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nature_n accompany_v expression_n great_a 17 3 2.0871 3 false
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ID Title Author Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication) STC Words Pages
A27009 The right method for a settled peace of conscience, and spiritual comfort in 32 directions : written for the use of a troubled friend / and now published by Richard Baxter ... Baxter, Richard, 1615-1691. 1653 (1653) Wing B1373A; ESTC R17485 252,137 602

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to_o he_o as_o long_o as_o you_o strip_v he_o of_o his_o divine_a nature_n remember_v the_o holy_a ghost_n description_n of_o god_n 1_o joh_n 4.16_o god_n be_v love_n write_v these_o word_n deep_a in_o your_o understanding_n 2._o hereby_o you_o will_v have_v this_o advantage_n also_o that_o your_o thought_n of_o god_n will_v be_v more_o sweet_a and_o delightful_a to_o you_o for_o as_o glorious_a and_o beautiful_a sight_n to_o your_o eye_n and_o melodious_a sound_n to_o your_o ear_n and_o sweet_a smell_n taste_n etc._n etc._n be_v all_o delightful_a when_o thing_n deform_v stink_a etc._n etc._n be_v all_o loathsome_a and_o we_o turn_v away_o from_o one_o with_o abhorrency_n but_o for_o the_o other_o we_o will_v often_o see_v taste_n etc._n etc._n and_o enjoy_v they_o so_o be_v it_o with_o the_o object_n of_o our_o mind_n god_n have_v give_v no_o command_n for_o duty_n but_o what_o most_o perfect_o agree_v with_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o object_n he_o have_v therefore_o bid_v we_o 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they_o i_o speak_v of_o those_o that_o hear_v the_o gospel_n for_o other_o their_o case_n be_v more_o unknown_a to_o we_o and_o be_v it_o any_o diminution_n to_o his_o infinite_a mercy_n that_o he_o will_v not_o save_v those_o that_o will_v not_o be_v entreat_v to_o accept_v of_o salvation_n 2._o and_o consider_v how_o long_o he_o use_v to_o wait_v on_o sinner_n and_o even_o beseech_v they_o to_o be_v reconcile_v to_o he_o before_o he_o destroy_v they_o and_o that_o he_o heap_v multitude_n of_o mercy_n on_o they_o even_o in_o their_o rebellion_n to_o draw_v they_o to_o repentance_n and_o so_o to_o life_n and_o be_v it_o unmercifulness_n yet_o if_o such_o man_n perish_v object_n but_o if_o god_n be_v so_o infinite_a in_o mercy_n as_o you_o say_v why_o do_v he_o not_o make_v all_o these_o
man_n willing_a that_o so_o they_o may_v be_v save_v answ_n god_n have_v create_v the_o world_n and_o all_o thing_n in_o it_o at_o first_o do_v make_v they_o in_o a_o certain_a nature_n and_o order_n and_o so_o establish_v they_o as_o by_o a_o fix_a law_n and_o he_o thereupon_o be_v their_o governor_n to_o govern_v every_o thing_n according_a to_o its_o nature_n now_o man_n nature_n be_v to_o be_v principled_a with_o a_o inclination_n to_o his_o own_o happiness_n and_o to_o be_v lead_v to_o it_o by_o object_n in_o a_o moral_a way_n and_o in_o the_o choice_n of_o mean_n to_o be_v a_o free_a agent_n and_o the_o guider_n of_o himself_o under_o god_n as_o governor_n of_o the_o rational_a creature_n god_n do_v continue_v that_o same_o course_n of_o rule_v they_o by_o law_n and_o draw_v they_o by_o end_n and_o object_n as_o their_o