diligence_n to_o walk_v with_o god_n oh_o why_o be_v it_o whence_o be_v it_o that_o now_o it_o be_v not_o as_o once_o it_o be_v there_o be_v not_o that_o connaturalnesse_n as_o former_o the_o word_n work_v not_o on_o thou_o as_o former_o the_o sacrament_n work_v not_o on_o thou_o as_o former_o the_o word_n of_o threaten_v reveal_v wrath_n and_o thou_o tremble_v not_o the_o word_n of_o promise_n reveal_v goodness_n and_o thou_o love_v it_o not_o fidelity_n and_o thou_o believe_v it_o not_o the_o sacrament_n open_v the_o blood_n of_o a_o saviour_n and_o thou_o thirste_a not_o thou_o rejoic_a not_o thou_o be_v grow_v dull_a under_o all_o and_o bar_n ren_fw-it after_o all_o thy_o dead_a heart_n argue_v that_o thou_o be_v a_o die_a soul_n 5_o the_o same_o may_v be_v say_v for_o our_o conversation_n and_o way_n if_o they_o be_v now_o dead_a in_o respect_n of_o sinfulness_n or_o dead_a in_o respect_n of_o unprofitablenesse_n that_o we_o be_v now_o become_v as_o the_o heath_n that_o bring_v forth_o nothing_o or_o as_o the_o briar_n which_o bring_v forth_o thorn_n that_o we_o turn_v all_o religion_n into_o a_o discourse_n or_o censure_n or_o dispute_v we_o can_v eat_v and_o drink_v and_o talk_v and_o sin_n how_o have_v the_o shadow_n of_o death_n cover_v we_o how_o chill_n and_o languish_a be_v our_o grace_n turn_v well_o serious_o consider_v of_o these_o thing_n you_o who_o hear_v i_o this_o day_n and_o look_v to_o it_o that_o you_o be_v not_o a_o die_a people_n more_o fearful_a will_v your_o condition_n be_v than_o the_o condition_n of_o other_o for_o first_o you_o have_v more_o enliven_a mean_n then_o any_o people_n on_o the_o earth_n no_o city_n like_a unto_o you_o for_o public_a offer_n or_o for_o private_a opportunity_n you_o be_v even_o exalt_v unto_o heaven_n in_o the_o abundance_n and_o choice_n of_o spiritual_a help_n and_o therefore_o your_o decay_n will_v have_v more_o in_o the_o account_n then_o other_o man_n the_o more_o mean_n of_o strength_n and_o life_n accidental_o make_v die_v disease_n to_o be_v the_o more_o deadly_a 2_o we_o can_v but_o approve_v your_o flock_v to_o the_o word_n and_o service_n of_o god_n in_o season_n and_o out_o of_o season_n as_o if_o you_o will_v take_v the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n by_o force_n if_o now_o under_o so_o fair_a a_o complexion_n you_o shall_v be_v in_o a_o consumption_n that_o the_o vital_n of_o godliness_n shall_v slack_v and_o pine_v away_o in_o your_o heart_n and_o private_a walking_n this_o dissonancie_n will_v be_v not_o only_o shameful_a to_o your_o profession_n but_o also_o uncomfortable_a to_o your_o conscience_n 2_o again_o another_o way_n person_n may_v discern_v whether_o they_o be_v die_v and_o decay_v by_o a_o observation_n of_o the_o act_n or_o operation_n of_o their_o grace_n as_o if_o they_o be_v faint_a and_o more_o inconstant_a simile_n you_o see_v that_o the_o root_n be_v less_o able_a when_o but_o a_o little_a fruit_n appear_v on_o the_o tree_n and_o that_o the_o spring_n be_v fall_v when_o the_o stream_n scarce_o run_v which_o yet_o be_v wont_a to_o flow_v when_o grace_n be_v scarce_o active_a or_o be_v uneven_a in_o their_o general_a act_n sure_o there_o be_v some_o spiritual_a languor_n in_o thou_o o_o christian_n thy_o faith_n do_v not_o commit_v thing_n to_o god_n as_o heretofore_o and_o thy_o love_n be_v not_o so_o settle_v on_o christ_n as_o heretofore_o and_o thy_o patience_n can_v bear_v in_o any_o measure_n as_o heretofore_o and_o thy_o sorrow_n be_v dry_a and_o thy_o zeal_n be_v cool_v etc._n etc._n simile_n if_o thy_o eye_n can_v see_v so_o well_o but_o grow_v dark_a and_o thy_o foot_n can_v go_v so_o well_o but_o grow_v lame_a and_o thy_o shoulder_n can_v bear_v so_o well_o but_o grow_v weak_a it_o be_v a_o argument_n that_o natural_a vigour_n be_v decay_v the_o same_o may_v be_v say_v for_o our_o spiritual_a condition_n if_o grace_n exert_v not_o themselves_o in_o a_o former_a vigour_n etc._n etc._n note_n i_o pray_v you_o to_o observe_v that_o grace_n be_v give_v unto_o we_o for_o three_o end_n and_o use_n 1_o to_o be_v incline_v principle_n to_o gracious_a or_o holy_a act_n 2_o to_o be_v enlarge_n principle_n to_o pious_a performance_n 3_o to_o be_v cleanse_v &_o oppose_v principle_n of_o sinful_a corruption_n 1_o they_o be_v incline_v principle_n to_o gracious_a act_n the_o nature_n of_o man_n without_o grace_n be_v like_o a_o dead_a man_n who_o have_v no_o disposition_n to_o walk_v but_o when_o grace_n come_v into_o the_o soul_n it_o do_v enliven_v it_o and_o enable_v it_o and_o incline_v or_o dispose_v it_o unto_o holy_a operation_n to_o mind_n to_o will_v to_o desire_v to_o do_v heavenly_a work_n as_o you_o see_v in_o saint_n paul_n when_o convert_v that_o renew_v grace_n incline_v he_o quite_o to_o another_o way_n and_o to_o other_o act_n to_o pray_v to_o preach_v christ_n etc._n etc._n now_o where_o be_v that_o ancient_a disposition_n in_o thou_o unto_o good_a duty_n whence_o be_v that_o wonderful_a unwilling_a esse_fw-la and_o untowardlinesse_n of_o spirit_n in_o thou_o how_o come_v it_o to_o pass_v that_o if_o thou_o do_v serve_v the_o lord_n it_o be_v as_o if_o it_o be_v of_o constraint_n there_o be_v a_o kind_n of_o averseness_n and_o hang_v back_o thou_o do_v not_o mind_v he_o in_o any_o measure_n and_o his_o law_n be_v not_o in_o thy_o heart_n 2_o again_o they_o be_v enlarge_n principle_n they_o do_v not_o only_o enable_v a_o man_n to_o good_a performance_n for_o the_o matter_n but_o also_o for_o the_o manner_n they_o make_v we_o a_o willing_a people_n in_o the_o day_n of_o our_o offering_n and_o to_o delight_v to_o do_v the_o will_n of_o god_n and_o to_o be_v glad_a in_o go_v to_o the_o house_n of_o the_o lord_n but_o now_o there_o be_v not_o that_o relish_n of_o godliness_n there_o be_v not_o delightfulness_n of_o service_n there_o be_v not_o that_o liberty_n and_o alacrity_n of_o spirit_n thou_o be_v become_v a_o dull_a and_o heavy_a christian_a as_o if_o there_o be_v not_o that_o suitableness_n '_o twiâ—t_v thy_o heart_n and_o holy_a duty_n thou_o be_v grow_v very_o slothful_a and_o careless_a and_o negligent_a in_o thy_o work_n 3_o last_o they_o be_v cleanse_v and_o oppose_v principle_n of_o corruption_n therefore_o compare_v to_o water_v which_o wash_v out_o the_o spot_n and_o to_o fire_v which_o fetch_v off_o the_o rust_n and_o as_o our_o corrupt_a flesh_n be_v say_v to_o lust_n against_o the_o spirit_n so_o the_o renew_a spirit_n be_v say_v to_o lust_n against_o the_o flesh_n and_o they_o be_v contrary_a one_o to_o the_o other_o still_o in_o opposition_n and_o conflict_n and_o so_o the_o time_n have_v be_v that_o thou_o have_v find_v it_o that_o grace_n do_v humble_a and_o cleanse_v thy_o heart_n from_o the_o love_n of_o sin_n and_o raise_v tender_a fear_n about_o it_o and_o singular_a hatred_n and_o opposition_n of_o it_o yea_o the_o very_a thought_n of_o sin_n be_v a_o heavy_a burden_n to_o thou_o how_o often_o by_o reason_n of_o the_o rebellion_n in_o nature_n have_v thou_o cry_v out_o with_o saint_n paul_n o_o wretched_a man_n that_o i_o be_o who_o shall_v