by_o his_o actual_a adultery_n but_o of_o his_o heart_n by_o impure_a imagination_n so_o it_o may_v be_v in_o case_n of_o other_o temptation_n whilst_o man_n be_v entangle_v with_o any_o temptation_n of_o what_o sort_n soever_o it_o be_v it_o will_v multiply_v thought_n about_o it_o in_o the_o mind_n yea_o its_o whole_a power_n consist_v in_o a_o multiplication_n of_o evil_a imagination_n by_o they_o it_o blind_v the_o mind_n draw_v it_o off_o from_o the_o consideration_n of_o its_o duty_n and_o entice_v it_o unto_o a_o full_a conception_n of_o sin_n jam._n i._n 14._o wherefore_o in_o this_o case_n of_o a_o prevalent_a temptation_n which_o may_v befall_v a_o true_a believer_n the_o corrupt_a work_n of_o the_o imagination_n do_v not_o prove_v the_o dominion_n of_o sin_n if_o it_o be_v inquire_v how_o the_o mind_n may_v be_v free_v and_o clear_v of_o these_o perplex_v defile_v imagination_n which_o arise_v from_o the_o urgency_n of_o some_o present_a temptation_n suppose_v about_o earthly_a affair_n or_o the_o like_a i_o say_v it_o will_v never_o be_v do_v by_o the_o most_o strict_a watch_n and_o resolution_n against_o they_o nor_o by_o the_o most_o resolute_a rejection_n of_o they_o they_o will_v return_v with_o new_a violence_n and_o new_a pretence_n though_o the_o soul_n have_v promise_v itself_o a_o thousand_o time_n that_o so_o they_o shall_v not_o do_v there_o be_v but_o one_o way_n for_o the_o cure_n of_o this_o distemper_n and_o this_o be_v a_o thorough_a mortification_n of_o the_o lust_n that_o feed_v they_o and_o be_v feed_v by_o they_o it_o be_v to_o no_o purpose_n to_o shake_v of_o the_o fruit_n in_o this_o case_n unless_o we_o dig_v up_o the_o root_n every_o temptation_n design_n the_o satisfaction_n of_o some_o lust_n of_o the_o flesh_n or_o of_o the_o mind_n these_o evil_a thought_n and_o imagination_n be_v the_o work_n of_o the_o temptation_n in_o the_o mind_n there_o be_v no_o riddance_n of_o they_o no_o conquest_n to_o be_v obtain_v over_o they_o but_o by_o subdue_a the_o temptation_n and_o no_o subdue_a the_o temptation_n but_o by_o the_o mortification_n of_o the_o lust_n who_o satisfaction_n it_o be_v design_v unto_o this_o course_n the_o apostle_n direct_v unto_o col._n iij._o 3_o 5._o that_o which_o he_o enjoin_v be_v that_o we_o will_v not_o set_v our_o mind_n on_o the_o thing_n of_o the_o earth_n in_o opposition_n unto_o the_o thing_n above_o that_o be_v that_o we_o will_v not_o fill_v our_o imagination_n and_o thereby_o our_o affection_n with_o they_o but_o what_o be_v the_o way_n whereby_o we_o may_v be_v enable_v so_o to_o do_v that_o be_v say_v he_o the_o universal_a mortification_n of_o sin_n v_o 5._o for_o want_n of_o the_o wisdom_n and_o knowledge_n hereof_o or_o for_o want_v of_o its_o practice_n through_o a_o secret_a unwillingness_n to_o come_v up_o unto_o a_o full_a mortification_n of_o sin_n some_o be_v gall_v and_o perplex_v yea_o and_o defile_v with_o foolish_a and_o vain_a imagination_n all_o their_o day_n and_o although_o they_o prove_v not_o the_o dominion_n of_o sin_n yet_o they_o will_v deprive_v the_o soul_n of_o that_o peace_n and_o comfort_n which_o otherwise_o it_o may_v enjoy_v but_o yet_o there_o be_v much_o spiritual_a skill_n and_o diligence_n require_v to_o discover_v what_o be_v the_o true_a root_n and_o