god_n people_n have_v appeal_v unto_o god_n concern_v the_o uprightness_n of_o their_o heart_n mere_o by_o their_o desire_n so_o say_v the_o church_n 9_o the_o desire_n of_o our_o soul_n be_v to_o thy_o name_n and_o the_o remembrance_n of_o thou_o and_o with_o my_o soul_n have_v i_o desire_v thou_o in_o the_o night_n 2._o god_n have_v make_v many_o gracious_a promise_n not_o only_o to_o the_o act_n and_o exercise_v of_o grace_n but_o to_o the_o desire_n after_o grace_n bless_a be_v they_o that_o do_v hunger_n and_o thirst_n after_o righteousness_n 6._o for_o they_o shall_v be_v fill_v if_o any_o man_n thirst_n say_v christ_n let_v he_o come_v unto_o i_o and_o drink_n 37._o nay_o there_o be_v a_o general_a and_o universal_a invitation_n to_o every_o one_o that_o thirst_v to_o come_v to_o the_o water_n and_o god_n have_v promise_v to_o give_v to_o he_o that_o be_v at_o hirst_n of_o the_o fountain_n of_o the_o water_n of_o life_n free_o 1._o the_o lord_n have_v promise_v to_o fulfil_v the_o desire_n of_o those_o that_o fear_v he_o 6._o and_o will_v hear_v the_o desire_n of_o the_o humble_a 19_o so_o that_o by_o these_o promise_v it_o do_v appear_v 17._o that_o hunger_a and_o thirst_v &_o desire_n after_o grace_n be_v grace_n in_o god_n account_n and_o acceptation_n now_o lest_o man_n shall_v rest_v in_o lazy_a and_o sluggish_a desire_n and_o thereby_o neglect_v the_o exercise_n of_o grace_n i_o shall_v give_v you_o a_o account_n in_o what_o sense_n the_o scripture_n reckon_v upon_o desire_n after_o grace_n to_o be_v grace_n 1._o they_o be_v supernatural_a desire_n it_o be_v true_a there_o be_v natural_a desire_n in_o the_o soul_n after_o that_o which_o be_v good_a it_o be_v the_o language_n of_o nature_n 6._o who_o will_v show_v we_o any_o good_a now_o these_o desire_n may_v and_o do_v arise_v from_o the_o motion_n of_o the_o natural_a and_o unsanctified_a will_n of_o man_n and_o these_o desire_n be_v after_o happiness_n and_o not_o after_o holiness_n such_o be_v the_o desire_n of_o balaam_n who_o say_v 10._o let_v i_o die_v the_o death_n of_o the_o righteous_a and_o let_v my_o last_o end_n be_v like_o he_o this_o be_v but_o a_o natural_a desire_n but_o true_a desire_n in_o the_o soul_n be_v after_o heaven_n for_o holiness_n sake_n bern._n bernard_n notable_o set_v out_o these_o desire_n of_o natural_a man_n that_o they_o have_v a_o desire_n of_o the_o end_n and_o not_o of_o the_o mean_n 2._o desire_v after_o grace_n be_v join_v with_o holy_a endeavour_n and_o therefore_o the_o apostle_n join_v desire_n and_o zeal_n together_o 11._o to_o intimate_v that_o true_a desire_n be_v always_o join_v with_o zealous_a endeavour_n thus_o the_o apostle_n also_o join_v a_o readiness_n of_o will_n and_o performance_n together_o god_n will_v never_o accept_v the_o will_n for_o the_o deed_n unless_o there_o be_v a_o endeavour_n to_o perform_v 11._o what_o we_o say_v we_o be_v willing_a to_o do_v and_o therefore_o solomon_n right_o describe_v how_o pernicious_a desire_n be_v without_o endeavour_n the_o desire_n of_o the_o flothfull_a say_v he_o kill_v he_o because_o his_o hand_n refuse_v to_o labour_v bernard_n describe_v the_o laziness_n to_o the_o life_n carnal_a man_n love_v to_o obtain_v 25_o but_o love_v not_o to_o follow_v christ_n they_o will_v not_o endeavour_v to_o seek_v he_o who_o they_o desire_v so_o find_v iavenire_fw-it 3._o desire_n which_o be_v true_a and_o gracious_a be_v unsatisfiable_a thus_o david_n speak_v of_o his_o desire_n my_o soul_n say_v he_o break_v for_o the_o long_a it_o have_v to_o thy_o judgement_n at_o all_o time_n yea_o he_o further_o describ_n es_fw-mi the_o ardency_n and_o unsatisfiablenesse_n of_o his_o desire_n by_o the_o heart_n pant_v after_o the_o water-brook_n bern._n the_o hart_n be_v natural_o the_o most_o thirsty_a of_o all_o creature_n 20._o but_o this_o thirst_n be_v much_o increase_v when_o the_o poor_a beast_n be_v chase_v with_o dog_n even_o so_o the_o true_a desire_n of_o the_o soul_n after_o grace_n 1._o be_v earnest_n ardent_a and_o vehement_a desire_n 11._o 4._o you_o may_v know_v true_a desire_n after_o grace_n by_o their_o object_n desire_v they_o be_v not_o gracious_a if_o they_o be_v more_o after_o outward_a thing_n then_o after_o god_n 2._o so_o david_n my_o soul_n thirst_v after_o god_n after_o the_o live_a god_n 1._o my_o soul_n thirst_v for_o thou_o my_o flesh_n long_v after_o thou_o in_o a_o dry_a and_o thirsty_a land_n where_o no_o water_n be_v thus_o his_o soul_n long_v and_o do_v break_v with_o longing_n after_o god_n judgement_n now_o therefore_o will_v thou_o know_v whether_o thou_o have_v any_o begin_n of_o grace_n in_o thy_o soul_n 20_o examine_v what_o thy_o desire_n be_v perhaps_o thou_o can_v not_o pray_v but_o thou_o desire_v to_o pray_v perhaps_o thou_o can_v not_o mourn_v for_o sin_n but_o do_v thou_o mourn_v that_o thou_o can_v not_o mourn_v perhaps_o thou_o do_v not_o believe_v as_o thou_o fear_v but_o do_v thou_o desire_v to_o believe_v perhaps_o thou_o can_v not_o repent_v but_o do_v thou_o desire_v to_o repent_v and_o do_v thou_o labour_v to_o repent_v then_o thou_o may_v conclude_v that_o thou_o have_v some_o beginning_n of_o true_a grace_n in_o thy_o soul_n 5._o we_o may_v know_v the_o truth_n of_o grace_n though_o it_o be_v little_a by_o the_o earnest_a desire_n after_o the_o word_n and_o the_o mean_n of_o grace_n thus_o peter_n set_v forth_o our_o desire_n 2._o as_o new_o bear_v babe_n desire_v the_o sincere_a milk_n of_o the_o word_n that_o you_o may_v grow_v thereby_o there_o be_v in_o a_o child_n a_o natural_a instinct_n as_o soon_o as_o ever_o it_o be_v bear_v to_o desire_v after_o the_o mother_n breast_n the_o apostle_n make_v it_o a_o resemblance_n of_o a_o spiritual_a man_n a_o man_n spiritual_o new_a bear_v will_v desire_v after_o the_o word_n the_o mean_n of_o grace_n that_o he_o may_v grow_v in_o grace_n 6._o a_o endear_a love_n to_o those_o that_o have_v grace_n 14._o by_o this_o you_o know_v you_o be_v pass_v from_o death_n to_o life_n because_o you_o love_v the_o brethren_n casuist_n upon_o this_o text_n say_v that_o love_n to_o god_n child_n be_v the_o first_o grace_n and_o first_o appear_v in_o young_a convert_n the_o native_n in_o new_a england_n it_o be_v observe_v upon_o their_o conversion_n for_o god_n have_v begin_v there_o to_o bring_v some_o of_o those_o poor_a creature_n from_o darkness_n to_o light_n and_o from_o the_o power_n of_o satan_n to_o himself_o the_o first_o appearance_n of_o grace_n in_o they_o be_v in_o their_o love_n and_o respect_n to_o those_o that_o be_v true_o gracious_a thus_o i_o have_v show_v