henceforth_o good_a for_o nothing_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n be_v his_o eye_n by_o which_o he_o be_v to_o behold_v god_n now_o if_o this_o eye_n be_v blind_a if_o the_o light_n be_v darkness_n how_o great_a be_v that_o darkness_n the_o jew_n in_o ezek._n 15.1_o be_v liken_v to_o a_o vine_n which_o if_o it_o be_v barren_a be_v good_a for_o no_o use_n shall_v wood_n be_v take_v thereof_o for_o any_o work_n it_o be_v fit_a for_o nothing_o but_o to_o burn_v so_o it_o be_v in_o man_n his_o great_a use_n and_o excellency_n be_v his_o acquaintance_n with_o god_n now_o if_o he_o fail_v in_o this_o he_o be_v good_a for_o nothing_o very_o man_n be_v a_o base_a vile_a worthless_a thing_n without_o acquaintance_n with_o god_n none_o be_v less_o esteem_v among_o man_n than_o they_o that_o want_v wisdom_n to_o converse_v among_o man_n none_o be_v less_o esteem_v before_o god_n than_o they_o that_o know_v he_o not_o that_o have_v not_o acquaintance_n with_o he_o to_o converse_v with_o he_o you_o see_v wherein_o the_o excellency_n and_o worth_n of_o man_n consist_v and_o that_o if_o there_o be_v a_o deformity_n where_o ought_v to_o be_v our_o chief_a beauty_n the_o whole_a be_v account_v as_o a_o deform_a piece_n it_o concern_v we_o then_o to_o look_v that_o we_o keep_v our_o glory_n unspotted_a our_o excellency_n in_o its_o due_a value_n that_o we_o do_v not_o degrade_v ourselves_o below_o what_o god_n have_v place_v we_o in_o if_o we_o be_v not_o acquaint_v with_o god_n our_o soul_n serve_v we_o to_o little_a purpose_n it_o be_v a_o cause_v the_o prince_n the_o soul_n to_o go_v on_o foot_n and_o to_o serve_v the_o body_n which_o shall_v be_v as_o a_o servant_n it_o be_v to_o let_v the_o candle_n of_o the_o lord_n burn_v out_o in_o waste_n three_o another_o enforcement_n of_o this_o duty_n of_o acquaintance_n with_o god_n be_v this_o if_o we_o refuse_v acquaintance_n with_o god_n it_o be_v a_o slight_v the_o great_a of_o all_o the_o mercy_n that_o god_n bestow_v favour_n be_v to_o be_v value_v either_o by_o their_o proper_a excellency_n or_o according_a to_o the_o good_a will_n of_o he_o that_o bestow_v they_o both_o these_o way_n this_o be_v to_o be_v account_v the_o great_a of_o mercy_n in_o god_n give_v we_o leave_n to_o be_v acquaint_v with_o he_o he_o give_v out_o himself_o to_o be_v know_v to_o be_v love_v to_o be_v converse_v with_o to_o be_v enjoy_v what_o great_a gift_n can_v god_n give_v then_o himself_o god_n be_v the_o portion_n of_o his_o people_n he_o be_v the_o great_a portion_n the_o sure_a the_o most_o suitable_a and_o the_o only_a durable_a portion_n thus_o they_o that_o know_v he_o esteem_v of_o he_o psal_n 73.26_o my_o flesh_n &_o my_o heart_n fail_v but_o god_n be_v the_o strength_n of_o my_o heart_n &_o portion_n for_o ever_o psal_n 16.5_o 6._o the_o lord_n be_v the_o portion_n of_o my_o inheritance_n the_o line_n be_v fall_v to_o i_o in_o a_o pleasant_a place_n yea_o i_o have_v a_o goodly_a heritage_n bless_a be_v the_o people_n that_o be_v in_o such_o a_o case_n yea_o bless_a be_v the_o people_n who_o god_n be_v the_o lord_n no_o great_a mercy_n can_v be_v bestow_v upon_o any_o people_n family_n or_o person_n than_o this_o for_o god_n to_o dwell_v among_o they_o if_o we_o value_v this_o mercy_n according_a to_o the_o excellency_n and_o worth_n of_o that_o which_o be_v bestow_v it_o be_v the_o great_a if_o we_o value_v it_o according_a to_o the_o good_a will_n of_o he_o that_o give_v it_o it_o will_v appear_v likewise_o to_o be_v the_o great_a favour_n the_o greatness_n of_o the_o good_a will_n of_o god_n in_o give_v himself_o to_o be_v our_o acquaintance_n be_v evident_a in_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o gift_n a_o man_n may_v give_v his_o estate_n to_o they_o to_o who_o his_o love_n be_v not_o very_o large_a but_o he_o never_o give_v himself_o but_o upon_o strong_a affection_n god_n give_v abundant_o to_o all_o the_o work_n of_o his_o hand_n he_o cause_v the_o sun_n to_o shine_v upon_o the_o evil_a and_o upon_o the_o good_a and_o the_o rain_n to_o descend_v upon_o the_o just_a and_o the_o unjust_a but_o it_o can_v be_v conceive_v that_o he_o shall_v give_v himself_o to_o be_v a_o portion_n a_o friend_n father_n husband_n but_o in_o abundance_n of_o love_n whosoever_o therefore_o shall_v refuse_v acquaintance_n with_o god_n slight_v the_o great_a favour_n that_o ever_o god_n do_v bestow_v upon_o man_n now_o consider_v what_o a_o high_a charge_n this_o be_v to_o abuse_v such_o a_o kindness_n from_o god_n be_v a_o act_n of_o the_o great_a vileness_n david_n be_v never_o so_o provoke_v as_o when_o the_o king_n of_o ammon_n abuse_v his_o kindness_n in_o his_o ambassador_n after_o his_o father_n death_n and_o god_n