psalmist_n my_o heart_n be_v endite_v a_o good_a matter_n i_o speak_v of_o the_o thing_n which_o i_o have_v make_v touch_v the_o king_n he_o be_v meditate_v on_o spiritual_a thing_n on_o the_o thing_n of_o the_o person_n and_o kingdom_n of_o christ._n hence_o his_o heart_n bubble_v up_o as_o it_o be_v in_o the_o original_a a_o good_a matter_n it_o be_v a_o allusion_n take_v from_o a_o quick_a spring_n of_o live_a water_n from_o its_o own_o life_n and_o fullness_n it_o bubble_n up_o the_o water_n that_o run_v and_o flow_v from_o it_o so_o be_v it_o with_o these_o thought_n in_o they_o that_o be_v spiritual_o mind_v there_o be_v a_o live_a fullness_n of_o spiritual_a thing_n in_o their_o mind_n and_o affection_n that_o spring_v up_o into_o holy_a thought_n about_o they_o from_o hence_o do_v our_o saviour_n give_v we_o the_o great_a description_n of_o spiritual_a life_n it_o be_v a_o well_o of_o live_a water_n spring_v up_o into_o everlasting_a life_n joh._n 4.12_o the_o spirit_n with_o his_o grace_n reside_v in_o the_o heart_n of_o a_o believer_n be_v a_o well_o of_o live_a water_n nor_o be_v it_o such_o a_o well_o as_o content_v with_o its_o own_o fullness_n do_v not_o of_o its_o own_o accord_n without_o any_o instrument_n or_o pain_n in_o draw_v send_v out_o its_o refresh_a water_n as_o it_o be_v with_o most_o well_n though_o of_o live_a water_n for_o this_o be_v speak_v by_o our_o saviour_n in_o answer_n and_o opposition_n unto_o that_o objection_n of_o the_o woman_n upon_o this_o mention_n of_o give_v live_a water_n v_o 10._o sir_n say_v she_o thou_o have_v nothing_o to_o draw_v and_o the_o well_o be_v deep_a whence_o will_v thou_o have_v this_o water_n v._n 11._o true_o say_v he_o such_o be_v the_o nature_n of_o this_o well_o and_o water_n dead_a earthly_a thing_n they_o be_v of_o no_o use_n unless_o we_o have_v instrument_n line_n and_o bucket_n to_o draw_v withal_o but_o the_o live_a water_n which_o i_o shall_v give_v be_v of_o another_o nature_n it_o be_v not_o water_n to_o be_v keep_v in_o a_o pit_n or_o cistern_n without_o we_o whence_o it_o must_v be_v draw_v but_o it_o be_v within_o we_o and_o that_o not_o dead_a and_o useless_a but_o continual_o spring_v up_o unto_o the_o use_n and_o refreshment_n of_o they_o that_o have_v it_o for_o so_o be_v it_o with_o the_o principle_n of_o the_o new_a creature_n of_o the_o new_a nature_n the_o spirit_n and_o his_o grace_n in_o the_o heart_n of_o they_o that_o do_v believe_v it_o do_v of_o itself_o and_o from_o itself_o without_o any_o external_a influence_n on_o it_o incline_v and_o dispose_v the_o whole_a soul_n unto_o spiritual_a act_n that_o tend_v unto_o eternal_a life_n such_o be_v the_o thought_n of_o they_o that_o be_v spiritual_o mind_v they_o arise_v from_o the_o inward_a principle_n inclination_n and_o disposition_n of_o the_o soul_n be_v the_o bubling_n of_o this_o well_o of_o live_a water_n they_o be_v the_o minding_n of_o the_o spirit_n so_o our_o saviour_n describe_v they_o matth._n 12.35_o a_o good_a man_n out_o of_o the_o good_a treasure_n of_o the_o heart_n bring_v forth_o good_a thing_n first_o the_o man_n be_v good_a as_o he_o say_v before_o make_v the_o tree_n good_a or_o the_o fruit_n can_v be_v good_a v_o 33._o he_o be_v make_v so_o by_o grace_n in_o the_o change_n and_o renovation_n of_o his_o nature_n for_o in_o ourselves_o we_o be_v every_o way_n evil_a this_o good_a man_n have_v a_o treasure_n in_o his_o heart_n so_o all_o man_n have_v as_o the_o next_o word_n be_v the_o evil_a man_n out_o of_o the_o evil_a treasure_n of_o the_o heart_n and_o this_o be_v the_o great_a difference_n that_o be_v between_o man_n in_o this_o world_n every_o man_n have_v a_o treasure_n in_o his_o heart_n that_o be_v a_o prevail_a inexhaustible_a principle_n of_o all_o his_o act_n and_o operation_n but_o in_o some_o this_o treasure_n be_v good_a in_o other_o it_o be_v evil._n that_o be_v the_o prevail_a principle_n in_o the_o heart_n which_o carry_v along_o with_o it_o its_o disposition_n and_o inclination_n be_v in_o some_o good_a and_o gracious_a in_o other_o it_o be_v evil_a out_o of_o this_o good_a treasure_n a_o good_a man_n bring_v forth_o good_a thing_n the_o first_o open_v of_o it_o the_o first_o bring_v of_o it_o forth_o be_v by_o these_o thought_n the_o thought_n that_o arise_v out_o of_o the_o heart_n be_v of_o the_o same_o nature_n with_o the_o treasure_n that_o be_v in_o it_o if_o the_o thought_n that_o natural_o arise_v and_o spring_v up_o in_o we_o be_v for_o the_o most_o part_n vain_a foolish_a sensual_a earthly_a selfish_a such_o be_v the_o treasure_n that_o be_v in_o our_o heart_n and_o such_o be_v we_o but_o where_o the_o thought_n that_o thus_o natural_o proceed_v from_o the_o treasure_n that_o be_v in_o the_o heart_n be_v spiritual_a and_o holy_a it_o be_v a_o argument_n that_o we_o be_v spiritual_o mind_v where_o it_o be_v not_o thus_o with_o our_o thought_n they_o give_v no_o such_o evidence_n as_o that_o inquire_v after_o man_n may_v have_v thought_n of_o spiritual_a thing_n and_o that_o many_o of_o they_o and_o that_o frequent_o which_o do_v not_o arise_v from_o this_o principle_n but_o may_v be_v resolve_v into_o two_o other_o cause_n 1._o inward_a force_n 2._o outward_a occasion_n 1._o inward_a force_n as_o it_o may_v be_v call_v this_o be_v by_o conviction_n conviction_n put_v a_o kind_n of_o a_o force_n upon_o the_o mind_n or_o a_o impression_n that_o cause_v it_o to_o act_v contrary_a unto_o its_o own_o habitual_a disposition_n and_o inclination_n it_o be_v in_o the_o nature_n of_o water_n to_o descend_v but_o apply_v a_o instrument_n unto_o it_o that_o shall_v make_v a_o compression_n of_o it_o and_o force_v it_o unto_o a_o vent_n it_o will_v fly_v upward_o vehement_o as_o if_o that_o be_v its_o natural_a motion_n but_o so_o soon_o as_o the_o force_n of_o the_o impression_n cease_v it_o return_v immediate_o unto_o its_o own_o proper_a tendency_n descend_v towards_o its_o centre_n so_o be_v it_o with_o man_n thought_n ofttimes_o they_o be_v earthly_a their_o natural_a course_n and_o motion_n be_v downward_o unto_o the_o earth_n and_o the_o thing_n thereof_o but_o when_o any_o efficacious_a conviction_n press_v on_o the_o mind_n it_o force_v the_o egress_n of_o its_o thought_n upward_o towards_o heavenly_a thing_n it_o will_v think_v much_o and_o frequent_o of_o they_o as_o if_o that_o be_v their_o proper_a motion_n and_o course_n but_o so_o soon_o as_o the_o power_n of_o the_o conviction_n decay_v or_o wear_v off_o that_o the_o mind_n be_v no_o more_o sensible_a of_o its_o force_n and_o impression_n the_o thought_n of_o it_o return_v again_o unto_o their_o old_a course_n and_o track_n as_o the_o water_n tend_v downward_o this_o state_n and_o frame_n be_v graphical_o describe_v psal._n 78.35_o 36_o 37._o when_o he_o slay_v they_o than_o they_o seek_v he_o and_o they_o return_v and_o inquire_v early_o after_o god_n and_o they_o remember_v that_o god_n be_v their_o rock_n and_o the_o high_a god_n their_o redeemer_n nevertheless_o they_o do_v but_o flatter_v he_o with_o their_o mouth_n and_o they_o lie_v unto_o he_o with_o their_o tongue_n for_o their_o heart_n be_v not_o right_a with_o he_o neither_o be_v they_o steadfast_a in_o his_o covenant_n man_n in_o trouble_n danger_n sickness_n fear_n of_o death_n or_o under_o effectual_a conviction_n of_o sin_n from_o the_o preach_n of_o the_o word_n will_v endeavour_v to_o think_v and_o meditate_v on_o spiritual_a thing_n yea_o they_o will_v be_v great_o trouble_v that_o they_o can_v think_v of_o they_o more_o than_o they_o do_v and_o esteem_v it_o their_o folly_n that_o they_o think_v of_o any_o thing_n else_o but_o as_o freedom_n and_o deliverance_n do_v approach_n so_o these_o thought_n decay_v and_o disappear_v the_o mind_n will_v not_o be_v compel_v to_o give_v place_n unto_o they_o any_o more_o the_o prophet_n give_v the_o reason_n of_o it_o jer._n 13.23_o can_v the_o aethiopian_a change_n his_o skin_n or_o the_o leopard_n his_o spot_n then_o may_v you_o also_o do_v good_a that_o be_v accustom_v unto_o evil_n they_o have_v have_v another_o haunt_n be_v teach_v another_o course_n the_o habit_n and_o inclination_n of_o the_o mind_n lie_v another_o way_n and_o they_o will_v no_o long_o tend_v towards_o spiritual_a thing_n than_o a_o impression_n be_v on_o they_o from_o their_o conviction_n and_o it_o be_v a_o argument_n of_o very_a mean_a attainment_n of_o a_o low_a and_o weak_a degree_n in_o this_o frame_n of_o heart_n or_o in_o our_o be_v spiritual_o mind_v when_o our_o thought_n of_o spiritual_a thing_n do_v rise_v or_o fall_v according_a unto_o renew_a occasional_a conviction_n if_o when_o we_o be_v under_o rebuke_n from_o god_n in_o our_o person_n or_o relation_n
contract_v the_o gild_n of_o there_o be_v more_o way_n of_o spiritual_a and_o eternal_a death_n than_o one_o as_o well_o as_o of_o natural_a all_o that_o dye_n have_v not_o the_o plague_n and_o all_o that_o perish_v eternal_o be_v not_o guilty_a of_o the_o same_o profligate_v sin_n the_o covetous_a be_v exclude_v from_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n no_o less_o severe_o than_o fornicator_n idolater_n adulterer_n and_o thief_n 1_o cor._n 6.9_o 10._o but_o there_o be_v a_o degree_n in_o be_v earthly_a mind_v which_o they_o suppose_v their_o interest_n advantage_n relation_n and_o occasion_n of_o life_n do_v call_v for_o which_o they_o will_v be_v a_o little_a indulge_v in_o they_o may_v abide_v in_o such_o a_o frame_n without_o a_o disparagement_n of_o their_o profession_n and_o the_o truth_n be_v they_o have_v too_o many_o companion_n to_o fear_v a_o especial_a reflection_n on_o themselves_o the_o multitude_n of_o the_o guilty_a take_v away_o the_o sense_n and_o shame_n of_o the_o gild_n but_o beside_o they_o hope_v well_o that_o it_o be_v not_o inconsistent_a absolute_o with_o be_v spiritual_o mind_v only_o they_o can_v well_o deny_v but_o that_o it_o be_v contrary_a unto_o such_o degree_n in_o that_o grace_n such_o thrive_a in_o that_o duty_n as_o be_v recommend_v unto_o they_o they_o think_v well_o of_o other_o who_o be_v spiritual_o mind_v in_o a_o eminent_a degree_n at_o least_o they_o do_v so_o as_o unto_o the_o thing_n itself_o in_o general_a for_o when_o they_o come_v unto_o particular_a instance_n of_o this_o or_o that_o man_n for_o the_o most_o part_n they_o esteem_v what_o be_v beyond_o their_o own_o measure_n to_o be_v little_o better_a than_o pretence_n but_o in_o general_a to_o be_v spiritual_o mind_v in_o a_o eminent_a degree_n they_o can_v but_o esteem_v it_o a_o thing_n excellent_a and_o desirable_a but_o it_o be_v for_o they_o who_o be_v more_o at_o leisure_n than_o they_o be_v their_o circumstance_n and_o occasion_n require_v they_o to_o satisfy_v themselves_o with_o a_o inferior_a measure_n to_o obviate_v such_o pretence_n i_o shall_v insist_v on_o nothing_o in_o the_o declaration_n of_o this_o duty_n and_o the_o necessity_n of_o it_o but_o what_o be_v incumbent_n on_o all_o that_o believe_v and_o without_o which_o they_o have_v no_o ground_n to_o assure_v their_o conscience_n before_o god_n and_o at_o present_a in_o general_n i_o shall_v say_v whoever_o he_o be_v who_o do_v not_o sincere_o aim_v at_o the_o high_a degree_n of_o be_v spiritual_o mind_v which_o the_o mean_v he_o enjoy_v will_v lead_v he_o unto_o and_o which_o the_o light_n he_o have_v receive_v do_v call_v for_o who_o judge_v it_o necessary_a unto_o his_o present_a advantage_n occasion_n and_o circumstance_n to_o rest_v in_o such_o measure_n or_o degree_n of_o it_o as_o he_o can_v but_o know_v that_o they_o come_v short_a of_o what_o he_o ought_v to_o aim_v at_o and_o so_o do_v not_o endeavour_v after_o compleatness_n in_o the_o will_n of_o god_n herein_o can_v have_v no_o satisfaction_n in_o his_o own_o mind_n have_v no_o unfailing_a ground_n whereon_o to_o believe_v that_o he_o have_v any_o thing_n at_o all_o of_o the_o reality_n of_o this_o grace_n in_o he_o such_o a_o person_n possible_o may_v have_v life_n which_o accompany_v the_o essence_n of_o this_o grace_n but_o he_o can_v have_v peace_n which_o follow_v on_o its_o degree_n in_o a_o due_a improvement_n and_o it_o be_v to_o be_v fear_v that_o far_o the_o great_a number_n of_o they_o who_o satisfy_v themselves_o in_o this_o apprehension_n willing_o neglect_v a_o endeavour_n after_o the_o further_a degree_n of_o this_o grace_n and_o growth_n in_o this_o duty_n which_o their_o light_n or_o conviction_n and_o the_o mean_n they_o enjoy_v do_v suggest_v unto_o they_o be_v indeed_o carnal_o mind_v and_o every_o way_n obnoxious_a unto_o death_n chap._n ii_o a_o particular_a account_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o this_o grace_n and_o duty_n of_o be_v spiritual_o mind_v how_o it_o be_v state_v in_o and_o evidence_v by_o our_o thought_n have_v state_v the_o general_a concernment_n of_o that_o frame_n of_o mind_n which_o be_v here_o recommend_v unto_o we_o we_o may_v proceed_v to_o inquire_v more_o particular_o into_o the_o nature_n of_o it_o according_a unto_o the_o description_n before_o give_v in_o distinct_a proposition_n and_o we_o shall_v carry_v on_o both_o these_o intention_n together_o first_o to_o show_v what_o it_o be_v and_o wherein_o it_o do_v consist_v and_o then_o how_o it_o do_v evidence_n itself_o so_o as_o that_o we_o may_v frame_v a_o right_a judgement_n whether_o it_o be_v in_o we_o or_o no._n and_o we_o shall_v have_v no_o regard_n unto_o they_o who_o either_o neglect_n or_o despise_v these_o thing_n on_o any_o pretence_n whatever_o for_o this_o be_v the_o word_n according_a unto_o which_o we_o shall_v all_o short_o be_v judge_v to_o be_v carnal_o mind_v be_v death_n but_o to_o be_v spiritual_o mind_v be_v life_n and_o peace_n thought_n and_o meditation_n as_o proceed_v from_o spiritual_a affection_n be_v the_o first_o thing_n wherein_o this_o spiritual_a mindedness_n do_v consist_v and_o whereby_o it_o do_v evidence_n itself_o our_o thought_n be_v like_o the_o blossom_n on_o a_o tree_n in_o the_o spring_n you_o may_v see_v a_o tree_n in_o the_o spring_n all_o cover_v with_o blossom_n that_o nothing_o else_o of_o it_o appear_v multitude_n of_o they_o fall_v off_o and_o come_v to_o nothing_o ofttime_n where_o there_o be_v most_o blossom_n there_o be_v least_o fruit_n but_o yet_o there_o be_v no_o fruit_n be_v it_o of_o what_o sort_n it_o will_v good_a or_o bad_a but_o it_o come_v in_o and_o from_o some_o of_o those_o blossom_n the_o mind_n of_o man_n be_v cover_v with_o thought_n as_o a_o tree_n with_o blossom_n most_o of_o they_o fall_v off_o vanish_z and_o come_v to_o nothing_o end_n in_o vanity_n and_o sometime_o where_o the_o mind_n do_v most_o abound_v with_o they_o there_o be_v the_o least_o fruit_n the_o sap_n of_o the_o mind_n be_v waste_v and_o consume_v in_o they_o howbeit_o there_o be_v no_o fruit_n which_o actual_o we_o bring_v forth_o be_v it_o good_a or_o bad_a but_o it_o proceed_v from_o some_o of_o these_o thought_n wherefore_o ordinary_o these_o give_v the_o best_a and_o sure_a measure_n of_o the_o frame_n of_o man_n mind_n as_o a_o man_n think_v in_o his_o heart_n so_o be_v he_o pro._n 23.7_o in_o