of_o religious_a melancholy_n a_o sermon_n preach_v before_o the_o queen_n at_o white-hall_n march_v 6._o 1691_o 2._o psalm_n xlii_o 6._o why_o be_v thou_o cast_v down_o oh_o my_o soul_n and_o why_o be_v thou_o so_o disquiet_v in_o i_o by_o the_o right_n reverend_a father_n in_o god_n john_n lord_n bishop_n of_o norwich_n publish_a by_o her_o majesty_n special_a command_n the_o five_o edition_n london_n print_v and_o sell_v by_o h._n hill_n in_o blackfriars_a near_o the_o waterside_n for_o the_o benefit_n of_o the_o poor_a psalm_n xlii_o 6._o why_o be_v thou_o cast_v down_o oh_o my_o soul_n and_o why_o be_v thou_o disquiet_v in_o i_o a_o man_n in_o no_o part_n of_o his_o life_n wherein_o he_o be_v sensible_a he_o have_v offend_v god_n can_v be_v exempt_v from_o the_o duty_n of_o repent_v present_o it_o be_v a_o obligation_n which_o constant_o lie_v upon_o he_o whenever_o he_o perceive_v his_o sin_n to_o ask_v pardon_n for_o it_o and_o to_o forsake_v it_o however_o consider_v the_o multitude_n of_o business_n and_o many_o diversion_n man_n meet_v with_o in_o the_o ordinary_a course_n of_o thing_n that_o hinder_v they_o from_o repent_v as_o they_o ought_v to_o do_v of_o their_o sin_n it_o be_v of_o absolute_a necessity_n that_o they_o shall_v single_v out_o and_o set_v apart_o several_a portion_n of_o their_o time_n wherein_o they_o may_v exact_o consider_v their_o spiritual_a condition_n severe_o judge_v their_o action_n and_o narrow_o search_v into_o the_o occasion_n and_o cause_n of_o their_o error_n and_o failing_n and_o endeavour_v to_o find_v the_o best_a mean_n to_o prevent_v the_o same_o crime_n for_o the_o future_a a_o good_a part_n of_o that_o season_n be_v now_o spend_v which_o our_o church_n have_v appoint_v for_o a_o review_n of_o our_o life_n and_o to_o discover_v our_o trespass_n against_o the_o divine_a law_n that_o we_o may_v humble_v our_o soul_n for_o they_o and_o amend_v whatever_o we_o find_v amiss_o and_o during_o this_o season_n you_o have_v hear_v the_o nature_n of_o repentance_n often_o and_o full_o explain_v and_o the_o most_o prevail_a reason_n urge_v to_o excite_v your_o care_n and_o engage_v your_o diligence_n in_o a_o matter_n of_o such_o infinite_a consequence_n to_o your_o salvition_n and_o i_o hope_v with_o good_a effect_n on_o the_o mind_n of_o many_o who_o in_o secret_n have_v bless_v god_n most_o hearty_o for_o these_o public_a occasion_n of_o reform_v themselves_o and_o make_v their_o peace_n with_o he_o but_o notwithstanding_o these_o solemn_a season_n be_v design_v for_o the_o benefit_n of_o all_o man_n that_o the_o bad_a may_v be_v convert_v than_o the_o weak_a may_v be_v confirm_v and_o that_o those_o who_o have_v make_v a_o large_a progress_n in_o the_o way_n of_o virtue_n may_v still_o proceed_v to_o further_a degree_n of_o perfection_n yet_o it_o be_v manifest_a that_o as_o harden_a sinner_n who_o have_v little_a four_o of_o god_n and_o no_o regard_n of_o their_o duty_n do_v certain_o grow_v worse_o by_o their_o contempt_n and_o neglect_n of_o these_o opportunity_n so_o also_o that_o diverse_a good_a christian_n but_o of_o timorous_a and_o melancholy_a constitution_n do_v fear_v they_o do_v not_o become_v better_o or_o receive_v any_o improvement_n from_o they_o for_o they_o feel_v no_o present_a comfort_n from_o their_o long_a and_o strict_a fast_n nor_o from_o their_o earnest_n and_o often-repeated_n prayer_n do_v conclude_v that_o whatever_o they_o have_v be_v do_v in_o the_o service_n of_o god_n be_v so_o mean_a and_o full_a of_o imperfection_n that_o it_o will_v neither_o please_v he_o nor_o profit_v their_o own_o soul_n wherefore_o at_o this_o time_n i_o shall_v not_o insist_v upon_o the_o argument_n which_o be_v proper_a to_o affect_v and_o awaken_v obdurate_a offender_n but_o rather_o apply_v myself_o to_o the_o case_n of_o those_o melancholy_a person_n who_o notwithstanding_o they_o be_v in_o a_o safe_a condition_n yet_o be_v in_o great_a need_n to_o have_v their_o mind_n quiet_v and_o compose_v so_o that_o even_o they_o who_o indeed_o most_o deserve_v it_o may_v have_v their_o share_n of_o advantage_n from_o such_o holy_a season_n as_o these_o the_o scruple_n and_o fear_n which_o disturb_v they_o be_v manifold_a i_o now_o can_v only_o have_v