be_v high_o provoke_v when_o his_o great_a mercy_n bestow_v in_o the_o great_a love_n be_v reject_v and_o cast_v away_o what_o can_v god_n give_v more_o and_o better_a than_o himself_o and_o how_o heavy_a will_v this_o imputation_n be_v these_o be_v those_o that_o look_v upon_o god_n as_o not_o worth_a be_v acquaint_v with_o let_v we_o therefore_o consider_v how_o we_o shall_v be_v able_a to_o stand_v to_o these_o accusation_n shall_v we_o not_o be_v speechless_a when_o these_o thing_n shall_v be_v charge_v upon_o we_o shall_v we_o not_o be_v confound_v when_o we_o stand_v to_o the_o trial_n of_o he_o to_o who_o we_o have_v offer_v these_o great_a indignity_n how_o shall_v we_o escape_v if_o we_o neglect_v so_o great_a salvation_n so_o great_a a_o mercy_n four_o it_o concern_v we_o to_o acquaint_v ourselves_o with_o god_n for_o without_o it_o we_o be_v in_o a_o necessity_n of_o sin_n and_o misery_n 1._o the_o soul_n unacquainted_a with_o god_n be_v in_o a_o necessity_n of_o sin_v ephes_n 4.14_o have_v their_o understanding_n darken_v alienate_v from_o the_o life_n of_o god_n through_o the_o ignorance_n that_o be_v in_o they_o because_o of_o the_o blindness_n of_o their_o heart_n for_o want_v of_o acquaintance_n with_o god_n every_o thought_n and_o imagination_n of_o their_o heart_n be_v evil_a continual_o rom._n 30.10_o 11._o there_o be_v none_o righteous_a no_o not_o one_o there_o be_v none_o that_o understand_v there_o be_v none_o that_o seek_v after_o god_n not_o understanding_n nor_o seek_v after_o god_n be_v the_o necessary_a cause_n that_o there_o be_v none_o do_v good_a the_o soul_n of_o man_n be_v a_o active_a be_v which_o be_v continual_o in_o motion_n if_o it_o be_v not_o in_o motion_n to_o god_n and_o in_o god_n it_o will_v be_v in_o motion_n from_o god_n hence_o it_o be_v that_o the_o prayer_n of_o the_o wicked_a be_v a_o abomination_n that_o which_o go_v for_o prayer_n god_n abhor_v because_o they_o be_v not_o acquaint_v with_o he_o isa_n 1.3_o the_o ox_n know_v his_o owner_n and_o the_o ass_n his_o master_n crib_n but_o israel_n do_v not_o know_v i_o vers_n 13_o 14._o to_o this_o say_v he_o your_o incense_n be_v abomination_n unto_o i_o their_o new_a moon_n and_o sabbath_n the_o call_n of_o assembly_n i_o can_v away_o with_o it_o 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nor_o mercy_n nor_o knowledge_n of_o god_n in_o the_o land_n therefore_o by_o swear_v and_o lie_v and_o kill_v and_o steal_v and_o commit_v adultery_n they_o break_v out_o etc._n etc._n thus_o want_v of_o knowledge_n of_o god_n and_o acquaintance_n with_o god_n we_o may_v plain_o see_v be_v the_o necessary_a cause_n of_o sin_n now_o there_o be_v no_o great_a evil_n on_o this_o side_n hell_n then_o that_o of_o a_o necessity_n of_o sin_v 2_o pet._n 2.14_o those_o of_o which_o it_o be_v say_v they_o can_v cease_v from_o sin_v be_v call_v curse_a child_n he_o that_o choose_v any_o sin_n rather_o than_o affliction_n do_v it_o through_o the_o blindness_n of_o his_o mind_n
and_o ask_v she_o what_o be_v her_o belove_a more_o than_o another_o belove_n what_o there_o be_v in_o god_n and_o christ_n more_o than_o in_o the_o world_n and_o she_o will_v almost_o wonder_v that_o any_o one_o that_o be_v rational_a shall_v ask_v so_o foolish_a a_o question_n she_o think_v you_o may_v with_o as_o much_o judgement_n and_o reason_n have_v ask_v what_o there_o be_v in_o heaven_n more_o desirable_a then_o in_o hell_n what_o be_v there_o be_v in_o ease_n more_o than_o in_o torment_n in_o gold_n and_o jewel_n more_o than_o in_o dross_n in_o a_o live_n healthful_a beautiful_a creature_n more_o than_o in_o a_o stink_a rot_a carcase_n do_v you_o but_o see_v his_o face_n you_o will_v soon_o think_v there_o be_v something_o in_o he_o more_o than_o in_o another_o can_v you_o but_o see_v his_o eye_n your_o heart_n will_v be_v in_o a_o flame_n do_v you_o but_o understand_v what_o it_o be_v to_o be_v bring_v into_o his_o banqueting-house_n you_o will_v say_v that_o they_o be_v 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prevail_v i_o shall_v have_v some_o good_a hope_n that_o i_o shall_v not_o want_v success_n in_o this_o work_n nor_o you_o of_o the_o acquaintance_n with_o god_n and_o everlasting_a glory_n therefore_o i_o say_v again_o if_o kindness_n and_o love_n be_v take_v who_o so_o sweet_a and_o oblige_v as_o he_o if_o comfort_n joy_n and_o pleasure_n be_v desirable_a who_o be_v there_o when_o the_o soul_n be_v surround_v with_o a_o multitude_n of_o perplexity_n that_o can_v so_o much_o delight_n refresh_v and_o raise_v it_o if_o power_n glory_n and_o majesty_n if_o ability_n to_o defend_v from_o injury_n and_o revenge_v wrong_n may_v signify_v any_o thing_n with_o poor_a shiftless_a creature_n who_o