o motive_n to_o set_v up_o and_o seek_v christ_n above_o all_o be_v his_o sanctification_n and_o therefore_o he_o say_v that_o i_o may_v know_v he_o know_v he_o may_v they_o say_v what_o do_v thou_o not_o know_v christ_n paul_n why_o we_o know_v christ_n i_o but_o my_o meaning_n be_v say_v the_o apostle_n not_o such_o a_o knowledge_n as_o you_o be_v alas_o it_o be_v not_o a_o historical_a knowledge_n of_o he_o in_o my_o head_n that_o i_o will_v have_v but_o a_o experimental_a knowledge_n of_o he_o in_o my_o heart_n i_o can_v talk_v of_o christ_n as_o wellas_fw-la you_o but_o i_o will_v feel_v christ_n in_o i_o and_o have_v union_n and_o communion_n with_o he_o which_o you_o want_v i_o will_v find_v in_o my_o heart_n and_o life_n the_o virtue_n of_o his_o resurrection_n and_o a_o fellowship_n of_o his_o death_n and_o suffering_n now_o what_o mean_v he_o by_o the_o virtue_n of_o christ_n resurrection_n but_o that_o which_o divine_n call_v vivification_n that_o be_v a_o quicken_a power_n therefrom_o to_o walk_v in_o newness_n of_o life_n as_o he_o explain_v himself_o rom._n 6.4_o and_o what_o intend_v he_o by_o the_o fellowship_n of_o christ_n death_n and_o suffering_n but_o that_o which_o we_o call_v mortification_n which_o be_v a_o die_a to_o sin_n as_o be_v evident_a from_o rom._n 6.5_o 6_o 7_o 8._o and_o what_o be_v vivification_n and_o mortification_n but_o those_o two_o part_n of_o a_o christian_n which_o make_v up_o his_o sanctification_n for_o which_o christ_n be_v as_o high_o prize_v and_o as_o earnest_o prize_v and_o as_o carnest_o desire_v by_o paul_n as_o for_o his_o justification_n thus_o have_v you_o brief_o the_o scope_n and_o meaning_n of_o these_o four_o verse_n read_v unto_o you_o we_o will_v pass_v by_o the_o divide_n of_o they_o into_o their_o part_n at_o this_o present_a because_o i_o have_v but_o a_o little_a time_n to_o speak_v in_o and_o much_o precious_a matter_n to_o speak_v of_o the_o observation_n that_o they_o natural_o yield_v unto_o our_o consideration_n be_v these_o five_o i._o a_o man_n before_o conversion_n do_v always_o confide_v in_o and_o rest_n on_o his_o performance_n of_o duty_n ii_o after_o conversion_n a_o man_n judgement_n be_v alter_v concern_v his_o own_o righteousness_n iii_o without_o christ_n all_o thing_n be_v but_o loss_n and_o dung_n iv_o christ_n alone_o be_v the_o true_a gain_n v._o true_a save_v grace_n wherewith_o paul_n be_v endue_v when_o he_o write_v these_o word_n of_o our_o text_n teach_v a_o poor_a soul_n to_o esteem_v of_o christ_n above_o all_o thing_n not_o only_o for_o justification_n but_o also_o for_o sanctification_n of_o all_o these_o five_o i_o do_v conceive_v this_o last_o most_o useful_a for_o this_o congregation_n at_o this_o time_n wherefore_o my_o intent_n be_v with_o god_n assistance_n to_o confirm_v it_o unto_o you_o and_o afterward_o make_v some_o use_n of_o it_o which_o whilst_o i_o do_v if_o you_o love_v christ_n and_o prize_v he_o above_o all_o you_o will_v yield_v i_o your_o patient_a attention_n the_o philosopher_n often_o call_v man_n a_o little_a world_n in_o himself_o but_o christian_n know_v he_o be_v not_o such_o a_o entire_a commonwealth_n as_o able_a to_o live_v of_o and_o by_o himself_o these_o say_v if_o he_o depend_v on_o christ_n for_o maintenance_n he_o will_v soon_o break_v and_o fall_v into_o so_o wretched_a a_o condition_n as_o