spring_n of_o the_o foolish_a imagination_n that_o may_v at_o any_o time_n possess_v the_o mind_n for_o they_o lie_v deep_a in_o the_o heart_n that_o heart_n which_o be_v deep_a and_o deceitful_a and_o so_o be_v not_o easy_o discoverable_a there_o be_v many_o other_o pretence_n of_o they_o they_o do_v not_o direct_o bespeak_v that_o pride_n or_o unclean_a lust_n which_o they_o proceed_v from_o but_o they_o make_v many_o other_o pretence_n and_o feign_v other_o ends._n but_o the_o soul_n that_o be_v watchful_a and_o diligent_a may_v trace_v they_o to_o their_o original_a and_o if_o such_o thought_n be_v strict_o examine_v at_o any_o time_n what_o be_v their_o design_n who_o work_n they_o do_v what_o make_v they_o so_o busy_a in_o the_o mind_n they_o will_v confess_v the_o truth_n both_o whence_o they_o come_v and_o what_o it_o be_v they_o aim_v at_o then_o be_v the_o mind_n guide_v unto_o its_o duty_n which_o be_v the_o extermination_n of_o the_o lust_n which_o they_o will_v make_v provision_n for_o 2._o such_o imagination_n be_v no_o evidence_n of_o the_o dominion_n of_o sin_n in_o what_o degree_n soever_o they_o be_v where_o they_o be_v afflictive_a where_o they_o be_v a_o burden_n unto_o the_o soul_n which_o it_o groan_v under_o and_o will_v be_v deliver_v from_o there_o be_v a_o full_a account_n give_v by_o the_o apostle_n of_o the_o conflict_n between_o indwelling_a sin_n and_o grace_n rom._n seven_o and_o the_o thing_n which_o he_o ascribe_v unto_o sin_n be_v not_o the_o first_o rise_v or_o involuntary_a motion_n of_o it_o nor_o mere_o its_o inclination_n and_o disposition_n for_o the_o thing_n ascribe_v unto_o it_o as_o that_o it_o fight_v rebel_n war_n lead_v captive_a act_n as_o a_o law_n can_v belong_v unto_o they_o nor_o do_v he_o intend_v the_o outward_a act_n or_o perpetration_n of_o sin_n the_o do_v or_o accomplish_v or_o finish_v of_o it_o for_o that_o can_v befall_v believer_n as_o the_o apostle_n declare_v 1_o joh._n iij._o 9_o but_o it_o be_v the_o work_n of_o sin_n by_o these_o imagination_n in_o the_o mind_n and_o the_o engagement_n of_o the_o affection_n thereon_o that_o he_o do_v intend_v now_o this_o he_o declare_v to_o be_v the_o great_a burden_n of_o the_o soul_n of_o believer_n that_o which_o make_v they_o think_v their_o condition_n wretched_a and_o miserable_a in_o some_o sort_n and_o which_o they_o earnest_o cry_v out_o for_o deliverance_n from_o v_o 24._o this_o be_v the_o present_a case_n these_o figment_n of_o the_o heart_n these_o imagination_n will_v arise_v in_o the_o mind_n of_o men._n they_o will_v do_v so_o sometime_o to_o a_o high_a degree_n they_o will_v impose_v they_o on_o we_o with_o deceit_n and_o violence_n lead_v captive_a unto_o the_o law_n of_o they_o where_o they_o be_v reject_v condemn_a defy_v they_o will_v return_v again_o while_o there_o be_v any_o vanity_n remain_v in_o the_o mind_n or_o corruption_n in_o the_o affection_n but_o if_o the_o soul_n be_v sensible_a of_o they_o if_o it_o labour_v under_o they_o if_o it_o look_v on_o they_o as_o those_o that_o fight_v against_o its_o purity_n holiness_n and_o peace_n if_o it_o pray_v for_o deliverance_n from_o they_o they_o be_v no_o argument_n of_o the_o dominion_n of_o sin._n yea_o a_o great_a evidence_n unto_o the_o contrary_n may_v be_v take_v from_o that_o