rock_n of_o pearl_n or_o ten_o thousand_o river_n of_o oil._n obj._n but_o possible_o some_o may_v say_v this_o be_v to_o plead_v my_o own_o merit_n sol._n i_o answer_v no_o for_o consider_v who_o it_o be_v that_o have_v wrought_v in_o thy_o heart_n this_o value_n and_o esteem_v be_v it_o not_o god_n do_v flesh_n and_o blood_n reveal_v any_o such_o thing_n unto_o thou_o thou_o do_v not_o then_o plead_v thy_o own_o merit_n thou_o only_o plead_v with_o god_n from_o what_o he_o have_v already_o wrought_v and_o begin_v in_o thou_o 2._o it_o be_v but_o the_o plead_n of_o the_o promise_n which_o god_n have_v make_v to_o they_o that_o love_v he_o and_o keep_v his_o commandment_n 3._o neither_o do_v thou_o plead_v thy_o esteem_n and_o value_n for_o the_o love_n of_o christ_n as_o meritorious_a as_o think_v that_o thy_o prize_v the_o love_n of_o christ_n merit_v the_o further_a manifestation_n of_o they_o to_o thy_o soul_n thou_o only_o plead_v it_o as_o a_o gracious_a habit_n wrought_v in_o thy_o soul_n by_o which_o god_n have_v fulfil_v in_o thy_o soul_n the_o condition_n of_o the_o promise_n thou_o only_o beg_v of_o god_n that_o he_o who_o have_v wrought_v in_o thy_o soul_n that_o condition_n to_o which_o he_o have_v annex_v his_o promise_n will_v now_o fulfil_v also_o that_o promise_n to_o thy_o soul_n which_o be_v annex_v to_o that_o condition_n thus_o i_o have_v finish_v the_o discourse_n i_o design_v upon_o the_o first_o petition_n of_o the_o spouse_n as_o press_v by_o her_o first_o argument_n let_v he_o kiss_v i_o with_o the_o kiss_n of_o his_o mouth_n for_o thy_o love_n be_v better_a than_o wine_n sermon_n xiii_o canticle_n 1._o 3._o because_o of_o the_o savour_n of_o thy_o good_a ointment_n thy_o name_n be_v as_o a_o ointment_n pour_v forth_o therefore_o do_v the_o virgin_n love_v thou_o i_o proceed_v to_o the_o next_o proposition_n which_o i_o at_o first_o observe_v from_o these_o word_n which_o i_o then_o large_o open_v 11._o christ_n have_v good_a ointment_n which_o cast_v a_o savour_n my_o meaning_n be_v according_a to_o my_o former_a explication_n of_o the_o word_n that_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n be_v fill_v with_o the_o grace_n of_o the_o bless_a spirit_n which_o in_o themselves_o be_v as_o good_a ointment_n and_o who_o excellency_n be_v discern_v by_o every_o true_a believer_n by_o every_o soul_n that_o be_v espouse_v to_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n to_o use_v the_o apostle_n phrase_n i_o have_v espouse_v you_o to_o one_o husband_n for_o a_o further_a discourse_n upon_o this_o proposition_n let_v i_o first_o show_v you_o 1._o what_o i_o mean_v by_o christ_n grace_n and_o when_o i_o say_v he_o be_v full_a of_o the_o grace_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n 2._o in_o what_o respect_v these_o grace_n be_v like_a to_o good_a ointment_n 3._o what_o particular_a grace_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v thus_o like_a to_o good_a ointment_n 4._o whence_o it_o be_v that_o they_o be_v discern_v and_o more_o effectual_o discern_v by_o a_o gracious_a heart_n than_o another_o we_o read_v in_o the_o psalmist_n that_o christ_n be_v anoint_v mith_o the_o oil_n of_o gladness_n above_o his_o fellow_n heb._n 1._o 3._o that_o he_o be_v anoint_v with_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o with_o power_n act_v 10._o 38._o that_o phrase_n in_o the_o epistle_n to_o the_o hebrew_n borrow_v out_o of_o psal_n 45._o as_o i_o show_v you_o be_v excellent_o interpret_v by_o john_n god_n give_v not_o the_o spirit_n unto_o he_o by_o measure_n joh._n 3._o 34._o the_o grace_n of_o god_n be_v say_v to_o be_v upon_o he_o luk._n 2._o 40._o and_o he_o be_v say_v to_o be_v full_a of_o grace_n and_o truth_n joh._n 1._o 14._o grace_n in_o scripture_n as_o it_o relate_v unto_o god_n be_v usual_o take_v in_o one_o of_o these_o two_o sense_n 1._o for_o the_o favour_n and_o free_a love_n of_o god_n by_o which_o a_o person_n be_v accept_v of_o god_n and_o so_o grace_n be_v in_o st._n paul_n epistle_n to_o the_o roman_n and_o galatian_n and_o in_o his_o other_o epistle_n oppose_v to_o work_n thus_o we_o be_v 24._o say_v to_o be_v justify_v by_o grace_n save_v by_o grace_n in_o this_o sense_n it_o be_v also_o in_o scripture_n apply_v to_o creature_n esther_n obtain_v grace_n that_o be_v favour_n in_o the_o sight_n of_o the_o king_n esther_n 2._o 17._o and_o so_o in_o many_o other_o text_n or_o two_o it_o be_v take_v for_o some_o holy_a and_o virtuous_a quality_n and_o disposition_n by_o which_o our_o person_n be_v first_o accept_v in_o christ_n we_o be_v acceptable_a unto_o god_n thus_o it_o be_v say_v joh._n 1._o 16._o of_o his_o fullness_n we_o have_v all_o receive_a grace_n for_o grace_n thus_o love_n be_v call_v a_o grace_n 2_o cor._n 8._o 6._o and_o in_o this_o sense_n the_o apostle_n tell_v the_o corinthian_n god_n be_v able_a to_o make_v all_o grace_n to_o abound_v to_o they_o 2_o cor._n 8._o 9_o in_o this_o sense_n we_o be_v command_v to_o grow_v in_o grace_n that_o be_v in_o holy_a &_o virtuous_a disposition_n or_o habit_n 2_o pet._n 3._o 18._o it_o be_v expound_v by_o 2_o pet._n 1._o 5._o add_v to_o your_o 〈◊〉_d virtue_n and_o to_o virtue_n knowledge_n and_o to_o knowledge_n temperance_n and_o to_o temperance_n patience_n and_o to_o patience_n godliness_n and_o to_o godliness_n brotherly-kindness_n and_o to_o brotherly-kindness_n charity_n the_o grace_n of_o christ_n be_v take_v in_o a_o double_a sense_n 1._o subjective_o for_o that_o free_a love_n and_o favour_n which_o be_v subject_v 7._o in_o christ_n and_o be_v in_o he_o as_o its_o fountain_n flow_v from_o he_o to_o cur_n soul_n in_o this_o sense_n christ_n be_v say_v to_o be_v sail_n of_o grace_n and_o truth_n full_a of_o love_n free_a love_n towards_o his_o people_n soul_n and_o true_o in_o this_o sense_n grace_n come_v by_o jesus_n christ_n for_o out_o of_o he_o god_n love_v no_o soul_n in_o this_o sense_n the_o apostle_n wish_v to_o the_o roman_n grace_n and_o peace_n from_o god_n our_o father_n and_o from_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n take_v grace_n in_o this_o sense_n christ_n be_v the_o subject_a of_o it_o and_o the_o medium_n by_o who_o it_o flow_v from_o the_o eternal_a father_n to_o the_o child_n of_o man_n he_o himself_o be_v from_o eternity_n belove_v of_o god_n and_o that_o both_o necessary_o and_o free_o be_v his_o father_n son_n beget_v from_o eternity_n the_o father_n love_v he_o delight_v in_o he_o and_o indeed_o in_o this_o sense_n christ_n may_v be_v say_v to_o have_v be_v the_o object_n of_o grace_n but_o he_o be_v not_o anoint_v with_o this_o in_o time_n he_o have_v it_o from_o before_o all_o time_n only_o as_o to_o the_o grace_n of_o union_n the_o humane_a nature_n until_o christ_n assume_v it_o be_v not_o belove_v of_o god_n christ_n assume_v it_o it_o become_v the_o object_n of_o this_o grace_n 2._o but_o second_o the_o grace_n of_o christ_n be_v also_o take_v objective_o for_o that_o grace_n which_o be_v pour_v out_o on_o christ_n as_o mediator_n and_o this_o be_v either_o 1._o the_o grace_n of_o union_n which_o be_v the_o 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his_o saint_n so_o that_o when_o i_o say_v christ_n have_v good_a ointment_n abundance_n of_o grace_n i_o understand_v 1._o abundance_n of_o free_a love_n which_o dwell_v in_o he_o as_o god_n over_o all_o bless_a for_o ever_o to_o be_v dispense_v out_o according_a to_o the_o particular_a exigency_n of_o all_o his_o people_n soul_n 2._o many_o gracious_a disposition_n which_o eminent_o dwell_v in_o the_o godhead_n from_o all_o eternity_n be_v also_o by_o the_o spirit_n pour_v out_o upon_o the_o humane_a nature_n in_o his_o incarnation_n these_o be_v here_o call_v by_o a_o metaphor_n ointment_n and_o good_a ointment_n 1._o because_o by_o the_o communication_n of_o these_o from_o the_o divine_a
to_o the_o humane_a nature_n in_o the_o personal_a union_n of_o both_o nature_n in_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n christ_n be_v sanctify_v and_o set_v apart_o and_o constitute_v as_o a_o person_n fit_a to_o be_v our_o high_a priest_n and_o king_n this_o as_o i_o tell_v you_o in_o my_o last_o discourse_n be_v one_o of_o the_o sacred_a use_n of_o oil_n which_o the_o jew_n make_v there_o be_v a_o sweet_a anoint_v oil_n make_v by_o god_n special_a prescript_n for_o the_o consecration_n of_o the_o high_a priest_n the_o tabernacle_n and_o their_o holy_a utensil_n with_o this_o also_o they_o anoint_v their_o king_n this_o do_v but_o typify_v the_o anoint_v of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o by_o the_o receive_n of_o this_o unction_n christ_n be_v constitute_v our_o highpriest_n and_o the_o king_n upon_o the_o holy_a hill_n of_o zion_n by_o the_o grace_n of_o hypostatical_a union_n he_o be_v make_v so_o i_o mean_v by_o the_o union_n of_o the_o divine_a and_o humane_a nature_n in_o the_o one_o person_n of_o christ_n christ_n indeed_o have_v a_o essential_a kingdom_n equal_a with_o the_o father_n by_o his_o eternal_a generation_n but_o he_o obtain_v his_o mediatory_a kingdom_n by_o virtue_n of_o his_o incarnation_n and_o unction_n the_o new_a and_o live_a way_n be_v consecrate_v for_o we_o through_o the_o vail_n that_o be_v to_o say_v his_o flesh_n thus_o he_o be_v make_v our_o highpriest_n our_o king_n our_o prophet_n and_o by_o his_o gracious_a disposition_n and_o qualification_n he_o be_v make_v fit_a for_o a_o mediator_n for_o such_o a_o high_a priest_n become_v we_o who_o be_v holy_a harmless_a undefiled_a separate_a from_o sinner_n and_o make_v high_a than_o the_o heaven_n who_o need_v not_o daily_o as_o those_o high_a priest_n under_o the_o law_n to_o offer_v up_o sacrifice_n first_o for_o his_o own_o sin_n then_o for_o the_o people_n etc._n etc._n heb._n 7._o 26._o 27._o 2._o the_o grace_n of_o christ_n be_v like_o good_a oil_n or_o ointment_n as_o they_o be_v use_v in_o sacrifice_n they_o can_v indeed_o so_o proper_o be_v call_v a_o sacrifice_n but_o they_o be_v as_o the_o oil_n pour_v upon_o the_o meat_n offer_v there_o be_v a_o dispute_n whether_o the_o passive_a obedience_n of_o christ_n only_o or_o his_o active_a obedience_n also_o be_v impute_v to_o we_o and_o be_v our_o righteousness_n not_o to_o meddle_v with_o that_o suppose_v his_o passive_a obedience_n to_o have_v alone_o be_v the_o sacrifice_n yet_o his_o active_a obedience_n must_v be_v allow_v as_o the_o oil_n pour_v upon_o it_o the_o meat_n offer_v be_v usual_o some_o beast_n or_o bird_n slay_v but_o then_o they_o be_v to_o come_v and_o pour_v oil_n upon_o it_o christ_n death_n upon_o the_o cross_n be_v his_o offering_n that_o be_v the_o sacrifice_n but_o his_o grace_n be_v as_o the_o oil_n pour_v upon_o this_o offering_n have_v not_o he_o that_o die_v be_v pure_a and_o holy_a righteous_a and_o separate_v from_o sinner_n meek_a obedient_a etc._n etc._n he_o can_v not_o have_v be_v accept_v for_o other_o for_o he_o must_v have_v offer_v for_o himself_o as_o the_o apostle_n teach_v we_o heb._n 7._o 26_o 27._o thus_o his_o personal_a grace_n and_o perfection_n be_v like_o good_a oil_n with_o respect_n to_o the_o use_n of_o oil_n in_o sacrifice_n upon_o the_o account_n of_o they_o it_o be_v that_o he_o offer_v up_o to_o his_o father_n a_o sacrifice_n for_o the_o sin_n of_o his_o people_n which_o be_v acceptable_a three_o the_o personal_a grace_n and_o perfection_n of_o christ_n be_v like_o good_a oil_n for_o their_o sweet_a savour_n these_o perfection_n be_v those_o thing_n which_o make_v the_o name_n and_o person_n of_o christ_n as_o a_o sweet_a smell_a savour_n in_o the_o nostril_n of_o every_o understanding_n gracious_a soul_n what_o be_v it_o which_o make_v any_o soul_n love_n christ_n what_o make_v its_o own_o private_a meditation_n of_o he_o or_o the_o report_n which_o it_o receive_v