he_o who_o be_v of_o a_o humble_a and_o contrite_a spirit_n to_o revive_v he_o which_o revive_v presuppose_v droop_v and_o sadness_n the_o soul_n that_o be_v not_o cast_v down_o with_o sorrow_n need_v no_o revive_n but_o every_o kind_n of_o sorrow_n be_v not_o the_o brokennesse_n of_o heart_n here_o speak_v of_o but_o only_o that_o kind_n of_o sorrow_n which_o we_o speak_v of_o even_o now_o namely_o sorrow_n for_o sin_n there_o be_v a_o sorrow_n call_v worldly_a sorrow_n or_o heart_n break_v which_o be_v say_v to_o work_v death_n god_n have_v no_o pleasure_n in_o see_v his_o people_n break_v their_o heart_n after_o such_o a_o fashion_n nay_o he_o have_v command_v that_o in_o respect_n of_o outward_n man_n shall_v be_v so_o far_o from_o break_v their_o heart_n with_o sorrow_n that_o they_o shall_v mourn_v as_o if_o they_o mourn_v not_o but_o godly_a sorrow_n which_o be_v say_v to_o work_v repentance_n never_o more_o to_o be_v repent_v of_o that_o be_v the_o brokenness_n of_o heart_n here_o commend_v as_o may_v appear_v from_o isa_n 57.15_o where_o a_o break_a heart_n be_v twice_o in_o one_o verse_n join_v with_o a_o humble_a heart_n as_o be_v convertible_a term_n i_o dwell_v with_o he_o that_o be_v of_o a_o humble_a and_o contrite_a spirit_n to_o revive_v the_o spirit_n of_o the_o humble_a and_o contrite_a now_o you_o know_v that_o great_a trouble_n of_o spirit_n occasion_v by_o outward_a cross_n be_v not_o true_a humility_n for_o such_o affliction_n of_o spirit_n may_v stand_v with_o great_a pride_n and_o great_a hardness_n of_o heart_n yea_o it_o may_v arise_v from_o pride_n by_o how_o much_o more_o proud_a the_o heart_n be_v by_o so_o much_o more_o will_v it_o rage_n and_o take_v on_o when_o it_o meet_v with_o opposition_n like_o wave_n that_o swell_v and_o roar_v and_o dash_v themselves_o in_o piece_n against_o those_o rock_n which_o stand_v in_o their_o way_n if_o you_o look_v also_o into_o the_o 66_o chapter_n of_o isaiah_n vers_fw-la 2._o there_o be_v two_o passage_n in_o that_o verse_n which_o do_v manifest_a that_o by_o brokennesse_n of_o heart_n must_v needs_o be_v mean_v sorrow_n for_o sin_n and_o not_o any_o other_o kind_n of_o sorrow_n a_o break_a heart_n be_v there_o call_v a_o poor_a spirit_n and_o a_o spirit_n which_o tremble_v at_o the_o word_n of_o god_n to_o he_o will_v i_o look_v that_o be_v poor_a and_o of_o a_o contrite_a spirit_n &_o that_o tremble_v at_o my_o word_n now_o a_o man_n may_v be_v much_o break_v with_o affliction_n and_o yet_o be_v far_o from_o that_o poverty_n of_o spirit_n to_o which_o christ_n pronounce_v the_o blessing_n bless_a be_v the_o poor_a in_o spirit_n a_o man_n heart_n may_v be_v as_o much_o lift_v up_o within_o he_o when_o he_o be_v poor_a naked_a in_o outward_a respect_n as_o if_o he_o be_v rich_a and_o full_a and_o want_v nothing_o it_o be_v only_o a_o true_a sight_n of_o sin_n which_o can_v work_v true_a poverty_n of_o spirit_n so_o whereas_o a_o contrite_a heart_n be_v say_v to_o tremble_v at_o the_o word_n of_o god_n you_o know_v that_o be_v usual_o a_o fruit_n of_o man_n be_v sensible_a of_o their_o sin_n and_o not_o of_o outward_a trouble_n to_o make_v they_o tremble_v at_o the_o word_n of_o god_n thus_o have_v we_o prove_v to_o you_o that_o by_o brokennesse_n of_o heart_n be_v mean_v a_o true_a and_o godly_a sorrow_n for_o sin_n come_v we_o now_o to_o show_v you_o more_o particular_o wherein_o this_o brokennesse_n of_o heart_n do_v consist_v which_o be_v as_o follow_v it_o do_v consist_v first_o in_o a_o through_o conviction_n of_o the_o ugly_a nature_n of_o sin_n i_o call_v that_o a_o thorough_a conviction_n of_o the_o ugliness_n of_o sin_n whereby_o man_n be_v not_o only_o incline_v to_o think_v of_o sin_n as_o a_o ugly_a deform_a thing_n but_o be_v altogether_o persuade_v that_o it_o be_v so_o and_o do_v no_o more_o question_v it_o then_o they_o question_v the_o ugliness_n of_o any_o thing_n which_o be_v abominable_a to_o the_o eye_n or_o against_o which_o they_o have_v a_o natural_a antipathy_n as_o those_o that_o have_v a_o natural_a antipathy_n against_o any_o kind_n of_o creature_n etc._n etc._n or_o rather_o we_o may_v describe_v a_o thorough_a conviction_n thus_o namely_o it_o be_v such_o a_o conviction_n of_o the_o loathsomenesse_n of_o sin_n as_o be_v effectual_a to_o persuade_v with_o man_n to_o endeavour_v the_o forsake_v of_o it_o observe_v that_o we_o do_v define_v brokennesse_n of_o heart_n to_o consist_v in_o a_o through_o conviction_n not_o mere_o of_o the_o dangerousnesse_n of_o sin_n or_o evil_a consequence_n thereof_o but_o in_o conviction_n of_o the_o ugly_a nature_n of_o sin_n as_o it_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o holy_a nature_n and_o righteous_a law_n of_o god_n see_v a_o text_n for_o this_o purpose_n namely_o job._n 42.51.6_o i_o have_v hear_v of_o thou_o with_o the_o hear_n of_o the_o ear_n but_o now_o my_o eye_n see_v thou_o therefore_o do_v i_o abhor_v myself_o and_o repent_v in_o dust_n and_o ash_n that_o which_o make_v job_n abhor_v himself_o be_v the_o sight_n of_o god_n and_o how_o do_v that_o do_v it_o why_o thus_o the_o more_o he_o behold_v god_n the_o more_o he_o do_v observe_v his_o own_o contrariety_n to_o god_n by_o reason_n of_o sin_n whence_o spring_v that_o self_n abhorrence_n of_o he_o and_o this_o be_v the_o first_o particular_a wherein_z brokennesse_n of_o heart_n consist_v second_o it_o consist_v in_o true_a mourning_n for_o sin_n they_o go_v about_o to_o divide_v betwixt_o thing_n that_o be_v inseparable_a who_o say_v their_o heart_n be_v affect_v with_o a_o true_a hatred_n of_o sin_n and_o yet_o be_v not_o break_v with_o real_a sorrow_n for_o sin_n hatred_n of_o sin_n and_o sorrow_n for_o the_o commission_n of_o it_o do_v always_o go_v together_o in_o the_o 12_o of_o zachariah_n vers_fw-la 10._o you_o have_v the_o repentance_n or_o break_a heartedness_n of_o the_o jew_n which_o be_v there_o prophesy_v of_o thus_o describe_v they_o shall_v take_v upon_o i_o who_o they_o have_v pierce_v and_o they_o shall_v mourn_v for_o he_o as_o one_o mourn_v for_o his_o only_a son_n and_o shall_v be_v in_o bitterness_n for_o he_o as_o one_o that_o be_v in_o bitterness_n for_o his_o first_o bear_v three_o in_o shame_n of_o heart_n and_o soul_n that_o we_o have_v sin_v shamefulnesse_n in_o respect_n of_o sin_n do_v constant_o attend_v break_v heartedness_n yea_o our_o being_n ashamed_a of_o sin_n do_v much_o help_n to_o break_v our_o heart_n for_o sin_n see_v what_o be_v say_v of_o brokenhearted_a ephraim_n jer._n 31_o 19_o after_o i_o be_v instruct_v i_o smite_v upon_o my_o thigh_n i_o be_v ashamed_a yea_o even_o confound_v because_o i_o do_v bear_v the_o reproach_n of_o my_o youth_n brokenhearted_a sinner_n reflect_v upon_o the_o day_n of_o their_o vanity_n before_o conversion_n as_o a_o great_a reproach_n to_o they_o they_o blush_v to_o think_v what_o they_o be_v before_o god_n call_v they_o i_o be_v a_o blasphemer_n a_o persecutor_n a_o injurious_a person_n doubtless_o with_o no_o small_a shame_n he_o speak_v it_o if_o one_o that_o be_v afterward_o a_o great_a personage_n advance_v to_o some_o great_a preferment_n have_v former_o be_v a_o scullion_n or_o kitchen_n boy_n how_o ashamed_a will_v he_o be_v to_o be_v tell_v of_o it_o yea_o if_o he_o do_v but_o think_v of_o the_o mean_a office_n which_o he_o have_v do_v in_o his_o time_n it_o will_v much_o abash_v he_o especial_o if_o he_o be_v a_o man_n of_o a_o proud_a spirit_n so_o break_v heart_a sinner_n when_o they_o call_v to_o mind_v what_o base_a drudge_n they_o have_v be_v to_o sin_n and_o satan_n &_o what_o sordid_a work_n they_o have_v be_v employ_v in_o by_o they_o former_o it_o fill_v they_o with_o shame_n and_o confusion_n of_o face_n not_o because_o their_o spirit_n be_v proud_a for_o this_o be_v not_o pride_n in_o they_o but_o because_o they_o be_v raise_v up_o to_o a_o holy_a disdain_n and_o contempt_n of_o sin_n as_o of_o that_o which_o be_v the_o great_a badge_n of_o dishonour_n that_o can_v cleave_v to_o they_o noble_a personage_n be_v not_o more_o ashamed_a of_o have_v their_o blood_n stain_v by_o treason_n than_o break_a heart_a sinner_n be_v of_o those_o stain_n of_o sin_n which_o have_v cleaved_a to_o they_o nor_o be_v they_o only_o ashamed_a of_o the_o day_n of_o their_o vanity_n but_o also_o of_o the_o vanity_n of_o their_o present_a day_n etc._n etc._n four_o break_v heartedness_n consist_v in_o self-denial_n and_o resolution_n to_o forsake_v sin_n for_o the_o time_n to_o come_v a_o break_a heart_n be_v always_o a_o selfe-denying_a heart_n and_o it_o must_v needs_o be_v so_o because_o break_a heart_a person_n be_v very_o sensible_a of_o their_o own_o unworthiness_n and_o consequent_o apt_a to_o
