the_o thing_n which_o be_v esteem_v accidental_a whence_o it_o may_v be_v we_o be_v strange_o deliver_v sometime_o we_o have_v so_o in_o the_o thing_n which_o we_o see_v to_o befall_v other_o by_o thunder_n lightning_z storm_n at_o sea_n or_o land_n for_o all_o the_o work_n of_o god_n especial_o those_o that_o be_v rare_a and_o strange_a have_v a_o voice_n whereby_o he_o speak_v unto_o we_o the_o first_o thing_n suggest_v unto_o a_o spiritual_a mind_n in_o such_o season_n will_v be_v god_n be_v in_o this_o place_n he_o be_v present_a that_o live_v and_o see_v as_o hagar_n confess_v on_o the_o like_a occasion_n gen._n 16.13_o 14._o 3._o have_v frequent_a thought_n of_o god_n omnipotency_n or_o his_o almighty_a power_n this_o most_o man_n it_o may_v be_v suppose_v they_o need_v not_o much_o exhortation_n unto_o for_o none_o ever_o doubt_v of_o it_o who_o do_v not_o grant_v it_o on_o all_o occasion_n man_n grant_v it_o indeed_o in_o general_a for_o eternal_a power_n be_v inseparable_a from_o the_o first_o notion_n of_o the_o divine_a be_v so_o be_v they_o conjoin_v by_o the_o apostle_n his_o eternal_a power_n and_o godhead_n rom._n 1.20_o yet_o few_o believe_v it_o for_o themselves_o and_o as_o they_o ought_v indeed_o to_o believe_v the_o almighty_a power_n of_o god_n with_o reference_n unto_o ourselves_o and_o all_o our_o concernment_n temporal_a and_o eternal_a be_v one_o of_o the_o high_a and_o most_o noble_a act_n of_o faith_n which_o include_v all_o other_o in_o it_o for_o this_o be_v that_o which_o god_n at_o first_o propose_v alone_o as_o the_o proper_a object_n of_o our_o faith_n in_o our_o entrance_n into_o covenant_n with_o he_o gen._n 17.1_o i_o be_o god_n almighty_a that_o which_o job_n arrive_v unto_o after_o his_o long_a exercise_n and_o trial_n i_o know_v say_v he_o thou_o can_v do_v every_o thing_n and_o no_o thought_n of_o thou_o can_v be_v hinder_v chap._n 42.2_o god_n have_v speak_v once_o say_v the_o psalmist_n twice_o have_v i_o hear_v this_o that_o power_n belong_v unto_o god_n psal._n 62.11_o it_o be_v that_o which_o god_n see_v it_o necessary_a frequent_o to_o instruct_v he_o in_o for_o we_o be_v ready_a to_o be_v affect_v with_o the_o appearance_n of_o present_a power_n in_o creature_n and_o to_o suppose_v that_o all_o thing_n will_v go_v according_a unto_o their_o will_n because_o of_o their_o power_n but_o it_o be_v quite_o otherwise_o all_o creature_n be_v poor_a feeble_a cipher_n that_o can_v do_v nothing_o power_n belong_v unto_o god_n it_o be_v a_o flower_n of_o his_o crown_n imperial_a which_o he_o will_v suffer_v none_o to_o usurp_v if_o the_o proud_a of_o they_o go_v beyond_o the_o bound_n and_o limit_n of_o his_o present_a permission_n he_o will_v send_v worm_n to_o eat_v they_o up_o as_o he_o do_v to_o herod_n it_o be_v utter_o impossible_a we_o shall_v walk_v before_o god_n unto_o his_o glory_n or_o with_o any_o real_a peace_n comfort_n or_o satisfaction_n in_o our_o own_o soul_n unless_o our_o mind_n be_v continual_o exercise_v with_o thought_n of_o his_o almighty_a power_n every_o thing_n that_o befall_v we_o every_o thing_n that_o we_o hear_v of_o which_o have_v the_o least_o of_o danger_n in_o it_o will_v discompose_v our_o mind_n and_o either_o make_v we_o tremble_v like_o the_o leaf_n of_o the_o forest_n that_o be_v shake_v with_o the_o wind_n or_o betake_v ourselves_o to_o foolish_a or_o sinful_a relief_n unless_o we_o be_v firm_o establish_v in_o the_o faith_n hereof_o consider_v the_o promise_n of_o god_n unto_o the_o church_n which_o be_v upon_o record_n and_o as_o yet_o unaccomplish_v consider_v the_o present_a state_n of_o the_o church_n in_o the_o world_n with_o all_o that_o belong_v unto_o it_o in_o all_o the_o fear_n and_o danger_n they_o be_v expose_v unto_o in_o all_o the_o evil_n they_o be_v exercise_v withal_o and_o we_o shall_v quick_o find_v that_o unless_o this_o sheat-anchor_n be_v well_o fix_v we_o shall_v be_v toss_v up_o and_o down_o at_o all_o uncertainty_n and_o expose_v to_o most_o violent_a temptation_n rev._n 19.6_o unto_o this_o end_n be_v we_o call_v hereunto_o by_o god_n himself_o in_o his_o answer_n unto_o the_o despondent_a complaint_n of_o the_o church_n in_o its_o great_a danger_n and_o calamity_n isa._n 40._o 28_o 29_o 30_o 31._o have_v thou_o not_o know_v have_v thou_o not_o hear_v that_o the_o everlasting_a god_n the_o lord_n the_o creator_n of_o the_o end_n of_o the_o earth_n faint_v not_o neither_o be_v weary_a there_o be_v no_o search_v of_o his_o understanding_n he_o give_v power_n to_o the_o faint_a and_o to_o they_o that_o have_v no_o might_n he_o increase_v strength_n even_o the_o youth_n shall_v faint_v and_o be_v weary_a and_o the_o young_a man_n shall_v utter_o fall_v but_o they_o that_o wait_v upon_o the_o lord_n shall_v renew_v their_o strength_n they_o shall_v mount_v up_o with_o wing_n as_o eagle_n they_o shall_v run_v and_o not_o be_v weary_a and_o they_o shall_v walk_v and_o not_o faint_a take_v one_o instance_n which_o be_v the_o continual_a concernment_n of_o we_o all_o we_o be_v obnoxious_a unto_o death_n every_o moment_n it_o be_v never_o the_o further_o from_o any_o of_o we_o because_o we_o think_v not_o of_o it_o as_o we_o ought_v this_o will_v lay_v our_o body_n in_o the_o dust_n from_o whence_o they_o will_v have_v no_o more_o disposition_n nor_o power_n in_o themselves_o to_o rise_v again_o than_o any_o other_o part_n of_o the_o mould_n of_o the_o earth_n their_o recovery_n must_v be_v a_o act_n of_o external_a almighty_a power_n when_o god_n shall_v have_v a_o desire_n to_o the_o work_n of_o his_o hand_n when_o he_o shall_v call_v and_o we_o shall_v answer_v he_o out_o of_o the_o dust_n and_o it_o will_v transmit_v the_o soul_n into_o a_o invisible_a world_n put_v a_o final_a end_n unto_o all_o relation_n enjoyment_n and_o circumstance_n here_o below_o i_o speak_v not_o of_o they_o who_o be_v stouthearted_a and_o far_o from_o righteousness_n who_o live_v and_o die_v like_o beast_n or_o under_o the_o power_n of_o horrible_a presumption_n without_o any_o due_a thought_n of_o their_o future_a and_o eternal_a state_n but_o as_o unto_o other_o what_o comfort_n or_o satisfaction_n can_v any_o man_n have_v in_o his_o life_n whereon_o his_o all_o depend_v and_o which_o be_v pass_v from_o he_o every_o moment_n unless_o he_o have_v continual_a thought_n of_o the_o mighty_a power_n of_o god_n whereby_o he_o be_v able_a to_o receive_v his_o depart_a soul_n and_o to_o raise_v his_o body_n out_o of_o the_o dust_n not_o to_o insist_v on_o more_o particular_n thus_o be_v it_o with_o they_o who_o be_v spiritual_o mind_v thus_o must_v it_o be_v with_o we_o all_o if_o we_o pretend_v a_o title_n unto_o that_o privilege_n they_o be_v fill_v with_o thought_n of_o god_n in_o opposition_n unto_o that_o character_n of_o wicked_a man_n that_o god_n be_v not_o in_o all_o their_o thought_n and_o it_o be_v great_o to_o be_v fear_v that_o many_o of_o we_o when_o we_o come_v to_o be_v weigh_v in_o this_o balance_n will_v be_v find_v too_o light_n man_n may_v be_v in_o the_o performance_n of_o outward_a duty_n they_o may_v hear_v the_o word_n with_o some_o delight_n and_o do_v many_o thing_n glad_o they_o may_v escape_v the_o pollution_n that_o be_v in_o the_o world_n through_o lust_n and_o not_o run_v out_o into_o the_o same_o compass_n of_o excess_n and_o riot_n with_o other_o man_n yet_o may_v they_o be_v stranger_n unto_o inward_a thought_n of_o god_n with_o delight_n and_o complacency_n i_o can_v understand_v how_o it_o can_v be_v otherwise_o with_o they_o who_o mind_n be_v over_o and_o over_o fill_v with_o earthly_a thing_n however_o they_o may_v satisfy_v themselves_o with_o pretence_n of_o their_o calling_n and_o lawful_a enjoyment_n or_o not_o any_o way_n inordinate_o set_v on_o the_o pleasure_n or_o profit_n of_o the_o world_n to_o walk_v with_o god_n to_o live_v unto_o he_o be_v not_o mere_o to_o be_v find_v in_o a_o abstinence_n from_o outward_a sin_n and_o in_o the_o performance_n of_o outward_a duty_n though_o with_o diligence_n in_o the_o multiplication_n of_o they_o all_o this_o may_v be_v do_v upon_o such_o principle_n for_o such_o end_n with_o such_o a_o frame_n of_o heart_n as_o to_o find_v no_o acceptance_n with_o god_n it_o be_v our_o heart_n that_o he_o require_v and_o we_o can_v no_o way_n give_v they_o unto_o he_o but_o by_o our_o affection_n and_o holy_a thought_n of_o he_o with_o delight_n this_o it_o be_v to_o be_v spiritual_o mind_v this_o it_o be_v to_o walk_v with_o god_n let_v no_o man_n deceive_v himself_o unless_o he_o thus_o abound_v in_o holy_a thought_n of_o god_n unless_o our_o meditation_n of_o he_o be_v sweet_a unto_o we_o all_o that_o we_o else_o pretend_v unto_o will_v fail_v we_o in_o the_o