you_o a_o answer_n to_o the_o question_n what_o be_v the_o least_o measure_n of_o grace_n without_o which_o or_o some_o of_o they_o a_o man_n can_v be_v say_v to_o have_v grace_n and_o wheresoever_o any_o of_o these_o be_v that_o man_n condition_n be_v safe_a and_o these_o little_a measure_n of_o grace_n will_v bring_v a_o man_n to_o heaven_n i_o shall_v here_o lay_v down_o some_o caution_n to_o prevent_v mis-application_n though_o these_o small_a measure_n of_o grace_n be_v save_v caution_n yet_o you_o must_v not_o content_v yourselves_o with_o they_o take_v heed_n lest_o what_o i_o have_v say_v for_o the_o support_n of_o the_o weakness_n of_o some_o christian_n become_v not_o a_o pillow_n for_o the_o idleness_n of_o other_o but_o let_v we_o strive_v to_o go_v on_o unto_o perfection_n we_o must_v not_o sit_v down_o with_o any_o measure_n of_o grace_n 1._o and_o to_o persuade_v you_o hereunto_o 1._o consider_v that_o thing_n mere_o necessary_a and_o sufficient_a to_o maintain_v a_o natural_a life_n will_v not_o content_v a_o man_n what_o man_n be_v content_a though_o he_o have_v clothes_n enough_o to_o hide_v his_o nakedness_n and_o food_n enough_o to_o keep_v life_n and_o soul_n together_o but_o he_o desire_v not_o only_a clothes_n for_o nakedness_n but_o ornament_n &_o not_o only_a food_n for_o hunger_n and_o necessity_n but_o delight_n now_o shall_v man_n be_v unbounden_a after_o their_o desire_n for_o outward_a thing_n and_o shall_v they_o sit_v down_o and_o say_v they_o have_v enough_o for_o heavenly_a thing_n 2._o consider_v if_o thou_o content_a thyself_o with_o a_o small_a measure_n of_o grace_n though_o thou_o shall_v have_v the_o fruit_n of_o thy_o grace_n when_o thou_o die_v yet_o thou_o will_v want_v the_o comfort_n of_o thy_o grace_n while_o thou_o live_v it_o be_v strength_n of_o grace_n that_o give_v assurance_n weak_a grace_n will_v bring_v thy_o soul_n to_o heaven_n but_o it_o be_v the_o strength_n of_o grace_n will_v bring_v heaven_n into_o thy_o soul_n 17._o the_o work_n of_o righteousness_n shall_v be_v peace_n and_o the_o effect_n of_o righteousness_n shall_v be_v quietness_n and_o assurance_n for_o ever_o a_o child_n of_o
of_o thy_o master_n then_o strengthen_v thy_o brethren_n labour_v to_o strengthen_v the_o grace_n of_o other_o man_n when_o thy_o grace_n be_v strong_a and_o thy_o strength_n recover_v and_o this_o be_v a_o very_a good_a evidence_n that_o thou_o have_v not_o only_a grace_n but_o strength_n of_o grace_n thyself_o when_o thou_o be_v careful_a to_o strengthen_v other_o but_o such_o as_o have_v gift_n only_o with_o little_a or_o no_o grace_n they_o be_v loath_a to_o communicate_v their_o gift_n unto_o other_o they_o will_v willing_o monopolise_v their_o gift_n and_o grudge_v to_o impart_v they_o to_o other_o they_o will_v not_o have_v other_o man_n have_v the_o like_a gift_n with_o themselves_o lest_o their_o glory_n shall_v be_v darken_v they_o be_v not_o of_o john_n baptist_n mind_n who_o care_v not_o though_o he_o decrease_v so_o as_o christ_n increase_v but_o rather_o they_o be_v like_a to_o one_o aspendius_n a_o skilful_a musician_n who_o will_v never_o play_v on_o his_o instrument_n before_o any_o of_o his_o profession_n lest_o they_o shall_v learn_v his_o skill_n this_o be_v a_o notable_a discovery_n whether_o thou_o have_v strong_a grace_n or_o strong_a gift_n only_o which_o thou_o may_v know_v by_o thy_o willingness_n and_o readiness_n to_o communicate_v unto_o other_o what_o god_n have_v impart_v unto_o thou_o xiii_o sermon_n at_o laurence_n jury_n london_n april_n 20._o 1651._o 2_o tim_n 2._o 1._o my_o son_n be_v strong_a in_o the_o grace_n that_o be_v in_o christ_n jesus_n you_o have_v hear_v the_o first_o doctrine_n open_v viz._n that_o believer_n be_v not_o to_o be_v satisgfy_v in_o weak_a measure_n of_o grace_n already_o receive_v but_o aught_o to_o endeavour_v to_o attain_v great_a strength_n of_o grace_n i_o shall_v now_o proceed_v to_o the_o improvement_n of_o this_o point_n by_o make_v some_o application_n of_o it_o and_o i_o shall_v direct_v the_o use_n to_o two_o sort_n of_o christian_n 1._o to_o such_o as_o be_v weak_a in_o the_o faith_n 2._o to_o such_o as_o be_v strong_a and_o grow_v christian_n 1._o with_o weak_a believer_n i_o will_v leave_v these_o direction_n and_o consolation_n follow_v 1_o 1._o it_o be_v your_o wisdom_n to_o look_v more_o after_o the_o truth_n of_o your_o grace_n then_o after_o the_o measure_n of_o it_o it_o be_v a_o error_n in_o many_o christian_n especial_o young_a convert_v that_o they_o bring_v their_o grace_n rather_o to_o the_o balance_n then_o to_o the_o touchstone_n 1â—_n they_o weigh_v they_o when_o they_o shall_v try_v they_o peter_n be_v ask_v by_o christ_n simon_n lâ—uâ—st_v thou_o i_o more_o than_o these_o he_o answer_v not_o about_o the_o measure_n of_o his_o love_n but_o about_o the_o truth_n of_o his_o love_n lord_n i_o love_v thou_o and_o thou_o know_v that_o i_o love_v thou_o it_o be_v not_o the_o quantity_n or_o measure_n but_o the_o nature_n and_o essence_n of_o grace_n which_o be_v main_o considerable_a if_o thou_o have_v grace_n in_o truth_n and_o reality_n it_o will_v increase_v be_v sure_a thy_o grace_n be_v right_a and_o as_o the_o light_n shine_v more_o and_o more_o to_o the_o perfect_a day_n and_o as_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o leaven_n be_v that_o it_o do_v spread_v through_o the_o whole_a lump_n so_o be_v grace_n it_o be_v of_o a_o spread_a and_o increase_a nature_n and_o therefore_o be_v careful_a thy_o grace_n for_o nature_n and_o for_o essence_n be_v true_a and_o for_o the_o measure_n of_o it_o it_o will_v then_o increase_v 2._o in_o find_v out_o the_o truth_n of_o grace_n we_o must_v not_o measure_v it_o so_o much_o by_o action_n as_o affection_n and_o holy_a disposition_n of_o the_o heart_n the_o bent_n frame_n and_o tendency_n of_o the_o heart_n be_v the_o best_a discoverer_n of_o grace_n in_o the_o heart_n when_o a_o christian_a cast_v up_o all_o the_o stock_n of_o grace_n he_o have_v he_o will_v find_v that_o it_o do_v consist_v more_o in_o desire_n than_o endeavour_n &_o more_o in_o endeavour_n and_o attempt_n to_o perform_v holy_a duty_n then_o in_o performance_n itself_o natural_a life_n be_v more_o discernible_a by_o the_o heat_n then_o by_o the_o colour_n a_o painter_n may_v counterfeit_v the_o one_o but_o not_o the_o other_o when_o the_o lord_n jesus_n be_v describe_v the_o beauty_n of_o his_o spouse_n he_o do_v not_o say_v how_o fair_a be_v thy_o look_n but_z how_o fair_a be_v thy_o love_n 10._o 3._o be_v not_o discourage_v though_o man_n of_o glorious_a