deliver_v i_o etc._n etc._n be_v it_o thus_o now_o why_o be_v it_o not_o thus_o now_o be_v sin_n quite_o subdue_v or_o think_v thou_o that_o grace_n and_o sin_n will_v ever_o be_v at_o truce_n nay_o but_o why_o do_v thou_o suffer_v those_o contemplative_a evil_n to_o lodge_v in_o thy_o mind_n or_o those_o delightful_a imagination_n to_o tickle_v and_o invegle_v thy_o affection_n nay_o how_o dare_v thou_o to_o be_v tamper_n with_o act_n if_o not_o sinful_a yet_o doubtful_a and_o as_o like_a sin_n as_o can_v be_v and_o which_o occasion_n sin_n yea_o and_o sin_n prevail_v much_o on_o thou_o as_o pride_n vanity_n etc._n etc._n and_o under_o all_o this_o thy_o heart_n smite_v thou_o not_o restrain_v thou_o not_o the_o time_n have_v be_v thou_o dare_v not_o have_v be_v or_o do_v this_o for_o a_o world_n etc._n etc._n object_n but_o if_o the_o case_n be_v so_o may_n some_o tender_a conscience_n reply_n than_o i_o fear_v my_o estate_n be_v not_o right_a for_o i_o never_o have_v so_o much_o ado_n with_o a_o sinful_a nature_n all_o my_o life_n as_o of_o late_a day_n and_o if_o the_o great_a power_n of_o sin_n show_v the_o more_o weaken_a estate_n of_o grace_n i_o be_o then_o the_o person_n in_o a_o die_a condition_n sol._n to_o this_o i_o answer_v brief_o 1_o you_o must_v distinguish_v betwixt_o the_o turbulence_n of_o sin_n and_o the_o prevalency_n of_o sin_n the_o spiritual_a condition_n be_v not_o decay_v because_o sin_n be_v more_o molest_v and_o rebel_a but_o because_o sin_n be_v more_o prevail_a and_o lead_v 2_o between_o sin_n in_o conflict_n and_o sin_n in_o subjection_n
faint_a and_o to_o they_o that_o 28._o esay_n 40._o 28._o have_v no_o might_n he_o can_v increase_v strength_n yea_o and_o that_o yet_o there_o be_v something_o of_o his_o own_o in_o thou_o though_o very_o little_a yet_o something_o and_o that_o holiness_n which_o he_o do_v once_o implant_v by_o a_o mighty_a hand_n he_o be_v now_o as_o able_a to_o revive_v and_o strengthen_v it_o by_o his_o almighty_a power_n 6_o careful_a application_n now_o go_v to_o the_o heal_n and_o strengthen_v water_n thou_o have_v know_v the_o way_n of_o god_n and_o his_o go_n in_o the_o sanctuary_n how_o he_o have_v wrought_v wonder_n for_o the_o dead_a many_o a_o creple_n have_v get_v strength_n there_o and_o many_o a_o disconsolate_a soul_n have_v find_v comfort_n there_o in_o his_o word_n and_o in_o his_o sacrament_n there_o have_v his_o arm_n be_v reveal_v david_n grow_v by_o his_o great_a sinning_n into_o great_a languish_n but_o the_o lord_n send_v nathan_n the_o prophet_n unto_o he_o and_o his_o faithful_a deal_n be_v a_o mean_n of_o his_o happy_a renew_n what_o we_o pull_v down_o by_o harken_v to_o the_o voice_n of_o sin_n that_o may_v be_v build_v up_o again_o by_o harken_v to_o the_o voice_n of_o god_n spirit_n but_o then_o this_o must_v thou_o do_v if_o ever_o thou_o will_v be_v strengthen_v viz._n strive_v for_o a_o plain_a and_o pliable_a heart_n which_o may_v yield_v subjection_n to_o whatsoever_o law_n or_o course_n the_o lord_n shall_v direct_v thou_o unto_o by_o his_o word_n if_o the_o word_n jeremiah_n as_o the_o jew_n in_o jeremiah_n offer_v thou_o a_o restore_a plaster_n but_o thou_o will_v not_o apply_v it_o and_o prescribe_v unto_o thou_o strengthen_v method_n but_o thou_o will_v not_o follow_v they_o now_o thy_o heart_n may_v grow_v more_o harden_v but_o thy_o grace_n will_v never_o be_v strengthen_v but_o this_o do_v strive_v to_o yield_v up_o thy_o soul_n in_o a_o humble_a subjection_n to_o the_o heavenly_a ordinance_n that_o if_o they_o say_v forbear_v thy_o heart_n answer_v i_o will_v forbear_v if_o they_o say_v do_v thy_o heart_n answer_v i_o desire_v to_o do_v thy_o will_n cooperate_v with_o the_o word_n receive_v when_o it_o have_v get_v into_o thy_o soul_n and_o stir_v thou_o in_o any_o kind_n when_o thou_o perceive_v any_o heal_a virtue_n go_v from_o christ_n by_o it_o unto_o thou_o oh_o bless_v the_o lord_n and_o get_v home_o work_v it_o again_o upon_o thy_o soul_n by_o holy_a meditation_n yea_o and_o yet_o again_o by_o holy_a petition_n simile_n thou_o must_v even_o do_v in_o this_o kind_n as_o benhadads_n servant_n do_v in_o another_o they_o watch_v the_o word_n which_o fall_v from_o the_o king_n of_o israel_n and_o improve_v they_o so_o must_v thou_o watch_v what_o motion_n the_o lord_n put_v into_o thy_o heart_n in_o private_a and_o cherish_v they_o watch_v what_o impression_n the_o lord_n make_v upon_o thy_o spirit_n by_o his_o word_n and_o not_o only_o excite_v thy_o heart_n to_o embrace_v they_o but_o work_v they_o often_o and_o often_o upon_o thy_o conscience_n and_o this_o be_v the_o way_n to_o make_v thy_o weak_a spark_n to_o grow_v unto_o a_o flame_n 7_o and_o last_o there_o must_v be_v lively_a consociation_n by_o a_o natural_a instinct_n the_o weak_a thing_n do_v cling_v and_o wind_v up_o themselves_o by_o the_o strong_a as_o the_o weak_a ivy_n upon_o the_o strong_a oak_n so_o thou_o must_v inward_o and_o affectionate_o join_v thyself_o with_o strong_a and_o lively_a christian_n who_o skill_n the_o way_n of_o grace_n and_o walk_v in_o they_o who_o be_v good_a and_o know_v how_o to_o do_v good_a who_o have_v heart_n to_o pity_v thou_o heads_z to_o direct_v thou_o and_o arm_n to_o bear_v thou_o up_o thou_o may_v exceed_o be_v repair_v by_o their_o heavenly_a wisdom_n in_o counsel_v of_o thou_o and_o keep_v in_o by_o their_o tender_a watch_n over_o thou_o and_o put_v forward_o by_o their_o daily_a exhortation_n of_o thou_o and_o refresh_v by_o their_o seasonable_a comfort_n of_o thou_o and_o lead_v on_o by_o their_o strict_a and_o lively_a example_n yea_o even_o stir_v up_o by_o the_o observation_n of_o those_o bless_a experience_n which_o thou_o perceive_v in_o they_o through_o a_o careful_a communion_n with_o god_n as_o also_o much_o assist_v by_o the_o success_n of_o their_o prayer_n for_o thy_o particular_a condition_n three_o the_o manner_n now_o be_v please_v to_o hear_v a_o little_a for_o the_o manner_n how_o you_o particular_a 5_o particular_a be_v to_o set_v upon_o this_o strengthen_v work_n and_o then_o i_o have_v do_v with_o this_o proposition_n if_o thou_o find_v thyself_o to_o be_v a_o weaken_a christian_a then_o set_v upon_o thy_o strengthen_n work_v 1_o present_o initia_fw-la morborum_fw-la cavenda_fw-la say_v the_o physician_n and_o therefore_o their_o rule_n be_v principiis_fw-la obsta_fw-la etc._n etc._n we_o shall_v set_v upon_o disease_n as_o soon_o as_o disease_n set_v upon_o we_o not_o trifle_n away_o the_o method_n of_o recovery_n three_o thing_n must_v be_v look_v into_o in_o time_n tide_n season_n disease_n if_o we_o present_o oppose_v our_o decay_n first_n we_o shall_v prevent_v the_o deadliness_n of_o disease_n have_v thou_o oppose_v thy_o negligent_a careless_a spirit_n at_o the_o first_o thou_o have_v not_o now_o be_v bleed_v under_o so_o many_o wound_n thou_o have_v not_o step_v down_o from_o one_o sin_n to_o another_o thou_o have_v not_o go_v so_o desperate_o from_o the_o lord_n therefore_o watch_v thy_o heart_n and_o often_o examine_v it_o weekly_a nay_o daily_o thy_o languish_n