case_n of_o strong_a or_o violent_a temptation_n the_o real_a frame_n of_o a_o man_n heart_n be_v not_o to_o be_v judge_v by_o the_o multiplicity_n of_o thought_n about_o any_o object_n for_o whether_o they_o be_v from_o satan_n suggestion_n or_o from_o inward_a darkness_n trouble_n and_o horror_n they_o will_v impose_v such_o a_o continual_a sense_n of_o themselves_o on_o the_o mind_n as_o shall_v engage_v all_o its_o thought_n about_o they_o as_o when_o a_o man_n be_v in_o a_o storm_n at_o sea_n the_o current_n of_o his_o thought_n run_v quite_o another_o way_n than_o when_o he_o be_v in_o safety_n about_o his_o occasion_n but_o ordinary_o voluntary_a thought_n be_v the_o best_a measure_n and_o indication_n of_o the_o frame_n of_o our_o mind_n as_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o soil_n be_v judge_v by_o the_o grass_n which_o it_o bring_v forth_o so_o may_v the_o disposition_n of_o the_o heart_n by_o the_o predominancy_n of_o voluntary_a thought_n they_o be_v the_o original_n act_n of_o the_o soul_n the_o way_n whereby_o the_o heart_n put_v forth_o and_o empty_v the_o treasure_n that_o be_v in_o it_o the_o water_n that_o first_o rise_v and_o flow_v from_o the_o fountain_n every_o man_n heart_n be_v his_o treasury_n and_o the_o treasure_n that_o be_v in_o it_o be_v either_o good_a or_o evil_a as_o our_o saviour_n tell_v we_o there_o be_v a_o good_a and_o bad_a treasure_n of_o the_o heart_n but_o whatever_o a_o man_n have_v be_v it_o good_a or_o evil_n there_o it_o be_v this_o treasure_n be_v open_v empty_v and_o spend_v itself_o continual_o though_o it_o can_v never_o be_v exhaust_v for_o it_o have_v a_o fountain_n in_o nature_n or_o grace_n which_o no_o expense_n can_v diminish_v yea_o it_o increase_v and_o get_v strength_n by_o it_o the_o more_o you_o spend_v of_o the_o treasure_n of_o your_o heart_n in_o any_o kind_n the_o more_o will_v you_o abound_v in_o treasure_n of_o the_o same_o kind_n whether_o it_o be_v good_a or_o evil_a it_o grow_v by_o expense_n and_o exercise_n and_o the_o principal_a way_n whereby_o it_o put_v forth_o itself_o be_v by_o the_o thought_n of_o the_o mind_n if_o the_o heart_n be_v evil_a they_o be_v for_o the_o most_o part_n vain_a filthy_a corrupt_a wicked_a foolish_a if_o it_o be_v under_o the_o power_n of_o a_o principle_n of_o grace_n and_o so_o have_v a_o good_a treasure_n in_o it_o it_o put_v forth_o itself_o by_o thought_n suitable_a unto_o its_o
nature_n and_o compliant_a with_o its_o inclination_n wherefore_o these_o thought_n give_v the_o best_a measure_n of_o the_o frame_n of_o our_o mind_n and_o heart_n i_o mean_v such_o as_o be_v voluntary_a such_o as_o the_o mind_n of_o its_o own_o accord_n be_v apt_a for_o incline_v and_o ordinary_o betake_v itself_o unto_o man_n may_v have_v a_o multitude_n of_o thought_n about_o the_o affair_n of_o their_o calling_n and_o the_o occasion_n of_o life_n which_o yet_o may_v give_v no_o due_a measure_n of_o the_o inward_a frame_n of_o their_o heart_n so_o man_n who_o calling_n and_o work_v it_o be_v to_o study_v the_o scripture_n or_o the_o thing_n reveal_v therein_o and_o to_o preach_v they_o unto_o other_o can_v but_o have_v many_o thought_n about_o spiritual_a thing_n and_o yet_o may_v be_v and_o oftentimes_o be_v most_o remote_a from_o be_v spiritual_o mind_v they_o may_v be_v force_v by_o their_o work_n and_o call_v to_o think_v of_o they_o early_o and_o late_o evening_n and_o morning_n and_o yet_o their_o mind_n be_v no_o way_n render_v or_o prove_v spiritual_a thereby_o it_o be_v well_o if_o all_o of_o we_o who_o be_v preacher_n will_v diligent_o examine_v ourselves_o herein_o so_o be_v it_o with_o they_o who_o oblige_v themselves_o to_o read_v the_o scripture_n it_o may_v be_v so_o many_o chapter_n every_o day_n notwithstanding_o the_o diligent_a performance_n of_o their_o task_n they_o may_v be_v most_o remote_a from_o be_v spiritual_o mind_v see_v ezek._n 33.31_o but_o there_o be_v a_o certain_a track_n and_o course_n of_o thought_n that_o man_n ordinary_o betake_v themselves_o unto_o when_o not_o affect_v with_o present_a occasion_n if_o these_o be_v vain_a foolish_a proud_a ambitious_a sensual_a or_o filthy_a such_o be_v the_o mind_n and_o its_o frame_n if_o they_o be_v holy_a spiritual_a and_o heavenly_a such_o may_v the_o frame_n of_o the_o mind_n be_v judge_v to_o be_v but_o these_o thing_n must_v be_v more_o full_o explain_v it_o be_v the_o great_a character_n and_o description_n of_o the_o frame_n of_o man_n mind_n in_o a_o unregenerate_a condition_n or_o before_o the_o renovation_n of_o their_o nature_n that_o every_o imagination_n of_o the_o thought_n of_o their_o heart_n be_v only_o evil_a continual_o gen._n 6.5_o they_o be_v continual_o coin_v figment_n and_o imagination_n in_o their_o heart_n stamp_v they_o into_o thought_n that_o be_v vain_a foolish_a and_o wicked_a all_o other_o thought_n in_o they_o be_v occasional_a these_o be_v the_o natural_a genuine_a product_n of_o their_o heart_n hence_o the_o clear_a and_o sometime_o first_o discovery_n of_o the_o bottomless_a evil_a treasure_n of_o filth_n folly_n and_o wickedness_n that_o be_v in_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n by_o nature_n be_v from_o the_o innumerable_a multitude_n of_o evil_a imagination_n which_o be_v there_o coin_a and_o thrust_v forth_o every_o day_n so_o the_o wicked_a be_v say_v to_o be_v like_o the_o trouble_a sea_n when_o it_o can_v rest_v who_o water_n cast_v up_o mire_n and_o dirt_n isa._n 57.20_o there_o be_v a_o fullness_n of_o evil_n in_o their_o heart_n like_o that_o of_o water_n in_o the_o sea_n this_o fullness_n be_v trouble_v or_o put_v into_o continual_a motion_n by_o their_o lust_n and_o impetuous_a desire_n hence_o the_o mire_n and_o dirt_n of_o evil_a thought_n be_v continual_o cast_v up_o in_o they_o it_o be_v therefore_o evident_a that_o the_o predominancy_n of_o voluntary_a thought_n be_v the_o best_a and_o most_o sure_a indication_n of_o the_o inward_a frame_n and_o state_n of_o the_o mind_n for_o if_o it_o be_v so_o on_o the_o one_o side_n as_o unto_o the_o carnal_a mind_n it_o be_v so_o on_o the_o other_o as_o unto_o the_o spiritual_a wherefore_o to_o be_v spiritual_o mind_v in_o the_o first_o place_n be_v to_o have_v the_o course_n and_o stream_n of_o those_o thought_n which_o we_o ordinary_o retreat_v unto_o which_o we_o approve_v of_o as_o suit_v unto_o our_o affection_n to_o be_v about_o spiritual_a thing_n therein_o consist_v the_o mind_v of_o the_o spirit_n but_o because_o all_o man_n unless_o horrible_o profligate_v have_v thought_n about_o spiritual_a thing_n yet_o we_o know_v that_o all_o man_n be_v not_o spiritual_o mind_v we_o must_v consider_v what_o be_v require_v unto_o such_o thought_n to_o render_v they_o a_o certain_a indication_n of_o the_o state_n of_o our_o mind_n and_o there_o be_v these_o three_o thing_n require_v hereunto_o 1._o that_o they_o be_v natural_a arise_v from_o ourselves_o and_o not_o from_o outward_a occasion_n the_o psalmist_n mention_n the_o inward_a thought_n of_o man_n psal._n 49.11_o &_o 64.6_o but_o whereas_o all_o thought_n be_v the_o inward_a act_n of_o the_o mind_n it_o shall_v seem_v that_o this_o expression_n make_v no_o distinction_n of_o the_o especial_a kind_n of_o thought_n intend_v from_o those_o of_o another_o sort_n but_o the_o difference_n be_v not_o in_o the_o formal_a nature_n of_o they_o but_o in_o the_o cause_n spring_n and_o occasion_n inward_a thought_n be_v such_o as_o arise_v mere_o and_o sole_o from_o man_n inward_a principle_n disposition_n and_o inclination_n that_o be_v not_o suggest_v or_o excite_v by_o any_o outward_a object_n such_o in_o wicked_a man_n be_v those_o act_n of_o their_o lust_n whereby_o they_o entice_v and_o seduce_v themselves_o jam._n 1.14_o their_o lust_n stir_v up_o thought_n lead_v and_o encourage_v they_o to_o make_v provision_n for_o the_o flesh_n these_o be_v their_o inward_a thought_n of_o the_o same_o nature_n be_v those_o thought_n which_o be_v the_o mind_v of_o the_o spirit_n they_o be_v the_o first_o natural_a egress_n and_o genuine_a act_n of_o the_o habitual_a disposition_n of_o the_o mind_n and_o soul_n thus_o in_o covetous_a man_n there_o be_v two_o sort_n of_o thought_n whereby_o their_o covetousness_n act_v itself_o first_o such_o as_o be_v occasion_v by_o outward_a object_n and_o opportunity_n so_o it_o be_v with_o achan_n josh._n 7.21_o when_o say_v he_o i_o see_v among_o the_o spoil_n a_o goodly_a babylonish_n garment_n and_o two_o hundred_o shekel_n of_o silver_n and_o a_o wedge_n of_o gold_n than_o i_o covet_v they_o his_o sight_n of_o they_o with_o a_o opportunity_n of_o possess_v himself_o of_o they_o excite_v covetous_a thought_n and_o desire_n in_o he_o so_o be_v it_o with_o other_o every_o day_n who_o occasion_n call_v they_o to_o converse_v with_o the_o object_n of_o their_o lusts._n and_o some_o by_o such_o object_n may_v be_v surprise_v into_o thought_n that_o their_o mind_n be_v not_o habitual_o incline_v unto_o and_o therefore_o when_o they_o be_v know_v it_o be_v our_o duty_n to_o avoid_v they_o but_o the_o same_o sort_n of_o person_n have_v thought_n of_o this_o nature_n arise_v from_o themselves_o only_o their_o own_o disposition_n and_o inclination_n without_o any_o outward_a provocation_n the_o vile_a person_n will_v speak_v villainy_n and_o his_o heart_n will_v work_v iniquity_n isa._n 32.6_o and_o this_o he_o do_v as_o the_o liberal_a devise_v liberal_a thing_n v_o 8._o from_o his_o own_o disposition_n and_o inclination_n he_o be_v contrive_v in_o his_o thought_n how_o to_o act_v according_a to_o they_o so_o the_o unclean_a person_n have_v two_o sort_n of_o thought_n with_o respect_n unto_o the_o satisfaction_n of_o his_o lusts._n first_o such_o as_o be_v occasion_v in_o his_o mind_n by_o the_o external_a object_n of_o it_o hereunto_o stageplay_n revel_v dance_n with_o the_o society_n of_o bold_a person_n person_n of_o corrupt_a communication_n do_v contribute_v their_o wicked_a service_n for_o the_o avoidance_n of_o this_o snare_n job_n make_v a_o covenant_n with_o his_o eye_n chap._n 31.1_o and_o our_o saviour_n give_v that_o holy_a declaration_n of_o the_o evil_a of_o it_o mat._n 5.28_o but_o he_o have_v a_o habitual_a spring_n of_o these_o thought_n in_o himself_o constant_o incline_v and_o dispose_v he_o thereunto_o hence_o the_o apostle_n peter_n tell_v we_o that_o such_o person_n have_v eye_n full_a of_o a_o adulteress_n that_o can_v cease_v from_o sin_n 2_o ep._n 2.14_o their_o own_o affection_n make_v they_o restless_a in_o their_o thought_n and_o contrivance_n about_o sin_n so_o be_v it_o with_o they_o who_o be_v give_v to_o excess_n in_o wine_n or_o strong_a drink_n they_o have_v please_a thought_n raise_v in_o they_o from_o the_o object_n of_o their_o lust_n represent_v unto_o they_o hence_o solomon_n give_v that_o advice_n against_o the_o occasion_n of_o they_o prov._n 23.31_o but_o it_o be_v their_o own_o habitual_a disposition_n which_o carry_v they_o unto_o please_a thought_n of_o the_o satisfaction_n of_o their_o lust_n which_o he_o describe_v v_o 34_o 35._o so_o be_v it_o in_o other_o case_n the_o thought_n of_o this_o latter_a sort_n be_v man_n inward_a thought_n and_o such_o must_v these_o be_v of_o spiritual_a thing_n whence_o we_o may_v be_v esteem_v spiritual_o mind_v psal._n 45.1_o say_v the_o
so_o pass_v on_o even_o the_o countenance_n of_o some_o man_n will_v change_v hereon_o and_o they_o betake_v themselves_o unto_o a_o unsatisfy_a silence_n until_o they_o can_v divert_v unto_o other_o thing_n some_o will_v make_v such_o reply_n of_o empty_a word_n as_o shall_v evidence_n their_o heart_n to_o be_v far_o enough_o estrange_v from_o the_o thing_n propose_v unto_o they_o but_o with_o other_o such_o occasional_a discourse_n will_v make_v such_o impression_n on_o their_o mind_n as_o to_o stir_v up_o present_a thought_n of_o spiritual_a thing_n but_o though_o frequent_a occasion_n hereof_o may_v be_v renew_v yet_o will_v such_o thought_n give_v no_o evidence_n that_o any_o man_n be_v spiritual_o mind_v for_o they_o be_v not_o genuine_a from_o a_o internal_a spring_n of_o grace_n from_o these_o cause_n it_o be_v that_o the_o thought_n of_o spiritual_a thing_n be_v with_o many_o as_o guest_n that_o come_v into_o a_o inn_n and_o not_o like_o child_n that_o dwell_v in_o the_o house_n they_o enter_v occasional_o and_o then_o there_o be_v a_o great_a stir_n about_o they_o to_o provide_v meet_a entertainment_n for_o they_o within_o a_o while_n they_o be_v dispose_v of_o and_o so_o depart_v unto_o their_o own_o occasion_n be_v neither_o look_v nor_o inquire_v after_o any_o more_o thing_n of_o another_o nature_n be_v attend_v unto_o new_a occasion_n bring_v in_o new_a guest_n for_o a_o season_n child_n be_v own_v in_o the_o house_n be_v miss_v if_o they_o be_v out_o of_o the_o way_n and_o have_v their_o daily_a provision_n constant_o make_v for_o they_o so_o be_v it_o with_o these_o occasional_a thought_n about_o spiritual_a thing_n by_o one_o mean_n or_o other_o they_o enter_v into_o the_o mind_n and_o there_o be_v entertain_v for_o a_o season_n on_o a_o sudden_a they_o depart_v and_o man_n hear_v of_o they_o no_o more_o but_o those_o that_o be_v natural_a and_o genuine_a arise_v from_o a_o live_a spring_n of_o grace_n in_o the_o heart_n dispose_v the_o mind_n unto_o they_o be_v as_o the_o child_n of_o the_o house_n they_o be_v expect_v in_o their_o place_n and_o at_o their_o season_n if_o they_o be_v miss_v they_o be_v inquire_v after_o the_o heart_n call_v itself_o unto_o a_o account_n whence_o it_o be_v that_o it_o have_v be_v so_o long_o without_o they_o and_o call_v they_o over_o into_o its_o wont_a converse_n with_o they_o chap._n iu._n other_o evidence_n of_o thought_n about_o spiritual_a thing_n arise_v from_o a_o internal_a principle_n of_o grace_n whereby_o they_o be_v a_o evidence_n of_o our_o be_v spiritual_o mind_a the_o abound_v of_o these_o thought_n how_o far_o and_o wherein_o such_o a_o evidence_n ii_o the_o second_o evidence_n that_o our_o thought_n of_o spiritual_a thing_n do_v proceed_v from_o a_o internal_a fountain_n of_o sanctify_a light_n and_o affection_n or_o that_o they_o be_v act_n or_o fruit_n of_o our_o be_v spiritual_o mind_v be_v that_o they_o abound_v in_o we_o that_o our_o mind_n be_v fill_v with_o they_o we_o may_v say_v of_o they_o as_o the_o apostle_n do_v of_o other_o grace_n if_o these_o thing_n be_v in_o you_o and_o abound_v you_o shall_v not_o be_v barren_a it_o be_v well_o indeed_o when_o our_o mind_n be_v like_o the_o land_n of_o egypt_n in_o the_o year_n of_o plenty_n when_o it_o bring_v forth_o by_o handful_n when_o they_o flow_v from_o the_o well_o of_o live_v water_n in_o we_o with_o a_o full_a stream_n and_o current_n but_o there_o be_v a_o measure_n of_o abound_v which_o be_v necessary_a to_o evidence_n our_o be_v spiritual_o mind_v in_o they_o there_o be_v a_o double_a effect_v ascribe_v here_o unto_o this_o frame_n of_o spirit_n first_o life_n and_o then_o peace_n the_o nature_n and_o be_v of_o this_o grace_n depend_v on_o the_o former_a consideration_n of_o it_o namely_o its_o