gift_n fall_v away_o for_o the_o poor_a christian_a that_o have_v but_o the_o small_a measure_n of_o grace_n shall_v never_o fall_v away_o the_o gift_n of_o a_o formalist_n may_v quick_o wither_v for_o they_o have_v their_o root_n in_o nature_n but_o the_o grace_n of_o a_o true_a christian_a shall_v never_o perish_v because_o they_o have_v their_o root_n in_o christ_n a_o christian_n life_n be_v hide_v with_o christ_n hide_v in_o he_o as_o in_o a_o root_n 33._o as_o in_o the_o fountain_n of_o life_n a_o paint_a face_n may_v soon_o fade_v so_o do_v not_o a_o true_a and_o natural_a complexion_n the_o varnish_n of_o a_o formal_a hypocrite_n be_v soon_o wash_v out_o but_o when_o true_a grace_n like_o a_o colour_n in_o grain_n have_v grow_v habitual_a in_o the_o soul_n it_o be_v not_o removable_a soon_o will_v the_o sun_n discard_v its_o own_o beam_n than_o christ_n will_v desert_n and_o destroy_v the_o least_o measure_n of_o true_a grace_n which_o be_v a_o beam_n from_o that_o sun_n of_o righteousness_n 3._o improve_v your_o little_a grace_n well_o this_o be_v the_o way_n to_o have_v more_o 1_o to_o he_o that_o have_v shall_v it_o be_v give_v i._n e._n more_o shall_v be_v give_v god_n never_o give_v any_o man_n a_o talon_n to_o hide_v it_o in_o a_o napkin_n the_o least_o measure_n of_o grace_n be_v accountable_a for_o god_n be_v improve_v 1._o when_o we_o ascribe_v all_o the_o glory_n of_o grace_n unto_o god_n as_o he_o say_v right_a 10_o lord_n thy_o pound_n have_v gain_v ten_o pound_n thy_o pound_n and_o not_o my_o pain_n we_o shall_v do_v all_o to_o the_o praise_n of_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n grace_n if_o we_o give_v god_n the_o glory_n of_o his_o grace_n he_o will_v give_v we_o the_o comfort_n of_o our_o grace_n and_o the_o increase_n of_o it_o 2._o when_o for_o the_o edification_n and_o build_n up_o of_o other_o in_o their_o most_o holy_a faith_n to_o do_v good_a to_o other_o be_v the_o best_a way_n to_o get_v more_o good_a ourselves_o the_o more_o the_o well_o be_v draw_v the_o more_o water_n come_v and_o the_o better_a the_o water_n be_v so_o the_o more_o thy_o grace_n be_v exercise_v the_o more_o grace_n thou_o will_v have_v and_o the_o sweet_a will_v the_o comfort_n be_v of_o thy_o grace_n 5._o to_o weak_a chaistian_o do_v not_o deny_v the_o truth_n of_o grace_n in_o your_o soul_n because_o you_o can_v find_v the_o strength_n of_o grace_n in_o your_o soul_n a_o poor_a weak_a man_n in_o a_o consumption_n can_v lift_v up_o such_o a_o weight_n nor_o can_v he_o bear_v such_o a_o burden_n as_o a_o man_n in_o strength_n and_o health_n can_v do_v yet_o he_o have_v life_n as_o well_o as_o the_o strong_a man_n in_o the_o world_n it_o may_v be_v day_n when_o it_o be_v not_o noon_n thou_o may_v in_o respect_n of_o spiritual_a estate_n have_v the_o strength_n of_o a_o child_n though_o not_o the_o strength_n of_o a_o man_n it_o be_v not_o only_o a_o act_n of_o untbank_n fullness_n to_o god_n but_o also_o of_o uncharitableness_n to_o a_o man_n own_o soul_n to_o conclude_v a_o nullity_n of_o grace_n from_o the_o weakness_n of_o it_o 6._o look_v not_o so_o much_o on_o your_o sin_n but_o look_v upon_o your_o grace_n also_o though_o weak_a grace_n weak_a christian_n look_v more_o on_o their_o sin_n then_o on_o their_o grace_n yet_o god_n look_v on_o their_o grace_n and_o overlook_v their_o sin_n and_o infirmity_n say_v the_o holy_a ghost_n 13._o you_o have_v hear_v of_o the_o patience_n of_o job_n he_o may_v also_o have_v say_v you_o have_v hear_v of_o the_o impatiency_n of_o job_n but_o god_n reckon_v of_o his_o people_n not_o by_o what_o be_v bad_a in_o they_o but_o by_o what_o be_v good_a in_o they_o mention_n be_v make_v of_o râ—habs_n entertainment_n of_o the_o spy_n but_o no_o mention_n be_v make_v that_o she_o tell_v the_o lie_n when_o she_o do_v so_o that_o which_o be_v well_o do_v be_v mention_v to_o her_o praise_n and_o what_o be_v amiss_o be_v bury_v in_o silence_n or_o at_o least_o be_v not_o record_v against_o she_o and_o charge_v upon_o she_o he_o that_o draw_v the_o picture_n of_o alexander_n with_o his_o scar_n on_o his_o face_n draw_v he_o with_o his_o finger_n on_o his_o scar_n god_n lay_v the_o finger_n of_o mercy_n upon_o the_o scar_n of_o our_o sin_n oh_o it_o be_v
question_n viz._n what_o be_v the_o note_n the_o scripture_n lay_v down_o of_o strong_a and_o grow_v christian_n quest_n we_o be_v to_o know_v there_o be_v mark_n in_o scripture_n both_o of_o the_o truth_n of_o grace_n as_o also_o of_o the_o strength_n of_o grace_n and_o these_o must_v not_o be_v confound_v but_o distinct_o consider_v our_o present_a question_n be_v about_o mark_n of_o growth_n in_o grace_n 1._o such_o as_o be_v grow_v in_o grace_n answ_n do_v ordinary_o enjoy_v a_o ground_a assurance_n calvin_n and_o comfortable_a manifestation_n of_o the_o love_n of_o god_n in_o christ_n to_o their_o soul_n so_o st._n john_n say_v perfect_a love_n cast_v out_o fear_n the_o more_o perfect_a love_n be_v the_o less_o of_o torment_a fear_n be_v in_o the_o soul_n and_o the_o reason_n of_o our_o fear_n and_o doubt_v be_v for_o want_n of_o love_n we_o can_v comprehend_v the_o great_a love_n of_o god_n in_o christ_n to_o our_o soul_n till_o we_o be_v strengthen_v with_o might_n by_o his_o spirit_n in_o the_o ind_a man_n which_o you_o will_v see_v in_o the_o apostle_n prayer_n for_o the_o ephesian_n 18._o that_o god_n will_v grant_v unto_o they_o according_a to_o the_o riches_n of_o his_o glory_n to_o be_v strengthen_v with_o might_n by_o his_o spirit_n that_o christ_n may_v dwell_v in_o their_o heart_n by_o faith_n and_o that_o they_o may_v be_v root_v and_o ground_v in_o love_n and_o that_o they_o may_v be_v able_a to_o comprehend_v with_o all_o saint_n what_o be_v the_o breadth_n and_o length_n and_o depth_n and_o height_n and_o to_o know_v the_o love_n of_o christ_n etc._n etc._n so_o that_o the_o more_o strength_n of_o grace_n be_v in_o the_o soul_n the_o clear_a be_v our_o comprehension_n of_o christ_n love_n to_o the_o soul_n 2._o strong_a and_o grow_v christian_n be_v able_a answ_n experimental_o to_o comfort_v other_o with_o the_o same_o comfort_n 4._o wherewith_o they_o themselves_o be_v comfort_v of_o god_n and_o when_o they_o be_v convert_v they_o be_v able_a to_o strengthen_v their_o brethren_n expound_v as_o christ_n speakâ—_n to_o peter_n by_o conversion_n in_o that_o place_n be_v not_o mean_v the_o first_o work_n of_o grace_n wronght_n in_o the_o soul_n for_o that_o be_v wrought_v in_o peter_n before_o his_o fall_n but_o the_o meaning_n be_v peter_z when_o thou_o be_v strengthen_v and_o recover_v