nature_n do_v require_v and_o in_o this_o way_n he_o be_v not_o want_v to_o they_o his_o law_n be_v now_o law_n of_o grace_n and_o universal_a in_o the_o tenor_n of_o the_o free_a gift_n and_o promise_n for_o he_o have_v there_o give_v life_n in_o christ_n to_o all_o that_o will_v have_v it_o and_o the_o object_n propound_v be_v sufficient_a in_o their_o kind_n to_o work_v even_o the_o most_o wonderful_a effect_n on_o man_n soul_n for_o they_o be_v god_n himself_o and_o christ_n and_o glory_n beside_o god_n give_v man_n natural_a faculty_n that_o they_o may_v have_v the_o use_n of_o reason_n and_o there_o be_v nothing_o more_o unreasonable_a then_o to_o refuse_v this_o offer_a mercy_n he_o give_v induce_v argument_n in_o the_o write_a word_n and_o sermon_n and_o add_v such_o mercy_n and_o affliction_n that_o one_o will_v think_v shall_v bow_v the_o hard_a heart_n beside_o the_o strive_n and_o motion_n of_o his_o spirit_n within_o which_o be_v more_o than_o we_o can_v give_v a_o account_n of_o now_o be_v not_o this_o as_o much_o as_o belong_v to_o god_n as_o governor_n of_o the_o creature_n according_a to_o its_o nature_n and_o for_o the_o give_v of_o a_o new_a nature_n and_o create_v new_a heart_n in_o man_n after_o all_o their_o rebellious_a reject_v of_o grace_n this_o be_v a_o certain_a miracle_n of_o mercy_n and_o belong_v to_o god_n in_o another_o relation_n even_o as_o the_o free_a chooser_n of_o his_o elect_n and_o not_o direct_o as_o the_o governor_n of_o the_o universe_n this_o be_v from_o his_o special_a providence_n and_o the_o former_a from_o his_o general_n now_o special_a providence_n be_v not_o to_o be_v as_o common_a as_o the_o general_n nor_o to_o subvert_v god_n ordinary_a establish_v course_n of_o government_n if_o god_n please_v to_o stop_v jordan_n and_o dry_v up_o the_o red_a sea_n for_o the_o passage_n of_o the_o israelite_n and_o to_o cause_v the_o sun_n to_o stand_v still_o for_o joshua_n must_v he_o do_v so_o still_o for_o every_o man_n in_o the_o world_n or_o else_o be_v account_v unmerciful_a the_o sense_n of_o this_o objection_n be_v plain_o this_o god_n be_v not_o so_o rich_a in_o mercy_n except_o he_o will_v new_o make_v all_o the_o world_n or_o govern_v it_o above_o its_o nature_n suppose_v a_o king_n know_v his_o subject_n to_o be_v so_o wicked_a that_o they_o have_v every_o one_o a_o full_a design_n to_o famish_v or_o kill_v themselves_o or_o poison_v themselves_o with_o something_o which_o be_v entice_v by_o its_o sweetness_n the_o king_n not_o only_o make_v a_o law_n strict_o charge_v they_o all_o to_o forbear_v to_o touch_v that_o poison_n but_o he_o send_v special_a messenger_n to_o entreat_v they_o to_o it_o and_o tell_v they_o the_o danger_n if_o these_o man_n will_v not_o hear_v he_o but_o wilful_o poison_v themselves_o be_v he_o therefore_o unmerciful_a but_o suppose_v that_o he_o have_v three_o or_o four_o of_o his_o son_n that_o be_v infect_v with_o the_o same_o wickedness_n and_o he_o will_v not_o only_o command_v and_o entreat_v they_o but_o he_o will_v also_o lock_v they_o up_o or_o keep_v the_o poison_n from_o they_o or_o will_v feed_v they_o by_o violence_n with_o bitter_a food_n be_v he_o unmerciful_a unless_o he_o will_v do_v so_o by_o all_o the_o rest_n of_o his_o kingdom_n