procedure_n from_o a_o internal_a principle_n of_o grace_n the_o effect_n and_o consequence_n whereof_o be_v life_n but_o that_o it_o be_v peace_n also_o depend_v on_o this_o degree_n and_o measure_n of_o the_o act_n of_o this_o part_n of_o it_o in_o our_o spiritual_a thought_n and_o this_o we_o must_v consider_v it_o be_v the_o character_n of_o all_o man_n in_o the_o state_n of_o deprave_a nature_n and_o apostasy_n from_o god_n that_o every_o imagination_n of_o the_o thought_n of_o their_o heart_n be_v only_o evil_a continual_o gen._n 6.5_o all_o person_n in_o that_o condition_n be_v not_o swearer_n blasphemer_n drunkard_n adulterer_n idolater_n or_o the_o like_a these_o be_v the_o vice_n of_o particular_a person_n the_o effect_n of_o particular_a constitution_n and_o temptation_n but_o thus_o it_o be_v with_o they_o all_z and_o every_o one_o of_o they_o all_o the_o imagination_n of_o the_o thought_n of_o their_o heart_n be_v evil_a and_o that_o continual_o some_z as_o unto_o the_o matter_n of_o they_o some_z as_o unto_o their_o end_n all_o as_o unto_o their_o principle_n for_o out_o of_o the_o evil_a treasure_n of_o the_o heart_n can_v proceed_v nothing_o but_o what_o be_v evil_a that_o infinite_a multitude_n of_o open_a sin_n which_o be_v in_o the_o world_n do_v give_v a_o clear_a prospect_n or_o representation_n of_o the_o nature_n and_o effect_n of_o our_o apostasy_n from_o god_n but_o he_o that_o can_v consider_v the_o numberless_a number_n of_o thought_n which_o pass_v through_o the_o mind_n of_o every_o individual_a person_n every_o day_n all_o evil_a and_o that_o continual_o he_o will_v have_v a_o far_a comprehension_n of_o it_o we_o can_v therefore_o have_v no_o great_a evidence_n of_o a_o change_n in_o we_o from_o this_o state_n and_o condition_n than_o a_o change_n wrought_v in_o the_o course_n of_o our_o thought_n a_o relinquishment_n of_o this_o or_o that_o particular_a sin_n be_v not_o a_o evidence_n of_o a_o translation_n from_o this_o state_n for_o as_o be_v say_v such_o particular_a sin_n proceed_v from_o particular_a lust_n and_o temptation_n and_o be_v not_o the_o immediate_a universal_a consequence_n of_o that_o depravation_n of_o nature_n which_o be_v equal_a in_o all_o such_o alone_o be_v the_o vanity_n and_o wickedness_n of_o the_o thought_n and_o imagination_n of_o the_o heart_n a_o change_n herein_o be_v a_o bless_a evidence_n of_o a_o change_n of_o state_n he_o who_o be_v cure_v of_o a_o dropsy_n be_v not_o immediate_o healthy_a because_o he_o may_v have_v the_o prevail_a seed_n and_o matter_n of_o other_o disease_n in_o he_o and_o the_o next_o day_n die_v of_o a_o lethargy_n but_o he_o who_o from_o a_o state_n of_o sickness_n be_v restore_v in_o the_o temperature_n of_o the_o mass_n of_o blood_n and_o the_o animal_n spirit_n and_o all_o the_o principle_n of_o life_n and_o health_n unto_o a_o good_a crasis_n and_o temperature_n his_o state_n of_o body_n be_v change_v the_o cure_n of_o a_o particular_a sin_n may_v leave_v behind_o it_o the_o seed_n of_o eternal_a death_n which_o they_o may_v quick_o effect_v but_o he_o who_o have_v obtain_v a_o change_n in_o this_o character_n which_o belong_v essential_o unto_o the_o state_n of_o deprave_a nature_n be_v spiritual_o recover_v and_o the_o more_o the_o stream_n of_o our_o thought_n be_v turn_v the_o more_o our_o mind_n be_v fill_v with_o those_o of_o a_o contrary_a nature_n the_o great_a and_o more_o firm_a be_v our_o evidence_n of_o a_o translation_n out_o of_o that_o deprave_a state_n and_o condition_n there_o be_v nothing_o so_o unaccountable_a as_o the_o multiplicity_n of_o thought_n of_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n they_o fall_v from_o they_o like_o the_o leave_v of_o tree_n when_o they_o be_v shake_v with_o the_o wind_n in_o autumn_n to_o have_v all_o these_o thought_n all_o the_o several_a figment_n of_o the_o heart_n all_o the_o conception_n that_o be_v frame_v and_o agitate_a in_o the_o mind_n to_o be_v evil_a and_o that_o continual_o what_o a_o hell_n of_o horror_n and_o confusion_n must_v it_o need_v be_v a_o deliverance_n from_o this_o loathsome_a hateful_a state_n be_v more_o to_o be_v value_v than_o the_o whole_a world_n without_o it_o neither_o life_n nor_o peace_n nor_o immortality_n or_o glory_n can_v ever_o be_v attain_v the_o design_n of_o conviction_n be_v to_o put_v a_o stop_n unto_o these_o thought_n to_o take_v off_o from_o their_o number_n and_o thereby_o to_o lessen_v their_o gild_n it_o deserve_v not_o the_o name_n of_o conviction_n of_o sin_n which_o respect_v only_o outward_a action_n and_o regard_v not_o the_o inward_a act_n of_o the_o mind_n and_o this_o alone_a will_n for_o a_o season_n make_v a_o great_a change_n in_o the_o thought_n especial_o it_o will_v do_v so_o when_o assist_v by_o superstition_n direct_v they_o unto_o other_o object_n these_o two_o in_o conjunction_n be_v the_o rise_n of_o all_o that_o devotional_a religion_n which_o be_v in_o the_o papacy_n conviction_n labour_v to_o put_v some_o stop_n and_o bound_n unto_o thought_n
absolute_o evil_a and_o corrupt_a and_o superstition_n suggest_v other_o object_n for_o they_o which_o they_o ready_o embrace_v but_o it_o be_v a_o vain_a attempt_n the_o mind_n and_o heart_n of_o man_n be_v continual_o minting_n and_o coin_v new_a thought_n and_o imagination_n the_o cogitative_a faculty_n be_v always_o at_o work_n as_o the_o stream_n of_o a_o mighty_a river_n run_v into_o the_o ocean_n so_o be_v the_o thought_n of_o a_o natural_a man_n and_o through_o self_n they_o run_v into_o hell_n it_o be_v a_o fond_a thing_n to_o set_v a_o dam_n before_o such_o a_o river_n to_o curb_v its_o stream_n for_o a_o little_a space_n there_o may_v be_v a_o stop_v make_v but_o it_o will_v quick_o break_v down_o all_o obstacle_n or_o overflow_v all_o its_o bound_n there_o be_v no_o way_n to_o divert_v its_o course_n but_o only_o by_o provide_v other_o channel_n for_o its_o water_n and_o turn_v they_o thereinto_o the_o mighty_a stream_n of_o the_o evil_a thought_n of_o man_n will_v admit_v of_o no_o bound_n or_o dam_n to_o put_v a_o stop_n unto_o they_o there_o be_v but_o two_o way_n of_o relief_n from_o they_o the_o one_o respect_v their_o moral_a evil_n the_o other_o their_o natural_a abundance_n the_o first_o by_o throw_v salt_n into_o the_o spring_n as_o elisha_n cure_v the_o water_n of_o jericho_n that_o be_v to_o get_v the_o heart_n and_o mind_n season_v with_o grace_n for_o the_o tree_n must_v be_v make_v good_a before_o the_o fruit_n will_v be_v so_o the_o other_o be_v to_o turn_v their_o stream_n into_o new_a channel_n put_v new_a aim_n and_o end_v upon_o they_o fix_v they_o on_o new_a object_n so_o shall_v we_o abound_v in_o spiritual_a thought_n for_o abound_v in_o thought_n we_o shall_v whether_o we_o will_v or_o no._n to_o this_o purpose_n be_v the_o advice_n of_o the_o apostle_n ephes._n 5._o 18_o 19_o and_o be_v not_o drink_v with_o wine_n wherein_o be_v excess_n but_o he_o fill_v with_o the_o spirit_n speak_v to_o yourselves_o in_o psalm_n and_o hymn_n and_o spiritual_a song_n when_o man_n be_v drink_v with_o wine_n unto_o a_o excess_n they_o make_v it_o quick_o evident_a what_o vain_a foolish_a ridiculous_a imagination_n it_o fill_v their_o mind_n withal_o in_o opposition_n hereunto_o the_o apostle_n advise_v believer_n to_o be_v fill_v with_o the_o spirit_n to_o labour_v for_o such_o a_o participation_n of_o he_o as_o may_v fill_v their_o mind_n and_o heart_n as_o other_o fill_v themselves_o with_o wine_n to_o what_o end_n unto_o what_o purpose_n shall_v they_o desire_v such_o a_o participation_n of_o he_o to_o be_v so_o fill_v with_o he_o it_o be_v unto_o this_o end_n namely_o that_o he_o by_o his_o grace_n may_v fill_v they_o with_o holy_a spiritual_a thought_n as_o on_o the_o contrary_a man_n drink_v unto_o a_o excess_n as_o fill_v with_o those_o that_o be_v foolish_a vain_a and_o wicked_a so_o the_o word_n of_o ver_fw-la 19_o do_v declare_v for_o he_o advise_v we_o to_o express_v our_o abound_a thought_n in_o such_o duty_n as_o will_v give_v a_o especial_a vent_n unto_o they_o wherefore_o when_o we_o be_v spiritual_o mind_v we_o shall_v abound_v in_o spiritual_a thought_n or_o thought_n of_o spiritual_a thing_n that_o we_o have_v such_o thought_n will_v not_o sufficient_o evidence_n that_o we_o be_v so_o unless_o we_o abound_v in_o they_o and_o this_o lead_v we_o unto_o the_o principal_a enquiry_n on_o this_o head_n namely_o what_o measure_n we_o ought_v to_o assign_v hereof_o how_o we_o may_v know_v when_o we_o abound_v in_o spiritual_a thought_n so_o as_o that_o they_o may_v be_v a_o evidence_n of_o our_o be_v spiritual_o mind_v i_o answer_v in_o general_a among_o other_o scripture_n read_v over_o psal._n 119._o with_o understanding_n consider_v therein_o what_o david_n express_v of_o himself_o as_o unto_o his_o constant_a delight_n in_o and_o continual_a thought_n of_o the_o law_n of_o god_n which_o be_v the_o only_a mean_n of_o divine_a revelation_n at_o that_o season_n try_v yourselves_o by_o that_o pattern_n examine_v yourselves_o whether_o you_o can_v true_o speak_v the_o same_o word_n with_o he_o at_o least_o if_o not_o in_o the_o same_o degree_n of_o zeal_n yet_o with_o the_o same_o sincerity_n of_o grace_n you_o will_v say_v that_o be_v david_n it_o be_v not_o for_o we_o it_o be_v not_o our_o duty_n to_o be_v like_a unto_o he_o at_o least_o not_o to_o be_v equal_a with_o he_o but_o as_o far_o as_o i_o know_v we_o must_v be_v like_o he_o if_o ever_o we_o intend_v to_o come_v to_o the_o place_n where_o he_o be_v it_o will_v ruin_v our_o soul_n if_o when_o we_o read_v in_o the_o scripture_n how_o the_o saint_n of_o god_n express_v their_o experience_n in_o faith_n love_n delight_n in_o god_n and_o constant_a meditation_n on_o he_o we_o grant_v that_o it_o be_v so_o with_o they_o that_o they_o be_v good_a and_o holy_a man_n but_o it_o be_v not_o necessary_a that_o it_o shall_v be_v so_o with_o we_o these_o thing_n be_v not_o write_v in_o the_o scripture_n to_o show_v what_o they_o be_v but_o what_o we_o ought_v to_o be_v all_o thing_n concern_v they_o be_v write_v for_o admonition_n 1_o cor._n 10.11_o and_o if_o we_o have_v not_o the_o same_o delight_n in_o god_n as_o they_o have_v the_o same_o spiritual_a mindedness_n in_o thought_n and_o meditation_n of_o heavenly_a thing_n we_o can_v have_v no_o evidence_n that_o we_o please_v god_n as_o they_o do_v or_o shall_v go_v to_o that_o place_n whither_o they_o be_v go_v profession_n of_o the_o life_n of_o god_n pass_v with_o many_o at_o a_o very_a low_a and_o easy_a rate_n their_o thought_n be_v for_o the_o most_o part_n vain_a and_o earthly_a their_o communication_n unsavoury_a and_o sometime_o corrupt_a their_o life_n at_o best_a uneven_a and_o uncertain_a as_o unto_o the_o rule_n of_o obedience_n yet_o all_o be_v well_o all_o be_v life_n and_o peace_n the_o holy_a man_n of_o old_a who_o obtain_v this_o testimany_n that_o they_o please_v god_n do_v not_o so_o walk_v before_o he_o they_o meditate_a continual_o in_o the_o law_n think_v of_o god_n in_o the_o night_n season_n speak_v of_o his_o way_n his_o work_n his_o praise_n their_o whole_a delight_n be_v in_o he_o and_o in_o all_o thing_n they_o follow_v hard_o after_o he_o it_o be_v the_o example_n of_o david_n in_o particular_a that_o i_o have_v propose_v and_o it_o be_v a_o promise_n of_o the_o grace_n to_o be_v administer_v by_o the_o gospel_n that_o he_o who_o be_v feeble_a shall_v be_v as_o david_n zech._n 12.8_o and_o if_o we_o be_v not_o so_o in_o his_o be_v spiritual_o mind_v it_o be_v to_o be_v fear_v we_o be_v not_o partaker_n of_o the_o promise_n but_o that_o we_o may_v the_o better_a judge_n of_o ourselves_o therein_o i_o shall_v add_v some_o few_o rule_n unto_o this_o direction_n by_o example_n 1._o consider_v what_o proportion_n your_o thought_n of_o spiritual_a thing_n bear_v with_o those_o about_o other_o thing_n our_o principal_a interest_n and_o concern_v as_o we_o profess_v lie_v in_o thing_n spiritual_a heavenly_a and_o eternal_a be_v it_o not_o then_o a_o foolish_a thing_n to_o suppose_v that_o our_o thought_n about_o these_o thing_n shall_v not_o hold_v some_o proportion_n with_o those_o about_o other_o thing_n nay_o that_o they_o shall_v not_o exceed_v they_o no_o man_n be_v so_o vain_a in_o earthly_a thing_n as_o to_o pretend_v that_o his_o principal_a concern_n lie_v in_o that_o whereof_o he_o think_v very_o seldom_o in_o comparison_n of_o other_o thing_n it_o be_v not_o so_o with_o man_n in_o reference_n unto_o their_o family_n their_o trade_n their_o occasion_n of_o life_n it_o be_v a_o truth_n not_o only_o consecrate_v by_o the_o testimony_n of_o he_o who_o be_v truth_n but_o evident_a also_o in_o the_o light_n of_o reason_n that_o where_o our_o treasure_n be_v there_o will_v our_o heart_n be_v also_o and_o the_o affection_n of_o our_o heart_n do_v act_n themselves_o by_o the_o thought_n of_o our_o mind_n wherefore_o if_o our_o principal_a treasure_n be_v as_o we_o profess_v in_o thing_n spiritual_a and_o heavenly_a and_o woe_n unto_o we_o if_o it_o be_v not_o so_o on_o they_o will_v our_o affection_n and_o consequent_o our_o desire_n and_o thought_n be_v principal_o fix_v that_o we_o may_v the_o better_a examine_v ourselves_o by_o this_o rule_n we_o must_v consider_v of_o what_o sort_n man_n other_a thought_n be_v and_o as_o unto_o our_o present_a purpose_n they_o may_v be_v reduce_v unto_o these_o head_n 1._o there_o be_v such_o as_o be_v exercise_v about_o their_o calling_n and_o lawful_a occasion_n these_o be_v numberless_a and_o endless_a especial_o among_o a_o sort_n of_o man_n who_o rise_v early_o and_o go_v to_o bed_v late_o and_o eat_v the_o bread_n of_o carefulness_n or_o be_v particular_o industrious_a and_o diligent_a in_o their_o
〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d or_o the_o grace_n and_o duty_n of_o be_v spiritually-minded_n declare_v and_o practical_o improve_v by_o john_n owen_n d._n d._n rome_n 8.6_o to_o be_v spiritually-minded_n be_v life_n and_o peace_n colos._n 3.2_o set_a your_o affection_n on_o thing_n above_o london_n print_v by_o j._n g._n for_o nathaniel_n ponder_n at_o the_o sign_n of_o the_o peacock_n in_o the_o poultry_n near_o the_o church_n 1681._o the_o preface_n i_o think_v it_o necessary_a to_o give_v the_o reader_n a_o brief_a account_n of_o the_o nature_n and_o design_n of_o the_o plain_a ensue_a discourse_n which_o may_v both_o direct_v he_o in_o the_o read_n and_o be_v some_o kind_n of_o apology_n for_o myself_o in_o the_o publish_n of_o it_o he_o may_v therefore_o know_v that_o the_o thought_n here_o communicate_v be_v original_o private_a meditation_n for_o my_o own_o use_n in_o a_o season_n wherein_o i_o be_v every_o way_n unable_a to_o do_v any_o thing_n for_o the_o edification_n of_o other_o and_o far_o from_o expectation_n that_o ever_o i_o shall_v be_v so_o able_a any_o more_o in_o this_o world_n receive_v as_o i_o think_v some_o benefit_n and_o satisfaction_n in_o the_o exercise_n of_o my_o own_o meditation_n therein_o when_o god_n be_v gracious_o please_v to_o restore_v a_o little_a strength_n unto_o i_o i_o insist_v on_o the_o same_o subject_a in_o the_o instruction_n of_o a_o private_a congregation_n and_o this_o i_o do_v partly_o out_o of_o a_o sense_n of_o the_o advantage_n i_o have_v receive_v myself_o by_o be_v conversant_a in_o they_o and_o partly_o from_o a_o apprehension_n that_o the_o duty_n direct_v and_o press_v unto_o in_o the_o whole_a discourse_n be_v seasonable_a from_o all_o sort_n of_o present_a circumstance_n to_o be_v declare_v and_o urge_v on_o the_o mind_n and_o conscience_n of_o professor_n for_o leave_v other_o unto_o the_o choice_n of_o their_o own_o method_n and_o design_n i_o acknowledge_v that_o these_o be_v the_o two_o thing_n whereby_o i_o regulate_v my_o work_n in_o the_o whole_a course_n of_o my_o ministry_n to_o impart_v those_o truth_n of_o who_o power_n i_o hope_v i_o have_v have_v in_o some_o measure_n a_o real_a experience_n and_o to_o press_v those_o duty_n which_o present_a occasion_n temptation_n and_o other_o circumstance_n do_v render_v necessary_a to_o be_v attend_v unto_o in_o a_o peculiar_a manner_n be_v the_o thing_n which_o i_o will_v principal_o apply_v myself_o unto_o in_o the_o work_n of_o teach_v other_o for_o as_o in_o the_o work_n of_o the_o ministry_n in_o general_a the_o whole_a council_n of_o god_n concern_v the_o salvation_n of_o the_o church_n by_o jesus_n christ_n be_v to_o be_v declare_v so_o in_o particular_a we_o be_v not_o to_o fight_v uncertain_o as_o man_n beat_v the_o air_n nor_o shoot_v our_o arrow_n at_o random_n without_o a_o certain_a scope_n and_o design_n knowledge_n of_o the_o flock_n whereof_o we_o be_v overseer_n with_o a_o due_a consideration_n of_o their_o want_n their_o grace_n their_o temptation_n their_o light_n their_o strength_n and_o weakness_n be_v require_v herein_o and_o when_o in_o pursuance_n of_o that_o design_n the_o preparation_n of_o the_o word_n to_o be_v dispense_v proceed_v from_o zeal_n to_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o compassion_n unto_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n when_o it_o be_v deliver_v with_o the_o demonstration_n of_o a_o due_a reverence_n unto_o god_n who_o word_n it_o be_v and_o of_o authority_n towards_o they_o unto_o who_o it_o be_v dispense_v with_o a_o deep_a sense_n of_o that_o great_a account_n which_o both_o they_o that_o preach_v and_o they_o that_o hear_v the_o word_n preach_v must_v short_o give_v before_o the_o judgement_n seat_n of_o christ_n there_o may_v the_o a_o comfortable_a expectation_n of_o a_o bless_a issue_n of_o the_o whole_a work_n but_o my_o present_a design_n be_v only_o to_o declare_v in_o particular_a the_o reason_n why_o i_o judge_v the_o preach_a and_o publish_v of_o this_o small_a and_o plain_a discourse_n concen_v the_o grace_n and_o duty_n of_o be_v spiritual_o mind_a not_o to_o be_v altogether_o unseasonable_a at_o this_o time_n in_o the_o present_a circumstance_n of_o of_o most_o christian_n and_o the_o first_o thing_n which_o i_o will_v observe_v unto_o this_o end_n be_v the_o present_a importunity_n of_o the_o world_n to_o impose_v itself_o on_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n and_o the_o various_a way_n of_o insinuation_n whereby_o it_o possess_v and_o fill_v they_o if_o it_o attain_v hereunto_o if_o it_o can_v fill_v the_o mind_n the_o thought_n and_o affection_n of_o man_n with_o itself_o it_o will_v in_o some_o fortify_v the_o soul_n against_o faith_n and_o obedience_n and_o in_o other_o weaken_v all_o grace_n and_o endanger_v eternal_a ruin_n for_o if_o we_o love_v the_o world_n the_o love_n of_o the_o father_n be_v not_o in_o we_o and_o when_o the_o world_n fill_v our_o thought_n it_o will_v entangle_v our_o affection_n and_o first_o the_o present_a state_n of_o all_o public_a affair_n in_o it_o with_o a_o apprehend_a concernment_n of_o private_a person_n therein_o continual_o exercise_v the_o thought_n of_o many_o and_o be_v almost_o the_o only_a subject_n of_o their_o mutual_a converse_n for_o the_o world_n be_v at_o present_a in_o a_o mighty_a hurry_n and_o be_v in_o many_o place_n cast_v off_o from_o all_o foundation_n of_o steadfastness_n it_o make_v the_o mind_n of_o man_n giddy_a with_o its_o revolution_n or_o disorderly_a in_o the_o expectation_n of_o they_o thought_n about_o these_o thing_n be_v both_o allowable_a and_o unavoidable_a if_o they_o take_v not_o the_o mind_n out_o of_o its_o own_o power_n by_o their_o multiplicity_n vehemency_n and_o urgency_n until_o it_o be_v unframe_v as_o unto_o spiritual_a thing_n retain_v neither_o room_n nor_o time_n for_o their_o entertainment_n hence_o man_n walk_v and_o talk_v as_o if_o the_o world_n be_v all_o when_o comparative_o it_o be_v nothing_o and_o when_o man_n come_v with_o their_o warm_a affection_n reek_v with_o thought_n of_o these_o thing_n unto_o the_o performance_n of_o or_o attendance_n unto_o any_o spiritual_a duty_n it_o be_v very_o difficult_a for_o they_o if_o not_o impossible_a to_o stir_v up_o any_o grace_n unto_o a_o due_a and_o vigorous_a exercise_n unless_o this_o plausible_a advantage_n which_o the_o world_n have_v obtain_v of_o insinuate_a itself_o and_o its_o occasion_n into_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n so_o as_o to_o fill_v they_o and_o possess_v they_o be_v watch_v against_o and_o obviate_v so_o far_o at_o least_o as_o that_o it_o may_v not_o transform_v the_o mind_n into_o its_o own_o image_n and_o likeness_n this_o grace_n of_o be_v spiritually-minded_n which_o be_v life_n and_o peace_n can_v be_v attain_v nor_o keep_v unto_o its_o due_a exercise_n nor_o can_v we_o be_v any_o of_o we_o deliver_v from_o this_o snare_n at_o this_o season_n without_o a_o watchful_a endeavour_n to_o keep_v and_o preserve_v our_o mind_n in_o the_o constant_a contemplation_n of_o thing_n spiritual_a and_o heavenly_a proceed_v from_o the_o prevalent_a adherence_n of_o our_o affection_n unto_o they_o as_o will_v appear_v in_o the_o ensue_a discourse_n again_o there_o be_v so_o great_a and_o pregnant_a evidence_n of_o the_o prevalency_n of_o a_o earthly_a worldly_a frame_n of_o spirit_n in_o many_o who_o make_v profession_n of_o religion_n that_o it_o be_v high_a time_n they_o be_v call_v unto_o a_o due_a consideration_n how_o unanswerable_a they_o be_v therein_o unto_o the_o power_n and_o spirituallity_n of_o that_o religion_n which_o they_o do_v profess_v there_o be_v no_o way_n whereby_o such_o a_o frame_n may_v be_v evince_v to_o prevail_v in_o many_o yea_o in_o the_o generality_n of_o such_o professior_n that_o be_v not_o manifest_a unto_o all_o in_o their_o habit_n attire_n and_o vestment_n in_o their_o usual_a converse_n and_o mispence_v of_o time_n in_o their_o over_o liberal_a entertainment_n of_o themselves_o and_o other_o unto_o the_o border_n of_o excess_n and_o sundry_a other_o thing_n of_o a_o a_o like_a nature_n there_o be_v in_o many_o such_o a_o conformity_n unto_o the_o world_n a_o thing_n severe_o forbid_v that_o it_o be_v hard_o to_o make_v a_o distinction_n between_o they_o and_o these_o thing_n do_v manifest_v such_o a_o predominancy_n of_o carnal_a affection_n in_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n as_o whatever_o may_v be_v pretend_v unto_o the_o contrary_a be_v inconsistent_a with_o spiritual_a peace_n to_o call_v man_n off_o from_o this_o evil_a frame_n of_o heart_n and_o mind_n to_o discover_v the_o sin_n and_o danger_n of_o it_o to_o direct_v they_o unto_o the_o way_n and_o mean_n whereby_o it_o may_v be_v effect_v to_o supply_v their_o thought_n and_o affection_n with_o better_a object_n to_o discover_v and_o press_v that_o excercise_n of_o they_o which_o be_v indispensible_o require_v of_o all_o believer_n if_o they_o design_v life_n and_o
faith_n and_o profession_n in_o these_o our_o day_n the_o belly_n of_o man_n cleave_v unto_o the_o dust_n or_o their_o affection_n unto_o earthly_a thing_n i_o speak_v not_o of_o those_o who_o by_o rapine_n deceit_n and_o oppression_n strive_v to_o enrich_v themselves_o nor_o of_o those_o who_o design_v nothing_o more_o than_o the_o attainment_n of_o greatness_n and_o promotion_n in_o the_o world_n though_o not_o by_o way_n of_o open_a wickedness_n lest_o of_o all_o of_o they_o who_o make_v religion_n and_o perhaps_o their_o ministry_n therein_o a_o mean_n for_o the_o attain_n secular_a end_n and_o preferment_n no_o wise_a man_n can_v suppose_v such_o person_n any_o of_o they_o to_o be_v spiritual_o mind_v and_o it_o be_v most_o easy_a to_o disprove_v all_o their_o pretence_n but_o i_o intend_v only_o those_o at_o present_a who_o way_n and_o mean_n of_o attain_v riches_n be_v lawful_a honest_a and_o unblameable_a who_o use_v they_o with_o some_o moderation_n and_o do_v profess_v that_o 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earthly_a thing_n this_o fill_v all_o place_n with_o lifeless_a sapless_a useless_a professor_n who_o approve_v themselves_o in_o their_o condition_n while_o it_o be_v visible_o unspiritual_a and_o wither_a the_o heart_n will_v have_v something_o whereon_o in_o a_o way_n of_o pre-eminence_n it_o will_v fix_v itself_o and_o its_o affection_n this_o in_o all_o its_o perpetual_a motion_n it_o seek_v for_o rest_n and_o satisfaction_n in_o and_o every_o man_n have_v a_o edge_n the_o edge_n of_o his_o affection_n be_v set_v one_o way_n or_o other_o though_o it_o be_v more_o keen_a in_o some_o than_o other_o and_o whereas_o all_o sort_n of_o thing_n that_o the_o heart_n can_v fix_v upon_o or_o turn_v the_o edge_n of_o its_o affection_n unto_o be_v distribute_v by_o the_o apostle_n into_o thing_n above_o and_o thing_n beneath_o thing_n heavenly_a and_o thing_n earthly_a if_o we_o have_v not_o such_o a_o view_n and_o prospect_n of_o heavenly_a thing_n as_o to_o cause_v our_o heart_n to_o cleave_v unto_o they_o and_o delight_v in_o they_o let_v we_o pretend_v what_o we_o will_v it_o be_v impossible_a but_o that_o we_o shall_v be_v under_o the_o power_n of_o a_o predominant_a affection_n unto_o the_o thing_n of_o this_o world_n herein_o lie_v the_o great_a danger_n of_o multitude_n at_o this_o present_a season_n for_o let_v man_n profess_v what_o they_o will_v under_o the_o power_n of_o this_o frame_n their_o eternal_a state_n be_v in_o hazard_v every_o moment_n and_o person_n be_v engage_v in_o it_o in_o great_a variety_n of_o degree_n and_o we_o may_v cast_v they_o under_o two_o head_n 1._o some_o do_v not_o at_o all_o understand_v that_o thing_n be_v amiss_o with_o they_o or_o that_o they_o be_v much_o to_o be_v blame_v they_o plead_v as_o be_v before_o observe_v that_o they_o be_v all_o lawful_a thing_n which_o their_o heart_n do_v cleave_v unto_o and_o which_o it_o be_v their_o duty_n to_o take_v care_n of_o and_o regard_n may_v they_o not_o delight_v in_o their_o own_o relation_n especial_o at_o such_o a_o time_n when_o other_o break_v and_o cancel_v all_o duty_n and_o bond_n of_o relation_n in_o the_o service_n of_o and_o provision_n they_o make_v for_o their_o lust_n may_v they_o not_o be_v careful_a in_o good_a and_o honest_a way_n of_o diligence_n about_o the_o thing_n of_o the_o world_n when_o the_o most_o either_o lavish_a their_o time_n away_o in_o the_o pursuit_n of_o bestial_a lust_n or_o heap_v they_o up_o by_o deceit_n and_o oppression_n may_v they_o not_o contrive_v for_o the_o promotion_n of_o their_o child_n in_o the_o world_n to_o add_v the_o other_o hundred_o or_o thousand_o pound_n unto_o their_o advancement_n that_o they_o may_v be_v in_o as_o good_a condition_n as_o other_o see_v he_o be_v worse_a than_o a_o infidel_n who_o provide_v not_o for_o his_o own_o family_n by_o such_o reason_n and_o secret_a thought_n do_v many_o justify_v themselves_o in_o their_o earthly_a mindedness_n and_o so_o fix_v they_o be_v in_o the_o approbation_n of_o themselves_o that_o if_o you_o urge_v they_o to_o their_o duty_n you_o shall_v loose_v their_o acquaintance_n if_o they_o do_v not_o become_v your_o enemy_n for_o tell_v they_o the_o truth_n yea_o they_o will_v avoid_v one_o duty_n that_o lie_v not_o against_o their_o earthly_a interest_n because_o it_o lead_v unto_o another_o they_o will_v not_o engage_v in_o religious_a assembly_n or_o be_v constant_a unto_o their_o duty_n in_o they_o for_o fear_v duty_n of_o charity_n shall_v be_v require_v of_o they_o or_o expect_v from_o they_o on_o what_o ground_n such_o person_n can_v satisfy_v themselves_o that_o they_o be_v spiritually-minded_n i_o know_v not_o i_o shall_v leave_v only_o one_o rule_n with_o person_n that_o be_v thus_o mind_v where_o our_o love_n unto_o the_o world_n have_v prevail_v by_o its_o reason_n plea_n and_o pretence_n to_o take_v away_o our_o fear_n and_o jealousy_n over_o our_o own_o heart_n lest_o we_o shall_v inordinate_o love_v it_o there_o it_o be_v assure_o predominant_a in_o we_o 2._o other_o be_v sensible_a of_o the_o evil_a of_o their_o heart_n at_o least_o be_v jealous_a and_o afraid_a lest_o it_o shall_v be_v find_v that_o their_o heart_n do_v cleave_v inordinate_o unto_o these_o thing_n hence_o they_o endeavour_v to_o contend_v against_o this_o evil_a sometime_o by_o force_v themselves_o unto_o such_o act_n of_o piety_n or_o charity_n as_o be_v contrary_a unto_o that_o frame_n and_o sometime_o by_o labour_v a_o change_n of_o the_o frame_n itself_o especial_o they_o will_v do_v so_o when_o god_n be_v please_v to_o awaken_v they_o by_o trial_n and_o affliction_n such_o as_o write_v vanity_n and_o emptiness_n on_o all_o earthly_a enjoyment_n but_o for_o the_o most_o part_n they_o strive_v not_o lawful_o and_o so_o obtain_v not_o what_o they_o seem_v to_o aim_v at_o this_o disease_n with_o many_o be_v mortal_a
