neglect_v no_o mean_n nor_o help_n in_o order_n thereto_o such_o resolution_n as_o these_o be_v most_o proper_a in_o your_o condition_n but_o if_o your_o heart_n still_o hang_v back_o let_v i_o ask_v you_o what_o will_v you_o resolve_v upon_o vita_fw-la humana_fw-la sine_fw-la proposito_fw-la vaga_fw-la est_fw-la &_o languida_fw-la will_v you_o put_v the_o matter_n to_o the_o venture_n and_o trouble_v your_o head_n no_o further_o about_o it_o but_o still_o go_v on_o at_o the_o old_a dull_a stupid_a rate_n if_o so_o this_o be_v wilful_o to_o destroy_v your_o own_o soul_n and_o who_o can_v you_o blame_v but_o yourselves_o will_v you_o sit_v down_o in_o despair_n this_o be_v to_o despise_v or_o undervalue_v the_o riches_n of_o gospel-grace_n that_o be_v set_v before_o you_o those_o that_o come_v to_o christ_n he_o will_v in_o no_o wise_a cast_v out_o again_o will_v you_o delay_v for_o a_o while_n and_o put_v off_o the_o thought_n of_o these_o thing_n till_o hereafter_o answ_n this_o indeed_o be_v the_o common_a case_n but_o almost_o as_o unreasonable_a as_o either_o of_o the_o other_o two_o your_o time_n be_v not_o in_o your_o own_o hand_n you_o know_v not_o how_o soon_o your_o soul_n may_v be_v require_v of_o you_o the_o long_a you_o delay_v the_o more_o difficult_a it_o be_v like_a to_o be_v and_o the_o spirit_n that_o shall_v help_v you_o will_v be_v grieve_v by_o your_o backwardness_n satan_n will_v have_v the_o fast_o hold_v of_o you_o and_o if_o death_n overtake_v you_o before_o the_o work_n be_v do_v you_o be_v damn_v therefore_o i_o say_v turn_v your_o thought_n which_o way_n you_o will_v all_o other_o resolution_n will_v be_v find_v mad_a and_o dangerous_a except_o that_o of_o the_o prodigal_n i_o will_v arise_v and_o go_v to_o my_o father_n so_o do_v you_o and_o here_o let_v i_o tell_v you_o it_o be_v needful_a that_o your_o resolution_n be_v firm_a and_o steady_a lest_o those_o difficulty_n which_o may_v afterward_o arise_v in_o your_o way_n shall_v discourage_v you_o and_o that_o they_o be_v speedy_a lest_o death_n overtake_v you_o unprepared_a and_o also_o that_o in_o this_o whole_a business_n you_o be_v sensible_a of_o your_o own_o weakness_n and_o insufficiency_n lest_o you_o miscarry_v through_o foolish_a self-confidence_n but_o of_o that_o more_o by_o and_o by_o direct_v 4._o see_v that_o your_o resolution_n be_v forthwith_o put_v into_o practice_n by_o this_o it_o must_v appear_v that_o they_o be_v true_a and_o hearty_a if_o the_o will_v be_v determine_v in_o the_o case_n suitable_a endeavour_n will_v ensue_v and_o here_o your_o work_n lie_v in_o the_o follow_a order_n 1._o humble_a yourselves_o deep_o in_o the_o presence_n of_o god_n for_o all_o that_o sin_n and_o folly_n which_o hitherto_o you_o have_v be_v guilty_a of_o consider_v the_o evil_a of_o sin_n as_o it_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o holy_a and_o pure_a nature_n and_o law_n of_o god_n call_v to_o remembrance_n your_o own_o sin_n and_o lay_v they_o to_o heart_n that_o they_o may_v not_o be_v lay_v to_o your_o charge_n in_o a_o particular_a manner_n bewail_v the_o corruption_n of_o your_o nature_n and_o more_o especial_o the_o estrangedness_n of_o your_o heart_n from_o god_n and_o enmity_n against_o he_o with_o that_o inordinate_a propension_n to_o the_o creature_n in_o which_o the_o heart_n of_o the_o old_a man_n do_v main_o consist_v proceed_v then_o to_o consider_v those_o actual_a transgression_n which_o have_v all_o along_o issue_v from_o this_o corruption_n viz._n your_o loss_n of_o precious_a time_n misimprovement_n of_o gospel_n ordinance_n and_o mean_n of_o grace_n your_o pride_n passion_n earthliness_n sensuality_n etc._n etc._n confess_v these_o thing_n humble_o and_o feel_o in_o the_o presence_n of_o god_n labour_v to_o melt_v into_o a_o ingenuous_a childlike_a sorrow_n for_o have_v carry_v it_o so_o unworthy_o to_o so_o good_a and_o gracious_a a_o father_n that_o sorrow_n for_o sin_n which_o proceed_v only_o from_o fear_n of_o punishment_n be_v the_o sorrow_n of_o a_o slave_n and_o may_v consist_v with_o as_o much_o love_n to_o sin_n as_o ever_o but_o godly_a sorrow_n be_v animate_v by_o holy_a love_n to_o god_n which_o raise_v in_o the_o soul_n a_o rational_a hearty_a grief_n for_o its_o transgression_n against_o he_o a_o hatred_n of_o sin_n and_o resolution_n against_o it_o for_o the_o future_a this_o be_v repentance_n from_o dead_a work_n and_o towards_o god_n he_o that_o cover_v his_o sin_n shall_v not_o prosper_v but_o he_o that_o confess_v and_o forsake_v they_o shall_v find_v mercy_n prov._n 28.13_o yea_o as_o matter_n now_o stand_v such_o be_v the_o wonderful_a condescension_n of_o the_o law_n of_o grace_n it_o be_v a_o act_n of_o justice_n and_o faithfulness_n as_o well_o as_o mercy_n to_o forgive_v sin_z wheresoever_o with_o true_a repentance_n it_o be_v confess_v 1_o joh._n 1.9_o if_o we_o confess_v our_o sin_n he_o be_v faithful_a and_o just_a to_o forgive_v we_o our_o sin_n etc._n etc._n therefore_o i_o say_v give_v glory_n to_o god_n by_o a_o humble_a acknowledgement_n of_o your_o sin_n lay_v yourselves_o low_a that_o his_o glory_n may_v â—â—e_v advance_v put_v your_o mouth_n in_o the_o dust_n if_o so_o be_v there_o may_v be_v hope_n justify_v his_o holy_a law_n though_o in_o so_o do_v you_o condemn_v yourselves_o say_v with_o the_o return_v prodigal_n luk._n 15.21_o father_n i_o have_v sin_v against_o heaven_n and_o in_o thy_o sight_n and_o be_o no_o more_o worthy_a to_o be_v call_v thy_o son_n etc._n etc._n 2._o thankful_o acknowledge_v the_o riches_n of_o freegrace_n in_o that_o god_n be_v yet_o please_v to_o offer_v you_o term_n of_o reconciliation_n and_o peace_n the_o golden_a sceptre_n be_v hold_v forth_o to_o you_o that_o you_o may_v touch_v it_o and_o live_v methinks_v this_o shall_v encourage_v you_o and_o put_v life_n and_o vigour_n into_o your_o proceed_n and_o draw_v out_o your_o very_a soul_n in_o sweet_a return_v of_o love_n to_o god_n lord_n be_v there_o yet_o hope_n be_v there_o any_o mercy_n for_o such_o a_o one_o as_o i_o behold_v i_o come_v in_o obedience_n to_o thy_o call_n blessed_n be_v god_n for_o jesus_n christ_n 3._o humble_o implore_v pardon_v mercy_n for_o your_o past_a sin_n and_o the_o help_n of_o divine_a grace_n for_o your_o present_a and_o future_a duty_n as_o the_o necessity_n of_o your_o case_n shall_v make_v you_o very_o earnest_a and_o importunate_a in_o these_o request_n so_o you_o have_v great_a encouragement_n give_v you_o to_o strengthen_v your_o faith_n and_o confidence_n in_o the_o divine_a goodness_n god_n delight_v in_o mercy_n and_o have_v proclaim_v his_o gracious_a name_n