of_o he_o so_o exceed_v sweet_a to_o the_o soul_n but_o these_o excellency_n and_o perfection_n which_o be_v in_o he_o his_o free_a and_o infinite_a love_n to_o the_o son_n and_o daughter_n of_o man_n his_o pity_n and_o compassion_n his_o slowness_n to_o conceive_v a_o wrath_n and_o readiness_n to_o forgive_v his_o freeness_n to_o heal_v his_o people_n backslide_n his_o purity_n and_o holiness_n his_o patience_n and_o meekness_n these_o be_v those_o thing_n which_o make_v christ_n appear_v so_o lovely_a and_o amiable_a to_o gracious_a soul_n last_o like_o good_a oil_n they_o serve_v the_o soul_n for_o food_n what_o do_v a_o soul_n that_o hunger_v and_o thirst_v after_o righteousness_n seed_n upon_o but_o the_o righteousness_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n some_o indeed_o have_v find_v a_o righteousness_n of_o their_o own_o to_o feed_v upon_o but_o i_o doubt_v whether_o those_o soul_n that_o feed_v on_o nothing_o else_o will_v appear_v fair_a and_o well_o like_v in_o the_o great_a day_n of_o the_o lord_n suppose_v a_o soul_n pine_v away_o in_o the_o sense_n of_o its_o iniquity_n what_o do_v it_o live_v upon_o but_o only_o the_o free_a grace_n and_o mercy_n of_o god_n in_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n as_o hezekiah_n say_v in_o another_o case_n by_o these_o thing_n man_n live_v so_o do_v every_o spiritual_a soul_n make_v use_n of_o the_o grace_n of_o christ_n and_o may_v say_v by_o the_o righteousness_n of_o christ_n i_o live_v by_o thelove_n pity_n and_o tender_a mercy_n of_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n i_o live_v by_o his_o fullness_n of_o grace_n i_o live_v for_o of_o his_o fullness_n we_o receive_v grace_n for_o grace_n thus_o you_o see_v how_o upon_o all_o account_n the_o grace_n of_o christ_n be_v like_o good_a ointment_n but_o thus_o much_o general_o we_o be_v upon_o a_o bed_n of_o spice_n it_o be_v good_a for_o we_o to_o be_v here_o let_v i_o therefore_o speak_v a_o little_a more_o particular_o show_v you_o particular_o 3._o what_o these_o grace_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n be_v which_o be_v upon_o all_o these_o account_n as_o good_a oil_n or_o good_a ointment_n i_o shall_v answer_v this_o in_o several_a particular_n 1._o the_o grace_n of_o union_n be_v as_o a_o good_a oâ—l_n there_o be_v a_o threefold_a union_n considerable_a with_o reference_n to_o christ_n 1._o his_o eternal_a union_n with_o his_o father_n this_o be_v what_o he_o say_v in_o the_o gospel_n once_o and_o again_o i_o and_o my_o father_n be_v one_o but_o it_o be_v not_o proper_a to_o call_v this_o grace_n it_o be_v natural_a his_o generation_n who_o can_v declare_v 2._o the_o second_o be_v the_o hypostatical_a union_n of_o the_o divine_a and_o humane_a nature_n in_o the_o one_o person_n of_o the_o mediator_n this_o be_v grace_n the_o assumption_n of_o our_o nature_n to_o make_v one_o person_n with_o the_o divine_a nature_n this_o be_v a_o act_n of_o grace_n it_o be_v not_o natural_a not_o eternal_a but_o the_o product_n of_o divine_a and_o free_a 〈…〉_z time_n it_o be_v the_o grace_n both_o of_o the_o first_o and_o of_o the_o second_o person_n in_o the_o trinity_n to_o assume_v humane_a nature_n into_o a_o union_n with_o the_o second_o person_n 3._o there_o be_v a_o union_n of_o christ_n with_o believer_n i_o in_o you_o say_v christ_n and_o you_o in_o i_o these_o be_v mystery_n the_o two_o latter_a i_o mean_v not_o to_o be_v full_o know_v and_o understand_v until_o christ_n second_o come_v at_o that_o day_n say_v our_o bless_a lord_n joh._n 14._o 20._o you_o shall_v know_v that_o i_o be_o in_o my_o father_n and_o you_o in_o i_o and_o lin_n you_o that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o thing_n we_o know_v how_o it_o be_v we_o do_v not_o know_v but_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n this_o be_v also_o of_o grace_n this_o in_o the_o second_o sense_n be_v terminate_v in_o christ_n in_o the_o last_o it_o be_v terminate_v in_o the_o true_o believe_v soul_n i_o be_o sure_a both_o be_v as_o good_a oil_n that_o grace_n which_o be_v both_o from_o the_o father_n and_o himself_o consider_v as_o god_n by_o which_o our_o nature_n be_v assume_v into_o a_o oneness_n with_o the_o second_o person_n in_o the_o godhead_n this_o be_v like_o a_o good_a oil_n this_o be_v the_o sweet_a anoint_v oil_n of_o his_o consecration_n by_o this_o he_o be_v constitute_v out_o highpriest_n capacitate_v to_o offer_v a_o sacrifice_n to_o his_o father_n both_o meritorious_a and_o acceptable_a as_o god_n he_o can_v not_o die_v as_o mere_o the_o son_n of_o man_n he_o can_v not_o merit_v as_o god-man_n he_o can_v do_v both_o o_o this_o make_v christ_n exceed_v lovely_a in_o the_o eye_n of_o a_o spiritual_a intelligent_a soul_n christ_n as_o god_n be_v full_a of_o glory_n and_o majesty_n but_o his_o glory_n be_v invisible_a his_o majesty_n be_v incomprehensible_a but_o now_o when_o the_o word_n be_v make_v flesh_n
they_o have_v in_o they_o crave_n and_o lusting_n of_o the_o flesh_n david_n pray_v hard_a for_o his_o life_n psal_n 39_o ult_n and_o abraham_n for_o a_o child_n and_o job_n for_o health_n ionas_n be_v fond_a of_o a_o gourd_n and_o agur_n beg_v food_n convenient_a for_o he_o and_o although_o rachel_n may_v be_v too_o importunate_a for_o a_o child_n and_o paul_n for_o the_o removal_n of_o the_o thorn_n in_o his_o flesh_n yet_o there_o be_v a_o lawful_a desire_n of_o the_o good_a thing_n of_o this_o life_n allow_v yea_o command_v we_o in_o that_o form_n of_o prayer_n which_o our_o saviour_n prescribe_v we_o be_v bid_v to_o pray_v give_v we_o this_o day_n our_o daily_a bread_n but_o the_o child_n of_o god_n first_o seek_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o the_o righteousness_n thereof_o according_a to_o our_o saviour_n prescript_n mat._n 6._o 33._o i_o remember_v david_n have_v such_o a_o expression_n as_o this_o psal_n 27._o 4._o one_o thing_n have_v i_o desire_v of_o the_o lord_n that_o 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god_n power_n and_o glory_n in_o the_o sanctuary_n otherwhere_a he_o pray_v that_o the_o lord_n will_v show_v he_o his_o way_n and_o unite_v his_o heart_n to_o fear_v his_o name_n that_o god_n will_v come_v unto_o he_o and_o show_v himself_o unto_o he_o etc._n etc._n nor_o be_v it_o hard_o to_o find_v out_o the_o reason_n of_o it_o which_o lie_v 1._o in_o the_o sanctification_n of_o the_o renew_a man_n he_o have_v a_o new_a heart_n give_v unto_o he_o a_o new_a heart_n signify_v a_o new_a understanding_n a_o new_a will_n and_o new_a affection_n new_a not_o as_o to_o the_o faculty_n themselves_o but_o as_o to_o the_o motion_n and_o operation_n of_o they_o in_o which_o the_o soul_n still_o follow_v the_o dictate_v of_o reason_n and_o proceed_v in_o the_o method_n of_o a_o rational_a creature_n 1._o the_o soul_n be_v renew_v in_o its_o understanding_n from_o whence_o proceed_v a_o new_a notion_n and_o judgement_n concern_v thing_n the_o old_a serpent_n cheat_v our_o first_o parent_n when_o 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be_v true_o and_o spiritual_o good_a and_o the_o reason_n of_o this_o be_v our_o not_o understand_v ourselves_o for_o the_o nature_n of_o all_o good_a lie_v in_o a_o conveniency_n and_o sutableness_n of_o the_o object_n to_o we_o a_o knowledge_n of_o our_o own_o state_n and_o want_n must_v reasonable_o be_v suppose_v to_o a_o right_a judgement_n concern_v good_a and_o evil._n but_o among_o other_o evil_n accrue_v to_o we_o by_o the_o fall_n this_o be_v one_o that_o we_o be_v by_o nature_n blind_a as_o to_o our_o own_o state_n and_o stranger_n to_o our_o own_o soul_n not_o understand_v that_o we_o be_v by_o nature_n child_n of_o wrath_n poor_a miserable_a blind_a and_o naked_a but_o conceit_v that_o we_o have_v need_n of_o nothing_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o the_o soul_n be_v not_o able_a to_o judge_v of_o the_o goodness_n of_o union_n and_o communion_n with_o god_n pardon_v of_o sin_n reconciliation_n with_o god_n etc._n etc._n nor_o indeed_o do_v it_o come_v to_o understand_v it_o 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sutableness_n to_o its_o undo_a state_n and_o condition_n hence_o with_o the_o cock_n in_o in_o the_o fable_n it_o prefer_v the_o barley_n corn_n before_o that_o pearl_n of_o great_a price_n for_o the_o purchase_n of_o which_o the_o wise_a merchant_n be_v willing_a to_o sell_v all_o that_o he_o have_v but_o now_o the_o regenerate_a soul_n have_v its_o eye_n open_a to_o discern_v the_o thing_n that_o be_v excellent_a and_o as_o it_o be_v teach_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o conviction_n the_o truth_n of_o its_o natural_a and_o unregenerate_a estate_n so_o its_o eye_n be_v open_v to_o see_v that_o nothing_o but_o the_o special_a love_n of_o god_n in_o christ_n be_v a_o good_a suitable_a to_o it_o or_o worthy_a of_o its_o care_v for_o
every_o good_a christian_a what_o soul_n be_v there_o that_o know_v any_o thing_n of_o god_n or_o of_o the_o nature_n and_o end_n of_o ordinance_n that_o can_v be_v satisfy_v with_o mere_a read_n of_o a_o chapter_n of_o hear_v of_o a_o sermon_n without_o find_v his_o heart_n at_o all_o affect_a with_o what_o he_o read_v or_o hear_v any_o operation_n of_o it_o at_o all_o upon_o his_o heart_n and_o conscience_n formalist_n indeed_o who_o think_v that_o god_n be_v please_v with_o noise_n and_o empty_a sound_n and_o with_o mere_a bodily_a labour_n which_o profit_v nothing_o may_v be_v satisfy_v with_o go_v to_o church_n and_o hear_v a_o discourse_n from_o a_o pulpit_n and_o that_o too_o of_o small_a or_o no_o tendency_n to_o do_v good_a to_o a_o soul_n but_o it_o be_v impossible_a that_o a_o conscientious_a christian_a that_o look_v upon_o ordinance_n as_o opportunity_n under_o a_o divine_a appointment_n wherein_o god_n have_v promise_v to_o meet_v the_o soul_n of_o people_n and_o bless_v 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all_o within_o the_o pale_a of_o his_o church_n which_o be_v a_o field_n have_v tare_n in_o it_o as_o well_o as_o wheat_n a_o drag-net_n who_o swallow_n have_v in_o it_o good_a fish_n as_o well_o as_o bad_a every_o hypocrite_n may_v yield_v god_n the_o homage_n of_o his_o eye_n and_o ear_n and_o some_o thought_n i_o show_v you_o before_o that_o it_o be_v of_o the_o nature_n of_o a_o child_n of_o god_n to_o thirst_n after_o distinguish_a mercy_n this_o be_v that_o which_o such_o soul_n long_o after_o to_o have_v some_o token_n of_o good_a from_o god_n which_o may_v speak_v god_n lovingkindness_n to_o they_o they_o be_v awaken_v to_o a_o sense_n of_o their_o lose_a condition_n by_o nature_n and_o to_o a_o fence_n of_o eternity_n and_o they_o know_v nothing_o but_o the_o adoption_n of_o son_n nothing_o but_o a_o union_n with_o christ_n can_v do_v their_o soul_n any_o good_a with_o reference_n to_o their_o great_a want_n beside_o such_o soul_n as_o they_o thirst_v after_o what_o be_v best_a suit_v to_o their_o soul_n great_a want_n so_o they_o have_v learn_v to_o value_v the_o love_n and_o favour_n of_o god_n above_o all_o earthly_a thing_n they_o know_v that_o all_o within_o the_o pale_a of_o the_o church_n be_v not_o in_o the_o favour_n of_o god_n many_o be_v call_v and_o few_o be_v choose_v straight_o be_v the_o way_n and_o narrow_a be_v the_o gate_n that_o lead_v to_o eternal_a life_n and_o few_o there_o be_v that_o find_v it_o many_o shall_v seek_v to_o enter_v and_o shall_v not_o enter_v 2._o second_o a_o mere_a external_a communion_n with_o god_n be_v upon_o the_o point_n no_o communion_n with_o he_o it_o be_v indeed_o improper_o call_v a_o communion_n with_o he_o god_n say_v our_o saviour_n be_v a_o spirit_n and_o from_o thence_o a_o christian_a conclude_v that_o those_o who_o worship_v he_o must_v worship_v he_o in_o