be_v far_o worse_a than_o a_o nonbeing_a christ_n therefore_o in_o who_o be_v all_o the_o hide_a treasure_n of_o god_n must_v man_n repair_v unto_o for_o supply_v of_o all_o his_o want_n but_o alas_o he_o want_v a_o heart_n to_o go_v to_o he_o he_o must_v be_v draw_v by_o god_n the_o father_n or_o else_o he_o will_v never_o come_v to_o christ_n john_n 6.44_o the_o lâ—gs_n of_o freewill_a which_o the_o papist_n and_o arminian_o stand_v so_o much_o upon_o will_v never_o be_v able_a to_o carry_v a_o soul_n so_o far_o as_o christ_n there_o must_v be_v a_o inward_a principle_n of_o save_a grace_n in_o the_o heart_n to_o enable_v and_o direct_v we_o or_o else_o we_o shall_v never_o true_o desire_v or_o effectual_o sin_v he_o to_o be_v we_o indeed_o there_o may_v be_v some_o gasp_v after_o christ_n
there_o he_o find_v nothing_o but_o happiness_n and_o holiness_n as_o in_o hell_n there_o be_v nothing_o but_o sin_n and_o misery_n as_o no_o good_a can_v go_v to_o hell_n so_o he_o see_v no_o bad_a no_o sinful_a and_o unclean_a thing_n can_v get_v entrance_n into_o heaven_n revel_v 21.27_o save_v grace_n tell_v he_o and_o he_o believe_v it_o that_o without_o holiness_n he_o shall_v not_o see_v god_n face_n in_o heaven_n heb._n 12.14_o and_o therefore_o he_o follow_v it_o with_o such_o earnestness_n of_o desire_n and_o endeavour_v and_o prize_v christ_n in_o who_o all_o holiness_n be_v store_v up_o for_o we_o above_o all_o thing_n whatsoever_o four_o save_v grace_n take_v a_o man_n heart_n off_o from_o his_o own_o end_n in_o all_o thing_n and_o teach_v he_o to_o seek_v christ_n not_o so_o much_o for_o selfe-end_n as_o christ_n end_n when_o the_o lord_n do_v convert_v a_o soul_n to_o he_o and_o work_v save_v grace_n in_o his_o heart_n as_o he_o give_v he_o a_o new_a principle_n to_o work_v by_o so_o he_o give_v he_o new_a end_n to_o work_v for_o before_o conversion_n self_n be_v all_o in_o all_o to_o a_o man_n self_n set_v he_o at_o work_n and_o he_o work_v altogether_o by_o self_n principle_n and_o to_o self_n end_v god_n be_v not_o in_o all_o his_o thought_n psa_n 10.4_o for_o indeed_o self_n be_v his_o god_n but_o when_o god_n come_v to_o take_v his_o place_n again_o in_o the_o heart_n and_o to_o be_v god_n to_o a_o soul_n than_o he_o become_v the_o utmost_a end_n of_o that_o soul_n also_o so_o that_o as_o he_o will_v do_v nothing_o but_o by_o he_o command_v and_o strengthen_v so_o he_o do_v all_o to_o he_o and_o for_o he_o the_o soul_n be_v now_o lift_v up_o above_o itself_o it_o soar_v aloft_o at_o great_a matter_n than_o belong_v to_o self_n selfematter_n be_v but_o as_o fly_n in_o his_o eagle_n eye_n he_o stoop_v not_o to_o they_o but_o as_o the_o ponderous_a flesh_n make_v he_o his_o alme_n be_v altogether_o at_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n magnify_v christ_n forward_v the_o kingdom_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n build_v up_o his_o church_n and_o repair_v the_o breach_n thereof_o etc._n etc._n like_a as_o good_a and_o true_a statesman_n look_v not_o so_o much_o at_o their_o own_o profit_n as_o the_o common_a good_a so_o the_o true_a christian_a aim_n at_o the_o public_a good_a of_o christ_n the_o advance_n of_o his_o kingdom_n here_o more_o than_o at_o their_o own_o advancement_n by_o he_o he_o do_v not_o desire_n christ_n so_o much_o to_o be_v save_v by_o he_o as_o that_o