exod._n 34.6_o 9_o use_v this_o as_o a_o argument_n in_o prayer_n as_o the_o psalmist_n do_v psal_n 25.11_o for_o thy_o name_n sake_n o_o lord_n pardon_v my_o iniquity_n for_o it_o be_v great_a plead_v the_o merit_n and_o satisfaction_n of_o jesus_n christ_n the_o promise_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o assure_v yourselves_o god_n be_v as_o ready_a to_o forgive_v as_o you_o be_v to_o repent_v and_o forsake_v your_o sin_n he_o will_v not_o despise_v a_o break_a and_o a_o contrite_a heart_n psal_n 51.17_o and_o since_o the_o work_n that_o lie_v before_o you_o be_v holy_a and_o spiritual_a therefore_o trust_v not_o to_o your_o own_o resolution_n or_o strength_n pray_v hard_o for_o the_o help_n of_o the_o spirit_n â—ay_v your_o soul_n open_a to_o the_o influence_n of_o his_o grace_n yield_v yourselves_o to_o his_o conduct_n careful_o strike_v in_o with_o all_o his_o motion_n lord_n here_o be_o i_o what_o will_v thou_o have_v i_o to_o do_v teach_v i_o the_o way_n wherein_o i_o shall_v go_v incline_v my_o heart_n to_o thy_o testimony_n strengthen_v i_o with_o may_v in_o my_o inward_a man._n magnify_v thy_o power_n in_o my_o weakness_n speak_v lord_n for_o thy_o servant_n hear_v draw_v i_o and_o i_o will_v run_v after_o thou_o 4._o and_o now_o give_v up_o yourselves_o unfeigned_o to_o god_n in_o and_o through_o christ_n if_o you_o expect_v he_o shall_v be_v your_o god_n that_o be_v your_o portion_n happiness_n soul-satisfying_a good_a you_o must_v be_v his_o people_n devote_v to_o his_o love_n and_o service_n the_o covenant_n must_v be_v mutual_a else_o how_o shall_v it_o be_v a_o covenant_n let_v this_o be_v do_v with_o great_a freedom_n cheerfulness_n and_o resolution_n of_o spirit_n you_o will_v never_o have_v reason_n to_o repent_v of_o your_o choice_n he_o will_v be_v your_o shield_n and_o your_o exceed_a great_a reward_n 5._o live_v henceforth_o as_o become_v the_o covenant-people_n of_o god_n renounce_v your_o lust_n and_o corruption_n let_v the_o time_n pass_v of_o your_o life_n suffice_v you_o to_o have_v fulfil_v the_o inclination_n of_o the_o flesh_n remember_v you_o must_v now_o live_v at_o another_o rate_n than_o heretofore_o you_o have_v do_v the_o glory_n of_o god_n must_v be_v
influence_v by_o this_o great_a change_n 1._o the_o soul_n be_v natural_o a_o vital_a active_a substance_n as_o appear_v by_o the_o vigour_n and_o sprightliness_n of_o its_o motion_n yea_o the_o best_a philosophy_n suppose_v that_o it_o be_v never_o out_o of_o action_n but_o what_o then_o towards_o god_n it_o be_v unactive_a stupid_a dead_a and_o therefore_o it_o must_v be_v quicken_v by_o the_o same_o power_n which_o raise_v up_o jesus_n christ_n from_o the_o dead_a ephes_n 1.10_o 20._o ch._n 2.1_o 4_o 5_o 6._o it_o be_v vital_a power_n must_v be_v further_o enliven_v by_o a_o new_a principle_n of_o divine_a spiritual_a life_n that_o it_o may_v be_v enable_v and_o incline_v to_o move_v ready_o strong_o constant_o towards_o god_n from_o who_o this_o spiritual_a life_n be_v derive_v through_o christ_n and_o therefore_o it_o act_n towards_o he_o and_o terminate_v in_o he_o the_o same_o way_n thus_o the_o active_a power_n must_v be_v sanctify_v that_o we_o may_v be_v strong_a in_o the_o lord_n and_o in_o the_o power_n of_o he_o may_v ephes_n 6.10_o observe_v therefore_o that_o this_o vital_a faculty_n of_o the_o soul_n be_v no_o less_o capable_a of_o be_v improve_v corroborate_v or_o strengthen_v by_o holy_a habit_n than_o either_o of_o the_o other_o two_o viz._n the_o understanding_n and_o will_n though_o these_o be_v common_o most_v take_v notice_n of_o it_o be_v a_o essential_a power_n or_o virtue_n of_o the_o soul_n as_o well_o as_o they_o it_o suscitates_fw-la they_o to_o action_n and_o communicate_v life_n and_o vigour_n to_o they_o ad_fw-la intra_fw-la as_o it_o execute_v the_o command_n of_o the_o will_n direct_v by_o the_o understanding_n ad_fw-la extra_fw-la the_o former_a sort_n of_o these_o act_n lie_v deep_a and_o inward_a be_v less_o observe_v and_o by_o many_o scarce_o at_o all_o the_o latter_a viz._n the_o executive_a act_n be_v more_o open_a and_o discernible_a therefore_o this_o vital_a active_a power_n must_v be_v wrought_v to_o a_o holy_a vivacity_n or_o liveliness_n for_o god_n that_o we_o may_v move_v towards_o he_o and_o for_o he_o ready_o with_o promptitude_n and_o quickness_n of_o spirit_n and_o not_o be_v lazy_a or_o listless_a to_o duty_n strong_o with_o holy_a fortitude_n and_o vigour_n and_o not_o be_v formal_a lifeless_a or_o indifferent_a in_o duty_n what_o a_o shame_n be_v it_o that_o man_n shall_v pretend_v to_o have_v heaven_n in_o their_o eye_n and_o yet_o stand_v still_o or_o move_v so_o slow_o as_o if_o they_o care_v not_o whether_o ever_o they_o get_v thither_o or_o no_o constant_o with_o a_o holy_a steadfastness_n not_o discourage_v by_o difficulty_n that_o arise_v in_o the_o way_n not_o faint_v nor_o weary_a of_o well_o do_v 2._o the_o soul_n be_v natural_o a_o intelligent_a be_v capable_a of_o inquire_v after_o truth_n yea_o and_o strong_o incline_v so_o to_o do_v all_o man_n be_v desirous_a of_o knowledge_n in_o one_o kind_n or_o other_o some_o vehement_o set_v upon_o it_o and_o very_o industrious_a and_o eager_a in_o their_o pursuit_n after_o it_o they_o compass_v sea_n and_o land_n to_o attain_v it_o and_o high_o value_v themselves_o upon_o it_o but_o then_o as_o to_o the_o thing_n of_o god_n matter_n of_o spiritual_a and_o eternal_a consequence_n we_o be_v by_o nature_n not_o only_o ignorant_a of_o they_o but_o strange_o blockish_a and_o undisposed_a to_o a_o right_a acquaintance_n with_o they_o we_o not_o only_o want_v the_o actual_a knowledge_n of_o they_o but_o also_o a_o due_a aptitude_n and_o fitness_n to_o know_v they_o hence_o you_o shall_v find_v many_o person_n who_o as_o to_o other_o matter_n be_v very_o quick_a and_o apprehensive_a but_o in_o a_o perfect_a mist_n as_o to_o those_o truth_n wherein_o the_o welfare_n of_o their_o soul_n be_v more_o immediate_o concern_v yea_o multitude_n there_o be_v who_o have_v sit_v so_o long_o under_o the_o mean_n of_o knowledge_n that_o it_o may_v just_o be_v expect_v they_o shall_v be_v able_a to_o teach_v other_o but_o yet_o be_v themselves_o so_o dull_a that_o they_o have_v need_v to_o be_v teach_v again_o which_o be_v the_o first_o principle_n of_o the_o oracle_n of_o god_n heb._n 5.11_o 12._o other_o there_o be_v who_o have_v indeed_o a_o form_n of_o knowledge_n rom._n 2.20_o and_o it_o may_v be_v a_o form_n of_o godliness_n too_o but_o not_o the_o power_n of_o it_o many_o superficial_a notion_n float_v in_o their_o imagination_n and_o not_o a_o