firm_a opposition_n unto_o they_o which_o the_o mind_n be_v constant_o engage_v in_o 3._o they_o be_v not_o a_o proof_n of_o the_o dominion_n of_o sin_n when_o there_o be_v a_o prevalent_a detestation_n of_o the_o lust_n from_o whence_o they_o proceed_v and_o who_o promotion_n they_o design_v maintain_v in_o the_o heart_n and_o mind_n i_o confess_v sometime_o this_o can_v be_v discover_v and_o all_o such_o various_a imagination_n be_v but_o mere_a effect_n of_o the_o incurable_a vanity_n and_o instability_n of_o our_o mind_n for_o these_o administer_v continual_a occasion_n unto_o random_n thought_n but_o for_o the_o most_o part_n as_o we_o observe_v before_o they_o be_v employ_v in_o the_o service_n of_o some_o lust_n and_o tend_v unto_o the_o satisfaction_n of_o it_o they_o be_v that_o which_o be_v prohibit_v by_o the_o apostle_n rom._n xiij_o 14._o make_v no_o provision_n etc._n etc._n and_o this_o may_v be_v discover_v on_o strict_a examination_n now_o when_o the_o mind_n be_v fix_v in_o a_o constant_a detestation_n of_o that_o sin_n whereunto_o they_o lead_v as_o it_o be_v sin_n against_o god_n with_o a_o firm_a resolution_n against_o it_o in_o all_o circumstance_n that_o may_v occur_v no_o proof_n can_v be_v thence_o take_v for_o the_o dominion_n of_o sin._n 4._o sometime_o evil_a thought_n be_v the_o immediate_a injection_n of_o satan_n they_o be_v on_o many_o account_n most_o terrible_a unto_o the_o soul._n usual_o for_o the_o matter_n of_o they_o they_o be_v dreadful_a and_o ofttimes_o blasphemous_a and_o as_o unto_o the_o manner_n of_o their_o entrance_n into_o the_o mind_n it_o be_v for_o the_o most_o part_n surprise_v furious_a and_o invisible_a from_o such_o thought_n many_o have_v conclude_v themselves_o to_o be_v absolute_o under_o the_o power_n of_o sin_n and_o satan_n but_o they_o be_v by_o certain_a rule_n and_o infallible_a sign_n discoverable_a from_o whence_o they_o do_v proceed_v and_o on_o that_o discovery_n all_o pretence_n unto_o the_o dominion_n of_o sin_n in_o they_o must_v disappear_v and_o this_o be_v the_o first_o case_n which_o render_v the_o question_n dubious_a whether_o sin_n have_v the_o dominion_n in_o we_o or_o no_o 2_o it_o be_v a_o sign_n of_o
which_o we_o shall_v examine_v first_o those_o which_o render_v the_o case_n dubious_a and_o then_o those_o that_o clear_o determine_v it_o on_o the_o part_n of_o sin._n i_o shall_v not_o therefore_o at_o present_a give_v positive_a evidence_n of_o man_n freedom_n from_o the_o dominion_n of_o sin_n but_o only_o consider_v the_o argument_n that_o lie_v against_o they_o and_o examine_v how_o far_o they_o be_v conclusive_a or_o how_o they_o may_v be_v defeat_v and_o 1._o when_o sin_n have_v in_o any_o instance_n possess_v the_o imagination_n and_o thereby_o engage_v the_o cogitative_a faculty_n in_o its_o service_n it_o be_v a_o dangerous_a symptom_n of_o its_o rule_n or_o dominion_n sin_n may_v exercise_v its_o rule_n in_o the_o mind_n fancy_n and_o imagination_n where_o bodily_a strength_n or_o opportunity_n give_v no_o advantage_n for_o its_o outward_a perpetration_n in_o they_o the_o desire_n of_o sin_n may_v be_v enlarge_v as_o hell_n and_o the_o satisfaction_n of_o lust_n take_v in_o with_o greediness_n pride_n and_o covetousness_n and_o sensuality_n may_v reign_v and_o