be_v there_o that_o ever_o yet_o prevail_v against_o he_o who_o ever_o contend_v with_o god_n and_o prosper_v if_o vigour_n activity_n and_o care_n in_o all_o the_o affair_n of_o his_o friend_n can_v entice_v the_o dull_a helpless_a sinner_n to_o receive_v he_o who_o will_v take_v more_o care_n for_o and_o do_v more_o for_o they_o then_o he_o if_o his_o humility_n may_v engage_v we_o if_o freedom_n of_o access_n notwithstanding_o that_o infinite_a distance_n that_o be_v between_o we_o and_o he_o signify_v any_o thing_n as_o to_o the_o commend_v of_o he_o to_o our_o acquaintance_n where_o can_v a_o poor_a beggar_n be_v more_o welcome_a than_o at_o the_o house_n of_o this_o mighty_a prince_n can_v faithfulness_n in_o the_o great_a strength_n raise_v the_o esteem_n of_o a_o friend_n who_o ever_o yet_o trust_v he_o that_o be_v deceive_v be_v riches_n and_o wealth_n take_v who_o be_v there_o that_o can_v give_v a_o kingdom_n for_o a_o portion_n a_o lovetoken_n and_o give_v everlasting_a glory_n and_o heaven_n for_o a_o jointure_n but_o god_n do_v pity_n in_o misery_n sympathy_n in_o suffering_n compassion_n in_o distress_n endear_v and_o commend_v a_o friend_n who_o be_v more_o tender-hearted_a than_o he_o be_v honour_n and_o preferment_n such_o great_a thing_n who_o be_v that_o which_o will_v make_v all_o his_o favourite_n king_n and_o priest_n and_o set_v they_o upon_o throne_n and_o reward_n and_o commend_v they_o before_o the_o whole_a world_n be_v suitableness_n a_o considerable_a qualification_n to_o make_v up_o this_o match_n who_o so_o suitable_a for_o the_o soul_n a_o spirit_n as_o god_n a_o spirit_n who_o can_v satisfy_v its_o vast_a and_o infinite_a desire_n but_o infinity_n itself_o have_v poor_a simple_a creature_n that_o have_v quite_o undo_v themselves_o by_o their_o folly_n and_o indiscretion_n need_v of_o a_o wise_a counsellor_n to_o wind_v they_o out_o of_o their_o sad_a intricacy_n who_o be_v there_o among_o the_o profound_a politician_n and_o grave_a sage_n of_o the_o world_n to_o be_v compare_v unto_o he_o do_v a_o die_a man_n that_o have_v a_o never-dying_a soul_n that_o be_v to_o pass_v speedy_o into_o a_o eternal_a state_n lack_v a_o ever-dying_a &_o immortal_a friend_n that_o may_v stand_v he_o in_o some_o stead_n when_o immortal_a be_v not_o 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shall_v not_o the_o sinner_n say_v i_o will_v be_v thy_o child_n why_o shall_v not_o the_o heart_n of_o every_o apostate_n rebellious_a traitor_n that_o have_v forfeit_v estate_n life_n and_o soul_n leap_v at_o such_o good_a news_n and_o say_v will_v god_n for_o all_o this_o lay_v aside_o the_o controversy_n and_o conclude_v a_o peace_n will_v he_o receive_v the_o rebel_n to_o mercy_n will_v he_o open_v his_o door_n to_o his_o prodigal_a and_o be_v there_o yet_o any_o hope_n be_v it_o possible_a that_o such_o sin_n as_o i_o shall_v be_v forgive_v can_v it_o be_v conceive_v that_o such_o a_o creature_n as_o i_o shall_v be_v embrace_v what_o look_v upon_o i_o will_v god_n indeed_o take_v i_o into_o favour_n yes_o thou_o behold_v he_o call_v thou_o he_o offer_v thou_o
themselves_o and_o by_o themselves_o which_o they_o can_v never_o do_v alone_o they_o go_v to_o god_n all_o alone_a and_o no_o wonder_n than_o they_o meet_v with_o a_o frown_n for_o there_o be_v no_o name_n under_o heaven_n by_o which_o a_o man_n can_v be_v save_v but_o by_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n and_o out_o of_o christ_n god_n be_v a_o consume_a fire_n &_o there_o be_v but_o one_o mediator_n the_o man_n christ_n jesus_n and_o there_o be_v but_o one_o advocate_n with_o the_o father_n jesus_n christ_n the_o righteous_a that_o which_o joseph_n say_v of_o benjamin_n god_n say_v of_o christ_n except_o you_o bring_v benjamin_n along_o with_o you_o you_o shall_v not_o see_v my_o face_n except_o you_o bring_v christ_n along_o with_o you_o you_o shall_v not_o see_v my_o face_n there_o be_v a_o notable_a story_n which_o be_v common_o by_o divine_n apply_v to_o our_o present_a purpose_n and_o that_o not_o without_o good_a reason_n it_o be_v concern_v a_o law_n among_o the_o molossian_n where_o whosoever_o come_v to_o the_o king_n with_o his_o son_n in_o his_o arm_n shall_v be_v accept_v into_o favour_n let_v his_o fault_n be_v what_o it_o will_n so_o let_v a_o man_n be_v what_o he_o will_v before_o yet_o if_o you_o come_v to_o god_n in_o christ_n he_o can_v be_v thrust_v away_o o_o therefore_o if_o thou_o will_v have_v any_o countenance_n from_o god_n beg_v for_o a_o christ_n to_o bear_v thou_o company_n into_o the_o presence_n of_o god_n i_o will_v tell_v you_o this_o for_o your_o comfort_n christ_n have_v a_o love_a design_n in_o his_o heart_n to_o do_v such_o office_n of_o