last_o if_o all_o this_o will_v not_o satisfy_v you_o consider_v 1._o that_o it_o be_v most_o certain_a that_o god_n be_v love_n and_o infinite_a in_o mercy_n and_o have_v no_o pleasure_n in_o the_o death_n of_o sinner_n 2._o but_o it_o be_v utter_o uncertain_a to_o we_o how_o god_n work_v on_o man_n will_n inward_o by_o his_o spirit_n 3._o or_o yet_o what_o intolerable_a inconvenience_n there_o may_v be_v if_o god_n shall_v work_v in_o other_o way_n therefore_o we_o must_v not_o upon_o such_o uncertainty_n deny_v certainty_n nor_o from_o some_o unreasonable_a scruple_n about_o the_o manner_n of_o god_n work_v grace_n deny_v the_o bless_a nature_n of_o god_n which_o himself_o have_v most_o evident_o proclaim_v to_o the_o world_n i_o have_v say_v the_o more_o of_o this_o because_o i_o find_v satan_n harp_n so_o much_o on_o this_o string_n with_o many_o trouble_a soul_n especial_o on_o the_o advantage_n of_o some_o common_a doctrine_n for_o false_a doctrine_n still_o tend_v to_o the_o overthrow_n of_o solid_a peace_n and_o comfort_n remember_v therefore_o before_o all_o other_o thought_n for_o the_o obtain_n of_o peace_n to_o get_v high_a thought_n of_o the_o gracious_a and_o lovely_a nature_n of_o god_n direction_n iu._n 4._o next_o this_o be_v sure_a that_o you_o deep_o apprehend_v the_o gracious_a nature_n disposition_n and_o office_n of_o the_o mediator_n jesus_n christ_n though_o there_o can_v no_o more_o be_v say_v of_o the_o gracious_a nature_n of_o the_o son_n then_o of_o the_o father_n even_o that_o his_o goodness_n be_v infinite_a yet_o these_o two_o advantage_n this_o consideration_n will_v add_v unto_o the_o former_a 1._o you_o will_v see_v here_o goodness_n and_o mercy_n in_o its_o condescension_n and_o near_o to_o you_o then_o in_o the_o divine_a nature_n alone_o it_o be_v our_o thought_n of_o god_n be_v necessary_o more_o strange_a because_o of_o our_o infinite_a distance_n from_o the_o godhead_n and_o therefore_o our_o apprehension_n of_o god_n goodness_n will_v be_v the_o less_o work_v because_o less_o familiar_a but_o in_o christ_n god_n be_v come_v down_o into_o our_o nature_n and_o so_o infinite_a goodness_n and_o mercy_n be_v incarnate_a the_o man_n christ_n jesus_n be_v able_a now_o to_o save_v to_o the_o utmost_a all_o that_o come_v to_o god_n by_o he_o we_o have_v a_o merciful_a high_a priest_n that_o be_v acquaint_v with_o our_o infirmity_n 2._o herein_o we_o see_v the_o will_n of_o god_n put_v forth_o itself_o for_o our_o help_n in_o the_o most_o astonish_a way_n that_o can_v be_v imagine_v here_o be_v more_o than_o mere_o a_o gracious_a inclination_n it_o be_v a_o office_n of_o save_v and_o show_v mercy_n also_o that_o christ_n have_v undertake_v even_o to_o seek_v and_o to_o save_v that_o which_o be_v lose_v to_o bring_v home_n stray_v soul_n to_o god_n to_o be_v the_o great_a peacemaker_n between_o god_n and_o man_n to_o reconcile_v god_n to_o man_n and_o man_n to_o god_n and_o so_o to_o be_v the_o head_n and_o husband_n of_o his_o people_n certain_o the_o devil_n strange_o wrong_v poor_a trouble_v soul_n in_o this_o point_n that_o he_o can_v bring_v they_o to_o have_v such_o hard_a suspicious_a thought_n of_o christ_n and_o so_o much_o to_o overlook_v the_o glory_n of_o mercy_n which_o so_o shine_v in_o