time_n to_o consider_v two_o or_o three_o of_o those_o case_n which_o as_o more_o common_o so_o more_o violent_o use_v to_o disorder_n and_o affright_v they_o and_o shall_v give_v the_o most_o satisfactory_a answer_n to_o they_o that_o i_o can_v 1._o the_o first_o case_n be_v of_o those_o who_o be_v apt_a to_o think_v that_o the_o reformation_n of_o their_o lites_n have_v not_o proceed_v from_o a_o sincere_a love_n of_o god_n and_o a_o unwillingness_n to_o displease_v he_o but_o from_o a_o mere_a dread_n of_o those_o punishment_n which_o he_o have_v threaten_v 2._o the_o second_o case_n relate_v to_o they_o who_o find_v a_o flatness_n on_o their_o mind_n and_o want_v of_o zeal_n when_o they_o apply_v themselves_o to_o any_o religious_a duty_n which_o make_v they_o fear_n that_o what_o they_o do_v be_v so_o defective_a and_o unfit_a to_o be_v present_v unto_o god_n that_o he_o will_v not_o accept_v it_o insomuch_o that_o this_o coldness_n when_o they_o be_v employ_v in_o their_o devotion_n do_v lamentable_o deject_v they_o and_o even_o tempt_v they_o to_o lay_v the_o practice_n of_o they_o aside_o 3._o the_o three_o case_n do_v concern_v those_o unhappy_a person_n who_o have_v naughty_a and_o sometime_o blasphemous_a thought_n start_v up_o in_o their_o mind_n while_o they_o be_v exercise_v in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n which_o make_v ready_a to_o charge_v themselves_o with_o the_o sin_n against_o the_o holy_a ghost_n to_o pronounce_v their_o condition_n to_o be_v without_o hope_n of_o remedy_n and_o that_o god_n have_v utter_o cast_v they_o off_o 1._o i_o begin_v with_o those_o person_n who_o be_v apt_a to_o think_v that_o the_o reformation_n of_o their_o life_n have_v not_o proceed_v from_o a_o sincere_a love_n of_o god_n and_o a_o unwillingness_n to_o offend_v he_o but_o from_o a_o mere_a dread_n of_o those_o punishment_n which_o he_o have_v threaten_v to_o inflict_v on_o unrelenting_a sinner_n their_o doubt_n be_v that_o fear_n which_o have_v have_v the_o great_a influence_n in_o reclaim_v they_o from_o a_o ill_a life_n be_v but_o a_o slavish_a and_o sordid_a passion_n which_o god_n do_v despise_v and_o that_o he_o will_v refuse_v all_o those_o service_n which_o do_v not_o spring_v from_o a_o noble_a principle_n for_o see_v god_n be_v love_n he_o will_v not_o be_v please_v with_o any_o sacrifice_n but_o what_o be_v offer_v by_o love_n i_o answer_v that_o there_o can_v be_v no_o question_n but_o love_n be_v a_o more_o noble_a principle_n of_o action_n than_o fear_n and_o therefore_o that_o the_o religious_a service_n which_o have_v its_o rise_n from_o love_n be_v more_o perfect_a more_o angelical_a and_o more_o grateful_a to_o god_n but_o for_o all_o that_o he_o will_v not_o turn_v aside_o his_o face_n from_o those_o weak_a and_o less_o improve_v servant_n of_o he_o who_o service_n and_o obedience_n owe_v themselves_o chief_o to_o their_o fear_n they_o who_o have_v forsake_v their_o evil_a way_n out_o of_o a_o horrible_a dread_n that_o they_o will_v lead_v they_o to_o the_o pit_n of_o hell_n will_n it_o be_v to_o be_v hope_v find_v a_o place_n in_o the_o glorious_a kingdom_n of_o heaven_n for_o hell_n be_v make_v on_o purpose_n to_o terrify_v dare_v sinner_n and_o to_o reduce_v and_o confine_v they_o within_o the_o bound_n of_o their_o duty_n the_o thing_n than_o i_o affirm_v be_v this_o that_o they_o who_o have_v depart_v from_o their_o iniquity_n out_o of_o fear_n that_o have_v they_o continue_v in_o they_o they_o shall_v have_v be_v condemn_v to_o dwell_v with_o everlasting_a burn_n will_v at_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o great_a day_n be_v allow_v to_o have_v be_v true_a penitent_n who_o god_n will_v set_v on_o his_o right_a hand_n and_o receive_v into_o the_o bright_a mansion_n of_o infinite_a happiness_n which_o may_v be_v prove_v by_o the_o follow_a reason_n 1._o fear_n be_v one_o of_o the_o passion_n god_n have_v plant_v in_o our_o soul_n as_o well_o as_o love_n they_o be_v both_o the_o creature_n of_o his_o wisdom_n and_o power_n and_o whatever_o he_o do_v put_v in_o we_o be_v for_o some_o end_n and_o may_v have_v a_o good_a use_n wherefore_o when_o the_o passion_n of_o fear_n do_v serve_v the_o end_n for_o which_o god_n graft_v it_o in_o our_o mind_n there_o can_v be_v no_o doubt_n but_o he_o will_v approve_v the_o good_a effect_n which_o it_o do_v produce_v now_o the_o end_n for_o which_o god_n place_v fear_n in_o our_o nature_n be_v chief_o to_o beget_v in_o we_o a_o awful_a regard_n of_o his_o most_o glorious_a majesty_n to_o make_v we_o dread_n violate_v