in_o they_o and_o disesteem_n the_o chief_a benefit_n which_o be_v to_o be_v obtain_v by_o they_o whence_o shall_v zeal_n for_o they_o delight_n in_o they_o or_o diligence_n in_o attendance_n unto_o they_o arise_v let_v not_o any_o please_v themselves_o under_o the_o power_n of_o such_o decay_n they_o be_v indication_n of_o their_o inward_a frame_n and_o those_o infallible_a such_o person_n will_v grow_v cold_a careless_a and_o negligent_a as_o unto_o the_o duty_n of_o public_a worship_n they_o will_v put_v themselves_o neither_o to_o charge_v nor_o trouble_v about_o they_o every_o occasion_n of_o life_n divert_v they_o and_o find_v ready_a entertainment_n in_o their_o mind_n and_o when_o they_o do_v attend_v upon_o they_o it_o be_v with_o great_a indifferency_n and_o unconcernedness_n yet_o will_v they_o have_v it_o think_v that_o all_o be_v still_o well_o within_o as_o ever_o it_o be_v they_o have_v as_o good_a a_o respect_n unto_o religion_n as_o any_o but_o these_o thing_n open_o discover_v a_o ulcerous_a disease_n in_o the_o very_a soul_n of_o man_n as_o evident_o as_o if_o it_o be_v write_v on_o their_o forehead_n what_o ever_o they_o pretend_v unto_o the_o contrary_a they_o be_v under_o the_o power_n of_o woeful_a decay_n from_o all_o due_a regard_n unto_o spiritual_a and_o eternal_a thing_n and_o i_o will_v avoid_v the_o society_n of_o such_o person_n as_o those_o who_o carry_v a_o infectious_a disease_n about_o they_o unless_o it_o be_v to_o help_v on_o their_o cure_n but_o herein_o it_o be_v that_o affection_n spiritual_o renew_v do_v manifest_v themselves_o when_o we_o do_v delight_n in_o and_o value_v the_o duty_n of_o god_n worship_n because_o we_o find_v by_o experience_n that_o they_o be_v and_o have_v be_v unto_o we_o mean_n of_o communicate_v a_o sense_n and_o renew_v pledge_n of_o the_o love_n of_o god_n in_o christ_n with_o all_o the_o benefit_n and_o privilege_n which_o depend_v thereon_o then_o be_v our_o affection_n renew_v in_o and_o by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n second_o they_o come_v for_o supply_n of_o internal_a sanctify_a strengthen_v grace_n this_o be_v the_o second_o great_a design_n of_o believer_n in_o their_o approach_n unto_o god_n in_o his_o worship_n the_o want_n hereof_o as_o unto_o measure_n and_o degree_n they_o find_v in_o themselves_o and_o be_v sensible_a of_o it_o yea_o therein_o lie_v the_o great_a burden_n of_o the_o soul_n of_o believer_n in_o this_o world_n all_o that_o we_o do_v in_o the_o life_n of_o god_n may_v be_v refer_v unto_o two_o head_n first_o the_o observance_n of_o all_o duty_n of_o obedience_n and_o second_o the_o conflict_n with_o and_o conquest_n over_o temptation_n about_o these_o thing_n be_v we_o continual_o exercise_v hence_o the_o great_a thing_n which_o we_o desire_v labour_n for_o and_o pant_v after_o be_v spiritual_a strength_n and_o ability_n for_o the_o discharge_v of_o ourselves_o in_o a_o due_a manner_n with_o respect_n unto_o these_o thing_n this_o be_v that_o which_o every_o true_a believer_n groan_v after_o in_o the_o inward_a man_n and_o which_o he_o prefer_v infinite_o above_o all_o earthly_a thing_n so_o he_o may_v have_v grace_n sufficient_a in_o any_o competent_a measure_n for_o these_o end_n let_v what_o will_v befall_v he_o he_o desire_v no_o more_o in_o this_o world_n god_n in_o christ_n be_v the_o only_a fountain_n of_o all_o this_o grace_n there_o be_v not_o one_o drachm_n of_o it_o to_o be_v obtain_v but_o from_o he_o alone_o and_o as_o he_o do_v communicate_v it_o unto_o we_o of_o his_o own_o sovereign_a goodness_n and_o pleasure_n so_o the_o ordinary_a way_n and_o mean_n whereby_o he_o will_v do_v it_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o his_o worship_n isaiah_n 40.28_o 29_o 30_o 31._o have_v thou_o not_o know_v have_v thou_o not_o hear_v that_o the_o everlasting_a god_n the_o lord_n the_o creator_n of_o the_o end_n of_o the_o earth_n faint_v not_o neither_o be_v weary_a there_o be_v no_o search_v of_o his_o understanding_n he_o give_v power_n to_o the_o faint_a and_o to_o they_o that_o have_v no_o may_v he_o increase_v strength_n even_o the_o youth_n shall_v faint_v and_o be_v weary_a and_o the_o young_a man_n shall_v utter_o fail_v but_o they_o that_o wait_v upon_o the_o lord_n shall_v renew_v their_o strength_n they_o shall_v mount_v up_o with_o wing_n as_o eagle_n they_o shall_v run_v and_o not_o be_v weary_a they_o shall_v walk_v and_o not_o faint_a all_o grace_n and_o spiritual_a strength_n be_v original_o seat_v in_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n v_o 28._o but_o what_o relief_n can_v that_o afford_v unto_o we_o who_o be_v weak_a feeble_a faint_a he_o will_v act_v suitable_o unto_o his_o nature_n in_o the_o communication_n of_o this_o grace_n and_o power_n v_o 29._o but_o how_o shall_v we_o have_v a_o interest_n in_o this_o grace_n in_o these_o opperation_n wait_v on_o he_o in_o the_o ordinance_n of_o his_o worship_n v_o 31._o the_o word_n as_o preach_v be_v the_o food_n of_o our_o soul_n whereby_o god_n administer_v growth_n and_o strength_n unto_o they_o joh._n 17.17_o 1_o pet._n 2.23_o desire_v say_v he_o the_o sincere_a milk_n of_o the_o word_n that_o you_o may_v grow_v thereby_o but_o what_o encouragement_n have_v we_o thereunto_o if_o so_o be_v say_v he_o you_o have_v taste_v that_o the_o lord_n be_v gracious_a if_o in_o and_o by_o the_o dispensation_n of_o this_o word_n you_o have_v have_v experience_n of_o the_o grace_n the_o goodness_n the_o kindness_n of_o god_n unto_o your_o soul_n you_o can_v but_o desire_v it_o and_o delight_n in_o it_o and_o otherwise_o you_o will_v not_o do_v so_o when_o man_n have_v fate_n some_o good_a while_n under_o the_o dispensation_n of_o the_o word_n and_o in_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o other_o ordinance_n without_o taste_v in_o they_o and_o by_o they_o that_o the_o lord_n be_v gracious_a they_o will_v grow_v weary_a of_o it_o and_o they_o wherefore_o prayer_n be_v the_o way_n of_o his_o appointment_n for_o the_o application_n of_o our_o soul_n unto_o he_o to_o obtain_v a_o participation_n of_o all_o needful_a grace_n which_o therefore_o he_o have_v propose_v unto_o we_o in_o the_o promise_v of_o the_o covenant_n that_o we_o may_v know_v what_o to_o ask_v and_o how_o to_o plead_v for_o it_o in_o the_o sacrament_n the_o same_o promise_n be_v seal_v unto_o we_o and_o the_o grace_n represent_v in_o they_o effectual_o exhibit_v meditation_n confirm_v our_o soul_n in_o the_o exercise_n of_o faith_n about_o it_o and_o be_v the_o especial_a open_v of_o the_o heart_n unto_o the_o reception_n of_o it_o by_o these_o mean_n i_o say_v do_v god_n communicate_v all_o supply_n of_o renew_v strengthen_v and_o sanctify_a grace_n unto_o we_o that_o we_o may_v live_v unto_o he_o in_o all_o holy_a obedience_n and_o