spirit_n and_o truth_n i_o tell_v you_o before_o that_o in_o all_o communion_n there_o must_v be_v a_o mutual_a communication_n in_o our_o communion_n with_o god_n god_n communicate_v something_o of_o himself_o to_o the_o soul_n and_o the_o soul_n must_v communicate_v itself_o in_o some_o degree_n unto_o god_n now_o in_o our_o mere_a external_a communion_n with_o god_n in_o the_o hear_n of_o his_o word_n or_o read_v of_o it_o what_o do_v god_n communicate_v to_o we_o nothing_o but_o the_o revelation_n of_o his_o will_n to_o our_o exterior_a sense_n or_o common_a sense_n and_o understanding_n and_o the_o last_o but_o in_o a_o imperfect_a degree_n what_o do_v man_n communicate_v of_o himself_o to_o god_n he_o lend_v he_o his_o eye_n to_o gather_v up_o the_o letter_n of_o a_o book_n to_o present_v they_o to_o his_o understanding_n he_o lend_v he_o his_o ear_n to_o hear_v sound_n which_o may_v carry_v some_o notion_n of_o god_n to_o the_o understanding_n he_o lend_v he_o a_o little_a bodily_a presence_n and_o labour_n to_o do_v for_o a_o little_a time_n what_o he_o have_v command_v he_o to_o do_v but_o all_o this_o while_n the_o man_n communicate_v not_o his_o heart_n and_o soul_n his_o will_n and_o affection_n to_o god_n nor_o do_v god_n communicate_v any_o thing_n of_o his_o power_n and_o goodness_n unto_o the_o soul_n so_o that_o if_o we_o consider_v god_n as_o a_o spirit_n and_o who_o require_v of_o we_o the_o homage_n of_o the_o soul_n and_o inward_a man_n it_o be_v upon_o the_o point_n no_o fellowship_n and_o communion_n with_o god_n at_o all_o 3._o three_o a_o mere_a external_a fellowship_n and_o communion_n with_o god_n in_o his_o word_n if_o it_o may_v be_v so_o call_v want_v those_o two_o adjunct_n which_o most_o allure_v and_o inflame_v the_o soul_n with_o desire_n they_o be_v pleasure_n and_o profit_n there_o be_v no_o true_a pleasure_n in_o it_o no_o true_a profit_n and_o advantage_n to_o a_o soul_n arise_v from_o it_o i_o note_v to_o you_o before_o that_o one_o reason_n of_o the_o soul_n thirst_n after_o communion_n with_o god_n in_o his_o word_n be_v the_o pleasure_n and_o sweetness_n 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time_n have_v have_v some_o other_o way_n to_o discern_v a_o true_a prophet_n from_o a_o false_a prophet_n how_o else_o can_v they_o have_v be_v charge_v with_o sin_n in_o not_o harken_v to_o their_o voice_n unless_o it_o be_v in_o such_o thing_n which_o they_o require_v they_o to_o do_v or_o to_o avoid_v in_o force_n of_o the_o law_n of_o god_n give_v they_o by_o moses_n for_o though_o some_o of_o they_o wrought_v miracle_n as_o moses_n elijah_n elisha_n yet_o we_o read_v no_o such_o thing_n of_o isaiah_n jeremiah_n ezekiel_n daniel_n etc._n etc._n but_o whatever_o that_o way_n be_v it_o be_v hide_v from_o we_o &_o though_o i_o dare_v not_o but_o say_v that_o god_n may_v yet_o to_o some_o particular_a servant_n of_o he_o not_o only_o more_o full_o and_o clear_o reveal_v what_o he_o have_v in_o his_o word_n reveal_v so_o as_o they_o may_v more_o clear_o understand_v the_o scripture_n and_o be_v more_o able_a to_o teach_v other_o but_o also_o reveal_v his_o mind_n and_o will_v as_o to_o 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any_o why_o not_o all_o i_o shall_v add_v a_o few_o word_n to_o satisfy_v such_o soul_n as_o be_v so_o curious_a and_o inquisitive_a and_o then_o come_v to_o the_o practical_a application_n of_o this_o discourse_n 1._o he_o will_v do_v it_o to_o some_o to_o manifest_v that_o he_o have_v a_o delight_n in_o the_o son_n of_o man_n the_o wise_a man_n thus_o speak_v of_o christ_n from_o all_o eternity_n as_o rejoice_v in_o the_o habitable_a part_n of_o the_o earth_n and_o have_v his_o delight_n with_o the_o son_n of_o man_n who_o can_v give_v a_o reason_n of_o love_n and_o its_o motion_n in_o the_o creature_n the_o affection_n of_o some_o person_n to_o other_o as_o we_o daily_o see_v be_v inaccountable_a thing_n we_o find_v our_o own_o soul_n cleave_v to_o some_o neighbour_n some_o friend_n and_o that_o we_o take_v a_o great_a delight_n and_o complacency_n in_o see_v they_o hear_v they_o discourse_n be_v with_o they_o and_o have_v they_o with_o we_o then_o in_o other_o other_o can_v give_v no_o account_n of_o it_o nor_o see_v any_o reason_n for_o it_o and_o it_o may_v be_v we_o ourselves_o can_v give_v ourselves_o no_o great_a account_n of_o it_o but_o so_o we_o do_v though_o we_o know_v not_o why_o and_o shall_v any_o one_o think_v to_o call_v god_n to_o account_v to_o know_v why_o he_o show_v more_o favour_n to_o one_o soul_n then_o to_o another_o how_o come_v god_n to_o be_v more_o a_o debtor_n to_o his_o creature_n than_o man_n be_v to_o his_o neighbour_n what_o man_n or_o woman_n live_v without_o their_o more_o intimate_a and_o special_a friend_n what_o prince_n though_o never_o so_o ingenuous_a and_o good_a nature_a and_o kind_a to_o all_o his_o subject_n be_v without_o his_o more_o particular_a and_o special_a favourite_n christ_n as_o god_n bless_v for_o ever_o before_o ever_o that_o he_o have_v assume_v our_o nature_n he_o have_v a_o delight_n in_o the_o son_n of_o man_n but_o upon_o his_o take_n unto_o he_o our_o nature_n we_o can_v but_o apprehend_v he_o more_o special_o incline_v he_o therefore_o take_v our_o flesh_n that_o he_o may_v be_v touch_v with_o the_o ceiling_n of_o our_o infirmity_n heb._n 2._o 17._o and_o in_o all_o thing_n say_v the_o apostle_n it_o behove_v he_o to_o be_v make_v like_o unto_o we_o that_o he_o may_v be_v a_o merciful_a and_o saithful_a high_a priest_n christ_n thus_o be_v not_o only_o engage_v by_o the_o infinite_a goodness_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n to_o a_o communication_n of_o his_o goodness_n but_o also_o by_o his_o choice_n and_o assumption_n of_o the_o humane_a nature_n engage_v to_o a_o delight_n in_o the_o son_n of_o man_n though_o consider_v his_o majesty_n and_o greatness_n it_o behove_v he_o not_o to_o make_v every_o soul_n a_o favourite_n take_v it_o up_o into_o the_o near_a degree_n of_o communion_n and_o fellowship_n with_o himself_o yet_o it_o behove_v he_o to_o make_v choice_n of_o some_o soul_n to_o who_o he_o will_v more_o full_o and_o free_o make_v know_v himself_o in_o the_o riches_n of_o his_o grace_n 2._o second_o he_o be_v concern_v to_o it_o 〈◊〉_d point_n of_o faithfulness_n because_o of_o his_o promise_n god_n have_v give_v we_o many_o great_a and_o precious_a promise_n some_o concern_v this_o life_n some_o respect_v that_o which_o be_v to_o come_v we_o have_v promise_n of_o special_a providence_n special_a protection_n from_o danger_n support_v under_o they_o deliverance_n from_o they_o promise_n of_o special_a grace_n manifestative_a love_n joh._n 14._o 21._o i_o will_v love_v they_o and_o manifest_v myself_o unto_o they_o etc._n etc._n promise_n of_o comfort_n strength_n etc._n etc._n now_o these_o promise_n be_v not_o make_v good_a to_o every_o soul_n at_o all_o time_n but_o it_o be_v necessary_a to_o uphold_v the_o lord_n faithfulness_n that_o they_o shall_v be_v make_v good_a to_o some_o soul_n and_o at_o some_o time_n by_o this_o we_o know_v that_o none_o of_o his_o word_n shall_v fail_v that_o his_o promise_n be_v in_o and_o through_o christ_n all_o of_o they_o yea_o and_o amen_n 3._o by_o this_o the_o lord_n also_o incourage_v other_o to_o their_o duty_n it_o be_v sad_a that_o we_o shall_v not_o be_v willing_a to_o serve_v god_n for_o nothing_o at_o least_o without_o sensible_a reward_n but_o so_o cross_v be_v our_o duty_n to_o the_o grain_n of_o our_o flesh_n so_o many_o be_v our_o temptation_n and_o discouragement_n that_o even_o the_o most_o spiritual_a soul_n must_v have_v their_o encouragement_n to_o duty_n from_o sensible_a reward_n while_o we_o think_v that_o every_o labourer_n in_o god_n vineyard_n shall_v have_v his_o penny_n we_o be_v apt_a to_o think_v it_o be_v of_o no_o avail_n for_o we_o to_o labour_v more_o than_o other_o god_n be_v therefore_o please_v though_o one_o man_n penny_n in_o glory_n may_v be_v bright_a than_o another_o to_o encourage_v we_o also_o with_o sensible_a reward_n in_o this_o life_n one_o christian_n shall_v have_v more_o freedom_n and_o liberty_n in_o his_o spirit_n than_o another_o more_o quiet_a and_o peace_n in_o his_o spirit_n then_o another_o he_o shall_v find_v more_o strength_n unto_o his_o duty_n then_o another_o if_o any_o further_o ask_v why_o the_o lord_n do_v not_o please_v to_o deal_v thus_o with_o all_o who_o yet_o true_o love_v and_o fear_v he_o we_o can_v enter_v into_o god_n secret_n or_o pretend_v to_o give_v a_o account_n of_o god_n motion_n i_o shall_v only_o show_v you_o that_o it_o be_v reasonable_a that_o god_n shall_v not_o so_o deal_v with_o all_o but_o with_o some_o only_o and_o that_o he_o shall_v not_o at_o all_o time_n deal_v alike_o with_o the_o same_o soul_n 1._o in_o regard_n of_o our_o own_o incertainty_n and_o mutability_n and_o disproportion_n to_o other_o though_o we_o be_v make_v partaker_n of_o the_o same_o special_a save_a grace_n that_o they_o be_v there_o be_v nothing_o more_o evident_a upon_o observation_n then_o that_o some_o walk_v more_o close_o with_o god_n be_v more_o in_o prayer_n more_o in_o read_v and_o hear_v the_o word_n of_o god_n more_o in_o spiritual_a contemplation_n and_o meditation_n more_o reserve_v from_o the_o world_n more_o watchful_a upon_o their_o own_o heart_n and_o way_n nay_o that_o the_o same_o christian_n have_v not_o always_o the_o same_o heart_n for_o god_n nor_o do_v walk_v with_o god_n the_o same_o pace_n nor_o by_o the_o same_o step_n now_o though_o the_o lord_n do_v not_o distribute_v reward_n strict_o according_a to_o our_o merit_n yet_o he_o distribute_v punishment_n according_a to_o our_o demerit_n and_o the_o withdraw_n of_o these_o gradual_a influence_n be_v species_n of_o punishment_n it_o be_v very_o reasonable_a that_o as_o our_o heart_n and_o way_n be_v uneven_a before_o god_n so_o his_o way_n in_o these_o dispensation_n shall_v also_o be_v
otherwise_o the_o object_n of_o their_o joy_n then_o as_o it_o be_v a_o evidence_n of_o god_n favour_n it_o be_v a_o great_a piece_n of_o the_o spiritual_a man_n art_n to_o rejoice_v in_o god_n while_o he_o rejoice_v in_o the_o creature_n to_o make_v christ_n the_o gladness_n of_o his_o joy_n as_o the_o psalmist_n express_v it_o now_o this_o motion_n of_o a_o pious_a soul_n will_v appear_v to_o be_v natural_a suppose_v he_o to_o be_v first_o enlighten_v to_o discern_v and_o to_o be_v full_o persuade_v that_o the_o love_n of_o christ_n to_o the_o soul_n be_v the_o great_a good_n the_o rational_a soul_n be_v capable_a of_o this_o will_v appear_v to_o you_o if_o you_o will_v but_o consider_v these_o three_o or_o four_o thing_n 1._o that_o the_o presence_n and_o enjoyment_n of_o some_o good_a of_o which_o the_o soul_n stand_v in_o need_n and_o in_o the_o pursuit_n of_o which_o it_o be_v be_v the_o true_a and_o natural_a cause_n of_o the_o motion_n of_o that_o affection_n which_o we_o call_v joy_n this_o be_v evident_a both_o to_o sense_n and_o reason_n we_o rejoice_v not_o in_o evil_a but_o in_o good_a not_o in_o a_o absent_a but_o in_o a_o present_a good_a in_o the_o sense_n and_o manifestation_n and_o apprehension_n of_o it_o 2._o that_o the_o love_n of_o god_n and_o jesus_n christ_n be_v the_o great_a good_n in_o the_o world_n and_o therefore_o the_o presence_n and_o sensible_a manifestation_n of_o they_o be_v the_o enjoyment_n and_o manifestation_n of_o the_o supreme_a good_a the_o very_a light_n of_o nature_n show_v the_o heathen_a that_o the_o happiness_n of_o man_n lay_v in_o his_o union_n with_o the_o great_a good_a thus_o far_o they_o be_v agree_v by_o their_o common_a reason_n though_o they_o can_v not_o so_o well_o agree_v what_o that_o chief_a good_a be_v &_o nothing_o hinder_v they_o from_o agree_v