i_o say_v but_o meditate_v upon_o these_o mercy_n of_o your_o god_n and_o try_v whether_o your_o heart_n will_v not_o all_o melt_v into_o love_n and_o affection_n can_v we_o say_v too_o much_o or_o think_v too_o long_o of_o this_o saviour_n who_o do_v join_v himself_o to_o our_o flesh_n that_o he_o may_v loose_v the_o band_n of_o our_o iniquity_n who_o be_v in_o the_o form_n of_o god_n take_v the_o form_n of_o a_o servant_n that_o he_o may_v destroy_v the_o power_n of_o those_o sin_n which_o will_v have_v enslave_v both_o our_o soul_n and_o body_n and_o make_v we_o for_o ever_o miserable_a sure_o we_o can_v but_o fall_v down_o before_o the_o lord_n with_o the_o deep_a reverence_n and_o esteem_v he_o above_o every_o thing_n in_o heaven_n and_o earth_n who_o have_v create_v we_o according_a to_o his_o own_o image_n who_o have_v redeem_v we_o with_o the_o blood_n of_o his_o own_o son_n and_o who_o do_v daily_o assist_v we_o with_o the_o grace_n of_o his_o most_o holy_a spirit_n and_o who_o have_v provide_v for_o we_o a_o house_n not_o make_v with_o hand_n in_o the_o heaven_n let_v such_o subject_n as_o these_o be_v the_o argument_n with_o which_o you_o entertain_v your_o thought_n before_o you_o begin_v any_o religious_a duty_n and_o it_o will_v strange_o conduce_v to_o the_o fill_n of_o your_o soul_n with_o light_n and_o life_n and_o make_v you_o diligent_o study_v to_o obtain_v god_n favour_n and_o bleed_v in_o you_o most_o passionate_a desire_n to_o dwell_v in_o his_o presence_n to_o all_o eternity_n 3._o i_o come_v to_o the_o last_o case_n i_o propose_v to_o speak_v to_o which_o do_v relate_v to_o those_o unhappy_a person_n who_o have_v naughty_a and_o sometime_o blasphemous_a thought_n start_v in_o their_o mind_n while_o they_o be_v exercise_v in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n which_o make_v they_o ready_a to_o charge_v themselves_o with_o the_o sin_n against_o the_o holy_a ghost_n to_o pronounce_v their_o condition_n to_o be_v without_o hope_n of_o remedy_n and_o to_o fear_v that_o god_n have_v utter_o cast_v they_o off_o now_o to_o give_v they_o the_o best_a ease_n and_o relief_n i_o be_o able_a i_o will_v endeavour_v these_o two_o thing_n 1_o to_o show_v that_o their_o case_n be_v not_o so_o dangerous_a as_o they_o take_v it_o to_o be_v 2_o to_o give_v proper_a advic_n for_o their_o behaviour_n under_o these_o tumultuous_a disorder_n of_o mind_n and_o for_o their_o recovery_n from_o they_o that_o their_o case_n be_v not_o so_o dangerous_a as_o they_o apprehend_v it_o i_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o show_v by_o the_o follow_a consideration_n 1._o because_o these_o frightful_a thought_n do_v for_o the_o most_o part_n proceed_v from_o the_o disorder_n and_o indisposition_n of_o the_o body_n and_o this_o i_o take_v to_o be_v evident_a because_o they_o be_v most_o rife_o and_o troublesome_a and_o insult_v most_o over_o a_o man_n after_o a_o fit_a of_o sickness_n or_o a_o great_a disappointment_n or_o a_o heavy_a loss_n which_o have_v depress_v his_o spirit_n and_o madam_n they_o gross_a and_o heavy_a but_o when_o it_o please_v god_n that_o he_o shall_v recover_v his_o health_n again_o and_o his_o spirit_n grow_v fine_a and_o move_v more_o brisk_o and_o his_o strength_n do_v become_v more_o confirm_v than_o these_o perplex_v thought_n use_v much_o to_o abate_v and_o by_o degree_n quite_o to_o vanish_v 2_o because_o they_o be_v many_o good_a people_n who_o be_v exercise_v with_o they_o for_o bad_a men._n who_o head_n be_v busy_v in_o lay_v one_o scene_n of_o wickedness_n or_o other_o how_o they_o may_v gratify_v their_o malice_n or_o execute_v their_o revenge_n or_o overreach_v their_o neighbour_n or_o violate_v their_o trust_n or_o satisfy_v their_o beastly_a lust_n rare_o know_v any_o thing_n of_o these_o kind_n of_o thought_n or_o use_v to_o complain_v of_o they_o but_o they_o be_v honest_a and_o well-meaning_a