kindness_n for_o poor_a malefactor_n that_o understand_v something_o of_o their_o danger_n if_o you_o see_v yourself_o lose_v for_o want_n of_o reconciliation_n with_o god_n christ_n he_o stand_v ready_a to_o lead_v you_o into_o his_o father_n house_n o_o do_v you_o but_o know_v how_o willing_a he_o be_v to_o bring_v undo_v lose_v penitent_n to_o god_n it_o will_v make_v your_o heart_n leap_v within_o you_o for_o joy_n behold_v how_o oft_o he_o ask_v after_o you_o what_o do_v that_o sinner_n mean_v to_o ruin_v himself_o i_o will_v with_o all_o my_o heart_n bring_v he_o out_o of_o all_o those_o perplexity_n and_o undertake_v to_o make_v god_n and_o he_o friend_n if_o he_o will_v be_v but_o rule_v by_o i_o and_o upon_o this_o account_n he_o send_v up_o and_o down_o many_o hundred_o of_o his_o minister_n to_o tell_v sinner_n as_o much_o that_o they_o may_v not_o be_v undo_v everlasting_o do_v not_o wisdom_n call_v do_v not_o christ_n plead_v the_o case_n and_o expostulate_v with_o sinner_n and_o who_o will_v not_o that_o have_v any_o understanding_n at_o all_o of_o his_o state_n out_o of_o christ_n with_o all_o possible_a thankfulness_n be_v encourage_v to_o accept_v of_o his_o kindness_n christ_n have_v do_v as_o much_o as_o this_o come_v to_o already_o for_o many_o million_o and_o his_o father_n never_o say_v to_o he_o son_n why_o do_v you_o trouble_v yourself_o and_o i_o with_o so_o many_o of_o these_o wretched_a creature_n let_v they_o alone_o to_o take_v their_o course_n where_o do_v god_n ever_o express_v himself_o in_o this_o manner_n do_v he_o ever_o take_v it_o unkind_o that_o his_o son_n shall_v every_o day_n bring_v such_o guest_n to_o his_o house_n and_o be_v continual_o beg_v one_o boon_n or_o other_o for_o they_o or_o put_v up_o some_o petition_n upon_o their_o account_n or_o plead_v with_o his_o father_n for_o they_o when_o they_o do_v offend_v be_v god_n displease_v at_o such_o work_n as_o this_o be_v he_o not_o as_o willing_a to_o receive_v such_o as_o his_o son_n be_v to_o bring_v they_o and_o both_o father_n and_o son_n more_o willing_a to_o save_v the_o sinner_n than_o he_o be_v to_o be_v save_v o_o kindness_n christ_n love_v the_o sinner_n better_o than_o he_o love_v himself_o and_o as_o i_o say_v before_o so_o i_o say_v again_o the_o father_n do_v not_o grutch_v any_o thing_n that_o christ_n give_v or_o do_v for_o poor_a sinner_n the_o righteousness_n of_o christ_n it_o be_v that_o wedding_n garment_n in_o which_o we_o may_v sit_v at_o the_o king_n table_n and_o be_v welcome_a these_o be_v the_o robe_n of_o our_o elder_a brother_n in_o which_o we_o can_v miss_v of_o our_o father_n blessing_n o_o how_o many_o poor_a creature_n have_v walk_v in_o the_o dark_a many_o year_n because_o they_o have_v not_o be_v bring_v off_o from_o themselves_o but_o have_v seek_v that_o by_o themselves_o which_o be_v to_o be_v seek_v only_o by_o christ_n because_o they_o have_v look_v for_o that_o in_o the_o law_n which_o be_v to_o be_v find_v only_o in_o the_o gospel_n and_o no_o wonder_n their_o business_n go_v on_o so_o slow_o when_o they_o go_v the_o quite_o contrary_a way_n to_o work_v when_o any_o come_v to_o god_n without_o christ_n they_o come_v like_o simon_n magus_n with_o their_o own_o money_n in_o their_o hand_n to_o buy_v a_o great_a commodity_n which_o be_v not_o to_o be_v purchase_v with_o such_o kind_n of_o coyn._n if_o you_o come_v to_o god_n through_o christ_n you_o may_v come_v with_o boldness_n to_o the_o throne_n of_o grace_n but_o if_o you_o come_v without_o he_o you_o do_v but_o come_v with_o madness_n upon_o the_o point_n of_o the_o flame_a sword_n v._o direction_n if_o you_o will_v be_v acquaint_v with_o god_n come_v much_o where_o he_o be_v wont_a to_o be_v frequent_a his_o house_n lie_v always_o at_o the_o door_n of_o wisdom_n engage_v much_o in_o his_o ordinance_n this_o be_v that_o course_n that_o david_n take_v when_o he_o want_v god_n company_n away_o he_o go_v to_o the_o house_n of_o god_n and_o o_o what_o earnestness_n do_v he_o use_v when_o the_o door_n of_o the_o lord_n tabernacle_n be_v shut_v to_o get_v they_o open_v again_o what_o moan_n do_v he_o make_v when_o he_o be_v for_o some_o time_n sequester_v by_o his_o enemy_n from_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o god_n in_o his_o public_a ordinance_n as_o the_o hart_n pant_v after_o the_o water-brook_n so_o do_v his_o soul_n pant_v after_o god_n the_o live_a god_n o_o when_o shall_v he_o appear_v before_o he_o when_o shall_v he_o again_o behold_v the_o out-going_n of_o god_n in_o his_o sanctury_n as_o sometime_o he_o have_v how_o amiable_a be_v thy_o tabernacle_n say_v he_o o_o lord_n god_n of_o host_n and_o one_o thing_n have_v i_o desire_v and_o that_o will_v i_o seek_v