christ_n may_v be_v serve_v by_o he_o the_o soul_n that_o prize_v christ_n above_o all_o only_a for_o justification_n seek_v he_o for_o self_n end_v that_o be_v for_o happiness_n and_o salvation_n by_o he_o and_o thus_o a_o soul_n do_v before_o he_o have_v save_v grace_n but_o to_o desire_v he_o above_o all_o for_o sanctification_n be_v to_o prize_n and_o desire_n christ_n for_o christ_n own_o end_n that_o we_o may_v be_v make_v holy_a by_o he_o and_o so_o become_v zealous_a of_o good_a work_n titus_n 2.14_o and_o that_o we_o may_v serve_v he_o all_o the_o day_n of_o our_o life_n in_o holiness_n and_o righteousness_n luke_n 1.7_o 4_o 75._o and_o thus_o to_o desire_n christ_n for_o christ_n save_v grace_n teach_v the_o soul_n and_o to_o do_v all_o for_o he_o because_o such_o a_o soul_n make_v christ_n its_o master_n and_o self_n must_v be_v his_o servant_n so_o that_o self_n must_v now_o wait_v till_o his_o master_n be_v serve_v self_n may_v attend_v at_o the_o door_n of_o the_o heart_n but_o christ_n as_o master_n bear_v all_o the_o sway_n there_o and_o as_o he_o will_v so_o the_o heart_n say_v he_o shall_v be_v serve_v whosoever_o go_v unserved_a and_o as_o for_o self_n such_o a_o soul_n as_o be_v principled_a with_o save_v grace_n look_v at_o self_n as_o best_a serve_v when_o his_o master_n be_v most_o serve_v there_o be_v a_o sweet_a and_o holy_a emulation_n betweet_a such_o a_o soul_n and_o christ_n that_o as_o christ_n take_v all_o that_o be_v do_v to_o that_o soul_n as_o do_v to_o himself_o so_o that_o soul_n take_v all_o do_v to_o christ_n as_o do_v to_o himself_o and_o therefore_o be_v of_o opinion_n that_o he_o serve_v himself_o best_a when_o he_o serve_v christ_n most_o yea_o he_o leave_v self_n to_o christ_n disposal_n and_o good_a will_n know_v that_o he_o be_v a_o good_a love_a and_o free_a master_n indeed_o that_o will_v suffer_v his_o servant_n to_o want_v no_o good_a thing_n psal_n 84.11_o five_o save_v grace_n frame_v the_o heart_n to_o a_o conjugal_a affection_n of_o christ_n to_o such_o a_o love_n of_o he_o as_o be_v between_o husband_n and_o wife_n so_o that_o the_o soul_n love_v the_o person_n of_o christ_n as_o well_o as_o his_o portion_n yea_o and_o desire_v he_o more_o for_o his_o person_n sake_n then_o for_o his_o portion_n sake_n all_o the_o note_n of_o such_o a_o soul_n be_v that_o with_o the_o spouse_n in_o cant._n 2.16_o my_o belove_a be_v i_o and_o i_o be_o he_o this_o heart_n be_v enamour_v with_o christ_n because_o of_o that_o exceed_a beauty_n of_o holiness_n in_o he_o he_o be_v to_o her_o the_o fair_a of_o ten_o thousand_o this_o soul_n love_v not_o christ_n so_o much_o for_o that_o which_o come_v by_o he_o as_o for_o that_o she_o see_v in_o he_o when_o god_n marry_v we_o as_o he_o say_v he_o have_v marry_v we_o jer._n 3.14_o his_o free_a grace_n have_v respect_v only_o to_o our_o person_n and_o not_o for_o any_o portion_n of_o we_o whereby_o he_o may_v be_v enrich_v and_o benefit_v hence_o we_o find_v a_o love_n of_o mankind_n for_o so_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d signify_v ascribe_v to_o he_o titus_n 3.4_o 14.15_o job_n 14.15_o which_o job_n word_n do_v well_o interpret_v to_o we_o say_v thou_o o_o lord_n have_v a_o desire_n to_o the_o work_n of_o thy_o hand_n wherein_o be_v hint_v the_o reason_n of_o god_n affection_n to_o we_o not_o any_o worth_n in_o we_o