christian_n of_o unhealthy_a constitution_n and_o melancholy_a temper_n who_o be_v so_o miserable_o harass_v with_o they_o who_o above_o all_o thing_n earnest_o desire_v a_o interest_n in_o their_o god_n and_o saviour_n and_o for_o that_o reason_n the_o least_o dishonourable_a thought_n of_o he_o which_o insinuate_v its_o self_n into_o their_o mind_n be_v so_o dreadful_a unto_o they_o 3_o because_o it_o be_v not_o in_o the_o power_n of_o those_o disconsolate_a christian_n who_o these_o bad_a thought_n so_o vex_v and_o torment_v with_o all_o their_o endeavous_a to_o stifle_v and_o suppress_v they_o nay_o often_o the_o more_o they_o struggle_v with_o they_o the_o more_o they_o increase_v and_o when_o they_o be_v vehement_o oppose_v they_o do_v more_o domineer_v and_o terrify_v men._n and_o the_o true_a reason_n be_v because_o by_o unsuccessful_a strive_n they_o do_v but_o feed_v this_o melancholy_a humour_n and_o grow_v more_o deject_v so_o that_o there_o be_v good_a cause_n as_o i_o observe_v to_o judge_v they_o to_o be_v distemper_n of_o the_o body_n rather_o than_o fault_n of_o the_o mind_n 4_o we_o may_v observe_v that_o they_o who_o labour_n under_o the_o burden_n of_o such_o dismal_a thought_n be_v seldom_o betray_v into_o any_o great_a or_o deliberate_a sin_n for_o they_o have_v a_o very_a low_a opinion_n of_o the_o condition_n of_o their_o soul_n be_v jealous_a of_o the_o least_o temptation_n and_o tremble_v at_o the_o appearance_n of_o any_o notorious_a evil._n which_o be_v the_o cause_n they_o common_o set_v a_o strict_a guard_n over_o their_o word_n and_o action_n hence_o it_o be_v apparent_a that_o the_o sin_n which_o most_o easy_o captivate_v other_o can_v sarce_o make_v a_o entrance_n into_o they_o they_o have_v little_a temptation_n to_o covetousness_n who_o can_v find_v no_o satisfaction_n in_o riches_n they_o can_v be_v hard-hearted_a to_o their_o neighbour_n in_o distress_n who_o be_v so_o ready_a to_o beg_v the_o prayer_n and_o help_v of_o all_o about_o they_o they_o be_v in_o no_o danger_n of_o be_v swell_v with_o pride_n who_o think_v a_o great_a deal_n worse_o of_o their_o own_o state_n than_o it_o deserve_v they_o be_v then_o thus_o humble_v into_o a_o mean_a apprehension_n of_o themselves_o by_o the_o calamitous_a disorder_n of_o their_o mind_n do_v contend_v the_o more_o abundant_o to_o keep_v themselves_o blameless_a and_o unspotted_a from_o the_o world_n wherein_o they_o discover_v no_o ease_n no_o relief_n for_o their_o doleful_a complaint_n be_v not_o allure_v by_o any_o of_o its_o glitter_a or_o sensual_a bait_n to_o transgress_v the_o divine_a law_n from_o what_o have_v be_v say_v it_o plain_o follow_v that_o there_o be_v more_o trouble_n than_o danger_n in_o the_o case_n of_o the_o deject_a christian_n which_o we_o have_v be_v consider_v although_o i_o own_o that_o none_o do_v more_o deserve_v our_o pity_n so_o black_a and_o dismal_a be_v the_o sentence_n they_o pronounce_v against_o themselves_o and_o yet_o i_o make_v no_o question_n but_o god_n in_o his_o own_o season_n and_o when_o he_o see_v it_o most_o proper_a for_o they_o will_v in_o some_o measure_n settle_v and_o quiet_v their_o mind_n and_o also_o bestow_v a_o large_a recompense_n on_o they_o for_o all_o the_o trouble_n and_o sorrow_n they_o have_v sustain_v out_o of_o fear_n that_o he_o be_v high_o displease_v with_o they_o i_o be_o now_o arrive_v at_o the_o last_o part_n of_o my_o subject_n which_o be_v to_o give_v the_o best_a advice_n i_o can_v for_o their_o behaviour_n under_o these_o perplex_v disorder_n of_o mind_n and_o for_o their_o recovery_n from_o they_o which_o i_o shall_v endeavour_v in_o the_o follow_a particular_n 1_o frequent_o oberve_v how_o your_o thought_n be_v employ_v if_o they_o be_v engage_v in_o a_o good_a matter_n encourage_v they_o to_o persevere_v and_o secure_v they_o all_o you_o can_v from_o outward_a disturbance_n and_o di_o version_n if_o they_o be_v take_v up_o in_o trifle_v and_o vain_a subject_n of_o no_o real_a benefit_n to_o you_o translate_v they_o to_o some_o more_o noble_a and_o useful_a argument_n for_o as_o your_o thought_n be_v so_o your_o action_n will_v be_v man_n can_v think_v foolish_o and_o act_v wise_o beside_o idle_a thought_n be_v neighbour_n to_o bad_a