be_v by_o this_o manner_n soon_o espy_v and_o soon_o stay_v second_o our_o strengthen_n will_v hereby_o become_v more_o easy_a it_o be_v easy_a to_o fetch_v a_o man_n from_o the_o brink_n then_o from_o the_o depth_n of_o the_o channel_n and_o for_o a_o physician_n to_o cure_v a_o distemper_n then_o to_o heal_v a_o disease_n there_o be_v usual_o in_o the_o first_o impairing_n less_o corruption_n and_o more_o strength_n of_o grace_n to_o oppose_v it_o and_o subdue_v it_o believe_v it_o long_o decay_n be_v the_o more_o uncomfortable_a and_o more_o difficult_a for_o recovery_n therefore_o if_o thou_o fall_v sudden_o rise_v quick_o remember_v one_o thing_n it_o be_v a_o very_a dangerous_a thing_n to_o suffer_v the_o soul_n to_o habituate_v itself_o to_o decay_n all_o custom_n be_v hardly_o break_v 2_o voluntary_o it_o be_v true_a that_o though_o thou_o decaie_v more_o and_o more_o yet_o the_o lord_n may_v awaken_v thou_o at_o length_n and_o recover_v thou_o but_o do_v not_o put_v the_o lord_n to_o it_o the_o physician_n may_v perhaps_o heal_v a_o deep_o languish_v patient_a but_o it_o will_v cost_v the_o patient_a dear_o and_o bitter_o joab_n get_v little_a by_o not_o come_v to_o absalon_n for_o he_o at_o length_n fetch_v he_o by_o set_v his_o corn_n on_o fire_n if_o thou_o will_v not_o come_v in_o of_o thy_o own_o accord_n but_o stand_v it_o out_o i_o tell_v thou_o the_o lord_n will_v fetch_v thou_o in_o indeed_o but_o he_o will_v send_v a_o whirlwind_n after_o thou_o as_o to_o elijah_n he_o will_v send_v flame_n into_o thy_o conscience_n if_o thou_o will_v needs_o put_v he_o upon_o compulsory_a way_n nay_o but_o rather_o peruse_v thy_o decay_n thyself_o and_o arraign_v thyself_o and_o judge_v thyself_o and_o afflict_v thyself_o and_o hie_v thou_o to_o make_v thy_o peace_n and_o to_o recover_v strength_n it_o argue_v the_o better_a heart_n to_o fall_v unwilling_o but_o willing_o to_o rise_v hereby_o peace_n be_v soon_o make_v and_o strength_n soon_o restore_v 3_o prudent_o when_o a_o tree_n be_v wither_v you_o need_v not_o pour_v bucket_n on_o every_o branch_n if_o you_o water_v the_o root_n it_o be_v as_o if_o you_o water_v all_o there_o be_v a_o holy_a part_n in_o recover_v our_o grace_n again_o if_o you_o can_v recover_v the_o root_n you_o have_v hit_v the_o way_n to_o renew_v all_o now_o there_o be_v two_o radical_a grace_n as_o it_o be_v if_o they_o be_v strengthen_v all_o the_o rest_n will_v come_v to_o be_v strengthen_v viz._n 1_o faith_n this_o be_v a_o root_n grace_n and_o this_o be_v a_o strengthen_v grace_n it_o be_v of_o singular_a power_n with_o god_n and_o with_o christ_n and_o with_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n it_o be_v that_o grace_n which_o lay_v hold_v on_o and_o apply_v all_o our_o strengthen_n help_v so_o that_o it_o deal_v at_o the_o spring_n of_o strength_n and_o bring_v away_o strength_n from_o they_o but_o this_o be_v not_o all_o faith_n be_v no_o soon_o strengthen_v to_o lay_v hold_n on_o our_o strength_n but_o like_o those_o common_a official_o in_o nature_n the_o stomach_n liver_n heart_n and_o brain_n it_o impart_v this_o vigour_n to_o all_o the_o new_a man_n every_o grace_n get_v when_o faith_n get_v the_o more_o a_o man_n can_v believe_v the_o
less_o sometime_o with_o more_o liberty_n of_o spirit_n sometime_o with_o less_o sometime_o with_o more_o comfort_n sometime_o with_o less_o sol._n yet_o let_v nothing_o discourage_v thou_o or_o take_v off_o thy_o spirit_n from_o the_o work_n but_o follow_v on_o to_o know_v the_o lord_n and_o his_o strength_n against_o all_o temptation_n against_o all_o suggestion_n against_o all_o discouragement_n against_o all_o thy_o own_o fear_n and_o feeling_n and_o inequality_n of_o operation_n yet_o give_v not_o over_o but_o keep_v up_o thy_o service_n still_o retain_v frequent_a communion_n with_o god_n still_o be_v beg_v still_o for_o the_o strength_n of_o jesus_n christ_n to_o raise_v thou_o hear_v still_o use_v the_o prescription_n till_o health_n come_v thou_o be_v in_o the_o way_n and_o must_v not_o rest_v till_o thou_o have_v obtain_v if_o thou_o break_v off_o before_o thou_o have_v regain_v thy_o strength_n thou_o will_v fall_v back_o again_o and_o also_o lose_v all_o thy_o new_a endeavour_n for_o thy_o recovery_n in_o grace_n thus_o much_o for_o the_o second_o proposition_n i_o proceed_v now_o to_o the_o three_o of_o which_o i_o can_v but_o give_v a_o touch_n lest_o i_o be_v hinder_v in_o the_o prosecution_n of_o the_o matter_n in_o the_o next_o verse_n i_o have_v not_o find_v thy_o work_n perfect_a etc._n etc._n that_o the_o estate_n though_o visible_o three_o three_o fair_a to_o the_o eye_n of_o man_n yet_o it_o may_v be_v real_o imperfect_a in_o the_o eye_n of_o god_n among_o the_o church_n sardis_n have_v a_o name_n that_o it_o live_v but_o with_o god_n it_o have_v not_o that_o name_n and_o estimation_n we_o christian_n have_v the_o judgement_n of_o charity_n but_o god_n have_v the_o judgement_n of_o infallibility_n we_o look_v only_o on_o the_o skin_n and_o surface_n of_o action_n but_o god_n look_v into_o the_o heart_n and_o spirit_n of_o person_n we_o judge_v of_o the_o heart_n by_o the_o action_n but_o god_n judge_v of_o our_o estate_n by_o the_o heart_n now_o the_o outward_a act_n upon_o several_a argument_n and_o for_o several_a end_n and_o inducement_n may_v be_v extreme_o different_a from_o the_o inward_a habit_n and_o disposition_n person_n for_o their_o credit_n sake_n and_o for_o their_o peculiar_a advantage_n may_v draw_v out_o act_v natural_o good_a when_o yet_o their_o spirit_n stand_v not_o right_a either_o for_o principle_n or_o end_n of_o those_o act_n so_o that_o notwithstanding_o all_o their_o profession_n their_o estate_n may_v be_v imperfect_a before_o god_n partly_o for_o the_o frame_n and_o constitution_n of_o soul_n for_o the_o vigour_n and_o fullness_n of_o act_v for_o the_o scope_n and_o intention_n in_o perform_v for_o the_o mixture_n in_o matter_n of_o faith_n or_o conversation_n but_o i_o can_v now_o enlarge_v in_o this_o singular_a affection_n use_v 1_o only_o it_o may_v teach_v we_o above_o all_o to_o look_v unto_o our_o spiritual_n as_o they_o abide_v in_o and_o flow_v from_o our_o heart_n and_o soul_n upon_o which_o principal_o the_o lord_n look_v he_o search_v the_o heart_n and_o reins_n and_o approve_v the_o act_n of_o the_o heart_n more_o than_o of_o the_o hand_n and_o therefore_o we_o read_v that_o he_o have_v first_o respect_n unto_o abel_n and_o then_o unto_o his_o offering_n 2_o to_o study_n god_n approbation_n more_o than_o man_n it_o be_v not_o sufficient_a nor_o safe_a that_o either_o we_o alone_o judge_v our_o estate_n to_o be_v good_a or_o that_o man_n judge_v they_o to_o be_v so_o unless_o the_o lord_n find_v they_o to_o be_v so_o every_o christian_a be_v that_o as_o god_n judge_v he_o to_o be_v and_o he_o stand_v or_o fall_v according_a to_o this_o righteous_a judgement_n of_o the_o all-seeing_a and_o alknowing_a god_n and_o so_o i_o take_v leave_n of_o that_o verse_n and_o proceed_v to_o the_o next_o remember_v therefore_o how_o thou_o 3_o revel_v 