be_v able_a to_o get_v the_o victory_n over_o our_o temptation_n under_o this_o apprehension_n do_v believer_n approach_v unto_o god_n in_o the_o ordinance_n of_o his_o worship_n they_o come_v unto_o they_o as_o the_o mean_n of_o god_n communication_n unto_o their_o soul_n hence_o they_o cleave_v unto_o they_o with_o delight_n so_o far_o as_o their_o affection_n be_v renew_v so_o the_o spouse_n testify_v of_o herself_o i_o sit_v down_o under_o his_o shadow_n with_o great_a delight_n cant_n 2.3_o in_o these_o ordinance_n be_v the_o protect_a refresh_a presence_n of_o christ._n this_o she_o rest_v in_o with_o great_a delight_n as_o they_o come_v unto_o they_o with_o these_o design_n and_o expectation_n so_o they_o have_v experience_n of_o the_o spiritual_a benefit_n and_o advantage_n which_o they_o receive_v by_o they_o which_o more_o and_o more_o engage_v they_o unto_o they_o in_o their_o affection_n and_o delight_n all_o these_o thing_n those_o who_o have_v a_o change_v wrought_v in_o their_o affection_n but_o not_o a_o spiritual_a renovation_n be_v stranger_n unto_o they_o neither_o have_v the_o design_n before_o mention_v in_o come_v to_o they_o nor_o the_o experience_n of_o this_o efficacy_n now_o propose_v in_o their_o attendance_n on_o they_o but_o these_o benefit_n be_v great_a as_o for_o instance_n when_o man_n find_v the_o worth_n and_o effect_n of_o the_o word_n preach_v on_o their_o soul_n in_o its_o enlighten_v refresh_a strengthen_v transform_a power_n when_o they_o find_v their_o heart_n warm_v their_o grace_n excite_v and_o strengthen_v the_o love_n of_o god_n improve_v their_o disponding_n spirit_n under_o trial_n and_o temptation_n relieve_v their_o whole_a soul_n gradual_o more_o and_o more_o conform_v unto_o christ_n when_o they_o find_v themselves_o by_o it_o extricate_v out_o of_o snare_n doubt_n fear_n temptation_n and_o bring_v unto_o satisfaction_n and_o rest_n they_o can_v but_o delight_v in_o the_o dispensation_n of_o it_o and_o rejoice_v in_o it_o as_o the_o food_n of_o their_o soul_n and_o it_o be_v a_o great_a hindrance_n unto_o the_o increase_n of_o spiritual_a life_n and_o
a_o thought_n of_o he_o how_o foolish_a be_v i_o to_o be_v want_v to_o such_o or_o such_o a_o opportunity_n i_o be_o in_o arrear_n unto_o myself_o and_o have_v no_o rest_n until_o i_o be_v satisfy_v i_o say_v if_o indeed_o we_o be_v spiritual_o mind_v we_o will_v due_o and_o careful_o call_v over_o the_o consideration_n of_o those_o time_n and_o season_n wherein_o we_o ought_v to_o have_v exercise_v ourselves_o in_o spiritual_a thought_n and_o if_o we_o have_v lose_v they_o or_o any_o of_o they_o mourn_v over_o our_o own_o negligence_n but_o if_o we_o can_v omit_v and_o lose_v such_o season_n or_o opportunity_n from_o time_n to_o time_n without_o regret_n or_o self-reflection_n it_o be_v to_o be_v fear_v that_o we_o wax_v worse_o and_o worse_o way_n will_v be_v make_v hereby_o for_o further_a omission_n until_o we_o grow_v whole_o cold_a about_o they_o and_o indeed_o that_o woeful_a loss_n of_o time_n that_o be_v find_v among_o many_o professor_n be_v great_o to_o be_v bewail_v some_o lose_v it_o on_o themselves_o by_o a_o continual_a tract_n of_o fruitless_a impertinent_a thought_n about_o their_o own_o concern_v some_o in_o vain_a converse_n with_o oher_n wherein_o for_o the_o most_o part_n they_o edify_v one_o another_o unto_o vanity_n how_o much_o of_o this_o time_n may_v nay_o aught_o to_o be_v redeem_v for_o holy_a meditation_n the_o good_a lord_n make_v all_o professor_n sensible_a of_o their_o loss_n of_o former_a season_n that_o they_o may_v be_v the_o more_o watchful_a for_o the_o future_a in_o this_o great_a concernment_n of_o their_o soul_n little_o do_v some_o think_v what_o light_n what_o assurance_n what_o joy_n what_o readiness_n for_o the_o cross_n or_o for_o heaven_n they_o may_v have_v attain_v have_v they_o lay_v hold_v on_o all_o just_a season_n of_o exercise_v their_o thought_n about_o spiritual_a thing_n which_o they_o have_v enjoy_v who_o now_o be_v at_o a_o loss_n in_o all_o and_o surprise_v with_o every_o fear_n or_o difficulty_n that_o do_v befall_v they_o this_o be_v the_o first_o thing_n that_o belong_v unto_o our_o be_v spiritual_o mind_v for_o although_o it_o do_v not_o absolute_o or_o essential_o consist_v therein_o yet_o be_v it_o inseparable_a from_o it_o and_o the_o most_o undeceive_a indication_n of_o it_o and_o thus_o of_o abound_v and_o abide_v in_o thought_n about_o spiritual_a thing_n such_o as_o arise_v and_o spring_v natural_o from_o a_o live_a principle_n a_o spiritual_a frame_n and_o disposition_n of_o heart_n within_o chap._n v._n the_o object_n of_o spiritual_a thought_n or_o what_o they_o be_v conversant_a about_o evidence_v they_o in_o who_o they_o be_v to_o be_v spiritual_o mind_v rule_n direct_v unto_o steadiness_n in_o the_o contemplation_n of_o heavenly_a thing_n motive_n to_o fix_v our_o thought_n with_o steadiness_n in_o they_o before_o i_o proceed_v unto_o the_o next_o general_a head_n and_o which_o be_v the_o principal_a thing_n the_o foundation_n of_o the_o grace_n and_o duty_n inquire_v after_o some_o thing_n must_v be_v speak_v to_o render_v what_o have_v be_v already_o insist_v on_o yet_o more_o particular_o useful_a and_o this_o be_v to_o inquire_v what_o be_v or_o what_o ought_v to_o be_v the_o special_a object_n of_o those_o thought_n which_o under_o the_o qualification_n lay_v down_o be_v the_o evidence_n of_o our_o be_v spiritual_o mind_v and_o it_o may_v be_v we_o may_v be_v useful_a unto_o many_o herein_o by_o help_v of_o they_o to_o fix_v their_o mind_n which_o be_v apt_a to_o rove_v into_o all_o uncertainty_n for_o this_o be_v befall_v we_o through_o the_o disorder_n and_o weakness_n of_o the_o faculty_n of_o our_o soul_n that_o sometime_o what_o the_o mind_n guide_v lead_v and_o direct_v unto_o in_o thing_n spiritual_a and_o heavenly_a our_o will_n and_o affection_n through_o their_o depravation_n and_o corruption_n will_v not_o comply_v withal_o and_o so_o the_o good_a designing_n of_o the_o mind_n be_v lose_v sometime_o what_o the_o will_n and_o affection_n be_v incline_v unto_o and_o ready_a for_o the_o mind_n through_o its_o weakness_n and_o inconstancy_n can_v lead_v they_o to_o the_o accomplishment_n of_o so_o to_o will_n be_v present_a with_o we_o but_o how_o to_o perform_v that_o will_v we_o know_v not_o so_o many_o be_v barren_a in_o this_o duty_n because_o they_o know_v not_o what_o to_o fix_v upon_o nor_o how_o to_o exercise_n their_o thought_n when_o they_o have_v choose_v a_o subject_n for_o their_o meditation_n hence_o they_o spend_v their_o time_n in_o fruitless_a desire_n that_o they_o can_v use_v their_o thought_n unto_o more_o purpose_n rather_o than_o make_v any_o progress_n in_o the_o duty_n itself_o they_o tire_v themselves_o not_o because_o they_o be_v not_o willing_a to_o go_v but_o because_o they_o can_v find_v their_o way_n wherefore_o both_o these_o thing_n shall_v be_v speak_v unto_o both_o what_o be_v the_o proper_a object_n of_o our_o spiritual_a thought_n and_o how_o we_o may_v be_v steady_a in_o our_o contemplation_n of_o they_o and_o i_o shall_v unto_o this_o purpose_n first_o give_v some_o general_a rule_n and_o then_o some_o particular_a instance_n in_o way_n of_o direction_n 1._o observe_v the_o especial_a call_n of_o providence_n and_o apply_v your_o mind_n unto_o thought_n of_o the_o duty_n require_v in_o they_o and_o by_o they_o there_o be_v a_o voice_n in_o all_o signal_n dispensation_n of_o providence_n the_o voice_n of_o the_o lord_n cry_v unto_o the_o city_n the_o man_n of_o wisdom_n shall_v see_v thy_o name_n hear_v you_o the_o rod_n and_o who_o have_v appoint_v it_o mic._n 6.9_o there_o be_v a_o call_v a_o cry_n in_o every_o rod_n of_o god_n in_o every_o