the_o face_n of_o the_o son_n of_o mercy_n itself_o how_o can_v we_o more_o contradict_v the_o nature_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o gospel-description_n of_o he_o then_o to_o think_v he_o a_o destroy_a hater_n of_o his_o creature_n and_o one_o that_o watch_v for_o our_o halt_n and_o have_v more_o mind_n to_o hurt_v we_o then_o to_o help_v we_o how_o can_v he_o have_v manifest_v more_o willingness_n to_o save_v and_o more_o tender_a compassion_n to_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n than_o he_o have_v full_o manifest_v that_o the_o godhead_n shall_v condescend_v to_o assume_v our_o nature_n be_v a_o thing_n so_o wonderful_a even_o to_o astonishment_n that_o it_o put_v faith_n to_o it_o to_o apprehend_v it_o for_o it_o be_v ten_o thousand_o time_n more_o condescension_n then_o for_o the_o great_a king_n to_o become_v a_o fly_n or_o a_o toad_n to_o save_v such_o creature_n and_o shall_v we_o ever_o have_v low_a and_o suspicious_a thought_n of_o the_o gracious_a and_o merciful_a nature_n of_o christ_n after_o so_o strange_a and_o full_a a_o discovery_n of_o it_o if_o twenty_o be_v ready_a to_o drown_v in_o the_o sea_n and_o if_o one_o that_o be_v able_a to_o swim_v and_o fetch_v they_o all_o out_o shall_v cast_v himself_o into_o the_o water_n and_o offer_v they_o his_o help_n be_v it_o not_o foolish_a ingratitude_n for_o any_o to_o say_v
pray_v more_o oft_o and_o earnest_o than_o we_o do_v and_o instruct_v our_o family_n more_o diligent_o and_o speak_v against_o sin_n more_o bold_o and_o admonish_v our_o neighbour_n more_o faithful_o with_o many_o the_o like_a the_o good_a that_o we_o will_v do_v we_o do_v not_o rom._n 7.19_o nay_o the_o flesh_n so_o strive_v against_o the_o spirit_n that_o we_o can_v do_v the_o good_a we_o will_v gal._n 5.17_o nay_o many_o a_o true_a christian_a in_o time_n of_o temptation_n have_v be_v draw_v to_o omit_v secret_a prayer_n or_o family_n duty_n almost_o whole_o for_o a_o certain_a space_n of_o time_n yea_o and_o perhaps_o to_o be_v so_o corrupt_v in_o his_o judgement_n for_o a_o time_n as_o to_o think_v he_o do_v well_o in_o it_o as_o also_o in_o forbear_v praise_v god_n by_o psalm_n receive_v the_o sacrament_n and_o communicate_v with_o the_o church_n hear_v the_o word_n public_o etc._n etc._n for_o what_o duty_n almost_o be_v not_o deny_v of_o late_a and_o perhaps_o may_v not_o only_o omit_v relieve_v the_o poor_a for_o a_o time_n but_o excuse_v it_o now_o what_o man_n can_v punctual_o determine_v just_a how_o often_o a_o true_a christian_a may_v be_v guilty_a of_o any_o such_o omission_n and_o just_a how_o long_o he_o may_v continue_v it_o and_o what_o the_o duty_n be_v which_o he_o may_v possible_o so_o omit_v and_o what_o not_o so_o also_o in_o sin_n of_o commission_n alas_o what_o sin_n do_v noah_n lot_n david_n solomon_n asa_n peter_n etc._n etc._n commit_v if_o we_o shall_v say_v as_o the_o papist_n and_o arminian_n that_o these_o be_v mortal_a sin_n do_v for_o the_o time_n till_o repentance_n restore_v he_o cast_v a_o true_a christian_a out_o of_o god_n favour_n into_o a_o state_n of_o damnation_n then_o what_o man_n breathe_v be_v able_a to_o enumerate_v those_o mortal_a sin_n and_o tell_v we_o which_o be_v so_o damn_v and_o which_o not_o nay_o