from_o thy_o fall_n when_o thou_o have_v recover_v strength_n again_o then_o see_v that_o thou_o be_v careful_a to_o strengthen_v other_o who_o perhaps_o may_v fall_v into_o the_o same_o weakness_n with_o thyself_o if_o any_o man_n be_v overtake_v with_o a_o fault_n expound_v say_v paul_n to_o the_o galatian_n you_o that_o be_v spiritual_a restore_v such_o a_o man_n in_o the_o spirit_n of_o meekness_n you_o that_o be_v spiritual_a i.e._n you_o that_o be_v grow_v and_o experience_v christian_n see_v that_o you_o do_v endeavour_n to_o recover_v such_o a_o fall_v brother_n paul_n pray_v for_o the_o philippian_n that_o their_o love_n may_v abound_v yet_o more_o and_o more_o in_o all_o knowledge_n and_o judgement_n expowd_v that_o be_v that_o they_o may_v have_v knowledge_n with_o judgement_n and_o experience_n so_o as_o they_o may_v use_v their_o judicious_a knowledge_n in_o love_n for_o the_o edification_n of_o other_o that_o be_v but_o weak_a in_o grace_n and_o in_o the_o epistle_n to_o the_o roman_n the_o same_o apostle_n lay_v down_o this_o character_n of_o a_o strong_a christian_a 14._o i_o be_o persuade_v of_o you_o my_o brethren_n that_o you_o be_v full_a of_o goodness_n fill_v with_o all_o knowledge_n able_a also_o to_o admonish_v one_o another_o from_o whence_o we_o may_v gather_v the_o character_n mention_v that_o the_o more_o perfect_a any_o christian_n be_v in_o knowledge_n or_o any_o other_o grace_n the_o more_o able_a he_o be_v to_o admonish_v other_o for_o their_o edification_n grow_v christian_n be_v such_o as_o understand_v answ_n the_o great_a and_o profound_a mystery_n of_o religion_n they_o be_v not_o only_o such_o as_o use_v milk_n 13._o and_o understand_v only_o the_o first_o and_o plain_a principle_n 14._o such_o as_o the_o apostle_n call_v babe_n and_o unskilful_a in_o the_o word_n of_o righteousness_n but_o they_o be_v such_o as_o be_v able_a to_o digest_v strong_a meat_n i.e._n the_o deep_a mystery_n of_o the_o gospel_n they_o do_v in_o some_o measure_n understand_v and_o have_v their_o sense_n exercise_v to_o discern_v both_o good_a and_o evil_n that_o be_v to_o judge_v between_o true_a doctrine_n and_o false_a strong_a and_o grow_v christian_n have_v such_o a_o ear_n as_o be_v able_a to_o try_v word_n as_o it_o be_v in_o job_n even_o as_o the_o mouth_n try_v meat_n it_o be_v a_o observation_n of_o the_o learned_a mercer_n 3._o that_o the_o same_o word_n in_o hebrew_a which_o signify_v 11._o a_o ear_n mercer_n in_o the_o dual_a number_n signify_v a_o pair_n of_o balance_n to_o note_v thus_o much_o that_o a_o experience_a and_o judicious_a christian_a will_v weigh_v whatsoever_o he_o hear_v before_o he_o believe_v it_o for_o as_o the_o tongue_n of_o the_o balance_n stand_v as_o a_o judge_n between_o the_o two_o scale_n so_o shall_v the_o heart_n of_o every_o man_n weigh_v what_o he_o hear_v and_o so_o will_v every_o grow_v and_o judicious_a christian_a he_o will_v not_o take_v up_o truth_n upon_o trust_n but_o he_o consider_v first_o and_o believe_v afterward_o nor_o will_v a_o grow_a christian_n take_v up_o with_o inferior_a knowledge_n but_o will_n like_o a_o grow_v scholar_n verba_fw-la be_v search_v after_o the_o deep_a thing_n of_o god_n answ_n a_o grow_v experience_a and_o strong_a christian_a be_v most_o conversant_a and_o employ_v in_o the_o most_o strict_a and_o severe_a exercise_n of_o religion_n which_o tend_v most_o to_o mortification_n weak_a christian_n be_v all_o for_o easy_a and_o ordinary_a exercise_n as_o hear_v and_o read_v good_a book_n but_o a_o strong_a christian_a be_v much_o in_o spiritual_a watchfulness_n secret_a prayer_n frequent_a fast_v self-denial_n and_o heavenly_a meditation_n and_o such_o like_a duty_n as_o have_v a_o special_a influence_n upon_o the_o mortification_n of_o sin_n and_o corruption_n a_o child_n who_o part_n and_o strength_n be_v weak_a answ_n be_v not_o conversant_a about_o such_o arduous_a and_o great_a undertake_n as_o a_o grow_a man_n he_o can_v believe_v the_o accomplishment_n of_o promise_n and_o scripture_n prophecy_n though_o god_n providence_n seem_v to_o make_v against_o they_o and_o though_o there_o seem_v no_o outward_a probability_n for_o they_o thus_o it_o argue_v abraham_n be_v strong_a in_o faith_n expound_v who_o against_o hope_n believe_v in_o hope_n and_o be_v not_o weak_a in_o faith_n he_o consider_v not_o his_o own_o body_n now_o dead_a there_o be_v several_a thing_n may_v have_v stagger_v abraham_n faith_n have_v it_o not_o be_v very_o strong_a 1._o there_o be_v fifteen_o year_n at_o least_o between_o the_o make_n of_o the_o promise_n of_o give_v he_o a_o son_n and_o the_o fulfil_n of_o it_o 5._o 2._o abraham_n be_v about_o a_o hundred_o year_n old_a before_o he_o have_v a_o son_n and_o so_o unlikely_a to_o have_v child_n 3._o sarah_n womb_n dead_a and_o no_o ordinary_a hope_n of_o procreation_n 4._o and_o after_o the_o promise_a son_n be_v bear_v god_n call_v upon_o abraham_n to_o offer_v he_o up_o and_o yet_o notwithstanding_o all_o this_o he_o stagger_v not_o at_o the_o promise_n â—of_n god_n through_o unbelief_n 21._o but_o be_v strong_a in_o faith_n give_v glory_n to_o god_n and_o be_v full_o persuade_v that_o what_o he_o have_v promise_v he_o be_v able_a also_o to_o perform_v a_o strong_a believer_n can_v suffer_v as_o well_o as_o do_v for_o the_o sake_n os_fw-la christ_n answ_n great_a strength_n of_o grace_n be_v require_v to_o suffer_v for_o the_o truth_n then_o to_o profess_v the_o truth_n and_o therefore_o our_o saviour_n propound_v this_o to_o the_o ambitious_a suitor_n the_o son_n of_o zebedee_n be_v you_o able_a to_o drink_v of_o the_o cup_n that_o i_o shall_v drink_v of_o 23._o and_o to_o be_v baptize_v with_o the_o baptism_n wherewith_o i_o be_o baptize_v withal_o imply_v thus_o much_o that_o they_o do_v not_o well_o understand_v their_o own_o strength_n that_o there_o be_v more_o grace_n require_v to_o suffer_v for_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n then_o to_o believe_v on_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n and_o according_o as_o be_v our_o strength_n of_o grace_n so_o be_v our_o courage_n for_o the_o cause_n of_o christ_n less_o or_o more_o nicodemus_n when_o he_o have_v but_o little_a grace_n he_o come_v to_o jesus_n but_o yet_o in_o the_o night_n 2._o by_o stealth_n he_o dare_v not_o open_o appear_v for_o christ_n but_o afterward_o as_o he_o grow_v in_o grace_n and_o knowledge_n of_o christ_n so_o he_o grow_v in_o courage_n for_o christ_n and_o when_o the_o cause_n of_o christ_n be_v