after_o that_o i_o may_v dwell_v in_o thy_o house_n and_o see_v thou_o and_o inquire_v in_o thy_o tabernacle_n psal_n 42._o psal_n 48._o psal_n 27.4_o he_o think_v god_n be_v like_a to_o be_v find_v no_o where_o so_o soon_o as_o at_o his_o own_o house_n he_o be_v sure_a he_o be_v never_o from_o home_o david_n can_v never_o forget_v what_o usage_n and_o entertainment_n he_o be_v wont_a to_o have_v there_o and_o that_o this_o great_a friend_n be_v use_v to_o have_v a_o stand_a table_n a_o open_a house_n and_o that_o when_o his_o guest_n be_v set_v he_o will_v come_v and_o bid_v they_o welcome_n eat_v o_o friend_n drink_n yea_o drink_v abundant_o o_o belove_n see_v therefore_o that_o you_o get_v into_o that_o part_n of_o god_n house_n where_o he_o do_v most_o frequent_o come_v get_v under_o the_o most_o powerful_a ministry_n o_o hear_v the_o word_n with_o all_o the_o reverence_n attention_n and_o affection_n that_o you_o can_v for_o your_o soul_n miss_v not_o any_o opportunity_n that_o god_n put_v into_o your_o hand_n lest_o that_o shall_v be_v the_o time_n in_o which_o you_o may_v have_v meet_v with_o god_n lie_v at_o the_o pool_n of_o bethesda_n and_o wait_v for_o the_o move_n of_o the_o water_n set_v yourselves_o as_o in_o the_o house_n of_o god_n and_o remember_v though_o you_o see_v not_o god_n that_o he_o be_v always_o present_a in_o all_o place_n but_o he_o be_v there_o more_o especial_o present_a where_o his_o people_n meet_v together_o to_o attend_v upon_o he_o in_o his_o own_o ordinance_n wherefore_o when_o you_o come_v to_o hear_v the_o word_n set_v yourself_o as_o in_o the_o presence_n of_o god_n and_o hear_v as_o for_o your_o life_n and_o soul_n deut._n 32.46_o set_a your_o heart_n to_o all_o the_o word_n that_o you_o shall_v hear_v for_o it_o be_v not_o a_o vain_a thing_n it_o be_v your_o life_n isa_n 55_o 2_o 3._o harken_v diligent_o unto_o i_o and_o cat_n you_o that_o which_o be_v good_a and_o let_v your_o soul_n delight_v itself_o in_o fatness_n incline_v your_o ear_n and_o come_v unto_o i_o hear_v and_o your_o soul_n shall_v live_v and_o i_o will_v make_v a_o everlasting_a covenant_n with_o you_o even_o the_o sure_a mercy_n of_o david_n he_o that_o have_v ear_n to_o hear_v let_v he_o hear_v what_o the_o mighty_a jehovah_n be_v speak_v to_o his_o soul_n wherefore_o i_o
stir_v up_o of_o the_o soul_n and_o awaken_n all_o its_o strength_n to_o wrestle_v with_o god_n to_o lay_v hold_n upon_o god_n and_o to_o prevail_v with_o the_o almighty_a and_o where_o be_v such_o as_o these_o to_o be_v find_v who_o be_v this_o that_o engage_v his_o heart_n in_o the_o service_n of_o god_n it_o be_v one_o thing_n to_o engage_v the_o tongue_n and_o another_o thing_n to_o engage_v the_o heart_n man_n come_v to_o pray_v with_o a_o common_a spirit_n and_o be_v many_o time_n weary_a of_o the_o work_n before_o they_o have_v well_o begin_v it_o what_o they_o do_v they_o do_v it_o lifeless_o they_o can_v follow_v their_o worldly_a employment_n with_o life_n and_o delight_n they_o have_v male_a in_o their_o flock_n but_o that_o be_v too_o good_a for_o god_n a_o lame_a blind_a starve_a weak_a thing_n must_v serve_v his_o turn_n and_o be_v this_o the_o way_n to_o have_v the_o blessing_n be_v such_o as_o these_o like_a to_o have_v any_o thanks_o for_o their_o kindness_n let_v 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whoever_o come_v to_o be_v a_o exquisite_a curious_a artist_n in_o any_o skill_n whatever_o that_o never_o serve_v a_o apprenticeship_n to_o it_o nor_o at_o the_o least_o give_v his_o mind_n to_o it_o where_o be_v there_o a_o famous_a physician_n that_o never_o study_v in_o his_o life_n who_o get_v a_o victory_n by_o sleep_v and_o carelesseness_n who_o expect_v to_o have_v riches_n drop_v into_o his_o mouth_n when_o he_o go_v all_o the_o way_n that_o can_v be_v to_o make_v himself_o a_o beggar_n do_v the_o husbandman_n look_v for_o a_o good_a crop_n without_o plough_v or_o sow_v why_o then_o shall_v we_o expect_v such_o great_a thing_n as_o heaven_n eternal_a happiness_n and_o the_o favour_n of_o god_n without_o out_o look_v after_o they_o whatsoever_o the_o lazy_a formal_a professor_n may_v say_v the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n be_v not_o obtain_v thus_o there_o must_v be_v run_v watch_v fight_a conquer_a hold_v fast_o hold_v out_o and_o all_o little_a enough_o it_o require_v all_o the_o strength_n of_o thy_o soul_n to_o engage_v in_o this_o great_a work_n it_o require_v some_o resolution_n to_o do_v such_o a_o work_n as_o every_o christian_a must_v do_v or_o else_o his_o religion_n signify_v little_a further_o it_o call_v for_o some_o time_n too_o it_o be_v not_o a_o thing_n to_o be_v mind_v now_o and_o then_o by_o the_o by_o between_o