little_a puff_v up_o with_o they_o though_o still_o they_o know_v nothing_o as_o they_o ought_v to_o know_v some_o acquaintance_n they_o have_v with_o word_n or_o sign_n but_o be_v stranger_n to_o the_o thing_n signify_v by_o they_o they_o know_v not_o the_o truth_n as_o it_o be_v in_o jesus_n to_o the_o put_v oâ—_n of_o the_o old_a man._n ephes_n 4.21_o 22._o they_o may_v seem_v to_o have_v learn_v a_o great_a deal_n extensive_o but_o intensive_o they_o have_v learn_v nothing_o the_o article_n of_o their_o profess_a creed_n be_v not_o in_o their_o faith_n unless_o dream_a may_v pass_v for_o believe_v isa_n 53.1_o who_o have_v believe_v on_o report_n 1_o cor._n 2.14_o the_o natural_a man_n receive_v not_o the_o thing_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n etc._n etc._n in_o see_v they_o see_v not_o neither_o do_v they_o understand_v mat._n 13.13_o thus_o the_o state_n of_o unregeneracy_n be_v a_o state_n of_o darkness_n even_o such_o as_o may_v be_v feel_v be_v they_o not_o past_a feel_n too_o they_o be_v not_o only_o in_o the_o dark_a but_o they_o be_v darkness_n ephes_n 5.8_o a_o impure_a mass_n of_o conglobated_a darkness_n as_o one_o express_v it_o but_o when_o it_o please_v god_n by_o the_o power_n of_o his_o grace_n to_o work_v save_o upon_o a_o soul_n he_o cause_v his_o light_n to_o shine_v out_o of_o darkness_n irradiate_v the_o understanding_n and_o enable_v it_o to_o discern_v spiritual_a thing_n in_o a_o spiritual_a manner_n this_o be_v do_v by_o the_o special_a illumination_n or_o powerful_a demonstration_n of_o the_o spirit_n this_o produce_v new_a apprehension_n of_o thing_n the_o man_n see_v with_o other_o eye_n and_o know_v to_o purpose_v what_o he_o only_o think_v he_o know_v before_o the_o lord_n have_v give_v he_o a_o heart_n to_o perceive_v deut._n 29.4_o he_o be_v now_o convince_v that_o jesus_n christ_n be_v the_o chitf_a among_o ten_o thousand_o altogether_o lovely_a cant._n 5.10_o 16._o though_o former_o he_o can_v see_v no_o form_n nor_o comeliness_n in_o he_o isa_n 53.2_o now_o the_o beauty_n of_o holiness_n appear_v and_o he_o be_v even_o amaze_v at_o himself_o to_o think_v that_o he_o see_v it_o no_o soon_o thus_o divine_a light_n break_v in_o upon_o the_o understanding_n the_o dayspring_n from_o a_o high_a visit_n it_o the_o new_a man_n be_v renew_v in_o knowledge_n col._n 3.10_o turn_v unto_o god_n be_v a_o rational_a intelligent_a act_n sincere_a religion_n move_v not_o blind_o but_o that_o bring_v i_o to_o another_o head_n 3._o the_o main_a point_n in_o this_o great_a change_n be_v yet_o behind_o i_o mean_v the_o sanctification_n of_o the_o will_n this_o be_v the_o faculty_n which_o stand_v it_o out_o the_o long_a against_o god_n be_v most_o wicked_o averse_a from_o he_o and_o therefore_o hardly_a bring_v to_o yield_v to_o the_o importunity_n of_o his_o grace_n you_o will_v not_o come_v to_o i_o that_o you_o may_v have_v life_n how_o often_o will_v i_o have_v gather_v thy_o child_n together_o even_o as_o a_o hen_n gather_v her_o chicken_n under_o her_o wing_n and_o you_o will_v not_o mat._n 23.37_o my_o people_n will_v not_o hearken_v to_o my_o voice_n and_o israel_n will_v none_o of_o i_o it_o be_v in_o this_o unwillingness_n that_o their_o impotency_n do_v main_o consist_v they_o can_v find_v in_o their_o heart_n to_o comply_v o_o what_o deep_a conviction_n what_o fear_n and_o terror_n what_o pang_n and_o throw_n what_o vehement_a struggle_n do_v some_o undergo_v before_o they_o yield_v and_o some_o who_o never_o yield_v at_o all_o their_o faint_a inclination_n to_o that_o which_o be_v good_a be_v overpower_v by_o a_o more_o strong_a aversion_n thus_o the_o rebellious_a will_n of_o man_n stand_v it_o out_o against_o the_o law_n and_o grace_n of_o god_n it_o be_v a_o far_o easy_a matter_n to_o convince_v man_n understanding_n of_o the_o reasonableness_n and_o necessity_n of_o turn_v to_o god_n than_o to_o cure_v that_o disaffection_n and_o enmity_n which_o be_v root_v in_o their_o will_n and_o heart_n against_o he_o therefore_o i_o say_v the_o main_a work_n lie_v here_o viz._n in_o turn_v the_o bent_n of_o the_o will_n and_o put_v it_o in_o a_o right_a posture_n god-ward_o determine_v our_o resolution_n for_o he_o powerful_o and_o sweet_o incline_v we_o to_o close_v with_o he_o drawing_z and_o even_o constrain_a we_o with_o the_o cord_n of_o a_o man_n the_o band_n of_o love_n
sort_n of_o grace_n whereby_o god_n be_v wont_a to_o â—â—â—pare_v man_n for_o special_a save_a grace_n it_o be_v his_o usual_a method_n to_o bring_v his_o work_n whâ—â—â—_n of_o nature_n or_o grace_n to_o their_o intend_a perfection_n 〈◊〉_d degree_n he_o delight_v to_o glorify_v his_o power_n 〈◊〉_d and_o goodness_n by_o advance_v thing_n to_o a_o observable_a be_v â—â—â—ty_n and_o excellency_n from_o very_o small_a or_o seem_o 〈◊〉_d considerable_a beginning_n not_o to_o speak_v of_o the_o 〈◊〉_d creation_n of_o the_o world_n or_o of_o the_o fashion_v of_o 〈◊〉_d child_n in_o the_o womb_n and_o the_o production_n of_o other_o â—â—â—nimals_n and_o also_o vegetable_n etc._n etc._n it_o be_v easy_a to_o take_v â—â—â—tice_n of_o the_o various_a dispensation_n of_o the_o law_n or_o 〈◊〉_d venant_fw-la of_o grace_n and_o the_o gradual_a increase_n of_o scripture-light_n and_o discovery_n till_o at_o length_n the_o sun_n of_o righteousness_n himself_o appear_v heb._n 1.1_o 2_o 3._o but_o to_o come_v to_o the_o point_n it_o be_v certain_a the_o new_a creature_n be_v wrought_v by_o degree_n and_o as_o god_n have_v appoint_v a_o course_n of_o mean_n to_o be_v use_v duty_n to_o be_v perform_v in_o order_n to_o our_o conversion_n and_o salvation_n so_o he_o afford_v the_o help_n of_o his_o grace_n in_o various_a measure_n as_o seem_v meet_v â—o_o his_o infinite_a wisdom_n thus_o there_o be_v some_o commoner_n operation_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n which_o usual_o go_v along_o with_o the_o gospel_n and_o put_v man_n into_o a_o near_a preparation_n for_o special_a grace_n than_o they_o be_v in_o before_o though_o god_n may_v sometime_o even_o in_o a_o instant_n convert_v the_o most_o unprepared_a obdurate_a person_n yet_o it_o be_v not_o his_o ordinary_a methoâ—_n so_o to_o do_v nor_o have_v any_o such_o person_n reason_n to_o expect_v to_o be_v thus_o deal_v with_o as_o the_o word_n be_v the_o instrument_n by_o which_o god_n work_v upon_o soul_n so_o he_o first_o enable_v they_o in_o some_o measure_n to_o understand_v it_o and_o then_o to_o believe_v it_o and_o so_o by_o it_o he_o awake_v they_o from_o their_o stupid_a security_n convince_v they_o of_o the_o sinfulness_n and_o danger_n of_o a_o unregenerate_a state_n