this_o truth_n but_o their_o want_n of_o true_a knowledge_n of_o god_n and_o christ_n and_o of_o the_o possibility_n of_o a_o poor_a creature_n have_v a_o union_n with_o he_o or_o any_o kind_n of_o enjoyment_n of_o he_o or_o understand_v the_o need_n their_o soul_n stand_v of_o the_o love_n of_o christ_n for_o agree_v that_o the_o happiness_n of_o man_n lay_v in_o a_o union_n with_o the_o supreme_a good_a they_o want_v but_o the_o revelation_n we_o have_v of_o man_n want_n and_o the_o possibility_n of_o this_o bless_a union_n with_o and_o fruition_n of_o god_n but_o they_o must_v have_v agree_v this_o truth_n 3._o it_o be_v but_o natural_a to_o the_o soul_n to_o rejoice_v more_o in_o the_o obtain_n of_o a_o great_a good_a then_o in_o the_o obtain_n of_o what_o be_v lesser_a and_o to_o rejoice_v most_o in_o a_o good_a most_o comprehensive_a of_o other_o particular_a good_n though_o it_o want_v those_o particular_a good_a thing_n who_o be_v there_o who_o do_v not_o natural_o more_o rejoice_v in_o the_o get_n of_o five_o hundred_o pound_n than_o of_o five_o because_o the_o five_o hundred_o pound_n be_v a_o great_a good_a than_o five_o who_o do_v not_o more_o rejoice_v in_o a_o great_a stock_n of_o money_n by_o he_o then_o in_o a_o great_a quantity_n of_o bread_n or_o a_o great_a wardrobe_n of_o clothes_n the_o reason_n be_v because_o money_n be_v comprehensive_a of_o these_o he_o that_o have_v money_n can_v buy_v bread_n and_o clothes_n 4_o last_o it_o be_v but_o natural_a to_o we_o to_o rejoice_v in_o nothing_o which_o we_o apprehend_v incompetent_a with_o that_o good_a wherein_o our_o chief_a happiness_n do_v lie_v nor_o in_o the_o have_v of_o any_o thing_n which_o we_o enjoy_v while_o we_o want_v that_o which_o we_o look_v at_o most_o of_o all_o rachel_n be_v a_o good_a woman_n jacob_n be_v her_o husband_n to_o who_o she_o be_v exceed_v dear_a he_o have_v a_o plentiful_a estate_n it_o be_v hard_a to_o say_v what_o good_a she_o want_v save_o child_n only_o that_o blessing_n her_o heart_n be_v upon_o jacob_n be_v nothing_o his_o estate_n nothing_o to_o she_o she_o go_v to_o her_o husband_n and_o cry_n give_v i_o child_n or_o else_o i_o die_v now_o admit_v a_o believe_a soul_n to_o be_v firm_o persuade_v that_o it_o must_v live_v for_o ever_o either_o in_o eternal_a happiness_n or_o in_o eternal_a misery_n and_o again_o to_o be_v persuade_v that_o it_o can_v never_o live_v in_o eternal_a happiness_n without_o a_o union_n with_o christ_n without_o his_o love_n manifest_v to_o it_o in_o the_o pardon_n of_o its_o sin_n and_o the_o imputation_n of_o his_o righteousness_n admit_v the_o soul_n to_o be_v fire_v in_o the_o pursuit_n of_o these_o thing_n as_o its_o chief_a good_a how_o be_v it_o possible_a that_o it_o shall_v rejoice_v in_o any_o thing_n incompetent_a with_o it_o or_o that_o it_o shall_v rejoice_v in_o any_o thing_n with_o a_o equal_a joy_n as_o it_o rejoice_v in_o this_o hence_o it_o follow_v that_o christ_n must_v be_v the_o singular_a object_n of_o the_o believe_a soul_n joy_n 1._o because_o it_o be_v impossible_a the_o soul_n shall_v rejoice_v in_o what_o be_v incompetent_a with_o the_o sruition_n and_o enjoyment_n of_o what_o it_o right_o judge_v its_o chief_a good_a such_o be_v all_o sensual_a prohibit_v satisfaction_n 2._o because_o it_o be_v impossible_a it_o shall_v rejoice_v in_o what_o it_o judge_v a_o lesser_a good_a more_o than_o in_o what_o it_o judge_v a_o great_a and_o transcendent_a to_o it_o 3._o because_o it_o know_v christ_n and_o his_o love_n be_v comprehensive_a of_o all_o other_o good_a for_o if_o he_o have_v give_v we_o christ_n say_v the_o apostle_n shall_v he_o not_o also_o with_o he_o give_v we_o all_o thing_n thus_o i_o have_v open_v and_o show_v you_o the_o reason_n of_o the_o proposition_n why_o the_o soul_n rejoice_v in_o christ_n i_o add_v and_o in_o the_o manifestation_n of_o his_o love_n particular_o in_o hear_v and_o answer_v its_o prayer_n i_o shall_v give_v you_o some_o reason_n of_o that_o and_o then_o apply_v the_o whole_a discourse_n but_o etc._n etc._n sermon_n xxviii_o cant._n 1._o 4._o we_o will_v be_v glad_a and_o rejoice_v in_o thou_o i_o be_o yet_o handle_v the_o proposition_n at_o first_o lay_v down_o i_o show_v you_o the_o last_o day_n how_o christ_n be_v the_o singular_a object_n of_o the_o spouse_n joy_n i_o add_v then_o and_o the_o manifestation_n of_o his_o love_n especial_o in_o hear_v and_o answer_v our_o prayer_n indeed_o christ_n be_v no_o otherwise_o the_o object_n of_o our_o joy_n then_o in_o the_o manifestation_n of_o his_o love_n all_o joy_n require_v some_o sensible_a manifestation_n or_o experience_n the_o personal_a excellency_n of_o christ_n make_v he_o the_o object_n of_o our_o love_n who_o say_v the_o apostle_n have_v not_o see_v yet_o we_o love_v love_n ask_v for_o nothing_o but_o amiableness_n in_o its_o object_n no_o more_o do_v desire_n which_o be_v the_o first_o bear_v of_o love_n but_o joy_n require_v propriety_n and_o union_n christ_n manifest_v to_o the_o soul_n can_v alone_o be_v the_o object_n of_o joy_n but_o i_o add_v especial_o in_o hear_v and_o answer_v prayer_n that_o be_v the_o case_n here_o the_o spouse_n have_v pray_v draw_v i_o and_o we_o will_v run_v after_o thou_o she_o present_o triumph_v in_o the_o hear_n of_o her_o prayer_n and_o then_o add_v we_o will_v be_v glad_a and_o rejoice_v in_o thou_o i_o may_v have_v also_o add_v prayer_n put_v up_o particular_o for_o spiritual_a mercy_n we_o shall_v all_o along_o in_o scripture_n find_v this_o make_v a_o great_a matter_n of_o joy_n in_o the_o heart_n of_o god_n people_n take_v the_o instance_n of_o hannah_n and_o david_n hannah_n have_v be_v 1_o sam._n 1._o pray_v unto_o god_n for_o a_o child_n the_o lord_n answer_v see_v how_o she_o rejoice_v 1_o sam._n 2._o 1._o hannah_n pray_v and_o say_v my_o heart_n rejoice_v in_o the_o lord_n my_o horn_n be_v exalt_v in_o the_o lord_n my_o mouth_n be_v enlarge_v over_o my_o enemy_n because_o i_o rejoice_v in_o thy_o salvation_n concern_v david_n we_o have_v many_o instance_n psal_n 31._o 21._o bless_a be_v the_o lord_n for_o he_o have_v show_v i_o his_o marvellous_a kindness_n in_o a_o strong_a city_n v_o 22._o thou_o hear_v the_o voice_n of_o my_o supplication_n when_o i_o cry_v unto_o thou_o psal_n 3._o 4._o i_o cry_v unto_o the_o lord_n with_o my_o voice_n and_o he_o hear_v i_o from_o his_o holy_a place_n in_o this_o he_o rejoice_v and_o triumph_v v_o 6_o 8._o psal_n 6._o 8._o the_o lord_n have_v hear_v the_o voice_n of_o my_o weep_n the_o lord_n have_v hear_v my_o supplication_n he_o will_v receive_v my_o prayer_n so_o again_o psal_n 18._o 6._o &_o again_o psal_n 28._o 6._o bless_a be_v the_o lord_n because_o he_o have_v hear_v the_o voice_n of_o my_o supplication_n so_o psal_n 116._o 1._o but_o there_o need_v no_o scripture_n in_o the_o
body_n of_o christ_n to_o the_o body_n natural_a for_o the_o order_n of_o the_o part_n and_o member_n the_o several_a office_n of_o the_o member_n the_o mutual_a subserviency_n of_o one_o member_n to_o another_o and_o that_o sympathy_n which_o shall_v be_v find_v betwixt_o the_o member_n hence_o we_o be_v command_v by_o the_o apostle_n to_o rejoice_v with_o those_o who_o rejoice_v and_o to_o weep_v with_o those_o that_o weep_v and_o paul_n say_v of_o himself_o who_o be_v weak_a and_o i_o be_o not_o weak_a who_o be_v offend_v and_o i_o burn_v not_o and_o again_o we_o be_v command_v to_o remember_v those_o who_o be_v in_o bond_n as_o if_o we_o be_v bind_v with_o they_o and_o those_o that_o suffer_v adversity_n as_o be_v ourselves_o in_o the_o body_n so_o that_o 1._o the_o precept_n of_o god_n oblige_v we_o to_o it_o who_o have_v make_v his_o people_n all_o one_o body_n have_v make_v they_o also_o member_n each_o of_o other_o 2._o their_o relation_n call_v to_o they_o for_o it_o it_o seem_v to_o be_v the_o law_n of_o nature_n upon_o all_o near_a relation_n for_o it_o be_v not_o only_a where_o as_o in_o natural_a body_n the_o natural_a union_n be_v make_v by_o nerve_n and_o sinew_n but_o where_o love_n have_v make_v a_o union_n as_o in_o the_o union_n betwixt_o parent_n and_o child_n husband_n and_o wife_n etc._n etc._n nor_o be_v this_o to_o be_v extend_v only_o to_o such_o case_n where_o the_o person_n belove_v feel_v a_o burden_n or_o misery_n but_o where_o they_o lie_v under_o it_o though_o they_o be_v not_o sensible_a of_o it_o what_o husband_n or_o wife_n be_v not_o affect_v with_o the_o affliction_n of_o their_o correlate_n in_o a_o apoplexy_n or_o under_o some_o distemper_n of_o which_o themselves_o possible_o have_v iittle_a or_o no_o sense_n so_o will_v every_o good_a christian_a be_v affect_v at_o the_o case_n of_o his_o brother_n fall_v though_o he_o possible_o have_v not_o that_o due_a sense_n of_o his_o own_o fall_n which_o he_o shall_v have_v and_o at_o the_o case_n of_o the_o church_n under_o its_o blackness_n though_o possible_o the_o ruler_n or_o generality_n of_o the_o member_n be_v not_o so_o sensible_a of_o their_o own_o corruption_n and_o deviation_n and_o to_o look_v upon_o the_o spouse_n of_o christ_n in_o her_o blackness_n with_o a_o mournful_a pity_v and_o compassionate_a eye_n be_v very_o much_o the_o duty_n of_o every_o good_a christian_a and_o what_o we_o find_v the_o constant_a and_o religious_a practice_n of_o the_o people_n of_o god_n at_o all_o time_n 2._o we_o may_v so_o far_o look_v upon_o the_o spouse_n blackness_n as_o our_o sight_n of_o it_o may_v inform_v we_o better_o or_o quicken_v we_o to_o seek_v god_n on_o her_o behalf_n it_o be_v our_o duty_n to_o pray_v for_o one_o another_o james_z 5._o 15._o confess_v your_o fault_n one_o to_o another_o and_o pray_v one_o for_o another_o they_o be_v put_v together_o and_o the_o first_o seem_v to_o be_v mention_v as_o a_o mean_n in_o order_n to_o the_o other_o how_o can_v i_o plead_v for_o a_o church_n or_o a_o particular_a child_n of_o god_n if_o i_o know_v nothing_o of_o their_o state_n how_o can_v i_o know_v it_o if_o i_o may_v not_o look_v upon_o it_o it_o be_v a_o divine_a indulgence_n grant_v by_o god_n to_o his_o people_n that_o they_o shall_v not_o be_v hear_v only_o pray_v for_o themselves_o but_o for_o their_o brethren_n also_o 1_o john_n 5._o 16._o if_o any_o man_n see_v his_o brother_n sin_n a_o sin_n which_o be_v not_o unto_o death_n he_o shall_v ask_v and_o he_o shall_v give_v they_o life_n for_o they_o who_o sin_v not_o unto_o death_n all_o a_o christian_n sin_n in_o their_o own_o nature_n be_v mortal_a and_o unto_o death_n the_o papist_n err_v in_o their_o distinction_n of_o sin_n into_o such_o as_o be_v mortal_a and_o such_o as_o be_v venial_a but_o no_o sin_n be_v mortal_a in_o that_o sense_n as_o it_o signify_v what_o can_v be_v forgive_v save_v only_o the_o blasphemy_n against_o the_o holy_a ghost_n mention_v by_o our_o saviour_n and_o in_o respect_n of_o god_n gracious_a ordination_n no_o child_n of_o god_n sin_v or_o can_v sin_v unto_o death_n now_o where_o the_o sin_n be_v not_o unto_o death_n god_n have_v promise_v we_o on_o the_o behalf_n of_o our_o brethren_n that_o if_o we_o see_v they_o sin_v and_o pray_v for_o they_o their_o sin_n shall_v be_v forgive_v they_o now_o if_o they_o may_v not_o look_v upon_o they_o in_o any_o sense_n or_o to_o any_o purpose_n how_o shall_v they_o pray_v for_o they_o and_o thus_o it_o be_v high_o the_o duty_n of_o god_n people_n to_o look_v both_o upon_o the_o church_n and_o the_o people_n of_o god_n because_o of_o their_o blackness_n through_o affliction_n be_v any_o man_n afflict_v say_v james_n 5._o 14._o let_v he_o pray_v and_o let_v they_o send_v for_o the_o elder_n of_o the_o church_n and_o let_v they_o pray_v over_o they_o and_o the_o prayer_n of_o the_o faithful_a shall_v save_v the_o sick_a and_o the_o lord_n shall_v raise_v he_o up_o and_o if_o he_o have_v commit_v sin_n