a_o discriminate_a character_n of_o believer_n this_o be_v no_o heaven_n unto_o any_o other_o those_o who_o have_v not_o a_o experience_n of_o the_o excellency_n of_o these_o thing_n in_o their_o initial_a state_n in_o this_o world_n and_o their_o incomparable_a transcendency_n unto_o all_o other_o thing_n can_v conceive_v how_o heavenly_a glory_n and_o blessedness_n shall_v consist_v in_o they_o unskilful_a man_n may_v cast_v away_o rough_a unwrought_a diamond_n as_o useless_a stone_n they_o know_v not_o what_o polish_n will_v bring_v they_o unto_o nor_o do_v man_n unskilful_a in_o the_o mystery_n of_o godliness_n judge_v there_o can_v be_v any_o glory_n in_o rough_a unwrought_a grace_n they_o know_v not_o what_o lustre_n and_o beauty_n the_o polish_n of_o the_o heavenly_a hand_n will_v give_v unto_o it_o it_o be_v general_o suppose_v that_o however_o man_n differ_v in_o and_o about_o religion_n here_o yet_o they_o agree_v well_o enough_o about_o heaven_n they_o will_v all_o go_v to_o the_o same_o heaven_n but_o it_o be_v a_o great_a mistake_n they_o differ_v in_o nothing_o more_o they_o will_v not_o all_o go_v to_o the_o same_o heaven_n how_o few_o be_v they_o who_o value_v that_o heavenly_a state_n which_o we_o have_v treat_v of_o or_o do_v understand_v how_o any_o blessedness_n can_v consist_v in_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o it_o but_o this_o and_o no_o other_o heaven_n will_v we_o go_v unto_o other_o notion_n there_o may_v be_v there_o be_v of_o it_o which_o be_v but_o fruit_n and_o effect_n of_o man_n own_o imagination_n the_o more_o they_o dwell_v in_o the_o contemplation_n of_o they_o the_o more_o carnal_a they_o may_v grow_v at_o best_a the_o more_o superstitious_a but_o spiritual_a thought_n of_o this_o heaven_n consist_v principal_o in_o freedom_n from_o all_o sin_n in_o the_o perfection_n of_o all_o grace_n in_o the_o vision_n of_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n in_o christ_n and_o all_o the_o excellency_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n as_o manifest_v in_o he_o be_v a_o effectual_a mean_n for_o the_o improvement_n of_o spiritual_a life_n and_o the_o increase_n of_o all_o grace_n in_o we_o for_o they_o can_v but_o effect_v a_o assimilation_n in_o the_o mind_n and_o heart_n unto_o the_o thing_n contemplate_v on_o where_o the_o principle_n and_o seed_n of_o they_o be_v already_o inlay_v and_o begin_v this_o be_v our_o first_o direction_n second_o have_v fix_v right_a notion_n and_o apprehension_n of_o heavenly_a thing_n in_o our_o mind_n it_o be_v our_o duty_n to_o think_v and_o contemplate_v great_o on_o they_o and_o our_o own_o concernment_n in_o they_o without_o this_o all_o our_o speculation_n concern_v the_o nature_n of_o eternal_a thing_n will_v be_v of_o no_o use_n unto_o we_o and_o unto_o your_o encouragement_n and_o direction_n take_v these_o few_o short_a rule_n relate_v unto_o this_o duty_n 1._o here_o lie_v the_o great_a trial_n whether_o we_o be_v spiritual_o mind_v or_o no_o by_o virtue_n of_o this_o rule_n if_o we_o be_v rise_v with_o christ_n we_o will_v mind_v the_o thing_n that_o be_v above_o col._n 3.3_o 2._o here_o lie_v the_o great_a mean_n whereby_o we_o may_v attain_v further_a degree_n in_o that_o bless_a frame_n of_o mind_n if_o it_o be_v already_o form_v in_o we_o by_o virtue_n of_o that_o rule_n behold_v the_o glory_n of_o god_n as_o in_o a_o glass_n we_o be_v change_v into_o the_o same_o image_n from_o glory_n to_o glory_n 2_o cor._n 3.18_o 3._o here_o lie_v the_o great_a evidence_n whether_o we_o have_v a_o real_a interest_n in_o the_o thing_n above_o or_o no_o whether_o we_o place_v our_o portion_n and_o blessedness_n in_o they_o by_o virtue_n of_o that_o rule_n where_o our_o treasure_n be_v there_o will_v our_o heart_n be_v also_o be_v they_o our_o treasure_n our_o portion_n our_o reward_n in_o comparison_n whereof_o all_o other_o thing_n be_v but_o loss_n and_o dung_n we_o shall_v assure_o be_v conversant_a in_o our_o mind_n about_o they_o 4._o it_o can_v be_v imagine_v that_o a_o man_n shall_v have_v in_o he_o a_o principle_n cognate_n and_o suit_v unto_o thing_n above_o of_o the_o same_o kind_a and_o nature_n with_o they_o that_o his_o soul_n shall_v be_v under_o the_o conduct_n of_o those_o habit_n of_o grace_n which_o strive_v and_o natural_o tend_v unto_o perfection_n labour_v great_o here_o under_o the_o weight_n of_o their_o own_o weakness_n as_o it_o be_v with_o all_o who_o be_v true_o spiritual_o mind_a and_o yet_o not_o have_v his_o thought_n great_o exercise_v about_o these_o thing_n 1_o joh._n 3.3_o it_o be_v well_o if_o we_o will_v try_v ourselves_o by_o thing_n of_o so_o uncontrollable_a evidence_n what_o can_v any_o object_n unto_o the_o truth_n of_o these_o thing_n or_o the_o necessity_n of_o this_o duty_n if_o it_o be_v otherwise_o with_o we_o it_o be_v from_o one_o of_o these_o two_o cause_n either_o we_o be_v not_o convince_v of_o the_o truth_n and_o reality_n of_o they_o or_o we_o have_v no_o delight_n in_o they_o because_o we_o be_v not_o spiritual_o mind_v do_v we_o think_v that_o man_n may_v turmoyl_v themselves_o in_o earthly_a thought_n all_o the_o day_n long_o and_o when_o they_o be_v free_v of_o their_o affair_n betake_v themselves_o unto_o those_o that_o be_v vain_a and_o useless_a without_o any_o state_v converse_n with_o thing_n above_o and_o yet_o enjoy_v life_n and_o peace_n we_o must_v take_v other_o measure_n of_o thing_n if_o we_o intend_v to_o live_v unto_o god_n to_o be_v like_o he_o and_o to_o come_v unto_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o he_o what_o be_v the_o matter_n with_o man_n that_o they_o be_v so_o stupid_a they_o all_o general_o desire_v to_o go_v to_o heaven_n at_o least_o when_o they_o can_v live_v here_o no_o long_o some_o indeed_o have_v no_o other_o regard_n unto_o it_o but_o only_o that_o they_o will_v not_o go_v to_o hell_n but_o most_o will_v die_v the_o death_n of_o the_o righteous_a and_o have_v their_o latter_a end_n like_o he_o yet_o few_o there_o be_v who_o endeavour_n to_o attain_v a_o right_a notion_n of_o it_o to_o try_v how_o it_o be_v suit_v unto_o their_o principle_n and_o desire_n but_o content_v themselves_o with_o such_o general_a notion_n of_o it_o as_o please_v their_o imagination_n it_o be_v no_o wonder_n if_o such_o person_n seldom_o exercise_v their_o mind_n or_o thought_n about_o it_o nor_o do_v they_o so_o much_o as_o pretend_v to_o be_v spiritual_o mind_v but_o as_o for_o those_o who_o be_v instruct_v in_o these_o thing_n who_o profess_v their_o chief_a interest_n to_o lie_v in_o they_o not_o to_o abound_v in_o meditation_n concern_v they_o it_o argue_v indeed_o that_o whatever_o they_o profess_v they_o be_v earthly_a and_o carnal_a again_o meditate_v and_o think_v of_o the_o glory_n of_o heaven_n so_o as_o to_o compare_v it_o with_o the_o opposite_a state_n of_o death_n and_o eternal_a misery_n few_o man_n care_v to_o think_v much_o of_o hell_n and_o the_o everlasting_a torment_n of_o the_o wicked_a therein_o those_o do_v so_o least_o who_o be_v in_o most_o danger_n of_o fall_v thereinto_o they_o put_v far_o from_o they_o the_o evil_a day_n and_o suppose_v their_o covenant_n with_o death_n and_o hell_n to_o be_v sure_a some_o begin_v to_o advance_v a_o opinion_n that_o there_o be_v no_o such_o place_n because_o it_o be_v their_o interest_n and_o desire_n that_o there_o shall_v be_v none_o some_o out_o of_o profaneness_n make_v a_o scoff_n at_o it_o as_o though_o a_o future_a judgement_n be_v but_o a_o fable_n most_o seem_v to_o think_v that_o there_o be_v a_o severity_n in_o thought_n about_o it_o which_o it_o be_v not_o fit_a we_o shall_v be_v too_o much_o terrify_v withal_o some_o transient_a thought_n they_o will_v have_v of_o it_o but_o not_o suffer_v they_o to_o abide_v in_o their_o mind_n lest_o they_o shall_v be_v too_o much_o discompose_v or_o they_o think_v it_o not_o consistent_a with_o the_o goodness_n of_o christ_n to_o leave_v any_o man_n in_o that_o condition_n whereas_o there_o be_v more_o speak_v direct_o of_o hell_n its_o torment_n and_o their_o eternity_n by_o himself_o self_n 〈◊〉_d in_o all_o the_o scripture_n beside_o these_o thought_n â—â—â—…ost_o proceed_v from_o a_o unwillingness_n to_o be_v trouble_v 〈◊〉_d their_o sin_n and_o be_v useful_a unto_o none_o it_o be_v the_o height_n of_o folly_n for_o man_n to_o endeavour_v the_o hide_v of_o themselves_o for_o a_o few_o moment_n from_o that_o which_o be_v unavoidable_o come_v upon_o they_o unto_o eternity_n and_o the_o due_a consideration_n whereof_o be_v a_o mean_n for_o a_o escape_n from_o it_o but_o i_o speak_v only_o of_o true_a believer_n and_o the_o more_o they_o be_v conversant_a in_o their_o thought_n about_o the_o future_a estate_n of_o eternal_a misery_n the_o great_a evidence_n they_o have_v of_o the_o life_n and_o confidence_n of_o faith_n it_o be_v a_o necessary_a duty_n
many_o a_o good_a beginning_n have_v be_v utter_o ruin_v by_o this_o occasion_n and_o temptation_n privacy_n and_o opportunity_n have_v overthrow_v many_o such_o person_n in_o the_o best_a of_o their_o resolution_n and_o they_o be_v so_o unto_o all_o person_n not_o yet_o flagitious_o wicked_a curse_a fruit_n proceed_v every_o day_n from_o these_o occasion_n we_o need_v no_o other_o demonstration_n of_o their_o power_n and_o efficacy_n in_o tempt_v unto_o sin_n but_o the_o visible_a effect_n of_o they_o and_o what_o they_o be_v unto_o any_o they_o may_v be_v unto_o all_o if_o not_o diligent_o watch_v against_o so_o the_o apostle_n reflect_v on_o the_o shameful_a thing_n that_o be_v do_v in_o the_o dark_a in_o a_o concurrence_n of_o secrecy_n and_o opportunity_n this_o therefore_o give_v a_o just_a season_n unto_o thought_n of_o the_o omnipresence_n and_o omniscience_n of_o god_n and_o they_o will_v not_o be_v want_v in_o some_o measure_n in_o they_o that_o be_v spiritual_o mind_v god_n be_v in_o this_o place_n the_o darkness_n be_v no_o darkness_n unto_o he_o light_n and_o darkness_n be_v with_o he_o both_o alike_o be_v sufficient_a consideration_n to_o lay_v in_o the_o balance_n against_o any_o temptation_n spring_v out_o of_o secrecy_n and_o opportunity_n one_o think_v of_o the_o actual_a presence_n of_o the_o holy_a god_n and_o the_o open_a view_n of_o his_o all-seeing_a eye_n will_v do_v more_o to_o cool_v those_o affection_n which_o lust_n may_v put_v into_o a_o tumult_n on_o such_o occasion_n than_o any_o other_o consideration_n whatever_o a_o speedy_a retreat_n hereunto_o upon_o the_o first_o perplex_v thought_n wherewith_o temptation_n assault_v the_o soul_n will_v be_v its_o strong_a tower_n where_o it_o shall_v be_v safe_a 2._o a_o second_o season_n call_v for_o the_o exercise_n of_o our_o mind_n in_o thought_n of_o the_o omnipresence_n and_o omniscience_n of_o god_n be_v make_v up_o of_o our_o solitude_n and_o retirement_n these_o give_v we_o the_o most_o genuine_a trial_n whether_o we_o be_v spiritual_o mind_v or_o no._n what_o we_o be_v in_o they_o that_o we_o be_v and_o no_o more_o but_o yet_o in_o some_o of_o they_o as_o in_o walk_v and_o journeying_n or_o the_o like_a vain_a thought_n and_o foolish_a imagination_n be_v exceed_o apt_a to_o solicit_v our_o mind_n whatever_o be_v store_v up_o in_o the_o affection_n or_o memory_n will_v at_o such_o a_o time_n offer_v itself_o for_o our_o present_a entertainment_n and_o where_o man_n have_v accustom_v themselves_o unto_o any_o sort_n of_o thing_n they_o will_v press_v on_o they_o for_o the_o possession_n of_o their_o thought_n as_o it_o be_v whether_o they_o will_v or_o no._n the_o psalmist_n give_v we_o the_o way_n to_o prevent_v this_o evil_a psal._n 16.7_o 8._o i_o will_v bless_v the_o lord_n who_o have_v give_v i_o counsel_n my_o reins_o also_o instruct_v i_o in_o the_o night_n season_n i_o have_v set_v the_o lord_n always_o before_o i_o because_o he_o be_v at_o my_o right_a hand_n his_o reins_o that_o be_v his_o affection_n and_o secret_a thought_n give_v he_o counsel_n and_o instruct_v he_o in_o all_o such_o season_n but_o whence_o have_v they_o that_o wisdom_n and_o faithfulness_n in_o themselves_o they_o be_v the_o seat_n of_o all_o lust_n and_o corruption_n nor_o can_v do_v any_o thing_n but_o seduce_v he_o into_o a_o evil_a frame_n it_o be_v from_o hence_o alone_o that_o he_o set_v the_o lord_n always_o before_o he_o continual_a apprehension_n of_o the_o presence_n of_o god_n with_o he_o keep_v his_o mind_n his_o heart_n and_o affection_n in_o that_o awe_n and_o reverence_n of_o he_o as_o that_o they_o always_o instruct_v he_o unto_o his_o duty_n but_o as_o i_o remember_v i_o speak_v somewhat_o as_o unto_o the_o due_a management_n of_o our_o thought_n in_o this_o season_n before_o 3._o time_n of_o great_a difficulty_n danger_n and_o perplexity_n of_o mind_n thereon_o be_v a_o season_n call_v for_o the_o same_o duty_n suppose_v a_o man_n be_v leave_v alone_o in_o his_o trial_n for_o the_o profession_n of_o the_o gospel_n as_o it_o be_v with_o paul_n when_o all_o man_n forsake_v he_o and_o no_o man_n stand_v by_o he_o suppose_v he_o to_o be_v bring_v before_o prince_n ruler_n or_o judge_n that_o be_v fill_v with_o rage_n and_o arm_v with_o power_n against_o he_o all_o thing_n be_v dispose_v to_o affect_v he_o with_o dread_n and_o terror_n it_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o such_o a_o one_o to_o call_v off_o his_o thought_n from_o all_o thing_n visible_o present_a and_o to_o fix_v they_o on_o the_o omnipresence_n and_o omniscience_n of_o god_n he_o sit_v among_o those_o judge_n though_o they_o acknowledge_v he_o not_o he_o rule_v over_o they_o at_o his_o pleasure_n he_o know_v the_o cause_n of_o the_o oppress_a and_o justify_v they_o whenever_o the_o world_n condemn_v and_o can_v deliver_v they_o when_o he_o please_v with_o the_o thought_n hereof_o do_v those_o holy_a soul_n support_v themselves_o when_o they_o stand_v before_o the_o fiery_a countenance_n of_o the_o bloody_a tyrant_n on_o the_o one_o hand_n and_o the_o burn_a fiery_a furnace_n on_o the_o other_o dan._n 3.14_o our_o god_n who_o we_o serve_v be_v able_a to_o deliver_v we_o from_o the_o burn_a fiery_a furnace_n and_o he_o will_v deliver_v we_o out_o thy_o hand_n o_o king_n but_o if_o not_o be_v it_o know_v unto_o thou_o o_o king_n that_o we_o will_v not_o serve_v thy_o god_n nor_o worship_v the_o golden_a image_n which_o thou_o have_v set_v up_o thought_n of_o the_o presence_n and_o power_n of_o god_n give_v they_o not_o only_a comfort_n and_o supportment_n under_o their_o distress_n when_o they_o be_v alone_o and_o helpless_a but_o courage_n and_o resolution_n to_o defy_v the_o tyrant_n to_o his_o face_n and_o when_o the_o apostle_n be_v bring_v before_o nero_n that_o monster_n of_o cruelty_n and_o villainy_n and_o all_o man_n forsake_v he_o he_o affirm_v that_o the_o lord_n stand_v by_o he_o and_o strengthen_v he_o 2_o tim._n 4.17_o he_o refresh_v himself_o with_o thought_n of_o his_o presence_n and_o have_v the_o bless_a fruit_n of_o it_o wherefore_o on_o such_o occasion_n when_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n be_v ready_a to_o quake_v when_o they_o see_v all_o thing_n about_o they_o fill_v with_o dread_n and_o terror_n and_o all_o help_n far_o away_o it_o be_v i_o say_v their_o duty_n and_o wisdom_n to_o abstract_n and_o take_v off_o their_o thought_n from_o all_o outward_a and_o present_a appearance_n and_o to_o fix_v they_o on_o the_o presence_n of_o god_n this_o will_v great_o change_v the_o scene_n of_o thing_n in_o their_o mind_n and_o they_o will_v find_v that_o strength_n and_o power_n and_o wisdom_n be_v on_o their_o side_n alone_o all_o that_o appear_v against_o they_o be_v but_o vanity_n folly_n and_o weakness_n so_o when_o the_o servant_n of_o elisha_n see_v the_o place_n where_o they_o be_v compass_v with_o a_o host_n both_o horse_n and_o chariot_n that_o come_v to_o take_v they_o he_o cry_v out_o for_o fear_n alas_o my_o master_n how_o shall_v we_o do_v but_o upon_o the_o prayer_n of_o the_o prophet_n the_o lord_n open_v the_o eye_n of_o the_o young_a man_n to_o see_v the_o heavenly_a guard_n that_o he_o have_v send_v unto_o he_o the_o mountain_n be_v full_a of_o horse_n and_o chariot_n of_o fire_n round_o about_o elisha_n his_o fear_n and_o trouble_v depart_v 2_o king_n 6.15_o 16_o 17._o and_o when_o in_o the_o like_a extremity_n god_n open_v the_o eye_n of_o faith_n to_o behold_v his_o glorious_a presence_n we_o shall_v no_o more_o be_v afraid_a of_o the_o dread_n of_o man_n herein_o do_v the_o holy_a martyr_n triumph_v of_o old_a and_o even_o despise_v their_o bloody_a persecutor_n our_o saviour_n himself_o make_v it_o the_o ground_n of_o his_o supportment_n on_o the_o like_a occasion_n john_n 16.32_o behold_v say_v he_o to_o his_o disciple_n his_o only_a friend_n the_o hour_n come_v yea_o be_v now_o come_v that_o you_o shall_v be_v scatter_v every_o one_o to_o his_o own_o and_o leave_v i_o alone_o and_o yet_o i_o be_o not_o alone_a because_o the_o father_n be_v with_o i_o can_v we_o but_o possess_v our_o soul_n with_o the_o apprehension_n that_o when_o we_o be_v leave_v alone_o in_o our_o trial_n and_o danger_n from_o any_o countenance_n of_o friend_n or_o help_v of_o man_n yet_o that_o indeed_o we_o be_v not_o alone_o because_o the_o father_n be_v with_o we_o it_o will_v support_v we_o under_o our_o despondency_n and_o enable_v we_o unto_o our_o duty_n 4._o especial_a providential_a warning_n call_v for_o thought_n of_o god_n omnipresence_n and_o omniscience_n so_o jacob_n in_o his_o nightly_a vision_n instant_o make_v this_o conclusion_n god_n be_v in_o this_o place_n and_o i_o know_v it_o not_o we_o have_v frequent_o such_o warning_n give_v unto_o we_o sometime_o we_o have_v so_o in_o