chastise_v providence_n and_o therein_o make_v a_o declaration_n of_o his_o name_n his_o holiness_n his_o power_n his_o greatness_n this_o every_o wise_a substantial_a man_n will_v labour_v to_o discern_v and_o so_o comply_v with_o the_o call_n god_n be_v great_o provoke_v when_o it_o be_v otherwise_o lord_n when_o thy_o hand_n be_v lift_v up_o they_o will_v not_o see_v but_o they_o shall_v see_v and_o be_v ashamed_a isa._n 26.11_o if_o therefore_o we_o will_v apply_v ourselves_o unto_o our_o present_a duty_n we_o be_v wise_o to_o consider_v what_o be_v the_o voice_n of_o god_n in_o his_o present_a providential_a dispensation_n in_o the_o world_n harken_v not_o unto_o any_o who_o will_v give_v another_o interpretation_n of_o they_o but_o that_o they_o be_v plain_a declaration_n of_o his_o displeasure_n and_o indignation_n against_o the_o sin_n of_o man_n be_v not_o his_o wrath_n in_o they_o reveal_v from_o heaven_n against_o the_o ungodliness_n of_o man_n especial_o such_o as_o detain_v the_o truth_n in_o unrighteousness_n or_o false_a hypocritical_a professor_n of_o the_o gospel_n do_v he_o not_o also_o signal_o declare_v the_o uncertainty_n and_o instability_n of_o earthly_a enjoyment_n from_o life_n itself_o to_o a_o shoo-latchet_a as_o also_o how_o vain_a and_o foolish_a it_o be_v to_o adhere_v inordinate_o unto_o they_o the_o finger_n that_o appear_v write_v on_o the_o wall_n the_o doom_n of_o belshazzar_n do_v it_o in_o character_n that_o none_o read_v and_o word_n that_o none_o can_v understand_v but_o daniel_n but_o the_o present_a call_n of_o god_n in_o these_o thing_n be_v make_v plain_a upon_o table_n that_o he_o may_v run_v who_o read_v it_o if_o the_o heaven_n gather_v blackness_n with_o cloud_n and_o it_o thunder_v over_o we_o if_o any_o that_o be_v on_o their_o journey_n will_v not_o believe_v that_o there_o be_v a_o storm_n a_o come_n they_o must_v bear_v the_o severity_n of_o it_o suppose_v then_o this_o to_o be_v the_o voice_n of_o providence_n suppose_v there_o be_v in_o it_o these_o indication_n of_o the_o mind_n and_o will_n of_o god_n what_o be_v the_o duty_n that_o we_o be_v call_v unto_o thereby_o they_o may_v be_v refer_v unto_o two_o head_n 1._o a_o diligent_a search_n into_o ourselves_o and_o a_o holy_a watch_n over_o ourselves_o with_o respect_n unto_o those_o way_n and_o sin_n which_o the_o displeasure_n of_o god_n be_v declare_v against_o that_o present_a providence_n be_v indication_n of_o god_n anger_n and_o displeasure_n we_o take_v for_o grant_v but_o when_o this_o be_v do_v the_o most_o be_v apt_a to_o cast_v the_o cause_n of_o they_o on_o other_o and_o to_o excuse_v themselves_o so_o long_o as_o they_o see_v other_o more_o wicked_a and_o prosligate_v than_o themselves_o open_o guilty_a of_o such_o crime_n as_o they_o abhor_v the_o thought_n of_o they_o cast_v all_o the_o wrath_n on_o they_o and_o fear_v nothing_o but_o that_o they_o shall_v suffer_v with_o they_o but_o alas_o when_o the_o storm_n come_v on_o the_o ship_n at_o sea_n wherein_o there_o be_v but_o one_o person_n that_o fear_v god_n upon_o a_o enquiry_n for_o who_o sake_n it_o come_v the_o lot_n fall_v on_o he_o jon._n 1.7_o the_o cause_n of_o
reckon_v that_o the_o suffering_n of_o this_o present_a time_n be_v not_o to_o be_v compare_v with_o the_o glory_n that_o shall_v be_v reveal_v in_o we_o there_o be_v no_o comparison_n between_o they_o as_o if_o one_o have_v as_o much_o evil_a and_o misery_n in_o they_o as_o the_o other_o have_v of_o good_a and_o blessedness_n as_o though_o his_o state_n be_v any_o way_n to_o be_v complain_v of_o who_o must_v undergo_v the_o one_o while_o he_o have_v a_o interest_n in_o the_o other_o or_o as_o though_o to_o escape_v the_o one_o he_o hazard_v the_o enjoyment_n of_o the_o other_o it_o be_v inseparable_a from_o our_o nature_n to_o have_v a_o fear_n of_o and_o aversation_n from_o great_a distress_a suffering_n that_o be_v above_o the_o power_n of_o nature_n to_o bear_v even_o our_o lord_n jesus_n himself_o have_v take_v on_o he_o all_o the_o sinless_a property_n of_o our_o nature_n have_v a_o fear_n and_o aversation_n though_o holy_a and_o gracious_a with_o respect_n unto_o his_o own_o those_o who_o through_o a_o stoutheartedness_n do_v contemn_v they_o before_o their_o approach_n boast_v in_o themselves_o of_o their_o ability_n to_o undergo_v they_o censure_v such_o as_o will_v not_o unadvised_o engage_v in_o they_o be_v such_o as_o seldom_o glorify_v god_n when_o they_o be_v real_o to_o conflict_n with_o they_o peter_n alone_o trust_v unto_o himself_o that_o he_o will_v not_o forsake_v his_o master_n and_o seem_v to_o take_v the_o warn_v ill_o that_o they_o shall_v all_o do_v so_o and_o he_o alone_o deny_v he_o all_o church_n story_n be_v fill_v with_o instance_n of_o such_o as_o have_v bear_v themselves_o high_a before_o the_o approach_n of_o trial_n have_v shameful_o miscarry_v when_o their_o trial_n have_v come_v wherefore_o it_o be_v moreover_o allow_v unto_o we_o to_o use_v all_o lawful_a mean_n for_o the_o avoid_n of_o they_o both_o rule_n and_o example_n of_o the_o scripture_n give_v sufficient_a warranty_n for_o it_o but_o there_o be_v time_n and_o season_n wherein_o without_o any_o tergiversation_n they_o be_v to_o be_v undergo_v unto_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o in_o the_o discharge_n of_o our_o duty_n confess_v christ_n before_o man_n as_o we_o will_v be_v own_v by_o he_o before_o his_o father_n in_o heaven_n all_o thing_n do_v now_o call_v we_o to_o prepare_v for_o such_o a_o season_n to_o be_v martyr_n in_o resolution_n though_o we_o shall_v never_o real_o lose_v our_o life_n by_o violence_n nothing_o will_v give_v we_o this_o preparation_n but_o to_o have_v our_o mind_n exercise_v in_o the_o contemplation_n of_o heavenly_a thing_n of_o thing_n that_o be_v invisible_a and_o eternal_a he_o who_o be_v thus_o spiritual_o mind_a who_o have_v his_o thought_n and_o affection_n set_v on_o thing_n above_o will_v have_v always_o in_o a_o readiness_n what_o to_o oppose_v unto_o any_o circumstance_n of_o his_o suffering_n those_o view_n which_o such_o a_o one_o have_v have_v by_o faith_n of_o the_o increated_a glory_n above_o of_o the_o thing_n in_o heavenly_a place_n where_o christ_n sit_v at_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o god_n of_o the_o glory_n within_o the_o veil_n whereby_o they_o have_v be_v realize_v and_o make_v present_a unto_o his_o soul_n will_v now_o visit_v he_o every_o moment_n abide_v with_o he_o continual_o and_o put_v forth_o their_o efficacy_n unto_o his_o supportment_n and_o refreshment_n alas_o what_o will_v become_v of_o many_o of_o we_o who_o be_v grovel_v continual_o on_o the_o earth_n who_o belly_n cleave_v unto_o the_o dust_n who_o be_v stranger_n unto_o the_o thought_n of_o heavenly_a thing_n when_o distress_v trouble_n shall_v befall_v we_o why_o shall_v we_o think_v that_o refresh_a thought_n of_o thing_n above_o will_n then_o visit_v our_o soul_n when_o we_o resist_v their_o admittance_n in_o day_n of_o peace_n do_v you_o come_v to_o i_o in_o your_o distress_n say_v jepthe_n when_o in_o the_o time_n of_o your_o peace_n you_o drive_v i_o from_o you_o when_o we_o will_v thus_o think_v of_o heavenly_a thing_n to_o our_o refreshment_n we_o shall_v hardly_o get_v they_o to_o make_v a_o abode_n with_o we_o i_o know_v god_n can_v come_v in_o by_o the_o mighty_a power_n of_o his_o spirit_n and_o grace_n to_o support_v and_o comfort_v the_o soul_n of_o they_o who_o be_v call_v and_o even_o surprise_v into_o the_o great_a of_o suffering_n yet_o do_v i_o know_v also_o that_o it_o be_v our_o duty_n not_o to_o tempt_v he_o in_o the_o neglect_n of_o the_o way_n and_o mean_n which_o he_o have_v appoint_v for_o the_o communication_n of_o his_o grace_n unto_o