it_o shall_v be_v forgive_v he_o in_o this_o sense_n it_o be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v christian_n sin_n that_o it_o be_v their_o duty_n to_o look_v upon_o the_o spouse_n because_o she_o be_v black_a 3._o last_o it_o be_v christian_n duty_n to_o look_v upon_o the_o spouse_n because_o she_o be_v black_a so_o far_a as_o to_o enable_v we_o in_o any_o measure_n to_o the_o purge_n out_o their_o corruption_n a_o good_a christian_n ought_v so_o far_o to_o consider_v the_o corruption_n of_o a_o church_n as_o in_o his_o place_n to_o endeavour_v its_o reformation_n and_o consequent_o it_o can_v be_v his_o duty_n to_o have_v communion_n with_o she_o in_o those_o thing_n wherein_o she_o deviate_v from_o the_o rule_n of_o her_o lord_n it_o be_v true_a the_o effectual_a authoritative_a reformation_n of_o a_o national_a church_n belong_v to_o the_o ruler_n if_o they_o be_v christian_n as_o appear_v by_o all_o the_o instance_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n concern_v the_o king_n of_o judah_n and_o such_o a_o reformation_n of_o a_o particular_a church_n or_o congregation_n belong_v to_o the_o officer_n of_o christ_n in_o it_o but_o every_o private_a christian_a have_v his_o part_n viz._n to_o inform_v such_o in_o who_o the_o power_n be_v to_o bear_v a_o testimony_n against_o such_o corruption_n and_o not_o to_o have_v fellowship_n with_o the_o church_n in_o such_o thing_n i_o can_v grant_v that_o all_o corruption_n in_o the_o doctrine_n worship_n or_o discipline_n of_o a_o church_n be_v a_o sufficient_a cause_n to_o conclude_v it_o no_o true_a church_n and_o whole_o to_o withdraw_v himself_o from_o the_o communion_n of_o it_o but_o i_o doubt_v not_o to_o say_v that_o it_o be_v my_o duty_n to_o withdraw_v communion_n from_o a_o church_n in_o such_o act_n as_o without_o sin_n i_o can_v have_v communion_n with_o it_o but_o of_o this_o more_o by_o and_o by_o the_o case_n be_v the_o same_o in_o the_o case_n of_o a_o lapse_v brother_n i_o be_o bind_v to_o admonish_v he_o to_o tell_v he_o of_o his_o offence_n and_o if_o he_o will_v not_o hear_v i_o to_o take_v two_o or_o three_o with_o i_o if_o he_o will_v not_o hear_v they_o to_o tell_v the_o church_n that_o he_o may_v be_v separate_v from_o the_o communion_n of_o it_o the_o apostle_n have_v direct_v we_o if_o our_o brother_n be_v overtake_v with_o a_o fault_n to_o restore_v he_o in_o the_o spirit_n of_o meekness_n gal._n 6._o 1._o now_o in_o order_n to_o the_o performance_n of_o this_o i_o may_v yea_o it_o be_v my_o duty_n to_o look_v upon_o my_o brother_n when_o he_o be_v black_a for_o the_o lord_n who_o have_v will_v the_o end_n must_v be_v understand_v to_o have_v also_o will_v the_o mean_n that_o be_v necessary_a to_o that_o end_n let_v i_o in_o the_o next_o place_n show_v you_o what_o kind_n of_o look_v on_o the_o spouse_n in_o her_o blackness_n be_v sinful_a this_o i_o shall_v more_o large_o open_a in_o several_a particular_n 1._o first_o we_o ought_v not_o to_o look_v upon_o they_o with_o a_o censorious_a and_o condemn_a eye_n neither_o for_o their_o seem_a blackness_n through_o affliction_n nor_o yet_o for_o their_o real_a blackness_n through_o coorruption_n either_o break_v out_o of_o a_o christian_n heart_n or_o appear_v in_o a_o church_n judge_v not_o say_v our_o saviour_n luk._n 6._o 37._o and_o you_o shall_v not_o be_v judge_v condemn_v not_o and_o you_o shall_v not_o be_v condemn_v he_o that_o judge_v the_o truth_n of_o a_o christian_n grace_n or_o of_o a_o church_n state_n from_o the_o more_o external_a providence_n of_o god_n either_o towards_o the_o one_o or_o towards_o the_o other_o do_v not_o consider_v what_o have_v be_v the_o lot_n of_o the_o
be_v this_o thou_o believe_v soul_n who_o in_o my_o eye_n art_n more_o beautiful_a and_o lovely_a than_o any_o other_o soul_n in_o the_o world_n if_o thou_o be_v in_o any_o thing_n ignorant_a of_o my_o will_n and_o where_o to_o meet_v i_o and_o how_o to_o enjoy_v fellowship_n and_o communion_n with_o i_o do_v not_o stray_v from_o the_o rule_n of_o my_o word_n nor_o vary_v from_o the_o example_n of_o those_o who_o i_o give_v for_o shepherd_n to_o my_o people_n keep_v close_o to_o they_o to_o their_o doctrine_n and_o to_o my_o ordinance_n administer_v by_o they_o there_o thou_o shall_v find_v i_o there_o i_o rest_v at_o noon_n these_o two_o verse_n thus_o open_v afford_v we_o several_a proposition_n of_o doctrine_n as_o matter_n of_o further_a discourse_n prop._n 1._o christ_n be_v he_o and_o only_o he_o who_o the_o believe_a soul_n love_v prop._n 2._o though_o there_o may_v be_v a_o time_n when_o such_o a_o soul_n may_v conceal_v and_o disow_v its_o love_n to_o christ_n yet_o there_o 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the_o beauty_n of_o this_o soul_n be_v not_o perfect_a it_o may_v in_o some_o thing_n be_v ignorant_a prop._n 10._o the_o sure_a way_n for_o a_o soul_n to_o get_v a_o perfect_a instruction_n in_o the_o thing_n that_o concern_v its_o spiritual_a good_a and_o to_o keep_v and_o to_o enjoy_v communion_n with_o christ_n be_v to_o feed_v its_o self_n by_o the_o tent_n of_o christ_n shepherd_n and_o to_o live_v according_a to_o the_o example_n and_o direction_n of_o his_o holy_a servant_n record_v in_o holy_a writ_n i_o begin_v with_o the_o first_o of_o which_o i_o shall_v speak_v but_o brief_o prop._n 1._o jesus_n christ_n be_v he_o who_o the_o soul_n love_v with_o a_o singular_a love_n i_o put_v in_o the_o term_n singular_a because_o as_o i_o tell_v you_o the_o phrase_n import_v it_o love_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o the_o adhaesion_n or_o cleave_v of_o the_o soul_n to_o a_o object_n out_o of_o a_o goodness_n and_o suitableness_n which_o it_o have_v discern_v in_o it_o with_o a_o complacency_n which_o the_o soul_n take_v in_o it_o which_o be_v such_o as_o if_o the_o soul_n want_v it_o it_o desire_v it_o if_o it_o enjoy_v it_o it_o be_v glad_a and_o rejoice_v in_o it_o which_o be_v first_o consider_v it_o follow_v that_o look_v how_o many_o object_n as_o there_o be_v that_o have_v in_o they_o any_o goodness_n or_o suitableness_n to_o our_o state_n so_o many_o object_n of_o our_o love_n there_o be_v in_o the_o world_n and_o 2._o that_o look_v how_o much_o goodness_n and_o suitableness_n to_o we_o we_o apprehend_v in_o one_o object_n more_o than_o in_o another_o so_o much_o we_o love_v one_o thing_n more_o than_o another_o or_o one_o person_n more_o than_o another_o 2._o there_o be_v also_o a_o love_n that_o flow_v from_o union_n and_o relation_n of_o which_o we_o be_v not_o able_a to_o give_v a_o perfect_a account_n the_o parent_n love_v the_o child_n and_o the_o husband_n love_v the_o wife_n and_o the_o wife_n the_o husband_n not_o always_o out_o of_o judgement_n the_o husband_n discern_v in_o the_o wife_n a_o suitableness_n to_o he_o be_v not_o always_o the_o cause_n of_o love_n nor_o be_v the_o child_n love_n to_o the_o mother_n or_o father_n always_o rational_a flow_v from_o a_o apprehension_n of_o the_o suitableness_n of_o the_o parent_n to_o it_o but_o rather_o from_o a_o impetus_fw-la of_o nature_n a_o unaccountable_a complacency_n in_o those_o who_o god_n have_v make_v correlate_n cause_v by_o the_o god_n of_o nature_n who_o have_v make_v they_o one_o flesh_n who_o so_o deliberate_o consider_v this_o will_v easy_o understand_v a_o double_a reason_n of_o the_o believer_n love_v to_o christ_n 1._o the_o first_o be_v that_o union_n which_o be_v betwixt_o the_o believe_a soul_n and_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n which_o be_v wrought_v by_o faith_n this_o produce_v this_o second_o union_n which_o be_v that_o of_o love_n by_o faith_n christ_n be_v unite_v to_o the_o soul_n and_o become_v a_o member_n of_o his_o body_n and_o that_o be_v follow_v by_o this_o union_n of_o love_n the_o soul_n in_o the_o same_o hour_n wherein_o it_o be_v unite_v by_o faith_n to_o christ_n be_v teach_v of_o god_n to_o love_v the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n it_o be_v a_o piece_n of_o its_o regeneration_n which_o continual_o follow_v justification_n and_o be_v indeed_o coevous_a with_o it_o so_o that_o as_o in_o the_o natural_a union_n the_o same_o day_n the_o man_n become_v a_o father_n or_o the_o woman_n a_o mother_n there_o be_v a_o new_a emanation_n of_o affection_n and_o love_n the_o man_n or_o woman_n that_o before_o know_v nothing_o of_o the_o heart_n of_o a_o parent_n now_o begin_v to_o feel_v it_o and_o in_o the_o moral_a union_n betwixt_o the_o husband_n and_o wife_n the_o same_o day_n that_o they_o be_v marry_v to_o each_o other_o there_o flow_v a_o reciprocal_a affection_n each_o to_o other_o so_o as_o they_o then_o begin_v to_o know_v the_o heart_n of_o a_o husband_n and_o a_o wife_n of_o which_o they_o know_v little_a or_o 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communion_n be_v more_o spiritual_a the_o soul_n perform_v its_o part_n in_o it_o by_o the_o secret_a exercise_n of_o the_o power_n god_n have_v give_v it_o upon_o christ_n as_o the_o object_n by_o spiritual_a meditation_n the_o exercise_n of_o faith_n love_n hope_v desire_v joy_n and_o delight_n etc._n etc._n by_o give_v up_o its_o will_n to_o his_o will_n assent_v to_o what_o he_o dictate_v in_o his_o word_n consent_v to_o what_o he_o there_o command_v etc._n etc._n christ_n communicate_v himself_o to_o the_o soul_n by_o the_o secret_a influence_n of_o his_o spirit_n open_v and_o enlighten_v the_o understanding_n bow_v and_o incline_v the_o will_n influence_v the_o affection_n convince_a strengthen_v quicken_a comfort_v the_o soul_n indeed_o there_o be_v a_o more_o external_a communion_n with_o god_n but_o separate_v from_o this_o it_o signify_v nothing_o to_o the_o soul_n advantage_n so_o we_o be_v say_v to_o have_v communion_n with_o god_n in_o read_v and_o hear_v his_o word_n pray_v receive_v the_o sacrament_n the_o soul_n have_v in_o these_o no_o further_a fellowship_n &_o communion_n with_o god_n than_o it_o in_o they_o exercise_v these_o more_o inward_a power_n in_o more_o external_a act_n by_o the_o advantage_n of_o the_o bodily_a member_n so_o far_o as_o it_o pour_v out_o itself_o to_o god_n in_o prayer_n by_o the_o word_n of_o the_o lip_n or_o open_v its_o heart_n to_o god_n in_o hear_v the_o word_n receive_v it_o with_o faith_n and_o love_n and_o meekness_n etc._n etc._n so_o far_o and_o no_o further_o have_v the_o soul_n in_o these_o duty_n any_o communion_n with_o god_n nor_o do_v god_n communicate_v himself_o to_o the_o soul_n that_o be_v not_o make_v to_o believe_v and_o obey_v what_o it_o hear_v further_a than_o to_o let_v it_o know_v his_o will_n with_o the_o advantage_n of_o such_o argument_n as_o his_o minister_n be_v enable_v to_o use_v by_o virtue_n of_o those_o gift_n which_o he_o have_v give_v they_o to_o fit_v they_o for_o their_o 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communication_n of_o itself_o by_o faith_n to_o he_o thus_o the_o union_n be_v first_o make_v between_o god_n and_o the_o soul_n thus_o it_o be_v and_o must_v be_v maintain_v and_o uphold_v the_o reason_n why_o we_o say_v the_o soul_n once_o in_o a_o state_n of_o grace_n can_v fall_v from_o it_o either_o final_o or_o total_o be_v not_o from_o the_o ability_n and_o certainty_n of_o their_o own_o will_n however_o renew_v and_o sanctify_a but_o from_o the_o more_o constant_a and_o certain_a influence_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o grace_n which_o be_v give_v to_o the_o soul_n dwell_v in_o it_o and_o work_v in_o it_o christ_n have_v not_o only_o promise_v to_o come_v to_o they_o that_o love_v he_o and_o keep_v his_o commandment_n but_o to_o make_v his_o abode_n with_o he_o hence_o the_o union_n between_o christ_n &_o the_o soul_n be_v not_o only_o compare_v to_o the_o moral_a union_n between_o the_o husband_n and_o wife_n eph._n 5._o 30._o but_o to_o the_o natural_a union_n between_o the_o vine_n and_o the_o branch_n john_n 15._o 1._o betwixt_o which_o while_o they_o remain_v unite_v there_o be_v a_o constant_a communication_n and_o in_o very_a deed_n do_v not_o the_o soul_n of_o a_o believer_n daily_o receive_v divine_a influence_n and_o communication_n it_o must_v wither_v and_o die_v as_o natural_o as_o the_o branch_n do_v when_o the_o union_n be_v break_v betwixt_o it_o and_o the_o vine_n and_o this_o our_o saviour_n teach_v we_o john_n 15._o 4._o as_o the_o branch_n can_v bring_v forth_o fruit_n unless_o it_o abide_v in_o the_o vine_n so_o no_o more_o can_v you_o except_o you_o abide_v in_o i_o 3._o although_o the_o soul_n communion_n with_o christ_n can_v never_o be_v whole_o interrupt_v and_o break_v yet_o it_o may_v be_v more_o of_o less_o and_o sometime_o indiscern_v by_o the_o soul_n i_o
