so_o shall_v a_o christian_a pass_n from_o one_o duty_n to_o another_o and_o draw_v forth_o the_o sweetness_n of_o communion_n with_o god_n from_o every_o one_o of_o they_o work_n 3._o to_o work_v for_o salvation_n a_o difficult_a work_n three_o to_o evince_v the_o greatness_n of_o this_o work_n consider_v it_o be_v a_o work_n that_o must_v be_v carry_v on_o against_o many_o encounter_n and_o strong_a opposition_n that_o a_o christian_n will_v certain_o meet_v with_o within_o be_v strong_a corruption_n without_o be_v strong_a temptation_n you_o have_v a_o treacherous_a and_o deceitful_a heart_n within_o and_o this_o traitor_n hold_v intelligence_n and_o league_n with_o your_o great_a enemy_n the_o devil_n without_o you_o be_v sure_a to_o meet_v with_o difficulty_n affront_v and_o discouragement_n from_o a_o peevish_a ill-conditioned_a world_n in_o which_o you_o live_v never_o any_o yet_o can_v escape_v free_a to_o heaven_n without_o meeting_n with_o these_o thing_n and_o do_v not_o all_o this_o call_v upon_o you_o to_o work_v and_o strive_v for_o salvation_n be_v it_o a_o time_n to_o sit_v still_o when_o you_o have_v all_o this_o opposition_n to_o break_v through_o so_o many_o temptation_n to_o resist_v so_o many_o corruption_n to_o mortify_v satan_n that_o old_a serpent_n to_o repel_v and_o make_v he_o become_v a_o fly_a serpent_n do_v not_o all_o this_o require_v a_o morose_a constancy_n and_o a_o kind_n of_o sour_a resolvedness_n to_o go_v through_o the_o way_n of_o obedience_n notwithstanding_o all_o opposition_n these_o great_a thing_n be_v not_o to_o be_v achieve_v without_o great_a pain_n and_o labour_n and_o therefore_o if_o you_o resolve_v to_o do_v no_o more_o than_o a_o few_o heartless_a wish_n no_o more_o than_o a_o few_o more_o heartless_a duty_n will_v amount_v to_o never_o raise_v your_o expectation_n so_o high_a as_o salvation_n for_o let_v i_o tell_v you_o salvation_n will_v not_o be_v obtain_v at_o such_o a_o rate_n as_o this_o no_o there_o must_v be_v great_a struggle_n and_o labour_n with_o earnest_a contending_n if_o ever_o you_o intend_v to_o be_v save_v and_o thus_o much_o for_o the_o first_o argument_n take_v from_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o greatness_n of_o the_o work_n to_o work_v salvation_n out_o be_v a_o great_a work_n and_o require_v great_a pain_n but_o lest_o the_o set_n out_o the_o greatness_n of_o this_o work_n shall_v rather_o deter_v and_o fright_v man_n from_o it_o than_o excite_v and_o quicken_v their_o endeavour_n to_o it_o let_v i_o add_v a_o second_o thing_n and_o that_o be_v to_o consider_v what_o a_o infinite_a salvation_n 2._o it_o be_v infinite_a mercy_n that_o sinner_n may_v work_v for_o salvation_n incomparable_a mercy_n it_o be_v that_o god_n will_v allow_v you_o to_o work_v for_o your_o life_n that_o he_o set_v life_n and_o death_n before_o you_o and_o give_v they_o into_o your_o hand_n to_o take_v your_o choice_n if_o you_o will_v indulge_v your_o sloth_n than_o you_o choose_v death_n but_o life_n may_v be_v you_o if_o you_o will_v it_o will_v indeed_o cost_v you_o much_o pain_n and_o labour_n but_o yet_o it_o may_v be_v you_o and_o be_v it_o not_o infinite_a mercy_n that_o salvation_n and_o happiness_n may_v be_v you_o though_o upon_o any_o term_n wicked_a man_n be_v apt_a to_o say_v o_o how_o happy_a have_v we_o be_v if_o god_n have_v never_o command_v we_o to_o work_n if_o he_o have_v never_o require_v from_o we_o such_o harsh_a and_o difficult_a duty_n if_o we_o be_v but_o once_o free_a from_o this_o hard_a task_n and_o heavy_a burden_n of_o obedience_n but_o alas_o foolish_a sinner_n they_o know_v not_o what_o they_o say_v as_o happy_a as_o they_o count_v this_o to_o be_v yet_o if_o god_n require_v no_o work_n from_o they_o he_o shall_v then_o show_v they_o just_a so_o much_o mercy_n as_o he_o do_v to_o the_o devil_n and_o damn_a spirit_n and_o no_o more_o from_o who_o god_n require_v no_o duty_n as_o well_o as_o from_o who_o he_o receive_v no_o duty_n and_o unto_o who_o he_o intend_v no_o mercy_n you_o think_v it_o a_o hard_a restraint_n possible_o to_o be_v keep_v under_o the_o strict_a command_n of_o the_o law_n oh_o that_o god_n require_v no_o such_o observance_n from_o you_o but_o what_o do_v you_o desire_v herein_o but_o only_o the_o unhappy_a privilege_n of_o the_o damn_a to_o be_v without_o law_n and_o without_o command_n but_o shall_v god_n send_v to_o the_o spirit_n now_o imprison_v and_o shall_v he_o declare_v to_o they_o that_o if_o they_o will_v work_v they_o shall_v be_v save_v oh_o how_o will_v they_o leap_v in_o their_o chain_n at_o such_o glad_a tiding_n as_o these_o be_v and_o count_v it_o part_n of_o salvation_n that_o there_o be_v but_o a_o possibility_n of_o it_o no_o but_o god_n command_v nothing_o from_o they_o because_o he_o intend_v nothing_o but_o wrath_n upon_o they_o he_o will_v not_o vouchsafe_v so_o much_o mercy_n to_o they_o as_o to_o require_v those_o duty_n from_o they_o that_o you_o repine_v and_o murmur_v at_o as_o grievous_a and_o furthermore_o consider_v this_o if_o you_o do_v not_o now_o work_v but_o perish_v under_o your_o sloth_n in_o hell_n you_o will_v think_v it_o a_o infinite_a mercy_n if_o god_n will_v command_v you_o more_o rigid_a and_o severe_a obedience_n than_o ever_o he_o command_v from_o you_o on_o earth_n it_o will_v be_v a_o great_a mercy_n there_o if_o it_o may_v be_v your_o duty_n to_o repent_v and_o pray_v and_o believe_v nay_o you_o will_v count_v a_o command_n then_o to_o be_v as_o comfortable_a as_o a_o promise_n for_o indeed_o there_o be_v no_o command_n but_o connote_v a_o promise_n no_o but_o these_o thing_n shall_v not_o so_o much_o as_o be_v your_o duty_n in_o hell_n for_o there_o you_o shall_v be_v free_v for_o ever_o from_o this_o rigorous_a and_o dreadful_a law_n of_o god_n that_o now_o you_o so_o much_o complain_v of_o and_o murmur_n against_o oh_o therefore_o be_v persuade_v while_o you_o be_v yet_o under_o the_o mercy_n of_o the_o law_n give_v i_o leave_v to_o call_v it_o so_o and_o while_o you_o have_v so_o many_o promise_v couch_v in_o every_o command_n before_o god_n have_v leave_v off_o his_o merciful_a command_v before_o the_o time_n of_o duty_n be_v expire_v be_v persuade_v to_o work_n delay_v not_o you_o know_v not_o how_o long_o god_n will_v vouchsafe_v to_o require_v any_o thing_n from_o you_o and_o as_o soon_o as_o that_o cease_v true_o you_o be_v in_o hell_n and_o this_o be_v the_o second_o argument_n to_o press_v this_o duty_n upon_o you_o work_v and_o that_o speedy_o too_o while_o you_o may_v work_v there_o be_v hope_n that_o upon_o your_o work_n you_o may_v be_v save_v and_o therefore_o while_n god_n call_v upon_o you_o and_o whilst_o he_o will_v accept_v of_o obedience_n from_o you_o it_o be_v time_n for_o you_o to_o begin_v to_o work_v short_a 3._o time_n to_o work_v for_o salvation_n in_o be_v very_o short_a three_o consider_v what_o a_o short_a scantling_n of_o time_n be_v allow_v you_o to_o do_v your_o great_a work_n in_o and_o this_o i_o shall_v branch_v out_o into_o two_o particular_n first_o consider_v how_o sad_a it_o will_v be_v for_o your_o time_n to_o be_v run_v out_o before_o your_o great_a work_n be_v do_v alas_o what_o be_v threescore_o year_n if_o we_o be_v all_o sure_a to_o live_v so_o long_o from_o the_o date_n of_o this_o present_a moment_n how_o short_a a_o space_n be_v it_o for_o we_o to_o do_v that_o which_o be_v of_o eternal_a concernment_n in_o and_o yet_o how_o few_o of_o we_o shall_v live_v to_o that_o which_o we_o so_o improper_o call_v old_a age_n our_o candle_n be_v light_v and_o it_o be_v but_o small_a at_o the_o best_a and_o to_o how_o many_o of_o we_o be_v it_o already_o sink_v in_o the_o socket_n and_o bring_v to_o a_o snuff_n and_o how_o soon_o the_o breath_n of_o god_n may_v blow_v it_o out_o neither_o you_o nor_o i_o know_v night_n be_v hasten_v upon_o we_o the_o grave_n expect_v we_o and_o bid_v other_o corpse_n make_v room_n for_o we_o death_n be_v ready_a to_o grasp_v we_o in_o its_o cold_a arm_n and_o to_o carry_v we_o before_o god_n tribunal_n and_o alas_o how_o little_a of_o our_o great_a work_n be_v do_v what_o can_v any_o show_v that_o they_o have_v do_v where_o be_v the_o act_n of_o faith_n the_o labour_n of_o love_n the_o perfect_a work_n of_o patience_n where_o be_v those_o grace_n that_o be_v either_o beget_v or_o increase_v where_o be_v the_o corruption_n that_o you_o have_v mortify_a these_o be_v work_n that_o require_v age_n to_o perform_v they_o in_o and_o yet_o you_o neglect_v they_o that_o have_v but_o a_o few_o day_n nay_o possible_o but_o a_o few_o minute_n to_o do_v they_o in_o but_o what_o be_v god_n severe_a be_v god_n unjust_a to_o require_v so_o