but_o his_o right_n to_o we_o it_o be_v his_o free_a grace_n which_o make_v he_o own_o that_o his_o right_n and_o 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or_o do_v you_o murmur_v and_o repine_v be_v it_o a_o grief_n and_o a_o vexation_n to_o you_o then_o thou_o prize_v thy_o good_n above_o christ_n and_o have_v indeed_o no_o save_a grace_n in_o thou_o six_o he_o that_o prize_v christ_n aright_o high_o esteem_v all_o that_o do_v but_o smell_n of_o christ_n if_o any_o thing_n look_v but_o towards_o christ_n as_o have_v the_o least_o relation_n to_o he_o such_o a_o soul_n will_v make_v exceed_v much_o thereof_o if_o any_o of_o you_o have_v a_o noble_a friend_n that_o you_o high_o reverence_n and_o esteem_v you_o will_v bid_v welcome_a and_o give_v free_a entertainment_n to_o the_o mean_a of_o his_o follower_n so_o if_o you_o prize_v christ_n as_o you_o ought_v you_o will_v not_o shut_v out_o of_o door_n and_o that_o belong_v to_o he_o but_o in_o it_o shall_v come_v and_o be_v bid_v hearty_o welcome_a for_o his_o master_n sake_n as_o well_o yea_o more_o than_o for_o its_o own_o yet_o for_o its_o own_o sake_n too_o because_o such_o a_o 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like_o the_o grass_n 37.1_o psal_n 37.1_o and_o wither_v as_o the_o green_a herb_n they_o shall_v leave_v all_o behind_o they_o but_o thou_o shall_v carry_v thy_o treasure_n or_o rather_o thy_o treasure_n and_o treasurer_n christ_n 1.21_o job_n 1.21_o shall_v carry_v thou_o hence_o to_o a_o better_a place_n to_o a_o place_n of_o eternal_a happiness_n when_o they_o go_v down_o to_o the_o pit_n of_o endless_a misery_n final_o the_o soul_n that_o prize_v above_o all_o will_v still_o be_v labour_v to_o win_v other_o to_o christ_n beloved_n i_o pray_v mark_v the_o difference_n between_o a_o soul_n rich_a in_o christ_n and_o a_o man_n rich_a in_o this_o world_n the_o rich_a worldling_n he_o will_v be_v rich_a alone_o eccles_n 5.8_o he_o will_v have_v all_o the_o world_n to_o himself_o alone_o if_o he_o can_v but_o he_o that_o be_v rich_a in_o christ_n will_v fain_o have_v other_o as_o rich_a as_o himself_o our_o apostle_n example_n make_v it_o plain_a say_v to_o agrippa_n i_o will_v to_o god_n not_o only_o thou_o but_o also_o all_o that_o hear_v i_o this_o day_n be_v both_o almost_o and_o altogether_o such_o as_o i_o be_o except_o these_o bond_n act_n 26.29_o mark_v the_o large_a extent_n of_o his_o desire_n in_o this_o kind_n in_o two_o particular_n first_o he_o do_v wish_v all_o man_n this_o christ_n of_o his_o and_o second_o as_o large_a a_o measure_n of_o christ_n as_o he_o have_v himself_o every_o soul_n that_o prize_v christ_n be_v still_o motion_v of_o he_o to_o other_o he_o will_v make_v a_o match_n between_o christ_n and_o his_o wife_n and_o she_o between_o christ_n and_o her_o husband_n and_o both_o will_v fain_o hang_v this_o their_o jewel_n on_o their_o child_n to_o adorn_v they_o in_o god_n fight_n they_o labour_v to_o kindle_v in_o their_o friend_n a_o love_n of_o christ_n and_o therefore_o in_o their_o company_n they_o be_v still_o praise_v of_o christ_n and_o set_v forth_o his_o excellency_n look_v you_o say_v they_o be_v not_o christ_n a_o lovely_a christ_n the_o fair_a of_o ten_o thousand_o you_o never_o see_v such_o a_o beauty_n as_o he_o be_v he_o be_v a_o love_a christ_n that_o will_v not_o see_v thou_o want_v he_o