sleep_n and_o wake_v when_o the_o devil_n and_o the_o world_n have_v have_v as_o much_o service_n as_o they_o call_v for_o be_v it_o for_o your_o body_n that_o i_o be_v now_o plead_v be_v you_o like_v to_o get_v any_o great_a matter_n in_o the_o world_n by_o follow_v of_o my_o direction_n can_v you_o be_v show_v a_o way_n how_o to_o get_v a_o great_a estate_n honour_n and_o long_a life_n i_o be_o very_o persuade_v a_o few_o word_n may_v prevail_v much_o why_o if_o you_o will_v believe_v the_o word_n of_o god_n i_o be_o tell_v you_o of_o other_o kind_n of_o thing_n than_o these_o be_v great_a matter_n by_o far_o and_o yet_o how_o little_a be_v man_n and_o woman_n affect_v as_o if_o we_o speak_v but_o in_o jest_n always_o when_o we_o speak_v about_o thing_n that_o do_v concern_v soul_n how_o little_a time_n do_v man_n spend_v in_o their_o inquiry_n into_o these_o thing_n ask_v epictetus_n ench._n c._n 63._o and_o he_o will_v tell_v you_o that_o it_o be_v a_o sign_n of_o a_o low_a soul_n to_o bestow_v much_o time_n upon_o thy_o body_n and_o the_o thought_n of_o it_o and_o little_a upon_o the_o soul_n to_o be_v long_o eat_v and_o long_o drink_v and_o long_o a_o dress_n and_o short_a in_o prayer_n short_a in_o the_o thought_n of_o the_o soul_n and_o short_a in_o the_o service_n of_o god_n and_o that_o it_o be_v a_o sign_n of_o a_o base_a degenerate_a spirit_n to_o be_v very_o curious_a about_o toy_n and_o inconsiderable_a trifle_n and_o to_o be_v negligent_a about_o matter_n of_o the_o great_a importance_n to_o slubber_v over_o the_o great_a work_n of_o religion_n with_o the_o great_a slightness_n remember_v o_o man_n thy_o great_a work_n it_o be_v to_o take_v care_n of_o thy_o soul_n to_o look_v after_o a_o companion_n a_o friend_n for_o thy_o soul_n to_o get_v food_n and_o clothing_n for_o thy_o soul_n that_o that_o famish_v not_o with_o hunger_n and_o cold_a to_o be_v indifferent_a in_o all_o external_o be_v the_o great_a prudence_n but_o to_o be_v indifferent_a about_o spiritual_n and_o eternal_o be_v the_o great_a madness_n we_o be_v all_o soudier_n and_o must_v fight_v in_o such_o a_o war_n wherein_o we_o must_v never_o lay_v down_o our_o arms._n the_o favour_n of_o god_n be_v worth_a the_o strive_n for_o it_o be_v as_o much_o as_o heaven_n and_o glory_n be_v worth_a if_o your_o estate_n or_o life_n lay_v at_o stake_n will_v you_o not_o be_v willing_a to_o use_v all_o the_o interest_n you_o can_v to_o make_v the_o judge_n your_o friend_n will_v you_o go_v up_o and_o down_o laugh_v as_o if_o you_o have_v nothing_o to_o do_v will_v you_o eat_v and_o drink_v as_o merry_o as_o ever_o and_o say_v it_o be_v but_o die_v it_o be_v but_o be_v a_o beggar_n it_o be_v but_o the_o undo_n of_o my_o wife_n and_o child_n will_v you_o not_o look_v upon_o a_o man_n that_o shall_v argue_v at_o this_o rate_n to_o be_v little_o better_a than_o frantic_a and_o i_o pray_v which_o be_v most_o considerable_a the_o death_n of_o the_o body_n or_o the_o death_n of_o the_o soul_n the_o loss_n of_o a_o temporal_a or_o the_o loss_n of_o a_o eternal_a inheritance_n most_o man_n diligence_n in_o temporal_n will_v condemn_v their_o negligence_n in_o spiritnal_n christ_n say_v seek_v you_o first_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n &_o the_o righteousness_n thereof_o but_o most_o man_n say_v i_o will_v seek_v first_o the_o earth_n and_o the_o glory_n thereof_o and_o if_o god_n will_v give_v i_o heaven_n and_o happiness_n after_o i_o have_v serve_v the_o devil_n and_o the_o world_n as_o long_o as_o i_o can_v i_o shall_v be_v content_v to_o have_v it_o no_o such_o matter_n never_o expect_v it_o god_n must_v 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of_o the_o first_o covenant_n unacquaintance_n with_o god_n be_v the_o misery_n of_o the_o breach_n of_o the_o covenant_n this_o be_v likewise_o the_o great_a design_n and_o purpose_n of_o god_n in_o the_o second_o covenant_n the_o second_o covenant_n be_v this_o when_o god_n behold_v man_n in_o a_o miserable_a condition_n by_o reason_n of_o the_o breach_n of_o the_o first_a covenant_n in_o the_o unsearchable_a riches_n of_o his_o goodness_n according_a to_o the_o eternal_a purpose_n of_o his_o good_a will_n towards_o man_n he_o make_v a_o agreement_n with_o his_o son_n to_o send_v he_o among_o a_o generation_n of_o sinful_a man_n that_o if_o he_o will_v undertake_v to_o bring_v they_o back_o into_o acquaintance_n with_o the_o father_n he_o be_v willing_a and_o ready_a to_o receive_v they_o again_o into_o acquaintance_n with_o he_o the_o son_n be_v the_o express_a image_n of_o his_o father_n will_n and_o person_n have_v the_o same_o good_a will_n to_o man_n with_o the_o father_n and_o 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god_n