be_v two_o other_o head_n of_o thing_n that_o offer_v themselves_o unto_o our_o consideration_n first_o the_o way_n mean_n arguing_n and_o enticement_n which_o the_o world_n make_v use_v of_o to_o draw_v keep_v and_o secure_v the_o affection_n of_o man_n unto_o itself_o second_o the_o secret_a powerful_a efficacy_n of_o grace_n in_o take_v off_o the_o heart_n from_o these_o thing_n turn_v and_o draw_v it_o unto_o god_n with_o the_o argument_n and_o motive_n that_o the_o holy_a spirit_n make_v use_v of_o in_o and_o by_o the_o word_n unto_o this_o end_n and_o wherein_o we_o must_v show_v what_o be_v the_o act_n of_o conquer_a grace_n wherein_o the_o heart_n be_v final_o prevail_v on_o to_o choose_v and_o adhere_v unto_o god_n in_o love_n immutable_a but_o these_o thing_n can_v be_v handle_v in_o any_o measure_n according_a to_o their_o nature_n and_o importance_n without_o such_o length_n of_o discourse_n as_o i_o can_v not_o here_o divert_v unto_o i_o shall_v therefore_o proceed_v unto_o that_o which_o be_v the_o proper_a and_o peculiar_a subject_n before_o we_o chap._n xii_o what_o be_v require_v in_o and_o unto_o our_o affection_n that_o they_o may_v be_v spiritual_a a_o threefold_a work_n on_o the_o affection_n describe_v to_o declare_v the_o interest_n of_o our_o affection_n in_o this_o frame_n of_o be_v spiritually-minded_n and_o what_o they_o contribute_v thereunto_o i_o shall_v do_v these_o three_o thing_n first_o declare_v what_o be_v require_v hereunto_o that_o our_o affection_n may_v be_v spiritual_a wherein_o lie_v the_o foundation_n of_o the_o whole_a duty_n second_o what_o be_v their_o act_n when_o they_o be_v so_o spiritual_a three_o what_o be_v the_o mean_n whereby_o they_o may_v be_v keep_v and_o preserve_v in_o that_o frame_n with_o sundry_a other_o thing_n of_o the_o like_a nature_n how_o our_o affection_n be_v concern_v in_o or_o do_v belong_v unto_o the_o frame_n of_o mind_n inquire_v after_o have_v be_v before_o declare_v without_o spiritual_a affection_n we_o can_v be_v spiritually-minded_n and_o that_o they_o may_v be_v of_o this_o use_n three_o thing_n be_v require_v first_o their_o principle_n second_o their_o object_n three_o the_o way_n and_o manner_n of_o their_o application_n unto_o their_o proper_a object_n by_o virtue_n of_o that_o principle_n first_o as_o unto_o the_o principle_n act_v in_o they_o that_o our_o affection_n may_v be_v spiritual_a and_o the_o spring_n of_o our_o be_v spiritually-minded_n it_o be_v require_v that_o they_o be_v change_v renew_v and_o in-laid_a with_o grace_n spiritual_n and_o supernatural_a to_o clear_v the_o sense_n hereof_o we_o must_v a_o little_a consider_v what_o be_v their_o state_n by_o nature_n and_o then_o by_o what_o mean_v they_o may_v be_v wrought_v upon_o as_o unto_o a_o change_n or_o a_o renovation_n for_o they_o be_v like_a unto_o some_o thing_n which_o in_o themselves_o and_o their_o own_o nature_n be_v poisonous_a but_o be_v correct_v and_o receive_v a_o due_a temperament_n from_o a_o mixture_n of_o other_o ingredient_n become_v medicinal_a and_o of_o excellent_a use._n first_o by_o nature_n our_o affection_n all_o of_o they_o be_v deprave_v and_o corrupt_v nothing_o in_o the_o whole_a nature_n of_o man_n no_o power_n or_o faculty_n of_o the_o soul_n be_v fall_v under_o great_a disorder_n and_o depravation_n by_o the_o entrance_n of_o sin_n than_o our_o affection_n be_v in_o and_o by_o they_o be_v the_o heart_n whole_o go_v and_o turn_v off_o from_o god_n tit._n 3.3_o it_o be_v a_o long_a work_n to_o set_v forth_o this_o depravation_n of_o our_o affection_n nor_o do_v it_o belong_v unto_o our_o present_a design_n some_o few_o thing_n i_o shall_v brief_o observe_v concern_v it_o to_o make_v way_n unto_o what_o be_v propose_v concern_v their_o change_n first_o this_o be_v the_o only_a corruption_n and_o depravation_n of_o our_o nature_n by_o the_o fall_v evident_a in_o and_o unto_o reason_n or_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n itself_o those_o who_o be_v wise_a among_o the_o heathen_a both_o see_v it_o and_o complain_v of_o it_o they_o find_v a_o weakness_n in_o the_o mind_n but_o see_v nothing_o of_o its_o darkness_n and_o depravation_n as_o unto_o thing_n spiritual_a but_o they_o be_v sensible_a enough_o of_o this_o disorder_n and_o tumult_n of_o the_o affection_n in_o thing_n moral_a which_o render_v the_o mind_n of_o man_n like_o a_o trouble_a sea_n who_o water_n cast_v up_o mire_n and_o dirt._n this_o great_o aggravate_v the_o neglect_n of_o they_o who_o be_v not_o sensible_a of_o it_o in_o themselves_o see_v it_o be_v discernible_a in_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n second_o they_o be_v as_o deprave_v the_o seat_n and_o subject_n of_o all_o lust_n both_o of_o the_o flesh_n and_o of_o the_o spirit_n yea_o lust_n or_o evil_a concupiscence_n be_v nothing_o but_o the_o irregular_a motion_n and_o act_v of_o our_o affection_n as_o deprave_a defile_v corrupt_a rom._n 7.9_o hence_o no_o one_o sin_n can_v be_v mortify_v without_o a_o change_n wrought_v in_o the_o affection_n three_o they_o be_v the_o spring_n root_n and_o cause_n of_o all_o actual_a sin_n in_o the_o world_n mat._n 15.9_o the_o evil_a heart_n in_o the_o scripture_n be_v the_o corrupt_a affection_n of_o it_o with_o the_o imagination_n of_o the_o mind_n whereby_o they_o be_v excite_v and_o act_v gen._n 6.5_o these_o be_v they_o which_o at_o this_o time_n fill_v the_o whole_a world_n with_o wickedness_n darkness_n confusion_n and_o terror_n and_o we_o may_v learn_v what_o be_v their_o force_n and_o efficacy_n from_o these_o effect_n so_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o plague_n be_v most_o evident_a when_o we_o see_v thousand_o die_v of_o it_o every_o week_n four_o they_o be_v the_o way_n and_o mean_n whereby_o the_o soul_n apply_v itself_o unto_o all_o sinful_a object_n and_o act_n hence_o be_v they_o call_v our_o member_n our_o earthly_a member_n because_o as_o the_o body_n apply_v itself_o unto_o its_o operation_n by_o its_o member_n so_o do_v the_o soul_n apply_v itself_o unto_o what_o belong_v unto_o it_o by_o its_o affection_n rom._n 6.13_o col._n 3.5_o five_o they_o will_v not_o be_v under_o the_o conduct_n of_o the_o mind_n its_o light_n or_o conviction_n rebellion_n against_o the_o light_n of_o the_o mind_n be_v the_o very_a form_n whereby_o their_o corruption_n act_v itself_o job_n 24.13_o let_v the_o apprehension_n of_o the_o mind_n and_o its_o notion_n of_o good_a and_o evil_n be_v what_o they_o will_v they_o reject_v they_o and_o lead_v the_o soul_n in_o pursuit_n of_o their_o inclination_n hence_o no_o natural_a man_n whatsoever_o do_v in_o any_o measure_n answer_v the_o light_n of_o his_o mind_n or_o the_o conviction_n of_o his_o understanding_n but_o he_o see_v and_o approve_v of_o better_a thing_n follow_v those_o that_o be_v worse_o and_o there_o be_v no_o great_a spiritual_a judgement_n than_o for_o man_n to_o be_v give_v up_o unto_o themselves_z and_o their_o own_o evil_a affection_n rom._n 1.26_o many_o other_o instance_n may_v be_v give_v of_o the_o greatness_n of_o that_o depravation_n which_o our_o affection_n be_v fall_v under_o by_o sin_n these_o may_v suffice_v as_o unto_o our_o present_a purpose_n in_o general_n this_o depravation_n of_o our_o affection_n by_o nature_n may_v be_v reduce_v unto_o two_o head_n first_o a_o utter_a aversation_n from_o god_n and_o all_o spiritual_a thing_n in_o this_o lie_v the_o spring_n of_o all_o that_o dislike_n of_o god_n and_o his_o way_n that_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n be_v fill_v withal_o yea_o they_o do_v not_o only_o produce_v a_o aversation_n from_o they_o and_o dislike_n of_o they_o but_o they_o fill_v the_o mind_n with_o a_o enmity_n against_o they_o therefore_o man_n say_v in_o their_o heart_n unto_o god_n depart_v from_o we_o for_o we_o desire_v not_o the_o knowledge_n of_o thy_o way_n what_o be_v the_o almighty_a that_o we_o shall_v serve_v he_o or_o what_o profit_n shall_v we_o have_v if_o we_o pray_v unto_o he_o job_n 21.14_o 15._o see_v rom._n 1.28_o chap._n 8._o 7_o 8._o second_o a_o inordinate_a cleave_v unto_o thing_n vain_a earthly_a and_o sensual_a cause_v the_o soul_n to_o engage_v into_o the_o pursuit_n of_o they_o as_o the_o horse_n rush_n into_o the_o battle_n while_o our_o affection_n be_v in_o this_o state_n and_o condition_n we_o be_v far_o enough_o from_o be_v spiritually-minded_n nor_o be_v it_o possible_a to_o engage_v they_o into_o a_o adherence_n unto_o or_o delight_n in_o spiritual_a thing_n in_o this_o state_n they_o may_v be_v two_o way_n wrought_v upon_o and_o yet_o not_o so_o renew_v as_o to_o be_v serviceable_a unto_o this_o end_n first_o there_o may_v be_v various_a temporary_a impression_n make_v on_o they_o sometime_o there_o be_v so_o by_o the_o preach_a of_o the_o word_n hereon_o man_n may_v hear_v it_o with_o joy_n and_o do_v many_o thing_n glad_o sometime_o it_o be_v so_o by_o
judgement_n danger_n sickness_n apprehension_n of_o the_o approach_n of_o death_n psal._n 34_o 78.35_o 37._o these_o thing_n take_v man_n off_o for_o a_o season_n from_o their_o greedy_a delight_n in_o earthly_a thing_n and_o the_o pursuit_n of_o the_o interest_n of_o lust_n in_o make_v provision_n for_o the_o flesh._n on_o many_o other_o occasion_n by_o great_a variety_n of_o cause_n there_o may_v be_v temporary_a impression_n make_v on_o the_o affection_n that_o shall_v seem_v for_o a_o season_n to_o have_v turn_v the_o stream_n of_o they_o and_o thereon_o we_o have_v many_o who_o every_o day_n will_v be_v whole_o as_o it_o be_v for_o god_n resolve_v to_o forsake_v sin_n and_o all_o the_o pleasure_n of_o it_o but_o the_o next_o return_n unto_o all_o their_o former_a excess_n for_o this_o be_v the_o effect_n of_o those_o impression_n that_o whereas_o man_n ordinary_o be_v predominant_o act_v by_o love_n desire_v and_o delight_n which_o lead_v they_o to_o act_v according_a unto_o the_o true_a natural_a principle_n of_o the_o soul_n now_o they_o be_v for_o a_o season_n act_v by_o fear_n and_o dread_a which_o put_v a_o kind_n of_o force_n on_o all_o their_o inclination_n hereon_o they_o have_v other_o thought_n of_o good_a and_o evil_a of_o thing_n eternal_a and_o tmporal_a of_o god_n and_o their_o own_o duty_n for_o a_o season_n and_o hereon_o some_o of_o they_o may_v and_o do_v persuade_v themselves_o that_o there_o be_v a_o change_n in_o their_o heart_n and_o affection_n which_o there_o be_v not_o like_o a_o man_n who_o persuade_v himself_o that_o he_o have_v lose_v his_o ague_n because_o his_o present_a fit_a be_v over_o the_o next_o trial_n of_o temptation_n carry_v they_o away_o again_o unto_o the_o world_n and_o sin_n there_o be_v sometime_o sudden_a impression_n make_v on_o spiritual_a affection_n which_o be_v always_o of_o great_a advantage_n to_o the_o soul_n renew_v its_o engagement_n unto_o god_n and_o duty_n so_o be_v it_o with_o jacob_n gen._n 28.16_o 17_o 18_o 19_o 20._o so_o be_v it_o often_o with_o believer_n in_o hear_v the_o word_n and_o other_o occasion_n on_o all_o of_o they_o they_o renew_v their_o cleaving_n unto_o god_n with_o love_n and_o delight_n but_o the_o effect_n of_o these_o impression_n on_o unrenewed_a affection_n be_v neither_o spiritual_a nor_o durable_a yea_o for_o the_o most_o part_n they_o be_v but_o check_v give_v in_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n unto_o the_o rage_a of_o their_o lusts._n psal._n 9.20_o second_o they_o be_v liable_a unto_o a_o habitual_a change_n this_o the_o experience_n of_o all_o age_n give_v testimony_n to_o there_o may_v be_v a_o habitual_a change_n wrought_v in_o the_o passion_n and_o affection_n of_o the_o mind_n as_o unto_o the_o inordinate_a and_o violent_a pursuit_n of_o their_o inclination_n without_o any_o gracious_a renovation_n of_o they_o education_n philosophy_n or_o reason_n long_a affliction_n spiritual_a light_n and_o gift_n have_v wrought_v this_o change_n so_o saul_n upon_o his_o call_n to_o be_v king_n become_v another_o man._n hereby_o person_n natural_o passionate_a and_o furious_a have_v be_v make_v sedate_n and_o moderate_v and_o those_o who_o have_v be_v sensual_a have_v become_v temperate_a yea_o and_o hater_n of_o religion_n to_o be_v professor_n of_o it_o all_o these_o thing_n and_o many_o more_o of_o the_o like_a nature_n have_v proceed_v from_o a_o change_n wrought_v upon_o the_o affection_n only_o while_o the_o mind_n will_n and_o conscience_n have_v be_v total_o unsanctified_a by_o this_o change_n where_o it_o be_v alone_o no_o man_n ever_o become_v spiritually-minded_n for_o whereas_o there_o be_v two_o part_n of_o the_o depravation_n of_o our_o affection_n that_o whereby_o they_o be_v turn_v off_o from_o god_n and_o that_o whereby_o they_o inordinate_o cleave_v unto_o other_o thing_n their_o change_n principal_o if_o not_o only_o respect_v the_o latter_a they_o be_v bring_v into_o some_o order_n with_o respect_n unto_o present_a thing_n the_o mind_n be_v not_o continual_o toss_v up_o and_o down_o by_o they_o as_o the_o wave_n of_o the_o sea_n that_o be_v trouble_v and_o cast_v up_o mire_n and_o dirt_n they_o do_v not_o carry_v those_o in_o who_o they_o be_v into_o vicious_a sensual_a action_n but_o they_o allow_v they_o to_o make_v virtue_n in_o moderation_n sobriety_n temperance_n fidelity_n and_o usefulness_n in_o several_a way_n to_o be_v their_o design_n and_o it_o be_v admirable_a to_o think_v what_o degree_n of_o eminency_n in_o all_o sort_n of_o moral_a virtue_n upon_o this_o one_o principle_n of_o moderate_v the_o affection_n even_o many_o among_o the_o heathen_n attain_v unto_o but_o as_o unto_o their_o aversation_n from_o god_n and_o spiritual_a thing_n in_o the_o true_a spiritual_a notion_n of_o they_o they_o be_v not_o cure_v by_o this_o change_n at_o least_o this_o change_n may_v be_v and_o yet_o this_o latter_a not_o be_v wrought_v again_o this_o alteration_n do_v but_o turn_v the_o course_n or_o stream_n of_o man_n affection_n it_o do_v not_o change_v the_o nature_n of_o they_o they_o be_v the_o same_o in_o their_o spring_n and_o fountain_n as_o ever_o