will_v be_v tender_a over_o thou_o in_o all_o thy_o sickness_n and_o distress_n he_o will_v comfort_v thou_o at_o thy_o heart_n when_o none_o else_o can_v he_o be_v a_o rich_a christ_n get_v he_o for_o thy_o spouse_n and_o thou_o be_v provide_v for_o ever_o thus_o will_v such_o a_o soul_n as_o prize_v christ_n be_v woo_v other_o to_o christ_n he_o will_v not_o go_v to_o heaven_n alone_o for_o he_o know_v it_o be_v not_o there_o as_o it_o be_v here_o but_o there_o as_o the_o more_o the_o merry_a so_o the_o betee_a cheer_n too_o and_o that_o he_o shall_v not_o have_v the_o less_o but_o the_o more_o by_o bring_v in_o other_o to_o be_v sharer_n with_o he_o in_o his_o christ_n christ_n multiply_v to_o such_o a_o soul_n as_o thus_o divide_v he_o to_o other_o and_o therefore_o the_o soul_n that_o prize_v christ_n labour_v all_o he_o can_v to_o draw_v other_o unto_o christ_n and_o beside_o he_o know_v it_o be_v a_o honour_n to_o christ_n to_o have_v many_o servant_n attend_v he_o and_o this_o prevail_v exceed_o with_o the_o soul_n which_o do_v all_o to_o the_o glory_n of_o christ_n thus_o have_v finish_v the_o trial_n of_o the_o first_o part_n of_o the_o question_n in_o hand_n whether_o we_o prize_v christ_n above_o all_o thing_n we_o come_v to_o exmine_v the_o second_o part_n whether_o we_o prize_v christ_n above_o all_o both_o for_o justification_n and_o sanctification_n first_o for_o justification_n and_o for_o this_o take_v these_o two_o rule_n first_o examine_v thy_o own_o heart_n whether_o thou_o think_v thy_o person_n be_v accept_v in_o god_n sight_n for_o thy_o performance_n whether_o they_o prevail_v in_o thy_o account_n with_o god_n to_o prize_v thou_o more_o than_o other_o thus_o do_v the_o proud_a pharisee_fw-mi conceive_v and_o therefore_o he_o be_v so_o bold_a as_o to_o thank_v god_n that_o he_o be_v not_o as_o this_o man_n the_o poor_a publican_n but_o a_o soul_n that_o prize_v christ-above_a all_o look_v at_o all_o those_o pharisaical_a robe_n of_o legal_a righteousness_n in_o this_o point_n but_o as_o rag_n yea_o as_o filthy_a rag_n and_o therefore_o he_o pull_v they_o over_o his_o ear_n and_o by_o no_o mean_n will_v be_v find_v of_o god_n in_o they_o only_a christ_n righteousness_n be_v the_o robe_n that_o he_o will_v have_v to_o go_v in_o before_o god_n he_o look_v at_o the_o lord_n jesus_n as_o the_o only_a garment_n that_o can_v please_v god_n sight_n and_o therefore_o he_o labour_v every_o day_n to_o put_v he_o on_o more_o and_o more_o if_o therefore_o thou_o pride_v thyself_o in_o and_o deck_v
all_o for_o our_o sanctification_n for_o if_o holiness_n whereby_o we_o may_v serve_v god_n better_o than_o we_o do_v be_v our_o aim_n when_o we_o fast_o and_o pray_v and_o humble_v ourselves_o our_o sin_n and_o corruption_n not_o our_o affliction_n move_v we_o first_o thereto_o indeed_o judgement_n and_o correction_n be_v instruction_n they_o open_v our_o eye_n to_o see_v our_o error_n and_o then_o a_o love_n of_o holiness_n bring_v we_o on_o our_o knee_n for_o our_o sin_n to_o beg_v a_o pardon_n for_o they_o and_o a_o cleanse_n of_o they_o save_v grace_n teach_v a_o soul_n to_o begin_v at_o the_o right_a end_n of_o his_o work_n he_o that_o think_v to_o take_v judgement_n away_o before_o his_o sin_n and_o therefore_o fa_v and_o pray_v he_o begin_v at_o the_o wrong_a end_n of_o the_o business_n he_o must_v take_v