make_v they_o solicitous_a about_o their_o eternal_a welfare_n what_o shall_v i_o do_v to_o be_v save_v how_o shall_v i_o escape_v the_o damnation_n of_o hell_n thus_o they_o be_v bring_v to_o see_v their_o need_n of_o christ_n as_o man_n that_o be_v lose_v and_o undo_v without_o he_o as_o also_o to_o perceive_v the_o necessity_n of_o holiness_n in_o order_n to_o happiness_n hereupon_o they_o make_v some_o resolution_n and_o fair_a promise_n of_o amendment_n and_o put_v forth_o some_o seem_o hopeful_a endeavour_n to_o become_v new_a man_n insomuch_o that_o they_o be_v almost_o persuade_v to_o be_v christian_n indeed_o and_o be_v not_o far_o from_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n though_o they_o must_v be_v bring_v yet_o near_o or_o else_o they_o be_v lose_v for_o ever_o now_o though_o all_o this_o fall_n short_a of_o a_o through_o change_n yet_o it_o have_v a_o preparatory_a tendency_n thereto_o somewhat_o of_o this_o kind_n ordinary_o go_v before_o the_o work_n of_o conversion_n therefore_o such_o impression_n be_v not_o to_o be_v slight_v it_o be_v dangerous_a to_o smother_v conviction_n by_o suffer_v the_o noise_n and_o hurry_v of_o the_o worldly_a business_n or_o sensual_a delight_n to_o divert_v our_o thought_n from_o these_o thing_n second_o special_a save_a grace_n determine_v the_o soul_n to_o a_o sincere_a and_o hearty_a closure_n with_o god_n in_o christ_n here_o be_v the_o turn_a point_n this_o it_o be_v to_o which_o the_o forementioned_a preparation_n tend_v and_o in_o which_o they_o must_v issue_v and_o terminate_v to_o make_v we_o christian_n indeed_o till_o this_o be_v do_v the_o person_n be_v in_o a_o carnal_a unregenerate_a state_n we_o turn_v not_o unto_o god_n as_o god_n if_o we_o turn_v not_o to_o he_o as_o the_o chief_a good_a and_o we_o turn_v not_o to_o he_o as_o the_o chief_a good_a so_o long_o as_o we_o prefer_v any_o other_o object_n or_o interest_n before_o he_o i_o know_v indeed_o that_o the_o best_a of_o man_n may_v sometime_o have_v hanker_a desire_n after_o their_o former_a idol_n and_o for_o this_o they_o lament_v and_o mourn_v in_o secret_a but_o still_o the_o state_v predeminant_a habitual_a bent_n of_o their_o heart_n be_v for_o god_n and_o there_o be_v nothing_o which_o they_o more_o loath_a themselves_o for_o than_o because_o they_o love_v god_n no_o more_o hinc_fw-la illae_fw-la lâ—chrimae_fw-la mark_v 12.30_o thou_o shall_v love_v the_o lord_n thy_o god_n with_o all_o thy_o heart_n and_o with_o all_o thy_o soul_n and_o with_o all_o thy_o mind_n and_o with_o all_o thy_o strength_n how_o many_o all_o be_v be_v here_o yet_o say_v one_o if_o we_o have_v ten_o thousand_o time_n more_o power_n and_o principle_n we_o ought_v to_o love_n god_n with_o they_o all_o too_o it_o be_v a_o emphatical_a translation_n of_o that_o elegant_a text_n of_o the_o apostle_n rom._n 5.5_o the_o love_n of_o god_n be_v shed_v abroad_o in_o our_o heart_n a_o cover_a of_o the_o soul_n as_o the_o water_n cover_v the_o sea_n o_o that_o god_n will_v fill_v up_o all_o my_o capacity_n and_o make_v i_o yet_o more_o capacious_a o_o that_o he_o will_v take_v up_o all_o the_o room_n in_o i_o and_o o_o that_o he_o will_v make_v for_o himself_o more_o room_n in_o my_o soul_n mr._n shaw_n meditation_n pag._n 30_o 31._o can_v you_o imagine_v that_o you_o love_v god_n at_o all_o in_o a_o save_a sense_n if_o you_o love_v he_o not_o above_o all_o why_o this_o holy_a love_n be_v the_o grand_a significant_a vital_a motion_n of_o the_o soul_n it_o be_v the_o root_n from_o whence_o all_o acceptable_a service_n spring_v and_o upon_o which_o it_o grow_v or_o the_o principle_n into_o which_o it_o be_v resolve_v it_o be_v for_o want_v of_o this_o that_o carnal_a mind_n be_v not_o subject_a to_o the_o law_n of_o god_n neither_o indeed_o can_v be_v rom._n 8.7_o our_o eye_n must_v be_v single_o fix_v upon_o god_n as_o our_o supreme_a end_n and_o chief_a good_a and_o so_o it_o will_v be_v full_a of_o light_n and_o our_o heart_n must_v be_v according_o affect_v towards_o he_o a_o double_a mind_n a_o heart_n and_o a_o heart_n as_o it_o be_v in_o the_o hebrew_n psal_n 12.2_o be_v hateful_a in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n a_o divide_a heart_n be_v a_o faulty_a heart_n hos_n 10.2_o hence_o turn_v unto_o god_n with_o the_o whole_a heart_n be_v oppose_v to_o treachery_n falsehood_n and_o a_o hypocritical_a show_n of_o conversion_n jer._n 3.10_o her_o treacherous_a sister_n judah_n have_v not_o turn_v unto_o i_o with_o her_o whole_a heart_n but_o feign_o say_v the_o lord_n as_o for_o the_o interest_n of_o the_o great_a mediator_n in_o this_o matter_n himself_o have_v plain_o show_v we_o that_o if_o we_o love_v father_n or_o mother_n wife_n or_o child_n etc._n etc._n yea_o or_o our_o own_o life_n more_o than_o he_o we_o be_v not_o worthy_a of_o he_o can_v be_v his_o disciple_n mar._n 10.37_o luke_n 14.26_o you_o see_v here_o how_o he_o insist_o upon_o the_o prevail_a degree_n of_o our_o love_n to_o he_o and_o indeed_o the_o serious_a contemplation_n of_o the_o love_n of_o god_n in_o christ_n be_v a_o most_o powerful_a mean_n to_o raise_v up_o our_o soul_n to_o suitable_a return_n of_o love_n to_o god_n again_o he_o that_o have_v know_v the_o son_n have_v also_o know_v the_o father_n joh._n 14.7_o behold_v here_o and_o admire_v the_o wonderful_a wisdom_n that_o appear_v in_o the_o contrivance_n of_o our_o redemption_n our_o sin_n have_v bring_v we_o under_o the_o just_a wrath_n and_o displeasure_n of_o the_o almighty_a and_o also_o have_v corrupt_v our_o very_a vital_n and_o turn_v our_o heart_n against_o god_n and_o now_o let_v we_o see_v how_o apt_o thing_n be_v lay_v for_o the_o removal_n of_o both_o these_o that_o so_o the_o reconciliation_n may_v be_v mutual_a and_o complete_a he_o to_o we_o and_o we_o to_o he_o 2_o cor._n 5.18_o 19_o 20._o god_n have_v provide_v a_o ransom_n for_o we_o to_o make_v way_n for_o his_o be_v reconcile_v to_o we_o without_o any_o reflection_n upon_o himself_o or_o his_o government_n to_o this_o end_n he_o have_v send_v his_o son_n into_o the_o world_n to_o reveal_v his_o love_n and_o grace_n and_o to_o do_v and_o suffer_v so_o much_o for_o we_o and_o that_o we_o may_v be_v capable_a of_o a_o save_a intereâ—â—_n in_o the_o benefit_n of_o this_o great_a redemption_n we_o be_v oblige_v to_o believe_v in_o the_o redeemer_n and_o by_o he_o in_o god_n 2_o cor._n 3.4_o 1_o pet._n 1.21_o now_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o such_o 〈◊〉_d faith_n tend_v in_o its_o own_o nature_n to_o produce_v holy_a loâ—â—_n to_o