we_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n himself_o as_o the_o author_n and_o finisher_n of_o our_o faith_n for_o the_o joy_n that_o be_v set_v before_o he_o endure_v the_o cross_n and_o despise_v the_o shame_n heb._n 12.2_o his_o mediatory_a glory_n in_o the_o salvation_n of_o the_o church_n be_v the_o matter_n of_o the_o joy_n set_v before_o he_o this_o he_o take_v the_o view_n and_o prospect_n of_o in_o all_o his_o suffering_n unto_o his_o refreshment_n and_o supportment_n and_o his_o example_n as_o the_o author_n and_o finisher_n of_o our_o faith_n be_v more_o efficacious_o instructive_a than_o any_o other_o rule_n or_o precept_n eternal_a glory_n be_v set_v before_o we_o also_o it_o be_v the_o design_n of_o god_n wisdom_n and_o grace_n that_o by_o the_o contemplation_n of_o it_o we_o shall_v relieve_v ourselves_o in_o all_o our_o suffering_n yea_o and_o rejoice_v with_o joy_n unspeakable_a and_o full_a of_o glory_n how_o many_o of_o those_o bless_a soul_n now_o in_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o god_n and_o glory_n who_o pass_v through_o fiery_a trial_n and_o great_a tribulation_n be_v enable_v to_o sing_v and_o rejoice_v in_o the_o flame_n by_o a_o prepossession_n of_o this_o glory_n in_o their_o mind_n through_o believe_v yea_o some_o have_v be_v so_o fill_v with_o they_o as_o to_o take_v off_o all_o sense_n of_o pain_n under_o the_o most_o exquisite_a torture_n when_o stephen_n be_v to_o be_v stone_v to_o encourage_v he_o in_o his_o suffering_n and_o comfort_v he_o in_o it_o the_o heaven_n be_v open_v and_o he_o see_v jesus_n stand_v at_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o god_n who_o can_v conceive_v what_o contempt_n of_o all_o the_o rage_n and_o madness_n of_o the_o jew_n what_o a_o neglect_n of_o all_o the_o pain_n of_o death_n this_o view_n raise_v his_o holy_a soul_n unto_o to_o obtain_v therefore_o such_o view_v frequent_o by_o faith_n as_o they_o do_v who_o be_v true_o spiritual_o mind_v be_v the_o most_o effectual_a way_n to_o encourage_v we_o unto_o all_o our_o suffering_n the_o apostle_n give_v we_o the_o force_n of_o this_o encouragement_n in_o a_o comparison_n with_o earthly_a thing_n 1_o cor._n 9.25_o every_o man_n who_o strive_v for_o the_o mastery_n be_v temperate_a in_o all_o thing_n now_o they_o do_v it_o to_o obtain_v a_o corruptible_a crown_n but_o we_o a_o incorruptible_a if_o man_n when_o a_o corruptible_a crown_n of_o vain_a honour_n and_o applause_n be_v propose_v unto_o they_o will_v do_v and_o endure_v all_o that_o be_v needful_a for_o the_o attainment_n of_o it_o and_o relieve_v themselves_o in_o their_o hardship_n with_o thought_n and_o imagination_n of_o attain_v it_o ground_v on_o uncertain_a hope_n shall_v not_o we_o who_o have_v a_o crown_n immortal_a and_o invisible_a propose_v unto_o we_o and_o that_o with_o the_o high_a assurance_n of_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o it_o cheerful_o undergo_v endure_v and_o suffer_v what_o we_o be_v to_o go_v through_o in_o the_o way_n unto_o it_o 4._o this_o be_v the_o most_o effectual_a mean_n to_o wean_v the_o heart_n and_o affection_n from_o thing_n here_o below_o to_o keep_v the_o mind_n unto_o a_o undervaluation_n yea_o a_o contempt_n of_o they_o as_o occasion_n shall_v require_v for_o there_o be_v a_o season_n wherein_o there_o be_v such_o a_o contempt_n require_v in_o we_o of_o all_o relation_n and_o enjoyment_n as_o our_o saviour_n call_v the_o hate_v of_o they_o that_o be_v not_o absolute_o but_o comparative_o in_o comparison_n of_o he_o and_o the_o gospel_n with_o the_o duty_n which_o belong_v unto_o our_o profession_n luke_n 14.26_o if_o any_o man_n come_v to_o i_o and_o hate_v not_o father_n and_o mother_n and_o wife_n and_o child_n and_o brethren_n and_o sister_n yea_o and_o his_o own_o life_n also_o he_o can_v be_v my_o disciple_n some_o i_o fear_v if_o they_o do_v but_o consider_v it_o will_v be_v apt_a to_o say_v this_o be_v a_o hard_a say_n who_o can_v bear_v it_o and_o other_o cry_v out_o with_o the_o disciple_n in_o another_o case_n lord_n who_o then_o can_v be_v save_v but_o it_o be_v the_o word_n whereby_o we_o must_v be_v judge_v nor_o can_v we_o be_v the_o disciple_n of_o christ_n on_o any_o other_o term_n but_o here_o in_o a_o especial_a manner_n lie_v the_o wound_n and_o weakness_n of_o
mistake_n to_o suppose_v that_o any_o external_a duty_n of_o worship_n as_o hear_v the_o word_n prayer_n or_o the_o sacrament_n be_v appoint_v for_o themselves_o or_o accept_v for_o themselves_o such_o thought_n the_o jew_n of_o old_a have_v concern_v their_o sacrifice_n namely_o that_o they_o be_v appoint_v for_o their_o own_o sake_n and_o be_v acceptable_a service_n unto_o god_n mere_o on_o their_o own_o account_n wherefore_o god_n to_o deliver_v they_o from_o this_o pernicious_a mistake_n affirm_v ofttimes_o that_o he_o never_o appoint_v they_o at_o all_o that_o be_v for_o any_o such_o end_n jer._n 7.22_o 23._o isa._n 1.12_o 13_o 14_o etc._n etc._n and_o now_o under_o the_o gospel_n sundry_a thing_n destructive_a to_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n have_v proceed_v from_o such_o a_o supposition_n some_o hereon_o have_v always_o satisfy_v and_o content_v themselves_o with_o the_o external_a observance_n of_o they_o without_o desire_v or_o endeavour_v any_o holy_a communion_n with_o god_n in_o they_o or_o by_o they_o this_o constitute_v the_o state_n and_o condition_n mention_v rev._n 3.1_o and_o by_o follow_v this_o tract_n the_o generality_n of_o christian_n do_v wander_v out_o of_o the_o way_n they_o can_v leave_v they_o nor_o do_v know_v how_o to_o use_v they_o unto_o their_o advantage_n until_o they_o come_v whole_o unto_o that_o woeful_a state_n isai._n 29.13_o and_o some_o to_o establish_v this_o deceit_n have_v teach_v that_o there_o be_v much_o more_o in_o the_o outward_a work_n of_o these_o duty_n than_o ever_o god_n put_v into_o they_o and_o that_o they_o be_v sanctify_v mere_o by_o virtue_n of_o the_o work_v wrought_v but_o all_o the_o duty_n of_o the_o second_o commandment_n as_o be_v all_o institute_v ordinance_n of_o worship_n be_v but_o mean_v to_o express_v and_o exercise_v those_o of_o the_o first_o as_o faith_n love_n fear_v trust_v and_o delight_n in_o god_n the_o end_n of_o they_o all_o be_v that_o through_o they_o and_o by_o they_o we_o may_v act_v those_o grace_n on_o god_n in_o christ_n where_o this_o be_v not_o attend_v unto_o when_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n do_v not_o apply_v themselves_o unto_o this_o exercise_n of_o grace_n in_o they_o let_v they_o be_v never_o so_o solemn_a as_o to_o their_o outward_a performance_n be_v attend_v unto_o with_o diligence_n be_v perform_v with_o earnestness_n and_o delight_n they_o be_v neither_o acceptable_a unto_o god_n nor_o beneficial_a unto_o themselves_o isai._n 1.11_o this_o therefore_o be_v the_o first_o general_a spring_n of_o the_o love_n of_o believer_n of_o they_o who_o affection_n be_v spiritual_o renew_v unto_o the_o ordinance_n of_o divine_a worship_n and_o their_o delight_n in_o they_o they_o have_v experience_n that_o in_o and_o by_o they_o their_o faith_n and_o love_n be_v excite_v unto_o a_o gracious_a exercise_n of_o themselves_o on_o god_n in_o christ._n and_o when_o they_o find_v it_o otherwise_o with_o they_o they_o can_v have_v no_o rest_n in_o their_o soul_n for_o this_o end_n be_v they_o ordain_v sanctify_v and_o bless_v of_o god_n and_o therefore_o be_v effectual_a mean_n of_o it_o when_o their_o efficacy_n be_v not_o defeat_v by_o unbelief_n and_o those_o who_o have_v no_o experience_n hereof_o in_o their_o attendance_n unto_o they_o do_v as_o have_v be_v say_v fall_v into_o pernicious_a extreme_n some_o continue_v their_o observance_n with_o little_a regard_n unto_o