be_v very_o remarkable_a that_o at_o a_o christian_n first_o conversion_n he_o be_v so_o earnest_a and_o eager_a after_o holy_a duty_n that_o he_o will_v hardly_o allow_v time_n for_o the_o duty_n of_o his_o particular_a call_n nay_o how_o have_v man_n at_o first_o tie_v themselves_o to_o hear_v so_o many_o sermon_n make_v so_o many_o prayer_n read_v so_o many_o chapter_n spend_v so_o many_o hour_n in_o holy_a meditation_n by_o ourselves_o and_o good_a conference_n with_o other_o christian_n but_o alas_o afterward_o this_o fervour_n begin_v to_o cool_v and_o remit_v and_o man_n pray_v less_o and_o hear_v more_o seldom_o and_o this_o be_v from_o the_o multitude_n of_o their_o worldly_a occasion_n usual_o man_n at_o their_o first_o conversion_n which_o as_o divine_n have_v observe_v ordinary_o do_v fall_v out_o between_o the_o eighteen_o and_o twenty_o eight_o year_n of_o their_o age_n though_o god_n indeed_o be_v tie_v to_o no_o year_n yet_o man_n at_o that_o age_n have_v usual_o less_o of_o the_o world_n and_o so_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o afterward_o when_o the_o care_n and_o profit_n and_o pleasure_n of_o the_o world_n steal_v away_o their_o affection_n that_o they_o grow_v much_o more_o remiss_a than_o they_o be_v at_o the_o beginning_n 2._o affection_n may_v be_v judge_v to_o be_v decay_v when_o man_n have_v not_o such_o ravish_a joy_n as_o we_o be_v wont_a to_o have_v 2._o how_o many_o have_v be_v at_o first_o in_o david_n frame_n of_o heart_n 1_o i_o be_v glad_a when_o they_o say_v to_o i_o come_v let_v we_o go_v into_o the_o house_n of_o the_o lord_n but_o afterward_o the_o overeflow_a of_o this_o flood_n of_o joy_n by_o degree_n have_v abate_v 3._o when_o sensible_a profit_n by_o ordinance_n be_v abate_v 3._o a_o man_n may_v profit_v by_o ordinance_n and_o yet_o not_o be_v sensible_a of_o that_o his_o profit_v a_o christian_a may_v grow_v at_o the_o root_n in_o solidity_n of_o grace_n though_o it_o may_v be_v not_o shoot_v up_o so_o much_o in_o blossom_n of_o affection_n 2._o in_o what_o case_n may_v a_o strong_a christian_a want_n strong_a affection_n 2._o 1._o in_o case_n you_o have_v less_o sin_n in_o duty_n 1._o though_o less_o affection_n a_o weak_a young_a convert_n have_v oftentimes_o much_o affection_n in_o holy_a duty_n but_o much_o corruption_n too_o they_o be_v very_o subject_a to_o rashness_n and_o precipitancy_n in_o their_o prayer_n and_o to_o be_v proud_a of_o any_o small_a measure_n of_o grace_n in_o duty_n and_o too_o apt_a to_o have_v carnal_a dependence_n upon_o their_o duty_n but_o old_a experience_a christian_n as_o they_o have_v often_o less_o affection_n so_o less_o sin_n in_o duty_n papist_n have_v very_o much_o affection_n in_o the_o performance_n of_o their_o devotion_n but_o alas_o they_o have_v the_o leaven_n of_o this_o error_n in_o their_o best_a duty_n that_o they_o think_v they_o merit_v by_o they_o but_o grow_v and_o know_a christian_n though_o they_o may_v not_o be_v so_o affectionate_a in_o duty_n as_o the_o weak_a yet_o they_o may_v exercise_v much_o more_o grace_n than_o they_o do_v and_o so_o also_o it_o be_v after_o duty_n be_v perform_v weak_a christian_n be_v apt_a to_o indulge_v their_o corruption_n afterward_o think_v they_o have_v make_v a_o compensation_n for_o their_o sin_n by_o their_o duty_n but_o a_o experience_a grow_a christian_a though_o not_o so_o affectionate_a in_o duty_n yet_o he_o be_v careful_a afterward_o that_o he_o do_v not_o by_o sin_n spoil_v all_o his_o duty_n 2._o a_o strong_a christian_a may_v want_v strong_a affection_n 2_o in_o case_n he_o have_v strength_n of_o judgement_n to_o recompense_v the_o want_n of_o his_o affection_n young_a tree_n be_v more_o sappy_a but_o old_a tree_n be_v more_o solid_a wherefore_o the_o apostle_n pray_v for_o the_o philippian_n not_o only_o that_o tbeir_n love_n may_v abound_v but_o that_o their_o judgement_n may_v also_o abound_v 9_o as_o a_o man_n that_o be_v come_v to_o his_o full_a age_n though_o he_o do_v not_o grow_v in_o bulk_n and_o extension_n of_o part_n yet_o he_o grow_v intensive_o and_o in_o the_o consolidation_n of_o the_o part_n of_o the_o body_n so_o old_a and_o experience_a christian_n â—hough_o they_o have_v not_o so_o much_o affection_n yet_o they_o have_v more_o solidity_n and_o clearness_n of_o judgement_n more_o experimental_a knowledge_n in_o the_o profound_a mystery_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o more_o distinct_a apprehension_n of_o the_o deep_a thing_n of_o christ_n a_o strong_a believer_n what_o he_o want_v in_o affection_n he_o have_v compensated_a to_o he_o in_o a_o distinct_a and_o experimental_a knowledge_n of_o the_o deceitfulness_n of_o his_o heart_n of_o the_o vanity_n of_o the_o world_n of_o the_o sinfulness_n of_o sin_n and_o of_o the_o transcendent_a excellency_n of_o christ_n new_a convert_n be_v rash_a inconsiderate_a injudicious_a and_o therefore_o we_o have_v a_o promise_v make_v to_o new_a convert_n that_o they_o shall_v proceed_v in_o grace_n it_o be_v a_o promise_n make_v to_o the_o gentile_n when_o the_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n shall_v come_v among_o they_o that_o though_o at_o the_o first_o they_o be_v rash_a yet_o it_o be_v say_v 4._o the_o heart_n of_o the_o rash_a shall_v understand_v knowledge_n and_o the_o tongue_n of_o the_o stammerer_n shall_v be_v ready_a to_o speak_v plain_a affection_n without_o knowledge_n will_v be_v but_o rashness_n which_o like_o metal_n in_o a_o young_a horse_n will_v be_v apt_a to_o precipitate_v he_o and_o make_v he_o stumble_v a_o experience_a christian_a though_o he_o have_v not_o so_o much_o seem_v metal_n in_o his_o affection_n yet_o shall_v rid_v more_o way_n to_o heaven_n by_o far_o than_o a_o young_a convert_n and_o that_o without_o fear_n of_o stumble_v at_o the_o first_o kindle_v of_o the_o fire_n there_o may_v be_v more_o smoke_n though_o afterward_o the_o flame_n will_v be_v clear_a so_o when_o at_o first_o thou_o have_v much_o affection_n afterward_o thou_o shall_v have_v a_o clear_a judgement_n 3._o a_o strong_a christian_a may_v want_v strong_a affection_n in_o case_n it_o proceed_v from_o a_o natural_a temper_n 3._o and_o not_o from_o a_o sinful_a careless_a distemper_n there_o be_v some_o person_n that_o be_v natural_o of_o a_o soft_a and_o tender_a disposition_n and_o these_o be_v natural_o more_o affectionate_a nay_o the_o woman_n who_o be_v the_o weak_a vessel_n common_o her_o heart_n hold_v most_o affection_n and_o so_o likewise_o there_o be_v some_o who_o natural_o be_v more_o bind_v up_o in_o their_o affection_n and_o be_v of_o a_o reserve_a temper_n who_o natural_o do_v not_o break_v