christ_n as_o you_o can_v what_o pleasure_n do_v you_o take_v be_v discourse_v concern_v the_o thing_n of_o god_n in_o speak_v of_o the_o glory_n of_o his_o majesty_n and_o the_o wonder_n of_o his_o grace_n the_o holiness_n and_o perfection_n of_o his_o law_n etc._n etc._n what_o say_v you_o do_v such_o thing_n as_o these_o be_v agree_v with_o you_o or_o be_v they_o not_o a_o weariness_n to_o you_o be_v you_o nor_o ready_a to_o think_v that_o lords-day_n return_v too_o oâ—_n and_o that_o strict_a and_o serious_a religion_n be_v intolerable_a prociseness_n do_v not_o your_o heart_n rise_v against_o it_o be_v â—e_v not_o glad_a when_o the_o service_n of_o god_n be_v over_o though_o sour_a thing_n you_o will_v do_v to_o secure_a heaven_n for_o a_o reserve_n who_o you_o can_v enjoy_v the_o world_n no_o long_o be_v not_o this_o the_o very_a temper_n of_o your_o spirit_n and_o be_v it_o not_o very_o deplorable_a alas_o what_o shall_v you_o do_v in_o heaven_n with_o sod_a heart_n as_o these_o will_v you_o not_o be_v eternal_o weary_a oâ—_n a_o eternal_a sabbath_n will_v not_o your_o ungracious_a spirit_n be_v ever_o recoil_v and_o uneasy_a do_v you_o not_o yet_o see_v that_o there_o be_v no_o come_n to_o the_o new_a jerusalem_n without_o new_a heart_n if_o not_o it_o be_v because_o you_o shut_v your_o eye_n certain_o if_o unregenerate_a man_n may_v have_v â—n_v haven_n of_o their_o own_o choose_n it_o will_v be_v vast_o different_a even_o quite_o another_o thing_n from_o that_o which_o goâ—_n have_v prepare_v for_o they_o that_o love_n he_o but_o he_o shall_v man_n be_v happy_a against_o their_o own_o will_n or_o it_o state_n to_o which_o the_o temper_n of_o their_o spirit_n be_v not_o sure_v so_o true_a be_v that_o great_a say_v of_o a_o worthy_a divine_a when_o god_n have_v so_o determine_v that_o without_o â—â—â—ness_n none_o shall_v see_v he_o he_o lay_v no_o other_o law_n upon_o unholy_a soul_n than_o what_o their_o own_o impure_a nature_n lie_v upon_o themselves_o blessedness_n of_o the_o righteous_a pag._n 46_o by_o this_o time_n you_o see_v or_o may_v see_v if_o you_o will_v thâ—â—_n except_o the_o decree_n of_o god_n can_v be_v reverse_v the_o design_n of_o redemption_n pervert_v the_o office_n of_o the_o hâ—â—_n spirit_n nullify_v the_o institution_n of_o the_o ministry_n aâ—â—_n ordinance_n run_v down_o the_o threarning_n of_o the_o gospel_n make_v of_o none_o effect_v the_o inheritance_n be_v attain_v without_o the_o earnest_n a_o new_a way_n find_v to_o heaven_n which_o none_o ever_o discover_v before_o and_o all_o this_o while_n the_o righteous_a themselves_o be_v scarce_o save_v in_o a_o word_n unless_o the_o nature_n of_o thing_n be_v quite_o overturn_v and_o palpable_a contradiction_n make_v to_o agree_v none_o can_v come_v to_o heaven_n till_o they_o be_v prepare_v and_o wrought_v for_o it_o by_o divine_a grace_n lo_o this_o we_o have_v search_v it_o so_o it_o be_v hear_v it_o and_o know_v thou_o it_o for_o thy_o good_a heb._n for_o thyself_o job_n 5.27_o chap._n vi_o several_a inference_n of_o truth_n draw_v from_o the_o forego_n discourse_n thus_o we_o have_v full_o prove_v that_o except_o you_o will_v be_v holy_a you_o can_v be_v happy_a if_o this_o therefore_o be_v so_o clear_a and_o certain_a a_o truth_n it_o must_v needs_o be_v also_o a_o very_a weighty_a and_o important_a one_o a_o thing_n much_o to_o be_v consider_v and_o close_o apply_v because_o our_o spiritual_a and_o eternal_a welfare_n and_o what_o be_v infinite_o more_o than_o either_o the_o glory_n of_o the_o great_a god_n be_v so_o near_o concern_v in_o it_o now_o since_o there_o be_v many_o other_o truth_n which_o have_v a_o intimate_a connexion_n with_o and_o dependence_n upon_o this_o great_a doctrine_n let_v we_o begin_v with_o the_o consideration_n of_o these_o for_o the_o inform_v of_o our_o judgement_n inser_n 1._o we_o may_v learn_v from_o hence_o the_o great_a worth_n and_o excellency_n of_o real_a holiness_n real_a i_o say_v in_o opposition_n to_o that_o vain_a empty_a show_n of_o religion_n wherewith_o multitude_n make_v a_o shift_n to_o deceive_v themselves_o even_o because_o they_o know_v no_o better_o and_o that_o because_o they_o will_v not_o know_v satan_n have_v take_v advantage_n by_o their_o own_o corruption_n to_o blind_v their_o mind_n and_o close_v their_o eye_n and_o thus_o they_o choose_v darkness_n rather_o than_o light_n because_o their_o deed_n be_v evil._n hence_o it_o be_v that_o they_o see_v no_o beauty_n in_o holiness_n no_o more_o than_o they_o do_v the_o form_n and_o comeliness_n of_o the_o great_a pattern_n and_o procurer_n of_o it_o isa_n 53.2_o they_o do_v not_o approve_v thing_n that_o be_v excellent_a if_o they_o meddle_v with_o matter_n of_o religion_n they_o do_v but_o debase_v they_o first_o by_o form_v low_a and_o unworthy_a notion_n of_o they_o suitable_a to_o their_o own_o degenerate_a temper_n and_o spirit_n then_o they_o act_v according_o and_o after_o all_o high_o value_v themselves_o upon_o what_o they_o have_v do_v nevertheless_o the_o high_a excellency_n of_o holiness_n manifest_o appear_v from_o the_o three_o follow_v particular_n which_o may_v easy_o be_v draw_v from_o what_o have_v be_v already_o deliver_v 1._o it_o be_v original_a it_o be_v from_o heaven_n the_o bless_a god_n be_v himself_o the_o author_n of_o it_o as_o in_o the_o text._n he_o that_o have_v wrought_v we_o for_o the_o selfsame_a thing_n be_v god_n it_o be_v a_o divine_a work_n and_o that_o not_o a_o common_a work_n neither_o but_o wrought_v in_o a_o way_n of_o special_a grace_n and_o therefore_o it_o have_v a_o peculiar_a excellency_n in_o it_o insomuch_o that_o the_o subject_n of_o this_o great_a change_n be_v denominate_v bear_v of_o god_n joh._n 1.13_o bear_v from_o above_o chap._n 33._o as_o the_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d may_v be_v render_v hereupon_o they_o be_v advance_v to_o the_o name_n and_o relation_n of_o child_n 1_o joh._n 3.1_o behold_v what_o manner_n of_o love_n the_o father_n have_v bestow_v upon_o we_o that_o we_o shall_v be_v call_v the_o son_n of_o god_n so_o call_v and_o not_o miscall_v for_o so_o they_o be_v as_o vers_n 2._o now_o be_v we_o the_o son_n of_o god_n 2._o the_o nature_n of_o true_a holiness_n speak_v the_o excellency_n of_o it_o it_o be_v the_o soul_n conformity_n to_o the_o bless_a god_n his_o image_n draw_v upon_o it_o a_o participiation_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n which_o sweet_o and_o effectual_o incline_v all_o the_o faculty_n and_o power_n of_o our_o soul_n god-ward_o and_o so_o far_o as_o it_o prevail_v upon_o we_o it_o take_v away_o our_o unkind_a aversion_n and_o estrangedness_n from_o he_o and_o teach_v we_o to_o centre_n