if_o he_o can_v say_v drunkenness_n be_v one_o and_o gluttony_n another_o who_o can_v set_v the_o punctual_a stint_n and_o say_v just_o so_o many_o bit_n a_o man_n must_v eat_v before_o he_o be_v a_o glutton_n or_o just_o so_o much_o he_o must_v drink_v before_o he_o be_v a_o drunkard_n or_o by_o such_o a_o sign_n the_o turn_a point_n may_v be_v certain_o know_v we_o may_v have_v sign_n by_o which_o he_o may_v be_v try_v at_o the_o bar_n of_o man_n but_o these_o be_v none_o of_o they_o take_v from_o that_o small_a degree_n which_o specifi_v and_o denominate_v the_o sin_n before_o god_n if_o we_o avoid_v the_o foresay_a opinion_n that_o one_o such_o sin_n do_v bring_v we_o into_o the_o state_n of_o damnation_n yet_o be_v the_o difficulty_n never_o the_o less_o for_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o he_o that_o commit_v sin_n be_v of_o the_o devil_n 1_o joh._n 3.8_o and_o there_o be_v spot_n which_o be_v not_o the_o spot_n of_o god_n child_n and_o all_o true_a faith_n will_v mortify_v the_o world_n to_o we_o and_o we_o to_o it_o gal._n 6.14_o and_o he_o that_o be_v in_o christ_n have_v crucify_v the_o flesh_n with_o the_o affection_n and_o lust_n thereof_o gal._n 5.24_o and_o that_o if_o we_o live_v after_o the_o flesh_n we_o shall_v die_v rom._n 8.13_o and_o his_o servant_n we_o be_v to_o who_o we_o obey_v whether_o of_o sin_n unto_o death_n or_o of_o obedience_n unto_o righteousness_n rom._n 6.16_o and_o if_o we_o delight_v in_o iniquity_n or_o regard_v it_o god_n will_v not_o hear_v our_o prayer_n psal_n 66.18_o and_o that_o he_o that_o name_v the_o name_n of_o christ_n must_v depart_v from_o iniquity_n 1_o tim._n 2.19_o and_o that_o god_n will_v judge_v all_o man_n according_a to_o their_o work_n and_o bid_v the_o worker_n of_o iniquity_n depart_v from_o he_o mat._n ●_o 23_o now_o can_v any_o man_n on_o earth_n tell_v we_o just_o how_o great_a or_o how_o often_o sin_v will_v stand_v with_o true_a grace_n and_o how_o much_o will_v not_o who_o can_v find_v those_o punctual_a bound_n in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n i_o conclude_v therefore_o that_o no_o minister_n or_o at_o least_o none_o who_o be_v no_o wise_a than_o i_o be_o can_v give_v a_o true_a discernible_a difference_n between_o the_o worst_a of_o saint_n and_o the_o best_a of_o the_o unsanctified_a or_o the_o weak_a degree_n of_o true_a grace_n and_o the_o high_a of_o common_a grace_n and_o so_o to_o help_v such_o weak_a christian_n to_o true_a assurance_n of_o their_o salvation_n 2._o but_o as_o this_o be_v impossible_a to_o be_v declare_v by_o the_o teacher_n so_o much_o more_o be_v it_o impossible_a to_o be_v discern_v by_o the_o person_n themselves_o yea_o though_o it_o can_v possible_o be_v declare_v to_o he_o and_o that_o for_o these_o reason_n 1._o from_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n small_a thing_n be_v hardly_o discern_v a_o little_a be_v next_o to_o none_o 2._o from_o the_o great_a darkness_n of_o man_n understanding_n and_o his_o unacquaintedness_n with_o himself_o both_o the_o nature_n faculty_n and_o motion_n of_o his_o soul_n natural_o consider_v and_o the_o moral_a state_n disposition_n and_o motion_n of_o it_o and_o be_v it_o likely_a that_o so_o blind_a a_o eye_n can_v discern_v the_o