god_n in_o curse_a formality_n so_o they_o make_v they_o a_o mean_n of_o their_o ruin_n by_o countenance_v of_o they_o in_o their_o security_n other_o utter_o reject_v they_o at_o least_o the_o most_o solemn_a of_o they_o and_o therein_o both_o the_o wisdom_n and_o grace_n and_o authority_n of_o god_n by_o who_o they_o be_v appoint_v because_o through_o the_o power_n of_o their_o own_o unbelief_n they_o find_v nothing_o in_o they_o this_o be_v the_o immediate_a end_n of_o all_o divine_a institution_n this_o be_v the_o only_a way_n whereby_o we_o may_v give_v glory_n unto_o god_n in_o their_o observance_n which_o be_v their_o ultimate_a end_n in_o this_o world_n &_o this_o be_v the_o design_n in_o general_n of_o believer_n in_o that_o obedience_n they_o yield_v unto_o the_o lord_n christ_n in_o their_o diligent_a observation_n of_o they_o we_o may_v consider_v how_o in_o what_o way_n and_o by_o what_o mean_v those_o who_o affection_n be_v spiritual_o renew_v do_v and_o aught_o to_o apply_v their_o mind_n and_o soul_n unto_o their_o observance_n and_o we_o may_v consider_v herein_o first_o what_o they_o do_v design_n and_o than_o what_o they_o endeavour_v to_o be_v find_v in_o the_o exercise_n and_o practice_n of_o in_o their_o use_n and_o enjoyment_n first_o they_o come_v unto_o they_o with_o this_o desire_n design_n and_o expectation_n namely_o to_o be_v enable_v direct_v and_o excite_v by_o they_o unto_o the_o exercise_n of_o divine_a faith_n and_o love_n when_o it_o be_v not_o so_o with_o any_o where_o there_o be_v not_o this_o design_n they_o do_v in_o various_a degree_n take_v the_o name_n of_o god_n in_o vain_a in_o their_o observance_n these_o be_v approximationes_n dei_fw-la the_o way_n of_o draw_v nigh_o unto_o god_n as_o they_o be_v every_o where_o call_v in_o scripture_n to_o suppose_v that_o a_o draw_v nigh_o unto_o god_n may_v consist_v mere_o in_o the_o outward_a performance_n of_o duty_n whatever_n be_v its_o solemnity_n be_v to_o reject_v all_o due_a reverence_n of_o he_o forasmuch_o say_v the_o lord_n as_o this_o people_n draw_v near_o i_o with_o their_o mouth_n and_o with_o their_o lip_n do_v honour_n i_o but_o have_v remove_v their_o heart_n far_o from_o i_o therefore_o i_o will_v proceed_v against_o they_o isaiah_n 29.13_o the_o mouth_n and_o lip_n be_v put_v by_o a_o synecdoche_n for_o all_o the_o mean_n of_o outward_a worship_n and_o honour_n these_o man_n may_v use_v diligent_o attend_v unto_o while_o their_o heart_n be_v far_o from_o god_n that_o be_v when_o they_o do_v not_o draw_v nigh_o to_o he_o by_o faith_n and_o love_n but_o all_o this_o worship_n be_v reject_v of_o god_n with_o the_o high_a token_n of_o his_o displeasure_n and_o indignation_n against_o it_o first_o our_o soul_n then_o have_v no_o way_n of_o approach_n unto_o god_n in_o duty_n of_o worship_n but_o by_o faith_n no_o way_n of_o adherance_n or_o cleave_v unto_o he_o but_o by_o love_n no_o way_n of_o abide_v in_o he_o but_o by_o fear_n reverence_n and_o delight_n when_o ever_o these_o be_v not_o in_o excercise_n outward_a duty_n of_o worship_n be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v a_o mean_n of_o such_o a_o approach_n unto_o he_o as_o that_o they_o set_v we_o at_o a_o great_a distance_n from_o he_o than_o we_o be_v before_o at_o least_o be_v utter_o useless_a and_o fruitless_a unto_o we_o so_o indeed_o they_o be_v unto_o the_o most_o who_o come_v unto_o they_o they_o know_v not_o why_o and_o behave_v themselves_o under_o they_o they_o care_v not_o how_o nor_o be_v there_o any_o evil_n in_o the_o heart_n and_o way_n of_o man_n whereof_o god_n complain_v more_o in_o his_o word_n as_o that_o which_o be_v accompany_v with_o the_o high_a contempt_n of_o he_o and_o because_o these_o ordinance_n of_o divine_a worship_n be_v mean_n which_o the_o wisdom_n and_o grace_n of_o god_n have_v appoint_v unto_o this_o end_n namely_o the_o exercise_n and_o increase_v of_o divine_a faith_n and_o love_n and_o therefore_o do_v sanctify_v and_o bless_v they_o thereunto_o i_o do_v not_o believe_v that_o they_o have_v any_o delight_n in_o the_o exercise_n of_o these_o grace_n nor_o do_v design_n growth_n in_o they_o by_o who_o these_o great_a mean_n of_o they_o be_v despise_v or_o neglect_v and_o although_o i_o have_v see_v those_o valley_n of_o public_a worship_n forsake_v either_o on_o pretence_n of_o high_a attainment_n in_o faith_n light_n and_o love_n than_o to_o stand_v in_o need_n of_o they_o any_o more_o or_o on_o a_o foolish_a opinion_n that_o they_o cease_v upon_o the_o dispensation_n of_o the_o spirit_n which_o be_v give_v unto_o we_o to_o make_v they_o useful_a and_o effectual_a or_o on_o some_o provocation_n that_o have_v be_v give_v unto_o some_o man_n or_o which_o they_o have_v take_v unto_o themselves_o which_o they_o have_v think_v they_o can_v revenge_v by_o a_o neglect_n of_o public_a administration_n or_o through_o slavish_a peace_n and_o negligence_n in_o time_n of_o difficulty_n as_o be_v the_o manner_n of_o some_o who_o forsake_v the_o assembly_n of_o the_o saint_n heb._n 16.25_o yet_o i_o never_o see_v but_o it_o issue_v in_o a_o great_a decay_n if_o not_o in_o a_o utter_a loss_n of_o all_o exercise_n of_o faith_n and_o love_n and_o sometime_o in_o open_a profaneness_n for_o such_o person_n contemn_v the_o way_n and_o mean_n which_o god_n in_o his_o infinite_a wisdom_n and_o goodness_n have_v appoint_v for_o their_o exercise_n and_o increase_n and_o this_o shall_v
of_o the_o divine_a nature_n our_o dependence_n on_o he_o and_o relation_n unto_o he_o and_o this_o be_v that_o which_o in_o the_o first_o place_n believer_n design_v in_o all_o the_o duty_n of_o divine_a worship_n and_o the_o pattern_n set_v we_o by_o our_o bless_a saviour_n in_o the_o prayer_n he_o teach_v his_o disciple_n direct_v we_o thereunto_o all_o the_o first_o request_n of_o it_o concern_v immediate_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o the_o advancement_n thereof_o for_o therein_o also_o all_o the_o blessedness_n and_o safety_n of_o the_o church_n be_v include_v those_o who_o fail_v in_o this_o design_n do_v err_v in_o all_o that_o they_o do_v they_o never_o tend_v unto_o the_o mark_n propose_v unto_o they_o but_o this_o be_v that_o which_o principal_o animate_v the_o soul_n of_o they_o that_o believe_v in_o all_o their_o duty_n this_o their_o universal_a relation_n unto_o he_o and_o love_n in_o that_o relation_n make_v necessary_a wherefore_o that_o way_n and_o mean_n whereby_o they_o may_v direct_o and_o solemn_o ascribe_v and_o give_v glory_n unto_o god_n be_v precious_a and_o delightful_a unto_o they_o and_o such_o be_v all_o the_o duty_n of_o divine_a worship_n these_o be_v some_o of_o the_o thing_n wherein_o the_o respect_n of_o affection_n spiritual_o renew_v unto_o ordinance_n and_o duty_n of_o divine_a worship_n do_v differ_v from_o the_o act_n of_o affection_n towards_o the_o same_o object_n which_o be_v not_o so_o santify_v and_o renew_v there_o be_v yet_o other_o thing_n accompany_v with_o the_o same_o evidence_n of_o the_o difference_n between_o affection_n spiritual_o renew_v and_o those_o which_o have_v only_o a_o general_a change_n wrought_v in_o they_o by_o conviction_n and_o some_o outward_a occasion_n which_o must_v in_o one_o or_o two_o instance_n more_o be_v insist_v on_o with_o the_o consideration_n of_o such_o case_n as_o derive_v from_o they_o for_o my_o design_n herein_o be_v not_o only_o to_o declare_v when_o our_o mind_n be_v spiritual_o renew_v but_o also_o what_o be_v the_o nature_n and_o operation_n of_o our_o affection_n whereby_o we_o be_v constitute_v and_o denominate_v spiritually-minded_n which_o be_v the_o subject_a of_o our_o whole_a enquiry_n herein_o than_o we_o shall_v proceed_v chap._n xvi_o assimulation_n unto_o thing_n