my_o soul_n burn_v not_o as_o clear_v and_o bright_a in_o love_n as_o my_o body_n in_o the_o flame_n it_o avail_v i_o nothing_o i_o burn_v only_o what_o be_v dead_a before_o and_o offer_v a_o carcase_n instead_o of_o a_o sacrifice_n there_o be_v no_o work_n or_o duty_n how_o specious_a soever_o that_o be_v of_o any_o profit_n to_o the_o soul_n if_o that_o work_n or_o duty_n have_v not_o the_o life_n and_o power_n of_o some_o grace_n or_o other_o express_v in_o it_o well_o then_o this_o be_v the_o first_o ground_n why_o work_n without_o grace_n be_v fruitless_a because_o they_o be_v empty_a and_o liveless_a grace_n be_v the_o life_n and_o spirit_n of_o good_a work_n second_o all_o work_n and_o duty_n whatever_o without_o grace_n leave_v the_o heart_n in_o the_o same_o estate_n of_o sin_n and_o therefore_o the_o person_n in_o the_o same_o estate_n of_o wrath_n and_o condemnation_n as_o before_o for_o first_o all_o of_o they_o be_v not_o a_o sufficient_a expiation_n for_o the_o guilt_n of_o any_o one_o sin_n shall_v such_o man_n pray_v and_o sigh_v till_o their_o breath_n be_v turn_v into_o a_o cloud_n and_o cover_v the_o face_n of_o the_o whole_a sky_n shall_v they_o weep_v till_o they_o drown_v themselves_o in_o their_o own_o tear_n yet_o if_o all_o this_o can_v be_v suppose_v to_o be_v only_o the_o remorse_n of_o nature_n and_o not_o true_a and_o godly_a sorrow_n they_o will_v still_o be_v under_o the_o same_o state_n of_o condemnation_n as_o the_o most_o fear_a sinner_n in_o the_o world_n the_o prophet_n micah_n tell_v of_o some_o that_o bid_v very_o high_a for_o pardon_n and_o forgiveness_n as_o if_o they_o be_v resolve_v to_o carry_v it_o at_o any_o rate_n whatever_o wherewith_o say_v they_o 7._o micah_n 6.6_o 7._o shall_v we_o come_v before_o the_o lord_n and_o bow_n ourselves_o before_o the_o most-high_a god_n shall_v we_o come_v before_o he_o with_o burn_a offering_n and_o with_o calf_n of_o a_o year_n old_a will_v the_o lord_n be_v please_v with_o thousand_o of_o ram_n and_o with_o ten_o thousand_o of_o river_n of_o oil_n shall_v we_o give_v our_o first-born_a for_o our_o transgression_n the_o fruit_n of_o our_o body_n for_o the_o sin_n of_o our_o soul_n what_o high_a rate_n be_v here_o bid_v and_o yet_o all_o this_o fall_v short_a there_o be_v but_o one_o grace_n and_o that_o be_v faith_n that_o can_v give_v we_o a_o right_n and_o title_n to_o that_o righteousness_n that_o shall_v be_v a_o sufficient_a expiation_n and_o atonement_n for_o all_o our_o sin_n second_o all_o attainment_n and_o attempt_n all_o endeavour_n and_o duty_n without_o grace_n can_v never_o mortify_v and_o subdue_v the_o power_n and_o dominion_n of_o any_o one_o lust_n or_o corruption_n man_n may_v divert_v and_o chain_v and_o restrain_v their_o corruption_n and_o impale_v in_o their_o lust_n so_o that_o they_o shall_v not_o break_v forth_o into_o any_o outrageous_a wickedness_n but_o yet_o without_o grace_n they_o can_v never_o subdue_v they_o because_o it_o be_v grace_n alone_o that_o can_v lay_v the_o axe_n to_o the_o root_n of_o this_o evil_a tree_n well_o then_o notwithstanding_o all_o that_o have_v be_v say_v concern_v the_o power_n of_o nature_n what_o man_n may_v do_v thereby_o and_o how_o far_o they_o may_v go_v yet_o here_o you_o see_v what_o impotency_n there_o be_v in_o nature_n without_o grace_n and_o what_o it_o can_v reach_v to_o perform_v but_o now_o this_o be_v not_o speak_v that_o hereby_o any_o shall_v be_v discourage_v from_o work_v and_o because_o some_o doubt_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o their_o grace_n that_o therefore_o they_o shall_v desist_v from_o a_o course_n of_o holiness_n and_o obedience_n this_o be_v plain_o to_o thwart_v the_o whole_a design_n of_o this_o subject_a no_o all_o that_o have_v be_v say_v be_v to_o persuade_v man_n not_o to_o rest_v satisfy_v in_o any_o work_n of_o obedience_n or_o religion_n in_o which_o some_o grace_n be_v not_o breathe_v or_o exercise_v nor_o to_o look_v upon_o they_o at_o all_o as_o inductive_a to_o salvation_n as_o in_o themselves_o but_o as_o in_o reference_n to_o true_a grace_n how_o many_o poor_a soul_n be_v there_o who_o because_o they_o run_v on_o in_o a_o round_a of_o duty_n because_o they_o do_v something_o that_o they_o call_v good_a work_n think_v that_o salvation_n be_v as_o sure_a their_o own_o as_o if_o all_o the_o promise_n in_o the_o scripture_n be_v seal_v and_o deliver_v to_o they_o by_o god_n himself_o and_o yet_o poor_a creature_n never_o examine_v or_o regard_v from_o what_o principle_n this_o their_o obedience_n flow_v whether_o from_o a_o principle_n of_o grace_n or_o from_o the_o old_a corrupt_a principle_n of_o nature_n new-vampt_a from_o some_o new_a operation_n of_o the_o common_a spirit_n believe_v it_o this_o be_v not_o that_o obedience_n that_o god_n require_v nor_o that_o he_o will_v accept_v a_o inward_a groan_n if_o breathe_v by_o grace_n be_v of_o more_o account_n with_o god_n and_o will_v be_v more_o available_a to_o the_o soul_n than_o the_o most_o pompous_a and_o specious_a service_n of_o unregenerate_a men._n what_o be_v it_o to_o god_n when_o you_o offer_v not_o only_o the_o blind_a and_o the_o lame_a but_o the_o dead_a also_o be_v it_o not_o rather_o a_o abomination_n than_o obedience_n the_o apostle_n tell_v we_o without_o work_n 3.20_o jam._n 3.20_o faith_n be_v dead_a and_o it_o be_v as_o true_a on_o the_o other_o side_n also_o that_o work_v without_o faith_n and_o other_o grace_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v not_o only_o dead_a but_o rot_a and_o noisome_a every_o duty_n man_n perform_v in_o a_o graceless_a state_n and_o condition_n god_n must_v needs_o loathe_v it_o and_o they_o for_o it_o the_o prayer_n of_o the_o wicked_a be_v a_o abomination_n unto_o the_o lord_n 28.9_o prov._n 28.9_o it_o be_v as_o hateful_a unto_o god_n as_o vapour_n that_o ascend_v up_o out_o of_o tomb_n from_o putrify_a body_n be_v unto_o we_o what_o then_o must_v such_o person_n give_v up_o themselves_o to_o sin_n therefore_o god_n forbid_v no_o rather_o let_v such_o think_v thus_o if_o our_o duty_n and_o our_o righteousness_n be_v so_o loathsome_a what_o be_v our_o sin_n and_o iniquity_n though_o every_o sinner_n be_v dead_a in_o sin_n and_o trespass_n yet_o be_v it_o less_o offensive_a to_o have_v a_o dead_a carcase_n embalm_v than_o to_o have_v it_o lie_v open_a still_o therefore_o continue_v work_v but_o in_o your_o work_n first_o aim_v at_o the_o obtain_n of_o grace_n before_o you_o aim_v at_o the_o obtain_n of_o heaven_n and_o salvation_n let_v it_o at_o no_o time_n content_v you_o that_o such_o and_o such_o duty_n you_o have_v perform_v but_o look_v what_o grace_n have_v you_o act_v in_o they_o what_o be_v there_o of_o god_n breathe_v in_o this_o prayer_n that_o i_o now_o put_v up_o how_o be_o i_o in_o hear_v in_o meditation_n in_o discourse_v of_o the_o thing_n of_o god_n be_v my_o heart_n holy_a and_o spiritual_a be_v my_o affection_n pure_a and_o fervent_a be_v my_o grace_n active_a and_o vigorous_a and_o be_v they_o vigorous_a in_o this_o work_n of_o obedience_n else_o to_o perform_v duty_n and_o to_o neglect_v grace_n that_o alone_o can_v enable_v we_o to_o perform_v duty_n acceptable_o be_v only_o to_o go_v to_o hell_n a_o little_a more_o cleanly_a second_o 2._o direct_v 2._o if_o you_o will_v work_v out_o your_o own_o salvation_n as_o you_o must_v look_v to_o the_o act_n of_o grace_n as_o well_o as_o to_o the_o performance_n of_o duty_n so_o you_o must_v labour_v to_o grow_v and_o increase_v in_o those_o grace_n that_o be_v most_o active_a and_o work_a and_o they_o be_v two_o the_o grace_n of_o faith_n and_o the_o grace_n of_o love_n to_o grow_v strong_a in_o these_o grace_n be_v the_o most_o compendious_a way_n for_o a_o christian_n to_o dispatch_v his_o great_a work_n i_o may_v call_v they_o the_o two_o hand_n of_o a_o christian_a and_o he_o that_o be_v most_o active_a in_o these_o work_v out_o his_o salvation_n with_o both_o hand_n earnest_o first_o the_o act_n of_o faith_n be_v of_o mighty_a advantage_n to_o the_o work_n out_o of_o our_o salvation_n two_o sense_n there_o be_v in_o which_o salvation_n may_v be_v say_v to_o be_v wrought_v out_o first_o in_o title_n and_o second_o in_o actual_a possession_n and_o enjoyment_n now_o faith_n be_v a_o work_n out_o of_o the_o one_o and_o a_o compendious_a furtherance_n towards_o the_o work_n out_o of_o the_o other_o first_o upon_o our_o believe_a salvation_n be_v already_o wrought_v out_o for_o we_o in_o right_a and_o title_n he_o that_o believe_v shall_v be_v save_v here_o be_v the_o title_n the_o great_a work_n be_v then_o do_v and_o finish_v when_o once_o faith_n be_v wrought_v and_o therefore_o when_o the_o jew_n come_v to_o inquire_v of_o our_o saviour_n 29._o john_n
6.24_o 29._o how_o they_o shall_v do_v to_o work_v the_o work_n of_o god_n our_o lord_n tell_v they_o this_o be_v the_o work_n of_o god_n that_o you_o believe_v on_o he_o who_o he_o have_v send_v nay_o further_o as_o a_o faith_n of_o adherence_n or_o acceptance_n give_v a_o right_a and_o title_n to_o salvation_n so_o a_o faith_n of_o full_a assurance_n be_v this_o salvation_n itself_o 11.1_o heb._n 11.1_o for_o faith_n be_v the_o substance_n of_o thing_n hope_v for_o the_o evidence_n of_o thing_n not_o see_v in_o its_o justify_v act_n it_o give_v a_o title_n to_o salvation_n in_o its_o assure_v act_n it_o give_v the_o substance_n of_o the_o thing_n itself_o for_o it_o be_v much_o at_o one_o to_o a_o strong_a faith_n to_o believe_v heaven_n and_o to_o enjoy_v it_o second_o faith_n do_v compendious_o further_a and_o promote_v the_o work_n out_o of_o our_o salvation_n in_o actual_a possession_n and_o that_o because_o faith_n be_v that_o grace_n which_o fetch_v all_o that_o ability_n and_o strength_n from_o christ_n whereby_o a_o christian_a be_v enable_v to_o work_v faith_n be_v not_o only_o a_o grace_n of_o itself_o but_o it_o be_v steward_n and_o purveyor_n for_o all_o other_o grace_n and_o its_o office_n be_v to_o bring_v in_o provision_n for_o they_o while_o they_o be_v work_v and_o therefore_o as_o a_o man_n faith_n grow_v either_o strong_a or_o weak_a so_o his_o work_n go_v on_o more_o or_o less_o vigorous_o when_o other_o grace_n be_v in_o want_n and_o cry_v give_v give_v than_o faith_n betake_v itself_o to_o christ_n and_o say_v lord_n such_o a_o grace_n stand_v in_o need_n of_o so_o much_o strength_n to_o support_v it_o and_o such_o a_o grace_n stand_v in_o need_n of_o so_o much_o support_v to_o act_v it_o and_o i_o have_v nothing_o to_o give_v it_o myself_o and_o therefore_o i_o come_v to_o fetch_v supply_n from_o thou_o and_o certain_o this_o faith_n that_o come_v thus_o emptyhanded_a unto_o christ_n never_o go_v away_o emptyhanded_a from_o christ_n what_o be_v it_o that_o you_o complain_v of_o be_v it_o that_o the_o work_n stand_v at_o a_o stay_n and_o you_o can_v make_v it_o go_v forward_o be_v it_o that_o temptation_n be_v strong_a and_o violent_a that_o duty_n be_v hard_a irksome_a and_o difficult_a