small_a thing_n and_o that_o in_o so_o strange_a and_o dark_a a_o place_n every_o purblind_a man_n can_v see_v a_o atom_n or_o a_o pin_n especial_o in_o the_o dark_a 3._o the_o heart_n be_v deceitful_a above_o all_o thing_n as_o well_o as_o dark_a full_a of_o seem_n counterfeit_n and_o false_a pretence_n and_o a_o child_n in_o grace_n be_v not_o able_a to_o discover_v its_o juggle_n and_o understand_v a_o book_n where_o almost_o every_o word_n be_v aequivocall_a or_o mysterious_a 4._o the_o heart_n be_v most_o confuse_a as_o well_o as_o dark_a and_o deceitful_a it_o be_v like_o a_o house_n or_o shop_n of_o tool_n where_o all_o thing_n be_v throw_v together_o on_o a_o heap_n and_o nothing_o keep_v its_o own_o place_n there_o be_v such_o multiplicity_n of_o cogitation_n fantasy_n and_o passion_n and_o such_o irregular_a throng_a in_o of_o they_o and_o such_o a_o confuse_a 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thing_n before_o i_o confess_v it_o have_v be_v a_o strengthen_n to_o my_o own_o faith_n to_o see_v the_o devil_n such_o a_o enemy_n to_o the_o christian_a faith_n yea_o to_o the_o godhead_n itself_o but_o perhaps_o you_o will_v say_v it_o be_v not_o mere_a temptation_n from_o satan_n that_o i_o complain_v of_o but_o it_o take_v too_o much_o with_o my_o sinful_a heart_n i_o be_o ready_a to_o doubt_v ofttimes_o whether_o there_o be_v a_o god_n or_o whether_o his_o providence_n determine_v of_o the_o thing_n here_o below_o or_o whether_o scripture_n be_v true_a or_o the_o soul_n immortal_a etc._n etc._n answ_n this_o be_v a_o very_a great_a sin_n and_o you_o ought_v to_o bewail_v and_o abhor_v it_o and_o in_o the_o name_n of_o god_n make_v not_o light_a of_o it_o but_o look_v to_o it_o betimes_o but_o yet_o let_v i_o tell_v you_o that_o some_o degree_n of_o this_o blasphemy_n and_o infidelity_n may_v remain_v with_o the_o true_a save_v faith_n the_o best_a may_v say_v lord_n i_o 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from_o a_o apprehension_n of_o unreadiness_n when_o we_o will_v fain_o have_v more_o assurance_n of_o salvation_n first_o or_o will_v be_v fit_a to_o meet_v our_o lord_n blame_v not_o a_o man_n to_o be_v somewhat_o backward_o that_o know_v it_o must_v go_v with_o he_o for_o ever_o in_o heaven_n or_o hell_n according_a as_o he_o be_v find_v at_o death_n but_o these_o two_o be_v not_o so_o much_o a_o loathness_n to_o die_v as_o a_o loathness_n to_o die_v now_o at_o this_o time_n 3._o there_o be_v also_o in_o all_o man_n live_v good_a and_o bad_a a_o natural_a abhorrence_n and_o fear_n of_o death_n god_n have_v put_v this_o into_o man_n nature_n even_o in_o innocency_n to_o be_v his_o great_a mean_n of_o govern_v the_o world_n no_o man_n will_v live_v in_o ord●●_n or_o be_v keep_v in_o obedience_n but_o for_o this_o he_o that_o care_v not_o for_o his_o own_o life_n be_v master_n of_o another_o grace_n do_v not_o root_v out_o this_o abhorrency_n of_o death_n no_o more_o than_o it_o unman_v 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life_n and_o the_o great_a part_n of_o our_o duty_n do_v consist_v to_o wit_n in_o a_o love_a delight_n in_o god_n and_o a_o thankful_a and_o cheerful_a obedience_n to_o his_o will_n and_o then_o make_v this_o your_o constant_a aim_n and_o be_v still_o