3._o 3_o have_v receive_v and_o hear_v and_o hold_v fast_o and_o repent_v in_o these_o word_n you_o have_v the_o other_o branch_n of_o the_o spirit_n special_a direction_n to_o the_o church_n of_o sardis_n which_o be_v three_o viz._n 1_o remembrance_n remember_v branch_n three_o branch_n therefore_o how_o thou_o have_v receive_v and_o hear_v 2_o persistence_n and_o hold_v fast_o 3_o renew_a repentance_n and_o repent_v brief_o to_o open_v the_o word_n remember_v sometime_o the_o word_n be_v take_v for_o the_o act_n of_o a_o particular_a faculty_n of_o the_o rational_a soul_n which_o be_v call_v by_o the_o philosopher_n reminiscentia_fw-la and_o then_o it_o be_v the_o call_n back_o of_o a_o thing_n or_o object_n former_o know_v and_o lay_v up_o in_o the_o memory_n sometime_o it_o be_v take_v for_o the_o act_n of_o serious_a consideration_n appertain_v to_o the_o judicious_a faculty_n of_o the_o soul_n wherein_o apprehend_v truth_n be_v well_o weigh_v thorough_o think_v on_o or_o consider_v of_o in_o both_o respect_v i_o conjecture_v it_o may_v be_v take_v in_o this_o place_n how_o some_o read_v that_o word_n rather_o thus_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d what_o remember_v i._o call_v to_o mind_n and_o consider_v what_o thou_o have_v receive_v and_o hear_v as_o if_o it_o be_v a_o word_n declare_v the_o matter_n but_o rather_o in_o this_o place_n it_o import_v the_o manner_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v well_o translate_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d how_o note_v the_o manner_n how_o christ_n teach_v and_o prescribe_v they_o at_o the_o first_o and_o also_o the_o manner_n how_o they_o embrace_v those_o holy_a rule_n of_o his_o for_o doctrine_n &_o conversation_n thou_o have_v receive_v and_o hear_v that_o be_v assent_v unto_o and_o embrace_v those_o truth_n and_o direction_n of_o christ_n where_o be_v express_v first_o their_o ancient_a subjection_n or_o embrace_v of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n receive_v and_o second_o the_o mean_n or_o way_n thereof_o viz._n by_o hear_v and_o hear_v i_o can_v possible_o with_o any_o profit_n insist_v on_o all_o the_o observables_n out_o of_o these_o and_o the_o other_o word_n consider_v that_o little_a part_n of_o time_n which_o remain_v for_o i_o to_o work_v among_o you_o only_o i_o will_v point_v at_o three_o singular_a proposition_n viz._n 1_o that_o holy_a truth_n once_o receive_v proposition_n three_o proposition_n be_v often_o to_o be_v remember_v and_o think_v on_o remember_v etc._n etc._n 2_o that_o acceptance_n of_o truth_n be_v not_o enough_o but_o christian_n must_v add_v thereto_o a_o persistence_n in_o truth_n hold_v fast_o 3_o that_o renew_v repentance_n be_v require_v of_o christian_n as_o well_o as_o initial_a and_o repent_v you_o see_v that_o all_o these_o proposition_n natural_o flow_v from_o the_o text_n and_o be_v very_o proper_a for_o we_o and_o for_o the_o occasion_n upon_o which_o they_o be_v handle_v i_o begin_v with_o the_o first_o of_o they_o viz._n doct._n that_o holy_a truth_n once_o receive_v be_v often_o to_o be_v remember_v and_o think_v on_o there_o be_v three_o thing_n which_o shall_v fall_v into_o a_o frequent_a consideration_n 1_o our_o former_a sin_n and_o this_o will_v keep_v we_o humble_a 2_o god_n former_a mercy_n and_o this_o will_v make_v we_o thankful_a 3_o receive_a truth_n and_o this_o will_v make_v we_o dutiful_a and_o fruitful_a the_o jew_n be_v to_o bind_v they_o as_o frontlet_n between_o their_o eye_n deut._n 6._o 8._o to_o which_o solomon_n allude_v in_o pro._n 6._o 21._o bind_v 21._o deut._n 6._o 8._o pro._n 6._o 21._o they_o continual_o upon_o thy_o heart_n and_o tie_v they_o about_o thy_o neck_n and_o eccles_n 12._o 11._o they_o be_v to_o be_v as_o nail_n 11._o eccl._n 12._o 11._o fasten_v look_v on_o david_n and_o this_o be_v his_o practice_n psal_n 119._o 15._o psal_n 119_o 15._o i_o will_v meditate_v in_o thy_o statute_n there_o once_o then_o read_v verse_n 23._o thy_o servant_n do_v meditate_v in_o thy_o statute_n there_o be_v the_o second_o time_n but_o then_o read_v verse_n 48._o i_o will_v meditate_v in_o thy_o statute_n there_o be_v the_o three_o time_n what_o speak_v i_o of_o once_o or_o twice_o or_o thrice_o see_v he_o in_o verse_n 97._o oh_o how_o i_o love_v thy_o law_n it_o be_v my_o meditation_n all_o the_o day_n the_o apostle_n be_v frequent_a in_o their_o exhortation_n to_o this_o purpose_n to_o remember_v to_o lay_v up_o to_o keep_v in_o mind_n not_o to_o forget_v the_o holy_a doctrine_n deliver_v by_o they_o nay_o and_o christ_n press_v the_o same_o also_o upon_o themselves_o upon_o many_o occasion_n but_o for_o the_o clear_a open_n of_o this_o proposition_n premise_v with_o i_o these_o particular_n 1_o the_o frequent_a remember_v of_o former_a truth_n must_v be_v a_o remembrance_n by_o way_n of_o subjection_n and_o not_o by_o way_n of_o contradiction_n we_o must_v not_o remember_v they_o and_o question_v they_o much_o less_o abuse_v and_o pervert_v they_o lest_o of_o all_o oppose_v
or_o slubberlie_o performance_n of_o they_o and_o therefore_o they_o get_v not_o that_o strength_n over_o spiritual_a corruption_n nor_o that_o fruitful_a supply_n to_o their_o grace_n and_o consequent_o slip_v into_o dangerous_a languish_n and_o decay_n 7_o inactivity_n in_o our_o place_n and_o relation_n be_v another_o cause_n of_o spiritual_a languish_a and_o decay_v simile_n a_o lazy_a christian_a will_v quick_o prove_v a_o die_a christian_a the_o physician_n do_v observe_v that_o as_o too_o violent_a exercise_n overthrow_v health_n so_o likewise_o too_o much_o rest_n may_v cause_v extreme_a sickness_n because_o therein_o the_o superfluous_a humour_n be_v not_o carry_v or_o breathe_v away_o and_o the_o spirit_n and_o natural_a heat_n be_v not_o stir_v up_o to_o perform_v their_o proper_a function_n it_o be_v even_o so_o with_o christian_n in_o respect_n of_o their_o grace_n if_o they_o let_v they_o lie_v still_o and_o dead_a they_o will_v quick_o grow_v weak_a and_o die_a though_o their_o life_n be_v a_o implant_v by_o a_o operation_n of_o god_n spirit_n yet_o it_o be_v preserve_v by_o a_o operation_n of_o our_o spirit_n therefore_o grace_n be_v compare_v to_o fire_n which_o must_v be_v stir_v up_o and_o blow_v he_o who_o will_v not_o use_v grace_n will_v quick_o lose_v it_o or_o decay_v in_o it_o but_o christian_n many_o time_n employ_v not_o their_o grace_n they_o do_v not_o any_o good_a with_o they_o they_o do_v not_o stir_v up_o their_o heart_n to_o believe_v to_o lay_v hold_n on_o god_n to_o call_v upon_o he_o to_o walk_v before_o he_o they_o do_v not_o lay_v their_o knowledge_n their_o zeal_n their_o love_n etc._n etc._n in_o their_o particular_a relation_n but_o live_v together_o and_o do_v no_o good_a together_o meet_v together_o and_o provoke_v not_o one_o another_o unto_o further_a holiness_n 8_o last_o all_o perturbation_n or_o excess_n in_o passion_n cause_v a_o languish_a 198._o v._o fernel_n l_o 1._o de_fw-fr morb_n causis_fw-la cap_n 18_o p._n 198._o and_o therefore_o they_o observe_v in_o nature_n