why_o set_v faith_n on_o work_n to_o go_v to_o christ_n and_o there_o you_o may_v be_v sure_a to_o have_v supply_n because_o faith_n be_v a_o omnipotent_a grace_n all_o thing_n be_v possible_a to_o he_o that_o believe_v and_o that_o because_o all_o thing_n be_v possible_a to_o that_o god_n and_o to_o that_o christ_n on_o who_o faith_n be_v act_v there_o be_v no_o grace_n nor_o no_o supply_n nor_o mercy_n lay_v up_o in_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n but_o it_o be_v all_o in_o the_o hand_n of_o a_o believer_n faith_n and_o he_o may_v take_v from_o thence_o whatsoever_o he_o need_v to_o supply_v the_o present_a want_n and_o necessity_n of_o his_o soul_n second_o another_o work_a grace_n be_v the_o fervent_a act_n of_o love_n love_n be_v the_o great_a wheel_n of_o the_o soul_n that_o set_v all_o the_o rest_n a_o move_a and_o make_v it_o like_o the_o chariot_n of_o aminadab_n to_o run_v swift_o towards_o its_o desire_a object_n there_o be_v a_o mutual_a dependence_n between_o faith_n and_o love_n in_o their_o work_n love_n depend_v upon_o faith_n to_o strengthen_v it_o and_o faith_n depend_v again_o upon_o love_n to_o act_v it_o as_o we_o love_v not_o that_o which_o we_o do_v not_o know_v and_o our_o knowledge_n of_o god_n and_o of_o the_o thing_n of_o eternity_n be_v by_o faith_n not_o by_o vision_n so_o those_o thing_n which_o we_o do_v know_v and_o which_o we_o do_v believe_v yet_o if_o we_o love_v they_o not_o we_o shall_v never_o endeavour_v after_o they_o the_o apostle_n therefore_o tell_v we_o that_o faith_n work_v by_o love_n now_o there_o be_v a_o threefold_a spiritual_a love_n require_v to_o expedite_v our_o great_a work_n first_o a_o transcendent_a love_n of_o god_n second_o a_o regular_a love_n of_o ourselves_o three_o a_o complacential_a love_n unto_o and_o delight_n in_o our_o work_n itself_o now_o when_o the_o affection_n go_v out_o after_o these_o object_n of_o love_n this_o will_n much_o facilitate_v our_o great_a work_n first_o the_o love_n of_o god_n be_v a_o great_a help_n to_o our_o duty_n our_o saviour_n therefore_o urge_v obedience_n upon_o this_o very_a account_n if_o you_o love_v i_o keep_v my_o commandment_n 5.3_o john_n 14.15_o 1_o john_n 5.3_o and_o say_v the_o apostle_n this_o be_v the_o love_n of_o god_n that_o be_v this_o be_v a_o certain_a sign_n or_o it_o be_v the_o constant_a effect_n of_o our_o love_n to_o god_n that_o we_o keep_v his_o commandment_n and_o his_o commandment_n be_v not_o grievous_a they_o be_v not_o grievous_a because_o they_o be_v his_o commandment_n who_o be_v the_o love_n and_o joy_n of_o our_o soul_n divine_a love_n always_o conform_v itself_o to_o divine_a precept_n and_o that_o for_o two_o reason_n first_o because_o this_o grace_n as_o it_o desire_v the_o beatifical_a union_n to_o god_n in_o glory_n hereafter_o for_o love_n be_v the_o desire_n of_o union_n so_o now_o it_o cause_v a_o unspeakable_a union_n of_o will_n and_o a_o supernatural_a sympathy_n of_o affection_n betwixt_o god_n and_o the_o soul_n which_o union_n can_v be_v a_o union_n of_o equality_n or_o entity_n as_o be_v in_o the_o person_n of_o the_o bless_a trinity_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v a_o union_n of_o subordination_n of_o a_o christian_n will_v to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n now_o what_o be_v this_o will_n of_o god_n why_o the_o apostle_n tell_v we_o 4.3_o 1_o thes_n 4.3_o this_o be_v the_o will_n of_o god_n say_v he_o even_o your_o sanctification_n and_o the_o same_o apostle_n tell_v we_o in_o another_o place_n 2.10_o eph._n 2.10_o we_o be_v his_o workmanship_n create_v in_o christ_n jesus_n unto_o good_a work_n that_o god_n have_v before_o ordain_v that_o we_o shall_v walk_v in_o they_o and_o be_v this_o god_n will_v and_o shall_v it_o not_o be_v our_o work_n have_v god_n ordain_v that_o we_o shall_v walk_v therein_o and_o shall_v we_o be_v averse_a from_o or_o slothful_a thereunto_o how_o can_v we_o pretend_v we_o love_v god_n while_o we_o neglect_v the_o only_a thing_n he_o require_v from_o we_o holiness_n and_o obedience_n god_n will_v our_o holiness_n because_o there_o be_v no_o better_a a_o thing_n that_o he_o can_v will_n next_o unto_o himself_o the_o image_n of_o god_n next_o to_o himself_o be_v the_o most_o excellent_a and_o chief_a good_a every_o thing_n the_o near_a it_o approach_v unto_o god_n the_o more_o desirable_a it_o become_v in_o itself_o now_o that_o which_o come_v most_o near_o unto_o god_n and_o advance_v the_o soul_n in_o some_o resemblance_n and_o similitude_n to_o he_o be_v holiness_n and_o endeavour_n after_o obedience_n whereby_o we_o become_v conformable_a unto_o god_n and_o attain_v some_o faint_a shadow_n and_o essay_n of_o the_o divine_a perfection_n the_o soul_n will_v in_o order_n unto_o god_n will_n god_n now_o will_v holiness_n because_o it_o be_v most_o desirable_a and_o we_o must_v will_v our_o own_o holiness_n because_o if_o we_o love_v god_n as_o we_o pretend_v to_o do_v our_o will_n must_v be_v conformable_a to_o his_o holy_a will._n second_o love_n to_o god_n be_v a_o help_n to_o duty_n because_o it_o be_v in_o and_o by_o duty_n that_o we_o enjoy_v the_o presence_n of_o god_n and_o have_v communion_n and_o fellowship_n with_o he_o these_o be_v the_o lattice_n through_o which_o god_n appear_v to_o the_o long_a soul_n and_o though_o he_o many_o time_n vouchsafe_v but_o half_a smile_n and_o little_a glance_n yet_o in_o these_o reserve_a communication_n the_o soul_n find_v so_o much_o sweetness_n as_o engage_v it_o to_o a_o constant_a performance_n of_o duty_n all_o its_o day_n here_o say_v the_o soul_n god_n be_v wont_a to_o walk_v in_o his_o sanctuary_n here_o have_v i_o hear_v his_o voice_n here_o have_v i_o see_v his_o face_n his_o spirit_n have_v here_o breathe_v upon_o i_o his_o consolation_n have_v here_o refresh_v i_o and_o therefore_o here_o will_v i_o wait_v upon_o he_o as_o long_o as_o i_o live_v i_o remember_v well_o say_v the_o soul_n when_o in_o prayer_n and_o meditation_n my_o heart_n have_v be_v fill_v by_o he_o pour_v out_o to_o he_o and_o accept_v with_o he_o i_o remember_v when_o he_o fill_v i_o first_o with_o sigh_n and_o then_o with_o song_n and_o both_o alike_o unutterable_a and_o therefore_o i_o will_v keep_v to_o the_o performance_n of_o these_o duty_n wait_v for_o the_o further_a discovery_n and_o manifestation_n of_o my_o god_n unto_o i_o second_o as_o love_n to_o god_n so_o a_o regular_a self-love_n will_v much_o help_v and_o further_a our_o obedience_n and_o duty_n and_o then_o be_v
great_a a_o work_n it_o require_v that_o they_o shall_v present_o without_o delay_n set_v upon_o it_o work_n 1._o work_v for_o salvation_n be_v the_o undo_n our_o former_a work_n first_o it_o be_v a_o work_n in_o which_o sinner_n must_v undo_v all_o that_o they_o have_v wrought_v in_o their_o whole_a life_n before_o oh_o sinner_n think_v what_o have_v thou_o be_v do_v this_o twenty_o thirty_o forty_o year_n or_o more_o have_v thou_o not_o instead_o of_o work_v out_o thy_o own_o salvation_n with_o fear_n and_o tremble_v be_v work_v out_o thy_o own_o condemnation_n without_o fear_n or_o tremble_v have_v thou_o not_o be_v work_v the_o work_n of_o darkness_n have_v thou_o not_o be_v work_v the_o work_n of_o thy_o father_n the_o devil_n as_o our_o saviour_n tell_v the_o jew_n true_o this_o be_v not_o so_o much_o work_v as_o make_v of_o work_n all_o this_o must_v be_v undo_v again_o or_o you_o yourselves_o must_v be_v for_o ever_o undo_v you_o must_v unrip_v and_o unravel_v your_o whole_a life_n by_o a_o deep_a and_o bitter_a repentance_n you_o be_v go_v far_o in_o the_o way_n that_o lead_v to_o death_n and_o destruction_n and_o you_o must_v tread_v back_o every_o step_n and_o at_o every_o step_v shed_v many_o salt_n and_o briny_a tear_n before_o ever_o you_o come_v into_o the_o way_n that_o lead_v to_o life_n and_o happiness_n and_o be_v it_o not_o yet_o time_n to_o begin_v can_v the_o work_n of_o so_o many_o year_n be_v undo_v think_v you_o in_o one_o moment_n no_o sin_n and_o satan_n make_v their_o work_n more_o durable_a and_o last_a than_o to_o be_v so_o easy_o and_o speedy_o spoil_v it_o be_v the_o work_n of_o a_o age_n yea_o of_o eternity_n itself_o if_o possible_o we_o can_v so_o spend_v it_o rather_o than_o of_o a_o few_o faint_a late_a thought_n to_o get_v a_o humiliation_n deep_a enough_o and_o a_o sorrow_n sad_a enough_o to_o bear_v any_o the_o least_o proportion_n to_o any_o of_o the_o least_o sin_n that_o we_o have_v commit_v do_v not_o hope_n or_o think_v that_o your_o many_o great_a and_o sinful_a action_n shall_v ever_o be_v blow_v away_o with_o a_o slight_a and_o general_a confession_n or_o that_o ever_o they_o shall_v be_v wash_v away_o with_o a_o slight_a and_o overly_o repentance_n what_o say_v holy_a david_n 56.8_o psal_n 56.8_o thou_o tell_v my_o wander_n put_v thou_o my_o tear_n into_o thy_o bottle_n thou_o have_v my_o wander_n by_o number_n but_o thou_o have_v also_o my_o tear_n by_o measure_n there_o must_v be_v some_o proportion_n betwixt_o the_o humiliation_n and_o the_o sin_n great_a sin_n call_v for_o great_a sorrow_n and_o long_a continuance_n in_o sin_n require_v a_o continue_a and_o prolong_v repentance_n be_v it_o not_o then_o yet_o high_a time_n to_o begin_v have_v you_o not_o already_o make_v work_n enough_o for_o your_o whole_a life_n shall_v they_o be_v long_o than_o they_o be_v like_a to_o be_v nay_o and_o will_v not_o every_o day_n of_o your_o life_n make_v work_n enough_o for_o itself_o what_o say_v our_o saviour_n 8.34_o mat._n 8.34_o sufficient_a for_o the_o day_n be_v the_o evil_a thereof_o true_o the_o evil_n that_o we_o every_o day_n commit_v be_v sufficient_a work_n for_o the_o sorrow_n and_o repentance_n of_o that_o day_n to_o undo_v now_o then_o begin_v this_o undo_n work_v the_o long_a you_o delay_v still_o the_o more_o