it_o be_v wholesome_a against_o insection_n help_v woman_n in_o travel_n cure_v consumption_n quicken_v the_o appetite_n etc._n etc._n i_o shall_v not_o dwell_v upon_o this_o because_o i_o do_v not_o think_v it_o chief_o intend_a but_o christ_n in_o this_o sense_n be_v to_o the_o believe_a soul_n a_o bundle_n of_o myrrh_n heal_v all_o the_o soul_n disease_n ps_n 103._o 3._o he_o be_v that_o tree_n rev._n 22._o 2._o who_o leaf_n be_v for_o the_o heal_n of_o the_o nation_n he_o heal_v the_o break_a in_o heart_n psal_n 147._o 3._o what_o he_o do_v while_o he_o be_v upon_o the_o earth_n by_o his_o miraculous_a power_n as_o to_o man_n body_n mat._n 4._o 23._o heal_v all_o manner_n of_o sickness_n that_o he_o do_v now_o in_o heaven_n for_o the_o soul_n by_o his_o save_a efficacy_n 3._o myrrh_n be_v as_o i_o tell_v you_o a_o great_a preservative_n against_o putresaction_n which_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o their_o use_n of_o it_o about_o dead_a body_n either_o put_v it_o into_o the_o body_n after_o the_o egyptian_a method_n or_o outward_o anoint_v or_o embalm_v the_o body_n with_o it_o after_o the_o jewish_a method_n christ_n be_v the_o same_o to_o the_o soul_n where_o he_o dwell_v he_o preserve_v the_o soul_n against_o the_o putrefaction_n of_o lust_n and_o corruption_n the_o apostle_n speak_v this_o rom._n 6._o 3._o 3._o how_o shall_v we_o that_o be_v dead_a to_o sin_n live_v any_o long_a therein_o where_o he_o argue_v that_o the_o soul_n interest_n in_o christ_n arise_v from_o its_o justification_n preserve_v the_o soul_n against_o putrify_a lust_n that_o sin_n can_v have_v dominion_n over_o it_o because_o it_o be_v not_o under_o the_o law_n but_o under_o grace_n but_o i_o hasten_v to_o the_o four_o which_o in_o the_o judgement_n of_o interpreter_n be_v chief_o intend_v here_o 4._o myrrh_n whether_o in_o the_o herb_n spice_n or_o gum_n be_v exceed_v sweet_a hence_o you_o read_v of_o bed_n and_o garment_n presume_a with_o myrrh_n now_o the_o great_a quantity_n there_o be_v the_o strong_a the_o odour_n must_v be_v christ_n be_v a_o heap_n of_o sweet_n exceed_o sweet_a to_o 16_o the_o soul_n his_o mouth_n be_v most_o sweet_a cant._n 5._o 16._o his_o cheek_n be_v as_o sweet_a flower_n his_o lip_n drop_v sweet_a smell_a myrrh_n cant._n 5._o 13._o sweetness_n to_o the_o nostril_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o a_o smell_n that_o arise_v from_o some_o hide_a quality_n in_o the_o thing_n that_o emit_v it_o and_o convey_v to_o the_o nostril_n by_o the_o air_n gratify_v that_o outward_a sense_n there_o be_v a_o sweetness_n that_o be_v mental_a too_o a_o notion_n be_v as_o sweet_a to_o the_o 19_o scholar_n as_o a_o perfume_n be_v to_o a_o lady_n prov._n 13._o 19_o desire_v accomplish_v be_v sweet_a to_o the_o soul_n christ_n sweetness_n be_v mental_a sweetness_n he_o be_v sweetness_n not_o to_o the_o nostril_n but_o to_o the_o soul_n and_o so_o he_o be_v a_o bundle_n of_o sweet_n let_v i_o untie_v this_o bundle_n of_o myrrh_n a_o little_a and_o show_v you_o how_o christ_n be_v sweet_a i_o will_v open_v it_o to_o you_o in_o three_o thing_n 1._o he_o be_v exceed_o sweet_a in_o his_o action_n as_o our_o redeemer_n as_o to_o these_o he_o be_v a_o bundle_n of_o myrrh_n there_o be_v many_o of_o they_o his_o unite_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n to_o the_o humane_a nature_n in_o his_o incarnation_n his_o fulfil_n the_o law_n his_o death_n upon_o the_o cross_n his_o resurrection_n ascend_v sit_v at_o his_o father_n right_a hand_n make_v intercession_n for_o we_o the_o soul_n smell_v of_o all_o these_o by_o meditation_n and_o faith_n and_o the_o smell_n be_v like_a that_o of_o a_o bundle_n of_o myrrh_n shall_v i_o show_v you_o how_o 1._o for_o his_o incarnation_n with_o the_o manner_n of_o it_o he_o unite_v the_o divine_a and_o humane_a nature_n by_o a_o hypostatical_a union_n be_v conceive_v by_o the_o overshadow_a of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n in_o the_o womb_n of_o a_o virgin_n without_o the_o help_n of_o man_n mr._n ainsworth_n and_o other_o 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a_o leper_n under_o the_o impute_a guilt_n of_o adam_n sin_n i_o be_v conceive_v in_o sin_n and_o bring_v forth_o in_o iniquity_n but_o my_o saviour_n be_v bear_v without_o sin_n the_o vessel_n be_v make_v pure_a by_o the_o overshadowing_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o no_o impure_a hand_n contribute_v to_o his_o conveyance_n into_o the_o world_n i_o be_v bear_v a_o child_n of_o wrath_n indebt_v to_o justice_n before_o i_o know_v what_o i_o do_v but_o he_o be_v bear_v a_o child_n of_o love_n he_o be_v bear_v with_o a_o knowledge_n of_o humane_a infirmity_n to_o know_v how_o to_o pity_v i_o but_o without_o sinful_a infirmity_n that_o he_o may_v be_v in_o a_o capacity_n to_o save_v and_o help_v i_o again_o say_v the_o soul_n then_o i_o see_v a_o perfect_a and_o sufficient_a saviour_n one_o meâ—rly_a god_n consider_v the_o justice_n of_o god_n that_o can_v give_v no_o remission_n without_o blood_n can_v not_o have_v save_v i_o because_o he_o can_v not_o have_v die_v for_o i_o and_o so_o have_v destroy_v he_o that_o have_v the_o power_n of_o death_n one_o mere_o man_n can_v not_o have_v save_v i_o for_o he_o can_v not_o have_v merit_v but_o a_o person_n that_o be_v god_n and_o man_n god_n and_o man_n in_o one_o person_n must_v needs_o be_v in_o a_o perfect_a capacity_n as_o man_n he_o die_v as_o god_n he_o merit_v nay_o the_o person_n that_o be_v god-man_n both_o die_v and_o merit_v how_o sweet_a be_v this_o to_o the_o soul_n torture_v itself_o with_o thought_n for_o the_o filthiness_n of_o its_o nature_n trouble_v with_o humane_a infirmity_n perplex_v with_o thought_n how_o christ_n shall_v be_v able_a to_o save_v it_o etc._n etc._n this_o be_v but_o one_o of_o his_o action_n 2._o he_o fulfil_v the_o law_n for_o we_o i_o be_o not_o of_o their_o mind_n that_o think_v that_o christ_n active_a obedience_n be_v not_o impute_v i_o think_v the_o apostle_n speak_v plain_a enough_o to_o the_o contrary_a rom._n 8._o 3_o 4._o and_o if_o not_o he_o yet_o the_o prophet_n by_o his_o knowledge_n he_o shall_v justify_v many_o you_o read_v that_o he_o be_v make_v righteousness_n for_o we_o and_o doubtless_o whatever_o some_o may_v fancy_v the_o obedience_n of_o the_o person_n which_o be_v god-man_n can_v not_o be_v a_o homage_n due_a from_o the_o humane_a nature_n of_o christ_n which_o be_v indeed_o but_o a_o creature_n christ_n fulfil_v the_o law_n be_v exceed_o sweet_a to_o the_o gracicious_a soul_n this_o poor_a soul_n when_o renew_v be_v but_o renew_v in_o part_n &_o in_o many_o thing_n offend_v and_o the_o sense_n of_o its_o daily_a backslide_n make_v it_o tremble_v how_o sweet_a be_v it_o now_o to_o the_o soul_n to_o be_v able_a to_o conclude_v thus_o to_o its_o self_n though_o there_o be_v much_o guile_n find_v in_o my_o heart_n and_o in_o my_o mouth_n yet_o in_o his_o mouth_n there_o be_v no_o guile_n find_v though_o i_o have_v be_v a_o absolom_n rebel_a against_o my_o heavenly_a father_n from_o my_o youth_n upward_o yet_o he_o be_v a_o adonijah_n a_o son_n that_o never_o displease_v his_o father_n 3._o look_v upon_o he_o in_o the_o lay_n down_o of_o his_o life_n how_o sweet_a be_v the_o meditation_n of_o it_o to_o a_o poor_a soul_n christ_n crucify_v be_v a_o bundle_n of_o myrrh_n indeed_o from_o hence_o the_o soul_n draw_v many_o precious_a smell_n hence_o it_o be_v that_o the_o soul_n smelis_fw-la spiritual_a life_n with_o all_o the_o consequence_n and_o dependency_n upon_o it_o hence_o it_o smell_v spiritual_a liberty_n with_o all_o the_o sweet_a fruit_n of_o it_o i_o say_v from_o hence_o it_o smell_v spiritual_a life_n to_o itself_o when_o it_o be_v almost_o suffocate_v with_o the_o apprehension_n of_o the_o
than_o person_n yet_o here_o again_o they_o be_v divide_v some_o understanding_n by_o the_o beam_n and_o rafter_n the_o word_n and_o ordinance_n of_o god_n thus_o the_o dutch_a annotat._n by_o the_o beam_n be_v understand_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o prophet_n &_o apostle_n 2._o other_o understand_v the_o grace_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n of_o god_n there_o be_v other_o particular_a fancy_n but_o i_o shall_v choose_v to_o follow_v those_o who_o interpret_v the_o rafter_n and_o beam_n to_o be_v the_o word_n and_o ordinance_n of_o god_n for_o these_o like_o the_o beam_n of_o a_o house_n keep_v up_o the_o church_n and_o be_v as_o it_o be_v the_o common_a soul_n that_o run_v through_o the_o whole_a church_n keep_v it_o together_o and_o indeed_o make_v it_o one_o and_o so_o much_o shall_v serve_v for_o the_o second_o question_n the_o three_o follow_v 3._o qu._n why_o the_o spouse_n here_o compare_v the_o word_n and_o ordinance_n to_o cedar_n and_o fir_n or_o cypress_n or_o brutine_v there_o be_v four_o or_o five_o thing_n which_o these_o tree_n and_o sort_n of_o wood_n be_v more_o famous_a for_o viz._n 1._o duration_n 2._o beauty_n 3._o strength_n 4._o talness_n 5._o smell_n 1._o it_o be_v observe_v of_o the_o cedar_n that_o it_o be_v a_o beautiful_a goodly_a tree_n i_o shall_v add_v the_o four_o talness_n indeed_o its_o talness_n be_v a_o great_a part_n of_o its_o beauty_n hence_o you_o read_v of_o the_o goodly_a cedar_n ezech._n 15._o 17._o 23._o psal_n 80._o 10._o and_o the_o tall_a cedar_n isa_n 37._o 24._o 2._o as_o these_o be_v tall_a tree_n so_o they_o be_v strong_a and_o therefore_o ordinary_o use_v in_o building_n strong_a and_o yet_o light_a hence_o when_o the_o holy_a ghost_n sometime_o will_v express_v the_o great_a power_n of_o god_n he_o express_v it_o under_o this_o notion_n the_o voice_n of_o the_o lord_n break_v the_o cedar_n in_o lebanon_n psal_n 29._o v._n 5._o fir_n and_o cedar_n be_v apt_a to_o bear_v great_a weight_n and_o yet_o without_o any_o great_a load_n of_o the_o build_n 3._o it_o be_v observe_v of_o they_o that_o they_o be_v very_o durable_a naturalist_n say_v that_o they_o be_v not_o as_o other_o wood_n subject_a to_o worm_n 40._o nor_o so_o soon_o to_o rottenness_n and_o decay_n as_o other_o wood_n be_v pliny_n say_v that_o it_o be_v common_o think_v they_o will_v never_o decay_v and_o give_v a_o instance_n of_o the_o temple_n of_o diana_n who_o beam_n rafter_n and_o spars_n be_v make_v of_o cedar_n the_o leaf_n and_o door_n of_o cypress_n and_o after_o 400_o year_n they_o not_o only_o continue_v sound_n but_o the_o door_n especial_o shine_a and_o as_o it_o be_v polish_v they_o report_v of_o the_o temple_n of_o apollo_n who_o beam_n and_o main_a piece_n be_v make_v of_o numidian_a cedar_n that_o it_o continue_v entire_a and_o sound_a 1188_o year_n how_o true_a these_o story_n be_v i_o can_v assert_v but_o certain_a it_o be_v these_o sort_n of_o wood_n be_v very_o durable_a 4._o a_o four_o thing_n observe_v of_o the_o cedar_n and_o cypress_n tree_n be_v their_o odoriferous_a