that_o immoderate_a fear_n or_o grief_n or_o anger_n or_o joy_n or_o agony_n which_o consist_v of_o anger_n and_o fear_n or_o desire_v or_o care_n all_o these_o or_o any_o of_o these_o by_o their_o immoderation_n do_v check_v the_o spirit_n &_o natural_a heat_n immarcescere_fw-la spiritus_fw-la &_o calorem_fw-la and_o consequent_o diminish_v health_n and_o strength_n and_o sure_o so_o it_o be_v in_o the_o spiritual_a condition_n all_o inordinate_a affection_n be_v the_o empayrer_n of_o grace_n whether_o it_o be_v desire_n of_o the_o world_n or_o delight_n in_o it_o or_o fear_n of_o man_n or_o grief_n for_o loss_n etc._n etc._n but_o i_o can_v now_o enlarge_v use_v i_o now_o come_v to_o the_o application_n of_o this_o point_n which_o shall_v be_v in_o the_o first_o place_n to_o reflect_v upon_o our_o own_o heart_n to_o see_v in_o what_o condition_n our_o spiritual_a condition_n be_v whether_o we_o be_v not_o sardian_n yea_o or_o not_o either_o have_v a_o name_n only_o but_o be_v total_o dead_a or_o if_o we_o do_v live_v whether_o that_o life_n of_o we_o be_v not_o grow_v so_o weak_a that_o we_o be_v almost_o die_v reason_n to_o move_v you_o to_o search_v your_o heart_n in_o this_o particular_a be_v these_o 1_o many_o among_o you_o who_o thing_n three_o thing_n profess_v and_o have_v a_o name_n and_o i_o hope_v the_o truth_n also_o of_o grace_n do_v not_o get_v on_o you_o do_v not_o make_v progress_n you_o have_v not_o advance_v yourselves_o in_o your_o spiritual_a condition_n though_o the_o lord_n have_v give_v you_o plentiful_a and_o rich_a mean_n yet_o what_o you_o be_v many_o year_n ago_o the_o same_o you_o be_v now_o a_o man_n may_v say_v of_o you_o as_o we_o do_v of_o our_o friend_n who_o we_o see_v perhaps_o once_o in_o ten_o year_n that_o they_o look_v and_o be_v just_a as_o we_o find_v and_o leave_v they_o then_o so_o many_o of_o you_o after_o many_o year_n preach_v and_o hear_v be_v just_a as_o you_o be_v have_v not_o attain_v to_o any_o further_a perfection_n in_o holiness_n now_o it_o be_v a_o ill_a symptom_n this_o for_o a_o stay_a heart_n be_v seldom_o otherwise_o then_o a_o decay_a heart_n creation_n though_o perfect_a at_o once_o yet_o it_o be_v not_o so_o with_o sanctification_n the_o old_a say_n be_v non_fw-la progredi_fw-la est_fw-la regredi_fw-la grace_n be_v either_o get_n or_o lose_v simile_n like_o a_o river_n either_o full_a or_o lesser_a or_o like_o a_o oak_n grow_v or_o die_v 2_o many_o person_n express_v palpable_a decay_n all_o who_o know_v they_o can_v see_v and_o say_v how_o strange_o they_o be_v alter_v they_o be_v scarce_o know_v now_o to_o be_v christian_n but_o by_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o most_o favourable_a charity_n who_o former_o have_v be_v very_o forward_o even_o to_o exemplarity_n the_o judgement_n of_o man_n be_v so_o alter_v with_o fond_a opinion_n their_o strictness_n of_o conversation_n be_v so_o strange_o slack_v into_o that_o which_o they_o themselves_o be_v wont_a to_o call_v a_o licentiousness_n of_o walk_v there_o be_v such_o a_o dumbness_n grow_v in_o their_o family_n and_o withal_o there_o be_v such_o a_o chillness_n come_v upon_o their_o affection_n oh_o where_o be_v that_o thy_o former_a zeal_n and_o love_n and_o joy_n and_o pity_n and_o brokennesse_n of_o heart_n and_o flame_n for_o christ_n and_o desire_n of_o strength_n and_o assurance_n and_o circumspection_n to_o please_v thy_o god_n 3_o though_o we_o be_v not_o dead_a christian_n yet_o if_o we_o be_v die_a christian_n it_o make_v our_o condition_n very_o evil_a and_o very_o sad_a 1_o very_o evil_a no_o man_n can_v causal_o evil_n 1_o causal_o decay_v in_o good_a but_o by_o something_o that_o be_v bad_a it_o be_v always_o some_o sinful_a evil_n which_o make_v we_o to_o wither_v in_o spiritual_a good_a and_o then_o it_o be_v a_o thing_n very_o formal_o 2_o formal_o evil_a in_o itself_o if_o it_o be_v a_o sin_n not_o to_o thrive_v in_o grace_n it_o must_v be_v a_o great_a sin_n to_o be_v die_v in_o grace_n and_o then_o it_o occasion_n much_o eventual_o 3_o eventual_o sin_n for_o it_o be_v a_o wonder_n to_o see_v a_o man_n die_v in_o grace_n and_o not_o withal_o live_v in_o sin_n however_o believe_v it_o that_o sin_n will_v live_v the_o more_o strong_o in_o thou_o by_o how_o much_o the_o more_o weak_o grace_n do_v live_v in_o thou_o when_o natural_a heat_n grow_v low_a then_o do_v disease_n multiply_v and_o grow_v high_a if_o that_o which_o shall_v keep_v down_o sin_n be_v keep_v down_o by_o sin_v how_o exceed_o sinful_a may_v thou_o prove_v 2_o very_o sad_a the_o christian_a condition_n be_v excessive_o perplex_v and_o prejudice_v by_o it_o v._o gr_n 1_o there_o be_v a_o extenuation_n of_o it_o 7_o effect_n of_o it_o our_o chief_a excellency_n simile_n our_o gold_n be_v now_o clip_v and_o wash_v beloved_n we_o have_v not_o more_o real_a excellency_n here_o on_o earth_n then_o gracious_a and_o holy_a quality_n if_o the_o naked_a soul_n be_v more_o worth_a than_o a_o whole_a world_n what_o be_v grace_n the_o which_o high_o elevate_v and_o advance_v the_o soul_n but_o even_o our_o grace_n in_o a_o decay_a condition_n be_v droop_v ing_z and_o pine_a for_o a_o man_n to_o have_v a_o finger_n wither_v be_v nothing_o to_o that_o as_o to_o have_v his_o heart_n consume_v to_o behold_v a_o candle_n put_v out_o what_o be_v that_o to_o behold_v the_o sun_n grow_v dim_a or_o purblind_a when_o grace_n decay_v then_o that_o but_o to_o lose_v a_o house_n a_o friend_n etc._n etc._n but_o which_o be_v as_o the_o heart_n to_o the_o member_n or_o as_o the_o sun_n to_o the_o earth_n or_o as_o the_o soul_n to_o the_o body_n a_o vital_a spring_n decay_v as_o she_o say_v about_o the_o take_n away_o of_o the_o ark_n that_o we_o may_v say_v of_o diminution_n in_o grace_n now_o the_o glory_n be_v depart_v from_o israel_n now_o thy_o honour_n be_v lie_v in_o the_o dust_n the_o less_o good_a thou_o grow_v the_o more_o vile_a thou_o becom_a it_o be_v as_o if_o thy_o fair_a hand_n shall_v become_v leprous_a or_o thy_o sun_n set_v at_o noon_n day_n 2_o it_o be_v a_o depression_n of_o our_o heavenly_a strength_n when_o sampsons_n hair_n be_v off_o he_o be_v then_o as_o other_o man_n he_o lose_v his_o hair_n and_o lose_v his_o strength_n too_o simile_n when_o the_o fountain_n be_v low_a and_o root_n weak_a than_o the_o stream_n prove_v thin_a and_o branch_n grow_v almost_o fruitless_a for_o these_o be_v the_o principle_n of_o be_v and_o of_o assistance_n unto_o they_o our_o grace_n be_v a_o kind_n of_o spring_n to_o our_o gracious_a ability_n when_o we_o be_v less_o good_a we_o shall_v always_o do_v the_o less_o good_a and_o the_o more_o evil_a thy_o wheel_n