will_v lie_v upon_o your_o hand_n still_o the_o more_o sin_n you_o have_v to_o repent_v of_o we_o already_o complain_v that_o the_o work_n god_n have_v set_v we_o be_v too_o hard_a and_o too_o grievous_a and_o yet_o such_o foolish_a creature_n be_v we_o that_o we_o make_v it_o more_o and_o more_o difficult_a by_o our_o delay_n add_v to_o the_o strictness_n of_o god_n command_v the_o necessity_n of_o a_o severe_a repentance_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v prudence_n as_o well_o as_o duty_n to_o begin_v this_o repent_v this_o undo_a work_n betimes_o that_o so_o the_o greatness_n of_o the_o work_n and_o the_o shortness_n of_o the_o time_n to_o do_v it_o in_o may_v not_o at_o last_o dismay_n and_o confound_v we_o salvation_n 2._o variety_n of_o duty_n to_o be_v perform_v in_o work_v out_o of_o salvation_n second_o consider_v the_o great_a variety_n of_o duty_n that_o must_v be_v go_v through_o in_o the_o work_n out_o of_o salvation_n and_o this_o will_v evince_v how_o great_a a_o work_n it_o be_v a_o christian_n work_n be_v a_o life_n full_a of_o action_n and_o employment_n there_o shall_v be_v no_o gap_n nor_o void_a space_n at_o all_o in_o it_o but_o all_o shall_v be_v fill_v up_o with_o duty_n rank_v in_o their_o several_a order_n that_o as_o soon_o as_o he_o pass_v through_o one_o he_o shall_v enter_v upon_o another_o that_o where_o one_o leave_v he_o another_o may_v find_v he_o thus_o a_o christian_a shall_v go_v from_o one_o duty_n to_o another_o from_o hear_v the_o word_n to_o meditation_n from_o meditation_n unto_o prayer_n from_o prayer_n to_o the_o act_n of_o grace_n and_o in_o all_o there_o shall_v be_v much_o strive_v and_o struggle_v with_o the_o heart_n and_o much_o carefulness_n and_o circumspection_n over_o the_o way_n and_o life_n now_o there_o be_v four_o great_a and_o usual_a duty_n every_o man_n have_v to_o do_v christian_n four_o duty_n incumbent_a on_o all_o christian_n which_o be_v enough_o to_o fill_v up_o all_o the_o time_n of_o his_o life_n be_v it_o stretch_v and_o tenter_v out_o to_o the_o end_n of_o our_o time_n first_o grace_n 1._o to_o get_v the_o truth_n of_o grace_n he_o be_v to_o get_v the_o truth_n and_o reality_n of_o grace_n wrought_v in_o he_o this_o be_v his_o first_o and_o general_a work_n and_o this_o will_v cost_v a_o man_n much_o sweat_v and_o anguish_n for_o this_o he_o must_v suffer_v many_o pang_n and_o throw_n of_o the_o new_a birth_n and_o shall_v lie_v under_o many_o fear_n and_o jealousy_n lest_o hypocrisy_n and_o presumption_n shall_v cause_v he_o to_o mistake_v in_o a_o matter_n of_o such_o infinite_a concernment_n second_o he_o be_v to_o draw_v forth_o grace_n 2._o to_o act_v grace_n and_o to_o act_v this_o grace_n when_o once_o it_o be_v wrought_v in_o he_o this_o be_v the_o next_o work_n of_o a_o true_a christian_a continual_o to_o act_v faith_n love_n patience_n humility_n and_o to_o let_v all_o have_v their_o perfect_a work_n and_o there_o be_v no_o moment_n of_o a_o man_n life_n so_o idle_a but_o all_o may_v administer_v some_o occasion_n or_o object_n for_o the_o exercise_n of_o grace_n grace_n 3._o to_o grow_v in_o grace_n three_o a_o christian_n next_o work_n be_v continual_o to_o grow_v and_o increase_v in_o grace_n to_o go_v from_o strength_n to_o strength_n to_o be_v change_v from_o glory_n to_o glory_n still_o to_o be_v add_v cubit_n to_o his_o spiritual_a stature_n till_o he_o be_v grow_v to_o such_o a_o height_n and_o tallness_n in_o grace_n that_o his_o head_n shall_v reach_v into_o heaven_n and_o be_v crown_v there_o in_o absolute_a perfection_n with_o a_o crown_n of_o glory_n and_o immortality_n here_o be_v that_o work_n that_o will_v keep_v you_o in_o employment_n all_o your_o day_n and_o if_o you_o can_v find_v one_o spare_v minute_n in_o your_o whole_a life_n wherein_o you_o have_v not_o some_o duty_n to_o perform_v then_o give_v over_o and_o sit_v still_o but_o beside_o all_o this_o grace_n 4._o christian_n must_v labour_v for_o assurance_n of_o grace_n four_o another_o work_n of_o a_o christian_a be_v earnest_o to_o labour_v after_o the_o evidence_n and_o assurance_n of_o grace_n in_o himself_o give_v all_o diligence_n say_v the_o apostle_n to_o make_v your_o call_v and_o election_n sure_a still_o a_o christian_n must_v be_v ascend_v ascend_v from_o a_o probable_a conjecture_n to_o a_o good_a persuasion_n from_o a_o good_a persuasion_n to_o a_o full_a assurance_n from_o that_o to_o a_o rejoice_v with_o joy_n unspeakable_a and_o full_a of_o glory_n these_o now_o be_v the_o general_a work_n that_o shall_v take_v up_o the_o life_n of_o christian_n and_o to_o these_o be_v subservient_fw-fr almost_a a_o infinite_a number_n of_o particular_n some_o whereof_z be_v mean_n whereby_o these_o great_a thing_n be_v obtain_v other_o be_v concomitant_n or_o the_o effect_n and_o fruit_n of_o they_o but_o i_o will_v not_o so_o much_o as_o mention_v any_o of_o they_o now_o for_o shame_v then_o o_o christian_n since_o that_o your_o work_n be_v so_o great_a why_o will_v you_o sit_v still_o as_o if_o you_o know_v not_o how_o to_o employ_v yourselves_o beside_o there_o be_v great_a variety_n in_o your_o work_n and_o this_o usual_o breed_v some_o kind_n of_o delight_n you_o be_v not_o always_o to_o be_v toil_v and_o drudge_a at_o the_o same_o thing_n but_o as_o bee_n fly_v from_o one_o flower_n to_o another_o and_o suck_v sweetness_n from_o each_o of_o they_o
the_o work_n out_o of_o their_o salvation_n in_o respect_n of_o doctrinal_n st._n paul_n tell_v we_o some_o build_a hay_n and_o stubble_n upon_o a_o foundation_n of_o gold_n 1_o cor._n 8._o but_o in_o respect_n of_o practical_o it_o be_v frequent_a that_o many_o man_n endeavour_v to_o build_v gold_n upon_o a_o foundation_n of_o hay_n and_o stubble_n these_o man_n building_n will_v soon_o totter_v fall_v and_o come_v to_o nothing_o but_o ruin_n shame_n and_o disappointment_n now_o the_o right_a dispose_n of_o your_o great_a work_n lie_v thus_o first_o you_o be_v to_o work_v from_o nature_n for_o grace_n and_o then_o from_o grace_n unto_o the_o holy_a and_o spiritual_a performance_n of_o duty_n by_o which_o grace_n be_v much_o confirm_v and_o strengthen_v and_o so_o continue_v in_o duty_n to_o arrive_v at_o assurance_n and_o from_o this_o the_o next_o step_n be_v salvation_n from_o nature_n to_o grace_n and_o from_o grace_n to_o duty_n see_v this_o method_n lay_v down_o by_o the_o apostle_n let_v we_o 12.28_o heb._n 12.28_o say_v he_o have_v grace_n whereby_o we_o may_v serve_v god_n acceptable_o with_o reverence_n and_o godly_a fear_n this_o be_v the_o ladder_n of_o heaven_n who_o bottom_n step_n be_v below_o grace_n in_o nature_n and_o who_o utmost_a step_n be_v above_o it_o in_o absolute_a perfection_n and_o glory_n first_o there_o must_v be_v grace_n before_o any_o duty_n can_v be_v perform_v acceptable_o unto_o god_n but_o now_o most_o man_n pervert_v and_o disturb_v this_o method_n and_o the_o ordinary_a way_n of_o disturbance_n be_v this_o they_o be_v frequent_a in_o duty_n but_o they_o perform_v they_o not_o either_o for_o grace_n or_o from_o grace_n neither_o that_o they_o may_v attain_v grace_n by_o they_o nor_o that_o they_o may_v exercise_v grace_n in_o they_o and_o yet_o notwithstanding_o these_o man_n think_v and_o hope_v to_o work_v out_o salvation_n by_o such_o duty_n as_o these_o be_v make_v a_o leap_n from_o duty_n to_o salvation_n neglect_v to_o obtain_v that_o grace_n that_o can_v make_v their_o duty_n acceptable_a and_o save_a and_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o they_o make_v no_o quick_a dispatch_n and_o riddance_n in_o their_o great_a work_n now_o such_o attempt_n as_o these_o be_v first_o discourage_v and_o dishearten_v and_o second_o they_o be_v vain_a and_o fruitless_a first_o they_o be_v very_o discourage_v duty_n never_o flow_v free_o from_o the_o soul_n where_o grace_n be_v not_o like_o a_o continual_a fountain_n to_o supply_v it_o job_n speak_v of_o the_o hypocrite_n 27.10_o job_n 27.10_o ask_v this_o question_n will_v he_o delight_v himself_o in_o god_n will_v he_o always_o call_v upon_o he_o no_o he_o will_v not_o it_o be_v not_o possible_a that_o he_o shall_v do_v so_o though_o for_o a_o time_n he_o may_v drive_v at_o a_o high_a rate_n pray_v both_o with_o fervency_n and_o affection_n yet_o will_v he_o soon_o decay_v and_o faint_v because_o he_o have_v no_o life_n of_o grace_n to_o carry_v he_o through_o duty_n but_o he_o find_v they_o to_o flow_v stubborn_o from_o he_o and_o therefore_o through_o weariness_n and_o discontent_n at_o last_o he_o give_v they_o over_o the_o good_a work_n of_o graceless_a person_n may_v be_v as_o flourish_v as_o if_o indeed_o they_o be_v true_a saint_n but_o they_o have_v not_o a_o root_n to_o supply_v they_o the_o root_n of_o the_o matter_n as_o job_n speak_v be_v not_o in_o they_o and_o therefore_o they_o be_v soon_o nip_v and_o fade_v away_o it_o be_v simple_o impossible_a that_o a_o person_n without_o the_o life_n and_o power_n of_o grace_n shall_v persevere_v in_o a_o cordial_a affectionate_a performance_n of_o good_a work_n interest_n credit_n respect_n and_o natural_a conscience_n be_v too_o weak_a wheel_n for_o so_o great_a a_o burden_n it_o be_v grace_n only_o that_o can_v overbalance_n all_o outward_a discouragement_n yea_o and_o which_o be_v more_o that_o alone_o can_v remove_v all_o inward_a also_o this_o can_v make_v obedience_n sweet_a to_o a_o child_n of_o god_n which_o to_o a_o wicked_a man_n must_v needs_o be_v irksome_a and_o that_o because_o he_o have_v no_o relish_n in_o they_o 16.23_o mat._n 16.23_o st._n matth._n 16.23_o thou_o savory_a not_o the_o thing_n that_o be_v of_o god_n this_o may_v be_v much_o more_o say_v of_o graceless_a person_n because_o they_o have_v not_o salt_n in_o they_o 4.6_o col._n 4.6_o for_o so_o grace_n be_v call_v that_o shall_v make_v holy_a and_o heavenly_a