heavenly_a and_o spiritual_a in_o affection_n spiritual_o renew_v this_o assimulation_n the_o work_n of_o faith_n how_o and_o whereby_o reason_n of_o the_o want_n of_o growth_n in_o our_o spiritual_a affection_n as_o unto_o this_o assimulation_n when_o affection_n be_v spiritual_o renew_v in_o their_o exercise_n or_o fix_v of_o themselves_o on_o spiritual_a thing_n there_o be_v a_o assimulation_n wrought_v in_o they_o and_o in_o the_o whole_a soul_n unto_o those_o spiritual_a and_o heavenly_a thing_n by_o faith_n but_o when_o there_o be_v a_o change_n in_o they_o only_o from_o other_o cause_n and_o occasion_n and_o not_o from_o renew_v grace_n there_o be_v a_o assimulation_n effect_v of_o spiritual_a and_o heavenly_a thing_n unto_o themselves_o unto_o those_o affection_n by_o imagination_n this_o must_v somewhat_o at_o large_a be_v speak_v unto_o as_o that_o which_o give_v the_o most_o eminent_a distinction_n between_o the_o frame_v of_o mind_n who_o difference_n we_o inquire_v into_o and_o to_o that_o end_n we_o shall_v cast_v our_o consideration_n of_o it_o into_o the_o ensue_a observation_n first_o affection_n spiritual_o renew_v be_v in_o all_o their_o act_n in_o their_o whole_a exercise_n under_o the_o guidance_n and_o conduct_n of_o faith_n it_o be_v faith_n which_o in_o its_o spiritual_a light_n have_v the_o lead_n of_o the_o soul_n in_o the_o whole_a life_n of_o god_n we_o live_v here_o by_o faith_n as_o we_o shall_v do_v hereafter_o by_o light_n if_o our_o affection_n deviate_v or_o decline_v in_o the_o least_o from_o the_o guidance_n of_o the_o faith_n they_o degenerate_a from_o their_o spirituality_n and_o give_v up_o themselves_o unto_o the_o service_n of_o superstition_n next_o unto_o corrupt_a secular_a interest_n in_o the_o management_n of_o crafty_a selfish_a seducer_n this_o have_v be_v the_o great_a inlet_n of_o all_o superstition_n and_o false_a worship_n into_o the_o world_n blind_a affection_n grope_v in_o the_o dark_a after_o spiritual_a thing_n have_v not_o the_o save_v light_n of_o faith_n to_o conduct_v they_o have_v seduce_v the_o mind_n of_o man_n into_o all_o manner_n of_o superstition_n imagination_n and_o practice_n continue_v to_o do_v so_o at_o this_o day_n and_o wherever_o they_o will_v lead_v the_o way_n when_o faith_n go_v not_o before_o they_o to_o discover_v both_o way_n and_o end_n they_o that_o lead_v and_o the_o mind_n that_o be_v lead_v must_v fall_v into_o one_o snare_n and_o pit_n or_o another_o wherefore_o affection_n that_o be_v spiritual_o renew_v move_v not_o act_n not_o but_o as_o faith_n discover_v their_o object_n and_o direct_v they_o unto_o it_o it_o be_v faith_n that_o work_v by_o love_n we_o can_v love_v nothing_o sincere_o with_o divine_a love_n but_o what_o we_o believe_v save_o with_o divine_a faith_n let_v our_o affection_n unto_o any_o spiritual_a thing_n be_v never_o so_o vehement_a if_o they_o spring_v not_o from_o faith_n if_o they_o be_v not_o guide_v by_o it_o they_o be_v neither_o accept_v with_o god_n nor_o will_v promote_v the_o interest_n of_o spirituality_n and_o holiness_n in_o our_o own_o soul_n heb._n 11.6_o mat._n 6.22_o 23._o and_o this_o be_v the_o reason_n whence_o we_o oft_o time_n see_v great_a and_o plausible_a appearance_n of_o spiritual_a affection_n which_o yet_o endure_v only_o for_o a_o season_n they_o have_v be_v awaken_v excite_v act_v by_o one_o mean_n or_o another_o outward_a or_o inward_a but_o not_o have_v the_o light_n of_o faith_n to_o guide_v they_o unto_o their_o proper_a object_n they_o either_o wither_v and_o die_v as_o unto_o any_o appear_v of_o spiritual_a motion_n or_o else_o keep_v the_o mind_n toss_v up_o and_o down_o in_o perpetual_a disquietment_n without_o rest_n or_o peace_n the_o foolish_a man_n weary_v himself_o because_o he_o can_v find_v the_o way_n to_o the_o city_n so_o be_v it_o with_o they_o who_o on_o the_o account_n of_o their_o attendance_n unto_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n be_v call_v his_o disciple_n joh._n 6._o have_v preach_v unto_o they_o about_o the_o bread_n which_o come_v down_o from_o heaven_n and_o give_v life_n unto_o they_o that_o feed_v they_o be_v great_o affect_v with_o it_o and_o cry_v out_o lord_n evermore_o give_v we_o of_o this_o bread_n v_o 34._o but_o when_o he_o proceed_v to_o declare_v the_o mystery_n of_o it_o they_o have_v not_o faith_n to_o discern_v and_o apprehend_v it_o their_o affection_n immediate_o decay_v and_o they_o forsake_v both_o he_o and_o his_o doctrine_n vers_fw-la 66._o we_o may_v consider_v one_o especial_a instance_n of_o this_o nature_n person_n every_o day_n fall_v under_o great_a and_o effectual_a conviction_n of_o sin_n and_o of_o their_o danger_n or_o certain_a misery_n thereby_o this_o stir_v up_o and_o act_v all_o their_o affection_n especial_o their_o fear_n hope_n desire_n sorrow_n self-revenge_n according_a as_o their_o condition_n call_v for_o they_o hence_o sometime_o they_o grow_v restless_a in_o their_o complaint_n and_o turn_v themselves_o every_o way_n for_o relief_n like_o man_n that_o be_v out_o of_o the_o way_n and_o bewilder_v in_o the_o night_n but_o in_o this_o state_n and_o condition_n tell_v they_o of_o the_o only_a proper_a way_n and_o mean_n of_o their_o relief_n which_o let_v the_o world_n say_v what_o it_o will_v be_v christ_n and_o his_o righteousness_n alone_o with_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n in_o he_o and_o they_o quick_o discover_v that_o they_o be_v strange_a thing_n unto_o they_o such_o as_o they_o do_v not_o understand_v nor_o indeed_o approve_v they_o can_v see_v they_o they_o can_v discern_v they_o nor_o any_o beauty_n in_o they_o for_o which_o they_o shall_v be_v desire_v wherefore_o after_o their_o affection_n have_v be_v toss_v up_o and_o down_o for_o a_o season_n under_o the_o power_n and_o torment_n of_o this_o conviction_n they_o come_v unto_o one_o or_o other_o of_o these_o issue_n with_o they_o for_o either_o they_o utter_o decay_v and_o the_o mind_n lose_v all_o sense_n of_o any_o impression_n from_o they_o so_o as_o that_o they_o wonder_v in_o themselves_o whence_o they_o be_v so_o foolish_a as_o to_o be_v toss_v and_o trouble_v with_o such_o melancholy_a fancy_n and_o so_o common_o prove_v as_o bad_a a_o sort_n of_o man_n as_o live_v upon_o the_o earth_n or_o they_o take_v up_o in_o a_o formal_a legal_a profession_n wherein_o they_o never_o attain_v to_o be_v spiritually-minded_n this_o be_v the_o best_a end_n that_o our_o affection_n towards_o spiritual_a thing_n not_o guide_v by_o the_o light_n of_o faith_n do_v come_v unto_o second_o faith_n have_v a_o clear_a prospect_n into_o and_o apprehension_n of_o spiritual_a thing_n