one_o and_o there_o be_v a_o straight_a and_o short_a passage_n from_o one_o to_o the_o other_o but_o if_o they_o be_v exercise_v in_o any_o evil_a design_n it_o high_o behoove_v you_o to_o extinguish_v and_o suppress_v they_o for_o if_o the_o fountain_n be_v muddy_a all_o the_o stream_n must_v partake_v of_o its_o impurity_n and_o this_o work_v you_o ought_v to_o take_v the_o first_o opportunity_n to_o do_v and_o that_o with_o all_o your_o may_v not_o only_o because_o it_o be_v of_o absolute_a necessity_n to_o the_o health_n and_o peace_n and_o innocence_n of_o your_o soul_n but_o because_o the_o victory_n over_o they_o will_v be_v much_o easy_a at_o their_o first_o appearance_n than_o after_o
wonder_n they_o shall_v have_v more_o zeal_n in_o their_o devotion_n but_o god_n will_v not_o reject_v any_o man_n because_o he_o be_v of_o a_o cold_a complexion_n or_o disdain_v his_o reasonable_a sacrifice_n because_o it_o be_v offer_v with_o less_o vehemence_n of_o passion_n 2._o we_o may_v say_v further_o that_o they_o who_o be_v not_o carry_v by_o their_o passion_n to_o the_o service_n of_o god_n but_o render_v worship_n to_o he_o upon_o rational_a motive_n because_o he_o be_v the_o giver_n of_o all_o good_a thing_n seem_v to_o act_v upon_o a_o high_a and_o more_o sublime_a principle_n for_o notwithstanding_o they_o be_v destitute_a of_o that_o please_a warmth_n in_o their_o passion_n which_o provoke_v other_o to_o pray_v unto_o god_n and_o to_o be_v thankful_a unto_o he_o yet_o they_o do_v not_o cease_v to_o celebrate_v his_o praise_n because_o it_o be_v their_o duty_n to_o do_v it_o and_o because_o reason_n suggest_v that_o they_o ought_v to_o make_v grateful_a acknowledgement_n of_o his_o infinite_a mercy_n 3._o we_o may_v observe_v that_o the_o most_o zealous_a be_v not_o always_o the_o best_a men._n for_o their_o zeal_n may_v be_v without_o knowledge_n or_o on_o the_o wrong_a side_n as_o it_o be_v in_o st._n paul_n when_o he_o persecute_v the_o church_n and_o it_o be_v his_o own_o observation_n that_o notwithstanding_o a_o man_n have_v such_o a_o zeal_n for_o the_o cause_n of_o god_n as_o will_v prompt_v he_o to_o suffer_v martyrdom_n and_o yet_o want_v charity_n his_o sharp_a suffering_n will_v profit_v he_o nothing_o i_o must_v confess_v where_o a_o man_n be_v zealous_o affect_v in_o a_o good_a matter_n and_o his_o active_a spirit_n be_v discreet_o direct_v to_o the_o service_n of_o god_n such_o a_o one_o may_v prove_v a_o glorious_a instrument_n for_o the_o propagate_a and_o promote_a the_o fear_n and_o honour_n of_o god_n among_o man_n and_o also_o may_v have_v a_o more_o sensible_a pleasure_n in_o every_o religious_a performance_n but_o all_o can_v raise_v their_o affection_n to_o this_o pitch_n however_o god_n will_v not_o quench_v the_o smoke_a flax_n nor_o break_v the_o bruise_a reed_n but_o pardon_v the_o wander_n pity_v the_o weakness_n quicken_v the_o aflection_n and_o make_v gracious_a allowance_n for_o all_o the_o defect_n of_o infirm_a but_o honest_a christian_n 4._o that_o the_o most_o holy_a servant_n of_o god_n can_v maintain_v a_o equal_a wamth_v in_o their_o devotion_n at_o all_o time_n experience_n do_v teach_v they_o that_o in_o some_o season_n a_o unaccountable_a heaviness_n will_v seize_v upon_o their_o heart_n while_o they_o be_v on_o their_o bend_a knee_n supplicate_v the_o forgiveness_n of_o their_o sin_n who_o at_o other_o time_n can_v put_v their_o soul_n all_o in_o a_o bright_a and_o pure_a flame_n by_o intense_a meditation_n on_o the_o unspeakable_a love_n of_o god_n if_o therefore_o now_o and_o then_o you_o perceive_v your_o mind_n dull_a and_o heavy_a at_o your_o prayer_n it_o be_v but_o what_o sometime_o do_v happen_v to_o the_o most_o sincere_a christian_n how_o great_a care_n and_o diligence_n soever_o they_o use_v to_o uphold_v life_n and_o vigour_n in_o their_o soul_n so_o that_o this_o be_v no_o just-cause_n of_o disquiet_n and_o dejection_n of_o spirit_n moreover_o sickness_n loss_n and_o all_o affliction_n do_v sometime_o so_o disorder_v the_o passion_n and_o oppress_v the_o spirit_n even_o of_o the_o best_a man_n that_o it_o be_v hardly_o possible_a they_o shall_v serve_v god_n with_o as_o much_o cheerfulness_n under_o calamity_n and_o trouble_n as_o