will_v move_v slow_o and_o thy_o foot_n like_o those_o of_o a_o sick_a man_n will_v move_v stagger_o and_o weary_o there_o will_v be_v much_o a_o do_v to_o do_v a_o little_a good_a thy_o service_n will_v be_v like_o the_o thin_a ray_n of_o gold_n which_o can_v hardly_o be_v discern_v for_o the_o multitude_n of_o ash_n and_o dross_n now_o this_o be_v a_o sad_a thing_n when_o at_o the_o most_o it_o be_v the_o most_o that_o a_o man_n can_v do_v to_o believe_v or_o to_o grieve_v for_o sin_n or_o to_o love_n god_n and_o fear_v he_o or_o to_o pray_v unto_o he_o whereas_o heretofore_o he_o be_v able_a to_o believe_v and_o rejoice_v to_o mourn_v and_o lament_v etc._n etc._n 3_o a_o damp_n upon_o our_o communion_n with_o god_n there_o be_v a_o double_a communion_n one_o be_v direct_v which_o be_v our_o active_a communion_n with_o god_n another_o be_v reflexive_a which_o be_v god_n gracious_a communion_n with_o we_o now_o by_o a_o die_a in_o our_o spiritual_a condition_n there_o arise_v a_o cloud_n and_o a_o damp_n upon_o this_o reciprocal_a communion_n we_o can_v so_o behave_v ourselves_o to_o god_n and_o god_n will_v not_o so_o behave_v himself_o to_o we_o as_o in_o former_a day_n note_n 1_o for_o our_o communion_n with_o god_n it_o will_v grow_v more_o strange_a less_o confident_a and_o more_o gainlesse_a small_a for_o heart_n lesser_a for_o trust_n and_o least_o of_o all_o for_o benefit_n and_o success_n 2_o for_o god_n communion_n with_o we_o it_o will_v be_v eclipse_v both_o in_o the_o effective_a and_o assist_a part_n of_o it_o as_o also_o in_o the_o affective_a and_o comfort_a part_n of_o it_o he_o will_v not_o give_v thou_o his_o hand_n or_o his_o eye_n as_o former_o david_n find_v upon_o his_o great_a decay_n not_o only_o a_o cloud_n in_o god_n face_n but_o also_o a_o strangeness_n in_o god_n spirit_n 51._o psal_n 51._o psal_n 5â—_n 12._o we_o do_v by_o our_o notorious_a decay_n debar_v ourselves_o of_o much_o help_n from_o god_n and_o of_o all_o manifest_v favour_n for_o the_o present_a desertion_n be_v ever_o the_o consequent_a of_o decay_v 4_o a_o vexation_n and_o restlessness_n in_o the_o conscience_n when_o we_o take_v our_o leave_n of_o grace_n we_o must_v take_v our_o leave_n of_o peace_n and_o comfort_n a_o dead_a man_n many_o time_n rest_v in_o peace_n but_o a_o die_a christian_n be_v never_o without_o trouble_n the_o remain_a grace_n serve_v most_o to_o trouble_v we_o for_o our_o decay_n in_o grace_n spiritual_a comfort_n usual_o attend_v we_o either_o upon_o great_a grief_n for_o sin_n or_o upon_o great_a progress_v in_o duty_n and_o spiritual_a trouble_n usual_o follow_v we_o either_o upon_o great_a adventuring_n in_o sin_n or_o upon_o great_a remission_n in_o holiness_n for_o conscience_n will_v trouble_v we_o as_o well_o for_o lose_v what_o be_v good_a as_o for_o commit_v what_o be_v evil_a 5_o a_o great_a silence_n in_o heaven_n the_o decay_a christian_n shall_v either_o hear_v of_o much_o displeasure_n from_o god_n or_o little_a and_o no_o good_a from_o he_o the_o ordinance_n to_o which_o he_o now_o more_o perfunctory_o apply_v himself_o shall_v either_o be_v dumb_a and_o speak_v no_o encouragement_n or_o bitter_a and_o speak_v no_o strength_n or_o peace_n his_o prayer_n which_o now_o be_v more_o cold_a and_o formal_a shall_v either_o have_v no_o answer_n or_o else_o the_o answer_n be_v more_o fear_n and_o trouble_v in_o spirit_n god_n seem_v to_o have_v no_o mind_n to_o speak_v unto_o that_o man_n who_o now_o have_v scarce_o any_o mind_n to_o speak_v unto_o his_o god_n 6_o a_o strange_a suspicion_n of_o the_o reality_n of_o a_o spiritual_a condition_n if_o grace_n be_v often_o put_v in_o dispute_n when_o the_o christian_a can_v perceive_v it_o to_o thrive_v how_o much_o more_o questionable_a will_v it_o be_v when_o the_o same_o christian_n perceive_v it_o to_o abate_v and_o decay_v usual_o it_o must_v be_v more_o than_o mere_a grace_n which_o must_v assure_v we_o of_o grace_n forasmuch_o as_o nothing_o resemble_v hypocrisy_n more_o than_o to_o be_v formal_a in_o our_o duty_n and_o with_o it_o to_o be_v wither_v in_o our_o disposition_n a_o die_a christian_a look_n very_o like_a to_o a_o dead_a hypocrite_n 7_o to_o all_o these_o may_v be_v add_v other_o evil_n as_o horrid_a temptation_n external_a misery_n fear_n of_o death_n etc._n etc._n but_o i_o may_v not_o insist_v on_o every_o thing_n q_n but_o here_o it_o be_v demand_v how_o may_v we_o know_v whether_o we_o be_v in_o a_o die_a condition_n or_o not_o a._n i_o know_v no_o better_a way_n to_o discern_v this_o then_o by_o a_o just_a comparison_n of_o thing_n present_a with_o thing_n past_a as_o also_o by_o a_o faithful_a observation_n of_o our_o own_o spirit_n and_o grace_n thus_o then_o 1_o look_v first_o upon_o your_o judgement_n and_o minding_n 2_o upon_o your_o will_n and_o affection_n 3_o upon_o your_o heart_n and_o conscience_n 4_o upon_o your_o worship_n and_o service_n 5_o upon_o your_o way_n and_o conversation_n so_o may_v you_o discern_v whether_o you_o be_v die_v or_o not_o 1_o for_o your_o judgement_n and_o mind_n former_o in_o these_o there_o be_v strong_a endeavour_n to_o know_v the_o truth_n of_o god_n and_o to_o search_v out_o the_o mystery_n of_o salvation_n and_o admirable_a appretiation_n of_o holiness_n and_o god_n favour_n and_o sweet_a meditation_n on_o the_o will_n of_o god_n the_o mind_n be_v eminent_o take_v up_o with_o god_n and_o christ_n and_o grace_n and_o obedience_n and_o heaven_n be_v it_o so_o now_o or_o rather_o do_v not_o worldly_a thing_n seem_v great_a in_o our_o eye_n be_v not_o our_o minding_n more_o for_o inferior_a good_a then_o for_o spiritual_a good_a divine_a study_n be_v they_o not_o rare_a and_o poor_a and_o transient_a glance_n where_o be_v that_o study_n to_o know_v god_n or_o to_o see_v his_o favour_n in_o christ_n unto_o thou_o where_o be_v that_o reverend_a regard_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n where_o be_v that_o diligence_n to_o know_v the_o estate_n of_o thy_o soul_n where_o be_v that_o sweet_a delight_n thou_o take_v once_o to_o know_v jesus_n christ_n as_o thou_o 2_o for_o your_o will_n and_o affection_n time_n be_v that_o thy_o will_n be_v a_o flexible_a will_n easy_a to_o obedience_n submissive_a to_o the_o divine_a will_n cheerful_a in_o the_o duty_n of_o godliness_n much_o close_n with_o divine_a promise_n ravish_v with_o love_n to_o christ_n fearful_a to_o offend_v careful_a to_o please_v desirous_a of_o nothing_o more_o than_o god_n love_a kindness_n strict_o hate_v all_o evil_a joyful_a in_o this_o alone_a that_o god_n be_v thy_o portion_n flood_n of_o tear_n swell_v thy_o grief_n heavenly_a delight_n satisfy_v thy_o soul_n mercy_n be_v blessed_v threaten_n fear_v etc._n etc._n if_o in_o stead_n of_o these_o thy_o will_n grow_v weary_a and_o surly_a hard_a to_o be_v persuade_v often_o clatter_v with_o the_o divine_a will_n impatient_a of_o strict_a obedience_n indifferent_a to_o please_v slow_a to_o hearken_v to_o the_o counsel_n of_o god_n and_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n and_o the_o threat_n of_o god_n be_v of_o small_a efficacy_n sin_n be_v not_o so_o watch_v and_o loathe_a god_n alone_o be_v not_o so_o delightful_a and_o sufficient_a thy_o heart_n grow_v more_o insensible_a of_o sin_n and_o hardly_o mournful_a thy_o delight_n be_v less_o in_o heavenly_a thing_n ah_o now_o how_o be_v the_o mighty_a fall_v how_o be_v the_o noble_a plant_n degenerate_v etc._n etc._n 3_o for_o your_o heart_n and_o conscience_n compare_v they_o now_o with_o what_o