upon_o he_o as_o our_o portion_n happiness_n and_o chief_a good_n in_o short_a it_o be_v our_o devotedness_n unto_o god_n which_o imply_v a_o separation_n from_o whatsoever_o stand_v in_o opposition_n against_o he_o as_o such_o so_o that_o have_v the_o apostle_n be_v silent_a as_o to_o the_o author_n of_o this_o great_a work_n the_o very_a nature_n of_o it_o may_v have_v tell_v we_o whence_o it_o be_v for_o it_o bear_v the_o image_n and_o superscription_n of_o god_n upon_o it_o little_o do_v the_o proud_a despiser_n of_o holiness_n consider_v what_o they_o say_v or_o against_o who_o it_o be_v that_o they_o spirit_n themselves_o make_v a_o wide_a mouth_n and_o draw_v out_o the_o 〈◊〉_d isa_n 57.4_o to_o vilify_v this_o work_n be_v a_o dishonour_n to_o its_o author_n to_o cast_v dirt_n upon_o the_o image_n be_v a_o affront_n to_o its_o great_a original_a who_o scorn_v their_o scorner_n sit_v in_o the_o heaven_n and_o laugh_v at_o they_o for_o he_o see_v that_o their_o day_n be_v come_v psal_n 37_o 13._o 3._o the_o bless_a end_n and_o issue_n of_o holiness_n show_v you_o the_o worth_n of_o it_o it_o come_v from_o above_o and_o thither_o it_o lead_v and_o be_v at_o last_o complete_v in_o the_o heavenly_a perfection_n judge_n then_o of_o the_o way_n and_o mean_n by_o the_o end_n here_o be_v the_o faith_n and_o patience_n of_o the_o saint_n they_o be_v high-born_a and_o a_o suitable_a inheritance_n be_v design_v they_o to_o think_v or_o speak_v slight_o of_o holiness_n be_v to_o contemn_v heaven_n itself_o which_o be_v a_o state_n of_o perfection_n therein_o wo_n unto_o they_o that_o draw_v iniquity_n with_o cord_n of_o vanity_n and_o sin_n as_o it_o be_v with_o a_o cart-rope_n that_o put_v darkness_n for_o light_n and_o light_n for_o darkness_n isa_n 5.18_o 20._o it_o may_v be_v at_o last_o they_o will_v say_v as_o one_o of_o their_o predecessor_n do_v let_v i_o die_v the_o death_n of_o the_o righteous_a not_o from_o any_o love_n to_o righteousness_n but_o from_o a_o slavish_a fear_n of_o the_o just_a punishment_n of_o their_o impiety_n and_o therefore_o those_o force_a
business_n otherwise_o you_o wâ—â—_n confound_v perplex_v and_o entangle_v yourselves_o to_o no_o purpose_n difficult_a case_n be_v not_o to_o be_v resolve_v without_o a_o orderly_o proceedure_v of_o thought_n about_o they_o confusion_n be_v the_o great_a enemy_n to_o all_o true_a knowledge_n of_o what_o kind_n soever_o take_v care_n that_o you_o do_v not_o begin_v at_o the_o wrong_a end_n first_o let_v preliminary_n be_v well_o adjust_v before_o you_o come_v to_o the_o point_n itself_o under_o this_o head_n take_v your_o work_n in_o the_o follow_a order_n 1._o understand_v aright_o what_o you_o be_v to_o inquire_v after_o lest_o you_o mistake_v the_o question_n the_o thing_n to_o be_v know_v be_v whether_o you_o be_v so_o far_o wrought_v for_o heaven_n that_o if_o it_o shall_v please_v god_n immediate_o to_o require_v your_o soul_n of_o you_o it_o will_v go_v well_o with_o they_o in_o another_o state_n that_o be_v whether_o the_o condition_n of_o your_o soul_n be_v such_o that_o come_v life_n come_v death_n they_o be_v safe_a now_o here_o â—â—ls_v plain_a that_o you_o may_v easy_o deceive_v yourselves_o by_o state_v the_o question_n too_o high_a or_o too_o low_a if_o you_o only_o inquire_v whether_o there_o be_v any_o good_a in_o you_o which_o have_v a_o tendency_n towards_o this_o great_a work_n of_o regeneration_n you_o than_o fall_v short_a in_o the_o point_n for_o i_o have_v tell_v you_o before_o that_o there_o may_v be_v very_o deep_a conviction_n of_o the_o necessity_n of_o this_o renew_n change_n yea_o and_o some_o saint_n essay_n resolution_n or_o endeavour_n towards_o it_o which_o be_v only_o the_o effect_n of_o common_a grace_n and_o if_o they_o be_v rest_v in_o do_v as_o certain_o end_v in_o destruction_n as_o down_o right_a profaneness_n do_v again_o there_o be_v various_a degree_n and_o measure_n of_o grace_n among_o the_o people_n of_o god_n themselves_o all_o that_o be_v sincere_a be_v not_o of_o the_o same_o stature_n or_o stand_n some_o have_v receive_v more_o talent_n a_o great_a stock_n of_o grace_n than_o other_o if_o therefore_o you_o inquire_v immediate_o whether_o you_o have_v attain_v to_o such_o or_o such_o measure_n to_o which_o some_o other_o who_o perhaps_o be_v above_o you_o have_v arrive_v you_o than_o lay_v a_o snare_n for_o your_o own_o comfort_n and_o peace_n by_o carry_v the_o question_n too_o high_a at_o first_o your_o present_a business_n be_v to_o examine_v whether_o your_o grace_n be_v sincire_fw-la as_o for_o the_o degree_n of_o they_o let_v that_o be_v inquire_v into_o afterward_o it_o be_v likely_a you_o be_v not_o so_o good_a as_o the_o best_a nor_o so_o bad_a as_o the_o worst_a the_o question_n be_v whether_o of_o the_o two_o you_o be_v more_o like_a to_o in_o the_o main_a do_v not_o â—hâ—â—cy_n yourselves_o saint_n because_o you_o be_v not_o so_o vile_a 〈◊〉_d the_o vile_a for_o among_o unregenerate_a person_n themselves_o all_o be_v not_o alike_o scandalous_a and_o harden_v in_o sin_n noâ—_n yet_o must_v you_o conclude_v that_o you_o be_v graceless_a because_o some_o other_o our-stâ—ip_a you_o in_o holiness_n there_o be_v aâ—_n infant_n as_o well_o as_o a_o more_o strong_a and_o confirm_a state_n of_o grace_n 2._o study_v well_o the_o rule_n by_o which_o you_o be_v to_o try_v yourselves_o search_v the_o scripture_n to_o the_o law_n and_o to_o the_o testimony_n by_o this_o you_o must_v try_v the_o spirit_n and_o the_o doctrine_n of_o other_o man_n how_o much_o more_o near_o do_v it_o concern_v you_o to_o examine_v your_o own_o heart_n and_o life_n thereby_o acquaint_v yourselves_o well_o with_o the_o tenor_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n upon_o what_o term_n pardon_v and_o life_n be_v offer_v to_o poor_a sinner_n what_o be_v essentiaâ—â—_n necessary_a to_o the_o be_v of_o a_o sincere_a christian_a as_o such_o and_o what_o be_v further_a requisite_a to_o his_o establishment_n comfort_n and_o wellbeing_a in_o the_o sacred_a record_n you_o may_v find_v the_o nature_n of_o those_o grace_n which_o qualify_v and_o fit_a man_n for_o eternal_a life_n and_o also_o the_o example_n of_o many_o who_o be_v go_v to_o heaven_n before_o we_o what_o their_o heart_n be_v set_v upon_o how_o they_o live_v and_o how_o they_o die_v here_o you_o may_v learn_v what_o you_o ought_v to_o be_v where_o to_o place_v your_o affection_n how_o to_o regulate_v your_o life_n that_o you_o may_v be_v happy_a you_o may_v see_v the_o character_n by_o which_o the_o heir_n of_o heaven_n must_v be_v know_v and_o also_o the_o opposite_a description_n of_o