thing_n to_o be_v favoury_a to_o they_o what_o a_o torment_n be_v it_o to_o be_v still_o chew_v a_o unsavoury_a prayer_n and_o a_o unsavoury_a meditation_n to_o hear_v and_o speak_v those_o word_n that_o their_o ear_n can_v relish_v must_v i_o always_o say_v the_o sinner_n offer_v this_o force_n to_o myself_o must_v i_o still_o strain_n and_o pump_v for_o tear_n and_o sigh_n be_v holiness_n as_o easy_a to_o i_o as_o it_o be_v to_o some_o no_o life_n will_v i_o choose_v soon_o than_o that_o but_o i_o be_o straighten_a and_o pinch_v up_o and_o all_o good_a thing_n come_v out_o of_o i_o like_o the_o evil_a spirit_n which_o rend_v and_o tare_n i_o and_o be_v a_o torture_n and_o anguish_n to_o my_o heart_n and_o bowel_n and_o it_o be_v so_o because_o in_o the_o performance_n of_o they_o there_o be_v a_o neglect_n of_o that_o grace_n that_o shall_v make_v duty_n become_v easy_a and_o therefore_o such_o a_o one_o will_v short_o give_v over_o duty_n themselves_o which_o he_o find_v to_o be_v so_o troublesome_a yea_o and_o also_o give_v over_o all_o hope_n of_o attain_v any_o good_a at_o all_o by_o they_o second_o such_o work_n be_v also_o as_o to_o the_o obtain_n of_o the_o last_o and_o main_a end_n vain_a and_o fruitless_a and_o that_o upon_o two_o account_n first_o because_o the_o act_n of_o grace_n be_v the_o life_n and_o spirit_n of_o all_o our_o work_n without_o which_o they_o be_v all_o but_o carcase_n and_o dead_a thing_n and_o only_o equivocal_o call_v good_a work_n even_o as_o the_o picture_n of_o a_o man_n may_v be_v call_v a_o man._n we_o be_v say_v the_o apostle_n his_o workmanship_n create_v in_o christ_n jesus_n unto_o good_a work_n as_o after_o the_o first_o creation_n god_n take_v a_o survey_n of_o all_o the_o work_n of_o his_o hand_n and_o pronounce_v they_o all_o very_a good_a so_o there_o be_v no_o work_n of_o we_o that_o god_n will_v pronounce_v to_o be_v a_o good_a work_n but_o what_o be_v the_o effect_n of_o his_o create_a power_n that_o be_v the_o product_n of_o his_o second_o creation_n 2.10_o eph._n 2.10_o create_v say_v the_o apostle_n to_o good_a work_n good_a work_n be_v no_o otherwise_o necessary_a to_o salvation_n but_o as_o they_o be_v the_o exercise_n of_o grace_n by_o which_o we_o express_v the_o life_n and_o likeness_n of_o god_n so_o only_o be_v they_o necessary_a unto_o salvation_n how_o shall_v grace_n be_v see_v and_o know_v but_o by_o work_n first_o god_n imprint_v his_o own_o image_n upon_o our_o soul_n in_o regeneration_n and_o stamp_v we_o feature_n for_o feature_n grace_n for_o grace_n and_o glory_n for_o glory_n but_o now_o because_o this_o be_v hide_v and_o conceal_v therefore_o be_v we_o to_o copy_n forth_o this_o image_n in_o a_o holy_a conversation_n and_o to_o express_v every_o grace_n in_o some_o duty_n or_o work_n of_o obedience_n or_o other_o as_o those_o that_o we_o call_v fall_v star_n dart_v from_o heaven_n and_o draw_v after_o they_o long_o train_v of_o light_n so_o god_n will_v have_v we_o to_o shoot_v up_o to_o heaven_n but_o yet_o to_o leave_v a_o train_n of_o light_n behind_o we_o our_o grace_n must_v shine_v always_o we_o must_v go_v on_o in_o good_a work_n and_o these_o good_a work_n be_v of_o no_o value_n or_o account_v with_o god_n of_o which_o grace_n be_v not_o the_o end_n or_o principle_n what_o say_v the_o apostle_n 13.3_o 1_o cor._n 13.3_o though_o i_o bestow_v all_o my_o good_n to_o feed_v the_o poor_a and_o have_v not_o charity_n it_o profit_v i_o nothing_o can_v a_o man_n bestow_v all_o his_o good_n upon_o the_o poor_a and_o not_o be_v charitable_a indeed_o the_o word_n that_o we_o translate_v charity_n might_n for_o the_o avoid_n of_o some_o mistake_v better_o have_v be_v translate_v love_n but_o however_o we_o must_v take_v charity_n for_o a_o disposition_n to_o relieve_v the_o want_n and_o necessity_n of_o other_o with_o respect_n of_o love_n to_o god_n and_o his_o image_n if_o this_o good_a work_n be_v not_o from_o grace_n through_o a_o principle_n of_o love_n to_o god_n and_o obedience_n to_o his_o command_n it_o be_v but_o the_o empty_a shell_n and_o husk_n of_o a_o good_a work_n and_o it_o avail_v a_o man_n nothing_o yea_o further_o if_o after_o this_o i_o give_v my_o body_n to_o be_v burn_v and_o have_v not_o charity_n it_o profit_v i_o nothing_o if_o
self-love_n true_o regular_a when_o man_n love_v their_o own_o soul_n as_o god_n love_v they_o now_o god_n love_v to_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n be_v such_o that_o though_o he_o will_v all_o man_n to_o be_v save_v yet_o he_o will_v that_o none_o shall_v be_v save_v but_o through_o sanctification_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o belief_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o whilst_o we_o love_v ourselves_o if_o we_o observe_v the_o same_o method_n and_o order_n this_o self-love_n be_v always_o commendable_a and_o necessary_a desire_v after_o eternal_a happiness_n and_o salvation_n be_v natural_a to_o that_o soul_n that_o be_v true_o conscious_a of_o its_o own_o immortality_n and_o eternal_a unalterable_a state_n and_o condition_n and_o when_o these_o desire_n be_v direct_v to_o future_a happiness_n through_o present_a holiness_n then_o be_v they_o regular_a and_o become_v gracious_a we_o be_v not_o so_o strait_o limit_v by_o god_n sovereignty_n over_o we_o but_o while_o we_o fix_v one_o eye_n upon_o our_o work_n we_o may_v fix_v the_o other_o on_o our_o reward_n god_n be_v not_o so_o strict_a in_o his_o prerogative_n over_o we_o as_o to_o require_v service_n from_o we_o from_o what_o we_o have_v already_o receive_v from_o he_o he_o be_v not_o as_o a_o cruel_a lord_n and_o master_n to_o say_v obey_v i_o though_o afterward_o you_o perish_v see_v to_o it_o that_o you_o love_v and_o glorify_v i_o though_o i_o eternal_o punish_v you_o though_o consider_v that_o infinite_a distance_n we_o stand_v at_o from_o god_n we_o can_v object_v nothing_o against_o the_o equity_n of_o his_o proceed_n no_o but_o god_n have_v so_o gracious_o twist_v his_o glory_n and_o our_o duty_n together_o that_o while_o we_o promote_v the_o one_o we_o do_v also_o promote_v the_o other_o and_o while_o we_o work_v for_o god_n we_o do_v but_o work_v for_o ourselves_o now_o be_v there_o any_o that_o need_v to_o be_v persuade_v to_o love_v themselves_o be_v it_o not_o the_o great_a and_o general_a sin_n that_o all_o man_n love_v and_o seek_v themselves_o and_o do_v not_o man_n by_o become_a self-lover_n become_v self-destroyer_n yes_o they_o do_v so_o but_o it_o be_v because_o they_o seek_v themselves_o out_o of_o god_n way_n that_o therefore_o they_o lose_v themselves_o for_o ever_o religion_n and_o holiness_n be_v not_o such_o severe_a thing_n as_o to_o exclude_v self-love_n nay_o right_a self-love_n be_v that_o which_o be_v not_o where_o to_o be_v find_v separate_a from_o true_a grace_n minister_n call_v upon_o man_n to_o exercise_v self-denial_n and_o self-abhorrence_a and_o this_o the_o foolish_a world_n mistake_v as_o if_o so_o be_v they_o exhort_v they_o to_o divorce_v themselves_o from_o themselves_o to_o lay_v aside_o all_o respect_n and_o consideration_n of_o self_n and_o to_o offer_v violence_n to_o the_o most_o common_a principle_n of_o self-preservation_n no_o will_v to_o god_n we_o all_o seek_v ourselves_o more_o earnest_o and_o constant_o than_o we_o do_v and_o that_o we_o all_o know_v wherein_o our_o great_a interest_n and_o concernment_n do_v lie_v then_o shall_v we_o not_o leave_v our_o great_a work_n undo_v nor_o gratify_v the_o sloth_n of_o our_o corrupt_a humour_n and_o the_o sinful_a propension_n of_o our_o carnal_a part_n nor_o shall_v we_o think_v what_o we_o do_v for_o sin_n and_o satan_n we_o do_v for_o ourselves_o no_o all_o this_o be_v to_o hate_v ourselves_o and_o wicked_a man_n at_o the_o last_o day_n shall_v know_v they_o have_v be_v their_o own_o most_o bitter_a and_o most_o implacable_a enemy_n that_o they_o will_v not_o be_v content_a with_o any_o thing_n less_o than_o their_o own_o eternal_a ruin_n a_o true_a christian_a be_v the_o only_a selfish_a man_n in_o the_o world_n all_o other_o they_o be_v not_o self-lover_n but_o self-destroyer_n what_o shall_v i_o say_v more_o than_o this_o the_o apostle_n ask_v do_v ever_o any_o man_n hate_v his_o own_o flesh_n do_v ever_o any_o man_n delight_n to_o gash_n and_o burn_v to_o wrack_v and_o torture_v himself_o true_o i_o may_v ask_v the_o quite_o contrary_a do_v almost_o any_o love_n their_o own_o spirit_n their_o spiritual_a part_n their_o soul_n this_o they_o wound_v and_o gash_n by_o many_o a_o bloody_a sin_n this_o they_o burn_v and_o fear_n by_o hardness_n and_o impenitency_n this_o they_o go_v about_o to_o torture_n and_o torment_v in_o hell_n for_o ever_o oh_o therefore_o be_v persuade_v at_o length_n to_o take_v pity_n on_o yourselves_o consider_v you_o be_v but_o destroy_v while_o you_o think_v you_o be_v embrace_v of_o yourselves_o and_o that_o will_v be_v find_v but_o self-murder_n at_o last_o which_o you_o now_o call_v self-love_n three_o a_o complacential_a love_n to_o easy_a 3._o love_n to_o our_o work_n make_v it_o easy_a and_o delight_n in_o your_o work_n be_v a_o great_a furtherance_n of_o it_o a_o wicked_a man_n serve_v god_fw-we grudge_o he_o murmur_v at_o duty_n and_o look_n upon_o they_o only_o as_o task_n and_o burden_n think_v every_o thing_n he_o do_v for_o god_n too_o much_o too_o heavy_a and_o weighty_a the_o command_v of_o god_n be_v all_o of_o they_o hard_a say_n and_o grievous_a imposition_n that_o he_o can_v bear_v he_o can_v believe_v christ_n soon_o in_o any_o thing_n than_o when_o he_o tell_v he_o 11.28_o mat._n 11.28_o my_o yoke_n be_v easy_a and_o my_o burden_n be_v light_a here_o he_o can_v believe_v christ_n thus_o much_o time_n say_v the_o slothful_a sinner_n must_v i_o spend_v in_o prayer_n and_o there_o must_v i_o humble_v myself_o to_o god_n