we_o good_a and_o which_o be_v worst_a of_o all_o it_o shut_v heaven_n gate_n against_o it_o which_o three_o thing_n be_v most_o true_a concern_v it_o if_o by_o a_o hard_a heart_n you_o understand_v a_o heart_n not_o in_o the_o least_o true_o break_v for_o sin_n etc._n etc._n come_v we_o to_o the_o second_o sort_n of_o motive_n which_o we_o promise_v to_o speak_v of_o namely_o such_o as_o be_v take_v from_o the_o benefit_n and_o usefulness_n of_o a_o break_a heart_n the_o benefit_n of_o a_o soft_a heart_n be_v as_o follow_v 1._o a_o soft_a heart_n be_v fit_a to_o receive_v any_o grace_n as_o soft_a wax_n be_v fit_a to_o receive_v any_o impression_n metal_n be_v soften_v by_o fire_n be_v fit_a to_o be_v wrought_v in_o such_o manner_n as_o the_o artificer_n do_v desire_v to_o have_v it_o when_o god_n be_v about_o to_o stamp_v his_o image_n upon_o the_o soul_n of_o a_o man_n the_o work_n of_o grace_n i_o mean_v his_o manner_n be_v to_o prepare_v the_o heart_n thereunto_o by_o break_v and_o soften_a of_o it_o with_o the_o power_n of_o spiritual_a conviction_n as_o those_o we_o read_v of_o in_o the_o act_n who_o be_v prick_v at_o heart_n which_o be_v the_o first_o good_a we_o hear_v of_o they_o it_o be_v say_v of_o the_o spirit_n that_o he_o shall_v convince_v first_o of_o sin_n and_o then_o of_o righteousness_n as_o ground_n be_v prepare_v to_o receive_v the_o seed_n by_o be_v first_o plough_v and_o break_v up_o so_o likewise_o be_v it_o with_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n it_o be_v say_v that_o the_o humble_a god_n will_v teach_v god_n make_v man_n teachable_a by_o humble_v they_o and_o then_o he_o teach_v they_o thou_o bind_v man_n in_o cord_n of_o affliction_n and_o seale_v up_o instruction_n to_o he_o why_o then_o namely_o because_o man_n be_v usual_o most_o humble_a and_o break_a in_o a_o time_n of_o affliction_n and_o therefore_o most_o teachable_a at_o such_o a_o time_n now_o it_o be_v a_o great_a matter_n to_o have_v our_o heart_n fit_a to_o receive_v good_a as_o scripture_n count_v fitness_n because_o such_o a_o heart_n be_v near_o unto_o good_a good_a do_v as_o it_o be_v lie_v at_o the_o door_n of_o such_o a_o heart_n many_o mercy_n be_v long_o come_v because_o the_o heart_n be_v long_o in_o fit_v to_o receive_v they_o and_o it_o be_v the_o manner_n of_o god_n in_o dispense_n of_o mercy_n first_o to_o look_v that_o the_o heart_n be_v make_v fit_a to_o receive_v they_o as_o a_o wise_a physician_n will_v not_o give_v strong_a physic_n till_o he_o have_v prepare_v the_o body_n of_o his_o patient_n for_o it_o a_o smith_n will_v not_o strike_v his_o iron_n till_o he_o have_v first_o make_v it_o hot_a and_o so_o capable_a of_o impression_n from_o his_o blow_n though_o god_n can_v perfect_v several_a kind_n of_o work_n in_o a_o instant_n yet_o it_o be_v his_o manner_n to_o do_v thing_n gradual_o as_o first_o to_o fit_a man_n for_o mercy_n and_o then_o to_o bestow_v mercy_n upon_o they_o humble_v yourselves_o under_o the_o mighty_a hand_n of_o god_n that_o he_o may_v lift_v you_o up_o in_o due_a time_n if_o god_n give_v man_n good_a thing_n before_o such_o time_n as_o they_o be_v fit_a for_o they_o he_o give_v they_o usual_o in_o wrath_n and_o not_o in_o mercy_n for_o their_o hurt_n and_o not_o for_o their_o good_a it_o be_v therefore_o a_o great_a benefit_n to_o have_v our_o heart_n fit_a to_o receive_v good_a so_o much_o of_o the_o first_o motive_n 2._o god_n will_v take_v up_o his_o abode_n in_o thy_o heart_n if_o it_o be_v a_o humble_a heart_n yea_o christ_n will_v come_v and_o the_o spirit_n will_v come_v and_o take_v up_o their_o abode_n in_o thy_o heart_n if_o it_o be_v a_o soft_a heart_n isa_n 57.15_o thus_o say_v the_o high_a and_o holy_a one_o i_o dwell_v in_o the_o high_a and_o holy_a place_n with_o he_o also_o that_o be_v of_o a_o humble_a and_o contrite_a heart_n to_o revive_v the_o heart_n of_o the_o contrite_a one_o now_o this_o be_v a_o expression_n which_o speak_v much_o intimacy_n and_o nearness_n for_o god_n to_o say_v that_o he_o dwell_v with_o they_o that_o be_v of_o a_o humble_a spirit_n it_o be_v a_o step_n towards_o familiarity_n to_o dwell_v in_o the_o same_o town_n a_o further_a step_n to_o dwell_v the_o next_o door_n to_o any_o neighbour_n but_o beyond_o either_o of_o these_o to_o dwell_v in_o the_o same_o house_n with_o any_o friend_n how_o happy_a will_v a_o sick_a man_n think_v himself_o if_o he_o have_v a_o able_a physician_n dwell_v constant_o in_o the_o house_n with_o he_o so_o as_o to_o be_v always_o at_o hand_n when_o he_o have_v any_o occasion_n to_o make_v use_n of_o he_o god_n dwell_v with_o break_a heart_a sinner_n for_o that_o very_a end_n that_o he_o may_v revive_v they_o if_o any_o friend_n in_o who_o company_n you_o take_v great_a delight_n so_o much_o indeed_o that_o you_o be_v not_o well_o without_o he_o shall_v say_v well_o rather_o than_o you_o shall_v be_v melancholy_a for_o want_v of_o my_o company_n i_o will_v even_o come_v dwell_v with_o you_o for_o altogether_o will_v you_o not_o count_v it_o a_o great_a privilege_n how_o much_o great_a privilege_n be_v it_o to_o have_v god_n and_o christ_n and_o the_o spirit_n dwell_v with_o we_o oh_o who_o will_v lose_v such_o a_o privilege_n rather_o than_o be_v at_o the_o pain_n to_o break_v a_o hard_a heart_n 3._o a_o humble_a a_o soft_a heart_n be_v in_o the_o best_a capacity_n to_o be_v free_v from_o sin_n look_v how_o it_o be_v with_o the_o ground_n while_o it_o be_v hard_a and_o fast_o bind_v with_o frost_n there_o be_v no_o get_v up_o the_o weed_n if_o you_o will_v ever_o so_o fain_o but_o when_o the_o rain_n descend_v upon_o it_o and_o soften_v it_o than_o you_o may_v pluck_v they_o up_o with_o ease_n sin_n be_v bind_v up_o in_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n who_o heart_n be_v hard_a as_o weed_n be_v bind_v in_o the_o ground_n in_o frosty_a weather_n but_o when_o it_o wax_v soft_a it_o may_v be_v pluck_v up_o by_o the_o root_n god_n do_v sometime_o suffer_v sin_n to_o continue_v in_o great_a strength_n and_o vigour_n in_o the_o heart_n of_o his_o people_n than_o it_o otherwise_o shall_v on_o purpose_n to_o humble_v they_o as_o know_v that_o nothing_o can_v be_v matter_n of_o great_a humiliation_n to_o a_o gracious_a heart_n than_o the_o power_n and_o strength_n of_o sin_n within_o it_o some_o think_v that_o by_o the_o messenger_n of_o satan_n which_o be_v send_v to_o buffet_v paul_n that_o he_o may_v not_o be_v puff_v up_o with_o revelation_n we_o be_v to_o understand_v some_o sin_n whereunto_o he_o be_v tempt_v as_o a_o mean_n to_o keep_v he_o humble_a see_v than_o it_o be_v the_o manner_n of_o god_n sometime_o to_o break_v the_o heart_n of_o good_a man_n by_o suffer_v their_o sin_n to_o remain_v in_o a_o great_a measure_n unsubdued_a as_o some_o good_a man_n that_o be_v subject_a to_o violent_a passion_n pensivenesse_n and_o discontent_n of_o spirit_n break_v heartedness_n must_v needs_o make_v way_n for_o the_o deliver_v man_n from_o the_o tyranny_n of_o their_o sin_n for_o if_o you_o take_v away_o the_o cause_n of_o sin_n continuance_n in_o good_a man_n which_o be_v ofttimes_o the_o want_n of_o due_a humiliation_n and_o brokennesse_n of_o heart_n the_o effect_n will_v follow_v 4._o a_o soft_a heart_n be_v fit_a to_o receive_v all_o sort_n of_o good_a thing_n john_n the_o baptist_n be_v say_v to_o have_v prepare_v the_o way_n of_o christ_n now_o you_o know_v the_o great_a doctrine_n which_o john_n insist_v upon_o be_v repentance_n or_o break_a heartedness_n as_o be_v very_o preparatory_a to_o the_o great_a work_n of_o christ_n which_o be_v to_o bind_v up_o the_o break_a heart_a and_o to_o proclaim_v liberty_n to_o the_o captive_n to_o bring_v the_o glad_a tiding_n of_o salvation_n into_o the_o world_n tiding_n of_o pardon_v grace_n be_v most_o acceptable_a and_o welcome_a to_o a_o break_a heart_n a_o break_a heart_n be_v fit_a for_o comfort_n counsel_n mercy_n grace_n and_o indeed_o what_o not_o that_o be_v true_o good_a if_o you_o will_v know_v in_o what_o respect_n a_o break_a heart_n be_v most_o fit_a for_o any_o kind_n of_o good_a take_v this_o brief_a account_n of_o it_o 1._o a_o break_a heart_n stand_v in_o the_o most_o need_n of_o mercy_n as_o comfort_v etc._n etc._n a_o man_n be_v then_o most_o fit_a for_o meat_n and_o drink_v when_o he_o be_v most_o hungry_a and_o thirsty_a and_o so_o stand_v in_o the_o great_a need_n of_o it_o he_o that_o have_v not_o so_o good_a a_o appetite_n be_v not_o so_o fit_a to_o eat_v 2._o a_o soft_a heart_n be_v in_o the_o least_o danger_n of_o get_v hurt_v by_o mercy_n of_o be_v spoil_v with_o kindness_n