former_o they_o be_v how_o quick_a be_v conscience_n to_o direct_v how_o apt_a be_v conscience_n to_o check_v how_o tender_a be_v conscience_n to_o offend_v how_o unquiet_a be_v conscience_n till_o peace_n be_v make_v how_o exact_a be_v conscience_n to_o obey_v be_v it_o so_o now_o thou_o can_v sin_v and_o conscience_n strike_v not_o god_n strike_v thou_o but_o conscience_n strike_v thou_o not_o conscience_n strike_v thou_o and_o thou_o care_v not_o conscience_n be_v grow_v sleepy_a and_o drowsy_a almost_o dead_a and_o scare_v thou_o can_v omit_v duty_n or_o perform_v they_o careless_o slip_n and_o fall_v and_o lie_v and_o either_o conscience_n say_v nothing_o or_o thou_o reforme_v nothing_o 4_o and_o for_o thy_o worship_n and_o service_n of_o god_n how_o precious_a be_v the_o ordinance_n unto_o thou_o how_o delightful_a thou_o have_v rather_o have_v spend_v a_o day_n with_o they_o than_o a_o hundred_o day_n in_o other_o employment_n what_o secret_a impression_n make_v the_o power_n of_o they_o upon_o thy_o heart_n what_o grief_n what_o joy_n what_o degree_n of_o persuasion_n what_o expectation_n of_o hope_n what_o furtherance_n unto_o holy_a duty_n what_o conflicting_n with_o and_o conquest_n over_o sin_n and_o temptation_n what_o more_o serious_a care_n and_o
god_n and_o the_o dignity_n of_o a_o christian_a it_o be_v holiness_n which_o make_v thou_o to_o differ_v from_o man_n more_o than_o reason_n make_v thou_o to_o differ_v from_o beast_n if_o with_o he_o in_o the_o gospel_n thou_o shall_v lose_v thy_o sheep_n or_o with_o she_o in_o the_o gospel_n thou_o shall_v lose_v thy_o groat_n thou_o will_v seek_v to_o recover_v they_o how_o much_o more_o when_o thy_o crown_n be_v lose_v etc._n etc._n in_o that_o which_o be_v our_o safety_n grace_n be_v not_o only_a ornamenta_fw-la beautiful_a garment_n but_o munimenta_fw-la powerful_a weapon_n thou_o lose_v thy_o weapon_n in_o the_o very_a field_n before_o thy_o enemy_n if_o thou_o lose_v thy_o spiritual_n and_o make_v thyself_o naked_a so_o that_o any_o temptation_n may_v insult_v over_o thou_o and_o wound_v thou_o simile_n at_o least_o thou_o can_v not_o so_o well_o wield_v and_o use_v thy_o weapon_n a_o break_a arm_n what_o can_v it_o do_v especial_o with_o a_o dull_a weapon_n against_o strong_a and_o skilful_a adversary_n in_o that_o which_o be_v our_o serenity_n the_o weaken_a grace_n and_o the_o wound_a conscience_n still_o go_v together_o or_o if_o not_o than_o it_o be_v the_o die_a grace_n and_o the_o dead_a conscience_n which_o be_v far_o worse_a than_o the_o other_o in_o that_o which_o be_v our_o felicity_n ah_o unhappy_a christian_a who_o when_o thy_o bow_n abode_n in_o strength_n can_v see_v a_o love_a god_n enjoy_v a_o gracious_a father_n can_v speak_v to_o he_o much_o and_o hear_v from_o he_o much_o but_o now_o have_v change_v thy_o confidence_n into_o fear_n thy_o sun_n into_o darkness_n thy_o communion_n into_o strangeness_n thy_o glory_n into_o shame_n 2_o who_o know_v what_o the_o end_n will_v be_v if_o thou_o strengthen_v not_o thy_o decay_a grace_n the_o lord_n know_v how_o far_o thou_o may_v fall_v if_o thou_o will_v not_o think_v of_o rise_v thou_o see_v how_o poor_a a_o crop_n of_o duty_n come_v from_o thy_o decay_a grace_n thou_o feel_v thy_o affection_n almost_o go_v thou_o apprehend_v not_o only_o a_o weakness_n but_o a_o weariness_n in_o holy_a service_n thou_o find_v thy_o appetite_n go_v from_o the_o word_n thou_o know_v thy_o neglect_n of_o many_o a_o sacrament_n thou_o can_v not_o but_o observe_v a_o vanity_n to_o arise_v in_o thy_o mind_n in_o stead_n of_o heavenly_a purity_n and_o a_o more_o delightful_a consociation_n with_o vain_a and_o idle_a person_n then_o with_o solid_a and_o fruitful_a christian_n yea_o and_o since_o thy_o grace_n have_v be_v weaken_v easy_a temptation_n have_v be_v very_o likely_a if_o not_o altogether_o effectual_a to_o ensnare_v thou_o to_o great_a transgression_n from_o many_o omission_n thou_o be_v now_o ready_a for_o great_a commission_n simile_n so_o that_o like_o a_o stone_n run_v down_o a_o hill_n or_o a_o man_n carry_v further_o and_o further_o into_o the_o sea_n thou_o do_v endanger_v what_o in_o thou_o lie_v the_o very_a soul_n and_o salvation_n of_o thyself_o and_o the_o love_n of_o god_n be_v it_o not_o set_v be_v not_o his_o frown_n rise_v and_o here_o will_v be_v work_n now_o make_v for_o that_o miserable_a soul_n of_o thou_o which_o have_v so_o far_o go_v from_o home_n and_o be_v depart_v from_o thy_o father_n house_n 3_o we_o be_v bind_v to_o keep_v our_o grace_n in_o repair_n and_o more_o than_o so_o orgo_v we_o be_v not_o to_o rest_v in_o a_o decay_a estate_n but_o to_o recover_v etc._n etc._n simile_n as_o the_o tenant_n who_o take_v a_o house_n be_v bind_v to_o keep_v it_o in_o repair_n that_o it_o may_v be_v habitable_a against_o wind_n and_o weather_n so_o must_v we_o keep_v up_o the_o grace_n give_v unto_o we_o and_o not_o let_v they_o sink_v at_o all_o nay_o more_o than_o so_o we_o be_v bind_v against_o not_o only_a decay_n but_o against_o mere_a stand_n we_o must_v proceed_v from_o faith_n to_o faith_n we_o must_v perfect_v holiness_n in_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n we_o must_v grow_v in_o the_o love_n and_o knowledge_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n we_o must_v abound_v in_o all_o the_o fruit_n of_o righteousness_n we_o must_v use_v and_o increase_v our_o talent_n it_o will_v not_o be_v a_o answer_n of_o proof_n to_o retain_v our_o naked_a talon_n and_o say_v master_n there_o be_v thy_o own_o the_o first_o use_n of_o this_o point_n shall_v be_v to_o stir_v we_o up_o to_o the_o use_v use_v practice_n of_o this_o duty_n i_o will_v not_o spend_v time_n to_o demonstrate_v that_o we_o need_v strengthen_v i_o may_v speak_v my_o conscience_n with_o grief_n that_o general_o we_o be_v a_o decay_a people_n in_o the_o power_n of_o godliness_n and_o flame_n of_o holy_a affection_n yea_o our_o own_o conscience_n secret_o testify_v against_o we_o this_o day_n that_o so_o it_o be_v yea_o the_o judgement_n of_o god_n the_o fire_n of_o his_o wrath_n which_o begin_v to_o burn_v and_o fly_v abroad_o in_o this_o city_n yet_o again_o testify_v as_o much_o and_o therefore_o my_o exhortation_n to_o we_o all_o be_v that_o we_o wise_o consider_v of_o our_o die_n and_o decay_n ah_o if_o the_o plague_n shall_v break_v into_o our_o dwelling_n and_o take_v we_o away_o in_o our_o decay_a estate_n a_o torment_a sore_n and_o a_o torment_a conscience_n a_o die_a spirit_n and_o a_o die_a body_n both_o at_o once_o the_o lord_n know_v the_o woefulness_n of_o such_o a_o condition_n there_o be_v only_o three_o thing_n which_o i_o shall_v commend_v unto_o you_o for_o the_o application_n of_o this_o viz._n 1_o the_o motive_n to_o excite_v we_o 2_o the_o mean_n to_o perform_v it_o thing_n three_o thing_n 3_o the_o manner_n of_o do_v it_o 1_o the_o motive_n to_o excite_v we_o to_o strengthen_v our_o spiritual_a condition_n shall_v disadvantage_n seven_o disadvantage_n be_v draw_v from_o the_o disadvantage_n in_o a_o weaken_a &_o the_o advantage_n of_o a_o