who_o i_o hate_v and_o confess_v before_o he_o those_o sin_n that_o i_o love_v and_o beg_v that_o grace_n that_o i_o have_v slight_v so_o much_o time_n must_v i_o spend_v in_o read_v the_o law_n that_o i_o never_o mean_v to_o observe_v peruse_v over_o only_o the_o sentence_n of_o my_o condemnation_n and_o so_o often_o must_v i_o fix_v and_o dwell_v upon_o holy_a and_o spiritual_a thought_n which_o never_o at_o any_o time_n dart_v into_o or_o pass_v intransient_o but_o they_o do_v discompose_v i_o and_o leave_v i_o a_o damp_n and_o sadness_n upon_o my_o spirit_n behind_o they_o and_o therefore_o because_o there_o be_v not_o a_o holy_a complacency_n and_o delight_n in_o the_o service_n of_o god_n all_o such_o man_n endeavour_n be_v both_o faint_a inconstant_a and_o languish_v while_o they_o be_v about_o they_o and_o seldom_o do_v they_o reassume_a they_o again_o but_o a_o true_a christian_a work_n with_o abundance_n of_o delight_n and_o cheerfulness_n in_o the_o service_n of_o god_n in_o every_o duty_n his_o soul_n be_v fill_v full_a of_o holy_a affection_n by_o which_o it_o soar_v up_o to_o heaven_n duty_n be_v meat_n and_o drink_n to_o he_o spiritual_a manna_n in_o which_o he_o take_v more_o satisfaction_n and_o contentment_n than_o wicked_a man_n do_v in_o their_o sin_n and_o therefore_o he_o perform_v these_o duty_n so_o earnest_o because_o he_o do_v it_o with_o complacency_n all_o that_o he_o repine_v at_o be_v that_o natural_a necessity_n sinful_a weakness_n and_o infirmity_n and_o worldly_a employment_n that_o do_v purloin_v so_o much_o of_o his_o time_n from_o this_o great_a work_n now_o when_o once_o the_o heart_n be_v bring_v to_o such_o a_o frame_n and_o temper_n as_o this_o thus_o to_o delight_v in_o obedience_n and_o in_o the_o work_n and_o service_n of_o god_n then_o will_v this_o work_n for_o salvation_n go_v on_o with_o power_n three_o tremble_v 3._o work_v for_o salvation_n must_v be_v with_o fear_n and_o tremble_v another_o direction_n be_v that_o in_o the_o text_n work_v for_o salvation_n with_o fear_n and_o tremble_v a_o tremble_a hand_n best_o perform_v a_o christian_n work_n now_o this_o fear_n be_v not_o a_o fear_n of_o distrust_n or_o dispondency_n for_o that_o be_v so_o contrary_a to_o this_o duty_n of_o work_v for_o salvation_n as_o that_o it_o stupefy_v and_o benumb_v all_o endeavour_n and_o be_v a_o great_a enemy_n to_o the_o performance_n of_o this_o duty_n but_o first_o it_o be_v a_o fear_n of_o solicitude_n and_o carefulness_n as_o it_o stand_v oppose_v to_o carnal_a security_n and_o that_o presumption_n that_o be_v the_o common_a and_o ordinary_a destruction_n of_o most_o men._n this_o holy_a fear_n be_v the_o best_a preservative_n of_o true_a grace_n the_o apostle_n therefore_o tell_v we_o thou_o stand_v by_o faith_n 11.20_o rom._n 11.20_o be_v not_o high-minded_a but_o fear_n imply_v they_o will_v not_o stand_v long_o though_o they_o stand_v by_o faith_n unless_o they_o be_v uphold_v with_o godly_a fear_n and_o the_o reason_n be_v because_o it_o be_v the_o property_n of_o fear_n to_o foresee_v and_o forecast_v danger_n and_o to_o put_v the_o soul_n in_o a_o posture_n of_o defence_n and_o security_n before_o they_o approach_v for_o as_o the_o wise_a man_n tell_v we_o the_o prudent_a man_n forsee_v the_o evil_a and_o hide_v himself_o 20.3_o prov._n 20.3_o
may_v enforce_v a_o holy_a awe_n and_o fear_n of_o he_o and_o indeed_o if_o ever_o it_o be_v necessary_a to_o press_v man_n to_o a_o due_a fear_n and_o awe_n of_o god_n it_o be_v so_o now_o since_o on_o the_o one_o hand_n the_o open_a profaneness_n of_o ungodly_a man_n and_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n the_o pert_a sauciness_n of_o some_o notional_a professor_n be_v apt_a to_o think_v that_o communion_n with_o god_n consist_v in_o a_o familiar_a rudeness_n do_v plain_o testify_v to_o all_o the_o world_n that_o there_o be_v little_a fear_n or_o reverence_n of_o he_o in_o their_o heart_n and_o now_o whilst_o i_o be_o show_v what_o reason_n there_o be_v that_o god_n dear_a child_n shall_v fear_v he_o as_o a_o reconcile_a father_n let_v wicked_a man_n in_o the_o mean_a while_n sad_o consider_v with_o themselves_o what_o great_a cause_n then_o they_o have_v to_o fear_v he_o who_o be_v their_o swear_a enemy_n if_o god_n smile_n be_v temper_v with_o that_o majesty_n that_o make_v they_o awful_a sure_o his_o frown_n then_o must_v needs_o carry_v in_o they_o a_o astonish_a terror_n that_o make_v they_o insupportable_a we_o may_v observe_v how_o unexpected_o sometime_o from_o the_o goodness_n and_o mercy_n of_o god_n that_o be_v the_o sweet_a and_o most_o natural_a attractive_a of_o love_n the_o scripture_n draw_v a_o inference_n to_o fear_n god_n psal_n 130.4_o 130.4_o psal_n 130.4_o there_o be_v forgiveness_n with_o thou_o that_o thou_o may_v be_v fear_v not_o only_o a_o sin-revenging_a but_o a_o sin-pardoning_a god_n be_v here_o set_v before_o we_o as_o the_o object_n of_o our_o fear_n these_o two_o sister_n grace_n fear_v and_o love_n be_v nourish_v in_o the_o soul_n by_o the_o same_o attribute_n god_n pardon_v mercy_n the_o great_a sinner_n in_o the_o gospel_n be_v say_v to_o love_n much_o because_o much_o be_v forgive_v she_o and_o here_o much_o fear_v as_o well_o as_o much_o love_n be_v the_o result_n and_o issue_n of_o god_n pardon_v grace_n and_o so_o you_o have_v it_o in_o hos_n 3.5_o 3.5_o hos_fw-la 3.5_o they_o shall_v fear_v the_o lord_n and_o his_o goodness_n and_o in_o exod._n 15.11_o moses_n describe_v the_o most_o glorious_a attribute_n of_o god_n tell_v we_o that_o he_o be_v glorious_a in_o holiness_n fearful_a in_o praise_n even_o then_o when_o we_o be_v to_o praise_n god_n for_o his_o mercy_n yet_o be_v we_o to_o fear_v he_o as_o be_v fearful_a in_o praise_n and_o therefore_o nehemiah_n 1.5_o neh._n 1.5_o in_o nehem._n 1.5_o pray_v to_o god_n say_v he_o o_o lord_n the_o great_a and_o the_o terrible_a god_n wherein_o be_v it_o in_o overwhelm_a kingdom_n in_o bring_v upon_o they_o decree_v destruction_n be_v it_o in_o the_o fierce_a execution_n of_o his_o wrath_n against_o sinner_n no_o say_v he_o o_o lord_n the_o terrible_a god_n that_o keep_v covenant_n and_o mercy_n for_o they_o that_o love_v he_o so_o again_o in_o chap._n 9.32_o o_o god_n the_o mighty_a and_o terrible_a god_n that_o keep_v covenant_n and_o mercy_n let_v we_o now_o consider_v what_o there_o be_v in_o the_o mercy_n and_o favour_n of_o god_n as_o he_o be_v a_o reconcile_a god_n unto_o we_o and_o in_o covenant_n with_o we_o that_o may_v just_o render_v he_o to_o be_v the_o object_n of_o our_o fear_n he_o 1._o that_o dreadful_a way_n that_o god_n take_v to_o manifest_v his_o mercy_n to_o we_o may_v just_o cause_v we_o to_o fear_v he_o first_o the_o consideration_n of_o that_o dreadful_a way_n and_o method_n that_o god_n take_v to_o manifest_v his_o mercy_n towards_o we_o be_v sufficient_a to_o affect_v our_o heart_n with_o fear_n though_o we_o stand_v full_o possess_v of_o his_o favour_n in_o gen._n 28._o when_o god_n have_v make_v many_o gracious_a promise_v all_o along_o that_o chapter_n unto_o jacob_n of_o blessing_n of_o he_o and_o keep_v he_o in_o all_o his_o way_n of_o multiply_v his_o seed_n as_o the_o dust_n of_o the_o earth_n you_o will_v think_v this_o be_v no_o terrible_a thing_n and_o yet_o because_o god_n reveal_v this_o mercy_n to_o he_o in_o a_o awful_a and_o amaze_a manner_n a_o gap_n be_v open_v in_o heaven_n a_o bright_a ladder_n reach_v from_o earth_n to_o heaven_n god_n on_o the_o top_n of_o it_o angel_n on_o every_o round_a of_o it_o though_o the_o message_n be_v joyful_a yet_o the_o strange_a kind_n of_o deliver_v of_o the_o message_n make_v jacob_n cry_v out_o how_o dreadful_a be_v this_o place_n it_o be_v no_o other_o than_o the_o gate_n of_o heaven_n the_o very_a gate_n of_o heaven_n become_v dreadful_a when_o it_o be_v represent_v in_o such_o a_o majestical_a manner_n but_o now_o the_o way_n that_o god_n take_v for_o his_o mercy_n to_o arrive_v at_o we_o be_v much_o more_o dreadful_a than_o any_o such_o dream_n or_o vision_n and_o therefore_o we_o shall_v be_v the_o more_o deep_o affect_v with_o fear_n and_o tremble_v even_o then_o when_o god_n speak_v peace_n and_o pardon_n to_o we_o for_o if_o we_o consider_v either_o the_o term_n upon_o which_o he_o be_v become_v we_o or_o the_o way_n by_o which_o he_o discover_v himself_o to_o be_v we_o both_o of_o they_o be_v full_a of_o dread_a and_o terror_n terror_n 1._o the_o term_n upon_o which_o god_n become_v we_o be_v full_a of_o terror_n first_o it_o can_v but_o strike_v our_o heart_n with_o fear_n to_o reflect_v upon_o those_o dreadful_a term_n upon_o which_o god_n be_v content_v to_o be_v induce_v to_o become_v our_o god_n his_o mercy_n towards_o we_o be_v procure_v upon_o term_n of_o infinite_a justice_n and_o severity_n divine_a vengeance_n arrest_v our_o surety_n and_o exact_v from_o he_o the_o utmost_a satisfaction_n that_o curse_n that_o will_v for_o ever_o have_v blast_v and_o wither_v the_o soul_n of_o all_o mankind_n seize_v upon_o christ_n in_o all_o its_o malignity_n that_o wrath_n some_o few_o drop_n of_o which_o scald_v the_o damn_a in_o hell_n be_v give_v he_o to_o drink_v off_o in_o a_o full_a and_o overflow_a cup_n he_o do_v bear_v the_o chastisement_n of_o our_o peace_n and_o by_o his_o stripe_n we_o be_v heal_v nor_o will_v god_n upon_o low_a term_n have_v consent_v to_o a_o reconciliation_n betwixt_o wretched_a man_n and_o himself_o than_o the_o precious_a blood_n of_o his_o only_a son_n as_o of_o old_a friendship_n betwixt_o two_o person_n be_v wont_a to_o be_v attest_v and_o seal_v by_o a_o sacrifice_n as_o we_o find_v it_o both_o among_o heathen_a author_n and_o also_o in_o scripture_n a_o instance_n of_o which_o we_o have_v of_o laban_n in_o gen._n 31.54_o where_o laban_n and_o jacob_n return_v to_o amity_n make_v a_o ratification_n