i_o will_v never_o leave_v thou_o nor_o forsake_v thou_o there_o be_v two_o consideration_n which_o may_v put_v we_o upon_o pray_v for_o soft_a heart_n beside_o the_o promise_n of_o god_n whereof_o we_o have_v speak_v already_o as_o first_o we_o can_v glorify_v god_n with_o hard_a heart_n man_n of_o hard_a heart_n do_v sin_n the_o great_a honour_n and_o service_n that_o be_v possible_a for_o man_n to_o do_v it_o and_o god_n the_o great_a dishonour_n and_o disservice_n i_o shall_v make_v it_o out_o to_o you_o thus_o he_o that_o commit_v sin_n and_o be_v never_o trouble_v for_o it_o or_o lay_v it_o to_o heart_n do_v upon_o the_o matter_n justify_v it_o and_o say_v in_o effect_n that_o he_o have_v no_o cause_n to_o be_v ashamed_a that_o sin_n be_v no_o such_o ugly_a abominable_a thing_n as_o the_o scripture_n represent_v it_o and_o hereby_o he_o do_v sin_n as_o much_o credit_n and_o service_n as_o in_o he_o lie_v and_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n he_o dishonour_v god_n as_o much_o in_o that_o he_o make_v light_a of_o break_v his_o righteous_a law_n as_o if_o it_o be_v a_o small_a thing_n so_o to_o do_v you_o can_v slight_v any_o man_n more_o then_o in_o make_v nothing_o of_o offend_v he_o as_o if_o it_o be_v not_o a_o pin_n matter_n whether_o he_o be_v please_v or_o displease_v now_o this_o be_v a_o very_a good_a argument_n for_o a_o man_n to_o plead_v with_o god_n in_o relation_n to_o the_o obtain_v a_o soft_a heart_n lord_n thou_o know_v i_o can_v but_o dishonour_v thou_o and_o honour_n sin_v thy_o great_a enemy_n in_o a_o high_a degree_n so_o long_o as_o my_o heart_n continue_v thus_o hard_a wherefore_o i_o beseech_v thou_o to_o soften_v it_o 2._o man_n of_o soft_a and_o tender_a heart_n be_v most_o like_a to_o be_v continue_v in_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o those_o good_a thing_n which_o god_n have_v bestow_v upon_o they_o mercy_n bestow_v upon_o hard_a heart_a man_n do_v many_o time_n prove_v like_o the_o seed_n sow_o in_o the_o stony_a ground_n mark_v 4.5_o 6._o which_o have_v no_o deep_a root_n so_o that_o it_o soon_o spring_v up_o &_o wither_v such_o man_n mercy_n do_v ofttimes_o soon_o wither_v when_o man_n do_v turn_v the_o grace_n of_o god_n into_o wantonness_n and_o take_v occasion_n from_o the_o light_n of_o god_n countenance_n to_o wax_v more_o hard_a and_o proud_a as_o the_o clay_n that_o be_v harden_v by_o the_o sunbeam_n usual_o god_n do_v quick_o withdraw_v the_o light_n of_o his_o countenance_n from_o they_o and_o leave_v they_o in_o darkness_n but_o when_o those_o beam_n do_v melt_v the_o heart_n and_o make_v it_o more_o and_o more_o soft_a god_n be_v please_v ofttimes_o to_o let_v they_o abide_v long_o with_o we_o be_v improve_v for_o that_o end_n whereunto_o they_o be_v send_v etc._n etc._n this_o may_v encourage_v we_o to_o pray_v for_o soft_a heart_n etc._n etc._n 6._o use_v this_o may_v serve_v for_o the_o comfort_n of_o all_o those_o who_o have_v break_v and_o contrite_a heart_n though_o man_n despise_v they_o god_n will_v accept_v of_o they_o and_o love_v they_o st._n james_n reprove_v those_o chap._n 2.2_o who_o be_v full_a of_o their_o respect_n towards_o such_o as_o come_v into_o their_o assembly_n with_o gold_n ring_v and_o goodly_a apparel_n but_o despise_v the_o poor_a say_v stand_v here_o or_o sit_v under_o my_o foot_n stool_n thereby_o intimate_v that_o in_o this_o carriage_n of_o they_o they_o be_v altogether_o unlike_a to_o god_n who_o be_v no_o respecter_n of_o person_n upon_o any_o of_o those_o account_n and_o yet_o he_o have_v more_o respect_n unto_o some_o then_o unto_o other_o namely_o unto_o those_o who_o be_v of_o break_a and_o contrite_a heart_n great_a person_n look_v that_o it_o shall_v be_v account_v a_o high_a respect_n if_o they_o vouchsafe_v now_o and_o then_o to_o bestow_v a_o visit_n upon_o they_o that_o be_v poor_a how_o much_o great_a be_v the_o respect_n and_o condescension_n of_o the_o great_a god_n towards_o break_a heart_a sinner_n in_o that_o he_o vouchsafe_v not_o only_o to_o visit_v they_o now_o and_o then_o but_o to_o take_v up_o his_o abode_n with_o they_o to_o dwell_v with_o they_o though_o god_n do_v sometime_o retire_v himself_o so_o that_o a_o break_a heart_a christian_a fear_n he_o be_v depart_v as_o a_o man_n may_v think_v one_o that_o lodge_v in_o his_o house_n be_v not_o within_o when_o he_o keep_v close_a not_o willing_a to_o be_v speak_v with_o yet_o he_o always_o dwell_v with_o the_o break_a heart_n to_o revive_v the_o spirit_n of_o the_o humble_a and_o contrite_a let_v break_v heart_v christian_n be_v of_o good_a cheer_n they_o may_v safe_o call_v god_n and_o christ_n emanuel_n that_o be_v god_n with_o they_o etc._n etc._n obj._n but_o will_v god_n show_v mercy_n to_o and_o accept_v of_o i_o who_o be_o a_o grievous_a sinner_n i_o can_v believe_v it_o ans_fw-fr yes_o god_n will_v show_v thou_o mercy_n if_o thou_o be_v a_o humble_a soul_n obj._n but_o i_o have_v be_v a_o grievous_a sinner_n a_o notorious_a liver_n and_o therefore_o i_o be_o just_o humble_v for_o my_o sin_n ans_fw-fr thou_o must_v not_o look_v upon_o thyself_o as_o thou_o have_v be_v but_o as_o thou_o now_o be_v if_o thou_o be_v humble_v the_o blood_n of_o christ_n wash_v thou_o from_o all_o thy_o sin_n how_o many_o and_o great_a soever_o they_o have_v be_v i_o do_v not_o say_v that_o thou_o ought_v not_o to_o reflect_v upon_o thy_o former_a conversation_n upon_o any_o account_n whatsoever_o for_o you_o know_v that_o the_o apostle_n paul_n do_v call_v to_o mind_v what_o he_o have_v be_v namely_o a_o blasphemer_n a_o persecutor_n a_o injurious_a person_n etc._n etc._n this_o he_o do_v in_o reference_n to_o the_o magnify_v of_o god_n grace_n in_o make_v he_o such_o as_o he_o be_v by_o grace_n but_o i_o say_v that_o in_o a_o time_n of_o trouble_n and_o perplexity_n of_o spirit_n we_o ought_v to_o look_v upon_o the_o present_a humiliation_n of_o our_o soul_n and_o brokennesse_n of_o our_o heart_n as_o a_o ground_n of_o joy_n and_o comfort_n obj._n but_o i_o be_o not_o worthy_a that_o god_n shall_v show_v i_o so_o much_o mercy_n as_o to_o accept_v of_o i_o ans_fw-fr no_o nor_o ever_o will_v be_v worthy_a in_o thyself_o of_o any_o mercy_n but_o god_n look_v upon_o thou_o in_o christ_n and_o in_o he_o do_v account_v thou_o worthy_a therefore_o go_v to_o god_n in_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n that_o be_v the_o way_n to_o find_v acceptance_n for_o god_n be_v very_o ready_a to_o hear_v his_o people_n prayer_n &_o to_o grant_v their_o request_n and_o he_o have_v promise_v to_o hear_v when_o they_o call_v and_o he_o take_v delight_n to_o hear_v his_o people_n pray_v therefore_o this_o may_v encourage_v we_o to_o pray_v for_o god_n will_v hear_v obj._n but_o will_v god_n hear_v and_o grant_v the_o prayer_n of_o all_o ans_fw-fr no._n they_o must_v be_v godly_a which_o do_v prevail_v with_o god_n they_o must_v be_v such_o as_o do_v not_o allow_v themselves_o in_o any_o sin_n whatsoever_o if_o i_o regard_v iniquity_n in_o my_o heart_n the_o lord_n will_v not_o hear_v my_o prayer_n etc._n etc._n psal_n 66.18_o again_o they_o that_o will_v prevail_v with_o god_n must_v pray_v in_o faith_n and_o with_o earnestness_n again_o they_o must_v be_v constant_a in_o prayer_n and_o not_o give_v over_o pray_v again_o they_o must_v put_v up_o their_o request_n in_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n with_o thankfulness_n for_o such_o mercy_n as_o they_o have_v already_o receive_v obj._n i_o hope_v i_o be_o god_n child_n and_o i_o have_v pray_v but_o god_n hear_v not_o i_o ans_fw-fr god_n may_v have_v hear_v thou_o though_o not_o at_o the_o same_o time_n that_o thou_o desire_v not_o in_o the_o same_o thing_n there_o may_v be_v good_a reason_n for_o that_o thou_o must_v not_o tie_v god_n to_o thy_o time_n nor_o to_o thy_o mean_n for_o god_n be_v wise_a he_o do_v delay_v the_o grant_n of_o our_o request_n for_o several_a holy_a end_n and_o purpose_n as_o for_o example_n to_o try_v our_o faith_n to_o humble_v we_o to_o make_v we_o see_v the_o want_n of_o a_o mercy_n that_o we_o may_v the_o better_a prize_n it_o when_o it_o come_v be_v more_o thankful_a for_o it_o and_o use_v it_o more_o to_o his_o glory_n etc._n etc._n finis_fw-la a_o short_a confession_n of_o faith_n by_o mr._n samuel_n rowles_n master_n of_o art_n late_a fellow_n of_o trinity_n college_n in_o cambridge_n and_o now_o minister_n of_o thistleworth_n in_o the_o county_n of_o middlesex_n london_n print_v for_o john_n rothwell_n 1652._o to_o the_o reader_n good_a reader_n the_o ensue_a confession_n of_o faith_n which_o be_v deliver_v by_o i_o some_o year_n since_o at_o my_o ordination_n in_o kent_n be_v not_o then_o intend_v or_o calculate_v for_o