strengthen_v condition_n 1_o in_o respect_n of_o duty_n the_o christian_n be_v to_o be_v god_n workman_n he_o be_v the_o servant_n of_o the_o lord_n who_o impose_v on_o he_o not_o a_o few_o but_o many_o work_n not_o easy_a but_o many_o time_n difficult_a worker_n not_o for_o a_o while_n but_o constant_a work_n such_o duty_n that_o a_o little_a knowledge_n will_v not_o serve_v the_o turn_n nor_o a_o little_a wisdom_n nor_o a_o little_a faith_n nor_o a_o little_a patience_n etc._n etc._n some_o of_o these_o duty_n be_v active_a some_o passive_a some_o respect_v his_o general_n some_o his_o particular_a call_n some_o of_o relation_n to_o god_n some_o to_o man_n some_o to_o himself_o now_o the_o weaken_a christian_a he_o be_v no_o body_n to_o the_o strengthen_v christian_a for_o duty_n for_o every_o man_n be_v as_o his_o strength_n be_v and_o our_o action_n for_o the_o course_n of_o they_o be_v as_o the_o ability_n of_o the_o soul_n be_v from_o whence_o they_o come_v the_o weaken_a christian_n come_v very_o short_a of_o the_o other_o both_o for_o his_o adaptation_n of_o spirit_n unto_o duty_n there_o be_v not_o that_o connaturalnesse_n if_o i_o may_v so_o speak_v of_o his_o spirit_n to_o spiritual_a office_n duty_n come_v hardly_o from_o he_o simile_n like_o a_o rusty_a key_n to_o open_v a_o door_n he_o do_v his_o work_n with_o a_o more_o indispose_a spirit_n not_o free_o but_o like_o a_o sickeman_n he_o go_v very_o little_a and_o be_v quick_o weary_a and_o poor_o not_o full_o whereas_o the_o strengthen_v christian_n duty_n flow_v from_o he_o as_o from_o a_o easy_a principle_n and_o lively_a and_o quick_a cause_n his_o adequation_n of_o duty_n to_o the_o rule_n he_o do_v not_o mind_n the_o rule_n of_o holy_a action_n so_o much_o nor_o do_v he_o proportion_v his_o work_n to_o the_o command_n god_n may_v command_v much_o more_o than_o he_o do_v for_o ordinary_o the_o decay_a christian_n be_v guilty_a of_o many_o omission_n he_o fail_v wonderful_o ofttimes_o in_o pass_v over_o the_o duty_n of_o prayer_n or_o read_v or_o hear_v etc._n etc._n but_o the_o strengthen_v christian_a he_o be_v for_o all_o duty_n difficult_a as_o well_o as_o easy_a private_a as_o well_o as_o 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not_o bolster_v up_o with_o high_a clamour_n and_o with_o artificial_a lie_n but_o truth_n be_v naked_a and_o plain_a it_o be_v neither_o of_o a_o cruel_a nature_n like_o cain_n nor_o of_o a_o subtle_a spirit_n with_o absalon_n nor_o of_o a_o lie_a spirit_n with_o ahabs_n false_a prophet_n it_o flatter_v no_o man_n nor_o beguile_v any_o be_v truth_n it_o be_v not_o ashamed_a of_o light_n or_o trial_n and_o it_o alone_o can_v maintain_v itself_o against_o all_o contrary_a quarrel_n a_o good_a cause_n be_v like_o a_o good_a conscience_n even_o a_o bulwark_n to_o itself_o like_o the_o sun_n in_o its_o light_n and_o heat_n against_o all_o cloud_n etc._n etc._n 5_o the_o duration_n of_o they_o truth_n like_o the_o sun_n have_v run_v down_o through_o all_o age_n not_o that_o all_o man_n have_v embrace_v it_o but_o that_o by_o some_o it_o have_v still_o be_v embrace_v some_o one_o or_o more_o have_v still_o be_v at_o the_o bar_n to_o bear_v witness_n unto_o it_o new_a man_n have_v still_o 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of_o bernard_n basil_n s._n bernard_n in_o psal_n qui_fw-la habitat_fw-la pag._n 283._o basil_n neque_fw-la enim_fw-la quae_fw-la habemus_fw-la ab_fw-la eo_fw-la seruare_fw-la aut_fw-la tenere_fw-la possumus_fw-la sine_fw-la eo_fw-la that_o god_n by_o who_o light_n alone_o we_o know_v the_o truth_n by_o his_o strength_n alone_o we_o keep_v it_o thus_o much_o for_o the_o text_n and_o now_o for_o the_o occasion_n and_o here_o i_o can_v be_v long_o neither_o my_o affection_n nor_o you_o will_v admit_v of_o large_a discourse_n only_o a_o word_n of_o you_o and_o a_o word_n to_o you_o of_o you_o so_o regardful_a have_v you_o be_v to_o my_o ministry_n so_o love_v to_o my_o person_n so_o faithful_a in_o your_o maintenance_n so_o cheerful_o encourage_v general_o from_o you_o all_o but_o chief_o from_o the_o chief_a that_o have_v it_o please_v the_o lord_n to_o have_v give_v i_o health_n the_o which_o i_o have_v scarce_o enjoy_v one_o whole_a year_n together_o since_o i_o have_v be_v here_o i_o shall_v not_o have_v stir_v easy_o from_o such_o a_o people_n for_o the_o best_a preferment_n that_o can_v be_v convenient_o offer_v unto_o i_o i_o speak_v my_o heart_n free_o i_o can_v tell_v on_o which_o side_n the_o unwillingness_n be_v most_o whether_o on_o your_o part_n who_o be_v leave_v or_o on_o my_o part_n who_o be_o constrain_v to_o leave_v you_o but_o to_o say_v no_o more_o of_o your_o goodness_n give_v i_o leave_v for_o the_o close_a of_o all_o to_o leave_v a_o few_o legacy_n with_o you_o be_v all_o my_o friend_n and_o hearken_v to_o my_o word_n as_o the_o word_n of_o a_o die_a man_n for_o the_o lord_n know_v how_o short_a my_o day_n may_v be_v my_o legacy_n be_v these_o 1_o lay_v out_o more_o time_n for_o your_o soul_n the_o soul_n be_v a_o precious_a thing_n the_o soul_n be_v a_o corrupt_a thing_n sin_n be_v in_o it_o much_o guilt_n be_v upon_o it_o there_o be_v a_o christ_n that_o it_o needs_o holiness_n that_o it_o must_v have_v heaven_n that_o it_o will_v have_v thy_o body_n be_v but_o clay_n thy_o soul_n a_o spirit_n the_o world_n a_o vanity_n thy_o soul_n immortal_a all_o be_v well_o if_o the_o soul_n be_v well_o nothing_o be_v well_o if_o that_o be_v evil_a i_o beseech_v you_o pray_v more_o hear_v more_o know_v more_o confer_v more_o do_v more_o and_o more_o for_o your_o soul_n when_o you_o come_v to_o die_v you_o will_v then_o find_v it_o to_o be_v all_o your_o work_n o_o then_o while_o health_n be_v in_o you_o make_v it_o thy_o chief_a work_n to_o seek_v the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n and_o the_o righteousness_n thereof_o for_o your_o soul_n feed_v not_o the_o slave_n and_o starve_v the_o child_n 2_o upon_o good_a ground_n make_v sure_a of_o a_o reconcile_a god_n live_v not_o in_o a_o unreconciled_a condition_n no_o enemy_n like_o a_o ill_a conscience_n and_o a_o good_a god_n study_v the_o right_n of_o thy_o sin_n and_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n repentance_n from_o dead_a work_n and_o faith_n in_o the_o lord_n jesus_n so_o shall_v thou_o behold_v the_o face_n of_o god_n and_o live_v the_o way_n of_o reconciliation_n with_o god_n and_o the_o settle_n of_o thy_o conscience_n about_o it_o may_v cost_v thou_o many_o prayer_n and_o tear_n and_o diligent_a study_n but_o the_o love_n of_o god_n and_o heaven_n will_v answer_v and_o recompense_v all_o 3_o wise_o improve_v all_o heavenly_a season_n the_o lord_n hitherto_o have_v continue_v unto_o you_o day_n of_o peace_n and_o salvation_n heavenly_a opportunity_n public_a and_o private_a and_o i_o beseech_v he_o for_o ever_o so_o to_o do_v now_o receive_v not_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n in_o vain_a lay_v hold_v on_o these_o occasion_n if_o there_o be_v not_o wisdom_n to_o improve_v they_o there_o may_v be_v sadness_n for_o neglect_v