aspire_v after_o it_o and_o let_v all_o other_o affection_n and_o endeavour_n be_v subservient_fw-fr unto_o this_o this_o one_o rule_n well_o practise_v will_v do_v wonder_n on_o the_o soul_n of_o poor_a christian_n in_o dispel_v all_o their_o fear_n and_o trouble_n and_o help_v not_o only_o to_o a_o settle_a peace_n but_o to_o live_v in_o the_o most_o comfortable_a state_n that_o can_v be_v expect_v upon_o earth_n write_v therefore_o these_o two_o or_o three_o word_n deep_a in_o your_o understanding_n and_o memory_n that_o the_o life_n which_o god_n be_v best_a please_v with_o and_o we_o shall_v be_v always_o endeavour_v be_v a_o love_a delight_n in_o god_n through_o christ_n and_o a_o thankful_a and_o cheerful_a obedience_n to_o he_o i_o do_v not_o say_v that_o godly_a sorrow_n and_o fear_n and_o jealousy_n be_v no_o duty_n but_o these_o be_v the_o great_a duty_n to_o which_o the_o rest_n shall_v all_o subserve_v misapprehend_v the_o state_n of_o duty_n and_o the_o very_a nature_n of_o a_o christian_a life_n must_v needs_o make_v sad_a distemper_n in_o man_n heart_n and_o conversation_n many_o christian_n look_v upon_o broken-heartedness_n and_o much_o grieve_v and_o weep_v for_o sin_n as_o if_o it_o be_v the_o great_a thing_n that_o god_n delight_v in_o and_o require_v of_o they_o and_o therefore_o they_o bend_v all_o their_o endeavour_n this_o way_n and_o be_v still_o strive_v with_o their_o heart_n to_o break_v they_o more_o and_o wring_v their_o conscience_n to_o squeeze_v out_o some_o tear_n and_o they_o think_v no_o sermon_n no_o prayer_n no_o meditation_n speed_v so_o well_o with_o they_o as_o that_o which_o can_v help_v they_o to_o grieve_v or_o weep_v i_o be_o far_o from_o persuade_v man_n against_o humiliation_n &_o godly_a sorrow_n and_o tenderness_n of_o heart_n but_o yet_o i_o must_v tell_v you_o that_o this_o be_v a_o sore_a error_n that_o you_o lay_v so_o much_o upon_o it_o and_o so_o much_o overlook_v that_o great_a and_o noble_a work_n and_o state_n to_o which_o it_o tend_v do_v you_o think_v that_o god_n have_v any_o pleasure_n in_o your_o sorrow_n as_o such_o do_v it_o do_v he_o good_a to_o see_v you_o deject_v afflict_a and_o torment_v alas_o it_o be_v only_o as_o your_o sorrow_n do_v kill_v your_o sin_n and_o mortify_v your_o fleshly_a lust_n and_o prepare_v for_o your_o peace_n and_o joy_n that_o god_n regard_v they_o because_o god_n do_v speak_v comfortable_o to_o trouble_v droop_a spirit_n and_o tell_v they_o that_o he_o delight_v in_o the_o contrite_a and_o love_v the_o humble_a and_o bind_v up_o the_o brokenhearted_a therefore_o man_n misunderstanding_n he_o do_v think_v they_o shall_v do_v nothing_o but_o be_v still_o break_v their_o own_o heart_n whereas_o god_n speak_v it_o but_o partly_o to_o show_v his_o hatred_n to_o the_o proud_a and_o partly_o to_o show_v his_o tender_a compassion_n to_o the_o humble_a that_o they_o may_v not_o be_v overwhelm_v or_o despair_v but_o o_o christian_n understand_v and_o consider_v that_o all_o your_o sorrow_n be_v but_o preparative_n to_o your_o joy_n and_o that_o it_o be_v a_o high_a and_o sweet_a work_n that_o god_n call_v you_o to_o and_o will_v have_v you_o spend_v your_o time_n and_o strength_n in_o 1._o the_o first_o part_n of_o it_o be_v love_n a_o work_n