smell_n according_a to_o this_o interpretation_n of_o the_o text_n the_o scope_n of_o it_o be_v to_o commend_v unto_o we_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o the_o gospel_n ordinance_n 1._o for_o their_o beauty_n 2._o continuance_n 3._o power_n and_o and_o efficacy_n 4._o and_o last_o for_o their_o exceed_a sweetness_n from_o the_o text_n thus_o far_o open_v you_o may_v observe_v three_o proposition_n 1._o prop._n that_o the_o church_n of_o god_n be_v the_o house_n of_o god_n 2._o prop._n that_o the_o word_n and_o ordinance_n of_o god_n be_v the_o beam_n and_o rafter_n of_o this_o house_n 3._o prop._n that_o there_o be_v a_o beauty_n sweetness_n power_n and_o efficacy_n and_o a_o incorruptible_a nature_n in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o ordinance_n of_o the_o gospel_n i_o begin_v with_o these_o in_o their_o order_n 1._o prop._n the_o church_n of_o god_n be_v jesus_n christ_n and_o the_o believer_n house_n our_o house_n say_v the_o text._n we_o will_v first_o inquire_v 1._o what_o be_v mean_v by_o the_o church_n 2._o how_o it_o appear_v that_o the_o church_n be_v the_o house_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n 3._o how_o it_o be_v the_o believer_n house_n 4._o what_o may_v be_v infer_v from_o hence_o for_o our_o profit_n in_o matter_n of_o knowledge_n and_o holiness_n 1._o qu._n what_o be_v mean_v by_o the_o church_n this_o have_v in_o this_o latter_a age_n of_o the_o world_n be_v find_v a_o hard_a matter_n to_o agree_v among_o person_n of_o different_a notion_n that_o the_o term_n church_n be_v a_o name_n of_o multitude_n and_o that_o a_o church_n must_v be_v a_o aggregate_v body_n be_v general_o agree_v that_o it_o be_v a_o body_n of_o people_n call_v by_o god_n out_o of_o the_o world_n be_v also_o as_o free_o consent_v to_o but_o whether_o only_o call_v by_o a_o general_a call_n outward_o accept_v by_o they_o so_o far_o at_o least_o that_o they_o do_v own_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n or_o by_o a_o more_o special_a and_o effectual_a call_n not_o only_o out_o of_o the_o pagan_a world_n but_o also_o out_o of_o the_o unbelieve_a world_n these_o thing_n have_v be_v matter_n of_o great_a dispute_n among_o we_o yet_o all_o acknowledge_v the_o distribution_n of_o the_o church_n into_o that_o which_o be_v triumphant_a and_o that_o which_o be_v militant_a the_o triumphant_a part_n of_o the_o church_n be_v that_o part_n of_o it_o who_o god_n have_v in_o the_o time_n of_o their_o life_n call_v they_o out_o of_o the_o paganish_a and_o unbelieving_a world_n and_o they_o afterward_o finish_v their_o course_n be_v call_v also_o by_o god_n out_o of_o this_o sensible_a sinful_a elementary_a world_n to_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o himself_o in_o glory_n these_o be_v thrice_o call_v 1._o out_o of_o the_o pagan_a world_n to_o the_o acknowledgement_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n 2._o out_o of_o the_o unbelieve_a world_n to_o partake_v of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n and_o his_o grace_n by_o true_a and_o lively_a faith_n 3._o out_o of_o the_o sensible_a sinful_a world_n to_o the_o inheritance_n of_o glory_n the_o other_o part_n of_o the_o church_n be_v that_o which_o be_v usual_o call_v militant_a and_o be_v the_o whole_a number_n of_o those_o who_o god_n have_v call_v out_o of_o the_o paganish_a world_n to_o the_o acknowledgement_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n and_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n this_o be_v again_o distinguish_v into_o that_o which_o be_v invisible_a and_o that_o which_o be_v visible_a the_o invisible_a part_n be_v that_o whole_a number_n of_o man_n and_o woman_n in_o the_o world_n which_o the_o lord_n by_o his_o gospel_n have_v call_v out_o of_o darkness_n into_o marvellous_a light_n out_o of_o a_o state_n of_o nature_n into_o a_o state_n of_o grace_n the_o matter_n of_o this_o church_n be_v man_n and_o woman_n the_o form_n their_o union_n in_o and_o with_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n the_o visible_a church_n be_v that_o about_o which_o the_o great_a quarrel_n have_v be_v some_o agree_v it_o to_o be_v the_o whole_a number_n of_o people_n over_o the_o face_n of_o the_o whole_a earth_n call_v out_o from_o a_o state_n of_o paganism_n to_o the_o embrace_v of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n the_o matter_n of_o it_o be_v man_n and_o woman_n profess_v to_o christ_n jesus_n the_o form_n be_v their_o union_n in_o the_o same_o profession_n acknowledgement_n of_o the_o same_o truth_n and_o way_n and_o mean_n of_o worship_n now_o as_o the_o sea_n be_v but_o one_o though_o as_o it_o pass_v by_o several_a coast_n it_o receive_v several_a denomination_n as_o the_o irish_a sea_n the_o english_a sea_n the_o mediterranean_a sea_n the_o baltic_a sea_n etc._n etc._n so_o as_o this_o great_a body_n be_v divide_v into_o several_a country_n it_o receive_v several_a denomination_n as_o the_o church_n of_o england_n scotland_n france_n etc._n etc._n and_o as_o again_o in_o a_o particular_a nation_n suppose_v england_n it_o be_v impossible_a that_o the_o whole_a body_n of_o professor_n shall_v meet_v in_o one_o place_n and_o therefore_o there_o be_v several_a place_n of_o public_a worship_n and_o several_a precinct_n of_o people_n who_o meet_v together_o in_o several_a place_n to_o worship_n god_n yet_o house_n all_o agree_v in_o the_o same_o doctrine_n of_o faith_n and_o order_n of_o serve_v god_n so_o there_o be_v in_o the_o world_n thousand_o of_o such_o body_n which_o be_v call_v particular_a church_n and_o be_v under_o the_o inspection_n of_o several_a officer_n all_o which_o yet_o together_o make_v but_o one_o church_n of_o god_n for_o their_o notion_n who_o think_v that_o the_o church_n of_o god_n must_v needs_o be_v such_o a_o even_a number_n as_o can_v meet_v together_o in_o the_o
to_o be_v holy_a they_o be_v in_o the_o house_n of_o god_n and_o god_n be_v a_o holy_a god_n there_o be_v in_o this_o notion_n a_o double_a argument_n for_o this_o from_o 1._o god_n holiness_n 2._o god_n jealousy_n 1._o god_n be_v a_o holy_a god_n hence_o those_o who_o be_v unholy_a be_v not_o like_a to_o please_v he_o nor_o he_o likely_a to_o continue_v long_o with_o they_o look_v as_o it_o be_v with_o a_o neat_a man_n who_o have_v a_o large_a house_n the_o filth_n and_o nastiness_n of_o this_o or_o that_o room_n will_v not_o make_v he_o leave_v his_o whole_a house_n but_o it_o may_v make_v he_o leave_v this_o or_o that_o part_n of_o it_o and_o seldom_o or_o never_o be_v see_v in_o this_o or_o that_o room_n the_o dirty_a filthy_a room_n shall_v not_o be_v his_o lodging-chamber_n nor_o the_o place_n where_o he_o will_v rest_v or_o feed_v so_o it_o be_v betwixt_o god_n and_o the_o church_n the_o profaneness_n or_o looseness_n of_o a_o particular_a church_n or_o particular_a person_n in_o the_o church_n shall_v not_o make_v god_n forsake_v his_o whole_a church_n but_o it_o may_v cause_n god_n to_o leave_v this_o or_o that_o church_n or_o this_o or_o that_o member_n of_o the_o church_n 2._o god_n jealousy_n engage_v member_n of_o his_o church_n to_o be_v holy_a hence_o it_o be_v that_o he_o be_v more_o severe_a to_o a_o profess_v people_n live_v contrary_a to_o their_o profession_n than_o to_o any_o other_o judgement_n begin_v at_o the_o house_n of_o god_n hence_o that_o in_o jer._n 7._o 9_o 10._o will_v you_o steal_v murder_n 17._o and_o commit_v adultery_n and_o swear_v false_o and_o burn_v incense_n to_o baal_n and_o walk_v after_o other_o god_n who_o you_o know_v not_o and_o come_v and_o 10._o stand_v before_o i_o in_o this_o house_n which_o be_v call_v by_o my_o name_n be_v this_o house_n which_o be_v call_v by_o my_o name_n become_v a_o den_n of_o robber_n etc._n etc._n and_o that_o amos_n 3._o 2._o you_o only_o have_v i_o know_v of_o all_o the_o family_n of_o the_o earth_n therefore_o i_o will_v punish_v you_o for_o all_o your_o iniquity_n o_o therefore_o you_o that_o profess_v to_o god_n be_v holy_a for_o he_o be_v a_o holy_a god_n and_o a_o jealous_a god_n and_o you_o be_v his_o house_n 3._o i_o may_v add_v a_o three_o argument_n it_o be_v that_o of_o the_o apostle_n heb._n 3._o 6._o who_o house_n we_o be_v if_o we_o hold_v fast_o the_o confidence_n and_o rejoice_v of_o hope_n firm_a to_o the_o end_n the_o unholy_a man_n disclaim_v god_n and_o god_n disclaim_v he_o he_o have_v but_o the_o name_n of_o a_o stone_n in_o the_o lord_n house_n if_o he_o be_v not_o a_o lively_a stone_n 3_o three_o this_o notion_n of_o the_o church_n be_v the_o house_n of_o god_n speak_v protection_n and_o security_n to_o it_o every_o man_n stand_v oblige_v to_o defend_v his_o house_n god_n stand_v oblige_v by_o his_o nature_n and_o by_o his_o word_n to_o protect_v and_o defend_v his_o church_n hence_o those_o many_o promise_n for_o its_o protection_n psal_n 46._o 5._o god_n be_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o she_o therefore_o she_o shall_v not_o fall_v psal_n 125._o 2._o as_o the_o mountain_n be_v round_o about_o jerusalem_n so_o the_o lord_n be_v round_o about_o his_o people_n the_o gate_n of_o hell_n shall_v not_o prevail_v against_o it_o matth._n 16._o 18._o with_o many_o other_o of_o the_o like_a nature_n particular_a church_n may_v be_v destroy_v and_o root_v out_o but_o god_n will_v have_v a_o dwell_a place_n upon_o the_o earth_n let_v satan_n and_o his_o instrument_n do_v what_o they_o can_v 4._o four_o it_o speak_v to_o we_o hope_n of_o reformation_n no_o man_n will_v suffer_v his_o house_n to_o fall_v down_o but_o will_v repair_v it_o if_o there_o be_v any_o breach_n and_o if_o he_o be_v able_a he_o will_v make_v it_o his_o business_n to_o adorn_v and_o beautify_v it_o and_o make_v it_o fit_a for_o he_o to_o dwell_v in_o it_o god_n will_v not_o let_v his_o house_n run_v to_o ruin_n but_o will_v seasonable_o repair_v it_o and_o make_v it_o a_o dwelling-place_n fit_a for_o his_o holiness_n 5._o last_o be_v the_o church_n christ_n house_n and_o the_o saint_n house_n what_o cause_n have_v we_o to_o bless_v god_n who_o have_v cast_v our_o lot_n within_o the_o pale_n of_o the_o church_n and_o how_o do_v we_o all_o stand_v concern_v not_o to_o forsake_v her_o assembly_n but_o i_o shall_v not_o enlarge_v further_o upon_o this_o first_o proposition_n sermon_n lxii_o cantieles_n 1._o 17._o the_o beam_n of_o our_o house_n be_v cedar_n and_o our_o rafter_n be_v of_o fir._n i_o come_v to_o the_o second_o proposition_n which_o i_o have_v observe_v out_o of_o these_o word_n prop._n 2._o that_o the_o word_n and_o ordinance_n of_o god_n be_v the_o beam_n and_o rafter_n of_o his_o house_n which_o be_v his_o church_n so_o i_o choose_v rather_o to_o interpret_v these_o metaphorical_a term_n than_o as_o some_o concern_v person_n i_o shall_v show_v you_o the_o propriety_n of_o the_o metaphor_n in_o a_o few_o particular_n 1._o beam_n and_o rafter_n be_v integral_a part_n of_o a_o house_n indeed_o part_n of_o the_o substance_n of_o it_o without_o which_o there_o can_v be_v no_o house_n a_o house_n may_v want_v a_o due_a proportion_n of_o beam_n and_o rafter_n and_o yet_o be_v a_o house_n but_o some_o there_o must_v be_v some_o more_o principal_a beam_n and_o rafter_n or_o there_o can_v be_v no_o house_n without_o the_o word_n and_o ordinance_n of_o god_n there_o can_v be_v no_o church_n of_o god_n every_o company_n of_o man_n make_v not_o a_o church_n but_o a_o company_n own_v the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o walk_v in_o the_o fellowship_n of_o ordinance_n these_o make_v a_o house_n of_o god_n a_o church_n may_v for_o a_o time_n it_o may_v be_v for_o some_o long_a time_n want_v some_o particular_a ordinance_n and_o yet_o be_v a_o true_a church_n of_o god_n but_o its_o state_n must_v be_v lame_a and_o