out_o into_o any_o great_a expression_n either_o of_o the_o passion_n of_o joy_n or_o grief_n we_o read_v in_o the_o gospel_n that_o they_o that_o express_v most_o affection_n to_o christ_n at_o his_o death_n and_o make_v the_o most_o passionate_a lamentation_n for_o he_o be_v the_o woman_n 27._o who_o natural_o be_v of_o a_o more_o melt_a disposition_n some_o man_n disposition_n be_v like_o ice_n they_o will_v easy_o thaw_v and_o melt_v other_o like_o iron_n it_o must_v be_v a_o a_o hot_a fire_n that_o will_v 〈◊〉_d they_o down_o so_o it_o be_v some_o man_n will_v be_v more_o affectionate_a upon_o a_o small_a occasion_n than_o other_o upon_o a_o great_a and_o this_o be_v from_o natural_a disposition_n melancthon_n be_v not_o so_o affectionate_a as_o luther_n but_o it_o be_v observe_v that_o he_o be_v more_o judicious_a 4._o in_o case_n of_o sickness_n and_o old_a age_n and_o bodily_a weakness_n 4._o he_o that_o have_v strength_n of_o grace_n may_v yet_o want_v strength_n of_o affection_n the_o expression_n of_o our_o affection_n depend_v much_o upon_o the_o temperature_n of_o the_o body_n if_o bodily_a strength_n and_o vigour_n be_v impair_v our_o affection_n must_v needs_o flag_n as_o the_o ebb_a and_o flow_v of_o the_o sea_n depend_v upon_o the_o motion_n and_o influence_n of_o the_o moon_n so_o our_o affection_n do_v ebb_n and_o flow_v much_o what_o as_o the_o strength_n or_o weakness_n of_o the_o body_n have_v a_o influence_n upon_o they_o as_o a_o musician_n when_o he_o be_v grow_v old_a can_v so_o dexterous_o handle_v a_o instrument_n as_o when_o he_o be_v young_a though_o perhaps_o he_o have_v now_o more_o judgement_n and_o experience_n in_o music_n so_o it_o be_v in_o old_a age_n that_o bring_v experience_n in_o the_o way_n of_o god_n yet_o may_v abate_v affection_n old_a age_n and_o sickness_n make_v the_o body_n like_o a_o tire_a horse_n to_o the_o active_a soul_n a_o active_a traveller_n will_v fain_o ride_v away_o to_o his_o journey_n end_n but_o his_o horse_n be_v tire_v a_o age_a sickly_a christian_n may_v have_v as_o much_o grace_n and_o more_o than_o ne_v have_v at_o first_o and_o yet_o not_o be_v so_o able_a to_o pray_v and_o so_o a_o minister_n not_o so_o able_a
the_o comfortable_a knowledge_n of_o our_o pardon_n be_v as_o well_o from_o god_n free_a grace_n as_o the_o pardon_n itself_o and_o therefore_o god_n suspend_v the_o comfort_n of_o grace_n to_o make_v we_o look_v up_o to_o he_o for_o it_o when_o thou_o repente_v god_n give_v a_o pardon_n but_o therein_o he_o reward_v his_o own_o work_n in_o thou_o to_o give_v a_o pardon_n or_o sense_n of_o a_o pardon_n be_v a_o act_n of_o mere_a liberality_n in_o god_n 4._o god_n do_v this_o to_o put_v a_o difference_n between_o heaven_n and_o earth_n heaven_n be_v a_o place_n for_o comfort_n earth_n for_o duty_n earth_n be_v for_o the_o get_n of_o grace_n heaven_n for_o the_o reward_v of_o grace_n our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n like_o the_o good_a master_n of_o the_o feast_n reserve_v the_o best_a for_o last_o the_o son_n of_o noble_n when_o they_o travel_v into_o foreign_a part_n have_v no_o more_o allowance_n than_o what_o will_v accommodate_v their_o travel_n the_o inheritance_n be_v reserve_v for_o they_o when_o they_o come_v to_o their_o father_n house_n so_o believer_n who_o be_v stranger_n and_o pilgrim_n here_o they_o have_v so_o much_o grace_n and_o comfort_n as_o befit_v their_o passage_n to_o heaven_n but_o they_o have_v a_o inheritance_n incorruptible_a undefiled_a that_o fade_v not_o away_o but_o be_v reserve_v in_o the_o heaven_n god_n think_v it_o not_o sit_v to_o give_v constant_a comfort_n in_o a_o inconstant_a world_n nor_o full_a comfort_n in_o a_o empty_a world_n nor_o last_a comfort_n in_o a_o transitory_a world_n 2._o reason_n may_v be_v take_v from_o ourselves_o and_o that_o in_o many_o regard_n that_o have_v much_o grace_n yet_o may_v have_v but_o a_o little_a comfort_n and_o this_o may_v spring_v from_o a_o threefold_a root_n in_o we_o 1._o from_o something_o that_o be_v mere_o natural_a in_o we_o 2._o from_o something_o that_o be_v spiritual_a and_o good_a 3._o from_o something_o that_o be_v evil_a in_o we_o 1._o this_o may_v arise_v from_o the_o prevalency_n of_o a_o natural_a melancholy_n in_o the_o body_n whereby_o the_o understanding_n may_v be_v darken_v the_o fancy_n trouble_v reason_n pervert_v and_o the_o soul_n sadn_v melancholy_n be_v the_o mother_n of_o discomfort_n and_o the_o nurser_n of_o doubt_v it_o be_v as_o some_o think_v depth_n of_o melancholy_n that_o prevail_v upon_o nabuchadnezzar_n that_o he_o do_v not_o know_v while_o under_o the_o power_n of_o that_o distemper_n whether_o he_o be_v a_o man_n or_o a_o beast_n and_o in_o the_o like_a manner_n may_v this_o bodily_a melancholy_n so_o far_o distemper_v thy_o soul_n that_o thâ—â—_n who_o have_v grace_v yet_o may_v not_o know_v whether_o thou_o be_v a_o child_n of_o god_n or_o a_o child_n of_o the_o devil_n it_o be_v no_o more_o wonder_n to_o see_v a_o melancholy_a man_n doubt_n and_o question_v his_o spiritual_a condition_n than_o it_o be_v to_o see_v a_o child_n cry_v when_o he_o be_v beat_v or_o to_o hear_v a_o sick_a man_n groan_n you_o may_v silence_v a_o melancholy_a man_n when_o you_o be_v not_o able_a to_o comfort_v he_o and_o though_o you_o may_v resolve_v his_o doubt_n and_o scruple_n by_o evident_a and_o convince_a answer_n and_o argument_n yet_o let_v but_o such_o a_o man_n retire_v alone_o and_o brood_n over_o his_o melancholy_a thought_n by_o the_o prevalency_n of_o this_o perturb_v humour_n all_o be_v forget_v and_o he_o be_v as_o unsatisfied_a as_o if_o you_o have_v say_v nothing_o to_o he_o and_o you_o may_v perceive_v that_o it_o be_v the_o power_n of_o melancholy_n that_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o a_o man_n distemper_n when_o he_o be_v very_o much_o trouble_v and_o yet_o can_v give_v no_o distinct_a account_n of_o any_o particular_a thing_n that_o do_v trouble_v he_o 2._o this_o discomfort_n often_o arise_v from_o that_o which_o be_v good_a in_o we_o viz._n from_o that_o holy_a jealousy_n and_o tenderness_n of_o conscience_n which_o make_v a_o child_n of_o god_n suspect_v and_o inquire_v into_o his_o condition_n and_o though_o he_o have_v true_a grace_n and_o much_o grace_n yet_o he_o be_v afraid_a lest_o all_o be_v but_o a_o delusion_n in_o such_o case_n the_o soul_n do_v so_o poor_a on_o sin_n and_o infirmity_n that_o it_o can_v see_v its_o own_o evidence_n a_o tender_a conscience_n be_v more_o apt_a to_o be_v deject_v in_o the_o sight_n of_o sin_n then_o to_o be_v comfort_v