at_o other_o time_n though_o they_o may_v have_v as_o much_o integrity_n and_o as_o sincere_a desire_n to_o please_v he_o and_o he_o will_v take_v what_o they_o then_o do_v as_o kind_o at_o their_o hand_n and_o bountiful_o reward_v such_o service_n hence_o i_o gather_v that_o since_o man_n be_v notable_a at_o all_o time_n to_o keep_v their_o affection_n at_o a_o equal_a height_n when_o they_o address_v themselves_o to_o their_o heavenly_a father_n either_o in_o the_o church_n or_o in_o their_o closet_n that_o he_o do_v not_o expect_v it_o from_o they_o and_o they_o ought_v not_o to_o give_v place_n to_o melancholy_a fear_n when_o they_o shall_v find_v it_o otherwise_o with_o themselves_o god_n have_v make_v nothing_o the_o subject_n of_o our_o obedience_n which_o be_v not_o within_o the_o bound_n of_o our_o ability_n and_o he_o will_v at_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n condemn_v man_n for_o the_o action_n only_o which_o proceed_v from_o their_o will_n and_o not_o for_o that_o want_n of_o heat_n in_o their_o passion_n which_o be_v owe_v to_o the_o natural_a make_v of_o their_o constitution_n that_o they_o can_v not_o help_v or_o to_o outward_a unhappy_a circumstance_n which_o they_o have_v not_o at_o their_o command_n 5._o what_o have_v be_v hitherto_o say_v about_o coldness_n and_o damp_n in_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n while_o they_o be_v engage_v in_o religious_a duty_n have_v be_v to_o comfort_v those_o who_o be_v exceed_o grieve_v at_o it_o and_o who_o yet_o have_v not_o be_v able_a to_o conquer_v it_o though_o they_o have_v use_v true_a pain_n for_o that_o purpose_n now_o notwithstanding_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v expect_v nor_o necessary_a that_o these_o innocent_a person_n shall_v meet_v with_o a_o complete_a cure_n of_o their_o grief_n yet_o i_o must_v tell_v they_o that_o nothing_o will_v more_o enliven_v their_o spirit_n in_o the_o service_n of_o god_n than_o deliberate_a meditation_n of_o he_o and_o of_o themselves_o before_o they_o enter_v upon_o any_o part_n of_o divine_a worship_n if_o they_o will_v often_o engage_v their_o mind_n in_o contemplation_n about_o the_o divine_a attribute_n and_o the_o infinite_a perfection_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n it_o will_v strange_o help_v to_o deliver_v they_o from_o that_o drowsy_a stupidity_n of_o which_o they_o so_o sad_o complain_v and_o which_o have_v so_o strong_a a_o influence_n on_o their_o action_n for_o frequent_a thought_n of_o almighty_a power_n will_v make_v the_o most_o sturdy_a temper_v to_o tremble_v and_o the_o proud_a heart_n to_o submit_v there_o be_v no_o think_v so_o serious_o of_o unsearchable_a wisdom_n without_o be_v wrap_v up_o in_o admiration_n of_o it_o and_o become_v very_o willing_a to_o be_v rule_v by_o it_o and_o will_v not_o the_o meditation_n of_o infinite_a love_n diffuse_v itself_o over_o the_o world_n oblige_v we_o to_o adore_v to_o honour_v to_o love_v and_o to_o praise_v that_o most_o glorious_a spring_n from_o whence_o it_o flow_v do_v but_o consider_v as_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n watch_v over_o all_o the_o work_n of_o the_o oreation_n so_o with_o what_o a_o particular_a care_n it_o have_v preserve_v you_o and_o deliver_v you_o from_o many_o and_o great_a danger_n which_o you_o do_v not_o foresee_v and_o against_o which_o you_o can_v make_v no_o provision_n and_o certain_o it_o will_v give_v a_o sensible_a touch_n to_o your_o soul_n and_o cause_v you_o to_o break_v forth_o into_o song_n and_o hymn_n of_o thanksgiving_n but_o if_o you_o proceed_v still_o further_o to_o contemplate_v the_o deep_a mystery_n and_o inconceivable_a love_n show_v by_o christ_n in_o the_o mighty_a work_n of_o your_o redemption_n to_o consider_v the_o great_a condescension_n of_o your_o saviour_n when_o he_o leave_v the_o heaven_n to_o dwell_v among_o we_o the_o wonderful_a humiliation_n of_o himself_o when_o he_o take_v our_o frail_a mortal_a nature_n upon_o he_o the_o pain_n the_o agony_n the_o horror_n of_o the_o most_o dreadful_a death_n he_o suffer_v to_o save_v we_o ungrateful_a sinner_n this_o can_v hardly_o fail_v to_o dissolve_v the_o most_o obdurate_a and_o stony_a heart_n and_o make_v you_o