rage_n in_o the_o mind_n by_o corrupt_a imagination_n when_o their_o outward_a exercise_n be_v shut_v up_o by_o circumstance_n of_o life_n the_o first_o way_n whereby_o sin_n act_v itself_o or_o coin_v its_o motion_n and_o inclination_n into_o act_n be_v by_o the_o imagination_n gen._n vi_fw-la 5._o the_o continual_a evil_a figment_n of_o the_o heart_n be_v as_o the_o bubble_a of_o corrupt_a water_n from_o a_o corrupt_a fountain_n the_o imagination_n intend_v be_v the_o fix_v of_o the_o mind_n on_o the_o object_n of_o sin_n or_o sinful_a object_n by_o continual_a thought_n with_o delight_n and_o complacency_n they_o be_v the_o mind_n purvey_v for_o the_o satisfaction_n of_o the_o flesh_n in_o the_o lust_n thereof_o rom._n xiij_o 14._o whereby_o evil_a thought_n come_v to_o lodge_v to_o abide_v to_o dwell_v in_o the_o heart_n jer._n four_o 14._o this_o be_v the_o first_o and_o proper_a effect_n of_o that_o vanity_n of_o mind_n whereby_o the_o soul_n be_v alienate_v from_o the_o life_n of_o god._n the_o mind_n be_v turn_v off_o from_o its_o proper_a object_n with_o a_o dislike_n of_o it_o applies_z its_o self_n by_o its_o thought_n and_o imagination_n unto_o the_o pleasure_n and_o advantage_n of_o sin_n seek_v in_o vain_a to_o recover_v the_o rest_n and_o satisfaction_n which_o they_o have_v forsake_v in_o god_n himself_o they_o follow_v after_o lie_v vanity_n and_o forsake_v their_o own_o mercy_n jonah_n ij_o 8._o and_o when_o they_o give_v themselves_o up_o unto_o a_o constant_a internal_a converse_n with_o the_o desire_n of_o the_o flesh_n the_o pleasure_n and_o advantage_n of_o sin_n with_o delight_n and_o approbation_n sin_n may_v reign_v triumphant_o in_o they_o though_o no_o appearance_n be_v make_v of_o it_o in_o their_o outward_a conversation_n such_o be_v they_o who_o have_v a_o form_n of_o godliness_n but_o deny_v the_o power_n thereof_o their_o heart_n be_v fill_v with_o a_o litter_n of_o ungodly_a lust_n as_o the_o apostle_n declare_v 2_o tim._n iij._o 5._o and_o there_o be_v three_o evil_n with_o respect_n whereunto_o sin_n do_v exercise_v its_o reign_a power_n in_o the_o imagination_n in_o a_o especial_a manner_n 1._o pride_n self-elation_a desire_v of_o power_n and_o greatness_n it_o be_v affirm_v of_o the_o prince_n of_o tyrus_n that_o he_o say_v he_o be_v a_o god_n and_o sit_v in_o the_o seat_n of_o god_n ezek._n xxviij_o 3._o and_o the_o like_a foolish_a thought_n be_v ascribe_v unto_o the_o king_n of_o babylon_n isa._n fourteen_o 13_o 14._o none_o of_o the_o child_n of_o man_n can_v attain_v so_o great_a glory_n power_n and_o dominion_n in_o this_o world_n but_o that_o in_o their_o imagination_n and_o desire_n they_o can_v infinite_o exceed_v what_o they_o do_v enjoy_v like_v he_o who_o weep_v that_o he_o have_v not_o another_o world_n to_o conquer_v they_o have_v no_o bound_n but_o to_o be_v as_o god_n yea_o to_o be_v god_n which_o be_v the_o first_o design_n of_o sin_n in_o the_o world._n and_o there_o be_v none_o so_o poor_a and_o low_a but_o by_o his_o imagination_n he_o can_v lift_v up_o and_o exalt_v himself_o almost_o into_o the_o place_n of_o god._n this_o vanity_n and_o madness_n god_n reprove_v in_o his_o discourse_n with_o job_n chap._n xl_o 9_o 10_o 11_o 12_o 13_o 14._o and_o there_o be_v nothing_o more_o genuine_a and_o proper_a