those_o who_o shall_v be_v exclude_v from_o that_o felicity_n he_o be_v unfit_a to_o be_v a_o judge_n who_o be_v ignorant_a of_o the_o law_n or_o rule_n of_o judgement_n it_o therefore_o much_o concern_v you_o to_o converse_v much_o with_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o to_o understand_v the_o true_a spiritual_a sense_n and_o meaning_n of_o they_o which_o be_v able_a to_o make_v you_o wise_a to_o salvation_n from_o hence_o you_o must_v take_v your_o measure_n in_o judge_v of_o the_o sincerity_n of_o your_o faith_n repentance_n love_n obedience_n etc._n etc._n that_o so_o you_o may_v not_o take_v up_o with_o the_o empty_a name_n of_o grace_n instead_o of_o the_o thing_n itself_o as_o too_o many_o through_o sloth_n and_o affect_a ignorance_n do_v and_o here_o you_o must_v remember_v that_o the_o commandment_n of_o god_n be_v exceed_o broad_a extend_v not_o only_a to_o the_o government_n of_o our_o outward_a action_n and_o behaviour_n hâ—â—_n also_o to_o the_o inward_a principle_n from_o whence_o those_o action_n flow_v viz._n all_o the_o faculty_n and_o power_n of_o our_o soul_n understanding_n will_n imagination_n affection_n sense_n appetite_n habit_n disposition_n etc._n etc._n must_v be_v mind_v and_o govern_v by_o the_o rule_n and_o that_o in_o all_o circumstance_n at_o all_o time_n and_o in_o all_o place_n without_o exception_n the_o tree_n must_v be_v make_v good_a that_o the_o fruit_n may_v be_v so_o god_n have_v imprint_v his_o holy_a image_n upon_o his_o word_n and_o make_v use_v of_o it_o as_o a_o instrument_n to_o work_v a_o suitable_a impression_n upon_o we_o 3._o you_o be_v next_o to_o examine_v strict_o your_o own_o heart_n and_o life_n and_o compare_v they_o with_o the_o rule_n or_o try_v they_o by_o it_o remember_v i_o be_o now_o speak_v only_o in_o general_n to_o prepare_v you_o for_o those_o particular_a question_n which_o be_v design_v as_o a_o further_a help_n for_o the_o discovery_n of_o your_o case_n only_o at_o present_a let_v i_o tell_v you_o you_o be_v not_o to_o judge_n of_o the_o state_n of_o your_o soul_n by_o what_o be_v unusual_a and_o extraordinary_a with_o you_o but_o by_o the_o habitual_a bent_n of_o your_o heart_n and_o the_o state_v ordinary_a course_n and_o tenor_n of_o your_o life_n a_o hypocrite_n may_v have_v some_o transient_a affection_n and_o emotion_n of_o soul_n towards_o spiritual_a thing_n and_o some_o seem_a fit_n of_o religion_n for_o a_o while_n and_o yet_o afterward_o return_v with_o the_o dog_n to_o his_o vomit_n again_o herod_n hear_v john_n baptist_n glad_o and_o do_v many_o thing_n those_o on_o the_o rock_n hear_v the_o word_n and_o anon_o with_o joy_n receive_v it_o but_o have_v not_o root_v in_o themselves_o mat._n 13._o observe_v here_o a_o live_a principle_n of_o grace_n be_v a_o root_v principle_n fix_v in_o the_o heart_n and_o there_o keep_v alive_a by_o the_o same_o power_n which_o implant_v it_o it_o be_v say_v of_o he_o that_o be_v bear_v of_o god_n that_o his_o seed_n remain_v in_o â—â—in_n joh._n 3_o 9_o in_o short_a the_o will_n be_v the_o man_n and_o the_o sincerity_n of_o its_o resolution_n must_v be_v know_v by_o suitable_a endeavour_n and_o the_o sincerity_n of_o those_o endeavour_n by_o their_o success_n of_o which_o more_o hereafter_o or_o if_o you_o take_v â—t_a the_o other_o way_n by_o the_o main_a drift_n and_o course_n of_o your_o life_n you_o may_v know_v what_o be_v the_o prevail_a habit_n and_o disposition_n of_o your_o soul_n for_o man_n will_v act_v according_a to_o their_o predominant_a habit_n and_o by_o these_o you_o may_v know_v your_o state_n that_o be_v by_o reduce_v all_o to_o the_o scripture-rule_n as_o have_v be_v say_v already_o thus_o must_v you_o try_v and_o judge_v yourselves_o 4._o you_o be_v then_o to_o proceed_v to_o sentence_n which_o iâ—_n nothing_o else_o but_o the_o conclusion_n that_o must_v be_v draw_v from_o the_o foregoing_a premise_n viz._n the_o law_n and_o fact_n compare_v together_o here_o again_o keep_v your_o heart_n close_o to_o the_o work_n and_o bring_v it_o to_o a_o issue_n soon_o or_o late_a this_o must_v be_v do_v and_o the_o soon_o the_o better_a if_o upon_o a_o thorough_a enquiry_n thou_o find_v thyself_o to_o be_v yet_o in_o 〈◊〉_d unregenerate_a state_n pass_v sentence_n according_o it_o will_v signify_v
fleshly_a prosperity_n and_o ease_n search_v after_o those_o sin_n which_o do_v most_o easy_o beset_v you_o those_o corruption_n which_o do_v most_o frequent_o foil_v you_o and_o single_v they_o out_o to_o run_v they_o down_o spare_v they_o not_o but_o deal_v with_o they_o as_o samuel_n with_o agag_n hew_v they_o in_o piece_n before_o the_o lord_n fortify_v yourselves_o with_o argument_n against_o they_o keep_v a_o strict_a watch_n go_v not_o to_o the_o utmost_a extent_n of_o your_o christian_a liberty_n resist_v the_o first_o stir_n of_o they_o the_o least_o tendency_n towards_o they_o prov._n 30.32_o if_o thou_o have_v do_v foolish_o in_o lift_v up_o thyself_o or_o if_o thou_o have_v think_v evil_a lay_v thy_o hand_n upon_o thy_o mouth_n avoid_v as_o much_o as_o possible_a the_o occasion_n of_o sin_n especial_o of_o your_o belove_a sin_n habituate_v yourselves_o to_o frequent_v serious_a thought_n of_o the_o presence_n of_o god_n set_v the_o lord_n always_o before_o you_o psal_n 16.8_o 2._o make_v not_o a_o light_a matter_n of_o the_o least_o decay_v in_o grace_n or_o tendency_n towards_o backslide_v what_o though_o it_o shall_v be_v grant_v that_o a_o regenerate_a person_n can_v or_o rather_o shall_v not_o jer._n 32.40_o fall_v away_o final_o yet_o it_o be_v pass_v all_o doubt_n that_o such_o a_o one_o may_v fall_v very_o foul_o so_o as_o to_o grieve_v the_o holy_a spirit_n to_o wound_v his_o own_o conscience_n to_o blemish_v his_o profession_n and_o to_o obscure_v his_o evidence_n '_o and_o be_v not_o all_o this_o sad_a enough_o moreover_o it_o be_v certain_a man_n usual_o decline_v by_o degree_n and_o therefore_o the_o least_o degree_n or_o tendency_n thereto_o be_v not_o to_o be_v slight_v if_o therefore_o you_o find_v that_o conscience_n begin_v to_o grow_v less_o tender_a than_o former_o it_o be_v if_o sin_n sit_v light_a and_o the_o sense_n of_o remain_a corruption_n be_v less_o grievous_a to_o you_o than_o heretofore_o if_o you_o grow_v more_o customacy_n and_o careless_a in_o religious_a duty_n and_o less_o regardful_a to_o keep_v up_o the_o life_n of_o holy_a communion_n with_o god_n in_o christ_n if_o you_o can_v more_o easy_o let_v slip_v spiritual_a opportunity_n and_o find_v less_o relish_n and_o sweetness_n in_o they_o than_o former_o if_o the_o interest_n of_o the_o the_o world_n and_o