firm_o conclude_v that_o you_o can_v sufficient_o admire_v love_n serve_v or_o suffer_v too_o much_o for_o this_o most_o bless_a saviour_n can_v your_o passion_n continue_v all_o puiet_a when_o you_o look_v to_o this_o your_o most_o merciful_a redeemer_n who_o leave_v the_o bosom_n of_o his_o father_n to_o seek_v you_o when_o you_o have_v lose_v yourselves_o in_o the_o way_n of_o sin_n and_o the_o path_n that_o lead_v to_o death_n who_o come_v to_o procure_v reconciliation_n for_o you_o with_o god_n who_o as_o you_o have_v heinous_o provoke_v so_o you_o be_v in_o no_o respectable_a to_o make_v he_o satisfaction_n do_v but_o with_o some_o seriousness_n recollect_v how_o often_o the_o lord_n have_v spare_v you_o when_o your_o own_o heart_n have_v tell_v you_o that_o you_o do_v deserve_v punishment_n how_o very_a often_o you_o have_v high_o offend_v he_o and_o fearful_o look_v when_o he_o shall_v destroy_v you_o and_o yet_o you_o be_v still_o suffer_v to_o be_v in_o the_o land_n of_o the_o live_n as_o so_o many_o monument_n of_o his_o compassion_n and_o he_o be_v not_o yet_o weary_v with_o wait_v for_o your_o return_n that_o he_o may_v be_v gracious_a unto_o you_o do_v
nothing_o will_v cause_v you_o more_o to_o feel_v your_o own_o infirmity_n and_o a_o want_n of_o the_o divine_a assistance_n nothing_o will_v often_o carry_v your_o thought_n to_o heaven_n than_o your_o present_a disconsolation_n and_o trouble_v who_o length_n and_o accuteness_n will_v also_o make_v heaven_n itself_o taste_v the_o sweet_a whensoever_o god_n of_o his_o infinite_a mercy_n shall_v bring_v you_o thy_o her_z 6._o let_v not_o these_o afflict_a thought_n discourage_v you_o from_o the_o exercise_n of_o your_o devotion_n not_o tempt_v you_o to_o omit_v or_o negligent_o discharge_v any_o one_o christian_a office_n or_o duty_n go_v still_o on_o in_o the_o way_n of_o religion_n and_o do_v the_o work_n of_o the_o lord_n notwithstanding_o these_o performance_n to_o yourselves_o may_v seem_v flat_a and_o heavy_a and_o such_o as_o will_v neither_o be_v grateful_a to_o he_o not_o procure_v good_a to_o your_o soul_n let_v your_o prayer_n ascend_v up_o to_o heaven_n continual_o although_o at_o present_a you_o find_v no_o answer_n or_o return_v to_o your_o petition_n be_v any_o among_o you_o afflict_v say_v st._n james_n let_v he_o pray_v prayer_n be_v the_o natural_a and_o the_o only_a safe_a refuge_n for_o the_o afflict_a it_o be_v a_o sure_a stay_n to_o the_o heart_n when_o nothing_o else_o in_o the_o world_n can_v support_v it_o nay_o the_o liftleness_n to_o prayer_n so_o grievous_a to_o weak_a christian_n will_v be_v remove_v by_o nothing_o so_o soon_o and_o so_o effectual_o as_o by_o prayer_n itself_o for_o prayer_n refine_v the_o thought_n purify_v the_o heart_n and_o exalt_v the_o soul_n above_o its_o natural_a pitch_n so_o that_o he_o who_o do_v enter_v upon_o his_o prayer_n with_o some_o coldness_n shall_v often_o receive_v wonderful_a joy_n in_o his_o mind_n before_o he_o come_v to_o the_o end_n of_o they_o nothing_o will_v make_v the_o soul_n partake_v so_o much_o of_o the_o divine_a nature_n and_o so_o close_o unite_v it_o to_o god_n as_o devout_a prayer_n but_o further_a at_o these_o disconsolate_a season_n especial_o let_v the_o matter_n of_o your_o prayer_n be_v such_o as_o do_v imply_v your_o repose_v a_o extraordinary_a confidence_n and_o trust_n in_o god_n although_o he_o seem_v now_o to_o hide_v his_o face_n from_o you_o for_o it_o will_v be_v a_o thing_n most_o acceptable_a to_o he_o and_o a_o strong_a proof_n of_o your_o integrity_n that_o you_o cease_v not_o to_o do_v your_o duty_n even_o when_o you_o find_v little_a pleasure_n in_o it_o and_o still_o continue_v to_o cast_v yourself_o and_o cause_n whole_o upon_o he_o when_o he_o do_v appear_v to_o be_v afar_o off_o and_o to_o have_v no_o regard_n to_o your_o cry_n and_o your_o tear_n and_o here_o it_o may_v be_v sit_v to_o give_v you_o a_o caution_n against_o long_a prayer_n for_o your_o head_n under_o this_o disturbance_n will_v bear_v nothing_o which_o require_v length_n of_o attention_n let_v your_o prayer_n therefore_o be_v frequent_a rather_o than_o long_o such_o as_o may_v cause_v delight_n and_o not_o prove_v tedious_a there_o be_v no_o time_n or_o