imperfect_a but_o if_o it_o want_v all_o the_o ordinance_n if_o it_o want_v the_o word_n and_o sacrament_n which_o be_v the_o church_n beam_n it_o can_v be_v a_o church_n of_o god_n it_o be_v lame_a if_o it_o want_v any_o ordinance_n of_o god_n but_o it_o lose_v the_o nature_n of_o a_o church_n if_o it_o want_v all_o ordinance_n that_o which_o make_v a_o church_n to_o be_v a_o church_n be_v union_n and_o fellowship_n now_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o the_o doctrine_n of_o faith_n contain_v in_o the_o word_n and_o the_o ordinance_n for_o worship_n and_o order_n be_v those_o thing_n in_o which_o the_o church_n have_v its_o fellowship_n by_o which_o the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n have_v fellowship_n both_o with_o god_n and_o also_o one_o with_o another_o 2._o the_o house_n be_v build_v upon_o beam_n and_o rafter_n and_o they_o bear_v up_o the_o weight_n of_o the_o other_o material_n the_o weight_n of_o every_o tile_n in_o the_o house_n lie_v upon_o the_o rafter_n and_o the_o whole_a building_n be_v lay_v upon_o the_o groundsel_n and_o dorman_n and_o wall_n plate_n and_o studd_n all_o which_o come_v under_o these_o two_o notion_n of_o beam_n and_o rafter_n the_o church_n of_o god_n also_o be_v build_v upon_o the_o word_n of_o god_n this_o be_v that_o which_o the_o apostle_n eph._n 2._o 20._o call_v the_o foundation_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o prophet_n the_o faith_n and_o obedience_n of_o every_o particular_a member_n of_o the_o church_n be_v build_v upon_o the_o word_n of_o promise_n and_o the_o word_n of_o precept_n our_o faith_n be_v build_v upon_o the_o promise_v of_o the_o word_n our_o obedience_n upon_o the_o precept_n they_o be_v the_o foundation_n and_o rule_n of_o all_o holiness_n the_o whole_a weight_n of_o every_o particular_a soul_n be_v lay_v upon_o the_o word_n and_o the_o weight_n of_o the_o whole_a church_n lie_v upon_o the_o word_n of_o god_n look_v as_o it_o be_v in_o a_o earthly_a house_n build_v with_o the_o hand_n of_o man_n if_o the_o beam_n prove_v false_a or_o untrusty_a or_o the_o foundation_n prove_v unsure_a the_o whole_a building_n either_o sink_v and_o fall_v or_o at_o least_o sway_v this_o or_o that_o way_n so_o it_o be_v with_o the_o church_n as_o to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n yea_o so_o it_o be_v as_o to_o every_o particular_a soul_n the_o security_n of_o the_o particular_a soul_n and_o the_o whole_a fabric_n of_o the_o church_n depend_v upon_o the_o truth_n and_o sureness_n and_o permanency_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n if_o the_o word_n of_o god_n shall_v not_o hold_v sure_a if_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n can_v be_v find_v a_o lie_n all_o our_o faith_n and_o hope_n be_v in_o vain_a the_o very_a notion_n of_o a_o church_n be_v a_o chimaera_n and_o the_o great_a concernment_n of_o
particular_a soul_n be_v but_o god_n himself_o supply_v that_o place_n now_o the_o word_n and_o ordinance_n of_o the_o gospel_n though_o they_o be_v not_o anima_fw-la mundi_fw-la the_o soul_n of_o the_o world_n yet_o they_o be_v anima_fw-la eâ—clesiae_fw-la as_o it_o be_v the_o soul_n of_o the_o church_n of_o god_n without_o which_o the_o church_n will_v be_v no_o such_o thing_n as_o the_o church_n of_o the_o live_a god_n they_o be_v those_o thing_n which_o make_v the_o church_n to_o be_v a_o church_n and_o the_o whole_a church_n to_o be_v but_o one_o church_n let_v this_o therefore_o engage_v every_o christian_n to_o prize_v the_o word_n and_o to_o prize_v the_o ordinance_n of_o the_o gospel_n that_o be_v the_o first_o branch_n 2._o hence_o in_o the_o second_o place_n you_o may_v observe_v what_o be_v a_o sad_a symptom_n of_o a_o decay_a church_n and_o by_o this_o you_o may_v also_o discern_v a_o lame_a and_o imperfect_a church_n look_v as_o in_o a_o building_n there_o be_v some_o more_o principal_a beam_n and_o piece_n of_o timber_n without_o which_o there_o can_v be_v no_o house_n no_o building_n other_o that_o be_v integral_a part_n without_o which_o the_o building_n be_v not_o complete_a yet_o the_o house_n may_v be_v a_o house_n though_o lame_a and_o imperfect_a so_o it_o be_v in_o this_o case_n without_o the_o doctrine_n of_o faith_n and_o some_o ordinance_n of_o worship_n the_o church_n be_v no_o church_n if_o any_o part_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o faith_n be_v want_v or_o corrupt_v in_o a_o church_n the_o church_n be_v however_o true_a yet_o lame_a and_o imperfect_a suppose_v a_o church_n whole_o want_v some_o ordinance_n as_o some_o do_v the_o ordinance_n of_o ecclesiastical_a censure_n yet_o they_o be_v not_o by_o this_o make_v no_o church_n if_o they_o have_v the_o doctrine_n of_o faith_n and_o some_o ordinance_n of_o worship_n much_o less_o ought_v a_o church_n to_o be_v so_o censure_v for_o the_o temporary_a want_n or_o suspension_n of_o the_o exercise_n of_o some_o ordinance_n which_o be_v the_o case_n of_o the_o jewish_a church_n in_o the_o wilderness_n as_o to_o circumcision_n but_o yet_o the_o church_n that_o want_v such_o ordinance_n be_v imperfect_a and_o lame_a and_o again_o i_o say_v this_o be_v a_o sad_a symptom_n of_o a_o decay_a church_n when_o either_o the_o doctrine_n of_o faith_n or_o ordinance_n of_o worship_n be_v deny_v or_o corrupt_v in_o it_o for_o these_o be_v the_o beam_n and_o rafter_n of_o the_o house_n and_o every_o one_o grant_v that_o house_n to_o be_v a_o decay_a decline_a house_n where_o the_o beam_n and_o rafter_n be_v rot_v we_o need_v no_o further_a evidence_n of_o this_o than_o what_o we_o have_v in_o god_n epistle_n to_o the_o seven_o church_n of_o asia_n record_v by_o st._n john_n in_o the_o second_o and_o three_o chapter_n of_o the_o revelation_n the_o church_n of_o smyrna_n be_v a_o decay_a church_n the_o doctrine_n of_o balaam_n and_o of_o the_o nicolaitan_n be_v hold_v in_o it_o the_o church_n of_o thyatira_n be_v a_o decay_a church_n for_o the_o woman_n jezebel_n teach_v and_o seduce_v the_o servant_n of_o god_n in_o it_o and_o but_o a_o while_n after_o these_o rafter_n and_o beam_n be_v decay_v these_o house_n of_o god_n fall_v and_o to_o this_o very_a day_n lie_v in_o their_o rubbish_n from_o that_o time_n that_o jeroboam_n set_v up_o the_o calf_n at_o dan_n and_o bethel_n and_o the_o king_n of_o judah_n set_v up_o altar_n in_o grove_n the_o church_n of_o the_o jew_n be_v a_o decline_a decay_a church_n and_o the_o ruler_n of_o it_o and_o member_n of_o it_o have_v no_o heart_n timely_a to_o repair_v and_o reform_v it_o the_o house_n fall_v it_o be_v true_a god_n raise_v it_o again_o after_o the_o captivity_n but_o it_o decay_v the_o second_o time_n fell_a and_o lie_v bury_v in_o its_o ruin_n this_o day_n three_o from_o this_o notion_n may_v be_v draw_v a_o great_a argument_n both_o for_o unity_n and_o uniformity_n unity_n in_o matter_n of_o faith_n uniformity_n in_o matter_n of_o practice_n the_o doctrine_n of_o unity_n in_o the_o church_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v exceed_o press_v in_o scripture_n scarce_o be_v there_o any_o one_o of_o the_o epistle_n of_o the_o apostle_n in_o which_o it_o be_v not_o again_o and_o again_o press_v be_v of_o one_o mind_n there_o be_v a_o double_a union_n which_o be_v our_o duty_n to_o labour_v after_o the_o first_o be_v unit_fw-la as_o fidei_fw-la the_o unity_n of_o faith_n as_o to_o the_o understanding_n the_o second_o be_v unit_fw-la as_o charit_n at_o be_v quoad_fw-la affectum_fw-la the_o unity_n of_o love_n and_o charity_n as_o to_o the_o affection_n the_o latter_a of_o these_o have_v be_v high_o plead_v for_o in_o these_o sinful_a and_o woeful_o divide_v time_n and_o indeed_o never_o more_o need_v of_o it_o but_o it_o have_v not_o be_v due_o consider_v that_o consider_v the_o corrupt_a state_n of_o man_n the_o former_a union_n must_v be_v the_o mother_n of_o the_o latter_a for_o as_o all_o love_n be_v found_v in_o some_o similitude_n so_o this_o love_n and_o affection_n where_o it_o have_v any_o where_o grow_v up_o to_o its_o due_a height_n we_o shall_v find_v have_v be_v found_v in_o the_o similitude_n of_o understanding_n and_o de_fw-fr facto_fw-la it_o be_v evident_a that_o among_o christian_n of_o different_a persuasion_n in_o the_o thing_n of_o god_n there_o have_v seldom_o be_v a_o entireness_n of_o cordial_a affection_n indeed_o these_o thing_n ought_v not_o to_o be_v therefore_o i_o do_v not_o commend_v they_o nor_o yet_o blame_v the_o exhortation_n of_o brethren_n of_o divide_a principle_n to_o a_o union_n in_o affection_n forbear_v one_o another_o where_o all_o thing_n have_v not_o be_v alike_o reveal_v to_o all_o but_o such_o be_v the_o corruption_n of_o our_o nature_n that_o 10._o this_o be_v rather_o optandum_fw-la then_o sperandum_fw-la to_o be_v wish_v for_o rather_o than_o hope_v for_o if_o there_o can_v be_v unity_n in_o judgement_n and_o uniformity_n in_o practice_n which_o the_o apostle_n call_v a_o think_v and_o a_o speak_v the_o same_o thing_n the_o other_o union_n of_o affection_n will_v follow_v more_o ready_o o_o let_v we_o labour_v for_o this_o there_o be_v but_o one_o truth_n but_o one_o true_a rule_n of_o worship_n this_o doctrine_n these_o rule_n be_v contain_v in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n these_o be_v the_o beam_n and_o rafter_n of_o the_o church_n and_o if_o the_o same_o beam_n and_o rafter_n run_v through_o the_o whole_a church_n and_o be_v upon_o every_o part_n of_o the_o roof_n we_o may_v expect_v that_o the_o building_n shall_v be_v strong_a and_o durable_a on_o the_o other_o side_n the_o difference_n of_o these_o beam_n and_o rafter_n while_o one_o church_n hold_v one_o thing_n in_o maâ—ter_n of_o faith_n another_o church_n hold_v another_o thing_n nay_o while_o one_o particular_a christian_a believe_v one_o thing_n another_o christian_a believe_v another_o thing_n while_o this_o church_n or_o this_o christian_a worship_n god_n after_o one_o way_n and_o order_n another_o church_n or_o other_o christian_n they_o worship_n god_n after_o another_o way_n though_o indeed_o it_o be_v possible_a their_o difference_n may_v not_o be_v so_o great_a but_o they_o may_v yet_o agree_v in_o one_o and_o the_o same_o head_n the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n and_o so_o both_o party_n differ_v may_v at_o lest_o be_v save_v yea_o it_o may_v be_v their_o difference_n be_v not_o so_o great_a but_o there_o may_v be_v a_o just_a forbear_n one_o of_o another_o provide_v all_o christian_n be_v of_o equal_a understanding_n or_o that_o they_o right_o understand_v each_o other_o yet_o doubtless_o this_o breach_n of_o unity_n as_o to_o matter_n of_o judgement_n in_o thing_n relate_v to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o faith_n and_o breach_n of_o uniformity_n as_o to_o matter_n of_o practice_n be_v a_o great_a weaken_n of_o the_o church_n of_o god_n and_o much_o spoil_v the_o beauty_n and_o glory_n of_o it_o o_o therefore_o study_v unity_n and_o study_v uniformity_n you_o strengthen_v the_o build_n by_o both_o these_o you_o weaken_v it_o by_o divide_v or_o disagree_v at_o least_o to_o open_a notice_n it_o be_v to_o i_o very_o remarkable_a that_o st._n paul_n almost_o in_o every_o epistle_n press_v these_o thing_n and_o phil._n 4._o 2._o 2._o when_o but_o two_o woman_n dissent_v he_o think_v it_o worthy_a of_o his_o pain_n to_o persuade_v they_o to_o it_o i_o beseech_v euodias_n and_o i_o beseech_v syntyche_n that_o they_o be_v of_o the_o same_o mind_n in_o the_o lord_n do_v thou_o therefore_o o_o christian_n differ_v from_o other_o christian_n among_o who_o thou_o live_v in_o any_o matter_n of_o faith_n or_o in_o any_o matter_n of_o practice_n as_o to_o fellowship_n in_o ordinance_n sit_v not_o down_o satisfy_v but_o labour_n for_o this_o unity_n for_o