they_o be_v only_o they_o be_v habituate_v unto_o another_o course_n than_o what_o of_o themselves_o they_o be_v incline_v unto_o you_o may_v take_v a_o young_a whelp_n of_o the_o most_o fierce_a and_o savage_a creature_n as_o of_o a_o tiger_n or_o a_o wolf_n and_o by_o custom_n or_o usage_n make_v it_o as_o tame_v and_o harmless_a as_o any_o domestic_a creature_n a_o dog_n or_o the_o like_a but_o although_o it_o may_v be_v turn_v unto_o quite_o another_o way_n or_o course_n of_o act_v than_o what_o it_o be_v of_o itself_o incline_v unto_o yet_o its_o nature_n be_v not_o change_v and_o therefore_o frequent_o on_o occasion_n opportunity_n or_o provocation_n it_o will_v fall_v into_o its_o own_o savage_a inclination_n and_o have_v taste_v of_o the_o blood_n of_o creature_n it_o will_v never_o be_v reclaim_v so_o be_v it_o with_o the_o deprave_a affection_n of_o man_n with_o respect_n unto_o their_o change_n their_o stream_n be_v turn_v they_o be_v habituate_v unto_o a_o new_a course_n their_o nature_n be_v not_o alter_v at_o least_o not_o from_o rational_a unto_o spiritual_a from_o earthly_a unto_o heavenly_a yet_o this_o be_v that_o which_o be_v most_o beautiful_a and_o desirable_a in_o nature_n the_o glory_n of_o it_o and_o the_o utmost_a of_o its_o attainment_n he_o who_o have_v by_o any_o mean_v proceed_v unto_o such_o a_o moderation_n of_o his_o affection_n as_o to_o render_v he_o kind_n benign_a patient_a useful_a prefer_v public_a good_a before_o private_a inordinate_a and_o temperate_a in_o all_o thing_n will_v rise_v up_o in_o judgement_n against_o those_o who_o profess_v themselves_o to_o be_v under_o the_o conduct_n of_o the_o light_n of_o grace_n do_v yet_o by_o be_v morose_n angry_a selfish_a worldly_a manifest_a that_o their_o affection_n be_v not_o subdue_v by_o the_o power_n of_o that_o grace_n wherefore_o that_o we_o may_v be_v spiritually-minded_n there_o be_v yet_o another_o work_n upon_o our_o affection_n require_v which_o be_v their_o internal_a renovation_n whereby_o not_o only_o the_o course_n of_o their_o act_n be_v change_v but_o their_o nature_n be_v alter_v and_o spiritual_o renew_v i_o intend_v that_o which_o be_v express_v in_o that_o great_a evangelical_n promise_v isai._n 17.6_o 7_o 8_o 9_o the_o wolf_n shall_v dwell_v with_o the_o lamb_n the_o leopard_n shall_v lie_v down_o with_o the_o kid_n and_o the_o calf_n and_o the_o young_a lion_n and_o the_o fatling_n together_o and_o a_o little_a child_n shall_v lead_v they_o and_o the_o cow_n and_o the_o bear_n shall_v feed_v their_o young_a one_o shall_v lie_v down_o together_o and_o the_o lion_n shall_v eat_v straw_n like_o the_o ox_n and_o the_o suck_a child_n shall_v play_v on_o the_o hole_n of_o the_o asp_n and_o the_o wean_a child_n shall_v put_v his_o hand_n on_o the_o cockatrice_n den._n they_o shall_v not_o hurt_v nor_o destroy_v in_o all_o my_o holy_a mountain_n a_o change_n and_o alteration_n be_v promise_v in_o the_o nature_n principle_n and_o first_o inclination_n of_o the_o worst_a and_o most_o savage_a sinner_n who_o pass_v under_o the_o power_n of_o gospel_n grace_n this_o be_v that_o which_o be_v require_v of_o we_o in_o a_o way_n of_o duty_n ephes._n 4.13_o and_o be_v you_o renew_v in_o the_o spirit_n of_o your_o mind_n there_o be_v a_o renovation_n of_o the_o mind_n itself_o by_o the_o communication_n of_o spiritual_n save_v light_n and_o understanding_n thereunto_o whereof_o i_o have_v treat_v elsewhere_o at_o large_a see_v rom._n 12.2_o ephes._n 1.17_o 18._o but_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o mind_n that_o whereby_o it_o be_v enliven_v lead_v and_o dispose_v unto_o its_o act_n that_o be_v to_o be_v renew_v also_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o mind_n be_v in_o this_o place_n oppose_v unto_o
mind_n be_v accompany_v for_o first_o it_o be_v that_o which_o of_o all_o thing_n the_o lord_n christ_n be_v most_o displease_v with_o in_o church_n or_o professor_n he_o pity_v they_o in_o their_o temptation_n he_o suffer_v with_o they_o in_o their_o persecution_n he_o intercee_v for_o they_o on_o their_o surprisal_n but_o threaten_v they_o under_o their_o spiritual_a decay_n rev._n 2.4_o 5._o chap._n 3.2_o this_o he_o can_v bear_v with_o as_o that_o which_o both_o reflect_v dishonour_n upon_o himself_o and_o which_o he_o know_v to_o be_v ruinous_a unto_o those_o in_o who_o it_o be_v he_o will_v long_o bear_v with_o they_o who_o be_v utter_o dead_a than_o with_o those_o who_o abide_v under_o these_o decay_n rev._n 3.15_o 16._o this_o be_v the_o only_a case_n wherein_o he_o threaten_v to_o reject_v and_o cast_v off_o a_o profess_v church_n to_o take_v away_o his_o candlestick_n from_o it_o unless_o it_o be_v that_o of_o false_a worship_n and_o idolatry_n he_o that_o speak_v thus_o unto_o the_o church_n of_o old_a speak_v now_o the_o same_o unto_o we_o for_o he_o live_v for_o ever_o and_o be_v always_o the_o same_o and_o his_o word_n be_v live_v and_o unchangeable_a there_o be_v not_o one_o of_o we_o who_o be_v under_o this_o frame_n but_o the_o lord_n christ_n by_o his_o word_n and_o spirit_n testify_v his_o displeasure_n against_o we_o and_o if_o he_o be_v against_o we_o who_o shall_v plead_v for_o we_o consider_v what_o he_o say_v in_o this_o case_n revel_v 2.5_o chapter_n 3.3_o o_o who_o can_v stand_v before_o these_o dreadful_a intimation_n of_o his_o displeasure_n the_o lord_n help_v we_o to_o mind_v it_o lest_o he_o in_o who_o we_o profess_v to_o place_v our_o only_a trust_n be_v in_o our_o trial_n find_v our_o great_a enemy_n take_v heed_n of_o such_o sin_n as_o christ_n himself_o our_o only_a advocate_n have_v put_v a_o mark_n upon_o as_o those_o which_o he_o will_v not_o save_v we_o in_o second_o it_o be_v that_o wherewith_o above_o all_o thing_n the_o holy_a spirit_n be_v grieve_v his_o work_n it_o be_v to_o give_v grace_n a_o increase_n and_o progress_n in_o our_o soul_n he_o begin_v it_o and_o he_o carry_v it_o on_o and_o there_o can_v be_v no_o great_a grief_n unto_o a_o wise_a and_o gracious_a worker_n than_o to_o have_v his_o work_n decay_n and_o go_v backward_o under_o his_o hand_n this_o be_v the_o occasion_n of_o those_o complaint_n of_o god_n which_o we_o find_v in_o the_o scripture_n of_o the_o unprofitableness_n and_o backslide_n of_o man_n after_o the_o use_n of_o mean_n and_o remedy_n for_o their_o fruitfulness_n and_o cure_n what_o say_v he_o can_v i_o have_v do_v more_o for_o my_o vineyard_n than_o i_o have_v do_v why_o then_o when_o i_o look_v for_o grape_n do_v it_o bring_v forth_o wild_a grape_n can_v any_o thing_n be_v apprehend_v to_o be_v such_o a_o just_a matter_n of_o grief_n and_o complaint_n unto_o the_o holy_a spirit_n to_o see_v and_o find_v those_o who_o he_o have_v once_o raise_v up_o unto_o holy_a and_o heavenly_a affection_n so_o as_o that_o their_o delight_n be_v in_o and_o their_o thought_n much_o upon_o the_o thing_n that_o be_v above_o to_o become_v earthly_a or_o sensual_a to_o have_v no_o sensible_a act_n of_o any_o of_o his_o grace_n in_o they_o which_o be_v the_o state_n of_o they_o who_o be_v under_o the_o power_n of_o spiritual_a decay_n and_o this_o be_v the_o only_a cause_n wherein_o god_n speak_v unto_o man_n in_o the_o way_n of_o complaint_n and_o expostulation_n and_o use_v all_o sort_n of_o argument_n to_o convince_v they_o of_o their_o folly_n herein_o when_o a_o wise_a tender_a and_o careful_a parent_n have_v be_v diligent_a in_o the_o use_n of_o all_o mean_n for_o the_o education_n of_o his_o child_n and_o he_o for_o some_o time_n have_v give_v good_a hope_n of_o himself_o find_v he_o to_o slacken_v in_o his_o diligence_n to_o be_v careless_a in_o his_o call_n to_o delight_v in_o evil_a company_n how_o solicitous_a be_v his_o heart_n about_o he_o how_o much_o be_v he_o grieve_v and_o affect_v with_o his_o miscarriage_n the_o heart_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n be_v infinite_o more_o tender_a towards_o we_o than_o that_o of_o the_o most_o affectionate_a parent_n can_v be_v towards_o a_o only_a child_n and_o when_o he_o with_o cost_n and_o care_n have_v nourish_v and_o bring_v we_o up_o unto_o some_o growth_n and_o progress_n in_o spiritual_a affection_n wherein_o all_o his_o concern_v in_o we_o do_v lie_n for_o we_o to_o grow_v cold_a dull_a earthly-minded_n to_o cleave_v unto_o the_o pleasure_n or_o lust_n of_o this_o world_n how_o be_v he_o grieve_v how_o be_v he_o provoke_v it_o may_v be_v this_o consideration_n of_o grieve_v the_o holy_a spirit_n be_v of_o no_o great_a weight_n with_o some_o they_o shall_v have_v little_a concernment_n herein_o if_o they_o can_v well_o free_v themselves_o in_o other_o respect_n but_o let_v such_o person_n know_v it_o be_v impossible_a for_o they_o to_o give_v a_o great_a evidence_n of_o a_o profligate_n hardness_n in_o sin_n three_o this_o be_v that_o which_o in_o a_o especial_a manner_n provoke_v the_o judgement_n of_o god_n against_o any_o church_n as_o be_v intimate_v before_o when_o in_o the_o order_n of_o profession_n and_o worship_n any_o church_n have_v a_o name_n to_o live_v but_o as_o to_o the_o power_n of_o grace_n act_v in_o the_o affection_n be_v dead_a when_o it_o be_v not_o so_o cold_a as_o to_o forsake_v the_o external_a institution_n of_o worship_n nor_o so_o hot_a as_o to_o enliven_v their_o duty_n with_o spiritual_a affection_n the_o lord_n christ_n will_v not_o long_o bear_v with_o they_o yea_o judgement_n will_v sudden_o break_v out_o towards_o such_o a_o house_n of_o god_n four_o it_o be_v absolute_o inconsistent_a with_o all_o comfortable_a assurance_n of_o the_o love_n of_o god_n whatever_o person_n under_o the_o power_n of_o such_o a_o frame_n pretend_v unto_o of_o that_o kind_n it_o be_v sinful_a security_n not_o gracious_a assurance_n or_o peace_n and_o constant_o as_o professor_n grow_v cold_a and_o decay_n in_o their_o spiritual_a affection_n stupidity_n of_o conscience_n and_o security_n of_o mind_n do_v grow_v also_o uâ—on_v they_o it_o be_v so_o i_o say_v unless_o they_o be_v sometime_o surprise_v or_o overtake_v with_o some_o great_a sin_n which_o reflect_v severe_o on_o their_o conscience_n and_o cast_v they_o for_o a_o time_n under_o trouble_n and_o distress_n but_o that_o peace_n with_o god_n and_o a_o comfortable_a assurance_n of_o salvation_n shall_v be_v consistent_a with_o a_o habitual_a decay_n in_o grace_n especial_o in_o those_o grace_n which_o shall_v act_v themselves_o in_o our_o affection_n be_v contrary_a to_o the_o whole_a tenor_n and_o testimony_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o the_o supposition_n of_o it_o will_v be_v the_o bane_n and_o poison_n of_o religion_n i_o do_v not_o say_v that_o our_o assurance_n and_o peace_n with_o god_n do_v arise_v whole_o from_o the_o act_n of_o grace_n in_o we_o there_o be_v other_o cause_n of_o they_o whereinto_o they_o be_v principal_o resolve_v but_o this_o i_o say_v under_o a_o habitual_a declension_n or_o decay_n of_o grace_n in_o the_o spirituality_n of_o our_o affection_n no_o man_n can_v keep_v or_o maintain_v a_o gracious_a sense_n of_o the_o love_n of_o god_n or_o of_o peace_n with_o he_o and_o therefore_o there_o be_v no_o duty_n more_o severe_o to_o be_v press_v on_o all_o at_o this_o day_n than_o a_o diligent_a examination_n and_o trial_n of_o the_o ground_n of_o their_o peace_n lest_o it_o shall_v be_v with_o any_o of_o they_o as_o it_o be_v with_o luodicen_n who_o be_v satisfy_v in_o her_o good_a state_n and_o condition_n when_o it_o be_v most_o miserable_a and_o almost_o desperate_a yea_o i_o must_v say_v that_o it_o be_v impossible_a that_o many_o professor_n who_o we_o see_v and_o converse_v withal_o shall_v have_v any_o solid_a peace_n with_o god_n do_v man_n gather_v fig_n from_o thorn_n or_o grape_n from_o thistle_n it_o be_v a_o fruit_n that_o will_v not_o grow_v on_o a_o vain_a earthly_a selfish_a frame_n of_o mind_n and_o conversation_n and_o therefore_o such_o person_n whatever_o they_o pretend_v be_v either_o asleep_a in_o a_o sinful_a security_n or_o live_v on_o most_o uncertain_a hope_n which_o probable_o may_v deceive_v they_o nothing_o can_v be_v so_o ruinous_a unto_o our_o profession_n as_o once_o to_o suppose_v it_o be_v a_o easy_a matter_n a_o thing_n of_o course_n to_o maintain_v our_o peace_n with_o god_n god_n forbid_v but_o that_o our_o utmost_a diligence_n and_o continue_a endeavour_n to_o thrive_v in_o every_o grace_n shall_v be_v require_v thereunto_o the_o whole_a beauty_n and_o glory_n of_o our_o religion_n depend_v hereon_o to_o be_v spiritually-minded_n be_v life_n and_o peace_n 5._o such_o a_o decay_n as_o that_o describe_v
warn_v it_o be_v and_o this_o arise_v from_o hence_o that_o they_o have_v not_o as_o yet_o be_v overtake_v with_o any_o enormous_a sin_n which_o have_v fill_v their_o conscience_n with_o terror_n and_o disquietment_n but_o this_o be_v a_o false_a notion_n also_o for_o every_o decay_n be_v dangerous_a especial_o such_o as_o the_o mind_n be_v ready_a to_o plead_v for_o and_o to_o countenance_v itself_o in_o second_o they_o be_v prone_a to_o suppose_v that_o this_o decay_n do_v not_o arise_v from_o themselves_o and_o the_o evil_a of_o their_o own_o heart_n but_o from_o their_o circumstance_n business_n present_a occasion_n and_o state_n of_o life_n which_o when_o they_o be_v free_v from_o they_o will_v at_o least_o return_n unto_o their_o former_a love_n and_o delight_n in_o spiritual_a thing_n but_o this_o be_v a_o false_a notion_n also_o by_o virtue_n of_o that_o rule_n heb._n 3.12_o let_v man_n circumstance_n and_o occasion_n of_o life_n be_v what_o they_o will_v all_o their_o departure_n from_o god_n be_v from_o a_o evil_a heart_n of_o unbelief_n three_o they_o judge_v it_o no_o hard_a matter_n to_o retrieve_v themselves_o out_o of_o this_o state_n but_o that_o which_o they_o can_v easy_o do_v when_o there_o be_v a_o absolute_a necessity_n of_o it_o but_o this_o be_v a_o false_a notion_n also_o recovery_n from_o backslide_v be_v the_o hard_a task_n in_o christian_a religion_n and_o which_o few_o make_v either_o comfortable_a or_o honourable_a work_n of_o in_o this_o state_n i_o say_v man_n be_v apt_a by_o such_o false_a reason_n to_o deceive_v themselves_o unto_o their_o eternal_a ruin_n which_o make_v the_o consideration_n of_o it_o the_o more_o necessary_a wherefore_o i_o say_v last_o upon_o the_o whole_a that_o who_o so_o find_v themselves_o under_o the_o power_n of_o this_o wretched_a frame_n who_o be_v sensible_a in_o themselves_o or_o at_o least_o make_v it_o evident_a unto_o other_o that_o they_o be_v under_o a_o decay_n in_o their_o spiritual_a condition_n if_o they_o rest_v in_o that_o state_n without_o groan_v labour_a endeavour_v for_o deliverance_n from_o it_o they_o can_v have_v no_o well_o ground_v hope_n in_o themselves_o of_o life_n and_o immortality_n yea_o they_o be_v in_o those_o path_n which_o go_v down_o unto_o the_o chamber_n of_o death_n i_o can_v let_v this_o pass_n without_o something_o of_o advice_n unto_o they_o who_o find_v themselves_o under_o such_o decay_n be_v sensible_a of_o they_o and_o will_v be_v deliver_v from_o they_o and_o i_o shall_v give_v it_o