flesh_n begin_v to_o grow_v more_o prevalent_a with_o you_o and_o you_o be_v ready_a to_o fancy_n that_o it_o be_v good_a to_o be_v here_o while_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n your_o thought_n of_o heaven_n grow_v cold_a and_o languid_a and_o your_o desire_n or_o long_n to_o be_v with_o christ_n do_v abate_v if_o you_o find_v it_o thus_o with_o you_o you_o have_v need_n bestir_v yourselves_o in_o good_a earnest_n to_o recover_v your_o first_o love_n and_o to_o strengthen_v the_o thing_n which_o remain_v and_o be_v ready_a to_o die_v otherwise_o you_o little_o know_v how_o far_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n may_v be_v provoke_v and_o what_o considerable_a degree_n both_o of_o grace_n and_o comfort_n may_v quick_o be_v lose_v i_o need_v not_o tell_v you_o that_o satan_n will_v do_v his_o worst_a to_o hinder_v you_o in_o your_o way_n to_o heaven_n your_o own_o corruption_n and_o the_o snare_n of_o the_o world_n will_v get_v ground_n upon_o you_o you_o have_v need_n row_v hard_o against_o the_o stream_n which_o of_o itself_o will_v carry_v you_o back_o if_o you_o press_v not_o forward_o noâ—_n progredi_fw-la erit_fw-la regredi_fw-la 3._o labour_v to_o grow_v in_o due_a proportion_n as_o to_o the_o several_a part_n of_o holiness_n and_o duty_n the_o beauty_n of_o holiness_n as_o of_o every_o thing_n else_o consist_v much_o in_o the_o due_a symmetry_n and_o proportion_n of_o the_o several_a part_n of_o it_o labour_v to_o exercise_v each_o grace_n and_o duty_n in_o its_o proper_a order_n and_o place_n so_o that_o one_o may_v not_o interfere_v with_o nor_o exclude_v another_o see_v that_o your_o judgement_n be_v well_o settle_v as_o to_o the_o great_a principle_n of_o religion_n that_o your_o belief_n of_o they_o be_v firm_a deep_a and_o solid_a to_o this_o end_n labour_n to_o study_v and_o digest_v well_o the_o article_n of_o the_o creed_n let_v your_o thought_n dwell_v much_o upon_o they_o that_o you_o may_v understand_v the_o right_a meaning_n and_o due_a improvement_n of_o every_o article_n take_v care_n also_o that_o your_o will_n and_o affection_n be_v full-fraught_a with_o become_v resolution_n and_o inclination_n that_o the_o purpose_n and_o desire_v of_o your_o soul_n be_v right_o order_v and_o place_v to_o this_o end_n study_v well_o the_o lord_n prayer_n both_o as_o to_o the_o matter_n and_o order_n of_o the_o several_a petition_n and_o endeavour_v to_o form_n and_o settle_v the_o inclination_n and_o tendency_n of_o your_o soul_n according_o especial_o that_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n be_v first_o and_o last_o in_o all_o your_o desire_n high_a in_o your_o esteem_n and_o all_o thing_n else_o desire_v in_o full_a subserviency_n thereto_o here_o lie_v the_o life_n of_o religion_n and_o this_o we_o shall_v be_v still_o contend_v and_o strive_v to_o raise_v our_o heart_n more_o towards_o that_o they_o may_v move_v more_o natural_o easy_o and_o delightful_o therein_o that_o god_n interest_n may_v be_v of_o all_o other_o the_o near_a and_o dear_a to_o we_o and_o then_o for_o the_o direction_n of_o your_o practice_n labour_v to_o understand_v the_o true_a sense_n and_o extent_n of_o the_o ten_o commandment_n to_o see_v the_o amiableness_n righteousness_n and_o perfection_n of_o the_o divine_a law_n that_o you_o may_v hearty_o approve_v thereof_o love_v it_o and_o live_v according_o delight_v in_o the_o law_n of_o god_n after_o the_o inner_a man_n rom._n 7.22_o the_o whole_a frame_n of_o christian_a principle_n grace_n and_o duty_n be_v beyond_o measure_n lovely_a in_o the_o harmonious_a connexion_n of_o the_o several_a part_n thereof_o labour_v therefore_o that_o this_o frame_n may_v be_v more_o and_o more_o deep_o imprint_v upon_o your_o heart_n and_o express_v in_o your_o life_n that_o you_o may_v be_v perfect_a and_o entire_a want_v nothing_o jam._n 1.4_o if_o you_o be_v maim_v in_o one_o part_n all_o the_o rest_n will_v fare_v the_o worse_a for_o that_o remember_v integrity_n be_v the_o glory_n of_o a_o christian_a viz._n that_o no_o part_n be_v lack_v 2_o cor._n 7.1_o perfect_v holiness_n in_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n that_o be_v let_v we_o see_v that_o no_o part_n of_o holiness_n be_v want_v in_o we_o and_o that_o we_o be_v not_o want_v to_o any_o part_n of_o holiness_n but_o still_o press_v forward_o towards_o perfection_n even_o in_o degree_n take_v care_n for_o example_n that_o your_o zeal_n be_v guide_v by_o knowledge_n lest_o it_o set_v all_o on_o fire_n and_o prove_v mischievous_a to_o yourselves_o and_o other_o or_o at_o best_o no_o better_o than_o a_o ignis_fw-la fatuus_fw-la and_o again_o let_v your_o knowledge_n be_v improve_v into_o holy_a zeal_n and_o fervency_n that_o you_o be_v not_o lukewarm_a or_o indifferent_a in_o matter_n of_o religion_n which_o most_o just_o challenge_v our_o whole_a heart_n rev._n 3_o 1â—_n 16._o let_v godly_a sorrow_n repentance_n and_o humiliation_n for_o sin_n be_v so_o exercise_v as_o not_o to_o exclude_v humble_a confidence_n in_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n spiritual_a joy_n etc._n etc._n again_o if_o god_n give_v you_o a_o large_a share_n of_o assurance_n and_o comfort_n do_v not_o therefore_o think_v yourselves_o above_o the_o forementioned_a humble_v exercise_n which_o will_v be_v a_o mean_n to_o preserve_v your_o purity_n and_o peace_n moreover_o let_v not_o the_o duty_n of_o the_o first_o and_o second_o table_n justle_v out_o each_o other_o but_o let_v both_o be_v due_o and_o careful_o observe_v in_o the_o several_a branch_n of_o they_o think_v it_o not_o enough_o to_o be_v just_a and_o upright_o or_o as_o they_o call_v it_o moral_o honest_a in_o your_o deal_n with_o man_n except_o you_o be_v also_o serious_a hearty_a and_o sincere_a in_o the_o service_n of_o god_n and_o in_o the_o devotedness_n of_o your_o soul_n to_o he_o and_o again_o think_v not_o that_o any_o worship_n of_o service_n you_o perform_v to_o god_n will_v be_v accept_v while_o second-table-duty_n be_v wilful_o neglect_v it_o be_v the_o design_n of_o religion_n to_o make_v we_o better_o and_o more_o useful_a in_o every_o relation_n and_o capacity_n wherein_o we_o stand_v 1_o pet._n 2.16_o 17._o 2_o pet._n 1.5_o etc._n etc._n tit._n 2.12_o we_o be_v enjoin_v to_o live_v sober_o righteous_o and_o godly_a in_o this_o present_a world_n viz._n we_o must_v be_v sober_a in_o the_o government_n of_o our_o sense_n appetite_n affection_n etc._n etc._n righteous_a in_o our_o deal_n with_o man_n do_v to_o other_o as_o we_o will_v that_o they_o shall_v do_v to_o we_o godly_a in_o the_o tendency_n and_o inclination_n of_o