unto_o the_o original_a depravation_n and_o corruption_n of_o our_o nature_n than_o this_o self-exaltation_n in_o foolish_a thought_n and_o imagination_n because_o it_o first_o come_v upon_o we_o through_o a_o desire_n of_o be_v as_o god._n herein_o therefore_o may_v sin_n exercise_v its_o dominion_n in_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n yea_o in_o the_o empty_a mind_n and_o vanity_n of_o these_o imagination_n with_o those_o that_o follow_v consist_v the_o principal_a part_n of_o the_o deceitful_a way_n of_o sin._n the_o way_n of_o man_n can_v satisfy_v themselves_o with_o what_o sin_n they_o can_v actual_o commit_v but_o in_o these_o imagination_n they_o rove_v endless_o find_v satisfaction_n in_o their_o renovation_n and_o variety_n isa._n lvij_o 1._o 2._o sensvality_n and_o uncleanness_n of_o life_n it_o be_v say_v of_o some_o that_o they_o have_v their_o eye_n full_a of_o adultery_n and_o that_o they_o can_v cease_v from_o sin_n 2_o pet._n ij_o 14._o that_o be_v their_o imagination_n be_v continual_o work_v about_o the_o object_n of_o their_o unclean_a lusts._n these_o they_o think_v of_o night_n and_o day_n immire_v themselves_o in_o all_o filth_n continual_o judas_n call_v they_o filthy_a dreamer_n defile_v the_o flesh_n v_o 8._o they_o live_v as_o in_o a_o constant_a please_a dream_n by_o their_o vile_a imagination_n even_o when_o they_o can_v accomplish_v their_o lustful_a desire_n for_o such_o imagination_n can_v be_v better_a express_v than_o by_o dream_n wherein_o man_n satisfy_v themselves_o with_o a_o suppose_a act_v of_o what_o they_o do_v not_o hereby_o do_v many_o wallow_v in_o the_o mire_n of_o uncleanness_n all_o their_o day_n and_o for_o the_o most_o part_n be_v never_o want_v unto_o the_o effect_n of_o it_o when_o they_o have_v opportunity_n and_o advantage_n and_o by_o this_o mean_v the_o most_o cloister_v recluse_n may_v live_v in_o constant_a adultery_n whereby_o multitude_n of_o they_o become_v actual_o the_o sink_n of_o uncleanness_n this_o be_v that_o which_o in_o the_o root_n of_o it_o be_v severe_o condemn_v by_o our_o saviour_n matth._n v._n 28._o 3._o unbelief_n distrust_n and_o hard_a thought_n of_o god_n be_v of_o the_o same_o kind_n these_o will_v sometime_o so_o possess_v the_o imagination_n of_o man_n as_o to_o keep_v they_o off_o from_o all_o delight_n in_o god_n to_o put_v they_o on_o contrivance_n of_o fly_v from_o he_o which_o be_v a_o peculiar_a case_n not_o here_o to_o be_v speak_v unto_o in_o these_o and_o the_o like_a way_n may_v sin_n exercise_v its_o dominion_n in_o the_o soul_n by_o the_o mind_n and_o its_o imagination_n it_o may_v do_v so_o when_o no_o demonstration_n be_v make_v of_o it_o in_o the_o outward_a conversation_n for_o by_o this_o mean_n the_o mind_n of_o man_n be_v defile_v and_o then_o nothing_o be_v clean_a all_o thing_n be_v impure_a unto_o they_o tit._n i._n 15._o their_o mind_n be_v thus_o defile_v do_v defile_v all_o thing_n to_o they_o their_o enjoyment_n their_o duty_n all_o they_o have_v and_o all_o that_o they_o do_v but_o yet_o all_o fail_v and_o sin_n in_o this_o kind_n do_v not_o prove_v absolute_o that_o sin_n have_v not_o the_o dominion_n in_o the_o mind_n that_o it_o have_v before_o something_o of_o this_o vice_n and_o evil_n may_v be_v find_v in_o they_o that_o