be_v clear_a this_o be_v hold_v forth_o to_o we_o in_o that_o parable_n of_o the_o lose_a sheep_n luke_n 15.45_o when_o the_o shepherd_n have_v lose_v one_o sheep_n he_o leave_v the_o flock_n and_o seek_v for_o that_o which_o be_v lose_v so_o when_o man_n be_v lose_v by_o sin_n jesus_n christ_n leave_v all_o to_o recover_v and_o fetch_v home_o that_o which_o be_v lose_v we_o be_v all_o go_v astray_o like_o lose_a sheep_n as_o david_n say_v of_o himself_o psal_n 119._o christ_n be_v come_v to_o seek_v and_o to_o save_v that_o which_o be_v lose_v luke_n 19.10_o and_o ephes_n 2.13_o 14._o but_o now_o in_o christ_n jesus_n they_o who_o sometime_o be_v afar-off_o be_v make_v nigh_o by_o the_o blood_n of_o
ourselves_o whether_o we_o be_v acquaint_v with_o he_o or_o no._n let_v we_o every_o one_o turn_v into_o our_o own_o bosom_n and_o ask_v ourselves_o this_o question_n thou_o have_v hear_v o_o my_o soul_n that_o which_o be_v thy_o great_a duty_n that_o which_o be_v the_o very_a end_n of_o thy_o creation_n and_o thy_o redemption_n and_o that_o the_o high_a perfection_n of_o thy_o noble_a faculty_n consist_v in_o know_v god_n and_o be_v acquaint_v with_o he_o which_o contain_v a_o nigh_o union_n to_o he_o and_o intimate_a converse_n with_o he_o and_o mutual_a communion_n to_o god_n and_o from_o god_n and_o radicate_v unmoveable_a love_n to_o god_n these_o be_v excellent_a thing_n o_o my_o soul_n what_o be_v thy_o case_n be_v thou_o one_o of_o those_o precious_a one_o which_o converse_a oft_o with_o god_n and_o talk_v oft_o of_o god_n who_o he_o will_v make_v up_o with_o his_o jewel_n or_o be_v thou_o one_o of_o those_o wretched_a creature_n who_o be_v alienate_v from_o the_o life_n of_o god_n by_o reason_n of_o the_o ignorance_n that_o be_v in_o thou_o or_o be_v thou_o one_o of_o those_o who_o have_v be_v sometime_o afar_o off_o be_v now_o make_v nigh_o to_o god_n by_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n and_o so_o be_v lead_v into_o fellowship_n and_o communion_n with_o the_o father_n and_o the_o son_n by_o the_o spirit_n or_o be_v thou_o one_o of_o those_o who_o look_v upon_o god_n afar_o off_o and_o upon_o who_o god_n look_v afar_o off_o i_o beseech_v you_o every_o one_o of_o you_o deal_v serious_o and_o accurate_o with_o yourselves_o in_o this_o inquiry_n for_o it_o be_v most_o certain_a that_o most_o man_n in_o the_o world_n yea_o in_o the_o visible_a church_n be_v not_o acquaint_v with_o god_n thus_o it_o have_v be_v in_o all_o generation_n from_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o world_n and_o thus_o it_o be_v at_o this_o day_n the_o people_n of_o god_n have_v be_v like_o a_o little_a flock_n of_o sheep_n while_o the_o rest_n be_v like_o locust_n cover_v the_o whole_a face_n of_o the_o earth_n the_o people_n of_o god_n have_v still_o complain_v that_o they_o be_v but_o as_o the_o glean_v of_o the_o vintage_n and_o as_o two_o or_o three_o olive-berry_n in_o the_o top_n of_o the_o utmost_a branch_n when_o the_o rest_n have_v be_v gather_v the_o visible_a church_n of_o god_n in_o respect_n of_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o world_n â—â—w_o small_a a_o part_n be_v it_o in_o the_o visible_a church_n how_o few_o live_v up_o to_o their_o religion_n by_o any_o considerable_a profession_n how_o little_a difference_n be_v there_o between_o most_o among_o we_o and_o heathen_n and_o of_o those_o that_o profess_v and_o lie_v claim_v to_o something_o beyond_o other_o among_o who_o they_o live_v how_o many_o betray_v their_o profession_n by_o their_o wicked_a practice_n and_o worldly_a conversation_n so_o that_o when_o we_o have_v make_v enquiry_n there_o will_v remain_v very_o few_o of_o those_o that_o be_v real_o acquaint_v with_o god_n it_o concern_v we_o then_o to_o be_v very_o diligent_a in_o enquiry_n what_o be_v our_o case_n how_o we_o stand_v towards_o god_n second_o i_o shall_v be_v the_o more_o earnest_a in_o press_v you_o upon_o a_o diligent_a search_n into_o what_o acquaintance_n you_o have_v get_v with_o god_n because_o i_o know_v that_o those_o that_o have_v least_o acquaintance_n with_o god_n be_v most_o apt_a to_o neglect_v this_o enquiry_n it_o may_v be_v a_o tender_a soul_n that_o have_v be_v much_o with_o god_n will_v be_v ready_a upon_o the_o first_o hint_n to_o enter_v into_o the_o secret_n of_o its_o own_o heart_n to_o look_v over_o his_o evidence_n to_o call_v to_o mind_n when_o have_v i_o draw_v nigh_o to_o god_n when_o have_v i_o converse_v with_o god_n when_o have_v i_o communion_n with_o god_n have_v my_o life_n be_v a_o walk_n with_o god_n have_v i_o dwell_v with_o god_n and_o make_v my_o abode_n with_o he_o thus_o the_o soul_n that_o make_v high_a account_n of_o its_o acquaintance_n with_o god_n