a_o brief_a discourse_n touch_v a_o break_a heart_n in_o which_o the_o nature_n cause_n and_o sign_n of_o it_o be_v solid_o treat_v of_o as_o also_o its_o acceptablenesse_n to_o god_n together_o with_o many_o other_o motive_n press_v we_o to_o labour_v after_o the_o procurement_n of_o it_o and_o the_o mean_n lead_v thereunto_o be_v the_o sum_n and_o substance_n of_o certain_a sermon_n preach_v by_o mr._n daniel_n carwardine_n late_a minister_n of_o eling_n in_o the_o county_n of_o middlesex_n and_o since_o his_o death_n put_v forth_o by_o s._n r._n a_o friend_n of_o he_o whereunto_o be_v annex_v a_o confession_n of_o faith_n by_o mr._n samuel_n rowles_n late_a fellow_n of_o trinity-college_n in_o cambridge_n and_o now_o minister_n of_o thistleworth_n in_o the_o county_n of_o middlesex_n london_n print_v by_o e._n g._n for_o j._n rothwell_n and_o be_v to_o be_v sell_v at_o his_o shop_n on_o the_o north-side_n of_o paul_n 1652._o to_o the_o reader_n christian_n reader_n this_o little_a treatise_n if_o thou_o will_v please_v to_o peruse_v it_o as_o thou_o soon_o may_v have_v a_o very_a gracious_a and_o profitable_a design_n upon_o thou_o namely_o to_o help_v forward_o the_o great_a work_n of_o soften_a and_o break_v thy_o hard_a heart_n that_o so_o it_o may_v become_v a_o sacrifice_n of_o a_o sweet_a smell_a savour_n to_o the_o great_a god_n who_o delight_v in_o nothing_o wherewith_o the_o son_n and_o daughter_n of_o man_n can_v present_v he_o more_o than_o in_o a_o humble_a and_o contrite_a spirit_n i_o have_v venture_v to_o call_v thy_o heart_n hard_o whoever_o thou_o be_v that_o may_v cast_v thy_o eye_n upon_o these_o line_n take_v it_o for_o a_o certain_a truth_n that_o the_o heart_n of_o all_o the_o son_n and_o daughter_n as_o well_o of_o god_n as_o of_o belial_n be_v more_o or_o less_o obdurate_a if_o you_o consider_v they_o absolute_o though_o the_o heart_n of_o good_a man_n may_v be_v call_v soft_a in_o comparison_n with_o the_o heart_n of_o wicked_a one_o or_o if_o compare_v with_o that_o great_a degree_n of_o hardness_n which_o be_v sometime_o upon_o themselves_o even_o since_o the_o time_n of_o their_o conversion_n such_o as_o do_v take_v themselves_o to_o have_v least_o need_n of_o any_o help_n and_o furtherance_n in_o order_n to_o brokenness_n of_o heart_n it_o be_v to_o be_v fear_v have_v of_o all_o man_n else_o the_o most_o the_o church_n of_o laodicea_n which_o think_v itself_o to_o have_v be_v rich_a namely_o in_o grace_n and_o holiness_n and_o increase_v in_o riches_n that_o be_v in_o a_o grow_a thrive_a condition_n more_o holy_a every_o day_n than_o other_o yea_o at_o length_n so_o rich_a as_o to_o stand_v in_o need_n of_o nothing_o arrive_v at_o the_o very_a perfection_n of_o grace_n be_v it_o shall_v seem_v in_o the_o account_n of_o god_n wretched_a miserable_a poor_a blind_a naked_a revel_v 3.17_o usual_o by_o how_o much_o rich_a any_o man_n be_v in_o spiritual_n by_o so_o much_o poor_a he_o be_v in_o spirit_n and_o by_o how_o much_o poor_a in_o spirit_n by_o so_o much_o rich_a in_o spiritual_a substance_n if_o i_o may_v measure_v thy_o wheat_n by_o my_o bushel_n as_o solomon_n give_v i_o leave_v to_o do_v prov._n 27.19_o as_o in_o the_o water_n face_n answer_v to_o face_n so_o the_o heart_n of_o a_o man_n to_o man_n i_o say_v according_a to_o that_o maxim_n of_o solomon_n i_o can_v tell_v thou_o by_o the_o hardness_n of_o my_o own_o heart_n that_o there_o be_v some_o of_o that_o bitter_a root_n of_o obdurateness_n spring_v up_o in_o thou_o i_o will_v not_o do_v thou_o so_o much_o wrong_v not_o know_v of_o thou_o nor_o be_v ever_o able_a to_o know_v thy_o heart_n as_o to_o say_v that_o there_o be_v so_o much_o of_o it_o in_o thy_o heart_n as_o in_o my_o own_o but_o how_o little_a soever_o it_o be_v you_o know_v what_o the_o scripture_n say_v touch_v leaven_n a_o little_a leaven_n leaven_v the_o whole_a lump_n so_o it_o be_v with_o the_o leaven_n of_o heart-hardnesse_n if_o thou_o look_v not_o to_o it_o in_o time_n what_o our_o saviour_n say_v concern_v mustardseed_n matth._n 13.31_o thou_o will_v find_v true_a in_o relation_n to_o hardness_n of_o heart_n mustardseed_n say_v he_o be_v the_o least_o of_o all_o seed_n but_o when_o it_o be_v grow_v it_o be_v the_o great_a of_o all_o herb_n and_o become_v a_o tree_n so_o that_o the_o bird_n of_o the_o air_n come_v and_o lodge_v in_o the_o branch_n thereof_o hardness_n of_o heart_n be_v at_o the_o first_o one_o of_o the_o least_o sin_n not_o in_o respect_n of_o nature_n but_o degree_n for_o man_n do_v set_v upon_o great_a sin_n at_o the_o first_o with_o tenderish_v reluctant_a conscience_n and_o softish_a heart_n hardness_n of_o heart_n be_v usual_o introduce_v not_o mere_o by_o the_o heinousness_n of_o one_o sin_n once_o commit_v but_o by_o frequency_n and_o custom_n in_o sin_v but_o afterward_o it_o grow_v up_o to_o be_v as_o a_o mighty_a tree_n and_o well_o it_o may_v see_v all_o sin_n do_v contribute_v sap_n and_o moisture_n towards_o the_o growth_n of_o it_o and_o then_o the_o bird_n of_o the_o air_n i_o mean_v all_o sort_n of_o soar_a high_a fly_v wickedness_n do_v come_v and_o lodge_v in_o the_o branch_n of_o it_o that_o be_v to_o say_v be_v welcome_v and_o entertain_v by_o mean_n of_o it_o when_o the_o heart_n of_o a_o man_n be_v waxen_a hard_a it_o become_v a_o very_a cage_n of_o unclean_a bird_n a_o open_a house_n keeper_n to_o receive_v all_o sort_n of_o profane_a vagabond_n if_o thou_o be_v any_o way_n prejudice_v against_o this_o argument_n of_o heart-contrition_n as_o too_o legal_a which_o be_v the_o usual_a form_n of_o their_o mittimus_fw-la who_o do_v imprison_v soul-searching_a truth_n in_o unrighteousness_n it_o be_v legal_a doctrine_n say_v they_o away_o with_o it_o i_o say_v in_o case_n thou_o do_v apprehend_v this_o doctrine_n too_o legal_a the_o common_a imputation_n cast_v upon_o unpleasing_a truth_n the_o ensue_a treatise_n will_v sufficient_o convince_v thou_o of_o thy_o error_n if_o thou_o have_v rather_o part_v with_o it_o then_o keep_v it_o when_o thou_o have_v light_v sufficient_o whereby_o to_o see_v that_o it_o be_v indeed_o a_o error_n i_o need_v not_o tell_v thou_o how_o frequent_a a_o thing_n it_o be_v with_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n to_o commend_v encourage_v and_o exhort_v unto_o humility_n poverty_n of_o spirit_n unfeigned_a repentance_n godly_a sorrow_n all_o which_o expression_n signify_v no_o other_o than_o brokenness_n of_o heart_n and_o contrition_n of_o spirit_n which_o some_o be_v so_o loath_a to_o hear_v of_o and_o so_o upon_o a_o true_a account_n unwilling_a to_o come_v under_o the_o influence_n of_o those_o beatitude_n &_o benediction_n pronounce_v by_o ur_fw-la lord_n jesus_n christ_n bless_a be_v the_o poor_a in_o spirit_n bless_a be_v they_o that_o mourn_v etc._n etc._n dare_v thou_o to_o lay_v any_o thing_n to_o the_o charge_n of_o that_o doctrine_n which_o christ_n have_v not_o only_o justify_v by_o his_o preach_n but_o also_o crown_v with_o his_o blessing_n which_o also_o be_v much_o in_o use_n among_o the_o apostle_n who_o be_v exact_a follower_n of_o their_o lord_n and_o master_n christ_n if_o god_n despise_v not_o a_o break_a heart_n but_o accept_v it_o delight_n in_o it_o and_o dwell_v with_o it_o take_v heed_n of_o entertain_v undervalue_a thought_n concern_v brokenness_n of_o heart_n believe_v it_o god_n will_v despise_v thou_o and_o whatsoever_o proceed_v from_o