in_o the_o sense_n of_o grace_n and_o the_o reason_n of_o this_o be_v because_o sin_n do_v more_o direct_o fall_v under_o the_o cognizance_n of_o our_o conscience_n especial_o a_o natural_a conscience_n 17._o the_o work_n of_o the_o flesh_n be_v manifest_a but_o the_o fruit_n of_o grace_n and_o of_o the_o spirit_n be_v not_o so_o easy_o discern_v 3._o this_o discomfort_n usual_o spring_v from_o a_o root_n of_o bitterness_n even_o in_o the_o best_a of_o god_n child_n and_o that_o whereby_o god_n do_v punish_v the_o sin_n of_o his_o people_n 1._o their_o quench_v the_o motion_n of_o the_o spirit_n tractatur_fw-la if_o you_o grieve_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n it_o be_v just_a with_o god_n to_o grieve_v your_o spirit_n you_o never_o send_v god_n spirit_n sad_a to_o heaven_n but_o god_n may_v make_v sad_a your_o spirit_n on_o earth_n 2._o sleightinesse_n and_o fearlessenesse_n of_o heart_n towards_o god_n when_o child_n grow_v saucy_a peremptory_a and_o malapert_a before_o their_o parent_n it_o be_v no_o wonder_n if_o a_o father_n frown_n correct_v not_o their_o irreverence_n most_o of_o those_o who_o lie_v uncomfortable_o under_o sense_n of_o displeasure_n of_o god_n may_v thank_v themselves_o for_o it_o they_o have_v provoke_v god_n by_o their_o bearing_n themselves_o too_o much_o upon_o his_o love_n and_o grow_v secure_a and_o fearless_a to_o offend_v god_n god_n love_v to_o have_v his_o child_n come_v near_o he_o in_o a_o holy_a confidence_n that_o he_o be_v their_o father_n but_o yet_o to_o keep_v their_o distance_n by_o humble_a reverence_n 3._o another_o sin_n that_o god_n punish_v in_o his_o child_n by_o withhold_v comfort_n from_o they_o that_o be_v strong_a in_o grace_n be_v their_o superciliousnesse_n contempt_n and_o uncompassionatenesse_n towards_o other_o that_o be_v but_o weak_a in_o grace_n god_n own_o people_n be_v very_o much_o to_o blame_v herein_o in_o rigour_n and_o unmercifulnesse_n towards_o those_o that_o be_v weak_a in_o the_o faith_n despise_v all_o that_o be_v inferior_a to_o they_o in_o gift_n and_o grace_n whereby_o they_o often_o break_v the_o bruise_a reed_n and_o quench_v the_o smoke_a flax_n and_o want_v bowel_n of_o pity_n and_o tenderness_n towards_o their_o brethren_n to_o take_v down_o pride_n god_n often_o bring_v such_o even_o his_o own_o people_n to_o be_v low_a in_o comfort_n and_o it_o be_v but_o just_a that_o they_o shall_v want_v comfort_n who_o have_v neglect_v to_o comfort_n and_o cherish_v those_o that_o be_v weak_a in_o grace_n 4._o a_o grow_a cold_a and_o lazy_a and_o heedless_a in_o holy_a duty_n if_o we_o put_v off_o god_n without_o true_a service_n god_n may_v just_o put_v we_o off_o without_o true_a comfort_n this_o rule_n hold_v in_o spiritual_a affair_n he_o that_o will_v not_o work_v shall_v not_o eat_v if_o we_o abate_v in_o the_o sanctify_a work_n of_o the_o spirit_n it_o be_v but_o just_a that_o god_n withhold_v the_o comfort_a work_n of_o the_o spirit_n the_o sluggard_n say_v solomon_n have_v poverty_n enough_o so_o if_o we_o grow_v lazy_a and_o sluggish_a in_o holy_a duty_n it_o be_v just_a that_o our_o stock_n of_o comfort_n do_v decay_v though_o holy_a duty_n do_v not_o merit_v comfort_n yet_o comfort_v usual_o rise_v and_o fall_v according_a to_o our_o diligence_n in_o duty_n true_a grace_n be_v never_o so_o apparent_a to_o and_o sensible_a in_o the_o soul_n as_o when_o it_o be_v in_o action_n and_o therefore_o want_v of_o exercise_n must_v needs_o cause_v want_n of_o comfort_n as_o fire_v in_o the_o flint_n be_v never_o see_v or_o feel_v till_o it_o be_v strike_v out_o by_o the_o steel_n so_o be_v grace_n and_o the_o comfort_n of_o grace_n never_o so_o sensible_a as_o when_o it_o be_v exercise_v much_o in_o holy_a duty_n 5._o any_o one_o sin_n indulge_v by_o or_o conceal_v in_o the_o conscience_n be_v enough_o to_o mar_v all_o your_o comfort_n conceal_a guilt_n contract_v horror_n the_o candle_n will_v never_o burn_v clear_a while_o there_o be_v a_o thief_n in_o it_o sin_n in_o the_o conscience_n be_v like_o jonah_n in_o the_o ship_n which_o cause_v a_o tempest_n that_o the_o conscience_n be_v like_o a_o trouble_a sea_n who_o water_n can_v rest_v or_o it_o be_v like_o a_o mote_n in_o the_o eye_n which_o cause_v a_o perpetual_a trouble_n while_o it_o be_v there_o or_o like_o the_o wind_n gather_v in_o the_o cavern_n of_o the_o earth_n make_v earthquake_n and_o terrible_a eruption_n it_o be_v just_a
strong_a meat_n 5._o they_o that_o have_v much_o grace_n and_o be_v strong_a in_o grace_n yet_o have_v cause_n to_o be_v humble_a because_o its_o likely_a they_o have_v more_o grace_n and_o do_v more_o good_a heretofore_o then_o now_o and_o who_o be_v there_o almost_o that_o be_v not_o decay_v that_o have_v not_o in_o some_o degree_n or_o other_o leave_v their_o first_o love_n 5._o have_v you_o not_o have_v i_o speak_v to_o grow_v and_o experience_a christian_n more_o love_n and_o zeal_n to_o god_n more_o hatred_n of_o sin_n more_o grief_n for_o sin_n more_o fear_n of_o offend_a god_n then_o now_o you_o have_v be_v there_o not_o many_o that_o have_v and_o do_v express_v less_o desire_n after_o duty_n less_o fervency_n less_o frequency_n less_o delight_n in_o holy_a duty_n then_o former_o alas_o how_o many_o through_o pride_n and_o spiritual_a improvidence_n through_o neglect_n of_o ordinance_n and_o worldly_a mindedness_n have_v much_o abate_v in_o their_o spiritual_a estate_n 6._o be_v humble_v that_o though_o you_o be_v strong_a in_o grace_n yet_o you_o have_v many_o corruption_n in_o you_o more_o strong_a than_o many_o grace_n more_o be_v our_o vain_a thought_n then_o our_o meditation_n and_o more_o be_v the_o thing_n we_o be_v ignorant_a of_o then_o the_o thing_n we_o know_v nescimus_fw-la corruption_n be_v strong_a enough_o to_o keep_v grace_n low_a but_o in_o the_o best_a grace_n be_v not_o strong_a enough_o to_o bring_v corruption_n under_o when_o we_o will_v do_v good_a evil_a be_v persent_a and_o powerful_a with_o we_o 21._o to_o hinder_v we_o from_o do_v of_o good_a but_o when_o we_o be_v do_v of_o evil_a good_a be_v not_o present_a to_o hinder_v we_o from_o that_o evil_n we_o be_v more_o in_o sin_v then_o in_o obey_v our_o corruption_n be_v like_o goliath_n our_o grace_n as_o david_n we_o exercise_v more_o kind_n of_o sin_n than_o grace_n as_o in_o a_o seldom_o there_o be_v more_o briat_n and_o thorn_n then_o useful_a tree_n and_o in_o a_o garden_n more_o unprofitable_a weed_n than_o rose_n and_o lily_n so_o in_o the_o soul_n of_o the_o best_a there_o be_v whole_a swarm_n of_o vain_a earthly_a and_o sinful_a