away_o the_o cause_n and_o then_o the_o effect_n will_v follow_v of_o itself_o dig_v up_o sin_n by_o the_o root_n and_o that_o bitter_a fruit_n of_o judgement_n which_o grow_v on_o its_o branch_n will_v wither_v and_o come_v to_o nothing_o to_o humble_a fast_o and_o pray_v and_o do_v such_o like_a duty_n for_o no_o other_o end_n but_o out_o of_o a_o desire_n of_o peace_n which_o we_o want_v and_o to_o escape_v the_o plague_n we_o have_v deserve_v be_v only_o to_o prize_n christ_n above_o all_o for_o justification_n whereby_o we_o be_v discharge_v and_o acquit_v from_o the_o guilt_n of_o our_o offence_n and_o consequent_o from_o the_o punishment_n due_a to_o we_o for_o the_o same_o but_o to_o humble_v ourselves_o out_o of_o sense_n of_o our_o sin_n the_o filthiness_n of_o they_o their_o magnitude_n multitude_n and_o power_n and_o we_o beg_v christ_n that_o he_o may_v come_v and_o reign_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o he_o and_o our_o enemy_n that_o be_v in_o we_o that_o he_o will_v wash_v and_o cleanse_v we_o wash_v our_o foot_n hand_n head_n and_o all_o over_o that_o we_o may_v do_v his_o service_n more_o decent_o and_o in_o order_n as_o become_v his_o servant_n than_o we_o prize_v christ_n for_o sanctification_n and_o true_o it_o be_v to_o be_v fear_v that_o we_o have_v not_o humble_v fast_v and_o pray_v in_o this_o kind_n because_o the_o lord_n have_v not_o hear_v and_o answer_v all_o this_o while_n it_o seem_v more_o probable_a we_o have_v seek_v the_o lord_n only_o in_o the_o former_a way_n for_o benefit_n by_o he_o out_o of_o mere_a self-love_n and_o therefore_o we_o have_v be_v despise_v as_o self-seekers_a the_o lord_n have_v see_v we_o have_v bring_v forth_o all_o unto_o ourselves_o and_o therefore_o he_o have_v make_v all_o return_n empty_a and_o vain_a to_o we_o we_o shall_v never_o find_v christ_n justify_v we_o till_o we_o desire_v he_o sanctify_v we_o the_o lord_n give_v his_o christ_n not_o only_o to_o save_v a_o soul_n but_o also_o that_o the_o soul_n may_v by_o christ_n serve_v he_o indeed_o the_o lord_n may_v give_v peace_n plenty_n and_o such_o like_a outward_a thing_n he_o may_v heap_v on_o wicked_a man_n but_o there_o be_v no_o christ_n in_o they_o and_o therefore_o they_o more_o hurt_n than_o do_v good_a to_o they_o yea_o and_o the_o word_n do_v with_o they_o more_o evil_a than_o good_a but_o to_o a_o soul_n that_o have_v save_v grace_n and_o prize_v christ_n above_o all_o for_o holiness_n the_o lord_n give_v he_o christ_n in_o all_o his_o gift_n and_o token_n of_o what_o kind_n soever_o they_o be_v whether_o of_o his_o left_a or_o of_o his_o right_a hand_n and_o therefore_o they_o all_o do_v he_o good_a he_o be_v the_o better_a and_o not_o the_o worse_a for_o they_o yea_o and_o he_o make_v a_o good_a use_n of_o they_o to_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o benefit_n of_o other_o wherefore_o to_o turn_v this_o sign_n into_o a_o motive_n as_o we_o will_v obtain_v our_o desire_n and_o see_v peace_n and_o truth_n settle_v among_o we_o and_o as_o we_o will_v have_v good_a and_o no_o hurt_n by_o they_o when_o they_o come_v let_v we_o learn_v in_o all_o our_o humiliation_n fast_n prayer_n and_o all_o duty_n to_o prize_n and_o seek_v christ_n above_o all_o for_o sanctification_n that_o be_v that_o we_o may_v not_o only_o lead_v a_o quiet_a and_o a_o peaceable_a life_n 