thou_o if_o thou_o despise_v it_o what_o paul_n say_v in_o reference_n unto_o preach_v the_o gospel_n 1_o cor._n 9_o 16._o necessity_n be_v lay_v upon_o i_o and_o woe_n unto_o i_o if_o i_o preach_v not_o the_o gospel_n we_o may_v say_v the_o same_o in_o reference_n to_o brokennesse_n of_o heart_n necessity_n be_v lay_v upon_o we_o not_o a_o necessity_n of_o custom_n or_o tradition_n but_o of_o commission_n and_o therefore_o woe_n unto_o we_o if_o we_o preach_v it_o not_o see_v our_o commission_n for_o it_o heb._n 3.13_o exhort_v one_o another_o daily_a lest_o any_o of_o you_o be_v harden_v through_o the_o deceitfulness_n of_o sin_n even_o private_a christian_n be_v enjoin_v to_o exhort_v one_o another_o for_o the_o prevention_n of_o hardness_n of_o heart_n how_o much_o more_o ought_v the_o minister_n of_o the_o word_n to_o do_v it_o yea_o the_o text_n say_v it_o must_v be_v do_v daily_o and_o all_o little_a enough_o to_o keep_v our_o heart_n soft_a which_o be_v as_o subject_a to_o be_v hard_a as_o water_v that_o be_v take_v of_o the_o fire_n be_v to_o wax_v cold_a reader_n if_o thou_o be_v desirous_a to_o have_v thy_o heart_n spiritual_o break_v for_o so_o thou_o ought_v to_o be_v though_o many_o do_v all_o they_o can_v to_o keep_v their_o heart_n from_o be_v break_v
by_o reason_n of_o sin_n man_n that_o have_v be_v in_o the_o same_o condition_n with_o other_o who_o be_v in_o any_o kind_n of_o misery_n be_v most_o inclinable_a to_o pity_n and_o commiseration_n upon_o this_o account_n it_o be_v say_v of_o christ_n that_o we_o have_v not_o a_o high_a priest_n who_o know_v not_o how_o to_o be_v touch_v with_o our_o infirmity_n in_o as_o much_o as_o he_o be_v make_v like_o unto_o we_o in_o all_o thing_n sin_n except_v it_o be_v also_o thus_o write_v heb._n 2.18_o for_o in_o that_o himself_o have_v suffer_v be_v tempt_v he_o be_v able_a to_o succour_v they_o that_o be_v tempt_v man_n that_o have_v be_v exercise_v with_o any_o kind_n of_o bodily_a infirmity_n as_o gout_n stone_n colic_n be_v best_o able_a to_o pity_v those_o who_o have_v the_o like_a infirmity_n so_o they_o who_o have_v themselves_o know_v what_o belong_v to_o a_o break_a heart_n will_v express_v it_o by_o their_o sympathy_n with_o other_o who_o fall_v into_o the_o same_o condition_n 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etc._n etc._n 5._o use_v this_o shall_v exhort_v we_o to_o labour_v to_o get_v break_v and_o soft_a heart_n for_o motive_n whereunto_o consider_v these_o follow_a particular_n which_o be_v reducible_a to_o two_o general_a head_n 1._o the_o danger_n evil_a and_o inconvenience_n of_o a_o hard_a unbroken_a heart_n 2._o the_o benefit_n of_o a_o soft_a break_a heart_n under_o each_o of_o which_o we_o may_v rank_n many_o particular_n etc._n etc._n the_o evil_n ensue_v upon_o a_o hard_a heart_n be_v as_o follow_v 1._o god_n will_v not_o accept_v but_o reject_v a_o hard_a heart_n together_o with_o all_o that_o which_o proceed_v from_o it_o etc._n etc._n see_v jer._n 4.3_o break_v up_o your_o fallow_a ground_n sow_v not_o among_o thorn_n circumcise_v yourselves_o to_o the_o lord_n and_o take_v away_o the_o foreskin_n of_o your_o heart_n lest_o my_o fury_n break_v forth_o like_o fire_n and_o burn_v that_o none_o can_v quench_v it_o how_o far_o be_v the_o great_a god_n from_o accept_v those_o the_o fallow_a ground_n of_o who_o heart_n be_v not_o break_v up_o see_v he_o do_v here_o threaten_v that_o the_o fire_n of_o his_o wrath_n shall_v break_v forth_o upon_o they_o and_o there_o shall_v be_v none_o to_o quench_v it_o and_o thou_o by_o thy_o hard_a and_o impenitent_a heart_n say_v the_o apostle_n treasure_v up_o to_o thyself_o wrath_n against_o the_o day_n of_o wrath_n that_o be_v all_o any_o man_n shall_v get_v at_o the_o hand_n of_o god_n by_o a_o hard_a heart_n namely_o a_o treasure_n of_o wrath_n you_o know_v that_o god_n do_v chief_o eye_n with_o what_o heart_n man_n do_v bring_v their_o service_n before_o he_o so_o that_o if_o man_n pray_v with_o ever_o so_o much_o appearance_n of_o zeal_n and_o fervency_n if_o they_o fast_o ever_o so_o often_o if_o they_o give_v ever_o so_o much_o alm_n to_o the_o poor_a if_o they_o make_v ever_o so_o large_a profession_n of_o religion_n etc._n etc._n and_o their_o heart_n under_o all_o this_o do_v still_o remain_v hard_a and_o unbroken_a it_o be_v as_o if_o they_o have_v do_v nothing_o at_o all_o all_o their_o bodily_a exercise_n will_v profit_v they_o very_o little_a etc._n etc._n 2._o a_o hard_a heart_n will_v shut_v out_o all_o that_o which_o will_v come_v to_o do_v we_o good_a if_o we_o have_v hard_a heart_n mercy_n will_v not_o win_v we_o judgement_n will_v not_o affright_v we_o look_v how_o it_o be_v with_o man_n of_o harsh_a disposition_n and_o and_o inflexible_a nature_n use_v fair_a mean_n to_o they_o and_o you_o stir_v they_o not_o use_v foul_a mean_n and_o they_o be_v still_o at_o the_o same_o pass_n of_o insensibleness_n you_o have_v as_o good_a threaten_v a_o wooden_a post_n or_o speak_v to_o it_o friendly_a and_o it_o will_v be_v to_o as_o much_o purpose_n as_o to_o threaten_v such_o man_n or_o to_o entreat_v they_o friend_o just_o thus_o it_o be_v with_o a_o hard_a heart_n it_o be_v like_o stony_a rocky_a ground_n no_o seed_n of_o grace_n will_v thrive_v there_o how_o shall_v faith_n thrive_v in_o a_o heart_n that_o be_v insensible_a of_o sin_n will_v they_o go_v to_o christ_n for_o life_n who_o apprehend_v not_o that_o they_o be_v lose_v and_o dead_a in_o themselves_o how_o shall_v repentance_n flourish_v there_o where_o sin_n be_v not_o feel_v how_o shall_v they_o love_v god_n much_o who_o do_v not_o apprehend_v that_o they_o have_v many_o sin_n which_o have_v need_v to_o be_v forgive_v a_o hard_a heart_n be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v better_o for_o mercy_n that_o it_o wax_v worse_a and_o worse_o under_o they_o it_o turn_v the_o grace_n of_o god_n into_o wantonness_n because_o judgement_n be_v not_o speedy_o exercise_v upon_o the_o child_n of_o disobedience_n therefore_o be_v the_o heart_n of_o the_o child_n of_o man_n set_v to_o do_v evil_a and_o not_o only_o so_o but_o they_o do_v take_v occasion_n by_o the_o judgement_n of_o god_n also_o to_o wax_v worse_o and_o worse_o as_o they_o be_v smite_v they_o revolt_v more_o and_o more_o like_o the_o smith_n anvil_n the_o more_o 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treasurest_n up_o unto_o thyself_o wrath_n against_o the_o day_n of_o wrath_n rom._n 2._o that_o be_v all_o a_o man_n get_v by_o a_o hard_a heart_n we_o read_v of_o some_o who_o when_o they_o shall_v come_v at_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n and_o knock_n say_v lord_n lord_n open_a to_o we_o shall_v receive_v this_o answer_n i_o know_v you_o not_o depart_v you_o worker_n of_o iniquity_n for_o when_o i_o be_v hungry_a you_o feed_v i_o not_o etc._n etc._n and_o do_v you_o think_v that_o hard_o heart_a sinner_n shall_v receive_v any_o other_o answer_n then_o this_o depart_v etc._n etc._n for_o when_o i_o knock_v at_o the_o door_n of_o your_o heart_n you_o will_v not_o open_v to_o i_o though_o my_o lock_n be_v wet_a with_o the_o dew_n of_o the_o night_n therefore_o now_o will_v i_o not_o open_a to_o you_o if_o you_o observe_v who_o they_o be_v who_o christ_n pronounce_v bless_v in_o his_o sermon_n matth._n 5._o bless_a be_v the_o poor_a in_o spirit_n etc._n etc._n you_o will_v find_v that_o the_o most_o of_o those_o which_o be_v there_o mention_v be_v man_n of_o a_o temper_n as_o contrary_a to_o hardness_n of_o heart_n as_o white_a be_v to_o black_a our_o saviour_n do_v there_o pronounce_v they_o bless_v who_o be_v poor_a in_o spirit_n who_o mourn_n who_o be_v meek_a who_o do_v hunger_n and_o thirst_n after_o righteousness_n now_o these_o be_v the_o property_n of_o break_a heart_a man_n and_o there_o be_v nothing_o more_o contrary_a to_o they_o then_o a_o hard_a heart_n thus_o have_v we_o set_v before_o you_o the_o great_a evil_n attend_v upon_o a_o hard_a heart_n namely_o it_o hinder_v our_o acceptance_n with_o god_n suffer_v we_o not_o to_o reap_v benefit_n by_o what_o will_v otherwise_o do_v