thought_n when_o there_o be_v but_o very_o few_o holy_a and_o heavenly_a thought_n 7._o another_o argument_n why_o strong_a christian_n shall_v be_v humble_a be_v this_o that_o though_o they_o may_v have_v grace_n yet_o they_o be_v subject_a to_o fall_v into_o that_o sin_n which_o be_v most_o contrary_a to_o that_o grace_n wherein_o they_o be_v most_o eminent_a abraham_n be_v most_o eminent_a for_o faith_n 20._o he_o be_v say_v to_o be_v strong_a in_o faith_n he_o be_v call_v the_o father_n of_o the_o faithful_a 9_o they_o which_o be_v of_o faith_n be_v bless_v with_o faithful_a abraham_n and_o yet_o for_o all_o this_o abraham_n fall_v into_o distrust_n of_o god_n providence_n and_o power_n when_o he_o speak_v untrue_o and_o deny_v his_o wife_n 2._o so_o job_n be_v renown_v for_o his_o patience_n you_o have_v hear_v of_o the_o patience_n of_o job_n say_v st._n james_n 11._o and_o yet_o we_o read_v in_o the_o story_n of_o job_n trial_n 9_o that_o his_o impatiency_n do_v break_v out_o in_o many_o rash_a speech_n and_o wish_n so_o moses_n be_v eminent_o meek_a it_o be_v say_v of_o he_o the_o man_n moses_n be_v very_o meek_a above_o all_o the_o man_n which_o be_v upon_o the_o face_n of_o the_o earth_n and_o yet_o it_o be_v say_v of_o he_o 2._o that_o his_o spirit_n be_v provoke_v 33._o so_o that_o he_o speak_v unadvised_o with_o his_o lip_n and_o you_o shall_v find_v meek_a moses_n thus_o expostulate_v with_o god_n himself_o i_o be_o not_o able_a to_o bear_v all_o the_o people_n alone_o because_o it_o be_v too_o heavy_a for_o i_o and_o if_o thou_o deal_v thus_o with_o i_o kill_v i_o i_o pray_v thou_o out_o of_o hand_n and_o if_o i_o have_v find_v fovour_n in_o thy_o eye_n 15._o let_v i_o not_o see_v my_o wretchedness_n 8._o this_o further_a consideration_n may_v also_o humble_v we_o that_o in_o the_o high_a and_o great_a exercise_n of_o grace_n there_o be_v much_o mixture_n of_o sin_n we_o may_v observe_v that_o even_o those_o good_a action_n for_o which_o many_o of_o the_o people_n of_o god_n be_v record_v in_o scripture_n be_v yet_o blemish_v with_o some_o notable_a defect_n râ—hab's_n faith_n in_o entertain_v the_o spy_n be_v blemish_v with_o this_o fail_n in_o tell_v a_o lie_n concern_v they_o it_o be_v also_o good_a the_o midwife_n do_v when_o they_o refuse_v to_o obey_v that_o bloody_a decree_n of_o the_o king_n of_o egypt_n 19_o and_o will_v not_o kill_v the_o male-children_n of_o the_o hebrew_n and_o yet_o they_o miscarry_v as_o some_o observe_v in_o their_o answer_n to_o the_o king_n when_o they_o make_v their_o excuse_n we_o be_v apt_a to_o mingle_v sin_n with_o the_o best_a action_n we_o do_v and_o so_o apt_a to_o plough_v with_o a_o ox_n and_o a_o ass_n and_o our_o corruption_n be_v apt_a to_o discover_v themselves_o even_o while_o we_o be_v upon_o the_o exercise_n our_o grace_n 3._o let_v the_o strong_a labour_n to_o be_v more_o strong_a that_o so_o they_o may_v be_v strengthen_v with_o all_o might_n 11._o according_a to_o his_o glorious_a power_n unto_o all_o patience_n and_o long-suffering_a with_o joyfulness_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v that_o the_o apostle_n pray_v for_o the_o romone_n that_o they_o may_v be_v fill_v by_o the_o god_n of_o hâ—pe_n 14._o with_o all_o joy_n and_o peace_n in_o believe_v that_o they_o may_v abound_v in_o hope_n through_o the_o power_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o yet_o in_o the_o next_o verse_n he_o tell_v they_o i_o myself_o be_o persuade_v of_o you_o my_o brethren_n that_o you_o be_v full_a of_o goodness_n and_o that_o you_o be_v fill_v with_o all_o knowledge_n and_o as_o he_o pray_v for_o the_o roman_n upon_o the_o same_o term_n he_o press_v the_o thessaionians_n of_o who_o he_o thus_o speak_v 10._o now_o as_o touch_v brotherly_a love_n you_o need_v not_o that_o i_o write_v unto_o you_o for_o you_o yourselves_o be_v teach_v of_o god_n to_o love_v one_o another_o and_o indeed_o you_o do_v it_o towards_o all_o the_o brethren_n which_o be_v in_o all_o macedonia_n but_o we_o beseech_v you_o brethren_n that_o you_o increase_v more_o and_o more_o the_o righteous_a say_v job_n shall_v hold_v on_o his_o way_n 9_o and_o he_o that_o have_v clean_a hand_n shall_v be_v strong_a and_o strong_a to_o quicken_v you_o hereunto_o consider_v 1._o the_o more_o grace_n we_o have_v on_o earth_n the_o more_o glory_n we_o shall_v have_v in_o heaven_n as_o god_n do_v unequal_o dispense_v his_o gift_n in_o this_o life_n bucha_fw-mi so_o according_o he_o crown_v there_o be_v degree_n of_o torment_n in_o hell_n the_o hypocritical_a scribe_n and_o pharisee_n who_o devour_v widow_n house_n and_o for_o a_o pretence_n make_v long_a prayer_n be_v doom_v by_o christ_n himself_o to_o receive_v great_a damnation_n 14._o and_o that_o servant_n who_o know_v his_o lord_n will_v and_o prepare_v not_o himself_o neither_o do_v according_a to_o his_o will_n shall_v be_v beat_v with_o many_o stripe_n now_o if_o there_o be_v different_a degree_n of_o torment_n in_o hell_n then_o sure_o there_o be_v different_a degree_n of_o glory_n in_o heaven_n and_o those_o according_a to_o different_a degree_n of_o grace_n here_o on_o earth_n 2._o it_o be_v of_o the_o nature_n of_o grace_n to_o grow_v and_o increase_v 47_o and_o therefore_o if_o thou_o have_v grace_v either_o in_o truth_n of_o it_o or_o in_o strength_n of_o it_o it_o will_v certain_o grow_v grace_n in_o scripture_n be_v compare_v to_o a_o grain_n of_o mustardseed_n the_o least_o of_o seed_n which_o afterward_o sprout_n and_o spring_n so_o 33._o aâ—_n that_o it_o become_v the_o large_a of_o plant_n in_o the_o same_o chapter_n grace_n be_v compare_v unto_o leaven_n which_o be_v put_v into_o the_o heap_n of_o meal_n leaven_v the_o whole_a so_o grace_n as_o i_o touch_v before_o in_o the_o heart_n be_v of_o a_o spread_a nature_n and_o will_v diffuse_v itself_o into_o all_o the_o part_n power_n and_o faculty_n of_o soul_n and_o body_n christian_n be_v therefore_o compare_v to_o the_o branch_n of_o a_o vine_n 1._o which_o of_o all_o tree_n grow_v most_o and_o bring_v forth_o most_o fruit_n a_o picture_n do_v not_o grow_v but_o a_o live_a child_n will_v grow_v 3._o such_o as_o be_v strong_a christian_n shall_v yet_o grow_v more_o and_o more_o because_o in_o this_o world_n there_o be_v not_o stint_v and_o measure_v set_v for_o spiritual_a growth_n the_o maximum_fw-la quod_fw-la sic_fw-la of_o a_o christian_a be_v this_o he_o must_v grow_v in_o grace_n till_o his_o head_n reach_v up_o to_o heaven_n till_o grace_v be_v perfect_v in_o glory_n 4._o shall_v worldling_n set_v no_o bound_n to_o their_o desire_n after_o