in_o a_o few_o word_n first_o remember_v former_a thing_n call_v to_o mind_n how_o it_o be_v with_o you_o in_o the_o spring_n and_o vigour_n of_o your_o affection_n and_o compare_v your_o present_a state_n enjoyment_n peace_n and_o quiet_a with_o what_o they_o be_v then_o this_o will_v be_v a_o great_a principle_n of_o return_n to_o god_n hos._n 2.7_o and_o to_o put_v a_o little_a weight_n upon_o it_o we_o may_v consider_v first_o god_n himself_o make_v it_o on_o his_o part_n a_o ground_n and_o reason_n of_o his_o return_n unto_o we_o in_o a_o way_n of_o mercy_n and_o of_o the_o continuance_n of_o his_o love_n jer._n 2.2_o even_o when_o a_o people_n be_v under_o manifold_a decay_n while_o yet_o they_o be_v within_o the_o bound_n of_o god_n covenant_n and_o mercy_n he_o will_v remember_v their_o first_o love_n with_o the_o fruit_n and_o act_n of_o it_o in_o trial_n and_o temptation_n which_o move_v his_o compassion_n towards_o they_o and_o the_o way_n to_o have_v god_n thus_o remember_v it_o be_v for_o we_o to_o remember_v with_o delight_n and_o longing_n of_o soul_n that_o it_o be_v with_o we_o as_o in_o those_o day_n of_o old_a when_o we_o have_v the_o love_n of_o espousal_n for_o god_n in_o christ_n jeremiah_n 31.18_o 19_o 20._o second_o it_o be_v the_o way_n whereby_o the_o saint_n of_o old_a have_v refresh_v and_o encourage_v themselves_o under_o their_o great_a despondency_n so_o do_v the_o psalmist_n in_o many_o place_n as_o for_o instance_n psal._n 42.6_o o_o my_o god_n my_o soul_n be_v cast_v down_o within_o i_o therefore_o will_v i_o remember_v thou_o from_o the_o land_n of_o jordan_n and_o of_o the_o hermonite_n from_o the_o hill_n missar_n david_n in_o the_o time_n of_o his_o persecution_n by_o saul_n when_o he_o wander_v up_o and_o down_o in_o desert_n wilderness_n and_o solitude_n have_v under_o his_o fear_n distress_n and_o exercise_n great_a holy_a spiritual_a communion_n with_o god_n as_o many_o of_o his_o psalm_n compose_v on_o such_o occasion_n do_v testify_v and_o the_o great_a his_o distress_n be_v the_o more_o fervent_a be_v his_o affection_n in_o all_o his_o address_n unto_o god_n and_o he_o be_v never_o in_o great_a than_o when_o he_o escape_v out_o of_o the_o cave_n at_o adullam_n and_o go_v thence_o unto_o mizpheh_n of_o moab_n to_o get_v shelter_n for_o his_o parent_n 1_o sam._n 22.13_o then_o be_v he_o in_o the_o land_n of_o the_o hermonite_n the_o hill_n hermon_n be_v the_o boundary_a eastward_o of_o the_o israelite_n possession_n next_o to_o moab_n deut._n 3.8_o 9_o there_o no_o doubt_n david_n have_v a_o bless_a exercise_n of_o his_o faith_n and_o of_o all_o his_o affection_n towards_o god_n wherein_o his_o soul_n find_v great_a refreshment_n be_v now_o in_o great_a distress_n and_o disconsolation_n of_o spirit_n among_o other_o thing_n under_o a_o sense_n that_o god_n have_v forget_v he_o vers_n 9_o he_o call_v to_o mind_v the_o bless_a experience_n he_o have_v of_o communion_n with_o god_n in_o the_o land_n of_o the_o hermonite_n wherein_o he_o now_o find_v support_n and_o refreshment_n so_o at_o other_o time_n he_o call_v to_o remembrance_n the_o day_n of_o old_a and_o in_o they_o his_o song_n in_o the_o night_n or_o the_o sweet_a refreshment_n he_o have_v in_o spiritual_a converse_n with_o god_n in_o former_a time_n i_o have_v know_v one_o in_o the_o depth_n of_o distress_n and_o darkness_n of_o mind_n who_o go_v through_o temptation_n to_o destroy_v himself_o be_v relieve_v and_o deliver_v in_o the_o instant_n of_o ruin_n by_o a_o sudden_a remembrance_n that_o at_o such_o a_o time_n and_o in_o such_o a_o place_n he_o have_v pray_v fervent_o with_o the_o engagement_n of_o all_o his_o affection_n unto_o god_n wherefore_o you_o that_o be_v sensible_a of_o these_o decay_n or_o aught_o so_o to_o be_v take_v the_o advice_n of_o our_o saviour_n remember_v whence_o you_o be_v fall_v call_v to_o mind_n the_o former_a day_n consider_v if_o it_o be_v not_o better_o with_o you_o than_o now_o when_o in_o your_o lie_v down_o and_o your_o rise_n up_o you_o have_v many_o thought_n of_o god_n and_o of_o the_o thing_n of_o god_n and_o they_o be_v sweet_a and_o precious_a unto_o your_o soul_n when_o you_o rejoice_v at_o the_o remembrance_n of_o his_o holiness_n when_o you_o have_v zeal_n for_o his_o glory_n delight_n in_o his_o worship_n and_o be_v glad_a when_o they_o say_v let_v we_o go_v to_o the_o house_n of_o god_n together_o when_o you_o pour_v forth_o your_o soul_n with_o freedom_n and_o enlarge_v affection_n before_o he_o and_o be_v sensible_a of_o the_o visit_n and_o refreshment_n of_o his_o love_n remember_v what_o peace_n what_o tranquillity_n of_o mind_n what_o joy_v you_o have_v while_o it_o be_v so_o with_o you_o and_o consider_v what_o you_o have_v get_v since_o you_o have_v forsake_v god_n in_o any_o measure_n or_o degree_n dare_v to_o deal_v plain_o with_o yourselves_o be_v not_o all_o wherein_o you_o have_v now_o to_o do_v with_o god_n either_o form_n custom_n and_o selfishness_n or_o attend_v with_o trouble_n disquietment_n and_o fear_n do_v you_o true_o know_v either_o how_o to_o live_v or_o how_o to_o die_v be_v you_o not_o sometime_o a_o terror_n unto_o yourselves_o it_o must_v be_v so_o unless_o you_o be_v harden_v through_o the_o deceitfulness_n of_o sin_n what_o have_v all_o your_o lover_n do_v for_o you_o that_o you_o have_v entertain_v in_o the_o room_n of_o god_n in_o christ_n and_o spiritual_a thing_n speak_v plain_o have_v they_o not_o defile_v you_o wound_v you_o weaken_v you_o and_o bring_v you_o into_o that_o condition_n that_o you_o know_v not_o what_o you_o be_v nor_o to_o who_o you_o do_v belong_v what_o be_v your_o thought_n when_o you_o be_v most_o awake_a when_o you_o be_v most_o yourselves_o do_v you_o not_o sometime_o part_v within_o yourselves_o and_o say_v o_o that_o it_o be_v with_o we_o as_o in_o former_a day_n and_o it_o you_o can_v be_v no_o way_n affect_v with_o the_o remembrance_n of_o former_a thing_n then_o one_o of_o these_o two_o great_a evil_n you_o be_v certain_o under_o for_o either_o 1_o you_o never_o have_v a_o true_a and_o real_a work_n on_o your_o soul_n whatever_o you_o profess_v and_o so_o never_o have_v true_a and_o real_a communion_n with_o god_n in_o any_o duty_n
unto_o there_o be_v two_o thing_n from_o which_o we_o be_v secure_v by_o this_o peace_n which_o be_v a_o effect_n of_o be_v spiritual_o mind_a the_o first_o be_v offence_n there_o be_v nothing_o of_o who_o danger_n we_o be_v more_o warn_v in_o the_o gospel_n than_o of_o offence_n wo_n to_o the_o world_n say_v our_o saviour_n because_o of_o offence_n all_o age_n all_o time_n and_o season_n be_v fill_v with_o they_o and_o they_o prove_v pernicious_a and_o destructive_a to_o the_o soul_n of_o many_o such_o be_v the_o scandalous_a division_n that_o be_v among_o christian_n the_o endless_a difference_n of_o opinion_n and_o diversity_n of_o practice_n in_o religion_n and_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n the_o fall_v and_o sin_n of_o professor_n the_o fearful_a end_n of_o some_o of_o they_o the_o reproach_n that_o be_v cast_v on_o all_o that_o engage_v into_o any_o peculiar_a way_n of_o holiness_n and_o strictness_n of_o life_n with_o other_o thing_n of_o the_o like_a nature_n whereby_o the_o soul_n of_o innumerable_a person_n be_v disquiet_v subvert_v or_o infect_v be_v to_o be_v reckon_v unto_o this_o head_n against_o any_o hurtful_a or_o noxious_a influence_n on_o our_o mind_n from_o these_o thing_n against_o disquietment_n dejection_n of_o spirit_n and_o disconsolation_n be_v we_o secure_v by_o this_o peace_n so_o the_o psalmist_n assure_v we_o psal._n 119.165_o great_a peace_n have_v they_o that_o love_v thy_o law_n and_o nothing_o shall_v offend_v they_o the_o law_n or_o the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v the_o only_a way_n of_o the_o revelation_n of_o god_n and_o his_o will_n unto_o we_o and_o the_o only_a outward_a way_n and_o rule_n of_o our_o converse_n and_o communion_n with_o he_o wherefore_o to_o love_v the_o law_n be_v the_o principal_a part_n of_o our_o be_v heavenly_a mind_a yea_o virtual_o that_o which_o comprehend_v the_o whole_a for_o such_o as_o do_v so_o nothing_o none_o of_o the_o thing_n before_o mention_v nor_o any_o other_o of_o the_o like_a nature_n shall_v be_v a_o offence_n a_o stumble_a block_n or_o cause_n of_o fall_v into_o sin_n and_o the_o reason_n be_v because_o they_o have_v such_o a_o experience_n in_o themselves_o of_o the_o truth_n power_n efficacy_n and_o holiness_n of_o the_o gospel_n as_o that_o the_o miscarriage_n of_o man_n under_o a_o profession_n of_o it_o shall_v never_o be_v unto_o they_o a_o occasion_n of_o fall_v or_o be_v offend_v at_o christ._n and_o i_o look_v upon_o it_o as_o a_o sign_n of_o a_o very_a evil_a frame_n of_o heart_n when_o man_n be_v concern_v in_o the_o miscarriage_n of_o some_o that_o have_v make_v profession_n whereby_o they_o be_v it_o may_v be_v damage_v in_o their_o outward_a concern_v so_o as_o that_o they_o be_v surprise_v into_o reflection_n on_o that_o religion_n which_o they_o profess_v profess_v the_o same_o themselves_o 2_o the_o second_o be_v affliction_n persecution_n and_o suffering_n of_o all_o sort_n it_o be_v know_v by_o all_o it_o be_v well_o if_o it_o be_v not_o so_o well_o know_v what_o disquietment_n dejection_n and_o disconsolation_n these_o thing_n be_v apt_a to_o fill_v the_o mind_n of_o man_n withal_o what_o fear_n trouble_n sorrow_n they_o reflect_v upon_o they_o against_o all_o these_o effect_n of_o they_o this_o peace_n intend_v give_v we_o security_n it_o make_v we_o to_o preserve_v a_o peaceable_a yea_o a_o joyous_a life_n in_o our_o conflict_n with_o they_o see_v joh._n 16.33_o both_o these_o as_o here_o join_v together_o life_n and_o peace_n do_v comprise_v a_o holy_a frame_n of_o heart_n and_o mind_n wherein_o the_o soul_n of_o believer_n do_v find_v rest_n quietness_n refreshment_n and_o satisfaction_n in_o god_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o temptation_n affliction_n offence_n and_o suffering_n it_o be_v the_o soul_n composure_n of_o itself_o in_o god_n in_o his_o love_n in_o christ_n jesus_n so_o as_o not_o great_o to_o be_v put_v out_o of_o order_n to_o be_v cast_v down_o with_o any_o thing_n that_o may_v befall_v it_o but_o afford_v man_n cheerfulness_n and_o satisfaction_n in_o themselves_o though_o they_o walk_v sometime_o in_o the_o valley_n of_o the_o shadow_n of_o death_n such_o person_n have_v that_o in_o they_o abide_v with_o they_o as_o will_v give_v they_o life_n and_o peace_n under_o all_o occurrence_n 2_o our_o next_o enquiry_n be_v how_o this_o spiritual_a mindedness_n be_v life_n and_o peace_n or_o what_o it_o contribute_v unto_o they_o how_o it_o produce_v the_o frame_n of_o heart_n and_o mind_n so_o express_v and_o this_o it_o do_v several_a way_n 1_o it_o be_v the_o only_a mean_n on_o our_o part_n of_o retain_v a_o sense_n of_o divine_a love_n the_o love_n of_o god_n in_o a_o gracious_a sense_n of_o it_o as_o shed_v abroad_o in_o our_o heart_n by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v the_o first_o and_o only_a foundation_n of_o all_o durable_a comfort_n such_o as_o will_v support_v and_o refresh_v we_o under_o all_o opposition_n and_o distress_n that_o be_v of_o life_n and_o peace_n in_o our_o soul_n in_o any_o condition_n this_o god_n communicate_v by_o a_o act_n of_o sovereign_a grace_n for_o the_o most_o part_n without_o any_o preparation_n for_o it_o in_o ourselves_o he_o create_v the_o fruit_n of_o the_o lip_n peace_n peace_n but_o although_o divine_a love_n be_v in_o itself_o unchangeable_a and_o always_o the_o same_o yet_o this_o sense_n of_o it_o may_v be_v lose_v as_o it_o be_v in_o david_n when_o he_o pray_v that_o god_n will_v restore_v unto_o he_o the_o joy_n of_o his_o salvation_n psal._n 51.12_o and_o so_o many_o other_o have_v find_v it_o by_o woeful_a experience_n to_o insist_v upon_o all_o that_o be_v require_v on_o our_o part_n that_o we_o may_v retain_v a_o gracious_a refresh_a sense_n of_o divine_a love_n after_o it_o be_v once_o grant_v unto_o we_o belong_v not_o unto_o my_o present_a purpose_n but_o this_o i_o say_v there_o be_v not_o any_o thing_n wherein_o we_o be_v more_o concern_v for_o to_o be_v careful_a and_o diligent_a in_o than_o as_o unto_o what_o belong_v to_o that_o end_n for_o man_n who_o by_o a_o mere_a act_n of_o sovereign_a grace_n have_v taste_v herein_o of_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n who_o have_v have_v the_o consolation_n and_o joy_n of_o it_o to_o be_v negligent_a in_o the_o keep_n and_o preserve_v it_o in_o their_o soul_n be_v a_o provocation_n that_o they_o will_v at_o one_o time_n or_o other_o be_v sensible_a of_o there_o be_v nothing_o do_v more_o grieve_v the_o holy_a spirit_n than_o to_o have_v his_o especial_a work_n whereby_o he_o seal_v we_o unto_o the_o day_n of_o redemption_n neglect_v or_o despise_v and_o it_o argue_v a_o mighty_a prevalency_n of_o some_o corruption_n or_o temptation_n that_o shall_v cause_v man_n willing_o and_o by_o their_o own_o sloth_n to_o forfeit_v so_o inestimable_a a_o grace_n mercy_n and_o privilege_n and_o it_o be_v that_o which_o there_o be_v but_o few_o of_o we_o who_o have_v not_o reason_n to_o bewail_v our_o folly_n in_o every_o intimation_n of_o divine_a love_n be_v a_o inestimable_a jewel_n which_o if_o safe_o treasure_v up_o in_o our_o heart_n add_v unto_o our_o spiritual_a riches_n and_o be_v lose_v will_v at_o one_o time_n or_o another_o affect_v we_o with_o sorrow_n and_o i_o be_o afraid_a that_o many_o of_o we_o be_v very_o negligent_a herein_o unto_o the_o great_a prejudice_n of_o our_o soul_n and_o spiritual_n state_n many_o such_o intimation_n be_v give_v we_o by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n through_o the_o word_n which_o we_o take_v little_a notice_n of_o either_o we_o know_v not_o the_o voice_n of_o christ_n in_o they_o or_o do_v not_o hearken_v unto_o he_o in_o a_o due_a manner_n or_o refuse_v a_o compliance_n with_o he_o when_o we_o can_v but_o know_v that_o he_o speak_v unto_o we_o see_v cant._n 5.2_o 3._o or_o if_o we_o receive_v any_o impression_n of_o a_o gracious_a sense_n of_o divine_a love_n in_o they_o we_o quick_o lose_v they_o not_o know_v how_o much_o the_o life_n of_o our_o soul_n be_v concern_v therein_o and_o what_o use_n of_o they_o we_o may_v have_v in_o our_o follow_a temptation_n trial_n and_o duty_n now_o the_o great_a mean_n of_o retain_v a_o sense_n of_o the_o love_n of_o god_n which_o be_v the_o only_a spring_n of_o life_n and_o peace_n unto_o our_o soul_n be_v this_o grace_n and_o duty_n of_o be_v spiritually-minded_n this_o be_v evident_a from_o the_o very_a nature_n of_o the_o duty_n for_o 1_o it_o be_v the_o soul_n preserve_v of_o itself_o in_o a_o frame_n meet_v to_o receive_v and_o retain_v this_o sense_n of_o god_n love_n what_o other_o way_n can_v there_o be_v on_o our_o part_n but_o that_o our_o mind_n which_o be_v so_o to_o receive_v it_o and_o retain_v it_o be_v spiritual_a and_o heavenly_a always_o prepare_v for_o that_o holy_a converse_n and_o communion_n with_o himself_o which_o he_o