place_n or_o employment_n do_v so_o engage_v you_o but_o you_o may_v have_v leisure_n now_o and_o then_o to_o send_v up_o your_o desire_n to_o heaven_n and_o if_o they_o be_v sincere_a and_o servant_n they_o will_v prevail_v with_o god_n how_o short_a soever_o they_o be_v for_o it_o be_v not_o the_o multitude_n of_o your_o word_n but_o the_o honest_a disposition_n of_o your_o heart_n which_o will_v incline_v he_o to_o hear_v you_o and_o this_o advice_n be_v therefore_o to_o be_v insist_v upon_o because_o melancholy_a christian_n have_v be_v observe_v to_o suffer_v by_o the_o length_n both_o of_o their_o prayer_n and_o their_o fast_n moreover_o do_v not_o forsake_v the_o table_n of_o the_o lord_n notwithstanding_o there_o also_o you_o meet_v no_o comfort_n and_o shall_v be_v altogether_o unable_a to_o move_v and_o affect_v your_o heart_n with_o holy_a reflection_n upon_o the_o most_o cruel_a and_o shameful_a death_n of_o your_o bless_a saviour_n for_o that_o heavent_o bread_n will_v refresh_v your_o soul_n and_o increase_v your_o grave_n and_o replenish_v your_o hoart_n with_o joy_n as_o soon_o as_o ever_o god_n shall_v find_v you_o qualify_v for_o so_o great_a mercy_n what_o evil_a thought_n then_o soever_o be_v inject_v into_o your_o mind_n so_o long_o as_o you_o persist_v in_o a_o godly_a course_n of_o life_n there_o can_v be_v no_o colour_n of_o doubt_n but_o god_n will_v love_v you_o and_o approve_v your_o service_n for_o he_o not_o where_o have_v say_v that_o man_n shall_v be_v condemn_v for_o their_o ungovernable_a thought_n over_o which_o they_o have_v no_o dominion_n but_o he_o have_v promise_v that_o all_o those_o who_o be_v not_o weary_a in_o well-doing_n shall_v in_o due_a season_n reap_v everlasting_a life_n now_o shall_v these_o perplex_v thought_n last_o as_o long_o as_o you_o live_v which_o be_v the_o hard_a thing_n you_o can_v suppose_v in_o this_o case_n yet_o that_o as_o i_o say_v before_o will_v be_v no_o more_o a_o argument_n of_o god_n anger_n than_o a_o fever_n or_o a_o fire_n or_o the_o loss_n of_o a_o friend_n or_o any_o other_o affliction_n nor_o of_o the_o unsoundness_n and_o hypocrisy_n of_o your_o mind_n who_o in_o this_o matter_n be_v only_o the_o sufferer_n for_o as_o you_o do_v not_o invite_v they_o so_o they_o continue_v with_o you_o much_o against_o your_o consent_n let_v not_o therefore_o your_o present_a trial_n and_o humiliation_n make_v you_o despair_n of_o find_v favour_n with_o a_o god_n of_o boundless_a mercy_n and_o most_o tender_a compassion_n persevere_v in_o your_o duty_n and_o confide_v in_o his_o infinite_a goodness_n and_o at_o length_n the_o cloud_n which_o now_o darken_v your_o mind_n shall_v all_o vanish_v and_o be_v succeed_v by_o steady_a and_o pure_a light_n your_o fear_n shall_v be_v turn_v into_o full_a assurance_n of_o unconceivable_a happiness_n and_o all_o the_o disorder_n tumult_n and_o confusion_n in_o your_o soul_n shall_v be_v change_v into_o eternal_a peace_n and_o undisturbed_a and_o endless_a joy_n give_v i_o leave_v to_o conclude_v all_o in_o the_o word_n of_o the_o psalmist_n who_o have_v be_v a_o man_n of_o have_v from_o his_o youth_n and_o yet_o ever_o receive_v supply_n from_o the_o lord_n answerable_a to_o his_o distress_n you_o that_o fear_v the_o lord_n praise_v he_o for_o lie_n have_v nor_o despise_v nor_o abhor_v the_o affliction_n of_o the_o afflict_a neither_o have_v he_o hide_v his_o face_n from_o he_o but_o when_o he_o cry_v unto_o he_o he_o hear_v wait_v on_o the_o lord_n be_v of_o good_a courage_n and_o he_o shall_v strengthen_v thy_o heart_n i_o will_v be_v glad_a and_o rejoice_v in_o thy_o mercy_n for_o thou_o have_v consider_v my_o trouble_n thou_o have_v know_v my_o soul_n in_o adversity_n i_o will_v sing_v unto_o the_o lord_n because_o he_o have_v deal_v bountiful_o with_o i_o yea_o i_o will_v hope_v continual_o and_o yet_o praise_v he_o more_o and_o more_o oh_o how_o great_a be_v thy_o goodness_n which_o thou_o have_v lay_v up_o for_o they_o that_o fear_v thou_o oh_o love_v the_o lord_n all_o you_o his_o saint_n for_o the_o lord_n preserve_v the_o faithful_a they_o that_o know_v thy_o name_n will_v pur_fw-mi their_o trust_n in_o thou_o for_o thou_o have_v not_o forsake_v they_o who_o seek_v thou_o finis_fw-la