be_v free_v from_o the_o reign_n of_o sin._n and_o there_o will_v be_v so_o until_o the_o vanity_n of_o our_o mind_n be_v perfect_o cure_v and_o take_v away_o which_o will_v not_o be_v in_o this_o world._n wherefore_o i_o shall_v name_v the_o exception_n that_o may_v be_v put_v in_o against_o the_o title_n of_o sin_n unto_o dominion_n in_o the_o soul_n notwithstanding_o the_o continuance_n in_o some_o measure_n of_o this_o work_n of_o the_o imagination_n in_o coin_v evil_a figment_n in_o the_o heart_n and_o 1._o this_o be_v no_o evidence_n of_o the_o dominion_n of_o sin_n where_o it_o be_v occasional_a arise_v from_o the_o prevalency_n of_o some_o present_a temptation_n take_v a_o instance_n in_o the_o case_n of_o david_n i_o no_o way_n doubt_v but_o that_o in_o his_o temptation_n with_o bathsheba_n his_o mind_n be_v possess_v with_o defile_v imagination_n wherefore_o on_o his_o repentance_n he_o not_o only_o pray_v for_o the_o forgiveness_n of_o his_o sin_n but_o cry_v out_o with_o all_o fervency_n that_o god_n will_v create_v a_o clean_a heart_n in_o he_o psal._n li._n 10._o he_o be_v sensible_a not_o only_o of_o the_o defilement_n of_o his_o person_n
serve_v only_o to_o cheat_v and_o quiet_a conscience_n for_o a_o hour_n or_o a_o day_n and_o then_o vanish_v into_o nothing_o but_o whatever_o be_v the_o case_n of_o this_o neglect_n those_o in_o who_o it_o be_v will_v pine_v away_o in_o their_o sin_n for_o nothing_o but_o the_o death_n of_o christ_n for_o we_o will_v be_v the_o death_n of_o sin_n in_o we_o second_o another_o duty_n necessary_a unto_o this_o end_n be_v continual_a prayer_n and_o this_o to_o be_v consider_v as_o unto_o its_o application_n to_o the_o prevalency_n of_o any_o particular_a lust_n wherein_o sin_n do_v in_o a_o peculiar_a manner_n exert_v its_o power_n this_o be_v the_o great_a ordinance_n of_o god_n for_o its_o mortification_n for_o 1._o hereby_o we_o obtain_v spiritual_a aid_n and_o supply_n of_o strength_n against_o it_o we_o be_v not_o more_o necessary_o and_o fervent_o to_o pray_v that_o sin_n may_v be_v pardon_v as_o to_o its_o guilt_n than_o we_o be_v that_o it_o may_v be_v subdue_v as_o to_o its_o power_n he_o who_o be_v negligent_a in_o the_o latter_a be_v never_o in_o good_a earnest_n in_o the_o former_a the_o pressure_n and_o trouble_n which_o we_o receive_v from_o the_o power_n of_o sin_n be_v as_o pungent_a on_o the_o mind_n as_o those_o from_o its_o gild_n be_v on_o the_o conscience_n mere_a pardon_n of_o sin_n will_v never_o give_v peace_n unto_o a_o soul_n though_o it_o can_v have_v none_o without_o it_o it_o must_v be_v mortify_v also_o or_o we_o can_v have_v no_o spiritual_a rest._n now_o this_o be_v the_o work_n of_o prayer_n namely_o to_o seek_v and_o obtain_v such_o supply_n of_o mortify_v sanctify_a grace_n as_o whereby_o the_o power_n of_o sin_n may_v be_v break_v its_o strength_n abate_v its_o root_n wither_v its_o life_n destroy_v and_o so_o the_o whole_a old_a man_n crucify_v that_o which_o be_v the_o apostle_n request_v for_o the_o thessalonian_n be_v the_o daily_a prayer_n of_o all_o believer_n for_o themselves_o 1_o thes._n v_o 23._o 2._o a_o constant_a attendance_n unto_o this_o duty_n in_o a_o due_a manner_n will_v preserve_v the_o soul_n in_o such_o a_o frame_n as_o wherein_o sin_n can_v habitual_o