that_o be_v wage_n to_o itself_o he_o that_o know_v what_o it_o be_v to_o live_v in_o the_o love_n of_o god_n do_v know_v that_o christianity_n be_v no_o torment_a and_o discontent_a life_n 2._o the_o next_o part_n be_v delight_n in_o god_n and_o in_o the_o hope_n and_o fore-thought_n of_o everlasting_a glory_n psal_n 37.4_o delight_n thyself_o in_o the_o lord_n and_o he_o shall_v give_v thou_o the_o desire_n of_o thy_o heart_n this_o be_v it_o that_o you_o shall_v be_v bend_v your_o study_n and_o endeavour_n for_o that_o your_o soul_n may_v be_v able_a to_o delight_n itself_o in_o god_n 3._o the_o three_o part_n be_v thankfulness_n and_o praise_n though_o i_o say_v not_o as_o some_o that_o we_o shall_v be_v move_v by_o no_o fear_n or_o desire_n of_o the_o reward_n that_o be_v of_o god_n but_o act_n only_o from_o thankfulness_n as_o though_o we_o have_v all_o that_o we_o expect_v already_o yet_o let_v i_o desire_v you_o to_o take_v special_a notice_n of_o this_o truth_n that_o thankfulness_n must_v be_v the_o main_a principle_n of_o all_o gospel-obedience_n and_o this_o be_v not_o only_o true_a of_o the_o regenerate_v after_o faith_n but_o even_o the_o wicked_a themselves_o who_o be_v call_v to_o repent_v and_o believe_v be_v call_v to_o do_v it_o in_o a_o glad_a and_o thankful_a sense_n of_o the_o mercy_n offer_v they_o in_o christ_n all_o the_o world_n be_v fall_v under_o god_n wrath_n and_o deserve_a condemnation_n and_o the_o lord_n jesus_n have_v become_v a_o sacrifice_n and_o ransom_n for_o all_o and_o so_o bring_v all_o from_o that_o legal_a necessity_n of_o perish_v which_o they_o be_v under_o the_o gospel_n which_o bring_v they_o the_o news_n of_o this_o be_v glad_a tiding_n of_o great_a joy_n to_o they_o and_o the_o very_o justify_v act_n which_o they_o be_v call_v to_o be_v thankful_o to_o accept_v christ_n as_o one_o that_o have_v already_o satisfy_v for_o their_o sin_n and_o will_v save_v they_o if_o they_o accept_v he_o and_o will_v follow_v his_o save_a counsel_n and_o use_v his_o save_a mean_n and_o the_o save_a work_n which_o they_o must_v proceed_v in_o be_v thankfulness_n to_o obey_v that_o redeemer_n who_o they_o believe_v in_o so_o that_o as_o general_a redemption_n be_v the_o very_a foundation_n of_o the_o new_a world_n and_o its_o government_n so_o thankfulness_n for_o this_o redemption_n be_v the_o very_a life_n of_o justify_v faith_n and_o gospel_n obedience_n and_o therefore_o the_o denial_n of_o this_o universal_a redemption_n as_o to_o the_o price_n and_o satisfaction_n do_v both_o disable_v wicked_a man_n if_o they_o receive_v it_o from_o come_v to_o christ_n by_o true_a justify_v faith_n which_o be_v the_o thankful_a acceptance_n of_o christ_n as_o he_o be_v offer_v with_o his_o benefit_n and_o this_o thankfulness_n must_v be_v for_o what_o he_o have_v do_v in_o die_v for_o we_o as_o well_o as_o for_o what_o he_o will_v do_v in_o pardon_v and_o save_v we_o and_o it_o do_v disable_v all_o true_a believer_n from_o gospel_n grateful_a obedience_n when_o ever_o they_o lose_v the_o sight_n of_o their_o evidence_n of_o special_a grace_n which_o alas_o how_o ordinary_a be_v it_o with_o they_o for_o when_o they_o can_v have_v special_a grace_n in_o their_o eye_n to_o be_v thankful_a for_o according_a to_o