of_o it_o by_o a_o sacrifice_n so_o the_o atonement_n that_o god_n make_v betwixt_o we_o and_o himself_o be_v solemnize_v by_o a_o sacrifice_n even_o the_o sacrifice_n of_o his_o own_o son_n as_o a_o lamb_n without_o spot_n or_o blemish_n in_o this_o blood_n the_o treaty_n betwixt_o god_n and_o man_n stand_v ratify_v and_o confirm_v oh_o dreadful_a mercy_n that_o clasp_v and_o embrace_v we_o about_o with_o arm_n die_v red_a in_o the_o blood_n of_o jesus_n christ_n but_o now_o be_v not_o this_o ground_n enough_o to_o cause_v a_o holy_a fear_n of_o god_n to_o seize_v upon_o every_o soul_n that_o shall_v but_o serious_o consider_v this_o sad_a tragedy_n of_o pardon_v grace_n if_o a_o king_n resolve_v to_o forgive_v a_o malefactor_n upon_o no_o other_o term_n than_o a_o pardon_v write_v with_o the_o last_o drop_n of_o the_o heartblood_n of_o his_o dear_a friend_n who_o be_v there_o that_o be_v so_o harden_a that_o will_v not_o tremble_v at_o such_o a_o mercy_n as_o this_o be_v though_o it_o save_v he_o so_o be_v the_o case_n betwixt_o god_n and_o we_o the_o content_n of_o the_o pardon_n be_v joyful_a but_o it_o be_v write_v all_o with_o the_o blood_n of_o jesus_n christ_n reak_a warmth_n from_o his_o very_a heart_n he_o 2._o the_o way_n by_o which_o god_n discover_v himself_o to_o be_v we_o be_v dreadful_a and_o may_v make_v we_o to_o fear_v he_o and_o who_o then_o will_v not_o fear_v even_o a_o forgive_a god_n second_o consider_v the_o way_n and_o method_n that_o god_n take_v with_o we_o when_o he_o become_v our_o god_n and_o that_o be_v most_o dreadful_a and_o must_v needs_o make_v the_o most_o confirm_a heart_n to_o shake_v with_o fear_n and_o tremble_v indeed_o god_n deal_v not_o with_o we_o in_o such_o rigour_n as_o he_o deal_v with_o jesus_n christ_n his_o son_n but_o yet_o usual_o when_o he_o become_v our_o god_n when_o he_o enter_v upon_o we_o as_o his_o possession_n first_o he_o shake_v all_o the_o foundation_n of_o our_o heart_n breath_n in_o flame_n of_o fire_n into_o our_o very_a marrow_n cramp_v our_o conscience_n and_o unjoint_v our_o soul_n o_o the_o tempest_n and_o storm_n of_o wrath_n that_o god_n pour_v into_o a_o wound_a
attain_v in_o glory_n where_o our_o whole_a work_n to_o all_o eternity_n shall_v be_v to_o love_v and_o please_v god_n or_o else_o that_o perfection_n that_o consist_v in_o its_o sincerity_n in_o this_o life_n if_o we_o take_v it_o for_o that_o perfection_n of_o love_n that_o shall_v for_o ever_o burn_v in_o our_o heart_n when_o we_o ourselves_o shall_v be_v make_v perfect_a so_o it_o be_v certain_a it_o will_v cast_v out_o all_o torment_a fear_n for_o certain_o if_o in_o heaven_n hope_v itself_o shall_v be_v abolish_v much_o more_o shall_v fear_n be_v abolish_v for_o there_o every_o saint_n shall_v have_v much_o more_o than_o a_o full_a assurance_n even_o a_o full_a fruition_n of_o glory_n and_o they_o shall_v know_v themselves_o to_o be_v for_o ever_o confirm_v in_o that_o bless_a state_n which_o shall_v prevent_v all_o doubt_n and_o fear_n if_o we_o understand_v it_o of_o that_o perfection_n of_o love_n that_o we_o may_v attain_v to_o in_o this_o life_n so_o also_o the_o strong_a and_o vigorous_a act_n of_o love_n to_o god_n cast_v out_o all_o torment_a fear_n it_o be_v not_o possible_a that_o that_o soul_n that_o actual_o love_v god_n with_o a_o vigorous_a and_o most_o ardent_a affection_n shall_v at_o the_o same_o time_n be_v rack_v with_o distract_n fear_v of_o hell_n and_o damnation_n for_o it_o be_v the_o sense_n of_o god_n love_n unto_o the_o soul_n that_o draw_v from_o it_o reciprocal_a love_n again_o unto_o god_n we_o love_v he_o say_v the_o apostle_n because_o he_o first_o love_v we_o that_o be_v as_o strong_a as_o our_o apprehension_n be_v of_o god_n love_n to_o we_o so_o strong_a will_v our_o love_n be_v in_o its_o return_n to_o god_n again_o water_n rise_v natural_o as_o high_a as_o its_o spring_n wherefore_o the_o assurance_n of_o god_n love_n be_v the_o spring_n from_o whence_o our_o love_n flow_v such_o as_o be_v our_o love_n such_o will_v be_v our_o assurance_n also_o if_o then_o our_o love_n be_v strong_a in_o its_o act_n it_o must_v needs_o cast_v out_o fear_v because_o it_o flow_v from_o that_o assurance_n with_o which_o torment_v fear_n be_v utter_o inconsistent_a but_o then_o there_o be_v another_o kind_n of_o fear_n that_o be_v not_o torment_v and_o that_o be_v a_o awful_a frame_n of_o heart_n strike_v with_o reverential_a apprehension_n of_o god_n infinite_a majesty_n and_o our_o own_o vileness_n and_o unworthiness_n and_o this_o perfect_a love_n do_v not_o cast_v out_o but_o perfect_v this_o awful_a sedate_n calm_a fear_n of_o god_n the_o angel_n and_o the_o glorify_a saint_n in_o heaven_n who_o love_n be_v so_o perfect_a that_o it_o can_v neither_o admit_v of_o a_o increase_n or_o abatement_n yet_o they_o stand_v in_o awe_n and_o fear_n of_o the_o terrible_a majesty_n of_o the_o great_a god_n the_o same_o infinite_a excellency_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n that_o attract_v their_o love_n do_v also_o excite_v their_o fear_n see_v how_o the_o prophet_n make_v this_o a_o argument_n to_o fear_n god_n jer._n 10.7_o who_o will_v not_o fear_v thou_o o_o king_n of_o saint_n for_o say_v he_o in_o all_o the_o earth_n there_o be_v none_o like_o unto_o thou_o one_o will_v rather_o think_v god_n unparallel_a excellency_n and_o perfection_n shall_v be_v a_o motive_n to_o love_n who_o will_v not_o love_v thou_o o_o king_n of_o saint_n since_o there_o be_v none_o in_o all_o the_o earth_n like_o thou_o yea_o but_o filial_a fear_n and_o filial_a love_n be_v of_o so_o near_o a_o kind_n and_o cognation_n that_o they_o may_v well_o be_v enforce_v by_o one_o and_o the_o same_o argument_n who_o will_v not_o fear_v thou_o for_o in_o all_o the_o earth_n there_o be_v none_o like_o thou_o this_o be_v the_o excellency_n of_o divine_a love_n it_o be_v a_o attractive_a of_o love_n and_o it_o be_v a_o excitement_n unto_o fear_n well_o then_o though_o we_o have_v no_o chill_a fear_n of_o a_o hot_a and_o scorch_a hell_n yet_o let_v we_o have_v a_o awful_a reverential_a fear_n of_o the_o glorious_a god_n who_o excellency_n be_v such_o as_o can_v be_v match_v nor_o scarce_o imitable_a by_o any_o in_o heaven_n or_o in_o earth_n three_o adoption_n 3._o a_o holy_a fear_n of_o god_n be_v not_o contrary_a to_o the_o spirit_n of_o adoption_n the_o fear_n of_o god_n be_v not_o contrary_a to_o that_o free_a spirit_n of_o adoption_n which_o we_o receive_v in_o our_o first_o conversion_n it_o may_v perhaps_o seem_v to_o some_o that_o the_o apostle_n oppose_v they_o in_o rom._n 8.15_o you_o have_v not_o receive_v the_o spirit_n of_o bondage_n again_o to_o fear_n but_o the_o spirit_n of_o adoption_n whereby_o you_o cry_v abba_n father_n to_o this_o i_o answer_v that_o by_o the_o spirit_n of_o bondage_n here_o the_o apostle_n mean_v the_o legal_a work_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n in_o conviction_n that_o be_v preparatory_a to_o conversion_n which_o work_v usual_o be_v accompany_v with_o dreadful_a terror_n apprehend_v god_n not_o as_o a_o reconcile_a father_n but_o as_o a_o incense_a and_o severe_a judge_n why_o now_o say_v the_o apostle_n you_o have_v not_o receive_v this_o spirit_n of_o bondage_n again_o thus_o to_o fear_v this_o be_v not_o that_o fear_n that_o the_o consideration_n of_o god_n as_o your_o god_n and_o reconcile_a father_n excite_v to_o you_o this_o be_v not_o that_o fear_n that_o the_o apostle_n exhort_v christian_n unto_o but_o a_o awful_a reverential_a fear_n of_o god_n whereby_o we_o shall_v stand_v in_o awe_n of_o his_o dread_a majesty_n so_o as_o to_o be_v preserve_v from_o whatever_o may_v be_v a_o offence_n to_o his_o purity_n and_o if_o in_o any_o night_n of_o desertion_n it_o shall_v happen_v that_o the_o heart_n of_o true_a believer_n shall_v be_v overwhelm_v with_o dismal_a fear_n apprehend_v god_n as_o enrage_v and_o incense_v against_o they_o stand_v in_o doubt_n of_o the_o goodness_n of_o their_o spiritual_a condition_n if_o this_o seize_v upon_o they_o after_o they_o have_v have_v the_o spirit_n of_o adoption_n let_v they_o know_v this_o fear_n be_v not_o from_o a_o work_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n in_o they_o they_o have_v not_o receive_v the_o spirit_n of_o bondage_n again_o so_o to_o fear_v it_o be_v not_o a_o work_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n to_o excite_v in_o they_o doubt_n and_o fear_n of_o their_o spiritual_a condition_n after_o they_o have_v once_o have_v assurance_n of_o the_o goodness_n thereof_o but_o it_o arise_v either_o from_o some_o ignorance_n or_o from_o some_o sin_n that_o they_o have_v commit_v that_o interpose_v betwixt_o they_o and_o the_o clear_a sight_n of_o the_o discovery_n of_o god_n love_n now_o for_o the_o better_a understanding_n of_o this_o place_n because_o i_o judge_v it_o pertinent_a to_o my_o present_a purpose_n i_o shall_v open_v it_o to_o you_o somewhat_o large_o in_o these_o follow_a particular_n terror_n 1._o the_o work_n of_o conversion_n be_v usual_o carry_v on_o by_o legal_a fear_n and_o terror_n first_o the_o preparatory_a work_n of_o conversion_n be_v usual_o carry_v on_o in_o the_o soul_n by_o legal_a fear_n and_o terror_n i_o call_v that_o a_o legal_a fear_n that_o be_v wrought_v in_o the_o soul_n by_o the_o dread-threatning_n and_o denunciation_n of_o the_o law_n the_o law_n if_o we_o take_v it_o in_o its_o native_a rigour_n without_o the_o merciful_a qualification_n of_o gospel-grace_n thunder_v out_o nothing_o but_o execration_n wrath_n and_o vengeance_n against_o every_o transgressor_n of_o it_o represent_v god_n arm_v also_o with_o his_o almighty_a power_n to_o destroy_v they_o this_o be_v that_o glass_n that_o show_v they_o their_o old_a sin_n in_o most_o ugly_a shape_v now_o they_o see_v they_o stare_v ghastly_a upon_o their_o conscience_n that_o before_o allure_v they_o the_o scene_n be_v quite_o change_v and_o there_o be_v nothing_o but_o dreadful_a apparition_n of_o death_n and_o hell_n fleet_v now_o before_o they_o hell_n belsh_v in_o their_o very_a face_n god_n brandish_v his_o flame_a sword_n over_o they_o ready_a to_o reeve_v their_o heart_n asunder_o they_o that_o late_o be_v secure_a and_o fearless_a now_o stand_v quake_v under_o the_o fearful_a expectation_n of_o that_o fiery_a wrath_n and_o indignation_n that_o they_o neither_o have_v hope_n to_o escape_v nor_o yet_o have_v they_o strength_n or_o patience_n to_o endure_v this_o be_v that_o legal_a fear_n that_o the_o curse_n and_o threaten_n of_o the_o law_n when_o set_v home_o in_o their_o full_a acrimony_n work_n in_o the_o heart_n of_o convince_a sinner_n second_o bondage_n 2._o slavish_a fear_n engender_v unto_o bondage_n this_o legal_a fear_n be_v slavish_a and_o engender_v unto_o bondage_n there_o be_v bondage_n under_o the_o reign_a power_n of_o sin_n and_o there_o be_v a_o bondage_n under_o the_o terrify_a power_n of_o sin_n the_o former_a make_v a_o man_n a_o slave_n unto_o the_o devil_n and_o the_o latter_a make_v a_o man_n a_o