will_n affection_n conscience_n memory_n wretched_o break_v by_o that_o fall_n so_o that_o they_o be_v nothing_o like_o to_o what_o they_o will_v have_v be_v if_o man_n have_v stand_v in_o his_o primitive_a glory_n and_o excellency_n we_o have_v now_o break_a apprehension_n of_o thing_n leak_a memory_n like_v to_o break_a vessel_n break_a inclination_n to_o good_a in_o our_o will_n like_o bowl_n that_o be_v not_o half_o bias_v if_o we_o look_v upon_o the_o law_n of_o god_n have_v not_o that_o be_v miserable_o break_v by_o we_o and_o yet_o be_v from_o day_n to_o day_n our_o duty_n and_o performance_n be_v they_o not_o for_o the_o most_o part_n yea_o altogether_o break_v and_o imperfect_a thing_n like_o child_n bear_v before_o their_o full_a time_n weak_o heartless_a thing_n our_o very_a grace_n be_v they_o not_o break_v and_o imperfect_a habit_n full_a of_o mixture_n and_o adulteration_n our_o faith_n mix_v and_o as_o it_o be_v sophisticated_a with_o unbelief_n our_o humility_n with_o 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ship_n that_o be_v wrack_n here_o swim_v one_o plank_n there_o another_o it_o may_v be_v scarce_o two_o whole_a plank_n to_o be_v find_v together_o the_o lord_n help_v we_o what_o sad_a and_o numerous_a or_o rather_o innumerable_a breach_n be_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o we_o at_o this_o day_n and_o yet_o alas_o our_o hard_a heart_n do_v still_o remain_v unbroken_a add_v to_o all_o that_o have_v be_v speak_v that_o thou_o who_o read_v this_o book_n have_v it_o may_v be_v many_o breach_n in_o thy_o holiness_n many_o in_o thy_o peace_n several_a breach_n in_o thy_o name_n estate_n friend_n and_o comfort_n of_o every_o kind_n and_o yet_o perhaps_o after_o all_o this_o a_o heart_n in_o a_o great_a measure_n hard_a and_o unbroken_a it_o it_o great_a pity_n that_o shall_v not_o be_v break_v of_o all_o the_o rest_n be_v that_o break_a as_o it_o shall_v be_v it_o will_v conduce_v to_o the_o make_n of_o all_o the_o rest_n whole_a again_o it_o be_v indeed_o a_o difficult_a work_n to_o break_v a_o hard_a heart_n but_o through_o christ_n enable_v thou_o thou_o may_v do_v that_o and_o all_o thing_n else_o be_v strong_a therefore_o in_o the_o lord_n and_o in_o the_o power_n of_o his_o might_n and_o so_o go_v forth_o to_o encounter_v this_o mighty_a giant_n thy_o hard_a heart_n i_o mean_v wrestle_v with_o god_n in_o prayer_n for_o a_o soft_a heart_n and_o resolve_v not_o to_o let_v he_o go_v till_o he_o have_v bless_v thou_o therewith_o as_o jacob_n do_v in_o another_o case_n beg_v of_o he_o who_o triumph_v over_o principality_n and_o power_n and_o make_v a_o open_a show_n of_o they_o upon_o his_o cross_n which_o be_v the_o time_n of_o his_o great_a humiliation_n that_o be_v now_o exalt_v to_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o his_o father_n he_o will_v enable_v thou_o to_o triumph_v over_o thy_o hard_a heart_n which_o be_v his_o enemy_n no_o less_o than_o thou_o and_o to_o make_v thou_o more_o than_o conqueror_n on_o that_o behalf_n he_o that_o have_v promise_v to_o break_v the_o serpent_n head_n can_v with_o great_a ease_n break_v thy_o heart_n and_o who_o can_v tell_v but_o that_o he_o may_v please_v to_o do_v it_o at_o least_o in_o part_n with_o the_o little_a hammer_n of_o this_o ensue_a discourse_n if_o thou_o be_v willing_a to_o come_v under_o the_o stroke_n of_o it_o if_o this_o little_a treatise_n with_o the_o blessing_n of_o god_n upon_o it_o shall_v prosper_v in_o thy_o hand_n or_o heart_n rather_o as_o i_o desire_v with_o all_o my_o soul_n it_o may_v give_v god_n the_o glory_n and_o see_v the_o author_n himself_o be_v where_o thy_o prayer_n can_v reach_v he_o where_o and_o where_o only_o the_o people_n of_o god_n be_v indeed_o above_o all_o such_o duty_n and_o ordinance_n i_o mean_v heaven_n substitute_v i_o in_o his_o room_n as_o the_o object_n of_o thy_o hearty_a remembrance_n at_o the_o throne_n of_o grace_n which_o if_o thou_o shall_v please_v to_o do_v i_o shall_v think_v myself_o well_o appay_v for_o my_o poor_a endeavour_n in_o the_o perfect_a and_o publish_v of_o it_o for_o thy_o use_n and_o benefit_n as_o also_o oblige_v to_o be_v further_a serviceable_a to_o thou_o as_o god_n shall_v hereafter_o enable_v i_o farewell_n thou_o in_o the_o service_n of_o the_o gospel_n samuel_n rowles_n from_o my_o study_n in_o thistleworth_n march_v 26._o 1652._o a_o treatise_n of_o brokennesse_n of_o heart_n psal_n 51.17_o the_o sacrifice_n of_o god_n be_v a_o break_a spirit_n a_o break_a and_o a_o contrite_a heart_n o_o god_n thou_o will_v not_o despise_v the_o title_n of_o this_o psalm_n show_v we_o both_o the_o author_n or_o rather_o penman_n and_o occasion_n of_o it_o be_v style_v a_o psalm_n of_o david_n when_o nathan_n the_o prophet_n come_v unto_o he_o after_o he_o have_v go_v into_o bathsheba_n which_o story_n you_o may_v read_v at_o large_a in_o 2_o sam_n 12.1_o and_o so_o onward_o the_o psalm_n itself_o do_v excellent_o suit_n the_o occasion_n be_v full_a of_o humble_a and_o sorrowful_a acknowledgement_n of_o the_o greatness_n of_o his_o offence_n as_o you_o may_v see_v verse_n 3_o 4._o i_o acknowledge_v my_o transgression_n and_o my_o sin_n be_v ever_o before_o i_o against_o thou_o thou_o only_o have_v i_o sin_v and_o do_v this_o evil_a in_o thy_o sight_n etc._n etc._n so_o likewise_o in_o other_o verse_n of_o the_o chapter_n and_o as_o he_o condemn_v himself_o so_o likewise_o do_v he_o express_o own_o the_o righteousness_n of_o god_n in_o the_o judgement_n which_o be_v denounce_v against_o he_o as_o it_o be_v write_v vers_fw-la 4._o that_o thou_o may_v be_v justify_v when_o thou_o speak_v and_o be_v clear_a when_o thou_o judge_v you_o have_v also_o in_o several_a verse_n of_o this_o psalm_n earnest_a supplication_n make_v unto_o god_n doubtless_o with_o strong_a sigh_n and_o groan_n by_o this_o holy_a penitent_a prophet_n as_o in_o the_o first_o place_n that_o god_n will_v take_v away_o the_o guilt_n of_o his_o sin_n so_o vers_n 1._o according_a to_o thy_o tender_a mercy_n blot_n out_o my_o transgression_n 2._o that_o god_n will_v take_v away_o the_o filth_n of_o his_o sin_n so_o vers_n 2._o wash_v i_o thorough_o from_o my_o iniquity_n and_o cleanse_v i_o from_o my_o sin_n 3._o that_o god_n will_v preserve_v he_o from_o relapse_v into_o the_o same_o sin_n or_o sin_n of_o like_a nature_n for_o which_o purpose_n he_o pray_v v._o 10._o that_o god_n will_v create_v in_o he_o a_o clean_a heart_n probable_o in_o reference_n to_o his_o unclean_a sin_n and_o in_o the_o 14_o vers_n that_o god_n will_v deliver_v he_o from_o bloud-guiltinesse_n probable_o with_o relation_n to_o his_o have_v shed_v the_o innocent_a blood_n of_o vriah_n in_o the_o four_o place_n he_o beg_v of_o god_n to_o restore_v unto_o he_o the_o joy_n of_o his_o salvation_n to_o make_v he_o hear_v joy_n and_o gladness_n that_o the_o bone_n which_o he_o have_v break_v may_v rejoice_v furthermore_o he_o promise_v unto_o god_n that_o if_o he_o will_v do_v for_o he_o according_a to_o the_o tenor_n of_o his_o request_n namely_o pardon_v his_o sin_n he_o will_v through_o his_o grace_n enable_v he_o teach_v transgressor_n his_o way_n and_o be_v instrumental_a that_o sinner_n may_v be_v convert_v to_o he_o vers_n 13_o as_o also_o that_o his_o tongue_n shall_v sing_v aloud_o of_o his_o righteousness_n and_o his_o mouth_n shall_v show_v forth_o his_o praise_n vers_fw-la 14_o 15._o if_o god_n do_v so_o much_o regard_n sacrifice_n and_o burn_a offering_n he_o say_v he_o will_v not_o spare_v for_o they_o vers_n 16._o thou_o desire_v not_o sacrifice_v else_o will_v i_o give_v it_o if_o thousand_o of_o ram_n and_o whole_a river_n of_o oil_n may_v have_v be_v acceptable_a to_o god_n he_o will_v have_v offer_v they_o with_o all_o his_o heart_n but_o he_o know_v there_o