will_v be_v try_v and_o examine_v itself_o and_o it_o may_v be_v upon_o its_o more_o a_o waken_a sign_n of_o its_o sometime_o depart_v from_o god_n or_o feel_v some_o present_a strangeness_n it_o will_v be_v apt_a to_o conclude_v of_o itself_o sure_o i_o be_o none_o of_o those_o precious_a one_o who_o life_n be_v a_o converse_n with_o god_n but_o the_o common_a generation_n of_o the_o world_n oh_o how_o hardly_o will_v they_o be_v bring_v to_o ask_v themselves_o this_o question_n whether_o they_o be_v of_o the_o acquaintance_n of_o god_n or_o no_o how_o often_o have_v they_o be_v urge_v with_o a_o great_a and_o vehement_a affection_n upon_o trial_n how_o their_o soul_n stand_v towards_o god_n and_o hitherto_o they_o have_v neglect_v it_o many_o be_v so_o inconsiderate_a as_o to_o think_v what_o be_v speak_v be_v nothing_o to_o they_o they_o come_v and_o sit_v in_o the_o congregation_n but_o their_o heart_n be_v out_o of_o reach_n out_o of_o the_o shot_n of_o the_o word_n so_o they_o go_v away_o and_o the_o word_n to_o they_o be_v as_o if_o it_o have_v not_o be_v many_o be_v so_o light_a and_o vain_a and_o frothy_a in_o their_o spirit_n as_o that_o the_o stream_n will_v almost_o as_o soon_o return_v to_o their_o fountain_n as_o they_o will_v be_v persuade_v to_o turn_v in_o and_o inquire_v into_o their_o own_o soul_n in_o all_o natural_o there_o be_v a_o averseness_n to_o come_v to_o the_o light_n that_o their_o work_n and_o heart_n may_v be_v manifest_v if_o i_o shall_v come_v to_o you_o one_o by_o one_o and_o beseech_v you_o with_o the_o great_a earnestness_n wherewith_o i_o be_v able_a when_o you_o go_v from_o the_o congregation_n to_o take_v opportunity_n to_o go_v in_o secret_a and_o enter_v upon_o trial_n with_o your_o heart_n and_o ask_v yourselves_o thorough_o this_o question_n and_o let_v they_o not_o alone_o till_o you_o have_v a_o clear_a determinate_a answer_n whether_o you_o be_v in_o a_o state_n of_o acquaintance_n with_o god_n i_o fear_v you_o will_v go_v one_o to_o his_o pleasure_n another_o to_o this_o vanity_n and_o another_o to_o his_o covetousness_n and_o almost_o all_o of_o you_o neglect_v this_o work_n of_o so_o great_a concernment_n let_v i_o therefore_o urge_v you_o with_o all_o earnestness_n that_o you_o will_v not_o account_v it_o a_o small_a matter_n whether_o you_o be_v acquaint_v with_o god_n or_o not_o and_o so_o neglect_v this_o trial_n of_o yourselves_o but_o bring_v your_o heart_n up_o roundly_o to_o the_o examination_n yield_v not_o to_o their_o unreasonable_a withdrawing_n force_v they_o to_o answer_v if_o you_o make_v any_o account_n of_o the_o charge_n of_o god_n if_o you_o make_v any_o account_n of_o the_o excellency_n of_o man_n if_o you_o will_v not_o lose_v the_o high_a privilege_n of_o the_o creature_n if_o you_o have_v any_o esteem_n of_o the_o life_n of_o heaven_n know_v yourselves_o in_o this_o whether_o you_o be_v in_o a_o state_n of_o acquaintance_n with_o god_n and_o be_v serious_a and_o diligent_a in_o this_o enquiery_a three_o because_o man_n be_v so_o exceed_o apt_a to_o be_v mistake_v and_o to_o misapprehend_v concern_v themselves_o that_o they_o be_v in_o a_o state_n of_o acquaintance_n with_o god_n while_o they_o be_v mere_a stranger_n unto_o he_o such_o as_o those_o who_o our_o saviour_n speak_v of_o matth._n 7.22_o 23._o many_o will_v say_v to_o i_o in_o that_o day_n lord_n lord_n have_v we_o not_o prophesy_v in_o thy_o name_n and_o in_o thy_o name_n have_v cast_v out_o devil_n and_o in_o thy_o name_n do_v many_o wonderful_a work_n and_o than_o he_o will_v profess_v unto_o they_o i_o never_o know_v you_o depart_v from_o i_o you_o worker_n of_o iniquity_n they_o take_v it_o for_o grant_v that_o because_o of_o such_o privilege_n &_o gift_n &_o common_a grace_n which_o they_o have_v therefore_o they_o be_v well_o acquaint_v with_o christ_n but_o our_o saviour_n answer_v i_o never_o know_v you_o that_o be_v i_o never_o have_v any_o acquaintance_n with_o you_o such_o be_v those_o who_o be_v resemble_v to_o we_o by_o five_o foolish_a virgin_n matth._n 25.11_o the_o five_o foolish_a virgin_n come_v when_o the_o door_n be_v shut_v and_o say_v lord_n lord_n open_a unto_o we_o but_o he_o answer_v very_o i_o say_v unto_o you_o i_o know_v you_o not_o that_o be_v never_o have_v acquaintance_n with_o you_o you_o never_o know_v i_o in_o the_o time_n of_o your_o life_n and_o i_o will_v not_o know_v you_o now_o you_o be_v ashamed_a to_o own_v i_o before_o man_n and_o i_o will_v be_v ashamed_a to_o own_v you_o before_o my_o father_n man_n be_v so_o apt_a to_o be_v mistake_v in_o judgement_n of_o themselves_o that_o they_o think_v themselves_o rich_a and_o increase_a with_o good_n and_o to_o have_v need_n of_o nothing_o when_o they_o