as_o we_o be_v to_o speak_v to_o he_o who_o be_v the_o god_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o all_o flesh_n the_o holy_a angel_n in_o heaven_n stand_v always_o minister_a in_o the_o presence_n of_o god_n and_o prayer_n do_v in_o some_o kind_n associate_v we_o with_o they_o it_o bring_v we_o to_o lie_v prostrate_a at_o the_o foot_n of_o god_n at_o who_o foot_n also_o angel_n and_o all_o the_o power_n in_o heaven_n do_v with_o much_o more_o humility_n than_o we_o fall_v down_o and_o worship_v he_o we_o and_o they_o fall_v down_o together_o at_o the_o foot_n of_o the_o great_a god_n we_o in_o prayer_n and_o they_o in_o praise_n this_o privilege_n cost_n jesus_n christ_n dear_a for_o it_o be_v through_o he_o as_o the_o apostle_n speak_v that_o we_o have_v access_n with_o boldness_n unto_o the_o throne_n of_o grace_n all_o access_n thither_o be_v bar_v against_o sinner_n till_o christ_n open_v a_o passage_n for_o we_o by_o his_o own_o death_n and_o most_o precious_a blood_n and_o shall_v not_o we_o make_v use_n of_o a_o privilege_n purchase_v for_o we_o at_o so_o dear_a a_o rate_n as_o that_o be_v have_v christ_n shed_v his_o blood_n to_o procure_v we_o liberty_n to_o pray_v and_o shall_v not_o we_o spend_v our_o breath_n in_o pray_v have_v christ_n die_v such_o a_o curse_a cruel_a death_n to_o purchase_v liberty_n for_o we_o to_o pray_v and_o shall_v we_o rather_o choose_v to_o die_v a_o eternal_a death_n than_o make_v use_v of_o it_o this_o be_v to_o despise_v the_o blood_n of_o jesus_n christ_n to_o offer_v a_o high_a affront_n and_o indignity_n unto_o he_o to_o account_v it_o a_o vile_a and_o contemptible_a thing_n when_o we_o make_v no_o more_o esteem_n of_o that_o for_o the_o purchase_n of_o which_o he_o shed_v his_o precious_a blood_n we_o look_v upon_o it_o as_o a_o great_a privilege_n to_o have_v free_a and_o frequent_a access_n to_o those_o that_o be_v much_o our_o superior_n and_o shall_v we_o not_o reckon_v it_o a_o much_o high_a privilege_n that_o we_o may_v at_o all_o time_n approach_v the_o presence_n of_o he_o who_o be_v king_n of_o king_n and_o lord_n of_o lord_n and_o high_a than_o the_o high_a as_o we_o may_v do_v at_o all_o time_n in_o prayer_n mind_n 3._o prayer_n be_v a_o sovereign_a remedy_n for_o a_o afflict_a mind_n three_o prayer_n it_o be_v the_o most_o sovereign_a medicine_n and_o remedy_n for_o a_o afflict_a mind_n nothing_o be_v so_o desirable_a in_o this_o world_n as_o a_o faithful_a friend_n to_o who_o we_o may_v at_o all_o time_n unbosom_v ourselves_o and_o make_v all_o our_o secret_n and_o grievance_n know_v now_o prayer_n direct_v we_o to_o go_v to_o god_n himself_o he_o be_v our_o most_o faithful_a friend_n that_o can_v best_o counsel_v and_o best_a help_v we_o and_o prayer_n be_v a_o mean_n whereby_o we_o reveal_v the_o secret_n and_o trouble_n of_o our_o soul_n unto_o he_o prayer_n it_o be_v our_o discourse_v with_o god_n when_o our_o heart_n swell_v with_o grief_n and_o be_v ready_a to_o break_v within_o we_o how_o sweet_a be_v it_o then_o to_o take_v god_n apart_o and_o give_v our_o heart_n vent_v prayer_n it_o be_v a_o make_v our_o case_n know_v to_o he_o and_o a_o spread_a our_o want_n before_o he_o cast_v all_o our_o burden_n upon_o he_o who_o have_v promise_v to_o sustain_v we_o four_o consider_v want_v 4._o prayer_n be_v a_o mean_v appoint_v by_o god_n for_o all_o mercy_n that_o we_o want_v prayer_n be_v a_o mean_v appoint_v by_o god_n for_o the_o obtain_n of_o those_o blessing_n and_o mercy_n that_o we_o stand_v in_o need_n of_o for_o all_o thing_n be_v god_n he_o be_v the_o great_a lord_n and_o proprietor_n both_o of_o heaven_n and_o earth_n whether_o they_o be_v spiritual_a or_o temporal_a mercy_n that_o we_o desire_v if_o it_o be_v wealth_n strength_n or_o wisdom_n all_o be_v he_o if_o we_o will_v have_v spiritual_a blessing_n confer_v upon_o we_o our_o faith_n our_o love_n our_o patience_n our_o humility_n strengthen_v and_o increase_v he_o be_v the_o god_n of_o all_o these_o grace_n and_o prayer_n it_o be_v a_o mean_v appoint_v by_o god_n to_o convey_v all_o these_o unto_o we_o our_o prayer_n and_o god_n mercy_n be_v like_o two_o bucket_n in_o a_o well_o while_o the_o one_o ascend_v the_o other_z descends_z so_o while_o our_o prayer_n ascend_v to_o god_n in_o heaven_n his_o mercy_n and_o blessing_n descend_v down_o upon_o we_o always_o 5._o we_o be_v always_o in_o want_n therefore_o we_o shall_v pray_v always_o five_o consider_v all_o our_o supply_n be_v only_o for_o our_o present_a exigence_n to_o serve_v we_o only_o from_o hand_n to_o mouth_n the_o stock_n of_o mercy_n be_v not_o we_o but_o god_n he_o still_o keep_v it_o in_o his_o own_o hand_n and_o this_o he_o do_v that_o he_o may_v keep_v we_o in_o a_o constant_a dependence_n upon_o he_o and_o in_o a_o constant_a expectation_n of_o mercy_n from_o he_o our_o want_n grow_v up_o very_o thick_a about_o we_o and_o if_o we_o do_v but_o observe_v it_o we_o shall_v find_v every_o day_n yea_o every_o hour_n new_a cause_n to_o present_v new_a request_n and_o supplication_n unto_o god_n and_o therefore_o as_o our_o necessity_n never_o cease_v so_o neither_o shall_v our_o prayer_n howl_v 6._o they_o â—hat_n will_v not_o pray_v shall_v howl_v six_o consider_v this_o if_o you_o will_v not_o be_v persuade_v to_o pray_v you_o shall_v one_o day_n be_v make_v to_o howl_v you_o that_o will_v not_o now_o look_v up_o to_o heaven_n in_o prayer_n shall_v hereafter_o look_v up_o in_o blaspheme_v 8.21_o isai_n 8.21_o isai_n 8.21_o they_o shall_v fret_v themselves_o say_v the_o prophet_n and_o curse_n god_n and_o their_o king_n that_o be_v in_o their_o horrid_a despair_n and_o anguish_n they_o shall_v curse_v and_o blaspheme_n both_o god_n and_o their_o king_n that_o be_v the_o devil_n and_o they_o shall_v look_v upward_o though_o now_o wicked_a man_n will_v not_o look_v to_o heaven_n yet_o than_o god_n will_v force_v they_o to_o look_v upward_o there_o may_v two_o objection_n possible_o be_v make_v against_o this_o duty_n of_o prayer_n object_n 1_o first_o god_n do_v beforehand_o know_v all_o our_o want_n and_o desire_n and_o therefore_o what_o necessity_n be_v there_o of_o prayer_n answ_n to_o this_o i_o answer_v with_o st._n augustine_n god_n say_v he_o do_v require_v that_o we_o shall_v pray_v to_o he_o not_o so_o much_o to_o make_v know_v what_o our_o will_n and_o desire_n be_v for_o that_o he_o can_v be_v ignorant_a of_o but_o it_o be_v for_o the_o exercise_n of_o our_o desire_n and_o to_o draw_v forth_o our_o affection_n towards_o those_o thing_n that_o we_o beg_v at_o his_o hand_n that_o thereby_o we_o may_v be_v make_v fit_a to_o receive_v what_o he_o be_v ready_a to_o give_v object_n 2_o second_o say_v some_o it_o be_v in_o vain_a to_o pray_v because_o all_o our_o prayer_n can_v alter_v the_o course_n of_o god_n providence_n we_o can_v by_o our_o most_o fervent_a prayer_n change_v the_o method_n of_o god_n decree_n if_o he_o have_v resolve_v from_o eternity_n to_o bestow_v such_o a_o mercy_n upon_o we_o we_o shall_v receive_v it_o whether_o we_o pray_v or_o pray_v not_o if_o he_o have_v resolve_v we_o shall_v never_o partake_v of_o it_o if_o we_o do_v pray_v all_o our_o prayer_n will_v be_v in_o vain_a answ_n i_o have_v long_o since_o answer_v this_o objection_n and_o tell_v you_o that_o it_o be_v true_a god_n providence_n be_v immutable_a but_o the_o same_o providence_n that_o order_v the_o end_n to_o be_v obtain_v have_v likewise_o order_v the_o mean_n by_o which_o it_o must_v be_v obtain_v as_o god_n have_v decree_v blessing_n to_o we_o so_o he_o have_v decree_v that_o they_o shall_v be_v obtain_v by_o prayer_n and_o therefore_o we_o must_v pray_v that_o we_o may_v obtain_v those_o blessing_n for_o that_o be_v the_o mean_v god_n have_v decree_v for_o the_o obtain_n of_o they_o accept_v direction_n how_o we_o must_v pray_v so_o as_o to_o be_v accept_v some_o possible_o may_v say_v if_o we_o must_v thus_o pray_v without_o cease_v how_o shall_v we_o be_v assure_v that_o god_n will_v hear_v we_o if_o it_o be_v our_o duty_n to_o pray_v how_o shall_v we_o pray_v so_o as_o that_o our_o prayer_n may_v become_v acceptable_a unto_o god_n i_o answer_v they_o 1._o they_o that_o hear_v god_n god_n will_v hear_v they_o first_o if_o you_o will_v have_v god_n hear_v you_o when_o you_o pray_v you_o must_v be_v sure_a to_o hear_v he_o when_o he_o speak_v see_v that_o place_n prov._n 1.24_o 28._o because_o i_o have_v call_v and_o you_o have_v refuse_v and_o have_v set_v at_o nought_o all_o my_o counsel_n therefore_o say_v god_n you_o shall_v call_v but_o i_o will_v not_o answer_v you_o shall_v seek_v i_o early_o but_o shall_v not_o