be_v somewhat_o else_o which_o god_n do_v more_o look_n at_o then_o all_o the_o burn_a offering_n and_o sacrifice_n that_o he_o can_v present_v he_o with_o of_o which_o he_o make_v mention_n in_o the_o word_n of_o the_o text_n vers_fw-la 17._o the_o sacrifice_n of_o god_n be_v a_o break_a spirit_n it_o be_v put_v in_o plural_a number_n the_o sacrifice_n of_o god_n for_o emphasis_n sake_n thereby_o intimate_v that_o a_o break_a heart_n be_v more_o worth_a to_o god_n than_o many_o outward_a sacrifice_n yea_o than_o all_o of_o they_o put_v together_o not_o but_o that_o other_o sacrifice_n be_v of_o some_o account_n with_o god_n in_o david_n time_n especial_o if_o they_o be_v join_v with_o this_o inward_a sacrifice_n of_o a_o break_a heart_n but_o this_o always_o have_v the_o pre-eminence_n in_o god_n esteem_n even_o in_o those_o day_n when_o he_o do_v appoint_v so_o much_o outward_a worship_n to_o be_v use_v of_o the_o verse_n which_o do_v follow_v the_o text_n we_o shall_v need_v to_o say_v nothing_o only_o this_o we_o may_v observe_v from_o they_o by_o the_o way_n namely_o that_o david_n be_v not_o unmindful_a of_o the_o church_n its_o public_a good_a when_o his_o heart_n be_v as_o full_a as_o it_o can_v hold_v of_o grief_n and_o sadness_n by_o reason_n of_o the_o weight_n and_o burden_n of_o his_o sin_n together_o with_o the_o absence_n of_o the_o light_n of_o god_n countenance_n which_o be_v so_o grievous_a to_o he_o that_o he_o say_v it_o break_v his_o very_a bone_n vers_fw-la 8._o that_o the_o bone_n which_o thou_o have_v break_v may_v rejoice_v a_o high_a expression_n indeed_o you_o know_v that_o sickness_n and_o sadness_n may_v wear_v a_o man_n to_o nothing_o but_o skin_n and_o bone_n may_v make_v a_o very_a anatomy_n of_o he_o and_o yet_o never_o a_o bone_n of_o he_o be_v break_v thereby_o yet_o when_o david_n be_v in_o this_o low_a bone-broken_a condition_n he_o forget_v not_o the_o church_n of_o god_n but_o pray_v hearty_o for_o it_o vers_n 18._o do_v good_a in_o thy_o good_a pleasure_n unto_o zion_n and_o build_v thou_o the_o wall_n of_o jerusalem_n of_o this_o by_o the_o way_n return_v we_o to_o the_o word_n of_o the_o text_n the_o sacrifice_n of_o god_n be_v a_o break_a spirit_n etc._n etc._n it_o be_v needless_a to_o divide_v the_o word_n be_v one_o single_a proposition_n the_o doctrine_n which_o be_v hold_v forth_o in_o they_o we_o shall_v commend_v unto_o you_o in_o these_o word_n doct._n a_o break_a heart_n a_o soul_n humble_a for_o sin_n be_v a_o sacrifice_n well_o please_v to_o god_n you_o have_v this_o truth_n aver_v once_o and_o again_o in_o this_o psalm_n yea_o in_o this_o one_o verse_n first_o in_o that_o a_o break_a heart_n be_v call_v god_n sacrifice_n it_o be_v thereby_o intimate_v to_o be_v well_o please_v to_o he_o god_n will_v not_o own_o those_o thing_n for_o he_o he_o will_v not_o call_v they_o by_o his_o name_n which_o he_o have_v no_o pleasure_n in_o be_v this_o such_o a_o fast_o as_o i_o have_v choose_v to_o hold_v down_o his_o head_n of_o a_o bulrush_n and_o to_o spread_v sackcloth_n and_o ash_n under_o he_o will_v thou_o call_v this_o a_o fast_a etc._n etc._n isaiah_n 58.5_o as_o if_o god_n shall_v have_v say_v will_v you_o offer_v to_o call_v such_o a_o fast_o as_o this_o my_o fast_n god_n fast_a it_o be_v no_o fast_o of_o i_o it_o be_v your_o own_o you_o have_v not_o at_o all_o fast_v unto_o i_o in_o this_o that_o which_o make_v for_o our_o purpose_n be_v that_o god_n will_v not_o have_v that_o call_v he_o which_o be_v not_o please_v to_o he_o so_o then_o forasmuch_o as_o a_o break_a heart_n be_v call_v god_n sacrifice_n this_o very_a expression_n if_o there_o be_v no_o other_o do_v speak_v it_o that_o which_o please_v he_o but_o there_o be_v another_o expression_n or_o two_o in_o the_o text_n which_o be_v observable_a for_o this_o purpose_n the_o one_o be_v that_o a_o break_a heart_n be_v call_v the_o sacrifice_n of_o god_n which_o you_o know_v be_v a_o note_n of_o eminency_n as_o when_o we_o say_v christ_n be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n that_o be_v the_o word_n of_o word_n the_o essential_a word_n or_o christ_n be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n that_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n in_o a_o more_o special_a way_n namely_o by_o eternal_a generation_n second_o in_o that_o a_o break_a heart_n be_v say_v to_o be_v the_o sacrifice_n of_o god_n and_o not_o only_o one_o of_o the_o sacrifice_n of_o god_n it_o speak_v as_o if_o this_o sacrifice_n be_v instead_o of_o all_o other_o do_v contain_v all_o other_o sacrifice_n in_o it_o eminenter_fw-la as_o philosopher_n speak_v as_o if_o god_n can_v be_v satisfy_v with_o such_o a_o sacrifice_n as_o this_o though_o he_o have_v no_o other_o but_o this_o etc._n etc._n but_o the_o three_o and_o last_o expression_n in_o the_o text_n be_v most_o emphatical_a a_o break_a and_o a_o contrite_a heart_n o_o god_n thou_o will_v not_o despise_v here_o be_v two_o expression_n use_v to_o signify_v brokennesse_n namely_o break_v and_o contrite_a which_o may_v signify_v thus_o much_o to_o we_o that_o if_o the_o heart_n of_o a_o man_n be_v ever_o so_o much_o break_v and_o shatter_v with_o sense_n of_o and_o sorrow_n for_o sin_n be_v a_o man_n ever_o so_o vile_a and_o worthless_a in_o his_o own_o eye_n though_o he_o account_v no_o more_o of_o himself_o then_o of_o a_o break_a potsherd_v or_o earthen_a vessel_n that_o be_v dash_v in_o piece_n yet_o god_n will_v not_o therefore_o despise_v nay_o indeed_o he_o will_v respect_v he_o the_o more_o for_o it_o though_o man_n be_v wont_a to_o trample_v when_o the_o hedge_n be_v low_a and_o to_o slight_v those_o that_o be_v in_o a_o break_a condition_n break_v in_o their_o estate_n and_o break_v in_o their_o spirit_n by_o much_o sadness_n yet_o god_n will_v not_o do_v so_o there_o be_v much_o in_o this_o phrase_n viz._n that_o god_n will_v not_o despise_v etc._n etc._n it_o be_v a_o plaster_n which_o do_v excellent_o fit_v the_o wound_n of_o a_o break_a heart_n that_o which_o man_n in_o such_o a_o condition_n be_v wont_v chief_o to_o fear_n be_v that_o god_n who_o be_v a_o great_a a_o glorious_a and_o holy_a god_n will_v not_o vouchsafe_v to_o take_v notice_n of_o such_o poor_a vile_a sinful_a creature_n as_o they_o be_v or_o of_o any_o thing_n which_o can_v come_v from_o they_o they_o think_v they_o be_v as_o vile_a yea_o more_fw-it in_o god_n eye_n then_o they_o be_v in_o their_o own_o as_o if_o god_n shall_v have_v say_v in_o so_o many_o word_n by_o the_o mouth_n of_o his_o prophet_n i_o know_v what_o poor_a brokenhearted_a sinner_n do_v think_v their_o secret_a thought_n be_v that_o i_o will_v despise_v they_o because_o they_o be_v so_o despicable_a in_o their_o own_o eye_n no_o such_o matter_n say_v god_n by_o his_o prophet_n here_o appeal_n to_o god_n a_o break_a and_o contrite_a heart_n o_o god_n thou_o will_v not_o despise_v that_o be_v thou_o will_v accept_v thou_o will_v have_v respect_n unto_o it_o thou_o will_v smell_v a_o savour_n of_o rest_n from_o it_o as_o from_o a_o well_o please_a sacrifice_n etc._n etc._n so_o much_o of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o doctrine_n evidence_v from_o scripture_n in_o the_o further_a pursuance_n thereof_o we_o shall_v this_o do_v namely_o show_v you_o in_o the_o first_o place_n what_o this_o break_a heart_n be_v which_o be_v say_v to_o be_v a_o sacrifice_n well_o please_v to_o god_n &_o wherein_o it_o do_v consist_v second_o what_o it_o be_v that_o cause_v brokennesse_n of_o heart_n three_o why_o it_o be_v that_o god_n will_v not_o despise_v a_o break_a and_o contrite_a heart_n but_o accept_v of_o it_o as_o a_o sacrifice_n so_o well_o please_v to_o he_o of_o these_o in_o their_o order_n 1._o quest_n what_o be_v the_o brokennesse_n of_o heart_n here_o speak_v of_o or_o wherein_o do_v it_o consist_v ans_fw-fr here_o to_o we_o shall_v give_v answer_n first_o more_o general_o second_o more_o particular_o first_o in_o the_o general_n take_v this_o account_n of_o it_o brokennesse_n of_o heart_n be_v a_o true_a grief_n and_o sorrow_n in_o the_o sight_n of_o our_o sin_n heart-breaking_a as_o well_o in_o scripture_n phrase_n as_o in_o our_o common_a language_n denote_v deep_a sorrow_n so_o it_o be_v take_v act._n 21.13_o what_o do_v you_o weep_v and_o break_v my_o heart_n say_v paul_n to_o those_o who_o dissuade_v he_o from_o go_v to_o jerusalem_n which_o you_o know_v be_v the_o same_o as_o if_o he_o have_v say_v why_o do_v you_o thus_o grieve_v i_o and_o fill_v i_o with_o sorrow_n at_o my_o departure_n by_o weep_v over_o i_o we_o may_v also_o gather_v that_o by_o heart-breaking_n be_v mean_v sorrow_n forasmuch_o as_o god_n be_v say_v to_o dwell_v with_o