prevail_v in_o it_o he_o that_o can_v live_v in_o sin_n and_o abide_v in_o the_o ordinary_a duty_n of_o prayer_n do_v never_o once_o pray_v as_o he_o ought_v formality_n or_o some_o secret_a reserve_n or_o other_o vitiate_v the_o whole_a a_o true_o gracious_a pray_v frame_n wherein_o we_o pray_v always_o be_v utter_o inconsistent_a with_o the_o love_n of_o or_o reserve_v for_o any_o sin_n to_o pray_v well_o be_v to_o pray_v always_o that_o be_v to_o keep_v the_o heart_n always_o in_o that_o frame_n which_o be_v require_v in_o prayer_n and_o where_o this_o be_v sin_n can_v have_v no_o rule_n no_o nor_o quiet_a harbour_n in_o the_o soul._n 3._o it_o be_v the_o soul_n be_v immediate_a conflict_n against_o the_o power_n of_o sin_n sin_n in_o it_o be_v formal_o consider_v as_o the_o soul_n enemy_n which_o fight_v against_o it_o in_o prayer_n the_o soul_n set_v itself_o to_o grapple_v with_o it_o to_o wound_v kill_v and_o destroy_v it_o be_v that_o whereby_o it_o apply_v all_o its_o spiritual_a engine_n unto_o its_o utter_a ruin_n herein_o it_o exercise_v a_o gracious_a abhorrency_n of_o it_o a_o clear_a self-condemnation_n on_o the_o account_n of_o it_o and_o engage_v faith_n on_o all_o the_o promise_n of_o god_n for_o its_o conquest_n and_o destruction_n it_o be_v hence_o evident_a that_o if_o sin_n have_v prevail_v in_o the_o mind_n unto_o a_o negligence_n of_o this_o duty_n either_o in_o general_n or_o as_o unto_o the_o effectual_a application_n of_o it_o unto_o any_o especial_a case_n where_o it_o exert_v its_o power_n it_o be_v a_o ill_a symptom_n of_o the_o dominion_n of_o sin_n in_o the_o soul._n it_o be_v certain_a that_o unmortified_a sin_n sin_n indulge_v unto_o will_v gradual_o work_v out_o all_o due_a regard_n unto_o this_o duty_n of_o prayer_n and_o alienate_v the_o mind_n from_o it_o either_o as_o unto_o the_o matter_n or_o manner_n of_o its_o performance_n we_o see_v this_o exemplify_v every_o day_n in_o apostate_n professor_n they_o have_v have_v a_o gift_n of_o prayer_n and_o be_v constant_a in_o the_o exercise_n of_o it_o but_o the_o love_n of_o sin_n and_o live_v in_o it_o have_v devour_v their_o gift_n and_o whole_o take_v off_o their_o mind_n from_o the_o duty_n itself_o which_o be_v the_o proper_a character_n of_o hypocrite_n will_v he_o delight_v himself_o in_o the_o almighty_a will_v he_o always_o call_v upon_o god_n job_n xxvij_o 10._o he_o may_v do_v so_o for_o a_o season_n but_o fall_v under_o the_o power_n of_o sin_n he_o will_v not_o continue_v so_o to_o do_v now_o because_o sin_n use_v great_a deceit_n herein_o in_o a_o gradual_a progress_n for_o attain_v its_o end_n and_o thereby_o secure_v its_o dominion_n we_o may_v in_o a_o way_n of_o warning_n or_o caution_n take_v notice_n of_o some_o of_o its_o step_n that_o the_o entrance_n of_o it_o may_v be_v oppose_v for_o as_o the_o entrance_n of_o god_n word_n give_v light_a psal._n cxix_o 130._o the_o first_o putting_n forth_o of_o its_o power_n on_o the_o soul_n give_v spiritual_a light_n unto_o the_o mind_n which_o be_v to_o be_v improve_v so_o the_o entrance_n of_o sin_n the_o first_o act_n of_o it_o on_o the_o mind_n towards_o the_o neglect_n of_o this_o duty_n bring_v a_o deceive_a darkness_n with_o they_o which_o be_v to_o be_v oppose_v 1._o it_o will_v produce_v in_o the_o