be_v exhort_v unto_o 1_o cor._n 15_o 58._o therefore_o my_o belove_a brethren_n be_v you_o steadfast_a unmoveable_a always_o abound_v in_o the_o work_n of_o the_o lord_n forasmuch_o as_o you_o know_v that_o your_o labour_n be_v not_o in_o vain_a in_o the_o lord_n transient_a affection_n with_o their_o occasional_a operation_n deceive_v multitude_n oft_o time_n they_o be_v pregnant_a in_o their_o act_n as_o those_o that_o be_v most_o sincere_a and_o many_o effect_n in_o joy_n in_o mourning_n in_o complaint_n they_o will_v produce_v especial_o when_o excite_v by_o any_o outward_a affliction_n sickness_n and_o the_o like_a but_o their_o goodness_n be_v like_o the_o early_a cloud_n or_o morning_n dew_n let_v none_o therefore_o please_v themselves_o with_o the_o operation_n of_o transient_a affection_n with_o respect_n unto_o spiritual_a thing_n be_v they_o never_o so_o urgent_a or_o so_o pleasant_a or_o so_o frequent_a in_o their_o return_n those_o that_o be_v sincere_a be_v at_o all_o time_n firm_a and_o stable_a 2_o that_o the_o soul_n do_v find_v a_o spiritual_a relish_n and_o savour_n in_o the_o thing_n which_o it_o so_o adhere_v unto_o the_o affection_n be_v the_o palate_n of_o the_o soul_n whereby_o it_o taste_v of_o all_o thing_n which_o it_o receive_v or_o refuse_v and_o it_o will_v not_o long_o cleave_v unto_o any_o thing_n which_o they_o find_v not_o a_o savour_n and_o relish_v in_o something_o be_v speak_v before_o of_o that_o sweetness_n which_o be_v in_o spiritual_a thing_n and_o the_o taste_n of_o they_o consist_v in_o a_o gracious_a sense_n of_o their_o suitableness_n unto_o the_o affection_n inclination_n and_o disposition_n of_o the_o mind_n hence_o they_o have_v no_o relish_n unto_o man_n of_o carnal_a mind_n whoever_o therefore_o will_v know_v whether_o his_o affection_n do_v sincere_o adhere_v unto_o spiritual_a thing_n let_v he_o examine_v what_o relish_n what_o sweetness_n what_o savour_n he_o find_v in_o they_o when_o he_o be_v please_v with_o they_o as_o the_o palate_n with_o suitable_a and_o proper_a food_n when_o he_o find_v that_o he_o receive_v nourishment_n by_o they_o in_o the_o inward_a man_n then_o do_v he_o adhere_v unto_o they_o in_o a_o due_a manner_n this_o spiritual_a taste_n be_v the_o ground_n of_o all_o experience_n it_o be_v not_o what_o we_o have_v hear_v or_o understand_v only_o but_o what_o we_o have_v try_v and_o taste_v whereof_o we_o have_v experience_n this_o make_v we_o long_o for_o what_o we_o have_v former_o enjoy_v and_o strengthen_v faith_n as_o unto_o what_o we_o pray_v for_o and_o expect_v in_o every_o darkness_n in_o every_o damp_n of_o spirit_n under_o every_o apprehension_n of_o dreadness_n or_o the_o withdraw_n of_o the_o sense_n of_o divine_a love_n the_o soul_n know_v what_o it_o want_v and_o what_o it_o do_v desire_v oh_o say_v such_o a_o one_o that_o it_o be_v now_o with_o i_o as_o in_o former_a day_n i_o know_v he_o who_o then_o give_v i_o such_o refresh_a taste_n of_o his_o own_o goodness_n who_o make_v every_o thing_n of_o himself_o sweet_a and_o pleasant_a unto_o i_o can_v renew_v this_o work_n of_o his_o grace_n towards_o i_o he_o can_v give_v i_o a_o new_a spiritual_a appetite_n and_o relish_n and_o he_o can_v make_v all_o spiritual_a thing_n savoury_a unto_o i_o again_o as_o a_o man_n under_o a_o languish_v sickness_n or_o when_o he_o be_v chastened_a with_o strong_a pain_n so_o as_o that_o his_o soul_n abhor_v bread_n and_o his_o daily_a meat_n can_v remember_v what_o appetite_n he_o have_v with_o what_o gust_n and_o relish_v he_o be_v wont_a to_o take_v in_o his_o food_n in_o the_o day_n of_o his_o health_n which_o make_v he_o to_o know_v that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o condition_n and_o to_o desire_v a_o return_n unto_o it_o so_o be_v it_o with_o a_o sin_n sick_a soul_n it_o can_v find_v no_o relish_n no_o gust_n no_o sweetness_n in_o spiritual_a thing_n he_o find_v no_o savour_n in_o the_o bread_n of_o the_o word_n nor_o any_o refreshment_n in_o the_o ordinance_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o yet_o in_o themselves_o be_v daily_a meat_n a_o feast_n of_o fat_a thing_n and_o of_o wine_n well_o refine_v yet_o do_v it_o remember_v former_a day_n when_o all_o these_o thing_n be_v sweet_a unto_o he_o and_o if_o he_o have_v any_o spark_n of_o spiritual_a life_n yet_o remain_v it_o will_v stir_v he_o up_o to_o seek_v with_o all_o diligence_n after_o a_o recovery_n how_o be_v it_o with_o you_o who_o be_v now_o under_o spiritual_a decay_n who_o find_v no_o taste_n nor_o relish_v in_o spiritual_a thing_n unto_o who_o the_o word_n be_v not_o savoury_a nor_o other_o ordinance_n powerful_a call_v to_o mind_v how_o it_o have_v be_v with_o you_o in_o former_a day_n and_o what_o you_o find_v in_o these_o thing_n if_o so_o be_v say_v the_o apostle_n that_o you_o have_v taste_v that_o the_o lord_n be_v gracious_a if_o you_o have_v not_o it_o be_v to_o be_v fear_v that_o you_o have_v never_o yet_o have_v the_o least_o sincere_a love_n unto_o spiritual_a thing_n for_o where_o that_o be_v it_o will_v give_v a_o spiritual_a relish_n of_o they_o if_o you_o have_v how_o be_v it_o you_o can_v give_v yourselves_o rest_v one_o moment_n without_o a_o endeavour_n after_o the_o heal_n of_o your_o backslide_n 3_o it_o be_v require_v that_o our_o affection_n be_v so_o set_v on_o spiritual_a thing_n so_o as_o to_o be_v a_o continual_a spring_n of_o spiritual_a thought_n and_o meditation_n no_o man_n can_v be_v so_o forsake_v of_o reason_n as_o to_o suppose_v that_o he_o have_v any_o sincere_a affection_n for_o what_o he_o think_v little_o on_o or_o not_o at_o all_o or_o that_o he_o can_v have_v a_o true_a affection_n for_o any_o thing_n which_o will_v not_o stir_v up_o and_o ingenerate_a in_o he_o continual_a thought_n about_o it_o let_v man_n try_v themselves_o as_o unto_o their_o relation_n or_o their_o enjoyment_n or_o the_o object_n of_o their_o predominant_a lust_n and_o they_o will_v find_v how_o thing_n be_v state_v in_o their_o own_o mind_n and_o therefore_o whereas_o all_o man_n pretend_v to_o love_n god_n and_o christ_n and_o the_o way_n of_o god_n and_o yet_o know_v in_o their_o own_o heart_n that_o they_o little_o think_v of_o they_o or_o meditate_v upon_o they_o both_o their_o pretence_n and_o religion_n be_v vain_a where_o our_o affection_n be_v due_o place_v on_o heavenly_a thing_n so_o as_o that_o we_o be_v indeed_o spiritual_o mind_a they_o will_v be_v a_o constant_a spring_n of_o spiritual_a thought_n and_o meditation_n but_o this_o also_o have_v be_v before_o speak_v unto_o four_o when_o our_o affection_n be_v thus_o apply_v unto_o spiritual_a thing_n they_o will_v be_v prevalent_a and_o victorious_a against_o solicitation_n unto_o the_o contrary_a or_o allurement_n to_o draw_v they_o off_o unto_o any_o other_o object_n the_o work_n of_o all_o our_o spiritual_a adversary_n be_v to_o solicit_v and_o tempt_v our_o affection_n to_o divert_v they_o from_o their_o proper_a object_n there_o be_v some_o temptation_n of_o satan_n that_o make_v a_o immediate_a impression_n on_o the_o mind_n and_o conscience_n such_o be_v his_o injection_n of_o diabolical_a blasphemous_a thought_n concern_v god_n his_o be_v nature_n and_o will_v and_o the_o distress_n which_o he_o reduce_v man_n unto_o in_o their_o conscience_n through_o darkness_n and_o misrepresentation_n of_o god_n and_o his_o goodness_n but_o the_o high_a road_n and_o constant_a practice_n of_o all_o our_o spiritual_a adversary_n be_v by_o the_o solicitation_n of_o our_o affection_n unto_o object_n that_o be_v in_o themselves_o or_o in_o the_o degree_n of_o our_o affection_n towards_o they_o evil_a and_o sinful_a of_o the_o first_o be_v all_o sensual_a pleasure_n of_o the_o flesh_n in_o drunkenness_n uncleanness_n gluttony_n chamber_v and_o wantonness_n with_o all_o sort_n of_o sensual_a pleasure_n of_o the_o latter_a be_v all_o our_o inordinate_a love_n unto_o self_n our_o family_n and_o the_o whole_a world_n or_o the_o thing_n of_o it_o unto_o this_o end_n every_o thing_n in_o the_o whole_a world_n that_o may_v make_v provision_n for_o lust_n be_v make_v use_n of_o herein_o consist_v the_o nature_n and_o efficacy_n of_o most_o of_o those_o temptation_n which_o we_o have_v to_o conflict_n withal_o solicitation_n they_o be_v of_o our_o affection_n to_o draw_v they_o off_o from_o thing_n spiritual_a and_o heavenly_a and_o to_o divert_v they_o unto_o other_o thing_n hereby_o do_v our_o enemy_n endeavour_n to_o beguile_v we_o as_o the_o serpent_n beguile_v eve_n with_o fair_a and_o false_a representation_n of_o other_o belove_n that_o our_o heart_n be_v not_o preserve_v as_o a_o chaste_a virgin_n in_o all_o their_o affection_n for_o christ._n and_o it_o be_v almost_o incredible_a how_o apt_a we_o be_v to_o be_v beguile_v by_o the_o specious_a pretence_n wherewith_o we_o be_v solicit_v that_o our_o