3._o 1_o tim._n 2.2_o 3._o but_o also_o that_o we_o live_v in_o all_o godliness_n and_o honesty_n for_o this_o indeed_o be_v good_a and_o acceptable_a in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n our_o saviour_n let_v i_o conclude_v with_o a_o word_n of_o reproof_n of_o all_o such_o as_o do_v not_o prize_n christ_n above_o all_o for_o sanctification_n so_o well_o as_o for_o justification_n these_o person_n have_v no_o save_a grace_n in_o they_o and_o no_o true_a love_n to_o christ_n they_o love_v happiness_n but_o care_v not_o for_o holiness_n so_o they_o can_v be_v save_v by_o christ_n let_v who_o will_v serve_v christ_n for_o they_o they_o have_v all_o their_o desire_n and_o so_o no_o more_o need_n of_o christ_n ah_o let_v such_o poor_a soul_n take_v heed_n of_o their_o king_n there_o be_v more_o need_n of_o christ_n in_o justification_n then_o sanctification_n true_o belove_v it_o be_v one_o of_o the_o devil_n masterpiece_n in_o these_o time_n to_o take_v man_n off_o from_o sanctification_n to_o cry_v up_o free_a grace_n only_o in_o justification_n when_o as_o there_o be_v as_o great_a if_o not_o great_a free_a grace_n and_o therefore_o a_o great_a need_n of_o it_o in_o sanctification_n then_o in_o justification_n as_o have_v be_v show_v such_o therefore_o as_o seek_v not_o christ_n above_o all_o for_o holiness_n as_o well_o as_o happiness_n be_v just_o to_o be_v blame_v what_o blame_v then_o be_v they_o worthy_a of_o who_o desire_n christ_n to_o be_v a_o cloak_n of_o their_o unholinesse_n believe_v i_o a_o church-protestant_n be_v worse_o than_o a_o church-papist_n do_v you_o not_o see_v what_o briber_n they_o be_v see_v how_o they_o bribe_v their_o own_o conscience_n and_o their_o brethren_n eye_n with_o a_o outside_n of_o christ_n mark_v you_o not_o how_o they_o be_v at_o a_o see_v with_o prayer_n hear_v of_o sermon_n repetition_n etc._n etc._n that_o they_o may_v keep_v a_o bosome-sinne_n be_v there_o not_o many_o protestant_n i_o can_v wish_v there_o be_v none_o here_o that_o wear_v a_o glister_a garment_n of_o profession_n uppermost_a as_o if_o they_o have_v put_v on_o that_o glorious_a diadem_n the_o lord_n jesus_n put_v alas_o that_o soul_n which_o have_v put_v on_o christ_n indeed_o be_v all_o glorious_a within_o the_o fair_a part_n of_o its_o beauty_n be_v in_o the_o heart_n this_o soul_n have_v a_o better_a inside_n than_o outside_n there_o be_v no_o true_a judgement_n can_v be_v give_v of_o he_o by_o his_o outward_a appearance_n and_o the_o truth_n be_v such_o a_o man_n be_v most_o careful_a about_o his_o heart_n to_o adorn_v that_o to_o approve_v that_o to_o god_n but_o such_o as_o have_v not_o true_o put_v on_o christ_n all_o their_o care_n be_v to_o trick_n and_o trim_v up_o their_o outward_a man_n their_o visible_a outside_n they_o put_v the_o best_a side_n outmost_a how_o 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the_o society_n of_o a_o christian_n that_o thus_o slight_a and_o abuse_n christ_n who_o paul_n and_o every_o poor_a soul_n that_o have_v save_v grace_n do_v prize_n christ_n above_o all_o both_o for_o justification_n and_o sanctification_n finis_fw-la i_o have_v peruse_v this_o sermon_n on_o phil._n 3.7_o 8_o etc._n etc._n and_o find_v it_o to_o be_v very_o godly_a judicious_a and_o profitable_a i_o do_v allow_v it_o to_o be_v print_v and_o publish_v john_n downame_n