mind_n a_o unreadiness_n unto_o this_o duty_n in_o its_o proper_a season_n the_o heart_n shall_v always_o rejoice_v in_o the_o approach_n of_o such_o season_n because_o of_o the_o delight_n in_o god_n which_o it_o have_v in_o they_o to_o rejoice_v and_o be_v glad_a in_o all_o our_o approach_n unto_o god_n be_v every_o way_n require_v of_o we_o and_o therefore_o with_o the_o thought_n of_o and_o in_o the_o approach_n of_o such_o season_n we_o ought_v to_o groan_v in_o ourselves_o for_o such_o a_o preparedness_n of_o mind_n as_o may_v render_v we_o meet_v for_o that_o converse_n with_o god_n which_o we_o be_v call_v unto_o but_o where_o sin_n begin_v to_o prevail_v all_o thing_n will_v be_v unready_a and_o out_o of_o order_n strange_a tergiversation_n will_v rise_v in_o the_o mind_n either_o as_o unto_o the_o duty_n itself_o or_o as_o unto_o the_o manner_n of_o its_o performance_n customariness_n and_o formality_n be_v the_o principle_n which_o act_n themselves_o in_o this_o case_n the_o body_n seem_v to_o carry_v the_o mind_n to_o the_o duty_n whether_o it_o will_v or_o no_o rather_o than_o the_o mind_n to_o lead_v the_o body_n in_o its_o part_n of_o it_o and_o it_o will_v employ_v itself_o in_o any_o thing_n rather_o than_o in_o the_o work_n and_o duty_n that_o lie_v before_o it_o herein_o then_o lie_v a_o great_a part_n of_o our_o wisdom_n in_o obviate_a the_o power_n of_o sin_n in_o we_o let_v we_o keep_v our_o heart_n continual_o in_o a_o gracious_a disposition_n and_o readiness_n for_o this_o duty_n in_o all_o its_o proper_a season_n if_o you_o lose_v this_o ground_n you_o will_v yet_o go_v more_o backward_o continual_o know_v therefore_o that_o there_o be_v no_o more_o effectual_a preservative_n of_o the_o soul_n from_o the_o power_n of_o sin_n than_o a_o gracious_a readiness_n for_o and_o disposition_n unto_o this_o duty_n in_o private_a and_o public_a according_a to_o its_o proper_a season_n 2._o in_o its_o progress_n unto_o unreadiness_n it_o will_v add_v unwillingness_n for_o the_o mind_n prepossess_v by_o sin_n find_v it_o direct_o contrary_a unto_o its_o present_a interest_n disposition_n and_o inclination_n there_o be_v nothing_o in_o it_o but_o what_o trouble_v and_o disquiet_v they_o as_o he_o say_v of_o the_o prophet_n who_o be_v not_o willing_a to_o hear_v he_o any_o more_o it_o speak_v not_o good_a but_o evil_n of_o they_o continual_o hence_o a_o secret_a unwillingness_n prevail_v in_o the_o mind_n and_o a_o aversation_n from_o a_o serious_a engagement_n in_o it_o and_o the_o attendance_n of_o such_o person_n to_o it_o be_v as_o if_o they_o be_v under_o a_o force_n in_o a_o compliance_n with_o custom_n and_o conviction_n 3._o sin_n will_v at_o length_n prevail_v unto_o a_o total_a neglect_n of_o this_o duty_n this_o be_v a_o observation_n confirm_v by_o long_a experience_n if_o prayer_n do_v not_o constant_o endeavour_v the_o ruin_n of_o sin_n sin_n will_v ruin_v prayer_n and_o utter_o alienate_v the_o soul_n from_o it_o this_o be_v the_o way_n of_o backslider_n in_o heart_n as_o they_o grow_v in_o sin_n they_o decay_n in_o prayer_n until_o they_o be_v weary_a of_o it_o and_o utter_o relinquish_v it_o so_o they_o speak_v mal._n i._n 13._o behold_v what_o a_o weariness_n it_o be_v and_o you_o have_v snuff_v at_o it_o they_o look_v on_o it_o