as_o we_o sometime_o say_v of_o child_n they_o be_v spoil_v with_o kindness_n it_o be_v not_o so_o apt_a to_o be_v puff_v up_o with_o mercy_n and_o to_o turn_v they_o into_o wantonness_n as_o other_o be_v 3._o it_o receive_v mercy_n most_o thankful_o and_o in_o that_o respect_n be_v most_o fit_a for_o mercy_n beggar_n by_o how_o much_o low_o they_o be_v bring_v through_o want_n by_o so_o much_o more_o thankful_a will_v they_o be_v for_o any_o small_a alm_n that_o be_v give_v they_o whereas_o those_o that_o be_v not_o sensible_a of_o much_o want_n begin_v to_o look_v big_a if_o you_o offer_v they_o a_o small_a matter_n 4._o break_a heart_v christian_n make_v the_o best_a use_n and_o improvement_n of_o their_o mercy_n and_o therefore_o be_v most_o fit_a for_o mercy_n they_o who_o think_v themselves_o most_o unworthy_a to_o receive_v be_v always_o most_o careful_a what_o and_o how_o to_o render_v etc._n etc._n 5._o the_o five_o benefit_n of_o a_o soft_a heart_n be_v a_o soft_a heart_n be_v most_o fit_a to_o do_v any_o thing_n that_o be_v good_a as_o to_o pray_v hear_v receive_v the_o lord_n supper_n or_o perform_v any_o other_o duty_n acceptable_o indeed_o no_o heart_n but_o a_o soft_a heart_n be_v fit_a for_o duty_n or_o can_v perform_v they_o as_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v perform_v prayer_n that_o proceed_v not_o from_o a_o break_a and_o contrite_a heart_n though_o it_o be_v join_v with_o fast_v be_v as_o no_o prayer_n no_o fast_n in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n if_o we_o be_v frequent_a in_o hear_v the_o word_n and_o have_v not_o our_o heart_n break_v and_o humble_v thereby_o we_o lose_v the_o benefit_n of_o that_o duty_n so_o likewise_o if_o we_o come_v to_o the_o lord_n table_n and_o then_o behold_v the_o body_n of_o christ_n break_v with_o unbroken_a heart_n we_o shall_v go_v away_o as_o empty_a as_o we_o come_v and_o do_v god_n as_o little_a service_n in_o come_v as_o if_o we_o have_v stay_v away_o and_o it_o must_v needs_o be_v so_o that_o a_o soft_a heart_n shall_v be_v most_o fit_a for_o duty_n because_o a_o humble_a self_n abase_v temper_n be_v the_o best_a posture_n for_o the_o soul_n to_o draw_v nigh_o to_o god_n and_o not_o only_o so_o but_o this_o be_v further_a observable_a namely_o that_o humility_n and_o brokennesse_n of_o soul_n fill_v man_n with_o zeal_n and_o activity_n for_o god_n a_o humble_a heart_n thus_o think_v with_o itself_o i_o have_v hitherto_o be_v very_o unprofitable_a it_o be_v little_a service_n scarce_o worth_a speak_v of_o that_o god_n have_v have_v from_o i_o as_o yet_o oh_o how_o shall_v i_o redeem_v time_n for_o god_n how_o shall_v i_o make_v amends_o for_o my_o former_a baseness_n and_o uselesnesse_n if_o god_n will_v but_o honour_v my_o utmost_a endeavour_n to_o be_v any_o way_n instrumental_a for_o his_o glory_n how_o happy_a shall_v i_o account_v myself_o etc._n etc._n 6._o the_o six_o and_o last_o benefit_n of_o a_o soft_a heart_n be_v that_o it_o do_v fit_a for_o a_o kingdom_n for_o heaven_n and_o happiness_n we_o read_v of_o be_v make_v meet_a to_o be_v partaker_n of_o the_o inheritance_n of_o the_o saint_n in_o light_n now_o brokennesse_n of_o a_o heart_n be_v a_o thing_n great_o conduce_v to_o the_o meetness_n for_o a_o inheritance_n in_o light_n there_o speak_v of_o and_o that_o it_o be_v so_o will_v appear_v if_o we_o shall_v but_o consider_v what_o be_v the_o work_n and_o employment_n of_o saint_n and_o angel_n in_o heaven_n be_v it_o not_o to_o admire_v and_o adore_v god_n and_o to_o sing_v everlasting_a hallelujah_n now_o who_o so_o fit_a to_o praise_v and_o to_o admire_v god_n as_o break_a heart_a humble_a man_n i_o can_v but_o think_v how_o poor_a humble_a heart_a christian_n will_v stand_v amaze_v and_o astonish_v at_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n when_o god_n shall_v call_v they_o to_o his_o right_a hand_n when_o christ_n shall_v bid_v they_o sit_v down_o together_o with_o he_o and_o judge_v the_o world_n do_v you_o think_v they_o will_v not_o be_v full_a of_o such_o thought_n as_o these_o alas_o what_o be_v we_o or_o what_o be_v we_o that_o god_n shall_v thus_o delight_v to_o honour_v we_o that_o we_o shall_v be_v make_v king_n and_o queen_n unto_o god_n when_o thousand_o of_o the_o great_a one_o of_o the_o world_n be_v cast_v down_o to_o hell_n sure_o they_o will_v cry_v out_o not_o unto_o we_o o_o lord_n not_o unto_o we_o but_o to_o thy_o name_n be_v all_o the_o praise_n and_o glory_n for_o by_o grace_n we_o be_v save_v by_o free_a grace_n alone_o be_v we_o save_v haleluia_o thus_o have_v we_o set_v before_o you_o the_o several_a benefit_n of_o a_o soft_a heart_n so_o much_o shall_v suffice_v by_o way_n of_o motive_n to_o put_v we_o upon_o endeavour_v after_o the_o get_n of_o soft_a heart_n qu._n but_o peradventure_o some_o will_v be_v ready_a to_o ask_v how_o may_v we_o come_v by_o soft_a heart_n which_o we_o have_v hear_v to_o be_v sacrifice_n so_o acceptable_a to_o god_n by_o what_o mean_n may_v we_o attain_v thereunto_o ans_fw-fr that_o it_o may_v be_v attain_v in_o the_o use_n of_o mean_n such_o scripture_n seem_v to_o signify_v wherein_o god_n call_v upon_o we_o to_o rend_v our_o heart_n and_o to_o plough_v up_o the_o fallow_a ground_n of_o our_o heart_n etc._n etc._n now_o the_o mean_n to_o be_v use_v be_v as_o follow_v 1._o mean_n we_o must_v attend_v upon_o the_o word_n of_o god_n for_o that_o be_v god_n hammer_n to_o break_v the_o heart_n and_o we_o must_v hear_v it_o with_o reverence_n faith_n and_o diligence_n else_o it_o will_v harden_v our_o heart_n and_o increase_v our_o condemnation_n it_o have_v wont_a to_o be_v no_o strange_a thing_n to_o hear_v of_o hard_a heart_n break_v by_o the_o power_n of_o god_n word_n sometime_o several_a in_o some_o one_o town_n or_o village_n and_o that_o within_o the_o space_n of_o a_o few_o year_n there_o be_v the_o same_o efficacy_n in_o the_o word_n now_o as_o be_v then_o be_v it_o not_o that_o the_o prejudice_n which_o be_v in_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n against_o it_o and_o great_a neglect_n and_o contempt_n of_o it_o do_v intercept_v the_o benefit_n which_o they_o may_v otherwise_o receive_v by_o it_o that_o it_o be_v the_o proper_a work_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n to_o soften_v man_n heart_n i_o mean_v as_o a_o instrument_n in_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o spirit_n i_o may_v make_v appear_v from_o this_o experiment_n you_o see_v when_o the_o word_n of_o god_n do_v not_o soften_v man_n heart_n usual_o nothing_o else_o do_v the_o work_n remain_v undo_v man_n ordinary_o carry_v hard_a heart_n with_o they_o to_o their_o grave_n when_o they_o will_v not_o make_v use_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n wherewith_o to_o break_v they_o see_v heb._n 4_o 12._o the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v quick_a and_o powerful_a and_o sharp_a than_o any_o two_o edge_a sword_n pierce_a even_o to_o the_o divide_v of_o soul_n &_o spirit_n and_o of_o the_o joint_n and_o marrow_n etc._n etc._n david_n pray_v that_o god_n will_v sanctify_v he_o by_o his_o truth_n his_o word_n be_v truth_n now_o brokennesse_n of_o heart_n be_v a_o great_a part_n of_o sanctification_n etc._n etc._n 2._o mean_o we_o must_v take_v away_o that_o or_o those_o sin_n which_o do_v harden_v our_o heart_n sin_n be_v the_o great_a cause_n of_o hardness_n of_o heart_n it_o be_v like_o some_o evil_a humour_n which_o be_v get_v to_o a_o head_n and_o cause_v a_o great_a swell_a and_o hardness_n there_o be_v no_o mollify_a the_o place_n until_o such_o time_n as_o the_o evil_a humour_n which_o be_v in_o it_o be_v either_o dissolve_v or_o dissipate_v there_o be_v some_o kind_n of_o sin_n which_o do_v more_o especial_o conduce_v to_o harden_v of_o man_n heart_n as_o for_o example_n scandalous_a sin_n sin_n against_o knowledge_n sin_n which_o have_v much_o of_o a_o man_n understanding_n and_o will_n in_o they_o deliberate_a sin_n sin_n commit_v upon_o very_o slender_a temptation_n delightful_a sin_n customary_a sin_n sin_n which_o begin_v to_o justify_v themselves_o and_o to_o put_v man_n upon_o plead_v their_o cause_n or_o at_o leastwise_o extenuate_v and_o make_v light_n of_o they_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o a_o man_n to_o keep_v a_o tender_a conscience_n if_o he_o will_v entertain_v any_o one_o sin_n as_o his_o constant_a welcome_a guest_n i_o may_v show_v you_o several_a way_n whereby_o sin_n do_v harden_v man_n heart_n one_o be_v this_o any_o sin_n that_o a_o man_n do_v allow_v himself_o do_v as_o it_o be_v shade_v his_o soul_n that_o be_v keep_v off_o the_o warm_a beam_n of_o the_o light_n of_o god_n countenance_n which_o will_v otherwise_o shine_v upon_o it_o you_o see_v how_o it_o be_v with_o the_o high_a way_n such_o as_o lie_v open_a